Chinese premier calls for advancing economic globalization, unity within G20

Xinhua) 09:09, September 10, 2023

Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the first session of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

NEW DELHI, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged on Saturday the Group of 20 (G20) members to resolutely advance economic globalization and promote unity, cooperation and inclusion within the G20.

Keeping in mind the future of humanity, Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Li said at the first session of the 18th G20 Summit.

Noting that humanity shares a common destiny, Li urged all countries to respect one another, seek common ground while shelving differences, and live together peacefully, adding that no one can remain immune in the face of major crises and common challenges.

Solidarity and cooperation is the right path for the world, he added.

The G20 members should stick to the original aspiration of unity and cooperation, and shoulder the responsibility of the times for peace and development, Li said.

He urged the G20 members to act as partners in promoting global economic recovery through effectively strengthening macro-economic policy coordination to convey confidence and provide impetus for world economic growth.

The G20 members should resolutely promote economic globalization, jointly maintain the stability and smoothness of industrial and supply chains, and be partners in promoting global open cooperation, Li said.

The G20 members should also work together to protect the earth's green home, promote green and low-carbon development, protect the marine ecological environment, and be partners in promoting global sustainable development, he said.

The G20 needs unity instead of division, cooperation instead of confrontation, and inclusion instead of exclusion, he added.

Li stressed that China will steadfastly deepen reforms, expand opening-up, promote high-quality development, and advance the Chinese modernization.

The bright prospect of China's development will surely inject more new vitality into global economic recovery and sustainable development, Li said, adding that China is ready to work with all parties to make greater efforts and contributions for the shared Earth, the shared homeland, and the shared future of humanity.

Leaders of G20 members, leaders of guest countries, and heads of relevant international organizations attended the session. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, which holds this year's G20 presidency, chaired the meeting.

Leaders at the meeting welcomed the African Union to join the G20, saying that G20 cooperation determines the direction of the world.

They said it is necessary to build partnerships, take concrete actions and mobilize all resources to advance green and low-carbon transition, jointly address global challenges including climate change, as well as energy and food security, and accelerate the realization of strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth, so as to build a better future together.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the first session of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 9, 2023. Li also addressed the first session of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives in New Delhi, India on Sept. 8, 2023 to attend the 18th G20 Summit at the invitation of the government of the Republic of India. Li attended and addressed the first session of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chaolan)
classic McDonald's fries - Junce/Getty Images

McDonald's french fries are a universally recognized fast-food staple. Though the chain might be known for its inexpensive burgers, the salty, crunchy fries are so famous worldwide, that for some people, they come to mind more readily than the Golden Arches logo. And with good reason; the fries are an essential component of the experience.

This may offend some traditionalists, but McDonald's fries aren't just a one-size-fits-all side. Countries around the world offer unique flavors and toppings to turn the classic side dish into something special, whether it's creating a recipe that better represents the food of their culture or simply adding different flavors to offer more variety to customers.

We'll travel around the world sampling some of the best, most interesting, and delicious varieties of the classic fried potato dish. If you're traveling to get a taste of the country or yearn for the flavors of home, there's a McDonald's fry out there for you.

Read more: 23 Fast Food Fries Ranked From Worst To Best

Singapore - Seaweed McShaker Fries

Shake Shake seaweed fries - Twitter

Seaweed McShaker fries are one of the most popular flavors of the Shake Shake fries. The concept behind this menu category is simple but brilliant. It provides McDonald's guests with a regular-old order of french fries but with an additional flavor packet of whatever is available in that particular Shake Shake season.

When you order the fries, you pour them into a bag along with the contents of the packet and shake everything up, hence the name McShaker. The seaweed adds a fantastic mix of savory flavors to the already salty fries. Garlic powder infuses a spicy bite to this mixture, along with earthy elements to bring a bit more complexity to the spuds. Of course, all of these ingredients plus the saltiness of the fries are designed to bring out the amazing umami flavor of the seaweed.

The seaweed shaker was so popular in Singapore that McDonald's released the packets worldwide. Perhaps it's the fun of wildly shaking a bag of fries yourself or simply the delicious layers of flavor, but this was one of the most popular twists on fries.

Story continues

Unfortunately, the seaweed shaker fries are not a mainstay on Singapore McDonald's menus. They seem to be randomly released, lasting only a few months before they disappear. If you're making a trip to Singapore, keep an eye out on McDonald's social media pages. You may be there just in time to enjoy your own seaweed-packed snack.

Hong Kong - Ramen Fries

Shake Shake tonkotsu pork seasoning - YouTube

In 2019, McDonald's paired up with an unlikely partner: Cup Noodles. Together, they took the classic french fries to another level with ramen-inspired fries. If you've had the experience of being a broke university student who survived on packets of ramen, these fries will give you a feeling of nostalgia. Instead of just the generic ramen flavors like chicken or beef, Hong Kong McDonald's released two Shake Shake flavors in its Japanese-inspired line of meals.

The packets came in black garlic pork broth or sesame oil. Both seasonings added a deliciously salty, savory, and spice-packed punch to take the plain fries to another level. Although the taste is excellent, you may find yourself going through more soda because of the extra salt. Like Singapore's Shake Shake fries, these were only available for a few months. But you can take inspiration from this menu item and add a ramen packet to unsalted McDonald's fries to mimic this amazing line of flavors.

South Korea - Honey Butter McShaker Fries

honey butter McShaker fries - TikTok

Perhaps inspired by (or capitalizing on) the popularity of honey butter chips in South Korea, McDonald's released its own honey butter flavor in the form of McShaker fries. The flavor and texture combination could be compared to chicken and waffles, with a salty and crunchy profile from the fries paired with the honey's sweetness and creaminess from the butter. It's a unique pairing that works well when you want a sweet and salty contrast to go with the rest of your meal.

McDonald's released this delicious flavor packet in June of 2023 for South Korea's June holiday for students. The menu item was introduced for families as a quick, fun meal during their summer vacation, as kids especially love the immersive experience of shaking up their own fries. Families or very hungry individuals received a free packet of sauce if they bought a family pack.

Belgium - Smoky Chili Tomato McFlavor Fries

Belgian fries with tiny forks - Bar Malini/Getty Images

Covered in a delectable combination of tomatoes, onions, and a sauce similar to barbecue, you won't be able to resist these delicious french fry toppings at a Belgian McDonald's. Thankfully, the fast-food chain provides a tiny fork to enjoy this take on french fries, as it can be a bit messy. Regardless, you won't be able to put that fork down until the side is completely eaten.

This dish impresses most consumers because of its originality, blending the smokiness of the chili tomatoes, sweetness from the onions, and tanginess from the sauce. And, of course, don't forget the crunchy, golden fried potatoes, which provide a perfect base for these flavors to combine. For anyone traveling to or through Belgium, the smoky chili tomatoes McFlavor fries are a must-try. They offer a taste of the country's culinary creativity and showcase McDonald's ability to adapt to local preferences.

Egypt - Cheddar Cheese Fries

cheese and jalapenos with fries - TikTok

Plenty of Egyptians will tell you that the best place for french fries in the country is at McDonald's. And with a culture boasting some of the oldest and tastiest foods around, like falafel, grilled lamb, and stuffed grape leaves, the chain certainly has some specialized toppings to spice up its fries, right?

The local twist on the classic fried potatoes is cheddar cheese and jalapenos. Okay, so the flavors aren't exactly Egypt-specific. But if you're traveling through Egypt and are missing a little taste of home, these are the fries for you. The side starts, of course, with perfectly fried and uniformly cut golden potatoes. Then, cheddar cheese -- not the shredded solid version, but the creamy sauce-like topping you can find at ballparks across the States -- is drizzled generously over the fries. To complete the nostalgia of your Little League years, jalapenos are sprinkled over the sauce, adding a tangy, sweet, and spicy element.

Germany - Netzkartoffeln

net fries on white background - Ilya Starikov/Getty Images

German McDonald's Netzkartoffeln, translated to net potatoes, may be inspired by traditional German potato pancakes known as Reibekuchen. But perhaps a better comparison would be Chick-fil-A's waffle fries, an iconic fast-food favorite. This side is made from grated potatoes, creating a waffle or netted texture that sets this salty snack apart from the typical uniform fry shape McDonald's is known for.

The netted design gives these fries a satisfying crunch and a distinctively homey feel. To enhance the appeal of Netzkartoffeln, you should pair this side with a German condiment staple: curry ketchup. This condiment balances the sweetness of ordinary tomato ketchup with the complexity of curry spices. It is one of the most popular condiments in Germany, and it pairs exceptionally well with the crispy, grated potato goodness. Together, the Netzkartoffeln and curry ketchup provide a quintessential taste of German comfort food with a McDonald's twist.

Spain - Sour Cream McShaker Deluxe Fries

sour cream McShaker fries - TikTok

Sour cream as an individual seasoning flavor sounds a bit strange, but a better description for this McShaker menu item would be sour cream and onion. If you think about the famous potato chip and apply the flavor profile to french fries, you'll have an idea of what to expect.

In a country known for its delicious small plates such as patatas bravas, a tangy fried spud with spicy tomato sauce, you might be surprised that Spanish McDonald's chose such a basic flavor combination. But topping french fries with sour cream is a popular choice worldwide, and it's no different in Spain. The creamy richness of sour cream complements the crispy exterior of the fries, creating a harmonious contrast that will leave your taste buds craving more. These fries offer an irresistible fusion of flavors, with the familiar duo of sour cream and onion taking center stage.

Netherlands - Paprika Herb McShaker Fries

paprika spices with McDonald's fries - TikTok

The Netherlands isn't very well known for its food; okay, the country has stroopwafels and delicious pancakes, but what about savory or salty dishes? Well, the Dutch are incredibly passionate about french fries. So it should come as no surprise that the local McDonald's has to step up its game in order to be competitive. Enter the paprika herb Mcshaker fries.

It may surprise you to learn that the Netherlands is one of the top producers of paprika, a spicy, smoky, and earthy spice. Some of the most popular snacks seasoned with it include potato chips, rice waffles, and french fries. The fast-food chain created this amazing flavor combination by tossing the beloved golden fries in a blend of paprika, parsley, and other spices and herbs. The result is a satisfying citrusy and smoky flavor profile that leaves you wanting more. Though you may not find the best food in the world in the Netherlands, you'll find some fantastic french fries, including this delicious twist on the classic.

India - Masala Wedges

McDonald's masala spiced potato wedges - Al Geba/Shutterstock

India's McDonald's took brave steps away from traditional french fries to offer wedges, thickly cut potato slices that are fried for a crispy exterior and soft interior. The result is a completely different texture compared to the crunchy original. But what really sets these fries apart is the generous sprinkling of masala in addition to salt. A seasoning that could be described as the heart and soul of Indian cooking, masala is a mixture of spices that varies from region to region. Generally, a masala spice mix combines roasted cinnamon, coriander, cumin, cardamom, and other spices, ground to a powder.

Together with the salty, thick-cut potatoes, the spice blend adds a tangy, sweet, and sharp flavor profile. Though many McDonald's around the world offer the same classic fries, India takes multiple steps away from the usual by offering potato wedges and incorporating masala spices into this side dish. This gives a great preview of countless Indian dishes and infuses the potatoes with the aromas and character that are present in the country's curries, stews, and snacks.

Indonesia - McShaker Fries Gulai Gurih

shake shake gurih spices fries - YouTube

McDonald's McShaker fries gulai gurih, or curry fries, represent a delightful fusion of global fast food combined with the rich history of Indonesian cuisine. Characterized by bold and vibrant flavors, Indonesian food also includes a blend of sweet, savory, and spicy elements. The nation is known for its diverse culinary heritage, holding curry as a culinary cornerstone. It is the embodiment of complexity and depth, reflecting Indonesia's historical interactions with neighboring regions. Regional curries, often referred to as gulai, are known for their aromatic spices, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, and cloves.

McShaker fries gulai gurih infuse the beloved fries with the rich flavors of Indonesian curry, blending the country's culinary history with modern-day fast food. The blend of salty fries paired with the aromatic curry seasoning creates a gustatory experience that resonates with the country's diverse culinary landscape. This innovative take on the classic menu item allows both locals and visitors to experience the allure of Indonesian cuisine in a convenient and familiar form. If you're making your way to Indonesia, you'll be able to experience the perfect meeting of two worlds.

Canada - Poutine

cheese curds gravy fries - Lauri Patterson/Getty Images

Perhaps one of Canada's most well-known foods (at least from the perspective of an American) is poutine, a hearty take on french fries. McDonald's Canada adds this twist to its classic french fries lineup. If you're unfamiliar with poutine, the recipe tops traditional fries with squeaky cheese curds and a rich brown gravy. The combination of crunchy fried potatoes, tangy curds, and an unctuous gravy creates a satisfying result you'll definitely want to order.

When poutine was invented in the 1950s in Quebec, it was an instant hit. Because of the filling ingredients and the convenience of slapping together the premade items, poutine was an obvious choice for McDonald's to adapt to its menu. Eaten as a snack, side dish, or full-on meal, poutine has become a cherished part of Canadian culinary offerings. The McDonald's version provides a quick and affordable way for you to enjoy the country's classic comfort food. Next time you find yourself across the northern border, take a pit stop for this nourishing dish.

Chile - Papas Duquesas

crispy fried mashed potatoes - Mercury Studio/Shutterstock

The Chilean McDonald's commonly experiments with the classic menu, and although papas duquesas move away from the classic french fry, the dish stays true to its Chilean roots. Papas duquesas, or duchess potatoes, consist of mashed potatoes, egg yolk, and butter shaped into a ball, then deep fried. This take on fried potatoes still provides the crispiness of regular fries while adding a contrasting texture of creamy mashed potatoes in the center.

Unlike many of the versions of fries on this list, papas duquesas were introduced sometime in the early 2000s, probably to encourage locals to eat at the fast-food chain. Since then, this has been a staple side dish on the McDonald's menu, and its continued popularity has seen it make its way onto menus across the country's fast-food scene.

You can find papas duquesas on McDonald's menus throughout South America, too. Whether you're stopping in for a late-night snack after a night of drinking or enjoying a lunchtime meal, these hot and crispy fried potatoes are a perfect side.

Czech Republic - McShaker Vinegar Fries

vinegar and fries on plate - Bhofack2/Getty Images

In the Czech Republic, McDonald's introduced a familiar twist to the classic fast-food fries that has already made its way across the globe. The fries come with a zesty flavor profile that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. The secret ingredient? Vinegar. As a topping for french fries, vinegar is a global phenomenon -- for good reason. Its sharp acidity cuts through the rich and starchy elements of the fried potatoes, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

The popularity of vinegar on fries extends beyond the Czech Republic and is already a mainstay in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Locally, salt and vinegar are commonly served with fried potatoes and a generous portion of fried fish. The acidity of the vinegar is not only delicious but also serves as a versatile condiment that complements the crispy potatoes.

Romania - Dipping Strips

ridged potato fries in Romania - Facebook

Romania's dipping strip french fries are a delightful departure from traditional potato sides and offer a novel twist on the popular menu item. These fries are celebrated for their ingenious pairing of crispy potato strips with an array of mouthwatering dipping sauces.

Of course, the fries themselves are expertly prepared to achieve the perfect balance of a golden, crunchy exterior with a soft, tender interior. Their size and shape are definitely one of the more unique styles of fried spuds, combining the length and thickness of wedges with ridges similar to wavy potato chips. They're great on their own, simply spiced with onion, black pepper, and salt.

Yet what really makes the dipping strip french fries exceptional is the assortment of sauces they come with, enhancing the taste profile and transforming each fry into a flavor-packed journey. These flavorful condiments range from classic ketchup to zesty garlic aioli, offering customers the opportunity to personalize their snack. Whether you prefer a hint of smokiness or a tangy kick, there's a sauce to satisfy your cravings.

Argentina - Tasty Bacon Fries

bacon fries with Tasty sauce - Maxim Fesenko/Getty Images

Tasty bacon fries are an indulgent combination of crispy golden potato sticks, savory bacon bits, and a generous drizzle of the signature Tasty sauce. Served with the classic McDonald's fries, the potatoes offer a great base and a crispy and fluffy texture that's deliciously salty and earthy. What sets these apart is the addition of smoky bacon bits to provide a delightful contrast in texture and taste. These savory bits are generously sprinkled over the fries, ensuring you get a kick of bacon in every bite.

The Tasty sauce takes it to another level, adding complementary flavors that go with the saltiness of the bacon and the earthiness of the potatoes. This unique condiment is a creamy, smoky, peppery blend with hints of sweetness from onion powder. It adds a rich dimension to the fries, enhancing the overall taste and making each bite an explosion of flavors.

Read the original article on Mashed.
Former Chief Constable Simon Byrne arriving at a meeting of the policing board with Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton on August 31 this year. Photo: Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Commenting on the crisis that led to the resignation of the chief constable Simon Byrne last week, Jim Gamble said the policing boards fingerprints are on this problem from the beginning.

During a judicial review hearing into the discipling of two officers who arrested a man who had been attending a Troubles atrocity commemoration in south Belfast, it emerged that policing board representatives had been able to view the officers bodycam footage at a very early stage of the PSNIs own investigation into the circumstances.

Mr Gamble said: "The policing board  instead of stepping back and holding people to account, by making sure they are seeking the right insight in their governance role became far too comfortable, far too cosy, getting involved in viewing videos during an operational response.

Former senior police officer Jim Gamble. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire

Mr Gamble said I dont see how the current leadership of the board can stay".

Speaking to the BBC's Sunday Politics, he said: "How it thought it could allow [deputy chief constable] Mark Hamilton, de facto to step into the chiefs role, when there are serious allegations regarding conduct. Allegations, Im not saying theyre proven, around the conduct of the chief, and his deputy, at the time. Its mind-boggling  they are not thinking ahead.

Mr Gamble went on to say: "This is a shadow of the initial policing board that really got things right, and helped push policing in the right direction.

Speaking on the same programme, former justice minister Claire Sugden called for an "end-to-end" investigation into policing in NI.

The Department of Justice has agreed to carry out a review of the policing board, which oversees the PSNI. However, the independent MLA said there was a need for a review of the entire policing system, on the scale of the Patten report.

"I think we need to go much wider... this isn't the only issue in the last number of years, she said.

In a statement on Thursday, the policing board said its priority over the last few days has been to bring stability and confidence in what has been an unprecedented time for policing.
Its December in Mexico City in El Sabor de la Navidad, where fake Santas, queso relleno and karaoke machines are all just smoke and mirrors covering over the true meaning of Christmas. Helmed by Alejandro Lozano, this endearing Spanish-language Christmas film intertwines three separate stories of families and friends grappling between tradition and progression, trying to discern which is most important.

Ahead of the films global premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, producers Salma Hayek Pinault and Jose Tamez spoke with Variety about Ventanarosa, their production company, which is behind the film, creating films for Spanish-speaking audiences and their latest joint endeavor.

More from Variety

We enjoy what we do, and we take pride in what we do, Hayek Pinault says about the work at Ventanarosa. The last project we did, Santa Evita, I think we won everything, no, Pepe? (Everyone, including Hayek Pinault, refers to Tamez as Pepe.) While maybe not everything, Ventanarosas 2022 Hulu original Santa Evita, about the life and death of Eva Peron, took home over a dozen awards.

We believe in projects that represent the community in the right way, but also makes them think, makes them feel proud of who we are, Hayek Pinault adds. And we do it under very challenging budgets.

And with El Sabor de la Navidad, Hayek Pinault and Tamez were able to do just that. The film tackles numerous modern-day challenges, whether its trying to get through to a terminally online generation, trans acceptances or navigating class differences.

Story continues

In one storyline of the film, a mother (Monica Dionne) must learn to accept her transgender daughter Penelope when she decides to attend Christmas dinner. Sometimes when its a family member, you have to accept first, and then understand. But its important to go towards that second step, so youre not tolerating a loved one, but totally loving someone, Hayek Pinault says.

I was trying to present three stories about love, says Tamez, who is also the writer of the film. Being a member of the gay community, that was story that resonated with me. And I thought it could resonate with everyone, regardless of your situation.

In addition to harnessing progression, the producers made sure to spotlight tradition by incorporating Mexican heritage, specifically through southern Mexican cuisine and Christmas traditions, from the Santa Clauses that gather in parks to the authentic Yucatan menu that a Mexican chef crafted for Mariana Trevinos character to prepare for Christmas dinner.

The film captures an overall magic of Christmas that Tamez took from classic American films but roots it less in lore and fantasy and more in reality and connectivity. When he explained the story behind El Sabor de la Navidad to his partner, his partner told him it was akin to Love, Actually, though, Tamez admits hes never seen the film. He instead aimed to capture the uplifting feeling one gets when watching the end of Its a Wonderful Life.

As the film heads to streaming platform ViX in November, the producers hope audiences take away the importance of community and togetherness, especially during the holiday season. Hayek Pinault says, Its a movie you can watch with both your transgender best friend and your mother.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Paris street with a cafe - Catarina Belova/Shutterstock

Paris is known as "the City of Light," and some say it's the world's most romantic destination. Whether you're there with your better half, visiting with friends, traveling for a work trip, or doing the city solo, there's so much to experience  and so many amazing places to eat that it can be hard to know where to start.

If you've only got 24 hours in Paris, you'll want to eat and drink at all the best places. We've rounded up some top spots, including hidden gem restaurants and out-of-the-way cafes for you to check out. If you're visiting the city in August -- the month most Parisians take their summer vacation -- don't forget that many bars, restaurants, and cafes are closed or have reduced opening hours.

Let's dive into our top spots in Paris to check out if you're only here for a day. To make life easier, we've included the Paris neighborhoods  known in the city as arrondissements  for each location. The only question is, which spots will you head for first?

Read more: 16 Essential French Snack Foods You Need To Try

Le Sancerre (18th Arrondissement)

Le Sancerre exterior - Facebook

While it's true that Montmartre can feel a little touristy at times  after all, it's home to the Moulin Rouge and Amelie's cafe  it's still one of the most scenic arrondissements of the city. Exploring its cobbled streets and uncovering cool wine bars and cafes is all part of the experience here, and there are plenty of great spots to check out. Exploring its cobbled streets and uncovering cool wine bars and restaurants is all part of the experience here, and there are plenty of great spots to check out.

If you're pushed for time, don't miss out on a trip to Le Sancerre. This neighborhood institution is always packed with locals and frequented by expats who call Paris home. Come for a cocktail or glass of red wine, or settle in for a late, French-style lunch or dinner. Treat yourself to a croque monsieur, or enjoy the homemade donuts.

Story continues

In summer, the huge floor-to-ceiling windows in front open onto the street, as lively, buzzy chatter and the smell of steak frites fill the air. You'll find yourself lingering longer at La Sancerre than you expected.

Berthillon (4th Arrondissement)

Ice cream cone outside Berthillon - Yelp

Berthillon is a must-visit on any trip to Paris. Opened in 1954, it's considered the best spot in the city for ice cream, though it also serves up amazing pastries, cakes, and more. You can even come for breakfast if you're here early enough.

Located on the picturesque Ile Saint-Louis, one of the city's two natural islands, Berthillon gets exceptionally busy, especially during the hot Parisian summer. Though you can expect queues, it'll never feel like a chore waiting in line here as you can spend the time taking photos of your stunning surroundings.

You'll find almost every flavor of ice cream and sorbet imaginable, from simple fruit flavors to delicious, inventive combos like wood strawberry and hazelnut or pear and caramel. You can enjoy your ice cream in the charming tea room, but we'd recommend getting your treats to go and enjoying a stroll around the island. The neighborhood is packed with quaint cafes, shops, and wine bars.

Angelina (Multiple Locations)

Pastries and omelet at Angelina - Instagram

Paris is beautiful all year round, but if you're there in the winter months, you absolutely can't afford to miss Angelina. It may not be one of the city's best-kept secrets, but this little tea room has been known for decades as the best spot in Paris to get a hot chocolate.

Today, there are several branches scattered across Paris' arrondissements. We'd go to the original, exquisite tea room on Rue de Rivoli  which opened in 1903  to warm up after a stroll around the Tuileries or a visit to the Louvre. If you can't make it to this location, the others will also have delicious offerings, as well.

Alongside your hot chocolate, choose from a range of cakes and pastries, with a seasonal pastry on offer that changes every month. As well as classics like Paris-Brest and Mont-Blanc, you'll find exclusives like the Antoinette and Richelieu, plus a regularly changing savory menu if you feel like something more substantial.

Creperie Du Manoir Breton (14th Arrondissement)

Crepes at Creperie Manoir Breton - Creperie Manoir Breton

No visit to Paris is complete without crepes, and though you'll find them sold on practically every street corner, we'd recommend making your way to the 14th district for some at this Breton-style pancake place. What does Breton style mean, you might be wondering? Well, this place is all about traditional buckwheat galettes.

The menu is packed with savory options, with fillings from simple ham and eggs to more complex, delicious house specialties such as goat's cheese with honey and walnuts or Reblochon cheese with bacon and creamy potatoes. Don't fancy savory? There are also dessert crepes with fillings including fruit, Nutella, chestnut cream, and Chantilly. Don't forget to order a rustic pitcher of Breton cider to wash everything down.

Creperie Manoir Breton is located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, which is packed with chain and independent cinemas showing everything from the latest blockbusters to afternoons of classic films. If there's time to spare, why not combine your trip for crepes with a movie?

Saigon Sandwich (11th Arrondissement)

Saigon Sandwich exterior - Yelp

Don't be fooled  this little gem in the 11th arrondissement may have a rather casual exterior, but it serves up some of the best banh mi in the city. Shhh, we're trusting you to keep this one to yourself!

Sandwiches at Saigon Sandwich are always fresh, delicious, and made from scratch, and we'd highly recommend stopping off here if you're planning a picnic on a hot sunny day. In fact, this would be the perfect place to grab lunch before heading for the grassy Champ de Mars, with views of the Eiffel Tower. Closer at hand, the Parc de Belleville is just a ten-minute walk away.

Not only are the banh mi here out of this world, but they're also extremely affordable. Reviews on TripAdvisor mention the pork or chicken versions with cha lua (Vietnamese mortadella), vinegared carrots, and Maggi sauce. If you fancy something different, why not try the special, which changes regularly?

Indiana Cafe (Multiple Locations)

spread at Indiana Cafe - Indiana Cafe

Tex-Mex in Paris? It may not be the first food that comes to mind, but we highly recommend a visit to Indiana Cafe if you're looking for authentic Tex-Mex food in the heart of the city.

Located in lively Montparnasse, the 14th arrondissement that's also home to some of the city's best cinemas, this is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat  and a few cocktails  before or after a movie. On the menu, you'll find everything from fajitas to wings to nachos and more.

Indiana Cafe is at its best in the evenings, with a buzzy yet laidback vibe from the after-work crowd. It's open pretty late, too, so you've plenty of time to pop in after a late-night movie.

If you're in Paris on a Sunday, check out the Sunday brunch menu here, served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many of the district's smaller cinemas show classic movies on Sundays, too.

Hippopotamus (Multiple Locations)

steak at Hippopotamus - Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus may be a chain restaurant, but it's been a Parisian stalwart for a long time, specializing in beef since 1968. That means you can rely on this place for excellent steak frites.

With several branches open until midnight or 1 a.m., Hippopotamus is a solid choice for a late-night meal. Prices are on the reasonable side, with a prix fixe menu that offers excellent value for money and doesn't skimp on portion sizes. You'll even get 5 Euros off the price of your meal if you present a cinema ticket from the same day (a minimum spend applies).

What to order from the expansive menu? Really, it has to be beef. We'd try the Entrecote with fries, or the Classic Horse Steak, which  thankfully  isn't horse at all but minced steak topped with a fried egg. The beef rib for two or Irish Angus Sirloin Bavette are excellent choices, as are the beefburgers, made with 100% French meat.

Cafe Des Deux Moulins (18th Arrondissement)

Cafe des Deux Moulins interior - Cafe des Deux Moulins

Our next top spot needs no introduction for fans of the movie "Amelie." Yes, it's a bit pricey. Yes, it's definitely touristy. But Cafe des Deux Moulins is the cafe from Jean Pierre Jeunet's movie, "Amelie."

Where else can you sit and people-watch with a hot chocolate or a cup of coffee while taking in the interiors from everybody's favorite French romantic comedy? This quaint little 18th arrondissement cafe is the perfect place to live out your very own little Parisian dream  and to snap a few pictures to make everybody back home jealous.

You could also eat here, if you like, with a menu packed with French classics like croque monsieur alongside burgers and salads. The cafe even serves breakfast, with a set menu starting from around 8 Euros.

If this is on your to-do list for your Paris trip, don't forget to make reservations. Cafe de Deux Moulins gets very busy, especially on weekends, and if you don't have a reservation, you might face a long wait, or even be turned away.

La Patisserie Cyril Lignac (Multiple Locations)

Cakes at La Patisserie - La Patisserie Cyril Lignac

You simply can't come to Paris without being wowed by rows of exquisitely crafted French pastries peeking out at you from patisserie windows around every corner. Though you're practically reassured of delicious pastries and cakes at every patisserie in the city, some stand out from the crowd.

La Patisserie Cyril Lignac is owned and run by renowned restaurateur Cyril Lignac, together with pastry chef Benoit Couvrand. With five shops across the city, there's sure to be a branch close to where you're staying on your Paris trip. There's even a chocolaterie with a tasting area on Rue Chanzy in the 11th district, not far from Faidherbe-Chaligny on Metro Line 8 or Charonne on Metro Line 9.

Try the Baba Au Rhum, the Chocolate Eclair, the beautiful Kouign-Amann with caramelized layers of flaky pastry, or the delightfully fruity and colorful raspberry tart. You can't go wrong with whatever you choose from the menu. Everything tastes as good as it looks and looks so fabulous that you won't be able to resist snapping some shots to share on your Instagram.

Le Train Bleu (12th Arrondissement)

Le Train Bleu interior - Yelp

Next on our list is a healthy dose of old-school Parisian charm. Le Train Bleu is a breathtaking art-nouveau-style restaurant, with fittings and decor dripping in gold. Located in the Gare de Lyon, it opened in 1900 and is a must on any visit to the City of Light, particularly if you're on a date.

Expect typically brusque Parisian service here  it's all part of this place's traditional charm. The menu is packed with delights, making it difficult to choose what to eat.

We'd go for the indulgent lobster rigatoni gratin or the roasted leg of lamb, carved at your table, with creamy dauphinoise potatoes. The octopus mince with lime sounds amazing, too!

Let's face it, though, you're really here for the decor and ambiance, and you won't be disappointed. If there's one Instagrammable restaurant to include on your Paris itinerary, this is most definitely the one.

Cedric Grolet (1st Arrondissement)

Cedric Grolet pastries and cakes - Cedric Grolet

You should definitely come early to either of Cedric Grolet's two Paris locations. The queues here are always long, and for good reason  this shop's breakfast and pastries are amongst the best in Paris!

We'd recommend heading over early to enjoy a delicious breakfast. With croissants, pain au chocolat, Paris-Brest, and cakes and pastries topped with tiny exquisitely crafted sugar flowers and fruits, everything here looks to die for  and tastes just as great.

Located in the heart of the city's 2nd arrondissement, Cedric Grolet is the perfect place to start your day off the right way. The Musee Grevin wax museum is just a 15 minute stroll away, you're only a stone's throw from the Louvre and the Tuileries, and a 10 minute metro ride will take you to Les Halles for a spot of shopping in the subterranean mall. Cedric Grolet is open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 9:30 a.m.

La Tour d'Argent (5th Arrondissement)

La Tour d'Argent interior - La Tour d'Argent

La Tour d'Argent is one of those places that's expensive, but totally worth it. This Michelin-starred eatery offers one of the city's best views over Notre Dame Cathedral and the Seine.

The first thing you'll notice when you walk in is the elegant decor. This is the place to don your finest suit, dress, or other outfit of your choice and enjoy a celebratory lunch or dinner. You don't even need a special occasion to celebrate  after all, this is Paris! Reservations here are pretty much essential to guarantee you aren't disappointed.

Chef Yannick Franques serves traditional French cuisine with a modern edge, and the menu is packed with tempting dishes. The four-course lunch menu includes delights like red mullet with licorice-flavored black sausage and fish soup, soy-sauce glazed duckling with black garlic juice and zucchini, and roasted Provencal apricots with coconut ice cream.

Dine here in the evenings, and you can enjoy a set five-course menu or choose from the a la carte menu. Highlights include the milk-fed veal with artichoke, roasted blue lobster with plantain gyoza and Bombay curry, and Crepes Mademoiselles.

Les Deux Magots (6th Arrondissement)

Les Deux Magots - Les Deux Magots

Les Deux Magots opened in 1884 and was once the famous haunt of writers from Hemingway to Simone de Beauvoir. These days, it may be a bit of a tourist trap  and is renowned for being overpriced  nonetheless, it's somewhere everybody should visit at least once when in Paris.

The best place to sit is out on the terrace, under the shade of the awning. Get a coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of wine and soak up the ambiance and history of the place. The opportunity for people-watching on the chic Place Saint Germain des Pres is a treat, too. If you absolutely must eat, try the Tarte Tatin with its rich, buttery pastry.

If you're spending the day in Paris, we'd recommend this as the first place you should visit. There's nowhere quite like it, with its charming Parisian vibe and elegant patrons.

Le Mary Celeste (3rd Arrondissement)

Le Mary Celeste - Le Mary Celeste

Le Mary Celeste does what Paris does best: It's a cozy neighborhood bar serving wine by the glass and small plates that are great for sharing with friends or just enjoying by oneself. This is a great place to linger in the evening, as one glass of wine turns into two, two turn into three, and the empty small plates stack up on the table.

As well as wine, Le Mary Celeste has a small but perfectly formed menu of digestifs. The bartenders can also whip up an excellent cocktail on request.

From the food menu, try the Thai-style mussels or oysters. The Tartare de canard (duck) with smoked beetroot and tamarind is perfect with a glass or two of red. We wouldn't say no to the lamb shoulder with aioli and gremolata, either.

For dessert, try the choux pastry with craquelin (a crunchy, cookie-like topping), chocolate, and little balls of hazelnut praline. The Pedro Ximinez makes an excellent digestif alongside.

Dong Tam (13th Arrondissement)

Vietnamese food at Dong Tam - Dong Tam

It may not be the first type of cuisine you find yourself craving on a trip to Paris, but the city is renowned for its Vietnamese food. Those in the know head for the 13th arrondissement where you'll find plenty of small, unassuming-looking Vietnamese cafes serving up some of the most delicious dishes you've ever had in your life.

Dong Tam is one such establishment. Tucked away down a side street, this tiny restaurant is decorated simply and always packed with locals  that's how you know you're in for a treat.

Authentic Vietnamese dishes are served piping hot and freshly cooked, with the banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) in particular some of the best in Paris. One reviewer on Trip Advisor highly recommended the hu tieu noodle soup, calling it "delish."

Prices are great here, too. You can enjoy a satisfying meal with generous portions for a lot less than you'd think in France's capital city.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.
Cleverly to reaffirm need for two-state solution during visit to Israel

James Cleverly will use a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories this week to reiterate the UKs support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and condemn Iranian threats to the regions security.

The Foreign Secretary will meet with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian premier Mohammad Shtayyeh to call for an easing of tensions amid the worst violence in the region in nearly two decades.

He will reaffirm the long-stalled peace vision of founding a Palestinian state alongside Israel as the only path forward, although it faces challenges on the ground.

The recent wave of unrest has seen Israel ramp up arrest raids in the occupied West Bank while Palestinian attacks against Israelis have spiked.

There has also been a sharp rise in violence carried out by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.

In a speech to an international security conference on Tuesday, Mr Cleverly will condemn Iran for enabling terrorism in Israel through its support for Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel has recently ramped up arrest raids in the occupied West Bank (Majdi Mohammed/AP)

He will commit to working with Israelis and Palestinians to counter Tehrans destabilising activity and visit Israels Iron Dome missile defence system.

Speaking ahead of the trip, the Foreign Secretary said: The UK and Israel work closely together to keep our people safe. Ill be using my first visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories as Foreign Secretary to renew our close security partnership, in the face of unacceptable threats from the Iranian regime.

A two-state solution between Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is the only way to bring about security, stability and prosperity for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region. Ill be making clear that all parties must take steps to advance this cause.

Mr Cleverly will also lay a wreath at Israels Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem, and visit the Jalazone refugee camp in the West Bank.

Story continues

The meeting with Mr Netanyahu comes as his plan to overhaul the countrys judicial system has sparked mass protests and international concerns.

Critics say Mr Netanyahus government, the most right-wing in Israels history, is dragging the nation towards authoritarianism by upending its system of checks and balances.

Members of his government support settlement in occupied lands, considered illegal or illegitimate and an obstacle to peace by the international community.
High-level visits of Vietnamese and US leaders have motivated the growth of Vietnam-US bilateral relations on the foundation of mutual benefit, equality and respect for each others independence, sovereignty and political institution.



The year 2023 is an important milestone in the Vietnam-US relations, as the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive partnership, and US President Joe Biden is making an official visit to Vietnam following Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs invitation from September 10-11.



Commenting on the significance of the visits by senior leaders of the two countries in recent years, Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said that the Vietnam-US relationship is to continue to develop in a stable, substantial and long-term manner in all fields.



Twenty-eight years since the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, visits by senior leaders of the two sides have left important imprints on bilateral relations, enabling the two countries to put the past aside, overcome differences, promote similarities, and move into the future on a win-win basis.



Today, Vietnam-US relations have shown comprehensive and practical developments, positively contributing to security, peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.



In November 2001, Bill Clinton made a visit to Vietnam, becoming the first US President to pay an official visit to Vietnam. He is considered an important contributor to the process of normalizing the bilateral relations both during and after his office tenure.



In June 2005, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai visited the US at the invitation of President George W. Bush. This was the first time that a Vietnamese Government leader had visited the US since the war ended.



In following years, the two countries exchanged many high-level visits, including those by US President George W. Bush in November 2006, Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet in June 2007, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in June 2008.



In July 2013 during the US visit by President Truong Tan Sang at the invitation of US President Barack Obama, the two sides set up a comprehensive partnership, shaping the framework for bilateral relations for a new period and development orientations of their ties in following years.



The important foundation for the development of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership is both sides' commitment to fundamental principles such as to respect independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and equal and win-win cooperation on the basis of international law.



On this foundation, the two sides have continued to strengthen the political and diplomatic relations through visits at high and all levels, enhancing the mutual understanding and deepening the bilateral ties.



Notably, Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong visited the US in 2015, and US President Barack Obama visited Vietnam in 2016. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made a visit to the US in 2017. US President Donald Trump visited Vietnam twice in 2017 and 2019. In 2021, US Vice President Kamala Harris paid a visit to Vietnam, and in May 2022, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the US.



Weve just agreed to direct our agencies and people to engage in developing our comprehensive relations, whether it is in politics, diplomacy, trade, science, technology, education, health, environment, or climate change response. We will coordinate multilaterally on defense and security," Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said at the Oval Office in the White House on July 7, 2015.



During their telephone talks in March 2023, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden repeated their invitation to each other. At the talks, Biden described Vietnam is an important partner, affirmed his support for an independent, self-reliant and prosperous Vietnam, and reaffirmed his respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institution of Vietnam. He agreed that this respect is an important foundation for relations between the two countries.



Bidens two-day visit, starting today, will be another historical milestone in bilateral relations. The two sides are scheduled to discuss a wide range of issues of shared concern. These include promoting Vietnamese economic growth with focus on technology and innovation, expanding the ties between the two peoples through education exchange and workforce development programmes, responding to climate change, and strengthening peace, prosperity and stability in the region.



In his recent greetings to Vietnam on the occasion of the National Day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: I look forward to President Bidens historic visit to Hanoi on September 10 to celebrate all we have achieved together and to plan for our shared future.



Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper has told the media that the Vietnam visit by President Biden aims to spread a message that the two sides commit to bringing about prosperity and confidence to each other, and that the US hopes to prove that this relationship is meaningful and important for the people in Vietnam and the US as well.



In his greetings sent to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership on July 26, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that the anniversary is a chance for the two sides to discuss specific steps towards a brighter future, with Vietnam considering the US as one of its important partners.



Along with the sound political relations, economy-trade ties have been one of the most successful fields in the Vietnam-US relationship. The US is currently one of Vietnams largest trade partners. Two-way trade rose over 240 times to more than 130 billion USD in 2022 from 451 million USD in 1995.



In terms of investment, the US has been one of the biggest investors in Vietnam with nearly 1,150 underway projects, and a total investment capital of over 10.3 billion USD, ranking 11th out of 141 economies investing in Vietnam.



Meanwhile, humanitarian cooperation and collaboration in overcoming war aftermaths have continued to receive high priority and generated results. The US has joined hands with Vietnam in carrying out a dioxin detoxification project in Bien Hoa airport, while supporting persons with disabilities in dioxin polluted areas in Vietnam, and providing aid to projects to clear bombs and mines as well as search, repatriate and verify the remains of Vietnamese soldiers who died during the war. Vietnam has assisted the US in searching for US service members missing in action (MIA) and handed over to the US side 733 sets of remains of US missing soldiers.



The Vietnamese Government has affirmed the willingness to coordinate closely with the US to beef up the bilateral ties in a deep, wide and substantial manner, especially in trade, investment, technology and innovation for the benefit of both peoples, and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world.

Vietnam will continue to support the US in actively and responsibly cooperating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, including within the framework of regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN-US comprehensive strategic partnership, the Mekong-US partnership, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum./.




(VAN) On the occasion of US President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam, Director General of the International Cooperation Department (MARD) Nguyen Do Anh Tuan discussed the prospects for expanding agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and the United States.

Minister Le Minh Hoan held talks with US Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack and presented his US counterpart a green-skinned grapefruit as a souvenir. Photo: Linh Linh.

US President Joe Bidens visit to Vietnam is slated to take place on two days of September 10-11 at the invitation of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The Vietnam Agriculture News arranged an interview with Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of ICD MARD, to clarify this heated topic in light of the many achievements that the two countries have achieved in recent years, including in agriculture.

In recent years, agri-trade between Vietnam and the United States has flourished, and President Joe Biden's visit will mark a new milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The advancement of diplomatic relations will facilitate the expansion of agricultural cooperation. How do you evaluate the agri-development potential of two parties in the near future?

The United States is thus a prominent agricultural producer, consumer market, and importer. With a population of 338 million, the United States imports over USD 200 billion worth of agri-forestry-fishery (AFF) goods to meet domestic demand. The majority of imports consist of coffee, cacao, fresh and processed vegetables, seafood, and timber and timber products.

The United States remains one of Vietnam's and the agricultural industry's most important markets. Vietnam's AFF exports to the United States reached USD 13 billion in 2022, representing 24.4% of the world's total agricultural export turnover, but only 6.7% of US AFF import value. Huge opportunities present for Vietnam to increase its market share in the latter.

In 2022, seafood exports to the United States reached USD 2.1 billion (up 4%), wood and wood products reached USD 8.67 billion (down marginally by 1%), and cashews reached USD 842 million (down 19%). Some products have moderate export volume but substantial export growth, such as vegetables at 247 million USD (an increase of 11.2%), pepper at 282 million USD (an increase of 23.2%), and rice at 18 million USD (an increase of 58%).

The Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has welcomed the delegations of the US Secretary of Agriculture, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), two US Deputy Secritaries of State, two US Deputy Secretaries of Agriculture, and Governors of Nebraska and California over the past year.

The action demonstrates Vietnam's significance to U.S. agricultural cooperation. Several bilateral meetings are accompanied by a series of exchange and negotiation activities, understanding and collaboration between the two parties, which serve as an essential foundation for enhancing agricultural cooperation. Regarding the upcoming visit of President Joe Biden to Vietnam, the relationship between the two nations will be elevated to a new level, bolstering their bilateral cooperation in agriculture and rural development.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has been analyzing opportunities and implementing comprehensive strategies to improve the position, competitiveness, and market share of Vietnamese agricultural, forestry, and fisheries (AFF) products on the US market in order to capitalize on US market potential. Therefore fostering the transformation of Vietnamese agriculture towards ecology, high technology content, and added value, supporting the connection of farmers, farmer groups/cooperatives with the global value chain, and bolstering the income of producers. establishing a reputation as a responsible, transparent, and sustainable AFF exporter, which will serve as the foundation for establishing the Vietnamese AFF brand worldwide.

Director of the International Cooperation Department Nguyen Do Anh Tuan (left) spoke at a conference on the sidelines of the 2023 APEC Ministerial Meeting in Seattle.

Cooperation in training and agricultural technology is also of mutual interest; therefore, how do you think the visit of US President Joe Biden will advance this cooperation?

In the fields of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Medicine, Forestry, Fisheries, Natural Disaster Prevention, and Climate Adaptation, MARD is proactive in promoting comprehensive, substantive, and effective cooperation with US partners, particularly the US Trade Representative, the US Department of Agriculture, and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This visit by President Biden will promote greater agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and the United States.

First, jointly promoting the development of market mechanisms in trade relations between the two nations will accelerate trade negotiations, open agricultural markets, and reduce differences in handles of Vietnam's AFF exports to the United States, particularly wood and wood products, seafood, and honey.

Second, this is an occasion to foster greater bilateral cooperation in the areas of science and technology, disease prevention, and climate change. USAID, as a member of the One Health Partnership Framework on zoonotic disease prevention, which is managed by the MARD in coordination with two co-chairing ministries (Health and Natural Resources), is involved in the prevention of zoonotic diseases.

Thirdly, President Biden's visit will facilitate the implementation of commitments and the signature of new project documents that the United States supports for Vietnam's agricultural sector.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan presented a souvenir to US Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

During his administration, President Joe Biden has paid significant attention to sustainable development, green growth, and emission reduction. In your opinion, how can the United States assist Vietnam in achieving its net zero goal by 2050?

The Vietnamese government places a significant emphasis on sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and the responsible implementation of its international obligations. At the COP26 Conference, the Vietnamese Prime Minister pledged to attain net zero emissions by 2050, to participate in the "Global Methane Emissions Reduction" initiative, and to implement the "Glasgow Declaration on Forest and Land Use" along with several other initiatives.

To contribute to the implementation of Vietnam's commitments at COP26 and COP27, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has participated in a number of initiatives with the United States and other countries and international organizations, such as the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate/AIM4C) and the Action Alliance "Promoting sustainable productivity growth for food security and resource conservation" (SPG), among others.

As agreed between the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the US Secretary of Agriculture, from April 2022, the US-Vietnam Climate Change Working Group was launched with the participation of relevant agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and representatives of USDA, USAID, and USFS to reduce emissions in agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry.

In the immediate future, the two sides focus on the implementation of projects including the project Adaptation to Climate Change in the Mekong Delta, Fertilizer Right, Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation in Livestock Sector (TRANSFORM). In particular, The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam is coordinating with the US WF to complete the signing of the Letter of Intent and develop the program " Viet Nam for Life: Nature-based Solutions for the Central " with a long-term cooperation framework lasting up to 20 years, with a budget of up to 300 million USD, focusing on addressing climate change issues, protect and restore biodiversity, while benefiting local communities in the Central Annamite Mountains, one of Asia's largest adjacent primary forests.

Vietnam will join hands to cooperate with the US Government, organizations, and investors as trusted partners to develop a green and sustainable agriculture and develop better agricultural supply chains and contribute to the global food security.

As being the dominant maret for Vietnamses agricultural products but also a demanding market with stringent requirements on commodities' quality, what solutions do we need to exploit this market more effectively?

Although the United States is a key export market with significant growth potential for Vietnamese AFF products, these goods continue to be constrained by limitations in quality, processing content, ability to meet regulations on technical standards, transportation and storage costs, establishment of distribution channels, and brand building.

In the meantime, US regulations on imported agricultural products are becoming more stringent, with an increasing number of regulations on quality and procedures of the FDA, pests and diseases on fruits and fresh agricultural products, FDA's food safety inspection regulations, USDA's quarantine regulations, and EPA's environmental regulations on pesticide residues, among others.

To satisfy the qualitative requirements of the U.S. market, the agricultural industry has reorganized production in accordance with U.S. requirements, preferences, and technical standards.

At the same time, we must continue to improve product quality and value to meet the needs of the American market. Immediate revision and completion of the current system of technical standards and national technical regulations for AFF products that reference US standards are required. Complete the food safety and disease safety control system for product groups that have export needs but do not meet US requirements in order for the US to evaluate, recognize equivalence, and open the export market door for these products.

And continue to vigorously promote the distribution and administration of agricultural and livestock area codes. Utilize information technology for the administration, inspection, and tracing of agricultural and forestry products; Review and develop sustainable production, preservation, and processing manuals for each product industry in order to meet quality and food safety standards for the US market.

As the focal point for managing the Partnership for Sustainable Agricultural Development Office (PSAV), the International Cooperation Department will work closely with businesses, multinational corporations, associations, and US states to further promote investment activities in the form of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in order to attract US investment in each subsector, develop production along the value chain, and invest in deep processing, added value, and food safety. This will also be an effective strategy for building the reputation and brand of agricultural products exported from Vietnam to the United States and the rest of the world.

Two Deputy Ministers of the US Department of Agriculture visited the Dien grapefruit growing area on the outskirts of Hanoi. Photo: Tung Dinh.

Several agricultural products of the two countries have been officially accepted into each other's markets for some time now; therefore, could you describe some potential commodities that Vietnam could export to the United States in the near future?

The United States is the largest exporter of poultry meat to Vietnam (accounting for approximately 34% of total poultry meat imports); beef exports are the second largest (after Australia, accounting for approximately 16%) and pork exports are ranked sixth (accounting for approximately 5%) among countries exporting poultry, beef, and pork to Vietnam. In addition, Vietnam has made available to the United States a wide variety of agricultural products, including fresh fruits (cherries, pears, grapes, apples, oranges, and cranberries) and numerous plant varieties.

Simultaneously, the United States opened its doors to a number of Vietnamese products (including dragon fruit, longan, lychee, rambutan, star apple, mango, and grapefruit). On August 7, 2023, the United States updated its online database of agricultural goods import requirements in order to approve the import of fresh coconuts from Vietnam.

We must continue to prioritize promoting some of Vietnam's potentially strong export products to the United States, such as wood and wood products and seafood. We must also actively expand the market by participating more deeply in the distribution chain with products such as industrial crops, vegetables, and handicrafts.

Minister Le Minh Hoan attended the US National Day celebration in 2023.

The following specific objects may be of interest:

- Wood and wood products: highlight Vietnam's rich products, including wooden furniture, living room furniture, dining room furniture, and bedroom furniture;

- Fisheries: promote market opening for tuna, squid and octopus products, deeply processed products, branded products (shrimp, catfish, tilapia) and processed products ready to service the diverse consumption requirements of the US market;

- Cashews: Continue to concentrate on increasing the market share of unprocessed cashew kernels supplied to the U.S. market, and seek out trade promotion opportunities for processed cashew products.

- Pepper: Concentrate on developing refined and thoroughly processed pepper products and diversifying food and non-food products with pepper ingredients; Gradually establish the Vietnamese pepper brand in the US market.

- Coffee: Increase processing capacity and diversify processed coffee products, particularly instant coffee made with Robusta, which is popular on the US market.

- Vegetables and fruits: Continue to negotiate to open the door for Vietnam's high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables, such as durian, passion fruit, avocado, coconut, and asparagus, as well as processed goods, such as fruit and vegetable powder, canned fruit, and juice.
HA NOI  Various proposals were put forth by experts and industry insiders to ensure the oil and gas sector keeps pace with the times, overcomes existing challenges, and establishes specialised policies for sustainable growth at a workshop jointly hosted by the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee's Economic Commission and Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) on September 8.

At the workshop, there was a strong emphasis on the need for the CPV's Politburo to promptly consider issuing a new resolution titled 'Strategic Directions for Development of Viet Nam's Oil and Gas Sector by 2030, with a Vision to 2045'.

This collaborative workshop, organised to assess the implementation of strategic policies for Viet Nam's oil and gas industry as per Politburo Resolution No. 41-NQ/TW dated July 23, 2015, also aimed to propose key objectives, tasks, and solutions for the period up to 2030 with a vision to 2045.

The event saw participation from representatives of the CPV's Central Committee's Office, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Commission for Management of State Capital at Enterprises, various provinces and cities, the Vietnam Oil and Gas Association, and Petrovietnam's member units.

Le Manh Hung, Petrovietnam's General Director, opened the workshop by underlining Petrovietnam's impressive 62-year tradition and 48-year development journey, emphasising its pivotal role as a leading economic conglomerate in Viet Nam. He acknowledged the Group's substantial contributions to the nation's socio-economic development and the successful completion of tasks outlined in Resolution No. 41-NQ/TW over the past seven years.

However, Hung candidly recognised the sector's new challenges and complexities arising from geographic scope, operating areas, policy mechanisms, market dynamics, digital transformation, green transition, circular economy, and more. These challenges necessitate a comprehensive and objective analysis to propose strategic adjustments for the coming years.

During the workshop, Nguyen uc Hien, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee's Economic Commission and Head of the Editorial Team, presented the main aspects of the draft report assessing the implementation of Resolution No. 41-NQ/TW. He stressed the importance of soliciting feedback from experts, Petrovietnam's management, and relevant ministries and sectors on key topics such as propaganda, Resolution 41-NQ/TW implementation, institutionalisation, specific goals, and results achieved, as well as limitations, challenges, and solutions.

Hien encouraged experts to engage in open and objective discussions, considering both domestic and international contexts. He urged them to propose specific views, objectives, and directions, particularly concerning the oil and gas market, infrastructure development, capital attraction, scientific and technological advancement, human resource development, international cooperation, green growth, and sustainable development, with Petrovietnam as the central player in the national energy conglomerate.

The workshop primarily focused on evaluating the implementation of Resolution No. 41-NQ/TW, achieving its goals and objectives, and exploring Viet Nam's oil and gas potential. It also delved into new approaches for the sector's development strategy in the current context, improving regulatory mechanisms, laws, and policies for oil and gas development by 2030, with a vision to 2045. Additionally, the workshop addressed strategic oil reserves and enhancing the operational mechanisms of the fuel market to meet domestic demand while integrating national defense, security, and foreign affairs into Viet Nam's oil and gas sector.

In closing, Hien confirmed that the workshop's feedback would be meticulously absorbed and integrated during the preparation and finalisation of the report, which will be tabled to the Politburo for further consideration.  VNS
TOKYO  In recent years, the economic ties between Viet Nam and Japan have reached new heights. With a dynamic trade landscape and growing investments, Ta uc Minh, Trade Counsellor of Viet Nam in Japan, emphasised the immense potential for cooperation between the two nations.

Viet Nam and Japan officially established diplomatic relations on September 21, 1973. In 2023, the two countries celebrate their 50-year anniversary of diplomatic ties, marking a period of exceptional development and cooperation. The relationship between these nations is currently at its most favourable point since its inception, characterised by a high level of trust.

Japan stands as Viet Nam's top economic partner, serving as the largest ODA contributor, second in labour cooperation, third in investment, third in tourism, and fourth in trade. Moreover, more than 70 pairs of localities from both countries have entered into cooperation agreements, fostering people-to-people exchanges and contributing to the growth of both nations' economies.

Trade dynamics

Viet Nam and Japan have witnessed consistent growth in their trade relations over the past decade. In 2022, Japan was Viet Nam's fourth-largest trading partner (after China, the United States and South Korea), the fourth-largest export market (after the United States, China and South Korea) and the third-largest source of imports (after China and South Korea).

Key Vietnamese exports to Japan include textiles, machinery and equipment, transportation vehicles, wood products, seafood, computers and electronics, footwear, and phones and components. On the other hand, primary imports from Japan encompass computers and electronics, machinery and equipment, iron and steel, automotive components, plastic products, textiles, chemicals, and bags, wallets, and umbrellas.

Notably, Viet Nam has successfully entered the Japanese fresh fruit market, offering products such as dragon fruit, mangoes, lychees, and more, in addition to popular fruits like bananas and coconuts.

In the first half of 2023, total trade turnover between Viet Nam and Japan reached US$21.26 billion, though it experienced a 9.3 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2022. Viet Nam maintained a trade surplus with Japan of $864.8 million.

Viet Nam and Japan benefit significantly from various bilateral and multilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the Viet Nam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA), the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). These agreements promote trade liberalisation and ease tariff burdens, creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

In an exclusive interview with Viet Nam News, Minh shared that the Trade Office in Japan has been instrumental in connecting the trade needs and interests of businesses in both countries. They employ various communication channels, including email, phone, and social media, to facilitate trade discussions and negotiations.

Additionally, the Trade Office has organised trade promotion activities, collaborating with Japanese organisations such as the AEON Group to host the annual Viet Nam Week in AEON supermarkets in Tokyo and neighbouring provinces. They have also participated in trade fairs and exhibitions like FOODEX Japan, handicraft exhibitions and seafood fairs. Vietnamese businesses have sent product samples to be displayed at these events, resulting in successful connections with Japanese importers.

The trade agency has also actively promoted Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products to Japanese consumers through initiatives such as distributing free fabric at the Viet Nam Festival in Tokyo and the official announcement of the availability of Vietnamese rice in Japanese markets.

Furthermore, they have established a showroom to display products from Vietnamese enterprises, providing a platform for Japanese customers working at the embassy to explore Vietnamese products and establish business connections.

The trade relationship between Viet Nam and Japan is thriving, driven by the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. With an array of successful trade promotion activities and a strong legal framework, Minh believes both nations are poised to continue their mutually beneficial economic partnership well into the future.  VNS
HA NOI Viet Nam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank) and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) on Sunday in Ha Noi inked a commitment letter on a bilateral loan worth US$300 million with a seven-year tenor.

The loan arranged by DFC aims at improving small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access to finance, especially women-owned, women-led, and climate-focused SMEs in Viet Nam.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, DFC CEO Scott Nathan, and VPBank Chairman Ngo Chi Dung, along with other leaders of both organisations.

DFC, the US governments development finance institution, was established in 2019 under the Better Utilisation of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act and focuses on bringing private capital to the developing world. DFCs mission is to promote US diplomatic policies and catalyse investment in private sector-led development. The signing ceremony took place within the framework of the official visit of US President Joe Biden to Viet Nam from September 10 to 11, 2023, on the 10th anniversary of Viet Nam-US comprehensive partnership, demonstrating the two countries positive and increasingly tightened co-operative relationship in many areas.

The approval of the loan from DFC, a US government agency with international standards and prudent credit appraisal standards and processes, to VPBank has once again affirmed VPBanks position as the market-leading commercial bank in Viet Nam.

The $300-million (VN7.2-trillion equivalent) loan will serve as an important source of financing to help strengthen VPBanks capital base, which in turn will promote sustainable lending activities in line with the banks growth strategy. These include supporting SMEs, women-owned or women-led SMEs, as well as shifting the banks portfolios towards climate-focused and low-carbon technology projects.

Over the past years, VPBank has always been one of the leading banks in Viet Nam that move ahead with environmental, social and climate contribution through developing and acting on a sustainable and consistent financial development strategy with clear awareness of accountable lending principles.

Prior to the loan extended by DFC, VPBank has been able to secure a number of large-sized syndicated loans worth over a billion of dollars since 2020 from reputable lenders worldwide. In particular, VPBank has lately fruitfully mobilised a $500-million syndicated loan at the end of 2022 with five reputable financial institutions, namely the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), ANZ Bank and Maybank Securities Pte Ltd. VNS
HA NOI  High-level visits of Vietnamese and US leaders have motivated the growth of Viet Nam-US bilateral relations on the foundation of mutual benefit, equality and respect for each others independence, sovereignty and political institution.

The year 2023 is an important milestone in the Viet Nam-US relations, as the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive partnership, and US President Joe Biden is making an official visit to Viet Nam following Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs invitation from September 10-11.

Commenting on the significance of the visits by senior leaders of the two countries in recent years, Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said that the Viet Nam-US relationship is to continue to develop in a stable, substantial and long-term manner in all fields.

Twenty-eight years since the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, visits by senior leaders of the two sides have left important imprints on bilateral relations, enabling the two countries to put the past aside, overcome differences, promote similarities, and move into the future on a win-win basis.

Today, Viet Nam-US relations have shown comprehensive and practical developments, positively contributing to security, peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

In November 2001, Bill Clinton made a visit to Viet Nam, becoming the first US President to pay an official visit to Viet Nam. He is considered an important contributor to the process of normalizing the bilateral relations both during and after his office tenure.

In June 2005, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai visited the US at the invitation of President George W. Bush. This was the first time that a Vietnamese Government leader had visited the US since the war ended.

In following years, the two countries exchanged many high-level visits, including those by US President George W. Bush in November 2006, Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet in June 2007, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in June 2008.

In July 2013 during the US visit by President Truong Tan Sang at the invitation of US President Barack Obama, the two sides set up a comprehensive partnership, shaping the framework for bilateral relations for a new period and development orientations of their ties in following years.

The important foundation for the development of the Viet Nam-US comprehensive partnership is both sides' commitment to fundamental principles such as to respect independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and equal and win-win cooperation on the basis of international law.

On this foundation, the two sides have continued to strengthen the political and diplomatic relations through visits at high and all levels, enhancing the mutual understanding and deepening the bilateral ties.

Notably, Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong visited the US in 2015, and US President Barack Obama visited Viet Nam in 2016. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made a visit to the US in 2017. US President Donald Trump visited Viet Nam twice in 2017 and 2019. In 2021, US Vice President Kamala Harris paid a visit to Viet Nam, and in May 2022, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the US.

Weve just agreed to direct our agencies and people to engage in developing our comprehensive relations, whether it is in politics, diplomacy, trade, science, technology, education, health, environment, or climate change response. We will coordinate multilaterally on defence and security," Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said at the Oval Office in the White House on July 7, 2015.

During their telephone talks in March 2023, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden repeated their invitation to each other. At the talks, Biden described Viet Nam is an important partner, affirmed his support for an independent, self-reliant and prosperous Viet Nam, and reaffirmed his respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institution of Viet Nam. He agreed that this respect is an important foundation for relations between the two countries.

Bidens two-day visit, starting today, will be another historical milestone in bilateral relations. The two sides are scheduled to discuss a wide range of issues of shared concern. These include promoting Vietnamese economic growth with focus on technology and innovation, expanding the ties between the two peoples through education exchange and workforce development programmes, responding to climate change, and strengthening peace, prosperity and stability in the region.

In his recent greetings to Viet Nam on the occasion of the National Day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: I look forward to President Bidens historic visit to Ha Noi on September 10 to celebrate all we have achieved together and to plan for our shared future.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper has told the media that the State visit by President Biden aims to spread a message that the two sides commit to bringing about prosperity and confidence to each other, and that the US hopes to prove that this relationship is meaningful and important for the people in Viet Nam and the US as well.

In his greetings sent to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Viet Nam-US comprehensive partnership on July 26, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that the anniversary is a chance for the two sides to discuss specific steps towards a brighter future, with Viet Nam considering the US as one of its important partners.

Along with the sound political relations, economy-trade ties have been one of the most successful fields in the Viet Nam-US relationship. The US is currently Viet Nams largest trade partner. Two-way trade rose over 240 times to more than US$130 billion in 2022 from $451 million in 1995.

In terms of investment, the US has been one of the biggest investors in Viet Nam with nearly 1,150 underway projects, and a total investment capital of over $10.3 billion, ranking 11th out of 141 economies investing in Viet Nam.

Meanwhile, humanitarian cooperation and collaboration in overcoming war aftermaths have continued to receive high priority and generated results. The US has joined hands with Viet Nam in carrying out a dioxin detoxification project in Bien Hoa airport, while supporting persons with disabilities in dioxin polluted areas in Viet Nam, and providing aid to projects to clear bombs and mines as well as search, repatriate and verify the remains of Vietnamese soldiers who died during the war. Viet Nam has assisted the US in searching for US service members missing in action (MIA) and handed over to the US side 733 sets of remains of US missing soldiers.

The Vietnamese Government has affirmed the willingness to coordinate closely with the US to beef up the bilateral ties in a deep, wide and substantial manner, especially in trade, investment, technology and innovation for the benefit of both peoples, and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world.

Viet Nam will continue to support the US in actively and responsibly cooperating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, including within the framework of regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN-US comprehensive strategic partnership, the Mekong-US partnership, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Mozambique can continue to explore and expand their relations in both traditional and new areas of Viet Nams strengths and Mozambique's interest, Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Pham Hoang Kim told the media ahead of a coming visit to the country by Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan.

Highlighting the significance of the visit, set to take place next week, the ambassador said that it takes place in the context of Mozambique prioritizing development towards modernising the industry, attracting foreign investment capital and improving social life to create momentum for the countrys general election in 2024.

Moreover, the country is taking on the role of non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2023-24 term, affirming it as a responsible member to regional and international issues.

This is a decisive moment for Viet Nam and Mozambique, on the basis of good political relations, to continue to explore and expand relations from traditional areas of cooperation such as agriculture, education, healthcare to new areas like digital transformation, minerals, civil industry, agricultural processing, construction, energy, and infrastructure, he said.

During the visit, Xuan will meet leaders of Mozambique and local business representatives, which offer opportunities for the two sides to review the implementation of cooperative activities and propose measures to strengthen their multifaceted collaboration, Kim said, noting the Vice Presidents visit will continue to affirm the good traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Mozambique.

With the important role and increasing position of Mozambique in southern Africa and Viet Nam in Southeast Asia, the potential for cooperation between the two countries in the coming time is huge, especially in economy and trade, according to Kim.

Mozambique has strengths in natural resources, fisheries and competitive labour while Viet Nam boasts advantages in agriculture, handicrafts, fisheries, and a hard-working workforce.

The complementary economies, the regular exchange of high-level delegations, and enhanced cooperation between localities and businesses are favourable factors for Viet Nam-Mozambique relations to further develop, the diplomat said.

Viet Nam and Mozambique established diplomatic relations on June 25, 1975. Viet Nam opened its Embassy in Mozambique in 1976, showing its respect for and desire to develop the traditional friendship with Mozambique in particular and African countries in general.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation is the highlight of the two countries' relationship. Their trade turnover in 2022 reached over $177 million, an increase of 16 per cent compared to the year before.  VNS
VIENTIANE  The Laos-Viet Nam ties have been expanding across the board and are now at the best time in history, said Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Khamjane Vongphosy.

The minister, who is head of the Lao-Viet Nam Cooperation Committee, made the assessment in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on economic cooperation between the two countries in the recent past.

According to him, the two countries have the time-honoured tradition of cooperation and mutual support throughout their respective revolutions to regain independence and national unification as well as the current causes of national defence, construction and development.

Minister Khamjane noted that under the close leadership of the two Parties and States, ministries, agencies and localities of both countries have actively coordinated with each other to effectively implement the agreement on the 10-year cooperation strategy (2021-2030) and the five-year cooperation agreement (2021-2025) as well as cooperation plans for each period. This has contributed greatly to maintaining political stability, ensuring national defence-security and socio-economic development of each country, and further promoting the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, he said.

He underlined that the Vietnamese Government has provided a large volume of aid to Laos, one third of which was used for human resources development, and the remainder was allocated to projects in other field, including poverty reduction.

The minister highlighted the bilateral economic partnership, with two-way trade value rising throughout the years. Meanwhile, Vietnamese companies are running over 400 investment projects in Laos, which have contributed significantly to local socio-economic development, especially in infrastructure, transports, social welfare, education and culture in remote and hard-to-reach areas, thus helping gradually improve the living conditions of local people, he said.

Khamjane also informed that the two countries have worked to enhance the connectivity between the two economies, particularly in trade, investment, finance, transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications and tourism, with a view to expanding the scope for cooperation and development not only between them but also with other countries in the region.

The minister said following the direction of their leaders, the two countries have been encouraging Vietnamese firms to invest in Laos, with attention paid to attracting investment of corporations with good financial capacity and expertise to such fields as clean agriculture, processing industry, clean energy, cultural tourism and nature conservation.

He stressed that the Lao Government has attaches importance to improving the investment and business environment through streamlining licensing process, adding that the work is expected to facilitate Vietnamese investors investment and expansion of production in Laos.  VNS
HA NOI  US President Joe Bidens State visit to Viet Nam will be an important milestone for both countries and help elevate bilateral relations to a new height, said Le Thu Ha, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA)s Committee for External Relations and deputy head of the Viet Nam - US Friendship Parliamentarians Group.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Ha said the September 10-11 visit, to be made at the invitation of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, is of great significance to bilateral relations, especially amid the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive partnership.

The US is one of the leading partners of Viet Nam. Over the recent past, their comprehensive partnership has developed intensively and substantively in priority cooperation areas, including politics - diplomacy, security - defence, economy - trade - investment, education, science - technology, health, environment, settlement of war consequences, and promotion of human rights, with the connections in economy, finance, trade, and investment being a pillar.

The two countries have continued coordinating closely with each other in international and regional issues of shared concern, especially within the framework of the United Nations Security Council and the mechanisms of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), she noted.

The official went on to say that the US Congress has a particularly important role to play in developing and intensifying the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam, and that parliamentary cooperation is an important part of bilateral ties.

Thanks to both sides efforts, the cooperation between the Vietnamese NA and the US Congress has enjoyed great strides as seen in increased mutual visits at all levels, along with meetings and opinion sharing between their specialised agencies, parliamentarians, and assistants to parliamentarians.

US legislators have affirmed that the relationship with Viet Nam is among the few issues securing consensus from both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, as well as from the Senate and the House of Representatives, according to Ha.

She said that the outcomes of President Bidens visit will help elevate the countries relations to a new height and in an increasingly substantive manner for the sake of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

She also expressed her hope that the two sides will coordinate closely to set up and implement new and more effective bilateral and multilateral mechanisms for economic, trade, and investment cooperation to promote fast and sustainable development of trade and investment links. VNS
HA NOI  Education has been one of the most prominent areas of cooperation between Viet Nam and the United States, with both sides designing many policies to strengthen bilateral partnership in this field based on the shared view that education is the foundation of national development.

According to the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), in recent years, the US has actively implemented a number of programmes to support Viet Nam in English teaching and education quality enhancing.

In July 2020, the Governments of Viet Nam and the US signed an implementing agreement on English teaching under the Peace Corps programme. The programme was officially started in October 2021, aiming to help Vietnamese students develop their English skills to access studying and employment opportunities.

Volunteers of the Peace Corps programme have been sent to rural schools to train local English teachers and improve students' performance in English language.

According to the MoET, this project is strategically suitable to Viet Nam's priorities. So far, nine volunteers from the programme have been assigned to nine senior high schools in rural districts of Ha Noi. More volunteers are scheduled to arrive in the city in October for the 2023-24 academic year.

On September 21, 2022, the MoET and the US's Educational Testing Service (ETS) signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in improving English training quality and testing capacity for the educational system in Viet Nam.

In a meeting with ETS Vice President Rohit Sharma last month, MoET Minister Nguyen Kim Son suggested some priorities for cooperation in the immediate future, including sending ETS experts to Viet Nam to give consultancy and share experience in testing activities, providing documents and information in organising examinations, and creating conditions for Vietnamese experts to receive training courses of ETS. He also underlined Viet Nam's interest in digital transformation in this field.

Besides, universities of Viet Nam and the US have enjoyed strong partnership, especially in training and researching.

Currently, about 50 out of more than 400 underway higher education linkage programmes in Viet Nam are with US partners, mostly at graduate (655 students) and post-graduate (about 70 students) levels. Those linkage programmes are mainly in science-technology, computer science and economics.

In recent years, the US Government has provided Viet Nam with hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships through the VEF Foundation, and supported improving English skills through the Fellowship and Fulbright programmes. The US has also provided Viet Nam with practical support to strengthen tertiary education capacity through BUILT-IT and FURTHER projects funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

There are currently about 26,000 Vietnamese students studying in the US both as self-funded and scholarship recipients. Meanwhile, in the last five years, an average 10-20 students from the US have come to Viet Nam to study Vietnamese and Vietnamese studies.

USAID has also provided significant support for Viet Nam's education and training sector, with some US$68 million in total granted to projects in Viet Nam.

In September 2022, the MoET and the USAID signed a memorandum of understanding on providing development aid to enhance the higher education quality in Viet Nam, with a total aid of $15.4 million starting from 2023.

A number of US-invested educational institutions have been established in Viet Nam, with six general education institutions in Ha Noi and HCM City, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Binh Duong, and a university in HCM City.

The Fullbright University Viet Nam (FUV) was established in May 2016 as a 100 per cent foreign-invested higher education institution operating not for profit.

Viet Nam has focused on promoting international integration and attracting foreign investment in education in a bid to enhance education quality towards creating a breakthrough in human resources development. Therefore, there is great potential for educational cooperation between Viet Nam and the US, contributing to promoting bilateral relations, strengthening the connections between the two peoples and boosting the sustainable development of Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  US President Joe Biden arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi on Sunday afternoon, starting a two-day State visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

President Biden is accompanied by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc E. Knapper, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Deputy National Security Advisor Jonathan Finer, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell, among others.

Welcoming the US President and the delegation at the airport were Head of the Party Central Committees Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung, Chairman of Ha Noi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, Director of the State Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Viet Dung.

The US President was born November 20, 1942 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He announced his decision to run for president in April 2019, and won the presidential election for the 2021-2025 term in November 2020.

On April 25 this year, Biden announced his candidacy for re-election as president with Vice President Kamala Harris as his running mate.

President Bidens visit to Viet Nam marks a decade of the comprehensive partnership of Viet Nam and the US. It is a continuity of previous visits by US presidents  Bill Clinton in 2000, George Bush in 2006, Barack Obama in 2016, and Donald Trump in 2017.

The outstanding outcomes of the Viet Nam-US bilateral relationship over almost three decades provide the basis to affirm that the State visit of President Biden will be another significant milestone in the two countries joint journey for peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development for the region and the world.  VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on Sunday presided over the welcome ceremony for US President Joe Biden at the Presidential Palace in Ha Noi.

This is the first time a US President has made a State visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee.

The visit takes place when the two countries are marking the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Partnership.

After the welcome ceremony, the Party leader holds talks with the US President at the Party Central Committees headquarters building.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and the United States on Sunday announced the establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development, a major, historic upgrade from the current Comprehensive Partnership.

The move followed talks between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden at the headquarters of the CPV Central Committee in Ha Noi.

Biden is in Viet Nam for a two-day State visit at the invitation of the Vietnamese Party leader.

Party chief Trong warmly welcomed and appreciated President Biden's visit to Viet Nam as the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Partnership.

The visit holds special meaning, and is an opportunity for the leaders of the two countries to discuss bilateral relations as well as international issues, contributing to peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world.

The General Secretary recalled the good memories of the sincere exchange with the then US Vice President Joe Biden when he visited the US in July 2015, appreciating the opinions exchanged between the two leaders over the past time, and thanked President Biden for the June letter inviting Trong to soon visit the US.

General Secretary Trong briefed the guest on Viet Nam's achievements over nearly 40 years of comprehensive oi moi (reforms), aiming for the goals of "prosperous people, strong country, democracy, equality, and civilization", along the main orientations of economic development, social progress and justice, and the promotion of the building of a rule-of-law Socialist state, and proactive and active international integration.

Trong also congratulated the significant socio-economic achievements of the US under the leadership of President Biden and the contributions of the US in advancing global cooperation to address major challenges in healthcare, environmental protection, climate change response, and food security.

Trong underlined Viet Nam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, development, diversification, and multilateralisation of foreign relations; proactive and active engagement in comprehensive, intensive and extensive international integration; and that Viet Nam is a friend, trustworthy partner, and an active and responsible member in the international community. Viet Nam follows the defence policy of "four no's."

In complex and international conflicts, Viet Nam desires all parties to engage in dialogue and peaceful resolution based on respecting the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.

Viet Nam highly appreciates the US' support for Viet Nam's and ASEAN's positions on the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue.

Viet Nam requests that the US continue to support and actively contribute to peace, security, cooperation, and the guaranteeing of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and legitimate, lawful interests of countries in the East Sea, refrain from the use or threats of force and actions that go against international law which further complicate the situation, resolve disputes peacefully, observe the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the early signing of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea that is consistent with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982.

Trong recalled that Viet Nam had collaborated with the US in fighting against fascism during World War II. The founding father of Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh, quoted part of the US's Declaration of Independence at the beginning of Viet Nam's own Declaration of Independence, as well as sent a letter to the US Administration proposing the establishment of full relations with the US. However, the relationship between the two countries has experienced many ups and downs, particularly the prolonged and most devastating war after World War II in the 20th century.

Viet Nam is pleased to see that since the normalisation of relations in 1995, especially after the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership in 2013, bilateral ties have witnessed significant, profound, substantial, and effective developments.

Based on the important foundations mentioned above, for the benefits of the people of both countries and the desire to enhance cooperation towards the goals of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in a new context, Viet Nam welcomes the establishment of a new high-level relationship between the two countries, known as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development.

General Secretary Trong and President Biden both agreed that the reality has demonstrated that the most important factors in the development of Viet Nam-US relations are total respect for the fundamental principles guiding the bilateral relationship, including respect for the UN Charter, international law, and each other's political system, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

General Secretary Trong stressed that mutual understanding, understanding of each other's circumstances, respect for each other's legitimate interests, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs are always of significant importance.

The "particular" guiding principle for the development of Viet Nam-US relations is "leaving the past behind, overcoming differences, promoting similarities, and looking towards the future."

Viet Nam highly appreciates and values the US' support of a strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous Viet Nam.

The General Secretary highly appreciates the agreed-upon contents between the leaders of the two countries regarding the Joint Statement elevating Viet Nam-US relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development.

Accordingly, the Party leader underlined several major directions to promote Viet Nam-US relations. These include boosting mutual understanding, implementing guiding principles, improving long-term stability, promoting cooperation at various levels and sectors, and people-to-people exchanges.

The General Secretary welcomes the strong promotion of economic, trade, and investment cooperation, as well as inclusive economic growth driven by innovation, which continue to be the central foundation and driving force for bilateral relations.

Both sides have agreed on making breakthroughs in cooperation in science and technology, and the General Secretary welcomes this development.

President Biden expressed his joy at visiting Viet Nam and thanked for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation. He added that he was delighted to meet the General Secretary again.

The US leader highlighted that the visit holds historic significance not only for the bilateral relations between the two countries but also for the Indo-Pacific region and the world.

He underscored the US' commitment to supporting an open, stable, safe, interconnected, and prosperous region.

President Biden stressed the importance and position of Viet Nam in the region and highly appreciated Viet Nam's positive role in various regional and global issues, including climate change response.

The US President affirmed his support for ASEAN's centrality and expressed a desire to cooperate with Viet Nam to contribute to the unity and prosperity of ASEAN.

He stressed the importance of the East Sea for international prosperity and stability and reiterated the US' position on the East Sea. The President also emphasised the importance that the US attaches to the goals of the Indo-Pacific Economic Cooperation Framework.

President Joe Biden expressed his respect for Viet Nam and highly appreciated Viet Nam's development achievements and contributions to international affairs, as well as the leadership role of General Secretary Trong.

The US leader declared his support for Viet Nam's development, including economic and scientific-technological cooperation in the new phase, such as the development of the electronics industry, climate change adaptation, and clean energy development.

President Biden commended the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which benefits both countries as well as serves common international interests.

Both leaders agreed that the dialogue took place in a friendly, equal, understanding, and respectful atmosphere, with in-depth, comprehensive, and fruitful exchanges.

The significant outcomes of the dialogue and President Joe Biden's visit will positively contribute to the growth of bilateral relations in the new phase, for the benefit of the people of both countries and for peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Other than special friendships with the two neighbours of Laos and Cambodia, Viet Nam currently has Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China (2008), Russia (2012), India (2016), Republic of Korea (2022), with the latest addition of the US (2023). VNS
PRAGUE  Nearly 400 women representing Vietnamese women's unions in nearly 20 European countries attended a founding congress of the Vietnamese Women Federation (VWF) in Europe, which was held in Prague, the Czech Republic on September 9.

Along with sketching out the federation's operation orientations for the next five years, participants focused on seeking measures to support the formation of organisations for Vietnamese women in countries where such organisations have not been set up, and assist member organisations to build their own operational plans.

They also gave ideas on giving support to poor women and orphans at home and in European countries.

At the congress, a 43-member standing board of the federation was elected. Nguyen Viet Trieu, President of the Vietnamese Women Association in Poland was elected as the President of the VWF in Europe.

The federation will become a member of the Union of Vietnamese People Associations in Europe.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency, Trinh Thi Thu Van, a delegate of the Vietnamese Women Association in Poland said that the idea of establishing the VWF was raised at the second congress of the Union of Vietnamese People Associations in Europe in 2022.

The VWF provides a large-scale forum for Vietnamese women in Europe, and creates a momentum and provides orientation for activities of Vietnamese women in Europe, enabling them to contribute more to community work and development of overseas Vietnamese communities abroad.

On the occasion, the VWF in Europe announced the formation of a fund for poor women and orphans, and launched fundraising activities for the fund.  VNS
By Luong Thu Huong

Like many Hre ethnic youths in Teng Village in the central province of Quang Ngai, Pham Thi Y Hoa is overwhelmed with pride when she wears the distinctive traditional brocade costume of her ethnic group.

The 31-year-old's social media feeds are constantly updated with photos of the Teng handloom weaving craft, which has been recognised as a national intangible heritage since 2019.

Besides traditional products like clothing, scarves or shawls, Hoa has also woven contemporary goods like handbags, ties, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress) and wedding dresses, helping more customers learn about the Hre's unique craft and inspiring locals to take part in preserving their ancient heritage.

"When I create a new product, I usually share it on my personal page to receive feedback and suggestions from friends and customers. It is also a way for me to improve my work and meet the market demand," she said.

Hoa's and other Teng villagers' efforts to promote their ancient craft have paid off, even going beyond borders. At the EXPO 2020 in Dubai, UAE, two of their handloom fabric products were showcased in the VIP area, together with 13 representative products of 10 other ethnic minorities from Viet Nam.

Hre brocade appeared in an impressive fashion show within the international exhibition. Five creations by renowned fashion designers Ly Quy Khanh and Chula were meticulously woven by Hoas talented hands, impressing many fashionistas attending.

After receiving orders to create the handloom fabric for the designers, I was overjoyed and determined to carry out the task, Hoa told Viet Nam News.

It was my first opportunity to receive an order from renowned fashion designers and to showcase my works at such a big international event. I did my best so that my artisanal fabrics  the heritage of the Hre people  would be present at the expo."

'Unique beauty'

She said the designers requested that typical Hre patterns account for half of the fabric used for their designs at the fair, which demanded extreme care. She can only weave around 20cm of fabric a day, so it took nearly two months to complete.

Hoa has been able to weave since the age of 14. As a 9th grader, she earned pocket money from creating her first complete products and selling them to residents in Ba To District where she lived.

Growing up, Hoa realised that the ancient weaving craft of her ethnic group, despite its unique beauty, was not widely known and losing interest from consumers, particularly the young people, due to its low price. She decided to return to her hometown in 2018, after studying away from home, to focus on commercialising Hre traditional fabrics.

I aimed to raise awareness about Hre handloom fabric, and preserve the weaving craft as an indispensable cultural aspect of our lives and also as a source of income both for me and my community, she said.

According to Hoa, the handloom fabrics of different ethnic groups often share vibrant and eye-catching colours, but the unique characteristic of Hre fabric is undoubtedly the traditional colour palette, which consists of three main colours: white, red and black.

However, Hre fabric has incorporated a variety of colours these days. This is due to customers preferences and the influence of modern trends. Nevertheless, the dominant three colours are still preserved, and the weaving techniques remain unchanged, she added.

Initial struggles

At first, Hoa encountered many difficulties in the preservation of her ethnic group's identity and cultural heritage.

I had to re-explore everything about the craft, starting from the source of materials. The Hre used to use cotton fibres, and now they have replaced them with synthetic fibres. I had to research and find the lowest possible price to reduce costs, the issue that most local weavers are concerned with," she said.

The next issue is finding the market, or more precisely, understanding the needs of customers within and outside my community. I have to understand what they like, what they need, and what is the most reasonable price to entice them.

Finally, it is about teaching the skills so that the weavers can understand and become familiar with innovative products and have colours that are more suitable for current trends.

Hoa is one of the first Teng villagers to promote their products on social media and e-commerce websites instead of passively waiting for customers. She has also actively introduced the craft at many trade fairs and conferences in Quang Ngai and beyond.

Thanks to Hoas keen mindset, the handloom fabric items woven by Teng villagers have gradually won much favour from customers.

Hoas products have not only been sold in Quang Ngai but in many other provinces and cities throughout the country. Moreover, they have been selected by the Provincial People's Committee as local souvenirs for distinguished guests, and travelled to many countries worldwide, including Switzerland, Italy, the UK and Germany.

Hoa is nurturing a plan to build a stilt house of her own where she will exhibit Hre cultural heritage to all visitors to Teng Village. VNS
By Tran Khanh An & Ha Linh

In the hustle and bustle of a southern district of Ha Noi, nestles a silversmiths inside a tranquil temple dedicated to the founders of the ancient craft.

Currently, the workshop has 10 workers, mostly young, and is owned by artisan Quach Phan Tuan Anh.

Holding a pair of tweezers in his right hand, Anh skilfully attaches a cloud design on a silver box. All around him, other silversmiths sit diligently perfecting their works of art, working with the precious metal all day long.

The story of inh Cong silvercraft village began in the sixth century, before the Ly Dynasty, when three brothers from the Tran family went to inh Cong Village and taught the villagers to make silver jewellery.

Passing it down from generation to generation, the village became one of the four most elite craft villages in Thang Long Citadel. inh Cong silversmiths created intricate objects as altar items and fine jewellery for centuries.

Renowned for its rich tradition of high craftsmanship, the village has thrived for 1,500 years. However, it now faces the challenge of disappearing.

There are only two families in the village still engaging in the craft, including the workshop of artisan Anh and the other owned by artisan Quach Van Hieu.

Anh said that urbanisation was one of the reasons why inh Cong Village is under threat.

Urbanisation in inh Cong Village has restricted the space for the trade. Currently, many silversmiths have to receive small orders to work at home. They gradually lose interest in the craft and find other jobs. These days, many residents in inh Cong do not even know the existence of silvercraft in the village, Anh said.

In addition, with changes in mindsets and lifestyles, young people in inh Cong have chosen other careers and often lost touch with their forebears' traditions. They have more job opportunities with higher income without having to spend more time and effort training as silversmiths.

Even Anh was set to reject the traditional craft from his father at one point.

Passing down

"I grew up watching my father making silver jewellery every day. I also helped him do some simple jobs, Anh said.

My father has always been an inspirational role model for me. As a wounded soldier, after the war, he intended to quit silvercraft, but he continued to take the trade to make a living to bring up his three children.

When Anh grew up, he initially insisted on not following his family's craft. It was not until he graduated from the National Economics University that he changed his mind.

Anh told Viet Nam News about the moment he truly realised the potential of silvercraft.

At that time, many customers came to order from my father in large quantities. However, he couldn't manage to turn out such a large number of goods on his own.

Additionally, his father, artisan Quach Van Truong, was then the only master artisan left in the village.

inh Cong craft village has survived and thrived over the centuries. If my villages silvercraft disappears in my generation, I would feel guilty and responsible for that, Anh said.

After graduating, he decided to become a silversmith and learned everything again from scratch. Along with his father, he called on the other artisans in the village to return to the craft and has maintained his workshop for 20 years.

Exquisite craftsmanship

au bac in Vietnamese means the technique of silver wire drawing and arranging into shapes to form different patterns to create a silver product.

The work begins with melting silver into ingots. The worker must make sure that these bars are even and free from any clumps or irregularities, preventing any unwanted breaks.

Next, the flat silver bars are pulled into silver threads. The size of the threads varies, with the smallest just 0.3 millimetres. With these silver threads in hand, workers carefully shape them based on drawings. This stage requires a keen eye for details and a steady hand to bring the design to life.

According to at, a skilled craftsman at Anhs workshop, welding is the most challenging step in the entire process.

Excessive heat can distort the shape of the products, while insufficient heat can result in loose joints. Therefore, the workers must have great patience and take care to achieve the best results.

Due to the level of complexity and details required, some products take a considerable amount of time to finish.

Items like small image frames or simple alphabet characters can be finished in one or two days, while the more complex products such as miniature animals or objects may require a year or more to be meticulously crafted, at said.

Handing on the torch

Anhs workshop has expanded production to meet the growing demand, and the number of orders is enough for Anh and his staff to live comfortably. However, the artisan has greater goals in mind.

To preserve and expand the inh Cong silvercraft, he believes it is critical to train a new generation of silversmiths, and build the reputation of its products.

"To develop the craft village, inh Cong needs more young workers with high skills and great patience. That is why I offer free training to locals, and even those from other places," Anh said.

He spends a tremendous amount of time imparting his skills to young workers. What they are inheriting is not only a working skill but also a culture.

Nguyen Nhat Thanh, who is only 18 years old, has learnt silversmithing for three years. He is not a inh Cong native but from a neighbouring district.

When I was 15, I had no intention to have a high education, and no idea what to do with my future. Uncle Anh took me to his workshop and taught me the craft. I am suitable for this work, I think, Thanh said.

Anh made various products with sophisticated designs to participate in fairs, exhibitions, and handicraft competitions. He won first place twice in 2020 and 2022 in the Viet Nam national handicraft competition.

Crafting many works of art not only highlights the skill of inh Cong silversmiths but also brings Anh happiness in his creativity.

When I finish a single product, I am so happy that I have surpassed myself. There are no limits to creativity in this craft, but craftsmen will always need motivation to be satisfied with their job and create more, Anh said.

inh Cong artisans are also seeking the authorities' support to have an exclusive space for the village to preserve their traditional craft. They also hope to have a space to display and promote their products, as well as welcome foreign visitors to experience silver jewellery making.

My journey has just begun, and challenges are still ahead. However, I believe that inh Cong silvercraft will come alive once again. VNS
More than 20 years ago, Vietnam and the US could not imagine that the two countries' business relationship would develop as strongly as today.

Also read: Vietnamese-American film director to release TV series

Today, US President Joe Biden has a state visit to Vietnam. Since 2000, presidents including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump have all come to Vietnam during their terms. Mr. Joe Biden will be the fifth US President to come to Vietnam and can witness the achievements of building cooperative relations between the two countries, especially trade - which is the foundation of the bilateral relationship.

Each visit of the US president to Vietnam has taken place in the context of significant changes in trade between the two countries.

As President Bill Clinton commented, the Vietnam - US Trade Agreement (BTA) - "sowing the seeds for a good future" - was signed a few months before his visit to Vietnam in 2000.

Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) when President George W. Bush attended APEC 2006 in Hanoi. Also that year, Intel announced the expansion of its factory investment project with a capital of 1 billion USD. Intel's decision at that time confirmed that Vietnam could also be an address to attract many "eagles".

Even though the TPP Agreement failed for many objective reasons, in 2016, during President Obama's visit, Vietnam - US completed negotiations, showing the development of good relations between the two sides.

"The US and Vietnam are close friends, something unimaginable before," said Mr Adam Sitkoff, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Hanoi, who has lived in Vietnam for over 20 years, told VnExpress. He said many American companies and investors actively operate in most economic fields in Vietnam.

Twenty years ago, Vietnam's economic scale was only 31.2 billion USD, and GDP per capita was nearly 400 USD (according to World Bank data). Goods exported from Vietnam to the US are only 880 million USD; from the US, exported to Vietnam is about 416 million USD.

The scale of Vietnam's GDP has increased more than 15 times, reaching 478 billion USD; GDP per capita increased 11 times, reaching 4,436 USD. The value of bilateral trade exceeded $123 billion last year.

Amcham represents more than 650 large businesses and 2,500 individual American businesses throughout Vietnam. According to Amcham, these businesses account for billions of dollars in FDI capital, have hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect employees, and contribute significantly to export revenue and taxes in Vietnam.

According to data from the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Planning and Investment), American investors poured capital into 1,216 projects in Vietnam, with a total investment capital of 11.4 billion USD by the end of 2022. This country ranks 11th among the countries and territories investing the most in Vietnam.

"Vietnam has become a significant economy compared to previous years. We are the 7th largest partner in the US, surpassing other traditional markets. In the US supply chain, Vietnam is also gradually becoming an important link," said Mr Le Hong Hiep (Institute of Southeast Asian Studies - ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore). He assessed that Mr. Biden's visit at this time shows that the US increasingly focuses on Vietnam's role in many aspects.

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh commented, "Vietnam's position is constantly increasing" over the years. Because Vietnam has a position and role in Asia-Pacific, the US and other countries attach importance to the economy of 100 million people when looking at this region.

Vietnam has deeply integrated with the world, especially in trade. "That is where we have strengthened ourselves," Mr. Vinh said. In 2000, Vietnam had only one FTA, AFTA - signed with the ASEAN region. The number has been 16, with most major countries and regions in the world, including CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP. Therefore, investing in Vietnam also means connecting to a large-scale, quality FTA network.

"We have innovated, incorporated, and developed into a market that attracts American corporations and investors to come and conduct business and earn profits. They see Vietnam's upward momentum. This is the motivation to bring the two countries closer together," he said.

The economic approach between the two countries has also changed many times. Instead of just manufacturing as before, Vietnamese-American businesses expanded into energy, digital economy, and finance with higher capital content and added value.

"The digital economy is a field rich in potential. American businesses have advantages in infrastructure that Vietnamese businesses can take advantage of, helping Vietnamese digital goods travel around the world at competitive costs," Nguyen Quang Dong, Director of the IPS Institute for Policy Research and Media Development, commented. In addition, he also noted that the trend of green growth and fighting climate change is of mutual concern to both countries.

According to the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), US companies tend to continue expanding production centres and supply chains here in the semiconductor, fast-moving consumer goods, digital economy, and creative economic sectors. In addition, the aerospace, defence and security sectors also witnessed renewed interest from both sides.

Therefore, many economic expectations were raised during Mr. Biden's state visit here.

According to Mr. Pham Quang Vinh, with what Vietnam is doing well in trade relations with the US, it is necessary to continue to promote it. That is maintaining the growth rate of trade and the volume of goods because the two countries still have much room.

He said Vietnamese goods must increase their appeal and competitiveness, adding that the country's economy is still expanding and the US market is sizable and highly consumed.

Next, Vietnam must take advantage of shifting to areas where the US has advantages, such as digital transformation, green transformation, and semiconductor products. "If we can welcome this, Vietnam - US cooperation will grow much faster," he said.

According to the Vietnamese Ambassador to the US, Nguyen Quoc Dung, during Mr. Biden's visit, the two sides are expected to meet technology businesses and sign important economic agreements and contracts worth billions of dollars.

Many people also expect the possibility of a free trade agreement. IF FORMED, an FTA between the two countries will strengthen each other's market access with more favourable conditions.

In February 2023, after the meeting between Ms Katherine Tai and Vietnam's Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, the US Trade Representative (USTR) said that Ms Tai expressed interest in promoting bilateral economic cooperation under the Vietnam-US Trade Framework Agreement (TIFA).

TIFA was signed in November 2007, during President Nguyen Minh Triet's visit to the US. At that time, the Agreement was considered the next step of the BTA and the opening step towards a Free Trade Agreement.

Suppose BTA is the initial skeleton for Vietnam and the US to have normal trade relations. In that case, creating momentum to join the WTO, then TIFA (bilateral cooperation council at ministerial level, discusses orientation, policies, and resolves trade difficulties) is the next step towards a free trade agreement (opportunity for low taxes on goods and services, even zero for goods from both sides).

Mr Biden is expected to meet General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and many other senior leaders. This visit is considered to establish an important milestone in Vietnam - US relations, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the two countries establishing a comprehensive partnership.

Read more: Removing barriers in cooperation between Vietnam and the US

Vietnam-US agricultural cooperation for the benefits of the people and global environment
A New York company thought Lorena would make a great place to raise lettuce, and so BrightFarms is spending more than $120 million placing greenhouses at Barnes Road and Birdie Lane in the small town south of Waco.

BrightFarms, which has cleared the land and started on foundation work, says greens grown there under hydroponic conditions will find their way onto grocery shelves within four hours of shipping.

Lorena, population about 1,900, stands to gain in other economic areas, said City Manager Kevin Neal, noting the BrightFarms site lies within the citys Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1. The city can capture tax money generated within this 1,000-acre zone to stimulate other development there. Neal said new homes and businesses appear on Lorenas wish list.

Theyre in the early stages, just putting down foundation piers, said Neal, referencing BrightFarms plan to initially place a 400,000-square-foot greenhouse on 8 acres. Build-out would see at least three more greenhouses, making Lorena arguably the lettuce capital of McLennan County.

BrightFarms reportedly bought 105 acres from a private owner, the land situated within the Lorena city limits and TIRZ No. 1. Neal said the company has pledged $1.3 million toward public infrastructure upgrades within Lorena, much of the money earmarked for roadway improvements.

What Ive been told is the first greenhouse will include infrastructure improvements and will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $120 million, Neal said. Phase 2 may not cost that much.

He said BrightFarms is poised to become Lorenas largest property tax generator and the second-largest employer behind the school district. Sales tax revenue making its way into city coffers is subject to negotiation.

If you go to the grocery store and buy a head of lettuce, there is no tax. If you buy a pre-packaged salad, you do pay tax, said Neal. Were still working through what, if any, sales tax is paid the city of Lorena.

Neal said the company has given city officials an idea of what to expect of the indoor farm.

Lettuce grown here would not be grown in Lorena dirt, said Neal. It would be a very sterile environment ... the process resulting in pre-packaged product to be loaded for delivery in a continual cycle. They have a pre-treatment system to ensure nutrient-rich water. They will reuse as much as they can, wanting to be environmentally friendly.

Neal said Lorena could not afford to offer perks or economic incentives to BrightFarms to locate in Lorena. He said the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in pairing city and company.

BrightFarms specifically expressed its desire to be in Lorena, Texas. It was the geographic location that sold them, Neal said. This site is close to Interstate 35, uniquely centered in Texas, and within four hours travel from most major cities they deliver to: San Antonio, Austin, Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They have plans for a large hydroponic plant in Temple, but I believe that is a different variety of lettuce.

BrightFarms made its commitment to Lorena official in a news release, with CEO John Schaefer saying in a news release: We are so proud to be expanding our growing facilities into the great state of Texas with a massive new indoor greenhouse hub thats being built in Lorena.

Once its fully built and operational next year, it will offer sustainably grown leafy greens and salad kits to more people across Texas and the Central U.S., Schaefer continued. That same news release said operating local greenhouse farms in partnership with major retailers and cities across the country allows BrightFarms to eliminate time, distance and costs from the supply chain.

We always build our greenhouses near where our consumers live, to ensure we get them the freshest produce possible, Schaefer added in the release. Most of the leafy greens in the U.S. are trucked across the country, spending days in trucks before landing in a grocery store. This means the produce is less fresh once it finally gets home and in your fridge.

We are confident Texans will taste and experience the difference once getting their hands on our fresh, locally grown greens, Schaefer said.

The company, which was acquired in 2021 by Cox Enterprises, now delivers to about 2,000 locations nationwide.

The Lorena greenhouse is one of four hubs BrightFarms will develop this year, according to online information. The first, in Yorkville, Illinois, is under construction, while others in Macon, Georgia, and in the northeastern United States remain on the drawing board for development in 2023.

Existing farms operate in Wilmington, Ohio; Culpeper, Virginia; Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania; Loudon, New Hampshire; Hendersonville, North Carolina; and Rochelle, Illinois, according to the BrightFarms website.

Kris Collins, senior vice president for economic development at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, announced BrightFarms plans to build a greenhouse in Lorena during a meeting of business leaders Thursday to discuss the monthly Greater Waco Economic Index. She said afterward the company previously made public its intentions, but this was her first opportunity to discuss the project with the community.

A graphic she displayed valued the development at $180 million.

Neal said the company will employ 60 people per greenhouse, and that BrightFarms has said it will place four greenhouses in Lorena. Neal said he believes customer demand will dictate the build-out timetable.

I dont know their exact timeline. Im sure it will depend on how successful their business is in Texas, said Neal. If construction goes beyond four greenhouses, he said, BrightFarms will need to buy more land.

He said informal talks with BrightFarms officials indicate that employees involved in everyday operations, including maintenance workers and forklift operators, will make $17.50 to $21 an hour, while mid-level staffers will receive $23.50 to $27 per hour. Upper management will receive annual salaries ranging from $60,000 to $90,000, Neal said.

Once fully operational, the greenhouses in Lorena will produce 35 million pounds of fresh produce annually, the company reported.
WATERLOO  The Board of Education will review updated policies Monday related to controversial legislative changes for public schools.

The board meets at 5 p.m. in the Education Service Center, 1516 Washington St.

Two pieces of the education reform bill signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in May  Senate File 496  will be discussed. This will be a first reading of the policies, which will return to the board at a later meeting for approval.

One policy addresses how licensed staff must notify parents or guardians if students wish to use a name or pronoun that is different from their school registration. The other policy concerns what instructional materials teachers can use in the classroom.

The first policy, titled Student Disclosure of Identification, states Waterloo Community Schools employees cannot provide false or misleading information to a parent or guardian regarding their students gender identity or intention to transition to a gender different than on their birth certificate.

If students request to change their gender identity, name or pronouns, employees are required by Iowa law to report the request to an administrator. The administrator would then report the request to the students parent or guardian. This also applies to students wishing to go by a nickname.

The other policy that will be discussed is about selection of instructional materials used in the classroom. This does not relate to the law regarding books that can be checked out of school libraries. District officials said that will be addressed at a later date.

The proposed policy states that as materials are chosen a number of factors will be considered including the needs, age and maturity of students; respect for cultural diversity and difference of opinion; stimulating growth in factual knowledge; encouraging students to make decisions and exercise freedom of thought; portraying the variety of lifestyles people can hold; and increasing awareness of the rights, duties and responsibilities members of a multicultural society hold.

It also states that the final decision on textbooks will be made by the board and superintendent.

The language of the policies coming before the board heavily mirror guidance provided by the Iowa Association of School Boards. No formal guidance has been given by the state Department of Education.

In other business, the board will:

Hear presentations on new Partners in Education. Antioch Baptist Church will partner with East High School and George Washington Carver Academy. Scooters Coffee will partner with Orange Elementary and Hoover Middle schools. The Family YMCA, The Job Foundation and Scheels will partner with the district at large.

Accept the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Michael Coughlin, whose last day was Aug. 31.
WATERLOO  Hundreds came out to the RiverLoop Amphitheatre on Sunday for the 12th annual Cedar Valley Hospice Release & Remember fundraiser.

The event saw 1,000 monarch butterflies released by the Cedar River, both to raise money for CVH and to help others remember the family and loved ones theyd lost. According to Suzanne Benda, development director for Cedar Valley Hospice, the event lets people mingle and bond with others whove lost people close to them. The messages on the memory board, she explained, are a reminder that none of them are alone.

Oftentimes, I think people feel like theyre on that journey by themselves and we want to show that there is camaraderie in our community, Benda said. That youre not alone and ... that were in this together and we can help them.

Benda elaborated that the monarchs released on Sunday will join the other butterflies of their species that are currently migrating through Iowa and will be beneficial to the species and the environment. However, the monarch butterflies themselves also play a more profound, symbolic role in the days events.

People see the butterfly as a symbol of their loved ones and, oftentimes, (their) grief process, Benda said. Because a butterfly goes through a metamorphosis and, oftentimes, thats what happens after someone grieves.

Trish Bruxvoort-Colligan came to last years event after the passing of her father, Tim Bruxvoort. This year, she was back in memory of him but also her close friend Dani Stites, who died suddenly last month.

Bruxvoort-Colligan said its been hard, but shes found unexpected help in the form of Stites dog, Jack Daniels, whom she adopted after her death. She brought her family, along with Jack Daniels, to the remembrance event. With her friend dying at a young age, Bruxvoort-Colligan said the memorial service was a celebration of life, which this felt like a continuation of.

It is very much part of the healing process. Theres something about the butterflies thats like new life, Bruxvoort-Colligan said. Its like taking a breath to pause and remember.

Funds were raised by dedicating butterflies to loved ones at $30 each and buying shirts. Others entered a raffle to release the butterflies. One such winner was Judy Baier, who was there to remember her husband, Charlie.

Baier said Sunday would have been Charlies 70th birthday, so being able to release the butterflies was a special moment for both of them. In fact, she thinks he may have had a hand in it in some way.

It was pretty awesome just seeing his name written on the memory board and being able to tell him happy birthday, Baier said. And I never get drawn for anything  I never win anything  they drew my name to release butterflies. I think Charlie had something to do with it.

Close J.P. Reifenrath writes a name on the memory board while his mother, Angie, holds him up during the 12th annual Cedar Valley Hospice Release & Remember event. Monarch Butterflies rest on Judy Baier's forearm as she releases them into the wild on Sunday during the 12th annual Cedar Valley Hospice Release & Remember event. Sunday would've been her husband Charlie's 70th birthday. Hundreds came out for Release & Remember on Sunday to celebrate the memories of their loved ones and raise funds for Cedar Valley Hospice. 'Look! Look!' Riley Gleason shows off a monarch butterfly that landed on her hand. There were 1,000 butterflies released on Sunday at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre in Waterloo. A monarch butterfly at the Release & Remember event in Waterloo, one of 1,000 sent out into the wild Sunday. Volunteers with Cedar Valley Hospice release butterflies at the Release and Remember event in Waterloo on Sunday Monarch butterflies are coaxed out of their boxes in Waterloo during the Release & Remember event Sunday. Trish Bruxvoort-Colligan and her dog, Jack Daniels, greet a boy at Release and Remember. Bruxvoort-Colligan adopted Jack Daniels following the death of her friend, Dani, whom she was there to remember. Flatland Ridge, a cover band from Independence, performs during the Release & Remember event on Sunday. CHV Release & Remember 2023 J.P. Reifenrath writes a name on the memory board while his mother, Angie, holds him up during the 12th annual Cedar Valley Hospice Release & Remember event. Monarch Butterflies rest on Judy Baier's forearm as she releases them into the wild on Sunday during the 12th annual Cedar Valley Hospice Release & Remember event. Sunday would've been her husband Charlie's 70th birthday. Hundreds came out for Release & Remember on Sunday to celebrate the memories of their loved ones and raise funds for Cedar Valley Hospice. 'Look! Look!' Riley Gleason shows off a monarch butterfly that landed on her hand. There were 1,000 butterflies released on Sunday at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre in Waterloo. A monarch butterfly at the Release & Remember event in Waterloo, one of 1,000 sent out into the wild Sunday. Volunteers with Cedar Valley Hospice release butterflies at the Release and Remember event in Waterloo on Sunday Monarch butterflies are coaxed out of their boxes in Waterloo during the Release & Remember event Sunday. Trish Bruxvoort-Colligan and her dog, Jack Daniels, greet a boy at Release and Remember. Bruxvoort-Colligan adopted Jack Daniels following the death of her friend, Dani, whom she was there to remember. Flatland Ridge, a cover band from Independence, performs during the Release & Remember event on Sunday.
Memorial services for Officer Francone will be held Saturday night at Greater Nevada Field at 250 Evans Avenue in Reno.

Doors will open to the public at 5 p.m., and attendees are requested to be seated no later than 6:15 p.m.

The 6:30 p.m. service will also be livestreamed -

On August 25th, Officer Francone died in the line of duty after he was struck by a car.

He served with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Police for just over two years and was a police officer for 26 years.

Francone leaves behind three children, his sons Jonathan and Tyler, and his daughter Katie, who was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy.

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is proposing to have State Route 446 renamed to Officer Francone Highway.

If you would like to donate to his foundation, you can find the link below:

Francone Family  Nevada Police Foundation
AN attempt by a member State of the Southern Africa Development Community to call for an extraordinary summit on Zimbabwe has been thwarted after some alert regional bloc member countries saw it as a covert effort by the European Union (EU) to undermine Harares sovereignty.

This comes as Sadc Election Observer Mission Head and former Zambian Vice President, Dr Nevers Mumba, sought to discredit the countrys just-ended harmonised elections which saw Zanu PF presidential candidate, President Mnangagwa, declared winner beating his closest rival, Mr Nelson Chamisa of CCC.

Dr Mumba has since come under fire for covertly handing over the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) report to CCC, as confirmed by the opposition partys fugitive spokesperson, Mr Promise Mkwananzi, thereby flouting the blocs guidelines on elections and ethics of observers, which require the teams to be impartial, Government has said.

In his post on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, said the covert machinations by the Sadc member State has since been noted by other vigilant member States.

There is some treacherous lobbying going on by one SADC member State to have an Extraordinary Summit on Zimbabwe. The other members are seeing through this and its not going to happen. This agenda being pushed by this member state is not its own. Its doing a hatchet job for some powerful nations, said Mr Mangwana.

Dr Mumba has since been exposed as a biased election observer after Mr Mkwananzi confirmed in an interview with a local weekly last week that CCC had seen the SEOMs final report, which spotlights his role in the high-stakes game to besmirch Zimbabwes August 23-24 elections.

In the lead-up to the recent elections, concerns were raised on the conduct of Dr Mumba, as he seemingly aligned with CCC and even went to the extent of accompanying Mr Chamisa  one of the 11 presidential candidates  to cast his vote in Kuwadzana, Harare.

He also attended Mr Chamisas press conference later that day.

In an interview with our sister paper, The Sunday Mail, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Communications), Mr George Charamba, said if what Mr Mkwananzi is saying is true, it represents an unprecedented breach of SADC principles and guidelines on elections.

If what CCC has indicated is true, namely, that the final report has been shared with a political player in Zimbabwe, ahead of presentation to the chairman of the (SADC) Organ (on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation), who is Zambian President, and ahead of its adoption by the Presidents of the Troika (Zambia, Namibia and Tanzania)  those who are supposed to sign it  and also ahead of a signed copy of the report being given to the Zimbabwean Government; if this is what has happened, it is a breach of the SADC code of conduct in relation to election observation. If there is evidence, we will take it up with SADC, he said.

Diplomatic sources indicate that beyond the scarcely concealed bias towards CCC, Zambia was also closely following the countrys election to the extent of getting regular updates from the opposition, before, during and after the elections.

It is also believed that, apart from dispatching Dr Mumba on a mission to deliver a free and fair election for Zimbabwe, Zambian officials were still making frantic efforts to convince the region to convene an extraordinary summit on Zimbabwe.

Further, the sources said, the Zambian government, in direct contravention of the impartiality demanded of it, called some Heads of State in the region to prematurely and misleadingly announce that Mr Chamisa had won the elections by 51 percent of the vote, with President Mnangagwa managing 47 percent.

However, it turned out that President Mnangagwa actually garnered 52,6 percent of the vote, with Mr Chamisa getting 44 percent.

This misdirected offensive by Zambian officials reportedly prompted Tanzania to try and send its former President Jakaya Kikwete, as an elderly statesman, to help manage an anticipated volatile situation in Zimbabwe.

However, before Mr Kikwete could fly to Zimbabwe, several SADC governments that had been contacted by Lusaka phoned the Zimbabwean Government seeking confirmation of developments in Harare.

The plot, which ultimately was designed to dent Zanu PF and President Mnangagwas legitimacy, reportedly involved some members of the SADC secretariat, including officials from the Zambian government.

Before the elections, Western governments, especially the European Union (EU), even went to the extent of extending close to US$3 million to ensure CCC fielded polling agents across the country.

The money, however, disappeared.

Eyebrows were also raised when Dr Mumbas preliminary report was almost similarly worded as the EU and US government-sponsored Carter Centre reports.

But the report is widely expected to be rejected by the region.

A Sadc member state is given an opportunity to study the report and its recommendations.

It will either accept the recommendations, if they are progressive and consistent with the constitution and laws of the country, or reject them. Herald
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code
Facebook Music

The NY rapper shares 'The Finale' teaser a few weeks after he unleashed a music video for 'Black Magic', which serves as one of the tracks off his sixteenth studio album, 'Magic 2'.

Sep 10, 2023

AceShowbiz - Nas' fans are not ready to see him hanging his mic soon. Many social media users begged the "Get Down" rapper not to retire after he shared a teaser for "The Finale".



On Friday, September 8, the 49-year-old emcee shared a short clip of "The Finale" on Instagram. However, he did not offer more details about the project.

Fans have since rushed to the comment section, with one asking, "The finale?!? Of this chapter? This book? Don't play with my life like this Nasir." Another pleaded with the New York artist, "BRUH PLEASE DO NOT RETIRE."

A third added, "What you mean the Finale man? Nah." Someone else declared, "I don't care how old you get, we're not letting you retire." A different individual then chimed in, "Stop playing Nas, ain't no finale!!! Keep going."

Nas' post arrived a few weeks after he dropped a music video for "Black Magic", which serves as one of the tracks off his sixteenth studio album, "Magic 2". Arriving on July 21, the Hit-Boy-produced project has other ten songs like "Office Hours" featuring 50 Cent and the bonus track "One Mic, One Gun" featuring 21 Savage.

Speaking of the collaboration, Fif said in a July interview with XXL, "Nas got a CD coming out, Magic 2, that I'm featured on." The "In Da Club" hitmaker added, "I got a joint with him called 'Office Hours' we did together. We ain't worked together since Power of a Dollar. It was cool to get in with him and do something like that. It's interesting that the relationship is different because we in two different places now."

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

While Reese tries to fix up his mistake, many are not impressed by his generous act as they believe that the emcee did it after receiving backlash over the water-pouring scandal.

Sep 10, 2023

AceShowbiz - Lil Reese proved that he has learned his lesson. After catching flak for recording his friend pouring a drink to a homeless, the "I Need That" rapper made a donation to the homeless in his hometown of Chicago.

In a video shared by DJ U on Instagram Story, Reese was seen giving away some money to those in need. He was also joined by a group of people during the giveaway.

Unfortunately, many were not impressed by Reese's generous act. They believe that the emcee did it after receiving backlash over the water-pouring scandal.

"Did this after laughing and messing with a homeless dude, wouldn't of did this if he didn't get the backlash for that," one person argued. Another echoed similar sentiment, "Only did it to make up for f**king with the homeless."

Reese came under fire after laughing at his pals humiliating a homeless man who was sleeping on the street. "Get his a**, get his a**. Put that b***h on his head, put that b***h on his head. F**k him!" yelled someone as the rapper recorded the incident. The emcee captioned his Instagram Live video with laughing and facepalming emojis.

He already issued a public apology though. "I would like to apologize to my fans and everybody watching for recording and laughing while they were pouring water on the homeless man in the video," the 30-year-old wrote on Instagram Story. "I do not condone or support that type of behavior in [any way]."

Reese went on to note that he would be donating to charitable causes in order to make things right following the incident. "I will be giving away money to the homeless community as well as giving away food, clothes, and water twice a month going forward," he declared.

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Scream' actress reflects on her dance training when she was young and the precious lesson she learned to protect her sanity in 'a very challenging world.'

Sep 10, 2023

AceShowbiz - Neve Campbell credits dance training with helping her to stay "sane." The 49-year-old actress studied at Canada's prestigious National Ballet School from the age of nine to 14, and Neve is also the executive producer of a new documentary called "Swan Song", which centres on the National Ballet of Canada's 2022 production of "Swan Lake".

"All of the discipline that I have, I take from dance. The capacity to be able to listen and take direction, with humility, and an understanding that you're never going to be perfect, and that it takes work and drive to be good, and that no matter how hard you work, you'll never completely get there - that is the journey," the Hollywood star told PEOPLE.

"That's what I learned, and I've taken that into the acting world. I think it certainly has fed me and it's helped me stay sane in a very challenging world."

Neve became fascinated by dance at a very early age after her dad took her to see a National Ballet of Canada production of "The Nutcracker". The actress still has vivid memories of feeling inspired by what she watched. She said, "I was six years old. It was my Christmas present. I said, 'I want to do that.' "

Neve joined the National Ballet School at the age of nine and, although she ultimately dropped out at the age of 14, Neve "loved" her time there. The actress added, "I had just been having some mental challenges, just difficult to find the balance between wanting a childhood and following this dream. I had had already quite a bit of injury. From nine years old, at the National Ballet School, I was in physiotherapy weekly."

You can share this post!
New York Times Celebrity

The 'Edward Scissorhand' director admits he feels more comfortable in his adopted country of U.K. instead of the U.S. where he was actually born and raised.

Sep 10, 2023

AceShowbiz - Tim Burton has always felt like a "foreigner" in the US. Despite born and raised in America, the 65-year-old filmmaker now feels more comfortable in the UK, his adopted home.

"Where I came from, I felt like a foreigner. Growing up, I always felt like a foreigner. When I went to London ... it was very strange. I felt it was foreign but I felt comfortable there. People were more eccentric. I don't know, there was something about it," he told The Independent.

Despite this, Tim admits that his character and his success have been shaped by his experiences in Burbank, California, the city of his birth. The acclaimed director explained, "Those experiences, living there and growing up there, shaped who I am. When I talked negatively, it was only from one side of my psyche."

"The other side is that I am from there, and if I hadn't been from Burbank, I don't think I would have been who I am. It definitely is a part of me, even though I don't live there any more. "It's like anything. Nothing is only positive in your life."

Tim - who has directed movies such as "Beetlejuice" and "Edward Scissorhand" during his career - also conceded that his journey in the movie business has been "very, very strange."

Asked how he's thrived in such a cutthroat environment, Tim replied, "Honestly, I don't really know, because I am really not that good at talking or speaking or trying to sell something, so to speak. Looking back, it's a very, very strange journey that I can't quite explain."

You can share this post!
Blog Archive: Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55)
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Vanderpump Rules' star proudly shows off her newborn baby boy Messer from the hospital bed after she delivered the bundle of joy whom she shares with husband Beau Clark.

Sep 10, 2023

AceShowbiz - Stassi Schroeder has delivered her second child. The "Vanderpump Rules" star and her husband Beau Clark had their son Messer Rhys - a brother for two-year-old Hartford - on September 7, and while they are smitten with the new arrival, they joked they are concerned their daughter will "terrorise" her new sibling.

"MESSER RHYS CLARK, born at 12:04 am on September 7th, 7 lbs 14 oz, 19.5 inches. We love him so much already, send prayers Hartford doesn't terrorize him (sic)," Stassi wrote on Instagram while sharing a series of photos of herself with Messer.

The couple revealed in March they were expecting a baby boy, just a week after announcing Stassi's pregnancy. They shared a video of them finding out the news on their "The Good The Bad The Baby" podcast and the 35-year-old reality star admitted the news hadn't come as a shock. She said, "I knew the whole entire time that we were having a boy. I kept saying it. I felt it. It was a vibe I don't know how to f****** explain it."

Stassi - who married Beau in 2020 - previously admitted she wants a "s*** ton" of children. She told Us Weekly magazine, "It is my fantasy to have a s*** ton of children, a lot of them. But children are really expensive. I'm discovering as life goes on - they're very expensive and I feel like they're the most time-consuming thing in the entire world."

Despite this, Stassi insists she won't be rushing into any big decisions. She said, "When I think about what I want my children's lives to be like, I want to be able to devote so much attention to each of them and give them as much as possible."

"I'm like, 'If I had a third, how would I give that one as much attention as these other two?' So at this point, I feel like two is a great number for me, but never say never because I might wake up one day and decide today's the day. You never know."

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Friday the 13th' actor explains that the famous 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon' game makes him believe that people 'all climbed out of the same swamp.'

Sep 10, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kevin Bacon calls the "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" game "beautiful." The 65-year-old actor becomes the inspiration behind the well-known game - which leans on the idea that everyone in Hollywood can be linked to the veteran movie star in just six steps - and Kevin now feels proud about his part in its popularity.

"I've said this before, and I really truly believe this, The thing about 'Six Degrees' is you got to take me out of it. If you take me out of it, the concept is actually beautiful, because it shows that we are all connected - and not only are we connected, but we hunger for connections," he told PEOPLE.

"I think we would be better to each other and feel less of a sense of division if we just remembered that we all climbed out of the same swamp, essentially. So in that way, I think 'Six Degrees' is actually a really positive thing. We just have to make it about people, and not just about Kevin Bacon."

Meanwhile, Kevin previously claimed that it took him years to earn respect as an actor. The movie star believes his role in Oliver Stone's "JFK" was a turning point in his career.

He told NME, "I was kind of spinning my wheels career-wise at that point, having been to the top of the mountain in Hollywood with 'Footloose'. But I was kind of sliding back down the other side. And that gave me an opportunity to redefine my career in a way that was really much more true to who I am."

"People said, 'Wow, I never thought I'd see you do that!' Of course, for me and for the people that actually knew me it was not a surprise, because I'd been doing a lot of theatre. And I've been doing, you know, crazy offbeat characters for a really long time. But to the general Hollywood industry, that was a new thing."

You can share this post!
Image Courtesy: ANI

Since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has never held a press conference; a press meet was never on his agenda, and in the recent past, when there was a press conference in the White House, an American journalist asked an embarrassing question to Modi that created a lot of unrest on social media. Maybe to avoid such awkward situations, Modi avoids press meetings. He just obliges his mouthpieces by going to their studios for an overhyped interview. This time, foreign reporters accompanying US President Joe Biden on his visit to India for the G20 summit were also given the same treatment.

Since taking over as the Prime Minister of India in 2014, Modi has been criticized nationally and internationally for avoiding press conferences. So far, he has not held a single press conference. The only time in the nine years that he took questions from the press was during the joint press conference with Biden during his state visit in June, which put him in a bad light.

Biden headed into a confidential meeting with Modi on September 8, soon after arriving in India. As Biden and Modi met at the prime ministers residence, the US press outfits were confiscated in a van, out of the eyesight of the two leadersan unusual situation for the reporters and photographers who follow the U.S. president at home and around the world to witness and record his public appearances.

The Joe Biden administration repeatedly requested increased media access for the bilateral meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit on Friday, but the Government of India rejected those requests, according to the White Houses tweet.

The press pool spray refers to the access of a pool of reporters to the two leaders at the venue right before the meeting with cameras and microphones. The purpose of the pool spray is to grant the leaders publicity with opening remarks and also grant the media the opportunity to ask questions. The leaders are at liberty to take questions of their choice since it is an informal press interaction and not a formal press conference. Such press pool sprays frequently happen at the White Houses Oval Office, where the President of the United States often hosts foreign leaders. But in India, this opportunity was denied. Biden will not address the press in Delhi but will hold a press conference in Vietnam, where he will go after Delhi.

Besides the meeting with Modi, Biden is not expected to have any other bilateral meetings. The White House has said that there could be informal interactions with leaders on the margins or pull-aside kinds of conversations, but the schedule is not expected to allow for a proper bilateral sit-down.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit here and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty to see how faster progress can be achieved on these, PM Modi said.

I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual session. I hope you all will connect in the virtual session. With this, I declare the conclusion of the G20 Summit, he added. Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

I congratulate the Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency, PM Modi said. Earlier Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva handed over saplings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Session 3 of the G20 Summit.

While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India. India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year at the G20 Summit in Bali and will continue to hold it till the end of November.

The New Delhi Declaration was adopted by G20 leaders on Saturday, the first day of the Summit. The G20 leaders visited Rajghat on Sunday morning to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.
DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday urged party workers to strive together for a stupendous victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls so that the party would have a key role in the next government at the Centre.

Stalin said the opposition INDIA alliance should win the Parliamentary elections next year to ensure the nations welfare.

India itself can be protected only if the INDIA alliance wins, he told party workers in his virtual address on the occasion of a wedding in the family of the partys Neyveli MLA Saba Rajendran. For the well-being of the nation, all 39 Lok Sabha segments in Tamil Nadu and the one constituency in neighbouring Puducherry should be won by the DMK and its allies, the party chief said.

Only a huge victory in all 40 seats would enable the DMK to play a significant role in the new dispensation at the Centre following the parliamentary polls, he added.

The DMK president urged party workers to take a vow to work unitedly for a big win in the Lok Sabha polls and raised the partys slogan Naarpathum Namathe, Nadum Namathe (All 40 seats are ours and the country too).
As the 60th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing approaches, the congregation strives to maintain the memory of four Black girls murdered there by the Ku Klux Klan. But theyre also celebrating the churchs 150th anniversary and legacy as a home for the Black community in Birmingham.

In 2001, when Rev. Arthur Price Jr. was thinking about moving his family from Buffalo, New York, to Birmingham, he didnt know what to expect. Hed never lived in the South before. However, he was pleasantly surprised that it turned out to be a great place to raise (my wife Candie and Is) two daughters.

(The church) wanted to be known more for a ministry than a museum, Price said. We thought that we had a vision that could make it happen. We prayed about it and talked a lot about it, and God led us here. And He worked it out.

The church was founded in 1873 and completed its current building, a red brick Romanesque structure with two iconic towers and a powerful pipe organ, in 1911. During segregation, 16th Street was known as everyones church for its role hosting meetings and lectures.

In the 1960s, the building became an organizational hub for the local civil rights movement, most notably Martin Luther King Jrs Birmingham campaign.

16 1 / 16 16th Street Baptist Church bombing: Photos from 1963

Ahkeem Lee, 27, grew up at the church and developed a love for history after giving church tours. Lee said he continues to learn interesting tidbits of church history. For instance, he recently learned esteemed Black educator Arthur Harold Parker was a Sunday School superintendent at the church.

I feel like because I have gained the wealth of knowledge of the church history and went to (Birmingham-Southern College) for history, I think its absolutely very important for me to be able to continue to educate young people, Lee said.

As the church and Birmingham evolve and change, Price said the congregation must move outside the four walls of the church and serve. They work with local teachers to ensure they have the supplies they need, offer health screenings and dispense food.

The church has partnered with family court where we take what the world deems as deadbeat dads. If men agree to take courses at the church, instead of jail time, they receive probation and a chance to return to their families and man up and be the man that God wants them to be, Price said.

Congregants in the Wall Builders program at 16th Street Baptist work with people arrested for low quantities of drugs. They teach job readiness skills and apply for new jobs. Besides working with local law enforcement, the church also partners with the FBI to do civil rights seminars.

We try to keep people educated and enlightened about some of the inequalities, inequities, and misappropriations thats going on in the world, Price said.

The church has seen its share of inequity and injustice.

The building will be the focal point for a week of events remembering the deaths of Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley after KKK members set off a bomb in the basement on Sept. 15th, 1963.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson will speak at the annual memorial service Sept. 15. The City of Birmingham is hosting a series of Forging Justice events throughout the year.

Price hopes the 30,000 to 50,000 people who visit the church annually to pay homage and tribute can see a connection between the struggles of the 20th century civil rights movement and the injustices of the present, including the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

The congregants of 16th Street Baptist have seen their share of trials and tribulations before and after 1963.

Price said church membership worldwide is declining, and the COVID-19 pandemic only exposed the issue. Streaming the services online has been the antidote to this problem. Now that the severity of the pandemic is waning, the call to action to fellowship beyond the church remains strong.

Although (church membership declining) is disheartening, were not disheartened by that, Price said. It just makes us roll up our sleeves even more, seek God in prayer, and try to find ways to engage people to be a part of the fellowship because we do believe that fellowship is important.

The churchs long and storied history keeps Price optimistic because he sees the legacy of resilience.

I think its helped make Birmingham a better place to live in, Price said. And thats all because of resiliency.
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters they wrote supporting Danny Masterson.

The two actors took to Instagram on Saturday to address the letters they wrote in support of their That 70s Show co-star Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison on Thursday after being convicted of two counts of rape in May. Kutcher and Kunis were among the high-profile Hollywood personalities whose letters of support were included in a 108-page filing seeking leniency in Mastersons sentencing.

The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jurys ruling, said Kunis in their video testimonial.

They were written for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or retraumatize them in any way, added Kutcher. We would never want to do that. And were sorry if that has taken place.

The couple, who alternated lines through their joint video, pointed to their history of supporting victims in their philanthropic work and explained that they were approached by Mastersons family to write character letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing.

In May, Masterson was convicted of two counts of rape following his second trial resulting from accusations made by three women he had met through the Church of Scientology. Neither Kutcher nor Kunis letters questioned the conviction. That 70s Shows Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith were also among those who wrote statements in support of Masterson.

The full transcript of Kutcher and Kunis statement is below.

Kutcher: We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson.

Kunis: We support victims. We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future.

Kutcher: A couple of months ago, Dannys family reached out to us and they asked us to write character letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing.

Kunis: The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jurys ruling.

Kutcher: They were written for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or retraumatize them in any way. We would never want to do that. And were sorry if that has taken place.

Kunis: Our heart goes out to every single person whos ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape.

2023 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Loxley police are investigating a Saturday morning shooting, and media reports suggest it might have stemmed from an altercation between an aunt and her niece.

According to Fox 10, police were dispatched to a house within the Bay Branch Estates subdivision around 7:30 a.m. and discovered a 55-year-old woman with multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to University Hospital with a life threatening injury, according to reports. Loxley police have identified a suspect through surveillance footage and are searching for her, according to Fox 10. The victim was allegedly the suspects aunt.

Loxley police, when reached Saturday night, said to call back on Monday.
Texas wildlife authorities are testing a new way of controlling feral hogs via poisoned bait that they say could be a game-changer in mitigating the millions of dollars in damages that wild pigs cause every year.

Texas A&M associate professor and extension wildlife specialist John Tomecek and Michael Bodenchuk, director of Texas Wildlife Services, recently concluded a two-year study testing a warfarin-based poison bait product at 23 locations in 10 counties across the Lone Star State.

Tomecek told AL.com that his results showed the bait was an effective tool when applied as instructed.

In places where people used it correctly, they were able to kill all of the pigs that we were able to see on camera, he said. So we didnt have any pigs left on some of those places at the end of the application. Or at the end of the year of using the product, even though they still had pigs, the numbers were far fewer and the damages were far less.

Mark Smith, a professor at Auburn University and specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System who specializes in feral hog research and control, said wildlife officials in Alabama are watching the study closely.

I think Johns study will be important to see the results, said Smith, to figure out if thats going to be possible here in Alabama at some point in time.

Sign up for the Worth Your Time newsletter: Get the best journalism happening in Alabama delivered straight to your inbox every week.

He said additional study would have to be done on potential harm to non-target species before the product would be approved for use in Alabama.

Black bears are just like giant raccoons, they can get into anything, Smith said. Based on what we know about feeding behaviors, black bears will just sit there and eat and eat and eat so a very toxic bait is probably going to kill them deader than a doornail.

READ MORE: Bullets alone cant solve Alabamas feral hog problem

Tomecek said the bait stations are designed to prevent non-target animals from reaching the poisoned bait. He said landowners have to train the hogs to get food from the stations before the poison is added.

The feeder device requires a pig to essentially stick its head under a metal bar and lift the metal bar to open the door, he said. And pigs are quite capable of doing this but youve got to get them used to eating out of the feeder and then slowly close that door little by little to where theyre used to opening it up to get food.

Then, a pig has to feed there for 5 to 6 days in order to ingest enough poison to be fatal, meaning the landowner has to make sure the trap is baited consistently to get as many hogs as possible.

Its not a one time feeding kind of item, Tomecek said.

The full results of the Texas study have not been made public or published in a scientific journal. Tomecek said the study was conducted at the request of the Texas state legislature to evaluate whether the product should be approved for use.

Were waiting for our legislators and our Department of Agriculture to digest those results because we conducted this study for their benefit, Tomecek said. At some point I suspect well be publishing all that but we just dont have it out yet.

The product, marketed under the name Kaput, was given initial clearance by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as a pesticide, allowing further testing, but individual states must also grant a registration to use the product.

Feral hogs, a growing problem across the southeast, can somewhat be controlled by capturing them in fenced traps like this one.

Smith at Auburn said that wild pigs cause at least $50 million in agricultural damages every year in Alabama, not to mention damage to other property, roads, lawns, and wild streams.

Peanut farmers down in the southeast part of the state really take a hit in terms of pig damage, Smith said. Some of the corn and bean producers on western side of the state as well.

Smith said that streams where large numbers of feral swine have shown elevated levels of E. coli bacteria that can make people sick if they come in contact with it.

Its just not a farmer problem or forest landowner problem, he said. It really becomes a human health problem when you look at it from the standpoint of water quality.

READ MORE: Wild hogs wreaking havoc on Alabama wildlife

The new option isnt easy, but it is easier than some other hog control methods, such as shooting hogs with shotguns from helicopters.

We do have some properties that are several hundred square miles in size, and so the only way to [hunt pigs] efficiently is with aerial shooting, Tomecek said.

In Alabama, trapping is a more common option, and the Alabama Feral Swine Control Program offers landowners a 70% rebate up to $12,000 for hog traps and other eligible equipment.

Smith said that the poisoned bait products might be a good option down the road once more studies are conducted.

I dont know where its going to go, but I think things are fixing to get interesting here in Alabama, certainly, based on the Texas study, Smith said.
Two foreign aid workers were reportedly killed in eastern Ukraine on Sunday as Russian shelling hit a van carrying a team of four working with a Ukrainian nongovernmental organization, while dozens of Russian drones targeted Kyiv and wounded at least one civilian.

The four volunteers from the Road to Relief group, which helps evacuate wounded people from front-line areas, were trapped inside the van as it flipped over and caught fire after being struck by shells near the town of Chasiv Yar, the organization said on its Instagram page.

Road to Relief said that Anthony Ihnat of Canada died in the attack, while German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr were seriously wounded, it said.

Road to Relief added that it couldnt trace the whereabouts of the vans fourth passenger, Emma Igual, a Spanish national who was the organizations director. Hours later, Spains acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spanish media that authorities in Madrid had received verbal confirmation of the 32-year-old Iguals death.

The volunteers were on their way to assess the needs of civilians on the outskirts of Bakhmut, Road to Relief said, in reference to the eastern town that saw the wars longest and bloodiest battle before falling to Moscow in May. Ukrainian forces have held on to Bakhmuts western suburbs and are pushing a counteroffensive in the area.

Also on Sunday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched dozens of drones at Kyiv and the surrounding region early in the morning, wounding at least five civilians.

Ukraines air force later said it had brought down 26 out of a total of 33 drones. The head of Kyivs military administration, Serhii Popko, reported that debris from Iranian-made Shahed drones fell in several districts of the city and wounded at least one civilian. Popko said there was no risk to the persons life, and added that most of the wreckage fell in open ground, although one high-rise apartment was damaged.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko later confirmed that one civilian was wounded in the citys historic center and received help on the spot.

The governor of the Kyiv region, which surrounds but doesnt include the capital, also reported that the drone strike wounded four people across the province, one of whom had to be hospitalized. In a Facebook post, Gov. Ruslan Kravchenko said that the drones damaged an infrastructure facility as well as civilian buildings including homes and stores, a hospital, a rehabilitation center, a school and a kindergarten.

Russias Defense Ministry said in the early hours of Sunday that Moscows forces earlier destroyed three U.S.-supplied speedboats carrying Ukrainian soldiers that had been traveling toward Russian-occupied Crimea. The claim couldnt be independently verified. Earlier on Sunday, the ministry said in a separate statement that Russian air defenses shot down eight Ukrainian drones targeting Crimea, as well as another that flew over the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine.

On Aug. 24, Ukrainian military intelligence said that its special forces landed in Crimea, which Moscow illegally took from Ukraine in 2014, and raised the Ukrainian flag along the peninsulas western shore before leaving without casualties.

Ukrainian army representatives on Sunday reported further small gains near Robotyne in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, where Kyiv has mounted a counteroffensive, days after Russian-installed authorities acknowledged that Russian forces had left the village.
David Shers ComebackTown for a better greater Birmingham.

Click here to sign up for newsletter. (Opt out at any time)

Im going to talk about Alabamas license plate codes to belly-ache about our Birmingham regions lack of growth.

When I was a child traveling out of state and I saw an Alabama license plate beginning with the number 1, I would proudly proclaim to my family that the folks in that car were from Birmingham, and I would think to myself: Birmingham, the #1 city in Alabama.

Today most people may not be aware or even care about Alabamas license plate codes, but our Birmingham region is in the process of falling behind.

Last year the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, and the Metropolitan Birmingham-Hoover area all lost population. Since 2010, Jefferson County grew by 3%. Madison County grew by 21%.

Alabama has used county numbers on its license plates since 1942. Jefferson County is #1, Mobile #2, and Montgomery #3.

All other counties are ranked alphabetically and assigned consecutive numbers beginning with #4 and concluding with #67. Autauga County #4; Winston County #67.

When the City of Birmingham recently slipped from the largest city in the State to 4th, initially I began to worry that Birmingham might lose its #1 code, but then I remembered Alabama tags are not numbered by citybut by county.

I assumed Jefferson, Mobile, and Montgomery Counties were numbered #1, #2, and #3 because they are the three most populated counties in Alabama.

I couldnt have been more wrong. Maybe that was true at one time, but certainly not today.

Here are the seven largest Alabama counties ranked by population as of 2023.

Jefferson 679,599

Mobile 415,355

Madison (Huntsville) 404,155

Baldwin 246,617

Tuscaloosa 236,750

Shelby 231,406

Montgomery 228,831

Montgomery is assigned the county code #3 even though its the 7th most populated county.

Seems like Madison County (Huntsville) should be code #3 rather than #47.

Maybe the folks in Madison County should feel slighted.

Obviously county population size doesnt matter for license plate numbers currently.

At some point, however, the state legislature might decide to update tag numbers for the larger cities, but Im not sure the citizens of Montgomery County would be happy to lose their #3 code to become #51 based on alphabetic placement.

Obviously population size is fluid and can change drastically.

According to the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ), While (Birmingham) being about twice metro Huntsvilles size may seem like a comfortable lead, its worth noting that the city of Birmingham was twice the size of the city of Huntsville in 1980. In four decades, they passed us.

In a recent BBJ Power Poll, influential Birmingham leaders surveyed felt that while metro Birmingham currently has a large lead on metro Huntsville in population, only 52% of respondents believe metro Birmingham will still be the states largest in 50 years.

And when these Birmingham leaders were asked to rate their level of concern about Birminghams population drop from 1 to 4 on a scale of 1 (not at all concerned) to 5 (very concerned), 43% of respondents chose 4 or 5.

Today, metro Birminghams population is about 1.12 million. Metro Huntsvilles population is 514,465  about half our size.

Birmingham leaders focus on metro populationnot city population.

Ty West has it right when he wrote in the BBJ, If Birmingham leaders want to hang their hats on metro size, theres a responsibility that comes with that. Its the responsibility to actually behave like a united region, rather than a collection of competing, independent municipalities.

Its a bar we havent always hit, but weve been hitting it more often in recent years and reaped the rewards from it. 2018 and 2019 were some of our best years of job growth in the past three decades. In the post-pandemic world, we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.

Maybe its all just a coincidence those improved results started around the same time local mayors and elected officials starting collaborating more often and numerous Jefferson County cities signed the Good Neighbor Pledge to stop poaching metro businesses away from one another.

Right now, we can hang our hat on our metros size and confidently say well be the states economic center a largest metro for the foreseeable future.

But if we want that to be the case 40 years from now, well need to do more than talk about being a united metro. Well need to act like it.

David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. Hes past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).

Click here to sign up for our newsletter. (Opt out at any time)
New research on marriage has drawn significant attention, leading to several widely read articles on the matter. Early last month, at UnHerd, in a piece entitled The best predictor of happiness in America? Marriage authors W. Bradford Wilcox and David Bass write:

Americans who are married with children are now leading happier and more prosperous lives, on average, than men and women who are single and childless. Is that statement surprising? In an age that prizes individualism, workism, and a host of other self-centric isms above marriage and family, it may well be. But the reality is that nothing currently predicts happiness in life better than a good marriage.

The UnHerd authors base their conclusions on a study published in July out of the University of Chicago. Looking at The Socio Political Demography of Happiness, the research concluded, Being married is the most important differentiator with a 30-percentage point happy-unhappy gap over the unmarried.

On the results of the study, researcher Sam Peltzman declared:

Marital status is and has been a very important marker for happiness. The happiness landslide comes entirely from the married. Low happiness characterizes all types of non-married. No subsequent population categorization will yield so large a difference in happiness across so many people.

With countless amounts of anecdotal evidence, and with decades of social science research that shows the same, theres little doubt that marriage is indeed an important predictor or marker for happiness. However, this shouldnt be confused with the idea that marriage is the cause of happiness. In other words, if youre miserably unhappy, or even moderately so, dont simply look to marriage to change this.

The latter conclusion is my own, based on my experiences, knowledge, and observations of the world; however, there is research to support it as well. Additionally, another article on the recent University of Chicago studywhether it means to or notsupports my take on marriage and happiness. Ironically, this article is written by what seems to be a rather liberal authorOlga Khazanat the leftist publication The Atlantic.

Miss Khazan begins her piece by citing the University of Chicago study and concluding:

Married people are much happier than the unmarried, according to these data. Looking at those same 100 people, 40 married people will say theyre happy, and 10 will say theyre not happy. But single people are about evenly split between happy and not happy. It doesnt really matter if you are divorced, are widowed, or have never married: If youre not married, youre less likely to be happy. The only happy people for 50 years have been married people, Peltzman told me.

This puzzles Miss Khazan because, in her own words, [A]fter 13 years of cohabitation, Im currently trying to get married, and its not making me very happy at all. I have news for Miss Khazan and all of those like her: It is quite unlikely that marriage will do anything to increase your happiness.

Miss Khazans scenario is quite telling and is a perfect example to illustrate my conclusion on marriage and happiness. It is not the mere act of marriage that brings, or increases, happiness. Perhaps this was once the case in our culture, when there was a widespread, proper understanding of what is marriage. However, in these times, where we have so perverted the meaning of marriage, sex, and the like, almost certainly many of those who are looking to marriage to increase their happiness will be sadly disappointed.

In other words, its thosewhether they are married or notwith the proper understanding of what is marriage who are most likely to be happy before and after marriage. As Miss Khazan herself admits, marriage doesnt make you happy; rather, happy people get married. She continues:

One 15-year study of more than 24,000 Germans, for instance, found that those who got married and stayed married were happier than the unmarried ones to begin with, and any happiness boost they got from the marriage was short-lived. Most of the research indicates that the happiest couples marry, not that marriage causes happiness, Brienna Perelli-Harris, a demography professor at the University of Southampton, in the United Kingdom, told me over email.

So, who are these happy people? Most likely, theyre Christians, or at least the religious. Again, theres plenty of anecdotal evidence that proves this true. As we live out our daily lives, typically those who have a measure of faith in the One who made us are the most pleasant to encounter and seem most content with the world around them. This is in spite of whatever difficult circumstances in which they might find themselves.

And yes, there is research that shows Christians, or at least those who are religious, to be the happiest among us. In April of this year, Christian Headlines declared Americans Who Believe in God Are the Happiest People in the U.S. They based this conclusion on a Wall Street Journal-NORC survey and report:

A handful of strong beliefs separate those who are very happy from the rest of Americans. An overwhelming majority of very happy people  68 percent  say belief in God is very important to them. Thats a significantly higher percentage than among the pretty happy group (47 percent) and the not too happy group (42 percent). They tend to say belief in God is important, The Wall Street Journal reported of the very happy group. Two-thirds describe themselves as very or moderately religious, compared with less than half of adults overall.

A 2019 Pew Research Center study found regular participation in a religious community [emphasis by Pew] clearly is linked with higher levels of happiness and civic engagement (specifically, voting in elections and joining community groups or other voluntary organizations). 2016 Pew research found similar results, noting that highly religious people were happier than others. The highly religious are overwhelmingly (95 percent) Protestant, Catholic or other Christians.

In 2016, using data from a study by Great Britains Office for National Statistics, The Christian Post reported that, among all faith groups, Christians were the happiest. The article declared:

Statistics from Britain's national happiness index have suggested that Christians are among the happiest people in the nation, while those who dont identify with any particular religion generally scored the lowest life satisfaction numbers.

Christians are among the happiest people in the world, not simply because of who we areand not simply because we are more likely to marry, or because of our view on what is marriagebut because of who God is and because of all that Hes done and will do. Were generally a happy people because of the faith, hope, and love, and all the other good fruit that permeates Christianity. Wont you join us?!

Trevor Grant Thomas

At the Intersection of Politics, Science, Faith, and Reason.

www.trevorgrantthomas.com

Trevor is the author of the The Miracle and Magnificence of America

tthomas@trevorgrantthomas.com

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
There is a reason the issue of impeaching President Biden has finally come into the spotlight, and it isnt what you may think. The Republicans have neither the spine nor the skills to pull off an impeachment, even with a teed-up softball like this. Democrats want the threat of impeachment without the impeachment itself, but Republicans can call their bluff.

I often said I would fear being grilled by Trey Gowdy in a congressional hearing. He was excellent at his job and was brutal in cross-examination. But despite all the information and even drop-dead proof he generated, no one has even been charged, much less brought to justice. Big hat, no cattle. No spine.

Add to that Hillary Clintons activities that, as James Comey demonstrated during his July 5, 2016, press conferencewere egregious and worthy of prison. I was cheering, Finally! as I listened, right up until his unexpected statement that no reasonable prosecutor would indict her.

The Republicans have proof that Biden allegedly sold his office (usually to political enemies) for monetary gain. He and his family allegedly avoided paying income taxes on those payments, and running afoul of the IRS is a bigger crime than treason these days. There appears to be enough to impeach and convict him. Does this mean that the Republicans are finally growing a spine, even for a softball served up for them so neatly?

Image: Biden by Andrea Widburg.

Think again. The current Republican investigation is not what it seems, and thats because of the Democrats.

The Democrats have a problem, which is they cannot let Joe run in 2024. Although impeachment seems like a solution, its not. If he were impeached, Kamala Harris would complete Bidens term as the incumbent (SFX: Sound of hilarity ensuing). At that point, they cant try to deep-six her for 2024, because they risk the base condemning them for racism and gender crimes, something that terrifies the left. What to do?

Democrats must wreck Biden politically. His face-saving step will be to announce he is retiring and wont run due to health reasons. If the Democrats have time to find a suitable candidate, it wont be Harris.

Logic, therefore, shows that its the Democrats who are driving and exploiting revelations about Bidens corruption. As proof, notice that the same media and social media outlets that once silenced this information, and a DOJ that ignored it in the lead-up to the 2020 election, are now helping expose it. Amazingly after three years of aggressive denials, these same outlets and agencies are confirming that Hunter Bidens laptop is legitimate. Really?

That is why the Republican impeachment threat is a misdirection and doesnt reflect Republican spinal growth. The Democrats and media control the spigot on what gets attention. The Republicans are just the patsies who can be blamed.

If the Republicans really care about the issue, they must press impeachment now, to force Bidens resignation before his term ends, making Harris president.

RINOs are appalled at this idea. What if we are wrong and the evidence doesnt prove out? It will hurt our credibility. Question for you. Has that ever stopped the Democrats, whether its their Steele Dossier and Russia hoax (now disproved as setups by Democrats), two impeachments (which failed for evidence), or 91 current charges in four cases against Trump?

Democrats play to win, period, and have no sense of shame should they lose, like they did with the January 6 kangaroo court. They dont even blush; just press harder next time.

Republicans will never win if they dont match the Democrats brutishness in bringing charges against Biden. Remember Harry Reids answer when pressed about his 2012 claims against Mitt Romney not paying taxes that ultimately were disproven? He didnt win, did he?

The Democrats need one or two fake moderates to seed the primaries if they hope to win in 2024. Their problem is that, because they protected Biden and kept others out of the spotlight, there are no gravitas names now on stage, including Newsom.

It is beginning to appear that Michelle Obama, like a protesting blushing bride, will selflessly agree to take the role for the good of the country. This will work, provided they can get Donald Trump tossed for any reason, as they are desperately trying to do.

However, there is a ray of hope for America. Were seeing people grow some spine at the state and local levels, with a groundswell of conservative activism.

From parents standing together to take back their schools from how Marxist teachers unions indoctrinate their kids with CRT and gender grooming; to Florida Governor DeSantis taking on and defeating Disneys foray into woke politics and the states anti-transgender laws; to Texas Governor Greg Abbot and his in-their-face transporting illegals to sanctuary cities that make them eat their wokeness; to Arkansas and South Carolina governors announcing that they will not participate in another round of mandatory COVID restrictions, we are seeing that our Founders brilliant concept of a federated government, where most power is vested in the states.

States are withdrawing from the centralized administrative state power that D.C. politicians from both parties have constructed over the past 80 years right under our noses. This is the key to reclaiming America from those who merely profit from it.

In the short term, though, D.C. Republicans must grow a spine, and match the Democrats political ruthlessness by bringing immediate impeachment charges against President Biden. The people in flyover country have shown how it is done.

Lewis Dovland is a passionate observer of Americas future direction with a focus on exposing the Big Picture end goals of the progressive Marxist movement and how we can prevail. Email at Lewis.Dovland@gmail.com.
A careful examination of articles posted in the so-called mainstream media reveals a telling bias.

All claims, including those made by President Donald Trump, that the official 2020 presidential elections results were invalid (that is, that without fraud, cheating, interference, and rigging, President Trump would have been declared the winner) have been summarily dismissed  without meaningful in-depth analysis of all the evidence, witness testimonies, and observed statistical anomalies during the counting process  as unproven.

But how can one prove that the 2020 presidential election was stolen (if it was stolen), when the courts mostly refused  based on such technicalities as a lack of standing of the plaintiffs or a lack of jurisdiction of the respective courts  to evaluate the presented evidence based on its merit, and FBI and other law-enforcement agencies mostly refused to seriously and thoroughly investigate numerous claims, supported with evidence and eye-witness testimonies, indicating wide-spread election fraud, cheating, and other significant irregularities? It appears that those who had the authority to investigate complaints related to elections, and the so-called mainstream media, just did not want to see the voluminous evidence that might likely constitute the proof invalidating the official results of 2020 presidential election. Although the First Amendment confirms the peoples right to petition their government for a redress of grievances, said right  apparently, in opinion of the government  does not imply the right of the people to be listened to by their government.

On the other hand, all claims that the 2020 elections were the most secure in American history, that there was no outcome-determinative fraud (a quote from President Trumps third indictment), and that claims made by President Trump and others that the 2020 presidential election was stolen were false, have been accepted as true with no proof whatsoever. Not because those who alleged 2020 presidential election fraud refused to see available evidence that the election was fair and honest (to my best knowledge, no such evidence has been presented), but because the deniers of fraud refused to accept any possibility that the election might have been illegitimate; all without factual and publicly verified evidence. Such unproven denials have mostly been based on categorical claims of those who were intimately involved in the process, and hypothetically, could have committed or facilitated fraud or cheating (or enabled via inaction).

The categorical claims that there was no systemic fraud, or that if there was any, then it was so rare that it was not outcome-determinative, were supposed to suffice in lieu of hard proof  at least in the governments and mainstream medias opinion. But how could they possibly know it for fact without thorough investigation? The fraud deniers may not have seen enough evidence of cheating, because they closed their eyes, seemingly in order to save public trust in American elections. As the saying goes, There are none so blind as those who will not see. Also, if fraudulent votes were manufactured and counted as if they were legitimate, without thorough inspection to determine validity, no matter how many times done, could not have rectified possible forgeries. So, those categorical claims were devoid of proofs and there is a reasonable chance that many of them were false.

It is worth noting that the official version of truth regarding the actual or presumed fairness and honesty of the election was made unfalsifiable by imposition by the governments and the mainstream medias presumptions of what is true and what is false, and what inquiries and investigations into the security of the 2020 election are allowed. In modern science, unfalsifiable theories are never accepted as factually true. And so the claims that there was no outcome-determinative election fraud should not be accepted as such. Unless one wants to protect his or her false beliefs or deceive the public, or test the limits of human naivete.

In one sentence, all claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen were rejected as

unproven despite voluminous  even if not verified by the courts  evidence suggesting wide-spread election fraud and cheating, and all claims that the 2020 presidential election was not stolen were accepted despite being actually unproved. (Please, keep in mind that categorical claims not supported by publicly available and verifiable facts and other evidence do not constitute valid proofs.)

The Washington Post repeatedly called President Trumps unproven claims false despite presenting no proof that his claims regarding the allegedly stolen election were actually false.

Below are a few examples:

President Trumps false claims of vote fraud: A chronology

Trumps election lies and the Republicans who corrected him

The 2020 election was neither stolen nor rigged: A primer

Also Politico, which wrote that Trumps election fraud claims were false all without a proof.

Several district attorneys followed the suit of clear bias. For instance, Ms. Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney in Georgia, charged that President Trump falsely declared victory and falsely claimed voter fraud despite presenting no evidence that his statements were actually false.

Do you see the difference? When President Trump claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, the so-called mainstream media (and recently several district attorneys) declares any such claim as false because they insist that there is no proof of said claim. But when the mainstream media and DAs claim that Trumps claims are false, meaning that the 2020 election was neither stolen nor rigged, they tacitly assume that their claim is true although they consistently have failed to prove it. Which practically rules out any objectivity on their part in this important matter.

In order to expose and counter mainstream medias double standard in this matter, all those committed to truth and logic need to demand that the media proves its claims or takes them back as unproven or false. In particular, when the media claims that President Trumps assertions about a rigged election are false, the response should always be: Prove it! And when the media claims that the 2020 election was neither stolen nor rigged, the response should be the same: Prove it!

If the media fails to prove its claims then said claims have to be characterized as unproven each and every time they are made. Moreover, one could consider calling those claims false claims in order to let the media taste their own medicine (figuratively speaking). For instance, one could consider using the following language: Politico falsely claimed that Trumps election fraud claims were false or The Washington Post made unproven claims that the 2020 election was neither stolen nor rigged.

So please, speak up against media bias and double standards in this regard every time you have a chance to do so. If enough Americans do just that, said bias and double standards will become obvious to everyone, and the dispute regarding fraud and cheating during the 2020 presidential elections may become factual and logical.



Mark Andrew Dwyers recent columns are posted here, here, and here.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
New Mexicos governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, is a trailblazing maverick in the same way John McCain wasthey are/were, complete traitors to the country, law, and heritage they pledged to uphold and defend. On Friday, Lujan Grisham issued a proclamation (executive order) that denies the people their God-given right to self-defense by declaring an emergency and suspending the right to carry firearms on their person; everyones talking about the order, me included, and rightfully so.

Naturally, at this point in time, I dont expect the order to be upheld, but that wasnt the point; it was a ping to gauge opposition and other metrical data, and its no skin off Lujan Grishams nose because the worst that will happen is a judge will slap down the order, and shell move on, data gathering mission accomplished.

But while were all being distracted by the madness coming from New Mexico, a governor going full Vladimir Lenin to infringe upon the right of the people to bear arms, a red state in the Deep South is also waging a war against an armed populace, albeit with a different and more strategic approach. Arguably, Alabamas method is scarier, and more dangerous because of its subtlety; unlike Lujan Grishams overt move to wrest the guns from the hands of the citizenry, this one avoids tripping the tyrant alarm, and hoists a mea culpa white flag instead of a red flag, chalking the imminent danger up to an honest mistake, and promoting a false sense of security.

From a report by Epoch Times two days ago:

According to the letter, on Sept. 1, 2023, two boys were playing cops and robbers during recess at Bagley Elementary School. During the course of their play, the children reportedly extended their index fingers and thumbs and said bang-bang at each other, the letter reads. The child, identified as J.B., was suspended and accused of committing a Class III infraction. This is the districts most serious infraction. According to the Jefferson County School Districts Student Parent Handbook, Class III infractions include possession of guns or explosives, sexual battery, battery of a school district employee, and robbery, among others. The boy would only be allowed back in school after a hearing with his parents and the district.

Of the incident, the childs father said:

They labeled my six-year-old as a potentially violent and dangerous student because he was being a little boy and playing cops and robbers with another student.

Years ago, during a discussion with a friend about the federal governments weapons and technological capabilities, he brought something to my attention that Id never consideredhe emphasized that its not necessarily the hardware you need to worry about, but the software. What he meant was, the inanimate objects (hardware) are only a threat when the software (human minds) are programmed to deny a person their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; it was illuminating for me, and connected a dot as to why the left focuses so heavily on indoctrination, or as they call it, education. Remember, Lenin is often attributed for saying:

Give us the child for eight years and it will be a Bolshevik forever.

Give me just one generation of youth, and Ill transform the whole world.

Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.

Since when in the history of America have boys and men been castigated and punished for playing childhood games that involve imaginary guns?

Since when do we instill a traumatic fear in young boys that guns are bad, and even playing with pretend ones will earn you the severest consequences?

Remember, farmboys and hunters provided Allied forces with a tremendous advantage during World War II, as they already knew how to shoot; German and Japanese forces had to be trained. (The success of a few dozen white Rhodesian farmers against thousands of USSR-trained guerrillas also comes to mind.)

An outright gun grab trips the alarm, because overt efforts to tread on our right to self-defense illuminate the fact that there are tyrants who see we, the people, as an enemy; insidious attempts to reprogram the minds of the youth largely goes undetected.

A red state in the Deep South is waging a quieter war against American heritage and its people, but it is a war nonetheless.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
Last week, Joe Biden canceled all drilling in Alaska on federal land. Separate from the fact that no president should have that kind of power over the American economy and lifestyle, he paired it with another executive order that will make fuel more expensive than Americans have ever imagined.

Joe Biden promised during his basement campaign for the presidency that he was going to end fossil fuel:

The former vice president and Democratic presidential candidate made the comment Friday after a New Hampshire environmental activist challenged him for accepting donations from the co-founder of liquified natural gas firm. Biden denied the donors association to the fossil fuel industry before calling the young woman kiddo and taking her hand. He said, I want you to look at my eyes. I guarantee you. I guarantee you. Were going to end fossil fuel.

Many assumed that Biden was just pandering to the base. He was not. His executive orders have aggressively attacked fossil fuel (although not in China). As part of these orders, Biden immediately placed a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands.

Image by atlascompany.

Again, the Founders never intended to give the executive this much power over every aspect of American life. After all, fossil fuel underlies modern America. Its not just about cars.

Every single thing in your house, including your food and drugs, and in your office place is dependent on fossil fuel. It is an ingredient in the goods we use, as well as the energy that manufactures them and gets them to market. It also enables all modern food production, from planting, to fertilizer, to harvesting, to getting to the grocery store. Without it, we revert to the pre-modern instantly. Yet Biden is slashing away at this fundamental, existential resource like a tyrant.

Last week, Biden increased his attack on fossil fuel:

My Administration is canceling all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the last administration in the Arctic Refuge and proposing to protect 13 million acres in the Western Arctic.



There's more to do, but were taking action to meet the moment for future generations.  President Biden (@POTUS) September 7, 2023

Keep in mind that Biden does not own federal land. We the people own federal land. Hes just the property manager. Its almost a form of embezzlement for him to take the product and profits from the owners for his own ideological benefit.

Its wrong in every way that one looks at itand thats not even considering that this policy increases our reliance on foreign nations for fuel. What makes this worse is that these foreign nations are less concerned than America about preventing pollution. Moreover, theyre often tyrannies, and, typically for tyrannies, theyre often anti-American. Thats where our money is goingand lots of it because the edict will drive up prices.

But it turns out that its even worse than that. Wendy Patterson published a tweet explaining that the anti-drilling order doesnt exist in a vacuum. Instead, its paired with an executive order ending the transporting of liquid natural gas by train:

I want to make sure that you understand what is about to happen so you can prepare.



Biden canceled all of the Alaska drilling on Federal land. At the same time he stopped allowing liquid natural gas from being transported by train.



That leaves the only mode of transportation  Wendy Patterson (@wendyp4545) September 8, 2023

I want to make sure that you understand what is about to happen so you can prepare. Biden canceled all of the Alaska drilling on Federal land. At the same time he stopped allowing liquid natural gas from being transported by train. That leaves the only mode of transportation by trucking. About 2 months ago the largest trucking company went out of business: Yellow, one of the nation's largest freight and trucking companies, announced it is shutting down, leading to one of the largest mass layoffs in recent history and potential shipping cost increases. The company is in bankruptcy just three years after getting a $700 million loan from taxpayers. So that is going to create a massive supply chain issue of liquid natural gas which means your utility bills as well as the price of gas is going to skyrocket. Biden used 300 million gallons of gas from our reserves to keep the gas prices artificially low. They can't do that anymore. They have set us up in every way to purposely make gas prices and utility prices skyrocket so fill all of your gas cans, buy propane ect NOW while you can still afford it.

Joe Biden has seized control of an American asset and is withholding it from the American people to their detriment. He is doing so in service to an ideology that is belied by actual science, and that is fundamentally anti-humanist.

But of course, this isnt Biden, who is a puppet. This is the Democrat party. If Biden or another Democrat gains the White House in 2024, expect more of the same until we have reverted to a medieval lifestyle that is, in Hobbess immortal words, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. The dividing line between then and now is fossil fuel. Yank it out from under us, and its all over.

UPDATE: I received the following from a reader: "Yellow Freight is (or was) an LTL (less than truckload) Trucking Company and, to my knowledge, didn't haul liquid natural gas! Yes, the price of fuel is going to increase, but not because of Yellow Freight closing down."

(As a reminder, contrary to past practice, American Thinker publishes material throughout the day. Be sure to check in throughout the day for new content.)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus radical left Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault drew a dubious link between his nations oil and gas sector and Canada's wildfires during his visit to China.

That he visited the communist nation at all at this time angered many, but damning his own countrys oil and gas industry while speaking in -- and to -- the worlds leading polluter was illogical, repulsive, and completely beyond the pale.

Guilbeault said that he was disappointed that the CEO of Suncor, a Calgary-based company which provides natural resources for all of Canada  seemed more concerned with producing oil and gas rather than lowering carbon emissions at a time when tens of thousands of Canadians were forced to flee from recent wildfires.

Guilbeault stated, To see the leader of a great Canadian company say that he is basically disengaging from climate change and sustainability, that hes going to focus on short-term profit, its all the wrong answers. He added, If I was convinced before that we needed to do regulation, I am even more convinced now.

This led Alberta Premier Danielle Smith-- who is apparently saneto reply, Minister Guilbeaults comments are a continuation of his provocative verbal attacks on Alberta's energy sector, the most environmentally responsible and ethical energy-producing jurisdiction in the world.

Guilbeaults inference that climate change is the root cause of recent wildfires is as spurious and unscientific as stating that spoons cause obesity.

In truth, many of Canada's fires appear to have been the result of arson. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have recently arrested a number of arsonists -- who have been charged with lighting fires across the country, including in the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta.

Moreover, satellite footage from Quebec showed suspiciously simultaneous eruptions of several blazes across the province, leading to concerns that those fires, too, were the result of a coordinated effort by arsonists.

Fires have also ravaged much of Greece this summer. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis recently told Greek public broadcaster ERT that of 140 wildfire-related arrests, 79 were related to arson. (Thats 56% for those of you who may currently be attending an institution of higher learning.)

The other problem in Canada and in other places is forestry mismanagement. Many of the fires are at least partially the result of leaving too much deadwood and flammable material on forest floors, usually due to environmentalists demands.

Of course, more folks live in more areas, and fire detection and reporting are better than in prior eras, too. And, at least in the case of Canada, one gets the impression that an all-out effort to contain these conflagrations hasnt been madepossibly to drive home the point that global warming is going to be the death of us all, and sooner rather than later. (It wouldnt stun me if some of the fires were set by those with an agenda.)

A recent study by Danish author and academic Bjorn Lomborg, published in the Wall Street Journal, illustrated a vast disparity between the actual number of wildfires and the attention given them by the mainstream media and politicians.

Lomborg asserted: Climate change hasnt set the world on fire. It turns out the percentage of the globe that burns each year has been declining since 2001.

Yet, despite that inconvenient truth, the mainstream media-- and many politiciansinsist that there are ever more fires as a direct result of climate change. In furtherance of their agenda, reporting on climate change has increased by 400% between 2010 and 2020.

Now that burns me up.

Image: Presidencia de la Republica Mexicana, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY 2.0
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she is suspending open and concealed carry privileges in Bernalillo County for the next 30 days.

Searching DuckDuckGo using terms like Trump is Hitler or Comparing Nazis to will invariably reveal a slew of propaganda pieces comparing the side of the linear political spectrum instilled with the precepts of individual liberty and limited government to a collectivist authoritarian regime that epitomizes the definition of unlimited or insane government.

You will note that most of these leftist attack screeds are very careful to avoid the fact that said collectivist authoritarian regimes will always obsess over confiscating guns from their political opponents. There are a few rare exceptions of course, such as the ominously named Propaganda Professor who boldly stated that, Hitler didnt ban guns, but we can pretend he did.

But of course, we know that is a lie and a reason to call into question all of those other comparisons. Because if they cannot be truthful in addressing thator outright lying about the issue altogetherthen shouldnt you question the rest of their contentions?

Nevertheless, all of this brings up the central question of the day on our common-sense civil rights being suspended by the stroke of a pen.

Olivia Murray covered the initial insanity of the order here: NM governor issues emergency public health order banning the carrying of firearms. Where she made a point that needs to be reiterated:

It annoys me to no end when conservatives concede (albeit unwittingly) to the lefts war on language (and liberty). Rights do not come from government, they come from God; God, not government, is the ultimate authority. Like the Declaration says: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights [emphasis added], that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men [emphasis added], deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Please read the rest of that since we cannot do it justice here.

But just when you thought suspending a basic human right was bad enough, the story devolved into something even worse. In explaining the order erasing a whole portion of our founding documents:

The governor says she doesnt expect criminals to follow the order. But she hopes it is a resounding message, to everyone else in the community to report gun crime. The point here is, is that, if everyone did it, and I wasnt legally challenged, you would have fewer risks on the street, and I could safely say, to every New Mexican, particularly those folks living in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, I believe that youre safer for the next 30 days, we have to wait and see, said Lujan Grisham.

Did you catch that? The governor says she doesnt expect criminals to follow the order.

So, she is not only endangering the people by disarming them as is usually the case with the lefts socialist national agenda. But she also doesnt care if the criminals comply with that order. Shouldnt that be her top priority if she supposedly cares about safety?

Or is there something else at work here?

Because when you really think about it, how do the gun-grabbing ghouls of the left prioritize their supposed concerns about violencegun or otherwise?

Do they focus on criminals and truly mentally unstable and immoral people?

Or do they bizarrely focus on inanimate objects that cannot actuate themselves without human intervention?

Solving a problem starts with properly identifying the source of the trouble. Misidentifying the source of trouble means you will never solve the problem. As in the case of constantly identifying inanimate objects that cannot do anything on their own except gather rust or dust.

This means that leftists arent interested in solving the problem of gun violence, it should be clear by now that for them, crime, insanity, and suicide are merely crises to attack the common-sense civil rights of innocent people, without regard for the actions of criminals.

This brings us back to the central issue of the incessant comparisons the fascist far left keeps on making while admonishing everyone on making those comparisons. They clearly dont care about safety in trying to disarm their political enemies, because they dont care if criminals comply and they dont care if people are properly treated before they become violent.

Just like a certain National Socialist Labor Party in Germany, they want to disarm their political opponents to empower themselves. And now that she drew the short straw in setting this precedent, were going to see them try this scam all over the country.

D Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, the director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack.

Image from X.
Evidence continues to pile up that Joe Bidens role in securing the firing of the then-Ukraine Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin was not part of some broader US anti-corruption effort in Ukraine. In case you dont remember, here is Bidens boast 5 years ago about forcing Shokin out, also implicating then-President Obama.

t

Tamar Jacoby of The Bulwark points out that corruption remains pervasive in Ukraine: Excerpt:

The old guard hasnt given up easily. Lawmakers beholden to oligarchs delayed reform legislation or rendered it toothless with hostile amendments. Unscrupulous prosecutors removed powerful politicians names from indictments. Corrupt judges blocked criminal cases and dismissed charges against fellow jurists. President after president campaigned on promises to root out wrongdoing but then kowtowed to the oligarchs or made a show of combating corruption while actually protecting friends and allies. In other instances, when its interests were most threatened, the old guard fell back on smear campaigns and physical violence. Between 2014 and 2018, according to one human rights group, there were about 100 attacks on anticorruption activists, and 10 activists were murdered.

This above is a description of the ways in which Ukrainian public officials continue to engage in corruption. Joe Biden demanded the firing of the Ukraine prosecutor general, Viktor Shokin, in early February 2016 claiming he was corrupt.

Soon after Biden was named US point man in Ukraine, his son Hunter and Hunters business partner, Devon Archer were hired by a corrupt Ukrainian oligarch at $1 million a year each. And we know from Archers testimony that Shokin had seized the assets of the oligarch, and the oligarch was pressing Hunter to get Washington to provide relief.

Four things are striking about Joe Bidens claim that he demanded the firing of Shokin, because he was corrupt.

One is that Biden never identified any ways in which Shokin acted corruptly.

A second is that Biden did not then demand the ouster of or even call out any other corrupt Ukrainian official such as judges or legislators.

A third is that the mere fact that Joe let Hunter continue to serve on the board of a corrupt oligarchs company was a signal to Ukraines corrupt officials that the US was not serious about its anticorruption campaign.

And a fourth is that while Ukraine remains rife with corruption, Biden has not demanded the firing or even called out any other prosecutor general or other public official during his vice presidency or his presidency.

Photo credit: Rumble video screengrab (cropped)
It is an ever weirder, wackier, and less free world in which we live. Most of us realize this. But, in case youve been channeling your inner Joe Biden and have been on vacation and/or in your basement and out of touch for lengthy periods of time, here are some recent examples to prove the point.

In a recent @bbcideas post on X, a green-haired, blue-lipped trans person claimed that the universe has no fundamental nature in and of itself, and that everythingeven purportedly objective things like scienceis/are really nothing more than expressions of power.

The person made the preposterous assertion that Quantum physics reveals that there is no fixed reality and that it is full of beautiful contradictions. He/she/they added that, since reality is itself a construct that has no real, fixed foundation, quantum physics actually supports Queer Theorys assertion that males and females arent real. Ergo, the universe itself is queer! See below:

Here @bbcideas promotes the absurd and pseudoscientific notion that quantum physics supports Queer Theory's assertion that males and females aren't real because "reality is itself a construct...with no real, fixed foundation."



This is next level woo woo. pic.twitter.com/14lbv9FHcF  Colin Wright (@SwipeWright) September 6, 2023

Speaking of the formerly Great Britain, U.K. property owners who fail to comply with new energy efficiency rules could face prison time under proposed government plans. Some ministers want to grant themselves powers to create new criminal offenses and increase civil penalties as part of an effort to hit net zero carbon emission targets. Under the proposals, opposed by many Tory MPs, people who fail to comply with the proposed stringent new rules to reduce their energy consumption could be imprisoned for up to a yearand be subject to fines of up to 15,000.

And, back in the states, New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently told those attending an Upper West Side Town Hall meeting:

Let me tell you something, New Yorkers. Never in my life have I had a problem that I did not see an ending to. I don't see an ending to this. I don't see an ending to this. This issue will destroy New York City. Destroy New York City. We're getting 10,000 migrants a month.

The Big Apple has been grappling with the influx of over 110,000 migrants just since last year, and its mayor seems unable to deal with the challenges it has posed. So much so that he added, The city we knew were about to lose.

The mayor of a sanctuary city now says that the reality is that illegal immigrants will destroy it?

What a beautiful contradiction.

Its a queer world, indeed.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
It has been clear for a long time that the science is not settled regarding humans and our use of natural resources in relation to temperatures and climatic changes. The only thing that is settled is job and financial security for scientists who support the lefts climate change narrative. Theyre guaranteed taxpayer-funded grants; jobs from Democrats, colleges, or the media that uses their authority to regurgitate leftist talking points and to push for the radical leftist agenda to destroy companies that produce reasonably priced energy and other products.

Here, a scientist admits that he essentially cooked the books to get published by what he called "prestigious" publications:

A California scientist admitted that he left out the full truth about climate change, blaming it primarily on human causes, to get his study published in a prestigious science journal. Patrick T. Brown, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University and doctor of earth and climate sciences, admitted  that he distorted the findings of his studies to appeal to the editors at Nature and Science magazines, which are prestigious online science journals. And the editors of these journals have made it abundantly clear, both by what they publish and what they reject, that they want climate papers that support certain preapproved narrativeseven when those narratives come at the expense of broader knowledge for society, Brown wrote.

It is an absolute shame that any organization is considered prestigious when they require indoctrination. Diversity of thought and debate is not allowed no matter what the facts are. Editors are worthless and dangerous when they think like lemmings.

How many lies were told to push the government edicts on COVID? How many scientists and others were silenced by the government and the media if they dared disagree with the government edicts and talking points?

How many doctors and scientists stayed silent instead of debating the government edicts because they wanted to be respected and were scared their livelihoods would be destroyed if they spoke up?

How many childrens lives were destroyed or how many people committed suicide because scientists and others were silenced?

How many businesses and lives are being destroyed because scientists and others are willing to repeat the talking points, or remain silent, on settled science that climate change is caused by humans, despite all the predictions that have been completely wrong because they want to be respected? It is a shame that they know their ability to feed their family may be cut off if they dare debate and disagree.

People should learn that artificial intelligence is not artificial at all. It is programmed. The computers essentially repeat what they have been told. The results match the talking points.

Computer models on the climate are programmed to get the results they want and they want to destroy industries that use natural resources to produce reasonably priced energy. The reason computer model predictions have been so far off is because of garbage in, garbage out. From a report out yesterday:

News Corp CEO Robert Thomson blasted the left-wing bias and inaccuracies spewed out by AI generated content  calling it rubbish in, rubbish out  even as he warned the technology threatens to kill thousands more jobs across the news industry. Left-leaning media giants that dominate the news business have churned out stories for years that are not only riddled with errors, but also written with a left-wing slant.  People have to understand that AI is essentially retrospective, the media executive said during an appearance at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia and Technology Conference in San Francisco on Thursday. Its about permutations of pre-existing content.

There is nothing valuable, or remotely intelligent about scientists, journalists, educators, and students who just repeat talking points or use artificial intelligence programs to generate research or articles. That is dangerous to our freedom.

It is despicable and dangerous for politicians and bureaucrats to repeat talking points or use computer models to destroy businesses they dont like and to reward their political supporters with billions and trillions of dollars in kickbacks. That is dangerous to our survival as a prosperous and free country.

Does anyone believe that a congenital liar and corrupt president who takes his son around the world collecting kickbacks would have any qualms telling lies to push a leftist agenda where he can generate huge amounts of money for his political supporters?

Why doesnt the media ask Biden, Kerry, or anyone else for scientific data that shows a link between oil, coal, and natural gas consumption and temperatures before our economy is destroyed? The only reason I can think of is they really dont care or they know there is no link and dont want the public to know the truth.

The media and other Democrats are working very hard to dumb down children and the public. They want them to repeat talking points like they do. They do not want children to ask questions, conduct research, or learn to debate.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
Im one of those who believes that what stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Sometimes, that good guy is a police officer, and sometimes, the good guy is a civilian. Leftists claim that the good guys contribution is so inconsequential that it doesnt justify honoring citizens Second Amendment to keep and bear arms. New Mexico governor Michelle Grisham certainly agrees with that viewpoint. Leftists look to FBI statistics to support their argumentsso will you be surprised to learn that the FBIs statistics are wrong? And, as always, that the error works to support leftist ideology and political positions?

The Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) has done a deep dive into the FBIs Active Shooting Reports from 2014-2022 and discovered that the reports grossly underestimate the number of times armed civilians have stopped active shootings. The FBI says that civilians stop fewer than 5% of active shooters, while the actual data say that civilians, on average, stopped over 35% of active shooters, with the number going up to 63.5% if you include defensive use of guns outside of gun-free guns (which I call shooting fish in a barrel zones).

Image by senivpetro.

The essay opens by reminding readers of what happened in July 2022 in Greenwood, Indiana. A man opened fire in a shopping mall, killing three. He was stopped when 22-year-old Elisjsha Dicken, a licensed carrier, killed the shooter:

However, honest data show that all those claims that good guys with guns dont really matter were a case of lies, damn lies, and Deep State statistics.

In fact, the FBI has been pretty bad about collecting data from those instances in which good people stepped up and, at great risk to themselves, used their legal firearms to stop someone intent on murdering large numbers of innocent people. Thus, according to the FBI, of the 302 events that the FBI identifies as active shootings, armed citizens only stopped 14. (According to the FBI, an active shooting occurs in a public area when someone is intent upon killing and does kill multiple people.)

Au contraire, says the CPRC:

An analysis by the CPRC identified a total of 440 active shooter incidents during that period and found that an armed citizen stopped 157. A previous report looked at only instances when armed civilians stopped what likely would have been mass public shootings. There were another 27 cases that we didnt include where armed civilians stopped armed attacks, but the suspect didnt fire his gun. Those cases are excluded from our calculations, though it could be argued that a civilian also stopped what likely could have been an active shooting event. The FBI reported that armed citizens thwarted 4.6% of active shooter incidents, while the CPRC found 35.7%.

The problem with the FBI data is twofold: First, the FBI misclassified active shootings five times, whether by failing to acknowledge that it was an active shooting or by misidentifying that civilians identity. Second, and more significantly, the FBI missed 103 incidences that comported with its own definition of an active shooting.

What also matters in understanding that the numbers are fundamentally flawed is that they roll together shootings in places where civilians can carry arms and those in which they cant (those fish in a barrel situations):

There is yet another reason that these corrected percentages are biased downward as they ignore that about half of these attacks occur where guns are banned, so law-abiding citizens who obey those rules wouldnt have a chance to stop them. [snip] The FBIs active shooting reports do not mention whether the attacks occur in gun-free zones. The issue is that when places are posted as gun-free zones, law-abiding citizens obey those rules and would be unable to stop the attacks in those areas, notes Carl Moody, a professor at William & Mary and the CPRCs research director.

There is much more in the CPRC essay, so I urge you to review it yourself. I just wanted to focus on the top-line information: Once again, an organization that is hostile to a constitutional right manages (coincidentally, Im sure) to pervert the available data in a way that supports its biases.

Guns are an integral part of liberty. A government that is hostile to liberty is also hostile to guns, believing that only the government should control the great equalizer. This was/is the M.O. in Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, Communist China, Communist Cuba, all of socialist Europe, etc. When only the government has guns, you live in a concentration camp, and thats true no matter how nice a camp it seems.

(As a reminder, contrary to past practice, American Thinker publishes material throughout the day. Be sure to check in to see if there's new content in the afternoon.)
After all those glurgy farewell parties and sendoffs, lionizing Nancy Pelosi as the greatest House Speaker in the history of the world, the longtime San Francisco Democrat was expected to go riding off into the sunset, having made a shambles of the U.S., but not to worry, because a fancy Italian villa retirement was her next stop, as a sort of middle finger to the America she made a mess in.

That was too much to expect. Seems the former House Speaker has decided to come back for an encore, unable to take her fingers off the levers of power. She couldn't keep herself away, not even for a year.

According to The Guardian:

The former House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced that she will be seeking re-election in 2024. The 83-year-old Democrat representing Californias 11th district announced the news on Wednesday among volunteers and labor allies in San Francisco. Pelosi went on to tweet about her plans, saying: Now more than ever our city needs us to advance San Francisco values and further our recovery. Our country needs America to show the world that our flag is still there, with liberty and justice for ALL. That is why I am running for reelection  and respectfully ask for your vote. Pelosi, who has represented San Francisco since 1987, served as House speaker twice. Her first tenure as House speaker was from 2007 to 2011, during which she made history by becoming the first female speaker. Pelosi went on to lead the House of Representatives again from 2019 to the beginning of this year.

What fresh hell is this? At a time when voters are growing concerned about the advanced ages and extended tenures of their representatives and president, who should come galloping in to add to the rubble? Pelosi is 83, and before she left office, was already showing signs of garbled senility.

It's an interesting recrudescence because there are so many things that might be going on.

Could she have had a bad experience in Italy, which has elected a conservative prime minister and has considerable nationalist sentiment these days, coming to long for her native stomping grounds in Congress? There's no place like home...

Is she looking for public office to facilitate some of those amazingly timed stock trades she and hers executed during her time in Congress, which made her very, very rich? Did she make a bad bet somewhere and need to replenish the family fortunes?

Or is the problem Joe Biden, and Pelosi's reading that since he's going to lose, she's going to have to be there to check an incoming President Trump, there to plot with Rep. Adam Schiff and all the other freaks who launched one hoax after another without consequence, making President Trump's presidency an utterly miserable and fettered affair?

Or is the problem her fellow Democrats, including her successor, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, not measuring up to her tough standards? Not conniving and sleazy enough, not good enough to win back the House for her party, so she needs to be there to steer from behind? If Pelosi gets in there a second time, Jeffries is in for a hell of a ride. He might even step back for "health reasons" or "to spend more time with his family."

Or is it an indicator that Democrats are convinced that they will win back the House in 2024 and she'd like to be there to distribute the spoils? Have they got 2024 all rigged up nice? This seems to be the direction the Guardian's report was leaning. She can't bear to take her hands off the levers of power.

Was the fact that she did her announcement rally with her union buddies, particularly those in the teachers' unions, indicative of who's behind this bad idea? They've got a lot of money, as does Pelosi who left office with a big political war chest. Perhaps tThey need someone vicious now to enact their agenda on trans rights, on school lockdowns, on halting school choice, given the public opposition to all of those ideas? They knew just who to call.

Could California politics have something to do with this -- her political machine needing her on the ground in the Capitol in order to pave the way for either Gavin Newsom, or Kamala Harris, to take the White House, given Joe Biden's senility and unpopularity? Democrat internal politics can be pretty vicious -- because that's the way Pelosi made it.

Whatever it is, it's something nefarious. It seems quite likely she will win, yet something seems off. It's a very strange comeback.

It comes at such a strange time, too, when the whole country has decided, according to polls, that Joe Biden is too old to run for office, and major attention has been focused on the jurassic gerontocrats with extended terms populating Congress, too -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Sen. Mitch McConnell, Sen. John Fetterman. The national narrative is about getting them out. How strange it is to see yet another gerontocrat, eager to get back in. That's the weirdest aspect of this, and the most likely indicator that something nefarious is going on.

Let's hope against hope that somehow ... she loses. This woman is a fiend and doesn't even deserve a nice retirement, let alone another grip on power.

Image: Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 // image edited
Today in insanity, James O'Keefe's OKeefe Media Group (OMG) recently released nearly 20 minutes of police bodycam footage, obtained through FOIA requests, which showed New Jersey school board officials calling the police on citizens who they claimed looked Trumpish.

The police colluded with school officials to scan license plates of school board meeting attendees who looked different, OMG head James OKeefe said.

Because, you know, the Left doesnt like those who look different. Or think different. In fact, progressives want to persecute anyone who looks Trumpish. And they are actively doing so to Trump and his supporters. One might state, accurately, that there is systemic anti-Trump bias and bigotry in todays U.S. The modern Democrat Party itself does not cotton to those who have strayed off its ideological plantation, tolerance and inclusiveness be damned. Come to think of it, it never has.

This is far from the only insanity going on these days.

After 2025, customers of Bank Australia will no longer be eligible to get funding to buy new cars that run on fossil fuels.

Sasha Courville, chief impact officer at the bank, explained: By ceasing car loans for new fossil fuel vehicles, we are sending a signal to the Australian market about the rapid acceleration in the transition from internal combustion to electric vehicles we expect to see in the next few years.

Actually, Bank Australia is sending a signal to Australians that their every desire and purchase decision is subject to the whims and agenda of the elites in government and large corporations that rule roughshod over them. The corollary, of course, is that private property rights are not inherent, but tenuousand at the mercy of Big Brother and The Deep State.

More insanity can be found in the U.K.

British police recently arrested a Black Christian street preacher for sharing the word of Jesus.

Thank God they did, or pedestrians might have been subject to criminally subversive messages such as the importance of Faith, Hope, and Love. Apparently, nobody cares when a Christian is treated like that, but dont try to arrest a BLM rioter! Nor can you treat a Muslim like that! In fact, in cities like Minneapolis and New York, Muslim calls to prayer can be blasted out publicly on loudspeakers five times a day, no permit required!

Is there a key takeaway from these three stories? Is there a lesson to be learned? If so, what is it, what is the overriding theme? Yes. And yes. Sadly, it is that Western nations seem bizarrely intent on allowing their own culture and tradition-- religious and otherwise-- to be disrespected and displaced by virtually anyone elses.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
The latest morphed action against President Trump and his allies -- the prosecutions and trials by far-left Democrat-donating radicals, following the Russia hoax, and the multiple failed impeachments, pretty well leaves many of us questioning whether the U.S. is still a "democracy."

Crazed leftwing dictators throw their opponents in jail. Democracies don't, or so it seemed. Mark Steyn, in a must-read, has called this shift "the new normal" and never until now has this darkened America's doors. The rot through the justice system is so extensive it now extends to arresting the President of the United States -- and his defense team, too.

Probably the most nakedly anti-democratic of these acts on this front is in the prosecution of President Trump's lawyer, John Eastman, the foremost constitutional scholar in the country and the dean of a Southern California law school.

He's gotten not one, but two trials, the first of which is for his law license in the special court for that set up by the wokester State Bar of California. I've watched that court for years -- the kind of cases they usually take are of lawyers who abandon their clients or run off with their money. They don't get guys like John Eastman, at least, until now.

Already this court in its new and totalitarian use isn't giving Eastman a fair trial. They've already reached their conclusions. Some snippets of its "fairness," among many snippets over this long four weeks:

The clown show continues.  The Democrat-donating judge in the disbarment trial of Trump's attorney John Eastman refuses to let former Wisconsin Supreme Court Judge Michael Gableman testify about the Wisconsin case Trump v. Biden, since he's not an "expert." Eastman's  Rachel Alexander (@Rach_IC) September 8, 2023

It's hysterical observing the judge in the disbarment trial of Trump's attorney John Eastman assist the bar prosecutors. Eastman's attorney just objected to an exhibit that was was not disclosed to him by the prosecution until now, even though the prosecution had it on Aug. 8. pic.twitter.com/dcGWMiP0Qq  Rachel Alexander (@Rach_IC) September 7, 2023

In the disbarment trial of Trump's attorney John Eastman, the California bar's attorney has been going on all afternoon about the Wisconsin 2020 election - even though Eastman wasn't even involved there until a tiny bit at the very end of SCOTUS's involvement! The pic.twitter.com/p9W86TAr6z  Rachel Alexander (@Rach_IC) September 6, 2023

Boing, boing, boing.

Legal analyst Rachel Alexander, who is covering the trial for the Star News Network, sums up for Steve Bannon how bad it is:

Rachel Alexander On John Eastman Trial: This Is An Absolute Travesty Of Justice @Rach_IC pic.twitter.com/cAQMkISTe4  Grace Chong  (@gc22gc) September 9, 2023

David Goldman has a resonant tweet:

The most egregious attack on democracy anywhere in the industrial world is the prosecution of Trump's attorney's for pursuing vote fraud cases. We have lost the moral authority to lecture anyone about democracy. I never would have believed this possible in my United States. https://t.co/8AsUeBIVzU  David P. Goldman (@davidpgoldman) September 10, 2023

It's pure tinpot dictatorship crap. Since when do lawyers -- representing anyone, no matter how bad -- get prosecuted themselves for defending their clients other than in places like East Germany or communist Cuba? Occasionally there is a RICO case here in the U.S. against mob lawyers engaged in the exact same activity as their clients. In Fulton County, they've claimed that Trump questioning the election results and seeing if there is any legal redress is now a RICO case, too. The State Bar of California doesn't even get that subtle. Defend Trump, lose your law license.

Because nobody's allowed to question, let alone seek redress for an irregularity-strewn election.

Obviously, they are going after Eastman and trying to take him out as an example to the others. They don't want anyone defending Trump. If they can take out a top Constitutional scholar for defending President Trump, what chance does a small fry lawyer who might defend a Trump ally have against such a legal juggernaut? They're going big to seal a new normal.

If you read the thread of Alexander's tweets, here, you'll see additional outrage after outrage in this kangaroo court trial.

Perhaps the worst of it is how the details of the disputed Wisconsin election case is coming out, apparently at the prosecution's promptings.

Eastman's defense has called out the facts of that case, which much to their surprise, reveals the extremely ugly picture.

That a special counsel appointed by the state assembly found some amazing irregularities in Wisconsin's election counting -- irregularities so bad they were declared "bribery" by the special counsel, is somehow not good enough for this bunch. I wrote about that garbage here.

The testimony by the first witness Trump's attorney John Eastman called to put on his side of the case in his disbarment trial has been nothing less than explosive. The trial ended for the day with more bombshells. He revealed that the Zuckbucks, $8.8 million from  Rachel Alexander (@Rach_IC) September 8, 2023

It raises the question as to why Zuckerberg isn't on trial for bribery instead of Eastman for questioning it?

There's an actual answer to that, too: Because President Obama muscled Zuckerberg into doing it. I wrote about that here.

When we complain about communist tactics, personnel is policy and a look at the personnel here isn't edifying. Communism is a "value" and there are a hell of a lot of people involved here who grew up with communist values. Trump's prosecutor in Atlanta, is a child of Black Panthers with her father a former lover of Angela Davis, a onetime Communist Party USA vice chair who got herself into legal trouble of her own by supporting Black Panthers who took a judge on the bench hostage and tied a pistol around his neck and killed him. Trump's judge in Washington D.C. is a scion of prominent communist guerrillas in Jamaica. Obama himself was basically raised by a card-carrying Communist Party USA member, Frank Marshall Davis, and later became close to former far-left domestic terrorist Bill Ayers. Communist values, communist results and they are all over the U.S. Department of Justice, too. And we can see them in this attack on Eastman.

The ugly specter of this trial against Eastman, who's the finest of the finest in the legal profession, demonstrates just why they seek to take him out. They want people like themselves, ignorant mediocrities with little knowledge of law, but lots of party loyalty, wielding absolute power. Eastman is the absolute antithesis of that.

If this course isn't somehow corrected, we are frankly all in danger. One can only hope to heaven that President Trump can somehow get elected amid this sea of lawfare and electoral fraud to make it somehow right.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Former Rep. Ted Poe of Texas, who had been chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Counterproliferation, and Trade, wrote a Stars and Stripes article dated August 29, 2023 that was titled:

To help the Iranian people achieve their democratic goals, protect Iranian dissidents

His resolution asks United Nations institutions to investigate crimes against humanity in Iran, including the massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in 1988, most of whom were members of People Mujahedeen organization of Iran (PMOI).

He's onto something.

A resolution was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives, with 36 co-sponsors from both political parties last week, specifying that the protests, which have been ongoing since September, are rooted in the more than four decades of organized resistance against the Iranian dictatorship. It also credited the largely women-led protests with enduring torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and death, thereby persisting to the very brink of their one-year anniversary.

The resolutions are happening around the world.

In a statement, the Comite Francais pour un Iran Democratique (CFID), comprising French figures from various political backgrounds, expressed grave concern about the Iranian regimes conspiracies against the leading force of the organized opposition, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI).

In an urgent plea, Canadian Member of Parliament Michael Cooper penned a letter to European leaders, including the Presidents of the European Parliament, Council, and Commission, expressing grave concern over recent actions by the Iranian regime.

Canadian Member of Parliament James Bezan strongly voiced his opposition to the Iranian regimes crackdown on the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), and its violent actions against MEK members who are residing in Albania.

Sheila Paylan, international human rights lawyer and former SGBV Specialist at United Nations human rights said:

In the summer of 1988, Iran witnessed one of the most tragic and brutal events in its history. Tens of thousands of political prisoners were forcibly disappeared and extrajudicially executed in a matter of weeks. Victims of a merciless government cracked down on dissidents. The massacres took place based on a fatwa by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini and what has been determined by experts to amount to crimes against humanity and even genocide.

Referring to the political prisoners murdered during the 1988 massacre, she added,

These prisoners were individuals who dared to raise their voices against oppression, who sought nothing more than the realization of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms. Their lives were tragically and senselessly cut short, leaving families shattered and communities scarred. We are fortunate that some of those who were incarcerated at the time of the 1988 massacres survived and are living witnesses to these heinous crimes. Having sought refuge in Albania, they must therefore be protected at all costs as they are critical to any future investigation or inquiry about the massacres.

Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and the leaders of his regime continuously target PMOI as the main enemy, and by doing so they present the PMOI as the only alternative to their regime to the people of Iran and the international community. It is interesting that the previous Iranian mullah dictator, Ruhollah Khomeini, was the first who started this behavior.

This behavior is still going on.

Towards the end of August 2023, Belgian parliamentarians, and personalities in a joint letter to the leaders of the European Union warned against the new conspiracy of the Tehran government against members of the Iranian opposition and political refugees in Europe. They announced that the European Union must support the establishment of an international court in Europe for the trial of Iranian regime officials who are responsible for crimes against humanity. They wrote in their letter,

"We ask you to use all existing mechanisms to guarantee the fundamental rights and freedoms of Iranian refugees and members of the Iranian opposition in Ashraf 3 in Albania, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, and ensure that they enjoy all the rights set forth in the 1951 Geneva Convention, the European Convention on Human Rights and international law. Therefore, at the international level, it is time to end the 40-year immunity of regime leaders from prosecution and punishment for committing genocide and crimes against humanity."

Khamenei, Raisi and Ajei and other people responsible for the 1988 massacre and those who ordered the killing of Iranian youth in the uprisings of the last few years, especially the leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard corps (IRGC), should be brought to justice in an international court.

We Iranians who have fled this evil regime hope that momentum is building for it.

Hassan Mahmoudi is an Iran & Middle East political and economic researcher.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
The left has morphed "woke" from a quest for heightened awareness of racial inequities to a political tool for wreaking vengeance on the "system".

Woke, an adjective derived from Afro-American vernacular English, was an initiative originally advanced to heighten awareness of latent racial prejudice and discrimination. The woke initiative has now been seized by the left and, like most leftist initiatives, has morphed into a deceptive and disingenuous political ploy.

The progressive woke mantra  DIE  projects outwardly the noble goal of attaining societal coexistence and inclusivity. Woke behavior, however, constitutes the antithesis of the DIE mantra. In practice, DIE is exclusionary and punitive. Its underlying tenet is that any inequities suffered by the "disenfranchised" elements of society are resultant primarily of subjugation and oppression by privileged white males. Oppressors have been expanded to include conservative thinkers, heterosexuals, and misogynists. The vilification of black conservatives clearly demonstrates, however, that conservatism, not race, is the principal underlying target of woke progressivism.

Woke has been convoluted and expanded into a political tool by the elitist leftist cabal to establish unchallenged dominance of the Democrat party. The political persecution of Donald Trump clearly depicts this perturbation  the anti-woke xenophobic fascist being vengefully attacked to silence his political voice. Woke applauds the verbal and physical assault on conservative speakers by woke activists at academic institutions. It stands behind the firing of corporate and academic figures for exercising free speech critical of woke objectives. It condones rioting and destruction of private property in support of the woke agenda. A recent article in Esquire boasts that "Greg Abbott Gets the Swift Kick in the Jewels He So Richly Deserves" when legislation the Texas governor proposed was deemed unconstitutional by a district judge. Revenge runs deep in woke activism.

Backlash against woke inanity is thwarted by the "deviance down" concept, attributed to D.P. Moynihan, which infers that societies have a tendency to respond to destructive behavior by lowering their standards of tolerance. Radical behavior becomes acceptable.

Why has the party become such an avid advocate of the new "woke"? Voting is a personal matter, and what the woke initiative does is make voting an emotionally based rather than an issues-based process. It does so by swelling the ranks of the oppressed, preying on the smoldering discontent of underachievers, the "disenfranchised", minorities, those not achieving their anticipated level of achievement. College campuses, and now K12 school systems, have become recruiting grounds for spawning discontent in the young. The party has a strong base to work with. Discontent with the nation's direction runs high. Income inequality worsens. Depression, anxiety, drug dependency, suicide burgeon. The American Dream is fading. Focusing on, channeling, and directing such discontent against a system rooted in white male supremacy is the key to swaying public support. Resolution of generic socioeconomic issues doesn't matter if personal revenge is attainable. A vote for the party is a vote against the oppressive system, a system that has treated you unfairly.

Adult white males, the principal woke target, constitute ~30% of the adult (>18 yrs.) population, and many are Democrat voters. That leaves over 70% of the electorate to manipulate. If enough of them can be convinced that adult white males are the cause of all their real or perceived failures and oppression, Democrat party dominance at the polls is assured. Vote your personal vengeance, and if that incurs some unwanted consequences  immigration chaos, threats to free speech, etc.  so be it. You probably won't be affected by that anyway.

But the party has a problem. Woke progressive initiatives are becoming increasingly unpopular with the general public. A groundswell of opposition to open borders, cancel culture, defunding the police, race-based advancement, unrestricted abortion, K12 autonomy, going green hysteria, "gender-affirming" surgery is palpable.

The outcome of the 2024 election will hinge upon which attitude among the uncommitted prevails: a vote for revenge against the system or a vote against the inanity of woke overreach.

Image: JoslynLM via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Killer Sunglasses in a 1837 Portrait



Thats Nathaniel Olds in the killer sunglasses. They werent added by photoshop, but were as Olds wore them in 1837 he sat for his portrait by Jeptha Homer Wade (American, 1811-1890). According to the Cleveland Gallery of Art:

The green-tinted spectacles worn by Olds were designed to protect the eyes from the intensity of Argand lamps, a type of indoor light used during the early 1800s. These lamps burned whale oil, and many people worried that its bright flames might damage eyesight.The painter of this portrait founded the Western Union Telegraph Company in 1854 and soon became one of Clevelands wealthiest industrialists. His grandson, Jeptha Wade II, was a founder of the Cleveland Museum of Art and donated the land upon which it stands as a Christmas gift to the city in 1892.

You can buy a print of this fabulous picture in the Flashbak Shop.

Anorak

Posted: 29th, September 2021 | In: Fashion, The Consumer Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
Lars Vilks, Mohammed cartoons and Batley is missing a teacher

Swedish artist Lars Vilks has died in a car crash. Vilks achieved an unenviable sort of fame  having sketched the Muslim Prophet Muhammads head on a dogs body in 2007, he was subjected to death threats. Al-Qaeda in Iraq offered a $100,000 (73,692) reward for his murder. The BBC responds to his death by asking: Why does depicting the Prophet Muhammad cause offence? Its an interesting reads, and includes a few words about the British teacher who as far we know remains in hiding and in fear of his life for showing a class in Batley, West Yorkshire, an image depicting the Muslim Prophet Muhammad:

In Kirklees borough, where Batley Grammar School is located, the syllabus says children should be give[n] reasons why visual representation of God and the prophets is forbidden (haram) in Islam, by the end of Key Stage 2. Pupils should also understand key religious values including democracy, human rights, rule of law, secularism, freedom of expression and tolerance  this is taught in Key Stage 3.

If they teach that, why then was the teacher suspended?

Is it everyones duty in a country that values free speech to cause offence  not to be rude for the sake of it, but to try to expand the human experience and challenge convention through a free and fair exchange of views?

Image: Pallbearers carry the casket of Charlie Hebdo cartoonist Bernard Verlhac, known as Tignous, decorated by friends and colleagues of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, at the city hall of Montreuil, on the outskirts of Paris, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015

Anorak

Posted: 6th, October 2021 | In: News Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
Zac Goldsmith  look out, another elite posho wants to save the planet

Zac Goldsmith is the UK environment minister. Hes chuffed to bits about the unprecedented conservation deal by more than 100 world leaders to halt and reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030. Sounds good.

The market has been blind to the value of the environment, he tells the Guardian. The [current economic] incentives to deforest are 40 times bigger than the incentives to keep healthy forests, so changing that is difficult.

Its about the money, right? People need to eat and live. So trees get felled for farming and mining. Which brings us to Zac and how he got to be Lord Goldsmith and minted.

Hes the son of billionaire businessman and financier James Goldsmith. In 1998, his uncle Edward Goldsmith made him editor of The Ecologist magazine, a position he retained until 2007.

And hes just the latest extremely wealthy posho to tell us how to live. Why are all these elites so keen to be friends with the Earth? Well, it is where you source diamonds and gold, right.

Prince Charles told the Cop26 climate summit that Earth is in the last chance saloon and that the future of humanity and nature herself are at stake. We should be on a war-like footing, says Charles who employed a man to squeeze his toothpaste. Harry and Meghan take time out from their occasional use of aviation fuel to tell us about the urgent need to be carbon neutral and why having more than two children is wrong. The Queen wants us to cut down and protect the children  no, not from her sons now-dead former friend Jeffrey Epstein  but from excess. Were being lectured by the extremely wealthy to behave better by accepting less. If you could harness the power of eye rolling, wed be carbon neutral by Friday.

Anorak

Posted: 3rd, November 2021 | In: Key Posts, News, Politicians, Royal Family Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
Spider-Man: No Way Home Unmasks its Green Goblin

Sony has released its new poster for Spider-Man: No Way Home which focuses on Tom Holland as Spider-Man, but also, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stranger and Zendaya as MJ. The poster comes after last weeks trailer release which confirmed the appearances of Sandman from Spider-Man 3 and Lizard from The Amazing Spider-Man.

We started getting visitors from every universe. Watch the official trailer for #SpiderManNoWayHome, exclusively in movie theaters December 17.



Tickets on sale Cyber Spider-Monday, November 29. pic.twitter.com/poLaE677On  Spider-Man: No Way Home (@SpiderManMovie) November 17, 2021

The latter two movies are simply two of the many Spider-Man appearances that this comic character has had over the years. Spider-Man appeared in other movies such as Iron Man 2, in various TV series, comics, docuseries, one-shots, clothing merchandise, popular video games such as the Spider-Man video game in 2018, and even in online casinos as slot games such as Spider-Man: Attack of the Green Goblin by Playtech, the developer behind some of the best new slot sites out there.

Albeit in arm form for Doc Ock, the three main villains also appear on the poster, Doctor Octopus, the Green Goblin, and Electro. However, what struck fans the most out of this poster is the fact that the Goblin appears as a maskless Willem Dafoe.

There is still so much speculation to be made on Spider-Man: No Way Home. It is still very unclear the roles that Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield will have in this movie. However, Sony is doing a great job at keeping the mystery for this movie which is further creating the necessary hype and tension.

Spider-Man: No Way Home will also see the return of Marisa Tomei as May Parker, Tony Revolori as Flash Thompson, and J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson. What we know so far about the movie is that it will pick up from where Spider-Man: Far From Home left off, with Peter Parker trying to clear his name from the damage that Mysterio has done. He attempts to seek help from Doctor Strange, although this will backfire and cause other complications for Peter.

Spider-Man: No Way Home will hit the theatres on December 17.

Anorak

Posted: 30th, November 2021 | In: Film Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 10 - Italy advocates debt repayment with serious rules under the future revised EU Stability and Growth Pact, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti told German Finance Minister Christian Lindner on the sidelines of the G20 summit Sunday.

The economic situation of the two countries and the new rules of the Stability Pact, whose severe fiscal constraints were relaxed for the COVID pandemic but are now set to be at least partially restored, were among the topics discussed by the two financial ministers.

Giorgetti "confirmed the agreement on the need to start a path to debt reduction according to realistic, sustainable and serious rules," said the Italian economy ministry. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 10 - An inmate dies in a Viterbo prison Sunday while another prisoner tried to kill himself, authorities there said amid a wave of prison suicides linked to overcrowding and bad conditions in Italy's jails.

One inmate died of an illness, another was rescued from a suicide attempt, and a riot broke out after the prison police intervened, in night of chaos in the Mammagialla prison in Viterbo, explained the regional secretary of the penitentiary police union, USPP lazio, Daniele Nicastrini.

"(It was) an escalation of events that put a strain on the staff on duty and made the intervention of a support team necessary," he said, stressing that Italian prisons are coming under intolerable stress. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 10 - An Italian anti-gay general who was sacked as head of the military geographical institute after self-publishing a book called The World Back To Front slamming gays, lesbians, migrants, Jews and feminists will get another post in the army, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Italian TV Sunday.

Ex paratroop regiment head Roberto Vannacci became a hero in rightwing circles and was offered candidacies in far right and rightwing groups including the ruling League party but said he wanted to continue his military career, at least for the moment.

Crosetto, who started the disciplinary proceedings that ended in Vannacci's replacement as head of the institute, said on the sidelines of his appearance on stage during the 'Fatto del Fatto' party: "I told General Vannacci that I will apply the rules and give all the guarantees and protections that are needed as I would with anyone.

"He can write the book and present it, that is not the subject.

"We will see in the coming months and weeks what will be the employment of Vannacci, who has not been kicked out of the Armed Forces and like any executive must have a job.

"His Armed Force will propose him an alternative employment".

He added: "As to whether he will be operational, that is not up to me but to the Armed Force and the dialogue that will take place between them". (ANSA).


Resistance: Rojc (Pd), remembered Slovenes shot in Trieste Ceremony with Slovenian vice premier Fajon and Mayor Dipiazza

(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 10 SET - "Grief for the fallen and the tenacity of the Resistance to Nazi-Fascism, the dignity of full citizenship, the constant dialogue across borders, the participation in the civil, democratic and economic growth of Trieste and the territory: these are the historical and current signs of the proud and centuries-old presence of Slovenes in the city and towns. We have particular awareness of the achievements and progress of our community, on the centenary of the Gentile Reform that effectively abolished the Slovenian language from schools, on the 80th anniversary of the fall of Mussolini, and especially on the 75th anniversary of our republican Constitution that finally sanctions the protection of linguistic minorities." This was the reflection of Senator Tatjana Rojc, at the commemoration of the shooting of four Slovenian anti-fascists on September 6, 1930. The ceremony took place in Basovizza, with Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, with Mayor Roberto Dipiazza and Bishop Enrico Trevisi. The shooting followed the Fascist Special Tribunal's ruling against Ferdo Bidovec, Fran Marusic, Alojz Valencic and Zvonimir Milos. "Everything changed after the historic handshake of Presidents Mattarella and his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor, which," the senator recalled, "in 2020 symbolically sanctioned respect for all the victims of the tragedies of the 20th century. The hope is to still work on pacification, recalling the past to find ourselves part of a common history, not to affirm divisive identities and ideologies." (ANSA).


Charity ActionAid UK has launched an emergency Morocco earthquake appeal to support the communities most affected by the disaster.

The magnitude 6.8 tremor late on Friday damaged buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakesh.

The official death toll from the earthquake was more than 2,000 people by Sunday evening.

NEW: ActionAid has launched an emergency appeal following Fridays devastating earthquake in Morocco. In the remote villages near the Atlas Mountains survivors who have lost their homes are in urgent need of shelter, food and clothing. pic.twitter.com/UXjcI2XhYn  ActionAid UK (@ActionAidUK) September 10, 2023

The full toll from the most powerful quake to hit Morocco in 120 years will not be known until rescuers complete the challenging journey to the remote mountain villages that were the hardest hit.

ActionAid UK has launched an emergency appeal to help those need of shelter, food and clothing.

Kirsten Sutherland, humanitarian programme co-ordinator at ActionAid Spain, which has worked in Morocco for more than 20 years, said many families have lost everything.

In just minutes, the lives of hundreds of thousands of people have been turned upside down, she said.

Many families have lost everything  their loved ones, their homes and their belongings. Damage to infrastructure is hampering access to information and to affected communities, especially in remote areas.

Our objective is to support those communities that have been most badly affected by the earthquake.

Tents set up in the town of Amizmiz (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

It comes as the UK Government has sent 60 search and rescue specialists, four search dogs and rescue equipment to Morocco.

While an emergency medical team has also been deployed to assess the existing healthcare capacity and the extent of the damage

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: The UK is sending immediate support to Morocco including a team of 60 search and rescue specialists and four rescue dogs to assist with the rescue effort.

I remain in contact with Foreign Minister Bourita and offer my deepest sympathies to the people of Morocco after this tragic event.

University student Nawal Ait Idmou, 20, who has lost friends in the earthquake, told the PA news agency she feels helpless but has to be strong until she hears from family members.

Ms Idmou said her family are without electricity and unable to recharge mobile phones.

Its like we are in a dream because we are so far from our families, she said.

People are dying, people we know, like our friends, and we cant do anything for them.

At the moment, there is no electricity. Peoples phones are dead.

I talked with (my family) in the morning, but in the afternoon no one replied  my brother, my father, anyone in my family, no one knows whats happening.

She said aid is sparse, particularly medical supplies, and transporting supplies is difficult because of blocked roads and heavy traffic.
TV veteran Alastair Stewart has revealed he has been diagnosed with early onset vascular dementia.

The 71-year-old former ITV News presenter retired from regular broadcasting on GB News earlier this year after nearly five decades on air.

He hosted his final episode of Alastair Stewart And Friends, a discussion programme on GB News, in March.

Stewart left ITV in 2020, where he had presented a range of news and current affairs programmes including the evening news, lunchtime news and News At Ten, after more than 35 years with the broadcaster.

'The thing I have found the most difficult to deal with, genuinely, is the impact its had on Sally, my wife.'@AlStewartOBE discusses the impact being diagnosed with early onset Vascular Dementia has had on his family.  GB News on YouTube https://t.co/Wa58gYGZwF pic.twitter.com/4hhBgSoPNk  GB News (@GBNEWS) September 10, 2023

He told GB News programme The Camilla Tominey Show on Sunday: I mean, the headline story, and it is relatively dramatic, I suppose, is that about six, nine months ago, I began to feel one of my favourite words, a bit discombobulated.

I wasnt becoming forgetful but things like doing your shoelaces properly  thats how I wear these lovely moccasins now  making sure your tie was straight, remembering that the call time for your programme is four oclock and not five oclock, not turning up early or late, and stuff like that.

I then decided at my ripe old age of late 50s, early 60s, that I might have something wrong.

He added that he went to see his GP and was sent for a scan which revealed he had had a serious of minor strokes that are called infarct strokes, and led to a diagnosis of vascular dementia.

According to the NHS, the common condition is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which has symptoms including slowness of thought and problems with concentration.

Stewart said that, following the news, he moved to a contributor contract at GB News and has appeared as a commentator on major news events such as the Kings Coronation for the channel.

I began to feel a bit discombobulated.@AlStewartOBE reveals that he has early onset Vascular Dementia and explains the process of getting it diagnosed.  Freeview 236, Sky 512, Virgin 604 GB News on YouTube https://t.co/Wa58gYGZwF pic.twitter.com/y3JNPcXPp0  GB News (@GBNEWS) September 10, 2023

He added: The thing I have found most difficult to deal with, genuinely, is the impact its had on Sally, my wife. Weve been married for nearly half a century, and, you know, your life partner, your lover, all of those descriptions that are personal and intimate, that person is reduced  I choose my words very carefully  almost to a carer.

Stewart said his wife, who has worked as a production assistant, and with whom he has four children, had to make sure he was ready before appearing for the interview and that his tie was done properly.

He added: So, if you do think that theres something wrong with you, go and see the GP, listen to what he or she says.

But also do remember that the people you work with and the people you live with and share your life with are the most important people in the entire world. And they are there if youre lucky enough, as I was, to help you.

Dementia UKs senior consultant admiral nurse Victoria Lyons said they are very sorry to hear of Stewarts diagnosis and hope support is being provide to him and his family.

She added: By choosing to speak publicly about his diagnosis, Alastair will raise vital awareness of dementia and we hope that this will encourage others to seek advice if they have concerns for their brain health.

GB News presenter Gloria De Piero, Tory MP Michael Fabricant and journalist Emma Woolf all sent messages of support.

Former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips recently said she has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, and the family of American actor Bruce Willis have revealed he has frontotemporal dementia.

Phillips, 62, said in July that she hopes her involvement in clinical trials will be a step towards defeating Alzheimers, telling the Daily Mirror: I cant just lie down and accept it.

Kate Lee, chief executive of Alzheimers Society, said: We are so sorry to hear that Alastair Stewart has been diagnosed with dementia and our thoughts are with him and his family.

She added that speaking so candidly can help others understand the condition which devastates lives.

Alastair Stewart was named Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2004 (Ian West/PA)

During his career, Stewart has covered stories such as the Beslan school siege in Russia, the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany, and various royal weddings.

He was named Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2004 and two years later was made an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity.

He started his career in 1976 at ITVs Southern Television in Southampton, where he served as a general reporter, industrial correspondent, presenter and documentary-maker.

In 1980 he joined ITN as industrial correspondent and a decade later became Washington correspondent.

He went on to anchor ITNs coverage of the first Gulf War and became the first UK TV reporter to broadcast live from the liberated Kuwait City.

Stewart has also chaired debates with political figures, including Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg ahead of the 2010 General Election for ITV, and for GB News when Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss were bidding for the Conservative Party leadership.
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have apologised for sending letters of support to a judge, after fellow actor Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women.

Both attacks were said to have taken place in Mastersons home in the Hollywood area in 2003, when he was starring in That 70s Show.

Kunis and Kutcher, who married in 2015, rose to fame on the same sitcom, about teenagers coming of age in the 1970s.

In an Instagram video on 45-year-old Kutchers account, he said: We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson

A couple of months ago, Dannys family reached out to us, and they asked us to write character letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years, so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing.

They were intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or retraumatise them in any way. We would never want to do that and were sorry if that has taken place.

According to the Associated Press news agency, in his letter dated July 27 Kutcher described Masterson as a man who treated people with decency, equality, and generosity.

Kunis, 40, said: We support victims. We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system, or the validity of the jurys ruling.

Our heart goes out to every single person whos ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape.

Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in 2003 (Wade Payne/Invision/AP)

Her letter to Los Angeles Superior Court judge Charlaine F Olmedo called Masterson an outstanding role model and friend and an exceptional older brother figure.

Masterson also starred alongside Topher Grace and Laura Prepon in That 70s Show from 1998 until 2006.

Grace, Prepon, Kunis and Kutcher have since reprised their roles with appearances in Netflix series That 90s Show, released in 2023.

Kutcher also starred opposite Masterson on American sitcom The Ranch, until the latter was written out of the show when an LAPD investigation was revealed in 2017.

On Thursday, before Masterson was sentenced, Los Angeles Superior Court heard statements from the women attacked by the 47-year-old in which they detailed their trauma and pain.

A jury of seven women and five men has found Masterson guilty of two counts on May 31 after seven days of deliberations.
Two British tourists slept on the streets of a village in the Atlas mountains  unable to contact their families following a devastating earthquake in Morocco, one of their husbands has said.

Rebecca Calvert, 63, and friend Hilary Mckegney, 64, had just arrived in the remote village of Imlil in the Atlas Mountains to go on a hiking trip when the earthquake struck.

The magnitude 6.8 tremor late on Friday damaged buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakesh.

The official death toll from the earthquake was more than 2,000 people by Sunday evening.

NEW: ActionAid has launched an emergency appeal following Fridays devastating earthquake in Morocco. In the remote villages near the Atlas Mountains survivors who have lost their homes are in urgent need of shelter, food and clothing. pic.twitter.com/UXjcI2XhYn  ActionAid UK (@ActionAidUK) September 10, 2023

The full toll from the most powerful quake to hit Morocco in 120 years will not be known until rescuers complete the challenging journey to the remote mountain villages that were the hardest hit.

Will Calvert, 66, told the PA news agency his wife was incredibly fortunate to be safe as she was staying within 20 miles of the epicentre of the earthquake.

The Windsor resident said: We lost all contact. Comms were down. The only road up there was closed.

We made contact through any means we could. We went through our MP to the Foreign Office and they managed to find out some information.

They told us the indications were the village was relatively unscathed, which was surprising given how close it was to the epicentre. It was probably within 20 miles.

It sounded hopeful. We finally heard from my wife and her friend (on Sunday). They slept with the locals in the streets for two days.

Mrs Calvert was finally able to get phone signal again as she travelled towards Marrakesh on Sunday and spoke to her husband.

Will Calvert, 66, from Windsor, Berkshire (Jacob Phillips/PA)

Mr Calvert added: There will be many in a much less fortunate position. There is no doubt she was hugely fortunate to be that close to the epicentre and the building held.

One thing that was clear from talking to the MP was that theres a fair few British nationals in that area. So there is bound to be someone in a less fortunate position.

Ms Mckegney, from Somerset, and Mrs Calvert will sleep on the floor of Marrakesh airport on Sunday and hope to fly back to London Gatwick on Monday, Mr Calvert added.

But their journey could be delayed and the husband was told there was a crack in the runway at the airport in Marrakesh.

The UK Government has sent 60 search and rescue specialists, four search dogs and rescue equipment to Morocco.

While an emergency medical team has also been deployed to assess the existing healthcare capacity and the extent of the damage.
Terror suspect Daniel Khalife remains in police custody after the 21-year-old was arrested in the London suburb of Northolt after four days on the run.

After a mass land and air search, the former soldier was captured at 10.41am on Saturday after being pulled off a push bike by a plain-clothed counter terrorism officer.

Metropolitan Police said Khalife, who escaped HMP Wandsworth four days ago, was arrested on suspicion of being unlawfully at large and being an escaped prisoner.

He was apprehended on a canal towpath in west London, around eight miles from where he was last seen by a member of the public, and is now in police custody, the force said.

Footage obtained by The Sun newspaper showed Khalife sat on the canal towpath after his arrest, with a bike, a Waitrose cool bag and a sleeping bag nearby.

Officers conducted an intelligence-led search at a residential premises in the Richmond area and, although Khalife was not found there, the force received a number of calls from the public with sightings of the suspect nearby.

The Mets counter-terrorism boss Commander Dominic Murphy told reporters on Saturday: In terms of the investigation, it really gathered momentum yesterday afternoon, with a number of calls from the public, but really took a different course last night, when we did an intelligence-led search in the Richmond area in the early hours of this morning.

Whilst we didnt find him at that search, while we were at that search, we had a number of calls from the public over the next hour or two, giving us various sightings of him.

It is unclear whether Khalife will be taken back to the category B prison or to a higher-security location (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Mr Murphy said Khalife was fully co-operative as he was handcuffed, with some media reports claiming he was laughing as he was arrested.

He added police have not had a claim for the 20,000 reward yet.

Security sources reportedly told The Mail on Sunday that the wanted fugitive was apprehended after spies from the UKs new intelligence nerve centre, made up of agents from MI5, MI6, and specialist police, bugged the phones of people they believed were linked to the escaped convict.

The paper also reported that two guards at Wandsworth Prison have been suspended following Khalifes escape, with the Ministry of Justice declining to comment.

(PA Graphics)

Detectives believe the former soldier escaped from HMP Wandsworth by strapping himself to the bottom of a delivery lorry after leaving the prison kitchen in a cooks uniform.

It is unclear whether he will be returned to the category B prison or a higher-security location.

Khalife was awaiting trial after allegedly planting a fake bomb at an RAF base and gathering information that might be useful to terrorists or enemies of the UK.
Kate Garraway has spoken about the very lonely and very difficult time she has had caring for her husband, Derek Draper.

In March 2020, the former political adviser fell seriously ill with Covid-19, which left him with long-lasting damage to his organs and needing daily care.

Good Morning Britain presenter Garraway only sleeps for around four hours most nights and has not taken a day off since he became sick, according to The Sunday Times.

Kate Garraway has spoken about the very lonely and very difficult time she has had caring for her husband, Derek Draper (Ian West/PA)

The 56-year-old told the newspaper: Caring for someone you love is a privilege, and I will never give up, but I want to champion the cause that everyone in my position faces because I know people are drowning trying to navigate through the care system.

We talk about a crisis but it is beyond crisis. It is very lonely and very difficult, and I at least do have that voice.

Garraway has made two documentaries detailing her familys life as Draper battles the long-term effects of coronavirus, with both programmes winning National Television Awards in the authored documentary category.

She was recognised with an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.

She said: I worry that Im failing on every front, at everything. But Ive got to keep going and fight on for Derek.

She also revealed that, on the day of a Good Morning Britain episode last November, she had to go to hospital with chest pain.

Garraway said: When I went back, they (the doctors) said Ye-ah, we dont think youre strong enough to do stressor tests funnily enough I mean, oh my God, weve had enough stressor tests.

She also said Draper has developed a weird choking and his inability to breathe out carbon dioxide or breathe in oxygen is slightly poisoning his body all the time.

She said her husband becomes very emotional about the strain this has put on me but having an illness can strip you of your empathy.

She also said she has never had a period where we could say Well, at least hes safe now.

Garraway and Draper were invited to be Sir Elton Johns guests of honour at his Farewell Yellow Brick Road concert at Londons O2 Arena in April.

Her husband was also at her side in June, despite being in and out of hospital, when she collected her MBE from the Prince of Wales in an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Garraway also said her childrens lives are passing, my life is passing and it is no longer possible to live in crisis mode.

She added: If he was more physically stable, if we knew more about the parameters, if we knew how much of the old Derek can be retrieved, Id be able to reason more.

Garraway has also written two books  The Power Of Hope: The Moving Memoir From ITVs Kate Garraway, and The Strength Of Love: Embracing An Uncertain Future With Resilience And Optimism  following Drapers health struggle.

 The Strength Of Love: Embracing An Uncertain Future With Resilience And Optimism is due to be published in hardback on Thursday.
Women feel more comfortable than men in most scenarios, except one that involves a changing room. (Getty Images)

New research has revealed a stark contrast between the social situations and gestures that make men uncomfortable compared to women.

However, of all the scenarios posited to the surveys respondents, women are more likely to feel uncomfortable in just one situation compared to their male counterparts.

YouGov surveyed more than 4,000 UK adults and asked men how uncomfortable things like wearing pink or saying I love you to a male relative made them feel. The survey also asked women about the same situations, except applied to female relatives or female friends

Read more: 74% believe men and women have different romantic expectations on dates (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)

In all but one situation, men were more likely to say they would feel uncomfortable.

The only scenario where women were more likely to feel awkward was being naked in a [same gender] changing room, according to the poll. Of the respondents, 67% of women said they would feel uncomfortable doing this compared to less than half (49%) of men.

A YouGov survey found that men feel more uncomfortable showing emotion and making physical contact with friends compared to women. (YouGov)

However, women were significantly less likely to say they felt squeamish about scenarios that involved showing emotions or making physical contact with friends of the same gender.

The survey found that 42% of men said they were reluctant to share a bed with a [same gender] friend, compared to only 21% of women who said the same. Nearly half (48%) of male respondents also said they would feel uncomfortable crying in front of [same gender] friends, with only 18% of women agreeing.

A YouGov survey found that men are more likely to feel uncomfortable crying in front of a male friend. (Getty Images)

Showing emotions around family also proved to be more difficult for men than women. When asked about saying I love you to a male relative, 45% of men said they would feel uncomfortable, whereas just 17% of women said they wouldnt like to say I love you to a female relative.

Read more: This is the age women start to be pummelled by the gender pay gap (Yahoo News UK, 3-min read)

More than four in 10 men said they would be uncomfortable going to a gay bar, but only a fifth (20%) of women said the same. Meanwhile, 42% of men would be reluctant to apply sun cream on a friends back if they were the same gender, compared to 10% of women.

Certain gender norms also prevail among male respondents, with almost one in three (31%) of men saying they would be uncomfortable wearing pink, compared to 9% of women. Getting a bouquet of flowers, which have traditionally been a gift for women, bother 26% of male respondents.

YouGov poll finds that men are more likely to feel uncomfortable about getting a bouquet of flowers compared to women. (Getty Images)

YouGov noted that, among men, the differences in generational attitudes towards some of these scenarios are unclear.

Some situations were more disagreeable for certain age groups. For instance, the oldest age group of men aged 65 and above were the most likely to be unhappy wearing pink or going to a gay bar.

However, in the latter situation, the youngest age group (18 to 24 years) were also more uncomfortable about going to a gay bar, with 50 per cent of this group saying so compared to 37% of 25 to 49-year-olds and 38% of 50 to 64-year-olds.

A similar pattern was seen when it comes to saying I love you to a male relative. The younger generation is also more uncomfortable crying in front of male friends, with more than half (58%) agreeing with this statement compared to their elders.
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x561432d1e0c0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x561432d29390)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x561432d1e0c0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x561432d29390)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x561432cc5158)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x561432d29390)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x561432d29390)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x561429954da0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x561432cf6a60)') called at (eval 612) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x561432cf6a60)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Most front pages of Britains Sunday newspapers have been dominated by the weeks major story  the manhunt and capture of escaped Wandsworth prisoner Daniel Khalife.

The Sunday Telegraph, Sunday Express, The Mail on Sunday and The Independent have all focused on the details of Khalifes capture after four days on the lam.

The front page of tomorrow's Sunday Telegraph: 'Terror suspect laughed after arrest'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4OoUh6 pic.twitter.com/rXXQj2RfpR  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 9, 2023

MAIL On Sunday: Spooks Bugged Phones To Nail Jailbreak Spy  #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/aAr2HnFQNV  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) September 9, 2023

The Sunday Times has run with an accused spy of a different kind for their splash.

The Daily Star reports the Met has confirmed Saturday as the hottest day of the year.

Sunday People leads with thousands dead after a magnitude 7 earthquake hit Morocco.

And The Observer says new NatWest boss Richard Haythornthwaite has links to an under-fire Saudi Arabian oil group.
The Prime Minister and his wife Akshata Murty visited a Hindu temple as Rishi Sunak prepares to take part in the final session of the G20 summit in India.

The couple spent some of the morning at the 100-acre Akshardham temple in New Delhi.

Mr Sunak and Mrs Murty, both practising Hindus, joined in with Sanskrit singing as they made prayer offerings to a golden statue of Lord Swaminarayan.

Afterwards, the couple headed to join other G20 leaders at the Raj Ghat memorial in the city, with one of the memorials dedicated to the Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr Sunak will later take part in the final session of the summit, called One Future, where the focus will be on transformative technologies, before flying back to the UK.

Ahead of the session, the British leader announced a record UK contribution to an international climate change fund in answer to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for more financing to support developing nations.

Downing Street announced that Britain will provide two billion US dollars (1.6 billion) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for 2024-27.

No 10 officials said it marked the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change.

It comes after Mr Modi, who as leader of India is president of the G20 this year, made a call ahead of the summit for wealthier countries to offer support for developing nations that are battling against the impact of climate change, which is being experienced in the form of harsher weather conditions and rising sea levels.

In an article published in a host of international publications, including The Times, Mr Modi said: Ambitions for climate action must be matched with actions on climate finance and transfer of technology.

Rishi Sunak will later take part in the final session of the summit, called One Future, where the focus will be on transformative technologies, before flying back to the UK (Dan Kitwood/PA)

The bumper climate change contribution comes in the context of the UK and India negotiating a potential free trade deal, with Mr Sunak and his Indian counterpart broaching the topic during talks on the fringes of the summit on Saturday.

Speaking after their conversation, Mr Sunak signalled that there was optimism the two countries could work through the final negotiation hurdles.

A readout from Indias ministry of external affairs said both leaders expressed hope during their meeting that the remaining issues in the trade talks could be addressed at the earliest to pave the way for a balanced, mutually beneficial and forward looking accord to be concluded.

Mr Sunak also accepted an invitation from Mr Modi to make a return visit to India at an early, mutually convenient date for a more detailed discussion, according to the ministrys statement.

In an unexpected move at the summit, India managed to secure a joint agreement on Saturday, with all 20 of the worlds top economies signing off on wording in relation to the situation in Ukraine.

Mr Sunak said he thought a very strong joint message about Moscows attack had been made under Prime Minister Modi and Indias presidency of the G20, particularly on the impact of the Kremlins blockade of Ukrainian grain.

But Ukraine hit out at the communique after Russia and China objected even to language that they had agreed to last year at the G20 summit in Bali when Moscows aggression was cited.

G20 adopted a final declaration. We are grateful to the partners who tried to include strong wording in the text. However, in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of. This is how the main elements of the text could look to be closer to reality pic.twitter.com/qZqYluVKKS  Oleg Nikolenko (@OlegNikolenko_) September 9, 2023

The final statement this year, released a day before the formal close of the summit, highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine, but did not mention Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion.

Oleg Nikolenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian foreign ministry, tweeted: We are grateful to the partners who tried to include strong wording in the text. In terms of Russias aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of.

Mr Putin stayed away from the Indian summit, with the Prime Minister saying his absence showed how the authoritarian leader was completely isolated on the world stage.

Elsewhere at the summit, the G20 announced a plan to develop a rail and shipping corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and the European Union.

Mr Modi, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Mr Biden were among those participating in unveiling the mammoth plan, with the US president reportedly calling it a real big deal.

No timeline has been announced for when the corridors construction will be completed.
Sarah Lancashire has revealed she has brain fog due to the most terrible menopause.

The 58-year-old actress was given the special recognition gong at the National Television Awards (NTAs) last week for her body of work, including roles in Coronation Street, Last Tango In Halifax, and Happy Valley.

Lancashire told The Mail on Sunday: Im having the most terrible menopause. Ive got brain fog.

I was in Sainsburys the other day, and I found myself just stood there in the aisle and could not remember what I was there for. It just comes over you all of a sudden.

I cant remember things that happened 30 years ago either.

James Norton, Rhys Connah and Siobhan Finneran all starred in Happy Valley alongside Sarah Lancashire (Danny Lawson/PA)

Previous recipients of the special recognition award include Doctor Whos David Tennant, comedian Sir Lenny Henry, and journalist David Dimbleby.

Lancashire also spoke of her struggles with the heat and needing two fans pretty much on my face the whole time at the awards ceremony.

I brought one of my closest friends with me and his job was to keep an eye out for the cameras and if it looked like they were going to pan across to us, then hed let me know so I could hide them, she said.

At Londons O2 on Tuesday, she also won the award for best drama performance for her role as no-nonsense West Yorkshire police sergeant Catherine Cawood in gritty crime drama Happy Valley, which ended earlier this year after three seasons.

Both series one and two won Baftas for best drama series and writing, and earned Lancashire a leading actress award for the second series.

The show, which began in 2014, follows Catherine as she grieves for her daughter, Becky, who took her own life, and raises her grandson, Ryan, played by Rhys Connah, born as a result of Becky being raped by Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton), who becomes Catherines nemesis.
Why is China considered a threat to the UK and how is the Government responding?

Reports of Chinese interference in British democracy have led Rishi Sunak to confront Beijings representative at the G20 summit in India.

The Prime Minister spoke to Chinese premier Li Qiang hours after news emerged of two arrests under the Official Secrets Act, including of a parliamentary researcher with links to several senior Conservative MPs.

Even in the face of such actions, UK ministers insist on diplomatically describing Chinas intrusions as a global challenge rather than a threat.

Here the PA news agency looks at actions by China which have raised alarm among some UK politicians, and how the Government has responded.

 What has China done to the UK which makes people think it is a threat?

Chinas growing global influence has seen it take forthright steps on foreign soil over the last few decades.

MI5 issued a rare security alert last year, warning that suspected Chinese spy Christine Lee had engaged in political interference activities on behalf of Chinas ruling communist regime.

She had donated more than 500,000 to Labour MP Barry Gardiner before the warning.

MI5 issued a rare security alert last year, warning that suspected Chinese spy Christine Lee had engaged in political interference activities on behalf of Chinas ruling communist regime (MI5/PA)

Conservative former minister Sir Iain Duncan Smith, meanwhile, has recently claimed that ministerial cars may well have been tracked by the Chinese government without our knowledge because of Chinese-made equipment within them.

There are also concerns about secret Chinese police stations on UK soil being used to intimidate and influence dissidents and exiles in Britain.

MPs have also raised concerns about Chinese-owned companies operating in the UK.

Chinas national security laws may require firms based there to share privileged information with its government, even with clients or customers from abroad.

Social media platform TikTok was recently banned from use on UK ministers official phones because of the perceived risk to security.

Telecoms company Huaweis technology is slowly being scrubbed from the UKs 5G communications infrastructure because of similar concerns.

Last year national security concerns led the UK Government to ordered Nexperia, a company with links to China, to sell its majority stake in microchip maker Newport Wafer Fab.

There are also ongoing worries about Chinese involvement in other sectors, including genetic information research.

 What about its actions elsewhere in the world?

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 2022 G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, but did not attend this years gathering in New Delhi, India (Leon Neal/PA)

Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, notably did not attend the G20 summit in India, amid a series of spats with the governments of other countries.

In his place, premier Li Qiang travelled to New Delhi, although Indias relationship with China remains frosty due to a dispute about their shared Himalayan border.

Beijings close relationship with Russia is also under scrutiny from other nations as the war in Ukraine continues.

In addition, China is engaged in continued sabre-rattling over its influence in the South China Sea, a waterway important to international trade and rich in natural resources, which it shares with several other countries.

The communist-run East Asian nation is also at the centre of a series of human rights concerns at home, because of its harsh treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority in the north-west Xinjiang region, and the crackdown on democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.

The UK and other Western nations also remain untrusting of China on global health matters, after a World Health Organisation investigation into the origin of Covid-19 appeared to spark more questions than answers.

 What actions are the UKs top China critics calling for?

Former Tory Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith at a protest outside the Foreign Office over Chinas persecution of Uighur Muslims (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Conservative MPs are among the most strident critics of the Chinese government, including former party leader Sir Iain, Foreign Affairs Select Committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns, and former prime minister Liz Truss.

Ms Truss urged her successor, Mr Sunak, to designate China as a threat to the UK during a post-prime ministerial visit to Taiwan in May.

Sir Iain and Ms Kearns have also argued that the UK needs to take a more hawkish stance against Beijing and Chinese companies present in the UK, amid the countrys authoritarian tendencies, its surveillance culture, and human rights abuses.

Even the Labour Party has weighed in on the continuing fraught relationship.

Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds suggested actions such as the reported Westminster spying mean it would be naive not to consider China a threat, but insisted on the need to continue engaging in trade with the Chinese.

 What approach is the Government taking?

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng hosted Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at the Great Hall of the People, the first visit to Beijing by a senior UK figure in five years (Florence Lo/Pool/AP)

Ministers continue to tread a fine line with China.

While the Government has taken action on companies such as Huawei and TikTok, and on the Nexperia takeover of Newport Wafer Fab, it does not want to alienate China.

In the 2023 refresh of the Governments integrated review of defence, China was described as an epoch-defining challenge, and Mr Sunak has not risen to calls to describe the nation as a threat.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly recently became the first senior UK figure in five years to visit Beijing to speak to Chinese officials.

During the visit, he said he had robust conversations about Chinas actions in the UK and across the world, but told the BBC it would not be credible to disengage from contact entirely.

But even ministerial thinking on China continues to appear confused.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk felt the need to correct himself when he described the country as a threat in an interview on Sunday.

The Prime Minister has been very clear when it comes to China. It is an epoch-defining threat  challenge, forgive me  so of course we have got to take it extremely seriously, he told Skys Trevor Phillips.
New polls showing President Biden tied or trailing several GOP presidential candidates and deep concerns among voters over his age are stoking Democratic angst about third-party candidates stealing a victory in November 2024.

Democrats have long been worried that in a close race, a third-party candidate could be the difference between winning and defeat in hard-fought states such as Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin or even Florida.

But the new polling is exacerbating unease that liberal candidate Cornel West or a centrist contender backed by No Labels could end up being spoilers for Biden.

Groups on the left are among those expressing discontentment, arguing that the only candidates who will have a chance to actually win the White House are Biden and the eventual Republican nominee.

The 2024 presidential election is a binary choice between Joe Biden and the MAGA GOP nominee, Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn, told The Hill on Thursday.

She pointed her criticism squarely at No Labels, which has seen an influx of attacks from all corners of the party in recent weeks. Thats why we are so alarmed that, despite this urgent and unique moment of peril for our democracy, No Labels remains determined to push forward with a reckless 2024 third party bid.

No Labels has no theory to win and no infrastructure or plausible case to get to 270 electoral votes, Epting added, sharing common sentiments among Democrats who see the effort as detrimental to a blue win.

One poll released by CNN this week has put a fine point on the Biden problem. While its presumed that the 80-year-old president will be the nominee, Democrats are coming around to the view that outside figures could damage his chances after he locks up the contest.

According to the survey, a whopping 67 percent of voters who identify as Democrats or lean left said that theyd prefer someone else as the nominee. At the same time, just as many voters believe Biden will ultimately nab the nomination, creating a difficult position for those helping to prop up an unpopular candidate.

Another data point also signals a potential issue: Biden is in close contention not only with former President Trump but with lesser-known candidates like former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who led him by several points.

Other polls separately show deep dissatisfaction over Bidens age, with the majority of voters in recent Wall Street Journal and Associated Press/NORC surveys saying hes too old to seek a second term in office.

The anxiety over third-party campaigns has grown in tandem with Bidens relatively poor standing.

Democrats were reassured when he didnt see a prominent primary challenger, but fears that someone without as much name recognition could run as a different partys option have taken hold as candidates embark on the year leading to the general election.

West, a leftist aligned with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) who has a considerable grassroots following, is now running on the Green Party ticket, a political maneuver some progressives have found more concerning than his previous Peoples Party identification.

The Green Party skews to the left of the progressive movement and is most recently remembered for the uproar it caused in 2016 when outsider Jill Stein ran as the partys choice. Her bid caused what some Democrats saw as a nonviable alternative to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and helped aid a surprise Trump victory in some states. While Green Party supporters want more than a two-party system, mainstream Democrats view those third-party political efforts as generally beneficial to the GOP.

Historically, third-party candidates have been a boost to Republicans. The same could be true with this cycle, said Michael Starr-Hopkins, a Democratic campaign operative and commentator.

This season, moderates are frustrated with West as the newest Green Party option, with strategists now working to downplay his bid. While many respect his academic contributions, they also see him as a troublesome figure in an already tough cycle for Biden.

And while theres anger directed toward the left, centrists are just as perturbed by their own flank. No Labels in particular has caused worries for moderates who see the same possible Green Party-style doomsday scenario playing out from their wing of the party.

A third-party bid from No Labels is quite different from the current landscape of RFK Jr., Marianne Williamson and Cornel West running in the Dem primary, said Ameshia Cross, a Democratic strategist. Neither of the three have gained enough traction to be considered threats remotely to President Biden.

No Labels, though a highly conservative driven group, has the funding to run ads, and though a No Labels candidate or any third-party wont make it to the White House, it could provide [an] off ramp in a tight race where pulling even a small percentage of voters could throw the election to the Republicans, she said.

A third-party candidate has no chance of becoming president, Cross stressed.

The bipartisan group sees it differently. Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for No Labels, said the group is emboldened by the latest poll findings, saying that it shows a rejection of the Biden-Trump duality.

The CNN poll reinforces a truth we have known for a long time now at No Labels: most Americans do not want a rematch of the 2020 election, Clancy told The Hill in a statement. Theres growing enthusiasm for another choice who can bridge the partisan divide that is tearing our country apart.

If No Labels ultimately offers its ballot line to an independent Unity ticket next year, it will be because we think it has a real path to the White House, he added.

Skeptical Democrats, however, are still looking at ways to minimize the potential damage. Some are eyeing high profile surrogates as ways to help Biden squash voter curiosity about other candidates, regardless of whether it comes from the left or middle.

Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) are sought after from progressives to get young people and infrequent voters inspired about Biden, and moderates are open to finding a similar vote-getter on their side.

I believe Joe Biden will win reelection in a one-on-one race against Donald Trump or any other Republican nominee, said Jim Kessler of the centrist Democratic group Third Way, which is working against third-party bids on both sides of the party. But it may not be a one-on-one race.

A possible No Labels candidacy will require moderate voices to do the same thing from the center, Kessler added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Rescuers are digging through the rubble of collapsed homes in Morocco for survivors of one of the worst earthquakes to strike the country  with more than 2,000 already declared dead.

The quake that struck in Moroccos High Atlas mountains late on Friday night also damaged historic buildings in Marrakech  the nearest city to the epicentre  while most of the fatalities were reported in mountainous areas to the south. Many more have been left homeless.

The Interior Ministry said 2,012 people had been killed and 2,059 injured, including 1,404 in a critical condition following the biggest quake to hit the North African country in 120 years.

In the village of Amizmiz near the epicentre, rescue workers picked through rubble with their bare hands. Fallen masonry blocked narrow streets. Outside a hospital, around 10 bodies lay covered in blankets as grieving relatives stood nearby.

When I felt the earth shaking beneath my feet and the house leaning, I rushed to get my kids out. But my neighbours couldnt, Mohamed Azaw told Reuters. Unfortunately no one was found alive in that family. The father and son were found dead and they are still looking for the mother and the daughter.

People woken by the quake ran into the streets in terror and disbelief. State television showed people clustered in the streets of Marrakech late at night, afraid to go back inside buildings that might still be unstable.

The epicentre of the quake was reported to be in the Ighil area, about 70km (40 miles) south of Marrakech.

The focal point was said to be about 18km below the Earths surface by the US Geological Survey (USGS), while Moroccos own National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network, estimated it to be 11km below. Shallow quakes such as this are said to be more dangerous.

The quake had initially registered a magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 2311 local time [2211 GMT] on Friday, with an aftershock that measured 4.9 on the Richter scale about 20 minutes later, according to the USGS. The initial tremor was measured at a magnitude of 7.2 by Morocco.

A woman in front of her earthquake-damaged house in the old city in Marrakech (AFP)

Tremors were felt in Huelva and Jaen in southern Spain, as well as Portugal and Algeria, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algerias Civil Defence agency said.

Rescuers stood atop the pancaked floors of one building in Amizmiz, bits of carpet and furniture protruding from the rubble. A long queue formed outside the only open shop as people sought supplies. Underlining the challenges facing rescuers, fallen boulders blocked a road from Amizmiz to a nearby village.

Nearly all the houses in the area of Asni, some 40km (25 miles) south of Marrakech, were damaged, and villagers were preparing to spend the night outside. Food was in short supply as roofs had collapsed on kitchens, said villager Mohamed Ouhammo.

Montasir Itri, a resident of Asni, said the search was on for survivors. Our neighbours are under the rubble and people are working hard to rescue them using available means in the village, he told Reuters.

The Interior Ministry said the tremors hit the provinces of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant. Officials urged residents to remain calm.

Locals shared videos on social media platforms showing the collapsed buildings, including the famous red walls surrounding the old city of Marrakech, a Unesco World Heritage site.

A damaged vehicle in Marrakech (Reuters)

In Marrakech, where 13 people were confirmed dead, injured people arrived from the surrounding areas seeking treatment. In the heart of its old city, a mosque minaret had fallen in Jemaa al-Fna Square.

Morocco declared three days of national mourning, during which the national flag will be flown at half staff throughout the country, the royal court said on Saturday.

The Moroccan armed forces will deploy rescue teams to provide affected areas with clean drinking water, food supplies, tents and blankets, it added.

A map by the United States Geological Survey shows the location of the quake (EPA/USGS Handout)

The UN said it is ready to assist the government of Morocco in its efforts to assist the impacted population.

The European Unions commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic said the EU is ready to provide any assistance necessary.

Central Morocco has been hit by a devastating earthquake taking a heavy toll on human life, Mr Lenarcic said.

The G20 summit, that kicked off on Saturday in India began with a condolence message from prime minister Narendra Modi. Before starting the official proceedings, I would like to express my condolences to the people impacted by the earthquake in Morocco, Mr Modi said.

People take shelter outside their homes in the capital Rabat (AP)

The world is with Morocco and we are really to provide them with all the possible help.

Turkey, where powerful earthquakes in February killed more than 50,000 people, was among the other nations expressing solidarity and offering to provide support.

Algeria, which broke off ties with Morocco in 2021 after escalating tensions between the countries focused on the Western Sahara conflict, said it would open airspace for humanitarian and medical flights.

Despite an outpouring of offers of help from around the world, the Moroccan government had not yet formally asked for assistance by Saturday night, a step required before outside rescue crews can deploy.

Countries have, meanwhile, called for caution for those travelling to Morocco. The US embassy in Morocco has advised American citizens to exercise caution for the next 24 hours in case of additional earthquakes or aftershocks.

Residents take shelter outside shops in Marrakech (AFP)

People in Moroccos capital city of Rabat, about 350 km (217 miles) north of Ighil, and in the coastal town of Imsouane, about 180 km (112 miles) to its west, also fled their homes, fearing a stronger quake.

In Casablanca, some 250 km (155 miles) north of Ighil, people who spent the night in the streets were too scared to return home.

"The house rocked aggressively, everyone was scared," said resident Mohamed Taqafi.

Earthquakes are relatively rare in North Africa. In 1960, a magnitude 5.8 tremor struck near the Moroccan city of Agadir and caused thousands of deaths. That quake prompted changes in construction rules in Morocco, but many buildings, especially rural homes, are not built to withstand such tremors.

In 2004, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake near the Mediterranean coastal city of Al Hoceima left more than 600 dead.

Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
A long-awaited Georgia grand jury report released Friday provides a look at how Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) avoided being charged in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss (D) election interference case against former President Trump and 18 other defendants.

The report shows that the jury recommended taking the enormous step of bringing charges against the sitting U.S. senator, as well as two former Georgia senators, both of whom were defeated in runoff elections held the day before the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

In fact, a majority of the grand jury  13 members  backed bringing charges against Graham with respect to the national effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

But seven other members voted against doing so, exhibiting for the first time the split in the Fulton County grand jury. In contrast, the report showed 20 of 21 jurors recommended charges against Trumps attorney, Rudy Giuliani.

Legal experts The Hill spoke with after the release of the report said the split vote, along with other factors involved in charging a sitting member of the Senate in the interference plot, likely convinced Willis she would have a steep hill to climb to win a conviction.

Thats not exactly a ringing endorsement that theyre going to be able to prosecute him and get a grand jury to find beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed an offense, said Josh Stanton, an attorney with Perry Law who has penned analyses of various Trump cases.

Graham was a key figure in the case in large part because of his phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R), who alleged the senator asked him about possibly throwing out votes that were legally cast  a claim Graham dismisses.

That seven grand jury members who didnt find the charges against Graham convincing would have been a problem for Willis, Stanton said. And that jury, he noted, heard Lindsey Graham talk about his actions during the election and his effort to maybe speak with Raffensperger, to suggest that he take a particular course of action to help Donald Trump.

Graham on Friday said he was surprised that charges were even considered.

I was totally surprised.  I never suggested anybody set aside the election. I never said go find votes. I never said anything other than trying to find how the mail-in balloting system worked, Graham said.

Graham said his call to Raffensperger was consistent with his job as a senator and as the then-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

At the end of the day, nothing happened, Graham said. What I did was consistent with my job as being a U.S. senator, chair of the Judiciary Committee.  I think the system in this country is getting off the rails and we have to be careful not to use the legal system as a political tool.

The South Carolina Republican added that if he has questions after the 2024 election takes place, Ill do the same thing.

Some legal observers noted that theres a range of reasons why Graham and those who were listed in the special grand jury report were not charged, including possible cooperation with the investigation, especially for some of the fake electors.

But Clark D. Cunningham, the chair of law and ethics at Georgia State University, said the fact that the special grand jury heard the sitting senator testify and subsequently deemed him to be a criminal was notable.

Thats astonishing, Cunningham said.

In addition to Graham, former Sens. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.) were also recommended for prosecution. The pair of ex-Senate Republicans called for Raffensperger to resign after the 2020 election.

Special jurors voted 17-4 to recommend an indictment for Loeffler. They also voted to recommend charges for Perdue in a 14-6 vote.

Trying to jail your partys leading political opponent ahead of 2024 is election interference. Speaking out in defense of election integrity is not, Loeffler said in a statement. I make no apologies for serving my state by giving voice to millions of Americans who felt disenfranchised in 2020  and I refuse to be intimidated by a two-tiered system of justice that seeks to systematically destroy conservatives across this country.

As for Graham, one group of individuals that have stayed mum on his situation are his Senate colleagues, including those across the aisle.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee with Graham, declined to comment on the Senate Republicans situation during an appearance on MSNBC, adding that he had not yet read the special grand jurys report.

Before I talk about one of my colleagues and friends, Ill take a look [at the report], Murphy said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Morocco earthquake that has killed more than 2,000 people was the strongest to hit the north African nation in several decades.

The earthquake struck just after 11pm on Friday and has impacted the entire region, with tremors being felt thousands of miles away in Portugal and Algeria.

The quakes epicentre is in the middle of the country and located at the High Atlas Mountains in the Ighil area, about 40 miles (70km) south of Marrakech.

The Morocco earthquakes epicentre was said to be 18km below the Earth, as per the USGS. Moroccos own National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network, however, estimated it to be at 11km below the surface.

The depth of an earthquake is said to be an important factor in severe its impact can be. A shallower depth means any given earthquake will be more dangerous.

Shallow earthquakes, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), occur at a depth of 0-70km and most of the deaths from the current powerful tremor occurred at hard-to-reach mountainous areas of the country.

Civil protection members search for survivors near rubble, following an earthquake, in Chichaoua, Morocco (Reuters)

An aftershock measuring 4.9 in magnitude followed the earthquake about 20 minutes later, said the USGS.

Moroccos interior ministry said the tremors struck at least six provinces: Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant.

The tremors toppled several buildings across cities and sent people running from their homes late at night.

Photos and videos showed scores of people on the streets at night, with many clutching their belongings, and some resting outside closed shops and huddled out in the open.

In Marrakech, some houses collapsed and people worked hard by hand to remove debris while they waited for heavy equipment, said resident Id Waaziz Hassan.

Photos also showed cars crushed under massive debris and covered in dust and rescuers attempting to lift the rubble through heavy equipment.

A woman looks at the rubble of a building in the earthquake-damaged old city in Marrakech (AFP via Getty Images)

Powerful tremors were felt as far as Morocco capital Rabat, about 350km north of the epicentre, and Imsouane, a coastal town about 180km west. Residents there fled their homes as well fearing a stronger aftershock, according to Reuters.

The earth shook for about 20 seconds. Doors opened and shut by themselves as I rushed downstairs from the second floor, said Hamid Afkar, a teacher at the Taroudant province.

Some experts have said they feared more aftershocks in the aftermath of the powerful quake.

Jonathan Stewart, a professor of civil and environmental engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, told CNN he expected the magnitude of these aftershocks to be in the high fives.

He also feared the Friday earthquake was just a precursor to a more powerful one.

Mr Stewart said the quake was 30 times weaker than the one that struck Turkey earlier this year.

He, however, said the Morocco quake still released a tremendous amount of energy.

The quake was felt as far off as Portugal and Algeria, with over 20 million people having felt shaking, earthquake geologist Wendy Bohon said on X.

Residents take shelter outside at a square following an earthquake in Marrakech on 9 September (AFP via Getty Images)

Earthquake geologists Judith Hubbard and Kyle Bradley wrote in a blog that the latest quake is also the largest in magnitude ever recorded in the country, with a previous similarly large quake in the region recorded in 1624 AD near Fez, in the northeast part of Morocco.

They said the scientific models of plate tectonic movements in many parts of the world reflect the reality of their boundary zones "quite well", but that "this is not the case in Morocco".

They said the boundary is highly complex with multiple zones of active deformation in Morocco.

Professor Joanna Faure Walker, a geologist from the University College London, also noted that the death toll figures are likely to increase significantly, especially since the quake struck at night.

When an earthquake occurs at night, people can be particularly vulnerable as getting out of their homes and navigating rubbles and debris in the dark adds to risk of injury and getting trapped. The early death toll figures are likely to increase significantly as early information is limited and rescue efforts are ongoing," Dr Walker said in a statement.
The death toll is rising following a catastrophic earthquake in Morocco late at night on Friday 8 September. More than 2,000 people have been killed and injured after the 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck.

The epicentre was about 70km (43 miles) southwest of Marrakech  the fourth-biggest city in Morocco, and by far the most popular draw for international visitors.

Thousands of British holidaymakers are in the area, with many thousands more booked to go there during September. This is the travel picture.

How many British holidaymakers are in the vicinity?

The Independent calculates from flight data that around 5,000-8,000 UK holidaymakers are in the Marrakech area. Many are staying in the ancient heart of the city, or in modern hotels on the outskirts.

Trekking in the Atlas mountains is also popular, particularly in autumn when temperatures start to drop.

Is Marrakech airport still open and operating?

Yes, and a large number of UK flights have arrived and departed since the earthquake, including British Airways, easyJet and Tui from London Gatwick, easyJet from Luton, Ryanair from London Stansted and Tui from Birmingham and Manchester.

On Saturday both British Airways and easyJet deployed larger aircraft on their flights to London in order to accommodate passengers who wanted to come home early.

All other airports in Morocco are running normally.

What are the options for British travellers who want to leave the area?

At present there are no plans for an airlift. In the absence of confirmation to the contrary, the assumption will be that you travel home as planned.

If I come home early, will I be able to claim on travel insurance?

Not necessarily: the first line of action will be to contact your travel company and ask if you can leave early. They may well put arrangements in place. Travel insurance will be relevant only in the event of potential danger.

I am booked to travel to the Marrakech area imminently. Can I cancel?

Many thousands of people will be in this position: not wishing to put additional strain on a location enduring a humanitarian crisis; uncomfortable about going on holiday to a scene of such tragedy; or concerned about the possibility of aftershocks.

At present there are no clear grounds to cancel without penalty; the Foreign Office stops well short of warning against travel to the region.

The updated travel advice says: All Moroccan airports are open and flights to and from the UK are operating normally, with some airlines laying on additional seats for travellers wishing to return to the UK earlier than planned.

Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should liaise direct with their tour operators or airline companies.

If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently we advise you check with your accommodation provider/tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake.

Should you require consular assistance please call the British Embassy in Rabat on +212 537 63 33 33 and select the menu option for consular services, or call the Foreign Office on +44 207 008 5000.

The US Embassy in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, is telling American citizens: Local hospitals and resources in the most affected areas may become strained. Hospitals in Marrakech and major cities are currently open but have limited capacity.

Avoid affected areas and follow police instructions regarding road closures or traffic disruptions. Airports and local transportation are open and functioning.

What are the airlines saying?

These are the positions of the major airlines:

British Airways is offering flexibility to passengers booked to Marrakech in the next two weeks. A BA spokesperson said: The welfare of our customers is our priority, and we have contacted our British Airways Holidays customers in Morocco to check that theyre safe.

We are continuing to monitor the situation closely, and customers due to travel to or from Marrakech in the next two weeks can change their dates free of charge if they wish.

EasyJets spokesperson said: EasyJets thoughts are with everyone affected by the earthquake in Morocco.

If you are scheduled to travel to or from Morocco in the next few days, and wish to discuss your booking please contact our customer service team..

The number for easyJet customer services is 0330 551 5151. It is possible booked passengers will be offered flexibility allowing them to postpone or to change destinations.

Ryanairs spokesperson said: There may be some potential delays and cancellations to/from Morocco today due to the earthquake.

Affected passengers will be notified and passengers travelling to/from Morocco today should check their Ryanair app for flight updates before travelling to the airport.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our passengers and offer our deepest sympathies to those affected.

What do the holiday companies say?

A spokesperson for Tui said: We are aware of and deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes which took place about 70km southwest of Marrakech. Our thoughts are with the people in Morocco, the victims and their families.

Our teams are currently working on the ground in resort, supporting customers where needed and in contact with local authorities and partners to continue to assess the situation. In addition, customers have access to the Tui contact centre and the 24/7 Tui app, where they can speak directly with a member of staff.

We can confirm that there has been no change in the Foreign Office advice and the next planned TUI Airways flight is on Monday 11 September. Customers travelling on Tui holidays with other airlines on Sunday or Monday have or will be contacted by a member of the team to discuss their options.

Jet2, the other big package holiday company, does not operate to Morocco.

I dont believe I will be able to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. What are my rights?

It is too early to establish the amount of damage and disruption to the area, and in particular tourist facilities.

More seismic activity will continue, according to the US Geological Survey: Its likely that smaller aftershocks in the region ... will continue to be felt for weeks to come. In some cases, there may be strong aftershocks.

Even so, with no Foreign Office warning against travel: if you choose not to travel before your holiday company makes a decision, you are likely to lose most or all of your money.

What about travel elsewhere in Morocco?

The main holiday locations, including Agadir and Essaouira, are believed to be unaffected. A Londoner currently travelling on Moroccos Atlantic coast said he felt the tremors very strongly during the earthquake.

Alex Folkes is staying in Taghazout, north of Agadir  about 80km (50 miles) from the epicentre of the earthquake.

He told The Independent: Felt the tremors very strongly but no apparent damage or injury in the town. Place is back to normal (as far as I can tell) this morning. Obviously very different to Marrakech and Atlas villages. Condolences to all who have suffered.

Is Morocco an earthquake-prone area?

Not especially, but when they occur they tend to be deadly. The most devastating was in Agadir in 1960, when 12,000-15,000 people died. The town has now been rebuilt and is a popular resort.
A woman was charged in her newborn girls death nearly 40 years after the abandoned baby was found dead in a remote wooded area in New Jersey, according to the Morris County Prosecutors Office.

On Christmas Eve 1984, officers discovered the babys body wrapped in a towel inside a plastic bag off a road in Mendham Township after two boys reported finding her that morning, a news release stated.

The babys umbilical cord was still attached, according to the release issued Thursday. The medical examiner determined the infant, whose death was ruled a homicide, was alive at birth and died less than 24 hours later.

The girl, whose identity was unknown, was named Mary after being baptized by a reverend of St. Joseph Church in Mendham Township, where she was buried, the prosecutors office said.

Finding Baby Marys mother

Investigators were recently able to identify Baby Marys biological parents using new technology, law enforcement networking in three states and old-fashioned police work, the prosecutors office said.

Baby Marys biological mother, who police did not name because she was a juvenile in 1984, was a South Carolina resident when she gave birth to the child, the prosecutors office said.

The biological father died before being identified, and police say there is no evidence he was aware of either the womans pregnancy or the babys birth and death.

Authorities filed a juvenile delinquency complaint against the mother in April and charged her with one count of manslaughter, an offense which would be a second-degree crime if committed by an adult, according to the release.

This arrest is the culmination of decades of effort, across multiple generations of law enforcement, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said.

The death and abandonment of this baby girl is a tragic loss and even after nearly 40 years, remains just as heartbreaking, Carroll said. Justice may not take the form the public has imagined all these years, but we believe with this juvenile delinquency complaint, justice is being served for Baby Mary. Nothing can right this terrible wrong.

Safe Haven law did not exist in 1984, police said

Police said New Jerseys Safe Haven Infant Protection Act, which did not exist at the time of the childs abandonment, can help parents and families to give up an infant safely, legally and anonymously.

The act, which allows parents or their representatives to surrender a newborn 30 days old or younger at an emergency room, ambulance, police or fire station, became law in August 2000.

I want young parents to know that there is help available, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon said in the release. The baby will be accepted with no questions asked.

Every Christmas Eve for the past 35 years, community members and law enforcement have held a remembrance service at the Baby Marys grave to ensure she is never forgotten, Mendham Township Police Chief Ross Johnson said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A cyclist rides past a bus waiting shelter with a poster of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of this week's summit of the Group of 20 nations in Delh (AP)

India is currently abuzz with speculations about a potentially massive change  the official renaming of the country to Bharat.

The speculations were sparked when Indias president Draupadi Murmus invitation for the upcoming G20 summit showed the use of the phrase president of Bharat  the Hindi name for the country  instead of the traditional president of India.

Some Indian media outlets reported, quoting sources, that the Narendra Modi government, known for its Hindu nationalist agenda and history of rebranding cities to suit local culture, was planning to put forward a resolution to change the countrys name officially later this month in the five-day special session of parliament that starts on 18 September.

While there are many debates ongoing in India with opposition parties, experts, and citizens locking horns over the merit behind the name change, one specific concern is the cost associated with such a massive undertaking for a country the size of India.

Experts pointed out that an exercise like this would incur a massive financial cost, even for the worlds fifth-largest economy.

While the exercise of changing a countrys name might appear merely symbolic, the move would mean significant changes at local, national, and international levels.

From making changes to government documents to maps, highway landmarks, and publicising the rebranding, everything would entail a cost for the country.

To understand the potential cost of this name change, we can look at examples from other countries that have undergone similar transitions, such as eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), and how the cost was calculated for them in 2018.

While its not clear how much money the country spent, a formula devised by South Africa-based intellectual property lawyer and blogger Darren Olivier has caught the attention of everyone.

Mr Olivier posted on his blog after the official change that it will cost the country $6m to change its name.

For a large company the average marketing budget costs around 6 per cent of its revenue, he wrote. That would be $60m in the case of eSwatini  and rebranding budgets typically take up 10 per cent of those marketing costs.

This gives the $6m estimate that may ultimately have to be found by the eSwatini government.

Mr Olivier told BBC back in 2018 that for such a small country, that is not insignificant.

Theres value in that, theres intrinsic value in that identity and what it means for the people, he told BBC.

Yet at the same time theres a cost  a physical cost in changing the identity.

Using the same formula, for a country the size of India, the cost comes to be about Rs 14,000 crore ($172m; 136m), first reported by Outlook Business using Mr Olivers formula.

While this is as close an estimate one can make, the real cost could be much higher depending upon how much the Indian government decides to pay to publicise its move.

India itself has taken up this exercise several times for recent changes to the names of cities introduced by the Modi government. Earlier this year, the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra was renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar while Osmanabad in Maharashtra was rechristened to Dharashiv. Similarly, the city of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh was changed to Prayagraj in 2018.

Most of these changes are part of the Mr Modi governments attempts to get rid of names given by the British and Mughals, and reclaim Indias Hindu heritage. The exercises have been condemned by opposition leaders time and again who say it is unnecessary wastage of money. However, there is no cost estimate available for the money the country spent in changing these names.

Not just money, it also took a long time for countries to be officially known by their new names. Indias neighbour Sri Lanka changed its name from Ceylon in 1972, but it took decades for the island nation to get through the changes and be known with its new identity.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis greets small business owner Darian Jackson as he leaves a prayer vigil for the Dollar General shooting victims this month. A White individual shot and killed African-American patrons inside the store then took his own life using an AR-15 style rifle with swastikas and other white nationalist markings on it.

A circuit court judge in Tallahassee last Saturday ruled that Gov. Ron DeSantis' redrawing of congressional districts in 2022 was unconstitutional, "by diminishing the ability of Black voters in North Florida to elect representatives of their choice."

That was the right ruling  calling out Florida for racist politics  but it came more than a year late. In the time it took the courts to field the complaints about DeSantis' gerrymandering and order it undone, a congressional election came and went and its results stood, even though they were the product of cheating.

Of course that had to have been part of DeSantis' calculus all along, taken straight from the what's-the-worst-that-can-happen school of governing. Even if the action gets cancelled eventually, in the meantime the Governor gets to deprive people of color the full power of their votes for more than a year, benefiting the congressional GOP caucus and presidential candidate DeSantis' standing with his base of red state warriors.

More: Governor tainting Congressional maps

The Florida GOP used this maneuver before. Its 2010 redistricting also was found illegal. It took some three years for the courts to force those lines to be redrawn. In the wake of that atrocity, though, Florida voters approved The Fair Districts Amendments to the Florida Constitution to make sure it didn't happen again. But it did anyway. The South rose again.

Keep in mind that this flatly unconstitutional skewing of our elections was orchestrated by the same Governor who created an election fraud police force, while also in effect instituting a new poll tax, denying ex-inmates the right to vote if they had outstanding fines, fees or other debts, whether or not they had the ability to pay. He's also the same guy who has supported restrictions on absentee voting, ballot box use and ballot collections, all in the name of democracy.

Even someone who's not an Ivy League lawyer like our Governor should understand the plain English of the Fair Districts Amendments. In establishing congressional district boundaries, the law says, "No apportionment plan or individual district shall be drawn with the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent; and districts shall not be drawn with the intent or result of denying or abridging the equal opportunity of racial or language minorities to participate in the political process or to diminish their ability to elect representatives of their choice...."

More: On redistricting, Governor crossed a line

Yet that's exactly what Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh ruled was done, in the state's "dismantling a congressional district that enabled black voters to elect candidates of their choice." Marsh ordered the DeSantis district map thrown out and a new one drawn by the Florida Legislature that follows the law.

Judge J. Lee Marsh

The plaintiffs in the case included the Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, Equal Ground Education Fund and the League of Women Voters of Florida Education Fund, among several others.

"This is not only a win for African Americans whose voting strength was diluted unfairly when maps, pushed by the governor and forced into law by our state legislature, were enacted, but also a win for all Floridians who voted to ensure their state government cannot silence the votes and voices of its own citizens," said Cecile Scoon, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Florida.

More: Florida suffers for years when Governor gets it wrong on purpose

The decision came at roughly the same time that an Alabama ruling also came down, undoing a redistricting scheme that would have marginalized Black voters there. In that case, a panel of three federal judges struck down Alabama's congressional redistricting for not following their order to comply with the landmark Voting Rights Act. The state is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Tallahassee ruling, sadly, also is on hold, pending an appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. Once again, justice delayed is justice denied to Florida voters. Gov. DeSantis cheated and got away with it, for as long as he gets away with it, and Florida and the entire United States are the losers as a result.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida congressional redistricting by DeSantis ruled unconstitutional
By Jan Strupczewski, Maria Martinez and Jesus Aguado

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Five candidates have come forward for the post of president of the huge European Investment Bank, Belgian Finance Minister Vincent van Peteghem said on Friday, the first of several top European Union jobs which member governments will haggle over in the next 12 months.

The government-owned EIB calls itself the world's biggest multilateral financial institution by assets and will be a key player in funding Europe's ambitious transition towards a net-zero-carbon and more digitised economy.

EU countries also decide next year who will head the bloc's top three institutions - the Commission, Council and Parliament - plus its foreign policy chief. Choices for one post affect others due to the need to maintain balance on gender, political affiliation, nationality and country size in the appointments.

The EIB's current head, Germany's Werner Hoyer, has held the position since 2012. He will step down at the end of the year, leaving a vacancy at a bank that has a balance sheet total of 544 billion euros ($582.24 billion) and subscribed capital of 249 billion euros.

The front-runners among the five candidates to replace him are Denmark's Margrethe Vestager, a liberal European Commission vice president in charge of the key competition portfolio, and Spain's socialist Finance Minister Nadia Calvino.

Also interested are the politically non-affiliated Italian central banker Daniele Franco, Poland's right-wing former Finance Minister and current EIB Vice President Teresa Czerwinska, and Sweden's socialist former Energy Minister and also current EIB Vice President Thomas Ostros.

"We can say we are really spoilt for choice because all the candidates are excellent," German Finance Minister Christian Lindner told reporters on Thursday.

The EIB is the lending arm of the EU and is active in 160 countries offering loans, guarantees, equity investments and advisory services. It is especially focused on fighting climate change and preserving the environment and sustainable energy.

EU officials say the choice of the new EIB head is linked to the choice on the next head of banking supervision entity, the Single Supervisory Mechanism, which is due to be picked by the European Central Bank on Sept. 13.

Germany's Deputy Central Bank Governor Claudia Buch and her Spanish counterpart Margarita Delgado are both in the running. If the Spaniard gets the SSM job, it would narrow Calvino's chances for the EIB, because two Spaniards in top finance jobs would be seen as too many.

Conversely an appointment of Buch for the SSM, who is seen as a front-runner, would boost Calvino's chances, officials say.

Vestager has the backing of the Renew political group of EU liberal parties, which includes the French ruling party of President Emmanuel Macron, but some French officials have cautioned that the backing of Paris was not assured.

The EIB appointment will be discussed next week at a meeting of EU finance ministers in Spain but a decision is seen likely only in October, officials close to the talks said.

($1 = 0.9343 euros)

(Editing by Richard Chang)
NEW DELHI  Much of New Delhi came to a halt this weekend as presidents, prime ministers and monarchs descended on Indias capital for the Group of 20 summit.

The meeting of rich and developing nations showcased Indias burgeoning economic and geopolitical clout but also raised a growing critique of the countrys Hindu nationalist government, specifically, its approach to press freedom.

The worlds largest democracy has emerged as a partner of the U.S. and has promoted itself as a mediator between the West and Russia. It also provides an important counterweight to communist Chinas flourishing ambitions.

Despite proclaiming itself The Mother of Democracy on posters across the capital, hundreds of journalists were largely kept away from the leaders whom they had traveled to cover at the summit, which wrapped up Sunday with President Joe Bidens arrival in Vietnam.

In an extremely rare departure from the usual protocol, not a single independent journalist was allowed to cover Bidens meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday night. As a result, the only images of that meeting that will enter the historical record are from official government photographers.

With very few exceptions, when an American president holds a formal bilateral meeting with a fellow world leader, a pool of White House print and TV reporters and photographers are allowed to briefly cover, or spray, the start of the meeting. The rest of the meeting is then conducted in private.

Journalists often use those brief moments to shout questions at the leaders in the hope they might respond.

Major summits like the G20 often involve painstaking behind-closed-doors negotiations to produce official communiques, whose language on important issues such as the war in Ukraine, and how that language was reached, is painstakingly scrutinized. This year India, the U.S. and the European Union also presented plans for a rail and shipping corridor between India, the Middle East and Europe.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan had earlier told reporters aboard Air Force One that the administration had requested access for the press pool.

This is the host of the G20 hosting a significant number of leaders, doing so in his home, and he has set out the protocols hes set out, Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the administration had requested that journalists be given access as usual, but since the meeting was at Modis residence, the decision to bar the media was a circumstance-based issue, not some larger issue.

This is not your typical bilateral visit to India with meetings taking place in the prime ministers office and an entire program, Sullivan said. This is the host of the G20 hosting a significant number of leaders, doing so in his home, and he has set out the protocols hes set out.

The deputy secretary of Indias Foreign Ministry, Vasudev Ravi, who was in charge of press relations at the International Media Center, declined to comment on the restrictions.

Journalists watch a screen showing live telecast of first session of the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 9, 2023. (Tauseef Mustafa / AFP - Getty Images)

The administrations handling of the Modi-Biden bilateral stood in stark contrast to how it dealt with a similar issue during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday.

After Indonesian security officials surrounded and then threatened to ban Voice of America reporter Patsy Widakuswara from entering the summit room after she shouted two questions at President Joko Widodo during a spray, U.S. officials pressured their Indonesian counterparts to let Widakuswara in.

Emphasizing the point, Vice President Kamala Harris refused to enter until the entire press pool, which included Widakuswara, was allowed into the room.

Ultimately, the Indonesians relented, and the questions went on as planned.

It is a source of pride for us as American diplomats and civil servants to stand up for the freedom of the press overseas, and as part of that, for access for the traveling White House press corps, Dean Lieberman, deputy national security adviser to the vice president, told VOA in a statement at the time.

A European delegation in New Delhi complained about the press restrictions put in place by Indian officials, saying that even photographers traveling with diplomats faced restrictions.

Its not the first time that India has caused problems. They just dont want journalists close to the meetings, an official from the delegation said at the summit.

We had to push our arguments and they were eventually allowed, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on sensitive issues, told NBC News.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the media center during the G20 summit in New Delhi on Sept. 10, 2023. (Money Sharma / AFP - Getty Images)

Thapanut Nookuea, a correspondent for the Japanese broadcast network Nippon TV, said he and others were limited to official handouts and video feed of brief portions of meetings.

Usually, they briefly let the media in to capture the moment, he said.

Modi has never given a solo press conference since assuming office in 2014. Meanwhile, India ranks 161st out of 180 countries on this years World Press Freedom Index, down from 150th last year.

Ahead of a state visit to the U.S. in June, the Committee to Protect Journalists called on Bidens government to urge India to end a media crackdown and release six detained journalists.

Journalists critical of the government and the BJP party have been jailed, harassed, and surveilled in retaliation for their work, CPJ President Jodie Ginsberg said in a statement, referring to Modis Bharatiya Janata Party.

To add insult to injury from the perspective of the members of the media trying to cover the G20, some of the dozens of volunteers from Delhi University who were assisting the police in guiding visitors around various venues had much better access to the main summit area than journalists did.

We have teams at the main venue, around where Biden is staying and even around the prime ministers office, said economics student Sahil Pathak, 20, who was stationed at the stadium.

The White House Correspondents Association has issued no public comment on the situation.
The deadliest earthquake to hit Morocco in decades has killed more than 2,000 people and left destruction in its wake.

The epicenter was in the High Atlas Mountains near an area thats home to some 840,000 people.

Roads are blocked with debris and the mountainous terrain is hindering rescuers.

One woman living in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains told CNN There is no one here to help pull the dead from under the destructionthe village is in very bad condition.

Organizations are on the ground responding to the disaster. You can support relief efforts via the form below or click HERE.

Impact Your World will continue to monitor and vet ways to help and update as information comes in.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
TORONTO (Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed strong concerns about protests in Canada against India to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, according a statement by India.

New Delhi has been long sensitive to Sikh protesters in Canada. In June, India criticized Canada for allowing a float in a parade depicting the 1984 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards, perceived to be glorification of violence by Sikh separatists.

"They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship," the Indian statement said.

Relations between India and Canada remain tense, and Ottawa this month paused talks on a proposed trade treaty with India, just three months after the two nations said they aimed to seal an initial agreement this year. Modi, who held bilateral meetings with many world leaders during the G20 summit, did not hold one with Trudeau.

Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984 by two Sikh bodyguards after she allowed the storming of the holiest Sikh temple in northern India, aiming to flush out Sikh separatists who demanded an independent homeland to be known as Khalistan.

Canada has the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab in India, and the country has been the site of many protests that have irked India.

Canada will always defend "freedom of expression, freedom of conscience and peaceful protest," Trudeau said at a press conference in New Delhi.

"At the same time as we are always there to prevent violence, to push back against hatred," he said, adding that the actions of the few "do not represent the entire community or Canada."

Trudeau's departure from the G20 summit was delayed on Sunday by a technical problem with the Canadian delegation's aircraft, a statement from the prime minister's office said. The delegation will stay in India until alternate arrangements are made, it added.

(Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Will Dunham and Cynthia Osterman)
Photograph: J Scott Applewhite/AP

Kevin McCarthy will return from his August recess on Tuesday facing the latest in a long series of conundrums for the Republican House leader: should he force a government shutdown, leaving hundreds of thousands of government workers without a paycheck, or burn more bridges with the hard-right flank of his conference, risking his speakership in the process?

With just 12 legislative days left before the end of the fiscal year, the Republican-controlled House must quickly pass some kind of spending package to keep the federal government open after 30 September. If the chamber does not approve a spending bill, the government will shut down for the first time in nearly five years, furloughing federal employees and stalling many crucial programs.

Related: Democratic senator dares Republicans to impeach Biden: Youre going to lose

McCarthy has indicated his preference to pass a continuing resolution, which would keep the government funded at its current levels for a short period of time as lawmakers continue to negotiate over a longer-term deal. But members of the hard-right House freedom caucus, who are still furious over the deal that McCarthy and President Joe Biden struck to suspend the debt ceiling earlier this year, insist they will not back a continuing resolution unless the speaker agrees to several significant policy concessions, such as increased border security and an impeachment inquiry into Biden.

Given House Republicans narrow majority and a new rule allowing any single member of the chamber to force a vote on removing the speaker, McCarthys handling of this fraught situation could determine whether he loses his gavel after just eight months in power.

The trouble for McCarthy started in the spring, after the House passed the compromise debt ceiling bill, known as the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Seventy-one members of the House Republican conference opposed the legislation over concerns that it did not go far enough to reduce government spending, and they sharply criticized McCarthy for agreeing to the inadequate deal.

Gordon Gray, vice-president for economic policy at the center-right thinktank American Action Forum, said he had been bracing for a potential shutdown ever since the debt ceiling showdown concluded.

Since the debt limit grenade was diffused, theres a big chunk of House Republicans who just want to break something, Gray said. Thats just how some of these folks define governing. Its how their constituents define success.

Now House Republicans have reneged on the debt ceiling deal, instead choosing to advance appropriations bills with spending levels below those agreed to in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Democrats warn that the proposed cuts could deal a devastating financial blow to early education programs, climate initiatives and housing assistance.

The deal in the Fiscal Responsibility Act was roughly a freeze. It could be worse, but a freeze effectively is a cut in purchasing power because costs go up every year, said David Reich, senior fellow at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. So what was agreed to was a reasonably tight level, and now come the House Republicans marking up their bills.

House Republicans strategy in the spending talks has been met with exasperation in the Senate, which returned from its recess on Tuesday. Before the upper chamber adjourned at the end of July, the Senate appropriations committee advanced all 12 spending bills for fiscal year 2024 with bipartisan support. The Democratic Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, has implored the House to take a similar approach to the budget process.

Both parties, in both chambers, will have to work together if we are to avoid a shutdown, Schumer said on Wednesday in a floor speech. When the House returns next week, I implore  I implore  my Republican colleagues in the House to recognize that time is short to keep the government open, and the only way to avoid a shutdown is through bipartisanship.

Related: White House condemns Marjorie Taylor Greene threat to shut down government

Even the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, offered a mild rebuke of his colleagues in the House when asked about the spending fight last week.

Speaker McCarthy agreed to certain spending levels in the debt limit deal he reached with President Biden earlier this year, McConnell said. The House then turned around and passed spending levels that were below that level. Without saying an opinion about that, thats not going to be replicated in the Senate.

McConnell indicated that the most likely outcome at this point would be the approval of a short-term continuing resolution to buy more time in the budget talks. But members of the House freedom caucus, who abhor the idea of extending funding at levels previously approved by a Democratic Congress, have already outlined a litany of demands in exchange for their support on a continuing resolution.

In a statement released late last month, the caucus said its members would only back a continuing resolution if it included a Republican proposal on border security and addressed the unprecedented weaponization of the justice department and FBI, an implicit reference to the four criminal cases against Donald Trump. The caucus also demanded an end to the so-called woke policies at the department of defense, which has faced rightwing criticism for providing funding to servicemembers and their family members who need to travel to access abortion care.

Hard-right Republicans have now added another item to their list of demands: the launch of an impeachment inquiry against Biden.

Ive already decided I will not vote to fund the government unless we have passed an impeachment inquiry on Joe Biden, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a far-right Republican congresswoman from Georgia, said last week.

Another hard-right House member, Matt Gaetz of Florida, has warned that McCarthys failure to act on impeaching Biden could cost him his speakership.

I worked very hard in January to develop a toolkit for House Republicans to use in a productive and positive way. I dont believe weve used those tools as effectively as we should have, Gaetz said on Tuesday. Weve got to seize the initiative. That means forcing votes on impeachment. And if Speaker McCarthy stands in our way, he may not have the job long.

But the possibility of an impeachment inquiry has failed to gain widespread favor among Senate Republicans, several of whom have acknowledged that Greene and her allies have presented no valid evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors on Bidens part.

With the likelihood of a shutdown increasing by the day, the White House has attacked hard-right Republicans demands as a political stunt that could reap devastating consequences for millions of Americans.

Lives are at stake across a wide range of urgent, bipartisan priorities for the American people, Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson, said on Thursday. Like Senate Republicans, Speaker McCarthy should keep his word about government funding. And he should do so in a way that acts on these pressing issues  including fentanyl, national security and disaster response  rather than break his promise and cave to the most extreme members of his conference agitating for a baseless impeachment stunt and shutdown.

Related: The US debt-ceiling deal was a giant exercise in bipartisan class warfare | Clara Mattei

Past shutdowns prove the widespread upheaval caused by lapses in government funding. During the last partial shutdown, which ended in January 2019, roughly 800,000 federal workers went without a paycheck. The Trump administration tried to keep national parks open with limited staff, resulting in damage to the grounds. Loan programs overseen by the Small Business Administration and federally funded research projects were also halted or delayed.

Its very disruptive. Federal agencies spend a whole lot of time trying to figure out what theyre allowed to do and not allowed to do, Reich said. Its a total waste of effort and energy.

Even though history shows the fallout of government shutdowns, Gray still anticipates a lapse in funding  if not in October then later this year.

I could envision a brief [continuing resolution]  like two weeks  with some disaster supplemental funding in it, Gray said. My expectation is that well still have a shutdown this fall.
Peter Landis rode on the back of President Kennedy's car before his assassination - AP Photo/James W. "Ike" Altgens, File

A secret service agent who was just feet away from John F Kennedy when he was assassinated claims he found the magic bullet but it got misplaced, in a curious intervention that raises questions about a second shooter.

Paul Landis who was standing on the running board of the car behind the president, also said he heard two extra shots during the 1963 Dallas attack.

Mr Landis, who never testified to the commission into the assassination, said he picked up the bullet from the back seat of the car where JFK had been sitting, and placed it on the presidents stretcher for investigators to examine.

But somehow the bullet ended up on Texas governor John Connallys stretcher, fuelling the magic bullet theory that it passed through Mr Kennedy and hit Mr Connally.

The governments Warren Commission originally concluded that the bullet passed through the presidents throat before hitting Mr Connallys shoulder, ribs, wrist and thigh.

It forms part of the official findings that a single bullet was responsible for Mr Kennedys neck wound, and all the injuries suffered by Mr Connally have long been considered vital for its conclusion that the assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, acted alone.

Paul Landis quit the CIA soon after JFK's assassination

Mr Landis quit the secret service six months after the shooting, traumatised, and refused to engage with the investigation or any material about the shooting.

Now 88, Mr Landis has written a memoir, which is at odds with many of the official findings on what remains one of the most enduring mysteries.

Mr Landis was tasked with protecting the First Lady Jackie Kennedy, and recalls having to duck to avoid being splattered by brains.

Speaking about the bullet, he told the New York Times that he believed it was transferred from one stretcher to the other when they were pushed together.

There was nobody there to secure the scene, and that was a big, big bother to me, Mr. Landis said. All the agents that were there were focused on the president.

This was all going on so quickly. And I was just afraid that  it was a piece of evidence, that I realised right away. Very important. And I didnt want it to disappear or get lost. So it was, Paul, youve got to make a decision, and I grabbed it.

Mr Landis leads President Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy through the crowds at Dallas airport in 1963 - Bettmann

Mr Landis, whose memoir The Final Witness will be published next month, believes the bullet did not have sufficient velocity to go through Kennedy, let alone continue its improbable trajectory.

He said that is why it was found on the back seat, and another bullet was responsible for the wounds sustained by Mr Connally.

Until recently, Mr Landis had always accepted that Oswald  who was himself shot dead by Jack Ruby in a Dallas police station  was the sole gunman.

He is now less convinced, he told the New York Times.

At this point, Im beginning to doubt myself, he said. Now I begin to wonder. That is as far as he is willing to go.

The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald fired three bullets from a Carcano M91/38 bolt-action rifle in 8.3 seconds.

However, Italian experts in 2007 found that the weapon was incapable of unleashing three bullets in less than 19 seconds.

Jackie Kennedy stands next to the ambulance containing her husband's body following his assassination - Bettmann

Suggestions that a sole gunman was responsible for the assassination have been repeatedly challenged over the last six decades with a raft of conspiracy theories suggesting the assassination was orchestrated by  among others  the mafia, the Vatican and Fidel Castro.

The presidents nephew, current presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr.  whose father Bobby Kennedy was also assassinated  has claimed that the CIA was responsible for his uncles murder.

Conspiracy theorists claimed that the CIA and anti-communists arranged the assassination to prevent the US from withdrawing from Vietnam.

However, files released by the US government in 2017 showed that a detailed trawl of official records by the CIA in 1975 found nothing to link Oswald with any official agency.

President Joe Biden has ordered the release of remaining records linked to the assassination and 2,672 files were released by the National Archive between April and June this year.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
PORTSMOUTH  A heart-shaped contrail could be seen for miles above Pease Air National Guard Base after two Warbird Thunder planes opened the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show on Saturday.

Thousands of spectators shielded their eyes from the sun and turned to the sky to view high-flying military and civilian performers, such as aerobatic performer Rob Holland. Jets and smaller aircrafts sped off the runway, flew straight up-and-down, descended at full speed and did a series of dips and dives to dazzle the crowd.

Saturday's show start time was moved to 11 a.m., one hour earlier than originally scheduled, due to possible thunderstorms in the forecast for later in the day. The same 11 a.m. start time was announced for the Sunday's second and final show, too.

The weekends headlining act was billed as the U.S. Air Forces F-16 Viper Demo Team, a two-jet team which arrived at Pease on Wednesday from Toronto, where they performed in an air show on Monday, Sept. 4.

The team, led by commander Capt. Aimee Rebel Fiedler, flies Lockheed-Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 50 aircrafts. The planes are 16 feet tall, over 49 feet long and can hit a speed of upwards of 1,500 miles per hour.

Fiedler is a pilot stationed at Shaw Air force Base in Sumter, South Carolina. The F-16 Viper squadron commander closed out Saturday's show with a solo finale, looping around the base and booming over crowds hundreds of feet below with her charcoal and yellow aircraft.

Fiedler performed a four-point turn and a falcon turn, soaring up into the sky and getting lost in the clouds before dropping down and zipping over the runway. Pockets of intense sound blasted across the base after Fiedler flew parallel above the runway and turned away from the crowd.

The second Viper plane at Pease for the weekend, flown by safety observer Capt. Christopher Danieli onto the base earlier in the week, didnt appear in the closing act.

A Warbird Thunder plan pilot waves to the crowd as thousands of spectators gather for the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

The eight-member F-16 Viper Demo Team annually performs at 20-plus air shows. The team has appeared at shows in Texas, California, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Montana, Illinois, Nebraska and Toronto so far in 2023.

The Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show is featuring the New Hampshire Air National Guards KC-46A tankers, the Vermont Air National Guard F-15 Eagle, the KC-135 Demo Team from Fairchild Air Force Base, the U.S. Special Operations Command Pura Commandos, aerobatic pilot Rob Holland, the N.H. Army Guard UH-60 Blackhawk, aerobatic pilot Kent Pietsch, the P-51C Mad Max with pilot Lou Horschel and the Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Truck.

Holland performs in Pease air show and over Hampton Beach Seafood Festival

Hollands plane, an MXS-RH, was designed with a cockpit fit for his exact specifications.

His 13-minute act featured a prolonged mid-air suspension, a dive resembling a free fall, endless spinning and a runway race with Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Truck driver Hayden Proffitt. The 4,300-pound truck, a 1957 Chevy pickup with a drag racing parachute, was installed with a twin jet engine and can reach 350 mph.

Saturday proved to be a busy day for Holland, who helped open the Pease show before flying to perform at the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival and coming back to Pease for his individual routine. The 49-year-old Nashua resident plans to do the same on Sunday.

80,000 people expected over two-day event at Pease

Seated far back from the bulk of the crowd was Adela Booth, who drove with her husband from Ridgefield, Connecticut, for the show. Daughter to a World War II veteran, Booth said her first visit to Pease allowed her to fulfill a dream of stepping onto a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker, reinforcing her respect for the military.

The Booths, who have seen air shows at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts and in the Seattle area, were in the region to attend a Boston Red Sox game on Sunday. The pairs son-in-law works for the Federal Aviation Administration and was able to secure parking passes for the show, which has free admission.

I have great reverence for what those guys went through, she said of veterans like her father. We have never known war. Our generations have always known safety. Weve always known security.

Thousands of spectators gather for the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

The U.S. 157th Air Refueling Wing, stationed at the base, anticipated 80,000 people in total will attend the air shows Saturday and Sunday, similar to attendance at the last air shows in 2021.

As visitors walked among the base campus, stopping at busy food vendors and perusing through the days interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics booths, the show went on in the background. A persistent buzz around the base lingered throughout the day as performers flew high above the crowd, with a group of five Para Commandos jumping out of aircrafts and descending down to the ground to heavy applause.

Warbird Thunder planes open the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

Lots to see at Pease Air National Guard Base

Dozens of aircraft are on display for the weekend air shows, including the Pease Air National Guard Base's 12 KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers, which are flown by the157th Air Refueling Wing.

Also featured are the F-15 Eagle, the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, LC-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster, C-5 Galaxy, KC-10 Extender, KC-135 Stratotanker, UH-60, AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook and the B-52 Stratofortress.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Steve Gorski, stationed in Fort Drum in New York, talked to visitors in front of the AH-64 Apache, the Armys only attack helicopter currently in service. The model on display at Pease was built in 2009 and has been used in combat in the past.

Curious children approached Gorski and his colleagues to learn the ins and outs of the helicopter.

Weve been doing a lot of civilian interaction this year, he said.

Seacoast aviation fans thrilled

Thousands of spectators gather for the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

South Berwick couple Sue and Charlie Lynch positioned themselves next to a loudspeaker as the days emcee rattled off facts about each aircraft as they sped off the runway.

The two, like many, have been to multiple air shows at Pease in the past. The action-packed day reminded Sue Lynch of her fathers time fighting in the Vietnam War. Her anticipation began earlier in the week.

They go right over our house. We can hear them loud and clear, she said of the planes, which arrived mid-week.

The Pegasus fleet, which recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of military refueling in the United States, are individually named after each New Hampshire county, as well as Newington and Portsmouth. The 52-foot tail of the Spirit of Portsmouth tanker is painted in red, white and blue stars and stripes with a 16-foot-tall minuteman. The tanker is the only KC-46A in the United States with a painted tail and is the refueling wings heritage jet.

'Historic flight': On board 157th Air Refueling Wing's special centennial mission

According to the 157th Air Refueling Wing, a KC-46A tanker and an F-35 from Vermont will be flying over Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Sunday afternoon to help kick off the New England Patriots' home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

As one of the Pegasus tankers took flight for the Pease crowd Saturday alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker, the remaining KC-46A jets stood spread out across the base on display.

Lee mother Katie Carlton, her two sons, Ray and Leo Carlton, and her brother and sister-in law, Brian and Julie Cassidy of Nottingham, beat the heat by finding shade beneath the nose of the Spirit of Strafford County jet.

The group of five watched the 2021 air show from a Target parking lot, but decided this year to make the jump to the base and watch the show among a crowd of thousands.

I think its exciting. The planes are great when you see the formations you fly in, Brian Cassidy said. Not everybody gets to see things like this.

Emotional day at Pease air show for grandfather

Air show attendees took advantage of the display of aircrafts around the base, with thousands of spectators roaming the premises before the flying started. They spoke with active military members about the capabilities of each aircraft.

The day was emotional for Rick Odess, a Middleton resident attending his second Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show. He watched on as his grandson, attending his first air show in Portsmouth, climbed through one of the ground displays.

Last month, Odess brother died. He was an Air Force veteran who was stationed at the former Pease base and the brothers had hoped to attend the show together.

Its a little overwhelming, Odess said. I wanted him to come and he wasnt able to make it.

The day was bringing out feelings of patriotism in Odess, who explained that his brother specialized in reconnaissance cameras.

Though somber with his brother on his mind, Odess was eager to share the day with his grandson.

Im always awestruck by the capabilities of the planes and the pilots. Im not normally super patriotic but this just brings it out, he said. Seeing them, I feel a little bit safer and a little bit prouder to be an American.

Family outing at air show

Amy and Brian McSweeney of Salem, New Hampshire, along with their two daughters, check out an Apache Army attack helicopter on display prior to the start of the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

Amy and Brian McSweeney of Salem brought their two daughters to Pease on Saturday for their first air show experience.

The last time the couple attended a Pease air show, they said, it was individually with their fathers when they were children around the same age their daughters are now.

Brian McSweeney said his father was a Vietnam veteran. Amy said her father was a military veteran who subsequently worked in the aerospace industry.

Were looking forward to seeing the planes fly, Amy McSweeney said as the crowds gathered.

Air show fan: 'If they're here, I'm here'

Coming from a family of service members, Ken Kierstead has always had a deep appreciation for the military and a specific fascination with high-flying aircraft. He is drawn to air shows and the military and aerobatic performers.

How strong is the Auburn, Maine residents love for air shows? Dating back to the late 1970s, Kierstead  seated in a stadium chair in the very front row bright and early for the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease  has been to between 35 and 40 individual air shows.

Thousands of spectators gather for the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

The majority of his air show experiences have been at Pease and the Great State of Maine Air Show at Brunswick Executive Airport in Maine.

If these guys come back here next year, Ill be here. I love it, he said. I cant get enough of it.

Son to a U.S. Army veteran, Kierstead recalled staying up late as a child to hear stories of World War II from one of his uncles, who flew in the Air Force during the war. His memories of those conversations with his uncle furthered his curiosity and prompted him to attend his first air shows when he was younger.

Decades later, Kierstead traveled over an hour early Saturday morning with a Saco-based friend to get onto the base as early as possible. The two arrived on-site at 8 a.m., lugged their belongings and set up shop, ready to take in the show hours ahead of liftoff.

If theyre here, Im here, he said of the air show performers.

More air show coverage:

Here's everything you need to know before you go to air show at Pease on Saturday or Sunday

Can't make it to Pease? Here are great Seacoast spots to watch air shows

Aerobatics pilot Rob Holland shares how he's flying in Pease air show and over Hampton Beach Seafood Fest

Here's what it looked like when Air Force F-16 Vipers arrived at Pease before air shows

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Thunder Over NH Air Show: F-16 Viper brings thousands to Pease
Ukraine has officially received nearly $100 billion in military aid. That number is inflated because many of the weapons and munitions were obsolete or, in the case of munitions, near or past their use by date. The older weapons were still useful against Russian forces. The Russians had few weapons that were as current or effective as the more modern weapons sent by NATO nations, and most of the older Western stuff was as good or better than what the Russians invaded the Ukraine with. Many of the donors are sending weapons they no longer use but had not disposed of. This includes older tanks, aircraft and ships that were put in storage just in case there was another conflict. Many of these reserve items have gone to Ukraine, including older German Leopard 1A5 tanks, IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles) and MRAPs (armored trucks). These were a lifesaver for Ukrainian infantry, especially during the current offensive in southeastern Ukraine. Several NATO nations also had older IFVs to send to Ukraine.

Using standard accounting methods, these older tanks and other armored vehicles are worth very little but, to the Ukrainians, most of these vehicles are better and more effective than anything the Russians had at the start of the war. Russia lost most of its modern tanks in the first months of the war to the modern portable anti-tank weapons NATO supplied Ukraine with before and during the war. The tanks Russia still has available are sixty year-old T-55s and fifty year-old T-62s, which are generally ineffective against Western tanks but lethal to lighter armored vehicles. Russia has limited numbers of these older tanks, and had to do some refurbishment on many of them so that these vehicles could be operational in a combat zone. Russia is still building newT-72s, which are an upgraded model with better armor and fire control than the older T-72s that were lost in early 2022. Economic sanctions limit the number of new tanks the Russians can build and these new tanks lack some features because they required components imported from Western nations.

Russia is going into debt to pay for their war in Ukraine. Russia was economically weak before the war and never expected it to last this long or destroy so many Russian weapons. The Russian armed forces will come out of this war with far fewer heavy weapons than they had when they invaded. It will take five or ten years for Russia to replace the lost tanks, IFVs , artillery and artillery munitions. Current Russian strategy is to keep the war going a long time, on the assumption that Ukraines NATO suppliers will tire of providing Ukraine with weapons and munitions and be willing to force Ukraine to accept a peace deal that will include Russia remaining in control of some Ukrainian territory. There are already symptoms of that. For example, Ukraine recently replaced its Minister of Defense. The dismissed one was corrupt or tolerating corrupt practices that were diverting some of the money from the West to corrupt Ukrainian defense officials. The new Defense Minister was chosen based on proven ability to eliminate corruption and not tolerate efforts to revive the corrupt practices. Russia has far worse problems with corruption in its Defense Ministry, and among senior generals as well. Russia is less able to shut down this corruption because it involves Putin himself and his senior associates, so it goes straight down through civilian defense officials and senior officers all the way to supply sergeants. Ukraine inherited this culture of corruption after it became independent of Russia when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

Ukraine looked west after 1991 and discovered that Western nations were less tolerant of Soviet-era corruption. The current Ukrainian president, Volodymir Zelensky, was elected in 2019 because he seemed able to reduce corruption. Zelensky did that but discovered that the corruption was more widespread and persistent than anyone realized. That meant Zelensky was presiding over a two front war. In addition to the Russians, he also had to deal with a seemingly endless supply of corrupt Ukrainian officials. Zelensky remains the best hope for reducing and curbing the corruption, especially when he reminds Ukrainian officials that a growing number of Western politicians see the persistent corruption in Ukraine as a reason to withdraw support and let Ukraine deal with the Russians on their own. Ukraine would have a difficult time on its own and might end up absorbed back into Russia. Western military leaders realize abandoning Ukraine is not a good option because it would not only risk Ukraine losing its independence, but would also provide Russia with many modern Western weapons. Russia could sell some of these to China and also determine how the Western weapons were built and borrow what technology they could.

The Ukraine War is full of risks and demonstrates to Western supporters how complex the situation in Ukraine and Russia is. Supporting Ukraine is not only expensive, but also more difficult than expected because of the far greater corruption found in nations that were once part of the Soviet Union. East European nations that were once subservient to Russia before 1989, joined NATO as soon as they could and warned the West that Russia was still a threat and it took the Russian invasion of Ukraine to make that clear. This will end up costing Western nations over $100 billion in military and economic aid, but will also make it clear that the East European NATO nations, especially Poland, were correct in their assessment of the Russian threat. Poland acted on its beliefs and sent Ukraine billions of dollars worth of weapons while also spending even more to purchase Western replacements for the weapons sent to Ukraine. Other East European NATO nations also sent most of their Soviet-era weapons and munitions to Ukraine. These nations were already in the process of replacing these weapons with modern Western ones. This was one of the conditions of joining NATO and the Ukraine War speeded up this process. East European warnings that Russia was still a threat are now accepted by all NATO nations and that makes it easier for these democracies to justify the expense of upgrading the weapons and equipment their troops use. This turned out to be an expensive lesson, costing billions of dollars in expenses these nations hoped to avoid.
Russian drones rained down on Kyiv in an aerial attack that lasted two hours overnight, with blasts ringing out across the city and debris falling on several of its central districts, Ukrainian officials said.

Reporters on the ground heard at least five blasts across the capital early on Sunday, while Ukrainian media footage showed a number of cars damaged. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that one person was injured in the attacks and a fire broke out near one of the citys parks.

Drones came onto the capital in groups and from different directions, Serhiy Popko, head of Kyivs city military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app, adding that drone debris sparked a fire in an apartment.

Ukraines Land Forces said air defence systems destroyed 25 out of 32 Russia-launched Iran-made Shahed drones on Sunday, as Moscow conducts near-nightly assaults on Ukraines territory.

Meanwhile, the general staff of Ukraines armed forces estimated 600 Russian troops were killed in one day on Friday, bringing the total lost since February 2022 to 268,140.

The headquarters of the United Russia political party in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Polohy was destroyed in an attack on the same day, according to the mayor of Melitopol, reported the Kyiv Independent.

Key Points

Ukraine says Russia launches overnight drone attack on Kyiv

600 members of Putins forces killed in one day as party HQ destroyed

British man who went to fight in Ukraine found dead

IAEA deeply concerned by increased military activity around Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant

Signs indicate Russia turning to isolated North Korea to replenish military supplies

US army chief fears Kyiv has only 30 days left for offensive

14:34 , Tara Cobham

Kyiv could have as little as 30 days left for its counter-offensive against Moscow, fears the head of the US military.

General Mark Milley said Ukraine only has around 30 to 45 days left before poor weather conditions hinder its offensive, telling the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg it will become very difficult to manoeuvre once the rains come.

Luke O'Reilly reports:

Ukraine has around 45 days left before weather hinders offensive  US army chief

Foreign aid workers killed in Russian missile attack in Ukraine

10:56 , Tara Cobham

Two foreign aid workers were reportedly killed in eastern Ukraine on Sunday as Russian shelling hit a van carrying a team of four working with a Ukrainian NGO.

The four volunteers from the Road to Relief NGO, which helps evacuate wounded people from front-line areas, were trapped inside the van as it flipped over and caught fire after being struck by shells near the town of Chasiv Yar, the organization said on its Instagram page.

Road to Relief said Canadian Anthony Ihnat died in the attack, while German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr were seriously injured.

The organisation added that it could not trace the whereabouts of the van's fourth passenger, Emma Igual, a Spanish national who was the organization's director. Hours later, Spain's acting foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spanish media that authorities in Madrid had received "verbal confirmation" of the 32-year-old Igual's death.

The volunteers were on their way to assess the needs of civilians on the outskirts of Bakhmut, Road to Relief said, in reference to the eastern town that saw the war's longest and bloodiest battle before falling to Moscow in May. Ukrainian forces have held on to Bakhmut's western suburbs and are pushing a counteroffensive in the area.

Emma Igual, a Spanish national who was the organization's director, reportedly died in the Russian missile attack (Saphryn Shikaze / Road to Relief)

The four volunteers were from the Road to Relief NGO, which helps evacuate wounded people from front-line areas (Saphryn Shikaze / Road to Relief)

Zelensky says a big breakthrough could lie ahead in counter offensive as Kyiv make gains

22:00 , Lydia Patrick

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian troops had made advances on the southern front and made movements near Bakhmut in the east.

Over the past seven days we have made an advance in the Tavria (southern) sector, Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

Zelenskiys latest comments on the state of the three-month-old counter offensive appeared to confirm assessments by other officials of gains, however modest, in the east and south (EPA)

There is movement in the Bakhmut sector. Yes, there is movement.

Zelensky said Ukrainian forces were holding their ground on other fronts in the east -- Avdiivka and Maryinka near the focus of Russias main attacks, and Lyman and Kupiansk, also subject to Russian attempts to advance further north.

Near Avdiivka, the head of the local military administration said Ukrainian troops took advantage of Russian forces focusing on one sector to advance and capture part of the village of Opytne south of the city.

In my opinion, this is very significant, Vitaliy Barabash told national television. To be frank, the enemy overlooked this southern direction a bit.

Zelensky and other officials have said the counter offensive requires time, dismissing criticism in the Western media that it is proceeding too slowly because of tactical errors.

In an interview with The Economist published on Sunday, Zelensky said making steady progress was essential to maintaining morale.

He suggested a big breakthrough could lie ahead.

G20 summit doesnt end with family photo

21:00 , Lydia Patrick

The G20 summit did not end in the usual harmonious manner this Sunday as some members question the and omission of Russia and careful language used in the communique.

Earlier drafts of the declaration reportedly featured stronger language when it comes to Russia, but a senior European Union official who was part of the negotiations told reporters here at the summit venue on Sunday that it would have spelled the end of the G20 as an organisation if they had not agreed to the watered-down version.

The official said: Ukraine was the most contentious issue. Extremely different positions were on the table to find the consensus, but it was Indias presidency and we believe in consensus so we had to accept that.

Read the full story here:

G20 summit ends with no family photo and criticism of watered-down declaration

Russian general says Ukraine is a stepping stone to the rest of Europe

20:00 , Lydia Patrick

General Andrey Mordvichev spoke out in a TV interview with Russia state TV warning Ukraine is just the beginning to the rest of Eastern Europe.

He also told the presente he expects the war to last a very long time.

As reported in Newsweek, Mordvichev said: I think theres still plenty of time to spend. It is pointless to talk about a specified period. If we are talking about Eastern Europe, which we will have to, of course then it will be longer.

The interviewer then asked if Ukraine was merely a stepping stone.

He responded: Yes, absolutely. It is only the beginning.

 This war will last for a long time, because we still need to liberate Eastern Europe, says Russian general and war criminal Andrei Mordvichev.



The interview was recorded at the end of July this year and Mordvichev assumed that the Ukrainian counteroffensive would slow down by pic.twitter.com/MB9m1YYcLV  TheKremlinYap (@TheKremlinYap) September 9, 2023

US Secretary of State defends decision to accept G20 statement - despite criticism

19:30 , Lydia Patrick

Anthony Blinken defended the United States decision to agree with the summits declaration amid Ukrainian complaints the statment doesnt do enough to condemn Russia.

During an interview on ABCs This Week he said:I was in the room when all the leaders spoke today with President Biden and it was very clear from everything that they said that not only do they want to see this war end, but they want to see it end on just and durable terms and it was also very clear that the consequences of Russias aggression are being felt throughout the G20 countries and throughout the developing world.

I think its very important that the G20 spoke as one, Blinken added.

Ukrainian foreign ministry Oleg Nikolnko hit out at the statement, saying the language used did not go far enough to condemn Russia.

Blinken routinely pledges his support for Ukraine on social media.

Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine's vital Danube ports, systematically destroying civilian infrastructure to prevent Ukrainian grain from feeding the world. This is Russia's playbook: strangle Ukrainian grain exports, weaponize food, and make hungry people pay the price.  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 8, 2023

Russia are becoming savvy to Ukranian military tactics, says head of military intelligence

18:30 , Lydia Patrick

Ukraines head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov spoke at the Yalta European Strategy forum in Kyiv last night.

Ukranian and international policy makers gathered to dicuss the wars progression.

As reported in The Guardian, Budanov said:

In terms of creativity and flexibility, we still have an edge over them, they are rather outdated. But they are adapting, they are trying to change tactics, to alter the way they use forces, they miserably fail with their strategy, but their tactics do have some improvements. They switched to the mass use of drones, before the war they simply didnt understand the importance of them, now they are adapting and copying us a lot.

Kyrylo Budanov

ICYMI: British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

18:00 , Lydia Patrick

A British man who fought in Ukraine was found dead in a body of water with his hands tied behind his back, his family have revealed.

Jordan Chadwick, 31, who travelled to Ukraine in early October 2022, was fighting in the International Legion.

Mr Chadwick, known as Joe, was from Burnley in Lancashire. He served as a Scots Guard in the British Army from 2011 to 2015.

His mother, Brenda Chadwick, told the BBC her family was devastated by her sons death.

She said: Although we are extremely proud of his unwavering courage and resilience, his death has been devastating.

Read the full story here

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

ICYMI: Ukraine says G20 summit declaration nothing to be proud of

17:00 , Lydia Patrick

The Ukrainian foreign ministry hit out at G20s joint declaration for omitting the mention of Russia and put forward his own corrected version.

The G20 member countrys reached an agreement on Saturday but there was a notable difference in language regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict in comparison with last years document.

There were disagreements between European countries who were keen to use strong language to condemn Moscows invasion yet Russia and China wouldnt accept any mention of war.

Nikolenko said:

G20 adopted a final declaration. We are grateful to the partners who tried to include strong wording in the text. However, in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of. This is how the main elements of the text could look to be closer to reality pic.twitter.com/qZqYluVKKS  Oleg Nikolenko (@OlegNikolenko_) September 9, 2023

Moscow hold local elections in occupied regions of Ukraine

16:15 , Lydia Patrick

Russian authorities have reported multiple attempts to sabotage voting in local elections taking place in occupied areas of Ukraine.

Votes are taking place this weekend in 79 regions of Russia, with ballots for governors, regional legislatures, city and municipal councils, as well as in the four Ukrainian regions Moscow annexed illegally last year - the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia provinces - and on the Crimean peninsula, which the Kremlin annexed in 2014.

Kyiv and the West have said balloting in the occupied areas of Ukraine is a violation of international law.

Russian electoral officials on Sunday reported attempts to sabotage voting in the occupied regions, where guerrilla forces loyal to Kyiv had previously killed pro-Moscow officials, blown up bridges and helped the Ukrainian military by identifying key targets.

A drone strike in the early hours of Sunday destroyed one polling station in the Zaporizhzhia province, deputy chairman of Russias Central Election Commission Nikolai Bulaev told reporters. He said no staff were at the station at the time of the attack.

A Russian-appointed official in the neighbouring Kherson region said that a live grenade was discovered on Saturday near a polling station there. Marina Zakharova said the grenade was hidden in bushes outside the station, and that voting had to be halted while emergency services disposed of it.

Local residents and Ukrainian activists have alleged that Russian poll workers make house calls accompanied by armed soldiers in both provinces, detaining those who refuse to vote and pressuring them into writing explanatory statements that could be used as grounds for a criminal case.

An elderly woman casts her ballot at a polling station during the Moscow mayoral election in Moscow, Russia (Moscow News Agency)

ICYMI: Russia turning to old ally North Korea to replenish ammunition

15:42 , Lydia Patrick

Russias supplies are depleting after a year and a half of fighting in Ukraine - and theyre turning to Kim Jong Un.

It is believed the isolated Asian country has tens of millions artillery shells and rockets that could help the Russian army.

United States officials expect North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to visit Russia in the coming days to seal a possible deal on munitions transfer with President Vladimir Putin.

Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center said: We know that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited recently for artillery shells predominantly, and most likely that will be discussed between Putin and Kim Jong Un.

Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, visited North Korea in July 2023, as the first Russian defence chief to visit the country since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Whilst the Kremlin have refused to comment about the nature of an arms deal, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed their close ties.

He said: : North Korea is our neighbor, and we will further develop our relations without looking back at other countries opinion.

Read the full story here:

Russia is turning to old ally North Korea to resupply its arsenal for the war in Ukraine

Russia says will return to grain deal once all conditions met

15:02 , Tara Cobham

Russia will return to the Black Sea grain deal the same day as Moscow's conditions for export of its own grain and fertilisers to the global markets are met, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters on Sunday.

Russia quit the deal in July, a year after it was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, complaining that its own food and fertiliser exports faced obstacles and that insufficient Ukrainian grain was going to countries in need.

"When all the necessary actions for removing obstacles for our grain and fertiliser exports are implemented, the same day we will return to the collective implementation of the Ukrainian part of the 'Black Sea initiative'", Lavrov told a briefing after attending a two-day G20 summit in New Delhi.

Recap: Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukrainian drone attack

13:30 , Tara Cobham

Elon Musk has admitted that his refusal to grant Ukraine permission to use his Starlink satellite network was an attempt to prevent a drone attack on a Russian naval fleet  with one Ukrainian official saying that his country is paying the price of a cocktail of ignorance and big ego.

The Starlink satellite internet service, which is run by the technology billionaires SpaceX company, has been a digital lifeline both for Ukraines military and for civilians in areas where Russias invasion has left infrastructure devastated or jammed.

An extract of a new biography of Musk, published by CNN on Thursday, said that the drones  packed with explosives  lost connectivity and washed ashore harmlessly during the thwarted assault last year, after Musk ordered his engineers to turn off the network. Musk is said to have feared that a strike on the ports of Russian-occupied Crimea would amount to a mini Pearl Harbor. Having apparently spoken to the Russian ambassador to the United States  who is reported to have told him that an attack on Crimea would trigger a nuclear response  Musk is then said to have ordered his engineers to turn off Starlink coverage within 100km of the Crimean coast.

Chris Stevenson reports:

Elon Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukraine drone attack on Russian ships

Russia claims it destroyed US-supplied Ukrainian speedboats

13:00 , Tara Cobham

Russias defense ministry said in the early hours of Sunday that Moscows forces earlier destroyed three US-supplied Ukrainian speedboats that had been travelling toward Crimea.

The claim could not be independently verified.

Too early to judge Ukraines summer offensive as failure, says US military head

12:20 , Tara Cobham

It is too early to say whether Ukraine's summer offensive has failed, the head of the US military has said.

Speaking to the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, General Mark Milley said: "That offensive kicked off about 90 days ago. It has gone slower than the planners anticipated. But that is a difference between what Clausewitz called war on paper and real war.

"So these are real people in real vehicles that are fighting through real minefields, and there's real death and destruction, and there's real friction.

"And there's still a reasonable amount of time, probably about 30 to 45 days, worth of fighting weather left.

"So the Ukrainians aren't done. This battle is not done. They haven't finished the fighting part of what they're trying to accomplish. So we'll see, it's too early to say how this is going to end. They at least have achieved partial success in what they set out to do, and that's important. And then the rains will come in. It'll become very muddy.

"It'll be very difficult to manoeuvre at that point, and then you'll get the deep winter. And then at that point, we'll see where things go. But right now, it is way too early to say that this offensive has failed or not failed."

In pictures: Russian drones rain down on Kyiv for hours overnight

12:18 , Tara Cobham

Russian drones rained down on Kyiv in an aerial attack that lasted two hours overnight (Reuters)

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike early on Sunday (REUTERS)

Local elections take place across Russia but Ukraine not on agenda

10:12 , Tara Cobham

Local elections kicked off in Russia this weekend in 79 regions, with voters are casting their ballots for governors, regional legislatures, city and municipal councils.

Russian authorities are also holding local elections in the four regions of Ukraine that Moscow annexed illegally last year  the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia provinces. Voting for federal and local legislators is also underway on the Crimean peninsula, which the Kremlin annexed in 2014. Balloting in the occupied areas of Ukraine has been denounced by Kyiv and the West as a sham and a violation of international law.

In Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanins seat is up for grabs, although he is running for re-election again and is unlikely to lose a race in which all contenders come from Kremlin-backed parties. Sobyanin was appointed mayor in 2010 and has since won mayoral elections twice: in 2013, despite now-imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny running against him, and 2018. Governors in 20 other Russian regions are also vying for office this year.

Local elections take place across Russia, but Ukraine is 'not on the agenda'

South Korea pledges additional $2 bln aid to Ukraine

09:26 , Tara Cobham

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Sunday the country will provide an additional $2 billion in aid to Ukraine starting in 2025 over the longer term, in addition to the $300 million previously pledged for next year, Yonhap news reported.

Yoon made the comment at a session of the G20 summit held in New Delhi, India, Yonhap said.

Ukraine says Russia launches overnight drone attack on Kyiv

08:03 , Tara Cobham

Russia launched an air attack on Kyiv early on Sunday, with blasts ringing out across the Ukrainian capital and its region for almost two hours and drone debris falling on several of the city's central districts, Ukrainian officials said.

Ukraine's Land Forces said that the country's air defence systems destroyed 25 out of 32 Russia-launched Iran-made Shahed drones, most of which targeted Kyiv and the Kyiv region.

Reuters witnesses heard at least five blasts across Kyiv, and Ukrainian media footage showed a number of cars damaged.

"Drones came onto the capital in groups and from different directions," Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's city military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that one person was injured in the historic Podil neighbourhood and a fire broke out near one of the city's parks.

Debris from downed drones fell on the Darnytskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Podil districts, Klitschko and the city's military administration said.

In the Shevchenkivskyi district, drone debris sparked a fire in an apartment, which was quickly extinguished. There were no immediate reports of injuries, Popko said on the Telegram messaging app.

There was no immediate comment from Russia about the attacks. Moscow has been conducting near-nightly assaults on Ukraine's territory. A Russian attack killed 17 on Wednesday in the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, according to Ukrainian officials.

An explosion of a drone is seen in Kyiv during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Sunday (Reuters)

Signs indicate Russia turning to isolated North Korea to replenish military supplies

07:12 , Anuj Pant

Russias military arsenal has been depleted enough for it to turn to isolated North Korea amid its now year-and-a-half-long invasion of Ukraine.

The country is set to host a regional summit on Sunday that could see the participation of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un who, reports said, could reach the country by armoured train.

The visit is significant as Russia faces depleted reserves due to its invasion. And estimates cited by The Associated Press have revealed that North Korea has tens of millions of artillery shells and rockets that could give a huge boost to the Russian army.

US officials have said they expected Mr Kim to seal a deal to transfer munitions to Russia in the coming days, in a marked reversal from the 1950s during the Korean war, when it was the Soviet Union that supplied weaponry to the North.

We know that Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu has visited recently for artillery shells predominantly, and most likely that will be discussed between Putin and Kim Jong-un, Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, was quoted as saying by The Associated Press.

ICYMI: Elon Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukrainian drone attack on Putins naval fleet

06:58 , Anuj Pant

Elon Musk has admitted that his refusal to grant Ukraine permission to use his Starlink satellite network was an attempt to prevent a drone attack on a Russian naval fleet  with one Ukrainian official saying that his country is paying the price of a cocktail of ignorance and big ego.

The Starlink satellite internet service, which is run by the technology billionaires SpaceX company, has been a digital lifeline both for Ukraines military and for civilians in areas where Russias invasion has left infrastructure devastated or jammed.

An extract of a new biography of Musk, published by CNN on Thursday, said that the drones  packed with explosives  lost connectivity and washed ashore harmlessly during the thwarted assault last year, after Musk ordered his engineers to turn off the network.

Musk is said to have feared that a strike on the ports of Russian-occupied Crimea would amount to a mini Pearl Harbor.

Having apparently spoken to the Russian ambassador to the United States  who is reported to have told him that an attack on Crimea would trigger a nuclear response  Musk is then said to have ordered his engineers to turn off Starlink coverage within 100km of the Crimean coast.

Read more below.

Elon Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukraine drone attack on Russian ships

Russia ships Su-30 fighter jets to Myanmar junta

06:08 , Anuj Pant

The Myanmar junta government has received its first shipment of Russian Su-30 fighter jets, the countrys trade minister told Russian state-run media.

Russia and Myanmar had signed a contract last year for the delivery of six Su-30SME fighter jets, according to Russian state-run RIA.

Two aircraft have already been delivered, Charlie Than, Myanmars trade minister, told the state-run news agency.

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of a Russian economic summit in Vladivostok. He also said a number of bilateral agreements will be signed at the East Economic Forum, including on developing tourism between the two countries.

Myanmar has seen the junta increase its grip on the country ever since it launched a military coup in 2021.

The US has also warned Russia against backing Myanmars military rulers and said its supply of weapons to the country is fueling a conflict that has become a catastrophe for Myanmar.

Just in: Ukraine says it downed 25 drones launched by Russia early on Sunday

05:47 , Anuj Pant

At least 25 of the 32 drones launched by Vladimir Putins forces early on Sunday have been drowned, Ukraines land forces said.

The announcement comes as Kyiv was subjected to aerial attacks overnight, with witnesses hearing as many as five blasts, reported Reuters. The scale of the attack has not yet been ascertained.

India avoids condemnation of Russia to produce united G20 declaration

05:36 , Anuj Pant

India has defied expectations to produce a New Delhi Declaration backed by all countries at this weekends G20 summit at the expense of any meaningful condemnation of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi announced the good news shortly before 1600 local time [1000 GMT] on the first day of the G20 leaders summit in Delhi  much to the surprise of many observers and analysts, who felt that the Ukraine issue would stand in the way of a consensus on any joint statement at all, much less an early one.

Ukraine rejected the joint statement, saying the G20 has nothing to be proud of in the part about Russias aggression against Ukraine.

Ukraine does feature in the full 37-page declaration released by the Indian foreign ministry on Saturday, which says leaders highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine without directly mentioning Russia.

There were different views and assessments of the situation, it adds, in something of an understatement.

Read more below.

India avoids condemnation of Russia to produce united G20 declaration

ICYMI: What are depleted uranium shells?

05:30 , Anuj Pant

The depleted uranium anti-tank rounds soon to be in Ukraines military stockpiles have kicked up a debate over its use in the continuing Russian invasion.

Announced by the Pentagon in the latest military tranche on Wednesday, the controversial rounds have spread alarm among Vladimir Putins ministers who have warned against the escalation yet again.

Britain has already promised armour-piercing rounds containing depleted uranium to Ukraine in March. Prime minister Rishi Sunak had backed drawing out the rounds from the UK militarys stockpiles ultimately to degrade and deter  primarily  Russian aggression.

But what are these depleted uranium munitions?

Read more below.

Ukraine: What are depleted uranium shells and why are they controversial?

Russia claims to have downed eight drones over Crimea

05:15 , Anuj Pant

Vladimir Putins defence ministry has claimed it destroyed eight drones over the Black Sea near the Crimean Peninsula in the early hours of Sunday even as overnight drone attacks were launched on capital Kyiv.

The incident, reported by Reuters, could not be independently verified. Russia accused Ukraine of launching the drones.

The Russian defence ministry has also not said if there were any casualties. Ukraines officials have not commented on the incident yet.

Putin launches overnight aerial attacks on Kyiv

04:48 , Anuj Pant

Air attacks were launched on Kyiv early on Sunday, with blasts heard across the capital. Drone debris fell on its central districts and the scale of the attack has not been ascertained yet.

Kyivs mayor Vitali Klitschko said one person was injured in the Podil neighbourhood and a fire broke out near one of the citys parks.

The debris from the downed drones fell on the Darnytskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Podil districts, according to the citys military administration and Mr Klitschko.

The debris also sparked a fire in the Shevchenkivskyi district, but this was immediately put out, according to officials.

Reuters cited its witnesses as saying they heard at least five blasts.

India avoids condemnation of Russia to produce united G20 declaration

03:00 , Joe Middleton

India has defied expectations to produce a New Delhi Declaration backed by all countries at this weekends G20 summit, at the expense of any meaningful condemnation of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi announced the good news shortly before 1600 local time [1000 GMT] on the first day of the G20 leaders summit in Delhi  much to the surprise of many observers and analysts, who felt that the Ukraine issue would stand in the way of a consensus on any joint statement at all, much less an early one.

Ukraine does feature in the full 37-page declaration released by the Indian foreign ministry on Saturday, which says leaders highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine without directly mentioning Russia. There were different views and assessments of the situation, it adds, in something of an understatement.

India avoids condemnation of Russia to produce united G20 declaration

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

02:00 , Joe Middleton

A British man who fought in Ukraine was found dead in a body of water with his hands tied behind his back, his family have revealed.

Jordan Chadwick, 31, who travelled to Ukraine in early October 2022, was fighting in the International Legion.

His mother, Brenda Chadwick, told the BBC her family was devastated by her sons death.

Mr Chadwick, known as Joe, was from Burnley in Lancashire. He served as a Scots Guard in the British Army from 2011 to 2015.

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

Elon Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukrainian drone attack on Putins naval fleet

01:09 , Lydia Patrick

Elon Musk has admitted that his refusal to grant Ukraine permission to use his Starlink satellite network was an attempt to prevent a drone attack on a Russian naval fleet.

The Starlink satellite internet service, which is run by the technology billionaires SpaceX company, has been a digital lifeline both for Ukraines military and for civilians.

Elon Musk says his refusal to allow Kyiv to use his satellite network was an attempt to avoid complicity in an act of war (Getty Images)

In posts on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the billionaire denied accusations that he had turned off the Starlink network in the area, but said that he had not agreed to a request from Ukraine to activate it all the way to the Crimean port city of Sevastopol, which is currently (as it was at the time) occupied by Russia and home to its Black Sea fleet.

The Starlink regions in question were not activated. SpaceX did not deactivate anything, Musk said.

There was an emergency request from government authorities to activate Starlink all the way to Sevastopol, he added, the obvious intent being to sink most of the Russian fleet at anchor. If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.

Read the full story here

Popular messaging service says it will combat Russian fake news'

Sunday 10 September 2023 00:09 , Lydia Patrick

The founder of Japanese technnology enterprise Rakuten Group says messaging service Viber will block any attempt at Russian propaganda unlike other social media.

Hiroshi Mikiani told Reuters: Unlike other social media, weve made it crystal clear were going to block all these fake news and propaganda of Russia.

Viber is a popular messaging app acquired by the Rakuten Group in 2014 (Getty Images)

Viber, which launched in 2010 and was acquired by Rakuten in 2014, has a 98% market penetration rate in Ukraine and is also popular in Russia.

The billionaire entrepreneur has previously been vocal in his support for Ukraine and made a 1 billion yen ($6.77 million) donation to its government at the start of the invasion.

Rakuten has announced plans to work with Ukraines largest mobile operator, Kyivstar, to provide Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) telecommunications technology that uses software to run network functions on the cloud, something Mikitani has touted as a technology of the future.

Ukraines counteroffensive will withstand severe Winter conditions, says intelligence chief

Saturday 9 September 2023 22:18 , Lydia Patrick

Kyivs counteroffensive against Russian forces will continue to fight throughout harsh cold conditions, Kyivs intelligence chief said on Saturday.

Kyrylo Budanov said: Combat actions will continue in one way or another. In the cold, wet and mud, it is more difficult to fight. Fighting will continue. The counteroffensive will continue.

Kyrylo Budanov with a handkerchief shpwing an F-35 fighter (AP)

The comments, made at a conference in Kyiv hosted by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, inidicate Ukraine does not plan to halt its push when the weather worsens later this year.

Vadym Skibytskyi, an official from Ukraines military spy agency, said earlier on Saturday that Russia currently had 420,000 servicemen inside Ukraine.

The push in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, now centred around the villages of Robotyne and Verbove, is seen as a crucial part of an operation that seeks to split Russias occupying forces in half in the south, but remains far from that goal.

Our counteroffensive is happening in several directions, Budanov said, acknowledging that progress had been slower than he had wanted and describing the situation as difficult.

Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has failed.

Russia shoots down three drones in Crimea

Saturday 9 September 2023 20:18 , Lydia Patrick

Drone attacks on Russian-occupied territory and inside Russia itself have increased sharply across the summer, with Kyiv seeking to back-up its counteroffensive against Vladimir Putins forces on the ground in Ukraine by disrupting Moscow as much as it can.

The latest such strike came on Saturday when Russian air defence shot down three enemy drones in northwestern Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-installed head of the peninsulas administration.

Rishi Sunak said that G20 leaders have agreed to a very strong joint message about Russias invasion of Ukraine

Saturday 9 September 2023 19:20 , Lydia Patrick

The British prime minister expresses his support of a New Delhi declaration backed by all countries at the summit.

Defying the odds, India was able to get all G20 members to agree that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissable in a 37-page declaration.

Mr Sunak told broadcasters, as reported by Reuters: The news that weve just had, which Im happy to share, is that under Prime Minister Modi and Indias presidency, the G20 have agreed a joint communique with very strong language about Russias illegal war in Ukraine.

Rishi Sunak spoke to the media during the event (PA)

What youll see in the communique is strong language, highlighting the impact of the war on food prices and food security, calling on Russia to re-enter the Black Sea grain initiative to allow exports to leave that part of the world and help feed millions of the most vulnerable people as well as the communique recognising the principles of the UN Charter respecting territorial integrity.

So I think that is a good and strong outcome. And as you can see from this summit, Russia is completely isolated.

Zelensky meets with Japanese foreign minister who vows support for reconstruction of Ukraine

Saturday 9 September 2023 17:00 , Rachel Flynn

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Saturday and agreed to begin discussions on security guarantees and cooperate on reconstructing Ukraines economy, the Japanese foreign ministry said.

The security guarantee discussions come after the G7 group of countries, of which Japan is a member, said in July that its members would begin bilateral security guarantee talks with Ukraine.

Japans Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi (L) shakes hands with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba during a joint press conference in Kyiv. (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Hayashi also pledged support from both the public and private sectors in Japan to reconstruct Ukraines economy in the surprise visit to Ukraine, where he was accompanied by executives of Japanese firms, including Hiroshi Mikitani, founder and chief executive Rakuten Group, the ministry said.

Japan is planning to host a meeting on the economic reconstruction of Ukraine early next year.

In talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Hayashi was set to reiterate Japans firm support for Ukraine and the urgency of ending the Russian invasion with the help of the international community, the ministry said.

Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a surprise visit to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy in March.

Romania finds new possible fragments of Russian drone on its territory

Saturday 9 September 2023 16:30 , Rachel Flynn

New fragments of a drone similar to those used by the Russian military were found on Romanian soil, the defence ministry said on Saturday.

Romanias president, President Klaus Iohannis, said this indicated an unacceptable breach of Romanias air space had occurred.

In a statement, Iohannis said he had informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about the pieces of drone - the second to crash in Romanian territory this week - and that Stoltenberg reiterated the alliances complete solidarity with Romania.

The identification by Romanian authorities on Romanian territory near the border with Ukraine of new drone fragments ... indicates an unacceptable breach occurred of the air space of Romania, a NATO state, with real risks to the security of Romanian citizens in the area, Iohannis said.

I firmly condemn this incident caused by Russian attacks on Ukrainian Danube river ports.

The attacks on Ukraines river ports, just hundreds of metres from the Romanian border, have increased security risks for NATO whose members have a mutual defence commitment.

The U.S. State Department said earlier this week it would rotate additional U.S. F-16 fighter jets to bolster NATOs air policing mission in Romania.

Ukraine says G20 summit declaration is nothing to be proud of

Saturday 9 September 2023 15:45 , Rachel Flynn

The Ukrainian foreign ministry said on Saturday the G20s joint declaration was nothing to be proud of and criticised it for not mentioning Russia.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko posted a screenshot of the relevant section of the joint declaration, with several pieces of the text crossed out in red and corrected with wording which reflects Ukraines position that it is a victim of unprovoked Russian aggression.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko posted a screenshot of the relevant section on his Facebook. (Oleg Nikolenko)

It is clear that the participation of the Ukrainian side (in the G20 meeting) would have allowed the participants to better understand the situation, he wrote on Facebook.

Heres what the main elements of the text could look like to be closer to reality, he added.

Despite his disappointment with the overall G20 text, Nikolenko thanked Ukraines allies for doing their part to advance Ukraines position in the declaration.

Ukraine is grateful to the partners who tried to include strong formulations in the text, he said.

G20 summit statement calls for peace but avoids condemning Russia for Ukraine war

Saturday 9 September 2023 14:24 , Tara Cobham

The Group of 20 nations adopted a consensus declaration at a summit on Saturday that avoided condemnation of Russia for the war in Ukraine but called on all states to refrain from the use of force to seize territory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of host India announced that the Leaders' Declaration had been adopted on the first day of the weekend summit.

The consensus came as a surprise as the group is deeply divided over the war in Ukraine, with Western nations earlier pushing for strong condemnation of Russia in the Leaders' Declaration, while other countries demanded a focus on broader economic issues.

There was no immediate reaction from most other members.

"We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability," the declaration said.

"We ... welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine.

"The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible," the statement added.

Russia sticks to demands on Black Sea grain deal

Saturday 9 September 2023 11:27 , Tara Cobham

Russia said on Saturday it was sticking to its conditions for a return to the Black Sea grain deal which it quit in July.

In particular, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia needed its state agricultural bank - and not a subsidiary of the bank, as proposed by the United Nations - to be reconnected to the international SWIFT bank payments system.

"All our conditions are perfectly well known. They do not need interpretation, they are absolutely concrete and all this is absolutely achievable," Peskov said. "Therefore Russia maintains its responsible, clear and consistent position, which has been repeatedly voiced by the president."

The Black Sea deal was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July 2022 to enable Ukraine to export grain by sea despite the war and help ease a global food crisis.

It was accompanied by an agreement to facilitate Russia's own exports of food and fertiliser, which Moscow says has not been fulfilled. Since quitting the grain deal, Russia has repeatedly bombed Ukrainian ports and grain stores, prompting Kyiv and the West to accuse it of using food as a weapon.

Moscow's uncompromising restatement of its position came five days after President Vladimir Putin met his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan and discussed the grain issue.

Russia appears to have drawn encouragement from Erdogan's statement at that meeting that Ukraine should "soften its approaches" in talks over reviving the deal, and export more grain to Africa rather than Europe. Ukraine said it would not alter its stand and would not be hostage to "Russian blackmail".

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

Saturday 9 September 2023 10:45 , Tara Cobham

A British man who fought in Ukraine was found dead in a body of water with his hands tied behind his back, his family have revealed.

Jordan Chadwick, 31, who travelled to Ukraine in early October 2022, was fighting in the International Legion.

His mother, Brenda Chadwick, told the BBC her family was devastated by her sons death.

Mr Chadwick, known as Joe, was from Burnley in Lancashire. He served as a Scots Guard in the British Army from 2011 to 2015.

Rachel Flynn reports:

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

600 members of Putins forces killed in one day as party HQ destroyed

Saturday 9 September 2023 10:32 , Tara Cobham

Russian President Vladimir Putin has lost 600 of his troops in one day, according to Kyiv, while his conservative partys headquarters in Ukraine was destroyed on Friday.

The general staff of Ukraines armed forces is estimating that 600 of Moscows personnel were killed on Friday, bringing the total lost since February 2022 to 268,140.

Meanwhile, the headquarters of the United Russia political party in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Polohy was destroyed in an attack on the same day, according to the mayor of Melitopol, reported the Kyiv Independent.

Ivan Fedorov said on the Telegram messaging app that local residents described Russians as burned out of the headquarters amid the hellish pseudo-elections. Alluding to casualties, he said: Some went to the hospital, and some went straight to the morgue.

IAEA deeply concerned by increased military activity around Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant

Saturday 9 September 2023 09:26 , Tara Cobham

Experts are deeply concerned by increased military activity in the region around Ukraines Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) wrote on Friday of reports of numerous explosions over the past week, which could pose a potential threat to nuclear safety and security at the site.

Over the three days from last Saturday, the IAEA team heard around two dozen explosions, followed by several more in recent days - although there was no damage to the Russian-occupied facility itself.

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the situation at Europes largest nuclear power plant remains highly precarious.

The reports I receive from our experts indicate that the explosions occurred some distance away from the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, he said. Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned about the possible dangers facing the plant at this time of heightened military tension in the region.

Whatever happens in a conflict zone, wherever it may be, everybody would stand to lose from a nuclear accident, and I urge that all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid it happening.

British man who went to fight in Ukraine found dead

Saturday 9 September 2023 07:19 , Vishwam Sankaran

A 31-year-old British man who went to fight in Ukraine was found dead in a body of water.

The man, recognised as Jordan Chadwick from Burnley in Lancashire, fought as part of the foreign legion in Ukraine, and was killed under unknown circumstances, BBC reported.

An inquest into the possible cause of Mr Chadwicks death will reportedly be held in February.

His passion to support freedom and assist others with his skills led him to leave the UK and travel to the Ukraine in early October 2022, his mother told BBC.

G20 summit in India begins with no consensus on Ukraine

Saturday 9 September 2023 06:37 , Vishwam Sankaran

The G20 summit hosted by India in New Delhi began with negotiators leaving a paragraph on Ukraine blank in the leaders draft declaration, Reuters reported.

The paragraph relating to Ukraine and the geopolitical situation was reportedly left blank, while those on several global issues, including climate change and cryptocurrency had consensus agreed upon by member nations.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, whose country has juggled good relations with both Russia and the West, said he does not want the war to dominate the meeting intended to highlight the Global Souths needs.

Zelensky discusses Ukraine peace efforts with Saudi Crown Prince

Saturday 9 September 2023 06:30 , Vishwam Sankaran

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud on Friday to discuss Ukraines path to peace.

Mr Zelenskys office noted that the two leaders discussed ongoing cooperation between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia as an extension of the Jeddah peace talks held in August.

At the peace talks in August, global leaders discussed Ukraines 10-point plan for an end to Russias war.

On Fridays call, Mr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Saudi Crown Prince for the successful meeting in Jeddah.

Russia is actively trying to evade sanctions - Zelensky

Saturday 9 September 2023 04:00 , William Mata

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky has tweeted in support of further sanctions being made to impact on Russias economic output.

Russia is actively trying to evade sanctions, he wrote on Twitter.

The global sanctions offensive must be resumed. Three priorities are: more sanctions against Russias energy sector, real restrictions on the transfer of chips and microelectronics, and further blocking of the Russian financial sector.

Russia is actively trying to evade sanctions.



The global sanctions offensive must be resumed.



Three priorities: more sanctions against Russias energy sector, real restrictions on the transfer of chips and microelectronics, and further blocking of the Russian financial sector. pic.twitter.com/idhALkI3lI    (@ZelenskyyUa) September 8, 2023

Pictures of the day: Friday, September 8

Saturday 9 September 2023 03:00 , William Mata

Cadets of Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University rest after a swearing-in ceremony at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (REUTERS)

Commander of the Joint Forces the Armed Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant General Serhiy Nayev poses for a photograph with Ukrainian tank crews after a training excercise in the Chernigiv region (AFP via Getty Images)

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends the Yalta European Strategy Forum in Kyiv (AP)

People visit a polling station during the city mayoral elections in Moscow (REUTERS)

Russia holds elections in occupied Ukrainian regions in an effort to tighten its grip there

Saturday 9 September 2023 02:00 , William Mata

Local elections are being held this weekend in Russia as the Kremlin looks to tighten its grip on territories it seized from Ukraine a year ago.

The voting for Russian-installed legislatures in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions has already begun and concludes Sunday. It has been denounced by Kyiv and the West.

It constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, which Russia continues to disregard, the council of Europe, the continents foremost human rights body, said this week.

Kyiv echoed that sentiment, with the parliament saying in a statement that the balloting in areas where Russia conducts active hostilities poses a threat to Ukrainian lives. Ukrainian officials have urged other countries not to recognize the results of the vote, which the Foreign Ministry called fake elections.

A man casts his ballot on the first day of local elections in Russia, at a polling station in Rostov (AFP via Getty Images)

EU rebukes its representative in Austria over 'blood money' comment on Russian gas imports

Saturday 9 September 2023 01:00 , William Mata

From earlier on Friday:

The European Union's executive branch strongly criticised the bloc's representative in Austria for accusing the country of paying blood money to Russia for gas supplies and said Friday he has been ordered back to Brussels.

EU representative Martin Selmayr said during an event on Wednesday that Austria continues to get 55 per cent of its gas from Russia  but no one, he noted, is out on Vienna's central Ringstrasse boulevard to protest that, the Austria Press Agency reported.

See the full article here.

Martin Selmayr (AP)

German intelligence employee and acquaintance charged with treason for passing secrets to Russia

Saturday 9 September 2023 00:00 , William Mata

An employee of Germanys foreign intelligence service and an acquaintance have been charged with treason for allegedly passing secret documents to Russia, prosecutors said Friday.

The intelligence officer, who has been identified only as Carsten L. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested in Berlin on December 21 last year.

The second suspect, a self-employed German businessman identified as Arthur E., was arrested at Munich airport on January 22 as he arrived from the United States.

See the full article here.

The intelligence officer, who has been identified only as Carsten L. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested in Berlin (PA)

Zelensky: Our allies have eased up on sanctions

Friday 8 September 2023 23:00 , William Mata

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that his countrys allies had eased up on sanctions imposed on Russia and called for a renewed drive to impose further punitive measures on Moscow.

At this time, we see too long a pause by our partners in terms of sanctions, he said in his nightly video address. And very active Russian attempts to evade sanctions.

Volodymyr Zelensky (AFP/Getty)

Musk feared being complicit in major act of war

Friday 8 September 2023 22:07 , William Mata

Elon Musk said he refused a Ukrainian request to activate his Starlink satellite network in Crimeas port city of Sevastopol last year to aid an attack on Russias fleet there, saying he feared complicity in a major act of war.

The billionaire businessman made the comment on Twitter after CNN cited a excerpt from a new biography of Musk that says he ordered the Starlink network turned off near the Crimean coast last year to disrupt the Ukrainian sneak attack.

In the post on late on Thursday, Musk said he had no choice but to reject an emergency request from Ukraine to activate Starlink all the way to Sevastopol. He did not give the date of the request and the excerpt did not specify it.

The obvious intent being to sink most of the Russian fleet at anchor, Musk wrote. If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.

There was an emergency request from government authorities to activate Starlink all the way to Sevastopol.



The obvious intent being to sink most of the Russian fleet at anchor.



If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2023

Injury count now at 73

Friday 8 September 2023 22:05 , William Mata

The number of people injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine on Thursday night into Friday is now confirmed to be 73.

Kremlin forces carried out assaults on major cities as well as the home town of Volodymyr Zelensky. Four people died in total, including one policeman.

The strikes were among multiple Russian attacks across the country overnight, officials said.

"Elon Musk has taken over my world, and I dont like it

Friday 8 September 2023 22:00 , William Mata

For the comment section, Sean OGrady says he is having issues with Elon Musks influence.

The Twitter/X CEO has access to the worlds leaders, and the power to influence wars, the future of AI, and the tech that dominates our lives, he writes, But where should we draw the line?

You can read Seans column here.

Musk irked Ukrainian generals by deactivating a satellite to stop it being used as part of a plan to strike Russian ships - and also drew the wrath of a British MP on Friday by saying both Russia and Ukraine need to work to a treaty.

Elon Musk, the book, will be out this season (Via AFP)

Seventeen arrested in Cuba in connection with network to recruit foreign nationals for Ukraine fight

Friday 8 September 2023 21:00 , William Mata

Cuban authorities have arrested 17 people in connection with what they described as a network to recruit Cuban nationals to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

The head of criminal investigations for Cubas interior ministry, Cesar Rodriguez, said late Thursday on state media that at least three of the 17 arrested are part of recruitment efforts inside the island country.

He did not identify the alleged members of the network but said they had previous criminal records.

Some families started speaking up about the case on Friday, and at least one mother said that her son was promised a job in construction in Russia.

Cubas foreign ministry said on Monday that the government had detected a network operating from Russia to recruit Cuban citizens living both in Russia and in Cuba to fight in Ukraine.

It said authorities were working to neutralise and dismantle the network but gave no details.

Cuba is not part of the war in Ukraine, the foreign ministry said in a news release.

Cuba and Russia are political allies and Cubans do not require a visa to travel to Russia. Many go there to study or to work.

Cuba and Russia are political allies (PA)

Message of courage from president Zelensky

Friday 8 September 2023 19:30 , William Mata

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has released a video intended to rally his troops as fighting continues.

He shared the short film on Twitter alongside a message.

Ukraine is more than a country fighting Russian aggression, the tweet read.

It is a personal moral choice about what is truly valuable, what you believe in, and what your true priorities are.

This war lays a moral foundation that transcends borders. It must be humanistic. It must prevail.

Ukraine is more than a country fighting Russian aggression.



It is a personal moral choice about what is truly valuable, what you believe in, and what your true priorities are.



This war lays a moral foundation that transcends borders. It must be humanistic. It must prevail. pic.twitter.com/xruHCgWZgu    (@ZelenskyyUa) September 8, 2023

Battlefield situation update for September 8

Friday 8 September 2023 19:00 , William Mata

In case you missed it, the British Ministry of Defence shared its daily update on the development in the battle for Ukraine.

It showed likely Ukrainian advance towards Bakhmut in the north east and Orikhiv in the south.

A tweet read: The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.

The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  8 September 2023. 
The US government seized nearly 1 million barrels of Iranian crude oil allegedly bound for China, according to newly unsealed court documents and a statement released by the Department of Justice on Friday.

This is the first-ever criminal resolution involving a company that violated sanctions by facilitating the illicit sale and transport of Iranian oil, according to the DOJ.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a US-designated foreign terrorist organization, allegedly shipped more than 980,000 barrels of oil, the press release stated.

The DOJ claimed that multiple entities affiliated with Irans IRGC and the IRGC-Qods Force were involved in the scheme to disguise the origin of the oil and illegally sell it to China, according to court documents.

The court filings also show allegations that profits from oil sales support the IRGCs full range of malign activities, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, support for terrorism and both domestic and international human rights abuses.

In April, the company operating the ship carrying the oil, Empire Navigation, pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The IRCG was fined almost $2.5 million and was sentenced to three years of corporate probation. The companys vessel, Suez Rajan Limited, transported the contraband to the US and incurred the significant expenses associated with the vessels voyage to the United States, according to the DOJ.

CNN has reached out to Empire Navigation for comment.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Ramaswamy raps after doing a Fair Side Chat with Governor Kim Reynolds, at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa (AFP via Getty Images)

Vivek Ramaswamy has positioned himself as the hardline immigration candidate in the 2024 race, thanks to one of his latest interviews with reporters on the campaign trail.

The Republican businessman spoke to NBC News on the sidelines of a town hall event in Orange City, Iowa on Friday as he makes a play to win the first-in-the-nation caucus state out from under Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor is currently leading a pack of would-be alternatives to Donald Trump, the clear frontrunner for the GOP nomination, including Mr Ramaswamy.

Asked by the news network to explain how children of undocumented immigrants would be treated under his administration if they themselves were born in the United States, Mr Ramaswamy replied: "The family unit will be deported.

When NBC asked him to clarify if that included children born in the US, he stated, that is correct.

His position is a direct challenge to the concept of birthright citizenship, something that has been an established constitutional right for more than a century. Under the 14th Amendment, all persons born in the United States, without exception, are granted citizenship automatically. The text leaves very little wiggle room, reading: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.

But Mr Ramaswamy and others believe that the language can be interpreted to exclude the children of people who crossed the border to enter and reside in the United States illegally, an argument not yet supported by reality but one that could theoretically change given the nature of the Supreme Court, now helmed by a conservative majority which has already seen fit to erase decades of precedent protecting the right to an abortion nationwide. He insisted that those arguments remain contested in his interview with NBC.

There are legally contested questions under the 14th Amendment of whether the child of an illegal immigrant is indeed a child who enjoys birthright citizenship, he said. They are contested.

His position could very well end up being a repeat performance of Donald Trumps promises to the extreme far right on the issue of immigration during his 2016 campaign, when he pledged to complete construction of fencing across the entire US-Mexico border at the latters expense. He also promised a massive surge of deportations to total in the millions; neither promise was kept.

Mr Ramaswamys likely inability to deliver on his promise to rewrite the 14th Amendments meaning, even should he be elected president, would just be another point in a long list of disappointments for the hardline anti-immigration right, which has seen its goals constantly blunted by political and legal realities after being repeatedly championed by conservative politicians.

He has made bold claims about the level of transformation he will be able to bring to the federal government throughout his campaign. On Sunday, he continued to do so, vowing to lay out how he would dismantle the Department of Education in an upcoming speech.

My speech next Wednesday in D.C. will directly address this: exactly *how* we will shut down the U.S. Department of Education based on *existing* legal authority. https://t.co/Crb4htgV91  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) September 9, 2023

In Iowa, Mr Ramaswamy remains competitive among the tier of non-Trump candidates, and has already overtaken one sitting politician, Sen Tim Scott, in polling despite being a total political newcomer.

At last months GOP debate, he presented a fiery case for his brand of insurgent politics, while clashing with experienced Washington veterans onstage like Nikki Haley.
Rudy Giuliani, a longtime ally and former attorney for former President Trump, asked a Georgia judge Friday to rescind the charges levied against him in the Fulton County election interference case, citing several deficiencies in the indictment.

The former New York City mayor was indicted alongside the former president and 17 others by a Fulton County grand jury last month over their alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia.

However, Giulianis lawyers argued in Fridays filing that the 41-count indictment fell short on several fronts and that the charges against their client should be dismissed.

Defendant moves this Court to quash the indictment against him, as it is not perfect in form and substance, fails to provide sufficient notice as to what he must defend against at trial, and the pleadings in said indictment are insufficient to protect him from double jeopardy in a separate prosecution, they wrote in a new filing.

His attorneys alleged that the indictment fails to separate criminal acts from legal acts, describing the 98-page document as a conspiratorial bouillabaisse consisting of purported criminal acts, daily activities, and constitutionally protected speech.

They also argued that the indictment does not clearly lay out the essential facts that constitute the charges against Giuliani and suggested that it places him at risk of double jeopardy.

Giuliani, along with the other 18 defendants, pleaded not guilty earlier this month, and he waived his right to an in-person arraignment.

The Georgia indictment comes on top of several other legal battles facing Giuliani, including three defamation suits from two voting machine companies and a pair of election workers he accused of manipulating ballots in the 2020 election.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MBABANE  The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has been accused of spoiling the special voting exercise for inmates, which was held last month.

The special voting, which was conducted on August 22, 2023, was meant to accommodate registered voters who could not vote at their voting stations for various reasons and they include the inmates who are housed by His Majestys Correctional Services (HMCS). An inmate who called this publication decried that the EBC, through its Deputy Chairperson Sipho Tembe made it impossible for some inmates, in particular those who claim to be from Kwaluseni area, by introducing what is known as chief codes. The inmate alleged that had the chief code not been introduced at a facility like the Matsapha Maximum Prison, his preferred candidate would have had around 600 inmates casting their votes.

Practice

It is a fact that some of us originate from the Shiselweni Region but we have spent most of our years at Kwaluseni. Therefore, we expected to vote under that inkhundla and the chief code issue denied us the chance to practice our right, the inmate said. The inmate said some of his colleagues ended up losing interest in the whole exercise as they were adamant that they deserved to be registered under Kwaluseni Inkhundla as they had spent most of their years there. The inmates voting was part of the special voting, which was held on August 22, 2023. It was gathered from the EBC that after it had consolidated, the special voting results that about 1200 inmates had registered but that not all of them had voted. EBC Deputy Chairperson Sipho Tembe confirmed the introduction of the chief codes and gave reasons for such a decision.

He said the decision was a resolution taken by the commission following that in the past two elections there had been challenges. Because we are new, those who were there in the past two elections advised that they had met some challenges when it came to inmates. We, therefore, resolved that the inmates should vote where they originate from, he said. Elaborating, Tembe said being the deputy chairperson; he was assigned to look into how it could best be done. I had to do it on behalf of the commission, he said.

exercise

Tembe was asked if the decision did not affect the voting exercise at the prisons and whether the inmates had previously been educated. He responded by saying, We sent our officers during the time when we conducted the civic education exercise. We advised them to make it clear that inmates would vote where they were from. You never know if they communicated well. In some facilities the warders did state that all clarity was given. He explained that the law was clear that a person had to vote where they were from and those who voted in other areas it was because they had been resident there voluntarily. There is a difference because the inmate has been forced to be at the prison. The inmate is there because they broke the law. The other thing to consider is that an inmate might not have a permanent facility. Today he or she can be in a different facility and the following day be in another, he said. Tembe highlighted that they met with the officers from the HMCS and it was brought to the fore that the inmates were sometimes moved to different facilities. When it is voting time, you find that the list we have of the Juvenile facility no longer has some of the inmates who had registered as they have been moved to other facilities like the ones in Piggs Peak and Big Bend. Basically, there was just a lot of confusion because of the rotation and we felt this will stress us, he explained.

Clarifying

Clarifying further, Tembe said the issue was not even about the chief code but more on what the inmate said he originated from when he arrived at that particular facility. In vernacular he said, Kuya ngekutsi watsi wakuphi makafika noma bekahlala kuphi nakangena. It should be noted that after the inmates voting exercise had been conducted, the HMCS, through its Public Relations Officer Gugulethu Dlamini said all registered inmates were afforded the opportunity to vote. Dlamini emphasised that the HMCS did not single out any inmates but ensured that all who registered to vote and were keen to do so got a chance to cast their vote. Worth noting is that on the day of the primary elections, which was on August 26, 2023, complaints were raised by Members of Parliament (MP) and indvuna candidates who demanded that the results of the inmates votes be counted in their presence and be added to those they had obtained at the different chiefdoms.

Our sister publication, the Times of Eswatini reported that at some polling stations the candidates raised the issue of the inmates and emaSwati in diaspora votes, before the EBC officials counted the votes that were cast by the electorate on the Saturday of the primary elections. So serious was the issue such that the counting of votes had to be halted for about an hour at one of the polling stations as candidates demanded the inmates votes. The inmates voting exercise saw popular inmates, including former Hosea and Ngwempisi MPs Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube cast their votes. The two former MPs are inmates at the Matsapha Maximum Prison where they are awaiting sentencing, after Judge Mumcy Dlamini convicted them of terrorism and murder offences.

crashed

Worth noting is that while the duo could not be nominated and voted for in the general elections, their family members were. Dube had his wife; Gugu Baxter nominated but crashed out in the primary elections last weekend. On the other hand, Mabuza has his brother, Sifiso, in the race after he was nominated under Hosea Umphakatsi. During the primary elections, Sifiso obtained 723 votes at Elushini Umphakatsi, making him eligible to battle it out in the secondary elections scheduled for September 29. As provided for in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Section 90, the EBC has a mandate to oversee and supervise the registration of voters to ensure free and fair elections at primary, secondary or other levels. The voter registration is an important stage of the electoral process where eligible voters are identified and compiled in a voters list. The Voter Registration Act, 2013 specifies the eligibility of voters as it qualifies one to register to vote if that person has attained the age of 18 years, is a citizen of the Kingdom of Eswatini or is ordinarily a resident of Eswatini (who has relevant documents and has resided in the country for a period of not less than five years). Also, the voter should be a resident of that inkhundla or polling division, be of sound mind and has not been convicted for a life sentence or any other election-related offences.
Gandhi stressed that the fight to keep the democratic structure of India is "ongoing and very vibrant"

London: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has hit out at the BJP during an interaction with students and academics in Paris, saying that the governing party is out to get power at any cost and that there is "nothing Hindu" about their actions.

During the interaction on Saturday at the Sciences PO University in Paris, a leading social sciences institution in France, the 53-year-old Opposition leader covered a broad range of topics such as his Bharat Jodo Yatra', the Opposition alliance's fight to defend India's democratic structures, changing global order and other key issues.

He stressed that the Opposition was committed to fighting for the "soul of India" and the country would "come out just fine" from the current "turbulence".

"I've read the Gita', I've read a number of the Upanishads, I've read many Hindu books; there is nothing Hindu about what the BJP does, absolutely nothing, said Gandhi, in response to a question about the rise of Hindu nationalism in the country at the interaction, a video of which was released on Sunday.

"I have not read anywhere, in no Hindu book, from no learned Hindu person have I ever heard that you should terrorise, harm people who are weaker than you. So, this idea, this word, Hindu nationalists, this is a wrong word. They're not Hindu nationalists. They have nothing to do with Hinduism. They are out to get power at any cost, and they will do anything to get power They want dominance of a few people and that is what they are about. There is nothing Hindu about them, he said.

Asked about the cases of violence against the Dalit and other minority communities in the country, Gandhi said it requires political imagination to combat the issue head on and the Opposition is committed to that fight.

"What the BJP and the RSS are trying to do, the heart of what they're trying to do is trying to stop the expression, the participation of lower castes, other backward castes, tribals and minority communities. And, for me, an India where a Dalit person or a Muslim person, tribal person, upper-caste person, anybody, is being mistreated, is being attacked, is not the India I want, he said.

"If the Prime Minister tomorrow morning was to decide there would be no chest thumping and no violence in India, it would stop. It is the direction that the leadership of the country gives, the imagination that the leadership of a country gives that shapes people," Gandhi, now on a tour of Europe, said.

"The feeling right now is that you can do whatever you want and nothing's going to happen to you This is an attack on the soul of India, and the people doing this should pay a price for it, he said.

Referencing his own experiences, the Congress leader pointed to 24 legal cases against him and also the "first time in Indian history" that somebody was given the maximum sentence for criminal defamation. But he stressed that the fight to keep the democratic structure of India is ongoing and very vibrant.

Gandhi was referring to his conviction in a 2019 defamation case over his Modi surname remark. Last month, the Supreme Court stayed his conviction, paving the way for revival of his Lok Sabha membership.

"We are part of that fight we are going through a process; we are going through turbulence in our democratic structure and there are millions of people who really believe in that democratic structure and are going to defend it with everything that they've got.

"So, it's a fight and also an opportunity to rethink and to reimagine our country. There are many things that can be improved, and I think this is an opportunity, this is a test that many countries go through. And, I think we'll come out just fine in this test, he said.

Asked about the debate around the name of the country, Gandhi noted that both India and Bharat are documented in the Constitution and therefore, the government was acting in strange ways because they are irritated with the name of the Opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.).

"There is something deeper that is going on, which is that people who want to change the name of anything are basically trying to deny history. The fact of the matter is, whether we like it or we don't like it, we have a history. We were ruled by the British, we fought the British, we defeated the British English is spoken by more Indians than English people; it's our own language more than theirs, he said.

"Embedded in that English is a huge history, lot of pain, lot of happiness, imagination, struggle, those things are embedded. And the people who want to change the name want to erase that; they don't want the history of our country is known to our future generations, it disturbs them, he said.

The former Congress president also countered the notion that the majority of India voted for the current government, claiming that 60 per cent of India voted for the current Opposition alliance.

"So, this idea that the majority community is voting for the BJP, is a wrong idea. The majority community actually votes more for us than they vote for them. They do polarise society, they divide society, they spread hatred in society and that is their mechanism. They also happen to have very good relationships with the most powerful, richest crony capitalists in the land, who finance and support them, said Gandhi.

On the issue of crony capitalism, the Congress leader once again targeted the Adani Group to claim that documentation is available to back the Opposition's allegations of monopolistic practices.

"What you're having in India today with Mr Adani is so blatant and it's completely so over the top, I don't think there's any other place where this is going on. The gentleman is in pretty much every single business eventually he's going to be held accountable for it, he said.

The session in Paris, the second European city on his tour after Brussels, was moderated by Professor Christophe Jaffrelot, Director of the Centre of International Studies, and chaired by Arancha Gonzalez, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences PO, who asked him about India's foreign policy stance.

"When you're dealing with a country the size of India, we have to have relationships with multiple different countries and as a nation, we act in our interest, Gandhi said, pointing to the development model of China as a particular concern for the world order.

"We have a planet today where the bulk of production, the bulk of manufacturing, the bulk of value addition is being done in China the problem is that for us, we need to think about production in a democratic environment, production in a non-coercive environment and we need to be able to compete with them while giving our people political freedom and economic freedom. So that is really the challenge, he said.

Gandhi had a similar student interaction at INALCO University in the French capital before moving on to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, where he is scheduled for an interaction entitled India in the World' at Universiteit Leiden.
New Delhi believes Trudeau is ignoring elements due to compulsions of vote-bank politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shakes hand with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on September 9, 2023. (AFP)

New Delhi: In an open talk with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed Indias strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities by extremist elements in Canada.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Sunday, Modi told Trudeau that extremist elements are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging property, places of worship and threatening the Indian community in Canada.

A relationship based on mutual respect and trust is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship, Modi stated, warning that the nexus of such forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well.

It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats. India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties, Modi told Trudeau.

In a release issued on Sunday, the Canadian government however raised the importance of respecting the rule of law, democratic principles, and national sovereignty in what is being seen as both a lecture to India and a defiant stand taken by Trudeau. However, there was no mention of Indias concerns on the need to address pro-Khalistan extremism in the statement.

Trudeaus government has taken a soft stance on pro-Khalistan elements who have been openly issuing threats to India and the Indian community, emphasising on freedom of speech, even as Hindu temples have been vandalised in Canada.

New Delhi believes Trudeau is ignoring elements due to compulsions of vote-bank politics. The issue took a serious turn when pro-Khalistan elements in Canada recently took out a celebratory tableau on the streets, depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was gunned down by two of her bodyguards in 1984.

New Delhis calls for action against such elements have been ignored by Trudeaus government.
One notable outcome is the admission of the African Union as a full member of the G-20, making it now the G-21.

The Group of 20 summit hosted by India, which concluded Indias one-year rotational presidency, has reached a happy culmination. The 83-paragraph New Delhi Declaration was adopted by consensus halfway through the two-day proceedings. While this is a matter of great pride for all Indians, it is necessary to separate the hype from the facts.

Indias G-20 sherpa, Amitabh Kant, and external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and his team were lauded by the Indian Prime Minister publicly. Some of the elements of the Indian success are fairly obvious. First, that the consensus was achieved at a time when an antagonistic Russia and a sulking China could have been spoilers. The watering down of the Bali Declarations language on the Ukraine war was probably a compromise solution to get Russia on board. Frankly, the semantics do not alter the criticism of Russian aggression, even though now done indirectly. A reference to the condemnatory UN resolutions has been retained and the principles of the UN Charter and international law restated on non-use of military force to alter international borders or infringe the sovereignty of other nations. Credit perhaps goes as much to the United States and the G-7 bloc for not making an issue out of it to obtain movement on other vital issues facing the Global North and the Global South.

The next notable outcome is the admission of the African Union as a full member of the G-20, making it now the G-21. This 55-member group represents over one billion people and a yet underexploited and huge land mass. However, this must be contextualised.

First, India has had close relations with African countries since 1947. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru buried anti-colonial angst to accept membership of the Commonwealth. As the African countries obtained independence, they followed the Nehru template and joined the Commonwealth of Nations. India began offering training scholarships soon after its independence. In 1964 the Indian Technology and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme was established by the ministry of external affairs to help developing countries. Thousands of scholarships were offered each year, with Africa as a major beneficiary. Thus, Africa as an important partner is not a new concept.

Moreover, South Africa already was Africas voice in the G-20. It is not clear what additional heft a rotational president will bring. Africas development problems are as much a factor of external exploitation or neglect as the deficient governance structures in most nations. In sub-Saharan Africa in the period 1960-2000 there were 40 successful or attempted coups per decade. The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the economic conditions in most African nations, resulting in the frequency of coups accelerating. Gabon had one just weeks ago, as did Niger a month earlier.

Since 2000 there have been 24 successful coups, 16 of them in Francophone Africa. One of the reasons for this slippage is that the AU has a much weaker voice today.

However, the membership sends a strong signal of global empathy for the largely development-deprived African people. Their fate in the past few decades has been mostly left to China and Russia.

In reality, a more significant outcome is the creation of a Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Development (PGII), on the sidelines of G-20. The meeting was co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. They were joined by leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the European Union. An India-Europe rail-digital-green-pipeline connectivity was announced, which will run via the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel. The maritime plus railway infrastructure would reduce by 40 per cent the time now taken to transport goods. That the Israeli leadership was absent indicated the one glitch. Despite the best efforts of the US, Saudi-Israeli relations have still not normalised.

Another project is planned to connect Angola, via Zambia, to the Indian Ocean. President Biden said the US will host an Investment Forum in two weeks. The PGII is potentially a powerful rival to the 10-year-old and controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China. In fact, for years it was argued that bemoaning the Chinese infrastructure initiative was counter-productive. The US and its partners had to present attractive alternatives to the Global South. The co-option of Italy, which had recently withdrawn from the Chinese BRI, only added insult to injury. President Xi might have skipped the G-20 summit having some advance information and fearing the loss of face.

The other notable outcome was a Global Biofuels Alliance. Besides India, its members are: Bangladesh, Brazil, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, the UAE and United States. Canada and Singapore are observers. The aim is to increase ethanol blending of fuel up to 20 per cent. While Brazil, Mauritius and India would use sugarcane molasses as feedstock, others may use whatever indigenous crop or residue is available. The US mainly uses corn. Some of these nations get adequate rainfall and are not water stressed. For others, growing water-intensive crops like corn and sugarcane is not sustainable. Thus, the biofuel solution to clean energy comes laden with hidden costs, not studied or simply ignored. The BJPs pro-urban and pro-industry orientation often blinds it to the impending agrarian water crisis in India.

The lengthy Delhi Declaration is a testament to the sheer intensity and range of G-20 preparatory meetings hosted by India. The Indian sherpa pointed to the huge Indian footprint on the issues. Thus, legacy issues like climate change, health and pandemics, food and energy price escalation, global indebtedness and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) reform were thrashed out fully. Some forward movement took place on climate finance, with the developed nations committing to start disbursing the promised $100 billion per year. This unfulfilled undertaking dates from 2010.

Indias pan-India Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for social and financial inclusion enabled it to lead on the issue. The One Future Alliance for sharing Indias core competence is a wonderful idea. But again transparency, data security and privacy issues need addressing. The BJPs tendency to treat such objections as obstructionism or worse needs to be curbed.

To become a Vishwa Guru, or Global Mentor, India and its leadership requires not only technical excellence or cultural rejuvenation but commitment to basic values like democracy and freedom of faith, belief and speech. Para 78 of the New Delhi Declaration not only restates these core principles, but also raises a call against religious hatred. The days ahead will tell whether the BJP can maintain a balance between its compulsively majoritarian narrative at home and a universal, value-based global commitment in the G-20 consensus declaration.
Shashi Warrier has written fairy tales, thrillers, a semi-fictional biography, satires, and a love story. Besides writing, he teaches strategic communication at a business school.

The whole thing about discontent," he explained, "is to keep it simple, and to repeat it over and over.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with party leaders Rahul Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal and Nana Patole during an interaction with party workers. (PTI Photo)

The other day my friend Murthy demonstrated that his nose for my Scotch is as keen as ever. Id just got myself a couple of bottles in anticipation of a visit from a close friend when he turned up. He wasnt alone: he had a in tow a stranger who looked like he could handle a hefty tot or two. Meet Sridhar, he said, when the drinks were on the table and the snacks frying in the kitchen. Sridhar is into business.

Sridhar held out his business card. Cellphones, tablets, and laptops he said. Any time you want one of those with a proper warranty, get in touch. Ill give you the best price you can get.

Thanks, I said. What brands do you handle?

Just one, he said. He named a fruity brand that I never buy. Not that I have anything against it, but I cant afford it. Any one of several Chinese brands is good enough. Great! I said. I must visit your showroom one of these days.

He pointed at the card, which was lying on the table. Business is good, he said. Call before you come, and Ill see to it that they treat you well.

Thanks, I said. Turning to Murthy, I asked, So whats up?

The usual, he said. Some people are unhappy with the new government. They say the government havent kept the promises they made during the election campaign.

How does the government respond? I asked.

Saying that the Oppositions lying, replied Murthy. Though the Oppositions doing something else.

Whats that? I asked.

Manufacturing discontent, he replied. Thats how the system works. You get enough people frustrated at the government, they vote against the government, a new party becomes the government, and the old government begins to manufacture discontent.

But the government in Delhi keeps going, I said.

The whole thing about discontent, he explained, is to keep it simple, and to repeat it over and over. Goebbels figured that out nearly a century ago. But when you have a couple of small national parties and more than a dozen regional parties trying work it together, they find it very difficult to agree on what people should be discontented about. They have too many separate matters of discontent, and cant agree which the most important should be.

And the truth? I asked.

That depends on which philosopher you believe, he replied with a grin. The truth could be a figment of your imagination, but its always irrelevant. His grin widened. The politicians first axiom is this: if it gets you votes, its good for you. Thats just how the system works.

What about taking care of the needs of the country? I asked.

Irrelevant, again, he replied. Heres axiom two: its easier for any Opposition to make people discontented than for any government to satisfy people. Axiom three is that you dont do anything unless you absolutely have to. So nobodys going to worry about what they should be doing. Theyre only thinking of winning the next election, or the one after.

What do you mean? I asked. The one after?

Thats if youre in government, he replied. If you are, you resign yourself to losing the next election and focus on raising a war-chest big enough to win the one after. Unless, of course, you have a fragmented Opposition, in which case you raise a war-chest big enough to win another series of elections. But, in any case, theres no need to do what you should be doing, meaning looking after the countrys people.

So the bottom line, I said, is that you look after yourself and choose which people to make unhappy.

His face lit up. You got it! he said. Now youre fit to be a politician. He looked at his watch. Ive got to be going now, he said. Sridhar will find his own way back home.

Sridhar, whod been listening to this conversation with open-mouthed concentration, smiled as Murthy headed for the door. After I resumed my seat, he said, Ive never heard Murthy speak like this.

What do you mean? I asked.

Ive just learned that Im a politician, too, he replied, his smile widening.

How come? I asked. Isnt your job customer satisfaction?

He shook his head and grinned. Thats a very small part of my job. My real job is to create new customers to whom I can sell more of my goods.

What do you mean? I asked.

Customer satisfaction doesnt last, he said. So when a customer is unhappy with the product, I persuade him to buy the next model. So, you see, most unhappy customers are customers who buys a more expensive product.

But you said your job is to create new customers, I said. What you said just now is about keeping customers, not creating them.

You got it! he said, echoing Murthy. The simplest way to create new customers is to make them unhappy with that they have. If you make enough people unhappy enough with what they have, at least some of those will buy your product.

But how do you make them unhappy? I asked.

Easy! he said. I tell them what their product cant do that mine can. The manufacturer helps.

And what about the things their product can do that yours cant? I asked.

I make them feel those features are passe, he said. No high end customer wants them.

He finished his drink and rose. Do come, he said as he left.

When I looked at the sadly depleted bottle of Scotch, I couldnt help thinking that I was another person that hed left discontented...
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Photo: Caviar

Photo: Caviar

Photo: Caviar

Photo: Caviar

Caviar has a soft spot for Tesla and Elon Musk , but one of its trademark releases is based on the iPhone. Over the years, it has put out countless "rich" variations of the iPhone, where they take the latest model, encase it in gold, and then add whatever bling their designer comes up with.The latest iPhone is great if you can get it, but the latest iPhone decked in gold and other precious gems, passing for art , is even better.In September, Caviar is offering the Diamond Snowflake iPhone 15, dubbed the most expensive iPhone in the world. It comes with a price tag of $564,700 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max model with the 2TB option, so yes, it's darn expensive. It might even be the most expensive in the world, though there's no official confirmation as to that right now.The Snowflake variation, which is offered as part of the Royal Gift Collection, is not a new one. It was introduced late last year for the iPhone 14 and is now updated to include the upcoming model of the Apple smartphone. It is also the very definition of bling: a massive, diamond-studded case that includes the pendant from a Snowflake necklace from British jeweler Graff.Underneath all that gold and diamonds, the Diamond Snowflake is a factory iPhone . That said, it's a striking piece, gorgeous in detail and with superb craftsmanship. It might be misused by being attached to a smartphone, but maybe that's just a question of taste. And how badly you want to show people you're rich  and risk getting robbed.The case is made of 18K white gold, with no less than 570 diamonds on it, both on the back and on the side. The centerpiece is the platinum and diamond pendant, which comes with a certificate of authenticity in its separate premium box. Like with the Caviar Daytona iPhone 14 , the centerpiece can't be removed to wear separately. A missed chance, if you ask us."All the radiance of the frosty winter is concentrated in the most expensive iPhone in the world. Caviar poured the diamond snow on a smartphone body so that you can enjoy its beautiful glare," Caviar says.The iPhone 15 will debut on September 22, which means Caviar will start working on the new variation right away. But pre-orders are underway as we speak, if you feel like you could do without half a million dollars in your account.Based on the description, it sounds like the Diamond Snowflake is meant as the perfect (and perfectly outrageous) Christmas present . There's no sense in leaving your seasonal shopping for the 11th hour, so get with it.The Diamond Snowflake is offered with an iPhone 15 Pro or Max, but only three such items will be produced regardless of spec. Simply boasting about making the world's most expensive iPhone might not be enough to secure clients, so the promise of exclusivity should do the job.Jokes aside, this is standard Caviar practice, too. Even their more accessible items, which are still too expensive for anyone who's not a millionaire, are offered as a limited series of 20 to 30 units at most. For example, the cheaper alternative to the Snowflake Diamond is the model with Swarovski crystals in lieu of diamonds.So far, the business model has worked wonderfully. Laugh if we want  and many will, even if we don't  but Caviar keeps putting out these ridiculous, useless, and ostentatious items , and they always sell out. So, guess who's laughing last?
Perhaps no other entity in the world was more eager to learn why SpaceX's first test flight of Starship ended with a tremendous explosion than the Federal Aviation Administration. That's right, the same governing body that keeps civil airliners from breaking up mid-flight due to shoddy maintenance had a vested interest in Starship going kaboom this past April. After five long months of rigorous investigations and meticulous study of the key moments before and after launch, the FAA announced their final report on the matter in an official press release on September 8th.

In their report, the FAA cited several different factors that directly contributed to the first test-worthy Starship vehicle to turn into a fireworks display. Thankfully, no human souls were aboard when this took place. Flaw remediation strategies recommended by the FAA were broken down into 63 separate actions the organization says are vital to Starship receiving the all-important green light to begin flight testing once again. Many of these recommendations target flaws in the spacecraft's Autonomous Flight Safety System, as well as flight orientation controls, which failed to keep Starship pointed upright before the order for self-destruction was given by SpaceX mission control.For now, the FAA is adamant that the conclusion of its investigation does not translate to Starship being cleared to return to flight testing any time soon. The Elon Musk-headed space company will need to prove ready and willing to implement all of the FAA's recommendations in a timely and efficient manner before another Starship has a hope of mounting a SpaceX launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas, any time soon. For the foreign and domestic space agencies, who currently maintain working relationships with SpaceX, this news could ultimately mean further delays in human-crewed space exploration, which was planned from the jump with Starship in mind.Take NASA's Artemis III mission, for example. The mission is slated to be the first time humans return to the Moon since the 1970s and would need to be radically altered should Starship's Human Landing System (HLS) variant not be flight-certified in time for a scheduled launch sometime in 2025. In the event of such an event and with no viable lunar lander vehicle alternative to replace it, NASA would have no choice but to scrap the lunar landing portion of the mission. In its place, the first human-crewed visit to NASA's Gateway lunar space station would become the primary focus of the Artemis III mission.What this would mean for the future of human-crewed exploration of the Moon's surface is unknown. However, what's more clear is that Artemis III's successful mission, Artemis IV, isn't due to launch until September 2028 at the absolute earliest. Will Elon Musk's snafu delay boots on the lunar surface until the 2030s? Only time will tell.
The work on Android Auto is a never-ending effort, especially considering the number of bugs that seems to increase with every new update.

The purpose of the latest Android Auto release appears to be addressing glitches and refining the overall app performance, considering Google still hasn't provided a changelog.Android Auto 10.4 is now available for download, less than a week after the search giant shipped the first beta build for this version. No release information is available, and that's why it's probably safe to assume the focus has been exclusively on fixing bugs.The Android Auto 10.4 rollout happens through the Google Play Store, with Google relying on an approach that could cause frustration in the Android Auto user base. The company ships the update to devices using a phased approach, meaning some users get the new version sooner than others. Google conducts additional reliability and stability testing using a small set of product devices, after which it improves the availability to more devices.Eventually, everybody gets the update once Google is certain no major bug would affect users' devices.The process typically takes up to several weeks, but power users who don't want to wait that long can always download Android Auto updates manually. The process involves getting the standalone APK installer and installing it on the Android device.If you want to download Android Auto 10.4, you can find the APK on this page. Users might have to grant special permissions to the process, as Android blocks app installation from non-Google Play Store sources by default.It's too early to tell if Google has included any big changes in this update, but I couldn't spot any new features after using the new version for a couple of short drives.While it's hard to tell if Google has fixed any problems, I can certainly tell you what Google didn't fix. The Coolwalk bug that's been around for nearly half a year and causing the lower part of the screen to freeze is still there after the installation of Android Auto 10.4. The bug makes it impossible to use the taskbar, therefore, users can't switch between apps. The issue appears related to Google Maps, as users claim the interface freezes when launching the navigation app.The issue has become more widespread in the last few months, but Google doesn't seem to be in a rush to resolve it. The only workaround appears to be going back several Android Auto versions, though Google would start enforcing the update to a more recent release for the added functionality.If you install Android Auto 10.4 and notice any changes worth mentioning, drop us a line in the comment box below. I'll also post follow-up stories if any new features are discovered.
MBABANE  The three per cent salary increment could have been effected at the right time for the ministers who lost the general elections.

After crashing out of the general elections on August 26, 2023, Moses Vilakati, in particular, may have something to smile about as his exit package is relatively attractive. He has served the legislature and executive for 10 years. He stands to get E1.92 million. The ministers new basic salary is E65 518.97. His tax-free pension payout calculated from 2013 to 2023 may be around E1.13 million plus his ex-gratia payment, calculated at current salary, could be E786 216. He will get the E1.13 million as a lump sum  tax free, but the E786 216 is subject to tax.

Vilakati is the current Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. His pension payout has been calculated at the minimum salary of E63 000 per month (old scale) while his ex-gratia, as per the countrys standard labour practice, was calculated in consideration of his current basic salary plus 12 months as stipulated in Finance Circular No.2 of 2013.

adjust

According to the circular, he has to adjust to non-parliamentary life. This is provided in Article 4.6.7 of Finance Circular No.2 of 2013. Lady Mabuza (nee Howard), will also have what other people may describe as a consolation. She was a favourite to win the elections at Mafutseni, one of the tinkhundla centres famous for producing ministers who included Musa Nkambule, Majozi Sithole and Christopher Gamedze. She is expected to receive E786 216 in ex-gratia to adjust to the new life outside Parliament. For serving the legislature and executive for five years, her pension payout may be around E607 000. This will be paid as a lump sum, the equivalent of one-third of her pension. It is tax-free but the remaining two-thirds will be subject to taxation. In total, the minister of Education and Training stands to get E1.3 million. However, it must be emphasised that the ex-gratia is taxable.

The two above mentioned ministers are not proceeding to the secondary elections to be held on September 29, 2023. This is because they were not successful in the general elections held on August 26, 2023. The ex-gratia payment is a grant that is payable to former parliamentarians to assist with the costs of adjusting to non-parliamentary life, reads Article 4.6.7 of Finance Circular No.2 of 2013.

re-elected

The ex-gratia payment is available to all parliamentarians who fail to be re-elected or re-appointed into the new Parliament. This tax is statutory. On the other hand, the outgoing 21 MPs who lost the primary elections will also smile to the bank. If the standard labour practice is anything to go by, their new salary of around E50 000 could be used to determine the calculation of their ex-gratia. It has been established that the countrys standard labour practice considers the last basic salary as a determining factor in the calculation of an employees exit benefits such as gratuity or ex-gratia in the context of Eswatini politicians. If government were to pay the exit packages, in particular the ex-gratia for the outgoing MPs who lost the election, the taxpayer would, at current estimates, part with E12.6 million. Each backbencher is to receive E600 000 as an ex-gratia. Ex-gratia is given as a favour or from a sense of moral obligation rather than a legal requirement.

In another development, it is not clear if David Cruiser Ngcamphalala, the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development and Jabulani Clement Mabuza, the Minister of Agriculture would also get the money. The uncertainty stems from probabilities that they may return to Parliament if they win the secondary elections. Then, a persuasive theory by one political expert, who chose to address the issue on condition of anonymity argued that Ngcamphalala and Mabuza (Jabulani) would not have to adjust to a new parliamentary life in case they win the elections.

implementation

However, they would receive lower salaries as backbenchers. Members of the House and Senate are paid a salary of around E50 000 after the implementation of the three per cent increment across the Board. Secondly, the ministers current pay rate is favourable to them to calculate the ex-gratia. It must be said that they are not eligible for reappointment to Cabinet in terms of Section 68 (6) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini, which provides that a minister shall not be in office for more than two consecutive terms. Ngcamphalala and Jabulani Mabuza have been members of Cabinet since 2013 and 2023 marks their 10th year at Hospital Hill.

ex-gratia

Setsabile Dlamini, the Communication Officer in the Ministry of Finance, said: So long as they are in the new Parliament, they do not qualify for ex-gratia. A memorandum dated July 26, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Finance, states that ministries are expected to calculate the exit packages to parliamentarians as per Circular No.2 of 2013. A labour officer (name withheld) said the last basic salary was used to calculate gratuity. There are people who are fortunate to get promotion a year or two before they retire. When calculations are done, the law requires that we look at how much the employee was receiving at the time of the retirement, said the labour officer. The Members of Parliament Gratuities Act, 1980, was repealed in 1993. It was replaced by the Members of Parliament and Designated Office Bearers Pension Fund Order, 1993. Under normal circumstances, the affected ministers hardly respond to their personal finances, but efforts were made to get hold of the ministers last night. Responses had not been obtained at the time of going to press. One of the outgoing MPs said he would invest his money and start a consultancy. I will not disclose the nature of the constituency because I dont want my business idea to be stolen, the outgoing MP who lost the election said.

Exit packages

In his 2023 budget speech, Neal Rijkenberg, the Minister of Finance, said government would provide for new and non-discretionary items such as salary adjustments, elections and exit packages for politicians. Five ministers are still in the race to Parliament. Winning the election on September 29, 2023, could help them stand a good chance to be considered by the King for the reappointment to Cabinet. The contesting ministers are:

* Dr. Thambo Gina - Minister of Economic Planning and Development;

* Jabulani Clement Mabuza - Minister of Agriculture;

* Mabulala Maseko - Minister of Public Service;

* Phila Buthelezi - Minister of Labour and Social Security.

* David Cruiser Ngcamphalala - Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development.

In terms of the gazette extending their term of office after the dissolution of Parliament, they shall be in office until September 25, 2023. Section 66 of the Constitution provides that there shall be a Cabinet which shall consist of the prime minister (PM), deputy prime minister (DPM) and such number of ministers as the King, after consultations with the prime minister, may deem necessary for the purpose of administering and executing the functions of the government. The PM shall be the chairman of the Cabinet and leader of government business in Parliament. His Majesty the King appoints the PM from among members of the House acting on recommendation of the Kings Advisory Council. The Council is referred to as Liqoqo.

On the other hand, the King appoints ministers from both chambers of Parliament on the recommendation of the PM. It is provided in the Constitution that at least half the number of ministers shall be appointed from among the elected members of the House.

contract

Responding to a question on continuation of payment of allowances for politicians a fortnight ago, Thembinkosi Dlamini, the Executive Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO), advised that a contract between an employer and employee should be respected. This is regardless of political position or otherwise. In South Africa, members of the executive or deputy ministers who have served more than five years and whose term of office are entitled to a once-off gratuity equal to four months pensionable salary for every five years of service or a pro-rata part of the five year period. It could not be ascertained if ministers in Botswana are paid gratuities but Section 40 of the Constitution of Botswana provides that a person who has held the office of president shall receive such pension or upon the expiration of his or her term of office, such gratuity as may be prescribed by resolution of the National Assembly, which shall be a charge on the Consolidated Fund.
Hundreds of Tesla Model 3s are piling up in a huge parking lot in Shanghai, not far from Tesla's plant. They are reportedly ready for shipment to Europe.

Footage uploaded on YouTube shows hundreds of newly refreshed Model 3s, stored separately from the pre-facelift versions. Most of them are painted in white, but there are also red, blue, and black units. Not much diversity, is it?The one who uploaded the video captured during a drone flight claims that the cars sport EU logos. That is why they must probably be heading to Europe soon. The images were filmed near a no fly zone.Europe might become the first market where Tesla kicks off deliveries. China should also be scheduled to receive them at about the same time. The production is quite low for the beginning: only 300 units are reportedly made per day at the Shanghai Gigafactory, where the pre-facelift Model 3 and the Model Y crossover are also in production. The figures for the new Model 3 should change when the old version goes out of production, and the plant should be able to work on it at full capacity.But the entire plant has recently proved able to build as many as 750,000 units per year, which would mean more than 2,500 cars per day. The Gigafactory 3 has recently rolled off the assembly line the two millionth car.America is going to have to wait longer to get the American compact sedan. Tesla has not even released the specs for the American market. When it happens, the Model 3 will already be in production at the Fremont plant as well.The Model Y is also going to get a refresh in the near future. Code-named Juniper, the crossover will carry over the mods applied to the Model 3. That means that it should come with slimmer headlights, no fog lights, and C-shaped taillights cutting into the trunk, all with LED tech.The Model 3 got two new body colors, the Ultra Red and Steal Gray. So, these are also expected in the Model Y lineup. The crossover should also receive the 15.4-inch touchscreen with slimmer surround, and Tesla should delete the stalks from the steering column. Turn indicators will be operated via buttons located on the new steering wheel. Meanwhile, an icon on the touchscreen will replace the actual gear selector, just like in the Model S and Model X. Oddly, the backup PRND gear shift buttons show up in the headliner.Not much will change about the figures of the Model Y, though. The base version should still come with 245 horsepower and a run from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in 6.1 seconds. Meanwhile, the Long Range version is read at 351 horsepower and does the 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds.The Model 3 Performance also gets the usual 456 horsepower in an all-wheel drive setup.
EV

Photo: Rivian

Photo: Rivian

Photo: Rivian

Rivian isn't alone in the anti-CarPlay offensive. Tesla also sticks with its proprietary software, while General Motors joined this select club with a full transition to Android Automotive. GM decided to block CarPlay and Android Auto on all zero-emission vehicles, starting with the 2024 BlazerTesla customers have taken the matter into their own hands, finding alternative ways of enabling CarPlay into their vehicles (even though they're not by any means as convenient as a native offering pre-loaded with the car).In Rivian's case, all hopes are on the carmaker rolling out a software update to enable CarPlay and Android Auto.A petition started this week and brought to my attention by one of our readers (thank you, Jonathan!) calls for Rivian to release this highly anticipated software update as soon as possible.The petition explains that Rivian customers are "missing out on basic features found in the cheapest new cars." Indeed, CarPlay and Android Auto have become increasingly common regardless of the price range. Apple's data reveals that nearly 8 in 10 new car buyers in the United States specifically look for CarPlay when ordering a new vehicle.Rivian owners explain in the petition that the only way around the lack of CarPlay and Android Auto is to use the mobile device to access their favorite applications, such as Google Maps , Waze, Spotify, or YouTube Music. This makes "driving more dangerous," they claim.Someone explains in a comment that using a mobile device with such a small screen doesn't make much sense. "We have a huge screen right there," the message reads.While customers believe CarPlay and Android Auto are must-have systems, Rivian's officials think otherwise. CEO RJ Scaringe said in an interview in April that adopting CarPlay and Android Auto gives in infotainment control to Apple and Google. Rivian wants to fully control the software stack, providing users with the necessary applications while managing their data.CarPlay and Android Auto are screen mirroring systems powered by iPhones and Android phones, respectively. They're an extension of the mobile screen mixed with a driving-optimized experience. Some applications, such as YouTube and Netflix, are restricted, but the primary benefit is having Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, and other popular apps on the infotainment screen.Rivian head of software Wassym Bensaid explained that the carmaker wants to provide customers with a more advanced alternative to CarPlay (as frustrating as this promise can be, it sounds a lot like the words General Motors has been saying on several occasions to defend its decision to kill off CarPlay and Android Auto).Bensaid promised more advanced functionality that wouldn't otherwise be possible on CarPlay , including deeper integration into the vehicle. The navigation system can access the vehicle range and estimate charging stops. Rivian also prepares more alternatives to the features packed into CarPlay and Android Auto, including a digital assistant to compete with Siri (to be honest, Siri is a huge mess on CarPlay, so hopefully, Rivian's competitor would be significantly more advanced).While Scaringe claimed the reason for not offering CarPlay is the carmaker's desire to maintain control of the infotainment system, Bensaid says the company wants its drivers to get something significantly more advanced.Customers don't seem convinced that sticking with Rivian's software is the right way to go. "The Rivian maps lead me directly to traffic jams," someone says.Rivian's CEO emphasized the company is always listening to feedback and keeping an eye on every main channel, including reddit and YouTube comments. The petition , which has already received 125 signatures and is now aiming for 200 by mid-next week, will probably land in the company's inbox, too, though I doubt it'll change anything in the short term.Scaringe's comments leave the door open to a software update that could eventually enable CarPlay, but the chances of seeing this happening are extremely slim. The number of carmakers not willing to give in to Google and Apple keeps growing for various reasons.First, these companies are typically obsessed with data, and car manufacturers don't want to allow them to obtain vehicle and driver data. For example, BMW has decided to adopt Android Automotive without Google Automotive Services, choosing to install a third-party app store in its cars specifically to block Google from accessing its data.Second, Apple is slowly but surely becoming a rival to traditional carmakers. Apple is working on an Apple Car that could launch in 2025 and 2026.Apple will launch the next-generation CarPlay in a few days, and despite the tech giant promising an impressive group of carmakers to adopt the new system, I don't expect Rivian to express any interest in this upgraded solution.
Im not picking a fight with piston-worshippers, but like several other electric cars out there, Tesla is one hell of a fast machine. Especially when it puts on the S Plaid Track Pack gym suit and goes for a sprint session on a highway in Germany.

ICE

BEV

As we already know  and openly desire to have in other countries  Germans are very strict on most matters. A speed limit on their national autobahns is not one of those instances. Thats how a band of quiet vloggers from the Netherlands can do quick reviews (pun mandatory, Im afraid) of every car they can get their hands on.All the lead-footed gang from AutoTopNL has to do is cross the border into speed-friendly Germany and go wild in real traffic. This time, a stripped Tesla S Plaid is the lead character in their latest video. Well, stripped means the back seat delete option, which shouldnt shave that much weight from the tri-motor sedan's 4,777 lbs (2,167 kg).The all-electric four-wheel drive family car demonstrated once again  if ever there was a need for further proof  how giant of a leap the automotive industry took when it switched to electric energy.The stats are, as expected, outrageously in favor of phasing out the combustion paradigm and its obsolete and vastly inefficient reciprocating piston philosophy. The four-door, two-seat Tesla S Plaid scored a 2.35-second in the world-standardized sprint from a standstill to 62 mph (100 kph  this experiment took place on the metric side of the Atlantic). Tesla claims an official score of 2.1 seconds (with rollout subtracted) in the same trial. Lets keep in mind that this feature we see in the video was performed on a regular road (that happens to turn a blind eye to speed limits).However, Elon Musks carmaking company also states that the top speed of the obscenely quick and powerful S Plaid is 322 kph (200 mph) when the optional required hardware is installed. The Dutch high-speed addicts (pun accidental) took the back-seatless car to 328 kph (nearly 204 mph), with room to spare, judging by how easily the speedometer scrolled through the numbers.Also, the acceleration test showed that this particular Tesla can go from 100 kph (62 mph) to double that speed (200 kph/124 mph) in 3.99 seconds if the GPS app is correct. I know there are nostalgia-centric conservatives who will say there arecars out there that can score better.AutoTopNL has a comprehensive list of high-adrenaline machines, and nine out of the top ten are piston rockets  the Tesla S Plaid is the only electric vehicle in that club. None of the gasoline-burning contenders are stock  again, except the Tesla  and they are all highly tuned for extreme performance, making in excess of 1,000 hp.Regarding power, the S Plaid is not caught on the wrong foot; thechurns out 1.006 hp (1,020 PS) based on acceleration testing, simulation, and battery limits. Thats Teslas way of saying, We like to build the perfect sleeper, but we dont like to over-brag about it.According to independent dyno tests, a run-of-the-mill Model S Plaid will turn out some 1,100 hp at the wheel. Thats a lot of power, but more importantly, enormous instant torque (1.420 Nm, or 1,047 lb-ft). And thats how you put expensive combustion builds on the extinction list using a less than $100K mundane-looking grocery-getter.
There are many ancient rivalries in the automotive world, some of them so intense they forever made a dent in the way society is shaped in our time. Today we're going to have a look at how some of these rivalries have interesting effects, to say the least.

Photo: Mecum

Photo: Mecum

As far as the muscle car segment is concerned, history books note the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang as the main antagonists. The two have been at it since the mid-1960s, carrying the torch of their fight over the decades and into the modern age.The same 1960s and even the 1970s that followed saw a host of other muscle cars join the fight of the then-nascent segment, and spark their own, somewhat less impressive rivalries. A look back will reveal incredible machines like Road Runner and Barracuda made by Plymouth, the Firebird and GTO of Pontiac lineage, or the Buick Gran Sport or AMC Javelin.None of them, and a bunch of others I didn't mention, have survived to this day, for reasons that no longer matter. But from the same era come the two muscle Dodges, the Charger and Challenger. And they survived.Both of them, in their current incarnation, can trace their roots to the 1960s, and both of them were designed to take on the Camaro and Mustang first and foremost. At some levels, they not only succeeded, but also surpassed their rivals. Yet for some reason Dodge has always remained the third party in the proverbial three's a crowd of this Camaro-Mustang duo.And it's not for the lack of trying to make that a trio. Both at an official level, in the cars Dodge rolled off the assembly lines, and unofficially, in the cars put together by the custom industry, the Charger and Challenger have always strived to offer the best in terms of performance and style.And it's style we're here to discuss today, more specifically that of the 2017 Dodge Challenger. The two-door sack of muscle from that model year retains all the great design aspects of the 2008 third generation, of which it is part, updated a bit for a touch of modernity. For all intents and purposes, the car is the most appealing of all modern-day muscle cars, bringing a touch of old-school style to a segment that, with the modern-looking Camaro and Mustang, seems to have lost its connection to the past.Some of those who own a Challenger tend to keep it, at least visually, as is. Others, if they reckon some modifications are absolutely needed, build on what's already there and make it better, in most cases. It almost never happens for the owner of a Challenger to give their ride a makeover so radical it makes the car look like one of its main rivals. AlmostEnter the 2017 Dodge Challenger that tries to trick people into thinking it's a 1969 Chevy Camaro. What for we don't exactly know, but this is at the same time both too good and too strange of an apparition to ignore.We found the Challenger over at auction house Mecum, where it awaits sale during an event scheduled to be held at the end of the month in Dallas, Texas. We're told it's packed full of "1969 Camaro replica body components" and just a quick look at the thing is more than enough to confirm that aspect.It all starts at the front, where the Challenger-specific grille has been replaced by a Camaro-style one. The set of two headlights to either side of the grille has shrunk to a single piece, and all of that is somewhat squeezed between a massive valance (where, coincidentally, the two fog lights have moved) and a hood with an enormous cowl.When looked at from the side, the lines of the body tend to be shaped more like those of the old Camaro than of the new Challenger. At the rear, the Dodge tail lights seem to have been preserved, but the presence there of a large Wickerbill-style wing makes things a bit confusing.All around the Challenger is wearing a six-inch widebody wrapped in a deep shade of matt gray, made even darker by the fully black 5-spoke wheels. They spin under the power of a HEMI engine 5.7 liters in displacement, which is what one usually gets in a Challenger from that year.The unit develops in this application 375 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, is controlled by means of an 8-speed automatic transmission, and breathes out through a custom exhaust system wearing Dynomax mufflers.The interior is not visible in the pics supplied by Mecum, but we are told it comes in black everywhere, including on the bucket seats. All the modern fittings of the 2017 Challenger, down to the airbags and traction control, are on deck to make a drive in this thing safe and comfy.There is no estimate as to how much the modern Challenger that mimics an older Camaro is expected to fetch, and it's very hard for us to come up with a number too, as such things don't come along very often. So we'll have to wait until the end of the month to see how much this thing went for. Or didn't
10 September 2023 12:11 (UTC+04:00)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has declared that it does not recognize the so-called "elections" held by separatists in the territory of Azerbaijan, where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily located, and called on the world community to take effective measures to prevent Armenia from taking destructive steps, Azernews reports, citing the OIC statement.

"The so-called "elections" held in the internationally recognized Garabagh region of Azerbaijan, where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily stationed, is a new manifestation of unilateral attempts to legitimize the current situation in the region, which is contrary to international law. This step is a gross violation of international law, including UN Security Council resolutions, OIC resolutions and OSCE principles.

The General Secretariat of the OIC considers these "elections" held at a time when Azerbaijan and Armenia are trying to continue peace talks, as a step that harms the negotiations. The OIC General Secretariat does not recognize these illegitimate elections, which include a violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "He calls on the UN and the international community not to recognize these elections and to take effective measures to prevent Armenia from taking steps that endanger the fragile normalization efforts in the region," the Organization noted.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 10:59 (UTC+04:00)

The passage of the truck full of food sent by the International Red Cross Society of Russia to Khankendi for Armenian minority in Garabagh is delayed.

Although the aid meant for families of Armenian origin living in Khankendi was supposed to pass to Asgaran at around 10 o'clock today, the truck still stopped in Barda district. On the one hand, the non-constructive position of the separatists in Garabagh as the reason for the delay in the movement of the truck is also, according to the information we received from reliable sources, the result of the pressure of the International Maiden's Cross Committee and the West on the Russian Red Cross Society.

It should be recalled that, on the initiative of the Russian government, according to the joint cooperation memorandum of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and the Russian Red Cross Society, in order to meet the food needs of the Armenian minority living in the Garabagh economic region of Azerbaijan, a total of one truck cargo of food has been sent by the Russian Red Cross Society.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

On September 10, at around 1:30 p.m., a military serviceman of the Azerbaijan Army Eminov Khayyam son of Mahal was injured by an anti-personnel mine planted by the intelligence-sabotage group of illegal Armenian armed groups for the purpose of sabotage on the way to the security of our units in the territory of Aghdam district, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan Defence Ministry

After providing first aid, our wounded serviceman was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility. There is no danger to his life.

At present, the demining work is being carried out by the engineering-fortification units.

Recently, remnants of the Armenian armed groups in the Garabagh economic region and illegal Armenian armed formations are observed massively laying of new mines in our territories, thus continuing the policy of mine terrorism against Azerbaijan.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

Azerbaijani leadership could finally explain Armenia how to be on the right path. Despite resistance and prolonged protests, a more sensible policy and a more favorable proposal prevailed. In fact, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had put that proposal forward a long time ago, but some ineffective manipulations of Armenia delayed the implementation of the proposal.

However, when all attempts failed, at the last moment the other party agreed to evaluate the offer as there were no other choices. This is also an example of the head of state's determination and perseverance, as a result of which food is already delivered to the destination  for Azerbaijani citizens of Armenian origin in Garabagh via the Aghdam-Khankendi road.

Thus, trucks loaded with food and non-food products set off in the direction of Aghdam Khankendi road yesterday. This initiative was implemented according to the memorandum signed between the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and the Russian Red Cross Society, and the delivery of food and non-food products to Khankend was organized along the Aghdam-Asgaran route in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. After passing through the Samur border checkpoint, the truck from Russia headed towards Aghdam.

In a nutshell, the opening of the Aghdam route has already been resolved - the entry of the truck of the Russian Red Cross Society to Aghdam and further to Asgaran is being insured.

This is another victory for Baku, since Azerbaijan insisted that cargo go through its territory and not from Armenia, although many countries, starting with Armenia, opposed this, trying to interfere in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan. All these attempts were unsuccessful.

The opening of the Lachin road for ICRC cargo is possible only at the same time as the ICRC cargo goes along the Aghdam route. But at the same time, we must not forget that the customs and legal procedures of Azerbaijan is in effect on the Lachin road, with all the ensuing consequences.

Besides, the opening of the Aghdam route does not cancel Bakus demands for the immediate self-dissolution of the illegal regime supported and financed by Armenia, and the withdrawal from Azerbaijan of all Armenian armed formations from Azerbaijans Garabagh.

Unfortunately, some Western and pro-Armenian media and institutions put themselves in a bad position by expressing many biased opinions against Azerbaijan until the possible option regarding the Aghdam-Khankendi road was accepted. In fact, Armenia has violated Azerbaijan's legislation regarding the provision of humanitarian aid to the Armenian minority in Garabagh. In the event that everyone, from heads of state to international organizations, unequivocally recognizes Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, then Azerbaijan's border rules should be respected and prejudiced opinions should be avoided.

Currently, the separatist regime in Garabagh, i.e., in the legal territory of Azerbaijan, is acting on its own, and has directed chaos and provocations against Azerbaijan with full force. The presence of about ten thousand illegal armed groups in Garabagh, in the areas where the peacekeeping contingent is temporarily operating, is against international law and is unacceptable. Azerbaijan can use any means to ensure the integrity of its territories, and it has the full right to do so. If the West and the existing forces in the region have seen this and do not initiate any relevant measures against it, then Azerbaijan can initiate stricter measures to clear those separatist elements from the area.

Azerbaijan, in brief, does not like or support conflict and war in any way. However, both the sovereignty of Azerbaijan and the security of its territories are sacred and of vital importance to it.

The opening of the Aghdam-Khankendi road also serves as a guarantor for ensuring security in the Garabagh economic region. Since the region was under the control of separatists for a long time during the occupation, all the routes in those areas were designated for certain purposes and were used illegally. Until the Lachin road was handed over to the control of the Azerbaijan State Border Service, Armenian separatist groups continuously carried illegal weapons and mines on those roads and threatened the lives of civilians. All this was left behind, and Azerbaijan is using the most alternative options to prevent this threat, and calls the other side to adhere to the principles of law on ensuring stability and security in the region. [0]

---

Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 22:00 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

Armenia, which does not hesitate to use all means to further escalate the tension in the region, has tried to implement a cunning plan regarding our southern neighbor, Iran. The fake information that was spread the other day about the alleged gathering of military vehicles by Iran near the Iran-Azerbaijan border was actually part of a provocation-oriented plan directed against Azerbaijan and Iran.

However, as usual, the step taken by Armenia failed again. By trying to attract all foreign forces to the region, the Armenian government, this time not only appeared as a spy tool for the West, but also angered Iran.

In a nutshell, the information provided by Armenian sources that would harm the relations between Iran and Azerbaijan was successfully refuted by both the local media and the officials of our southern neighbor.

Head of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Ahadi, who is on a visit to Baku, stated that the information spread about Iran's alleged gathering of military forces on the border with Azerbaijan is false.

"These are just baseless and false news that were published by certain forces aimed at spoiling Iran-Azerbaijani relations. In addition, I want to clarify the news about SEPAH (IRGC). It also has no troops on the border and no reason to conduct joint training. Our only goal and desire is to sign a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. May peace and tranquility come to the South Caucasus. Let there be peace between countries. We hope that the political leadership of the two countries will continue this line and achieve peace sooner," the Iraninan official said.

After that, Iran's Vice President Mohammad Jamshidi announced the details of the telephone conversation between Iran's President Ibrahim Raisi and Armenia's Prime Minister. He noted that communicating outside the "3+3" (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Turkiye, Russia and Iran) format in the South Caucasus makes the situation even more difficult.

According to M. Jamshidi, cooperating with foreigners, conducting military exercises with them and making suspicious trips make the situation even more difficult.

It should be noted that Iran shows that it is aware of various disturbing steps taken by the Armenian side in the region recently. Iran wants regional issues to be resolved by regional countries. The 3+3 format is an initiative put forward by Azerbaijan and supported by Turkey. It is expected that a meeting at the level of MFA heads will be held soon within the framework of this initiative, after which there may be meetings at a higher level. The Iranian president's mention of this format is a reaction to Armenia's attempt to bring forces from outside the region into the region.

Armenia thinks that it can deceive everyone by making "complicated moves". It is openly becoming a center of Western intelligence in the region, it is trying to withdraw Russian troops from Armenia, it wants to bring NATO and the EU to the region, it conducts military exercises with the United States, it openly insults Russian officials, etc. But at the same time, it wants support from Iran and Russia.

It should be noted that during the visit to Baku, the Iranian military delegation also visited the Military Trophies Park, where the spoils of the defeated Armenia during the Patriotic War, which ended the 30-year occupation of Armenia, are exhibited. The Military Trophies Park is also an exhibition space for the weapons whether covertly or overtly provided by some countries to the invader Armenia for use against Azerbaijan. This park is an example for those states. Even today, there are countries that stand by Armenia, give it weapons, or reproaches it on the face, but support it behind the scenes. Of course, there is plenty of space in the park, and after the next botched operation, a special exhibition could be organized for newer weapons.

But one thing must be acknowledged, that Russia and Iran are not so naive as not to understand the essence of Pashinyan's games. The fact that the Armenian ambassador was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the first time and given a note, and what the Iranian President said in a telephone conversation with Pashinyan about "exercises with foreigners" and "suspicious visits" prove this once again.

---

Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 10:31 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Defence Ministry says Armenia spreads disinformation about Azerbaijani Army firing at the Armenian army positions.

Thus, the information spread by the other side about the firing of the positions of the Armenian armed forces units located in the direction of the Guneshli settlement by the units of the Azerbaijani Army on September 9 at around 22:50 is completely false, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

"We categorically refute this information spread by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia."

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Energy Capital Group has announced its investment in Pure Lithium, a disruptive Boston-based company that has invented the ultimate next-generation battery made of lithium metal (Li-M), while simultaneously re-inventing the lithium supply chain.

Lithium metal batteries have long been regarded as the ultimate energy storage solution slated to displace todays lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

Founded by MIT Professor Donald Sadoway and lithium expert Emilie Bodoin, Pure Lithium claims it is the only battery company in the world that controls its own supply chain.

Pure Lithiums Brine to Battery technology quickly unlocks unconventional sources of lithium, such as oilfield brines, and produces a battery-ready lithium metal electrode cheaply and sustainably.

The entire battery, including the lithium content, can be made in three days, compared to over 500 days to manufacture lithium-ion.

Pure Lithiums industry-leading Li-M rechargeable battery eliminates the need for graphite, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Its battery technology is aimed at displacing Li-ion batteries, since it will be less than half the weight and contain 2 to 4 times the energy density of today's Li-ion battery.

Pure Lithium is also able to achieve a cost of manufacture at the long-sought target price of less than $50/kWh, compared to approximately $150/kWh for todays Li-ion.

Pure Lithiums goal within the KSA is to establish an entire contained supply chain, deploy its proprietary Brine to Battery process and provide KSA with unprecedented supply chain security  enabling the Kingdom to leapfrog Li-ion and become a world leader in harnessing the power of Li-M.

The fundraising for Pure Lithium is led by board member Robert Friedland, a world-renowned technology and mining entrepreneur.

Energy Capital Group is leading discussions with potential investors and partners in Saudi Arabia and providing the right platform for the company to grow in the region.

The investment in Pure Lithium is an important step in Energy Capital Group's strategy to invest in innovative and disruptive technologies that have the potential to transform the energy industry.

The investment also presents the possibility of forming a joint venture (JV) with Pure Lithium in the future, which could include a participatory role for Energy Capital Group in the JV.

With its investment in Pure Lithium, Energy Capital Group is well-positioned to support the growth of the company and contribute to the development of the lithium and battery industries in the region.

This investment could significantly disrupt the Saudi market with Pure Lithiums innovative technology, which represents a major breakthrough in the lithium and battery industries. Energy Capital Group is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead with Pure Lithium, said Ali Alturki, Founder and Managing Partner of Energy Capital Group.

We are thrilled with Energy Capital Groups investment in Pure Lithium. They recognise the value and impact we can have in the Kingdom by unlocking oilfield brines to create a battery-ready electrode, eliminating 90 per cent of the current associated costs. Additionally, we are excited to develop the safest battery for the climate of the Kingdom, and further empower the Kingdom to utilise our technology on a large scale, said Emilie Bodoin, Founder and CEO of Pure Lithium.-TradeArabia News Company
10 September 2023 12:58 (UTC+04:00)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan condemned the so-called 'elections' held by the separatis regime in the Garabagh economic region of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, with reference to the Ministry's official website.

"Pakistan considers Garabagh to be the sovereign territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the attempt of the illegally established regime to hold so-called "elections" is legally and morally condemned. Such an attempt is also a gross violation of the UN Charter and the principles of existing international law," the ministry's press secretary said while answering a question about the so-called "elections" held in Azerbaijan.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 13:18 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

A food truck sent by the Russian Red Cross stopped next to the "Barda" hotel in Azerbaijan's Barda. While this car is supposed to move to Khankendi via Aghdam-Khankendi road, it is still waiting.

The remnants of the so-called regime in Garabagh still do not allow a truck full of food to arrive.

Although the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) appears to allegedly support the issue on the surface, in the background it is artificially obstructing it and putting pressure on the Russian Red Cross Committee.

Western circles are also obstructing the transportation of this cargo through the Aghdam-Khankendi road. They apparenty use the ICRC as a tool for this purpose.

The selective approach of the ICRC to the issue, the fact that it should be fulfilling its mission and obligations, engaging in violations under the direction of Western circles, acting not as an international humanitarian organization, but as a department of some Western institution, sheds light on all their biased stance.

It seems that the ICRC expresses the interests of the West by being involved in geopolitical games rather than being a humanitarian organization, and plays the role of a tool in their hands.

It is no exception that the ICRC carries out reconnaissance activities, collects information and transmits it to certain centers.

Azerbaijan and the world community have repeatedly witnessed that the vehicles of the ICRC are used for smuggling, and many facts have come to light about it. This is a purposeful activity, and the ICRC itself deliberately created conditions for it. No one can guarantee that weapons and ammunition were not transported in the vehicles of the ICRC before the Lachin State Border checkpoint was established on April 23.

The ICRC also demonstrated its biased position with its selfless service to the Armenian side. It should be recalled that during the Patriotic War in 2020, the ICRC engaged in disruptive activities, tried to remove the invading Armenian troops from the siege in Fuzuli, and most importantly, collected intelligence information about the Azerbaijani army.

The events clearly show that neither the ICRC nor the Western organizations are interested in restoring peace and security in the region, on the contrary, they intend to intensify provocations by providing comprehensive support to Armenia.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 14:23 (UTC+04:00)

The Western Azerbaijan Community called on the international community to strongly condemn the "election" provocation in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

"Recently, Armenia, which has concentrated manpower and military equipment near the conventional border with Azerbaijan, resorted to another provocation. The holding of a so-called "presidential elections" by the scum of the illegal regime created and still supported by Armenia in the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan makes the situation in the region even more tense.

The Western Azerbaijan Community calls on the international community to strongly condemn this "election" provocation.

In this regard, the Prime Minister of Armenia's phone calls to world leaders and the statement that "we are ready for urgent negotiations with Azerbaijan" are insincere. If Nikol Pashinyan is really interested in peace, then the remnants of the Armenian armed forces should be removed from the territory of Azerbaijan, illegal armed groups should be disarmed, and contacts should be started with the Western Azerbaijani community regarding their return," the community said.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 13:54 (UTC+04:00)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan thanked the countries and organizations that condemned the so-called elections in Garabagh.

According to Azernews, Aykhan Hajizadeh, the head of the press service department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wrote about this in his account on the "X" social network.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Organization of Turkic States, the European External Action Service, the Ambassador of Great Britain to Azerbaijan, we appreciate your position on condemning the illegal "elections" held in the Garabagh region", - the Foreign Ministry official wrote in the post.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 19:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Armenia continues to hold the civilians as hostages in Garabagh. As is known, after failure to transfer its convoy loaded with unknown products through the Lachin border checkpoint without any inspection, Armenia and its mouthpieces made a big fuss about the humanitarian crisis in Garabagh. However, the same people who cried crocodile tears over the starvation blocked the Aghdam-Khankendi road and have not allowed a convoy loaded with food to go to Khankendi. They explained it that they do not want to take any aid from Azerbaijan.

Yesterday, the Russian Red Cross organization sent a humanitarian aid through the Aghdam-Khankendi road and the same forces did not allow the convoy to go to Khankendi either.

Despite ICRC and pro-Armenian forces seem to support this initiative, they are doing their best to make it fail. It is clear that ICRC and pro-Armenian groups are not interested in bringing ever-lasting peace to the region.

Speaking to Azernews the head of Azerbaijan-based think tank Samir Humbatov told that there two types of approaches on the issue in the West.

First, people and institutions that wants to resolve the issue peacefully. Second, some forces and countries tries to maintain constant tension in the region with the help of separatist regime in Garabagh created by Armenia. However, since the UN recognizes Garabagh as the territory of Azerbaijan, the latter ones are also obliged to accept that Garabagh is the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan. Of course, we must not forget the Armenian lobby. Surely, it has an influence here, as well. It is worth noting that some countries such as France is particularly active in this matter. It wants to use the tension in the region to secure its own interests. Now they intend to use the ICRC as a tool, Samir Humbatov said.

He noted that here arises a question. Why do they not want to send convoys from the Aghdam-Khankendi road?

Because, they did what they wanted. So far this process has been carried out from the Lachin Checkpoint and they have done it illegally. They carried weapons and ammunition, in other words, they did everything that would hinder peace, and carried everything that separatists need. Now Azerbaijan has restored its borders. They can't accept that either. There is a very interesting nuance here. If we take a look at history, we will see that during the Spitak earthquake, it had been decided to cross the border without inspection for quick delivery of goods from abroad. The West used this to transport all kinds of weapons and ammunition and eventually played a special role in the collapse of the USSR. Now it wants to repeat this process in Garabagh. Since the Lachin checkpoint was established, they can no longer transfer any weapons or ammunition from there. Now they are in a deep crisis. It is necessary to carry weapons to the separatists in Garabagh. Azerbaijan does not allow this and keeps control of the process in its own hands, Humbatov said.

He pointed out that this, however, does not please some western countries and the forces supporting the separatists in Garabagh. That's why they try to resist. Humbatov noted that the Agdam-Khankendi road, according to the above forces, should not be opened, and cargo should be transported from the Lachin-Khankendi road without any inspection.

Azerbaijan has clearly expressed its position that products should be transported to the Khankendi town of Azerbaijan only and only by passing through Agdam. This means that Azerbaijan will control the process. From there, Azerbaijan will know what is going on, and this is actually a very important element for ensuring security in the region.

As regards the ICRC and the Western forces trying to aggravate the situation by supporting the separatists in the Garabagh region, I think they should be held responsible for any consequences in the future.

However, I believe that the principal and decisive position of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on this matter has not changed and will not change. Even if the West sends the ICRC here as intelligence, whether they want it or not, they will still come to the point and assend what Azerbaijan has said. The last point of this is that they will accept the conditions of Azerbaijan and follow them. Because this is the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan is a state governed by its own internal laws and regulations in its sovereign territory. Therefore, the most important issue here is the fulfillment of the demands set by Azerbaijan, Samir Humbatov concluded.

---

Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 17:38 (UTC+04:00)

By News Centre

Azerbaijan and Turkiye coordinate issues of mutual interest in all directions, including in the diplomatic field, and take steps in accordance with each other's interests. This manifests itself more prominently in regional issues, which are quite sensitive at the moment.

The behind-the-scenes issue of the telephone conversation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan once again confirms how well-founded the Azerbaijan-Turkiye brotherhood is.

According to the information obtained from diplomatic sources, during the last three days, the office of the Prime Minister of Armenia made serious efforts for a telephone conversation between Pashinyan and Erdogan.

The Turkish side appealed to the Azerbaijani side in accordance with fraternal relations, during the telephone conversation between President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish leader Erdogan, this point was discussed, along with other issues, and Azerbaijan's position was studied.

As always, the leadership of Azerbaijan showed constructiveness and openness to dialogue and did not object to the contact between the leaders of Turkiye and Armenia.

With this step, Turkiye has demonstrated that it attaches great importance to fraternal relations and deeply respects the interests of Azerbaijan.

The obtained information also stated that the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations should be carried out parallel and synchronously with the process of normalizing Azerbaijan-Armenian relations. Azerbaijan and Turkiye have a common position on this issue. Armenia should also understand that the problems of the region can be solved only with the countries of the region. It is impossible to achieve any result by making trips outside the region, addressing appeals, calling the leaders of individual countries and establishing reconciliation. For this, the 3+3 format offered by Azerbaijan is the most acceptable platform, and it is necessary to try to solve the issues in this framework.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 19:44 (UTC+04:00)

The 3rd meeting of the Joint Commission on cooperation in the military field between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran ended, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan Defence Ministry.

At the meeting held in the International Military Cooperation Department, the results of the negotiations were discussed and the sides once again exchanged views on expanding relations in several areas of cooperation in the military sphere.

In his closing speech, the head of the delegation of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Major General Mohammad Ahadi noted that some forces are attempting to undermine the current friendly and neighborly relations between the countries by spreading unfounded and false information in recent days and in this regard stressed the importance of mutual visits and working meetings.

At the meeting of the Joint Commission, the implemented measures were highly appreciated, and a good basis for the development of cooperation between the countries at the bilateral, regional and international levels was emphasized.

In the end, the final protocol of the meeting was signed.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

Moroccan earthquake survivors have huddled for a night in the open on the High Atlas Mountains, a day after the countrys deadliest quake in more than six decades killed more than 1300 people and laid waste to villages, Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlet.

Neighbours were still searching for survivors buried on the slopes, where houses of mud brick, stone and rough wood were cracked open and mosque minarets toppled by the quake that struck late on Friday.

The historic old city of Marrakech also suffered extensive damage.

The Interior Ministry said 1305 people had been killed and 1832 injured by the quake, gauged by Moroccos National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network at a magnitude of 7 and by the US Geological Survey as 6.8 with an epicentre 72km southwest of Marrakech.

In the village of Amizmiz near the epicentre, rescue workers picked through rubble with their bare hands.

Fallen masonry blocked narrow streets.

Outside a hospital, about 10 bodies lay covered in blankets as grieving relatives stood nearby.

When I felt the earth shaking beneath my feet and the house leaning, I rushed to get my kids out. But my neighbours couldnt, Mohamed Azaw said.

Unfortunately no one was found alive in that family. The father and son were found dead and they are still looking for the mother and the daughter.

Rescuers stood atop the pancaked floors of one building in Amizmiz, bits of carpet and furniture protruding from the rubble.

A long queue formed outside the only open shop as people sought supplies.

Underlining the challenges facing rescuers, fallen boulders blocked a road from Amizmiz to a nearby village.

Nearly all the houses in the area of Asni, 40km south of Marrakech, were damaged, and villagers were preparing to spend the night outside.

Food was in short supply as roofs had collapsed on kitchens, villager Mohamed Ouhammo said.

Montasir Itri, a resident of Asni, said the search was on for survivors.

Our neighbours are under the rubble and people are working hard to rescue them using available means in the village, he said.

The village of Tansghart in the Ansi area, on the side of a valley where the road from Marrakech rises up into the High Atlas, was the worst hit of any Reuters saw.

Its once-pretty houses, clinging to a steep hillside, were cracked open by the shaking ground.

Those still standing were missing chunks of wall or plaster.

Two mosque minarets had fallen.

Abdellatif Ait Bella, a labourer, lay on the ground, barely able to move or speak, his head bandaged from wounds caused by falling debris.

We have no house to take him to and have had no food since yesterday, said his wife Saida Bodchich, fearing for the future of their family of six with their sole breadwinner so badly hurt.

We can rely on nobody but God.

The village is already mourning ten deaths including two teenage girls, an inhabitant said.

Tremors were felt as far away as Huelva and Jaen in southern Spain.

The World Health Organisation said more than 300,000 people were affected in Marrakech and surrounding areas.

Street camera footage in Marrakech showed the moment the earth began to shake as men suddenly looked around and jumped up, and others ran for shelter into an alleyway and then fled as dust and debris tumbled around them.

In the heart of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a mosque minaret had fallen in Jemaa al-Fna Square.

Some houses in the tightly packed old city collapsed and people used their hands to remove debris while they waited for heavy equipment, resident Id Waaziz Hassan said.

Morocco declared three days of mourning, during which the countrys flag will be flown at half staff, the royal court said on Saturday.

The Moroccan armed forces will deploy rescue teams to provide affected areas with clean drinking water, food supplies, tents and blankets, it added.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 September 2023 20:39 (UTC+04:00)

Ankara and Washington discussed the issue of F-16 fighters.

According to sources, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this at the press conference held after the G20 summit.

He said that he discussed the issue of supplying F-16 fighter jets to Turkey with his American colleague Joseph Biden.

President Erdogan informed that the meeting took place in informal conditions.

"Unfortunately, the F-16 issue is related to Sweden's NATO membership process. We are seriously concerned about this approach. However, unless the Grand National Assembly of Turkey makes such a decision, I cannot say "yes" (to Sweden's NATO membership), Erdogan said.

It should be noted that in July 2022, the House of Representatives of the US Congress banned the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, citing the Turkish army's violation of Greek airspace.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
Major N. Oregon Coast Surfing Event Returns in Kiwanda Longboard Classic

Published 09/09/23 at 6:27 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Pacific City, Oregon)  For almost a quarter century, one town on the Oregon coast has turned up the dials for surfing contests around these parts. On September 15  17, the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic hits the sands and waves of the tiny-but-popular village, hosted by Moment Surf Company and Pelican Brewing Company. It's a three-day event that is also a benefit for the Pacific City Skate Park. (Photo courtesy Moment Surf Company / Kiwanda Longboard Classic)

Like previous years, it promises thrills and plenty of surfing action, as well as camaraderie and loads of unforgettable experiences for the spectators and the surfers. It's the 24th year of the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, a now-prestigious event that is a firm local tradition, bringing in some 200 skilled board riders from around the Pacific Northwest and well beyond. Longboarding skills will be put to the test, as they show off what they're capable of with the grandeur of Cape Kiwanda as a backdrop.

A host of exhilarating heats are scheduled for September 16 and 17, with surfers competing for top dog and other honors.

Surfers of all ages will be found in Pacific City that weekend, and all will find the waters here a challenge.

From graceful noserides to powerful carving maneuvers, each competitor will bring their unique style, finesse, and passion to the waves, inspiring awe and admiration among spectators and fellow surfers, said organizers.

The Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic continues to be a benefit event for the Pacific City Skate Park with a portion of the proceeds going to the funding of park maintenance and expansion.





One of the main fundraising efforts at the Classic is the silent auction, which features skateboards, surfboards, and art and photography by Pacific Northwest artists. The auction will be both live and online this time, with all proceeds going to not just the killer little park on the north Oregon coast but also the Maui Strong Fund to help in relief on the island after the massive fire.

Over the course of the three days, there's more than just surfing. A whole range of engaging and fun activities pop up, including live music to kick things off and onsite demonstrations of local surfboard makers on Saturday and Sunday. You'll also find art displays from the Oregon coast creator of the festival's artwork and local merchandise. Food and beverages are provided by Pelican Brewing Company.



Event organizer Lisa Baker of Moment Surf Company said the contest has deep roots here.

The Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic is not just a surf contest; it's a celebration of the Pacific City community and the shared passion for the ocean, she said. We invite surfers, spectators, families, and friends to come to the coast and soak in the atmosphere and create memories at this years event.

For more information about the Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic, including the schedule of events and registration details, visit https://capekiwandalongboardclassic.com. Don't miss this chance to witness the thrill of longboard surfing and experience the captivating beauty of Pacific City, Oregon.

Hotels in Pacific City - Where to eat - Pacific City Maps and Virtual Tours









MORE PHOTOS BELOW























More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
N. Oregon Coast's Saddle Mountain Trail Reopens After Two Years

Published 09/07/23 at 5:37 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Seaside, Oregon)  One of the most scenic and beloved spots in the Oregon Coast Range is back open this week, after being shut down since 2021 for repairs.

Trails and a footbridge had become fairly damaged over time, and at least one restroom was nonfunctional. Now, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has fixed various issues along the 2.7-mile trail to the summit, where huge swaths of the Oregon coast come into view.

OPRD said one section of the trail has had to be rerouted, keeping safety in mind for both hikers and any rescue crews that may need to get up top. Hazardous trees were cleared, picnic areas were spruced up, and two vault toilets replaced a flush restroom that was broken.

It took two years and lots of personnel, said OPRD.

In order to complete the work, teams had to carry every piece of lumber, strand of cable, length of pipe, chunk of rebar and tool by hand up the mountain, which measures 3,290 feet tall. Volunteers, contractors and staff worked more than 1,000 hours on the repairs, which are still ongoing, OPRD said.





Park Manager Ben Cox said he's proud of the work that was done, and he's grateful for all the help from employees, contractors and volunteers.

The hike to the summit is a longtime favorite among outdoors enthusiasts. That spot is also renowned for its views on the Fourth of July: Oregon coast locals like to head up there because you can watch the displays at Manzanita and Seaside simultaneously.

Visitors can now hike the coastal mountain peak east of Cannon Beach anytime from dawn to dusk, OPRD said. The natural area is known for rare wildflowers, a stunning viewpoint that stretches from the Cascade Mountains to the coastline and a recovery site for the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly. 

However, issues remain. OPRD said there is still no overnight camping or drinking water at the park, so hikers will have to plan ahead. In fact, camping is likely gone permanently. Officials had to remove the 10-site primitive campground because of that lack of water, but also because of theft and vandalism. These issues could no longer be kept up with by park personnel and resources.

Cox said guests should bring their own water, as well as the proper equipment and footwear for the hike. Saddle Mountain is a difficult trail with a gain of over 1,600 feet in elevation. Many will not find any cell reception there  depending on carrier  so Cox said it's a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

With the reopening of the trail," he said, lets work together to be good stewards of this special place. Please stay on the trail to protect unique species including the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly.

Saddle Mountain lies just east of the Seaside / Cannon Beach junction on the north Oregon coast's Highway 26.

Hotels in Seaside - Where to eat - Seaside Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













Trail repairs at Saddle Mountain, courtesy OPRD

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
TravelParanormal.com allows you to submit your own creepy tale or debunk one - or see up-to-the-minute news headlines about travel and the paranormal.

News Headlines from All Over Oregon Need to scan Oregon headlines? Constantly updated news from all over Oregon: a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute display of news headlines from a variety of media

Oregon Coast Oceanfront Lodging, Hotels, Rentals

A Guide to Oregon Coast Seafood Restaurants, Dining

Find Us On Instagram
Lib Campbell: Above

Movies are making a comeback in the great summer blockbusters Barbie and Oppenheimer. We have seen both of them. They could not be more different, but each offers something to think about.Barbies and Bombs seem an odd couple. Barbieland is all pink and happy. The Barbies in all their iterations rule Barbieland. Even the Kens appear happy. Women are doctors, builders, teachers, judges and everything in between. They are diverse high achievers. All is well until Stereotypical Barbie begins to lose herShe decides a trip to the real world will help her find out what is happening to her. As she drives along in her pink convertible, Ken pops up in the back seat.Their antics are fun to watch. The story turns as Ken is awakened to patriarchy. Women play lesser roles; men are the leaders, judges, etcetera. Kind of like the world really is. Women make coffee, tend children, have babies and keep the home fires going. Ken takes patriarchy to Barbieland, renaming itAll the Kens adopt the ideals of patriarchy and the scene sours. The Barbies are brainwashed into subservient roles to the Kens. If this were not so true, it would be funny.The Barbies set out to restore their place, awakening to how they have been manipulated by patriarchy. As Barbieland is restored, so is the peace.Reaction to the film has been over the top from some men in congress. One even burned a Barbie in effigy. I guess dolls get to them. The film's social statement is worth discussing. How are women treated and regarded in the workplace? For too long glass ceilings and misogyny have permeated our culture. Men seem so threatened by strong women. Pity. Maybe equality is their problem.Oppenheimer tells a different kind of story. Based on the life and work of Robert Oppenheimer, we travel through the visions of his genius, finally finding his passion in the study of quantum physics. His major work was the Manhattan Project developing the first atomic bomb and his personal life was as big a story as the bomb is. He was a womanizer who flirted with Communism. That ultimately caused him to lose his security clearances.The Manhattan Project began in 1942 and was tested in the desert of New Mexico in 1945. It ended when America dropped atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan in August of 1945. President Truman knew it would end the war. Oppenheimer had a great moral dilemma reflecting on his part in creating such a powerful weapon and talked to Truman about nuclear regulation, saying that a force so great should be used for good. If that scene was accurate, whoever made the decision against regulation insured the nuclear arms race. Nations have amassed arsenals of nuclear weapons. Rogue actors in the world, like Putin and Kim threaten their enemies with lethal force that could end civilization.Oppenheimer was targeted in the McCarthy hearings of 1954, which accused 205 of being communists. The badgering of Oppenheimer was moving; we were caught up in the drama. It's hard seeing our culture today juxtaposed against the era of the Manhattan project. There are unbridled and unregulated technologies today that continue to threaten a powerless world. Our leaders seem intent on inflicting pain in the world. Too much power in so few hands is a recipe for harm.Artificial Intelligence is today's unregulated elephant in the room. The existential threats of both atomic weapons and AI are real. We play God, creating a moral dilemma between invention and discovery that can be used for good as easily as it can be used for evil.After the movie we needed to go home and process what we had seen. I am still processing.The Indigo Girls provided the theme song for Barbie. Their lyrics inspeak into the issue of the human condition.We all are seekers of one thing or another. Questions in the middle will yield answers at the end. Still, we hope.
A Viriginia mother has filed a lawsuit against her school district and various individuals involved over their secret transitioning of her 14-year old daughter Sage to a boy, which school officials encouraged and pushed the girl to do. For example, even though Sage was subject of sexual attenstion from boys, they encouraged her to use the boys restroom. Ultimately, Sage was sexually molested, ran away, and was trafficked. Her mother is now seeking redress for the wrong done to Sage and her family by school officials.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/fairness-justice/mother-trafficked-virginia-girl-sues-school-gender-transition

This should be a warning that schools should competely avoid radical gender theory in every respect.

Yet, here is how tone deaf some schools are. In Oklahoma, they have hired a drag queen with a history of child pornography charges as a school principle.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/school-district-urged-to-fire-drag-queen-principal-with-history-of-child-porn-charges
UCU members at the University of Stirling will take further strike action over unfair pay deductions (UCU/PA)

Staff at the University of Stirling are set to walk out in a dispute over deductions from the pay of staff who took part in a marking and assessment boycott earlier this year.

Academic staff who participated in a sector wide marking and assessment boycott in an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions had pay packets docked by 50% as a result.

For the next three weeks, staff will strike each weekday with industrial action taking place at the beginning of the academic year as students return to campus following the summer break.

They will take to the picket line from 11am on Monday until September 22.

Following this, they will also take part in UK wide action for a further five days from September 25-29.

The first two weeks of the strike action will focus on the dispute over the pay deductions which UCU have called disproportionate.

UCU claim the deductions were punitive and disproportionate as the salary deducted did not reflect the percentage of time staff participating in the boycott spend marking and assessing students work.

Staff taking part in the boycott have continued to work normally including carrying out their duties supervising and providing support to students, as well as carrying out research.

Stirling is an outlier in Scotland in making pay deductions for a prolonged period of time with other Scottish institutions taking a smaller amount or having done away completely with any deductions.

These deductions have particularly impacted staff on low pay in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

Mary Senior, Scotland official UCU, said: Stirling university management has brought an unprecedented 15 days of strike action at the start of the new academic year on the university and our students by taking a hard line stance on relations with their own workers.

Other employers have limited deductions, but Stirling universitys belligerent approach is deeply disappointing.

Staff want to be welcoming new students.

The last thing we want to be doing is taking strike action now.

A spokesperson for the University of Stirling said: The university is disappointed that industrial action is taking place.

Our focus is on ensuring our new and returning students are warmly welcomed to the university over the coming days and disruption is minimal.

Marking and the facilitation of assessments form part of the contractual duties of teaching staff and are fundamental to the progress of our students.

The small number of staff who participated in the marking and assessment boycott, as part of sector-wide industrial action, were advised prior to the action that part of their pay would be withheld if they chose not to mark or assess work.
Sorcha Eastwood and well-wishers on day of the challenge

Alliance MLA Sorcha Eastwood has thanked the public for donating to a fundraiser in aid of Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI as her husband continues to receive treatment for a rare blood disorder.

Ms Eastwoods husband, Dale Shirlow (40), was diagnosed in June with an uncommon and aggressive blood cancer  T-lymphoblastic lymphoma  which has a 50% survival rate.

An Abseil Down the Europa for Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI was organised on Sunday.

The JustGiving campaign page states: You think it will never happen to you - until it happens to you!

One hundred people a year are diagnosed with a blood cancer in NI and this year, my husband Dale was one of them.

He has a very rare form of an Acute T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma/Leukaemia. I had never heard of this, yet there are lots of people on floor 10 of Belfast City Hospital being treated for blood cancers.

I want to support our local charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI to be able to do more research that will help to save lives.

On Sunday afternoon over 6,600 had been raised and Ms Eastwood said she would love for us to get 3,500 more and get 10,000 raised for this amazing charity.

Thanking the public for their support she said Dale got to watch the abseiling from her car.

Great timing that he was able to be there before going back on the ward tonight, she concluded.

Well-wishers commented, saying it was great to see Dale out and about, encouraging him to take one day at a time.

In a recent interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Ms Eastwood described the hospital ward where he is being treated as not fit for purpose.

Ms Eastwood said she wouldnt be surprised if patients in Belfast City Hospitals haematology unit ended up with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because their living conditions are so abysmal.

Cancer services in Northern Ireland are grossly underfunded, she said, and close to collapse, and it was time for an honest conversation rather than continuing to put a brave face on the situation.

At the time, the Belfast Trust responded by saying her concerns had been addressed.

The Trust appreciate a long stay in hospital for haematology patients can be extremely challenging, and individuals can be referred for psychological support if required, a spokesperson added.
Beijing, Sep10 (UNI) Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to 2023 Pujiang Innovation Forum which opened Sunday in Shanghai.

Xi noted in the letter that unprecedented changes in the world have accelerated their evolution, and a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is gaining momentum.

Scientific and technological innovation is an important force for mankind to jointly address risks and challenges and promote peace and development.

UNI/XINHUA ARN
Police at the scene of the collision.

Police have attended the scene of a collision on the Oldpark Road in north Belfast.

The incident happened close to the junctions of Oldpark Road and Cliftonville Road shortly before 8:30pm on Sunday.

Video on social media shows paramedics assisting a male at the scene where the car has overturned.

The road had to be closed for a time.
A man who absconded from police in west Belfast on Saturday has been apprehended and charged.

The 26-year-old had absconded in the Falls Road area.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: Police in west Belfast have charged a 26-year-old man who absconded from officers in the Falls Road area of west Belfast yesterday afternoon, Saturday, September 9, with criminal damage, theft, assault on police and obstructing police.

"He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday, October 6. As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Earlier on Sunday, the PSNI said the male was arrested at an address in west Belfast.
A 48-year-old man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act after a search of a property in Londonderry on Sunday.

Detectives from the PSNIs Terrorism Investigation Unit carried out a search of a property in the Victoria Place area as part of an ongoing terrorism investigation.

The man has been taken into custody for questioning.

As part of the investigation to date, two men aged 22 and 41, and a 26-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday. A 43-year-old man was arrested on Saturday.

They remain in police custody.

One woman aged 50, who was arrested on Friday, was released from custody on Sunday. A PSNI spokesperson said a report will be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service in due course.

All were arrested under the Terrorism Act.
Police have now made six arrests in the inquiry (Niall Carson/PA)

A man has been arrested in Co Londonderry bringing the total number of arrests following disruption last week to six.

A 48-year-old man was arrested following a search of a property in the Victoria Place area of Derry on Sunday, as part of what the PSNI have described as an ongoing terrorism investigation.

To date in that investigation, two men aged 22 and 41 and a 26-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday, one woman aged 50 was arrested on Friday and a 43-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, all were arrested under the Terrorism Act.

The 50-year-old woman was released from custody on Sunday evening.

Patrick Madden, solicitor at Madden & Finucane  representing the woman, said she was questioned for three days in the Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Street Police Station in Belfast.

Mr Madden said: She has maintained her innocence throughout police questioning over three days.

She has now been released without charge and will be reunited with her family.

On Friday, 16 officers were injured in the Creggan area, with a PSNI spokesperson saying that a large group of people gathered from 6pm and threw missiles at officers, including petrol bombs and masonry.

Searches in Derry over the last several days have produced a number of explosive devices, as well as guns and quantities of ammunition.
One of the PSNI's operations into the New IRA taking place over the weekend in Derry. Pic: Martin McKeown

A woman held in connection with police searches linked to the New IRA has been released without charge.

The 50-year-old was arrested in Derry on Friday, during searches in which a number of items were recovered by police.

It is believed that PSNI drones were used to follow key people linked to the New IRA for several weeks beforehand to plot movements and locate arms dumps.

This includes one male suspect who has only recently started to associate with the organisation.

He drives a van and had his movements monitored prior to the searches.

Friends say the now released woman has no political connections and there was shock in the city that she was among those arrested.

She was freed on Sunday after three days of questioning at Musgrave Serious Crime Suite.

Speaking after her release, Patrick Madden, a lawyer with Madden & Finucane Solicitors said: We represent the woman arrested in connection to police searches and items found in the Rosemount area of Derry.

She has maintained her innocence throughout police questioning over three days.

She has now been released without charge and will be reunited with her family.

On Sunday, police arrested a 48-year-old man as part of the ongoing investigation.

He was detained following the search of a property in Victoria Place in Derry.

Detectives have also been given a court extension to continue questioning two men  aged 22 and 41  and a 26-year-old woman.

They were arrested last Thursday after cash, handguns, grenades, ammunition and plastic explosives were found, bringing to five the number of people currently in custody.

A 43-year-old man was arrested on Saturday.

During the searches, two suspected Russian military hand grenades were recovered along with a handgun, 50 rounds of ammunition and 1kg of plastic explosives.

In follow-up searches, an automatic rifle was also recovered. Sources say this was a Scorpion submachine gun, thought to have originally come from an INLA arms haul but was recently acquired by the New IRA, who were planning an attack on the PSNI.

The group, responsible for the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in February in Omagh, has lost a significant amount of its arsenal in the raids.

It is not the first time that drones have been used to monitor alleged New IRA activity.

Drone footage was also used in the case of two men charged in connection with a claim of responsibility for the shooting of DCI Caldwell.

The claim was posted on a wall in Creggan in Derry four days after the attack.

The typed letter said that a New IRA active service unit had targeted the off-duty policeman within our chosen kill zone.

Police deal with disorder in the Creggan area of Derry following a search operation. Credit: Northern Ireland Emergency Response Videos.

Derry remains the last stronghold of the New IRA, with the alleged leadership from Co Tyrone and Co Armagh currently behind bars facing terrorism charges.

During the weekend searches, police came under attack from youths.

Petrol bombs, rocks, masonry, steel poles and traffic cones were thrown at police, damaging Land Rovers.

The PSNI said 16 officers were hurt. Injuries included potential fractures and burns.

Some of those involved in the rioting were said to be of primary school age.

PSNI assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said: The significance of this recovery cannot be underestimated.

These items are military grade and we believe the intention was to mount attacks in an attempt to kill police officers.

While the investigation is ongoing, and while we keep an open mind, the primary line of enquiry centres on the New IRA.
Nawal Ait Idmou (right), fears for her safetys family who she cannot contact as they are without electricity (Nawal Ait Idmou/PA)

A Moroccan student has said she is living in a dream after losing contact with her family in areas of rural Morocco affected by an earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people.

Nawal Ait Idmou, 20, a student at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, who has lost friends in the earthquake, said she feels helpless but she has to be strong until she hears from family members.

Ms Idmou said her family are without electricity and unable to recharge mobile phones.

She told the PA news agency: Its like we are in a dream because we are so far from our families.

Rural areas of Morocco are most affected by the earthquake (Jamila Bamsaoud/PA)

People are dying, people we know, like our friends, and we cant do anything for them.

At the moment, there is no electricity. Peoples phones are dead.

I talked with (my family) in the morning, but in the afternoon no one replied  my brother, my father, anyone in my family, no one knows whats happening.

She said aid is sparse, particularly medical supplies, and transporting supplies is difficult because of blocked roads and heavy traffic.

She explained: In the mountains where my family lives, it is so bad.

The houses are destroyed and engineers and doctors arent there. No one can go there.

There is traffic and all the people are waiting for (engineers) to fix the roads so they can go through diversions.

Nawal Ait Idmou (left) is currently safe in Marrakesh with her friend, Youssra Ait Tizgui (right) (Nawal Ait Idmou)

Ms Idmou is a student of Ella Williams, a member of the British Moroccan Society (BMS) charity, and an English teacher who lives and works in Morocco.

Ms Williams, 27, a PhD researcher at the University of Oxford, has been receiving updates from BMS colleagues on the ground who told her no aid is heading to rural parts of Morocco as only one road is open to traffic.

She told PA: Theres only one road to this region leading to Marrakesh. Its completely blocked.

The Moroccan army is on the scene trying to clear the road so that aid can access the region, but as of yet no vehicles can pass through at all so theres no aid coming from Marrakesh.

With the British Moroccan Society, were trying to get as much information as possible about whats happening.

Many peoples phones have now died because theyre unable to charge them, so that makes it very, very challenging to find out which villages need the most aid.

We have heard reports that in some villages there are no survivors left, so were still trying to get a clearer picture, but I think that the rate of the devastation is a lot worse than we initially thought.

Ms Williams has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for aid and supplies for those worst affected by the earthquake, and Ms Idmou said it is so important because all the people in the mountains, their houses (have collapsed). Money in this situation is so important to give life again to these villages.

She added: If anybody can help, every little helps. Just put yourself in this situation  we are all humans and we are all the same.

Former international development secretary Rory Stewart said the UK should send urgent cash to help the people of Morocco.

The ex-Tory MP told Sky News: The first thing is very urgent cash assistance because in these emergency situations, peoples lives have been devastated in a matter of minutes.

I was in the Turkey earthquake and what you find is a sense of complete devastation and terror because of the aftershocks. The most useful thing you can do is to get cash to people.

Its often very tempting to send food or clothes, but the markets are working in Morocco  if you give people cash they can address their own individual family needs.

Often, if youre sending clothes or food, youre sending an inappropriate thing to people. So there are many organisations, I work with one called Give Directly thats now providing cash support in Morocco.

But youll see UN agencies and others going in. And I think getting the support in quickly is vital in those first three, four days.

Ms Williamss fundraising page is at www.gofundme.com/f/british-moroccan-society-earthquake-appeal
Chinese Premier Li Qiang had talks with British counterpart Rishi Sunak on the margins of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India (Adi Weda/Pool/AP)

Rishi Sunak has confronted Chinas premier over his countrys unacceptable interference in British democracy after the arrest of a parliamentary researcher on suspicion of spying for Beijing.

The Prime Minister raised his concerns with Li Qiang at the G20 summit in India on Sunday, in a meeting that was still being arranged as news emerged of two arrests in the UK under the Official Secrets Act.

One of those swooped on by police is a researcher who has had links to several senior Tory MPs, including security minister Tom Tugendhat and foreign affairs committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns.

The Briton was arrested along with another man by officers on March 13 on suspicion of spying for Beijing, it was first revealed by the Sunday Times.

Tom Tugendhat is said not to have had any contact with the arrested researcher since before he became security minister last September (Danny Lawson/PA)

Mr Sunak, who has faced criticism from some senior Conservatives of seeking a relationship with a China they see as increasingly a threat, met Mr Li on the margins of the international summit in New Delhi on Sunday morning.

Downing Street said Mr Sunak conveyed his significant concerns about Chinese interference in the UKs parliamentary democracy, as he kicked off what was characterised as a business-like 20-minute conversation.

The Chinese PM is understood to have responded by saying the two leaders obviously have differences in opinion during the conversation, which also touched on Ukraine and trade.

Mr Sunak cited his confrontation with Mr Li as an example of the benefits of his policy of engagement rather than shouting from the sidelines.

The Prime Minister told broadcasters that he raised his very strong concerns about any interference in our parliamentary democracy, which is obviously unacceptable.

He insisted it is the right approach to be in the room talking to the Chinese directly about those, face to face as he defended Foreign Secretary James Cleverlys recent visit to China.

Theres no point carping from the sidelines, Id rather be in there directly expressing my concerns, and thats what I did today, he added.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk vowed that lessons will be learned (Lucy North/PA)

Mr Sunak has riled some of the more hawkish Tories, including his predecessor in No 10, Liz Truss, for describing China as a challenge rather than a threat.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk had to correct himself for initially using the more severe diplomatic language in an interview on Sunday morning.

The Prime Minister has been very clear when it comes to China it is an epoch-defining threat  challenge, forgive me  so of course we have got to take it extremely seriously, he told Skys Trevor Phillips.

Mr Chalk vowed that lessons will be learned, as one of those arrested and released on bail has in the past held a pass to access the Houses of Parliament as part of his work.

The Justice Secretary said: I know that the police and no doubt other agencies will take it as seriously as well, and lets learn whatever lessons need to be learned.

There is a rigorous approach that is taken in terms of being provided with passes, but plainly this has got to play through in terms of this investigation, and whatever lessons need to be learned by the parliamentary authorities I am sure will be learned.

Senior Tory MP Caroline Nokes said it was a very timely reminder to colleagues to be careful who youre employing as she called for a review of Parliaments passholders.

I think that would be very, very important thing to do, she told Times Radio.

Labours shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said not describing China as a threat is naive but argued that economic ties with Beijing could over the long-term be a positive thing.

But he told the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg China cannot be treated the same when when you have got these appalling and shocking allegations today.

Commons Defence Committee chairman Tobias Ellwood warned it is potentially part of a wider, long-term, Chinese strategy to infiltrate Parliament (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

One of the suspects, a man in his 30s, was detained in Oxfordshire on March 13, while the other, in his 20s, was arrested in Edinburgh, Scotland Yard said. Searches were also carried out in an east London property.

Both were held on suspicion of offences under Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911, which punishes offences that are said to be prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state.

They were bailed until early October.

Tobias Ellwood, the Tory MP who chairs the Commons Defence Committee, warned it is potentially part of a wider, long-term, Chinese strategy to infiltrate Parliament.

Mr Tugendhat is said not to have had any contact with the researcher since before he became security minister in September last year.

Ms Kearns declined to comment, adding: While I recognise the public interest, we all have a duty to ensure any work of the authorities is not jeopardised.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has warned of a deepening threat being posed by China under President Xi Jinping (Aaron Chown/PA)

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, one of the partys most prominent China hawks, warned of a deepening threat being posed by the country under President Xi Jinping.

Sir Iain told the PA news agency: This story gives the lie to the Governments attempt not to see China as a systemic threat.

Time for us to recognise the deepening threat that the CCP under Xi now pose.

What price was Cleverlys kowtow visit to Beijing?

A report from Parliaments spy agency watchdog, the Intelligence and Security Committee, warned in July that Beijing is targeting the UK prolifically and aggressively.

Last year, MI5 issued a rare security alert, warning MPs that a suspected Chinese spy called Christine Lee had engaged in political interference activities on behalf of Chinas ruling communist regime.

Labour MP Barry Gardiner, the former chairman of the now disbanded Chinese in Britain APPG, received more than 500,000 in donations from her before the warning.

Downing Street and the House of Commons both declined to comment, citing their policies on security matters.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang in what the US saw as part of Moscows efforts to negotiate for supplies of North Korean munitions for its war in Ukraine (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)

After a year and a half of fighting in Ukraine, Russia needs to replenish its supplies of ammunition so, as well as ramping up its domestic arms production, Moscow is turning to an old ally with a vast arsenal  North Korea.

Estimates say the reclusive and isolated Asian country has tens of millions of artillery shells and rockets that could give a huge boost to the Russian army.

US officials expect North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to visit Russia in the coming days to seal a possible deal on munitions transfer with President Vladimir Putin.

That would be a remarkable reversal from the 1950-53 Korean War, when the Soviet Union provided the communist North with weapons and ammunition.

US officials expect Kim Jong Un to visit Russia to seal a munitions deal as President Vladimir Putin seeks to replenish Moscows military machine (Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool/AP)

Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, said: We know that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited recently, for artillery shells predominantly, and most likely that will be discussed between Putin and Kim Jong Un.

Sergei Shoigu became the first Russian defence chief to visit North Korea since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

Images of him at a massive military parade in the capital of Pyongyang in July, alongside Mr Kim and the medal-laden North Korean military brass, was a strong sign of a vigorous effort by Moscow to reach out to the North. Mr Shoigu said joint military drills are possible.

Asked about a possible visit by Mr Kim and a deal that would see North Korean arms supplies to Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment.

But he emphasised that Moscow cherishes ties with Pyongyang, adding: North Korea is our neighbour, and we will further develop our relations without looking back at other countries opinion.

Mr Kim made his first visit to Russia in 2019 and held talks with Mr Putin that included pledges of closer co-operation but were not followed by any visible breakthroughs.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang in what the US saw as part of Moscows efforts to negotiate for supplies of North Korean munitions (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)

While the bulk of the Korean Peoples Army arsenals are dated, their enormous size would offer the Russian military a potential key lifeline amid Europes largest land conflict since the Second World War.

Hong Min, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification, said Russia could seek to establish North Korea as a rear base for its war efforts, providing a massive flow of munitions.

Russia is hoping that North Korea could swiftly establish support channels to provide it with war materials like ammunition, bombs and other supplies, he said.

The US said North Korea sold some munitions to Russias private military contractor, Wagner, in November.

Both Russian and North Korean officials have denied that Pyongyang has shipped any weapons or munitions to Russia or intends to do so.

US officials have cast Moscows reach for North Korean weapons as a reflection of Russian military problems. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the quality of North Korean weapons is an open question.

It says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defence capacity in a war that it expected be over in a week, he said.

While Washington has warned Pyongyang against sending weapons to Russia, which would violate a United Nations embargo on any arms shipments to and from North Korea, observers say there is little the US could do in response.

A Russian Ka-52 helicopter gunship takes off for a mission at an undisclosed location in Ukraine (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/AP)

They note that Moscow could share advanced nuclear, missile and submarine technology with Pyongyang in exchange for arms supplies, a move that could embolden Mr Kim and raise major threats to regional security.

The United States and its allies have limited policy options in addressing this new challenge, the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies said in an analysis.

While the Norths enormous stockpiles could boost the Russian war effort, Moscow has imported drones from another ally, Iran, that have played a significant role in the fighting.

Russia has used the Shahed exploding drones to strike Ukraines infrastructure for more than a year.

After the initial surprise, Ukrainian air defences have honed their skills in engaging them, but the cheap and simple drones that have a range exceeding 930 miles (1,500km) continue to inflict significant damage.

Russia has reportedly bought a production licence from Iran and built its own factory to assemble the drones and churn out thousands of them a year.

Iran is expected to initially provide the materials and technology, with the plant gradually shifting to domestically produced components.

Russian arms manufacturers have compensated for at least some of the equipment losses in the conflict and developed some new products, including satellite-guided gliding bombs and other precision weapons to fight back against Ukraines summer counteroffensive.

Early in the war, broad use of drones by Ukraine inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces and played a significant role in Moscows military setbacks. Russian officials acknowledged they had not paid enough attention to drones before the war and vowed to fill the gap quickly.

One type of mass-produced exploding drone that made a visible impact is the Lancet, capable of lurking over the battlefield before hitting its target. Cheap and compact, it has become prolific, allowing the Russian military to strike Ukrainian tanks and artillery systems on a wide scale.

Russia has increasingly used another new asset in recent months: gliding aerial bombs. With a pair of winglets and a satellite navigation module, old Soviet-made bombs have been transformed into highly efficient smart weapons.

They have a range of up to 37 miles (60km) and allow the Russian air force to step up attacks on Ukrainian forces along the front line without putting warplanes at risk.

Deputy head of Russias Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, third left, has said Russia will produce 1,500 battle tanks this year (Ekaterina Shtukina/Sputnik Pool/AP)

Russia has adapted 1,100lb (500kg) bombs, using them to fend off the Ukrainian counter-offensive.

It has worked to design a similar conversion for a 3,300lb (1,500kg) bomb, reportedly using it for the first time this month. Transformed into a gliding bomb, it is reportedly precise to 16ft (5m) and leaves a 50ft (15m) crater  a powerful weapon against Ukrainian military assets.

Another addition to the Russian arsenal is the Vikhr anti-tank missile used by Russian helicopter gunships. It has an extended range that allows pilots to take out Ukrainian armour while staying out of reach of air defences, and has seen wide use during the summer.

The Royal United Services Institute said in an analysis: The use of attack aviation has posed a consistent challenge for Ukrainian forces throughout the counter-offensive.

While developing new munitions, Russian manufacturers also bolstered production of tanks and other weapons, and the military has increasingly tapped its storage bases of thousands of armoured vehicles dating to the Cold War. Some have been upgraded with protective shields and other equipment to increase their survivability.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russias Security Council, has said Russia will produce 1,500 battle tanks in 2023.

Conveyor belts of our military industrial complex are working in three shifts, and it will produce as many weapons as needed to efficiently protect the Fatherland, he said.
Along a highway just south of Fox, Oregon, ranch owners post their support for the movement to join Idaho. If eastern Oregon succeeds in joining Idaho, it could breathe life into similar secessionist movements nationwide. (Matt Vasilogambros/Stateline)

ENTERPRISE, Oregon  This small ranching town, surrounded by towering tree-topped mountains and a valley of rolling grass fields, sits tucked into the northeast corner of the state  both out of the way and right in the middle of a contentious debate.

At a meeting late last month, 25 people packed into a stuffy conference room in the Wallowa County Courthouse  35 miles west of the Idaho state line and 260 miles east of Portland  to hear county commissioners debate a single agenda item: leaving Oregon.

The Greater Idaho movement, which wants to secede from the Beaver State and become a part of its neighbor to the east, had sputtered along for years, gaining little traction. But then, the coronavirus hit in the spring of 2020.

The global pandemic was a blessing for the movement, according to Mike McCarter, who took up the movements mantle in 2019. Quarantines and remote learning inflamed residents anger with the state government for shutting down schools and businesses. This tension invigorated the effort to join Idaho, a state whose government reacted wholly differently to COVID-19 than Oregon did.

Our movement brings things to light, and it brings hope, McCarter said. I dont want to see the guns picked up. I dont want to see the battles. Why cant we sit down and talk?

Secession is a long shot that would require approval by Congress; so far, there have been ballot measures, and there has been a lot of talk. But the fact that the movement has gotten even this far illustrates the growing tear in the American fabric.

Greater Idaho has seen a success that other secessionist movements, regionally and in states such as California and Illinois, never reached. If supporters here achieve their goal, it could mean a paradigm shift nationally, proponents say, inspiring more states to split

County by county, Eastern Oregonians have voted on similar measures over the past three years, securing much of the large rural region for the secessionist movement. In June, Wallowa County became the 12th to pass a ballot initiative in support of joining Idaho. The measure, to begin biannual discussions, won by just seven votes of the 3,497 that were cast.

In the stone courthouse last month, in a town square that honors the first settlers who came in the 1880s and the Nez Perce peoples who predated them, supporters argued that Democratic lawmakers, who control the capitol in Salem and were elected largely by Western Oregonians, have ignored the other side of the state and are hurting its way of life.

I just feel unrepresented, completely, said Rob DeSpain, standing tall in the back of the room, his white goatee pronounced under a black cap. We just dont have a voice. Its very frustrating.

Shaking his head at a series of pro-secession speakers who brought up transgender youth, urban decay and the struggle to protect cattle from wolves, another man, David Hayslip, finally raised his hand. There would be cuts in the minimum wage, he pointed out to his neighbors, and a new state sales tax and a potential decline in home values if they joined Idaho.

If you want to go over there, U-Haul has really good deals, Hayslip said after exhaling in frustration, looking up from the floor. Dont like it here? Hit the road. This is democracy, folks. You dont like the results? You keep fighting in the democratic system.

Other residents opposed to secession said they feared what would happen if they lost access to abortion rights, health care coverage, infrastructure funding, mail-in voting and marijuana. Some of them said that while they werent born in Oregon, they have lived in the state more years than not. Theyre Oregonians and want to remain Oregonians.

The room was split, much like the county. But as in other small towns in America, people knew one another, greeting old friends and neighbors before tension filled the room.

Oregon is divided geographically, politically, economically and culturally. Beyond the Cascades, the population drops off with the elevation, as the terrain turns from the moist mountains of the coast and the fertile farmland and progressive population hubs of the Willamette Valley to the high desert, golden grasslands and craggy mountain ranges of the immense east.

Stateline traveled more than 1,000 miles of Eastern Oregon, where supporters of the movement to join Idaho said they feel unheard by the decisionmakers in Salem. Would-be secessionists freely recognize that their communities represent less than a tenth of the states population, but they also asked: Dont we matter?

You have two very different cultures that shouldnt be sharing a state government, said Matt McCaw, the spokesperson for the Greater Idaho movement and a resident of Powell Butte, an unincorporated town near the geographic center of Oregon.

Their grievances are many: They dislike rules that restrict tree-cutting, protect coyotes and promote electric vehicles. They oppose transgender rights, classroom discussions of gender and race, and limits on guns. They detest the taxes and regulations they believe have devastated the regions economy. And they hate what became of Portland, a city many of them look back on with nostalgia.

For many Eastern Oregonians, theres a sense of desperation, as if all options have been exhausted and all that remains is joining Idaho.

I have people come at me and say, Well, what can we do to change it? said McCarter, a deeply religious man and an Air Force veteran. Its gone too far over the top to change. It really has. It is a battle for our freedom and our self-sufficiency.

Whether they can succeed is another story.

While they work to secure more wins at the ballot box  including in Crook County next May, and later Gilliam and Umatilla counties  supporters of the movement are beginning a broader effort to lobby the Idaho and Oregon legislatures to start an interstate dialogue to shift their border  a dialogue for which Oregon Democrats do not have an appetite.

A growing movement out of a divided state

Sitting on the front deck of his single-story green home in La Pine, a wooded city of 2,500 people who live past the lava fields south of tourism haven Bend, McCarter has two flags flying off his house: the American flag and the Idaho flag.

When the 76-year-old is not assisting with pastoral duties at his 30-person church, he fills his retired life with fixing old ham radios, getting back into long-distance running, teaching gun safety and leading the Greater Idaho movement.

Though McCarter lives in Deschutes County  which voted for President Joe Biden in 2020 with 53% support and has not voted to join Idaho  Oregons new border could follow the Deschutes River, he said, snaking to the west of his home and putting him within the new Idaho boundary.

Greater Idaho could encompass roughly 15 eastern counties, representing 65% of Oregons landmass and one congressional district. Each county handily voted for former President Donald Trump in 2020 with two-thirds or more of the vote. While the movement tried ballot initiatives in Douglas and Josephine counties, which are west of the Cascade Range, those failed in 2022.

I just feel unrepresented, completely. We just dont have a voice. Its very frustrating.  Rob DeSpain, an Eastern Oregon resident who supports joining Idaho

A splintering of Oregon would mean new tax structures, a transfer of public debts, the loss of state parks and natural resources, and a fundamental shift in social program benefits. The details could take years to work out, but thats a problem down the line, supporters say. Now, they just want the two states to start talking about a transition.

Supporters for the movement vote mostly Republican, but some are socially conservative while others are more economically libertarian. Some are not even registered to a political party.

I have very deep roots in the state, or what used to be this state, said Sandie Gilson, a fifth-generation Oregonian with ancestors who mined gold and operated sawmills. I dont recognize it.

Over chicken Caesar salad at a Main Street eatery in John Day, a town in a high-desert canyon, Gilson described how shes crisscrossed Grant County, even planning to speak at an upcoming Democratic Party meeting, to talk about the deterioration of Portland, how taxes and regulations stifle housing, and the unrealistic shift away from gas-powered cars for rural communities.

The policies of Salem dont consider the commonsense requirements of life in the states east, she said.

Oregon hasnt had a Republican governor since 1987; Democrats have held a trifecta for more than a decade, controlling the governors office as well as the state House and Senate.

Dont like it here? Hit the road. This is democracy, folks. You dont like the results? You keep fighting in the democratic system.  David Hayslip, an opponent of secession

This is one of the latest iterations of a debate over minority political representation that is as old as this nations founding, Gilson said. The U.S. Constitution was written to encourage consensus, she said; the Revolutionary War was fought because people were being taxed but not listened to. Isnt that our message? she asked.

Stephen Piggott doesnt see it that way.

I totally understand their concerns, said Piggott, the momentum program director for Western States Strategies, a Portland-based nonpartisan social welfare organization that campaigned against the ballot measure in Wallowa County. But for Greater Idaho, theres no other solution except to say, We cant find any common ground, so screw it, were going to just go up and leave.

And while it may not be espousing racist viewpoints, the movement is supported by white nationalists and militia leaders such as Ammon Bundy, Piggott said, harking back to Oregons racist founding, when Black people were banned from settling the land. Among the 15 counties that could be part of Greater Idaho, all but three have white populations above 75%, according to census numbers.

Greater Idaho proponents vehemently reject charges of racism or hatred, saying they cant control the people who agree with their cause. And they say they are not seeking violence, but a peaceful political solution.

I have people come to me and say, But isnt this movement kind of racist? Well, I had nothing to do with that, McCarter said, the air around his home still thick with wildfire smoke. In rural Oregon, if its predominantly white, so be it. And we make a point that we dont get into that angle at all. Thats not what its about.

Retired chimney sweep Grant Darrow said that letting a few counties join Idaho could be a pressure relief valve to avoid violence from people long frustrated with Oregons policies.

People are fighting mad, said Darrow, who sported a handlebar mustache and an Awake Not Woke T-shirt in his home in Cove, Oregon, a town nestled in an agricultural valley. If youre not moving in a direction that everybody thinks positive, its going to blow up.

But to slice up states to reflect residents politics is not how the American political system works, regardless of an urban-rural divide that exists across the country, said Judy Stiegler, a former Oregon Democratic state representative who now is a political science instructor at Oregon State University-Cascades, located in Bend.

We should be having conversations with each other, Stiegler said. The Greater Idaho movement is taking advantage of peoples frustrations. And I believe theyre not being honest about the real objective, which is power.

The reality of the secession happening is slim to none, she said. She expects neither state Democrats nor Congress to endorse the move.

Can it pass the Idaho and Oregon legislatures?

When Idaho Republican state Rep. Barbara Ehardt first heard about Oregons movement to join her state, it just resonated with her. Why wouldnt Idaho be interested in more land, more resources such as timber, minerals and water, and more like-minded people? she asked.

You can only push people so far, demanding that they acquiesce to some of your non-constitutional whims before people push back, Ehardt said.

In February, the Idaho House passed her bill to open a formal interstate dialogue with Oregon to secure those counties that want to secede. Although it didnt move forward in the Senate, Ehardt is hopeful and optimistic she can get her bill passed in both the legislative bodies next year. For this to succeed, it will involve the hand of the Lord.

When the Oregon state legislature reconvenes next year, Republican state Sen. Dennis Linthicum plans on reintroducing legislation to let those 15 eastern counties secede and join Idaho. His bill died in committee earlier this year.

I thought we were talking about tolerance and welcoming all ideas and welcoming other thoughts and perspectives, and it turns out none of that is true, said Linthicum, who voted for the Klamath County ballot measure. Its a storyline. And thats why Eastern Oregonians are fed up with it.

While she 1,000% agrees with the reasons why people are so frustrated with the policies coming out of Salem, freshman Republican state Rep. Emily McIntire worries about Eastern Oregonians who have superior health care, child care, food stamps and other state services than Idaho offers, including Oregons $14.20 minimum hourly wage compared with Idahos $7.25, the federal minimum wage.

Everybody thats working at a Walmart in a county in Eastern Oregon, that Walmart can go, Were going to drop you guys all down to eight bucks an hour, she said. Its not just like we flip the switch, youre part of Idaho and everything stays as it is.

In Enterprise, the meeting wrapped up after more than an hour of discussion involving those in the room and another 30 people who joined by Zoom. The county commissioners finally chimed in.

Though they are officially neutral on the question, all three said they understood the concerns expressed by both sides. Commissioner John Hillock said hes submitted pieces of legislation, grant proposals for sewer and water projects and new funding requests for the county fairgrounds to lawmakers in Salem and been ignored. He gets it.

As does Commissioner Susan Roberts, who asked attendees to come up with ideas before they meet next in February on how to constructively move forward and get our friends on the west side of the state to have a dialogue.

They dont get us. On the other hand, I dont get most of them. Most of the time, I cant figure it out, she said with a chuckle. But that is the back-and-forth that we need.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

This article was first published by Stateline, part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network with the Louisiana Illuminator. Its supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter.

The post An Eastern Oregon effort to join Idaho reflects the growing American divide appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro said the Ulma family had paid the highest price of martyrdom (AP)

The Vatican has made the unprecedented move of beatifying an entire Polish family for their gesture of hospitality and care in sheltering Jewish people during the Second World War.

The family-of-nine  a married couple and their small children  were murdered by the Nazis in 1944 after they were apparently betrayed.

Speaking during a Mass in the village of Markowa, in southeastern Poland, papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read out the Latin formula of the beatification of the Ulma family signed last month by Pope Francis.

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read out the Latin formula of the beatification of the Ulma family during the Mass in Markowa (AP)

Cardinal Semeraro noted that for their gesture of hospitality and care, of mercy the Ulmas paid the highest price of martyrdom.

A contemporary painting representing Jozef and a pregnant Wiktoria Ulma with their children was revealed near the altar, and a procession brought relics taken from their grave to the altar.

It is the first time that an entire family has been beatified.

Polish farmer Jozef Ulma, his pregnant wife Wiktoria, and their six children were all killed at their home in 1944 (Mateusz Szpytma, Deputy head of Polands IPN history institute via AP)

Speaking to the public from a window in St Peters Square at the Vatican, Pope Francis said the Ulmas represented a ray of light in the darkness of the war and should be a model for everyone in doing good and in the service of those in need.

The pope then invited the crowd below to applaud the family, and he clapped his hands.

Those gathered in Markowa watched Francis address on giant screens placed by the altar.

Pope Francis invited the crowd in St Peters Square to applaud the family (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Last year, Francis pronounced the deeply Catholic Ulma family, including the child that Wiktoria Ulma was pregnant with, martyrs for the faith.

The Ulmas were killed at home by German Nazi troops and by Nazi-controlled local police in the early hours of March 24 1944, together with the eight Jews they were hiding at their home, after they were apparently betrayed.

Jozef Ulma, 44, was a farmer, Catholic activist and amateur photographer who documented family and village life. He lived with his 31-year-old wife Wiktoria; their daughters Stanislawa, seven; Barbara, six; Maria, 18 months; and sons Wladyslaw, five; Franciszek, three; and Antoni, two.

With them were killed 70-year-old Saul Goldman with his sons Baruch, Mechel, Joachim and Mojzesz, along with Golda Grunfeld and her sister Lea Didner with her young daughter Reszla, according to Polands Institute of National Remembrance, which has documented the Ulmas story.

The pope said Jozef Ulma and his wife Wiktoria represented a ray of light in the darkness of the war (Mateusz Szpytma, Deputy head of Polands IPN history institute via AP)

Polish president Andrzej Duda along with the ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki, as well as Polands chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich, attended the celebration in Markowa, and thousands of pilgrims came from across Poland to take part.

In Poland, the Ulma family is a symbol of the bravery of thousands of Poles who took the utmost risk while helping Jews.

By the occupying Nazis decree, any assistance to Jews was punished with summary execution.

Poland was the first country to be invaded by Nazi Germany, on September 1 1939. Some six million of its citizens were killed during the war, half of them Jews.
Supergrass trial: The masks are off but rule of law has already been undermined
With cops in meltdown and victims enraged, its been a week to forget for Northern Ireland

You can almost imagine the airline pilots welcome: You are now in Northern Ireland, the land of chaos and confusion, the land with no government, where theres a police force in meltdown and where new legislation has victims of terrorism saying the killers stand to get away with murder.

You couldnt make the above up, and why would you? Its a sad snapshot of a sorry place in turmoil.

Days ago the headline on a news website asked: What went wrong for the PSNIs chief constable? Would it not have been simpler to ask what went right for Simon Byrne in his four, error-strewn years in the job, or even whats going wrong with the PSNI in general?

Listening to the sometimes tense exchanges at Westminsters Northern Ireland affairs committee last week  when it was revealed the data breach scandal could cost the police 240m  it was obvious that Mr Byrnes resignation letter wouldnt be the last word on the controversy.

Sure enough, within hours the man designated to fill his boots, albeit on a temporary basis, was receiving a no-confidence vote from the Police Federation, which also criticised another two senior figures.

Because of what was described as an unplanned medical procedure, Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton pulled out of a meeting with the federation on Thursday.

On Friday the Policing Board, which has difficulties of its own, said Mr Hamilton was remaining in charge but was in hospital and had for the moment handed over his duties to four assistant chief constables.

And so the uncertainty over the leadership of the police intensified, leaving the force looking like a rudderless ship, with confidence and morale at an all-time low and members of the public fearing what might happen next.

By any standards, its a dreadful state of affairs, especially when you consider the Executive is in limbo too.

If that wasnt worrying enough, the policing nightmares coincided with the passing of the governments legacy bill.

The legislation, which effectively ends new Troubles court cases and offers a conditional amnesty for terrorists, has united rivals in opposition, though some ex-soldiers support it.

Victims families were in London to voice their fury at the bill on the day a House of Lords amendment to it was defeated in the Commons.

In the Lords, Robin Eames, whose voice of sanity was heard at many funerals during the Troubles, delivered an emotional speech against the controversial legislation.

While his intervention was never going to stop the bill, Lord Eames spoke for many people who have been left distressed and disillusioned by the Tories actions.

Many victims I know are pragmatic enough to sadly accept that the chances of any new charges against the perpetrators of terror range from remote to zero.

But they still believe that officially sanctioning the removal of all hope of seeing their loved ones killers in court is a step too far.

Its easy, of course, for people who didnt lose anyone during the Troubles to blithely say the families should move on, but if they put themselves in the place of someone who has been bereaved and has not seen anyone convicted, their attitudes might change.

For Lord Eames, watching the whole process must have been deeply distressing.

Thirteen years ago, he and Denis Bradley, the former vice-chairman of the Policing Board, put forward their own proposals for dealing with the legacy of the Troubles.

Their ideas were the result of hard work, debate and consultations, but they were met with a largely negative response.

It was the proposal for a 12,000 payment to the relatives of the 3,700 people killed during the violence that was the undoing of the initiative.

*****

The day I Foyled the monster hunters

Touchy bunch these Loch Ness monster fanatics.

I got it in the neck from several of them after my piece last week dismissing the Nessie hunters as gullible numpties.

What I didnt write was that 10 years ago I was part of a blatant ruse which fooled monster hunters all over the world.

I was recruited to add a bit of credibility to a spoof video created by film students in Derry for the City of Culture celebrations about a monster being spotted in Lough Foyle.

They constructed a humpback monster which they then filmed. Its still on YouTube under the title On the lookout with Ivan Little.

The late deputy first minister Martin McGuinness joined in and, with a straight face, said on camera that he was concerned about the monster and the dangers it posed to fish in the Foyle.

But the more unbelievable it all was, the more people actually believed it.

Bizarrely, I still get emails from around the globe with questions and invitations to do interviews about the Lough Foyle monster, which was even featured in a book by author Malcolm Robinson, who saw through the hoax.

*****

Im a right Muppet in edited clip

Ive finally made it. Never mind interviewing Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Mariah Carey or even Maggie Thatcher, Im now in the company of the Muppets.

Someone with too much time on their hands has put my infamous struggles with the word phenomenon to music  and not just any old music.

Under the banner of Broda Mayhem, they spliced the footage of me with a video of Animal and the Snowths singing Mahna Mahna (it sounds like phenomenon).

The clip also features Kermit the Frog and the grumpy Statler and Waldorf.

Astonishingly, there are lengthy analyses online on the origins of the song, which was apparently written by composer Piero Umiliani not for the Muppets but rather for a documentary about Swedes sex lives. Phenomenal or what?

*****

Fans get a kick out of Gerry Armstrong

Gerry Armstrong may have retired, but his signature is still in demand.

I met the Espana 82 hero last week in Portrush, where he was signing copies of his autobiography two years after it was published.

Thankfully, he took time out for a photo with me, my wife Siofra and his pal  and my fellow Sunday Life columnist  Liam Beckett.
Dissident on terror charge claims he was employed as a charity worker via ex-top cop

But former Assistant Chief Constable Peter Sheridan denies having any dealings with Oglaigh na hEireann member

Carl Reilly

Sunday Life Investigations Sun 10 Sep 2023 at 09:30

A dissident terror boss awaiting sentencing for OnH (Oglaigh na hEireann) membership told a court he was employed as a charity worker via ex-PSNI assistant chief constable Peter Sheridan.
EXCLUSIVE | Charity boss leads Shankill parade honouring UVF assassin

MP calls for investigation over body paid 335k by government last year to transition away from terrorism

Tommy Harrison leading the Brian Robinson parade

Ciaran Barnes Sun 10 Sep 2023 at 08:20

The boss of a government-funded charity led a parade honouring a UVF killer while wearing clothing branded with the terror gangs logo.
Sex offender convicted over images of kids as young as six cowers behind mother

A cowardly paedophile convicted over indecent images of kids as young as six claimed he didnt know they were children while hiding behind his mother.

William Sholdis (33) was ordered to sign the sex offenders register last week after he admitted a raft of charges at Antrim Crown Court.

He entered guilty pleas to 18 counts, including making indecent images of children, possessing banned images of children and extreme pornography.

Titles of some of the images and videos, which are too graphic to publish, contain ages of the victims and include descriptions of bestiality as well as using the word underage.

When Sunday Life approached Sholdis at his home in the Co Antrim village of Ballynure, he initially barked No! at our reporter before slamming the door shut.

Antrim Crown Court

Read more NI missionary who had videos of children being raped and sent boy photo of his private parts jailed

As our man walked away, however, Sholdis mother Anne came to the door and indicated she wanted to speak on her sons behalf.

He didnt realise they were under 18, she said, while a sheepish Sholdis cowered behind her just inside the doorway.

She went on to insist her son believed the children to be over 18, despite court papers revealing the children abused are thought to be as young as six years of age.

He didnt know it was wrong, she continued: He thought they were over 18, but they were teenagers and thats what happened and he admitted to it.

Hes going on courses to help him, he has autism and other disabilities and during lockdown he had went into an area he wasnt aware of.

I know, I can see two sides to the story.

I dont like to see anything bad happening to children, I have my own grandchildren, I wouldnt want anything to happen to any child.

But at the same time I look and this has happened to my son who is vulnerable and has disabilities.

Sholdis offending spanned between August 2019 through to March 2021, according to the indictment.

Read more Time taken for sex offence cases to pass through Northern Ireland courts hits five-year high

Standing in the dock of Antrim Crown Court on Monday he admitted 10 counts of making indecent images of children, six counts of having prohibited images of children and two of having extreme pornography.

His mum Anne revealed the family had already been hounded from their home on foot of the offending and said she feared a repeat incident while pleading her sons case.

She said: Where we were living before, once the police came to the home we were put out of our house and I wouldnt like that to happen again. Im 75 and my husband is 80.

He doesnt really mix with others his age because they would have made a fool of him.

Down throughout his school life he would have had a terrible time with bullying and beatings because of his autism.

I do deplore what has happened and he knows that and has been so remorseful and sorry, but at the same time he still has to go on and try and live without being harassed.

We dont bother with anyone, something has happened in life to us which we never expected and were just trying to deal with it as best we can.

Our whole family supports him and is trying to keep him on the right path and to encourage him away from negativity and show him whats right and whats not.

Its a strenuous and stressful time for us.

On Monday, Judge Alistair Devlin freed Sholdis on bail until his sentencing in November and ordered the pervert to sign the sex offenders register.
Disgruntled gang members and security services all in frame over murder of leading loyalist

Dee Stitt unveils a new mural for Herron in Bangor in 2019

The scene near Drumbo after Tommy Herron's body was found

This week will see the 50th anniversary of the unsolved murder of one of the most senior paramilitaries to be killed in the Troubles.

Tommy Herron was found shot dead in a ditch outside Drumbo, near Lisburn, on September 16, 1973, by a group of children who happened to be walking by.

The so-called UDA vice chairman, in reality second-in-command of the terror gang and its East Belfast brigadier, was 36 years old when he was killed by a single bullet to the head.

Searches get underway for the missing UDA leader

Who pulled the trigger and why have been the topic of much speculation for half a century.

Some insist it was disgruntled members of the UDA who decided to take out one of their most senior commanders in a row over racketeering money.

Others claim blame lies at the foot of the security services who wanted Herron permanently removed from the new emerging political landscape of Troubles-era Northern Ireland.

At the time of his death the charismatic father-of-five was the most prominent UDA figure, delivering public statements and giving interviews on behalf of the gang, which at the time boasted thousands of members in Belfast.

The UDA was then a legal organisation  it wasnt outlawed until 1992  and massed ranks of its members brazenly marched through the streets of the city at will.

Herron's mural in Bangor's Kilcooley estate

Herron even once unsuccessfully stood for election as a candidate of the Vanguard Progressive Unionist Party in East Belfast in the 1973 Assembly election, getting 2,480 votes.

He had risen to the top of the organisation after giving up a 50 per week job running a petrol station in Finaghy to be paid 20 a week as a UDA full-timer  the only such member to receive a salary at the time.

Herron was married to Hilary who he wed when she was just 16 years old and who denied ever knowing anything about her husbands involvement in directing sectarian murders or running criminal rackets.

Signs that the writing was on the wall for Herron came three months before his death when Hilary was forced to watch as her only brother, 18-year-old Michael Wilson, was shot dead by a gang of gunmen as he slept in their home on Ravenswood Crescent in the Braniel estate.

Herron's grave in Roselawn cemetery

One justification put about at the time was Wilson was leaking information to the Official IRA.

But its believed the gunmen were actually after Herron while Hilary escaped with a bad beating after she tried to stop the fleeing killers.

On the morning of September 14, 1973, Herron got a message to go to UDA headquarters on the Newtownards Road.

Hilary recalled in a 1990 Sunday Life interview the UDA had phoned their house several times looking for her husband, telling her someone wanted to speak to him.

Herron was last seen alive outside the UDA office on the lower Newtownards Road where he got into a van which then sped off down Hornby Street.

One former associate of Herrons claimed the person he met there and went away with was a woman who was well known to Herron and the UDA.

Ian Paisley speaking at Tommy Herron's funeral

A widespread search was launched for the leading loyalist with UDA men combing the back streets of Belfast and checking abandoned or bombed-out buildings for their missing chief.

When his body was eventually found, Herrons legally held and loaded 9mm Star personal protection pistol was still in his shoulder holster.

An address book with names of other paramilitary figures, 200 in cash and a packet of Park Drive cigarettes  with 19 left  were also discovered in his pockets.

Read more PSNI arrest man (43) in Derry as part of terrorism investigation

According to the autopsy report there was no blackening of the skin around the bullets entrance wound and though fragments of lead were recovered from his skull, the type of weapon used could not be determined.

Giving evidence at Herrons inquest in December 1973, an RUC detective inspector said there were no signs of a struggle and his own gun showed no signs of being fired.

A friend of Herrons told the hearing in Lisburn: The last time I saw him was about 12.20pm outside the UDA headquarters.

He gave me the keys of his car and told me to move it if the police came along. He said he was going for a message and would be back shortly.

The scene near Drumbo after Tommy Herron's body was found

The man insisted it would be almost impossible for Herron to be abducted on the Newtownards Road given how well known he was.

After deliberating for five minutes the jury returned an open verdict, with coroner JW Russell stating: We cannot hide the fact that he played a part in the affairs of Northern Ireland, which were acceptable to some and quite unacceptable to others.

But at this time I think of Mrs Herron and her children left without a father.

His funeral saw an estimated 25,000 people line the streets of the Braniel estate, and the late DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley described his death as diabolical and dastardly in a 10-minute oration.

Tommy Herron

In the years since, Hilary Herron has gone on record to say she believes her husband was killed by the security services.

Tommy Herron was set up and shot by undercover soldiers, she previously told this newspaper.

Occasionally Tommy would have said it would either be republicans or the SAS who would kill him.

I believe it was the intelligence services who got him in the end.

I know now the IRA was not involved in his death. They never claimed it and they would have had nothing to gain from shooting Tommy.

Besides, the evidence shows it wasnt their type of operation.

Dee Stitt unveils a new mural for Herron in Bangor in 2019

That view is directly opposed to that of the PSNIs Historical Enquiries Team which concluded in a 2010 report he was probably killed by his own side.

Tommy Herron was in all likelihood abducted by members of the UDA on Friday, September 14, 1973, driven to Glen Road, Lisburn, and shot dead in a vehicle. His body was dumped in a ditch and later discovered by children, it stated.

Tommy was a leading member of the UDA and a casualty of the rivalries and internal disputes among various factions trying to gain control of the organisation in 1973.

Tommy Herron's funeral cortege

Herron had clashed with other figures at the top of the organisation such as Harding Smith over his involvement in racketeering, with allegations he was pocketing cash meant for loyalist prisoners.

Despite such rumours, Herron is still revered in certain UDA circles with a new mural in Bangors Kilcooley estate unveiled by former North Down UDA leader Dee Stitt in 2019.

But in the 50 years since his killing, nobody has claimed responsibility for his murder or definitively proved why he was taken to meet the same fate as scores of UDA victims before and since.
Brute cleared of Geordie Gilmore murder admits assault

Loyalists celebrate outside court after three men were acquitted of the Geordie Gilmore murder

A UDA man acquitted of murder during the 2017 loyalist feud has been convicted of battering his girlfriend and pulling lumps out of her hair during a vicious drunken domestic assault.

Scotch Brian Roy McLean (41) admitted attacking his now ex-partner and smashing up her flat at Laganside Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

He was initially charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but after extensive negotiations between counsel he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of common assault, as well as criminal damage.

McLean, nicknamed Scotch after his native Scotland, was one of three men who were tried and acquitted of the murder of Geordie Gilmore in Carrickfergus in 2017.

Brian McLean

Laganside Magistrates Court heard last week how the victim had been asleep on the sofa at her home in Newtownards when McLean turned up drunk in the late afternoon and started attacking her.

Two constables attended the address following the victims frantic 999 call, and body-worn footage from the pair was played at a previous court hearing.

In the video a very distressed woman, who has clumps of hair missing from her head, breathlessly explains what she was subjected to and says how she fears for the safety of her pet rabbit.

He trailed me out of the house by the hair. He was punching me and he wrecked the place. I dont know what triggered him. Hed been drinking, she says.

I was sleeping on the sofa and he just started punching me and pulling me by the hair. Hes damaged everything and broke a lamp. My wee rabbit is still in there.

Prosecutors told the court a mattress was thrown on top of the victim as the attack began, with officers discovering two to three clumps of hair that were ripped from her head inside the house.

After making the initial complaint to police, the victim subsequently disengaged from the process and has since moved away from the area, the court was told.

Defence lawyers for McLean tried to have the case thrown out due to the lack of a complainant and what they said was insufficient evidence to convict, but this was rejected.

Convicting him, the magistrate told the court: Given the circumstances and domestic nature of the incident, I think its probably better we get pre-sentence report.

McLean is now living in Carrickfergus, having left Newtownards amid the chaos of the ongoing UDA feud in the area.

Loyalists celebrate outside court after three men were acquitted of the Geordie Gilmore murder

In March 2021, McLean (39) and his elder brother Alexander Sanders McLean (43) were each sentenced to two years probation at Craigavon Crown Court for trying to sneak drugs onto the loyalist wing of Maghaberry Prison.

The smuggling plot took place in 2017 during a jail visit by Sanders to Scotch Brian, who was on remand charged with the murder of rival loyalist Geordie Gilmore. He was later cleared of involvement.

McLean, alongside Robert Darren McMaw (34), of Kilgreel Road, Antrim, and his younger brother Samuel David McMaw (30), of Starborg Road, Kilwaughter in Larne, were acquitted of the murder, the attempted murder of another man and possession of a firearm with intent in May 2019.

After a lengthy judgment which took the trial judge four-and-a-half hours to deliver, Mr Justice McAlinden said he had not been persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt about the guilt of all three in the murder. The verdict was met with cheers from the defendants in the dock along with associates inside and outside the courtroom.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) and world leaders arrive to pay respects at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, Sept. 10, 2023.

UPDATED at 10:42 a.m. EDT on 2023-09-12

The G20 summit in New Delhi wrapped up on Sunday as leaders visited a memorial statue to Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, a day after admitting the African Union as a new member and hashing out a compromise communique about Russias invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. President Joe Biden skipped the final session of the summit and headed to Vietnam where, a White House official said, the two nations would elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, putting it on a par with Beijing and Moscows engagement with Hanoi.

Despite widespread anticipation that this years summit of leaders from the worlds top 20 economies would be a damp squib, it appeared to have featured some significant pushback on Chinas apparent unwillingness to play ball with the developed world.

Modi pronounced the summit a success.

On the back of the hard work of all the teams, we have received consensus on the G20 Leaders Summit Declaration. I announce the adoption of this declaration, Modi told his fellow leaders from G20 nations in New Delhi.

#G20India has been the MOST ambitious in the history of #G20 presidencies. With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than tripled the substantive work from previous presidencies, Amitabh Kant, Indias G20 Sherpa representative, said on social media.

Commentators said it was significant that India appeared to be ready to take a more assertive role in global politics.

During his opening remarks on Saturday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the African Union to join the G20 as a permanent member, while calling on members to end a global trust deficit.

It is time for all of us to move together, Modi said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shares a light moment with African Union Chairman Azali Assoumani upon his arrival at the Bharat Mandapam convention center for the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Sept. 9, 2023. [Evan Vucci/Pool via Reuters]

Also on Saturday, Indias leader announced that negotiators had resolved deep differences over the wording in the communique about the war in Ukraine. But the phrasing in the clause about Ukraine in the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration was softened to mention the war in Ukraine.

Without any reference to Russia or a Russian invasion, the language clearly is a bone to Russia and China, whose leaders did not attend the summit. China and Russia were opposed to any joint statement that censured Russias invasion of Ukraine.

All states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the U.N. Charter in its entirety, according to an excerpt from the clause.

In line with the U.N. Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible, it said.

Modi ended the summit by passing on the ceremonial gavel to Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose country takes over the blocs presidency.

Welcoming Africa

The announcement of permanent inclusion of the 55-nation African Union (AU) is likely to be a blow for Chinese President Xi Jinping, who did not attend the summit for unannounced reasons, and recently heralded the new membership of six countries in the BRICS grouping as historic.

The AUs young population of 1.3 billion is expected to double by 2050, when it will account for a quarter of the global population. Its strategically important to both China  Africas largest trading partner and one of its largest lenders  and Russia, its leading arms provider.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands next to U.S. President Joe Biden on the first day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, Sept. 9, 2023. [AP/Pool]

Meanwhile, in what will likely be seen as a challenge to Xis ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), U.S. President Joe Biden, Modi and allies announced a rail and shipping corridor connecting India with the Middle East and ultimately Europe.

The project will include the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union and other countries in the G20.

Commentators speculate that it will enable greater trade and be an ambitious counterweight to Chinas massive BRI, through which it has sought to invest and lend its way to making its economy better connected with the world.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang upon his arrival at the Bharat Mandapam convention center for the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Sept. 9, 2023. [Evan Vucci/Pool via Reuters]

The moves on Saturday, which were roundly seen as pushback against China, came against a backdrop of speculation as to why Chinas Xi was not present and calls for Beijing to explain itself.

Its incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain why its leader would or would not participate, Jon Finer, the U.S. deputy national security adviser, told reporters in Delhi.

He said there was speculation that China is giving up on G20 in favor of groupings like BRICS, where it is dominant.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who attended the summit in New Delhi in place of Xi, called on the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for greater unity and cooperation between the two sides to counter global uncertainties, according to a statement on Sunday from Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Li urged the European Union to provide a non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies, as the bloc becomes more wary of the risks of engaging China, seeing it as a systemic rival since 2019.

Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news organization affiliated with BenarNews, produced this report.

An earlier version incorrectly reported that the G20 had admitted the 55 new member-states via the African Union.
Afiqah Zulkifli, a candidate from the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) for the Bukit Kepong state assembly seat, wears a face mask with her party's acronym while on the campaign trail in the constituency in Johor, Malaysia, March 2, 2022.

A Malaysian youth-oriented party announced Sunday that it was quitting Anwar Ibrahims ruling coalition in protest after a raft of corruption-related charges were dropped against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last week, reports said.

The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), which has only one seat in Parliament, issued a statement saying it would join the opposition as a third force.

Who would have thought they would be this co-called reform government that would end up dropping corruption charges for the sake of power? I will not and will never allow Malaysia to normalize corruption, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, the youthful chief of MUDA, said in a video posted on Facebook.

On Sept. 4, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dropped 47 graft charges against Zahid, the head of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) party, with which Anwar agreed to join forces to form a coalition government after last years general election.

The ruling angered grassroots activists and young Malaysians who had taken part, during the years ahead of the 2018 general election, in mass street protests against government corruption.

Anwar has rejected accusations that his government interfered with the courts to secure the clearance of charges against his deputy. That came days before by-elections for two parliamentary seats in Johor state, which Pakatan won on Saturday, the Straits Times newspaper reported.

As a result of the decision, MUDA believes the legal institutions of the country have been tainted and it is as if the government is normalizing the culture of corruption, the party said in a statement Sunday, according to Reuters.

Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman speaks during an interview with Reuters in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, Sept. 3, 2020. [Lim Huey Teng/Reuters]

Despite MUDAs exit, Anwars governing alliance retains its two-thirds parliamentary majority but the partys departure could still affect the coalitions ability to pass constitutional amendments and other key reforms, Reuters reported.

The news service quoted MUDA as saying that it would still vote with the government if the coalition needed a two-thirds majority vote to implement institutional reforms.

In state assembly elections in six states last month, Perikatan Nasional, the conservative opposition bloc, posted significant gains in three states it controls and chewed into the support base for the other states where it is in the minority. UMNO performed dismally in the Aug. 12 polls, winning only 19 of the 108 assembly seats it contested overall.

During the 2022 electoral race, Anwar had campaigned against UMNO on an anti-corruption platform. But amid a post-election impasse, he brokered a power-sharing deal with UMNO because his Pakatan Harapan alliance did not have enough seats to form a parliamentary majority.

Until 2018, UMNO, the anchor party in the Barisan Nasional coalition, had ruled Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957. It crashed out in national polls in 2018 because of a massive corruption scandal that tied then-Prime Minister Najib Razaks administration to the looting of billions of U.S. dollars from 1MDB, a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.

Najib is now serving a 12-year sentence on related charges after being sent to prison in August 2022, when he lost his final appeal.
A signal marks the crosswalk on Route 20 near the Lebanon Valley Speedway, where two Clarksburg residents were killed Saturday night when they were struck by a vehicle driven by a resident of Lee.
PITTSFIELD  The West Side shared another moment of bonding over love of the past and a growing stake in the future with the unveiling of artwork Saturday at Riverside Sitting Park.

Quote We all grew up here; our foundation is here. The three of us dont even live here anymore, but how we grew up makes us want to come back and help all our other neighbors and our families. Beverly Bolden, vice president of The Westside Legends

More than 40 people celebrated two artworks by Maurice Pops Peterson and one painting by Jasmine Sade Thomas.

The Westside Legends hosted the new installations as part of the Let It Shine! A Public Art Partnership celebration that included a block party and self guided tours of various mural sites across the city like the one at the Riverside park which sits at the corner of Columbus and Dewey avenues.

A group of city residents formed that art partnership for revitalization on North Street. The nonprofit is supported in part by a MassDevelopment economic growth program.

Westside Legends leaders spoke of the history of the neighborhood and of the growing success of their program to help residents buy homes here amid a legacy of economic racism that prevented Black and other people of color from obtaining mortgages  a practice known as redlining.

Peterson has installed Two Colors of Water, a piece drawn from photographer Gordon Parks At Segregated Drinking Fountain, Mobile, Alabama 1956.

But in his piece, Peterson, who is known for modern re-castings of Norman Rockwell classics  and for which his Reinventing Rockwell and Beyond is currently being celebrated at the Massachusetts Statehouse  has a white boy giving a leg up to a Black boy so that he can drink out of the whites only water fountain.

Peterson began to weep when talking about this much smaller installation at the park. His large mural of a retelling of Rockwells "The Problem We All Live With" is around the corner off College Way.

I will never forget this, Peterson said. Its not big like the other one, but its got a big heart.

His other work installed at the park is a reminder of suffering turned into strength. He wept as he presented Wings, a painting inspired by his overcoming the trauma of skin grafts and scarring after he was burned when he tried to make a space rocket at age 10.

He said he wondered if the scars on his legs, which he raised his pant-leg to show, would make him unlovable. That wasnt to be, and he realized that he had grown fearless. Others sometimes helped.

Someone said, Whats wrong with your legs? Youve got two of them, he recalled. I want people to know that you can survive and you can thrive.

Peterson said he is moved to have been lovingly welcomed into this community.

Its a community that Jasmine Sade Thomas painting, Memory Lane, recalls, with its the history of love and support as told to her by those who grew up here before urban renewal programs shattered the neighborhood.

Everyone has some memories and photographs that they talked about with me that meant something really special to them, so I wanted to incorporate as many of those as I could, Thomas said.

Westside Legends founder and President Tony Jackson talked about the past and the future  how the nonprofit is working to turn around the legacy of urban renewal and redlining by helping people learn how to get a mortgage.

Jackson later told The Eagle that new affordable townhouses are on the horizon for construction next year, as are other programs for heating assistance and solar energy.

Since the program started more than a year ago, 21 people in the program have closed on $5 million worth of homes, said Westside Legends Vice President Beverly Bolden, noting that Greylock Federal Credit Union is backing this mission.

She and Jackson, as well as Treasurer Marvin Purry do this work because they are still loyal Westsiders.

We all grew up here; our foundation is here, Bolden said. The three of us dont even live here anymore, but how we grew up makes us want to come back and help all our other neighbors and our families.

While the focus might be on people of color, the groups work is for everyone, Bolden said, just as the work needs lots of people to pitch in.

We need all partners, all races, all colors, she said.

Kamaar Taliaferro, who works for the Berkshire County Branch of the NAACP and who co-authored an analysis of the history of redlining in the city, said that the artwork speaks to the spirit of a West Side that binds people together by reciprocal relationships despite the harm of redlining.

Mortgage or not, people still held their families and communities, he said.

Anybody from the West Side or raised by Westsiders will tell you thats what its all about, he said.
To challenge the students to think about why pharmaceutical industry is much talked about in the context of public health crises

Intellectual Property Advocacy & Analysis Centre at the National Law University in Odisha is organising a certificate course titled: Pharmaceutical Industry, IPRs and Public Policy in India, in October 2023.

The course would challenge the students to think about why pharmaceutical industry is much talked about in the context of public health crises, especially in developing countries like India. It would familiarise them with the dynamics of the linkage between the pharmaceutical industry, intellectual property rights (IPRs) and public health touching upon economic, legal and public policy issues.

The course will focus on the significance of pharmaceuticals for public health; Trade in pharmaceuticals; R&D in pharma industry; IPRs and access to medical products, to name a few.

The course is set to begin in the first week of October, with online classes to be scheduled on Saturdays, between 5pm and 7pm. Dr Reji K Joseph, Associate Professor, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development is the faculty in-charge.
Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
[Source: bnn.network]

Appointment of Abrams to Public Diplomacy Commission Shows President Bidens Close Ties to the CIA

In September 1998, Desiree A. Ferdinand gave a sworn deposition, in a case filed with the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, detailing the career of her father, Colonel Albert V. Carone, an army intelligence officer in World War II who she claimed was a CIA liaison with organized crime.

Ferdinand testified in a civil suit brought against the CIA and then-Vice President and former CIA Director George H. W. Bush (and others) by Army Private William M. Tyree, Jr., who claimed he was involved in a drug-smuggling operation from Colombia and was then framed for the murder of his wife.

Screenplay about Carones life. [Source: abebooks.com]

In her testimony, Ferdinand recounted secrets about her father, including his involvement in arms and drug smuggling to the Nicaraguan Contras in the 1980s through the airport in Mena, Arkansas, in an operation overseen by then-Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton.

Ferdinand identified another key figure in the Iran-Contra affairElliott Abramsas a CIA agent, saying that her father had worked with him.

In July, President Joe Biden nominated Abrams to a bipartisan advisory commission on public diplomacy, which is devoted to spreading propaganda. During the Trump administration, Abrams served as a special envoy to Iran and Venezuela where he promoted regime-change operations directed against socialist leader Nicholas Maduro.

Because of Abrams involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal, his nomination by Biden garnered criticism even on CNN.

Journalist Jefferson Morley characterized Abrams as the equivalent of neo-conservative royaltyhis wife was the daughter of Norman Podhoretz, the editor of Commentary magazine, a mouthpiece for hawkish neo-conservatives.

In 1991, Abrams pleaded guilty for withholding information about arms smuggling to the Contras, earning him two misdemeanor counts, two years probation and 100 hours of community servicethough his crimes were later pardoned by President George H. W. Bush.

Norman Podhoretz [Source: labiancatorrdiecthelion.wordpress.com]

The secret Iran-Contra operation, which took place during Abrams time as an assistant secretary of state in the Reagan administration, involved funding anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua known as the Contras, using the proceeds from weapon sales to Iran despite the congressional ban on such funding contained in the Boland Amendment.

To bypass the Boland Amendment, Abrams took payments from the Sultan of Brunei, a petroleum potentate from South Asia, and passed them to Contra leaders who used terrorist methods in trying to sabotage Nicaraguas socialist Sandinista government, which won legitimate elections in 1984.

Ronald Reagan meeting with Contra leaders. Oliver North stands behind Reagan in the background. [Source: dougmichaeltruth.com]

Nicknamed Contra commander-in-chief, Abrams stated in 1985 that the purpose of the illegal aid to the Contras was to permit people who are fighting on our side to use more violence.

Abrams being sworn in for his testimony at the televised Iran-Contra hearings. [Source: jacobin.com]

To further help fund the Contras, Abrams protected a drug-trafficking operation headed by Honduran General Jose Bueso Rosa, a CIA asset who ran an infamous death squad (Battalion 316), which captured, tortured and executed some 200 suspected leftists.

Additionally, Abrams helped cover up U.S. support for large-scale war crimes in Guatemala, and for the December 1981 El Mozote massacre in El Salvador, where the U.S.-trained Atlacatl Battalion massacred more than 800 civiliansthe largest mass killing in Latin American history.

In a July 1982 certification hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Abrams downplayed the El Mozote massacre, describing it as an incident which is at least being significantly misused, at the very best, by the [leftist] guerrillas.

A decade later, Abrams told The Washington Post that the administrations record in El Salvador is one of fabulous achievement; he repeated the same thing during a confirmation hearing in 2019 when he was grilled by Ilhan Omar (D-MN).

Memorial to the victims of the El Mozote massacre in El Salvador which Abrams helped to cover up. [Source: jacobin.com]

Doberman Pinscher School of Diplomacy

True to form, as a member of the National Security Council under George W. Bush, Abrams supported a coup attempt directed against Venezuelas leftist leader Hugo Chavez in 2002. Then in 2006, he helped precipitate a civil war between Hamas and Fatah when the Bush administration would not accept Hamass victory in elections in Gaza.

Writing in CounterPunch, former CIA analyst Melvin Goodman called Abrams a Cold War functionary remnant from a sad era. Branko Marcetic in Jacobin called him one of Americas worst living human rights abusers, while career foreign service officer Frank McNeil said that Abrams practices the Doberman Pinscher school of diplomacy.

Bidens Commitment to the CIA

The latter would be consistent with Abrams background in the CIA, an agency with a history of subverting diplomacy and fomenting violent coups, civil wars and regime change.

Bidens appointment of the old CIA veteran to a prestigious commission shows Bidens commitment not only to neo-conservatism but also to securing the interests of the CIA.

This commitment was seen last year when Biden refused to declassify 5,000 critical documents on the assassination of JFK, which researchers believe incriminate the CIA.

Biden has also bolstered funding for the CIAs propaganda arm, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and helped turn Ukraine into a CIA playground, using an energy company that placed his son on its board as a front to funnel weapons to right-wing and neo-Nazi-dominated militias that have terrorized the people of eastern Ukraine since 2014.

Bidens support for the CIA during his presidency is not surprising given that, when he was first elected to the U.S. Senate as a 29-year-old kid in 1972, Biden was mentored by W. Averell Harriman, the former U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union who supported CIA covert operations throughout his long diplomatic career.

In 1981, as a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Security and Terrorism, Biden advocated locking up CIA whistleblower Philip Agee, whose 1975 book Inside the Company: CIA Diary identified some 250 officers, front companies and foreign agents working for the United States. Biden also collaborated with CIA Director William J. Casey in 1980 in promoting legislation that banned graymailing, a tactic used in leaker trials in which classified documents are requested by the defense during discovery to pressure the government into dropping its case.

Joe Biden in 1981. [Source: nytimes.com]

In his memoir On the Run (1987), Philip Agee wrote that Joseph Biden, like [Barry] Goldwater [conservative Senator from Arizona and 1964 presidential candidate and] a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called for a new law to stop my revelations by criminalizing the exposure of undercover intelligence officers.

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence was supposed to provide oversight of CIA covert operations but in reality came to function as a rubber stamp.

Among other things, it failed to (1) adequately probe into the CIAs assassination of Frank Olson, a CIA biochemist who helped run germ warfare experiments at a secret army laboratory in Fort Detrick, Maryland; (2) acquiesced to the CIAs lies about its subversion in Angola; and (3) covered up the CIAs support for narco-traffickers in Latin America and Afghanistan.

In the early 1980s, after complaints by a Delaware citizen, Biden launched an investigation into Summit Aviation Corp., a Middletown, Delaware, company owned by Richard Kip DuPont that ferried bombs and guns to the Nicaraguan Contras in support of CIA operations, but never released the findings.

This exemplified Bidens participation in the cover-up of the Iran-Contra scandal alongside Elliott Abrams and Bidens function as a Company Manwhich continues to this day.
Remember way back in the year 2000, when the Taliban took over large swaths of Afghanistan and set about eradicating the nation's poppy crop that feeds the world opium supply?

Of course you do.

Well, guess what? It's happening again.

That's right. After Uncle Sam's ignominious retreat from the graveyard of empires in 2021, the Taliban infamously regained control of the country and set about reinstituting their campaign to ban the cultivation of opium poppies. And, once again, the results of that ban have been nothing short of remarkable.

In fact, the Taliban's latest anti-poppy campaign is already being hailed as the "most successful counter-narcotics effort in human history" by self-proclaimed Afghanistan experts, with the country's opium production down a jaw-dropping 90% this year.

And since you do remember the story of the Taliban's first successful poppy crop crackdown, then you'll also likely remember how it ended: namely, with the blank check of 9/11 being cashed in on NATO's invasion and occupation of Afghanistan in 2001, leading to the subsequent resurgence of poppy cultivation in the country.

So, are we likely to see history repeating with this next iteration of the Afghan poppy story? Let's find out.

THE PAST

The tale of the Afghan poppy war is one that can be read in the annals of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), one of the many bureaucratic arms of the UN's globalist octopus. Tasked with "helping make the world safer from drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism" (which apparently involves "supporting Member States in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," for some unexplained reason), the UNODC has diligently documented the ups and downs of the Afghan poppy crop and its contribution to the illicit opium market in recent decades. They publish the results of this research in the form of an annual "Afghanistan Opium Survey," which tells the story in plain numbers.

In 1999, for example, this UN office informed the world that, after years of warfare and internal strife (in which the US played an integral part), Afghanistan's annual raw opium production had risen to the unprecedented level of 4,600 metric tons. They were also quick to add that "97 per cent of cultivation in 1999 occurred in Taliban-controlled areas," implying that poppy cultivation was being actively supported and encouraged by the Taliban in order to fund illicit activities.

Strange, then, that by the time of their 2001 Afghanistan Opium Surveycompiled just before the NATO invasion and occupation of the countrythe UNODC bean counters (poppy counters?) were able to report that the country's total raw opium production had dropped to 185 metric tons, a 96% reduction from the record 1999 level.

So, what had happened? The Taliban happened, that's what.

Specifically, in July 2000, Mullah Mohammad Omar issued a fatwa declaring the cultivation or trafficking of poppies to be "haram" (forbidden under Islamic law). The result of that decree and its subsequent enforcement was so undeniable that not even the arch-propagandists at the Old Gray Presstitute or the Big Brother Corporation could cover it up.

As the charts make clear, the Taliban's poppy ban was remarkably successful. In fact, it was too successful for those in the deep state who have been managing and profiteering from the global drug trade since the days of William Russell. Afghanistan was providing more than 70% of the world's heroin supply at that time, and the powers-that-shouldn't-be wanted those drugs flowing again.

And we all know what happened next: 9/11. And, as we also know all too well, 9/11 led directly to the (completely fraudulent) invocation of NATO's Article 5, the subsequent invasion of Afghanistan, the overthrow of the Taliban and the resurgence of the Afghan poppy crop.

As I've been at pains to stress over the years, it would be far too simplistic to suggest that 9/11 was simply a plot to get the world opium supply growing and flowing again. But the post-9/11 boom in Afghan poppy productionreaching record high after record high after record high, as dutifully documented by the UNODC's narcotics number cruncherswas certainly more than just a happy coincidence for the 9/11 planners.

In fact, at a certain point, the blatant reality of what had just happenednamely, NATO's overthrow of a regime dedicated to eradicating the poppy crop and its installation of a puppet government dedicated to promoting itbecame so undeniable that Uncle Sam's propagandists simply stopped denying it.

Who can forget that infamous 2010 Fox News clip in which the mustachioed mouthpiece of the money masters, Geraldo Rivera, interviews Lt. Col. Brian Christmas in Helmand Province about how, even though it "grinds his gut," the US military now has no choice but to guard the poor Afghan poppy farmers' precious crop?

Yes, life was pretty good for the profiteers of the drug trade in the deep state in the wake of 9/11. They had a plentiful, cheap supply of poppies to feed the global opium trade that they have been directing, protecting and profiting from since the days of the Golden Triangle. And what's more, the whole racket was being protected by the US military at US taxpayer expense! What could go wrong?

THE PRESENT

As we all know by now, the US military completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 30, 2021. By that point, the Talibanwhose dramatic summer surge led to their seizing Kabul in mid-Augusthad already taken over the country. And so it was that 20 years of invasion, occupation, counter-insurgency operations, bloodshed and terror had accomplished precisely nothing.

Well, not exactly nothing. As we've seen, the NATO invasion and American occupation did afford the deep state drug runners another two decades of record poppy crops to feed the global heroin trade, with the UNODC reporting in 2010 that "some 90% of the worlds heroin comes from opium grown in just a few provinces in Afghanistan." It didn't take long, however, for the Taliban to bring that poppy-fueled drug money party to an abrupt halt.

In April of 2022, Haibatullah Akhundzadathe Taliban's current leader and the Supreme Leader of Afghanistanissued a decree much like the one issued by Mullah Mohammad Omar in 2000:

All Afghans are informed that from now on, cultivation of poppy has been strictly prohibited across the country. If anyone violates the decree, the crop will be destroyed immediately and the violator will be treated according to the Sharia law.

Predictably enough, this fatwa was greeted with cynicism and outright disbelief in the West. Last November, the UNODC issued its annual opium cultivation report for the country, noting that "opium cultivation in Afghanistan increased by 32% over the previous year to 233,000 hectares  making the 2022 crop the third largest area under opium cultivation since monitoring began" and warning that "seizures of opiates around Afghanistan indicate that trafficking of Afghan opium and heroin has not stopped."

One had to read the report's accompanying press release, however, to discover that the 2022 crop had largely been exempted from Akhundzada's decree, and that the real results of the Taliban's poppy ban would not be expected to be seen until the 2023 crop was harvested.

This did not stop Washington Beltway establishment repeaters like Foreign Policy from immediately decrying the Taliban's poppy ban as mere political theater. "The Taliban that took over Afghanistan after a 20-year war largely funded by heroin trafficking have, after pretending to ban drugs, instead turbocharged the cultivation and sale of narcotics a year after their takeover," the propaganda ragwhich, strangely, had never shown a particular interest in the practice of poppy cultivation beforewrote the day after the UN report's release.

This cynicism continued into 2023, with US state-funded outfit RFE/RL reporting in May that "Afghan Poppy Cultivation Jumps Despite Taliban Crackdown" and the UN blowing smoke up its own posterior by producing puff piece videos implying that the only way the poppy ban can possibly work is through the active engagement of the UN.

Imagine the Western establishment's collective shock, then, when the 2023 poppy cultivation numbers began to roll in.

The Taliban's ban, as it turns out, was not a charade. In fact, it has been, according to Graeme Smith, an Afghanistan "expert" with the Crisis Group, "the most successful counter-narcotics effort in human history, according to the volume of drugs taken off the market." And how much was that? Estimates indicate that poppy cultivation plummeted an astonishing 90% in the last year.

But, regardless of how it happened, the US/NATO PR flaks who have spent the last two decades pretending to care about the people of Afghanistan and pretending to worry about the country's opium problem must be rejoicing at this news, right?

THE FUTURE?

Wrong, of course.

No, believe it or not, the establishment is busy freaking out over the prospect of the Taliban actually achieving what the UN/US/NATO neo-colonizers only ever gave lip service to: eradicating Afghanistan's poppy crop.

And how, exactly, can they spin the Taliban's successful eradication campaignthe same campaign that they were calling a total sham just months ago, mind youas a bad thing, you ask?

Well, the arch-conspirators at Chatham House (aka the CFR mothership in London) have attempted to spin away the Taliban's amazing accomplishment by arguing that, yes, the Taliban have accomplished the previously unimaginable in virtually eliminating poppy production in the country, but it's actually just a grand ploy by the Taliban to trick people into liking them by actually improving their country! The cads! Don't trust them! Besides, the last poppy ban didn't last very long because of . . . some unnamable reason . . . so this one probably won't either.

The presstitutes at Time, Filter, The World and other pushers of approved propaganda, meanwhile, have all (by some remarkable coincidence or other) simultaneously hit upon the exact same talking point: if Afghan poppy farmers stop feeding the world heroin markets, then European junkies will turn to Fentanyl. Sowouldn't ya know it?cheap Afghan opium was actually a good thing all along, and by cutting off its supply the Taliban are the bad guys once again!

But of all the pretzel-logic op-eds spewed out by the pro-opium, anti-Taliban crowd in recent months, by far the most chilling is "The Talibans Successful Opium Ban is Bad for Afghans and the World" by former World Bank economist William Byrd.

His commentary starts out by noting the remarkable success of the Taliban's poppy ban, acknowledging that it was accomplished by a "sophisticated, staged approach" that exempted the crop that was about to be harvested, and pointing out that the current ban is actually even more comprehensive than the Taliban's previous ban, as it prohibits the trade and processing of opiates, not just poppy cultivation.

But Byrd is quick to point out all of the ways that this remarkably successful narcotics eradication program is actually bad for Afghanistan (and the world!). The country's poppy farmers have lost $1 billion of revenuerevenue that, his analysis fails to spell out, those farmers could have earned by feeding the world heroin markets. This economic downturn, he writes, will cause a migration crisis, with poor farmers trying to cross the border in the hopes of making it to Europe. And this will all lead to more heroin overdoses in Europe as dealers adulterate their supply to offset rising costs.

So far, so boilerplate. It's where Byrd ventures into "solutions" to this "problem" of decreasing opium supplies that we start to see the dark specter of future intervention at play. In this final section, he raises the question of an "international response" and then proceeds to list all of the things that will not work.

The situation "may provide a well-grounded justification for more humanitarian assistance" in Afghanistan, but "this would just be a band-aid to provide temporary relief unless and until the opium ban is rescinded or undercut."

Programs offering rural development aid "could be helpful" but "the modest amounts of money involved will at best have a marginal impact."

And as for the expected migrant crisis? Well, there's no help there, either. "Trying to block people flows at the Afghan border will work only imperfectly, and to the extent it is successful will worsen privation and hunger within the country."

All of these negative points are meant to leave us with one overwhelming (and unstated) conclusion: this "problem" will not be "solved" as long as the Taliban are in power. If only someone could come along, depose the Taliban, and get the drugs flowing again . . .

Of course, this conclusion has to be left unsaid. After all, Byrd's analysis is being published by the "United States Institute of Peace," after all, a made-up, feel-good institution that, its "About" page informs us, was "founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security." All of which sounds fine and dandy until you use the globalese decoder ring to discover what a "world without violent conflict" actually means to the Washington warhawks: a world in which every state in the world does what their US State Department overlords tell them to do, no questions asked.

It seems the Taliban haven't gotten the message. And so, around we go again on the seemingly never-ending regime change merry-go-round.

What provocation will be used this time to motivate the people of the world for another trip to the graveyard of empires? Another "catalyzing, catastrophic event" like 9/11 to pin on some Al-CIA-da patsies? Or something that can tie I-CIA-sis to Russian operatives to American homegrown domestic terrorists, perhaps? Whatever it is, you better believe it will be spectacular.

Those who are interested in learning about the possible next steps in this unfolding agenda may be interested in joining myself, video editor extraordinaire Broc West and Ryan Cristian of The Last American Vagabond for a live pirate stream watch along of COVID-911: From Homeland Security to Biosecurity this Sunday night (September 10, 2023) at 9 PM EDT.

Meanwhile, as always, the people of Afghanistan are dismissed by nearly everyone. They are treated as mere chessboard pawns who amount to little more than an afterthought in the great game of empire.

And now, on the verge of another 9/11 anniversary, here we are remarking yet again: plus ca change, plus cest la meme chose.

To support The Corbett Report and to access the full newsletter (including this months subscriber only video), please sign up to become a member of the website.
Gulf International Bank (GIB) has announced its participation in Sibos 2023, the worlds premier financial services event taking place in Toronto, Canada, from September 18 to 21.

Sibos is an annual conference and exhibition organised by Swift for the financial industry focusing on transaction banking flow services. Nearing its fifth decade, the event is a leading forum for the global financial community to debate and collaborate in the areas of payments, securities, cash management and trade.

Robust platform

The increasingly cross-border nature of the industry requires products and services that help financial institutions and partners efficiently and effectively handle complex payment needs. GIB is keen to address this need through its robust platform, fintech partnerships, and leveraging the new payment services implemented in the region.

Recently, GIB was awarded by Global Finance as Top Financial Innovation Bank for its Best API Banking initiative that offers Banking as a Service (BaaS) to its client base for multiple use cases across key sectors in the region.

Jamal Al Kishi, GIB CEO, said: As a leading regional bank for cash and trade management, we continue to play a proactive role in providing and developing these critical services to support the needs of our clients. Through our presence at Sibos, we aim to promote and secure additional markets and corridors and attract financial institutions to leverage our network and proposition. We look forward to engaging with international peers, leading industry and fintech players and the latest global trends in payments.--TradeArabia News Service
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Postal Code
TV veteran Alastair Stewart has revealed he has been diagnosed with early onset vascular dementia.

The 71-year-old former ITV News presenter retired from regular broadcasting on GB News earlier this year after nearly five decades on air.

Advertisement

He hosted his final episode of Alastair Stewart And Friends, a discussion programme on GB News, in March.

Stewart left ITV in 2020, where he had presented a range of news and current affairs programmes including the evening news, lunchtime news and News At Ten, after more than 35 years with the broadcaster.

'The thing I have found the most difficult to deal with, genuinely, is the impact its had on Sally, my wife.'@AlStewartOBE discusses the impact being diagnosed with early onset Vascular Dementia has had on his family.



 GB News on YouTube https://t.co/Wa58gYGZwF pic.twitter.com/4hhBgSoPNk Advertisement Advertisement  GB News (@GBNEWS) September 10, 2023

He told GB News programme The Camilla Tominey Show on Sunday: I mean, the headline story, and it is relatively dramatic, I suppose, is that about six, nine months ago, I began to feel one of my favourite words, a bit discombobulated.

Advertisement

I wasnt becoming forgetful but things like doing your shoelaces properly  thats how I wear these lovely moccasins now  making sure your tie was straight, remembering that the call time for your programme is four oclock and not five oclock, not turning up early or late, and stuff like that.

I then decided at my ripe old age of late 50s, early 60s, that I might have something wrong.

He added that he went to see his GP and was sent for a scan which revealed he had had a serious of minor strokes that are called infarct strokes, and led to a diagnosis of vascular dementia.

According to the NHS, the common condition is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which has symptoms including slowness of thought and problems with concentration.

Advertisement

Stewart said that, following the news, he moved to a contributor contract at GB News and has appeared as a commentator on major news events such as the Coronation of Britain's King Charles III or the channel.

Advertisement

I began to feel a bit discombobulated.@AlStewartOBE reveals that he has early onset Vascular Dementia and explains the process of getting it diagnosed.



 Freeview 236, Sky 512, Virgin 604

 GB News on YouTube https://t.co/Wa58gYGZwF pic.twitter.com/y3JNPcXPp0  GB News (@GBNEWS) September 10, 2023 Advertisement

He added: The thing I have found most difficult to deal with, genuinely, is the impact its had on Sally, my wife. Weve been married for nearly half a century, and, you know, your life partner, your lover, all of those descriptions that are personal and intimate, that person is reduced  I choose my words very carefully  almost to a carer.

Stewart said his wife, who has worked as a production assistant, and with whom he has four children, had to make sure he was ready before appearing for the interview and that his tie was done properly.

He added: So, if you do think that theres something wrong with you, go and see the GP, listen to what he or she says.

But also do remember that the people you work with and the people you live with and share your life with are the most important people in the entire world. And they are there if youre lucky enough, as I was, to help you.

Advertisement

Dementia UKs senior consultant admiral nurse Victoria Lyons said they are very sorry to hear of Stewarts diagnosis and hope support is being provide to him and his family.

She added: By choosing to speak publicly about his diagnosis, Alastair will raise vital awareness of dementia and we hope that this will encourage others to seek advice if they have concerns for their brain health.

GB News presenter Gloria De Piero, Tory MP Michael Fabricant and journalist Emma Woolf all sent messages of support.

Former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips recently said she has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, and the family of American actor Bruce Willis have revealed he has frontotemporal dementia.

Phillips, 62, said in July that she hopes her involvement in clinical trials will be a step towards defeating Alzheimers, telling the Daily Mirror: I cant just lie down and accept it.

Kate Lee, chief executive of Alzheimers Society, said: We are so sorry to hear that Alastair Stewart has been diagnosed with dementia and our thoughts are with him and his family.

She added that speaking so candidly can help others understand the condition which devastates lives.

Alastair Stewart was named Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2004 (Ian West/PA)

During his career, Stewart has covered stories such as the Beslan school siege in Russia, the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany, and various royal weddings.

Advertisement

He was named Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2004 and two years later was made an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity.

He started his career in 1976 at ITVs Southern Television in Southampton, where he served as a general reporter, industrial correspondent, presenter and documentary-maker.

In 1980, he joined ITN as industrial correspondent and a decade later became Washington correspondent.

He went on to anchor ITNs coverage of the first Gulf War and became the first UK TV reporter to broadcast live from the liberated Kuwait City.

Stewart has also chaired debates with political figures, including Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg ahead of the 2010 General Election for ITV, and for GB News when Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss were bidding for the Conservative Party leadership.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was accused of "talking of peace while beating the war drums" and "wasting taxpayers' dime" in complaints over the recent visit of US president Joe Biden.

The 46th president of the United States visited Ireland from April 11th-14th. He was the eighth sitting American president to visit Ireland and the trip included an historic address to the Dail and a large public speech in Ballina, Co Mayo.

Advertisement

While the trip was seen as a success, others were not so happy with the welcome for Mr Biden.

In a number of letters and emails to the Taoiseach, seen by BreakingNews.ie after a Freedom of Information request, Mr Varadkar was told Mr Biden's Dail address was "no JFK moment" and that the visit was "political grandstanding".

Advertisement

In an email received on the first day of the trip, a "part Irish" American wrote: "I thought you should know that the Biden administration plans on bringing over 300 guns to your country."

This was not elaborated on, but it may have been a reference to the Secret Service agents protecting the Democratic president.

Advertisement

US president Joe Biden addresses a crowd of thousands on April 14th, 2023 in Ballina, Co Mayo. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

The email went on to tell Mr Varadkar he should be aware of something which was redacted due to 'Security, Defence and International Relations' by the Department of the Taoiseach.

The "American citizen" added, "take precautions he's very", before another redacted portion.

Other complaints referred to the cost of the State dinner for Mr Biden at Dublin Castle.

Advertisement

One email, addressed to Mr Varadkar and Tanaiste Micheal Martin, was complimentary of the visit as whole, with the person writing Mr Biden "comes across as a lovely humble man, with a great sense of humour".

However, they were critical of the presentation at Dublin Castle. "It looked so plain. I never saw a room so plain for visits from presidential and dignitaries to dine in. When the Queen was here many years ago, it looked much better and much more glamorous.

"The wooden floors and the plain chairs left a lot to be desired. The royal blue wall background however, was lovely."

Advertisement

Advertisement

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaking at a State dinner at Dublin Castle for US president Joe Biden, on day three of his visit to the island of Ireland.

Unlike the other messages, it finished on a positive note: "Otherwise, well done on the great organisation regarding Mr Joe Biden's wonderful visit. I know he thoroughly enjoyed it too."

An email on April 14th with the subject line 'biden @the dail and Dublin castle' was much more critical in tone.

The person referred to the "spectacle in the castle where the great and the good came out to feast on the taxpayers dime".

Mr Biden's Dail address was very well received but the author of this email claimed listeners were "bored to the eyeballs".

Advertisement

'No JFK moment'

It went on: "This was no JFK moment in history when he addressed the dail [sic] with clarity, graciousness and integrity, the people loved him, not this [redacted]".

John F Kennedy was the first US president to address Dail Eireann, in 1963. Mr Biden became the fourth president to speak at Leinster House after Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

The email concluded: "Keep up the good work in yere [sic] minoritising us Irish."

Another email, also on April 14th, opened: "Well Taoiseach, while you're [redacted] with all this [redacted] wining, dining and luxuriating on all the trappings and high office using the public purse, you would do well to remember what you are supposed to be doing: serving the Irish people!"

It accused Mr Varadkar of forgetting "the homeless and hungry" while "you're savouring the food served at the banquet laid out in Dublin Castle".

The person wrote: "Your speech at the banquet at Dublin Castle was exactly what I expected from you; espousing the very values you and your government undermine: faith, family, freedom and the idea of a nation-state and country."

They also accused Mr Varadkar of "self-congratulatory political grandstanding" and "talking of peace while beating the war drums".

A letter to the Taoiseach from a business owner complained about road closures into Dublin city, and the fact that "some of our customers were told to work from home all this week".

The business owner asked for compensation and asked whether their complaint should be addressed to the Government or Dublin City Council.
The Minister for Further and Higher Education has said Ireland got "a bit too snobby or elitist" over education as he outlined his plans for apprenticeships in the public sector.

In an interview with Hot Press magazine, Simon Harris spoke about the importance of apprenticeships and revealed his thoughts on the student accommodation "emergency".

Advertisement

Last month Mr Harris announced nine new apprenticeship programmes in a bid to double the number of public service apprentices by 2025.

"This is about allowing students  which is what an apprentice is  access to the public sector workforce, Mr Harris told Hot Press.

"I want every Government department, every county council, every State agency taking on apprentices. It used to be this way in Ireland. It used to be the way that you could become a carpenter or a plumber or an electrician or an accounts technician".

Advertisement

He added: "Its like the country got nearly a bit too snobby or elitist when it came to education. It all became about going from school to university, and not actually recognising that theres a great alternative path for lots of people... But also that theres people who want to learn and earn at the same time."

Advertisement

The planned apprenticeship programmes in the public sector include: digital marketing and media; executive officer generalist; planning technician; healthcare assistant; architectural technician; civil technician; junior investigator in the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission; and a paramedic programme in the health service.

Last year, there were 373 apprentices registered with public service employers such as the civil service, the Defence Forces and local authorities, an increase of 103 on the 2021 registrations.

Ireland Public service apprenticeships aim to help bridge... Read More

Asked about the student accommodation crisis, the Fine Gael Minister said there was an urgent need to provide more housing options for students.

Just to be really, really clear, it is an emergency, he told Hot Press. "If you dont have a home, if you cant move out of the box room in your parents house, or your childhood bedroom, that is an emergency. But we have to come at it from all angles."

Advertisement

He said the Government plans to co-fund student housing that will be operated by colleges, and which will include accommodation at below-market rates.

"The approach is that were putting in some of the money, he said, "and the colleges are putting in money too  but in return for our commitment, they have to agree that a certain amount of the accommodation will be ring-fenced in terms of being provided below market rates."
Teacher shortages across the State have led to subjects being removed by schools, with school principals contacting the Department of Education over their growing concerns.

Correspondence with the Department of Education received by breakingnews.ie under the Freedom of Information Act show the teacher shortage has forced schools to contact the Department as advertised vacancies for posts unfilled since summer 2022.

Advertisement

A letter from the Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, to the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, revealed that one school advertised for a teaching position six times without receiving any applicants. It means the school may have to withdraw that teaching position's subject from its curriculum.

In another case, a school principal contacted the Minister for Education in November 2022 as they were unable to hire a qualified technology teacher since 2019, and therefore had to remove the subject as an option for students.

Advertisement

At the time of the letter, the principal had taken on the role of teaching technology to the sixth years, and was paying the caretaker to open the school at the weekend for another teacher from outside to school to help complete the project with students.

Another principal contacted the Department of Education and Leo Varadkar in January 2023, as they were without teachers in maths, English, geography, technology and Spanish.

Advertisement

Geography was being taught in the school by three postgraduate master's degree in education (PME) students teaching students, with two PMEs also teaching Maths. The situation was described as messy by the principal, as these students were both attending college and teaching.

At the time of the letter, the principal said one person was coming in from Spain, who was not qualified to teach and Garda vetting was being rushed through.

Teaching contracts

The recruitment problem of teachers led to the Teachers Union Ireland (TUI) general secretary Michael Gillespie writing to Ms Foley on December 1st 2022, calling for second-level teachers to be given permanent jobs when they start their career.

A survey TUI conducted showed 65 per cent of teachers hired after 2011 did not get a full-hours contract upon initial appointment.

Advertisement

The union called for the length of time to become a qualified teacher to be reduced, with many people unable to afford a two-year PME after their initial four years of college.

Mr Gillespie called for the TUI to be on the Department's teacher's supply steering group.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education told breakingnews.ie that progress has been made in recruiting teachers.

"The numbers employed in our schools have now reached the highest number ever. This has led to a steady improvement in the pupil:teacher ratio and average class size statistics.

Advertisement

"Between 2018 and 2021, there has been a 15 per cent increase in the number of teaching posts allocated to post-primary.

"There has been a 27 per cent increase in post-primary ITE graduates between 2018 and 2021, and a 14 per cent increase in CAO first preferences for post-primary teaching courses between 2022 and 2023. Similarly, there has been a 25 per cent increase in teachers registered with the Teaching Council since 2017."

To combat future teacher shortages, the Department said more than 2,700 third- and fourth-year undergraduate student teachers were registered with the Teaching Council and will be enabling student teachers to cover substitutable vacancies.

Retired teachers will also be encouraged to take short-term positions. Currently, retired teachers may teach for up to 50 days in a calendar year without reducing their pension.
An aftershock rattled Moroccans on Sunday as they mourned victims of the nations strongest earthquake in more than a century and worked to rescue survivors, while soldiers and aid workers raced to reach desperate mountain villages in ruins.

The disaster killed more than 2,000 people  a number that is expected to rise.

Advertisement

The United Nations estimated that 300,000 people were affected by Friday nights magnitude-6.8 quake and some Moroccans complained on social networks that the government was not allowing more help from outside.

The worst destruction was in small, rural communities that are hard for rescuers to reach (Fernando Sanchez/Europa Press via AP)

International aid crews were prepared to deploy, but some grew frustrated waiting for the government to officially request their assistance.

Advertisement

We know there is a great urgency to save people and dig under the remains of buildings, said Arnaud Fraisse, founder of Rescuers Without Borders, who had a team stuck in Paris waiting for the green light.

Advertisement

There are people dying under the rubble, and we cannot do anything to save them.

Help was slow to arrive in Amizmiz, where a whole chunk of the town of orange and red sandstone brick homes carved into a mountainside appeared to be missing. A mosques minaret had collapsed.

Advertisement

Three days of national mourning started on Sunday (Fernando Sanchez/Europa Press via AP)

Its a catastrophe, said villager Salah Ancheu, 28. We dont know what the future is. The aid remains insufficient.

Residents swept the rubble off the main unpaved road into town and people cheered when trucks full of soldiers arrived. But they pleaded for more help.

There arent ambulances, there arent police, at least for right now, Mr Ancheu said.

Advertisement

Those left homeless  or fearing more aftershocks  slept outside on Saturday, in the streets of the ancient city of Marrakech or under makeshift canopies in Atlas Mountain towns like Moulay Brahim, among the hardest-hit.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11.11pm (Fernando Sanchez/Europa Press via AP)

The worst destruction was in small, rural communities that are hard for rescuers to reach because the roads that snake up the mountainous terrain are covered by fallen rocks.

Advertisement

These areas were shaken anew on Sunday by a magnitude 3.9 aftershock, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

It was not immediately clear if it had caused more damage or casualties, but it was likely to have been strong enough to further unsettle people living in areas where damage has left buildings unstable and residents fear aftershocks.

Advertisement

Fridays earthquake toppled buildings not strong enough to withstand such a mighty quake, trapping people in the rubble and sending others fleeing in terror.

The army mobilised specialised search and rescue teams (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

A total of 2,012 people were confirmed dead and at least 2,059 more people were injured  1,404 of them critically, the interior ministry reported on Saturday.

Flags were lowered across Morocco, as the country's King Mohammed VI ordered three days of national mourning starting on Sunday.

The army mobilised specialised search and rescue teams, and the king ordered water, food rations and shelters to be provided to those who had lost their homes.

He also called for mosques to hold prayers on Sunday for the victims, many of whom were buried on Saturday amid the frenzy of rescue work nearby.

In a sign Morocco may be prepared to accept more assistance, a Spanish search and rescue team was dispatched to rural Talat NYaaqoub (Spanish Defence Ministry, via AP)

But Morocco has not made an international appeal for help like Turkey did in the hours following a massive quake earlier this year, according to aid groups.

Aid offers poured in from around the world and the UN said it had a team in Morocco co-ordinating international support.

About 100 teams made up of a total of 3,500 rescuers are registered with a UN platform and ready to deploy in Morocco when asked, Rescuers Without Borders said.

Germany had a team of more than 50 rescuers waiting near Cologne-Bonn Airport but had sent them home, news agency dpa reported.

Advertisement

The epicentre of Fridays quake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

In a sign Morocco may be prepared to accept more assistance, a Spanish search and rescue team arrived in Marrakech and was headed to the rural Talat NYaaqoub, according to Spains Emergency Military Unit.

Foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said in a radio interview that Moroccan authorities had asked for help.

Another rescue team from Nice, France, was also on its way.

The epicentre of Fridays quake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, about 44 miles (70km) south of Marrakech. The region is known for scenic villages and valleys tucked in the High Atlas Mountains.

Those left homeless  or fearing more aftershocks  slept outside on Saturday (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

Devastation gripped each town along the High Atlas steep and winding switchbacks, with homes folding in on themselves and people crying as the dead were carried through the streets.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11.11pm, lasting several seconds, the USGS said. A magnitude 4.9 aftershock hit 19 minutes later, it said.

The collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates occurred at a relatively shallow depth, which makes a quake more dangerous.
The G20 has announced a plan to develop a rail and shipping corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and the European Union in a new initiative to foster ties between nations.

The initiative was announced at the G20 summit in New Delhi with leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and US President Joe Biden participating in unveiling the mammoth plan.

Advertisement

A timeline for completion was not provided in the announcement.



World leaders at the Global Infrastructure and Investment event at the G20 summit in New Delhi (Evelyn Hockstein/AP)

The rail and shipping network would physically tie together a vast stretch of the globe and would improve digital connectivity among countries.

Advertisement

The new corridor would also boost economic growth, bolster trade, allow the improved dissemination of energy products like hydrogen, and will link nations who do not currently have diplomatic ties to each other; specifically Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Advertisement

Mr Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the enhanced infrastructure will help bring countries in the Middle East together.



Advertisement

Mr Sullivan added the new trade corridor will help establish the region as a hub for economic activity instead of as a source of challenge, conflict or crisis.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement calling the rail and shipping project a breakthrough that would transform the region.

Mr Netanyahu said: Its a day of good news for all citizens of Israel, good news that leads us to a new era of regional integration and cooperation.

Advertisement



Saudi Arabias Mohammed bin Salman, left, shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as US President Joe Biden looks on at the G20 (Evelyn Hockstein/AP)

In the next 60 days, working groups will create a fuller plan and set timelines, world leaders revealed in the announcement.

The first phase will involve identifying the areas that need investment and where physical infrastructure can be connected between countries.

Advertisement

Plans will be then implemented throughout the next year to see the project move into the next phase, namely setting up finances and construction.
Nigers new military leaders have accused France of amassing forces for a possible military intervention in the country following the coup in July.

French president Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that he would only take action at the demand of deposed Nigerien leader Mohamed Bazoum.

Advertisement

Nigers junta spokesman, Major Amadou Abdramane, said that France was also considering collaborating in such an intervention with the

Economic Community of West African States, a regional bloc known as ECOWAS.

France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS countries as part of preparations for an aggression against Niger, Maj Abdramane said late on Saturday in a statement broadcast on state television.

French president Emmanuel Macron his country fully supported the position of ECOWAS (Evelyn Hockstein, Pool/AP)

Advertisement

Mr Macron said he would not directly respond to the juntas claim when asked about it after the Group of 20 summit.

Advertisement

If we redeploy anything, it will only be at the demand of Bazoum and in co-ordination with him, not with those people who are holding a president hostage, he said.

But Mr Macron added that France fully supported the position of ECOWAS, which had said it was considering a military intervention as an option to reinstate Mr Bazoum as president.

Since toppling Mr Bazoum, the junta in Niger, a former French colony, has leveraged anti-French sentiment among the population  asking the French ambassador and troops to leave  to shore up its support in resistance to regional and international pressure to reinstate the president.

Advertisement

The country had been a strategic partner of France and the West in the fight against growing jihadi violence in the conflict-ridden Sahel region, the arid expanse below the Sahara Desert.

Advertisement

The junta spokesman said that France had deployed military aircraft and armoured vehicles in countries like Ivory Coast, Senegal and Benin for such an aggression, a claim that The Associated Press could not independently verify.

This is why the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland and the transitional government launch a solemn appeal to the great people of Niger to be vigilant and never to demobilise until the inevitable departure of French troops from our territory, he said.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, French military spokesperson Colonel Pierre Gaudilliere said previously that there was now a little less than its 1,500 troops in Niger who had been working with Nigerien security forces to beat back the jihadi violence.

All French activities had been suspended since the coup, therefore, declarations that have been made (earlier by the French) are about exploring what were going to do with these capabilities, Col Gaudilliere said.
Rescue teams in Turkey have successfully carried an American researcher trapped 3,410ft (1,040m) deep in a cave to the 2,297ft (700m) mark where he will rest at a base camp before they continue the taxing journey to the surface.

Experienced caver Mark Dickey started vomiting on September 2 because of stomach bleeding while on an expedition with a handful of others in the Morca Cave in the Taurus Mountains, one of the deepest in the world, according to experts.

Advertisement

A rescue operation began on Saturday afternoon, with doctors, paramedics and experienced cavers from across Europe rushing to help.

They set up small medical base camps at various levels along the shaft to provide 40-year-old Mr Dickey with an opportunity to rest during the slow and arduous extrication.

A medical team tends to American caver Mark Dickey inside the Morca Cave in southern Turkeys Taurus Mountains (Marton Kovacs/Hungarian Cave Rescue Service/AP)

Advertisement

The Speleological Federation of Turkey wrote on its official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday: Mark was delivered to the campsite at minus 700 metres as of 03.24 local time (GMT+3). At this stage, he will set out again after resting and having the necessary treatments.

Advertisement

Turkish authorities said 190 personnel from eight countries are taking part in the mission, 153 of them search and rescue experts.

The most challenging part of the operation is widening the narrow cave passages to allow stretcher lines to pass through at low depths, Yusuf Ogrenecek, of the Speleological Federation, previously said.

The extraction is expected to take up to 10 days depending on Mr Dickeys condition.
The Vatican has made the unprecedented move of beatifying an entire Polish family for their gesture of hospitality and care in sheltering Jewish people during the Second World War.

The family-of-nine  a married couple and their small children  were murdered by the Nazis in 1944 after they were apparently betrayed.

Advertisement

Speaking during a Mass in the village of Markowa, in southeastern Poland, papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read out the Latin formula of the beatification of the Ulma family signed last month by Pope Francis.



Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read out the Latin formula of the beatification of the Ulma family during the Mass in Markowa (AP)

Cardinal Semeraro noted that for their gesture of hospitality and care, of mercy the Ulmas paid the highest price of martyrdom.

Advertisement

A contemporary painting representing Jozef and a pregnant Wiktoria Ulma with their children was revealed near the altar, and a procession brought relics taken from their grave to the altar.

Advertisement

It is the first time that an entire family has been beatified.



Polish farmer Jozef Ulma, his pregnant wife Wiktoria, and their six children were all killed at their home in 1944 (Mateusz Szpytma, Deputy head of Polands IPN history institute via AP)

Advertisement

Speaking to the public from a window in St Peters Square at the Vatican, Pope Francis said the Ulmas represented a ray of light in the darkness of the war and should be a model for everyone in doing good and in the service of those in need.

The pope then invited the crowd below to applaud the family, and he clapped his hands.

Those gathered in Markowa watched Francis address on giant screens placed by the altar.



Pope Francis invited the crowd in St Peters Square to applaud the family (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Advertisement

Last year, Francis pronounced the deeply Catholic Ulma family, including the child that Wiktoria Ulma was pregnant with, martyrs for the faith.

The Ulmas were killed at home by German Nazi troops and by Nazi-controlled local police in the early hours of March 24 1944, together with the eight Jews they were hiding at their home, after they were apparently betrayed.

Jozef Ulma, 44, was a farmer, Catholic activist and amateur photographer who documented family and village life. He lived with his 31-year-old wife Wiktoria; their daughters Stanislawa, seven; Barbara, six; Maria, 18 months; and sons Wladyslaw, five; Franciszek, three; and Antoni, two.

Advertisement

Advertisement

With them were killed 70-year-old Saul Goldman with his sons Baruch, Mechel, Joachim and Mojzesz, along with Golda Grunfeld and her sister Lea Didner with her young daughter Reszla, according to Polands Institute of National Remembrance, which has documented the Ulmas story.



The pope said Jozef Ulma and his wife Wiktoria represented a ray of light in the darkness of the war (Mateusz Szpytma, Deputy head of Polands IPN history institute via AP)

Polish president Andrzej Duda along with the ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki, as well as Polands chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich, attended the celebration in Markowa, and thousands of pilgrims came from across Poland to take part.

In Poland, the Ulma family is a symbol of the bravery of thousands of Poles who took the utmost risk while helping Jews.

By the occupying Nazis decree, any assistance to Jews was punished with summary execution.

Poland was the first country to be invaded by Nazi Germany, on September 1 1939. Some six million of its citizens were killed during the war, half of them Jews.
As Australian households hunt for budget-friendly treats, food courts at Costcos around the country are heaving with foot traffic.

Our hot dog sales have gone through the roof, and our pizzas as well, says Costco Wholesales managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Patrick Noone.

Costco Wholesale has been in Australia since 2009.

But its not just fast food thats drawing shoppers to the membership-only retailer, which offers everything from electric scooters to giant sushi platters from its warehouse stores.

Noone says Costco is not only winning more members as cost-of-living pressures force shoppers to seek alternatives, but is also benefiting from consumers searching for different types of product compared to what they were buying during COVID and the lockdowns.
Liberal frontbencher James Paterson says theres a good case for security vetting of Parliament House workers, with the risk of a Chinese spy undermining Australias political processes very high.

His comments follow revelations of espionage in the United Kingdom, where a Chinese spy was feeding back information to the government through their position as a researcher for a member of parliament.

Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson. Credit: Rhett Wyman

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confronted the Chinese premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi, where he conveyed his significant concerns about Chinese interference in the UKs parliamentary democracy.

Unfortunately, the risk of this happening in Australia is very high because the vast majority of staff who work in this building here in Parliament House are not security vetted or cleared in any way, Paterson told reporters in Canberra today.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute deputy director of security Mike Bareja said foreign interference and espionage would always be a risk.

Its up to us to understand and minimise that risk, that includes securing the digital and physical locations where we keep valuable information and assessing and determining who can access that information, he said.

Australia has matured its approach to this risk over the last five years, introducing new legislation to address foreign interference and protect our democratic system and processes.

The opposition home affairs spokesman said the checks should be conducted at the very least on the staff of MPs and senators who work on sensitive bodies such as the intelligence and security committee or the new statutory defence committee which will oversee the AUKUS security pact.

We know that ASIO assesses this to be our number one security risk and we cant afford to be complacent about this, or leave MPs to fend for themselves when they are hiring staff, Paterson said.

AAP
The Federal Court would make legal history in the defamation battle between Sydney MP Alex Greenwich and former NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham if it empanelled a jury to hear the case, experts say.

Greenwich, the state MP for Sydney, filed Federal Court defamation proceedings in May against Latham over a tweet posted by the upper house MP on March 30 and related comments to The Daily Telegraph on April 1. Greenwich, who is gay, has described the tweet as defamatory and homophobic.

Alex Greenwich (right) filed Federal Court defamation proceedings against Mark Latham in May. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

The Federal Court has yet to empanel a jury in any defamation case in its 46-year history, but the court has the power to direct that a case be tried by a jury if the ends of justice appear to render it expedient to do so. If Greenwich had filed his case in a state court, either Greenwich or Latham could have elected to have a jury.

Dr Michael Douglas, senior lecturer at the University of Western Australias law school, said: If ever there was a defamation case where the ends of justice might warrant a trial by jury, this might be it: where the litigants are politicians and the social issues engaged by the case are controversial.
CCTV footage of three men sprinting down a street in Sydneys inner city has been released by detectives who believe it could help find those responsible for allegedly attempting to murder a man outside a nightclub on Oxford Street this year.

Emergency services were called to the Noir nightclub in Darlinghurst, about 3am on July 29, following reports of a stabbing.

New CCTV footage has been released as police investigate the alleged attempted murder of a man outside a Sydney nightclub earlier this year. Credit: NSW Police

Police were told a 25-year-old man was approached by a group of men armed with knives, including a machete.

He was stabbed along with a 34-year-old man who went to help him.
When I first met Violet, she was a tiny runt of a thing, so small she could fit in the palm of my hand. Lost, terrified and roaming the streets, she was a dumped Christmas present, the vet said before adding the words that are like kryptonite to any animal lover: without a microchip or anyone to claim her, shed have to be put down.

Within days of taking her home, Violet became the heart and soul of our uni share house. We didnt mind that she used the curtains as her climbing pole or that the second-hand dining table became her preferred sunbaking spot. We found it endearing that she could spend hours chasing a laser pointer and drank water exclusively from a running tap.

The federal government is considering introducing new measures to curb the impact feral and domestic cats are having on native animals. Credit: Fairfax

The regularity with which she got stuck on the roof was deeply annoying for my housemates who had to climb up and rescue her, and her propensity to urinate in the overnight bag of my boyfriend every time he stayed over managed to literally piss him off to the point that he dumped me and I found myself at risk of becoming a cliched single cat lady.

But for the most part, we loved her and quickly fell into a routine of letting her outside in the morning, making sure she was inside before we left for the day, adding a feed calendar to the fridge to avoid double dinners, and giving her a pre-bedtime roam outside.
Indigenous leader Noel Pearson has attacked Opposition Leader Peter Duttons proposed second referendum and expressed optimism that the public will accept Indigenous Australians outstretched hand of friendship by backing the Voice.

Dutton said last Sunday that if the Voice referendum failed, and he won the next election, he would call another referendum to recognise Indigenous Australians but exclude a constitutional Voice.

Noel Pearson and Anthony Albanese last month. Credit: Louie Douvis

The Coalitions Indigenous affairs spokeswoman and leading No campaigner, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, days later failed to declare support for the idea, which Pearson claimed had eviscerated the Coalitions reconciliation plans and proved it was not Dutton who set party policy.

Pearson said Dutton was absolutely not serious about the second referendum plan, labelling it a mirage.
Support for the Indigenous Voice has slumped to 43 per cent after the opening week of the formal campaign for the referendum, with NSW and Victorian voters shifting against the proposal and putting it on track for defeat on October 14.

Voters have swung against the Voice for the fifth month in a row and are backing the No case in every state except Tasmania, despite a forceful campaign by Yes supporters to assure sceptical voters they had nothing to fear from the change.

Resolve polling shows the No vote growing and support for Anthony Albanese and Labor weakening. But Albanese remains preferred prime minister over Peter Dutton. Credit: Aresna Villanueva

An exclusive survey also shows that Labor has lost core support and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has suffered a fall in his net performance rating to minus 7 per cent, driving this measure into negative territory for the first time since the election.

Albanese retains a clear advantage over Opposition Leader Peter Dutton as preferred prime minister, ahead by 43 to 28 per cent, but this has narrowed from 46 to 25 per cent one month ago.
Stockholm: As young children went back to school across Sweden last month, many of their teachers were putting a new emphasis on printed books, quiet reading time and handwriting practice and devoting less time to tablets, independent online research and keyboarding skills.

The return to more traditional ways of learning is a response to politicians and experts questioning whether the countrys hyper-digitalised approach to education, including the introduction of tablets in nursery schools, had led to a decline in basic skills.

A child practices handwriting at the Djurgardsskolan elementary school in Stockholm, Sweden. Credit: AP

Swedish Minister for Schools Lotta Edholm, who took office 11 months ago as part of a new centre-right coalition government, was one of the biggest critics of the all-out embrace of technology.

Swedens students need more textbooks, Edholm said in March. Physical books are important for student learning.
Los Angeles: Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have apologised for character letters the celebrity couple wrote on behalf of fellow That 70s Show actor Danny Masterson before he was sentenced for rape this week.

A judge in Los Angeles on Thursday sentenced Masterson to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in 2003.

In a video posted on Instagram, Kutcher and Kunis said they were sorry for the pain they may have caused with the letters.

Kutcher said the letters that asked for leniency were intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or retraumatise them in any way. We would never want to do that and were sorry if that has taken place.
The G20 leaders' declaration avoided mentioning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and made a general call to all states to follow the principle of respecting each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, in what is largely seen as a climbdown by the Western powers on the conflict.

India managed to hammer out an unexpected consensus among the G20 countries on the contentious issue through a series of hectic negotiations with emerging economies such as Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia playing a leading role in reaching the breakthrough.

Sources said these three countries also helped in drafting the text that drew every member nation's approval.

The declaration issued at the G20's Bali summit last November had deplored in the strongest terms the Russian aggression against Ukraine while most members strongly condemned the war.

"With regard to the comparison with the Bali Declaration, I would only say Bali was Bali and New Delhi is New Delhi. I mean, Bali was a year ago," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at a media briefing.

"The situation was different. Many things have happened since then. And in fact, If you see in the geo-political segment of the leaders' declaration, there are, in total, eight paragraphs, seven of which actually focus on the Ukraine issue," he said.

"I think one should not have a theological view of this. I think the New Delhi Declaration responds to the situation and concerns as it is today, just as the Bali Declaration did in a situation which was there a year ago."

The New Delhi G20 Declaration refers only to the "war in Ukraine" and notes with "deep concern the immense human suffering and the adverse impact of wars and conflicts around the world."

In reference to the Ukraine conflict, it also has a line that "there were different views and assessments of the situation."

Asked about this line, Jaishankar said it was only right to record what was the "reality".

Also Read Delhi Declaration calls for all states to uphold int'l law on Ukraine war Embellished trees, floral works: New Delhi gets ready for G20 Summit G20 New Delhi Declaration highlights: Peace, prosperity, sustainable growth G20 officially adopts New Delhi Leadership Declaration, says PM Modi EAM Jaishankar meets Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov HM Amit Shah hails adoption of consensus declaration at G20 summit Finance Minister interacts with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at G20 dinner Ukraine war affects price, energy, food security: German Chancellor Scholz G20 commits to WTO reforms, aims for dispute settlement system by 2024 FM Sitharaman exchanges pleasantries with UK PM Sunak at G20 dinner

"On the phrase about having different viewpoints and assessments, I think we are being transparent. It is a fact, this (Ukraine conflict) is today a very polarising issue," he said.

"There are multiple views on this. There is a spectrum of views on this. So I think in all fairness, it was only right to record what was the reality in the meeting rooms and I think that is the sense that is sought to be captured," Jaishankar said.

Asked about the absence of the term "Russian aggression" on Ukraine in the declaration which figured in the Bali G20 declaration, European diplomatic sources said the Western countries were satisfied with the overall outcomes.

Both Russia and China had agreed to the two paragraphs on the Ukraine conflict in the Bali declaration, but they backtracked from it this year creating difficulties for India.

The external affairs minister said considerable time was spent, especially in the last few days with regard to the "geo-political issues".

"It is a declaration of 83 paragraphs. It has a lot of content. There are a lot of subjects which have been covered," he said.

"Obviously, because of the ongoing conflict and strong views about it, considerable time was spent, especially in the last few days in regard to geo-political issues which really centred around the war in Ukraine," he said.

Asked who specifically helped in forging the consensus, Jaishankar said, "Eventually, everybody helped because everybody came together for the consensus. I think the emerging markets took a particular lead on this, and many of us have a strong history of working together," he said.

"Bear in mind that actually, you have four developing countries in succession as G20 presidents -- Indonesia, India, Brazil and South Africa," he said.

"But I would say rather than who helped, the point to be recognised is that a common landing point was ultimately fashioned out," he added.

Jaishankar also said, "The G20 has contributed to making India world-ready and the world India-ready."

"The declaration the leaders have agreed on today focuses on promoting strong sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth. It seeks to accelerate progress on SDGs and has come up with an action plan accordingly," he said.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, apparently seeks to counter the controversial Belt and Road Initiative, a massive China-led infrastructure project that aims to stretch around the globe. The latest move may also help India redeem some of the losses made in a similar project, which fell prey to geopolitical tensions, diplomatic experts have indicated.

The IMEC will comprise an eastern corridor connecting India to the Gulf region, and a northern corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe. It will include a railway and ship-rail transit network and road transport routes. Upon completion, it will provide a reliable and cost-effective network to supplement existing routes, enabling goods and services to transit to, from, and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe.

The IMEC may be seen as a pre-emptive move by New Delhi to cut its losses on the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which remains effectively closed, the experts said.

The INSTC was Indias grand plan to cut short the time taken for trade shipments to reach Russia and Europe, and enter the central Asian markets. It included thousands of kilometres of all-weather highways from the Iranian port of Chabahar in the south, through Azerbaijan in the north, and onwards to Russia and Europe.

The route was also part of Indias efforts to establish greater connectivity and trade with the high-potential markets of the adjoining Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. A much-publicised node also connected Afghanistan to provide a trade route for the landlocked country, bypassing Pakistan. However, since its inception, the 7,200-km-long alternative trade route to Russia through the Iranian deserts has faced a series of difficulties.

The Federation of Freight Forwarders Association of India, which had conducted the first dry run through Azerbaijan back in 2014, had initially estimated that six months was required to popularise the new route after it opened. However, a slew of hurdles -- from the lack of loan facilities, inadequate insurance coverage for bill of lading, non-vessel operating common carrier, as well as irregular shipping services to Iran -- had slowed the process.

After Afghanistan was overrun by the Taliban in 2021, it pulled out of the initiative. Finally, Russias invasion of Ukraine and a series of sanctions against it by the Western allies almost killed the route. While Indias trade with Russia via the route has grown, its ultimate utility as a road to the European markets remains unfulfilled.

Also Read Embellished trees, floral works: New Delhi gets ready for G20 Summit Tharoor lauds India's sherpa after '200 hrs of non-stop negotiations' claim A look at the millet-rich culinary extravaganza that awaits G20 guests Heading to India with a clear focus, says Rishi Sunak ahead of G20 Summit G20 Summit: Cong chief Mallikarjun Kharge not invited to President's dinner G20: India's declaration hails green growth but fails to move the needle G20 Summit: PM Modi holds bilateral meets with Macron, Scholz, Trudeau Director General of ILO congratulates India for G20 New Delhi declaration Home Minister Amit Shah hails 'historic success' of India's G20 presidency 'New realities': PM Modi renews call for UN reforms at G20 summit

Whatever be the diplomatic reasons, industry executives and analysts expect the IMEC to have a major impact on investment sentiments and business opportunities for the infrastructure sector.

Vimal Kejriwal, managing director and chief executive officer of KEC International, expects the IMEC to give rise to new business opportunities. This ambitious project will link railway and port facilities across the entire region and further enhance trade and connectivity while providing new business opportunities for the infrastructure industry, he said.

Jagannarayan Padmanabhan, senior director and global head (consulting - transport, logistics & mobility, CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics, expects Maharashtras planned port at Vadhvan by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority to be a major beneficiary of the IMEC. The proposed economic corridor will help in building critical port infrastructure in India and will also help the Middle East in both sea and surface transport including rail infrastructure. It is only logical to assume that the west coast of the country will stand to gain from this development. We could see a significant benefit for the upcoming Vadhvan Port, he said.

Padmanabhan also expects India to emerge as a major supplier, both in terms of technology and human capital, to the Middle East for construction of the corridor.

Rajiv Agarwal, managing director and chief executive officer for Essar Ports, said the corridor might position India as a central global hub for maritime commerce.
After a number of important announcements on Day 1 of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, world leaders will continue to hold discussions on the second day, on Sunday.

The day will also see several bilateral meetings in the national capital.

G20 Summit 2023: Here's the full schedule for Day 2

8:15 am - 9 am: The leaders and heads of the delegations will arrive at Rajghat in individual motorcades.

9:00 am - 9:20 am: The leaders will then lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's Samadhi. Also, a live performance of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite devotional songs.

9:20 am: Leaders and Heads of Delegations will then move to Bharat Mandapam's Leaders' Lounge.

9:40 am - 10:15 am: Arrival of leaders and heads of delegation at Bharat Mandapam

10:15am - 10:30am: Tree planting ceremony at Bharat Mandapam's South Plaza

10:30 am - 12:30 pm: The third session of the summit, called "One Future", will take place at the venue, followed by the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

Post - 12:30 pm: Bilateral meetings

G20 Summit 2023 day 2: Which bilateral meetings are scheduled for today?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meetings with Canada, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Brazil, Nigeria and Comoros, among other countries.

He is also set to have a lunch meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

G20 Summit: Key takeaways from Day 1

African Union joins G20

The 55-nation African Union joined the G20 after PM Modi's proposal.

G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration adopted

PM Modi also announced the unanimous adoption of the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

Global Biofuel Alliance announced

India announced the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance in a bid to increase the consumption of biofuels.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

India also unveiled the plans for an ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. It extends from India to Europe, connected by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel.

Bilateral talks with Rishi Sunak

Also Read G20 Summit 2023: PM Modi to hold 15 bilateral meetings over three days India, Bangladesh discuss bilateral cooperation, sign 3 MoUs ahead of G20 Day 1 G20 Summit 2023: Schedule, meetings, key events, and other highlights 'I'm looking forward': PM Modi on three bilateral meetings scheduled today G20 Summit 2023: Here is what the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration states G20 Summit: World leaders arrive at Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi PM Narendra Modi likely to visit Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh in Oct G20 Summit LIVE: World leaders arrive at Rajghat to pay homage to Gandhi UK PM Rishi Sunak reaches Akshardham temple in Delhi to offer prayers Aditya L1 successfully undergoes third earth-bound manoeuvre, says ISRO

PM Modi met his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment. India and the UK will keep working for a prosperous and sustainable planet, Modi said after the meet.

Bilateral talks with Fumio Kishida

PM Modi also held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. "We took stock of India-Japan bilateral ties and the ground covered during India's G20 Presidency and Japan's G7 Presidency. We are eager to enhance cooperation in connectivity, commerce and other sectors," Modi said.

Bilateral talks with Giorgia Meloni

PM Modi also held bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni. "Our talks covered sectors such as trade, commerce, defence, emerging technologies and more. India and Italy will keep working together for global prosperity," Modi said.

President Murmu's dinner for G20 leaders, delegates

President Droupadi Murmu hosted a ceremonial dinner for the G20 leaders, international delegates and other dignitaries at the Bharat Mandapam. President Murmu and PM Modi welcomed the dignitaries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance their bilateral partnership.

They further discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, clean energy and green hydrogen, and others.

According to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, "The two leaders discussed ways to deepen their bilateral partnership, including cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, clean energy and green hydrogen, semiconductors, cyber and digital technology, among others."

Moreover, PM Rutte also congratulated PM Modi on the success of the G20 Summit and India's G20 Presidency.

"Netherlands PM Rutte congratulated the Prime Minister for the success of India's G20 Presidency and the Summit," the statement said. He also congratulated India on the success of the Chandrayaan mission and conveyed his best wishes for the Aditya mission to the Moon," the statement said.

He further said that the regional and global issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

"Discussions also covered regional and global issues of mutual interest," the statement added.

PM Modi on Sunday also said that the scope of cooperation for businesses with the Netherlands is immense.

Taking to his official social media platform 'X', PM Modi tweeted, "Excellent meeting with @MinPres Mark Rutte. We talked about ways to enhance friendship between our nations. The scope of cooperation for our businesses is immense. We also look forward to strong ties in clean energy, semiconductors, digital technology and more."

PM Modi on Saturday said that the G20 member states adopted a 100 per cent consensus-based New Delhi Leaders' Summit Declaration. On this massive breakthrough, the world leaders expressed their happiness. On New Delhi's G-20 Declaration Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte said, "I think it is very good that we came to a final conclusion."

Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte arrived in India on Friday to attend the G20 summit, which will be held on September 9-10.

He was received by Union Minister of State, Gen VK Singh (Retd.) at the airport.

A group of dancers also presented a classical dance to welcome the Dutch PM.

Also Read PM Modi holds 'fruitful' meetings with French counterpart, Senate President EAM S Jaishankar holds talks with Portuguese counterpart Joao Cravinho PM Modi meets Egyptian counterpart, top ministers; discusses trade ties CWC Qualifier preview: Netherlands face Oman in a must-win super-six game Rajnath to hold bilateral meet with Chinese counterpart on SCO sidelines G20 Summit: India calls for quicker Defence Industrial Road Map with France SC to hear Editor Guild's plea against coercive action in Manipur FIRs Canada PM Justin Trudeau's aircraft faces technical issue at Delhi airport Finmin, World Bank to work closely to create market structure from CSR Make global family a reality: PM Narendra Modi's G20 Summit signoff

Meanwhile, Indo-Dutch relations have been excellent, marked by strong economic and commercial ties, based on a foundation of shared democratic ideals, pluralism, multiculturalism and rule of law, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The relations have been multi-faceted and encompass close cooperation in various areas including politics, economy, academics and culture.

In light of the convergence of economic and political interests, both countries see value in enhanced dialogue and have constantly striven to strengthen bilateral relations by leveraging each other's strengths and are currently collaborating in strengthening and expanding the framework of cooperation in various areas like trade and investment, science and technology, information communication technology, education and culture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Uttarakhand in the next month, the sources said on Sunday.

As per the sources, the PM is likely to visit Pithoragarh, the border district of Uttarakhand, in the second week of October.

"During his visit, the Prime Minister will visit the famous Narayan Ashram and will also have darshan and worship of Adi Kailash. PM will stay at Narayan Ashram on October 11," the source said.

On October 12, the Prime Minister will visit Adi Kailash located on the China border and will also visit Jeolikang in the Vyas Valley, it added.

The PM had visited the state last year in October where he offered prayers at Kedarnath Dham.
Most Heads of State, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are scheduled to leave Delhi on Sunday (September 10), following their participation in the two-day G20 Leaders' Summit hosted in the national capital.

According to sources, the Centre has assigned responsibilities to Union Ministers of States to see off the foreign delegates after the summit. A directive in this regard was issued by the foreign secretary.

The Heads of State of countries including UAE, US, Bangladesh, Egypt, China, Australia, UK, Argentina, Indonesia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Canada and Singapore will depart from Delhi on Sunday, they said.

US President Joe Biden's departure from India is scheduled at around 10.20 am, and MoS Rajeev Chandrashekhar will see him off.

Biden will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam on September 10. While in Hanoi, he will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam, according to a statement from the US Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam.

UK PM Rishi Sunak will depart from Delhi in the afternoon, where MOS Kailash Chaudhari will see him off.

Similarly, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will depart from Delhi at around 10.20 am, and MoS Anupriya Patel will see her off.

Seven G20 leaders of countries including Brazil, the African Union (represented by Comoros), Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, the European Union and Mauritius will depart from Delhi on Monday.

US President Biden on Saturday emphasized the importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor and said that the United States will work with its partners to invest in building sustainable, resilient infrastructure, and making quality infrastructure investments.

He was addressing the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor programme at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi.

"This is a real big deal. I want to thank PM. One Earth, One Family, One Future that's the focus of this G20 Summit. And in many ways, it's also the focus of this partnership that we're talking about today," Biden said.

Also Read Heading to India with a clear focus, says Rishi Sunak ahead of G20 Summit G20 Summit 2023: UK PM Rishi Sunak shares his vision for UK-India relations Embellished trees, floral works: New Delhi gets ready for G20 Summit Biden falls onstage at graduation ceremony; White House says he's 'fine' G20 Summit: Cong chief Mallikarjun Kharge not invited to President's dinner G20 aims to triple green energy capacity; no mention of fossil phase-out Bali was Bali and New Delhi is New Delhi: EAM on Ukraine in G20 declaration Ukraine says G20 statement on Russian war 'nothing to be proud of' Voice of Africa to grow stronger with AU inclusion in G20: SA top official Finance Minister interacts with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at G20 dinner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the summit on Saturday and discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment.

Rishi Sunak held talks with Modi after the first session of the G20 Summit.

In a significant milestone under India's G20 presidency, the 55-member African Union became a new permanent member of the grouping of the largest economies of the world. It is the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999.
Welcoming the announcement of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described it as the "largest cooperation project in our history" that will "change the face of the Middle East, Israel, and will affect the entire world".

The new economic corridor, which many see as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, was jointly announced on Saturday by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

In a video message released late Saturday evening, Netanyahu said that Israel is at the focus of an unprecedented international project that will link infrastructure from Asia to Europe.

"I welcome the statement that was released today by the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the European Union, as well as France, Italy and Germany," Netanyahu said.

"A good week to you, citizens of Israel. This evening, I am pleased to inform you (of) some major news," the Israeli Prime Minister said.

His message came as hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested on the streets against the government's judicial overhaul plan they think will undermine the authority of the judiciary.

"Israel is at the focus of an unprecedented international project that will link infrastructure from Asia to Europe. This link will also realise a multi-year vision that will change the face of the Middle East, and Israel, and will affect the entire world," he said.

"This vision starts in India, passes through the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel before reaching Europe," Netanyahu said.

The announcement of the ambitious project comes amid discussions around the normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The two countries do not have diplomatic relations but the Gulf kingdom has been seen to be recently softening its position towards Israel by allowing Israeli airlines to use its air space.

It is said to have also demanded, as per media reports, several concessions from the United States for the normalisation of ties to happen with the Jewish state, some very contentious ones.

Also Read Israel's Netanyahu appoints a Joe Biden critic as new media advisor: Report Why has Donald Trump been indicted and can he run for 2024 elections? Netanyahu discharged from hospital after overnight stay after a dizzy spell The Trump saga: Indictment, RICO law & future of presidential campaign No, Israel has NOT found two cases of a new variant of coronavirus Pakistan unveils new visa policy to attract foreign investors amid crisis Qutub Minar, meal in Mehrauli: G20 leaders take in the Delhi experience Elon Musk has a secret third child with Grimes, reveals upcoming biography No report of any Indian national getting affected in Morocco earthquake No way Putin will be arrested if he attends Rio G20 meet: Brazil Prez

"They announced the launch of a pioneering initiative to develop an economic corridor from India, through the Middle East, to Europe. I am pleased to inform you, citizens of Israel, that our country, the State of Israel, will be a central junction in this economic corridor," Netanyahu said.

"Our railways and ports will open a new gateway from India, through the Middle East, to Europe, and back from Europe to India via Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE," the Israeli Prime Minister, battling a downturn in the economy in the face of his controversial Judicial overhaul plans, said.

"I would like to thank US President (Joe) Biden and his administration for the major effort that has led us to today's historic announcement. Several months ago, the US contacted us regarding the realisation of this historic opportunity. Since then, it has held urgent diplomatic contacts in order to bring about today's breakthrough," he stressed.

The project reshapes the face of our region and allows a dream to become reality, he said.

The initiative includes the construction of railways, the laying of a hydrogen pipeline, the energy of the future, the laying of fibre optic communications cables, the laying of electricity cables and more infrastructure, the Israeli Prime Minister noted.

"The State of Israel will contribute its capabilities, all of its experience, momentum and commitment, to realise the largest cooperation project in our history. All government ministries will be instructed to join in realizing this dream," he emphasised.

"I have directed the National Security Council, in the Prime Minister's Office, to coordinate the staff work and also the close cooperation with the US and other countries in order for this vision to become reality as soon as possible," Netanyahu said.

The project will lead us to a new, unique and unprecedented era of global and regional cooperation and involvement.

"Together we will succeed," Netanyahu asserted.

With protesters turning up in hundreds of thousands every weekend for the last 36 weeks, Israel faces threats of mass emigration, resignations in critical positions, army desertions, strikes and flight of capital backed by gloomy predictions from prestigious global credit rating agencies.

Netanyahu has been struggling to show that everything is under control and the economy is stable amid widespread angry protests. He also hinted at the major link project during his trip to Greece and Cyprus early this week to boost the morale of his citizens and supporters.
By Alan Crawford and Sylvia Westall

Xi Jinpings decision to stay away from this weekends Group of 20 summit may have been intended to deny India its moment. Instead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi  along with the US and Europe  figured out how to more effectively counter China on the world stage.

Fellow G-20 nations hailed Indias success in reaching agreement on a joint communique that remained in doubt just days before world leaders gathered for their most significant annual diplomatic event. Apart from finding consensus on Russias war in Ukraine, the most difficult issue, they also elevated the African Union as a full G-20 member and took action on issues like climate change and debt sustainability that are priorities of emerging markets.

The final outcome irked Ukraine, which saw the compromise on war language as weaker than what leaders produced just 10 months ago in Bali, Indonesia. But for the US and its allies, criticism of a communique that on substance was similar to Bali and has little impact on the ground is a small price to pay for giving Modi a win that bolsters Indias status as a rising power capable of blunting Chinas global influence.

President Joe Biden led the charge, seeing in India his administrations best hope of isolating China and Russia  and providing a booster shot to the USled world order. The result showed that Washington is finally learning the language of the so-called Global South, with India as its principle guide.

Some commentators are pointing to watered-down language on Russia-Ukraine as a sign of Western climbdown, said Milan Vaishnav, director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. But theres another way of looking at it: The West is also invested in making sure India got a win. A lack of consensus would have been a huge disappointment for India.

If there was a moment that illustrated the summit dynamics, it was Bidens meeting on Saturday to discuss White House-led efforts to deliver more financing to developing nations.

Along with World Bank President Ajay Banga, the first Indian American to hold the role, Biden was pictured with Modi, Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa  key members of the BRICS grouping, minus China and Russia. That bloc expanded earlier this month, posing a challenge for the Group of Seven advanced economies.

Also Read G20 Summit 2023: Here is what the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration states Biden and Modi's G20 meeting agenda: GE Jets, climate & cooperation G20 Summit: Global Biofuel Alliance & other initiatives launched by India G20 Summit 2023: UK PM Rishi Sunak shares his vision for UK-India relations G20 Summit: President Biden attends private holy communion service in Delhi UK PM Rishi Sunak conveys Britain's spying concerns to China at G20 Summit Text on Ukraine in G20 declaration reflected convergent consensus Sweden brings more books, handwriting practice back to tech-heavy schools G20 '23 proved can still drive solutions to its most pressing issues: Biden 'India-Europe-Middle East corridor largest cooperation project in history'

Earlier in the day, US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer swiped at China by referring to those nations as the three democratic members of the BRICS, saying they and the US were all committed to the G-20s success. And if China is not, thats unfortunate for everyone, Finer said. But much more unfortunate, we believe, for China.

And the US didnt stop there. It separately announced a deal with India, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Israel and other Middle Eastern countries to develop an ambitious rail and maritime network across the region. Biden hailed it as a game-changing regional investment, cementing the deal with a three-way handshake that included Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who the US president had cast as a pariah ahead of the last election.

That kind of pronouncement is certainly more likely to appeal to Middle East interests than badgering over human rights, even if the projects time line and funding remains vague. The US denied it was meant to counter Chinas growing influence in the Gulf, but a French official acknowledged it was designed to provide competition for Xis Belt and Road Initiative, saying that wasnt a bad thing.

Xis move to skip the G-20 summit for the first time since he became president in 2013 marked a shift in behavior from last November, when he cast himself as a statesman with a responsibility to get along with other countries. Chinas negotiators also risked appearing petty in looking to thwart Indias progress, taking a stand on minor issues like Modis use of a Sanskrit phrase and the USs bid to host the G-20 gathering in 2026. The Global Times, a newspaper affiliated with the Communist Party, called the US just a copycat for its Mideast infrastructure plan.

Going into the summit, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accused China of acting as a brake on progress toward a joint statement. At one point in the deliberations behind closed doors, Beijing raised the issue of access to semiconductors in a discussion of climate action, people familiar with the talks said. That prompted National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan  a leading advocate of US export controls on chips and chip technology to China  to decry the idea of holding climate hostage to unrelated issues.

Premier Li Qiang, representing China in Xis absence, told leaders that the G-20 needs unity instead of division, cooperation instead of confrontation, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. That followed a commentary posted hours earlier by a Chinese think tank affiliated with the countrys top spy agency, which criticized India for having sabotaged the atmosphere for cooperation at the G-20 by pushing its own agenda.

But China relented on its opposition to the communique, and India drew praise from all camps for negotiating a compromise. People familiar with the discussions said the breakthrough occurred after India, Indonesia, Brazil and South Africa jointly put forward a proposal on language describing the war.

This consensus itself shows the cemented role of India as a trustworthy fulcrum of a world bitterly divided on geopolitical issues like the Ukraine war, said Swasti Rao, an associate fellow at the Europe and Eurasia Center at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses. There is little doubt that middle order powers wish to keep the global economic order multipolar and not fall into the Chinese game of dominating it.

While the final language on Ukraine made some US allies uneasy, supporting the compromise presented a bigger opportunity to align more closely with major democracies in the Global South that ultimately serve as key swing nations when it comes to Russias war and other global issues. G-7 leaders publicly praised the outcome, with Sunak insisting that the language adopted was very strong and that Russia is completely isolated.

Just and durable



For the US, any move that bolsters India and amplifies other democracies in the Global South helps to counter China and Russias influence, particularly when it comes to bringing about the G-20s call for a comprehensive, just and durable peace in Ukraine. Back in May at the G-7 summit in Japan, the US and its allies struggled to convince Modi, Lula and Indonesias Joko Widodo to side with them on Ukraine, even after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a surprise appearance. Zelenskiy wasnt invited to address Indias G-20.

A senior European Union official said the agreement effectively saved the G-20 as the last global forum bringing together the worlds major powers. Moreover, the official said, it helped bridge the gap between the G-7 and emerging markets, who would now be partners in holding Russia to account if it doesnt follow through on seeking a just peace in line with UN principles.

Other senior European officials said China shot itself in the foot by staying away from the summit, allowing India to cement its leadership of the Global South and providing the US and Europe a clear path to strengthen ties with emerging markets.

Even Russia, represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after Vladimir Putin stayed home, saw the agreement as a win. Moscow was pleased that BRICS democracies served as interlocutors with the G-7, according to a person familiar with the situation, underscoring Chinas status as an outsider looking in.

The US, of course, could yet stumble in its bid to appeal more to the Global South. Ahead of the G-20, Biden skipped a summit in Indonesia hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a move that appeared like a snub to Widodo. The US president sought to do damage control in Delhi, meeting the Indonesian leader briefly and pledging to meet him at the White House in November, when world leaders head to the US for the APEC summit.

More significantly, however, was Indias ability to grasp the moment to assert a global leadership role. Modi declared that history has been created while his chief negotiator, Amitabh Kant, called India the spokesperson of all the Global South.

More than anything else, it has amplified the voice of Global South, Kant said of the summit outcome. It has also demonstrated that India has a huge capacity of bringing the world together and leading the world in developmental and geopolitical issues.

--With assistance from Akayla Gardner, Justin Sink, Ruchi Bhatia, Alberto Nardelli, Jorge Valero, Michael Nienaber, Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Jing Li, Simone Iglesias, Samy Adghirni, Selcan Hacaoglu, Alex Wickham and Philip J. Heijmans.
Leaving the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) also known as Silk Road does not compromise relations with China, but the decision still has to be taken, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said on Sunday, the Italian media, Corriere della Sera daily reported.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, the Italian PM met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and shared her plan to pull out of the BRI, as per the Italian media report.

In the press conference on the last day of the G20 Summit, Meloni turned to talk about the conversation she had with the head of the Chinese government.

"A cordial and constructive dialogue on how we can deepen our bilateral partnership... I intend to keep my commitment to visit China... It makes more sense to go to China when we have more information on our bilateral cooperation and how to develop it," Meloni said at the conference.

"Leaving the Silk Road does not compromise relations, but the decision still has to be taken," the prime minister assured.

"The Italian government was invited to the Belt and Road Forum, but yesterday we didn't talk about it," with the Chinese prime minister., Meloni said at the conference.

Earlier, Corriere della Sera daily reported that the prime minister has communicated to her counterpart her intention to exit the strategic project for Beijing. However, Li Qiang made one last attempt to provoke a rethink on the part of the Italian authorities.

It is pertinent to mention that Italy was the only G7 nation to sign up for the BRI, a global trade and infrastructure plan modelled on the old Silk Road that linked imperial China and the West.

At the conference, PM Meloni also talked about Africa and said that the country was central to the work of the G20 "We also consider this to be our success. "Africa will also be one of the central issues that we will bring to the G7 (under the Italian presidency) next year," she added according to Italian media.

The Italian PM, who arrived in India on Friday, held a bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Also Read After quiet quitting & quiet firing, are companies now quiet cutting? Paying road tax online in India: Everything you need to know about this tax China dispatches senior diplomat to Italy to persuade nation to stay in BRI Toxic work culture, pressure main reason of quitting for most Gen Z: Report Nitin Gadkari dismisses reports of 'quitting politics', calls out media 'New realities': PM Modi renews call for UN reforms at G20 summit Truly meaningful achievement, we agreed on New Delhi declaration: Japan PM British PM Sunak emplanes for UK after productive G20 Summit in India Geopolitical issues should not hijack G20 discussions: Brazil President As curtains come down on G20, PM Modi makes strong pitch for UNSC expansion

Notably, this is the second visit of Prime Minister Meloni to India following her State visit in March 2023, during which bilateral relations were raised to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the completion of 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. They also took stock of the progress in diverse areas of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership and agreed to bolster cooperation in areas like defence and new and emerging technologies. They noted the need for G7 and G20 to work in consonance for the greater global good.
The text relating to Ukraine conflict in the G20 leaders' declaration is a "convergent consensus" rather than a "divisive consensus" and it could show a path to resolution of the crisis, official sources said on Sunday, a day after India pulled off a breakthrough on the contentious issue.

It was a combination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "guarantee and magic", the sources said while referring to total unanimity among member nations on the entire New Delhi G20 leaders' declaration.

India managed to hammer out an unexpected consensus among the G20 countries on the contentious Ukraine conflict through a series of hectic negotiations with emerging economies such as Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia playing a leading role in reaching the agreement on the declaration.

It is important to look at the nature of the consensus with the document as the declaration actually reflects "47 sub-consensus" in a range of issues, the sources said.

Explaining it further, they said the declaration has around 10 broad themes and 37 sub-heads and all the countries agreed on all of them.

Overall, the outcome at the G20 Summit demonstrated India and its leadership as a "junction box of democratic values", the sources said.

The paragraphs on the Ukraine conflict in the New Delhi declaration must not be looked at from the perspective of last year's Bali declaration, they said.

"It is a convergent consensus rather than a divisive consensus," said one of the sources, noting that the approach that featured in the declaration reflected a "stable" framework to deal with the crisis while divisive consensus is always "fragile".

"The story of the consensus is a remarkable one and the overall approach in the document reflected a larger context.The paragraphs relating to the Ukraine conflict are much more than transactional. That is why the external affairs minister said Bali is Bali and New Delhi is New Delhi," the source said.

The declaration issued at the G20's Bali summit last November had deplored in the strongest terms the Russian aggression against Ukraine while most members strongly condemned the war. The New Delhi declaration does not feature these formulations.

Also Read Embellished trees, floral works: New Delhi gets ready for G20 Summit A look at the millet-rich culinary extravaganza that awaits G20 guests Tharoor lauds India's sherpa after '200 hrs of non-stop negotiations' claim Heading to India with a clear focus, says Rishi Sunak ahead of G20 Summit G20 Summit: Cong chief Mallikarjun Kharge not invited to President's dinner Sweden brings more books, handwriting practice back to tech-heavy schools G20 '23 proved can still drive solutions to its most pressing issues: Biden 'India-Europe-Middle East corridor largest cooperation project in history' Pakistan unveils new visa policy to attract foreign investors amid crisis Qutub Minar, meal in Mehrauli: G20 leaders take in the Delhi experience

"With regard to the comparison with the Bali Declaration, I would only say Bali was Bali and New Delhi is New Delhi. I mean, Bali was a year ago," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at a media briefing on Saturday.

"The situation was different. Many things have happened since then. And in fact If you see in the geo-political segment of the leader's declaration, there are, in total, eight paragraphs, seven of which actually focus on the Ukraine issue," he said.

"I think one should not have a theological view of this. I think the New Delhi Declaration responds to the situation and concerns as it is today, just as the Bali Declaration did in a situation which was there a year ago."



The New Delhi G20 Declaration refers only to the "war in Ukraine" and noted with "deep concern the immense human suffering and the adverse impact of wars and conflicts around the world."



Asked whether China created problems for the negotiators, the sources indicated that it was not so and said India followed an inclusive approach that focused on taking along everyone.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday conveyed the UK's significant concerns about alleged Chinese interference in the UK's parliamentary democracy to the country's Premier at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, after a UK media report revealed spying charges against two men.

Sunak met Li Qiang as The Sunday Times' reported that two men were arrested under the UK's Official Secrets Act amid claims a parliamentary researcher in Britain spied for China. One of the men, in his 20s, was a researcher with links to several governing Conservative Party MPs and another man in his 30s were both said to have been arrested in March and now out on bail.

"The Prime Minister met Premier Li Qiang and conveyed his significant concerns about Chinese interference in the UK's parliamentary democracy," a 10 Downing Street spokesperson said.

Both men were held at a south London police station until being released on bail until early October. The Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, which oversees espionage-related offences, is investigating the case.

"A man in his 30s was arrested at an address in Oxfordshire and a man in his 20s was arrested at an address in Edinburgh. Searches were also carried out at both the residential properties, as well as at a third address in east London," the Met Police said.

The parliamentary researcher has been linked, among others, with UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat but is said not to have had any contact with the senior politician since before he became a Cabinet minister in September last year.

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China pressure group said it was "appalled at reports of the infiltration of the UK Parliament by someone allegedly acting on behalf of the People's Republic of China".

The allegations come amid strained UK-China relations and weeks after Foreign Secretary James Cleverly became one of the senior-most UK government figures to visit Beijing, saying it was important to manage the country's relationship with China across a range of issues.

Also Read Heading to India with a clear focus, says Rishi Sunak ahead of G20 Summit G20 Summit 2023: UK PM Rishi Sunak shares his vision for UK-India relations Embellished trees, floral works: New Delhi gets ready for G20 Summit A look at the millet-rich culinary extravaganza that awaits G20 guests Tharoor lauds India's sherpa after '200 hrs of non-stop negotiations' claim Text on Ukraine in G20 declaration reflected convergent consensus Sweden brings more books, handwriting practice back to tech-heavy schools G20 '23 proved can still drive solutions to its most pressing issues: Biden 'India-Europe-Middle East corridor largest cooperation project in history' Pakistan unveils new visa policy to attract foreign investors amid crisis
The atmosphere of the Earth, a complex network of gases, nourishes life and maintains a complicated equilibrium that affects human existence. Among its constituents, the ozone layer acts as a screen against the sun's harmful UV rays, protecting life on Earth. On September 16th, World Ozone Day recognises international efforts to heal the ozone layer and emphasises the shared responsibility for conserving this critical atmospheric layer. The essays look at the significance of World Ozone Day, the history of ozone layer protection, its problems and accomplishments, and the lessons it may teach us about confronting larger environmental crises.

Essay on Ozone Day

The United Nations General Assembly declared September 16 to be International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Ozone is a trioxygen inorganic molecule with a sharp odour and a pale blue colour. Its chemical formula is O, which stands for trioxygen. It is not just a chemical with a strong odour; it is the protective layer that surrounds the Earth, protecting it from many harmful substances and attacks from bursting stars in space. Scientists demonstrated that fission processes occur continuously in the sun and other stars. If the chemicals, gases, and other reaction products reach the Earth directly, they will endanger the planet's safety and survival. The ozone layer primarily protects the earth.

The ozone layer is important to the planet's temperature and the survival of life. It functions as a shield, absorbing the bulk of the Sun's dangerous UV energy. Without this safeguard, our environment would be jeopardized, resulting in negative consequences for human health and biodiversity.

What exactly is Ozone Layer Depletion?

Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the upper atmosphere's ozone layer. This occurs when chlorine and bromine atoms in the atmosphere come into touch with ozone and destroy it. One chlorine atom can destroy 100,000 ozone molecules. It is destroyed faster than it is formed. When some chemicals are exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation, they emit chlorine and bromine, which leads to ozone layer depletion. Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) are substances that deplete the ozone layer. Chlorofluorocarbon, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and methyl chloroform are all ozone-depleting compounds containing chlorine. Halons, methyl bromide, and hydro bromofluorocarbons are ozone-depleting bromine-containing compounds.

Significance of Ozone Day

Ozone Layer Day is regarded as an important annual event. On this day, many well-known global organisations join together to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer. The depletion of the ozone layer poses a serious threat to the Earth's existing life forms. As a result, celebrations like Ozone Day emphasise the importance of worldwide cooperation in eliminating the pollutants and human activities that endanger the ozone layer.

Today we have time to recover, but if we do not fight to save the Ozone layer today, future generations may face significant damage. So, on the occasion of Ozone Day, the government organises programmes so that and more people can be explained the importance of the Ozone layer because pollution is propagated by humans. All people around the world must take the pledge and implement all necessary actions to combat hazardous and deadly gases.
The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association declared a "Bengaluru Bandh" on September 11, during which all private passenger cars, totaling over 32,000 private transporters, will be off the road. Because of this the parent's inboxes have started getting messages from the school administrations about tomorrow's holiday.

According to the most recent information, many schools including Delhi Public School and Vibgyor International have declared a holiday for Monday. The reason for this is that many students use private vans, and the private transportation group is on strike. The schools declared a holiday on Monday and said that they can't compromise with the security of the children.

The protest is in response to the Karnataka government's 'Shakti Scheme,' which was announced in June 2023. In Bengaluru, 32 transport unions, including those representing autorickshaws, buses, taxis, and cabs, have formed a unified federation and called for a strike. Nonetheless, this strike call is not the first of its type. They made a similar request in July in opposition to the Shakti scheme, which provides free fares for women in non-premium bus services provided by road transport corporations (RTCs).

The government's willingness to consider the 30 requests has been indicated by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, but the walkout is still set to take place. Private corporations sent safety cautions to employees who use public transport.

Many schools have chosen to offer online classes. AECS Magnolia has sent a telegraph message to parents informing them that online programmes are available through the fifth grade. Since higher-level exams are now underway, the mode has yet to be determined by the institution.

Exams have been rescheduled, however online classes will be available for the higher subjects as well.The material is based on what was shared on the Telegram group. Parents must obtain confirmation from the school regarding it. Similar decisions are being made at other schools too.

DPS not working

Delhi Public School has sent a message to the parents, that in the wake of the Bangalore Bandh called in by private transport vendors we are concerned about the safety and well-being of our school students.

School administration said that certain private van vendors have now refused to bring students to school. The message says, "The security of children is our top priority and we would not want them to be subject to any potential threats or disruptions caused by the protests. Hence as a measure to ensure the safety of our students, it is here by declared that the school will NOT be working tomorrow. It remains a study holiday as scheduled for grade 6 to 8."

Vibgyor School declared Holiday

Dear Parents, As the Federation of the Karnataka State Private Transport Association has called for a 'Bengaluru bandh' on September 11, Monday, the school will remain closed tomorrow.

This is done keeping in mind the safety and security of our students and staff. In order to compensate tomorrow's holiday, we will work on one of the Saturdays. The same will be communicated well in advance.
BPCL Recruitment 2023: Apply for Junior Executive, Associate Executive Posts, Salary Up to Rs. 140000 Per Month

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) published an advertisement for Junior Executive and Associate Executive positions. Candidates are urged to carefully examine the information and requirements. Candidates must confirm their eligibility, including their age limit, experience requirements, and educational background.

Before September 30, 2023, eligible candidates may submit their applications directly. Candidates should visit the bharatpetroleum.in Recruitment 2023 page to review the most recent Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Recruitment 2023 Junior Executive, Associate Executive Vacancy details and submit an online application.



Details About Junior Executive, Associate Executive:

Job Location: Ballard Estate, Mumbai, 400001 Maharashtra

Last Date: 30th September 2023

Employment Type: Full-time

Number of Vacancies: Not Specified

Educational Qualification:

Junior Executive (Engineering): Diploma in Engineering (3-year course).

Associate Executive (Engineering): B. Tech / B.E./ B. Sc (Engg) (4-year Course).

Junior Executive (Accounts): Inter CA/ Inter CMA + Graduation.

Junior Executive (Quality Assurance): B.Sc (Chemistry) (3-year Course) OR Diploma in Chemical Engineering (3-year course).

Associate Executive (Human Resources): MBA (HR) / MA (PM&IR) / Postgraduate Diploma in HR / PM&IR / MMS (HR/ Personnel)/ Masters in Labour Studies courses (2-year Course).

Pay Scale: INR 30000-140000 Per Month:

Age Limit: Maximum 35 Years

Selection Process:

Various shortlisting tools, such as application screening (based on years of relevant work experience, educational background, etc.), written/computer-based tests, case-based discussions, group tasks, personal interviews, etc., may be included in the multi-stage selection process. The number of applications for a certain profile that are received will determine the selection procedure that is used.

Application Fee:

UR, OBC-NCL, and EWS candidates are required to pay a Non-Refundable Amount of Rs.590/- + payment gateway charges if any (Application fee of Rs.500/- + GST@18% i.e., Rs.90/- + payment gateway charges if applicable). Payment Mode: Debit / Credit card/UPI/Net Banking: On paying the application fee online, the payment status will automatically change to "Your Transaction is successfully completed", on successful receipt of fees.

Steps to Apply for BPCL Recruitment 2023:

Apply online for the BPCL Vacancy 2023 by following these steps:

Step 1: Candidates should check their eligibility from BPCL Recruitment 2023 Notification.

Step 2: Click on the Online Apply Link given below or visit bharatpetroleum.in.

Step 3: Fill out the Application Form in detail.

Step 4: Upload Important Documents.

Step 5: Pay Fee Online.

Step 6: Final Submit and take a Print Out.
The Chhattisgarh Cooperative Apex Bank Limited has announced CG Apex Bank Recruitment 2023 and is now taking applications from qualified applicants for 398 openings across a variety of professions. This is an excellent chance for students who wish to advance their careers in any field of banking. Assistant Manager, Committee Manager, Office Assistant, General Assistant, and other positions are included in the CG Apex Bank Recruitment 2023.

Overview

Organisation Chhattisgarh Cooperative Apex Bank Limited (CG Apex Bank)

Posts Assistant Manager, General Assistant, Office Assistant and Committee Manager

Vacancies 398

Registration Dates 7th to 25th September 2023

Age Limit 21 to 35 years

Official website www.cgapexbank.com.

Recruitment

Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Bank Limited is ready to hire qualified people through its CG Apex Bank Recruitment 2023. According to the official CG Apex Bank Recruitment 2023 announcement, there are 398 openings for various positions.

How to Apply for CG Apex Bank Recruitment 2023 Online ?

Step 1: Go to CG Apex Bank's official website, www.cgapexbank.com, and select the "APPLY ONLINE" option.

Step 2: Select "Click here for New Registration" and fill out the form.

Step 3: Log in using your registration information, fill out the application form, and submit the required papers in the recommended format.

Step 4: Select the 'Payment' tab and complete the payment

Criteria for Eligibility

Certain aspects have been followed in the CG Apex Bank Recruitment 2023 eligibility requirements. Educational qualification, age limit, and other factors are critical. Candidates who wish to apply for the positions should first check the organization's qualifying conditions; otherwise, your application may be refused.

Salary
Toyota Motor Philippines has bumped up the pricing of the Hilux range to coincide with the arrival of the Hilux GR Sport at authorized showr...
Photo: Wikipedia

Roark Capital, a private equity firm that boasts a portfolio encompassing Arbys, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings and Dunkin Donuts, has made headlines with its recent announcement to acquire Subway, the worlds second-largest restaurant chain by outlet count, boasting more than 37,000 locations globally.

Notably, Canada alone houses over 2,900 Subway restaurants, with the province of Saskatchewan featuring an astonishing ratio of one Subway restaurant for every 9,800 residents.

This monumental deal, valued at a potential $9.55 billion, including debt and contingent on achieving specified financial benchmarks, marks a historic moment in the food industry. This agreement represents the culmination of an extended and competitive auction process that commenced in February of this year, garnering significant attention from various private equity firms.

Nevertheless, the substantial investment of more than $9 billion in a restaurant chain facing challenges raises eyebrows, particularly considering Subways global sales peaked at $18 billion in 2012 and have encountered hurdles ever since.

Over the past decade, Subway has grappled with formidable competition in the sandwich industry. Initiating store closures in 2016, the chain continued this trend between 2018 and 2019, closing more than 2,000 outlets across the United States and Canada. Moreover, Subways foray into the breakfast market aimed at diversifying meal offerings beyond lunch, dinner, and snacks, but the outcomes proved, at best, mixed.

Subways recent history has also been marred by public relations challenges, commencing with concerns regarding ingredient authenticity and supply chain issues. In 2017, a CBC Marketplace investigation cast doubt on the authenticity of certain Subway ingredients, culminating in a lingering defamation lawsuit that is yet to be resolved  a detrimental development for any restaurant business. Another lawsuit, alleging the absence of tuna in Subways products, was recently dismissed, but not before causing substantial damage to the brands reputation.

The chain also faced criticism regarding serving sizes and the accuracy of its foot-long sandwiches, with consumers taking to social media platforms to express their concerns.

The Jared Fogle scandal further compounded Subways woes. Formerly celebrated as a spokesperson who famously shed 245 pounds by consuming Subway sandwiches, Fogles image took a severe hit in 2015 when he was arrested.

Pleading guilty to charges involving child pornography and illicit activities with a minor across state lines, he is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence in Colorado. Earlier this year, a documentary titled Jared from Subway: Catching a Monster provided an in-depth look at his life and the legal proceedings surrounding his case.

Subways frailty is underscored by its sales per store, which significantly lags behind industry leaders. While Chick-fil-A, for instance, reports sales exceeding $5 million per individual store, Subway does not even feature among the top 30. Subway has often been regarded as an accessible entrepreneurial opportunity, but its aggressive expansion approach led to an oversight of market analysis, as outlets were established in areas with uncertain chances of success.

Most Subway outlets operate as franchisee-owned businesses. The 2021 New York Post report alleging financial exploitation of immigrant franchisees has further exacerbated the chains troubles.

In early 2022, Subway Canada introduced its Eat Fresh Refresh campaign, enlisting new brand ambassadors, primarily athletes, and revitalizing menu items, such as rice bowls and enhancing ingredients with Canadian cheddar cheese and smashed avocado. While these changes were noticeable, Subway faces a considerable rehabilitation journey ahead.

Roark Capitals acquisition of Subway presents a unique opportunity for revitalization, focusing on enhancing revenue per outlet by reducing the number of restaurants, optimizing supply chain operations, and refining the branding strategy. However, franchise owners may find themselves on edge amid the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
A man at Patten Towers told police his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend is staying at their apartment and is threatening to call the police if he returns to their apartment that night. He said she is saying that if he returns, she will call the police saying he put his hands on her. The man said both of their names are on the lease and they have been living there for a year and a half. He said he will call police back the next day for a disorder prevention when he has time to gather his belongings.



* * *

A verbal disorder was reported at the I-24 Welcome Center. Police spoke to a man with Allied Universal who said he was in a spat with another man over illegal parking. He said the other man moved his vehicle to an alternate location and the parking was no longer an issue. Police spoke with the other man, who made the same statements. Both men agreed to stay separated from each other for the remainder of the evening.

* * *

A man called police from the Marriott at 100 Carter St. saying he was in an altercation with his wife throughout the night. He said when he left the hotel room, he forgot to grab his debit card. When police were speaking with him, he mentioned his wife hits him. Police asked if she left any physical evidence of abuse and he said she did not. Police looked over the man and noticed a small circular cut and a red mark on his left arm. Police asked if he knew how he got them and he said he didn't know, it was a random cut. Police asked if his wife did that to him and he said he didn't think so. Police escorted the man to his hotel room at the Marriott and he grabbed his debit card from the room. His wife was inside, but didn't need anything from police. The man and police left with no further incident.

* * *



A man called police saying he was worried about his wife because he couldn't reach her on the phone, but saw her location at the Dairy Queen at 5433 Hwy. 153. When police arrived at the Dairy Queen, the man had arrived there and his wife said that she was fine. Both of them thanked police for the assistance.

* * *

Police noticed a vehicle parked on the side of the road near a park at 201 Tocoa Ave. Police spoke with the woman driver, who said she just got off the work and was sleeping in her car. Police told the woman she could not be parked in a public park property after hours, as well as being parked in a no parking zone. She was told to leave. The woman drove away in her black Infiniti, with Florida registration.

* * *



Police found two Trek bicycles that were abandoned at 701 E. 11th St. The bikes were taken to the Chattanooga Property Division.



* * *



A theft was reported at the Walgreens, 5478 Hwy. 153. An employee told police that around 8:42 p.m., five black females got out of a red vehicle and walked into the store together. Shortly after, the five women walked out of the store with several items in their carts and baskets, without paying for them. This was all caught on security video. Police do not know the identity of the women at this time, but there are pictures of their faces and the vehicle. Police were unable to get the tag of the vehicle.

* * *

Suspicious people were reported at 25 Cherokee Blvd. While en route, police learned homeless people were sleeping inside the parking garage. Police observed a known woman and a man asleep, along with another unknown black male. The black male walked away before police could get his information. The woman and man were told they could not sleep there and they left.

* * *

A man at Life Storage, 4119 Hixson Pike, told police in August they assisted with moving a man and the man paid the $424 down payment. A female by the name of "Jane" then called into Two Men and A Truck, and said she lives in Massachusetts and her card was stolen and used to pay for this move. The man told police since then they have yet to receive the other $450 moving fee. Police have not been able to contact "Jane" in regards to this, so it is not clear if she wants to proceed with charges.

* * *

While conducting regular patrol, police observed a black Volkswagen Passat with an expired registration. Police got behind the vehicle at Wimberly Drive and conducted a traffic stop. The moment the officer exited his vehicle and shut his door, he observed the vehicle take off away from him at a high rate of speed. Police attempted to get a direction of travel for Hamilton County units, but lost visual just before Jersey Pike. Police observed who the vehicle was registered to and will conduct further investigation on who the driver was at a future date. Police observed the driver was a black male with a fade like hair cut with longer hair at the top.



* * *



A man told police someone stole his .38 Smith & Wesson revolver from his Mitsubishi Outlander while it was parked during the night in his driveway on Dreamcatcher Way. There is no suspect information. The firearm was entered into NCIC as stolen.

* * *

A woman on E. 26th Street Ct. told police she noticed her kitchen window was broken from the outside. She believes it was lawn maintenance who may have damaged the window while cutting the grass. The damage is estimated at around $200.

* * *

Management at the 7/11 gas station at 3504 Hixson Pike requested police trespass a man from the property. Police trespassed the man and he said he understood and left without incident.

* * *

Police observed a motorcycle with a white male and white female, traveling at 60 mph in a 40 mph zone at 601 Browns Ferry Road. Police attempted to make contact with the motorcycle for a traffic stop, but the motorcycle and occupants sped away from the scene at an even higher rate of speed. Police will be reviewing video footage in an attempt to ID the two.

* * *

A woman on Wheeler Avenue told police she and a man had "gotten into it" and that he was "talking crazy." When the woman called police, the man left the residence. Police told her to call back if the man came back and started any more problems.

* * *

A man outside the Chattanooga Fire Station, 218 E Main St., flagged down police and requested a ride to Chatt Inn to be with his brother. The man said he was recently released from the Hamilton County Jail.

* * *

A person was reported to be staying inside an abandoned, condemned structure at 1040 E. Main St. Police located two men sleeping there and identified them. Police informed both of the men they would have to leave the location, to which they complied.

* * *

A woman on McCallie Avenue told police she had her Dahon folding road bicycle u-bolted to the bicycle rack beside her apartment building and sometime overnight someone disassembled the bike and stole the front and rear wheel and tires. She said she found her bike frame still locked to the bike rack. There is no suspect information, evidence to process or witnesses.

* * *

A service tech with AT&T told police he discovered that about 60 feet of phone cable had been stolen from a utility pole near 3895 McDowell St. He said a tree had fallen on the cable and pulled it down and someone must have decided to cut it. He had just found out about it around 6:30 a.m. when he arrived there to fix it.

* * *

A woman on Taggart Drive told police her ex-boyfriend was being difficult. She said that there were items in the house that belonged to him and that she wanted him to take them. She showed police items that were in a downstairs bedroom that included bed sheets and a TV. She also said that the washer and dryer belonged to him. She mentioned that she was okay with his items staying if he finished doing work around the house. There was a language barrier between police and the woman.
Acting can take stars into some perilous situations, but its just for show  right? It might be easy to imagine that the magic of editing, the existence of stunt doubles, and other efforts to make sets safe for the cast and crew would prevent most injuries, but thats unfortunately not the case.

While some injuries are simply accidents, others are a bit more shocking in nature. Thats true for Diane Krugers strangulation scene in Inglourious Basterds. If it looked realistic, thats because it was actually happening!

Inglourious Basterds received rave reviews

By the time that Inglourious Basterds hit theaters in 2009, Quentin Tarantino was already known as one of Hollywoods most successful (if also one of its quirkiest and most intense) directors and writers. The ambitious film is a reimagined historical take on Nazi Germany and the impact of some rogue soldiers determined to mete their revenge on the leaders of the Third Reich, including Hitler himself.

The stars of the film include Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, and Diane Kruger. The sprawling cast includes Germans displaying unthinkable cruelty toward Jewish characters and a wide range of spies and secret agents working to put a stop to Hitlers schemes.

The film was a hit with critics and audiences alike, earning an 89% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving accolades for its suspenseful tale. Many predicted it would go down in cinematic history as a classic rewatched decades later.

Diane Kruger played Bridget von Hammersmark in Inglourious Basterds

Actress Diane Kruger kisses Director Quentin Tarantino prior to the UK film premiere of Inglourious Basterds at the Odeon Leicester Square on July 23, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Diane Kruger initially struggled to land a role in Tarantinos film. The director had written her off because hed been unimpressed with another of her films, and he forced the star to jump through several hoops to even get an audition for the character of Bridget von Hammersmark. As she told Geek Tyrant, It was hard for me to get the job, he had someone else in mind. He didnt believe I was German. He saw every actress in Germany, everyone.

Once she landed the role, she called it a challenge that she found rewarding: Ive never been allowed, in America at least, to ever play such a strong, fierce [character].

That early tension with Tarantino makes the reports about her characters strangulation all the more disturbing. As The New York Times reports, Tarantino is often very (literally) hands-on when it comes to the more sadistic moments on the screen. Uma Thurman described such moments in Kill Bill when Tarantino took the reins, spitting in her face in the scene where Michael Madsen is seen on screen doing it and choking her with a chain in the scene where a teenager named Gogo is on screen doing it.

The Washington Post reports that the director also stepped in to do the work himself when Krugers character met her on-screen death: Tarantino claimed that actor Christoph Waltz wouldnt be up to the task  although he went on to win an Oscar for playing the role of Nazi Hans Landa  and that he would apply either too much or too little pressure.

Later, Tarantino gleefully recounted the moment and added that he wanted authenticity in the close-up. [W]hen somebodys actually being strangled theres a thing that happens to their face  they turn a certain color and their veins pop out, Tarantino insisted.

Diane Krugers real-life injury made it to the final cut of the film

Tarantinos decision to take matters into his own hands meant that viewers are seeing real strangulation in the final cut of the film. When Krugers eyes show fear and the hands cut off her breath, thats real. She truly did lose access to air during the shot.

Still, both Kruger and Thurman have spoken out in defense of Tarantino and insist that his intentions were good. In light of the reveal about the strangulation, Kruger said, He treated me with utter respect and never abused his power or forced me to do anything I wasnt comfortable with.

Thurman, who famously spoke out against the abuse she faced in Hollywood, also praised Tarantino for doing the right thing when she went public about being foced into a dangerous car crash on the set of Kill Bill: Quentin Tarantino was deeply regretful and remains remorseful about this sorry event, and gave me the footage years later so I could expose it and let it see the light of day, regardless of it most likely being an event for which justice will never be possible.
Her character may spend summers at the Fisher familys Massachusetts beach house when high schools not in session, but actor Lola Tung put college on hold to play Isabel Belly Conklin. Ahead, the star of Amazon Prime Videos The Summer I Turned Pretty on her detour from college to the beaches of Wilmington, North Carolina.

College was Lolas focus when she auditioned for The Summer I Turned Pretty

Lola Tung | Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

Landing a role in the TV adaptation of Jenny Hans TSITP book trilogy wasnt exactly on Tungs to-do list when she started at Pennsylvanias Carnegie Mellon University.

I was actually in my first year of college at Carnegie Mellon, and I was away in Pittsburgh, she told InStyle. My manager, who I had just started working with, reached out to me and said that there was this role that she thought I would be good for. I was like, All right, this sounds really great. But, you know, Im very focused on school right now.

Born and raised in New York City, Tung attended LaGuardia, a prestigious Manhattan performing arts high school. There she studied drama before setting off for Carnegie Mellon (via Harpers Bazaar).

Tung landed the part of Belly not long before her freshman year of college ended

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 cast | Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Tung continued, describing what the audition process for TSITP had been like while simultaneously attending college at Carnegie Mellon. She told the outlet her roommates helped film audition tapes in their apartment, which led to six weeks of auditions and chemistry reads via Zoom.

I was coming home from my classes, then hopping onto Zoom, and reading with everyone and in front of Jenny [Han] and the producers, she said. Finally, after the process had been going on for a little while, Han and others got on Zoom to tell the now-20-year-old shed landed the role of Belly.

It was all like a month and a half of my second semester, too, which was really just so wild and cool, Tung recalled. I did get to finish my first year, which Im very grateful for. We filmed from July to October of 2021, and I actually took the [following] year off of school for filming.

It was all very, very exciting, and very wild because I hadnt really expected it or planned for it being at school and everything.

Lola Tungs character visits colleges in The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2

Although Bellys not done with high school, the idea of whats next starts to take hold, albeit subtly, in TSITP Season 2. There are reminders the boys with whom shes spent every summer  Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), Conrad (Christopher Briney), and Steven (Sean Kaufman)  are collegebound.

Conrad, the oldest of the four teens, attends Brown University. Meanwhile, Steven, following a viral graduation speech, is going to Princeton. As for Jeremiah, hes going to the fictional Finch College.

Meanwhile, Bellys still figuring out how to put the pieces of her previous life back together. The one before Conrad and Jeremiahs mother, Susannah (Rachel Blanchard), died. Along the way, she sees Brown, or at least a small area of it, before later exploring Finch with Jeremiah.

The Summer I Turned Pretty Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
A sign outside of the Wayne National Forest headquarters is posted in Nelsonville, Ohio on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. A vigorous debate is under way over a U.S. Forest Service proposal to rename the 250,000-acre Wayne National Forest after Ohio's state tree, the buckeye.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
High heels and delicate, fancy shoes are so often associated with women and femininity. Today, there are a lot of men out there who grow increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of throwing on a pair of heels. But did you know that high-heeled shoes were originally designed for and worn by men?

Heres a little history of high-heeled shoes and how they were flaunted by men of a higher class in Europe.

The first record of shoes being made with heels dates back to 15th century Persia, where male soldiers wore them in order to keep their feet in riding stirrups and maintain better balance on horseback.

Then, as people started migrating from Persia to Europe, heeled shoes slowly made their way into upper-class mens attire and fashion.

Interestingly, many women in Europe who tried to sport high-heeled shoes were judged and ridiculed, as it was considered laughable for a woman to go around wearing a mans military shoe.

However, by the 17th century, both high-class men and women could be seen wearing high heels.

They started off being made quite short and blocky, but they grew higher as time went on.

In 17th century France, high heels on men was an especially respectable fashion, and royals and aristocrats were praised for wearing lavish red heels as they were a symbol of privilege and sophistication.

Towards the end of the 17th century, more women began wearing heels, and they started slowly making their way out of mens wardrobes. They suddenly took on a more feminine association, and men didnt like people around them thinking they wore heels to appear taller than they were.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
Its normal for two young kids in the same family to compete against each other for attention now and then. But what if it was an adult trying to compete with a kid?

One man is fed up with his younger sister, who constantly tries to take attention away from his young daughter.

Hes 34 and has a nine-year-old daughter who is a musical prodigy. She started playing the piano when she was five and can compose symphonies. For the last four years, his daughter has played esteemed recitals, weddings, churches, and other social events.

Many members of his family have been extremely supportive of his daughter and appreciate her talent, all except one person  his 26-year-old sister.

Shes incredibly entitled and spoiled and was especially upset when our parents began caring more about my late wifes pregnancy with our daughter, he explained.

You may think she and I act the same, but my daughters piano talent is not my or her only personality. It just takes up a large portion of our lives.

His younger sister would seem to disagree, getting incredibly frustrated and desperate to change the subject any time his daughters talents come up.

Recently, his family had relatives fly in all the way from Germany to attend one of his daughters recitals. It was the first time these relatives had flown in in years.

My daughter did amazingly, but the whole time, my sister was saying that theyre only impressed because of how young she is and that she could do this, and none of us would be amazed, he recalled.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
New research conducted by Australian scientists suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs specifically aspirin may help prevent diabetes.

The researchers made it clear that there is still abundant evidence that all patients should use caution and take aspirin in moderation.

However, the teams latest study discovered that taking low-dose aspirin 100mg daily is linked to older adults above the age of 65 having a 15% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The researchers hoped to better understand the effect of low-dose aspirin on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and incident diabetes among people over 65. This inquiry was a follow-up study to the ASPREE trial, which was a placebo-controlled, double-blind aspirin trial conducted in 2018.

The former study discovered that, among adult adults, aspirin resulted in a 38% increased risk of major hemorrhage. There was no change in cardiovascular disease incidence.

This latest research involved 16,209 individuals over the age of 65 who did not have cardiovascular disease, any physical disabilities that limited independence, or dementia.

The researchers randomly split the participants into two different groups with one group taking 100mg of aspirin daily, while the other group was placed on a placebo plan.

Afterward, a statistical model analyzed the impact that aspirin had on both FPG levels and incident diabetes which was defined by the team as self-reported diabetes, an FPG level of 7.0 mmol/L, or the use of glucose-lowering medication.

Over the course of the nearly five-year study, there were 995 cases of incident diabetes recorded. Compared to the placebo group, the group of individuals taking low-dose aspirin had a slower FPG increase rate and a 15% reduction in incident diabetes.

Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
Child Evangelism Fellowship seeks to reach 100M children with the Gospel, urges Christians to mobilize

When it comes to missions, Child Evangelism Fellowship believes one of the most important  and overlooked  groups is children.

One of the most beautiful passages in the Bible that reflects the heart of God is concerning children, CEF Executive Vice President Moises Esteves told The Christian Post.

Psalms 78 says we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord and His power and the wonders that He has done. The government is not going to do it. God wants believers to communicate to the children, to the next generation, about the knowledge of God. Thats our responsibility. Someone one day communicated with us, and it is now our responsibility to communicate with the next generation.

CEF, an international nonprofit ministry, has been unwavering in its mission since 1937: ensuring every child is reached with the Gospel, spiritually nurtured and integrated into a local church.

Located in all 50 American states and in most countries around the world, CEFs newly-established goal is to minister to 100 million children each year globally with the Gospel in the near future.

To reach this goal, CEF has established several in-person ministries, including the Good News Club. Described by Esteves as an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, sort of a high-powered Sunday School, these clubs combine fun with Gospel-centric teaching.

Its a lot of fun, but a lot of learning, and we share the Gospel so the unsaved child can have an opportunity to receive Christ as their Savior, he said.

And in 2022 alone, CEF trained nearly half a million teachers worldwide. Esteves highlighted the importance of ensuring teachings are biblically consistent while also culturally sensitive. The methodology, he said, involves producing literature with strong biblical principles, which is then translated with cultural nuances in mind.

If the child is interested in receiving Christ, what do you do? They need to be trained in how to counsel the child for salvation, and then theres a whole slew of skills that need to be trained and understood when you minister to children, he said.

The structure is in place, the boots are on the ground to grow this ministry exponentially. And we have strict strategies, like children reaching children, which is teaching older, more mature children to evangelize their peers. Its a beautiful training that were accelerating in the coming years.

Esteves, a father and grandfather of two, understands firsthand the power of reaching children with the Gospel.

Born in Portugal, he first encountered the Gospel at a Christian camp at the age of 9, and unbeknown to him at that time, the missionary sharing the Gospel utilized CEF literature.

His life took another twist when he moved to the U.S. after marrying a woman from Vermont. By 1993, the couple found their calling with CEF in Vermont, eventually leading Esteves to the headquarters in Missouri.

Ive had the opportunity to share Christ with my own children growing up, and my two grandchildren, who are 8 and 6, both have autism. This morning I prayed for their salvation, but one of them is nonverbal, so its going to take a little longer to be able to share Christ with them so they can understand it. Its extremely important to minister to children. Theres an openness in the hearts of children that we must take advantage of, he said.

Drawing from a study by George Barna, Esteves emphasized the critical window between the ages of 5 and 12 when children are most receptive to the Gospel.

All evangelism is child evangelism, he added.

However, challenges do arise. Esteves identified finances as a significant impediment as well as getting Christians involved with the organization.

If we had the money, we could hire another 1,000 people, he said. Were a volunteer-based organization. So we have lots and lots of volunteers trained all over the world who could become staff if we had the funding.  We need more believers to catch this burden, this vision that it is our responsibility to tell the next generation the knowledge of God.

Esteves said the success stories he hears make the challenges worth it, like the one involving twin sisters who not only embraced Christ through the Good News Club but were instrumental in leading their parents to salvation.

He also highlighted the impact their ministry has worldwide, especially in Europe, where large-scale operations are undertaken in countries like Ukraine and Russia.

The reports were getting out of Ukraine of the ministry thats taking place is mind-boggling, what God is doing in the midst of that very sad situation is amazing, he said.

Yet, there are regions like North Korea where direct missionary work is unfeasible due to political constraints, Esteves said. External challenges, be they natural disasters or political upheaval, dont deter the spread of the Gospel, he insisted. In fact, in times of suffering, many seek solace in faith, as evidenced by packed churches in Ukraine amid conflict.

There are political challenges, there are sometimes situations with fires and hurricanes and earthquakes. There are challenges or difficulties, but none of those challenges stopped the Gospel and, as a matter of fact, as this world hurts, people need the Gospel even more.

And looking ahead, Esteves said hes excited about the future and the opportunity to bring the Gospel to millions of children through CEF  and hes hoping to mobilize the wider Christian community to come on board.

Children need the hope of the Gospel, they need the hope that God can give into their lives, he said. Theres a great need for the Gospel. The doors are open, and we just need more believers to get on board. Lets reach children for Christ while theyre young, while their hearts are open, because as they grow up, the backpack of sin begins to be heavy, and hearts begin to harden.
This week in Christian history: Christian army relieves Vienna, pioneering Pentecostal preacher dies

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths.

Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while others might be unknown to many.

The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include the Battle of Vienna, a papal decree attacking the Anglican Church, and the death of a pioneering Pentecostal preacher.

1

2

3

4

Next
Violence in Indias Manipur state has reached a breaking point, UN experts warn

U.N. experts have appealed to Indias government over the ongoing violence in Manipur state, which has left 187 dead, 70,000 displaced and hundreds of churches destroyed amid ethnic and religious tensions.

Nineteen independent experts with the U.N. Human Rights Council have noted that Christians have been disproportionately impacted, saying the violence was incited by hateful speech against the Christian Kuki-Zo minority, particularly women, due to their ethnicity and religious beliefs.

The conflict involves Manipurs largely Hindu Meitei and largely Christian Kuki-Zo tribes. The UN experts also expressed alarm over the misuse of counter-terrorism measures against ethnic and religious minorities, the human rights group ADF International said in a statement.

Giorgio Mazzoli, director of U.N. Advocacy for ADF International, said the crisis has reached a breaking point.

It is past time for Indian authorities to not just quell the continuing violence, but to eradicate any laws and policies that interfere with or curtail the enjoyment of religious freedom and perpetuate the persecution faced by religious minorities, Mazzoli said.

From May 3-6, violence resulted in more than 100 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

A human rights lawyer allied with ADF International, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, said Christians are facing hostility from Meiteis on the basis that they are Christians.

Religious symbols and places of worship have been heavily targeted, the group said, pointing out that over 250 churches were burned down or damaged.

The U.N. criticized the slow and inadequate response by the Indian government, including law enforcement, to contain the situation.

Women and girls have fallen victim to horrific acts of violence. The filed complaint includes testimonies of several women who were brutally raped, assaulted, and even killed by mobs. Aid organizations and volunteers are primarily assisting the victims, as the government has offered limited compensation for those killed but none for those who have lost homes or businesses, ADF International said.

Religious freedom conditions in India have worsened in recent years.

Laws at various levels, including anti-conversion laws, are discriminatory toward religious minorities, the group added, explaining that these laws implicitly encourage violent campaigns, like those seen in Manipur and at the Broadwell Christian Hospital in Uttar Pradesh.

Laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act also target religious freedom and expression, the group added. Many lawyers, journalists and religious minorities have been harassed, detained and prosecuted under these laws.

The government of India is expected to respond to the U.N.s appeal within 60 days.

The violence erupted in Manipur following a controversial court order for the state to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas, previously reserved for the tribal Kuki-Zo people, to the Meitei population. It would also give the state government-backed Meiteis the right to buy land in the hills where the Kuki-Zo people live.

The government has deployed about 50,000 soldiers, armed police and other security personnel to enforce buffer zones between the two communities. Despite these measures, mobs have looted more than 4,000 weapons and half a million rounds of ammunition from police in Manipur, according to official estimates.

Lt. General P.C. Nair, director general of the federal paramilitary force Assam Rifles, recently described the situation as unprecedented, highlighting the large number of weapons within both communities as a key concern, according to The Wire. Mobs surrounding forces, women blocking roads are new hurdles for the force trained to fight armed insurgents, he said.

Nair added, We are here only to curtail the levels of violence.  But more importantly, we are talking to multiple civil society organizations and various stakeholders to get them to hold talks.

In July, the European Parliament passed a resolution urging the Indian government to urgently restore peace in Manipur.

There have been concerns about politically motivated, divisive policies promoting Hindu majoritarianism, and about an increase in activity by militant groups, the resolution stated. There are also accounts of partisan involvement by security forces in the killings have increased distrust in the authorities.
The Philippines is one of the top five leading countries of new immigrants to Canada.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

Currently, there are over 900,000 people of Filipino origin living in the country. Canada has become a popular destination for Filipinos due to the many economic opportunities it offers, the internationally recognized education system and the highly developed healthcare system.

Canada aims to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents by the end of 2023. This target is set at 500,000 by 2025.

Filipinos are in a good position to be selected as economic class immigrants due to their high levels of English proficiency, education, and professional work experience. Economic class immigration is the most popular way to immigrate to Canada, and has over 100 pathways.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a pathway under economic immigration that allows a candidate with foreign work experience to apply for permanent residency, even if they do not have a connection to Canada or a job offer in Canada.

The FSWP targets foreign skilled workers who are most likely to be successful in Canada because of their prior work experience, education and language ability. To be eligible for the program, candidates must have:

One year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3;

Validated language ability equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French across all abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking); and

A Canadian educational credential (certificate, diploma, or degree) or foreign credential and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.

At least 67 points on IRCCs six immigration selection factors.

Enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada.

The FSWP is one of three programs managed by Express Entry. Express Entry is the federal governments application system that manages the FSWP, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

When submitting an application in the Express Entry system, candidates will be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS considers individual factors, like age, education, language skills and work experience, and will assign you a score out of 600. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will then invite those candidates with the highest scores to apply for permanent residence.

IRCC has also recently launched new category-based draws for Express Entry candidates. Candidates will be chosen under the category-based draw if they have a strong French language proficiency or have work experience in the following professions:

Healthcare

STEM professions

Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors

Transport

Agriculture and agri-food

IRCC has recently held healthcare and STEM draws, as well as a draw inviting those with a strong French language proficiency to apply for permanent residence.

Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a popular option for candidates looking to immigrate to Canada from the Philippines. The PNP allows each province and territory (except for Nunavut and Quebec) to create and implement their own immigration pathways based on their labour and job market vacancies and demographic needs.

The provinces and territories can nominate foreign skilled workers to immigrate to their provinces through the PNP. Each province has their own eligibility criteria that a candidate must meet to be nominated by that province.

Candidates can apply directly to the province. However, candidates who are also in the Express Entry pool can be invited to apply for nomination. If a candidate is nominated through Express Entry, they receive an additional 600 CRS points, which essentially secures an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a future draw.

Caregiver Pilot Program

There are pilot work permit programs dedicated to caregivers. The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot offer permanent residence to caregivers who have eligible work experience for at least 12 months, language ability and eligible Canadian or foreign education.

The Home Care Provider Pilot requires that you care for a child below the age of 18 in your home or your employers, while the Home Support Worker Pilot requires you take care of someone who needs help from a home support worker, either in your home or your employers home.

IRCC sets out the following information about work experience criteria for the pilots:

Effective April 30, 2023, you need to have at least 12 months of full-time work experience within the 36 months of applying to a pilot

The work experience must fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 4411 or 4412

Your work experience must be in one of these jobs, it cannot be a mix of both jobs

You need to demonstrate your job matched the NOC job description and you completed most of the main duties

Your work experience does not need to be 12 months in a row. It just needs to be 12 months total

Full-time work is defined as at least 30 hours of paid work each week

Regional pilot programs

There are other pilots such as the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, which works with small and remote communities in Ontario, Western Canada and the three territories to attract and retain foreign workers.

To be eligible for the RNIP, a candidate must meet the federal criteria as well as the requirements established by the participating community where they plan to settle. The federal criteria are:

Have a recommendation from one of the designated communities

Have one year of continuous work experience in the past three years (a minimum of 1,560 hours)

OR

Have graduated from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in the recommending community

Have a genuine job offer to work in one of the designated communities

Meet the language threshold for the NOC skill type/level of the job being offered

Have sufficient funds to settle and support themselves and their family in the community

Have an intention to live in the community

The Atlantic Immigration Program offers permanent residence to skilled workers that want to settle in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador or Prince Edward Island.

To be eligible for the AIP you must:

Have qualifying work experience unless you are an international student that graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.

Meet the educational and language criteria

Show you have enough settlement funds. You do not need to show proof of settlement funds if you are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit.

If you meet all the above criteria, you can start looking for a job with a designated Atlantic Canada employer.

Study permits

Canada is a popular destination for international students because of its high quality and affordability of education, the opportunity to work while studying and the opportunity to get permanent residency upon graduation.

Canada welcomed 551,405 international students from 184 countries in 2022, a record high. Of that number, 23,380 were Filipino students.

To study in Canada, you must first be accepted to Canadian designated learning institution. You can then apply for your study permit. After graduating, international students may be eligible to remain in Canada for up to three years on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Finally, Canadian education can be advantageous to candidates seeking permanent residency, as many immigration programs value candidates with Canadian education and work experience.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program that makes the process of applying for a study permit faster and more efficient. The SDS currently serves residents of 14 countries, including the Philippines. Canada aims to process all study permit applications through the SDS in 20 calendar days.

Work permits

To work in Canada, foreign workers generally need a work permit. Canadian work permits are divided into two programs: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). The difference between the two programs is that the TWFP requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), while the IMP does not.

An LMIA proves to the Canadian government that hiring a foreign worker will either have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian job market. It is the employers responsibility.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis fired back at Trump Troll Rep. Jim Jordans weaponization of the Judiciary Committee he highchairs with her justifiably condescending spitball letter responding to his, in which she figuratively throws the book and U.S. Constitution at him, striking out and sacking Jordan at once.

Willis scolds Jordan, writing:
COLUMBUS, Ohio  The letter from Briella Keep to her state government was simple  Ohio should for the first time allow responsible oil and gas exploration under state parks like Salt Fork.

But there was one problem. Briella Keep was 9 years old on July 5, the day the letter was sent to the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission (OGLMC), and theres no way she could have written it, according to her mother, Brittany Keep.

Briella likes trees, nature, clothes, and dolls, like many girls her age. She doesnt know anything about oil and gas exploration. She lives about 130 miles away from Salt Fork. Neither Briella nor her mother have ever visited.

Brittany Keep has no clue how her phone number, her daughters email address, or their home address, wound up on a letter touting opportunities for economic development and the creation of family-sustaining jobs in Ohio.

This is not OK, Brittany Keep said. She definitely did not submit that draft.

A redacted version of a form letter, drafted by the Consumer Energy Alliance, bearing the name of 9-year-old Briella Keep. The letter was submitted to the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission urging fracking for natural gas at Salt Fork State Park, containing Briella's email address, her mother's phone number, and their shared home address. (Source: OGLMC)

The Keeps are among the dozens of Ohioans who say they believe their names were used without permission in a flood of public comments urging the newly formed commission to allow fracking for oil and natural gas in Salt Fork and other state parks and protected lands, an investigation from Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer has found.

Thousands of pro-fracking comments barraged the inbox of the commission, which will decide in the coming months whether to free mineral rights under state lands for leasing and bidding from oil and gas drillers. One set of those form letters traces back to an entity that advocates for the natural gas industry.

The nonprofit Consumer Energy Alliance has previously been accused of using citizens names on government petitions and public comments without their permission in Wisconsin in 2014, in Ohio in 2016, and in South Carolina in 2018.

The alliance denied any wrongdoing, saying that it uses a digital trail to confirm that the names submitted for the form letters through an online portal are authentic.

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer have interviewed 35 citizens who say they didnt write, send, or even know about letters sent in their name urging the state to allow for drilling at state parks. Several said they didnt know what fracking means  the process of freeing methane from shale thousands of feet underground using water, sand and chemicals at high pressure, technically known as hydraulic fracturing. Others were appalled by the letters written using their names.

Three other people wrote to the commission in early August, in emails obtained by public records request, to say their names were used without consent and asking staff to remove them from the record.

Wow, thats sad to hear, said Justin Watkins, of Columbus, after he was told about a pro-fracking comment from the Consumer Energy Alliance sent in his name. I am not in support of fracking and have never pledged to be.

Another man whose name appeared on a Consumer Energy Alliance letter, Charles Leftwich, from Cleveland, said fracking is just city boys exploiting the rural environment. He said its infuriating to hear of peoples names like his being used without his having knowingly permitted it.

Fracking destroys the water table, the land, it destroys everything, he said. It doesnt need to be taking place anywhere near a state park, thats why its a state park.

Opponents of fracking in state parks like the Ohio Environmental Council and the grassroots Save Ohio Parks say letters matching the boilerplate letters should be stripped from the record. They say the comments distort the picture of who wants undeveloped nature sold to the fossil fuel industry, and they undermine a public comment process required by law.

The commission will soon decide whether to open Salt Fork, Wolf Run State Park, Zepernick Wildlife Area, and Valley Run Wildlife Area, all in Eastern Ohio, for oil and gas exploration. Ohio Department of Natural Resources spokesman Andy Chow said the commission is aware of the concerns about public comments that were submitted.

He said anyone who believes a comment was submitted without their knowledge or permission should alert the commission, which will remove it from the record. But he declined to comment on how anyone whose name was used without their knowledge could be expected to know as much.

If anyone believes they are the victim of identity fraud they are encouraged to reach out to the Ohio Attorney Generals Office, Chow said.

Whos sending these?

A swath of the letters stems from The Consumer Energy Alliance, a nonprofit funded in part by the oil and gas industry that lobbies for fossil fuel interests. The alliance submitted more than 1,000 letters stating that allowing for energy development in state parks will allow for more investment in state parks.

From increasing our states conservation efforts to the ability to maintain and enhance the facilities at our state parks, this generational opportunity is one which we need, the letter states.

In interviews with Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, 25 people whose names appear on those public comments say they didnt send them or allow someone else to do so. Notably, not a single person interviewed for this story whose name appeared on a CEA form letter said they had sent the letters showing their own name or knowingly authorized them. One man, in a voicemail, said he may have signed something but didnt write any letter himself. He couldnt be reached with follow-up calls, texts, or emails.

Another, John Goodwin, said he never would have sent a letter like the one that appears under his name. He doesnt necessarily oppose fracking, so long as the spent brine, a toxic byproduct, is responsibly disposed. But hed never support fracking state parks.

I would never do it under park land or anything like that, he said. It doesnt make any sense.

Ten more people whose names appeared on form letters of unknown origin also told Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer they didnt send them or knowingly agree to it and dont know who did. However, two people said they did allow their names to be used.

In an interview, Consumer Energy Alliance spokesman Bryson Hull said his agency did not use names without permission.

The alliance gathered its letters via an online system for supporters to submit their names. Hull said no form of digital mass advocacy is perfect, but the alliance maintains a digital trail that tracks the devices and locations of people whose names appear on CEAs letters. The alliance cross checks names, IP addresses, user locations, and other data points to determine within a reasonable degree of certainty that people are who they say they are.

For instance, one woman who asked in an interview that her name not be used said she was legally blind, doesnt use the computer, and didnt recall allowing anyone to affix her name to the letter, which was read to her over the phone.

Hull said shes probably right.

If she cant see, chances are it wasnt her. I wouldnt disagree with you, he said. What Im saying is somebody who put that email in, that IP address tracks back to a location that is listed as that womans address. So within a reasonable degree of certainty, those are the right people. One thing that needs to be very clear, Consumer Energy Alliance has no interest, does not make it standard practice, and in fact it would be terrible business to use peoples names without their consent. We dont need to.

Hull said those who disputed that they authorized the letters could have forgotten, or perhaps shied away from telling a reporter about a controversial opinion. He said 25 is a small subset of the more than 1,000 comments submitted.

He said the Alliance works with a vendor and funnels people from different websites, which he provided. The sites ask for information with offers to provide guaranteed credit card approvals, to help find money from class-action lawsuits, to enter sweepstakes for cash, to provide $40,000 cash loans or access to the newest $1,400 stimulus checks.

Hull said CEAs vendor places ads on those websites, which ask users for their names, addresses and contact details. Anyone who enters those details is filtered to receive information specific to their location. When they reached the form letter, Hull said, users were asked to verify biographical details again and given a chance to personalize the letter before clicking send.

Screenshots of some of the most common websites the Consumer Energy Alliance used to contact people whose names appeared on its form letter, according to data CEA provided. Those form letters were sent as comments to the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission. A CEA spokesman said the websites collected information about users, such as names and email addresses, and that a vendor placed ads that directed individuals to a system to submit a form letter supportive of drilling in Ohios state parks. All but one of 26 people whose names appeared on CEAs letters who Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer could reach said they didnt knowingly allow anyone to put their name on such a letter. (Jake Zuckerman/Cleveland.com)

Hull declined to comment about the substance of the websites, saying the decision belongs with a subcontractor, whom he declined to identify.

CEA is very concerned if theres anything thats false here, he said. Or if anybody feels their name was  thats an important thing. We take that very seriously. And its unfortunate.

A Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer reporter tested the CEAs online system by entering a fictitious name with a genuine email address and phone number. The organizations filters identified this before it was entered into the public comments.

Hull repeatedly accused the other side  referring to Save Ohio Parks  of using similar advocacy tactics as the Consumer Energy Alliance.

Indeed, Save Ohio Parks encourages Ohioans to comment to the commission via an online submission that offers sample text. But Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reached 27 authors of those letters. Most were unique and didnt rely on the provided sample text. Every author who responded to inquiries confirmed that they wrote their letter, and many went on to press their case against fracking in state parks.

Willard Loudermelt, of North Royalton, said he most definitely wrote his letter urging against fracking in state parks.

In fact, I believe this is the dumbest idea anyone has ever had, he said in an email. Unfortunately the money is going to determine whether they do this, no matter what we say.

History of questions

The Consumer Energy Alliance has left a trail in three states over about 10 years of people saying the organization used their names on government petitions without consent.

The organization, based in Houston and staffed and operated by HBW Resources, a public relations and lobbying firm, runs on dues from its members, which include major oil and gas companies like Columbia Gas, Shell, and others.

In 2014, the Consumer Energy Alliance submitted 2,500 comments to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin as it reviewed a proposed electricity rate hike, according to a regulatory filing. The purported signees said they believed every energy consumer should pay a fair share for maintaining the electrical grid. However, the Madison Capital Times reported that several signees said they were misrepresented and opposed the rate hike. Environmental advocates asked the commission to toss the petitions.

David Holt, president of the alliance, said in a letter filed with the commission that the organization reviewed its internal procedures and verified the authenticity of all the respondents and the accuracy of our petition process. Regardless, he requested the petition be withdrawn. An administrative law judge agreed, issuing an order doing so due to fundamental flaws in the document and inadequate and incorrect information provided by the Consumer Energy Alliance.

Hull provided a copy of a letter the Milwaukee District Attorneys office wrote saying that while the Consumer Energy Alliance apparently provided false information, no evidence exists to show this was done so intentionally. The office closed the investigation without criminal charges.

Two years later, a similar issue boiled over in Ohio as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission weighed approval of the Nexus Gas Transmission pipeline, which runs between Ohio and Michigan. The Consumer Energy Alliance submitted 347 supporting letters to the federal regulators, regulatory filings show.

Opponents of the pipeline later challenged those letters, submitting sworn statements from 14 purported signees disputing that they ever signed such a letter or gave anyone permission to send it in their names. Several added handwritten notes to their affidavits calling the actions a travesty and a fraud.

The Alliance answered to the allegation in regulatory filings, arguing it conducted legitimate, automated telephone surveys that trigger the generation of its letters. It said perhaps some people changed their mind after receiving phone calls from opponents questioning their position and harassing those individuals into retracting or altering their support. In other instances, people could have changed their phone numbers, not understood the question, or have forgotten taking the survey, the alliance said.

As Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reported at the time, one of those letters listed the name of a man who died in 1998.

In 2018, another similar instance arose. Lawmakers in South Carolina were considering legislation that could kill a proposed utility company acquisition. Suddenly they received a deluge of Consumer Energy Alliance-originated form letters from constituents urging against it. But as the Post & Courier reported, some of the people whose names appeared on the letters said they were impersonated.

A spokesman for the South Carolina Attorney General said the office received a request from then-House Majority Leader Gary Simrill about the letters. The AGs office asked state law enforcement to investigate. State law enforcement told us they were not able to determine where the emails came from, according to office spokesman Robert Kittle. He didnt provide further clarification.

There, according to Hull, the Consumer Energy Alliance hired a subcontractor, Media Bridge, which in turn hired another company called LCX Digital. LCX Digital, without Consumer Energy Alliances knowledge, slapped real state residents names and information on the letters without consent. The latter two companies were later outed in a Buzzfeed News investigation for deploying similar tactics on the scale of millions as the Federal Communications Commission deliberated the then high-profile issue of net neutrality.

In that case we were 100% victimized for about 200 letters and it was done on a scale by LCX Digital and Media Bridge that was unprecedented in net neutrality, Hull said.

An attorney who has represented LCX Digital in the past didnt respond to a call. A number listed in an online directory for the company is no longer in service. Media Bridge founder Shane Cory said in a LinkedIn message that he hasnt worked with CEA since 2017. He didnt respond to further inquiries.

A company, whose identity is shielded by state law, asked the state for leasing rights to drill under Wolf Run State Park in Noble County. (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Where does the buck stop?

Save Ohio Parks, in a statement, said its members were outraged to learn of Cleveland.coms findings.

The public commenting process is critical to decisions that will determine the fate of our Ohio state parks, wildlife areas, and other public lands. Where does the buck stop in ensuring that Ohioans whose names are on these comments actually submitted them? said Cathy Cowan Becker, a Save Ohio Parks steering committee member.

No decisions should be made on any fracking nominations until the investigation regarding these emails is complete and the public is confident the commissions evaluation process is thorough, ethical, democratic, and legal.

Molly Jo Stanley, the Southeast Ohio Regional Director for the Ohio Environmental Council, in a statement noted that the state has a sordid history with fossil fuels, the most notorious example coming with the recent arrest and subsequent jury conviction of ex-Ohio GOP House Speaker Larry Householder for taking a bribe from a power company in exchange for passing legislation establishing ratepayer funded coal and nuclear bailouts.

She called on the commission to investigate and ensure that all comments in the public record are authentic.

This is yet another attempt by fossil fuel interests to undermine our democratic processes for their own financial gain, she said. Ohioans deserve to know that the public record of comments accurately reflects what the people of Ohio want for their public lands.

This story was updated replacing a reference to North Carolina with South Carolina.

After this story published, Dominion Energy said it hasnt been a CEA member for several years. CEA has since removed a reference on its website that listed Dominion as a member. A CEA spokesman said Dominions name was left on its website in error.

Jake Zuckerman covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
An amazing thing about the House Bill 6 scandal, a Statehouse scheme to benefit the giant Akron electric company, FirstEnergy, by nicking ratepayers to bail out two nuclear power plants the utility then owned: The HB 6 affair has been called the biggest Statehouse scandal in Ohio history.

But -- based on the courtroom record to date -- the entire affair, lock, stock, and barrel -- was supposedly choreographed by a single Republican from a Perry County hamlet, one-time House Speaker Larry Householder, with former Republican State Chair Mathew Borges, of Bexley, in a supporting role.

Householder is now serving a 20-year sentence in Columbiana Countys Elkton federal prison. Borges is serving a five-year sentence in a federal prison in Michigan. Two other Statehouse figures pleaded guilty and await sentencing; a third committed suicide; and FirstEnergy signed a deferred prosecution agreement that, in so many words, admitted to company wrongdoing in connection with HB 6s passage. The utility agreed to pay a $230 million penalty.

Anyone who underestimated Larry Householders cunning was a fool. But pending any further action by a federal grand jury sitting in Cincinnati, which is said to be ferreting out additional wrongdoing in the HB 6 affair, heres the legal bottom line -- now:

The ex-speakers in the jug. So is the GOPs ex-chair. Message to date: Nothing to see here, folks. Move on. Thats preposterous, but, de facto, its the message the courtroom record suggests.

Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens.

Householder may have been the most Machiavellian Ohio legislative leader since Scioto County Democrat Vern Riffe (House speaker from 1975 through 1994). But it took more than Householders scheming to assemble a House majority to (narrowly) pass HB 6.

And lest anyone forget, Among the 51 House yes votes on HB 6, nine were cast by House Democrats. Without at least eight of those nine Democratic yes votes, HB 6 wouldnt have reached Republican Gov. Mike DeWines desk. (It takes 50 votes to pass a bill in the 99-seat House.) For that matter, Democrats helped make Householder speaker.

Meanwhile, although the legislature repealed chunks of HB 6 after the scandal broke, Ohio consumers are still paying to subsidize two coal-burning power plants, one in Indiana, the other in the Ohio House district of Speaker Jason Stephens, a Kitts Hill Republican. And Stephens has effectively kiboshed repeal of the coal-plant subsidies.

The coal-plant subsidies were slipped into HB 6 as a logroll to win support from other electric companies for the FirstEnergy bill. And according to the Ohio Office of Consumers Counsel, the subsidies have so far cost Ohio customers of American Electric Power, AES (formerly Dayton Power & Light) and Duke Energy $173.3 million -- and counting.

That is, Ohio consumers are still paying for HB 6, and neither Ohios Senate nor Ohios House has acted to stop those subsidies.

Youd think Ohios economic-development cheerleaders, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. John Husted, both Republicans, would work to repeal the subsidies as financial drags on Ohios economy, from homeowners to manufacturers. But not a peep. Not one.

Funny, isnt it, how Larry Householders locked up -- but nothing changes?

DINGBATS: The public school lobby was out in force last week to complain about the General Assemblys massive expansion of school vouchers -- that is, spending tax money to help parents pay for private schooling for their children. Thats being done by a legislature that took nearly a quarter-century to take effective notice of the state Supreme Courts 1997 DeRolph ruling, which ordered a complete systematic overhaul of how public schools are funded.

Since the debut of Ohio school vouchers in 1995 -- Clevelands voucher pilot, fashioned by the late Medina Republican William G. Batchelder, upheld in 2002 by the U.S. Supreme Court -- the state has steadily expanded spending on, and eligibility for, private school vouchers statewide despite the legislatures constitutional obligation to fully fund public schools.

Its never been clear what the root of Republican devotion to vouchers is, except perhaps for dislike of the unions that represent public school teachers. The brazen irony is that a political party that demands choice in schooling meanwhile denounces choice in pregnancy.

Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens.

To reach Thomas Suddes: tsuddes@cleveland.com, 216-408-9474

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
LEWISTON, Maine  When I went to church this summer, for the first time in years, it was for my friend Katie.

Like me, Katie is a college student who had the privilege and deep joy of spending the summer living and working on a tiny island in Maine  me as the librarian, her as the organ player. Katie was a frequent visitor to the gorgeous one-room library that I was in charge of, and she saw the work that I was doing constantly: processing new books, creating displays and preparing programs for the islands children.

I, on the other hand, very rarely saw the fruits of Katies labors: Each day, she spent hours alone inside the locked chapel, practicing for church services and concerts. So, one Sunday in June, I attended the morning service, expecting to enjoy the music and tolerate the rest.

Instead, I experienced some of the most profound and delightful moments of my summer on the island. I loved it so much that I returned regularly.

From the visiting ministers  a different one each week  I learned about the teachings of love and light at the heart of the Bible and found myself surprised by just how much the sermons, psalms and hymns felt deeply relevant to me as a person who does not believe in the Christian God.

For instance, when we recited a Call to Worship that reflected on the fact that each of us has been gifted a life that is unpredictable and non-rehearsed, and implored us to respond to this gift with creativity, with joy and with courage, I felt a wave of gratitude for the opportunities and joys I have had. When we made space for people to call out their blessings and their sorrows, I felt more deeply woven into the fabric of this community in its most vulnerable human moments than I had ever before. And when Katies last sermon included a hymn reflecting that time, like an ever-rolling stream / bears all its sons away, I thought of myself and Katie, who have spent two magical college summers on the island and are both unlikely to return next year because of more grown-up obligations.

I am not Christian, and I do not believe in any higher power. So why was I so deeply moved by these religious services? The answer, I think, lies in the fact that the Bible and the hymnal were written by humans, and at the very heart of all of them are human reflections on how to live a good life.

Religion, as I came to understand over this summer, is, at its core, philosophy. The major religions of today are meditations on life, written by great thinkers and scholars millenia ago. Whether you consider the stories these reflections are wrapped in to be literal or allegorical is not as important as the lessons they contain.

Consider, for instance, a famous story from another religion: the Jewish miracle of the oil, commemorated by Hanukkah. The story tells us that after defeating the fascist Greeks, who tried to eliminate Jewish tradition, a single bottle of oil miraculously managed to keep the sacred Menorah alight for eight days, until more could be procured. But the story is really about the ability of people to fight oppression, the need to proudly embrace our traditions, the eternal ability to renew what was lost, the miraculous flourishing of light in the darkest time of year.

This is true of most religious stories: While we think first of the prophets and the gods, so much of religion is about the more intensely human aspects of life  how to rebuild, how to ensure love triumphs over tyranny, how to live in a community, how to forgive and love those who wrong you, how to welcome others, how to live alongside those with whom you disagree.

The same is true of the principles and commandments of many religions: Much attention is paid to precise implications of remarkably specific Bible verses, for instance, but Jesus most important teachings are mostly about how to be a good person.

This I learned from ministers and reverends, in a small wooden chapel on a small rocky island, surrounded by dozens of people who, like me, were taking time to reflect on the gift that is our life and our world.

Over the summer, I fell in love with this  with spending meaningful time philosophizing and asking deep questions about the nature of the world; with walking hand-in-hand with others along the slow, eternal journey of making ourselves better people and the world a better place; with taking time every week to reflect on the beauty that is our world and the miracle that is our life.

When I left the island, this was the most unexpected gift I carried with me: an understanding of the profound joy that religion can be.

I still do not believe that the joys of religion have a place beyond personal reflection and spiritual community. I do not think that anyones sense of morality should be guided particularly strongly by their religion; I want people to behave in moral and ethical ways because they want to and because they understand why it is important, not because they fear eternal punishment. As Penn Jillette said best, behaving correctly only because of an angry god watching over us is, in fact, concerningly immoral.

And when taken too far, of course, religions of love can turn to severe hatred. We cannot interpret all of our ancient texts literally in modern society, and we cannot allow religion to have a place in politics or public schools. I have believed this for years.

But this summer taught me that I can believe all of those things to be true and still have profound things to learn from the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, the Veda, the Tipitaka, the Tao Te Ching. These texts all contain ancient and profound meditations on what it means to be a good person  lessons that are applicable to all of us.

Like our Call to Worship implored me to, I hope that I  and you, as well  can set aside space this year to reflect on the wonder of a life that is unpredictable and non-rehearsed, and to remember to respond to this gift with creativity, with joy and with courage.

Maple Buescher is a proud Northeast Ohio native and a 2021 graduate of Cleveland Heights High School. She is currently a politics major at Bates College, where she is the Editor in Chief of the student newspaper and a member of the sailing team, orchestra and student theater club. You can reach her at maplebuescherPD@gmail.com.
Guest columnist Brandy Davis joined the staff of The Center for Community Solutions as a Fellow, Medicaid Policy in 2023. She has worked for health systems in Louisiana and Greater Cleveland, as well as the HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two in Baton Rouge, La.

During the pandemic, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFRCA) provided states with enhanced federal funding as long as they agreed not to disenroll members from Medicaid.

But with the end of the public health emergency came the end of the enhanced federal funding that FFRCA provided. States are now returning to enrollment as it existed prior to the pandemic, a process known as Medicaid Unwinding.

The unwinding of Medicaid back to the traditional enrollment process is resulting in mass disenrollment nationwide. So much so that, on Aug. 9, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued letters to each state Medicaid director with a reminder of the federal commitments.

The letters included data from each states unwinding data report as of July 31. This data would have represented the first wave of disenrollment.

In Ohio, the average call center wait time was 4 minutes and the average call abandonment rate was 3 percent. Sixteen percent of enrollees were terminated for what is referred to as procedural reasons or because of paperwork issues.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) previously sent letters to governors to encourage adoption of automatic renewal strategies. Such federally authorized strategies as redetermining Medicaid financial eligibility when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) gross assets are below income limits or renewing Medicaid eligibility for individuals with income at or below 100 percent Federal Poverty Level, who did not return any data through the automatic (or ex parte) data retrieval process, promote continuity of coverage.

Federal authority even allows automatic reenrollment into a Medicaid managed care plan up to 120 days after loss of Medicaid coverage.

Prior to the changes in enrollment process during the public health emergency, there was an episodic nature as to how people accessed Medicaid. A patient could need care at varying access points. That need could vary from critical care in a hospital setting to acute care at a federally qualified health center.

Episodic enrollment and cyclic termination did not foster the continuity of coverage that promotes healthier patients.

While the details surrounding patients who are disenrolled from Medicaid dont yet paint a clear picture of how patients fare after loss of coverage, some patients will ultimately transition into the Marketplace.

While the Marketplace has changed a lot since it launched on Oct. 1, 2013, so has the coverage it offers. Marketplace coverage is simply not as comprehensive as Medicaid coverage.

The continuity of coverage provided by Medicaid during the pandemic is no longer guaranteed. Patients will choose between paying what might be a minimal copay or cost-share and making decisions that have more immediate impacts on their households.

For Medicaid enrollees or those who think they may be a Medicaid enrollee -- as the Ohio Department of Medicaid has put it -- it is important to keep your contact information up to date and Dont Miss This Letter.

Readers are invited to submit Opinion page essays on topics of regional or general interest. Send your 500-word essay for consideration to Ann Norman at anorman@cleveland.com. Essays must include a brief bio and headshot of the writer. Essays rebutting todays topics are also welcome.
Diyar Al Muharraq, a leading real estate development company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, will be showcasing its portfolio of prominent real estate projects such as Al Naseem and the investment opportunities linked to it at the upcoming Cityscape Global expo in Riyadh.

A major event for the real estate industry, Cityscape Global will run from September 10 to 13 in the Saudi capital. This years edition will host over 2,000 real estate investors, in addition to more than 350 participating organizations.

Diyar Al Muharraqs participation falls under the Kingdom of Bahrains pavilion, which reflects the combined efforts of governmental and private sector entities.

During the event, Diyar Al Muharraq will showcase the Al Naseem project and various investment opportunities as part of its portfolio of prominent real estate projects.

Commenting on the occasion, CEO Engineer Ahmed Ali Alammadi said: "We are proud to be taking part in this years Cityscape Global in Riyadh, the worlds most prominent real estate event, representing Bahrains various sectors as part of the Bahrain pavilion."

"Our upcoming participation also represents our ongoing efforts to achieve national objectives in the sustainable real estate development industry. We are confident that our participation will contribute to attracting a wide number of investors," he stated.

Being held under the theme 'The Future of Living,' the Cityscape Global is projected to welcome a thousand visitors interested in buying real estate from 170 countries.

Over 250 local and international speakers will share their experiences and opinions in panel discussions, as well as the latest real estate ideas in architecture, design, and city planning.-TradeArabia News Service
United States Capitol building and an Iranian flag are seen at the photo exhibition organized by the Iranian-American community and supporters of the Iranian Resistance at the National mall in Washington D.C., United States on December 14, 2022.

When $6 billion of unfrozen Iranian funds are wired to banks in Qatar as early as next week, it will trigger a carefully choreographed sequence that will see as many as five detained U.S. dual nationals leave Iran and a similar number of Iranian prisoners held in the U.S. fly home, according to eight Iranian and other sources familiar with the negotiations who spoke to Reuters.

As a first step, Iran on Aug. 10 released four U.S. citizens from Tehran's Evin prison into house arrest, where they joined a fifth, who was already under house arrest. Later that day U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the move the first step of a process that would lead to their return home.

They include businessmen Siamak Namazi, 51, and Emad Sharqi, 59, as well as environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, 67, who also holds British nationality, the U.S. administration has said. The Tahbaz and Shargi families did not respond to requests for comment. A lawyer for the Namazi family declined to comment.

The identities of the fourth and fifth Americans, one of whom according to two sources is a woman, have not been disclosed. Reuters couldn't establish which Iranian prisoners, in turn, would be swapped by the U.S.

At the center of the negotiations that forged this deal between the superpower which Iran brands the "Great Satan" and the Islamic Republic which Washington calls a state sponsor of terrorism is the tiny but hugely rich state of Qatar.

Doha hosted at least eight rounds of talks involving Iranian and U.S. negotiators sitting in separate hotels speaking via shuttle diplomacy, a source briefed on the discussions said, with the earlier sessions focused mainly on the thorny nuclear issue and the later ones on the prisoner releases.

Doha will implement a financial arrangement under which it will pay banking fees and monitor how Iran spends the unfrozen cash to ensure no money is spent on items under U.S. sanctions, and the prisoners will transit Qatar when they are swapped, according to three of the sources.

"Iran initially wanted direct access to the funds but in the end agreed to having access via Qatar," said a senior diplomat. "Iran will purchase food and medicine and Qatar will pay directly."

Reuters pieced together this account of previously unreported details about the extent of Qatari mediation of the secret talks, how the deal unfolded and the expediency that motivated both parties to clinch the prisoner swap deal. Reuters interviewed four Iranian officials, two U.S. sources, a senior Western diplomat, a Gulf government adviser and the person familiar with the negotiations.

All of the sources requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of a deal which hasn't been fully implemented.

A State Department spokesperson said the U.S. was not ready to announce the exact timing of the prisoner release. The Department also declined to discuss the details of what the spokesperson termed "an ongoing and highly sensitive negotiation."

'You can build trust'

The U.S. administration has not commented on the timing of the funds transfer. However, on Sept 5, South Korean foreign minister Park Jin said efforts were under way to transfer Iran's funds.

"The U.S.-Iran relationship is not one characterized by trust. We judge Iran by its actions, nothing else," the State Department spokesperson added.

Washington consented to the movement of Iranian funds from South Korea to restricted accounts held by financial institutions in Qatar, but no money is going to Iran directly, the spokesperson added.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Reuters' request for comment on the details of negotiations, Qatar's role in the talks or the terms of the final agreement.

Iran's foreign ministry and its U.N. mission did not respond to detailed questions regarding this story.

The sources' account of the negotiation shows how the deal sidestepped the main U.S.-Iran dispute over Iran's nuclear aims, culminating in a rare moment of cooperation between the long-time adversaries, at odds on a host of issues from Iran's nuclear program to the U.S. military presence in the Gulf.

Ties between the U.S. and Iran have been at boiling point since Donald Trump quit a nuclear deal with Iran as U.S. president in 2018. Reaching another nuclear deal has gained little traction since then, as President Joe Biden prepares for the 2024 U.S. election.

The State Department spokesperson also said there had been no change in Washington's overall approach to Iran, "which continues to be focused on deterrence, pressure and diplomacy."

Once the funds are transferred, they will be held in restricted accounts in Qatar, and the U.S. will have oversight as to how and when these funds are used, the State Department spokesperson added.

The potential transfer has drawn Republican criticism that Biden, a Democrat, is in effect paying ransom for U.S. citizens. But Blinken told reporters on Aug 10 the deal does not mean that Iran would be getting any sanctions relief, explaining that Washington would continue to push back "resolutely against Iran's destabilizing activities in the region".

The Qatari-led mediation gained momentum in June 2023, said the source briefed on the discussions, adding at least eight rounds of talks were held since March 2022, with earlier rounds devoted mainly to the nuclear issue and later ones to prisoners.

"They all realised that nuclear (negotiation) is a dead end and shifted focus to prisoners. Prisoners is more simple. It's easy to get and you can build trust," he said. "This is when things got serious again."

Prisoners expected to transit Qatar

The Iranian, diplomatic and regional sources said that once the money reaches Qatar from South Korea via Switzerland, Qatari officials will instruct Tehran and Washington to proceed with the releases under the terms of a document signed by both sides and Qatar in late July or early August. Reuters has not seen the document.

The transfer to banks in Qatar is expected to conclude as early as next week if all goes to plan, the source briefed on the talks said. Reuters was unable to identify the banks involved.

"American prisoners will fly to Qatar from Tehran and Iranian prisoners will fly from the U.S. to Qatar, and then be transferred to Iran," the source briefed on the talks told Reuters.

According to two Iranian insiders, the source briefed on the negotiations and the senior Western diplomat, the talks' most complex part was arranging a mechanism to ensure transparency in the money transfer and respect for U.S. sanctions. The $6 billion in Iranian assets  the proceeds of oil sales  were frozen under sweeping U.S. oil and financial sanctions against Iran. Then president Trump in 2018 reimposed the sanctions when he pulled Washington out of a deal under which Iran had restricted its nuclear program.

Issues discussed included how to ensure Iran only spent the money on humanitarian goods and securing guarantees from Qatar on its monitoring of the process.

"To salvage the negotiations from collapse, Qatar pledged to cover the banking fees for the funds' transfer from Seoul to Switzerland, and subsequently to Qatari banks, while also taking on the responsibility of expense oversight," an Iranian insider briefed about the talks told Reuters.

The central bank governors of Iran and Qatar met in Doha on June 14 to discuss the funds transfer, a second Iranian insider and the source briefed on the talks said.

The Central Bank of Iran and the Qatar central bank declined to comment .

The talks were led by U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley -- now on unpaid leave because his security clearance is under review -- and by U.S. Deputy Special Envoy Abram Paley and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, said one Iranian official, two sources briefed on the negotiations and the Western diplomat.

Mehdi Safari, Iran's deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, joined the Iranian delegation at two meetings in Qatar for talks on the funds transfer, one senior Iranian diplomat told Reuters. Qatari Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry Mohammed Al-Khulaifi was the go-between mediator.

Malley declined to comment. Paley, Kani and Al Khulaifi could not be reached directly for comment.
In this article NOVO.B-DK Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

An Ozempic injection pen is seen on a kitchen table in Riga, Latvia, on Aug. 6, 2023. Jaap Arriens | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Heather Le Biller shed 9 pounds within the first week of taking Novo Nordisk 's blockbuster diabetes drug Ozempic  and then even more as she continued treatment. Le Biller, a flight attendant who lives in France, noticed her appetite quiet down while taking the weekly injection. But so did her cravings for wine, a drink she called "almost customary to pair with every dinner" in France. "When I was on Ozempic, it made me not want that as much anymore," Le Biller told CNBC. "I could have a few sips of wine and just be satisfied and move on. I didn't need multiple glasses a night, so it definitely seems to help with that." Le Biller is among several patients who took diabetes and weight loss drugs and also noticed an effect on their cravings for alcohol, nicotine, opioids or even some compulsive behaviors, such as online shopping and gambling. Those drugs  including Ozempic and its weight loss counterpart from Novo Nordisk, Wegovy  are called GLP-1 agonists, which mimic a hormone produced in the gut to suppress a person's appetite. These anecdotal reports add to the growing list of potential benefits of GLP-1s beyond shedding unwanted pounds. Dramatic weight loss is the primary reason why those drugs have skyrocketed in popularity in the U.S., despite the fact that they can cost around $1,000 a month and some health insurers have stopped covering them altogether. "We're prescribing these drugs and seeing this effect as a secondary benefit in patients. One of my patients even said they're not doing as much online shopping, which is helping their wallet," said Dr. Angela Fitch, an obesity medicine physician and co-founder and chief medical officer at the hybrid weight loss healthcare provider knownwell.

A customer drinks a glass of wine at the It's Italian Cucina restaurant on April 05, 2023 in Austin, Texas. A new analysis of more than 40 years of accumulated research has found that moderate drinking has no health benefits. Brandon Bell | Getty Images

This striking effect of GLP-1s isn't a new idea. Several studies have demonstrated that certain GLP-1s curb alcohol intake in rodents and monkeys. More research needs to be done, particularly on humans, to prove that the drugs have that effect. That means it could take years before the Food and Drug Administration and other regulators worldwide approve drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy as addiction treatments. Novo Nordisk told CNBC in a statement that they aren't pursuing that research. "Pharma has this general lack of interest in investing in the addiction field" due to a perfect storm of factors, including the high stigma around addiction disorders among doctors, physicians and even patients, according to Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, clinical director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA. Leggio and other scientists are working to fill the gap  and have already made strides toward confirming the potential of GLP-1s as addiction treatments.

What do we know so far?

Scientists have published nearly a dozen studies showing how GLP-1s stop binge drinking in rats and mice, reduce their desire for alcohol, prevent relapse in addicted animals and decrease alcohol consumption overall. Earlier studies have examined older, less potent GLP-1s such as exenatide, a drug approved for diabetes under the names Byetta and Bydureon. But more recent studies on semaglutide  the generic name for Ozempic and Wegovy  and another drug from Eli Lilly called dulaglutide "are the most promising" because they reduced alcohol intake in animals by 60% to 80%, according to pharmacologist Elisabet Jerlhag. Studies have also shown that rats that stop taking dulaglutide, which is approved for diabetes under the name Trulicity, "take weeks before they start drinking again," she said. Jerlhag and her colleagues at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden have studied the effect of GLP-1s on addictive behaviors for more than a decade.

Boxes of the drug trulicity, made by Eli Lilly and Company, sit on a counter at a pharmacy in Provo, Utah, January 9, 2020. George Frey | Reuters

Other studies on animals have also found that GLP-1 drugs reduce the consumption of nicotine, cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. Few studies have been done on humans, but six clinical trials are now underway investigating how semaglutide may alter people's drinking and smoking habits. The reason behind this anti-addiction effect of GLP-1s is that those drugs also affect the brain, not just the gut, according to NIDA's Leggio. "The mechanism in the brain that regulates overeating is important in regulating addictive behaviors as well," Leggio told CNBC. "There is a clear shared overlap. So it's possible that the medications may help people with addiction by acting on that specific mechanism." GLP-1s specifically decrease the amount of dopamine the brain releases after people indulge in behaviors like drinking, smoking or even eating a sweet dessert, according to Dr. Steven Batash, a gastroenterologist who provides nonsurgical weight loss procedures in Queens, New York. Batash said dopamine is a neurotransmitter that "reinforces the pleasure" of doing those activities. When GLP-1s take away that pleasure, they also eliminate the motivation to do those activities.

What needs more research?

Still, NIDA's Leggio advises against using GLP-1s off-label to reduce addictive behaviors, "simply because there's not enough evidence in humans that they work." "The animal studies are very promising and what people are reporting is very, very important, but as a scientist, I will also tell you that that's not enough," he told CNBC. Leggio said scientists need to conduct more double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies on humans  or trials where both participants and researchers don't know who is getting randomly selected to receive a placebo or an actual drug. Those types of studies are "the gold standard" for proving whether a treatment achieves a certain effect or not, he added But even if those trials confirm that GLP-1s can reduce addictive behaviors in humans, "it will most likely work for some patients and not others," according to Leggio. "We already know, as a matter of fact, that these medications and any drug overall do not work for everybody," he said.

The Good Brigade | Digitalvision | Getty Images
U.S. President Joe Biden attends Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event on the day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, September 9, 2023.

U.S. President Joe Biden secured deals with Vietnam on semiconductors and minerals as the strategic Southeast Asian nation elevated Washington to its highest diplomatic status alongside China and Russia.

The U.S. has been pushing for the upgrade for months as it sees the manufacturing dynamo as a key country in its strategy to secure global supply chains from China-related risks.

A half-century after a lengthy and brutal Cold War-era conflict, Biden arrived in Hanoi to a ceremony organized by the ruling Communist Party that included school children waving American flags and honor guards carrying bayoneted rifles.

Biden noted the strides that had been taken toward improved ties.

"We can trace a 50-year arc of progress between our nations, from conflict to normalization, to this new elevated status," he said.

Vietnam is having to navigate frosty relations between Washington and Beijing as it seeks its own foothold in the international economic competition.

Top Chinese officials, possibly including President Xi Jinping, are expected to visit Vietnam in the coming days or weeks, officials and diplomats said, as Hanoi seeks to maintain good relations with all super powers.

It also comes as Vietnam's longstanding relationship with Russia faces tests over the war in Ukraine, including talks with Russia over a new arms supply deal that could trigger U.S. sanctions.

Reuters has seen documents describing talks for a credit facility that Russia would extend to Vietnam to buy heavy weaponry, including anti-ship missiles, antisubmarine aircraft and helicopters, antiaircraft missile systems and fighter jets.

One of them, a letter sent in May by Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the Russian government, showed interest in the possible new deal.

A Vietnamese military officer confirmed the authenticity of the letter and the talks for a new $8 billion credit facility to buy heavy weaponry.

A spokesperson for Vietnam's foreign ministry did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the documents, which show Moscow pushing for months for a loan deal that would bypass Western sanctions on Moscow.

Hanoi is in similar talks with multiple arms suppliers including the United States. In recent weeks, Vietnam has engaged in several high-level defense meetings with top Russian officials.

The upgrade will include a security dimension, Jon Finer, the U.S. principal deputy national security adviser, told reporters on Sunday, while on the plane with Biden to Vietnam from a Group of 20 summit in India.

He said he had no arms deals to announce at this stage but stressed that the U.S. and its partners could offer Vietnam help to diversify away from Russian military supplies, an offer which he said Vietnam was receptive to.

That would help Vietnam reduce military reliance on Moscow, "a relationship we think they are increasingly uncomfortable with," Finer said.
A Boeing 787 of Vietnam's state-owned airline, Vietnam Airlines, is taken to Frankfurt Airport's runway.

Vietnam Airlines is expected to sign an initial agreement to buy about 50 Boeing 737 Max jets in a deal valued at about $7.5 billion, a person familiar with the talks told Reuters on Sunday.

Wording of the impending deal, which confirms a Reuters report from last week, comes as U.S. President Joe Biden visits Hanoi to boost ties with the former foe.

Boeing and Vietnam Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The deal would be worth up to $7 billion at list prices, and usually companies that buy in bulk get discounts, but the person familiar with the talks did not comment on this.

Boeing has a deal with Vietnam Airlines' rival VietJet (VJC.HM) for the sale of 200 of its 737 MAX planes.

Vietnam was the world's fifth fastest-growing aviation market in 2022 when it lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which predicts the country will serve 150 million air transport passengers by 2035.

Boeing 737 Max jets were grounded worldwide for months after two fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019. The planes returned to service from the end of 2020.

Vietnam Airlines recorded a net loss of 1.3 trillion dong ($53.96 million) in the second quarter of this year, its 14th quarter in the red, its financial statements showed. The carrier has said the losses were due to rising fuel prices and other financial risk factors.

Boeing has also been in talks with Vietnamese authorities, together with other U.S. defense companies, for the possible sale of military equipment, including drones and helicopters.

Arlington, Virginia based Boeing has six suppliers in Vietnam and is working to increase their capabilities.
Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has praised Indias progress under its G20 presidency. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, he highlighted the extraordinary agenda set by India, which included over 200 meetings across 60 cities. These meetings saw participation from various Brazilian ministers, including those of health, mines and energy, science and technology, labour, and finance.

Share Market Live NSE

Lula commended this inclusive approach, stating that it was a new way for countries to participate in such forums. He emphasised that its not just at the presidential level but involves the government as a whole and the people in the debate. He expressed that Brazil had learned a lot from this approach and would incorporate many of these teachings into their own G20 meeting next year.

When asked about his impression of Prime Minister Modi, Lula spoke highly of him. He mentioned his good relations with Indias former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and stated that his relationship with Prime Minister Modi was extraordinary. Lula had his first meeting with PM Modi in May after his inauguration as the president of Brazil for a third term.

Lula commended Modis serious commitment to the welfare of the Indian people and acknowledged the complexity of governing a diverse country like India. He also noted that Modi had already been re-elected once and could potentially be re-elected again next year. He viewed this as a recognition of Modis work by the people.

Watch: Gabriella Noronha, a journalist affiliated with a news channel operated by the Brazilian Government, discusses Brazil's upcoming role as the host country for the Gabriella Noronha, a journalist affiliated with a news channel operated by the Brazilian Government, discusses Brazil's upcoming role as the host country for the G20 summit in 2024

Lula also compared the economic progress of both countries, noting that while India had risen from the 15th to the 6th largest economy in the world, Brazil had slipped from the 6th to the 12th.
In a symbolic gesture marking the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, passed the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The event marked the end of the G20 Summit being held in Delhi on September 9-10.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over the gavel of G 20 presidency to the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. pic.twitter.com/ihEmXN9lty  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

During the closing session, Modi presented the gavel and extended his best wishes to Brazil as they prepared to assume the presidency. Brazil is set to officially take the helm of this prestigious group on December 1 this year.

For LIVE updates on the G20 Summit in Delhi, check here.

India will still hold the responsibility of the G20 Presidency until November 2023. In his closing remarks, PM Modi proposed a virtual session in November to review progress made on matters decided during the two-day G20 Summit

"We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual session...I hope you all will connect in the virtual session...With this, I declare the conclusion of G 20 Summit," Modi said.

Addressing the gathering, Lula da Silva conveyed his congratulations to Modi and expressed gratitude to India for its dedication to highlighting the issues that matter to emerging economies.

"I congratulate PM Modi for efficiently leading G20 bloc and for excellent work in this summit," Lula said.

He also commended India for championing the concerns of emerging economies.

The G20 Summit 2024 will be held in November 2024 in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro. Lula da Silva announced that the technical groups and preparatory ministerial meetings will be hosted in several cities across the country's five regions.

Lula da Silva also outlined three key priorities for the G20: social inclusion and the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development, and the reform of global governance institutions.

"...We are living in a world where wealth is more concentrated in which millions of human beings still go hungry, where sustainable development is always threatened, in which government institutions still reflect the reality of the middle of the last century. We will only be able to face all these problems if we address the issue of inequality  inequality of income, of access to healthcare, education, food, gender and race and also of representation is at the origin of these anomalies," he said.

He also highlighted that two task forces will be created  the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and the Global Mobilisation Against Climate Change.

The priorities align with Brazil's G20 Presidency motto which is "Building a fair world and sustainable planet."

He emphasised the need for new developing countries to join the ranks of permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council to restore its political strength.

"We want greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF," he said.

During his remarks, Lula da Silva noted that he was "very much touched and emotional" by the visit to Delhi's Rajghat earlier on Sunday morning to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

"Everybody knows that in my political life, Mahatma Gandhi has great meaning because the struggle with non-violence was a role model that I followed for many decades when I was in the Labour Movement," the Brazilian president said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10)  Groups of educators condemned the planned changes of the Department of Education (DepEd) in its Grade 6 Araling Panlipunan curriculum, which they said would spread disinformation and historical distortion.

"The alteration of historical terminology is not only distortion but also undermines the truth about one of the darkest periods in Philippine history," the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said on Sunday.

Following a directive from the DepEd Curriculum and Teaching Management Committee, the agency's Bureau of Curriculum Development on Sept. 6 released a memorandum that would change the term "Diktadurang Marcos" to "Diktadura" in the Araling Panlipunan subject of the new MATATAG curriculum.

On Saturday, the Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) described the revision as a blatant example of disinformation, where the people are deliberately misled by manipulating historical facts.

"Ferdinand Marcos Sr. ruled the Philippines with an iron fist, suspending civil liberties, suppressing dissent, and committing numerous human rights violations during his regime," ACT said.

"To reduce his oppressive rule to a mere Diktadura is a disservice to the countless victims of his dictatorship and an affront to the pursuit of historical accuracy and truth," the group added.

CONTEND urged fellow educators to reject the revision in the curriculum and seek transparency from DepEd as it questioned the agencys move since there is "no empirical data" to back up the changes.

Citing reports from the Amnesty International missions to the Philippines in 1975 and 1981, CONTEND said "a plethora of historical evidence justify the categorization of 1972 to 1986 as the period of Marcos dictatorship."

"What followed Marcos' declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972 were massive state-sponsored human rights violations," CONTEND said.

According to Deped's memorandum, the revision of the Araling Panlipunan curriculum was made after an "arduous process of review and revision was done under the guidance and scrutiny of experts, the review of stakeholders, and the public and the launch of the MATATAG curriculum."

The DepEd has yet to reply to CNN Philippines' request for comment on the matter.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10)  Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will be visiting Argentina this week for the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Manila and Buenos Aires, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Sunday.

The official visit will be from Sept. 11 to 16.

The Secretary will be received by Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs Santiago Andres Cafiero on Sept. 13, during which they will discuss the deepening PH-Argentina cooperation agenda, which includes: cooperation in science and technology, specifically in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and outer space; technical cooperation in agriculture; trade and investments; and cultural relations," the DFA said.

During the visit, Manalo will speak at the Consejo Argentino para Relaciones Internacionales, a think tank in Argentina, and at the Universidad de Belgrano where he will be discussing the longstanding bilateral relations and cooperation between both countries.

Manalo's trip marks a Philippine foreign secretary's first visit to Argentina in over a decade.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10)  Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the upper chamber will work to increase the confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

READ:

PH concludes new resupply mission to Ayungin after continued harassment by China

PH rejects, protests Chinas expanded 10-dash line in South China Sea

Dahil sa nangyayari sa West Philippine Sea, gusto po namin dagdagan ang budget ng ating mga sundalo at Navy personnel, lalo na sa Navy at coast guard, to strengthen our external defense capabilities para magkaroon po tayo ng credible defensive posture, Zubiri said in a Saturday interview.

[Translation: Because of whats happening in the West Philippine Sea, we want to increase the budget of our soldiers and Navy, especially to the Navy and coast guard, to strengthen our external defense capabilities so we can have a credible defensive posture.]

Iyan po ang pangako namin sa inyo, may maiiba pagdating po sa intelligence funds at confidential funds [This is our promise to you, there will be changes with the CIFs]. And I think it will be reflected in the outcome of the Senate hearings of the budget, he added.

Under the proposed national budget for 2024, the CIFs of the PCG and Navy stand at 10 million and 39.74 million, respectively, Zubiri disclosed.

Imagine, yung coast guard ay 10 million lang yung confidential fund nila. Yung ibang ahensya ng gobyerno, hundreds of millions. So, I would suggest na puwede nating ilipat doon sa mga kailangan talaga ng intelligence funds at madagdagan ang intelligence funds to protect us both internally and externally, he said.

[Translation: Imagine, the PCGs CIF is only 10 million while other agencies are in the hundreds of millions. So, I would suggest that we realign the budget to agencies that really need intelligence funds to protect us both internally and externally.]

Zubiri also said that the Senate is considering the possible revival of the Select Oversight Committee on CIFs that will review the use of the government agencies intelligence funds.

Since the start of the budget deliberations, lawmakers have questioned the proposed 10.14 billion in CIFs in the 2024 National Expenditure Program.

Some agencies which have been flagged for their big CIFs include the Office of the President with 4.5 billion, the Office of the Vice President with 500 million, and the Department of Education with 150 million.

Senator Risa Hontiveros pointed out that these agencies do not have the same responsibilities as intelligence gathering units of government such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense, and the Philippine National Police.
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!

Your notification has been saved.

There was a problem saving your notification.

{{description}}

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Costumes: Without them, movies would just be filled with a bunch of naked people, and who the hell would watch that? (Oh, wait.) Anyway, costumes are a huge part of the filmmaking process -- think of the first time you saw the Wicked Witch, or Darth Vader, or Johnny Depp in a cra-a-azy wig. Sometimes, those same costumes have surprisingly insane backstories that deserve movies of their own, like...

7 Jabba The Hutt Was A Bunch Of Dudes Smushed Together In A Sack After abandoning the idea of having him be a heavyset Irishman dressed like one of the wildlings from Game Of Thrones, someone came up with the idea that Jabba the Hutt should be a hookah-smoking space slug. Lucasfilm

"Imagine a pile of rotting garbage who's high all the time. The kids will love it." It turns out that creating and operating the Jabba puppet was actually a huge ordeal, which is probably why Sesame Street doesn't have any giant slug monsters. In fact, being in the Jabba costume was such a trip, someone recently put together a fascinating documentary about the poor souls who were crammed together in there. For starters, we learned that the suit was apparently designed using half-naked Ken dolls: Filmumentaries - Jamie Benning

More like Jabba the hunks. Advertisement The puppet required two guys (though fully clothed, and hopefully with their genitals intact) getting smooshed together to operate Jabba's arms and mouth. Plus, there were people controlling his face and eyes, and a little person in Jabba's tail with a crank to make it wag -- you know, for all of those scenes where Lando jingled his keys and talked excitedly about going to the park. Lucasfilm Advertisement

"Actually, that's not a tail, that's..." "Don't wanna know, George." It was like if a NASA command module was half the size, and instead of an adventure to the heavens, the "astronauts" were only there to make a repulsively bulbous alien puppet shit-talk Han Solo. Lucasfilm Advertisement

To be fair, NASA would finally get some funding if they sent humans to Mars in a Jabba the Hutt puppet. Most insanely, there was a guy whose only job was to crouch underneath Jabba and smoke cigars, blowing the smoke through a tube to make it look like Jabba was puffing away: Lucasfilm Advertisement

After all, this is what you typically do when you get into those positions with people. The suit itself was so crowded, one puppeteer claimed that Carrie Fisher might have stepped on the tail guy's head in the scene where she kills Jabba. Say what you will about the CGI version of the character, at least his presence didn't necessitate a bunch of dudes reenacting a dry-hump orgy inside a monster-shaped bag.

6 Jennifer Lawrence's Mystique Costume Smelled Like Pee Mystique: everyone's favorite X-Men character, or at least the one who most resembles an extra from a The Smurfs porn parody. She's the shape-shifting blue mutant who's totally naked except for her breasts and genitals, which are seemingly covered by the braille version of a Tom Clancy novel. 20th Century Fox Advertisement Advertisement

"Actually, those are all nipples."

"Dammit, George, you don't even work on this movie!" Of course, this costume is an incredibly elaborate undertaking -- it's not like simply donning a cape and tights to play Superman, or slapping on a run-of-the-mill hood made of LED lights to be Ghost Rider. The behind-the-scenes photos of Jennifer Lawrence getting ready for work look like about as much fun as... well, having strangers paint your naked body blue for seven hours. 20th Century Fox

At least she had the same Arrested Development joke over and over to cheer her up. Advertisement For X-Men: Apocalypse, they gave her what she described as "a blue pantyhose that goes around whole body," which was easier to deal with... with one caveat. There was no good way for her to go to the bathroom. Unlike Wolverine, who's basically wearing street clothes, Mystique is put in a most awkward position. Fortunately for Lawrence, movie magic found a way. Unfortunately, that way was just a goddamn funnel. EW

Well, a funnel and a deranged Professor X. Yup, Lawrence was expected to pee standing up. Of course, with Mystique's powers limited to shapeshifting and not some kind of urine telekinesis, things didn't always go as planned. Yup, she got some "drips" of piss on her costume which, not surprisingly, led "to a distinct smell." Meaning that X-Men's sexy, kickass character had the aroma of the floor of a bus terminal. Advertisement Advertisement

5 A Small Boy With No Legs Played Drunk-Ass E.T. Steven Spielberg's E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial faced a lot of production challenges; working with child actors, making bicycles fly, and turning E.T. into a lovable scamp, despite the fact that his entire body resembled a mummified scrotum. E.T. was conceived as a combination of puppetry and elaborate costumes, but his ravishing testicle complexion made that a bit tricky. Sometimes the role was played by a little person, but for some shots, they used 12-year-old Matthew De Meritt, who was born without legs. He would not only fit inside the costume perfectly, but also use his arms to walk, giving E.T. a distinctive gait. If all of this sounds like we're bullshitting you, check out this super official-looking blueprint: Universal Pictures Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, the dog was operated by a large family of hamsters. It seems pretty heartwarming that a young boy gets a chance to act in an all-time classic movie, but some of the details are a little messed up. According to the now-adult Matthew, he was only in the suit for the scenes where E.T. got hurt in some way. It turns out the little people they hired were too old to fall down safely, perhaps because of some obscure union rule requiring they only hire surviving The Wizard Of Oz cast members. This means that Matthew got the privilege of being E.T. when he falls over on Halloween, gets hit by the fridge door, and of course, gets hammered and passes out. The magic of movies! Universal Pictures Advertisement

"WANTED: Small, pain-averse boy capable of pretending to get shit-faced on a six-pack of Coors."

4 Star Trek: The Next Generation's Uniforms Stank Like Ass The Star Trek franchise has always been hit or miss when it came to predicting the future -- sure, we all walk around with personal communicators and computer pads, but instead of the Eugenics Wars, the worst thing we got in 1992 was "Achy Breaky Heart." And while we haven't reached the 24th century yet, the "futuristic" fashion of Star Trek: The Next Generation already looks undeniably 80s in a way that was invisible to us back then. CBS Television Distribution Advertisement Advertisement

It doesn't help that this was taken in the same studio as most New Wave promo shots. The early seasons of the show were the worst offenders, mainly due to creator Gene Roddenberry's fierce conviction that spandex would be the go-to material for the clothing of the future. In addition to its inherent tackiness, spandex had another big problem. According to one of the show's costumers, "Spandex retains odor, so there is a certain part where if you're wearing them for a long period of time, you can't really clean all the smell out." Meaning that the bridge of the Enterprise very likely smelled like an anthropomorphic gym sock's wet fart. CBS Television Distribution Advertisement

"OK, who farted?"

"That was you last week, Captain." If all that wasn't enough, according to Patrick Stewart, the uniforms were purposefully a size too small because the "producers wanted to have a smooth, unwrinkled look." Of course, this ended up giving everybody back problems, and was finally changed only after Stewart's chiropractor convinced him to threaten a lawsuit. No word on if it was the chiropractor who pressured them to get rid of all the dudes wearing skirts.

3 Marlon Brando's Costume In The Island Of Doctor Moreau Was Apparently A Scheme To Skip Being In The Movie We've talked a lot about Marlon Brando's wackiness in the past, from the time he wanted to read his lines off a baby's diaper, to when he insisted on reading them off a grown woman's bare ass. We've even talked about the piece de resistance of his madness: The Island Of Doctor Moreau. And while some of the Brando stories from that garbage fire of a movie seem legitimately nuts (his personal dwarf, the suggestion that he should be half-dolphin), one ridiculous suggestion of his may have been secretly brilliant. Advertisement Advertisement When Brando's Doctor Moreau shows up, he's wearing white makeup and sunglasses, looking like a California Raisin on its deathbed. New Line Cinema

Or like he just sneezed on a Hollywood producer's "special tray." Of course, this look isn't owed to Moreau author H.G. Wells huffing paint thinner for a few chapters -- it was a suggestion of Brando's. Why? Well, in the recent documentary about the making of the film, the crew speculates that Brando came up with this costume idea not because it would be a compelling look for the character, but out of pure, epic-scale laziness. Thanks to this costume, his stand-in could slather on some white paint, pop on a pair of Ray-Bans, and do most of the work that afternoon while Brando stayed in his trailer. New Line Cinema Advertisement Advertisement

Well, at least this time Brando didn't pop on a fake mustache and go on the lam He even had someone banned from the set for questioning the whole albino Bono look: New Line Cinema

"The director pointed out actors can't ban people, so he banned him too." Now knowing that Brando's wardrobe suggestions sometimes have ulterior motives, maybe someone should double-check that his Don Corleone wasn't just a ruse to smuggle free cotton balls out of the set.

2 RoboCop's Suit Almost Killed The Whole Movie After four movies, a Saturday morning cartoon, and a particularly baffling fried chicken commercial, it's hard to imagine that RoboCop would have amounted to anything if it weren't for his badass robot suit -- which, incidentally, nearly derailed the whole damn movie. After toying around with some even more blatant Judge Dredd-like ideas, designer Rob Bottin came up with the iconic suit we now know, love, and hope to one day live inside after being gunned down by petty thugs. Orion Pictures Advertisement Advertisement

"I AM THE REGULATION!" Amazingly, though, that wasn't good enough for the movie's director, Paul Verhoeven. He insisted they should be going for a "revolutionary" look inspired by Japanese comics -- which he later admitted did not work out terribly well. We like the way he phrased it: Orion Pictures Advertisement

"In retrospect, a giant cat shaped like a bus wasn't the right look for this project." After dragging his heels, and fighting with the designer, Verhoeven eventually settled on that same goddamned design he'd rejected -- meaning that the whole thing had been hopelessly delayed for no reason. This was a big problem, because instead of having a month to figure out how to move in his new metal pajamas, the first time that actor Peter Weller got to try on the suit was to shoot a scene. Which, understandably, pissed him off. Advertisement Also adding fuel to the fire of pissed-off-ness, because of his tiff with the director, the designer wouldn't come to the set, leaving the crew to try and assemble the suit themselves. It was like if Ikea made futuristic crime-fighting equipment instead of shitty bookshelves -- right down to the part where it took 11 freaking hours. The producer responded to Weller's reasonable protests by... firing him. Orion Pictures Advertisement Advertisement

"Wait, let me try that again. Can you stand by a window this time?" Luckily for movie history, the suit was tailor-made for Weller, and since they didn't have time or money to make a new one, the producers had no choice to hire him back. Yes, like everything in life, Hollywood too is governed by a heady mix of fear, pragmatism, and laziness.
Taking the concept of the nuclear family and thrusting them into a futuristic world of 3D-printed food and robot pills, The Jetsons was, in many ways, a 1960s show ahead of its time (and, in many ways, not so much). Its the reason why the animated sitcom is often referenced when talks of futuristic developments pop up because it certainly changed the way Americans and the world at large viewed technological ideals and evolution.

George, Jane, Judy and Elroy Jetson have represented a unified discussion point for generations regarding what could be. Its a pretty impressive feat, considering that this Hanna-Barbera classic almost didnt see more than 24 episodes...

Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox.

15 The Famous Composer Behind the Theme Song William Hanna and Joseph Barbera wrote the classic theme song to The Jetsons alongside their go-to music composer, Hoyt Curtin. Curtin is responsible for countless iconic themes, including The Flintstones, Top Cat, Josie and the Pussycats, The New Scooby-Doo Movies and The Smurfs. Every time I hear that damn thing, Im amazed, Curtin told the Los Angeles Times in 1986, after The Jetsons theme hit number 9 on the Billboard charts. Man, that tune swings.

14 According to the Math, George Jetson Is One This Year In the pilot episode, Dr. Lunar tells George Jetson he can expect to live up to 150 years, which would give him another 110 years. That means George is 40, and since the shows promos stated in 1962 that the show is set 100 years into the future, it means George Jetson was born in 2022.

13 The Voice of Judy Janet Waldo, who voiced Judy Jetson, would go on to voice Josie in Hanna-Barberas Josie and the Pussycats, Morticia Addams in the 1973 Addams Family cartoon and Sheila Tobbis in King of the Hill.

12 Canceled After One Season Its hard to imagine how one of the most famous cartoons in history got canceled following just one season, but thats what happened with The Jetsons after their 24-episode debut. However, Hanna-Barbera produced a second run for syndication between 1985 and 1987 on Saturday mornings instead of primetime, which proved to be way more successful. Advertisement Advertisement

11 The Animation Rule We had a rule about The Jetsons, Barbera once explained. Nobody ever walked. We used what we called people-movers to propel the characters from place to place. Of course, this was great for us  we had less animation to do. When George arrived and stepped on a people-mover, in a second, he had Rosie the Robot waiting for him to take his hat and coat. The family dog Astro didnt have to be taken for a walk  he was just placed outside the house on a treadmill. Thats how he got his exercise. The characters didnt even have to move to change their clothes  they would just stand in front of a cutout, and in an instant, a new outfit would be superimposed on their bodies.

10 The Lawsuit Over Who Plays George Jetson Pat Carroll and Morey Amsterdam were originally cast as Jane and George Jetson, recording an episode before getting pulled off the show in favor of actors Penny Singleton and George OHanlon. Carroll and Amsterdam sued Hanna-Barbera for breach of contract, claiming they were guaranteed 24 episodes, but the two actors ultimately lost the suit. Advertisement Advertisement

9 Drawing From Futurism ABC Hanna and Barbera turned to futuristic books such as Arnold B. Barachs 1975: And the Changes to Come, when creating the world of the Jetsons. Orbit City was designed using the Googie style made popular in Southern California.

8 The Networks First Series in Color The Jetsons debuted as ABCs first-ever color series, even though many folks were still watching it in black and white as less than 3 percent of American households had color TVs in 1962. Advertisement Advertisement

7 The Reboot Comic Provided a Grim Backstory DC Comics In November 2017, DC Comics dropped a rebooted Jetsons comic that changed a lot of what we saw in the original series. In the new version, Jane is a NASA scientist who commutes to work, while Rosie hosts the consciousness of Georges 124-year-old mother. The comic also posited that a humungous ice meteor had crashed into the Pacific Ocean, causing our planet to essentially be dumped into the water. Only a tiny fraction of humanity managed to escape to space stations, where they waited for Orbit City to be built.

6 What the Show Got Right ABC The Jetsons might have depicted the future as a world where humans somehow only have to work an hour a day, two days a week, but many of their futuristic portrayals ended up being spot-on. The show might not have been the first to imagine these individual technologies, but it surely helped pioneer their collective use. Among those featured were the videophone, smart homes, flatscreen TVs, technology run on voice command, robots doing vacuum cleaning a la Roombas, tablets, holograms, smartwatches and even 3D-printed food. Advertisement Advertisement

5 What the Show Got Wrong That whole two-hour work week, for one, is depressingly laughable today. The Jetsons also showed a severe lack of women in the workforce  probably due to the fact that the womens liberation movement would only emerge in the late 1960s. Furthermore, the idea that the office workplace and its watercooler culture would remain popular in the future has been proven to be anything but, and we probably dont even have to mention the general lack of diversity in the show.

4 Mel Blanc Passed Away During Production of Jetsons: The Movie While the 1990 movie was filled with its original cast members, both George OHanlon and Mel Blanc (the voice of Mr. Spacely) passed away during production. They had both finished recording their lines by then  OHanlon had his final stroke in the recording studio  but Jeff Bergman would be brought in to complete some additional scenes for the twos characters. Daws Butler, the voice of Elroy, had passed away before he could record any dialogue for the film. Advertisement Advertisement

3 The Secret Behind Its Popularity Danny Graydon, author of The Jetsons: The Official Guide to the Cartoon Classic, once explained his reasoning behind the success of the show: It coincided with this period of American history when there was a renewed hope  the beginning of the 1960s, sort of pre-Vietnam when Kennedy was in power. So there was something very attractive about the nuclear family with good, honest values thriving well into the future. I think that chimed with the zeitgeist of the American culture of the time.

2 Astro the Dog Paved the Way for Scooby-Doo Astro came first, bringing that struggling r speech impediment with him, as displayed by his declarations of, I ruv roo, Reorge. Advertisement Advertisement
Before Saturday Night launched in October 1975, no one had ever heard of virtual unknowns John Belushi, Gilda Radner or Chevy Chase. Six months later, all of them were among the biggest comedy stars in the country. Few shows have sent comics skyrocketing more than the original Saturday Night, but which of the shows initial stars shone brightest? Here is our ranking of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players, based solely on the impact they made in that remarkable first season.

Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox.

9 George Coe George Who? Ranking Mr. Coe last was the easiest call on this list, considering he was only credited as a cast member for the very first show. The guy didnt even get a picture! A Broadway veteran and a full 20 years older than John Belushi, Coe was hired to play older parts before Lorne Michaels decided the younger cast could handle those roles. Coe popped up here and there in the first season before being shown the door.

8 Michael ODonoghue Oh, the indignity  ODonoghue was even listed after Coe in the credits! But ODonoghue the performer made a much bigger impact on Saturday Night. In fact, he co-starred with Belushi in the shows first-ever sketch. Advertisement Despite the opportunity to make a good first impression, ODonoghue was only listed as a cast member through the November 8th episode. No matter  as the first seasons head writer, ODonoghue had other ways of making his presence felt, including some for which he would later have to apologize.

7 Garrett Morris Where do we start with Morris? How about a writing staff that had no idea how to write for a Black comic? ODonoghue was a racist motherfucker, Morris told the Hollywood Reporter. I suggested I could play in this skit, a doctor. He had the nerve to tell me, Garrett, people would be thrown by a Black doctor. Advertisement But Morris puts some of the blame for his lack of stage time that first season on himself, too. While he had some improv training, it was more grounded in cultural issues than comedy. When John Belushi and Gilda Radner got into Saturday Night Live, they had a comedy range from one to a hundred, he told Maya Rudolph. My range was from Hate Whitey to Kill Whitey. (Hes not kidding  see his favorite scene below.) Advertisement Advertisement

6 Laraine Newman Newman scored in the first season but was held back by personal problems. I came there with a drug habit, she admitted in Live From New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live. It was also a very lonely time for me. I was pretty young, I didnt know that many people in New York, I was terribly homesick and I was frustrated by the amount of airtime I was getting.  Drugs were very available. Thats how I coped. Play Advertisement Advertisement

5 Jane Curtin Curtin was the resident grown-up in the room, sent out by NBC on the shows initial publicity tours because they knew she wouldnt throw my food. (The same couldnt be said definitively of Belushi.) She was the only cast member who didnt regularly participate in the shows after-party debauchery. Of the shows female cast members, Jane was always kind of centered, observed Lily Tomlin. And ironically, shes the one thats had the biggest career. She was always very anchored. I was always impressed with Jane. Play Advertisement Advertisement

4 John Belushi Belushi would eventually dominate the show and ascend to movie superstardom, but he wasnt Saturday Nights biggest star out of the gate  and he hated that. Sure, Belushi headlined the shows first-ever sketch, but it was Chevy Chase who got to deliver the Live from New York! Its Saturday Night! In the first three shows, John was the opening scene of the first show, and I dont think he had a good scene again for three shows, his wife Judith Belushi has said. It took a while. It was slow to grow. Belushi finally broke through with his samurai sketches, even though writer Alan Zweibel gave him no dialogue beyond John indicates in his gibberish. Play Advertisement

3 Dan Aykroyd Season One Aykroyd may not have created characters as memorable as Belushis Samurai, but like Phil Hartman in later years, he was the glue that held the show together. Aykroyd was a comic chameleon, slipping effortlessly into the skin of a fast-talking commercial pitchman, Presidential hopeful Jimmy Carter or talk show legend Tom Snyder. The rest of the cast knew what they had in Aykroyd. Theres more talent in Danny Aykroyds right hand than in my entire body, said Chevy Chase in a rare moment of modesty.

2 Chevy Chase But what did Chase have to be modest about? He was the undisputed breakout star of the shows first season, in large part because he announced his name at the top of every Weekend Update: Im Chevy Chase and youre not. Chase also campaigned (successfully) to open every show with a ridiculous pratfall. Like repeating his name week after week, inserting himself into the top of every show ensured that the audience would know who he was. After the shows fifth episode, New York Magazine came out with a Saturday Night cover story that featured only Chase on the cover. Chevy kind of jumped ahead of the pack, so to speak, writer Rosie Shuster has explained. And that started a kind of resentment on the part of some people, particularly John.
Surveillance Detection (SD) Monitor FSN-4 - closing date September 20, 2023 (Annual Salary: FDJ 1,870,366)

Jobholder provides security for U.S. personnel and facilities by conducting SD operations as a member of a tactical team of SD personnel. SD Monitors observe, recognize, and report potential surveillance and other suspicious incidents directed against U.S. Government facilities and/or personnel and initiate emergency responses to possible hostile actions, as necessary, to safeguard life and property.

Submit application
It is a fair bet that George Orwell's 1984 is not on the agenda for November's Artificial Intelligence Summit at Bletchley Park, hosted by our Government.

It should be. In his depiction of a dystopian totalitarian Britain of '1984', the greatest writer of the last century explained how total information in the hands of our masters breeds total control.

China's use of AI has turned Orwell's fictional nightmare into reality. Yet far from girding our defences, our Government is proposing to hobnob with those who are trying to breach them.

China is set to be invited to the showcase international summit on AI in November. This cowardly and short-sighted attempt to ingratiate ourselves with Beijing is a mis-step worthy of the so-called 'Golden Age' pioneered by David Cameron and George Osborne, a decade ago, in which this country disastrously kowtowed before the Communist Party dictatorship.

For in truth, the scale of the threat from China easily echoes the plight of Orwell's hero Winston Smith. He lived in fear of 'telescreens', which recorded every sound and movement in every home and workplace.

China is set to be invited to the showcase international summit on AI in November

Nowadays, every part of modern life leaves a digital trace which can feed the remorseless maw of the snoopers' computers. CCTV cameras capture biometric data such as faces, height, gait and body shape. Mobile phones track our movements and our communications; electronic records show our spending.

True, dictatorships have collected data for decades. But without modern technology, they drowned in it  as I witnessed as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s, covering countries such as the old East Germany, where the Stasi secret police had spies everywhere.

The system produced too many tapes, too many photos, too many reports from informers. The result was muddle and error, and an unforeseen political explosion that led to the downfall of the totalitarian regime.

AI changes that. It analyses the data and quickly highlights oddities. Search a crowd for the one person who does not have a phone and who pays cash. What is he trying to hide? Pull him in for questioning.

It also enables the snoopers to spot patterns of behaviour. Who is meeting whom, when and where? Anonymous behaviour becomes impossible. Visit a church or a mosque, talk to a foreigner, browse the wrong bits of the internet: nothing is secret or private.

Our security services have these tools, too. They will have used them to track down terror suspect Daniel Khalife after he absconded from Wandsworth prison. They nailed the bumbling Russian assassins who tried to murder Sergei Skripal, a retired MI6 spy, in Salisbury in 2018.

But our watch-keepers do this only against specific targets, instructed by elected politicians, with permission from judges and under parliamentary scrutiny. In China, these techniques are in force against everyone, always, everywhere.

Worse, the Chinese surveillance state is turning outwards, stealing databases of personal information ranging from airline reservations to credit-ratings.

CCTV cameras capture biometric data such as faces, height, gait and body shape

Chinese tourists fill the gap with intrusive visits to national-security locations, where they film 'video blogs' with the aim of capturing pictures of our spooks at work in the background.

The United States has complained publicly about these bogus tourists. Our own authorities have yet to do so.

Make no mistake, the combination of Chinese surveillance technology and human spies in the heart of our system  highlighted by the recent news of the arrest of a parliamentary staffer  is a deadly threat to our security, freedom and sovereignty.

The Chinese authorities understand in minute detail who does what in our system. These insights pave the way for influence operations, such as subverting our universities, buying friends in politics and intimidating critics, as well as stealing our secrets.

China's grip on our nuclear power industry is deeply troubling. So, too, is its recruitment of retired RAF pilots as instructors.

The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, paid an ill-starred visit to Beijing, where his Chinese hosts contemptuously ignored our agenda, and hectored us with theirs

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee said in a scalding report last year that 'China's size, ambition and capability have enabled it to successfully penetrate every sector of the UK's economy, and  until the Covid-19 pandemic  Chinese money was readily accepted by HMG with few questions asked'. Yet we are still failing to grasp the scale of the threat.

One reason is that our Government's much-delayed China strategy is a tightly guarded secret.

We know we face hard choices as we try to untangle ourselves from the disastrous naivete of the past decades. Our universities must protect themselves from Chinese mischief; our businesses must diversify their supply chains and customer bases; our financial system must harden its protection again Chinese dirty money.

Yet, at the same time, we cannot shun the world's second-largest economy completely. We must simultaneously compete with China, confront it and cooperate.

Perhaps our closely held China strategy explains how we balance these aims. But until an unclassified version is published, we will not know.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee said in a scalding report last year that 'China's size, ambition and capability have enabled it to successfully penetrate every sector of the UK's economy

For now, our policy is blunder and blather. The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, paid an ill-starred visit to Beijing, where his Chinese hosts contemptuously ignored our agenda, and hectored us with theirs.

And this forthcoming AI summit is another sign of our half-cocked policy. Initially, our Government planned to invite only 'like-minded' governments. Now China will be invited to the first day, and perhaps allowed to lurk on the sidelines thereafter.

The aim, supposedly, is to make the Beijing authorities feel included in the nascent international efforts to regulate this powerful new border- crossing technology.

It is hard to see that working. China will see limited participation as a snub. And attempts to bring it inside international decision-making are hopelessly naive.

China systematically subverts and abuses all international organisations it deals with. It has tried to hijack global internet governance in order to enable censorship, made a mockery of international human-rights standards and takes every opportunity to pursue its vindictive policy of sidelining Taiwan.

The bleak truth is that whereas we and other democracies see AI as a new technology with great promise when used innovatively in medicine, education and business, the Chinese leadership sees it as a weapon, to be deployed under the strictest political control.

We want to regulate it for the good of humanity. They want to exploit it for their goal of global dominance.

Once a solid, well-understood China strategy is in place, I would favour hard-nosed engagement with China on AI and a host of other issues.

We talked to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. We can talk to Beijing.

But until our government gets a grip, our priority should be bolstering our friends, not schmoozing our foes.

Edward Lucas is the author of Spycraft Rebooted: How Technology is Changing Espionage
A woman who waited more than four decades to report being raped by her brother from the ages of seven to 11 has recounted the pain of being asked to be a bridesmaid at his wedding.

Suzi Holt, 54, from Ely, Cambridgeshire, faced years of abusive from Ian Martin, 61, who threatened that she'd be put into care if she revealed the truth, and bribed her with sweets to stay quiet.

He was recently found guilty of two counts of rape and was jailed for five years at Cambridge Crown Court.

Now, Suzi - a care home cook and mother-of-three - is courageously waiving her right to anonymity to help other survivors after years of waiting, for fear that the admission would 'destroy' her late father.

'I want to show that it doesn't matter how much time has passed, you will be believed,' she said.

Now, Suzi - a care home cook and mother-of-three - is courageously waiving her right to anonymity to help other survivors

Martin was Suzi's older half-brother from her mother's previous relationship.

With her father working long hours as a lorry driver, the young girl would often get left with her sibling whilst their mother went out with friends.

'I dreaded those nights,' she admitted. 'Ian was miserable and moody. I always felt on edge around him.'

The horrific sexual assaults began to happen when Suzi was seven and her mother left Martin to babysit.

While she was watching TV in the living room, he had climbed on top of her and raped her.

Suzi was desperate to tell her parents, but Martin scared her by saying she'd be put into care if she told anyone.

The abuse would go on a weekly basis, whenever her parents were out - and the young girl had tried to stand up to her attacker.

'I knew what he was doing to me was wrong,' she explained.

The horrific sexual assaults began to happen when Suzi was seven and her mother left Martin to babysit (Suzi pictured aged nine)

Ian Martin, 61 (pictured), was recently found guilty of two counts of rape and was jailed for five years at Cambridge Crown Court

'One time, when I was eight, I told him what he was doing to me was naughty and that he shouldn't do it to me anymore.

'But he threatened me again. I was desperate for it to stop, but I feared to consequences.'

When Suzi was nine, Martin raped her at their great-grandparents' house, whilst they played cards in the other room.

Afterwards, he gave her some money to spend on sweets.

'It was like he was buying my silence,' she recounted. 'I hated him.'

The next year, Martin invited Suzi to go with him and his friends to a motorbike meet up - but when they arrived at the wasteland, it was deserted.

'He walked me down to the water's edge and forced himself on me again,' she said

'I hoped someone would catch him, but we were sheltered by trees and hills.'

When Suzi was nine, Martin raped her at their great-grandparents' house, whilst they played cards in the other room. Martin pictured aged 13

The years of abuse finally ended when Suzi got her period.

'I told him he couldn't touch me anymore,' she said. 'Thankfully, he never laid a finger on me again.'

But Suzi had suffered in silence for years, never telling anyone about what she had endured as a child.

When she was 19, Martin met a woman and they got engaged.

Suzi was asked to be bridesmaid, and while it was the last thing she wanted to do, she agreed, only to prevent people asking questions.

'I wore a lilac dress and plastered on a happy smile,' she revealed. 'All I wanted was for his family and friends to know what a monster he really was.'

Years passed and Suzi met her husband. In 1997, she eventually opened up to him about her past.

'He was really supportive and urged me to go to the police,' she admitted. 'But I couldn't whilst my father was still alive. I knew it would destroy him.'

Instead, Suzi found it helpful to open up to her best friends.

It was only a few years ago, in 2018 - after her father sadly passed away - that she decided to report Martin.

'I walked into the station and gave my statement,' she recalled. 'The officers instantly made me feel at ease.'

The following day, Suzi went to her mother's house and told her about Martin's abuse - the older woman was so shocked and horrified that she disowned her son.

In June 2021, Suzi bravely faced him at Cambridge Crown Court to give her evidence. Pictured today, aged 54

Two weeks later, he was arrested but denied the charges.

In June 2021, Suzi bravely faced him at Cambridge Crown Court to give her evidence.

Martin was found guilty of one count of rape against her, but there was a hung jury on the others, which meant that there would have to be a re-trial.

He was released on a tag, and Suzi was 'constantly looking over her shoulder, in fear of bumping into him in the street'.

Two years later, the second trial came around and Suzi re-lived the abuse again.

After a three-week trial, Martin was found guilty of another count of rape.

In June this year, he was sentenced to five years in prison and put on the sex offenders register for life.

'It's nowhere near enough time for what he put me through,' she said.

'But all I ever really wanted was a guilty verdict.

'I'm sharing my story to show that it doesn't matter how long ago the abuse took place, you can still get justice.

'I waited over 40 years for mine, and now I'm moving forward with my life.'
A popular crime documentary series has laid bare the chilling true story of a 19-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted and bludgeoned to death in her boyfriend's home in a heinous murder that has gone unsolved for 16 years.

Brittany McGlone was brutally attacked as she slept at the house in Winnsboro, Texas, in 2007.

It was not until 15 years later that the young woman's family thought progress had finally been made in the case after a man named Chad Carr was charged with her murder.

But a grand jury ultimately ruled there was not enough evidence to indict him and Carr walked free - much to the dismay of Brittany's family.

Here, FEMAIL has laid bare the disturbing realities as the latest episode of People Magazine Investigates explores the unsolved case.

Brittany McGlone, 19, was brutally attacked in her sleep at the house in Winnsboro, Texas, in 2007

It was not until 15 years later that the young woman's family thought progress had finally been made in the case after a man named Chad Carr was charged with her murder - but a grand jury ruled there was not enough evidence to indict him

The horrific true story began on May 4, 2007, after Brittany returned home from her night shift at the Lowe's Distribution Center in Mount Vernon.

She had taken a year off after graduating high school and was working two jobs in order to save money to study nursing at college.

The teen drove straight back to boyfriend Jeff Stogner's house to sleep following her shift and is thought to have arrived sometime after 7am.

Jeff and his family - who also lived at the address - told authorities they were not home at the time and were instead giving someone a lift to the airport.

But when Brittany's boyfriend did return he was met with a harrowing discovery.

He found the 19-year-old's lifeless body in his room and dialed 911.

Brittany had been sexually assaulted and bludgeoned with an unknown object some time between 8am and 3pm, according to the Wood County Sheriff's Office.

An affidavit seen by KWTX later revealed that the victim's undergarments were missing from the crime scene and an autopsy stated the cause of death was massive head trauma.

Her mother Patricia Tice previously told People: 'That my sweet 19-year-old daughter could be murdered the way she was in a small town, and that she was surrounded by monsters and people capable of murder  and that I had no idea'

Brittany's half-sister Hope McGlone (pictured right being interviewed) previously revealed that the had family had many theories

Her mother Patricia Tice previously told People: 'That my sweet 19-year-old daughter could be murdered the way she was in a small town, and that she was surrounded by monsters and people capable of murder  and that I had no idea.'

In the aftermath of Brittany's death, detectives questioned multiple people connected to the case - including Jeff and his family - but no suspects were publicly named.

The cold case featured on Dateline in 2021 in an episode that saw Brittany's half-sister Hope McGlone reveal that the had family had many theories about the killer's identity.

Among them was a man known by the Stogner family who was questioned early on in the investigation.

According to Wood County records, the suspect also had a criminal history with prior charges for burglary and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

On September 1, 2022, the Sheriff's Office posted a Facebook update about Brittany's case - 15 years after her death.

It stated that a man named Chad Carr had been arrested for capital murder in relation to Brittany's death and was being held on $1 million bond.

Authorities wrote that they 'worked diligently... to help bring closure to the family of Brittany McGlone.'

Brittany had taken a year off after graduating high school and was working two jobs in order to save money to study nursing at college

Brittany's family continue to seek answers and have built up a large following on their Facebook page titled Who Killed Brittany McGlone

The aforementioned affidavit stated that the evidence against him included a statement from Carr's girlfriend that he had been furious that the victim had stayed at the Stogner house overnight - despite the fact he was never allowed to do so.

That, along with holes in Carr's alibi and a failed polygraph test, were listed as probable cause for his arrest, according to the report.

But the progress in the case was short-lived and a grand jury found that there was not enough evidence to indict him for the murder, according to NBC affiliate KETK.

He was released from the Wood County Jail on November 30, 2022, much to the dismay of Brittany's family.

Hope discussed Carr's arrest and subsequent release with the network at the time, stating: 'I'm kind of speechless when it comes to that because I never thought we would see that day.

'And then to have this happen was kind of like another whirlwind.'

She also told CBS 19: 'Honestly, frustrated is not even the right word. I'm enraged.'

No other suspects have been named in the investigation.

Brittany's family continue to seek answers and have built up a large following on their Facebook page titled Who Killed Brittany McGlone.

On the anniversary of her death earlier this year, a post read: 'You are loved, remembered, and cherished by the people you knew you'

On the anniversary of her death earlier this year, a post read: 'This is one of the hardest anniversaries. The first day of May I was hit with waves of anxiety. This year marks 16 years since you were taken from us...

'This is also a year where you have been wronged WAY more than I thought you were could be. I never thought it could get worse than it already was, but I have been proved wrong.

'What is about you that the people that are supposed to bring you justice, don't believe you deserve that? What is that makes these people so heartless?'

It continued: 'I don't know what else we can do. The more time goes by, the more wrongs that are done, leave me with a sense of emptiness and feelings of being powerless...

'You are loved, remembered, and cherished by the people you knew you. And to the people responsible for taking your life and stifling any chance at justice, your day will come.

'To the Wood County District Attorney's Office, you should ALL be utterly ashamed and do not deserve the titles you hold. You're supposed to be a champion for victims, yet you're almost equally responsible for what has happened to Brittany.'
READ MORE: Anxious dogs can be calmed by exercising with other dogs

She claims the 11-year-old anxious dog has helped her calm her own anxiety

A nervous dog owner has revealed some warning signs that your pooch could be suffering from anxiety.

Yasmin El-Saie received her Chihuahua, Chilli, as a wedding gift from her ex-husband in 2012. But it wasn't long before she noticed the pup exhibited signs of anxiousness.

Describing the 11-year-old dog as 'highly reactive' to outdoor stimuli, she said she 'recognised his anxious soul' because of her own mental health struggles.

Years of holistic learning have inspired Yasmin to share her journey of living with an anxious dog through the 'I am anxious too!' campaign on Chilli's Instagram page, where she posts tips to calm anxious minds of humans and dogs alike.

And now, speaking to MailOnline, the content creator has shared some key signs of nervousness for fellow dog owners to look out for.

Yasmin El-Saie has described her 11-year-old Chihuahua, Chilli (pictured), as a blessing and, despite being highly reactive, he has helped her face her own anxiety

The content creator, of Notting Hill, has now shared some key signals that your dog has anxiety to MailOnline

Yasmin, from Notting Hill, London, documents her journey of living with an anxious dog to their shared Instagram page

According to Yasmin, these are some tell-tale signs your dog has anxiety:

Licking lips

Frequent yawning

Pinned back ears

Panting

Tucked tail

Raised hackles

Yasmin explained that Chilli was never the most calm dog, and having never had a pup before, she failed to see the initial warning signs.

READ MORE: I'm a dog expert and these are the breeds most likely to struggle with separation anxiety Advertisement

Veterinary Advisor, Dr Cheri Honnas explained that these signals are just a few 'body cues' to look out for.

The advisor, to Bone Voyage Dog Rescue, explained: 'Some signs of stress include showing the whites of their eyes, ears pulled back, raised fur, excessive panting, and frequent yawning.

'If your dog seems to avoid eye contact or appears 'downcast,' it's often a response to your own body language and emotions, rather than a sense of guilt on their part.'

Dr Honnas explained that vocalisations, such as growling or frequent barking and whining, could be another signal.

She said: 'Recognizing this sign and giving them space is vital, as it can prevent misunderstandings and protect both the dog and those around them from unintended reactions.'

Yasmin explained that Chilli was never the most calm dog, and completely opposite to her other pooch Sukhi (pictured middle)

To help Chilli, and Yasmin, in public he wears a bright yellow lead and yellow bandana which informs others that he is a

The vet advisor also urged dog owners to monitor their pet's movements, if they abruptly halt or become rigid, they could be exhibiting extreme stress. Similarly, if your pooch is restless or constantly pacing, it could indicate agitation.

Although Chilli experiences a range of these symptoms, Yasmin explained that his temperament has actually helped to calm her own anxiety.

She said: 'At home he supports me and he is very loving. It's that physical contact and even when were out as soon as I stroke his fur its a very reassuring feeling. It really brings me into the present moment doing whatever.'

She explained that wanting him to be less anxious while they two are outside has 'forces' her to be calm and 'work on herself' as a result.

Yasmin has various techniques to help Chilli manage everyday life, for example, when the two are out he wears a bright yellow lead and bandana which reads 'keep your distance' to inform people he is a highly reactive dog.

Yasmin explained that wanting Chilli to be less anxious while they are out 'forces' her to be calm

The dog owner said that Chilli has a range of healing techniques to calm down, from enjoying nature and long walks to taking naps

Issuing advice to fellow dog owners, Yasmin said she engages in lots of healing techniques to help Chilli and herself.

On Chilli's Instagram page, @chilliwawa, the dog can be seen relaxing next to singing bowls, enjoying nature and taking much-deserved naps.

If you notice your dog is anxious in public, she advised: 'As soon as they experience it you remove them and you make sure that theyre in a not stressed environment and you give the dog a chance to calm down.'

While there are various ways to help your anxious pup, from healing techniques, to behavioural therapy, to medications, Dr Honnas advised 'always consult your vet first'.

She added: 'Being in tune with your dog's non-verbal cues is paramount. Address any signs of distress immediately, and when in doubt, always seek professional help.'
It was the moment which warmed hearts across the nation in the days after the Queen died, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined the Prince and Princess of Wales for a walkabout in Windsor.

However Meghan Markle, 42, suffered her own awkward moment as she struggled with a royal aide over floral bouquets during the event.

A video clip shows the Duchess working with royal aides to collect floral tributes - with fans spotting an apparently fleeting disagreement over what should happen to the bouquets.

When approached by an aide who wanted to take the growing number of floral tributes from her, footage shows the royal initially said she would place them at the gates herself.

A second aide then asked again moments later and the Duchess politely thanked them for their help and eventually handed over the blooms.

Meghan Markle, 42, suffered her own awkward moment as she struggled with a royal aide over floral bouquets during a walkabout in Windsor after the Queen's death

The walkabout was thought to have marked an apparent thawing between Prince William and Harry and their wives as they made their first public appearance since March 2020

The walkabout was thought to have marked an apparent thawing between Prince William and Harry and their wives as they made their first public appearance since March 2020.

United in grief over the Queen's death, the quartet, once dubbed the 'fab four' appeared in black at Windsor Castle to inspect the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate and chat to those who'd gathered to pay their respects to the late Queen.

While the foursome were greeted by applause as they walked through the gates of Windsor Castle together to honour the legacy of Her Majesty, there was some speculation from bystanders that the Duchess of Sussex had been reluctant to hand over flowers to an aide that had been passed to her by a well-wisher.

The mother-of-two could be seen taking flowers from royal fans in the crowd, who appeared keen for their bouquets to be added to a large floral tribute in front of the gates.

Meghan gestured to a royal aide that she was happy to continue collecting the flowers in her arms, before being approached by a second member of staff, who appeared to tell her they had to take them from her.

It was only when she was approached by another royal aide that she did hand the flowers across, her apparent promise to take flowers to the gates herself broken.

Royal fans speculated that Meghan did not know aides wanted to take the flowers from her for her own safety.

Some pointed out that the bouquets could contain dangerous substances or explosives, which is why royals should not carry them.

Meghan had 'wanted to walk flowers over to the huge floral tribute' at Windsor gates - but was asked by aides to hand over the tribute blooms; she's captured here thanking an aide but telling him she'll place the flowers herself

The aide turns on his heels, and Meghan has the flowers firmly still in hand

After a little to-ing and fro-ing, Meghan, 41, eventually did, politely thanking the aides accompanying the royal couple for their help

Another clip showed a conversation between Meghan and an aide ensued, where it was explained to the Duchess of Sussex she needed to hand the flowers over, which she eventually did

The Duchess was handed multiple bouquets of flowers by royal fans waiting in the crowd, but appeared to be keen to hold onto them

Meghan gestured to a royal aide that she was happy to continue collecting the flowers in her arms, before being approached by a second member of staff, who appeared to tell her they had to take them

Meghan was seen cooing over babies in the crowd and even offered hugs out to some of the mourners waiting - but others in the crowd greeted Meghan with stony faces this evening as she took part in the walkabout.

The reunion marked the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown.

Harry and Meghan, who sensationally quit frontline duties two years ago to strike out on their own in California and then levied a series of bombshell allegations against The Firm, held hands as they looked at the tributes, with Harry at one point affectionately putting his hand on Meghan's back.

They were seen pointing at different tributes and discussing them as members of the crowd waved at them.

A Kensington Palace source said that the Prince of Wales invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales.

The Sussexes' friend and preferred journalist Omid Scobie later claimed on Twitter that the invitation was made at the '11th hour'.

The Duchess of Sussex on a walkabout to meet members of the public at Windsor Castle in Berkshire

The 'fab four' reunited at Windsor to mourn the death of The Queen; it was the first time the couples have been together in public since March 2020

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex view the tributes left after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, at Windsor Castle

However, hinting that William is prepared to extend Harry an olive branch and work towards melting the ice between them, he declared: 'It is, without a doubt, a significant moment in the history of the relationship between the two brothers'.

Meanwhile the Duchess was seen being given a close hug by a young girl in the crowd at Windsor Castle.

Meghan walked over to a section of the crowd and approached a teenager, who was seen putting her hand over her mouth in shock. The pair spoke briefly for a few moments and Meghan could be seen assuring her by putting her hand on her shoulder.

The girl then said: 'Can I have a hug?' and Meghan was seen nodding, before leaning in and giving her a big hug. The touching moment was filmed by other members in the crowd.
An office worker who was sick of wearing a suit and tie in the sweltering weather has deemed his workplace 'sexist' after being banned from wearing shorts.

The fed-up employee took to Reddit to voice his frustrations, arguing that he should be able to wear shorts in hot weather if his female co-workers can wear dresses or skirts.

In the post, titled 'Sexist dress codes leaving men to dry in hot weather,' user mpchooligan lashed out against office-appropriate attire.

Beginning his rant, he said: 'I hate this policy in my office. Its ok for women to wear a skirt or a dress, but men aren't allowed to wear shorts. Even in this hot weather we're having.'

An office worker, sick of wearing smart wear in sweltering weather, has hit out at his workplace for being 'sexist'

He added: 'We aren't even client facing and these days you can definitely buy shorts that look smart-casual enough to wear to the office.'

The disgruntled worker explained that the skirts which his female co-workers wear 'don't scream professional' in a traditional sense, so he and the rest of the male workforce should be able to get their legs out.

He asked: 'Is it that the male dominated management want to see some 'leg' in the office?

'Is there any wonder people don't want to return to the office and want to continue WFH.'

And the worker wasn't alone in his frustration and thousands of Reddit users took to the comments to air their own frustration.

One person wrote: 'A dress code in a non-public facing office is just plain stupid. It's also an unnecessary employee expense. Not to mention uncomfortable.'

The fed-up employee argued that he should be able to wear shorts on a hot day if his female co-workers can wear skirts are dresses, and thousands of Reddit users agreed

Another office worker, who felt the no-shorts rule was unfair, told a story of when their workforce protested against the rule.

They wrote: 'The entire staff protested by coming to work in shorts, calling the bluff  they had to decide whether to double down and send everyone home, effectively closing the doors, or accept everyone wearing shorts.

'They ended up caving and allowing shorts.'

Some chimed in with their own opinions of unfair workplace rules.

Many Reddit users argued that they should be able to sit down at their workplace.

One person wrote: 'I work at a high class hotel, and I'm allowed to sit on a chair at my desk. But the day shift? They have to stand.'

The infuriated employee added: 'I can promise you, nobody who has ever stayed at any hotel, anywhere, has given the smallest of f**** if the clerk is sitting down or not.'

This is not the first time an employee has hit out at their employers against office dress codes.

Back in 2017, one worker, Joey Barge from Buckinghamshire, took it a step further and turned up to work in a dress to protest company rules.

After he was sent home for wearing a pair of smart blue shorts, Joey donned a bright pink and black dress to the call centre.

Though he predicted he would be sent home again, his act of defiance sparked a change in the rules - with bosses declaring over email that 'gentlemen in the office' can wear three-quarter length shorts in 'black, navy, or beige only'.
A MailOnline survey has found that around 70 per cent of people are happy that Kate Middleton will one day be Queen Consort to King William.

The Deltapoll survey found that the majority of those questioned think that both the Prince and Princess of Wales should stay firmly in the line of succession, with three-quarters of people asked believing Prince William should take to the throne when his father dies.

Some of the other royal family members fared less well in public opinion though.

Around 77 per cent of those questioned said they would remove Prince Andrew, who was removed from royal duties in January 2022, with the late Queen's approval, following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

The Deltapoll survey for MailOnline found that the Princess of Wales ranks amongst the most popular royals, with 70 per cent of those questioned saying they wouldn't remove her from the line of succession to be come Queen Consort

Some 61 per cent of those questioned suggested the Duke of Sussex should also be removed from the line of succession, while 57 per cent thought Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Prince Andrew's daughters, should also be taken from the list.

On behalf of MailOnline, Deltapoll interviewed 2,009 British adults online between 1st to 4th September 2023.

Kate Middeton, who married Prince William in 2011, has since dedicated her working life to the royal family, carrying out public engagements and championing causes close to her heart including mental health and family-focused charities.

Since entering the royal spotlight in the early noughties, Kate has become one of the world's most photographed women, transforming from the girl next door, running around St Andrews University and partying with Prince William, to an elegant future Queen.

Kate Middleton will become consort to the future King William when his father dies, with the majority of the public agreeing that the Princess of Wales should serve by William's side

The Princess of Wales pictured chatting to members of the public at Windsor Castle as she viewed flowers and tributes to HM Queen Elizabeth on September 10, 2022

Following the Queen's death on September 8th, 2022, Kate and William, once the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have edged closer to the throne, being given the title of the Prince and Princess of Wales - something the general public is clearly happy about.

Today the couple lead social media tributes to the late Queen on the first anniversary of her death.

The royal couple posted a number of images of the late monarch on their Instagram page today including this one of them celebrating the Platinum Jubilee on the balcony of Buckingham Palace (pictured)

Signed W&C for William and Catherine, the heartfelt message was posted on the anniversary of the Queen's death

They shared photos of the late monarch to their Instagram, including one showing the Queen with her great-grandchildren at Balmoral, which was taken by Kate Middleton.

Another photo shows the family marking the Platinum Jubilee celebrations on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on June 2nd 2022, just three months before the late Queen's death on September 8th.

Signing off the post informally with 'W&C', for William and Catherine, they wrote: 'Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C.'
More than half of people think the Duke of York's two daughters should be removed from the line of succession, a MailOnline survey has found.

A Deltapoll survey commissioned by MailOnline quizzed pollsters on who should stay in the line of succession, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the late Queen's granddaughters didn't fare too well.

Around 57 per cent of those questioned said they would take Eugenie, 33, and Beatrice, 35, from the current line of succession.

The number of major royals has been pared down significantly in recent years with neither Beatrice or Eugenie on the royal balcony for Trooping the Colour in June, with just 14 family members waving to crowds, compared to 40 four years ago.

Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33, pictured at Westminster Abbey for the late Queen's funeral in 2022; neither is considered a major royal since the Windsors pared down - and a MailOnline poll found 57 per cent of those questioned think the siblings shouldn't remain on the succession line

Beatrice and Eugenie receive no income from the Sovereign Grant, the government-funded 82.2 million that covers Royal Household salaries as they aren't on any official royal engagement rosters.

This means they have had jobs outside of the The Firm, but this hasn't stopped them from having busy social schedules often getting snapped at parties and on foreign holidays.

Earlier this year, Eugenie and Beatrice's mother Sarah Ferguson praised her daughters as 'great working mothers'.

Speaking on her podcast Tea Talk, the Duchess of York, 63, said Beatrice - who shares daughter Sienna and stepson Wolfie with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - and Eugenie, who shares sons August and Ernie with husband Jack Brooksbank - work 'very very hard' and that she's 'very proud of them'.

The sisters, who share a close friendship, receive no income from the Sovereign Grant, and were praised by their mother, the Duchess of York earlier this year for being 'great working mums'

The princesses' father also fared less well in the survey. Around 77 per cent of those questioned said they would omit Prince Andrew, who was removed from royal duties in January 2022 with the late Queen's approval following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Some 61 per cent of those questioned suggested the Duke of Sussex should also be removed.

The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared to win the succession popularity contest. Around 70 per cent of people are happy that Kate Middleton will one day be Queen Consort to King William.

The poll found that the majority of those questioned think that both the Prince and Princess of Wales should stay firmly in the line of succession, with three-quarters of people asked believing Prince William should take to the throne when his father dies.

On behalf of MailOnline, Deltapoll interviewed 2,009 British adults online between 1st to 4th September 2023.

The Deltapoll survey for MailOnline found that the Princess of Wales ranks amongst the most popular royals, with 70 per cent of those questioned saying they wouldn't remove her from the line of succession to be come Queen Consort

Signed W&C for William and Catherine, the heartfelt message was posted on the anniversary of the Queen's death

The royal couple posted a number of images of the late monarch on their Instagram page today including this one of them celebrating the Platinum Jubilee on the balcony of Buckingham Palace (pictured)

Following the Queen's death on September 8th, 2022, Kate and William, once the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have edged closer to the throne, being given the title of the Prince and Princess of Wales - something the general public is clearly happy about.

Today the couple lead social media tributes to the late Queen on the first anniversary of her death.

They shared photos of the late monarch to their Instagram, including one showing the Queen with her great-grandchildren at Balmoral, which was taken by Kate Middleton.

Another photo shows the family marking the Platinum Jubilee celebrations on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on June 2nd 2022, just three months before the late Queen's death on September 8th.

Signing off the post informally with 'W&C', for William and Catherine, they wrote: 'Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C.'
Take a look at some of the most disgusting stories of plane mishaps

Countless disgusting incidents have taken place over the years -over our heads

The 'Delta Diarrhea' incident isn't the only toilet tragedy to plague our skies

You'd want to be a mile-high away from this mess - at least. A Delta Airlines flight made headlines worldwide recently after it was forced to turn back due to a passenger's explosive diarrhea mid-flight.

Th plane was traveling from Atlanta to Barcelona when disaster struck; and an unwell passenger suffered a horrific bout of diarrhea which was deemed a 'biohazard' by the pilot.

The plan turned around and five hours later the aircraft was clean - which included the entire carpet being torn up and replaced - but the memories of the soiled interior will forever live in the minds of the unfortunate passengers on board.

The plane was met on the ground by emergency vehicles who took the passenger off the plane before it was cleaned and passengers re-boarded the flight.

'This is a biohazard issue,' the pilot described the situation in the audio posted by LiveATC.com. 'We've had a passenger who's had diarrhea all the way through the airplane, so they want us to come back to Atlanta.'

Eight hours and 13-minutes later, the plane finally touched down in Barcelona at 5:10pm - eight hours behind schedule - with relieved passengers taking to social media to share their woeful tales and praising the airline staff for their speedy and effective cleaning.

But the Delta disaster hasn't been then only on a flight, as DailyMail.com takes a look through some of the most horrifying flights that had more excrement than excitement.

The Delta Airlines flight was forced to return to Atlanta after a passenger suffered a horrific bout of diarrhea that caused 'biohazard issue'

Andre the Giant's 'world record breaking' mid-flight poo

Andre the Giant, whose real name was Andre Rene Roussimoff, is known as one of the most celebrated wrestlers of all time.

The world famous wrestler - who died in 1993 at age 46 - once stood at a massive 7.35ft tall and was even know as the 'eighth wonder of the world.

However, he allegedly suffered an incident mid-flight when traveling from Tokyo to the US on a Boeing 747 which could also qualify as record worthy - but not in a way that would win him any awards.

The wrestler - who reportedly ate 20 pounds of food a day - once did the 'world's biggest poo' on a flight, leaving guests revolted over not only the smell, but the sounds on board the aircraft.

In an interview with Wrestling Shoot Interviews, fellow wrestler Brutus Beefcake spoke about the flight saying he'd, 'never heard anything like it.'

'The sounds that are coming out of there,' he recounted.

'The smell that started coming forward, the back of the plane had a lot of people. There were people falling out of their seats and into the aisles,' Brutus continued.

'Gagging, puking, crying, screaming, and we were all falling on the floor laughing ourselves sick. I couldn't breathe. He must have half filled-up a garbage bag full of s***.'

Wrestling wasn't the only thing Andre the Giant was world famous for, reportedly doing 'the world's biggest poo' on a flight

Last call for flight food poisoning with Japan Air Lines

Mid-flight diarrhea on a flight is bad but how about 197 passengers all getting food poisoning simultaneously?

That very thing happened in 1975 for some unfortunate people on board the flight from Alaska to Copenhagen.

According to a study in the medical journal The Lancet, nearly 200 passengers were seized by a gastrointestinal illness and symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

According to the 1975 report, a ham and omelet that was served for breakfast was was the cause of the outbreak, believed to be from bacteria that was spread by blisters that were on a cook's fingers as he prepared the Danish canned ham.

Service dog soils the aisle

It's not only humans that get sick and cause planes to divert. In 2014, a service dog named Truffles relieved itself in the aisle of the plane twice - making passengers vomit.

US Airways Flight 598 was traveling from Los Angeles for Philadelphia and where it seems the pet was suffering 'fully-fledged dog-diarrhea.'

Airline staff desperately tried to clean up the mess with paper towels and disinfectant, eventually laying towels on top so that passengers could get by.

However the Truffles just needed to go again, with the stench getting so bad passengers were dry-retching in their seats.

'The second time after the dog pooped they ran out of paper towels, they didn't have anything else,' passenger Steve McCall told Inside Edition at the time. 'The pilot comes on the radio, 'Hey, we have a situation in the back, we're going to have to emergency land.''

Truffles the service dog caused a scene on the US Airways flight, with the dog relieving itself twice mid-flight

Transatlantic tragedy in the aisles of a Virgin Australia flight

Sitting far away from a toilet on a long-haul flight? On this journey, the flight bought to toilet to the passengers.

In 2014 a Virgin Australia flight was forced to turn around just three hours into it's 14-hour journey, after a toilet situation got out of hand.

Disgusted passengers complained of an 'unbearable' stench after liquid from bathrooms ran down the aisles of the plane.

However the airline denied claims that human waste had made its way into the cabin, described it as a 'fresh water overflow' from lavatory sinks.

Passengers on the Virgin Australia flight leaving from Sydney deemed it 'unbearable' - and not just due to it's duration

Staging a feces-filled protest

Canceled flights can make even the most rational person mad but here's hoping someone doesn't retaliate like this man did - by taking a dump in the aisle.

Just year, an unhappy passenger decided to display his dissatisfaction with a flight delay, defecating on the floor of the with British Airways plane and smearing it into the seat.

'During boarding a passenger stripped from the waist down and defecated on the galley floor. He sat in it and rubbed it onto the galley floor and aisle carpets,' a witnesses' report, as published by the Sun, read.

'He walked in it and started running up the aisle as far as Door 4. He smeared his arms to elbow in fecal matter, and door seats as he went.'

The flight was delayed for three hours, with the incident considered incident a 'hygienic biohazard.'

A Boeing 777-336 jet taken taken out of service to re-board passengers, and the airline issued a statement apologizing to the passengers on board.

B.O. bye bye

Body odor can be powerful - so powerful in fact it can cause a whole aircraft to have to make an emergency landing.

A Transavia aircraft travelling from Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands to Gran Canaria in 2018 was forced to land in Portugal, due to one man's overpowering body odor - that was so repulsive it caused others to vomit and faint.

At one point, flight crew reportedly tried to quarantine the 'unwashed' man in a toilet before the pilots decided to divert the flight.

The airline cited 'medical reasons' for the emergency landing  but it was unclear if they referred to the offensive passenger or those who were overcome by his smell.

An airplane full of tourists was forced to divert after a passenger's foul-smelling body odor reportedly caused those around him to vomit and faint.

Breaking wind results in barbaric brawl

Outkast said it best when they sang: 'I know you'd like to think your s**t don't stank, but lean a little bit closer, see roses really smell like poo-poo-ooh.'

Transavia flights had a smelly year in 2018, with another flight from Dubai to Amsterdam forced to make an emergency landing in the Austrian capital of Vienna after a passenger could not stop farting, which caused a brawl between several passengers.

A police spokesman confirmed that the incident centered around a passenger suffering from wind who was not attempting to restrain himself, which offended two Dutch men on the flight. It's not clear whether the man accused of breaking wind had a medical condition that caused it.

24-hours of British Airways hell

There was crying, screaming and throwing up - and not due to excitement on a British Airways jet in 2013, after it was forced to make two emergency landings in 24 hours.

The flight from Saudi Arabia to London was forced to return twice after the jet's wing flaps jammed during take off- twice.

Around 70 furious passengers staged a protest, refusing to leave the plane for five hours as it sat on the runway in Saudi Arabia in temperatures of 122 degrees.

Before both landings, the packed jet had to circle over the desert dumping 20 tons of fuel to ensure it was light enough to land safely. Ambulances and fire crews 'chased it down the runway' as it returned on both occasions, passengers said.

70 passengers refused the leave the aircraft again after their flight made an emergency landing twice

City of love - and blood-soaked seats

Passenger were forced to sit blood and poo-soaked seats during a seven-hour flight from Paris to Toronto earlier this year, after the passenger before them reportedly 'hemorrhaged' in his seat.

Habib Battah, his wife their two cats were taking their seats on an Air France flight when they noticed a strange smell.

Having a closer look at his seat he then checked his cats to make sure they hadn't had any churn-worthy incidents in their carrier - he found a wet stain on the floor around 20 inches long and wide, informing the passing flight attendant.

'I said it smells like merde  s**t,' he recounted. 'She handed me wet wipes. I started wiping and it was red  blood red. And it kept coming up red. I was like, 'What the hell is this?' I just wanted to see what it was. After a while, one of the flight attendants said, 'You'd better go wash your hands, and here are some gloves.''

He was later told a passenger in his seat had 'hemorrhaged' - and the cleaning crew had forgotten to clean the floor.

As the flight was full packed flight there was no room for Battah and his wife to change seats, forcing them to sit in the blood smelling seats for next seven hours.

To make matters worse, they later found out there was feces mixed in the with blood.

Battah, a journalist, said: 'I've been covering Beirut for 20 years as a journalist. I've lived through wars, airstrikes, seen assassinations, car bombs, and narrowly survived the port explosion. I thought I'd seen it all. I didn't expect to find more blood than I've seen in Beirut on an Air France plane.'

Habib Battah and his wife were flying with their two cats in the footwell. When he noticed that the stains had soaked through to the container he used a whole pack of wet wipes to clean it

Chemical clean up on aisle AA729

An airliner flying from the UK to the U.S was forced to reroute to Ireland in 2019 after crew fell unconscious and passengers were ill due to a chemical spill.

American Airlines flight AA729 from Heathrow to Philadelphia was rerouted to Dublin airport, with the smell of the liquid leaving passengers and crew unwell and reporting burning eyes and itchy skin.

Flight watchers Twitter feed, Airport Webcams, reported two crew were unconscious and passengers had burning eyes after cleaning liquid was spilled.

Two members of crew and a passenger were taken to hospital after the flight landed, the airline has confirmed.

A spokesman for the airline said: the flight's emergency diversion was caused by a spilled cleaning solution in the galley.

Paramedics are pictured on board the American Airlines flight after it was forced to land in Ireland when a chemical spill left crew and passengers ill

Man goes on trip, vomits on airline staff

A man on a plane flying from Vietnam to Australia had a bad trip - in more ways than one - after he vomited a nylon bag of white powder suspected to be heroin.

In 2015, a passenger on board a Vietnam Airlines plane had been in the air for an hour when the man became unwell. vomiting up the nylon bag.

The aircraft made an emergency landing at the Tan Son Nhat Airport, where the man coughed up two more bags of white powder.

He was detained by police and taken to hospital.

Smelly poo grounds British Airways flight

It was a case of c****y luck for the passengers on this flight, after their plane was forced to turn around because of a 'smelly poo' in the toilet.

A British Airways flight in 2015 was forced to turn around after just 30 minutes in the air, due to a 'pungent smell' coming from one of the toilets, which the pilot reportedly described as 'liquid fecal excrement.'

A woman who worked for the airline at the time explained it was a health and safety, which is why the flight had to make an emergency landing.

'When you're up at that altitude the cabin has to be pressurized so the problem is that anything like that is actually a health and safety problem because only 50 percent of the air is being recycled and cleaned,' the explained to a UK radio station.

Paris-bound flight descends into vomit chaos

In 2015 an Indiana was charged after a Delta Air Lines Flight 500 from Indianapolis was diverted to Detroit Metropolitan Airport following a disturbance.

Ian Robert James Morin, who was then 21, was accused of assaulting a flight attendant on a Paris-bound flight and vomiting aboard the aircraft.

According to a statement from the FBI, Morin hit one of the flight attendants with an open hand to the left side of her throat near her carotid artery and vomited during the incident.
A young woman has recounted the humiliating moment a pharmacist implied she was a 'junkie' while picking up a prescription for painkillers.

Anna Dooley, 30, decided to go to a locally-owned business to have her prescriptions held and processed after moving away from her regular pharmacist - a decision that would lead to an unfortunate confrontation.

Having spent 15 years suffering from endometriosis, a condition that results in tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus, Ms Dooley is often left in agony and needing strong painkillers to live a normal life.

Ms Dooley, who is set to perform her one-woman show ENDHOE at the Sydney Fringe Festival from September 12 to 16, describes the feeling as like having barbed wire wrapped around your stomach.

While filling out her prescription, Ms Dooley claims she was embarrassed by the owner of the pharmacy in front of other shoppers.

'Not even (saying) a 'hello how are you', in front of a whole shop of people just (saying) 'careful you might overdose',' she told 7Life.

After explaining her diagnosis to the pharmacist and had recently been in hospital for the condition, the pharmacist continued down his line of reason.

'He says, 'I have to give you this legally ... it's complimentary in case you overdose',' the man told Ms Dooley, handing her a spray bottle of naloxone.

Naloxone is a medication provided free of charge by the government to those using higher intensity painkillers to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids.

'I told him 'I have endometriosis' but he didn't want to hear me speak.

'He began by talking over me and talking about overdosing as if it's some sort of joke.'

She said that she was alarmed by how easily the pharmacist was making light of addiction and his overall behaviour.

He had even recommended to her that she watch the Netflix series 'Painkiller', which is centred on the opioid crisis in the United States.

A woman suffering from endometriosis, Anna Dooley (pictured), has claimed to have been made to feel like a 'junkie' by a pharmacist while picking up pain killers

Ms Dooley (left) was told by the pharmacist to watch the Netflix series 'Painkiller', which is centred on the opioid crisis in the United States

She said that her experience with the pharmacist would have been much worse if she was an addict, 'how f***ing dare you just broadcast this to everyone?'

'He made me feel ashamed for wanting help,' Ms Dooley said.

'I ended up agreeing with everything he said because I was so mortified and wanted to get out of the situation quickly.

'I just don't understand why he couldn't treat me like a human being and stop embarrassing me in front of everyone.'
A bride has sparked debate on social media after she told her wedding guests to dress in all black clothing for her special day.

Jordan Bussey, from Nashville Tennessee, made a TikTok video showing off her unique wedding to her 137,000 followers.

She wrote: 'When you ask your guests to wear all black to your wedding and they nail it.'

The short clip was comprised of Jordan's wedding guests entering the venue - with women in black dresses and men in black suits.

The guests then took their seats in the yard and watched as Jordan - who was wearing a white dress - and the groom said their vows.

The short clip was comprised of Jordan's wedding guests entering the venue - with women in black dresses and men in black suits

People could be seen fanning themselves with pieces of paper as they sat outside on the warm sunny day.

Jordan has made various other videos about her nuptials, sharing snippets of her big day.

The viral clip racked up more than nine million views and thousands of comments, as people questioned why the dress code was devoid of color.

But baffled and confused TikTok users took to the comments to discuss whether it looked more like a wedding or a funeral.

One user wrote: 'it's giving funeral vibes... weddings should be colorful.'

Another said: 'Thought it was a funeral,' to which Jordan replied: 'For my single life.'

A third penned: 'Looks like they're going to a funeral not a wedding.'

A fourth commented: 'I like the black suits, but the combo with the black dresses is giving funeral overall.'

Jordan then replied and said: 'So sorry you feel that way! Thank god it was my wedding!'

The guests then took their seats in the yard and watched as Jordan - who was wearing a white dress - and the groom said their vows

Baffled and confused TikTok users took to the comments to discuss whether it looked more like a wedding or a funeral

Another woman, called Victoria, asked Jordan if she had any negative reactions from her guests for asking them to wear black.

Jordan responded: 'Some didnt understand & were confused why there was a dress code but I put examples & pictures on my website of what would be good to wear!'

Jordan then made a second video yesterday - whilst on her honeymoon - addressing the backlash.

Dressed in a red bikini, she wrote: 'When your wedding guest dress code was all black & people are asking if it gave off "funeral vibes".'

She then captioned the clip: 'No funeral vibes here just classy & elegant.'

One user commented that she watched the original video and was searching for a casket.

She wrote: 'I actually was confused the whole time searching for a casket as one of your guests.'
The King and Queen attended a church service in Balmoral today after marking the first anniversary of the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II on Friday.

Charles and Camilla appeared in good spirits as they departed the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to head to the Crathie Kirk on Sunday morning.

The church is where successive monarchs have worshipped since the reign of Queen Victoria, and is where a special service was held to commemorate the life of the late Queen on September 8.

Two days later, Charles and Camilla made their way back to Crathie Kirk for their typical Sunday service.

The King and Queen smiled at passersby as they left the nearby Balmoral Estate, where the Royal Family typically spend a number of weeks over the summer.

The King and Queen attended a church service in Balmoral today after marking the first anniversary of the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II on Friday

Camilla was dressed in a teal dress with a wide, green plaid collar, while her husband the King opted for a light brown suit, white shirt and tie.

Their upbeat demeanour was far from that seen on Friday, when a sombre note was struck by members of the Royal Family paying tribute to the late Queen.

Charles and Camilla were among those to attend the special service at Crathie Kirk to commemorate the life of the late Queen Elizabeth on Friday.

The couple spoke to crowds outside afterwards who shared their condolences and handed them bouquets and cards. The King told them that the flowers were 'wonderful' and joked with children about getting back to school.

Other royals were also at the service, including the Queen's great nephews Samuel and Arthur Chatto, sons of Lady Sarah and Daniel Chatto, who also went. And staff from Balmoral, the beloved Scottish home of the Queen where she died, also attended, walking to and from the service in the September sunshine.

The King looked emotional as he left Crathie Kirk having paid a moving tribute to his adored mother as the nation marks the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death on September 8.

Crowds gathered at Buckingham Palace and Army gun salutes honouring Her Majesty rang out across the United Kingdom.

In an unprecedented break with tradition, signifying how touched he has been by the country's grief at her passing but also pride in a remarkable life of public duty, His Majesty recalled his mother's 'long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us'.

Charles and Camilla appeared in good spirits as they departed the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to head to the Crathie Kirk on Sunday morning

King Charles speaks with people at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral on Friday, collecting bouquets and cards from schoolchildren

King Charles III looked visibly moved after leaving a service to mark the first anniversary of his mother the Queen. Camilla clutches flowers handed to them by well wishers

William and Kate had travelled to Wales to grieve Queen Elizabeth's passing and shared their own favourite pictures of the late monarch and said: 'Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C'.

Initially Charles, 74, had planned only to mark his mother's death  and his own grief-tinged accession  in 'quiet contemplation' at home in Scotland.

In doing so he would follow the same pattern that Queen Elizabeth chose to adopt for 70 years, marking her father King George VI's death, at Sandringham in Norfolk, away from public gaze.

But in recent weeks he began to have a change of heart, having been so deeply touched by the global outpouring of grief after his mother died on September 8 last year.
A young businesswoman is raking in $150,000 a month with her revolutionary gel nail brand that helps women perform 'salon-worthy manicures' at home.

Serene Lim, from Melbourne, founded Gellae nail stickers in November 2022 by bringing a little-known technology to Australian shores after seeing its success overseas.

As the cost of living crisis worsens, beauty lovers looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the nail salon have been snapping up Gellae's sell-out stickers.

Gellae's stickers adhere to the user's natural nail shape and are then cured under a UV lamp to become hard and sturdy. It lasts more than two weeks.

The 28-year-old is no stranger to business success having started Gellae with a modest $5,000 investment off the back of her first brand, Cup 49, which sells reusable bubble tea cups.

Serene, a nutrition student, started her brands as a 'side hustle' after her university lecturers warned her field had no job opportunities in Australia. She never dreamt of how successful they would become.

Serene Lim (pictured), from Melbourne, founded Gellae nail stickers in November 2022 bringing a little-known technology to Australian shores after seeing its success overseas

As the cost of living crisis worsens, beauty lovers looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the nail salon have been snapping up Gellae's sell-out stickers

Serene first spotted the nail stickers on the international market and wanted to bring them to Australia having never seen the technology before.

'I saw the product selling really well overseas and I was like, "I've got to bring that here". We don't really have anything like it,' she told FEMAIL.

'This was something that was completely new in the industry.'

As she was busy with her first business Cup 49, she 'parked' the idea until mid-last year when she started developing her own stickers for Gellae.

'June was when I really looked into it and starting sourcing the products, doing lots of testing, getting all of the websites set up,' she said.

'It was important that they lasted long. Some of them we tested pretty much fell off within the first couple of hours.'

After testing and trialling, Serene eventually found a product she was happy to put to her brand and started selling Gellae just 10 months ago.

Gellae's 'flexible, stretchy and easy-to-apply' stickers adhere to the user's natural nail shape then cured under a UV lamp to become hard and sturdy lasting more than two weeks

It was through the success of Cup 49 that Serene was able to develop and launch Gellae.

She started Cup 49 to get some extra income aside from her full-time corporate job after studying nutrition at university where professors told her job prospects were few and far between.

'A month before graduating, they told all of us, our whole cohort, that there were just no jobs in Australia and we'd have to go abroad to find work,' Serene recalled.

'While I was in my first job, I started Cup 49, but it was only meant to be a side hustle, I never really had the dream of running a small business of being an entrepreneur. I just did it because it was so fun.'

The idea came from the booming bubble tea trend that rose to prominence in the years before the Covid pandemic.

'Bubble tea was a massive growing industry, especially in 2019. I feel like that's when bubble tea was popping up everywhere. Now you can find six bubble tea shops sometimes on a busy street,' Serene said.

Serene was able to develop and launch Gellae through her first business Cup 49 which she started out of uni after being told her job prospects in Australia were limited

'There was so much plastic waste that came along with that.'

Serene surveyed bubble tea businesses and found, on average, each store would sell around 48 drinks every hour.

'That's 48 plastic cups, plastic lids, plastic bags, plastic straws. That's why we called it Cup 49, because we wanted it to be the 49th and ever-reusable.'

After launching in September 2019, Cup 49 made $178,000 in its highest month and bought in a seven-figure revenue last financial year.

Serene was able to quit her job and become a self-employed entrepreneur full time.

She was also marketing the business on social media and built up a strong community of fans on Facebook with thousands of loyal customers.

Serne developed Cup 49's reusable bubble tea cups after she notice how much plastic waste was coming from the trendy drink stores

READ MORE: Holme Beauty founder reveals how she overcame her traumatic past to create a multimillion-dollar beauty business Advertisement

It was those customers and their feedback that helped her get Gellae off the ground.

'I got them to help me along with making a few decisions, little things like the design of our Thank You cards,' Serene said.

'It was a strategic way for me to get them excited about the launch of my second business.'

'I think it boiled down to the fact that they had a lot of trust, not just in Cup 49 as a brand, but in me as the founder because I was very much involved in the community.'

With the help of that group and a $5,000 investment, Gellae quickly grew to bring in $155,000 in its most successful month.

Serene said Gellae's nail stickers act as a sturdy layer over the nail that gives a professional-grade DIY manicure that lasts more than two weeks.

'You peel the sticker, stick on your natural nails and cure it under a UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. It'll harden to the shape of your nails,' she explained.

With the help of her loyal Cup 49 customers and a $5,000 investment, Gellae quickly grew to bring in $155,000 in its most successful month

Serene describes Gellae's stickers as a 'problem solving product' for those who don't want to spend at the salon or are sensitive to their overpowering smells

'There's 20 nail stickers to fit any nail size. They don't require soaking off as they have an adhesive back that makes it easy for you to gently lift them off your nails.'

She describes Gellae's stickers as a 'problem solving product' for those who don't want to spend at the salon or are sensitive to their overpowering smells.

'It differs from press-ons because you will always get the perfect mould to your shape. Sometimes with press-ons, you can't really find the exact same shape for your nails,' she added.

Serene said customers have also used them to help grow their nails or stop them from biting.

'I found out a lot of people bought them because they have issues with nail-biting. The thin, durable layer of gel protects their nails so they don't bite through it,' she said.

To get started with Gellae, shoppers can get a kit with two or more sticker designs, a wooden cuticle stick, a nail file and alcohol wipes as well as a free UV lamp for $51.

After hearing feedback from her customers, Serene is now developing a cuticle oil and subscription boxes

Each individual sheet after costs $25.50 and has 20 stickers which can last on the nail for as long as a month.

'We've got customers that have it for more than a month. It really depends on things like if you've got really oily nail beds,' Serene said.

'We even have quite a few people in the horse community whose job can be really rough with a lot of work with your hands. They were surprised that it lasted so long.'

After hearing feedback from her customers, Serene is now developing a cuticle oil and subscription boxes.

'This was something once again I never really planned for but it was driven by our community. They were sick of our design being sold out all the time so they wanted something they could subscribe to,' she said.

'The cuticle oil is going to be included in those subscription boxes, it has lots of vitamins that are great for your nail health to keep them nourished and moisturised.'
She only experienced one symptom - swollen lymph nodes in her neck

Hannah Langman was having one of the best years of her life. She was busy planning her dream wedding with her soulmate and talking about starting a family.

But that was soon cut short when she was handed a shock 'rare' blood cancer diagnosis at just 30 years old.

Hannah, from Sydney, went to have a routine fertility check in March 2022. It was here that doctors discovered an aggressive form of leukaemia taking over her body.

Besides feeling a little rundown she only experienced one obvious symptom - swollen lymph nodes on her neck - which she brushed off for two weeks before seeing a doctor.

'Life got in the way, I didn't rush to the doctor. It wasn't until after I was diagnosed that everything made sense about how I had been feeling,' Hannah, now 31, told FEMAIL.

After finding out a few months before the wedding she called her parents who excitedly thought the call might have been a pregnancy announcement.

Hannah Langman (pictured left with now-husband Simon) was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in March last year - an aggressive type of blood cancer

Life as she knew it changed forever and she spent 150 days in and out of hospital. She had no other symptoms besides swollen lymph nodes and at the time she was planning her wedding

Hannah and her now-husband Simon planned to get married in September 2022 and have children later down the track. After turning 30 a close friend urged her to check her fertility.

She had a blood test and scans to check her lymph nodes but later that same day the doctor called asking her to urgently return to the clinic.

'She said, 'I don't want to alarm you but there's abnormalities on your blood test. If you have a fever over 38, I need you to go to emergency',' Hannah recalled.

Despite the warning, Simon reassured her and they both assumed it was nothing to worry about.

'My partner and I are positive 'glass half full' people, we were calling each other throughout the day, and the alarm bells weren't ringing yet,' Hannah said.

'I told myself: 'I'm 30, I have no other symptoms, I'm sure it'll be fine'.'

Further testing was done on the blood sample and two days later her worst fear had come true - it was cancer.

She was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in March last year - an aggressive type of blood cancer in the bone marrow.

Adult patients with this type of cancer have a five-year survival rate of just 50 per cent. The cause remains unknown.

'We were completely devastated when we found out. Straight away our minds were racing,' Hannah said. One of the most challenging aspects of the whole ordeal was telling family

The couple's life as they knew it instantly changed forever.

'We were completely devastated. Straight away our minds were racing,' Hannah said.

'I was asking the doctor am I going to lose all my hair? What are the treatment options? Where do we go from here? It was everything you didn't want to hear from doctors.'

As she had worked in public health for six years, she knew exactly how bad the cancer was the moment the words left the doctor's mouth.

'It's been a blessing and a curse this whole time because I can be part of my treatment conversations because I understand what they're referring to, but it's also so difficult to hear,' she said.

One of the most challenging aspects of the whole ordeal was telling family the news.

'We went home, picked up our dog and went to a park in Clovelly to process the news. We then called my parents.. it was absolutely awful,' Hannah said.

'We had been together eight years, we were engaged, everyone expects that phone call to be really exciting and happy.'

Each family member expected to hear good news, but were left heartbroken when Hannah and Simon told them what happened.

'To go from being a healthy person to then spending endless days in hospital was such a big shock for both of us,' Hannah said. She started chemotherapy quickly and also required a bone barrow

That same day she was admitted into hospital, which came as a 'shock to the system'.

From there she was in and out of hospital for 150 days of the year, and at one point was in there for 70 days in a row.

'To go from being a healthy person to then spending endless days in hospital was such a big shock for both of us,' she said.

Sadly Hannah had to start chemotherapy treatment quickly, and there was chance to pursue fertility options for egg retrieval.

'It was another awful blow we had to deal with, but we decided to focus our energy on my treatment,' she said.

Getting Hannah's health back on track was their main priority even though the couple hoped to have kids one day.

Throughout the entire ordeal Simon was by Hannah's side as much as he could supporting her physically and mentally.

Four weeks into treatment she started to lose her luscious blonde hair which she had been growing for the wedding. Her friends organised a 'head shave' day (pictured)

She required five rounds of intense chemotherapy over seven months and at one point was struck with sepsis, pancreatitis and mucositis.

At times Simon slept on a mattress on the floor in the hospital to stick by her side.

Four weeks into treatment she started to lose her luscious blonde hair which she had been growing for the wedding.

'My best friend and maid of honour Caitlin had this amazing idea to cut my hair off and make it into a wig for me. It's an expensive thing to do but she organised it and all my friends pitched in,' she said.

In April last year Hannah's friends and family arranged a 'head shave' day in the park opposite the hospital.

Hannah and seven people - including Simon and Hannah's brothers - all shaved their heads together.

'My wig is the most precious thing I own, aside from my engagement ring,' she said.

Hannah and seven people - including Simon and Hannah's brothers - all shaved their heads together

For this particular type of Leukaemia, a bone marrow transplant was essential and doctors tested Hannah's two brothers but sadly neither one were a match. However, a match was found from an anonymous donor in Germany

Due to the nature of the treatment needed, Hannah's immune system was incredibly low so she had to remain isolated from others at times.

'Even that was really difficult because every time I see my friends I'll give them all a hug and a kiss,' she said.

For this particular type of Leukaemia, a bone marrow transplant was essential and doctors tested Hannah's two brothers but sadly neither were a match.

However, a match was found from an anonymous donor in Germany who had signed up to the bone marrow registry.

'I feel so grateful and lucky. He saved my life at this point, he gave me another opportunity at life,' she said.

The transplant itself was one of the 'hardest' things she's ever had to do mentally and physically as it depleted all her energy.

The transplant involved 'really intense' chemotherapy and full body radiation for six days to rid the body of existing bone marrow before inserting the cells from the donor into the body.

She then had to remain isolated for months during the recovery phase.

Earlier this year in May she was able to have a hens night and the couple were finally able to exchange vows on their wedding day

Earlier this year in May the couple were finally able to exchange vows on their wedding day.

'It was so incredible, there were many tears but for once they were happy tears,' she said, adding: 'I was even able to hug people.'

While the bone marrow transplant was deemed a success, the journey isn't over for Hannah as there's still a small percentage of cancerous cells remaining in her body.

'By the 100 day mark it was already back in small amounts. All it takes is one little bit and it could start growing again,' she said.

Since then she's had a 'top up' of the donor cells she received in hope to fight off any remaining cancer cells.

For now Hannah has regular check ups and is hoping for the best.

'It was so incredible, there were many tears but for once they were happy tears,' she said. While the bone marrow transplant was deemed a success, the journey isn't over for Hannah as there's still a small percentage of cancerous cells remaining in her body. She hopes further treatment will work

What is leukaemia and what are the common symptoms? Leukaemias are cancers of the white blood cells, which begin in the bone marrow Leukaemias are grouped in two ways: the type of white blood cell affected - lymphoid or myeloid; and how quickly the disease develops and gets worse. Acute leukaemia appears suddenly and grows quickly while chronic leukaemia appears gradually and develops slowly over months to years This information refers to four types of leukaemia; acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) In 2016, 4225 people in Australia were diagnosed with leukaemia. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is the most common type of leukaemia in Australia. In 2018, there were 1887 deaths due to these four cancer types The five year survival rate is 62% The main symptoms include: Tiredness and/or anaemia (pale complexion, weakness and breathlessness)

Repeated infections (mouth sores, sore throat, fevers, sweats, coughing, frequent passing of urine with irritation, infected cuts and scratches, and boils)

Increased bruising and bleeding Source: Cancer Council Advertisement

Hannah hopes by sharing her story others will voice their health concerns to doctors.

'Even if you're wrong 99 times, that one time could save you're life,' she said.

She also hopes others will consider becoming a bone marrow donor in addition to donating blood.

'You'll only ever get a call if you're a match for someone - and you could help save someone else's life.'

Every year Aussies donate to Cancer Council's Daffodil Day on August 31 to support life-saving cancer research for cancer patients like Hannah. In 2022, Daffodil Day raised around $2.5million dollars.

'I don't know what the future holds, but for now, I'm here,' Hannah said a year and a half on from her diagnosis.

'I hope we can keep funding new research and find new treatments that can hopefully pull me through this.'

READ MORE: Young nurse's warning to Aussies about why everyone must have a bedframe to prevent dangerous mould

Mum, 39, with olive skin who tanned easily and thought she was 'invincible' shares the shocking moment an 'annoying bump' on her face turned out to be skin cancer
Every hospital trust is failing to meet NHS A&E time targets, MailOnline can reveal today.

Under decade-old guidelines, 95 per cent of casualty patients should be admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours of being seen.

But nationally, just 74 per cent of patients in England were seen within this timeframe in July and the 95 per cent target hasn't not been achieved by a major NHS A&E department for a decade.

Our analysis, involving every major NHS trust for the entirety of 2023 so far, found performance sunk to as low as 40 per cent in parts of the country.

Experts said the damning figures laid bare the dire reality inside the country's ailing emergency departments, which are buckling at the seams.

This graphic shows the 10 NHS trusts with the highest proportion of A&E patients who waited over 12 hours before being admitted, transferred or discharged

Separate A&E performance data for July shows emergency departments faced their second busiest July ever, with 2.1million attendances. Three-quarters of emergency department attendees (74 per cent) were seen within four hours. NHS standards set out 95 per cent should be admitted, transferred or discharged within the four-hour window

Your browser does not support iframes.

Labour described the figures as showing '24-hours in A&E' was no longer a television programme but the 'grim reality' for too many patients.

Record breaking NHS staff strikes, which have delayed or cancelled almost 1million appointments or procedures, adding to the 7.6billion waiting list for elective treatment, have been partly blamed for the crisis.

Some experts have also pointed to Britain's GPs as part of the problem, warning A&Es are overwhelmed by people left with nowhere else to turn as they can't get an appointment with their family doctor.

For their part, GPs themselves report being overwhelmed with some family doctors now responsible for up 2,600 patients each in some areas, up from an average 1,900 in 2016.

Bed-blockers  patients trapped in hospital unable to safely be discharged due to a lack of support in the community  is another factor.

READ MORE: Health heat warning: NHS braced for influx of patients during heatwave as officials urge public to be cautious The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its heat health alert to amber across every region of England apart from the North East, where a yellow alert is in place Advertisement

About 11,500 NHS beds were taken up by patients 'no longer meeting the criteria to reside' in any given day in July, the latest data available.

NHS staff shortages are also contributing, with the latest data for June suggesting there are just over 125,500 full-time-equivalent vacancies in the health service, meaning roughly one in 10 NHS roles is unfilled.

The A&E crisis has got so bad that the NHS effectively abandoned the 95 per cent target at the end of 2022 to instead focus on an 'interim goal' of getting 76 per cent of patients seen within four hours by March next year.

But this website can also reveal that the vast majority of NHS A&E departments are failing to meet even this lowered threshold.

An analysis of official NHS data for the first seven months of this year shows only roughly 10 per cent of trusts saw at least 76 per cent of their A&E patients within four hours.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust recorded the worst level in the country, with only 43.4 per cent of A&E patients seen within four hours.

In contrast, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust recorded the highest with 94.2 per cent of patients seen within four hours, just shy of the 95 per cent target.

Waits in excess of four hours can see A&E patients being left in agony or significant distress in overcrowded waiting rooms or even stuck inside the very ambulance that brought them to hospital in the first place.

These pressures have a knock-on effect on other NHS services, like emergency response times, with ambulances left unable to respond to other emergencies.

But for some patients a wait of even four hours to be seen by a medic is a luxury.

Separate shocking NHS data shows that in some hospitals more than one in five A&E patients had to wait over 12 hours to be seen in July.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust had highest proportion of 12-hour waits that month, with 23 per cent of all A&E attendances affected.

Other trusts with extraordinary 12-hour waits were Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at 22 per cent, and the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust at 21 per cent.

Latest GP workforce data for May 2023 shows there are 27,200 fully-qualified GPs in England. This is down from 27,627 one year earlier. GP numbers peaked at 29,537 in March 2016

England's backlog, for procedures like hip and knee replacements, now stands at 7.6million, official figures revealed today. It means roughly one in seven people across the country are currently stuck in the system awaiting care. More than 380,000 patients have gone a year without being treated, often in agony

Nationally, only 7 per cent of patients in A&E had to wait 12 hours to be seen in July.

This is down from March when some 11 per cent of patients were forced to wait this long to be seen.

While the figures may seem low in terms of overall A&E attendances, they represent the suffering of thousands of Brits.

In July alone, over 500,000 Brits had to endure an A&E wait in excess of four hours, and of this number 96,000 were forced to wait over 12 hours.

Wes Streeting, Shadow Health Secretary, told MailOnline the figures demonstrated the extent of Government's 'mismanagement' of the NHS.

READ MORE: Dozens more hospitals feared to be riddled with RAAC - as NHS rows back on target of eliminating crumbly concrete by 2035 At West Suffolk Hospital (pictured), an assessment from April warned of a 'catastrophic' and 'likely' risk of collapse. This would cause 'loss of life and/or major injury' with 'asbestos and dust inhalation' a major risk, it said Advertisement

'Patients are waiting in pain and agony to receive care in A&E for unacceptable lengths of time, when delays cost lives,' he said.

'24 hours in A&E was a tv programme, now its the reality for patients.'

Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: 'Too many people are spending too long in our emergency departments.

'Behind the headline figures, we know that the longest stays are being endured by the most vulnerable; the elderly, people who are mentally ill and the patients who need admission to hospital.

'This is caused the failure of governments to create the capacity to look after seriously ill and injured patients.'

Matthew Taylor chief executive for NHS Confederation, a membership organisation for the NHS, said while individual trusts had a mixed picture, nationally the health service was 'inching its way towards the 76 per cent interim target.

He credited this to the hard work of NHS staff.

'[It] is a testament to the hard work of leaders and their staff who are delivering in seriously difficult circumstances,' he said.

But he acknowledged that other aspects of NHS performance were having a knock-on effect on England's A&Es.

'The whole health system is under pressure, and often patients who are on waiting lists or cannot get an appointment elsewhere turn to A&E as a last resort,' he said.

'We know that A&Es are long way off from the levels of performance NHS leaders, staff and patients would like to see them at.'

Mr Taylor added that it was wrong to point the finger at striking staff for the crisis as A&Es hadn't met their targets in a decade.

'The last time the 95 per cent four-hour target was met at major emergency departments was in July 2013, so the situation has been deteriorating for over a decade,' he said.

The NHS's bed-blocking crisis has exploded since the pandemic with the levels of delayed discharges around triple comparable figures before Covid

Paramedics have been forced to assemble makeshift wards in corridors of Aintree Hospital A&E due to a surge in demand last winter

Some patients were forced to lie on the floor in the busy A&E due to a lack of beds

'This has coincided with an extended period of underfunding, which has severely hampered the NHSs ability to function as it should and would like to.

'This unfortunately is what has lied beneath most of the NHSs struggles; too few staff, dilapidated buildings and the decline of social care has meant the health service has simply not been able to meet demand.'

While a patient may have waited for more than four or 12 hours before a decision about their treatment is made that doesn't mean they have had no interaction with medics at all.

Patients, upon arriving in A&E, will enter a system called triage where their care is prioritised based on an assessment of severity of their health problem, with those with the most life-threatening issues naturally treated first.

This system isn't perfect, and some patients can die as they wait for emergency care.

A Royal College of Emergency Medicine report published this February warned more than 23,000 patients may have died in 2022 because of unacceptably long waits in A&E.

The state of NHS A&E care was thrown under the spotlight last winter when nightmarish scenes emerged of patients being forced to lie on hospital floors or be treated in corridors with witnesses described it as 'soul destroying'.

Whilst winter is traditionally seen as the worst time for A&E pressures, officials have also been bracing for a surge in patients in the summer months due to the health risks posed by heatwaves.

NHS trusts among the wort performers for 12 hour waits in July, as Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, were approached for comment.

A spokesperson for Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust told this website that it runs two busy A&Es and therefore its attendances tend to be higher than other hospitals around England.

NHS England was contacted for comment.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'No one should be waiting longer than necessary for urgent and emergency care and we are taking immediate action to improve access  with improvements made in both A&E waits and ambulance response times in recent months.'

'Our Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan aims to deliver one of the fastest and longest sustained improvements in waiting times in the NHS's history, including through delivering an additional 5,000 permanent staffed hospital beds by this winter.'
A million US deaths could be averted each year if mortality rates in America were on par with those in other rich countries, a damning report has found.

Researchers looked at the rate of all-cause mortality per population size since the 1930s in nearly two dozen peer nations, including the UK, Canada, Japan, Australia and 17 European countries.

They found that despite the US being the richest, it has suffered more deaths per capita than any of the 21 other nations since around 1980, which have reached 'unprecedented levels' in recent years.

The study noted the opioid and fentanyl epidemic, gun violence, and obesity-related deaths, which have all been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, are the reason America is an outlier.

The graph shows how each country of the G7, an informal grouping of seven of the world's advanced economies, fared in international life expectancy rankings each year from 1950 to 2020. The US plummeted from 13th place to 53rd place

The above graph shows the number of excess deaths in the United States relative to other nations over the time period researchers analyzed, 1933 to 2021. During World War II and thereafter, America had a lower mortality rate than peer countries. In the 1960s and 70s, the rate was similar to other wealthy countries. However, in the 1980s, the number of excess deaths began to rise

The above graph shows the number of years, in millions, of life lost due to excess deaths in the US relative to other countries

The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Nexus, found that by 2019, around 600,000 deaths could have been prevented if the US had similar mortality rates to its peer nations.

But in 2020 and 2021, this rose to 1.1million.

Steffie Woolhandler, senior author and professor at the School of Urban Public Health at Hunter College, blamed America's healthcare system, insurers, corporate greed and politicians for the avoidable deaths the country has seen.

'We waste hundreds of billions each year on health insurers profits and paperwork, while tens of millions cant afford medical care, healthy food, or a decent place to live,' Woolhandler said.

'Americans die younger than their counterparts elsewhere because when corporate profits conflict with health, our politicians side with the corporations,' she added.

The United States was only one of a handful of countries on the list that does not provide universal healthcare coverage to its residents.

Despite the number of excess deaths peaking in 2020 and 2021, the team from Boston University School of Public Health, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard Chan School of Public Health and Hunter College found America's excess death rate had been worsening since the 1980s.

During World War II and thereafter, America had a lower mortality rate than peer countries.

In the 1960s and 70s, the rate was similar to other wealthy countries.

However, in the 1980s, the number of excess deaths began to rise, climbing to approximately 622,500 in 2019.

Nearly 10,000 Americans STILL dying from drug overdoses every month, new CDC data shows Nearly 10,000 Americans are still dying from drug overdoses every month, figures show. Advertisement

Deaths then spiked in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic. Those years saw approximately one million excess deaths.

In the years between 1980 and 2021, there were 13.1 million 'missing Americans'.

Study lead and corresponding author Jacob Bor, an associate professor of global health and epidemiology at Boston University, called the number of missing Americans 'unprecedented in modern times.'

Nearly half of the missing Americans died prior to age 65 in 2020 and 2021, a level of excess deaths Bor said was particularly stark.

'Think of people you know who have passed away before reaching age 65. Statistically, half of them would still be alive if the US had the mortality rates of our peers. The US is experiencing a crisis of early death that is unique among wealthy nations,' Bor said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported life expectancy in 2020 was 77 years old, a decline of nearly two years from 2019. In 2021, life expectancy declined again to 76.4 years.

In 2020, nine of the 10 leading causes of death were the same as in 2019, though five causes switched ranks.

However, heart disease and cancer remained the top two, while Covid was newly added and took the third slot.

Unintentional injuries moved to fourth place and stroke moved to fifth place.

In 2021, nine of the 10 leading causes of death remained unchanged from the year prior and heart disease, cancer and Covid were the top three again.

Unintentional injury and stroke remained the fourth and fifth top causes of death in 2021, respectively.

During both 2020 and 2021, deaths among all ages increased year-over-year, except those among one- to four-year-olds, which declined slightly only in 2020.

'Living in the US is a risk factor for early death that is common across many US racial and ethnic groups,' Bor said.

'Whereas most health disparities studies assess differences between US racial/ethnic groups, such an approach renders the poor health of Whites invisible and grossly underestimates the health shortfall of minoritized groups.

'By using an international benchmark, we show that Americans of all races and ethnicities are adversely affected by the US policy environment, which places a low priority on public health and social protections, particularly for low-income people.'

During both 2020 and 2021, deaths among all ages increased year-over-year, except those among one- to four-year-olds, which declined slightly only in 2020

During both 2020 and 2021, deaths among all ages increased year-over-year, except those among one- to four-year-olds, which declined slightly only in 2020

Accounting for the future years lost due to someone dying prematurely, researchers estimate that in 2021, excess deaths translated to 26.4 million years of life lost when compared to peer countries.

Based on the study results and the trend of excess deaths in the US, Mr Bor is not optimistic mortality rates will rebound in the near future, even as Covid deaths fall to some of their lowest numbers.

'The US was already experiencing more than 600,000 missing Americans annually before the pandemic began, and that number was increasing each year. There have been no significant policy changes since then to change this trajectory.

'While COVID-19 brought new attention to public health, the backlash unleashed during the pandemic has undermined trust in government and support for expansive policies to improve population health.

'This could be the most harmful long-term impact of the pandemic, because expansion of public policy to support health is exactly how our peer countries have attained higher life expectancy and better health outcomes.'
Among many viral sensations, neck cracking has grappled TikTok users gaining over 1.9 billion views on the app in total.

Chiropractors have made their mark on the platform, and while many will spend their evenings scrolling through their 'satisfying' videos, an expert has claimed it could be more dangerous than you think.

Ever Arias, MD, known online for debunking medical myths and offering health advice, told his followers they should never crack their necks.

The doctor reacted to a viral TikTok of a young girl who broke her neck, she captioned the video: 'I'm gonna crack my neck, everything will be fine!!!

A TikTok doctor warned his followers to never crack their necks, recounting a horrific tale of a patient with hypermobility who ended up

While many chiropractors would disagree, Ever Arias MD, has said a whole range of difficulties could potentially arise with neck cracking

Showing herself in a neck brace, she adds: 'Breaks neck with my own hands and spends the first 2 weeks of college in a neck brace.'

The doctor then begins a 'story time', telling his 136,200 followers why they should 'never' crack your neck.

He explained that a 20-year-old patient had visited the hospital after cracking her neck twice and hearing a snap and having 'a lot of pain'

He said: 'She walked into the emergency room after being seen and getting scanned. We found that she had a cervical compression fracture.'

The doctor explained: 'Basically she was found to have a diagnosis of hypermobility syndrome and because of that she was very mobile.

'What happened is that she ended up flexing her neck a little bit too much and started having the compression fracture.'

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a minor compression fracture can be treated with a cervical brace worn 6 to 8 weeks, while a more complex fracture may require surgery and/ or months in a rigid cast.

The doctor added that various problems could arise with neck cracking.

He said: 'It's important to understand that if you crack your neck if you got to the chiropractor there's a couple situations that you could put yourself in.'

He claimed: 'Sometimes people come in with strokes and they had a chiropractor manipulate their neck and they ended up having a vertebral artery dissection that caused them to have a stroke.

'You could also cause your own vertebral artery dissection or other injuries to vessels in the structure of the neck

MailOnline has previously reported cases of life-threatening neck cracking. In 2019, a father-of-two suffered a stroke after cracking his neck while stretching.

After hearing a pop, Josh Hader, from Oklahoma, felt numb and was unable to walk straight and was rushed to the hospital.

Hader told DailyMail.com that doctors told him that, as he cracked his neck, he had twisted it so quickly, that he had accidentally torn a blood vessel leading from his neck to his brain, which caused the stroke.

A study, based at the University of California, San Francisco, also found that having your neck cracked could increase the risk of a stroke, the DailyMail reported.

Dr Wade Smith, the university's associate professor of neurology said: 'We're not talking about large numbers of victims - but rare incidences do happen, and physicians and patients should be aware of spinal manipulation therapy as a rare but potentially causal factor in stroke.'

Dr Smith said chiropractors should warn patients of the risk, while some should be screened in advance for symptoms of preexisting conditions.

However, Professor Alan Breen, from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, previously told the DailyMail that sound research proved neck manipulation had no more impact on vertebral arteries than normal neck movements.

He added: 'It is simply not possible to 'tear' a neck artery in the manner suggested by the U.S. researchers. It is extraordinary that anyone, let alone an experienced medical professional, has suggested such a possibility.'

Dr Arias' popular video has gained nearly 40,000 views, and despite warnings hundreds of people took to the comments claiming they will continue to crack their necks.

'I crack it everyday for over 15 years. If I don't I can't get through the day,' one user commented.

Another user who admitted to cracking their neck everyday said: 'If I don't it feels funny.'

One hypermobile user said: 'My neck cracks when I take a deep breath!'

Meanwhile, one user asked: 'Well what should we do if we feel like we have to crack our neck. I get discomfort if I don't.'

To which the medical doctor replied: 'Just don't do it often. Try massaging it first.'
The sighting came days after the former New York City mayor was booked on criminal charges at an Atlanta jail where he was forced to pose for a mugshot

Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the 57-year-old hospital administrator smiling from ear to ear as she headed into an office building in Midtown East

Rudy Giuliani's longtime girlfriend Maria Ryan was spotted flashing a massive rock on her wedding ring finger as she stepped out in New York City last week

As Rudy Giuliani rounded off a week that saw him endure the most humiliating moment of his career, his longtime girlfriend Maria Ryan was beaming as she flashed a massive new ring on her wedding finger in New York City.

And it seems the 57-year-old nurse practitioner indeed still has something to smile about despite her partner's legal troubles, as DailyMail.com photos show the new rock's impressive size.

The hospital administrator, who has been romantically linked to the former NYC mayor since 2018, was spotted last Friday heading into an office building on 800 3rd Ave, a business address Giuliani has been seen at many times.

Rudy Giuliani's longtime girlfriend Maria Ryan was spotted flashing a massive rock on her wedding finger as she stepped out in New York City last week

Despite her partner's mounting legal troubles, Ryan, 57, appeared to be all smiles with her new diamond ring on full display

The flashy new ring suggests Giuliani may have popped the question ahead of his looming criminal trial

Ryan was seen smiling from ear to ear with her ring on full display, as she appeared to take a phone call on the street.

The not-so-subtle diamond  worth an estimated $60,000 if real  was easy to spot on an otherwise dressed-down Ryan.

She wore a black FDNY t-shirt, royal blue plants, and sneakers, and carried a Christian Dior Book Tote.

Ryan, who stepped down as CEO of a New Hampshire hospital in 2021, was named as Giuliani's alleged mistress in court documents filed back in 2018 amid his divorce from third wife Judy Nathan.

Giuliani has previously denied allegations he had an affair with Ryan while he was still married despite being spotted spending the night together at an upstate New York hotel years earlier.

In 2019 the pair were pictured attending a White House dinner together hosted by President Trump.

Similarly, Ryan, who was married to former US Marine Robert Ryan, had claimed that she and Giuliani are just 'friends'.

And early last year, Giuliani referred to Ryan as an 'associate' when he admitted to billing Trump $20,000 per day to dispute the election results - despite previously denying demanding money for his legal services.

Ryan was otherwise dressed down during Friday's outing, wearing a black FDNY t-shirt, royal blue plants, and sneakers, and carried a Christian Dior Book Tote

Her outing comes on the heels of Giuliani turning himself to an Atlanta jail, where he was forced to pose for a mugshot on Wednesday

Ryan was spotted heading into an office building on 800 3rd Ave, a business address Giuliani has been seen at many times

It is unclear whether Giuliani may have popped the question ahead of his criminal trial on charges related to presidential election fraud case.

But the flashy diamond also raises questions about the state of his finances - and whether or not he was actually paid the hefty rate as Trump's lawyer - amid Giuliani's mounting legal woes that could potentially cost him millions.

Ryan's outing comes on the heels of Giuliani turning himself to an Atlanta jail, where he was forced to pose for a mugshot and later spotted walking into A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds near the jail after he was released on $150,000 bail.

He has also been ordered to fork over tens of thousands in fines as a penalty for refusing to cooperate in his defamation case involving his comments about two Georgia election workers.

The fines are sanctions from Judge Beryl Howell against former President Donald Trump's once lawyer for failing to turn over electronic records requested during discovery.

The ruling enables the case to move forward to a trial in federal court in Washington, D.C. It's unclear how much Giuliani will have to pay, but the fines could reach nearly $90,000.

It was just the latest setback for the former New York City mayor, who was once heralded as a hero of 9/11, and now founds himself facing a criminal trial, mounting legal fees, and a case accusing him of sexual abuse and harassment.

Giuliani confirmed that he was in a romantic relationship with Ryan, a nurse practitioner, in 2020, after years of speculation and public appearances together. They are pictured right attending a State dinner at the White House in 2019

Rudy Giuliani, who served as former U.S. Donald Trump's personal lawyer, is shown in a police booking mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office

Giuliani was spotted walking into A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds near the jail after he was released on $150,000 bail

In the images released by the Fulton County Sheriff's office, Giuliani can be seen looking straight ahead, showing a slight frown with industrial lighting shining on his forehead and a sheriff's badge on his right.

It was a stunning and symbolic turnaround for the former mob boss prosecutor, who now must fend off election fraud charges.

Giuliani famously used the RICO Act to take down the Mafia in the 1980s during his time as a Manhattan prosecutor. Now, he's being charged with violating the anti-racketeering RICO Act in an effort to upend the 2020 election results.

He struck a defiant tone during a hectic scrum of Trump supporters, protestors and press following his release Wednesday on $150,000 bail.

Asked by reporters after he exited the prison whether he regrets attaching his name to former President Trump, Giuliani chuckled and responded: 'I am very honored to be involved in this case, because this case is a fight for our way of life.'

'This indictment is a travesty,' he continued, calling it 'an attack on the American people.'
Ukraine's development of a newly modified cruise missile that could strike targets hundreds of miles across the Russian border has sparked fears that Vladimir Putin could resort to the nuclear option if he becomes 'desperate'.

Dr. Alan Mendoza, executive director at the Henry Jackson Society think tank, said that although the nuclear threat is unlikely, it remains on the table should the Kremlin chief feel backed into a corner amid attacks on Russian cities.

'It is not likely Russia would strike Ukraine or NATO allies with nuclear weapons simply in response to Neptune missiles being used  to do so would mean a response from the West that would surely hasten the demise of the Putin regime.

'That said, if Putin felt that his grip on power was loosening beyond his control he might try something desperate. At that point, it would be hoped that saner forces within the Russian hierarchy would step in to relieve him of command,' he said.

Meanwhile, former US Defense Attache to Moscow and retired US Army Brigadier General Kevin Ryan said Washington was alarmed by Ukraine's new strike capability.

'The US administration is concerned that successful attacks by Ukraine into Russia could give Putin justification to expand his war to the West or even use nuclear weapons.

'Deploying the Neptune in attacks against Russian infrastructure will escalate the war and force Putin and his military leadership to also escalate their attacks against Ukrainian cities.'

It comes after Ukraine last month destroyed a state-of-the-art Russian air defence system nestled in the occupied Crimean peninsula, scoring a direct hit on the S-400 'Triumf' and blasting it sky-high in an impressive strike.

Putin's state-media mouthpieces and war-bloggers railed against the attack, labelling it the result of a British-supplied Storm Shadow missile and threatening retaliation against the West for its support of Kyiv.

But it was later revealed that the weapon behind the destruction of the S-400 was not a British projectile, but instead a modified version of a Neptune cruise missile - the kind that sunk the Moskva, pride of Russia's Black Sea Fleet last year.

Ukraine last month detonated an adapted subsonic Neptune missile in Crimea, destroying Russian air defence missiles in a giant explosion that also took out Russian troops

Kyiv's Luch Design Bureau has modified their highly-capable ' Neptune ' anti-ship cruise missiles - the kind that sunk the Moskva, pride of Russia 's Black Sea Fleet last year - to be fired on land targets

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a meeting on implementation of the Murmansk LNG project, in Sochi, Russia, 04 September 2023

By converting the Neptune anti-ship missile to be fired from land positions on land targets, Ukraine's engineers have provided Zelensky's army with the capability to strike deep within Russian territory - something they've shown they can do already with drones - with devastating effect.

Senior Research Leader in Defence and Security at RAND Europe Bryden Spurling told MailOnline that the newly modified missile could enable Ukraine to destroy targets more than 200 miles inside Russian territory with near pin-point accuracy.

'The earlier anti-ship version sank the Russian cruiser Moskva, so it is a precision weapon with a large warhead. The suggested range for this new land attack version seems to be somewhere between 170 and 190 miles  and could possibly grow to be as much as 225 miles according to some sources,' Spurling said.

He added that the modified Neptune missiles unlock a new capability for Ukraine's armed forces, whose access to Western weapon systems like Storm Shadow missiles is contingent on them being used exclusively to defend Ukrainian territory - not to strike across the border.

'The modification to the Neptune system allows Ukraine to complement the Western missiles it has received with a long-range precision missile it can produce domestically,' Spurling said.

'It's another source of supply, and one Ukraine can use without the conditions that come with a lot of Western gear.

'It gives Ukraine another tool in the toolkit to strike high-value Russian targets such as airbases, headquarters, logistics nodes, naval facilities, and key military capabilities.'

Spurling said it was unlikely that Kyiv would conduct a direct strike on a heavily populated area with these missiles, but pointed out that Ukrainian drones have already slammed into government offices in Moscow's business district.

'This version of the Neptune could strike targets in Russian cities... Ukraine has already shown it can and will strike Russian territory directly, usually with drones. The only difference here is that this missile has a heavier warhead than many of the drones Ukraine has been using against Russian territory to date.

'Despite Russia's chest-thumping rhetoric, they won't want to risk an escalation that might involve NATO and the West even more in this conflict.

'But it is possible that if Ukraine used [a Neptune missile] to destroy a particularly high-value or sensitive target, Russia might feel it has to escalate.'

Retired US Army Colonel Gian Gentile added that the scale of the damage Ukraine's Neptune missiles could cause would be impossible for the Kremlin to hide, and could therefore undermine Putin's narrative on how the war is progressing.

'Striking targets inside Russia with these Ukrainian R-360 missiles brings the war home to the Russian people, especially Russians living in Moscow. So at the strategic level their impact is more psychological in that it breaks down the myths about the war put forward by Russian state-run media in a way that no other kind of information campaign by the Ukrainians can.

'At the operational level, these Ukrainian R-360 missiles can definitely have a military impact as they can strike Russian airfields, ammunition depots, and other sustainment facilities inside of Russia,' he concluded.

A Neptune anti-ship missile is pictured

One of the Neptune anti-ship missiles famously sank the Moskva flagship of Vladimir Putin's Black Sea Fleet last year

The addition of these adapted Neptune missiles to Ukraine's arsenal may not prove a pivotal moment in the war.

But the enhanced threat could certainly help to bolster the Ukrainian Ground Forces' efforts to break through the entrenched Russian defensive lines in the Donbas and the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Russia claims footage shows first evidence of a destroyed British Challenger 2 tank in Ukraine Advertisement

Mendoza said: 'A measure like this is not going to be a turning point in the war as such. That will only come if the Ukrainians can breach the Russian front line, or events conspire to remove Putin and his party from the Kremlin.

'However, attacking Russian forces at great distance will improve Ukrainian military performance and may contribute to a weakening of Russian defences and morale that could itself help assist a front line military breakthrough.

'These adapted missiles can be easily intercepted by the Kremlin as they do not reach the speed of sound, so Putin will have limited concerns over an attack [on Russian cities]. But he will be concerned for his strategic bases in Crimea.'

RUSI associate fellow Samuel Cranny-Evans added that although the Neptune missiles may not be as capable as the likes of Storm Shadow, they can still deal considerable damage and enhance Ukraine's attacking capabilities.

'It is unclear whether [the modified Neptune missiles] can fly a variable cruise profile, which is what missiles like Storm Shadow do to evade air defences and detection.

'If they do not then it will be possible for Russian air defences to shoot them down providing, they get sufficient warning.

'That said, combining missile types is also an effective way to counter air defences. So, launching Storm Shadow, Neptune, and drones to arrive on target at the same time would be difficult to counter.'

Time will tell if the newly adapted Neptune missiles prove an effective weapon to help Ukraine's armed forces drive Russian occupiers out of their territory.

But Ukrainian defence officials on Monday said troops had regained more territory on the eastern front and were advancing south in their counteroffensive against Russian forces while President Volodymyr Zelensky visited two front-line areas.

Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said Kyiv's forces were beginning to capture more territory around the eastern city of Bakhmut, having taken back about 30 miles of land there since starting their counteroffensive in early June, Maliar wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Meanwhile, videos posted on the Ukrainian presidential website on Monday showed Zelensky visiting troops in the eastern Donetsk region, where Bakhmut is located, and in Zaporizhzhia region, where Kyiv's forces are trying to push southward to the Sea of Azov.

Kyiv has retaken a number of villages and settlements in its three-month-old offensive but its soldiers have been hampered by vast Russian minefields and trenches.

Maliar said last week that Ukrainian troops had broken through the first line of Russian defences, and Ukraine's military expects now to advance more rapidly.

But Moscow has continued to carry out air strikes on Ukrainian targets including port infrastructure, and has reported drone attacks on Russian territory.
An historic Spitfire that downed a German aircraft during the Second World War before starring in a string of hit Hollywood films in the 1960s is set to go under the hammer this weekend for a record 4.5million.

The 81-year-old warplane spent 40 years in a Texan barn before being shipped to Australia and then back to its homeland in Britain where it was lovingly restored - with the iconic fighter now set to be auctioned on Saturday.

MH415, as the Spitfire's tail number reads, has been brought back to its brilliant best with up to 95 cent of its original parts and will soon land in one lucky owner's hanger when it goes under the hammer at Goodwood, near Chichester, West Sussex.

Millionaires from across the globe are anticipated to try snap up the historic marvel - trumpeted as the rarest Spitfires of its kind with nearly all its original parts still intact - with auctioneers Bonhams expecting it to sell for between 3.5-4.5million.

Originally built in 1943 at Castle Bromwich, the aircraft was delivered to RAF Squadron 129, then stationed at Hornchurch in August that year. It would later participate in sweeps across the continent with RAF 222 (Natal) Squadron, before being retired in 1945 and ending up at De Havilland's at Whitney, Oxfordshire.

MH415 had a distinguished record during the Second World War when it was often involved in the thick of the action, shooting down a German Focke-Wulf 190 fighter plane over France on September 24, 1943.

But the Spitfire would hit new heights when it played a starring role in the 1962 American epic 'The Longest Day' and The Battle of Britain in 1969. It would later wow crowds at airshows across the United States.

The historic Spitfire MH415 (pictured) that downed German aircraft during the Second World War before starring in a string of Hollywood hit films in the 1960s is set to sell for a record 4.5million

The warplane spent 40 years in a Texas barn before being shipped to Australia for restoration

MH415 would play a starring role in the 1969 hit film 'The Battle of Britain', which featured Sir Michael Caine

The one-seater vintage aircraft is currently stored in a hangar at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire following a staggering 55,000 hours of meticulous restoration work, which began in 2020.

Experts say that MH415, a 1943 Supermarine Spitfire Mark LF IXb, is among the most original Spitfires still capable of flying in the world.

This is because it has 'continuous history', meaning the vast majority of its structure can be traced back to its manufacture - with much of the plane as it was when it was in the skies over Europe fighting the Luftwaffe.

Spitfire guru Richard Grace, director of Ultimate Warbird Flights, has been part of the team looking after the fighter is one of the few pilots to have sat in cockpit and flown the plane.

Speaking to MailOnline ahead of the vintage plane's sale, the 39-year-old father-of-two said there was a massive buzz around the auction of the Spitfire, which he touted as one of the rarest and most authentic versions left in existence.

'There are only about 50 Spitfires in the world that you can still fly - and only 40 of them are what I call "turn key" which you could actually get into this afternoon and fly in,' the vintage plane engineer said.

'Then you get to aeroplanes that are actually originals like this one and youre talking about 20 in the world. But to have one that is this original, which has combat experience and served in the European theatre and survived - then you're then talking about maybe 10. It's really very, very rare.'

MH415's interior is still the original Second World War specification, including the pilot seat and vintage rearview mirror.

Pictured is the Spitfire which is based at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire which is due to go under the hammer on Saturday in Goodwood, West Sussex

MH415, as the Spitfire's tail number reads, has been brought back to its brilliant best with up to 95 cent of its original parts making it ready to dominate the skies once again

Planes of a similar age are often fitted with newer parts after being damaged in the war or suffering ageing. The only parts that have been replaced are four of the plane's wing spars.

After surviving the war, it went on to star in 1961's The Longest Day and in 'The Battle of Britain', starring Sir Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier. MH145 was later given to stunt pilot 'Connie' Edwards in lieu of payment for his 125 hours in mock dogfights in the 1969 classic.

He shipped it back to his ranch in Texas, taking to the skies only a handful of times before it was stored in his 'dry and dusty' barn laying dormant for 37 years - which Mr Grace said helped to keep the Spitfire in a 'miraculous' condition, preventing it from degrading. Edwards sold the plane in 2015 and sent it to Australia.

News of the iconic fighter's latest sale has sparked 'worldwide interest', added Mr Grace, with its auction having created a furious 'buzz' among wealthy aviation geeks and elite collectors.

'Forget it's an airworthy Spitfire,' said Mr Grace. 'With this Spitfire its almost not relevant. Its such a time capsule piece of history. If someone wants a piece of history that incidentally you can fly around in, this is it.

'It certainly wouldnt surprise me if it sells for over 4.5million. It's just that good.'

The Spitfire is due to fly the short 20-minute trip from Seywell to Goodwood - about 100 miles by air - on Thursday before it goes under the hammer on Saturday afternoon.

Auctioneers Bonhams hailed the plane a 'truly exceptional example, understood to be composed of over 95 per cent original parts'.

'MH415 stayed fully assembled, other than for shipping and maintenance, from its date of manufacture right through to the commencement of its restoration in 2015 and completed to airworthiness in 2021.

'It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an airworthy Spitfire with documented WW2 combat history, and an incredible level of originality.'

The seller added: 'On the 24th September 1943, MH415 claimed a FW-190 "victory" north-west of Amiens in France whilst being flown by F/O Desmond F. Ruchwaldy.

'During "Ramrod 242", it was a mission to escort 12 Mitchell bombers detailed to attack the Amiens Marshalling Yards.

'During 1968 the aircraft starred in one of the most famous movies of all time, "The Battle of Britain", released September 1969.'

The Spitfire entered service in 1938 as the first all-metal monoplane and the fastest aircraft in the RAF. It was able to reach 350mph when first produced, but models could fly well over 400mph, thanks to their powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and the four-bladed propeller that helped generate extra thrust.

MH415's auction begins at 1.30pm. For details, see Bonham's website.
A nanoengineer based in Colorado has had plenty of 'mad scientist' moments but his latest invention of a tattoo that users can turn on and off is perhaps the most impressive.

Carson Bruns developed 'Magic Ink' which turns on with ultraviolet light and turns off in daylight or even a flashlight.

The assistant professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder tested the invention on himself and tattooed a small blue dot on his forearm.

He started his own company HYPRSKN before teaming up with with Keith 'Bang Bang' McCurdy and a former doctoral student to invent more unique tattoo technology.

Their first product is Magic Ink and a half-ounce bottle is available to buy for $100, which is a lot more than regular ink costs. But red is the only color available to purchase for now.

Nanoengineer Carson Bruns developed 'Magic Ink' which turns on with ultraviolet light and turns off with daylight or even a flashlight

The assistant professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder tested the invention on himself and tattooed a small blue dot on his forearm

His first product is Magic Ink and a half-ounce bottle is available to buy for $100, which is a lot more than regular ink costs. But red is the only color available for now

Bruns tested the product in his lab at the University of Colorado-Boulder a few months ago and asked a colleague for help.

'We were like, "OK, were going to tattoo ourselves. Can you help us today?"', he told KFF Health News.

'You can go to court and turn it off, and then go to the party and turn it on. And then go to Grandmas house and turn it off,' he added.

He works with the universitys ATLAS Institute, which focuses on producing out-of-the-box ideas.

Bruns started HYPRSKN in January 2022 before teaming up with tattoo artist McCurdy who has inked stars including Rihanna, Lebron James, Justin Bieber and Adele.

They are planning to release Magic Ink to a group of selected artists early next year and have long-term hopes for smart tattoos that are healthier, cheaper and easier to get to consumers.

It is made up of particles of dye, encased in beads of plexiglass  the same polymethyl methacrylate material in lip fillers which are FDA-approved.

But the government agency does not regulate the tattoo industry. It only intervenes to urge a recall for ink that causes a bacterial outbreak.

Most of the tattoo pigments currently used have been around for a long time, according to John Swierk, a chemist at the State University of New York-Binghamton.

He started his own company HYPRSKN before teaming up with with Keith 'Bang Bang' McCurdy and a former doctoral student to invent more unique tattoo technology

Bruns tested the product in his lab at the University of Colorado-Boulder a few months ago and asked a colleague for help

But he has warned that there is a fear of the unknown when it comes to Magic Ink.

'If somebody is going to get tattooed with Magic Ink, they have to accept a degree of uncertainty about what the future is going to hold with that ink,' he said.

Bruns won a $605,000 funding prize from the National Science Foundation in April.

He is planning to use this to look at which size and type of nanoparticles are less likely to irritate the immune system and stay where theyre placed.

The immune system sometimes sends bits of tattoo ink to the lymph nodes and dyes them blue and green.

Bruns is working with his colleagues to make other inks that can be helpful in everyday life.

They have made one that changes color when it is exposed to gamma radiation and could be used to work as a built-in exposure meter.

While another ink alerts people when it is time to put on sunscreen which has been tested on pigskin.

Bruns has also developed another ink which is supposed to act as a permanent sunscreen and it has been tested on a small group of mice. None of them are available to consumers.

McCurdy wanted to team up with the nanoengineer because he loves technology and innovation.

'I would like to wave my hand and pay with my AmEx, or walk up to my car and it knows its me,' he said.

McCurdy, pictured with a red heart tattoo which was created with magic ink, wanted to team up with Bruns because he loves technology and innovation

The ink changes color when it is exposed to UV light

He also pointed to how tattoos could one day be used to alert you about blood sugar levels just by looking at the color.

Chemist Swierk said: 'Theres a lot of steps between where we are today and getting a functional tattoo thats going to tell you something about your health.'

McCurdy believes putting Magic Ink on pre-sale is another step towards building a consumer base who are open to technological tattoos.

'Thats how you can excite people,' he said. 'Its almost a Trojan horse into that new goal of how do we bridge the gap between tattoo and technology.'

He is one of a few dozen people, mainly tattoo artists, who already have the ink on their skin.

Tattoo artist Selina Medina, who has worked in the industry for more than 20 years, said: 'Id probably give it a year in the market before I would buy it. But it does look really interesting.'

She pointed to how a brand of UV inks in the 2000s would only glow under a black light.

'It seemed like an awesome idea, but then we noticed that it faded really fast. It would just disappear,' she added.

'We didnt know what it did. We didnt know where it went. And that was just kind of like, "What the hell is this stuff?"'

But Medina expects a large clamor for the product before she is ready to purchase it herself.

If Magic Ink is a huge success, the University of Colorado-Boulder will benefit because it owns the intellectual property. HYPRSKN is currently in the Seed Round of the funding stage.
A former escort claims the ex-Suffolk County police chief accused of bungling the Gilgo Beach investigation 'forced her into rough oral sex' before throwing money at her at a cocaine-fueled party.

LeAnn - who does not want to disclose her real name - told DailyMail.com she first met disgraced former cop James Burke at a party she went to with college friends in summer 2011.

She says the gathering was held at a home in the exclusive community of Oak Beach, in Suffolk County, New York, and turned sour when Burke acted arrogant, aggressive and entitled.

LeAnn, 25 at the time, has spoken out weeks after the 59-year-old Burke was arrested and charged for soliciting sex from an undercover park ranger last month at the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in Farmingville.

LeAnn does not know who was hosting the soiree, but claims Burke was there with another man who also held a prominent position in the county. She does not want to disclose his identity over concerns for her safety.

Pictured: LeAnn, who does not want to disclose her real name, told DailyMail.com that she first met Burke at a party that she went to with a a few college friends in the summer of 2011

Pictured: the former Long Island police commissioner James Burke who bungled the investigation into the Gilgo Beach serial killer led a double life that allegedly included smoking crack, cross-dressing and engaging in relationships with prostitutes

Homes in the exclusive community of Oak Beach, a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay. The community is part of the village of Babylon in Suffolk County

The beachfront homes on Oak Beach West (pictured) and the site where Burke and LeAnn met during a house party

LeAnn recalled that August summer night, when Burke was only months away from being appointed Suffolk County Police Chief.

'They were flirting with us and I knew that he (Burke) was important.'

Unimpressed with his appearance, LeAnn, who describes herself as tall, said Burke was 'short and fat' and had a head of white hair. She said the pair made small talk about vacation of his and her being a student.

Then Burke made his move.

'We went to a bathroom and he tried to make me give him oral sex,' she said. 'I felt like he was choking me with his penis...it was bizarre.'

'I just remember it causing me to tear up because he was that aggressive  and then he gave me money. I remember the bills. I don't know if it was a $100 or $200. He just handed it to me and that was it.'

'It was degrading,' she added.

She described Burke as 'pompous, arrogant and aggressive' and called the encounter 'uncomfortable' and 'off-putting.'

He was 'dismissive' after their exchange, she said and she was worried by 'the ease with which he was aggressive.'

'He acted entitled  very entitled ...seemed to think that he could do anything.'

LeAnn sought legal counsel after her one night with Burke. Her attorney John Ryan convinced her to go public with her bombshell allegations about police corruption, and held a press conference.

On Friday, Ryan told DailyMail.com that his client's claim was the first time there had been an actual connection between Burke, sex parties, drugs and prostitution on Oak Beach.

The veteran attorney explained that for years there have been talk of the drug-fueled wild parties taking place at the Oak Beach community.

'These are not your normal people,' he said. 'There were sex parties, naked parties.'

Burke pictured in 2015 outside an FBI office in New York after he was arrested and charged for beating a thief who took a bag of porn and sex toys from his cop car then trying to cover up the attack

Attorney John Ray, who represents two families of victims whose bodies were found along the beach between 1996 and 2011, told DailyMail.com in July when DailyMail.com revealed Burke's deviant lifestyle that he had a 'real devotion for advancing prostitution in his own backyard'

Pictured: Shannan Gilbert disappeared in May 2010. She was last seen running in fear from a client's house in the eastern part of the Oak Beach community. Her remains were later found in December 2011. Her case remains unsolved

An aerial view of the houses that are located in the gated community of Oak Beach in Suffolk and last known place Shannan Gilbert, a 27-year-old sex worker, was seen

In 2011 Burke was on top of the world - about to be promoted from his role as chief of detectives to Suffolk County Police Chief, to which he was appointed in 2012 by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

He was tasked with supervising the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation, but was accused of botching it by preventing the police department from cooperating with federal authorities.

That same year, he brutally assaulted a man identified as Christopher Loeb who broke into Burke's police vehicle and stole a bag that contained sex toys and pornography.

His reign as Suffolk's top cop ended in 2015 when he resigned just before federal prosecutors charged him in the beating of Loeb and the department cover-up. He pleaded guilty, and was charged with conspiring to obstruct justice and violating Loeb's civil rights.

The eastern part of the, the Oak Beach Island Association, is gated and the western part is not

In 2016, he was sentenced to 46 months behind bars. He was released in April 2019.

It was later revealed that Burke led a double life that allegedly included smoking crack, cross-dressing and relationships with prostitutes.

Attorney John Ray, who represents Shannan Gilbert's family, told DailyMail.com in July when portions of Burke's deviant lifestyle were exposed that he had a 'real devotion for advancing prostitution in his own backyard'.

'He was investigating sex workers like a robber investigates robbers,' Ray said.

At the house party, LeAnn witnessed Burke grabbing another girl by the hair.

'He pulled her to the ground. It seemed like they were playing but then he went too far ...too aggressive with it. He thought it was funny, she said. 'What normal person thinks this was an acceptable level of hair pulling to be funny?

She added, 'Hah and not funny.'

The community of Oak Beach made headlines after the disappearance of Shannan Gilbert, a 27-year-old sex worker from Jersey City.

Gilbert was last seen running in fear from a client's house in the gated Oak Beach community on May 1, 2010.

During the search for Gilbert police found other victims, who later became known as the 'Gilgo Four,' Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, Megan Waterman, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. All the young women were sex workers in their twenties whose bodies were wrapped in burlap and found along Ocean Beach Parkway.

Gilbert's remains were found more than a year later, December 2011, in marsh a few miles from the gated community where she was last seen. The cops deemed her death as 'accidental' but Ray disputed those claims.

In May 2022, Ray released the 911 tape to DailyMail.com of Gilbert screaming for help and running from what appears to be her killer. The same tapes officials tried to withhold for years.

As of today, Shannan Gilbert's case continues to remain unsolved.

Pictured: The Gilgo Four: Melissa Barthelemy, top left, Amber Costello, top right, Megan Waterman, bottom left, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Authorities on Long Island continue investigate the Gilgo Beach murders

Suspect Rex Heuermann, arrested on July 13 and charged with the murder of three women

Earlier this summer, 59-year-old architect Rex Heuermann was charged with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello.

He is also the prime suspect in the murder of a fourth woman Maureen Brainard-Barnes  who was last seen alive in New York City in early June 2007.

LeAnn told DailyMail.com that she has been following the Gilgo Beach case for years.

When she went to Oak Beach on that summer August night she had no idea that a girl named Shannan Gilbert had gone missing and was last seen at the gated community of Oak Beach, not far from the house that she was partying at with Burke, on Oak Beach West.

Though she has heard many different theories through the years on the Gilgo killings, she said that does not believe that Burke has any connection to Heuermann.

'I don't think Burke is a murderer. I just don't,' she said.

'I think he's an arrogant, stupid ass**** who wields power with irresponsibility but I don't think he's a murderer.'

On August 22, Burke was arrested for allegedly offering oral sex to a male undercover park ranger. He was detained and charged with offering a sex act, public lewdness, indecent exposure and criminal solicitation.

The former top cop was accused of pulling down his pants and displaying his genitals, as well as manipulating them in a sexual manner. He then reportedly told the undercover ranger, I like sucking d***.'

Last week two of the four charges were dropped, but he still faces charges of indecent exposure and public lewdness, a spokesperson for the Suffolk County Executive's office told DailyMail.com.

Burke, who appeared humiliated after the incident, never returned to his three-bedroom home in Smithtown. A neighbor told DailyMail.com that he wasn't around until his court date but said he was 'doing okay' and called him a 'good guy.'

On Monday, he is expected back in Central Islip court.

LeAnn said when she heard the news about Burke's perverse behavior at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park she was 'not surprised.'

'Someone like him is just going to continue to take risks because he thinks that he can,' she said.

'How dumb do you have to be to do that after this guy (Rex Heuermann) gets arrested? Like, how f*****g stupid!'

A photo of the thick marsh that surrounds the beachfront property of Oak Beach

The homes in Oak Beach are in close proximity to Oak Beach Road and parallel to the Ocean Parkway highway

Suffolk County Police Executive Steve Bellone (pictured) appointed Burke as Suffolk County Police Chief in 2012

She described herself back then as a 'crazed lunatic', impulsive and reckless after growing up in the foster care system.

At the time of her encounter with Burke, she was putting herself through college. She eventually graduated with a degree in forensic psychology and criminology.

But, her addiction to drugs caused her to spiral and she started getting arrested for a litany of assault and harassment.

'I got arrested and actually got convicted on a bunch of things and when you have a conviction you're not going to be able to use that degree, really.'

She said the night with Burke was also her foray into the high stakes world of fast money working as a 'paid' escort.

'It was probably my first experience being paid,' Leanne said, now 37. 'I was not expecting that and it opened the door for that kind of stuff.'

By 2019, she was on a better track. She got out of the sex business and got sober.

Though she would not reveal what industry she is working in today, she said that she manages a team of people and that is happy and in a much better place.

She also said that her tryst with Burke on that summer night in 2011 was the one- and only time - she would see or speak to him again.
Wealthy parents teach their children five lessons about how to handle money, including getting a job from a young age, a finance guru has claimed.

Sydney-based mortgage broker Quang Huynh, who has 15 years of experience, revealed the finance secrets on his popular TikTok account.

The 39-year-old, known as 'Q that homeloan dude' on social media, compared the difference in mentality between two children - one whose father is a third or fourth generation wealthy migrant, and one who grows up in a lower-income household.

The father-of-two said wealthy immigrants 'gate-keep' the money lessons from 'poor folks'.

Here are his top tips for financial success.

Sydney-based mortgage broker Quang Huynh (pictured) revealed the five secrets his third or fourth generation 'wealthy ethnic clients' teach their children about money and claimed wealthy immigrants 'gatekeep' the money lessons from 'poor folks'

1. Children should work from a young age to learn about human behaviour

Mr Huynh said the first secret wealthy parents implement is having their child work from a young age to learn about 'ren xing'.

Ren xing is a Cantonese and Mandarin term which simply translates to 'human nature', but Mr Huynh explained the term is much more complex.

He explained the term relates to an understanding of the 'human existence'.

'Wealthy parents get their children to work young not because they want to exploit child labour,' Mr Huynh said.

'They want to teach them about 'ren xing'... it is to basically understand the exploitive flawed nature of the human existence.'

Mr Huynh gave the example of a former client who used to own 'all the Kodak stores' in south Sydney.

Mr Huynh said the wealthy parents have their children start working at a young age so they can learn about 'ren xing' - an understanding of the human existence. He drew an example claiming children learn from a wide variety of clients through transactions and money

He said the father would have his children from the age of seven work behind the counter serving customers and dealing with simple transactions, whilst learning about ren xing.

'Placing their child behind the desk and counter to serve customers is not to save on money or hiring staff but for the child to see the day to day nature of how customers are when they deal with transactions or money,' Mr Huynh said.

'The child would see how some customers agree and how some customers are stingy.

'How some customers would return goods after buying from the Kodak store by using the human element of deceit by lying.

'Lastly, how some customers can be manipulated by sales people on the floor which the father wants the child to see how manipulation of emotion can cause a human to buy more products.'

In contrast, Mr Huynh said a child who is raised by lower-income parents would be learning about ren xing through a book and not through experience.

He added a 'tiger mum' would force their son or daughter to sit alone in a room and study material, with the child 'never learning' about ren xing.

The 39-year-old, known as 'Q that homeloan dude', (pictured) has worked with third and fourth generation immigrants for 15 years

2. Encourage children to spend money

Mr Huynh said the second secret is that generationally wealthy parents encourage kids to spend money, while 'poorer' families urge their children to save their cash.

The mortgage broker referred to an experiment conducted on two children - one from a wealthy family and one from a lower-income household.

The children were both given $10 and told to find a toy store in a shopping centre and spend the entire amount.

He added the child from the 'poor family' only spent $8 because he did not want to 'waste money' and only spend within the the allocated limit.

While the other child saw a toy valued at $100 and whined, cried and threw a tantrum until someone bought it for him so that he would be quiet.

Mr Huynh said the child from the wealthy family may appear as a 'bloody spoilt brat' but he fought for what he wanted.

The poorer child, due to his upbringing, is taught humility and respect which force him to operate in the 'confines of the rules'.

'With proper guidance from the wealthy ethnic father and learning 'rin sing' from working at a young age, the child had the tenacity to cry at the store and not care what everyone thinks,' Mr Huynh said.

'He would be the winner in life in terms of business, relationships, and anything that this person wants.

'While the other kid, stuck in the confines of study to get good grades so mum can give you a pat on the back and give you a nice hot porridge to eat, wouldn't squeak a peak to get what they want.

'They operated within the compounds of the $10, and basically would end up the loser in life.'

3. Children do not need to ask for permission

Mr Huynh explained generationally wealthy ethnic parents teach their children not to give a 'f**k' about what people think or say.

He claimed wealthy families have an understanding that education comes 50 per cent from schooling and 50 per cent from 'street study'.

While children from poorer families are 100 per cent focused on being 'book smart' and are taught to always seek permission before taking any action.

'The poor family, 100 per cent is focused on book smart, which basically gets them stuck in the schooling system,' Mr Huynh said.

'In the schooling system it's about student and teacher. Whatever the student wants, you need permission from the teacher, which is basically permission based.

'Whilst the rich tell their kids don't give a f**k, because you do not give a crap about what anyone says about you. They have to be book smart and street smart'.

The father-of-two said his wealthy clients encourage their children to spend money and to break rules

4. Rules are meant to be broken

The fourth rule Mr Huynh said wealthy parents teach their children is that rules are meant to be broken.

The mortgage broker said children who are raised in a poorer family are taught to stick to the rules set out by a permission based schooling system.

He added the child from the wealthy family will know 'all the money secrets' and would eventually create the rules the other child will have to follow.

'The (poorer) child will probably have an IQ of 300 plus because he has been studying all his life on a rule based, permission based schooling system,' Mr Huynh said.

'While the other child, who is 50 per cent street smart and 50 per cent school smart, might have an average IQ, average academics, but this person knows ren xing.

'They end up to be the entrepreneurs, the business owners, the leaders that will basically run the business, which your very studious child will be working under with rules set up by them.'

The final 'secret' that wealthy parents teach their children is to fall in love with money, while children raised in a low-income household are taught to not take risks

5. Fall in love with money

The last rule Mr Huyhn said third or fourth generation wealthy ethnic parents teach their children is to fall in love with money.

'When these kids grow up, which they do, they speaking to a mortgage broker, like myself, to get more money, to invest in more things, to grow more wealth,' Mr Huynh said.

In contrast, Mr Huynh said children raised by parents who struggle financially are taught that money is 'evil'.

A poor child is taught that money is no good and the only thing out of money is evil. "no, no, no don't touch money touch books",' Mr Huynh said.

'Their parents go "why you getting a mortgage, why you getting into debt, you shouldn't do that. It's risky. Don't get into debt, just sit there and work your $100,000 and then retire'.

The video, captioned, 'keep these secrets and pass it on', has received more than 114,000 views and more than 210 comments, with many agreeing with the broker's tips.
It was on a trip to central Australia that Tanya Plibersek realised she must declare war on feral cats.

That was where she was introduced to the mala - a small wallaby on the verge of extinction.

The entire population of these super cute marsupials which stand just 30cm tall and weigh no more than two kilograms was wiped out by cats by the 1990s.

Mala, which feature heavily in the dreaming of the Walpiri people, must be kept in enclosures to have any chance of surviving.

The day after her visit to the sanctuary, Ms Plibersek witnessed 'a massive cat stalking through the grass at the base of Uluru'.

'The mala wouldn't have stood a chance,' she said. 'They are being bred in a feral-proof enclosure in the hope they can one day repopulate the desert'.

On Thursday, the Environment Minister announced a 'battle plan' to take on the cats that wipe out two billion reptiles, birds and mammals in Australia each year.

That was where she was introduced to the mala - a small wallaby on the verge of extinction. The entire population of these super cute marsupials which stand just 30cm tall and weigh no more than two kilograms was wiped out by cats by the 1990s

She visited a mala enclosure, where staff are working tirelessly to increase the population in a safe environment after the species was locally wiped out in the wild

Tanya Plibersek has declared war on feral cats in an attempt to protect Australia's native wildlife

Pictured: Australian Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek takes a look at a Felixer cat trap

Feral cats are believed to kill six million animals every single night.

'If we want to give the mala, the bilby and brush-tailed bettong a chance to survive in the wild, we have to control their biggest killer  feral cats,' Ms Plibersek said.

Ms Plibersek said feral cats are destroying Australia's native wildlife and driving multiple species to the brink of extinction.

As part of her ambitious plan, she hopes to prevent any further future extinctions from feral cats.

'When domesticated cats are living inside our homes, snuggled up at the end of our beds, we rightly love them. But feral cats are the opposite of adorable. They are walking, stalking, ruthless killers,' she said.

'We are declaring war on feral cats. We are setting up our battle plan to win that war.'

As part of her ambitious plan, she hopes to prevent any further future extinctions as a result of feral cats

She said cats are known to kill two billion reptiles, birds and mammals in Australia every year, which equates to about six million each night

Ms Plibersek said feral cats are destroying our native wildlife and driving species to the brink of extinction

The minister has outlined a plan to introduce legislation and ramp up research to help control feral cats, including expanding the use of cat traps and expanding cat-free island havens.

'If we don't act now, our native animals don't stand a chance,' she said.

Ms Plibersek noted feral cats 'played a role in Australia's two latest extinctions' and have helped propel Australia toward the unwanted title of 'mammal extinction capital of the world'.

The government will invest $4million in eradicating feral cats from Christmas Island and a further $2.273million toward French Island.

Another $400,000 will be used to develop feral cat bait for northern Australia which is still safe for native animals.

Cat owners could also be banned from allowing their pets outside under new rules being considered by the federal government.

Local governments could back up the rules with hefty fines and could also restrict cat ownership; either to a low number per household or entirely for those who break the rules or who live near conservation areas.

Ms Plibersek said the very next day, she saw 'a massive cat stalking through the grass at the base of Uluru'

A confronting photo shows dozens of mice, lizards and other small reptiles cut from the cat's stomach, all barely digested

Researchers studying the impact of feral cats on our wildlife in 2018 cut open a recently deceased cat's stomach to discover dozens of mammals, lizards and even snakes  all eaten in the final 24 hours of the animal's life.

A confronting photo shows dozens of mice, lizards and other small reptiles cut from the cat's stomach, all barely digested, after it had been feasting in central South Australia.

Threatened Species Recovery Hub researcher John Woinarski told Daily Mail Australia at the time it was not unusual to find up to 40 lizards in a cat's stomach at any given time.

Public consultation on the government's paper closes on December 11.
Australia's first major native title claim of a large urban area is clouding the future of popular scenic areas, parks, playgrounds, cemeteries and even council buildings.

The claim could infer native title rights on approximately 3,500 council-owned or managed properties in the Redlands coastal area south east of Brisbane, which is home to 165,000 people.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the claim, which was lodged in 2017 by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, is a landmark case all Australians should pay attention to.

'It is the first time such a title claim has been made over an urban area in such quantity,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday.

Scenic drawcards such as Wellington Point (pictured) could become exclusive areas for native title holders under the claim

The first major native title claim has been made on an urban area, the Redlands region of Brisbane which has 165,000 residents

'Some of those areas we will defend vigorously because they are important, a very important part, such as the coastal points in particular and cemeteries where, might I add, a lot of forebears and pioneers are buried.'

Cr Williams said the claim could deprive locals and visitors of access to popular scenic and recreational spots, which could be turned over for exclusive use by the claimants.

'We are a coastal city so we have Wellington Point, Victoria Point, Cleveland Point, where people will go for Sunday afternoon drive or they go fishing,' she said.

Despite the native title claimants having access to millions in federal funding to make their claims, the council will have to rely entirely on its own resources as it takes the case to the Federal Court.

'It does feel a little bit like we are on our own,' Cr Williams said.

'Obviously there are costs the ratepayer has to absorb.

'We have island communities and marine parks and ferries and an ageing population and not a very big commercial base so we feel every cent we have to spend.'

Redland Council has extensive experience with native title after Stradbroke Island, which lies in its maritime boundaries, was given over to Native Title in 2011.

Cr Williams said with native title 'you can either hand over the land or it could be compensation'.

'If you take North Stradbroke Island the compensation was partly handing over that land and giving them the traditional owners the council-owned business, the caravan park,' she said.

Cleveland Cemetery is an area Redland Council has committed to fighting for in the Federal Court

The Redland City Council buildings are also part of the native title claim being decided in the High Court

The Federal Court case comes after several years of negotiation where the list of council sites subject to the claim had been whittled down to 1,050 by the state government.

Native title claims can be extinguished where there is either a previous grant of tenure and/or prior public works - with the onus on the council to prove this.

However, the state government performed a U-turn dumping all 3,500 council-owned or managed sites back into the claim.

'We had spent a couple of years getting to that point so that was a big disappointment for us,' Cr Williams said.

'That is where we decided to lodge in the court.

'Were doing everything in power now with a great deal of time and resources to gather that evidence (of public works) on 3,000 properties.'

With the less developed coastal areas, council will dispute native title by showing the sites have been reclaimed, but it means digging out historical records.

Cr Williams said the uncertainty over sites subject to native title claims had put a freeze on planning and major capital works.

'We obviously take in account what areas have native title claims over it because we dont want to invest further rate payers dollars into the landscape that may have to handed over,' she said.

The mayor stressed what council ultimately wanted was clarity on what was in the claim, which was made difficult by dealing with both state and federal governments.

'We are absolutely as an organisation and council committed to reconciliation,' she said.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams said it feels like the council are 'on their own' in grappling with the claim

Queensland One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson said the native title fight for councils was very unfair

'We agree with some of the areas that have claims. All we are seeking in clarity and a level of fairness.'

A number of residents had expressed concern the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament would make council's job more difficult, but Cr Williams insisted this was not so.

'They think the referendum will have some input into how this is managed which is not the case,' she said.

'The Native Title Act is a pre-existing piece of legislation whatever happens to the Voice whether Yes or No we will still face this particular challenge.'

Cr Williams conceded the Voice might influence the legislation in the future.

Native Title versus Land Rights Only NSW and the NT have laws that enable Indigenous groups to claim land rights. All of Australia is subject to native title under federal legislation. Land rights mean a local Land Council can claim freehold ownership of any unused or misused Crown Land as recompense for historical dispossession. These claims are assessed by government departments. Native title is the legal recognition of the traditional rights and interests in land and water, where those rights and interests have continued by an Indigenous people connected to that land. It seeks to correct past injustice. It can be extinguished by showing a site has major public works or a previous grant of tenure. Native title can only be claimed by a corporation of traditional owners. It can be exclusive or non-exclusive access, which confers particular rights to camp on an area, visit and protect important places, hunt, fish and gather food and bush medicine. Native title can also be resolved through negotiation of a legally binding agreement, such as an Indigenous Land Use Agreement. Advertisement

One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson insisted what was happening in Redlands is 'only the tip of the iceberg'.

'If we get the Voice to Parliament this will expand tremendously,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday.

In the fuller documentation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which came out of a 2017 convention native title features prominently in discussions.

A 'road map' in the final document, which contains the Statement, shows native title will become part of the body overseeing a treaty between First Nations and Australian governments.

'The role of the National Native Title Tribunal should be subsumed by the Makarrata Commission,' it reads.

Senator Hanson claimed the South Queensland Native Title Services was being funded to the tune of $71million by the Albanese government to make the claims on the Redlands region.

Meanwhile a federal fund to aid councils in responding to native title claims had been abolished by the Albanese government, she said, making it a very one-sided affair.

'There is no federal government funding for the respondents to fight these claims,' Senator Hanson said.

'Local councils cant afford it. I think it is unfair, I think it is unjust.'

Senator Hanson said she would be moving a motion to re-establish the fund and she wanted a sunset clause that set a deadline to when native title claims can be made.

Ms Hanson claimed native title already covers 50 percent of Australia and another 10 percent is under determination.

'I saw the map of Queensland,' Senator Hanson said.

'They have handed the land back land around Hervey Bay, Fraser Island. Stradbroke Island.

'Theres claims put across right from Brisbane and the Gold Coast to Toowoomba and beyond Warwick. It also goes down to the border.

'It is also dotted through round Bundaberg, Maryborough right up through Emerald and right up to Mt Isa.'

A 2019 report by the Native Title Tribunal said 40 percent of the continent had been claimed.

Senator Hanson said she is investigating the extent of Native Title claims on the whole of Australia and the funding being provided to allow it.

'They'll be looking for reparations, that is what this is about,' she said.

'They actually have this land handed back and it can't mean much to them because they sell it for a profit.

'Just handing them (sites) back to a handful of Aboriginals and denying the major population of Australia the enjoyment of these areas is wrong.'
In a dingy abandoned building somewhere in the UK, two snarling American Bully XL dogs tear into each in a sickening battle to the death.

The bloodied monsters savagely rip into one another's flesh all while being goaded by their owners in the illegal pit fight, as spectators place bets on which mutt will win - and which will die.

Despite being outlawed in the UK almost 200 years ago, authorities have warned dog fighting in Britain is on the rise, with underground breeders and criminals gangs running brutal boot camps to turn the animals into ruthless killing machines.

With their 'hair-trigger response' and 'desire to kill', the muscular American Bully XLs are the 'fighters' of choice in this disturbing underworld, with experts saying the horrific levels of savagery displayed by the dogs are 'unnatural' and instilled in them through violent training and years of inbreeding.

But the bloodshed is now spilling out onto the UK's streets, with the animals responsible for the majority of fatal dog attacks since 2021 amid a boom in their popularity, with Bully XLs increasingly being used by celebrities as status symbols.

Despite being outlawed in the UK almost 200 years ago, authorities have warned dog fighting in Britain is on the rise

Dogs involved in the savage clashes often die and face a life of violence and brutality. Pictured is a dog involved in the illegal fights, with blood smeared all over the wall

With their 'hair-trigger response' and 'desire to kill', the muscular American Bully XLs are the 'fighters' of choice in this disturbing underworld, with experts saying the horrific levels of savagery displayed by the dogs are 'unnatural' and instilled in them through violent training and years of inbreeding.

Two in four deadly dog attacks in the UK in 2021 involved XL bulldogs - rising to six in 10 in 2022, including high-profile maulings that killed children Jack Lis, 10, and Bella-Rae Birch, aged 17 months.

So far in 2023, the dogs have fatally savaged two people - amid fears a third person, a four-year-old girl, could also have fallen victim.

It comes as shocking footage on social media has shown how the dogs chase down some of their victims, with one video in London capturing the moment one of the beasts tackles a screaming woman to the floor while it tears chunks of her flesh off.

Only this week it was revealed two Bully XLs were responsible for killing 22 pregnant sheep and injuring 48 others in a frenzied attack in Wales that forced a farmer to shoot both of the dogs.

Meanwhile, police forces across the UK say they are increasingly being called out to seize or destroy the animals - which shares the DNA with the banned American Pit Bull Terriers but that are not on Britain's list of dangerous dogs.

In July, horrifying footage showed the moment two police officers in South Yorkshire were attacked by a Bully XL, with the incident leading to a warning from one of the county's top cops, who said Britain could no longer 'ignore the fact that the XL bully breed is disproportionately represented in the number of dog attacks'.

The situation comes as Britain is gripped by an epidemic of dogfighting, with the RSPCA saying it has attended an average of 30 incidents a month this year.

Horrifying police body-worn camera footage shows the moment two officers in South Yorkshire were attacked by an American Bully XL

The dog can be seen mauling one of the officers in the footage, released by police in July of this year

While in London, one woman was filmed being attacked by a Bully XL as she screamed and begged for help as the beast dragged her to the floor

Pictures show how Bully XLs are forced to run on make-shift treadmills amid claims some of the animals are whipped or kicked by their owners to make them more aggressive.

And there is evidence of a low-level group of wannabe dogfighters obsessed with the culture of 'strong' dogs.

These animals may not take part in matches, but they are trained to be aggressive, risking injury to other pets and people.

Meanwhile, pictures on social media show how other owners are 'training' their dogs, letting the animals dangle from ropes by their teeth to strengthen their jaws and biting power.

Other owners appear to allow their animals to sink their teeth into tree branches as they while dangling in the air.

Dr Lawrence Newport, a law and criminology lecturer at Royal Holloway University recently published a detailed report on the Bully XL, and was worried by the trend.

He told MailOnline the dog's violent upbringing by savage owners had led to them having a 'hair trigger response' and a 'desire to kill'.

One of the dogs being 'trained' to fight was pictured exercising on a makeshift treadmill

Other pictures on social media appear to show owners letting their Bully XL train by dangling from trees and ropes

Some claim this is to help strengthen the animals jaws and biting power

'The American Bully is bred from fighting stock, and inbred repeatedly to produce the massive, violent breed we see today,' he warned.

'These original fighting dogs were bred to be moved from cage to pit-fight. They were not bred for positive, social traits but solely for surviving and winning brutal, hours-long fights.

'The American Bully was intensively bred from these fighting dogs, and inbred for size and strength. This has instilled in them a hair-trigger response and a desire to attack and to kill.

'Once an attack has started, whether it be another dog, a sheep, horse or a child, an American Bully will not stop. That is why victims have had to be identified through scraps of clothing.'

It comes as it was revealed the number of illegal dogfight had ballooned, with one taking place almost every day in England and wales this year.

In this footage, a man appears to be training one of the dogs in the art of Schutzhund, which sees animals taught how to attack and take down a human

The dog initially brings the man to the floor, biting into his protective suit (left). But it then continues its attack, chomping down on his unprotected foot as the man screams for help (right)

Other footage filmed inside a shop showed the bloody fight between two American Bully XLs as desperate shoppers attempted to break up the clash

The RSPCA has investigated 1,156 incidents of organised dog fighting since 2019 - with the charity warning of a staggering surge this year.

Across Wales and England there were 355 incidents last year, up from 232 in 2021. So far this year the charity has already dealt with 155 cases.

Many of the dogs involved in the barbaric clashes are Bully XLs, which are prized by breeders for their powerful build and violent nature.

The dogs are thrown into bloody matches inside abandoned buildings, with most of the animals either being killed in the ring, dying as a result of their injuries or being slaughtered by their owners.

Chief Inspector Ian Muttitt, who is part of the RSPCA's special operations unit, claimed dogfighting was connected to organised crime gangs.

'The dog fighting world is a dark and secretive place. It could be happening in an inner-city warehouse next door to your office or on a rural farm in your quiet village,' he warned.

'Dogs who win fights are prized but those who refuse to fight or lose are often abandoned or barbarically killed.'

The RSPCA released a list of England's top dog fighting hot spots amid fears the illegal activity was on the rise across the UK

This blooded dog was among those photographed by the RSPCA after their were called in to break up an alleged dogfighting network

Dogfighting has been been illegal in Wales and England since 1835, but Mr Muttittit was now 'rife'.

He added: 'Sadly we're back seeing pre-pandemic levels of dog fighting incidents.

'An average of 19 incidents were being investigated every month in 2019 and that has risen to a shocking 31 a month so far this year.

'Our figures show that in the past four years, the RSPCA has uncovered and dealt with 1,156 incidents of dog fighting in England and Wales. The north of England is the worst region for it, with 42 per cent of the incidents occurring there.

'It's staggering that something which has been illegal for almost 200 years, which most people would consider consigned to history, is still so rife.'

But the owner of an American Bully XL has defended the breed following the spate of recent maulings, insisting the dos have been wrongfully demonised.

Dave Fakhr, who owns a four-year-old American bully XL called Tex, said the actions of the animals were down to their owners.

'It's not fair that the dogs are labelled as something because of the people that own them,' he told Sky News.

Animals that lose illegal dog fights are often either abandoned or killed by their owners, claimed the RSPCA

The number of fatal dog attacks in the UK have soared in recent years - hitting a record high in 2022

'The dogs have done nothing wrong, a lot of the time the dogs in these cases have actually had a bad life being brought up.'

His comments come amid a calls by campaigners for the XL breed to be banned in the UK, joining the likes of the Pit Bull Terrier. Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro which are all outlawed.

However, not everyone agrees with this, with a group of animal welfare trusts instead pushing for an overhaul of the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The Dog Control Coalition, made up of the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, the British Veterinary Association, Hope Rescue, The Kennel Club and the Scottish SPCA, saying banning the dogs will not make the public safer.

The Dangerous Dogs Act has now existed for 32 years, however the number of dog bite incidents has soared. In 2022/2023, NHS data showed a provisional 9,366 recorded dog bites  an increase on the 8,819 bites recorded the previous year.

The Coalition says this indicates the current focus on identifying and banning certain breeds, rather than focusing on individual aggressive acts, has been ineffective.

Jack Lis was attacked by the XL bully dog while playing with a friend at a house after school in Pentwyn

Among those killed by bullies was 10-year-old Jack Lis in November 2021. Pictured is the dog that killed Jack Lis

The dog that killed the schoolboy was repeatedly filmed being out of control in the weeks leading up the the fatal attack, dragging along its owners and wriggling away from their grasp

They warn banning more breeds will see dogs destroyed based on how they look, rather than dealing with the causes of dangerous and aggressive dogs.

What is an American Bully XL and what makes it so dangerous? American bullies are a relatively new breed, having originated in the 1980s. They are mixed breed bulldogs, typically American pitbull terriers crossed American, English and Olde English bulldogs. Despite their relative popularity in the UK, they are not officially registered as a breed by the UK Kennel Club, making it difficult to know exactly how many are in the country. They are seen as 'status symbols' and are often purchased for their intimidating looks. Though the bully XL is the most common, the dogs can also be bred with mastiffs and other larger dogs to make them bigger, XXL or even XXXL. Controversial and illegal practices such as ear cropping are also carried out to make them appear more intimidating. The males can weigh between 70 and 130 pounds of muscle bone and have enormous strength. The 'status symbol' nature of the dogs has seen them become something of a weapon, purchased by people who want a thuggish and scary looking dog. Despite their lack of official certification, there is also a booming market with puppies regularly sold on Facebook and through places like Gumtree for anywhere between 500 and 3,000. However, experts are at pains to warn of their potentially dangerous nature, especially if their aggression is encouraged. They descend from bull-baiting dogs and if they aren't trained properly then their aggression could surface. This could pose a real threat to humans, particularly children, and has been seen in several shocking recent deaths involving the dog. Advertisement

A spokesperson from the coalition told MailOnline: 'The increased popularity of American XL bullies has made them valuable commodities, resulting in irresponsible breeding, rearing and ownership.

'However, the solution to the concerning number of dog bite incidents and fatalities is not to ban this or any other breed of dog because a ban would not effectively protect the public.

'Thirty-two years of the Dangerous Dogs Act, with its focus on banning specific types, coupled with increasing cases of dog bite incidents shows how ineffective this approach is.

'Instead, the Government needs to focus on the improvement and enforcement of current breeding and dog control regulations, and on promoting responsible dog ownership and training.'

Earlier this year, a man was mauled to death by an American XL Bully after it turned on him while he was looking after it for a friend in Leigh, Gtr Manchester.

Jonathan Hogg, 37, entered the dogs' pen when it went for him, leaving bite wounds on his arm, leg and head, an inquest into his death heard.

The horror attack came after a six-year-old boy in South Yorkshire was scalped by a dog only two weeks after they'd bought it from Facebook.

In March last year, 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch was killed in her family's home in St Helens, Merseyside, just a week after they bought the dog.

Schoolboy Jack Lis, 10, was killed in an attack by an XL Bully in 2021 while playing at a friend's house in Caerphilly, South Wales.

In one shocking incident, a woman was mauled to death by one of the two XL Bullies she bought after believing them to be 'gentle giants'.

Joanne Robinson, 43, died after being attacked in her own home in Rotherham last July. Her partner suffered serious injuries in the incident.

The UK Bully Kennel Club is among the groups trying to encourage more responsible ownership, promoting obedience certificates through their regular events.

The group also has lists a number of licensed breeders and give strict stipulations and rules for those seeking to own the dogs.

Mr Fakhr added that Bully XLs were not the sort of pet a first time dog owner should ever have.

Bella-Rae Birch, pictured, was mauled to death by an American Bully dog which had been recently bought by her father Ryan

Joanne Robinson (pictured) owned two Bully XLs and was killed by one of them in 2022

Joanne is understood to have been the owner of the animal, called Rocco (pictured), which is on the legal dog breeds list and attacked her at around 10pm

'They're a big, strong breed. Every dog has the capability of aggression, they're an animal. We have the capability of aggression,' he added.

'And if not trained properly and not brought up right then the dogs.'

But Dr Newport insisted the animals would always pose a lethal risk, regardless of what their owners were like.

'A 60kg fighting dog, bred for violence is not a family pet - this is why even good, experienced owners, have been ripped apart, at a moment's notice, by their own American Bully,' he added.

'They are designed to be unpredictable, powerful killers. They should not be on Britain's streets.'
A top-performing real estate agent, who is married with a toddler, is accused of committing 15 sexual offences against three women - the majority during open home days - over a two year period.

Omar Lababidi, 27, was a senior sales executive at Ray White's Macarthur branch, in Sydney's south-west, until August 30 when he was arrested and hit with a string of charges.

They include three counts of sexual intercourse without consent, one count of committing a sexual act with another without consent, and 11 counts of sexual touching without consent.

Daily Mail Australia understands at least two of the three alleged victims were colleagues of Mr Lababidi.

All the alleged offences took place in different suburbs around the Macarthur region, and most were allegedly carried out on Saturdays - when real estate agents open homes for prospective buyers.

Ten of the offences, including all three rape charges, were allegedly committed against the same woman within a six-month period - from December 10, 2022, to June 3, 2023.

At one stage, he allegedly committed four offences against two women over three consecutive weekends.

Mr Lababidi (pictured right) was a top-performing real estate agent, until he was arrested and charged with 15 sexual offences

Mr Lababidi (pictured) is accused of sexually assaulting three women over a two-year period

According to documents filed in Campbelltown Local Court, Mr Lababidi allegedly sexually touched the first woman on three separate occasions in Harrington Park, Gregory Hills and Narellan between July 1 and November 30, 2021.

He is accused of sexually touching the second woman on November 19 and December 3, 2022, in Ruse and Ambervale.

A week later, on December 10, he allegedly sexually touched the third woman at a property in Ingleburn.

The following weekend, on December 17, court documents state he allegedly sexually touched her twice on the same day in Mount Annan and St Helens Park.

On March 25, he allegedly sexually touched her in Leppington, carried out a sexual act on her without consent in Oran Park, and then raped her in in Gledswood Hills - at a property that was up for sale at the time.

Two weeks later, on April 15, he allegedly groped her in St Helens Park and is accused of sexually assaulting her in Horningsea Park.

He is accused of raping her for a third time on May 13 in Glen Alpine, and sexually touching her at Narellan on June 3 - the same day the was named number five in the top 50 real estate agents in NSW.

'I enjoy speaking with people and every day is different,' he told News Corp, at the time.

'Seeing the smiles on the faces of first home buyers, it's a different feeling.'

Mr Lababidi (pictured) was granted conditional bail in Campbelltown Local Court, after paying $10,000 surety

Omar Lababidi was a senior sales executive at Ray White's Macarthur branch (pictured)

A spokeswoman for Ray White told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Lababidi was immediately suspended from his position three months ago, when the company found out about the allegations.

Following his arrest on August 30, Mr Lababidi was granted conditional bail in Campbelltown Local Court the following day.

He was ordered to pay $10,000 surety to secure his release.

He must report to Campbelltown Police Station three days a week, and live at the $1.4million Glen Alpine home he shares with his wife and young child.

His bail conditions also stated he is 'not to participate in the showing of any open home alone with female co-workers'.

Mr Lababidi left school in Year 10 and had a short-lived career as a fitness instructor, before he decided to pursue his passion for real estate.

He was part of a power duo with his younger brother, Mohamed, who also worked at the Macarthur franchise.

They often appeared in promotional videos together, and were pictured together on the company's social media pages.

Mr Lababidi's matter will return to Campbelltown Local Court on October 25.
Advertisement

Some of the them stand up to five feet tall and completely block pathways used by children to get to school.

The weeds stray across pathways and pavements, climb lamp posts and signs and leave the elderly and disabled fearful of leaving their homes without a car.

Brighton has become the perfect example of how quickly nature reclaims the street if weeds are left unchecked.

But the 'rewilding' of the seaside city has become a hot issue and almost everyone has opinion.

Visitors say the weed infestation is making the normally dapper Regency resort look very down-at-heel and councillors say their email in-boxes are full with angry complaints.

The cause of the weed problem is the banning - by the Green-led council in 2019 - of glyphosate and other herbicides in the city.

Brighton has become the perfect example of how quickly nature reclaims the street if weeds are left unchecked (pictured: Cllr Ivan Lyons by weeds and grass on Woodhouse Road, Hove)

Cllr Anne Meadows stands by overgrown pathways on Brangwyn Drive, Brighton

The weeds (pictured on Portland Villas, Hove) stray across pathways and pavements, climb lamp posts and signs and leave the elderly and disabled fearful of leaving their homes without a car.

The cause of the weed problem is the banning - by the Green-led council in 2019 - of glyphosate and other herbicides in the city (pictured: weeds and grass on Woodhouse Road, Hove)

Resident Sheena Cameron doing her bit of weeding on Woodhouse Road in Brighton

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many of the weed killers on sale in Britain and it has been claimed is a potential cause of cancer.

The local authority has blamed a number of factors including Brexit for the infestation saying it has affected the recruiting staff and ordering equipment.

But Brighton & Hove City Council caused fury earlier this year when it asked residents to work unpaid to weed pavements, kerbs and paths near their homes.

The Weed Warriors initiative was met with derision by many who felt the local authority had run out of ideas.

The council boasted: 'We hope the scheme provides an opportunity for residents to gain new skills, be more active, get out and about in the city and find new places to explore. You'll also have the opportunity to meet new people who are all as passionate as you about looking after our beautiful city.'

But Michael Elliott, 70, a retired accountant in Hove, said: 'We pay nearly 3,000 Council Tax a year for services in this city. The bin collection is atrocious and now the council is asking us to weed our own roads. It's just a joke!'

And Laura King said: 'Are they joking? It's absolute madness to expect residents to go out and start doing jobs the council is legally obliged to provide - especially when this is covered by the council tax.'

Cllr Anne Meadows, Conservative councillor for Westdene and Hove Park, said: 'It's not a joke. People are getting injured. I've seen young children on their scooters falling off and ending up in tears because of weeds on the pavements.

Cllr Ivan Lyons, a Conservative councillor, said the local authority had adopted a green, amber and red traffic light system which meant it only acted where the situation had become extreme

Brighton & Hove City Council caused fury earlier this year when it asked residents to work unpaid to weed pavements, kerbs and paths near their homes

Cllr Anne Meadows, Conservative councillor for Westdene and Hove Park, said: 'It's not a joke. People are getting injured. I've seen young children on their scooters falling off and ending up in tears because of weeds on the pavements

Cllr Ivan Lyons by weeds and grass on Woodhouse Road, Hove

The Greens were ousted from office in the May election and residents are now looking at the Labour-led council to come up with a plan (pictured: overgrown pathways on Brangwyn Drive, Brighton)

'Rewilding is all well and good but it should be limited to where it is appropriate such as nature trails and parks.'

She said the lack of action was also a danger to road users as many can't see past large clumps of weeds when turning out of road junctions.

The Greens were ousted from office in the May election and residents are now looking at the Labour-led council to come up with a plan.

Anna Fox, 42, a nurse, said: 'I understand the banning of dangerous herbicides but if you are going to take that step you have to have a plan on how to deal with the weeds that will flourish. It's not good enough.'

The council has invested in new measures including mechanical sweepers, weed rippers and specialist strimmers in a bid to curb the problem but residents say there aren't enough machines or workers.

In 2021-22 at least eight elderly people were hospitalised with injuries due to falls caused by overgrown weeds.

One resident, who prefers not to be named, said his 88-year-old father tripped on ivy growing across a pathway in Hove and broke his knee in June.

He said: 'He's always gone out for a walk and stayed very active and never had a fall so this was really unexpected. When he told me he tripped over ivy on the path I was furious. It's totally unnecessary.

'My father was treated but he's still suffering a lot of pain with it and is now using crutches or a wheelchair. He's really lost his confidence. It could cost him his independence.'

A sign which is no longer visible covered in weeds and grass on Portland Villas, Hove

There has also been a rise in pets getting grass seeds stuck in ears and paws leading to costly vets bills (pictured: overgrown pathways on Brangwyn Drive, Brighton)

Another victim was Professor Dame Lesley Fallowfield, of Brighton & Sussex Medical School, who ended up in A&E after tripping on weeds outside the home she has lived in for 30 years.

She injured her foot badly spent six weeks wearing an orthopaedic boot and getting round on crutches.

There has also been a rise in pets getting grass seeds stuck in ears and paws leading to costly vets bills.

Cllr Ivan Lyons, a Conservative councillor, said the local authority had adopted a green, amber and red traffic light system which meant it only acted where the situation had become extreme.

He said: 'It's shocking. The place looks like a complete pig sty, people are tripping and getting injured and the council simply doesn't have a coherent policy to deal with the problem.

A branch snapped on a tree which has been left uncut and fallen due to wight on Portland Avenue

'It's discriminates against the elderly and the less abled who have a right to expect public thoroughfares to be cleared of dangerous obstructions.'

He added: 'Every week my in-box is full of complaints about the weeds, not just from residents but from visitors to our city.'

Many people are so sick of the state of their streets that they have resorted to weeding the pavements themselves - but the irony is many are using harmful weedkillers and herbicides to do so.

Cllr Lyons said: 'You couldn't make it up. It's absolutely ridiculous. Can you believe that?'

With Britain basking in an Indian summer residents say the weeds are likely to continue growing at an alarming rate for a few more weeks yet.

Sheena Cameron, 67, a retired civil servant who lives in Hove, has been left so frustrated by the lack of action she has armed herself with a pair of secateurs started weeding around her home and taking the foliage to the tip.

The Weed Warriors initiative was met with derision by many who felt the local authority had run out of ideas

'Rewilding is all well and good but it should be limited to where it is appropriate such as nature trails and parks,' Cllr Meadows (pictured) added

She said: 'I agree with the herbicide ban but there should have been a strategy put in place to deal with the resultant weed growth. It's all very short-sighted.'

'It's not right,' she said. 'We pay our council tax and the problem should be sorted out but I'd rather not see money diverted away from social care and other more deserving needs.'

Pensioner John, 69, of Brighton, said: 'It's about time the Labour-led council grasped the nettle - no pun intended - and sort this out once and for all.'

In a statement Councillor Tim Rowkins, said getting the weeds under control in Brighton and Hove was a top priority.

'The ban on glyphosate in 2019 emerged from a cross party consensus when the Council was under no overall political control. While well-intentioned - to reduce the use of chemicals and enhance biodiversity - there was no proper contingency plan, and the issue has simply not been treated as a priority since.'

he said the new mechanical sweepers, weed rippers and strippers are being used alongside a hot water removal system from Finland not currently being used in the UK.

He added: 'We are currently working on a new weed management policy with a view to deploying resources much more effectively, as well as identifying any additional needs and preventative measures we can take early in the spring when weeds take root.

'Our priority is to ensure our streets, pavements and environment are safe and accessible for residents and to limit damage to highway infrastructure, while also welcoming the net gains for biodiversity that come from a reduction in the use of herbicides.'
The steeply rising popularity of Prince William is one of the most intriguing things to emerge from MailOnlines exclusive royal poll released today.

A substantial 41 per cent of us now say it should have been the Prince of Wales who took over as King one year ago, rather than Charles a sharp rise from the 35 per cent who took that view six months ago.

Only 43 per cent are sticking with Charles, which means his lead on the question has plunged from 15 percentage points to just two.

Meanwhile, nearly two thirds of the public want Charles and Camilla to start handing over power and responsibility to William and Catherine.

King and heir salute after the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II one year ago. William is an increasingly popular figure, but he already plays a key role in the monarchy

Once thought of as something of an angry young man and an enthusiastic party-goer, William is known as a family man these days. He is pictured here in 2022 with George, Louis, Charlotte and their mother, Catherine

Prince William has learned to smile and laugh with members of the public - and our poll suggests it is appreciated. Here, he poses for a photo on a visit to Pret a Manger in Bournemouth just a few days ago

That's not because there's much sign of dissatisfaction with the Kings first year on the throne, . That's not the point.

Rather, we are seeing a huge vote of confidence for his son and heir.

Some are attempting to label Charles a caretaker king, which is neither wholly accurate nor fair. Theres a great deal that he wants to achieve  and will achieve - as monarch in the coming years. This is his time.

Yet with the King's 75th birthday approaching this autumn, it is inevitable that some are starting to look to a future beyond Charles - a future with King William and Queen Catherine in charge.

Their developing profile is no accident. The Waleses have employed a skilled media strategy using, for example, an in-house videographer to broadcast web-friendly clips as they tour the country.

More to the point, the smiles caught by the camera are genuine.

Once thought of as a diffident and angry young man, William has grown into a warm and approachable figure, whether that means cracking self-deprecating jokes with teenagers or accepting smackers from Gazza with good grace.

The affection between father and son as William paid homage was one of the most moving moments of the Coronation.

Today, we see plenty of the family man - the responsible husband and father to three charming children.

Weve seen William the action man, helped by artful pictures of yachting and abseiling  even if he (sometimes) gets beaten by sporty Kate in their impromptu head-to-head challenges.

But what our poll does not and cannot show is the influence that the Prince of Wales already wields behind the scenes.

Groomed from an early age in matters of statecraft by his father and late grandmother, apparently to the irritation of his younger brother, William has been a power in the monarchy for some time.

William has become known as something of an action man in recent times. The trips he makes around the country are reaching a wide audience thanks to the video clips distributed by the Palace

The Prince of Wales on selfie duty in Bournemouth

'Thank you William,' Charles replied as his son and heir paid homage. It was one of the most moving moments in the Coronation

William has the unwavering support of Catherine, Princess of Wales. Even so, the burden will be considerable as time passes and they assume additional responsibilites

Today his voice is second only to that of his father, the King and he has most definitely made himself heard.

William has taken a notably stern line when it comes to dealing with his disgraced uncle Andrew and wayward Harry, for example.

So to William the hunk and family man, we can add William the Enforcer - and William the King in Waiting.

As things stand, there is little doubt that, he will soon replace Andrew at Royal Lodge, the Queen Mothers Georgian mansion in Windsor Great Park, and so acquire a family home to match his status.

Of course, William has had advantages when compared with his younger brother, not least a clear place in the scheme of things.

He is also hugely wealthy in his own right thanks to the 20 million or so he receives annually from the Duchy of Cornwall.

Laughing and joking in private, William has taken a stern line in family matters behind the scenes. He has been dismayed by his uncle Andrew and brother Harry - and has made his opinions known

William has the support of a wife who seems devoted to ensuring that his life runs on rails. There are few distractions. And what distractions there may be, he seems to swat aside.

There is little doubt that, as William takes on more duties, he will be ably helped by Catherine and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie.

It will be a heavy burden, even so.

It is an irony, and perhaps a sadness, that the person William really needs by his side to share the load is the younger brother who once enjoyed stratospheric poll ratings of his own but now lives in California.

This this could have been Harrys time, too.
Congress has until Sept. 30 when funding runs out to come to an agreement or else the government will plunge into a shutdown

There are a limited number of legislative days left for Congress to pass a stopgap funding bill or the government will plunge into a shutdown.

An easy deal isn't likely amid GOP infighting about sending more aid to Ukraine and regarding timing for opening an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, which is poised to derail negotiations.

There are 12 annual government spending bills that must be passed by both the House and Senate before funding runs out at midnight on Sept. 30.

However, to give lawmakers more time to push through the longer term 2024 spending bills, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is working on pushing a stopgap measure known as a 'continuing resolution' likely through the end of November or early December to stave off a shutdown.

The CR is supported by Senate Leader Chuck Schumer who called it the way to 'work this out,' last month.

But there are only a total of 11 legislative days left on the calendar for Congress to pass the stopgap bill to keep the government temporarily funded.

Kevin McCarthy and Mitch McConnell must work to get a deal on government funding through by Sept. 30

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said last week in Kentucky that he believes there will be a 'short-term congressional resolution' that will likely go into December 'as we struggle to figure out exactly what the government's spending level is going to be.'

A bill funding military construction and Veterans Affairs projects passed the House before the body left for a month-long hiatus, leaving 11 more bills to move along.

All spending bills originate in the House and then are moved over to the Senate.

House lawmakers are returning from their August recess on Tuesday and are expected to first take up the massive $886 billion defense spending bill.

The issue of sending more aid to Ukraine will be at the center of negotiations.

President Biden has requested Congress approve an additional $40 billion - including $13 billion in emergency defense aid, $8 billion for humanitarian aid to Ukraine, $12 billion in disaster relief and $4 billion for the border to combat fentanyl smuggling.

The White House is urging Congress to pass the stopgap measure in order to avoid a shutdown while negotiations on passing the larger 12 longer term spending bills continue.

But Ukraine aid is a sticking point that is shaking up the process.

McCarthy has reportedly indicated that the House will attach disaster aid to the stopgap bill, but will not include additional funding for Ukraine.

However, the Senate has strong bipartisan support for sending more funds to the war torn country, and is likely to put pressure on the House to include more aid.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told Punchbowl News this week that he 'understands' that McCarthy needs to pass a bill, but the Senate will send back any piece of legislation without Ukraine aid.

'We're going to have to work that out,' the Senate leader said this week.

In addition, the House Freedom Caucus members said in August that they will oppose any spending bill that gives Ukraine a 'blank check' in U.S. taxpayer-funded aid.

They say they will also vote against a measure that doesn't include provisions to address DOJ 'weaponization' and targeting of political opponents and the Pentagon's 'woke policies.'

And they want major billion dollar cuts to the appropriations bills because they are still disgruntled at the debt ceiling bill, which did not curb spending to their satisfaction.

McCarthy cannot afford to lose more than four votes from Republicans in his slim GOP majority, so he must strike a deal with the Freedom Caucus, which isn't afraid to shut down the government.

Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, is stepping down from Congress at the end of the week to due to family concerns. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., is battling bone cancer and not expected to return to the Hill for a few months. In addition, Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., had hip surgery recently and Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., is dealing with a handful of legal issues.

Even if the government shuts down, around 85 percent will still be in operation. For the employees not considered 'essential,' they will be paid once the government reopens.

The longest shutdown - lasting over a month - occurred during Trump's presidency due to disagreement on border wall funding.

Another issue at play is some farther right House conservatives that say they will not support any government funding measure without an impeachment inquiry into President Biden and his connections to his family's business dealings.

That is ruffling the feathers of more moderate Republicans who say they shouldn't be tied together.

'They're totally separate issues and should be considered separately,' said Rep. Bob Good of Virginia this week.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has threatened to remove McCarthy from his speakership position if an impeachment inquiry into Biden isn't launched.

The lawmaker urged his GOP colleagues to 'seize the initiative' in investigating the 80-year-old president when they return to Washington next week.

He also said McCarthy 'may not have the job long' if he 'stands in the way' of pushing for a Congressional trial into Biden's links to his son Hunter's foreign business deals.

Firebrand Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia also promised to vote against funding the government if impeaching proceedings had not begun.

There are 12 annual government spending bills that must be passed by both the House and Senate before funding runs out at midnight on Sept. 30

McCarthy has said an impeachment inquiry into Joe's connections to Hunter's foreign dealings is on the table

And House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said last week that an impeachment inquiry is 'imminent.'

McCarthy has said an impeachment inquiry into Joe's connections to Hunter's foreign dealings is on the table.

He said if the Biden administration continue to 'withhold' documents, Republicans will 'move forward with impeachment inquiry when we come back into session.'

The White House has rejected every suggestion Joe was involved in his son Hunter's business deals and insists the Biden impeachment push is politically motivated.

But a new poll released this week showed that 61 percent of Americans believe then-Vice President Joe was involved at some level in his son's dealings.
A distressed and heavily-pregnant woman who was told to get off an easyJet flight after being accused of being 'aggressive' has been given an email from the airline appearing to apologise.

Siobhan Foster was with her husband James and their daughter Florence, who has special needs, when they boarded the plane to Ibiza last month for her brother's nuptials.

A seemingly innocuous request to put away hand luggage escalated into a dispute with an air hostess which eventually saw everyone told to get off the aircraft.

Despite the email apology, Siobhan is escalating her complaint with easyJet and is also looking at legal action as she has multiple video recordings the family members made on their phones as well as a number of witnesses.

Around 40 member of friends and family were aboard the plane on Saturday, August 19 expecting to fly to Spain to celebrate her brother James McNally's wedding to his fiancee Nicole Smith.

Pregnant mother Siobhan Foster was involved in an altercation onboard an easyjet flight to Ibiza last month

Siobhan (pictured with husband James), was thrown off the aircraft along with all of passengers on the plane, following a row over a piece of hand luggage

The self-employed beautician, who is due to give birth to her second child in five weeks, told MailOnline the couple had paid extra for additional leg room to be at the very front of the plane to make it more comfortable in her condition.

Her husband James was looking after their 18-month-old daughter Florence, a child with Down syndrome who also has a form of leukaemia.

Siobhan, originally from west Belfast but now living in Newton Abbey, just north of the city, told MailOnline: 'We had got on the flight and my husband sat down with our wee girl, and it was only a wee back-pack type of bag.

'Usually you can put them under your seat, she [the air hostess] was straight over and said, "No, no, that can't go under there."

'I said, "There's no room above, is there anywhere I could put it?" And she said, "Well, that's up to you to find."

'I said, "Well, there's people still getting on the plane and I'm heavily pregnant, I can't be walking up and down the aisle to try and find somewhere, could you help me?"

'And she said, "Oh, well that's not my job - and don't be so aggressive."

'I was so stunned. I said, "I'm not being aggressive, I'm only asking can you help me," and she said, "Well that's not what I'm here for."

'Other passengers were getting up to help me to try and find somewhere. Everyone is listening to all this and I'm looking at her going, "I'm not being aggressive, I don't know where you're getting that from. I'm not going to be aggressive to you at seven months pregnant."

'The main girl [stewardess] had an attitude an attitude with everyone getting on the plane, to be honest. She was telling people to go and sit in their seat in a really rude way.

'So she came over and said to my husband, "Is there going to be a problem here?" My husband said, "No, why would there be?"

'I just ignored the girl and didn't say anything because I didn't want the stress. She went, "Hello! Look at me!"

'I just looked at her and said, "I don't need to speak to you. There is no problem. If anyone is making a problem, it's you.'"

Siobhan and James were flying out on August 19 with around 40 family members for her brother James McNally's wedding

Siobhan said she was then accused of 'threatening behaviour' and she was in 'pure shock' by the claim.

She continued: 'I said, "To be honest, you're upsetting me because you're going on and on at me that there's a problem."

'She said she needed to go and speak to the pilot and went and got him. Two of the passengers stood up and said to the pilot that she was being aggressive towards me.

'They were in and out and then she said, "We don't know if we're taking off, because we're not here to take this threatening behaviour."'

Siobhan said she assured the pilot there was no threatening behaviour, she was simply a pregnant woman asking for help while her husband looked after their baby on his knee.

She added: 'It was the quietest Ibiza flight I've ever been on, honestly, I couldn't believe it was even happening.'

Despite her brother James and mother, also called Siobhan [O'Riordan], pleading for the situation to be resolved because they were heading to a family wedding, the passengers were eventually told to go back to the terminal.

Siobhan said: 'Everyone just sat there for about an hour, the whole plane was silent, and then they came back and said the flight wasn't taking off and that everyone was being put off the flight.

'Other passengers were trying to get her off, the air hostess, because as I say, everyone could see what was happening. Everyone took my side. It was surreal.'

She said people even complimented her on how calm she remained and that her mum came to try and assist as she felt her daughter was being provoked.

After all the passengers were told to disembark, Siobhan and her husband, mother and brother were called over the Tannoy to go Gate 8 where they were met by staff - and police - and told they would not be allowed to fly.

Siobhan said: 'The police made it clear that it was not their decision, that it was easyJet's decision. One of the police officers spoke to my husband and actually told him to put a complaint in.

'They looked dumbfounded themselves, you know? You could see that they felt for us.

'I was crying my eyes out. The baby was crying her eyes out, she was on and off the flight and was hungry too. It was awful.

'The child was stressed out. She broke my heart even looking at her. We had to get our personal stuff and a bag with my child's medication.'

They had been at the airport since 1pm and left more than eight hours later after an additional wait to get their luggage back.

The family then faced a race against time - and extra expense - to get to Ibiza for the wedding day on August 21, eventually finding a route through Dublin, setting them back another 1,500.

As a result of Siobhan's 'aggressive behaviour', the passengers were told to return to the terminal

She said: 'There was only a Ryanair flight from Dublin the next day. So we got back to my Mummy's house after 10pm, had to get the baby up at 4am, go to get a bus to Dublin Airport, just to make the wedding.

'That was my Mummy and the brother who was getting married as well. The bride-to-be had been on the original flight with their three daughters, so she was in a state as well.

'It totally tarnished the wedding and it ruined the whole holiday and everything. It just caused stress with everyone. My whole nerves were wracked all week then because I knew I had to fly back the following Saturday with easyJet again. My anxiety was through the roof. Luckily enough they let us on and it was a different crew.

'I've had to go to the doctors because I've been having panic attacks over it. I actually thought I was going into early labour because I was getting pains, the whole holiday, it was awful.'

Despite an email apology, Siobhan is escalating her complaint with the airline and is also looking at legal action as she has multiple video recordings the family members made on their phones as well as a number of witnesses.

She declared: 'I'm seeing it through. I have spoken to a solicitor already and I have sent her independent witnesses details.

'It was so shocking. I'm just glad I had all them witnesses there, I really am, and everyone really did have my back, people who didn't know me.

'Out of everything the baby broke my heart because she has her wee underlying health problems and it wasn't nice her having to go through that. It's put me off travelling, it really has.'

Siobhan had emailed an official complaint to easyJet customer support on August 27 telling them she was 'so traumatised after the experiences we had'.

In the correspondence shared with MailOnline, she detailed her account of what happened and 'how stressed, upset and overwhelmed' she was, adding that she was 'still in shock' and 'seeking legal advice'.

Four days later she received a reply from someone called Harmanjot who wrote: 'I'm sorry for the entire situation you experience [sic] on board.

'I noticed that you received rude and aggressive behaviour [sic] from one of the staff members on board. Although, we make every effort to ensure you get to your destination with the best experience in the sky.

'I realise that the situation must be difficult for you and I'm sorry that you felt upset and having an experience like this can create a negative impact in regard to our services as well.

'Please be assured that we at easyJet value all our customers. We train our staff to provide the best service to all our guests and make their travel as comfortable as possible.

'To add to that, if one is at the receiving end of rude behaviour, especially from the staff whose sole responsibility is to take care of your valued guests is simply unpardonable.

'I am really at a loss of words after reading your email and I truly appreciate the maturity and rationale shown by you even after being at the receiving end of such unprofessional behaviour to say the least. I cannot even begin to imagine your plight.

'I too work for the same organization and I have never seen any kind of scenario before. In fact, might I add, we follow a culture of putting the customer first and it is their right to get the attention and the service they have paid for with their hard-earned money.

'In addition, it is upon us as an organisation to give the best experience to our valuable customers for choosing us over others.

'We truly value your input and I'd like to thank you for taking the time to let us know what we can do better so that you would not have to experience something like this again.'

Siobhan was then invited to send her booking details in order to take the complaint further, which she subsequently has and is awaiting another response.

Harmanjot ended his email: 'We at easyJet strive for excellence in customer service hence, I would like to apologise once again for the trouble you had. Do give us an opportunity to exceed your expectations for your upcoming travel with us.'

When Siobhan first shared her ordeal on her Facebook page it went viral and was shared almost 1,000 times, before going viral again after MailOnline reported the story.

Despite receiving an email apology from easyjet, Siobhan is now pursuing her complaint further and seeking legal advice

At that time, an easyJet spokesman told MailOnline: 'We can confirm that flight EZY3003 from Belfast to Ibiza on 19th August was attended by police before departure due to a group of passenger behaving disruptively at check in and then onboard.

'easyJet's cabin crew and ground agents are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time.

'The Captain took the decision to ask all passengers on the flight to return to the terminal so the situation could be resolved and as soon as it was they reboarded and the aircraft continued to Ibiza.

'Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour towards our crew or other passengers. We would like to apologise to the other passengers for any inconvenience for the delay this caused.

'The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and ground agents is always easyJet's priority.'
Top defense lawyers predict that Donald Trump will ultimately not testify in his upcoming criminal trials and his legal team will persuade him that staying silent is the better strategy.

The former president said this week he 'absolutely' intends to take the stand to do battle with prosecutors during cross-examination in front of jurors.

He faces four trials in Georgia, Washington D.C., Florida and New York, on charges relating to alleged election interference, January 6, classified documents, and a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

The former president told radio host Hugh Hewitt on Wednesday: Oh, yes, absolutely. That, I would do. I look forward to testifying. At trial, Ill testify.'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is shown in a police booking mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia

But experts said there may be no need for him to testify to win, and a decision should not be made until after the prosecution in each trial has rested its case.

Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, who successfully defended Mr Trump in his first impeachment trial on the floor of the Senate in 2020, told Dailymail.com: "My prediction is he will not testify, I think his lawyers will talk him out of it.

"If I was his lawyer I would encourage him not to testify. Not because of what he would say, but because of what he gets asked in cross-examination. They could go through everything he's ever said and challenge his credibility in that way.'

Prof Dershowitz added that 'you don't have to make the decision in advance of the prosecution closing its case. He (Trump) doesn't have to make that decision until the last minute.

'I would advise him not to, generally, but I might ultimately advise in the middle of the trial based on the strength and the nature of the government's case.'

He said the likeliest trial for Trump to take the stand was the classified documents case in Florida, rather than the election interference one in Georgia, or the Jan 6 case in Washington D.C.

That is because it rests on a narrower legal issue and the defense could secure a ruling from the judge limiting the scope of what the prosecution could ask Trump in cross-examination.

'It's a narrow case of really one issue with the law and the judge may very well limit cross-examination," said Prof Dershowitz.

'If it looks like the whole case is based on whether he declassified or not, he might be advised at that point to testify and say yes, I declassified, if he can back it up.'

Alan Dershowitz, at the time an attorney for President Donald Trump, answers a question during the impeachment trial against Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020

A court sketch of former U.S. President Donald Trump as he takes an oath during his plea hearing in Washington D.C on charges that he orchestrated a plot to try to overturn the 2020 election

Prof Dershowitz was part of the 'dream team' of defence lawyers who represented O.J. Simpson.

He also successfully appealed the case of Claus von Bulow, overturning the socialite's conviction for the attempted murder of his heiress wife.

The lawyer's book on the case was turned into the 1990 movie Reversal of Fortune, for which Jeremy Irons won the the Oscar for Best Actor.

Prof Dershowitz said it was 'really very difficult to second guess lawyers judgments' in the Trump cases.

'You have to do it based on what the realities of the situation are at the time. They'll hold and make that decision. So, make it tentatively before the case and then they'll finalize it after the government's case.'

Asked if he thought Trump will listen to his lawyers' advice, he said 'Who knows'.

Tim Parlatore, who until earlier this year was representing Trump in the classified documents case in Florida, said it would, as in any case, be an 'extreme risk' to take the stand.

He told Dailymail.com: 'With every client, not specifically this client, I always tell them it's extremely risky.'

But, in the end, it would have to be Trump himself who decides, he said.

'The two things lawyers don't make the decision on are whether to plead guilty and whether to testify. I always explain "This is your choice not mine". I give recommendations but they have to make the decision. We discuss the pros and cons and the risks.

'If they are still undecided about it I do a practice and I tell them "you're going to get really annoyed at me, and want to punch me".'

'Generally speaking, they cut me off after two minutes and say "This is a terrible idea".'

Defense lawyer Tim Parlatore who used to represent Donald Trump in the classified documents case

He said there was a big difference between the concept and reality of being cross-examined.

'Specfically for someone like him (Trump) who is used to being able to speak his mind, talk over an interviewer, cross-examination is very, very different,' he said. 'There are very, very few cases where it makes sense.'

Parlatore also said the decision on taking the stand should not be made until late in the trial.

'Make a decision then on how things are going and is it worth the risk? If you have torn apart the prosecution witnesses, then it's not an issue,' he said.

He said, in the Georgia election fraud case, if the prosecution could not produce a witness saying Trump knew there was no fraud, then there was no need for him to take the stand and refute anything.

'When it comes to Trump the key factor here is whether he truly believed there was fraud in the election. The sole issue is his state of mind,' he said.

'If you don't have a government witness saying that he knew (there was no fraud) then there is no need to call him. At that point there is no reason for the case to go to a jury."

He said if the trials took place before the election there will be an "added element of political image" to consider in whether to testify.

But from a trial lawyer's perspective that wouldn't affect the decision, and they wil make their final recommendation at an advanced stage of the trial.

'The best trial lawyers are the ones that watch the battlefield,' he said. 'See how the situation changes and react to the actual conditions on the ground, instead of being married to a plan that they wrote before.'
ROGUE gamekeepers are using cutting-edge night vision technology to hunt and kill Scotlands most magnificent birds of prey, according to explosive claims by the RSPB.

The charitys Scottish investigations chief says estate workers are using military-style specialist equipment to stalk the birds under cover of darkness.

Night vision equipment such as rifle scopes, goggles and binoculars are available to estates as part of legal efforts to control pests such as foxes. But Ian Thomson claims the technology is being used to shoot golden eagles and hen harriers as they roost in trees at night.

He says satellite tagging data suggests at least 71 birds have simply disappeared with their tags destroyed to cover up foul play. The charity was liaising with Police Scotland on a number of disappeared bird cases, he said, adding: These are ongoing investigations.

However, landowners said illegal raptor persecution was at a historic low and they had seen no evidence of the abuse of night vision technology.

The RSPB has long been critical of sporting estates, accusing them of illegal persecution of birds of prey, particularly by poisoning.

Specialist gear is used to kill majestic golden eagles, says charity boss

Stalkers are accused of using hi-tech military-style goggles

Mr Thomson said, while poison cases had fallen, raptors were still vanishing in suspicious circumstances. He said: Rather than a bird lying dead on its back because its eaten a poisoned bait, they are simply disappearing into thin air.

We have specific examples of birds that disappeared while at roost sites so our supposition is that these birds are being killed after the hours of darkness and, in order to do that, the perpetrator has to have some night vision equipment.

We know most landholdings now have thermal-imaging equipment which they use for fox control, but we also suspect its being used to kill protected bird species.

BAFFLING CASE OF SILVER Silver at just a few weeks old ONE of the birds said to have disappeared in suspicious circumstances is Silver, a satellite-tagged hen harrier. Silver, pictured at just a few weeks old, was fitted with a tag shortly before she fledged. The RSPB said she disappeared while nesting on a grouse moor in southern Scotland and fresh shotgun cartridges were discovered close to where she was last seen. However, her body was never found and no one has ever been charged in connection with Silvers disappearance. According to the RSPB, a few weeks after she vanished, a man out walking with his son saw a short-eared owl being shot on the same estate. Advertisement

Some of the tag data does suggest a lot of these birds are disappearing after the hours of darkness.

Theres one case where golden eagles disappeared from the same tree  satellite-tagged birds. They were probably roosting at night and got shot out of the tree, then a couple of years later another satellite-tagged bird was probably roosting in the same tree and got shot.

In 2016, the RSPB revealed the unexpected disappearance of eight golden eagles in one small area of northern Scotland in just five years. A 2017 study of satellite-tracked golden eagles found 41  almost a third of Scotlands satellite-tagged birds  had disappeared, most on or near driven grouse moors. Since then, Mr Thomson said, more than 30 raptors  golden eagles, hen harriers and kites  had vanished.

He said: We know these crimes are widespread and were scratching the surface with what were actually detecting because obviously only a tiny proportion of birds are equipped with satellite tags.

Theres been a lot of work by scientists into the drivers of this and that  coupled with police recording of crime, prosecutions, population studies by raptor study groups  all pointed to the same conclusion: the vast majority of raptor persecution in Scotland certainly is driven by those looking to protect stocks of game birds, particularly red grouse for driven shooting.

Mr Thomson said the satellite technology was 98 per cent reliable, which meant one in 50 transmitters might suffer technical failure.

With a satellite-tagged bird that dies naturally, its solar-powered transmitter will keep transmitting for several days, which allows the police or whoever to follow it up and recover the body. What is likely happening is the birds are being shot and, when its found they are wearing satellite transmitters, the tag is smashed up and destroyed.

Weve had one in a river wrapped in lead sheeting, one in a loch wrapped in tin foil and tied to a stone. Its clearly a concerted effort to dispose of the evidence.

Landowners fiercely denied the claims. Ross Ewing, moorland director of Scottish Land & Estates, said: The Scottish Governments official figures on raptor persecution demonstrate the illegal killing of birds of prey has been driven down to historically low levels.

Raptor persecution is totally unacceptable and it is a matter of regret among land managers RSPB do not share the data from satellite-tagged birds so there is more transparency. Instead, information made public is selective and used as a stick to beat grouse shooting.

We have seen no evidence whatsoever that night vision equipment has been used to target birds.

Police Scotlands national wildlife crime coordinator David Lynn said: When investigating crime against birds of prey, officers have a wide range of modern techniques to identify persecution and bring those responsible to justice.
Nationalists love scouring the globe to identify other places as evidence of how Scotland could be transformed into nirvana  but only if the dastardly United Kingdom was dismantled.

SNP politicians carefully cherry-pick whichever places they think will further their divisive agenda.

A recent example of this phenomenon, which is often driven by a blind hatred of all things British, saw a separatist publication pose the question: Can an independent Afghanistan offer lessons for Scotland?

Emulating Afghanistan is patently ludicrous and other such comparisons rarely have much real bearing on Scotland, due to wide variations between respective societies.

But I suspect the SNP will have little to say about whats happening in the US city of Portland despite the fact it does have very important and obvious relevance to Scotland.

Residents in Portland, which is in the Pacific coastal state of Oregon, have learned that their liberal approach to drugs has become a biblical-scale disaster.

Russell Findlay, Scottish Conservative Justice spokesman

The city decriminalised drugs in 2021 but last week officials were forced to U-turn due to a marked increase in overdoses and deaths.

In Scotland last year, more than 1,000 people lost their lives to drugs, a fatality rate around three times higher than the rest of the UK, and the worst in Europe.

There has long been consensus among Scotlands political parties on the need to treat our countrys drugs death crisis as a public health emergency. My own party has worked with experts on the front line to bring forward a Right to Recovery Bill, which would give addicts the legal right to the treatment they deserve.

But at the beginning of Holyroods summer recess, Humza Yousafs drugs minister called for heroin, crack cocaine and all other drugs to be decriminalised.

I believe that doing so would encourage the venal and predatory organised crime gangs who make vast fortunes from peddling their drugs on Scotlands streets. Less than two years ago, the Lord Advocate formally announced to parliament that there would be a presumption against prosecution for drugs possession.

Drug users prepare cocaine before injecting, inside of a Safe Consumption van set up by Peter Krykant in Glasgow

However, crucially, she said that prosecutors must retain the ability to do so.

This is entirely sensible as it would let the authorities prosecute known dealers who would otherwise revel in immunity. So why do the SNP now think the Lord Advocate is wrong?

The opposition to wholesale decriminalisation chimes with the views of a former senior police officer who spent his career bringing drugs gangs to justice. He told me that for the past ten to 15 years de facto decriminalisation has been operating, and making this official would open a new opportunity for organised crime.

I fear that if society normalises the taking of narcotics, which can never be described as safe, it will send a very dangerous message to our young people. Reducing the stigma of addiction is one thing  legitimising hard drugs is outrageously irresponsible.

We know that Scotlands problems with addiction are deep-rooted. There is no easy fix. But decriminalisation represents a massive gamble. Just ask the people of Portland.

Of course, much of the SNPs motivation for pursuing this radical Portland-style agenda is because it gives them the chance to stoke more constitutional grievance.

This allows them to try to dodge responsibility by blaming the UK Government, thereby creating yet another tiresome and toxic constitutional battle  which is red meat to their core support.

Todays Scottish Mail on Sunday report is compelling and important. The bleak analysis from the US must be heard in Holyrood. Before taking another step, Yousaf & Co must listen to all of the evidence, not just to those they already agree with.
IT is one of Scotlands largest and most dramatic lochs, legendary for the enormous trout and pike lurking in its depths.

However, Loch Awe is now at the centre of a bizarre legal row over who controls  and can profit from  the fishing.

Rocking the boat is a maverick dealer in ancient title deeds. Notorious for exploiting arcane land laws, he has recently staked his claim to the fishing rights on the basis of documents dating back to 1669.

Brian Hamilton, who previously gained the nickname Raider of the Lost Titles when he set up in business unearthing obscure land assets and selling long-lost heraldic honours, has started selling permits to anglers who wish to try their luck on the loch.

But the move has angered the Loch Awe Improvement Association (LAIA), the community group which, with government backing, has been selling permits and managing the loch for the past 30 years.

The LAIA has challenged Mr Hamiltons fishing rights, and wardens have even turned away those who have bought permits from him. As a result, the normally placid world of angling has grown stormy with claims and counter-claims and even legal letters.

Loch Awe in the Highlands is a prime site for anglers in search of prized trout catches

Brian Hamilton, who has never been fishing, has staked his claim to the fishing rights on - the loch from an ancient land deeds

Brian Rutland from Keswick achieved his life time ambition when he landed a record breaking 31lb 11oz trout

Expert fisher of feudal titles strikes again BRIAN Hamilton has made a lucrative career out of exploiting arcane land laws and the decline of once-great aristocratic families. As successive generations of some noble Scots dynasties have fallen on hard times, their ancestral land-holdings have been broken up and sold off until nothing tangible remains  except the estate as a legal entity. Hidden within what Hamilton calls the rump of these estates, however, may be obscure assets  such as ancient barony titles, long-forgotten parcels of land or  as in the Loch Awe case  fishing rights. Realising the potential for profit, Mr Hamilton has spent 40 years painstakingly researching ancient deeds and legacy estates, often acquired from the lawyers of old families for just a few pounds. Much of his business involves the sale of redundant but prized feudal barony titles, which can go for upwards of 95,000 each. His website, for example, is currently advertising one barony in Aberdeenshire for 140,000. In the Loch Awe case, Mr Hamilton acquired the estate of the Earls of Breadalbane in 2012  the tenth and final Earl having died penniless in Somerset in 1995  and spotted that in the late 1600s the then Duke of Argyll had handed lands and salmon rights on Loch Awe to the then Earl of Breadalbane, apparently in settlement of some long forgotten dispute. To strengthen his claim he has registered the rights in the Land Register of Scotland, giving him a cast-iron guarantee of ownership. Mr Hamilton has also profited from residual lands and properties associated with the cut-price estates he has bought. Although critics have questioned the integrity of his approach, Mr Hamilton has previously justified his actions saying: I only make money from lawyers mistakes. Advertisement

In a sign of how heated the row has become, Mr Hamilton is now threatening to give away fishing permits on Loch Awe for free  which would deprive the LAIA of its income.

Yesterday Mr Hamilton, 82, insisted his claim to the fishing rights  based on his ownership of all that remains of estates belonging to the Earls of Breadalbane  was entirely legitimate and should be recognised by the LAIA.

He said: Its just business, like two traders in competition. They need to talk to me. If necessary, I am prepared to play the nuclear card  offer free fishing on the loch unless they come to the table.

I have instructed lawyers to write to the LAIA telling them to stop interfering with my business, and ultimately may ask the courts for an interdict to prevent the LAIA instructing their wardens to warn off my permit holders. But LAIA secretary Janet Lightbown said: Even if what hes doing is legal its morally questionable.

We cannot see whats in it for him. We dont have any money. Almost everything we make goes back into looking after the loch.

Hes a constant irritant, a thorn in our side. We thought hed go away. Hes quoting stuff from eighteen-whenever. I think he likes to blind people with his superior knowledge. Hes not making himself very popular.

Loch Awe, set among Argylls spectacular mountain scenery, is the third largest freshwater loch in Scotland and is 27 miles long, up to a mile wide and more than 300ft deep in places.

The British record for the largest rod-caught ferox trout, weighing 31lb 12oz, came from the loch, which is also known for pike weighing up to 35lb, brown trout and arctic char.

The row began when Mr Hamilton, a former North Sea welder with a degree in land economy, discovered that having bought the remnants of the Breadalbane estates, he was also owner of the rights to the salmon and other fish in Loch Awe  rights acquired by a previous Earl from the Duke of Argyll in 1669.

But the LAIA refused to talk to him. Estimating he could make up to 7,000 a year, Mr Hamilton then set up a website called Fish The Awe, selling angling permits for 5  half the price of the permits being sold by the LAIA.

LAIA wardens have refused to recognise his permits and the groups Facebook page warns his permits may not be valid.

Last week lawyers for Mr Hamilton sent a letter to the LAIA.

It states: The Facebook post alleges that Mr Hamilton has no legal right to issue permits to fish for salmon, trout or coarse fish, and that the permits issued by him are invalid.

This is inaccurate. As a result of your post, Mr Hamilton has suffered loss, as he has been asked to refund customers the cost of their permit.

Mr Hamilton also considers the content of the post to be defamatory, as it impugns his honesty and business practices.

The LAIA said if Mr Hamilton has the rights, there is nothing anyone can do about that  but the thing is he is not putting anything back to help with the upkeep of the loch. The LAIA pays for wardens, fishery research, rubbish collections and general upkeep from the sale of permits.
With support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament plummeting and the Yes campaign bleeding money for no benefit, Anthony Albanese spent a week abroad.

The Prime Minister attended the ASEAN, East Asia and G20 summits this week while backing for the Voice went into 'freefall' in the latest polling.

A RedBridge poll taken in the first week of September found that just 39 per cent of people are planning to vote Yes in the upcoming referendum on October 14.

But, speaking from the Indian capital New Delhi, Mr Albanese said he makes 'no apologies' for missing a week of the Yes campaign, which he previously championed as 'a once-in-a-generation chance to bring our country together'.

His absence came as it was revealed the Yes23 campaign spent $512,831 on social media ads in a month, only to see its support go backwards.

With support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament plummeting and the Yes campaign bleeding money for no benefit, Anthony Albanese (pictured, with partner Jodie Haydon) spent a week abroad

'The G20 is such an important body. It represents 85 per cent of global GDP. And that's why what happened here matters,' Mr Albanese said.

'One in four Australian jobs is dependent on trade. I make no apologies for being engaged because it's important that Australia has a seat at the table; because it impacts on the living standards of Australians.'

Yes23's massive spending on 4,786 Facebook and Instagram ads from August 7 to September 5 compares to No backer Advance Australia's $64,165 for 135 ads in the same period.

READ MORE: Indigenous leader Marcia Langton points out gaping hole in Voice referendum Marcia Langton has used a speech to the National Press Club to urge Anthony Albanese to say what the future holds for Indigenous people if the referendum fails. Advertisement

Another No campaign, Australians for Unity, spent just $22,849 on 22 ads in that time, as the Yes vote fell below 40 per cent in every state bar Victoria.

In April, the Prime Minister said the Voice was 'about how Australians see ourselves, but also how the world sees Australia,' and that the referendum would 'affect international perceptions' of the country.

But while Mr Albanese spent a week in Asia, the pro-Voice campaign's appeal for a Yes vote hit a brick wall and went backwards.

RedBridge director Tony Barry said the Yes campaign's decision to closely associate itself with Qantas and its outgoing CEO Alan Joyce harmed it.

'Attaching your campaign to a toxic brand like Qantas and one of the most disliked CEOs in the country might work if you are pitching your message to the members of the Chairman's Lounge, but in suburban and regional Australia it goes down like a cup of sick,' he told the news.com.au.

The Redbridge survey's results were similar to that of a Freshwater Strategy poll taken last week which found 59 per cent of respondents planned to vote No when undecided voters were excluded.

Mr Barry said the Yes campaign is 'now in freefall'.

'The Yes23 campaign keep briefing the media that they are taking their campaign to the suburbs and regions but then they pivot back to media stunts with corporates, celebrities or former senior politicians who previously opposed it,' he told the Telegraph.

One of the reasons the No campaign has continued to gain ground is that it has a consistent message in repeatedly referring to the proposal as the 'Canberra Voice'.

'Their research is presumably showing it is a persuasive message that moves soft voters into their column,' Mr Barry said.

A RedBridge poll taken in the first week of September found that just 39 per cent of people are planning to vote Yes in the upcoming referendum on October 14. An Indigenous man is pictured performing a Welcome to Country ceremony at Yes23's official campaign launch

Another RedBridge director, Kosmos Samaras agreed that the Yes campaign's messaging was not hitting home.

'This suggests their research has completely missed the mark here and not identified the real drivers behind why people are voting Yes or what may help convince undecided voters,' he told the Sunday Telegraph.

A quarter of those polled said their top reason for voting against the Voice was the No campaign's key message that 'it divides us'.

'There are not enough details' and 'it won't help Indigenous Australians' were also listed as top reasons for not backing the referendum.
King Charles III 's highly symbolic state visit to Kenya continued today with the monarch visiting a monument celebrating the African nation's independence from Britain in 1963. His Majesty also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens outside Nairobi on a trip dominated by Kenya's colonial past. Charles, who has been accompanied on the trip by Queen Camilla, then walked to the Mugomo Tree, a fig tree planted on the site of the declaration of Kenya's independence in 1963. It was planted in the exact spot where the Union Flag was brought down and the first Kenyan flag was raised. It is viewed as modern Kenya's birthplace and is close to a 78ft column topped by a set of hands holding a dove of peace that celebrates the country's independence and the inauguration of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president. The first full day of the five-day visit will end with a state banquet held in the King and Queen's honour where Charles will give a speech to guests who will include prominent Kenyans and figures from the UK. Britain's monarch is expected to acknowledge the 'more painful' aspects of Britain's colonial relationship with Kenya - including atrocities and the execution of 1,000-plus people perpetuated during the Mau Mau rebellion - when he gives a return toast at the banquet. But Charles is unable to offer an official apology, despite calls by activists who also want Britain to pay further damages over human rights abuses dating back to the 1950s. This is because he is visiting at the request of the British Government , which, while having already paid out nearly 20million in compensation, has not apologised.
All small-boat migrants will be in the UK for at least a year while waiting for asylum claims to be processed, officials say.

The delays signal a 'collapse' of decision-making and mean people arriving on small boats end up staying in taxpayer-funded hotels 'for years', MPs claimed last night.

It comes as last month the backlog of asylum claims reached a new record high of 175,457.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) now runs on the assumption that all asylum seeker claims will take 'more than 12 months' to process.

One former Cabinet minister said the amount of time officials are taking to decide on claims is 'astonishing'.

A group of migrants crossing the Channel in a small boat travelling from the coast of France and heading in the direction of Dover, Kent, on August 29, 2023

The delays signal a 'collapse' of decision-making and mean people arriving on small boats will end up staying in taxpayer-funded hotels 'for years', MPs claimed. Pictured: migrants crossing the Channel in a small boat traveling from the coast of France

The Tory MP also accused Rishi Sunak of 'cooking the books' by focusing on clearing the 'legacy' backlog of cases  while waiting times for all claims rise.

The ONS, which is based in the same government building as the Home Office in London, started including asylum seekers in its overall migration data for the first time this year.

The decision was made on the basis that 'under the current system, they might all be expected to remain more than 12 months', the Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Red Wall Tory MP Brendan-Clarke Smith said: 'Twelve months to decide a claim is far too long and these figures perfectly illustrate why we need to not only process these claims faster, but also make sure when they are rejected that we are able to remove people from the UK with immediate effect.'

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'It is a damning indictment of the Home Secretary's unworkable plans that the ONS now assume everyone arriving on small boats will stay in the UK over a year when cases used to be decided much faster than that.'

One former Cabinet minister also accused Rishi Sunak of 'cooking the books' by focusing on clearing the 'legacy' backlog of cases  while waiting times for all claims rise (File Photo)

She added that the 'collapse in asylum decision-making and failure to return those who are not refugees means thousands of people are now in hotels for years, with taxpayers footing the eye-watering bill.'

The government is spending 6million taxpayer money a day putting illegal migrants up in hotels.

Ministers are trying to speed up claim processing times by cutting the training period for decision-makers from 9 weeks to a fortnight, immigration minister Robert Jenrick revealed in a written answer to MPs last week.

Rishi Sunak promised to 'abolish the backlog of initial asylum decisions' by the end of 2023. Downing Street later clarified he was referring to 'legacy' backlog, before June 2022.

Mr Jenrick said the government is 'on track' to clear the legacy backlog of cases and that the number of decision makers has been increased from 1,280 in May to 2,500. However, a report by the influential National Audit Office in June said Mr Sunak is not expected to meet his pledge.

The Home Office said: 'We continue to have robust safeguards and checks in place to make sure asylum claims are properly considered.'
Nearly 30,000 people have signed a petition urging the Government to give British film and TV crews furlough cash, after Hollywood strikes left them unable to work.

They have signed a petition calling on ministers to organise an 'income replacement' scheme for staff unable to work because of industrial action by more than 160,000 actors and writers in the US.

A strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has put Britain's booming film industry on hold and thousands of people out of work.

Screenwriters in the Writers Guild of America are heading into the 19th week of their dispute, calling for better pay, staffing requirements and protection from artificial intelligence interfering with their jobs.

Industry sources have suggested that 10 major film productions have been put on hold in the UK, with a further seven TV series paused - a major blow in an industry where many staff are freelancers.

Members of the Writer's Guild of America, East labor union joined the picket line outside the offices of Peacock NewFont streaming services in New York on May 2, 2023

The Netflix show Sandman is understood to be one of the affected UK shows, while stars Brian Cox, Simon Pegg, Emily Blunt and Succession writer Jesse Armstrong are among Britons who have expressed support for the strikes.

The petition, which last night had attracted more than 29,000 signatures on the government's website, needs to gather 100,000 signatories to be considered for debate in Parliament.

Philippa Childs, head of the Bectu union that represents film crew, said: 'Now more than ever, as the workforce faces a fresh crisis, we need to see swift and tangible support from the Government.

'The Government is loud and proud about how much the creative industries bring to the UK. If it wants to stand by these warm words, it must now put its money where its mouth is and look after those who work in the sector.'

Philippa Childs, head of the Bectu union, said: 'We need to see swift support from the Government' (File Photo)

Last week Warner Bros Discovery warned the strikes could dent profits by nearly 400 million. This is despite the huge success of Barbie, which is already the biggest global-earning Warner Bros film ever.

The Government told the Mail on Sunday that it is 'engaging' with the industry but has not committed to giving financial support for any lost earnings.

'We continue our support for the screen industries through competitive tax reliefs, investing in studio infrastructure, supporting innovation, and promoting independent content,' a spokesman for the Culture, Media and Sport department said.
An Indigenous elder is telling her community to vote No on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament because she doesn't 'trust the government in any way shape or form'.

Kurnai elder Aunty Cheryl Drayton, who lives in the Gippsland region, in south-east Victoria, said there wasn't enough detail on how the proposed body would help Indigenous people.

'While there's no meat on the bone of how this is going to work, I can't see how any normal person with a brain could vote for it,' long-time Indigenous student support worker Aunty Cheryl told The Age.

'It doesn't tell them how people are going to get elected [on to the Voice].

'The government has thrown a lot of money at this and it could have been spent developing communities' aspirations.'

Aunty Cheryl, 71, outlined her views in more detail during a conversation with Liberal MP Russell Broadbent, who represents the seat of Monash, in July.

Kurnai elder Aunty Cheryl Drayton (pictured right) says that the Voice is not going to make any practical difference to Indigenous people

'The main thing about The Voice is we havent authorised those people to act on our behalf,' she told Mr Broadbent.

'The reality of that is an elite of people who think that having us in the Constitution is going to be the right thing and they have not been to explain how that is going to make any difference to grassroots people.

'The Voice wont make any difference. There wont be any collaboration through the grassroots people it will be a top down measure that will descend.

'It will dismantle a lot of the goodwill that has been made at the grassroots level.'

READ MORE: Indigenous Voice to Parliament: Aboriginal elders in far north Queensland say the Voice is the least of their worries Advertisement

She said many Aboriginal people weren't enrolled to vote so would even be excluded from the referendum.

Some 40,000 Indigenous Australians are expected to miss out on the referendum.

Aunty Cheryl said a better approach would be to look at how funds are being used on Indigenous outcomes and concentrating them on doing things at a grassroots level.

'We must look at the amount of money that has been spent on all the Aboriginal areas because there is no outcomes,' she said.

'The data still tells us we have higher incarceration rates, we have poor health outcomes our kids arent getting taught literacy or numeracy, it isnt improving.'

Mr Broadbent said Aunty Cheryl's views had changed his mind on the Voice, which previously he said he strongly supported.

He had told some of his colleagues in Canberra that the most senior Elder in his region was opposed but said some of them weren't too interested in hearing that.

The Albanese government and other Voice advocates often cite a YouGov poll that showed 83 percent of Indigenous people support the Voice

Aunty Cheryl's comments echo those from the other end of the continent with elders in far north Queensland voicing their concerns over the Voice last month.

Dr Fiona Wirrer-George, a traditional owner in Napranum south of Weipa, believes the Voice narrative needs to be restructured to appeal to remote communities.

'A different kind of narrative preoccupies the mindset of Western Cape mob,' she told Cairns Post.

'I don't think it (the Voice) is forefront. It should be.'

Many other community leaders across Cape York remain unconvinced about the Voice.

'Why would I care? The Voice isn't going to make any difference,' asked one prominent community leader.

Locals shared similar sentiments as they opposed the Voice.

'People have just switched off a little bit,' a children's service worker said.

Another added: 'Most of my clients are more worried about day-to-day survival.'

Others are skeptical whether the Voice will achieve its aim of closing the gap between the Indigenous people living in regional, rural and remote areas and white Australians.

Mr Pearson insists Closing the Gap imperatives would be addressed by the Voice.

Federal Monash Liberal MP Russell Broadbent says Auny Cheryl's views on the Voice changed his mind

'This is the message of the Voice  by having a voice, we will be responsible for closing the gap,' he said.

'This is a critical insight for those concerned with Aboriginal policy at the highest levels and at the grassroots in claiming the right to self determination. We are claiming the right to take responsibility.'

The Albanese government and other Voice advocates often cite a YouGov poll that shows 83 percent of Indigenous people support the body.

A referendum on October 14 will decide if the Voice becomes a constitutional recognition of Australia's original inhabitants.
The newly-appointed headteacher of a prestigious public school has called for more children to learn how use artificial intelligence (AI) to do their homework.

Vicky Bingham is soon to take the reins at North London Collegiate School (NLCS), an elite all-girls establishment which charges fees of almost 8,000 per term for senior pupils.

She said concerns about children cheating with AI on their homework have been 'exaggerated' and added that teachers should consider whether enough pupils are aware of how to use AI in the first place, The Sunday Telegraph reports.

Ms Bingham said: 'One of the things I'm thinking of is surveying pupils to ask them how many of them genuinely do use ChapGPT, because my hypothesis would be that they're not using it.

'Some may be but others won't be and actually therein lies the point, that we've got to teach them how to use it effectively.

Headteacher Vicky Bingham said concerns about children using AI for homework have been 'exaggerated' and added that teachers should consider whether enough pupils are aware of how to use AI in the first place

Ms Bingham is soon to take the reins at North London Collegiate School (NLCS), an elite all-girls establishment

'So I think some of these fears about children just cheating using ChatGPT to do their homework, I'd say they're exaggerated.'

The education leader added that teachers should ask if enough pupils know how to use AI 'intelligently' to assist their learning.

She explained her view that most adult jobs use an 'iterative process' to do things such as write essays and added that ChatGPT is 'perfect' for that.

Ms Bingham also said it feels as though schools are stuck in an 'old-fashioned' assessment system.

She shared her hopes that NLCS will create a research centre to explore new ways of assessing pupils, working alongside local state schools.

Her plan would entail tech companies, businesses, universities and both state and independent schools collaborating on creating a new format of digital assessments.

She said this would involve working with exam boards and other teaching bodies to embed technology in subjects where it has not already been done.

Ms Bingham vowed to look for technology companies who would be interested in her scheme to find out how young people will use AI in their future lives.

She pointed to a number of high-earning roles that use the technology, including 'prompt engineers' - who can collect 100,000 a year 'asking ChatGPT the right questions' which she dubbed to be 'high-level thinking'.

Ms Bingham said most adult jobs use an 'iterative process' to do things such as write essays and added that 'ChatGPT is perfect for that'

Ms Bingham is not the first headteacher to espouse the benefits of AI for pupils, with another school head making headlines earlier this year after he suggested children should be taught to make AI robots their 'servants.'

Head of exclusive Cottesmore School in West Sussex, Tom Rogerson, 48, says he's already on the look out for an artificial intelligence expert to implant it into the curriculum and help prepare the future generation for a world in which AI features heavily.

He told the Telegraph: 'We need to prepare them for a life of using and living with AI and robots which have AI installed in them.

'They've got to learn for it to be their benevolent servant.'

His comments echo those made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week, who told journalists that he wanted to make Britain the global hub for 'safe' AI, saying the 'extraordinary possibilities' of the tech could transform public services and the economy, with AI as a 'co-pilot' in every job.

Speaking this week, headteacher Rogerson said far from fearing the technology it should be used AI to spark creativity in students in lessons such as design and technology.

Older students should know how to write an essay without help, but might also use AI technology such as ChatGTP to help complete assignments, showing they can point the software is the right direction to create something worthwhile.

He added: 'I think we need to embrace it, but we need to brace them for it, and get them to understand the moral and ethical implications of it, and get them to live alongside it.'

Tom Rogerson the head of Cottesmore School, is on the look out for an artificial intelligence expert to implant it into the curriculum and prepare the future generation

The headteacher children must be taught to make robots their 'benevolent servants' (a robot at the Viva technology exhibition this year)

Cottesmore School is a boarding preparatory school in West Sussex for boys and girls aged four to 13, founded in 1894

The new head of AI will be expected to show teachers how to reduce their workload - for example, using it to write lesson plans.

He says he learned about ChatGPT last year from his nephew and since then has been exploring Wonder, an app that creates generative art AI.

The description on the App store says: 'Turn words into mesmerizing digital artworks!

'All you need to do is enter a prompt, pick an art style - and watch Wonder bring your idea to life in seconds!'

Mr Rogerson will be hosting a free AI 'masterclass festival' in September which will be open to all teachers - including those who teach at state schools.

Each term of full boarding at Cottesemore for UK pupils costs parents 10,528, a cool 32,000 a year.

Another leading independent school also waded into the arguments in favour of AI, saying they were looking to move away from homework essays due to the power of online artificial intelligence.

Staff at Alleyn's School in southeast London are rethinking their practises after a test English essay produced by OpenAI bot ChatGPT was awarded an A* grade.

Since the futuristic technology was released in November last year, fears have grown in schools that it will make cheating easier than doing the work.

The revolutionary tech can scan the web in real time to come up with eerily human-like text in response to any question - making it perfect for unsupervised homework.

Alleyn's School has said they will be moving away from setting pupils essays as homework due to new AI technologies

OpenAI's ChatGPT bot is so sophisticated it is able to comb the internet and process complex and specific tasks in seconds

WHAT IS CHATGPT? ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence system that can generate eerily human-like text in response to a given prompt. It was created and developed by the San Francisco-based company OpenAI. One of the firms founders was billionaire Elon Musk, who resigned from the board in 2018 but remained a donor to the project. The chatbot is a large language model that has been trained on a massive amount of text data. The version of the bot available for public testing, launched in November 2022, attempts to understand questions posed by users and respond with in-depth answers resembling human-written text in a conversational format. Advertisement

The Times reported that to counter this Alleyn's School - which has annual fees of 22,800 - will ask children to complete in-depth research in between lessons.

Speaking to the paper, Alleyn's headteacher Jane Lunnon explained that their new focus on 'flipped learning' was an inevitable sign of the times due to the 'seismic and game changing' nature of AI.

She said: 'I truly feel this is a paradigm-shifting moment. It's incredibly usable and straightforward.

'However at the moment, children are often assessed using homework essays, based on what they've learnt in the lesson.

'Clearly if we're in a world where children can access plausible responses  then the notion of saying simply do this for homework will have to go.

'Homework will be good for practice but if you want reliable data on whether children are acquiring new skills and information, that will have to be done in lesson time, supervised.'

Lunnon continued to say that such was the sophistication of new AI technologies, children using them would not experience any failure meaning they would be less resilient.

Addressing her theories in a recent blog post, she warned: 'School is where we learn what to do and how to do it. It's also where we learn what not to do. What doesn't work.

'How to get things wrong and how to deal with that. We all know how important it is to learn to fail.

'For us, ChatGPT will involve careful reflection about what we should be asking our pupils to do in school and in class and what they can do at home.'

ChatGPT has been banned in many schools across the world since it was launched in November 2022

A spokesman for Alleyn's School told MailOnline: 'Alleyns continuously explores and embraces new teaching and learning practices as part of our progressive educational ethos.

'And, while we were early adopters of the flipped learning approach, homework and the opportunities it provides for deep independent learning and reflection, remains a core part of our holistic offer.'

It comes days after another AI scandal engulfed an Australian university.

The student studying at University of New South Wales, confessed to using OpenAI's ChatGPT to write their essay after a lecturer suspected it was AI generated.

Professor of Artificial Intelligence Toby Walsh at the University of NSW said schools and universities are now frantically assessing how to stop students using the tech to cheat.

NSW, Queensland and Tasmania has already blocked access to ChatGPT on school internet networks to attempt to prevent students from cutting corners in assessments and exam essays.

Prof Walsh believes the only answer may be to revert back to handwritten essays.

'Banning access to websites is totally useless because kids are smart enough to work around it  they can use a VPN (virtual private network),' he told The Australian,.

'You've got to put them in a room with no (internet) access, with a pen and paper and no technology.

'We can't give students take-home lessons anymore.'

Earlier this year, it was reported that thousands of teachers are paying artificial intelligence computer software to write their end-of-year school reports for them.

More than 1,000 primary and secondary school teachers have already signed up to use Real Fast Reports, which creates a 'totally personalised and unique' report for each pupil at the touch of a button.

More than 1,000 primary and secondary school teachers have already signed up to use Real Fast Reports (stock image)

The AI software allows teachers to write bullet points about each pupil, which are then used to make a polished school report

It costs just 10 a year to use the service, which was launched by two former teachers last year.

The company boasts its software saves teachers 'countless hours writing thousands of reports' by producing statements 'in fluent prose, inserting the student's name and gender pronouns automatically'.

All teachers have to do is put in a few bullet points of information about a student to create each report.

Furious MPs and parenting groups criticised the use of AI in producing school reports, which are one of the few opportunities families have to check how their child is doing in class.

It followed anger at a series of teaching strikes which forced classrooms to close and lessons to be missed.

'Parents are being short-changed and treated with contempt,' said Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign For Real Education. 'AI-generated reports are a lazy and deceitful cop-out which, along with strikes, brings the profession into further disrepute.'

Parenting campaign group Us For Them said: 'Children are expected to deliver individually prepared homework without the help of AI. It shouldn't be too much for parents to expect the same of schools.'

In years gone by report cards would be handwritten and give detailed descriptions of each pupil's progress  and some of their shortcomings.

But in recent decades they have become increasingly formulaic, leading to suspicion that some teachers simply 'cut and paste' impersonal paragraphs from child to child. Some teachers have admitted using ChatGPT to write pupil reports. The software can turn two sentences into a polished 250-word report.

But Real Fast Reports, founded by Peter Gravell and Angela Newton, claims to produce reports with a 'personal touch'.

A Mail on Sunday reporter signed up for a free trial with the company, and typed 'enthusiastic, good reading results, helpful, spelling needs work' into the software. The slick report it produced said: 'Jane is an enthusiastic student in English. She achieved good results in her reading test, but her spelling needs improvement. Jane is a helpful student who is always willing to assist her classmates.'

In years gone by report cards would be handwritten and give detailed descriptions of each pupil's progress  and some of their shortcomings

In June, it was revealed that two thirds of secondary school pupils use artificial intelligence to do their homework and one in 10 teachers admit they have no way of knowing, a survey claims.

Around 67 per cent of youngsters surveyed admitted they used chatbots such as ChatGPT to write essays or do work for them.

Almost half, 42 per cent, otf the 1,000 secondary school students surveyed said they use AI all the time to solve maths problems, while 41 per cent use it to write English essays.

Whereas a quarter, 25 per cent, tapped into these chatbots to translate something into a foreign language, write a poem (24 per cent) and help with their physics work (20 per cent).

According to the data, 18 per cent admitted they have turned to AI to help come up with an essay topic for history, create a piece of art (18 per cent) and take a science test (18 per cent) for them.

Despite this, four in ten (38 per cent) said they feel guilty about using AI

Surprisingly, two-thirds of the students polled, 68 per cent, said they are getting better grades and results by using AI.

Mel Parker, Educational Technologist at RM Technology and a former Headteacher, said: 'This research shows the sheer prevalence of AI in the classroom already - but its impact is only starting to be felt.

'Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, have great potential if regulated properly in schools, and can be used to create a more inclusive educational environment for students.

'But the real impact will be on the time AI can save teachers.

'From assisting with marking to alleviating some of the burden of administrative work - AI can support teachers in saving hours each week, which can be reinvested into more face-to-face time with students.

'While it's clear proper training and regulation are necessary, we as a sector must start to embrace the opportunities AI brings.'
The RAF's fleet of combat aircraft is so small it would be wiped out if Britain went to war against Vladimir Putin, according to a parliamentary report.

There are so few Typhoon jets and F-35s that the fleet could not withstand the 'levels of attrition' that would occur.

The UK has just 169 frontline jets to Russia's 1,500 and, after repeated post-Cold War cutbacks, our fleet is also smaller than that of our European allies.

According to the Defence Select Committee's analysis, France has 231 combat aircraft, Germany 214 and Italy 199. As recently as 1990 the UK had 463.

The RAF claims that the sophistication of its aircraft compensates for it having fewer of them. But the report says the UK is 'dangerously exposed', adding: 'The combat aircraft fleet provides boutique high capability [but] lacks numerical depth and has an inadequate reserve.

The cash-strapped MoD has been slow to build up its cache of F-35B stealth jets (File Photo)

'In a peer-on-peer conflict such as a shooting war with Russia, every airframe will count.

'[Government plans] will create a combat air capability gap which, on current plans, will persist well into the 2030s. This is unacceptable. The Ministry of Defence and the RAF must consider as a matter of urgency how they can increase combat air mass.'

Despite the shortage, the RAF intends to retire 30 of its Typhoons five years ahead of schedule in 2025, rather than upgrade them. This decision has been questioned by MPs.

The cash-strapped MoD has also been slow to build up its cache of F-35B stealth jets. So far, 31 have entered service. That should rise to 48 by 2025, and MPs expect the UK have 74 eventually, rather than 138 as originally planned.

MPs have said that more of the jets are not already in service due to confusion within the RAF over how many ground crew are required to maintain them.

The report said: 'The RAF's failure to correctly calculate the number of maintainers required to service the aircraft is inexcusable.' It concluded that the RAF had been 'hollowed out' and 'is too small to meet the demands of the growing challenges that it faces.'
Victorian MPs have spent more than $150,000 in taxpayers' money on overseas trips, including to learn about TikTok in the US and 'electorate business' in the UK.

Most of the 'study tours' taken by the politicians in the last 18 months have been by Opposition Liberal MPs after the party lost last November's state election.

Since then, Gary Maas is the sole Labor MP to have used the up to $10,000 taxpayer-funded allowance for travel related to parliamentary or electorate business.

All 128 MPs within Victoria are entitled to the sum, according to parliamentary rules.

The Narre Warren South MP flew to Chicago in July for the Netroots Nation conference, where he took a session on using TikTok and other social media.

He also attended speeches given by Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson at the 'progressive activist gathering'.

MPs in one state have spent more than $150,000 in taxpayers' money on overseas trips, including to learn about TikTok in the US and 'electorate business' in the UK. Liberal MP Bridget Vallence, who has trips to London, Greece and New Zealand planned, is pictured

Mr Maas wrote a report after he returned, which MPs are obliged to do, saying he 'enjoyed the keynote sessions  they gave me interesting comparator views to what is happening in our Victorian parliament'.

But his former Labor colleague Cesar Melhem did not write a report on his study tour to the UK which cost more than $10,000 and was taken before he failed to get reelected in last year's state poll.

READ MORE: ABC Radio Melbourne host Virginia Trioli's brutal dig at Daniel Andrews Virginia Trioli lashed out at Daniel Andrews after the Victorian Premier again refused to appear on her Radio Melbourne show. Advertisement

Two other Labor MPs who were about to lose their seats, Frank McGuire and Tien Kieu, also invoiced taxpayers for foreign tours overseas before leaving parliament.

Since November's election, 30 Liberal members of the Victorian parliament have taken a combined 23 overseas trips, the Age reported.

The number one frequent flyer was Bridget Vallence, who billed taxpayers for three tours, costing more than $9,900.

The Evelyn MP will take journeys to the UK, Greece and New Zealand on 'electorate business' for 'opportunities relevant to the state'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted both Mr Maas and Ms Vallence to ask how their electorates would benefit from their overseas trips.

Former Victorian Liberal Party leader Matthew Guy took a 'study tour' to the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires, billing taxpayers $8599.84 for it.

In an article in the Berwick Star News in February 2022, Mr Guy listed 'The beach at Mar del Plata, Argentina' as his 'dream holiday destination'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Guy to ask if he made it to Mar del Plata, which is 414km south of Buenos Aires, on his trip to Argentina.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews did not allow any Australian media to accompany him on his four-day trip to China last March, but he cautioned other Labor MPs to avoid taxpayer-funded overseas tours amid cost-of-living pressures.

Labor MP Gary Maas flew to Chicago in July at taxpayers' expense, for the Netroots Nation conference, where he took a session on using TikTok and other social media

Victorian Labor MPs billed taxpayers $24,000 to visit India. Lee Tarlamis (front left), Meng Heang Tak (front right), Dylan Wight (back left) and Matt Fregon (back centre) are pictured at the world famous Taj Mahal

Since then, apart from Mr Maas, just four government MPs  Meng Heang Tak, Matt Fregon, Lee Tarlamis and Dylan Wight  have billed taxpayers for a foreign trip.

That nine-day trip to India, including to the world famous Taj Mahal, cost the people of Victoria more than $24,000.

David Davis, the Victorian Opposition's arts spokesman, said he met 'government, regional, municipal and gallery officials' in July on a three-week study tour that included stops in Greece, Italy, France and the UK, costing $9,900.

Michael O'Brien, another former Victorian Liberal Party leader, is currently in the US for 'meetings and policy research' related to his position as shadow attorney-general and costing taxpayers $8,117.
Neo Nazis are among extremists attempting to join the Australian Defence Force or recruit serving members to their cause.

The ADF, along with Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), have identified individuals with 'ideologically motivated extremism' within the ranks.

Several have tried to join the military while others have tried to infiltrate it by other means and groom members who are already serving their country.

Defence sources explained the extremists are hoping to gain military training to boost their skill set 'capabilities', the Herald Sun reported.

The reason for boosting their skill set is not clear but the overall plot to infiltrate the defence force is to push a destabilising agenda.

Defence confirmed it is working closely with ASIO to identify counter threats posed to Australia's security.

The Defence Force, along with Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), have identified individuals with 'ideologically motivated extremism' trying to join or being groomed while in their military ranks (Stock image of a Royal Australian Navy sailor)

Defence Force sources explained the plot is being made so that members can receive military training to boost their skill set 'capabilities' (A general view at SAS Barracks in Swanbourne, Western Australia)

'There is no place for unlawful or inappropriate association with groups or organisations that engage in advocacy for extremist ideology, extremist views, or criminal activity within the Australian Defence Force,' Defence said in a statement.

'Defence works closely with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to identify and counter threats to Defence and Defence personnel involving ideologically motivated extremism.'

Defence did not identify the number of people with extremist views trying to join the military, nor did they share those within the ranks who are no longer fit for service under extremist ideology parameters.

However, the ADF has bolstered their recruitment vetting processes, which includes sharing intelligence with ASIO to make sure their tests meet proper standards.

'Defence investigates and takes action when personnel are identified as being potentially involved in unlawful or inappropriate activities,' Defence said.

'This may include referring investigations to law enforcement and national security agencies.'

At least half of ASIO's onshore priority caseload is related to the extreme right wing nationalist threat, according to parliamentary hearings.

The other half of the domestic security agency's priority onshore caseload relates to religious-motivated extremism and terrorism.

Some former ADF members are using social media to push extreme conspiracies and encourage Aussies to fight against State-sanctioned public injustices.

A former army officer claimed in one video shared online that State biometrics are designed to enslave the public and expose truth-telling 'patriots'.

Alleged members of a far-right extremist Neo-Nazi group seen at Halls Gap (pictured)

Pictured, group of 'Neo-Nazi skinheads' singing Waltzing Matilda, performing Nazi salutes and getting drunk while shouting 'white power' at a national park in Victoria

In another video on the same platform another former infantry soldier said there is a government plot around mRNA vaccines for May 2024.

He also claimed the government was behind a real-life secret program of genetic manipulation, which is created by an AI-controlled army of 'super soldiers' - like the ones in the Hollywood sci-fi action film franchise Universal Soldier.

Extremism in Australia have been kinked to conspiracies about the Covid pandemic, right-wing nationalists, supremacists and the anti-authority sovereign citizens group.

Daily Mail Australia contacted the Australian Defence Force for comment.
A second teenager has been charged after a Melbourne schoolboy was left with serious injuries following an alleged abduction.

A teen was allegedly forced into a grey Volkswagen Tiguan moments after stepping out of his school gates at Glen Huntly in the city's southeast on Monday afternoon.

A short time later, the 14-year-old was ejected from the moving vehicle 'in unknown circumstances' and was rushed to hospital with life-altering injuries after he was allegedly struck by the car.

On Sunday, Victoria Police announced a second teenage boy had been charged following the alleged incident.

'Detectives have charged a further teen in relation to an armed robbery in Glen Huntly earlier this week,' a police spokesman said.

'The investigation remains ongoing.'

A second teenager has been charged after a Melbourne schoolboy was left with serious injuries following an alleged abduction

The boy, a 15-year-old, was arrested on Saturday afternoon and faced a Children's Court later the same day charged with offences including armed robbery, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle.

The arrest comes after a 14-year-old boy, alleged to have been the 'principal offender', was charged on Thursday with the same offences.

The same day Victoria Police Inspector Scott Dwyer warned further arrests were 'imminent'.

'We have identified all those persons we believe responsible for that attack and their arrests are imminent,' he said.

Appearing on 3AW, Inspector Dwyer said two more boys from the same school had since come forward alleging they were also abducted on the same day.

'The issue is we live in a really safe city and when incidents like this are reported, it is rightfully shocking,' he said.

A teen was allegedly forced into a grey Volkswagen Tiguan moments after stepping out of his school gates at Glen Huntly in the city's southeast on Monday afternoon

'But as with all crime, there will be a response to it.'

The complainant remained in a coma in a serious condition in the Royal Children's Hospital on Friday.

Both of the teenage boys charged have been remanded into custody ahead of future court dates.

Witnesses or those with CCTV or dashcam footage have been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
The president of a university representative body has called for students to be encouraged to carry guns on campus as a response to US shootings.

Western Sydney University Student Representative Council President Daniel Bonatti recently moved a motion to support students' right to 'bear arms'.

'Mass shootings in educational institutions and Universities in the USA is a daily occurrence,' student newspaper W'SUP reported Mr Bonatti saying.

'With SRC having collectives and equity groups the rooms provided for women, chaplain, praying rooms Christian and Muslim, queers and Indigenous are the frontline of being targeted.

'Students need to have a right to keep and bear arms for self-defence  I, [Daniel Bonatti] move that: The Student Representative Council of Western Sydney University in principle supports the right to keep and bear arms.'

Students and staff at the American south east University of North Carolina were terrorised by a gunman in August who shot dead a member of faculty on the first day of a new term.

Western Sydney University's Bankstown campus was singled out as being particularly at risk during a motion to allow students to carry guns

In February three students were killed and five others injured in a mass shooting at Michigan State University in America's north east.

There have also been a number of shootings reported at American high schools this year.

Sydney has seen a spate of fatal shootings on its streets especially in July, but police have linked these to a gangland war and none have taken place on a university campus.

The Western Sydney University representative council voted unanimously to reject the proposal, including Romonda Eid, the seconder of the motion.

She said her seconding was a mistake because she had misread the motion's contents.

University of Western Sydney Student Representative Council Vice President Bayan Sohailee opposed the motion to allow students to carry weapons

In opposing the motion, vice president Bayan Sohailee said that campuses should be kept 'gun free'.

Another student representative Laine Fox said it was a 'disgusting motion'.

'I haven't said anything disgusting,' Mr Bonatti replied.

'I've plainly put across a point of view that exists in a country with 330 million people, being the right to bear arms.'

Mr Bonatti continued to claim there were serious security risks at Bankstown campus, which have easy access to safe spaces such as the queer rooms and prayer rooms.

However, other students called the idea 'insane'.

A student embraces a family member at Shoultes Christian Assembly after being evacuated from Marysville-Pilchuck High School in the aftermath of a shooting on the high school's campus in Marysville, Washington

A spokesperson for the university told news.com.au they 'take the safety of our students and staff seriously'.

'All our campuses are patrolled by security around the clock, including our Bankstown City campus,' the spokesperson said.

'The Student Representative Council has not raised any security concerns with the University about student safety at the Bankstown City campus. The University welcomes the opportunity to engage and address any concerns they may have.

'Prayer rooms, LGBTIQ+ spaces and other facilities ensure students from a range of backgrounds belong and are safe here at the University.'
Leading Yes advocate Noel Pearson has decried Peter Dutton's idea of a second referendum as an 'absolute mirage', and says that a No vote would be his 'worst nightmare'.

Although every poll has support for the Yes vote drastically falling, Mr Pearson said he remains optimistic that Australians will vote for change on October 14.

In a powerful interview on Sunday, the Cape York leader said he refuses to believe Australians are 'capable' of voting No, because he says doing so would show such a level of 'unrequited love that was unconscionable at this point in the country's history.

' It's always been very hard for us, but we have won gains over these years,' he told ABC News on Sunday.

'We are always the underdog. We are three per cent of the population. We are the most powerless people in the country, with the weakest political constituency in the country, but through persuasion and through argument and constant campaigning we've managed to make gains ... I still believe we can achieve victory.'

Leading Yes advocate Noel Pearson has decried Peter Dutton 's idea of a second referendum as an 'absolute mirage', and says that a No vote would be his 'worst nightmare'

On the idea put forward by the Opposition leader to hold a second referendum purely based on recognition should this referendum fail and he be appointed Prime Minister, Mr Pearson said the proposal was 'ridiculous in their own terms' and was nothing but smoke and mirrors.

Mr Pearson said the last time symbolic recognition was put to the vote in the 1999, it failed 'worse than the republic' question, and would not succeed if asked again.

READ MORE: Aboriginal elder to vote No in Indigenous Voice to Parliament Advertisement

'It's just an absolute mirage. The thing that it does, it pushes this debate for another five years. We're already 15 years into it. John Howard promised this thing ... on the election eve 2007,' Mr Pearson said.

'And we're now 15 years later. Peter Dutton wants to kick this can and get the debate and division and argument going for another five years. Wait until he becomes Prime Minister he says. Then they will have another go.'

He said Mr Dutton had 'eviscerated' his credibility by proposing the second referendum, only for it to be shut down by his Indigenous Australians spokeswoman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price just days later.

'The Leader of the Opposition saying let's have a second referendum. And then, his own ... spokeswoman kills it on Thursday night. Not only that, his coalition partner (the Nationals) is absolutely not going to entertain another referendum,' Mr Pearson said.

On the idea put forward by the Opposition leader to hold a second referendum purely based on recognition should this referendum fail and he be appointed Prime Minister, Mr Pearson said the proposal was 'ridiculous in their own terms' and was nothing but smoke and mirrors

He said Mr Dutton had 'eviscerated' his credibility by proposing the second referendum, only for it to be shut down by his Indigenous Australians spokeswoman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price just days later

'The fact is we will never get a referendum for constitutional recognition out of these people. They are here for constant debate, constant argument, conflict and debate. They want this issue to never end. They love conflict and disputation.

'The 'Yes' campaign are saying - we do this on October 14th. We settle one of the biggest issues the country still has outstanding, it's outstanding, as John Howard called it in 2007, unfinished business.'

Asked what a 'No' vote would say about the country, Mr Pearson said he would make that judgement after the referendum.

'I believe we still have the capacity to do the right thing,' he said.

'I just don't believe when the hand of friendship and reconciliation is extended from Indigenous people that ... their love will be unrequited. I can't believe that.

'I cannot believe we still are an Australia where that hand would just be slapped aside ... I just don't believe Australians are capable of that.'
He called her out for having 'granny moves', but others leapt to her defense

Anthony Brian posted a clip of her bopping to Q-Tip's 1999 hit Vivrant Thing

The event was being held at the White House where she was filmed dancing

Kamala Harris showed off her moves while celebrating 50 years of hip hop

Kamala Harris has been spotted showing off her moves at a White House party to celebrate 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

But the 58 year-old vice president's dancing has proved as divisive as her time in office, with some critics likening her moves to those of a granny, while others hailed them.

Political commentator Anthony Brian Logan called out Harris in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, to mock how she looked while grooving to Q-Tip's 1999 hit Vivrant Thing.

'Kamala Harris with the granny moves at her 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop party,' on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Kamala Harris showed off her moves while celebrating 50 years of hip hop

Harris said hip-hop is 'the ultimate American art form' that 'shapes every aspect of America's popular culture'

The event was being held at the White House where she was filmed dancing

Anthony Brian posted a clip of her bopping to Q-Tip's 1999 hit Vivrant Thing

Poll What do you think of Kamala's dancing? She's got great moves! Not to my liking What do you think of Kamala's dancing? She's got great moves! 125 votes

Not to my liking 606 votes Now share your opinion





The post triggered an onslaught of comments that weren't particularly kind, with some making jokes their eyes were in pain.

'My eyes. MY EYES!' one person said.

'Please Lord grant me back my eyesight,' another teased.

'Wow!!!! My kid has better moves than this!' someone else wrote.

But there were some who were happy to praise her, leaping to her defense and calling out people's 'obsession with her.

'She got moves,' one of her fans said said.

'The obsession with her should be study as a new sickness. She dances better than any VP in American history. Easily,' another claimed.

'She's dancing the same as the guys next to her! WTF!? Maybe you all should check out Trump's cringe worthy dance moves!' another stated.

'She did great.......TF people talking about??' said one more.

Harris on Saturday hosted a celebration of hip-hop's 50th anniversary with appearances by some of the music genre's pioneers and stars.

Common, Jeezy, MC Lyte and Roxanne Shante were among the hip-hop artists invited to join Harris for the party at the vice presidential residence.

Hip-hop's 50th birthday has inspired a host of anniversary events this year.

Many trace the genre's creation to an Aug. 11, 1973, back-to-school party where 18-year-old Clive Campbell, also known as DJ Kool Herc, deejayed at a Bronx apartment building in New York City.

Harris said hip-hop is 'the ultimate American art form' that 'shapes every aspect of America's popular culture'.

'Hip-hop culture is American culture,' she told the crowd.

Harris makes remarks honoring the 50th anniversary of hip hop at the Vice President's residence at the US Naval Observatory in Washington, DC

Hip-hop has grown into a global artform, becoming one of the world's most influential cultural forces, an integral part of social and racial justice movements and a multibillion-dollar industry built on generations of rapping, emceeing, deejaying, breaking and graffiti.

Harris noted that Public Enemy rapper Chuck D has described rap as 'Black America's CNN.'

'It has always channeled the voices of the people. It tells the stories that don't make the news,' she said before joining her husband, Doug Emhoff, to watch musicians' performances.

Saturday's celebration was a collaboration with Recording Academy's Black Music Collective and Live Nation Urban.

'This is a hip-hop household!' Emhoff said.
Dog walkers could soon be forced to fork out more than $550 just to take the furry animals to a public park.

A new policy introduced by Sydney's Inner West Council would require professional dog walkers to carry a permit while in any council-owned park or off-leash area.

Under the draft Parks and Open Spaces Commercial Dog Walking Policy, commercial dog walkers will have to pay $552.60 annual fee for a permit.

The policy also requires dog walkers to be aged 16 or over, hold a current first aid and animal first aid certificate, have public liability insurance for a minimum of $20 million and professional indemnity insurance for a minimum of $5 million.

A maximum of two professional dog walkers will be permitted at each park per day, while only one will be allowed to access an off-leash park at any time.

Under the Inner West Council Parks and Open Spaces Commercial Dog Walking Policy draft, commercial dog walkers will have to pay $552.60 annual fee for a permit to use any council-owned or off-leash park (stock image, woman walking two dogs)

The draft will be presented to council on September 12 with recommendations it be available for four weeks for public feedback.

The council estimates there are about 42,000 dogs belonging to two in five households in the Inner West area.

Suburbs within the region include Annandale, Newtown, Croydon, Marrickville, Leiwsham, Stanmore, Camperdown, Enmore, Rozelle and Ashbury.

Council claims the permit fee is not 'unreasonable' considering the amount dog walkers charge per hour.

'The proposed licence and permit fee is not considered unreasonable noting that commercial dog walkers in the Sydney metropolitan area currently charge dog owners an average of $35 per hour per dog for walking and socialisation activities,' the draft policy read.

If the draft passes, Inner West Council will be the second in Sydney, following Lane Cove Council, to charge professional dog walkers to use public parks.

In 2013, Lane Cove Council passed a permit system for professional walkers after a council groundskeeper was attacked by a dog.

Inner West Council will be the second in Sydney to charge professional dog walkers to use public parks if the draft passes.

Popular off-leash parks in the Inner West Council area include Balmain's Birrung Park, Petersham Park (pictured) and Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

If implemented, Inner West would become the second Sydney council to charge dog walkers to use its parks.

Lane Cove Council introduced a permit system in 2013, charging professional walkers $2,200 per year, following a dog attack on a council groundskeeper.

Popular off-leash parks within the Inner West Council area includes Petersham Park, Balmain's Birrung Park and Camperdown Memorial Rest Park.

Inner West Council staff believe the permits will boost the dog walking industry and bring it in line with commercial business that use public spaces including fitness classes and cafes.
President Joe Biden opted for slippers while other leaders went barefoot to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Sunday morning at the Raj Ghat memorial in New Delhi - his last official piece of business at the G20.

Biden got out of the Beast and gabbed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who presented the U.S. president with a matching scarf.

The president and the other world leaders then took their positions at wreaths on the perimeter of a yellow and orange square floral display that surrounded the eternal flame.

Biden was captured animatedly chatting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before all the leaders participated in a moment of silence.

Biden will head to Vietnam for meetings and a press conference later Sunday.

President Joe Biden (center right) donned slippers while other world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center left) and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) went barefoot to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Sunday morning at the Raj Ghat memorial

Leaders participating in the G20 in New Delhi lined up by wreaths at a ceremony Sunday morning at the Raj Ghat memorial to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Leaders were given the option to go barefoot or wear slippers as a sign of respect

President Joe Biden (left) animatedly chatted with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (right) before the leaders held a moment of silence as they paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat memorial on Sunday

This year's G20 Leaders' Summit produced a joint declaration that included wording on the Ukraine war that even Russia, another G20 member, signed off on.

That's because it does't specifically label Russia as an aggressor, though it does say that the 'use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.'

On Saturday, the G20 also officially welcomed the African Union to the table, with Modi making the announcement at the top of the meeting.

Additionally, the U.S. and leaders of India, Europe, and the Middle East announced a project that would establish rail, shipping, and tech corridors meant to link regional economies with the prospect of bringing more stability to the turbulent Middle East.

That announcement brought Biden face-to-face with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, after the White House played coy about whether the two leaders would have an official bilateral meeting at the G20.

The U.S. and Saudi are working toward a so-called 'mega-deal' that could lead to Saudi and Israel normalizing relations.

It would be a historic breakthrough for Mideast peace.

President Joe Biden (center) sported white slippers as he walked to the Raj Ghat memorial alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right)

President Joe Biden (right) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) wait for the G20 world leaders to line up by their wreaths before they paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Sunday morning at the Raj Ghat memorial

The White House made no indication that the 'mega-deal' was discussed during this trip with MBS.

'The president exchanged brief greetings with the crown prince but there was not time in that setting for a more substantive conversation,' Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer later confirmed.

Instead attention was focused on a project that includes a new rail transportation corridor that would include the India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan and the European Union  although it isn't exactly 'shovel ready,' with leaders set to announce only a 'memorandum of understanding' on it.

One part of the plan would commit the U.S. and Europe to backing the development of a rail corridor that would connect the African nations of Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

'This is a big deal. This is a real big deal,' Biden said at the top of the event, paraphrasing his own praise for the passage of Obamacare, but leaving out the expletive.

Biden specifically thanked MBS, although he botched his name twice before moving on.

President Joe Biden (right) shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince (left) Mohammed bin Salman alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) Saturday at the G20 summit. The U.S and Saudi are working on a 'mega-deal' that could normalize relations with Israel

Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the G20, sending Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (right) instead. He was several feet away from President Joe Biden (left) during Saturday's G20 meetings, as the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with weapons to fight the Russian invasion

'Mohammed bin Sa-lum  excuse me, Mohammed bin Sal-am,' he said.

U.S. ambassador to India Eric Garcetti revealed Sunday to DailyMail.com that one of the members of the Saudi delegation made his own faux pas.

One of the members of MBS' entourage was vaping indoors during the summit.

'We're sitting there, we're like around the table and oh, I guess, you know, it might be a no smoking zone but it's not a no vaping zone,' Garcetti said laughing.

The G20 was also memorable for two major absences - that of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Putin sent Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov in his stead as he's wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

Xi is sending Premier Li Qiang in his place.

'It would be nice to have him here but, no, the summit is going well,' Biden commented Saturday afternoon when asked about Xi skipping the G20.

White House officials spent Saturday morning and Friday night knocking China for playing hooky.

Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer said Saturday morning that 'really it's incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain why a leader would or would not participate.'

It was unclear if Modi expressed displeasure about Xi and Putin's absences when he met with Biden Friday night - the first meeting of the U.S. president's trip, but National Security Council Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell told reporters afterward that he sensed the Indians were upset.

'I think it is a disappointment for India that both Russia and China are not here,' he told reporters in a late Friday night briefing.

'And the fact that the United States, probably the country that India has invested the most in deepending and developing a relationship with, showed up and is engaged in every major initiative that will be rolled out over the next couple of days was both reassuring and gratifying for the Indian interlocutors and that was not lost on us,' he also said.

President Joe Biden (left) arrives at the G20 Leaders' Summit Saturday in New Delhi, shaking and holding hands with the host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right)

G20 LEADERS' SUMMIT DINNER MENU APPETIZER: Paatram - foxtail millet leaf crisps topped with yogurt sphere and spiced chutney MAIN: Vanavarnam - jackfruit galette served with glazed forest mushrooms, little millet crisp and curry leaf tossed Kerala red rice INDIAN BREADS: Mumbai Pao - onion seed flavored soft bun Bakarkhani - cardamom flavored sweet flat bread DESSERT: Madhurima - cardamom scented Barnyard millet pudding, fig-peach compote and Ambemohar rice crisps BEVERAGES: Kashmiri Kahwa, filter coffee and Darjeeling tea Advertisement

Modi rolled out the red carpet - literally - for Biden and the other world leaders.

He treated them to a day and a half of festivities at the newly constructed Bharat Mandapam convention center, including a vegetarian feast Saturday night, co-hosted by India's President Droupadi Murmu.

The president arrived in India Friday night, where he was greeted by the U.S. ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, the former Los Angeles mayor, and his daughter Maya.

He was then treated to a loud rendition of Ed Sheeran's Shape of You as dancers on a makeshift stage in front of the airport terminal treated Biden to a brief number.

Biden then motorcaded to Modi's residence, where U.S. journalists were left waiting in vans - without bathroom access - outside.

Press access was one of the gnawing issues at the summit, taking place in the capital of the so-called 'world's largest democracy.'

On the flight over, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan pointed to the unique venue where Biden and Modi's first meeting of the summit was taking place.

'This meeting will be taking place at the prime minister's residence,' Sullivan told reporters on board Air Force One. 'So it's unusual in that respect.'

Still, he said that the White House pressed the Indian government for press access - and was denied.

On Saturday, just two U.S. journalists - a writer and a photographer - were allowed access to the opening G20 session.

As Modi spoke in Hindi, the U.S. reporter wasn't given the device that allows for simultaneous translation.

Ishant Kumar, 10, son of Dharmender Kumar, who works as a clerk at Pragati Maidan which houses the main venue of G20 Summit, stands next to his bulldozed house during a demolition drive by the authorities at a slum area near the upcoming summit venue in New Delhi, India, June 1, 2023

The slum-clearance if part of a broader effort by India to dazzle world leaders. Stray dogs have also been removed from New Delhi's busy streets. Authorities in the Indian capital went on a clean-up drive as part of a beautification project

The White House was asked if Biden raised the issue of slum clearance in his meeting with Modi

Campbell called India a 'work in progress,' on various democratic freedoms, including freedom of the press.

'And I think the key here is for us to maintain a respectful dialogue, and to approach some of the challenges with the degree of humility given some of the challenges that we face in our own country as well,' Campbell said.

Finer said Saturday that Biden brought up unspecified democracy issues during his conversation with Modi.

Finer had been asked if Biden had taken Modi to task for bulldozing slums ahead of the summit, leaving droves of poor people homeless in an effort to beautify the city for visiting world leaders.

City officials also disbursed street dogs and monkeys ahead of the summit.

The city's residents were told to take a holiday, leaving streets vacant and shops closed, clearing the way for motorcades to zoom down traffic-less roadways.
Richard Marles has defended his $3.6million RAAF VIP flight bill and claimed security concerns may stop taxpayers from learning full details of the trips.

Defence Minister Mr Marles, who is also acting as Prime Minister while Anthony Albanese attends a G20 summit in Italy, was grilled over his extent of his non-commercial flights during a Sunday morning appearance on Sky News.

'Everywhere I've gone, everything I've done has been in the pursuit of my duties on behalf of the Australian people,' Mr Marles said.

'So, I very much stand by every flight I've made, be it on a Special Purpose Aircraft or commercially.'

Mr Marles has faced intense pressure to share more details about the trips with the Senate giving the defence minister until September 13 to disclose more information.

He argued the VIP flights he authorised weren't just for him.

Defence Minister Richard Marles has copped a grilling over his use of VIP RAAF flights such as this one that featured in one of his Tweets

'A whole lot of people fly on those planes, my direct contribution to that is a fraction of that number,' he said.

Under a prolonged grilling by Sky News host Andrew Clennell, Mr Marles said he flies commercially from Canberra to Geelong and that he 'habitually' takes such flights.

Mr Marles defended keeping the extent of his flights under wraps for security reasons even though he was 'obviously keen to see as much information revealed' as possible.

'We will release as much information as we can within the bounds of the national security advice,' he said.

'And the issue there and the concern that the national security agencies have is about not revealing patterns of behaviour which then create a target.'

Documents released under freedom of information laws, revealed that from April 2022 to June 2023 Mr Marles spent about $3.6 million on the flights.

The defence minister will have until September 13 to provide more information about the flights, after the Coalition and Greens joined forces in the Senate.

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has called on Mr Marles to be more forthcoming on his travel arrangements.

After a rare teaming up of the Coalition and the Greens in the Senate Mr Marles has been ordered to supply more details on his flights

The decision of Transport Minister Catherine King to stop Qatar Airways competing with Qantas on some Australian routes has attracted much debate

'I mean, if he's got nothing to hide, be upfront and transparent,' she told Sky News Australia on Sunday.

'The government talked a big game about transparency and accountability when they were seeking election, and they've done nothing but run cover ups for their ministers for their decisions and for their friends.'

As acting Prime Minister Mr Marles was also pressed on the Albanese government's decision to deny more domestic routes to Qatar Airways.

Although Mr Marles said the government wants to see 'greater access' to the Australian market to allow greater competition he defended Transport Minister Catherine King's decision to curtail the extra flights as being in the national interest.

'Fundamentally the decision goes to the heart of our aviation interest,' he said.

However, when pressed he refused to give any more detailed reasons.

'Theres good reasons why you are not going to itemise those reasons in an interview such as this,' he said.

Despite reports Ms King consulted with colleagues before making the decision Mr Marles said he wasn't one of them and 'the decision that lies within the responsibility of the transport minister'.

Critics say the refusal demonstrated the government has been too close to Qantas with Mr Albanese being friends with the airline's recently departed CEO Alan Joyce.

It has been revealed that Mr Albanese's son Nathan has been given use of the exclusive invite-only Chairman's Lounge while Qantas has also been an enthusiastic supporter of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, offering Yes advocates free flights.
One of Australia's most feared gangland enforcers, who was shot dead in broad daylight over the weekend, dreamt of living an 'ordinary' life.

Gavin 'Capable' Preston, 50, was hit with 10 bullets at Sweet Lulus cafe at the Keilor Village in Melbourne's north-west at about 10.20 on Saturday morning.

A 40-second CCTV clip showed a hooded man in black sprinting towards the cafe's outdoor seating area and firing relentlessly at Preston's direction as he ate breakfast with Abbas Maghnie Jr, the son of another underworld figure.

But when he faced trial for the 2012 killing of drug dealer Adam Khoury, Preston's lawyer said his dream was to just have a regular life.

Preston wanted to 'become like one of the people on the tram  an ordinary person,' the lawyer said.

Underworld figure Gavin 'Capable' Preston (pictured) was shot dead at a cafe at Keilor Village in Melbourne's north-west on Saturday

But the neck-tattooed career criminal was never destined for a quiet life of blending in on the tram.

He had a significant rap sheet of violent offences, including armed robbery and the use of weapons, dating back to when he was 18-years-old.

READ MORE: Gavin 'Capable' Preston shot dead at suburban Melbourne cafe Confronting CCTV footage has shown the moment a major underworld figure was shot dead while eating breakfast in Melbourne. Advertisement

Preston is suspected of allegedly plotting to kill Melbourne identity Mick Gatto.

Eleven years ago, at around the time he was suspected of planning to kill Gatto, Preston shot Khoury in the head at close range and was initially charged with murder.

He eventually pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of defensive homicide.

Preston claimed he went unarmed to Khoury's apartment to talk about threats made by one of the drug dealer's associates to kill him.

He claimed in court that Khoury panicked and pulled a gun, which Preston wrestled off him and then shot him three times.

He was jailed for 11 years for that killing and the shooting of another drug dealer.

During his time in Barwon Prison, Preston almost died after being stabbed.

He was finally released last April, and the man nicknamed 'Capable' because he was considered 'capable of anything', did not become an anonymous figure taking public transport to work.

Instead, police and underworld figures were on alert to the activities of the criminal who liked his nickname so much he had it tattooed on his neck.

It was reported Preston had prepared for his release from prison by contacting old enemies to assure them he would not be looking to settle old scores.

'No one's buying the story he wants a quiet life,' a source told The Age at the time.

'He's always been mad, and that's not going to change. There's been a heap of talk and there's a few people who'd obviously prefer he was still there inside.'

Preston, nicknamed 'Capable' because he was considered 'capable of anything', was one of Melbourne's most violent and feared gangland figures

A 40-second clip showed a man in all-black sprinting towards the cafe's outdoor seating area and fire a flurry of bullets in Preston's direction

A man and woman (pictured) who are believed to be known to Preston arrived at the scene in the aftermath of the shooting and appeared to argue with police

On Saturday morning, as the air exploded with bullets, terrified diners threw themselves to the ground and covered their faces.

The target, Preston, slumped in his seat and fell to the ground beside his table.

His dining companion Abbas Junior had fled the table just seconds before shots were fired after he appeared to spot the gunman approaching from a nearby carpark.

As the shooter ran away, two women checked each other for injuries before grabbing their handbags and fleeing the restaurant.

Two men were then seen on CCTV footage cautiously approaching Preston, who was motionless beside the table.

Victoria Police confirmed one man had been killed and another had been shot in the stomach during the shooting which occurred at about 10.20am on Saturday.

Preston's distraught fiance Lauran Howe had to be restrained by officers after she arrived at the cafe in the aftermath of the shooting.

'He's my husband,' she could be heard screaming as she tried to get through police tape cordoning off the scene to the public.

Ms Howe eventually had to be led away by officers with another man, also known to Preston, also pinned to the ground by officers.

It's believed the alleged shooters fled the scene in a black Audi Q5. Two burnt-out cars were found after the shooting, including one just 500m from the scene.

It's believed Preston was shot 10 times while he was eating a meal with a close relative of crime figure Nabil Maghnie

A man is restrained by police at the scene of Gavin Preston's shooting in Keilor Village

A motorbike is seen as Victoria Police work at the scene of Saturday morning's shooting at Sweet Lulus Cafe at Keilor Village in Melbourne's north-west

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton was later asked to address the incident while giving a press conference with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews about a crash in Bourke St on Friday night in which one person was killed.

The assailants allegedly abandoned the luxury SUV in nearby Blair Court before fleeing in a second car.

Detectives from the homicide squad along with police and emergency crews attended the scene on Saturday morning.

He told reporters he believed one man had died and another was shot in the stomach, and that the offenders had fled the scene and remained at large.
Amidst the ever-evolving global economic landscape and the dynamic growth of the Arab world's population, the housing market in the region has reached unprecedented levels of demand and innovation.

As the Arab world constitutes approximately 6% of the global population, ensuring adequate and sustainable housing has become a pivotal necessity for the region's stability and progress, said experts.

The housing industry in the Arab world is poised for transformative growth, with projections indicating substantial expansion, they added.

Earlier this year, the UAE said it is allocating funds worth over AED85 billion ($23 billion) for the construction of over 76,000 new homes in the next five years for its citizens. Regionally, the Saudi real estate industry is expected to hit a value of $161.3 billion within the same year.

Against the backdrop of these remarkable statistics, the demand for housing in the region has surged to record levels, with Saudi Arabia requiring an estimated 3.9 million housing units and the UAE demanding 980,000 units in 2022 alone.

To discuss the looming housing issues in the region, a major event, Arab Housing & Community Development Forum, is being held at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers from September 11 to 12.

Top industry experts, government representatives, developers, investors, and other key stakeholders are taking part.

UAE Minister of Energy Engineer Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei said: "We are looking forward to share knowledge with experts as there is a great need to chart a path towards a thriving housing market that meets the needs and aspirations of the people in the Arab world."

"I believe this forum will be the ideal platform to discuss the sustainable growth and development of the housing sector in the region," he added.

Engineer Mohammed Al Mansoori, Director of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program, said the forum aligns with its strategic vision to support citizen well-being and its efforts to provide sustainable government housing to all.

The forum, he stated, will serve as a leading platform for collaboration to support the housing and urban development sectors, and to strengthen efforts to address their challenges, as they are of vital importance for sustainable development.

"Its significance lies in our understanding that cooperation, solidarity, and effective management of the government housing sector are extremely important, especially in light of population growth and current challenges. In the UAE, we are committed to working hand in hand with everyone to move into a new phase of cooperation in various housing and urban areas," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Alex Greenwich opens up on the shocking moment he received a homophobic tweet from Mark Latham as he sues the ex-One Nation leader for defamation.

The high stakes battle began when the independent NSW MP called Mr Latham 'a disgusting human being' after LGBT+ protesters clashed outside a church where Mr Latham was addressing a forum during the NSW election campaign in March.

Mr Latham responded with an inflammatory tweet: 'Disgusting? How does that compare with sticking your d*** up a bloke's a*** and covering it with s***?' he wrote.

Mr Greenwich was between meetings on that fateful day when journalists told him about the tweet, with some saying it the worst thing they had ever seen.

When he saw it, he was initially numb with shock.

'My first response was I did not want to engage with this at all. I wanted it to go away,' he told the Sunday Telegraph.

Independent NSW MP Alex Greenwich (pictured), who is taking defamation action against Mark Latham over a homophobic tweet, has spoken out for the first time about the shocking, immediate effect it had on him

That night, he and his German-born husband Victor Hoeld were at an event in Sydney and posted a photo of themselves wearing tuxedos to Instagram.

The picture caption was a powerful show of strength after the extraordinary attack by his fellow state politician.

READ MORE: Mark Latham threatens to countersue Alex Greenwich over gay comments Former One Nation leader Mark Latham has threatened to countersue independent MP Alex Greenwich if he continues with a lawsuit against him. Advertisement

'For those wondering how I'm doing after Latham's homophobic attacks today, I'm fine and I'm more motivated than ever to deliver long overdue LGBTIQA+ reforms and I have the most handsome husband.'

As a piece of bravado, it was perfect. But it wasn't true. He wasn't 'fine'.

After the couple got home, Mr Greenwich cried all night. He was so upset, he couldn't sleep. His husband had never before seen him like that.

After he did an interview with ABC radio that he regretted arranging, they decided to get out of Sydney to avoid the tsunami of outrage unleashed on both sides of the war over a tweet, which had by then been deleted.

The story made headlines around the world, and Mr Latham was lambasted for homophobia, but the target of his words was further condemned by those who agreed with the man who was the One Nation leader in NSW at the time.

Mr Greenwich was subjected to vile, sexually explicit messages on social media and on messages sent to his office, including from people telling him to kill himself.

He had always prided himself on the conviction of his political beliefs, but now he was being attacked for his sexuality, not his policies, and his staff were afraid to answer the phone in case it was another torrent of abuse.

On May 1, Mr Greenwich gave Mr Latham a deadline to withdraw his remarks and say sorry, but late on May 17 he got a letter from Mr Latham's lawyers saying they would not accept his offer to settle the matter outside court.

The Sydney MP said he was not taking the legal proceedings 'lightly'.

'Mr Latham's homophobic, sexualised attack has exposed me to contempt, ridicule and extreme abuse, based on my sexuality, and demands actions,' he said.

'It's 2023 and LGBTQIA+ Australians shouldn't have to put up with abuse that targets our sexuality, character, or ability to do our jobs.'

Mark Latham (pictured) has threatened to countersue fellow NSW MP Alex Greenwich

He has also filed complaints with the NSW Police and Anti-Discrimination NSW on the grounds of vilification.

Though he took the initial tweet down shortly after posting it, Mr Latham followed up with another one.

'Never apologise, never explain,' he wrote.

He subsequently accused Mr Greenwich of 'starting' the feud by insulting him first, but admitted his words were 'too crude to stay up there'.

'If Alex Greenwich wants to say that the NSW Police have to go police words like this (his homophobic tweet) on Twitter, the police can start with his own words,' Mr Latham told radio station 2HD on May 3.

'If you want to talk about words that are offensive, calling someone "a disgusting human being" for going to a meeting in a church hall with the parish priest sitting on the stage, you can take offence at that and the police can investigate him.'

He accused Mr Greenwich of causing the costly legal battle, saying, 'Don't start things that you can't finish'.

'This guy who started this dispute doesn't like the way I responded. I'll tell you what, he's got a glass jaw,' he said.

'I don't regret saying that as a straight man, the thought of someone holding a gun to my head saying that I've got to have anal sex with another man, I do find that disgusting.

'That's what makes me straight.'

He said he doesn't think his comments were 'an unfair thing to say given the nature of his attack on me.

On May 1, Mr Greenwich gave Mr Latham a deadline to withdraw his remarks and say sorry, but that deadline passed and the case is going ahead

'It was crudely expressed and the words had to come down and they did,' he said.

'He provoked this, he started this. Where's the apology for describing me as "a disgusting human being"?' Mr Latham said.

He added that if Mr Greenwich 'persists' in suing him 'I'll have a counterclaim. If he wants to talk slander, (what he said is) completely slanderous.'

Mr Greenwich's defamation action against Mr Latham is scheduled to begin later this month.
Ukraine called the joint declaration that came out of the G20 Leaders' Summit this weekend 'nothing to be proud of,' after the document failed to label Russia as an aggressor in the war, but banned the use of nukes.

The G20 leaders, including President Joe Biden and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, standing in for Russian President Vladimir Putin, were gathered in New Delhi for the annual meeting.

The host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pushed for there to be a joint communique produced at the meeting, after last year's G20 Leaders' Summit in Bali concluded without one due to there being a lack of consensus on the Russian invasion.

By Saturday afternoon verbiage had been agreed upon - wording that one of Ukraine's top officials felt was lacking.

'Ukraine is grateful to the partners who tried to include strong wording in the text. At the same time, in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the Group of 20 has nothing to be proud of,' Oleg Nikolenko, a spokesman at the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry, posted to his account on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.

Nikolenko went as far as editing the document, saying that the G20 leaders should have called the war 'in' Ukraine, the war 'against' Ukraine, and writing in 'Russia' where the more vague 'all states' had been used.

Oleg Nikolenko, a spokesman at the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry, posted edits of the statement on X, pointing out it doesn't call out Russia for being an aggressor and refers to the war as 'in' Ukraine not 'against' the nation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi banged on the table as he announced the G20 leaders would have a joint communique out of this year's Leaders' Summit in New Delhi. Last year language over the war in Ukraine prevented an official declaration from being agreed upon

The declaration will be signed off on by President Joe Biden (left) and the Russians. Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped this year's G20 Leaders' Summit, sending Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (right) in his stead

A Russian official, Svetlana Lukash, called the language 'balanced,' in a report put out by the Russian news agency Interfax.

Lukash commented that it was 'one of the most difficult G20 summits in the almost twenty-year history of the forum ... it took almost 20 days to agree on the declaration before the summit and five days here on the spot.'

'This was not only due to some disagreements on the Ukraine subject, but also due to differences in positions on all key issues, primarily the issues of climate change and the transition to low-carbon energy systems...,' she said.

A European Union official told Reuters that the issue of the Ukraine war was the most contentious during negotiations.

The G20 document said: 'Concerning the war in Ukraine, while recalling the discussion in Bali, we reiterated our national positions and resolutions adopted at the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. General Assembly and underscored that all States must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the U.N. Charter in its entirety.'

'In line with the U.N. Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible,' it also said.



Modi, the G20's host, announced the breakthrough Saturday afternoon at the conclusion of the summit's second session.

'Friends, we just received good news,' Modi said in Hindi. 'Owing to the hard work of our teams and with the cooperation of you all, consensus has been reached on a New Delhi G20 leaders' summit declaration.'

'I declare that the declaration has been adopted,' he said, striking his hands on the table as the room erupted in cheers.

On the Ukraine language, Nikkei cited a source close to India's government who said Russia had to come around during India's G20 presidency, as the two are longtime partners.

'Some compromise over the language [referring to the conflict] is being made,' the source said.

Lavrov made it to every event of the weekend - including the vegetarian feast Modi held Saturday night and the tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Sunday morning at the Raj Ghat memorial.

The U.S. had pressed the Indians to invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the G20 Leaders' Summit, but the Modi government did not do so.

On Air Force One Sunday, Biden's Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer pushed back on criticism of the joint statement.

'Now I've seen some reporting that seems to imply what we think is actually not the message that the G20 sent on Ukraine,' Finer said.

He noted that the language refers to multiple United Nations resolutions and those refer to Russia's 'illegal aggression.'

'The joint statement issued yesterday builds on that,' Finer pointed out, calling it 'a major step forward.'

The U.S. ambassador to India, former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, also praised the joint statement in an interview with DailyMail.com.

'I think we stated our values loud and clear, in fact adding some language from the Bali declaration. We made it very clear that sovereignty, borders are inviolable and that is something that is non-negotiable,' he said.

'I think we showed that we were able to not only deliver a strong line in the sand but that also didn't prevent us from showing the progress on everything else that the war has affected like hunger, fuel,' he continued. 'That we will take actions to make sure this war doesn't cause even more people outside of Ukraine's borders to suffer.'
President Joe Biden got a vote of confidence in his youthful bearing - from the aging communist party leader who has amassed power in Hanoi for decades.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong of the Communist Party of Vietnam, 79, delivered the compliment while welcoming Biden to Vietnam for a visit where the U.S. will be elevated to a 'comprehensive strategic partner' and the president will honor the late Sen. John McCain.

Trong buttered up Biden, 80, inside communist party headquarters, under a large statue of Ho Chi Minh.

'It's nice to see you again. You have nary aged a day and I would say you look even better than before,' Trong said, drawing chuckles from the president.

'Every feature of you Mr. President is very much complimentary of your image,' Trong added.

President Joe Biden (left) attends a meeting with Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (right) at the Communist Party of Vietnam's Headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam

President Joe Biden (left) participates in a welcome ceremony hosted by Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (right) at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam on Sunday afternoon

Trong made the remark as the two men were seated at a long table to announce the U.S.'s upgraded status.

'This is Vietnam's highest tier of international partnership,' Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer explained to reporters on board Air Force One ahead of the arriavl.

Biden arrived in Hanoi Sunday afternoon after spending two days in India at the G20 Leaders' Summit.

He was whisked to Vietnam's Presidential Palace where he was treated to a welcome ceremony that included a musical performance and dozens of schoolchildren waving both countries' flags.

With Biden was former Secretary of State and Sen. John Kerry, whose service in the Vietnam War, and subsequent objection to the conflict, was a major piece of the Democrat's 2004 presidential run.

The two former Senate colleagues will pay tribute Monday to one of their own - McCain - who was held as a prisoner of war for five years in Vietnam after his plane was shot down on October 26, 1967.

Kerry, who Biden appointed as his climate czar, told DailyMail.com he was in Vietnam recently working 'on a lot of things' and confirmed he would be attending Monday's event honoring McCain.

Former Secretary of State John Kerry can be seen standing behind President Joe Biden (left) and Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (right). Kerry and Biden will pay tribute to Sen. John McCain Monday in Hanoi

Dozens of school children holding up both American and Vietmanese flags participated in the welcome ceremony for President Joe Biden at the Presidential Palace on Sunday

President Joe Biden is welcomed to Vietnam at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam on Sunday

President Joe Biden will on Monday visit the memorial marking where the late Sen. John McCain's plane was shot down in October 1967

There's now a memorial at the crash site.

'A thruline you will see during our time there is this five-decade arc in the U.S.-Vietnam relationship from conflict to normalization to the establishment of a comprehensive partnership in 2013 and now to this elevated status of partnership, again the highest level in the Vietmanese system,' Finer said.

The upgrade is another way the U.S. is trying to combat China.

Still top Vietnamese officials were also tending to their relations with China before Biden's arrival, a decision that reflects China's powerful sway and long-term commitment, despite longstanding tensions between the two nations.

Vietnam 'can't be sure that the United States would really come to their defense if push came to shove with China,' John Ciociari, Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Gerald R. Ford School's Weiser Diplomacy Center at the University of Michigan told DailyMail.com.

'It still is heavily reliant on China for trade and investment,' he noted.

The New York Times reported Saturday, one day before Biden's arrival, that Vietnam was also seeking an arms deal with Russia, despite deepening its U.S. ties and amid Russia's assault on Ukraine.

Finer noted how the U.S. has discouraged countries from having military partnerships with Russia.

'It should not be appealing to have a security relationship with a country that is committing war crimes, that is committing violations of international law,' Finer said.

But Finer also pointed out that Vietnam and Russia have long had military ties.

'Vietnam has had a decades-long relationship with Russia, and a decades-long military relationship with Russia. But our strong sense is that there is increasing discomfort on the part of the Vietmanese, with that relationship,' Finer said.

'The value proposition of that relationship it not what it once was,' he added, calling disentangling Vietnam from Russia a 'work in progress.'
A massive five-day sale launched today means Aussies can book return flights to tropical destinations including Bali and Fiji from as little as $399, or to New Zealand for $425.

Virgin Australia's heavily discounted flights to Bali will cost you between $399 and $599, depending on which city you're departing from.

For instance, flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Denpasar are both $599, while flights are cheaper from Brisbane or Adelaide.

The Virgin sale does not include any flights departing from Perth.

A massive five-day Virgin Australia sale launched today means Aussies can immediately book return flights to tropical destinations including Bali and Fiji from as little as $399

Travellers must book the sale flights to all locations before midnight this Friday, 15 September

Getting to Fiji will cost between $499 and $579, while you can book a return trip to Samoa for $559 or Vanuatu for $569.

The NZ destination is Queenstown - where the ski season usually ends in mid-October although snow falls as late as November.

Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown are $425 or $465 from Sydney.

Virgin isn't including flights to Queenstown from any other Australian city in the sale.

Travellers can start booking the sale flights to all locations immediately from the Virgin Australia website.

But they must buy the discount seats by midnight this Friday, 15 September.

The flights can be booked for 'selected flights' to travel between 11 October 2023 and 20 June 2024.

Bali and NZ are Australians' two favourite holiday destinations in 2022.

Fiji also ranks in top 10.

All fares include Velocity frequent flyer points and status credits.

The holiday destinations in the Virgin Australia sale include Bali, Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa
Rishi Sunak has lashed out at Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for 'clobbering' drivers with the expansion of London's hated Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

The Prime Minister insisted it was 'not right' for motorists to be hit by extra charges during the cost-of-living crisis.

At the end of last month, London's ULEZ was controversially extended by the capital's Labour mayor Sadiq Khan to all boroughs.

It means drivers who enter any part of Greater London in vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards are required to pay a 12.50 daily fee.

The move prompted a furious backlash and also sparked Labour infighting after the party failed to win the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election.

Rishi Sunak, who visited a Hindu temple today on his trip to India for the G20 summit, has lashed out at Sir Keir Starmer for 'clobbering' drivers with the expansion of London 's ULEZ

At the end of last month, London's ULEZ was controversially extended by the capital's Labour mayor Sadiq Khan to all boroughs

The move prompted a furious backlash and also sparked Labour infighting after Sir Keir's party failed to win the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election.

The vote was widely viewed as an effective referendum on Mr Khan's ULEZ expansion and Sir Keir called on the Labour mayor to 'reflect' carefully on the policy after his party failed to win the seat.

But Sir Keir repeatedly failed to state whether or not he believed the ULEZ expansion should have gone ahead as the Labour leader pointed to a legal requirement for the mayor to tackle air pollution in the capital.

Speaking to reporters at the G20 summit in India, Mr Sunak took a fresh swipe at Sir Keir as the PM made fresh efforts to show he is on the side of motorists.

'It's Sadiq Khan and the Labour Party and Sir Keir Starmer who are clobbering your readers and everyone else with ULEZ,' he said.

'Clearly (it) is not right  at a time when people have challenges with the cost of living  to be saying to them, "you have got to pay 12.50 every time you pick up your kids from school or you do your weekly shop or see your GP".

'That's clearly not right and demonstrates that they don't have the right priorities.

'For our part, I as the (then) Chancellor, we as the Government, not only (did) we freeze fuel duty and have frozen it for many, many years, I cut it by pretty much the largest amount ever, saving drivers about 100 this year.

'On top of that, the work that we've done with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to put in place a pump watch scheme  is going to put better price transparency around what's happening at petrol forecourts.'

In August, the CMA said it had set out the 'technical standards' for a voluntary system enabling retailers to publish live fuel prices.

Asda is the only large retailer to begin publishing its pump prices online.

In July, the Government pledged to hand new powers to a public organisation to closely monitor fuel prices and alert ministers if intervention is needed.

The PM said the planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2030 'remains Government policy'.

He added that 'in the here and now what people care about is how much they're paying' for fuel.

A Labour Party spokesman said: 'The Conservatives have hammered motorists and stood idly by while petrol prices soared, car insurance rocketed and fewer potholes get fixed.

'Now, Rishi Sunak is hoping the public forget that clean air zones are his own Government's policy and that it was a Tory mayor who created Ulez.

'He's out of touch and is trying to take people for fools.

'Labour's plans will lower bills, tackle the cost of living crisis and put money back in people's pockets.'
A man has been rushed to hospital after being shot multiple times in broad daylight on a quiet street.

More than six police cars responded to emergency calls after gunfire rang out about 2pm on Sunday at Bidwill, western Sydney, with witnesses recalling seeing three people running from the scene.

A man in his 20s was found at a home in Carlisle Avenue with gunshot wounds to his back and his leg.

Police believe he was shot at different locations and walked 100 metres to a home where the occupants called triple-0.

Police were questioning the residents of flats at Bidwill and neighbours close to where the shooting occurred in broad daylight on Sunday. Pictured: police conducting interviews with people at Bidwill

It is understood the man may have been shot at least once in a lane behind shops at Bidwill. Pictured: NSW police examine a small park, which they have cordoned off

The man in his 20s was treated at Carlisle Avenue, Bidwill, for suspected gunshots wound to the back and leg by paramedics before being rushed to Westmead Hospital on Sunday. Pictured: A police operation is underway in western Sydney

It is understood the man may have been shot at least once in an underpass behind the local shops.

A park and a laneway behind Palms Pacific Supermarket in Bidwill Square were cordoned off by police.

A nearby block of units was also descended on by uniformed officers and detectives probing whether the motive for the shooting was an unpaid debt.

'The man, aged in his 20s, was taken to Westmead Hospital with a suspected gunshot wound and is undergoing surgery,' police said in a statement.

The hospital was warned to make special preparations for the gunshot victim as he had lost a lot of blood.

It is understood three people are being sought by police in connection with the shooting, although it is so far unclear whether they fired shots or ran after being shot at.

Damen Stuart told Ten News he was mowing a lawn when he heard 'three bangs' coming from an underpass then saw three people running.

Mr Stuart said two of the people he saw running were wearing 'black hoodies' and the other was in 'a white or grey hoodie'.

A young mum, Chantel Willis-Hayek, said she heard multiple shots: 'my heart dropped'.

More than six police cars responded to emergency calls after gunfire rang out about 2pm at Bidwill, with witnesses recalling seeing three people running from the scene. Pictured: police at Bidwill on Sunday

It is understood three people are being sought by police in connection with the shooting. Pictured: uniformed police and detectives at Bidwill, near St Marys in western Sydney on Sunday

Police from Mount Druitt have established multiple crime scenes in the area which are being forensically examined.

Officers were questioning the residents of the flats and neighbours.

'NSW paramedics were called to Carlisle Avenue, Bidwill about 2pm today where they treated a man in his 20s for back wounds,' NSW Ambulance told Daily Mail Australia in a statement.

'He was transported by road to Westhead Hospital in a serious but stable condition.'
Ukraine faced a barrage of attacks overnight from thirty-two Russian drones, military authorities said on Sunday, causing debris to fall over Kyiv city centre and sparking a fire in an apartment.

Pictures show huge explosions over the city as the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were downed, with Ukraine's Land Forces saying that the country's air defence systems managed to destroy 25 of the Iran-made Shahed drones.

Blasts rang out across the Ukrainian capital and its region for almost two hours, with residents forced to take shelter with as air raid sirens blared.

Kyiv Military Administration chief Serhiy Popko said debris had sparked a fire in a residential building, but that it had been successfully extinguished and resulted in no injuries.

Popko said of the Russian bombardment on Telegram: 'Drones came onto the capital in groups and from different directions.'

Blasts rang out across the Ukrainian capital and its region for almost two hours, with residents forced to take shelter with as air raid sirens blared

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that one person was injured in the historic Podil neighbourhood and a fire broke out near one of the city's parks

Pictures show huge explosions over the city as the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were downed

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that one person was injured in the historic Podil neighbourhood and a fire broke out near one of the city's parks.

Debris from downed drones fell on the Darnytskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Podil districts, Klitschko and the city's military administration said.

In the Shevchenkivskyi district, drone debris sparked a fire in an apartment, which was extinguished swiftly.

There was no immediate comment from Russia about the attacks. Moscow has been conducting near-nightly assaults on Ukraine's territory and drones have previously been used to strike Kyiv.

A Russian attack killed 17 on Wednesday in the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, according to Ukrainian officials.

And yesterday a missile strike on President Zelensky's home town killed a policeman and injured at least 52 others.

Civilians were pulled out from the rubble of their destroyed homes as 10 buildings were damaged during the strike on Kryvyi Rih.

Meanwhile, Kyiv hit back in the early hours of this morning with its own drone strike on Russian territory.

Russian air defence forces destroyed a Ukraine-launched drone over the southwestern Bryansk region on the border with Ukraine, the defence ministry said.

A local resident Lyudmila, 65, shows the splinter that hit her apartment during a Russian drone strike on Kyiv

Shattered windows are seen near a building damaged during a Russian drone strike in Kyiv

The ministry's statement on the Telegram messaging app did not immediately report any damage or casualties.

It comes as NATO member Romania this morning summoned the Russian charge d'affaires following the discovery of new fragments of a drone 'similar to those used by the Russian army' on Romanian soil.

Romanian soldiers found the fragments in the area of Plauru in Tulcea county across the border from Ukraine on Saturday.

They are the second lot of drone fragments to have crashed on its shores within a week.

State secretary Iulian Fota met the Russian diplomat the same day to transmit 'Romania's protest against the violation of the Romanian airspace,' the foreign ministry said.

Emergency services extinguishing fires overnight amid a drone strike on Kyiv, during which a residential building caught on fire

Rescuers working at the site of a drone attack in Kyiv. There were no reported fatalities

Fota 'firmly asked the Russian side to stop the actions against the Ukrainian population and infrastructure, including those that would threaten in any way the safety and security of the Romanian citizens in the region.'

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Saturday that they discussed the discovery during a phone call.

Stoltenberg said on X, formerly Twitter, there was 'no indication of intent to hit NATO, but the strikes are destabilising.'

He also welcomed the US decision to deploy more F-16 fighter jets for NATO air policing.

Bucharest repeatedly rejected Kyiv's claims that Russian drones fell and detonated on Romanian territory during a strike on the Ukrainian port of Izmail on Sunday night. Picture shared by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Iohannis said the discovery indicated that 'an absolutely unacceptable breach of the Romanian sovereign airspace' had taken place.

Romania has beefed up measures to strengthen monitoring and airspace security following repeated Russian attacks across the border on Danube ports and infrastructure.

Drone debris had already been found in the Plauru area earlier this week, some kilometres away from Saturday's find, which is being analysed.

Wednesday's revelation of the first discovery of possible drone debris came after Bucharest repeatedly rejected Kyiv's claims that Russian drones fell and detonated on Romanian territory during a strike on the Ukrainian port of Izmail on Sunday night.

Since Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine last February, NATO has been focused on preventing the war from spilling over onto its territory.

Russia has ramped up attacks on Ukraine's southern Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, home to ports and infrastructure vital for agriculture exports following the collapse of a deal allowing grain shipments from Black Sea ports.
Cafetaleros regionales superaron los USD 11 millones en rueda de negocios con empresarios extranjeros
Rishi Sunak has told his Chinese counterpart of his 'strong concerns' about Beijing's interference in British democracy amid claims of spying in Parliament.

The Prime Minister confronted Chinese premier Li Qiang at the G20 summit in India.

It comes after two men were arrested under the Official Secrets Act amid allegations that a parliamentary researcher spied for China.

The researcher reportedly had links to several senior Tory MPs, including security minister Tom Tugendhat and Alicia Kearns, the chair of the House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee.

The Briton was arrested along with another man by officers on March 13 on suspicion of spying for Beijing, it was revealed by the Sunday Times.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, which oversees espionage-related offences, are investigating.

Following his showdown with Premier Li, the PM said he raised a 'range of different concerns' with the Chinese politician during their meeting in New Delhi.

Mr Sunak said he stressed his 'very strong concerns about any interference in our parliamentary democracy, which is obviously unacceptable'.

Rishi Sunak has told his Chinese counterpart of his 'significant concerns' about Beijing 's interference in British democracy amid claims of spying in Parliament.

The PM met with Chinese premier Li Qiang (left, pictured with Indonesian President Joko Widodo) for an informal discussion at the G20 summit in India

Two men were arrested under the Official Secrets Act amid allegations that a parliamentary researcher spied for China

Speaking to broadcasters, the PM said: 'Well, I obviously can't comment on the specifics of an ongoing investigation.

'But with regard to my meeting with Premier Li what I said very specifically is that I raised a range of different concerns that we have in areas of disagreement.

'And, in particular, my very strong concerns about any interference in our parliamentary democracy, which is obviously unacceptable.

'We discussed a range of things and I raised areas where there are disagreements.

'And this is just part of our strategy to protect ourselves, protect our values and our interests, to align our approach to China with that of our allies like America, Australia, Canada, Japan and others, but also to engage where it makes sense.

'And actually, I think the right thing to do is take the opportunity to engage to raise concerns specifically, rather than just shouting from the sidelines.'

A No 10 spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister met Premier Li Qiang and conveyed his significant concerns about Chinese interference in the UK's parliamentary democracy.'

Mr Sunak has been under pressure from Tory MPs to take a tougher stance on China after he stopped short of formally declaring Beijing a 'threat' in a review of UK foreign and security policy.

The PM has instead referred to China as an 'epoch-defining challenge' to the West and stressed the UK must continue to 'engage' with the Asian power.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was recently criticised for holding talks with Chinese officials in Beijing - but Mr Sunak today defended his Cabinet minister's summer trip.

'I think our approach is completely aligned with that of our allies,' the PM added.

'If you look at how countries like America, Japan, Canada all engage with China, that's what they do, because engaging with people allows you to raise concerns directly.

'I think that's a more powerful thing to do.

'Where there are areas of disagreement or areas of concern that we have, I'd rather be in the room talking to the Chinese directly about those, face to face.

'I think that's the right approach. There's no point carping from the sidelines, I'd rather be in there directly expressing my concerns, and that's what I did today.'

The spying row is also likely to raise questions over China's reported invite to Mr Sunak's global summit on Artificial Intelligence in November, which some MPs have queried.

Following his showdown with Premier Li at the G20 summit, the PM said he raised a 'range of different concerns' with the Chinese politician during their meeting in New Delhi

The researcher reportedly had links to several senior Tory MPs, including security minister Tom Tugendhat and Alicia Kearns, the chair of the House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee

Ex-Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, an outspoken critic of China who has been sanctioned by Beijing, said there were 'big questions to be asked about parliamentary security'

One of the arrested men, in his 30s, was detained in Oxfordshire on March 13, while the other, in his 20s, was arrested in Edinburgh, Scotland Yard said.

Both were held on suspicion of offences under section one of the Official Secrets Act 1911, which punishes offences that are said to be 'prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state'.

'Searches were also carried out at both the residential properties, as well as at a third address in east London,' a statement from the Met Police said.

Both men were held at a south London police station until being bailed until early October.

Mr Tugendhat is said not to have had any contact with the researcher since before he became security minister in September last year.

Ms Kearns declined to comment, adding: 'While I recognise the public interest, we all have a duty to ensure any work of the authorities is not jeopardised.'

According to the Sunday Times, the researcher held a parliamentary pass and worked with MPs on international policy, including relations with Beijing, for several years.

Mr Sunak has been under pressure from Tory MPs to take a tougher stance on China after he stopped short of formally declaring Beijing a 'threat'.

The PM has instead referred to China as an 'epoch-defining challenge' to the West.

Earlier this year, Parliament's intelligence watchdog warned that Chinese spies are targeting Britain 'prolifically and aggressively' with Beijing managing to penetrate 'every sector of the economy'.

The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) warned the UK is of 'significant interest to China when it comes to espionage and interference', placing the country 'just below China's top priority targets'.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk this morning warned that China had to be taken 'extremely seriously' but insisted the UK had to 'engage' with Beijing.

Risking a slip-up over Mr Sunak's preferred choice of language when referring to China, Mr Chalk told Sky News: 'The PM has been very clear when it comes to China, it's an epoch-defining threat... challenge, forgive me.

'So of course we've got to take it extremely seriously and I know the police and, no doubt, other agencies will take it seriously as well and let's learn whatever lessons need to be learned.'

He added: 'You can't wish China away, China is the world's second-biggest economy.

'If we are going to meet the challenge of climate change, we can't do it without China.

'They're responsible for about 27 or 28 per cent of emissions, we're about one per cent.

'So we have to engage but we do so with our eyes open.

'That's why we take steps such as ensuring Huawei is out of our 5G network, at the same time recognising there's a sensible engagment to have and that's the position we're in.'

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, an outspoken critic of China who has been sanctioned by Beijing, said there were 'big questions to be asked about parliamentary security'.

He also warned Britain had been 'deeply penetrated by the Chinese because of our ambivalent attitude towards them', as he demanded a 'change in position' from the Government towards Beijing.

Sir Iain told Times Radio: 'It is a significant breach in security. It's a significant breach in security in parliamentary terms.

'So there are big questions to be asked about parliamentary security, about the vetting of people who work for different groups that are made up of parliamentarians.'

He added: 'I think we are deeply penetrated by the Chinese because of our ambivalent attitude towards them. Therefore, people tend to turn a blind eye.

'You know, people like me get criticised because we make too much of this and then you see this happening.

'If you can penetrate parliament like this over such a long period of time... then how many other institutions with less levels of security are being penetrated on a daily basis?'

Labour's Jonathan Reynolds, the shadow business and trade secretary, told Times Radio said the threat posed by China had to be taken 'seriously' but warned against a Cold War-style relationship with Beijing.

'We should never treat China as any other country,' he said.

'We can't decouple from China entirely. We have a huge amount of bilateral trading relationships with them, but we cannot treat China as, say, the US or Europe.'
Former students have come to support of their science teacher who had been sacked for accidentally hitting 'reply all' email berating management of the IT department.

Stanislaw Kosiek worked at Brisbane's Marist College Ashgrove for 22 years until he was fired on August 10 for criticising the 'big end of town' and for taking a trip to Bali after he had been stood down.

He has since taken the issue to the Fair Work Commission seeking re-employment, compensation and penalties claiming to have been unfairly dismissed, which has since reached the Federal Court for trial.

Federal Court Judge, Berna Collier, found that Mr Kosiek had properly notified the school of his pre-planned trip to Bali, leaving 'serious questions' over the adequacy of his dismissal.

Several of his former students have come forward to vouch for Mr Kosiek as an exemplary teacher with a 'wealth of knowledge'.

Former students have come to support of their teacher, Stanislaw Kosiek (pictured), who was sacked for accidentally hitting 'reply all' email berating management of the IT department

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, told News.com.au that Mr Kosiek was 'the best science teacher' at the college who had spent extra time with him to raise his marks from a C+ to an A.

'Knowing Mr Kosiek since 2015, I can tell you that he has only ever had the best intentions for the education of students and the overall success of the college,' he said.

'Every single student of Mr Kosiek will support the statement that Stan is the best science teacher Marist had, best head of house and holds integrity for the college.'

A second student said that he and other students 'wouldn't be the same individuals (they) are today' without his teaching and guidance.

'He was a well respected and driven leader of the Foley house, and not once did not show any prejudice or distaste for any other members of the community,' he said.

A third student, who was being taught by Mr Kosiek this school year prior, said his physics class has been disrupted going into the fourth term.

He said it is still unknown as to who would be teaching the class for the final term and doubts they will be able to replicate Mr Kosiek's 'ability to pass on his wealth of knowledge'.

Several students claimed Mr Kosiek was the best science teacher at Marist College Ashgrove (pictured) and didn't 'show any prejudice or distaste for any other members of the community'

The Federal Court found that Mr Kosiek was dismissed after sending the email which he apologised for two days later.

'My old recent brain recalls a time (recently) when serious breaches, glitches, minor problems were resolved calmly, professionally and successfully,' the email sent by Mr Kosiek in February read.

'Now within the last two years the same long term staff continue to be amazing!

'However, recently leadership in the IT area has been less than adequate.

'Continuous leaning on past breaches for excuses for not getting current breaches.

'We have amazing IT staff but recently the big end of town stop feeding at the pool tuck shop and live up to their $250,000 job.'

A day after the apology, which the head of IT at the school found unsatisfactory, Mr Kosiek was told by the school's Head of College, Michael Newman, that he had been stood down.

Mr Newman sent Mr Kosiek a five-page email saying his email had 'caused great upset', and 'may amount to serious misconduct or bullying'.

'While it appears to be a ''one-off'' communication, it is likely unreasonable, unprofessional and foreseeably could cause upset,' Mr Newman said.

The end of Mr Kosiek's career came after he sent an email to a 'large number of recipients' after unintentionally hitting reply all. The email was only intended for his union manager

Mr Newman asked Mr Kosiek to address the allegations from his original email, adding it was a potential 'breach of your own personal statutory obligations to ensure the safety and privacy of children in our care'.

Mr Kosiek's lawyer said the reference to safety of children was 'untrue and outrageous', to which Mr Newman later apologised.

Mr Newman had also stated that Mr Kosiek's email may have constituted bullying and workplace harassment.

The science teacher was stood down with pay and was then authorised to take sick leave from April 17 to May 28, instead of using long service leave.

During this time he informed the school's deputy head of college he would be travelling to Bali.

He had booked the trip when he had approved long service leave, and said he had been given medical advice that it was fine for him to travel, and he would be taking leave without pay.

The issue will return to court at a later date if both parties can not come to a compromise.
Britain's most wanted man Daniel Khalife tried to escape Wandsworth prison last month using the same method  but had to reinforce the straps after they snapped on the first attempt.

Terror suspect Khalife, 21, used the same equipment and the same technique to try and flee the south London jail on August 31.

He only abandoned the original plot after the straps which fastened him to the bottom of a food delivery lorry broke under his weight.

It prompted him to go back to the drawing board and he used materials found in HMP Wandsworth for the successful escape on September 6.

A prisoner who served alongside Khalife as he was held on remand for terror and spying offences said last night: 'He always used to brag about escaping from prison. He used to say 'Just watch me!' It was an open secret because he was so blatant about it.

Daniel Khalife, 21, had tried same method in August but the straps had snapped the first time

He used materials found in HMP Wandsworth for the successful escape on September 6

Khalife was wearing a chef's uniform like the one in this picture when he escaped on September 6

'I'm surprised none of the guards reported him. Someone is going to get it in the neck for this,' he added to the Mirror.

Sources had told The Sun on Sunday about the previous escape and how the straps had broken.

Khalife winked and laughed as he was arrested by police after four days on the run.

He was snared by anti-terror police after they and MI5 and MI6 combined forces, bugged phones and raided a 'safe house'.

His four days on the run ended at 10.41am yesterday when an undercover operative pulled him from a bike as he cycled along a canal towpath.

Incredibly, despite being pinned to a bridge as he was detained, he was laughing and winked at stunned witnesses out for a walk along the Greenford canal path.

Witness Ethan Andrews, 20, said: 'The guy looked up at me, winked and started laughing.

This morning Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said that around 40 inmates of Category B HMP Wandsworth have been moved out of the prison

Footage obtained by The Sun showed the moment Daniel Khalife was arrested

A national manhunt was launched for Daniel Abded Khalife, a former soldier suspected of terror offences. He escaped on September 6

'I thought, how arrogant is that?' he told The Sun

In a video taken by Mr Andrews of Khalife sitting on the floor surrounded by officers, laughing can be heard in the background.

It came after security sources said that intercepted communications from bugged phones led dozens of police officers to a house in Richmond, South-West London, where they were convinced the ex-soldier Khalife was hiding.

Two guards at Wandsworth Prison have been suspended following his dramatic escape. It is understood both were involved in overseeing the exit of the Bidfood catering vehicle from the prison grounds.

This morning Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said that around 40 inmates of Category B HMP Wandsworth have been moved out of the prison amid an investigation into how Daniel Khalife escaped.

The terror suspect's four days on the run ended just hours later  at 10.41am yesterday  when an undercover officer pulled him from a bike as he cycled along a canal towpath

The Met Police admitted that Khalife's 'previous military experience' may make him harder to catch, as he is likely 'more aware of efforts to apprehend him'

He told Sky's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: 'Out of an abundance of caution some prisoners there, some of those on remand, have been moved (this week).

'Additional resources have of course gone into Wandsworth, so there's additional governor support, a former governor with particular expertise in security.

'But also, out of an abundance of caution, around 40 prisoners have been moved just while we get to the bottom of what took place in Wandsworth. That is a sensible, precautionary measure.'

He said an investigation has suggested that HMP Wandsworth did have the correct security protocols and staff in place at the time of Daniel Khalife's escape.

Discussing preliminary findings of a review he issued, Mr Chalk told Sky's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips the investigation has looked into whether protocols were in place relating to the unloading of food from a van and searching the delivery vehicle.

'Those protocols were in place, point one,' he said.

'And point two, the relevant security staff were also in place. Plainly what we've yet to establish is whether those protocols were followed.'

He said he will set out the terms of reference 'next week' of the separate independent investigation to ensure that the conclusions are 'rock solid'.

Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor has said that prisoners at Wandsworth Prison spend up to 22 hours a day in their cells.

He told the BBC: 'I think Wandsworth is failing typical of most inner city Victorian local prisons of which there is still a huge amount that are open and and there are three things really it's about having enough staff of the right quality. It's about the level of overcrowding that you have.

'I think Wandsworth is 600 over what it was originally designed for. It's about, 1,600 prisoners, and that means lots of people sharing cells that were originally designed for one person.

'And the third thing is about prisoners having enough to do and what we found when we inspected Wandsworth last year was that people were largely locked in their cells for up to 22 hours a day and sometimes even worst at the weekends.'
A British pilot has tragically died in the Spanish mountains after crashing into a tree while trying to land a glider.

Mike Evans, 75, affectionately nicknamed 'Little Mike' because of his height, was hurt after coming off the runway and hitting trees as he landed at the Santa Cilia aerodrome near the northern Spanish city of Jaca.

Emergency responders received an alert around 4pm yesterday saying he was conscious and complaining of neck pain.

Local reports said he was alive for about 40 minutes after the accident but was pronounced dead at the scene after losing consciousness and going into cardiac arrest.

Scene pictures showed the damaged glider buried in undergrowth near the runway, with a fallen tree on its left wing.

Aerodrome director Luis Ferreira, who knew Mike well through the Nimbus Aeroclub based there, confirmed today witnesses were with him while his life ebbed away and admitted everyone at the club was devastated.

Mike Evans (pictured), 75, affectionately nicknamed 'Little Mike' because of his height, was hurt after his glider hit trees upon landing

Pictured is a Spanish policeman at the scene where the damaged glider is buried in undergrowth

The club said in a touching Facebook tribute: 'So long Mike. A pleasure having known you' following by the words 'Feeling terrible' alongside a crying emoticon.

Another devastated Spanish friend said by way of tribute: 'Dear Mike. Twenty-five years ago you decided the Santa Cilia Aerodrome was the best place to exercise your passion for gliding and fly over the Pyrenees.

'From then on you dreamed about the date you'd planned for your arrival every year, until that fateful September 9 2023.

'Over the years you have gained the respect and the affection of everyone, not just of locals in the village but of the places you have frequented regularly.

'There are many of us friends who feel the deep pain your departure has caused us.

'This September 9 has been a fateful day and a terrible accident has resulted in your last breath staying here with us, and this time for ever.

'Happy flying dear friend. We will never forget you, small great man. So long.'

Several others posted 'Rest in peace' messages including the owner of a local restaurant Mike used to frequent.

Locals in the Jaca area said he was a member of the Lasham Gliding Society at Lasham Airfield in Alton, Hampshire, which has been described as one of the largest gliding clubs in the world.

There one of his nicknames was Little Mike because of his size and another is believed to have been 'Evans Bach'.

One local who knew him from the Nimbus Aeroclub where he suffered his tragic accident, said: 'He was less than five feet tall and was getting on and probably didn't have the attributes he needed to carry on gliding.

'But he was so passionate about it he just didn't want to give up.

Based in the Pyrenees mountains, Santa Cilia Aerodrome, pictured, is popular among glider pilots

'He came in fast and high and went off the runway. He hit the trees fairly hard and although a post-mortem will have to determine his cause of death, I'm sure it's going to decide it was linked to the force of the collision.

Mike was famed for his abilities as a chef at Lasham Gliding Society and had also taken part in several charity events it organised.

He is also believed to have edited a magazine there in the past.

No-one from Lasham Gliding Society was immediately available for comment at midday today but the club is expected to make a comment later today or tomorrow.

Mr Evans is said to have been a regular at the Spanish aerodrome where he met his death since 1999.

An investigation into the accident is now underway.

Photos of the accident scene showed the damaged glider in undergrowth near the runway with its left wing against a fallen tree. Police tape had been put up around the fixed-wing aircraft.

The dead man was travelling alone in the single seat glider.

An unnamed acquaintance quoted in a local paper said before Mr Evans was named: 'We saw him coming in to land from the aerodrome, 'Perhaps he was going a little fast and high but we'll have to wait to see what the investigation says.

'We've known him a long time. He was a chef at a very important flying club in the south of London.

'He's spent up to four months of the year here at times because of the passion he had for flying.'

Yesterday's accident was the first in the province of Huelva, which Jaca is part of.

Santa Cilia aerodrome is regarded as one of the best locations in Spain for gliding, with the thermals and air currents in the area making it a reference point for both amateurs and professionals.

Thanks to its position at the foothills of the Pyrenean range, it is possible to enjoy a pleasure flight over the spectacular Pyrenees.

The aerodrome hosted the Spanish National Gliding Championships in 2010 and is visited annually by hundreds of glider pilots from all over Europe.
Around 40 inmates have been moved out of HMP Wandsworth in the wake of terror suspect Daniel Khalife's escape from the south-west London prison.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk revealed the action had been taken 'out of an abundance of caution' amid a probe into how Khalife was able to stage a jail break.

The 21-year-old remains in police custody after being dramatically arrested in another part of the capital yesterday after four days on the run.

His escape has led to intense scrutiny of Britain's ageing prisons, including questions over why Khalife was being held in a Category B rather than a Category A jail.

Mr Chalk this morning said the preliminary findings of his investigation in HMP Wandsworth had found the correct 'protocols' were in place during Khalife's escape.

But he admitted there was still a question over whether those protocols had been followed.

Daniel Khalife remains in police custody after being dramatically arrested yesterday after four days on the run

The 21-year-old's escape has led to intense scrutiny of Britain's ageing prisons, including questions over why he was being held in a Category B rather than a Category A jail

Around 40 inmates have been moved out of HMP Wandsworth in the wake of the terror suspect's escape from the south-west London prison

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk revealed the action had been taken 'out of an abundance of caution' amid a probe into how Khalife was able to stage a jail break

Khalife is believed to have been dressed in a cook's uniform and used strapping to cling to the underside of a food delivery vehicle that left HMP Wandsworth on 6 September.

Mr Chalk told Sky News: 'Out of an abundance of caution, some prisoners there  some of those on remand  have been moved.

'Additional resources have, of course, gone into Wandsworth, so there's additional governor support, a former governor with particular expertise in security.

'But also, out of an abundance of caution, around 40 prisoners have been moved just while we get to the bottom of what took place in Wandsworth.

'That is a sensible, precautionary measure.'

Discussing the preliminary findings of a review he ordered in the wake of Khalife's escape, Mr Chalk revealed the probe looked into whether protocols were in place relating to the unloading of food from a van and searching the delivery vehicle.

'Those protocols were in place, point one,' he said.

'And point two, the relevant security staff were also in place. Plainly what we've yet to establish is whether those protocols were followed.'

The Justice Secretary said he will set out the terms of reference 'next week' of the separate independent investigation to ensure that the conclusions are 'rock solid'.

Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, admitted HMP Wandsworth was 'failing' in a similar way to 'most inner city Victorian local prisons'.

He told the BBC: 'I think Wandsworth is failing typical of most inner city Victorian local prisons of which there is still a huge amount that are open.

'There are three things really, it's about having enough staff of the right quality. It's about the level of overcrowding that you have.

'I think Wandsworth is 600 over what it was originally designed for. It's about, 1,600 prisoners, and that means lots of people sharing cells that were originally designed for one person.

'And the third thing is about prisoners having enough to do and what we found when we inspected Wandsworth last year was that people were largely locked in their cells for up to 22 hours a day and sometimes even worst at the weekends.'

Former Tory MP Rory Stewart, an ex-prisons minister, said Khalife would have received some sort of 'collusion and support' to aid his escape.

'In this particular case, it seems clear if he had strapping underneath this vehicle, that there was some kind of collusion and support,' he told Sky News.

'But it's also clear that they seemed to spend, I don't know, half an hour/45 minutes before they even noticed he was gone from the kitchen, and he shouldn't be in the kitchen in the first place.'

Khalife was awaiting trial after allegedly planting a fake bomb at an RAF base and gathering information that might be useful to terrorists or enemies of the UK.
The accused Bourke Street killer's mother has revealed how her son has struggled with mental illness and stopped taking his medication two months before allegedly carrying out a deadly rampage.

Zain Khan, 26, allegedly drove his mother's white Toyota Aurion down through Melbourne's CBD, ploughing into bystanders before colliding with two other vehicles at about 6.20pm on Friday.

Among the alleged victims was a 76-year-old man from Brunswick, who died when Khan's car collided with his Hyundai at the intersection of Bourke and Russell Street.

Two women remain in hospital with head injuries and broken bones, while another man is recovering with a broken pelvis and a concussion.

Khan's mother, who did not want to be identified, said her son is a 'nice kid' and 'humble son' who became 'sick'.

Khan's mother, who did not want to be identified, said her son was 'a humble son' and a 'nice kid' who became 'sick' after he stopped taking crucial medication. Pictured: Zain Khan

Khan, 26, was charged with one count of murder, three counts of attempted murder, three counts of intentionally cause serious injury and two counts of conduct endangering life over the Bourke Street chaos that unfolded on Friday

READ MORE: One person killed and five injured after car mows down crowd Advertisement

'I don't believe that he would want to hurt people, he wasn't like that,' she told 7News.

She said her son had stopped taking his anti-psychotic medication two months ago, although he continued taking other mood stabilisers.

'He was not [a] terrorist, he has got mental health issues,' she said.

Khan's family claim he was 'normal' when taking injections for an important medication, but when he stopped them, he wanted to move out.

He was employed at a cafe at Melbourne's Sunshine public hospital, approximately 20km west of Bourke Street, and worked the day of the tragedy.

But Khan did not complete his shift on Friday and instead left work early.

Video of Khan has also emerged online with him sitting in a car intensely staring into the camera lens. Others clips show Khan dancing by himself.

After the horror scenes on Friday evening Khan was filmed bizarrely lying on the windscreen of his mother's car, dressed head to toe in white.

Two police officers dragging him off the Toyota, arresting and restraining him, then marching him away from shocked onlookers.

Victoria Police alleged Khan accelerated after allegedly mowing down three pedestrians at a tram stop on the corner of Bourke and Swanston Streets.

It is understood Khan was 'normal' when taking injections for an important medication, but when he stopped them, he wanted to move out from 'the house'

Eerie footage shows Khan, dressed in all-white, sitting on the roof of the Toyota for several minutes before police officers pulled him down and arrested him (pictured)

It is understood Khan, from Melton West 40km from Melbourne, was unable to adequately answer questions from police and was taken to hospital.

He was released on Saturday evening and faced a late-night court hearing at which he was charged with 10 offences including murder and attempted murder.

He also faces three counts of intentionally cause serious injury and two counts of conduct endangering life.

Police confirmed Khan is known to have a history of mental illness and have officially ruled out terrorism as a potential motive.
NATO member Romania revealed that it has summoned a Russian diplomat after it discovered fragments of a drone 'similar to those used by the Russian army' within its borders.

Romanian soldiers found the fragments in the city of Tulcea, which lies on Romania's border with Ukraine on Saturday.

Romania's minister of foreign affairs Iulian Fota met with the Russian embassy's charge d'affaires to transmit 'Romania's protest against the violation of the Romanian airspace.'

The Romanian minister 'firmly asked the Russian side to stop the actions against the Ukrainian population and infrastructure, including those that would threaten in any way the safety and security of the Romanian citizens in the region.'

NATO said it was aware of the situation, with its chief, Jens Stoltenberg, writing in a Tweet that there was 'no indication of intent to hit NATO, but the strikes are destabilising.'

Drones were seen flying close to Romania's border with Ukraine earlier this week

Drone fragments were found in the city of Tulcea, which sits on Romania's border with Ukraine

Romania initially denied reports that a Russian drone had been operating in its airspace

Romania's president, Klaus Iohannis, was less forgiving, claiming that discovery of the drone fragments indicated 'there took place an absolutely unacceptable breach of the Romanian sovereign airspace.'

It comes after Romania denied Ukraine's claims that Russia had detonated drones over Romanian territory earlier this week.

Ukraine claimed that Russia attacked its port city of Izmail, which sits almost directly across the border from Tulcea, where the drone fragments were found, and that 'Shakhed' drones fell and detonated in Romanian territory.

'This is yet another confirmation that Russia's missile terror poses a huge threat not only to Ukraine's security, but also to the security of neighbouring countries, including NATO member state,' foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said at the time.

But Romania's defence ministry claimed at the time that Romania had not been hit: 'The ministry of defence categorically denies information from the public space regarding a so-called overnight situation during which Russian drones would have fallen in Romania's national territory.

'At no time did Russia's means of attack generate direct military threats on Romanian national territory or waters,' it added.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine last February, NATO and its member states have focused on stopping the war from spilling over onto friendly territory.

Romania, which joined NATO in 2004, has beefed up measures to strengthen monitoring and airspace security following repeated Russian attacks across the border on Danube ports and infrastructure.

Russia has ramped up attacks on Ukraine's southern Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, home to ports and infrastructure vital for agriculture exports following the collapse of a deal allowing grain shipments from Black Sea ports.

In November 2022, NATO member Poland confirmed that two of its citizens were killed after a Russian-made missile caused a blast in a Polish village.

Fears that this incident would force NATO to join the fight against Russia were raised, with many claiming that this would have led to World War Three.
MPs have 'tried to kill themselves' and had 'total breakdowns' due to the 'almost unsustainable' pressures of the job, an ex-Cabinet minister has revealed.

Rory Stewart, who served in both Theresa May and David Cameron's governments, claimed it was a 'miracle' that some of his former colleagues in Parliament had not died by suicide.

The former Tory MP, who represented Penrith and The Border between 2010 and 2019, spoke of how politicians had to 'pretend' they had 'the answers to everything'.

But the 50-year-old, a former Conservative leadership contender, admitted MPs 'don't really know what's going on'.

In a TV interview ahead of the publication of his new memoir, titled Politics On The Edge, Mr Stewart also revealed how he acted 'creepily' in pursuit of a promotion by Mr Cameron.

Rory Stewart, who served in both Theresa May and David Cameron's governments, claimed it was a 'miracle' that some of his former colleagues in Parliament had not died by suicide

The former Tory MP, who represented Penrith and The Border between 2010 and 2019, spoke of how politicians at Westminster had to 'pretend' they had 'the answers to everything'.

Mr Stewart was a junior environment minister in David Cameron's government before going on to hold a string of ministerial roles under Theresa May

He told GB News: 'I don't want to talk about the specifics because this is deeply personal to people but, yes, colleagues tried to kill themselves.

'These are people I knew. And in very serious ways  I mean they almost killed themselves. It's a miracle they aren't dead.

'There were other colleagues who had total breakdowns in the most humiliating, personal, embarrassing fashion possible, in public.'

He added: 'I think it is because the gap between the way that MPs are encouraged to present themselves to the public and who they really are is almost unsustainable.

'It's mad, because you're pretending to be all-knowing, perfect, dynamic, confident. You are pretending that you've got the answers to everything, and that 'I know where we're going'.

'The truth is, this is a country of 70 million people, and politicians don't really know what's going on. And yet we pretend to the public that we do.'

Mr Stewart was a junior environment minister in Mr Cameron's government before going on to hold a string of ministerial roles under Mrs May.

He ended up in a Cabinet post as international development secretary in 2019 and unsuccessfully stood as a candidate to succeed Mrs May as prime minister following her downfall that year.

Reflecting on his time as an MP, Mr Stewart said: 'I ended up despising myself. I would find myself sort of creepily trying to sit next to David Cameron at lunch, and I'd send these texts saying, you know, "Congratulations on your latest policy" that I didn't really believe in.

'And so I began to feel that I was being made, in my early 40s, into some kind of child.

'I'd been the acting governor of an Iraqi province responsible for three million people, and a Harvard professor, and I'd run a charity in Afghanistan.

'I thought that I was a reasonably substantial person. And I realised that, as soon as I became an MP, all that was wiped out. Nobody takes you seriously anymore.'

Mr Stewart admitted he wished he was now PM, after his bid to run for the top job in 2019.

'Yes, I do. I think it would have been a pretty tumultuous ride,' he added.

'It's not been easy  Brexit, Covid  but I felt that we had a real opportunity in 2019 to try to bring the country together a bit more. I felt it was terribly kind of divided and fractured.'

Mr Stewart was expelled from the Conservative Party by Boris Johnson in September 2019 when he and others voted to try and block a no-deal Brexit.

He said he had part ways with the Tories because 'I belong to a tradition of a much more centrist, more traditional conservatism', adding: 'Also, I don't feel comfortable in the direction that the party's going at the moment.'

But he said he is not a Labour supporter and believes that both major political parties are 'basically old, dead and broken'.

He said that, while there are 'some wonderful people at Parliament', there is also a group of people who are very, very bitter  unfortunately, mostly men  who feel passed over and feel that their basic mission in life is to try to humiliate other people'.

Asked if hed decided on how he was going to vote at the next general election, he replied: 'I haven't, no. Usually when I get really stuck, I'm afraid I give up and vote for the Lib Dems.'
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has vowed to keep the family of a mother killed by her husband safe as they desperately battle to block his release - but has refused to say if he will veto parole.

Joanna Simpson was killed by British Airways captain Robert Brown at their family home in October 2010.

He was acquitted of murder, having admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Brown is now due to be released on licence in November after serving 13 years of a 26-year sentence because the lesser charge means he will not face a Parole Board.

Mr Chalk agreed to meet Ms Simpson's family earlier this year to discuss Brown's release.

Joanna Simpson (pictured) was killed by her husband in a brutal bludgeoning in October 2010

British Airways captain Robert Brown (pictured) was acquitted of murder, having admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. He is now due to be released on licence in November after serving 13 years of a 26-year sentence

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, pictured outside the BBC this morning, said he will keep the family safe

The Justice Secretary told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: 'It was one of the first meetings I had as Justice Secretary and it was so, so appalling to hear what happened, I found it personally very painful to hear.

'What I said is I will do everything I will do everything I properly can within the law to keep the British people safe and to ensure there is justice in this case.

'There is not much more I can properly say because there is a danger that frankly you prejudge issues.

'But the family have my word and Hetti, her friend, has my word, we will do everything we can to keep her safe and to ensure there is justice in her case.'

Ms Simpson's friend, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, who is also chairwoman of Refuge, the largest domestic abuse charity in the UK, said ahead of the meeting that Mr Chalk was the 'one man on the planet' who can stop her friend's killer from being released.

Ms Simpson's mother, Diana Parks, meanwhile stressed that Brown is 'not fit to be released, and that he should stay in prison for as long as possible'.

Brown, formerly of Winkfield, Berkshire, was sentenced to 24 years for manslaughter and a further two years for an offence of obstructing a coroner in the execution of his duty.

He killed his wife as their two young children cowered in a playroom, before dumping her body in a makeshift coffin in Windsor Great Park.
A trade union baron is reporting Rishi Sunak's Government to the United Nations over its new law on strikes.

Minimum levels of service are set to be ensured during industrial action in key sectors - including rail, fire and ambulance services.

The legislation was taken forward following a year of unprecedented industrial action by hundreds of thousands of workers, including nurses, teachers, civil servants and railway staff.

But the TUC is reporting the Government to the United Nations workers' rights watchdog over the controversial new law on strikes, it has been announced.

General secretary Paul Nowak said the legislation on ensuring minimum levels of service during industrial action 'falls far short' of international legal standards.

General secretary of the TUC Paul Nowak (pictured) said the legislation on ensuring minimum levels of service during industrial action 'falls far short' of international legal standards

Hundreds of junior doctors stage a rally outside Downing Street as they begin their latest strike over pay, 11 August 2023

Pictured: Rishi Sunak during the G20 summit in New Delhi

He says the union body will be lodging the case at the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

READ MORE: More NHS strike misery on the way: Both junior doctors and consultants will hold four days of united industrial action from September Advertisement

Speaking on the opening day of the TUC Congress in Liverpool, Mr Nowak described the new law as 'dreadful'.

Unions will attack the legislation during a debate on Monday, claiming the new law is unnecessary and unworkable and will do nothing to resolve disputes.

Mr Nowak told a news conference in Liverpool: 'The ILO has already slapped down the UK Government and ordered it to make sure existing and prospective legislation is in line with ILO standards.

'We believe the Strikes Act falls well short of that, and that's why we have submitted a case to the ILO over these new laws.

'Unions defeated the Government in the High Court over the unlawful use of agency workers during strikes. We are determined to win again.

'These laws haven't been designed to resolve conflict at work, they've been designed to escalate it.

'They're unworkable, undemocratic and almost certainly in breach of international law.

Speaking on the opening day of the TUC Congress in Liverpool, Mr Nowak described the new law as 'dreadful'

'They're the product of a desperate Conservative Government spoiling for a fight with unions to distract from their dire economic record.

'The Strikes Act is the nadir of the Conservatives' wretched record on living standards and rights at work.'

A Government spokesman said: 'The purpose of this legislation is to protect the lives and livelihoods of the general public and ensure they can continue to access vital public services during strikes.

'The legislation does not remove the ability to strike, but people expect the Government to act in circumstances where their rights and freedoms are being disproportionately impacted, and that's what we are doing with this Bill.'
??En el Puerto del Callao, el ministro @JChavezCresta, junto al comandante general de la @naval_peru, supervisa el arribo del B.A.P. Pisco procedente de Espana con 6 helicopteros Sea King SH-3H y sus repuestos abordo, transferidos por la @Armada_esp a la naval peruana. ?? pic.twitter.com/29JNym1ogl
Two men have been stabbed in a vicious attack inside a busy shopping centre in full view of terrified onlookers.

CCTV footage shows a little girl watching on in horror as a man lying on the ground has a large knife plunged into his torso as he's repeatedly kicked by another attacker.

Emergency services rushed to the Westfield shopping centre in Doncaster, Melbourne's north-west about 6:45pm on Saturday.

One man, 21, was taken to hospital in a serious condition while another man of the same age was also taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Three men, aged 17, 18 and 19, alleged to have taken part in the incident were arrested shortly after. All three have been released on bail.

Two men have been stabbed in a vicious attack at a Westfield shopping centre in Doncaster, Melbourne's north-west, in full view of terrified onlookers

READ MORE: Melbourne teens arrested after man was allegedly stabbed in broad daylight outside a busy train station Advertisement

The 18 and 19-year-old will return to Ringwood Magistrate's Court on March 8 next year while the 17-year-old will face children's court at a later date.

Victoria Police confirmed the 19-year-old was charged with intentionally and recklessly cause injury, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, possess controlled weapon, theft and affray.

The 17-year-old faced similar charges of intentionally cause injury, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, affray, possess cannabis and possess controlled weapon while the 18-year-old was charged with affray, theft and bail offences.

Police believe that both parties were unknown to each other at the time of the attack.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established.

Police said investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers.
Daniel Khalife, 21, has been charged with escaping custody at HMP Wandsworth, the Metropolitan Police said.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London tomorrow morning, following the mass search.

Khalife was arrested on Saturday morning after being pulled off a bicycle on a a towpath near Rowdell Road in Northolt by a plain clothes anti-terror detective.

He is charged with escaping custody on September 6 while on remand at Wandsworth pending trial at the Old Bailey, contrary to common law.

Witnesses said Khalife was 'laughing and winking' after his arrest.

Daniel Khalife, 21, has been charged with escaping custody at HMP Wandsworth, the Metropolitan Police said

Khalife was pulled off a bicycle by a plain clothes anti-terror detective on a canal towpath

He was arrested and brought into custody following his alleged four-day escape from jail

A major operation involving anti-terror police and the security services MI5 and MI6 was launched following Khalife's escape from prison.

In a statement the Met Police said: 'Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday September 11 charged as follows: On the 6th day of September 2023, then being a prisoner in His Majesty's Prison at Wandsworth, being remanded in custody pending trial as ordered at the Central Criminal Court on the 21st day of July 2023, escaped, contrary to common law.'

The Met said a member of the public reported seeing a man matching Khalife's description walking away from a Bidfood van that had stopped near the south entrance to Wandsworth Roundabout on Wednesday morning.

Officers then carried out a search in the Richmond area and, although Khalife was not found there, the force received a number of calls from the public with sightings of the suspect nearby.

Police were seen checking people's gardens, stopping cars, inspecting car boots, and asking residents for their IDs throughout Saturday morning.

Earlier today, it emerged around 40 inmates of HMP Wandsworth have been moved out of the Category B prison after terror suspect's escape, the Justice Secretary has said.

Khalife made it less than 10 moles from the jail following his alleged escape earlier this month

Alex Chalk said on Sunday that the preliminary findings of his investigation into the ageing London jail have found that the relevant procedures and security staff were in place.

But he said dozens of individuals on remand have been moved to different sites 'out of an abundance of caution' amid questions over why a former soldier accused of a terror offence was not in the highest security prison.

Mr Chalk told Sky's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: 'Out of an abundance of caution, some prisoners there - some of those on remand - have been moved (this week).

'Additional resources have, of course, gone into Wandsworth, so there's additional governor support, a former governor with particular expertise in security.

Khalife will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow

The former soldier will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in the morning

Hundreds of police were involved in the operation to recapture Khalife, who escaped the Category B prison

'But also, out of an abundance of caution, around 40 prisoners have been moved just while we get to the bottom of what took place in Wandsworth. That is a sensible, precautionary measure.'

Khalife, 21, remains in police custody after he was dramatically arrested on Saturday in the north-west London suburb of Northolt after four days on the run.

Mr Chalk, discussing the preliminary findings of a review he issued, said the investigation has looked into whether protocols were in place relating to the unloading of food from a van and searching the delivery vehicle.

'Those protocols were in place, point one,' he said. 'And point two, the relevant security staff were also in place.

'Plainly what we've yet to establish is whether those protocols were followed.'

He said he will set out 'next week' the terms of reference of the separate independent investigation to ensure that the conclusions are 'rock solid'.
Fans of That 70s Show have claimed Danny Masterson's 30-to-life sentence for rape absolves Topher Grace from accusations that he was too stuck up to spend time with the cast.

Grace's early departure from the show sparked gossip about why he didn't seem close with his co-stars. The rumors reemerged when Masterson was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of life in prison on Thursday, September 7.

Fans reacted to the news across social media, causing Grace's name to trend on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

They claimed the case against Masterson relieved Grace from speculation that the lead actor thought he was better than his castmates.

One user wrote: 'For years, Topher Grace was depicted like he was a stuck-up a**hole for not being besties with the rest of That '70s Show cast, but guess who didn't write a letter in defense of a rapist this year...'

Topher Grace has not issued any sort of response to the Masterson case, but his silence and distance from his co-stars have been praised by fans

Grace departed the show a year before it ended, sparking rumors that he believed he was better than his castmates

The 45-year-old star acts as Tom Hayworth in the ABC sitcom Home Economics and has appeared in a slew of films including the wildly popular space flick Interstellar

Another user recalled claims that Grace was 'too good for the show' following his departure and tweeted: 'Now look who turned out to be the unproblematic one that isn't having his name dragged through the mud.'

Others created 'appreciation posts' for the star.

Grace left the show a year before it ended. He returned for a cameo as his character, Eric Forman, in the finale. He also guest-starred in That 90s Show, a companion series that released on Netflix in January 2023.

The actor currently portrays Tom Hayworth in the ABC sitcom Home Economics.

At least three women accused Masterson of rape between 2001 and 2003, claiming the actor leveraged his position in the Church of Scientology to keep word from getting out.

The women were all members of the church which is centered around a set of practices by author L. Ron Hubbard.

This includes the belief that human is an immortal being called a thetan. Devotees go through a process known as auditing where they are pushed to answer deeply personal questions to take them through past lives.

The church has widely been described as a cult and is known for intimidating former members into silence.

It uses the term 'fair game' to describe policies against enemies. These include character assassination and lawsuits against members of the media.

Grace has not publicly commented on Masterson's sentencing.

However, his wife, Ashley Hinshaw, posted an Instagram story on Friday that appeared to reference the news of Masterson's sentence.

It read: 'To every rape victim that is retraumatized by witnessing society debate and focus their attention on what is going to happen to the RAPIST... I see you.'

Hinshaw's remark was praised by fans including one who commented: 'You gained a follower, but most importantly, my respect for your support for your support to SA victims involved in the Masterson case.'

Masterson's conviction has drawn support from other actors like Billy Baldwin, who is married to the half-sister of Masterson's wife, as well as fellow Scientologist Giovanni Ribisi.

Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp, co-stars on That 70s Show, also voiced their support.

The castmates who attracted the most attention were Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, who played Michael Kelso and Jackie Burkhart.

The husband and wife duo wrote individual letters in a plea to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo to consider a more lenient sentence.

The documents were obtained by legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff on September 8. Character letters are intended to show support for a defendant in a criminal case.

Kutcher described himself as an 'actor, investor, philanthropist, and most importantly a father.'

He wrote: 'As a friend, Danny has been nothing but a positive influence on me. He's an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being.'

Kutcher also praised Masterson's family values and relationship with his 9-year-old daughter.

Kunis wrote similarly glowing praise, speaking at length about her sibling-like relationship with Masterson and his promotion of a drug-free lifestyle.

'His genuine concern for those around him and his commitment to leading by example make him an outstanding role model and friend,' the actress said.

While Grace did not issue a statement, his wife Ashley Hinshaw posted a message in support of victims of sexual assault

Their words drew a stark contrast to impact statements read during the trial which contained graphic descriptions of the way Masterson drugged and assaulted his victims.

One woman said she broke the churchs 'code' by lodging accusations against an 'untouchable' like Masterson.

Following backlash, Kutcher a posted a video of himself and Kunis to Instagram. The comments were turned off.

Kutcher said that Mastersons family asked them to pen character letters so the judge 'could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing.'

'We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote,' the actor said.

'We support victims,' Kunis added before vaguely referencing work the duo has done 'historically'.

Kutcher said he never would have wanted to 're-traumatize the victims'.

Fans called out the irony of Kutcher's defense while running a charity that fights child sexual abuse.

Kutcher co-founded Thorn with his ex-wife Demi Moore. The organization partners with tech companies, NGOs and law enforcement to fight child trafficking in the digital age.
Boris Johnson received a hero's welcome as he returned to Ukraine with crowds lining the street and rapturous choirs serenading him.

The former Prime Minister is a cult figure in the war-torn nation, feted for his steadfast support of its fight to repel Russia's brutal invasion.

And his popularity was evident from the moment he stepped from his car - as cheers greeted the politician and well-wishers tried to shake his hand.

Mr Johnson was in the war torn nation to receive another award in the country he has championed.

The former Prime Minister is a cult figure in the war-torn nation, feted for his steadfast support of its fight to repel Russia 's brutal invasion. Pictured: Making a speech during the awarding ceremony

Mr Johnson was shown donning a cap and robes as he accepted the title of Doctor Honoris Causa

Mr Johnson was clapped as he walked through the city centre, while a child evades his bodyguards to hand him a small flag

Cheers greeted the politician as crowds spotted him stepping out of his car alongside a set of burly bodyguards

At a ceremony in Lviv, the former Prime Minister was given a doctorate by the city's Ivan Franko National University.

Mr Johnson was shown donning a cap and robes  and holding a bunch of flowers - as he accepted the honorary title of 'Doctor Honoris Causa' from the university.

In further footage the former Conservatives leader earned cheers and whoops as he waved to fans in the centre of Lviv.

As they clapped, he returned with a rallying cry of: 'Glory to Ukraine!'

He waves to the crowds and poses for a photo - while one Ukranian voice can be heard shouting: 'We like you so much!'

In a third clip Mr Johnson - wearing a grey suit and bright green tie - walks down a packed staircase as citizens of the under-threat nation serenade him with a bracing tune.

Many wearing traditional dress, the group attempt to catch selfies of him as he passes through the pack and one appears to get his autograph.

He already holds the country's highest award for foreign nationals  the Ukrainian 'Order of Liberty' which he received on his final visit to Kyiv before he stood down as PM last year.

In further footage the former Conservatives leader earned cheers and whoops as he waved to fans in the centre of Lviv

And in a third clip Mr Johnson - wearing a grey suit and bright green tie - walks down a packed staircase as citizens of the under-threat nation serenade him with a bracing tune

He already holds the country's highest award for foreigners, the Order of Liberty, which he received on his final visit to Kyiv before he stood down as PM last year

Boris Johnson is also an honorary citizen of Kyiv and of Odesa

The medal was presented to Mr Johnson last August in a ceremony led by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

And that ceremony, he was honoured with his own Hollywood walk-of-fame style flagstone  a commemorative plaque bearing his name and inset into the Ukrainian capital's pavement.

At the time, Mr Johnson accepted the honours by reiterating his unwavering support for Ukraine's struggle against Vladimir Putin's aggression.

He has subsequently been made an 'honorary citizen of Kyiv' to add to the same title he holds for the port city of Odesa.
A convicted paedophile has become the latest criminal to refuse to face their sentencing, as UK official proposed laws that would allow judges to force them to turn up to hearings.

Paul Buckland refused to attend his sentencing hearing on Friday at Winchester Crown Court after he was found guilty of a string of child sexual offences.

Police said his decision not to attend the sentencing hearing was an 'aggravating factor' in the decision to put him behind bars for 20 years.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, but a jury found him guilty earlier this year.

He was charged with two counts of rape of a child under 13, two of attempted raped of a child under 13, two of sexual assault of a child under 13, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and two of causing a child to watch a sexual act for a series of attacks he committed 10 years ago.

Paul Buckland (pictured) was found guilty of committing a series of child sex offences

He was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday

Wiltshire Police began investigating the paedophile after his crimes were reported in 2020.

Speaking after sentencing, detective constable Louise Thomas, said: 'Buckland is an abhorrent individual who committed unspeakable acts to, and in the presence of, a child.

'Actions such as his have long-lasting and traumatic effects on their victims, which can manifest in myriad ways.

'I'd like to commend the victim in speaking to us about her experiences - I understand how difficult it must have been for her and I hope that this sentence can bring some sort of relief, knowing Buckland is behind bars.

'This incident took place more than a decade ago but didn't come to light until 2020 when it was bravely reported to us by the victim and her family.'

Buckland is just the latest criminal to refuse to attend sentencing hearings. He joins the ranks of serial killer Lucy Letby and murderer Thomas Cashman.

Letby, Britain's worst child serial killer, did not attend court last month to be sentenced for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more.

And earlier this year Thomas Cashman refused to turn up for his sentencing for the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool.

Both killers were jailed in their absence, but their refusal to face the families of their victims sparked a nationwide outcry.

The outrage led the Ministry of Justice to last week announce planned legislation to make defendants in England and Wales attend sentencing hearings, including by force if needed.

Custody officers would be given the power to use reasonable force to compel criminals to appear either in person or via video link in an attempt to allow the families of victims to see justice delivered, the MoJ said.

And if criminals resist attending their sentencing despite a judge's order, they will face an extra two years behind bars.

This additional penalty will apply in cases where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment, including serious sexual or violent crimes such as murder, rape and grievous bodily harm with intent.
A sleepy Joe Biden risked upsetting his Vietnamese hosts with quotes from the Robin Williams movie Good Morning, Vietnam - which he seemed to think was a song.

The 80-year-old president arrived in the country after two days at the G20 summit in India and admitted he was struggling to tell if it was day or night.

Good evening, everyone, he told a press conference.

It's already evening, isn't it? It's around the world in five days - it's interesting.

One of my coworkers said, Remember the famous song Good Morning Vietnam? Well, good evening, Vietnam.

In what was supposed to be a show of stamina - Biden is circumnavigating the globe in five days - he ended the 26-minute event by saying, 'I'm going to go to bed.'

President Joe Biden held a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam Sunday night after spending two days in India for the G20 Leaders' Summit. At the presser, he talked to reporters about a John Wayne movie that featured the 'Indians' to make a point about climate change

President Joe Biden grabbed the hand mic and left the podium at one point to address a reporter who was standing to one side of the room

Robin Williams was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in the 1987 movie about a disruptive DJ in the Vietnam War

The president had been asked if he was concerned that there was no agreement on fossil fuels that came out of the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi.

He regaled reporters with a story he says is from a John Wayne movie and features the 'Indians' - not the ones he just met with - who don't buy it when a Union soldier says 'everything will be good' if they go back to the reservation.

'And the Indian looks at John Wayne and points to the Union soldier and says, 'He's a lying dog faced pony soldier.' Well, there's a lot of lying dog faced pony soldiers out there about global warming. But not anymore,' Biden said. 'All of the sudden, they're all realizing it's a problem,' the president said, whispering into the mic.

He's used 'lying dog faced pony soldier,' once at a 2020 campaign event in New Hampshire and at an event in Connecticut in June, where he also muttered, 'God save the Queen, man.'

The president's clumsy comments were leapt on by opponents and slammed by critics as further signs that he would struggle to cope with a second term.

'Biden gets VERY confused during his "press conference" in Vietnam,' tweeted RNC Research.

'And Democrats wonder why Biden isn't polling better,' added former Trump senior adviser Jason Miller.

Others cringed at his misplaced attempt at humor warning that his jokey reference to the Vietnam War risked upsetting a key ally in the struggle against China.

The president's misplaced stab at humor left many on social media cringing in embarassment

'Oh good, reference the darkly satirical title of a movie about a horrible and bloody war that still looms largely in Vietnam's psyche,' tweeted FuriaDiDonna.

'So he's making a joke in Vietnam about a catchphrase (not a song) in a (great) movie that's about the US being at war in their country??' added Booker9e.

'The Joe Biden Comedy Hour,' wrote Robert Phyithree.

'Stick around, it will only get more ridiculous and sublime.'

The 1987 film was one of the biggest hits of the year, telling the story of Airman Adrian Cronauer who arrived in Saigon to work as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio as the war intensified in 1965.

Starting each show with his catch phrase 'Good morning, Vietnam!', Cronauer, played by Robin Williams infuriates his superiors with his rock and roll playlist and satirical commentary on their conduct of the war.

It won Williams the funniest actor prize at the American Comedy Awards and its soundtrack, featuring the Beach Boys, James Brown and the Searchers, went platinum.

Sunday's bizarre moment came at a press conference that started more than an hour late and kicked off by the president acknowledging that his aides told him who he would be calling on.

Opponents said the remarks added to growing questions about the president's fitness for office

'They gave me five people here,' Biden said, returning to his custom of both calling from, and speaking about, the list apologetically.

'I'm just following my orders here,' he said at another point, as he looked at his list to call another news organization or name, as reporters in the audience yelled and waved their hands frantically to be called on.

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM The 1987 Vietnam War biopic was one of the biggest hits of Robin William's career, winning him one of his three Oscar nominations for best actor. It tells the story of Airman Adrian Cronauer who arrived in Saigon to work as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio as the war intensified in 1965. Starting each show with his catch phrase 'Good morning, Vietnam!' Cronauer, played by Robin Williams infuriates his superiors with his rock and roll playlist and satirical commentary on their conduct of the war. It won Williams the funniest actor prize at the American Comedy Awards and its soundtrack, featuring the Beach Boys, James Brown and the Searchers, went platinum. Williams won funniest actor in a movie prize at the American Comedy Awards for his portrayal of a disruptive DJ at the height of the Vietnam War Advertisement

The questions were China-heavy and Biden skipped answering queries when they were piggybacked on another question - so he didn't address Russia and North Korea going into business together, nor Ukraine's discontent with the G20 statement on the war, which didn't name Russia as the aggressor.

The choice of journalist also appeared to have Biden mostly ignoring a group of U.S. print and TV reporters who were girding to get into domestic concerns like his low poll numbers due to his advanced age and a possible indictment of his son, Hunter, on a gun charge.

Those polls show a broad concern about his age going into a second term, with a survey last week from AP-NORC showing that 77 percent of Americans, including 69 percent of Democrats, believe Biden is too old to run for reelection.

A Wall Street Journal poll out Monday had similar findings, with 73 percent of voters saying Biden is too old to run again, including two-thirds of Democrats.

White House aides pointed to this whirlwind trip as evidence that Biden is up to the job.

He later joked that the schedule was 'no problem.'

'I can imagine. It is evening, I'd like remind you,' a BBC reporter quipped to the president.

At one point, Biden grabbed the hand mic and started walking.

He moved toward the side of the stage where one of the five chosen reporters was standing, but it briefly gave the appearance he was abandoning the press conference.

Every reporter on the list was a woman, something that wasn't lost on a journalist from the independent U.S.-backed Voice of America.

'Thank you Mr. President. I hope you didn't think that calling only on women would get you softballs tonight,' she told him.

Biden said that wasn't the case.

'Oh I know better than that. If you sent me a softball, I wouldn't know what to do with it. I'd probably strike out even worse,' Biden joked.

The 1987 movie challenged US conduct of the Vietnam War and won Williams an Oscar nomination

Many observers suggested the president's handle on the job is only going to deteriorate

President Biden with general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong

The president admitted his whirlwind schedule had left him confused over whether it was day or night

After Biden answered one of the two questions posed to him by VOA, he told the journalists, 'I tell you what, I don't know about you, but I'm going to go to bed.'

But reporters in the audience kept shouting questions, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre then stepping in.

'Thank you everybody. This ends the press conference. Thanks everyone,' she said.

As the president tried to answer a few more, loud jazz music started playing over him, which prompted Biden to walk offstage - and head to bed.
This is the horrific moment an XL Bully dog attacks a little girl before going for two men trying to save her.

The nightmare bite attacks unfolded as the animal's owner was taking it for a walk on Saturday afternoon in Bordesley Green, Birmingham.

A video circulating online which was taken from the top deck of a double-decker bus showed the rampage erupt. The little girl's arms was chomped on by the animal before a man managed to pull the dog off her.

She ran into a shop for safety as the XL Bully was held on the floor but it then managed to escape. The dog sprints after another man, who is seen on the film wearing a while t-shirt and shorts.

He is chased onto a petrol station forecourt where he was attacked before the animal is hit and stops the attack.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman is now pushing for a ban of the American XL Bully breed, arguing they are a 'clear and lethal danger' - particularly to children.

A video circulating online which was taken from the top deck of a double-decker bus showed the rampage erupt

The dog sprints after another man, who is seen on the film wearing a while t-shirt and shorts

He is chased onto a petrol station forecourt where he was attacked before the animal is hit and stops the attack

The Cabinet minister announced that she has commissioned 'urgent advice' on outlawing the breed after the 'appalling' attack in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police were investigating after the girl and two men who intervened were injured in the incident in the Bordesley Green area yesterday.

'This is appalling. The American XL Bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children,' Ms Braverman wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

'We can't go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them.'

Ms Braverman and Policing Minister Chris Philp commissioned the advice last week, with it being the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' responsibility to add the breed to the banned list.

The Home Secretary told The Sun they are looking to 'enhance public safety' and 'ban their breeding and sale'.

Robert Buckland, the former Justice Secretary, backed the ban, adding that he has become 'deeply concerned' by the rise in bully dog attacks on people, pets and livestock.

An activists and dog breeders alike have claimed the breed are 'very reactive', 'incredibly powerful' and 'dangerous'.

Dog breeder Stan Rawlinson, 76, said there is 'something wrongly wired' in XL bully dogs and told the newspaper that he 'wouldnt go near one'.

He alleged that they are 'a danger to women, children and everyone else' and can 'open up your jugular veins almost immediately'.

Similarly, Elisa Allen, of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), said: 'It is an undeniable fact that most serious and fatal dog attacks are by bully breeds.'

With their 'hair-trigger response' and 'desire to kill', the muscular American Bully XLs are the 'fighters' of choice in this disturbing underworld, with experts saying the horrific levels of savagery displayed by the dogs are 'unnatural' and instilled in them through violent training and years of inbreeding.

Despite being outlawed in the UK almost 200 years ago, authorities have warned dog fighting in Britain is on the rise and these type of breeds are the first choice.

The muscular American Bully XLs can display 'unnatural' savagery because it had been instilled in them through violent training and years of inbreeding.

Bloodshed is now spilling out onto the UK's streets, with the animals responsible for the majority of fatal dog attacks since 2021 amid a boom in their popularity, with Bully XLs increasingly being used by celebrities as status symbols. There is no suggestion the dog in this video was anything other than a pet.

On Sunday West Midlands Police launched an investigation into what went wrong.

A force spokesman said: 'We're investigating after three people were bitten by a dog in Birmingham yesterday.

'An 11-year-old girl ran past the dog as it was being walked by its owner in Bordesley Green, when she was bitten.

'Two men intervened but were bitten and left with injuries to their shoulders and arms.

'They were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries.

'The dog was initially taken to a local vet to be checked over before being taken into secure kennels while the investigation continues.

'The owner of the dog has been spoken to by officers.'

This is the latest in a series of dog attacks in the hot weather.

As the mercury has been rising, so have the reports of killer canines setting upon victims including a woman who died after being mauled by Rottweilers and a number of children who have been scarred for life.

Emma Chandley, a practising vet with Perfect Pet Insurance, said that summer highs 'lower the thresholds for violence' in humans and animals, warning: 'Dogs are more likely to attack and bite in the warmer summer months. As with humans, tensions tend to rise as the temperature does.

In a previous incident teaching assistant Katie Deere, 31, was with her own dog when she was suddenly set upon by an unsupervised bully XL breed

Miss Deere had already picked up her own dog out of concern for the loose aggressor, which ran across the road and clamped its jaws on her arm

'From my experience, dogs are more likely to bite on hotter days and days when the air pollution is higher,' she told the Daily Express.

Last week MailOnline exclusively revealed the rise of the Franken-Bully, a 'mutant' breed of the American Bully XL that some experts fear are 'too dangerous to live'.

Underground breeders are creating giant 'mutant crossbreeds' by mating banned pitbulls with legal mastiffs and bulldogs to evade dangerous dogs laws.

It comes amid fresh calls for XL Bullys to be banned in Britain after shocking data revealed the breed has been involved in the majority of fatal dog attacks in the UK since 2021.

Two in four deadly dog attacks in the UK in 2021 involved the XL bulldogs - rising to six in 10 in 2022, and fears there could be many more fatalities if urgent action isn't taken to stop the rise of the generically engineered American crosses from reaching Britain's shores.

She was rushed to hospital by ambulance, bleeding from wounds to both arms

Stitches on Miss Deere's arm. She fears if the victim had been a child 'they would have been killed'

The mother was due to start a new job this month but is now recuperating and making twice weekly hospital visits

Severe injuries to Ms Deere's hand. She described the attack as 'like an out-of-body experience'

In a previous incident teaching assistant Katie Deere, 31, was with her own dog when she was suddenly set upon by an unsupervised bully XL breed.

Miss Deere had already picked up her own dog out of concern for the loose aggressor, which ran across the road and clamped its jaws on her arm.

The quick-thinking single mother pushed the pushchair towards a passer-by who stopped to help and her own dog ran away.

READ MORE: Dog attack leaves three-year-old girl in hospital with serious injuries after her face was mauled by the animal Advertisement

But she was left at the mercy of the bully XL. Thankfully a lorry driver who witnessed the attack stopped and bravely intervened  pulling the dog off her and calling for an ambulance.

She was rushed to hospital by ambulance, bleeding from wounds to both arms.

The traumatised victim later underwent five hours of surgery on her arms, including 50 stitches and repair to a finger that was partially amputated.

She is now recovering with relatives and an aunt who has set up an online fundraising appeal said they had discovered Miss Deere is 'not entitled to any sort of compensation or government help as the dog was uninsured and owned by a minor.'

The incident happened at 11am on August 17 in Askern, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, tragedy struck yesterday when a woman, 40, died after two Rottweilers savaged her legs and arms when she tried to say help to them.

Rise of the 'Franken-Bully': Underground breeders are creating giant 'mutant crossbreeds' by mating banned pitbulls with legal mastiffs and bulldogs to evade dangerous dogs laws (file image)

Marie Stevens' nightmare unfolded on August 18 in Netherton in Merseyside.

She was rushed to hospital after the dogs pounced and had been discharged to go back home.

But she collapsed at her Brighton-le-Sands home on Sunday and was sadly pronounced dead.

Two in four deadly dog attacks in the UK in 2021 involved XL bulldogs - rising to six in 10 in 2022, including high-profile maulings that killed children Jack Lis, 10, and Bella-Rae Birch, aged 17 months.

So far in 2023, the dogs have fatally savaged two people - amid fears a third person, a four-year-old girl, could also have fallen victim.

It comes as shocking footage on social media has shown how the dogs chase down some of their victims, with one video in London capturing the moment one of the beasts tackles a screaming woman to the floor while it tears chunks of her flesh off.

Only this week it was revealed two Bully XLs were responsible for killing 22 pregnant sheep and injuring 48 others in a frenzied attack in Wales that forced a farmer to shoot both of the dogs.

Meanwhile, police forces across the UK say they are increasingly being called out to seize or destroy the animals - which shares the DNA with the banned American Pit Bull Terriers but that are not on Britain's list of dangerous dogs.

In July, horrifying footage showed the moment two police officers in South Yorkshire were attacked by a Bully XL, with the incident leading to a warning from one of the county's top cops, who said Britain could no longer 'ignore the fact that the XL bully breed is disproportionately represented in the number of dog attacks'.

The situation comes as Britain is gripped by an epidemic of dogfighting, with the RSPCA saying it has attended an average of 30 incidents a month this year.

Horrifying police body-worn camera footage shows the moment two officers in South Yorkshire were attacked by an American Bully XL

The dog can be seen mauling one of the officers in the footage, released by police in July of this year

While in London, one woman was filmed being attacked by a Bully XL as she screamed and begged for help as the beast dragged her to the floor

Pictures show how Bully XLs are forced to run on make-shift treadmills amid claims some of the animals are whipped or kicked by their owners to make them more aggressive.

And there is evidence of a low-level group of wannabe dogfighters obsessed with the culture of 'strong' dogs.

These animals may not take part in matches, but they are trained to be aggressive, risking injury to other pets and people.

Meanwhile, pictures on social media show how other owners are 'training' their dogs, letting the animals dangle from ropes by their teeth to strengthen their jaws and biting power.

Other owners appear to allow their animals to sink their teeth into tree branches as they while dangling in the air.

Dr Lawrence Newport, a law and criminology lecturer at Royal Holloway University recently published a detailed report on the Bully XL, and was worried by the trend.

He told MailOnline the dog's violent upbringing by savage owners had led to them having a 'hair trigger response' and a 'desire to kill'.

Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat quoting log 3245 of 9/9.
Tory MPs have renewed calls for the Government to rethink its push to reach net zero by 2050 amid claims shutting down Britain's gas grid could cost 65billion.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reiterated his commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions within the next 27 years.

But some Conservative backbenchers have become increasingly restless over the policy amid the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on families.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former business secretary, said the Government had to look 'very seriously' at whether the 2050 target was 'realistic' amid claims of a multi-billion pound cost for closing fossil fuel infrastructure.

According the Telegraph, a draft report by the National Infrastructure Commission found the cost of decommissioning Britain's gas network could cost the equivalent of 2,300 per UK household.

But the Government dismissed fears over the cost of shutting down obsolete infrastructure by insisting the gas network would 'always' be part of the UK's energy system.

A draft report by the National Infrastructure Commission is said to have found the cost of decommissioning Britain's gas network could cost the equivalent of 2,300 per UK household

The Telegraph claimed the NIC draft report, of which it obtained a leaked copy, was the first time a public body had examined the future of the 176,000-mile network of buried gas pipes

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former business secretary, said the Government had to look 'very seriously' at whether the 2050 target was 'realistic'

The newspaper claimed that the NIC draft report, of which it obtained a leaked copy, was the first time a public body had examined the future of the 176,000-mile network of buried gas pipes.

It said the NIC believes the grid could theoretically be converted to carry hydrogen, which has been proposed as a cleaner fuel, but that would also come at cost of 'tens of billions of pounds'.

An industry source told the Telegraph that simply turning off gas supplies through the existing pupe network, without maintaining them, would lead to decay and risk roads falling in.

It is understood the estimates cited by the newspaper were from analytical work commissioned by the NIC from a third party as part of the next National Infrastructure Assessment, which is still being finalised.

Commenting on the claims, Sir Jacob said the Government's net zero plans were 'stuck in cloud cuckoo land'.

'The Government cannot decommission the gas grid, because it can't afford to,' he added.

'They have got to look very seriously at whether the legal obligation to reach net zero is realistic.'

But Kwasi Kwarteng, the former Chancellor, said the cost of decommissioning the gas network was 'hypothetical'.

He said: 'Given the infrastructure we've got, it doesn't make sense to decommission the whole grid at vast expense. I cannot see a government doing that.

'It's unrealistic to expect that all household heating in this country will be electrified.'

A spokesman for NIC said: 'We don't comment on leaked reports.

'We will publish information on different options for the future of the gas network as part of the next National Infrastructure Assessment in October.'

A Government spokesman said: 'This claim is simply untrue. Our gas network will always be part of our energy system and therefore any such estimations are wrong.

'We have and will always put affordability at the heart of our approach to improving it.

'We will continue to work with the industry to explore if using hydrogen offers value for money for consumers and meets the required safety standards.'
Kyiv on Sunday blamed Russian forces for the killing of two aid workers, one Canadian and one Spanish, in east Ukraine, calling their deaths near the war-battered city of Bakhmut 'a painful, irreparable loss'.

The defence ministry said Moscow's troops had killed Emma Igual, 32, a Spanish citizen who studied at the University of California at Berkeley, and Anthony Ihnat, a Canadian citizen both working for the NGO Road to Relief.

It said in their statement that German citizen and medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swede Johan Mathias Thyr working for the aid group had also been injured in the incident in the eastern Donetsk region.

The NGO said the vehicle the victims were travelling in suffered a 'direct hit' near Chasiv Yar yesterday, which caused the vehicle to flip over and catch fire.

In an online tribute NGO Action Beyond Words said Mr Ihnat was 'an unbelievably gentle, kind guy who would light up any room', according to the BBC.

The defence ministry said Moscow 's troops had killed Emma Igual (pictured), 32, a Spanish citizen who studied at the University of California at Berkeley, and Anthony Ihnat, a Canadian citizen both working for the NGO Road to Relief

In an online tribute NGO Action Beyond Words said Anthony Ihnat (pictured) was 'an unbelievably gentle, kind guy who would light up any room'

The industrial region has suffered the worst of the fighting of Russia's invasion launched last February and Moscow claimed to have annexed the territory last year.

Kyiv said the aid workers had dedicated themselves to limiting the harm to civilians caught in the conflict, including by carrying out evacuations and distributing humanitarian relief.

The battle for Bakhmut, which was captured by Russian forces in May, has remained one of the bloodiest of the invasion with Ukrainian forces now pushing back along the northern and southern flanks of the town.

In February, 33-year-old US medic Pete Reed was killed near Bakhmut when his evacuation vehicle was hit by a missile.

In May, AFP video journalist Arman Soldin was killed in Chasiv Yar near Bakhmut by missile fire.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will return home to domestic chaos when Parliament resumes on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

After being absent for much of last week to focus on the world stage, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has returned home to deal with domestic chaos on Monday.

While he was focused on summits, bilateral meetings and partnerships, back in Canberra his government came under fire for running a protection racket for Qantas.

The Coalition have threatened to round out the parliamentary sitting fortnight with more questions about Transport Minister Catherine Kings decision to block Qatars bid for more flights, and Mr Albaneses knowledge surrounding it.

Meanwhile, against a backdrop of faltering support for the Voice, with just under five weeks to go, the final bureaucratic hurdle before the Voice referendum will be dealt with on Monday.

The writs for the referendum will be issued by the Governor-General on Monday; and despite Peter Duttons plea for Mr Albanese to scrap the Voice and ask instead for recognition on October 14, the Prime Minister is set to remain defiant. as the Yes campaign further ramps up their campaigning this week.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be back at the dispatch box on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Coalition are also set to use Question Time this week to further probe Ms King about her decision to block Qatars bid to nearly double its flight offerings to Australia.

Mr Dutton on Friday said the Coalition had more questions than answers after Ms King failed to tell parliament why she made the decision, and who she consulted with.

It was revealed last week that Ms King had signed off on the decision on July 10  while Mr Albanese was out of the country  and that he was made aware sometime before the matter was made public on July 18.

Her cabinet colleagues have backed her in, saying it was within her purview to make such a decision and it didnt need the Prime Ministers say-so.

But a newly-established inquiry  chaired by Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie  will start to take submissions this week; and the Coalition hopes to uncover whether former Qantas boss Alan Joyce was able to whisper in the governments ear.

Story continues

Senator McKenzie on Sunday said without any clear answers from Ms King or the government, it appeared as though Labor was simply protecting Qantas.

Mr Albanese was absent for the second half of last week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

She cant tell us who she consulted with. Shes refusing to answer those questions in Question Time, Senator McKenzie told Sky News.

After revealing he had not been consulted on the decision, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles backed in Ms King further on Sunday, saying it was entirely normal for her to make the call.

There are certain decisions in government which are cabinet decisions, certain that you would expect to go right around the cabinet, and some that are in the in the sovereignty  if you like  of a specific minister, and this is one of those, he told Sky.

We are running a serious cabinet which allows ministers to do their job and to make the decisions which are within their responsibility. And this is a decision that was in within the Transport Ministers responsibility.

Question Time is likely to get fiery this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

While theyre set to come under fire in Question Time each day, the government intends to spend the rest of the sitting week working to get legislation through the houses.

Mr Albaneses cornerstone industrial relations reforms were dealt a blow in his absence, with a vote on the contentious Closing Loopholes legislation now delayed until next year, however debate will continue in the House of Representatives.

First up in the Senate on Monday, debate on the Family Law Amendment Bill will also begin, after the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee wrapped up its inquiry.

A spokesperson for the Attorney-General said the government would move amendments in line with the committees recommendations and to further strengthen and clarify the provisions in the Bill.

The Bill seeks to return the best interests of the child as the central focus of the family law system.

The Senate will also debate legislation to further improve the culture of Parliament House.
The incident led to the Superintendent's dismissal and a judge ordering the District Attorney be removed from the case

A dad who faced jail for protesting about his daughter's rape by a transgender student at a Virginia high school has been pardoned by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Scott Smith was given a 10-day suspended sentence for disorderly conduct after he was dragged out of a school board meeting for protesting about the Stone Bright High School student, who went on to attack another girl.

'We righted a wrong,' Youngkin said on Sunday. 'He should've never been prosecuted here. This was a dad standing up for his daughter.'

'His daughter had been sexually assaulted in the bathroom of a school, and no one was doing anything about it.

'This was a gross miscarriage of justice.'

Youngkin's decision comes after strong backlash on the case that included the Loudoun County Superintendent losing his job and the George Soros-backed District Attorney being yanked from the case.

Scott Smith, pictured with wife Jessica faced a possible jail term over his protest at his daughter's rape at Stone Bright High School in Pennsylvania

The father was left beaten and bloodied after he was ejected from the Loudoun County School Board meeting in June 2021

Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin said 'Mr Smith did what any father would do' as he issued a formal pardon

Youngkin said school had 'covered it up' and told Fox that parents must have the final say over their children's education.

'Mr Smith did what any father would do, what any parent would do, which is stand up for their child,' Youngkin told Fox News Sunday.

'I spoke with Mr Smith on Friday, and I had the privilege of telling Mr. Smith that I will pardon him, and we did that on Friday.'

In the May 2021 attack, Smith's daughter was pinned down to the floor and assaulted by the boy inside a restroom stall, with a teacher later testifying that she saw two pairs of feet but did not interfere.

The boy was still at large three hours after the assault, during which time Principal Tim Flynn tried to get a no-trespass letter against Scott, who had arrived at the school.

The male student, who was wearing a skirt on the day of the attack, was allowed into the bathroom because he told staff he identified as female. The school's lax policy allowed him to use the girls' bathroom.

Smith was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. He said he tried to contain himself after teachers falsely asserted they had not received reports of sex assaults in the girls' toilets

The suspect was only arrested two months later, but still went on to sexually assault another girl at a different school, Broad Run High School, on October 6.

A month later, Smith attended a Loudoun County schools meeting. There, officials reiterated that the school's gender-fluid bathrooms - where the rape took place - were not problematic.

Smith reacted with fury and his response was recorded and shared across social media. He was dragged out of a school board meeting by police, bloodied, after teachers falsely asserted they had not received reports of sex assaults in the girls' toilets.

The distraught father was charged with two misdemeanors following the outburst - disorderly conduct and an obstruction charge that was later dismissed. Smith then fought to appeal the one charge.

Part of that effort included a judge removing DA Buta Biberaj from the case.

Smith accused Biberaj, one of several 'woke' DAs bankrolled by billionaire Democrat donor George Soros, of having a 'clear bias', saying she sought to make 'an example' of the Virginia father.

In a court order, Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge James Plowman said while he did not find 'sufficient grounds' to determine a 'direct conflict' that would grant the dismissal, he found Smith's argument 'persuasive' and 'sufficiently grounded,' and that the father's 'due process rights' were subsequently in jeopardy.

The judge then ordered the prosecutor's removal, the second time he made that decision in months.

The 15-year-old was formerly a student Stone Bridge High School where he was accused of raping a female classmate in the girl's bathroom

Liberal Loudoun County prosecutor Buta Biberaj has been pulled from Smith's case after a judge found she sought to make 'an example' of the Virginia father

Loudoun County Superintendent Scott Ziegler was later sacked after a damning grand jury investigation found he ignored complaints and covered up what the school knew about the May 2021 attack.

The girl's mother, Jessica, said the family was pressured to remain silent about the incident, and had no idea their daughter's attacker had been allowed back in school.

'We were silenced for many months,' Jessica Smith told DailyMail.com, 'We were told not to say a word that could jeopardize our daughter's case.'

She only learned of his troubled past when DailyMail.com revealed that in fifth grade the boy had sent nude photos of himself to a female classmate, prompting an investigation but no arrest.

The boy had also been repeatedly suspended for fist fights and other misbehavior.

'There should have been more done to help, not a coverup,' Jessica said.

A special report found that the second assault could have been prevented, and that school district administrators lied to parents in an attempt to cover up the controversy over the transgender bathroom policy.

'This invariably led to a stunning lack of openness, transparency, and accountability both to the public and the special grand jury,' it concluded.

'There were several decision points for senior LCPS administrators, up to and including the superintendent, to be transparent and step in and alter the sequence of events leading up to the October 6 BRHS sexual assault.

'They failed at every juncture. We also believe the October 6 abduction and sexual assault of a female student at Broad Run High School could have, and should have, been prevented.'

The case became the searing tip of a raging debate in Loudoun County over transgender students' rights and parents' freedom of speech, with further angry disruption of school board meetings.

Last year the teen was found guilty for both assaults and was remanded in custody at a juvenile rehabilitation center.

But the 15-year-old was not required to register as a sex offender leaving Smith and his wife Jessica furious at the ruling.

'My wife and I are not just heartbroken about today's ruling, we are quite frankly mad at how the justice system and the Loudoun Commonwealth's attorney have let down both our daughter, as well as the other victims of his predatory actions,' Smith said in a statement.

'The person who committed these horrible crimes against these young women will now, due to the errors of the county prosecutor, not have to bear the permanent shame at being known as a lifetime registered sex offender, as he had been originally sentenced.

'We are now concerned, more than ever, that this change in his legal status may put other parents' daughters at risk of physical harm in the future.'
A woman has been charged with murder after a man in his thirties was found stabbed to death at a home in north west London.

Marie Nellie, 44, who is believed to have been known to the deceased, was arrested at the scene following reports of a critically injured man at a residential property on Westcroft Close, in Cricklewood.

Gary Sampson, 34, who lived at the address, was found with a fatal stab wound after paramedics rushed to the scene at around 8.10am on September 8.

Mr Sampson sadly died from his injuries, despite the efforts of the London Ambulance Service.

Gary Sampson, 34, as found with a fatal stab wound after paramedics rushed to a residential property on Westcroft Close, in Cricklewood

Police also scrambled to the address after receiving a report from the paramedics.

A post-mortem examination held on September 9, found that Mr Sampson had died as a result of shock and haemorrhaging caused by a stab wound.

His family have been informed, and whilst formal identification awaits, the victim has been named.

Ms Nellie will appear at Highbury Magistrates Court on September 11, to face the charge of murder.

At this stage, nobody else is sought in connection with the incident and a crime scene remains in place at the address in Westcroft Close as enquiries continue.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call 101 and quoting the reference 1693/08sep.
Britons should brace themselves for thunderstorms tomorrow after the country battled a seventh consecutive day of 30C heat.

The Met Office issued a yellow thunderstorm warning covering southern Scotland from midnight until 6am tomorrow morning.

This follows thunderstorm warnings that were already in place for parts of the UK this afternoon.

The warning means some people could be in store for flash flooding, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds - with possible interruptions to road access and public transport.

This week's heatwave has already broken the record for the most consecutive days with temperatures above 30C in September, with Saharan dust generating vivid sunsets and sunrises in the clear conditions.

The country battled a seventh consecutive day of 30C heat today. Pictured: A view of a busy beach in Broadstairs, Kent today

The Met Office issued a yellow thunderstorm warning covering southern Scotland from midnight until 6am on Monday morning. Pictured: Cars and vehicles get trapped on a flooded road as a torrential downpour in Newcastle this afternoon

This follows thunderstorm warnings that were already in place for parts of the UK this afternoon. Pictured: Flooded roads in Newcastle this afternoon

The warning means some people could be in store for flash flooding, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds - with possible interruptions to road access and public transport

The Met Office said that the highest temperature on Sunday was recorded in Cambridge, at 32.5C.

What is causing the heatwave in Britain? The heatwave is being driven by tropical storms pushing a high pressure system over the UK, with the jet stream having moved to the north and bending into what is known as an omega blocking pattern. Named after the Greek letter omega because of its shape, this system occurs when an area of high pressure gets stuck between two areas of low-pressure to the west and east and also slightly south. This has brought torrential rain and flooding for Spain and Greece but hot, dry and clear conditions for the UK. Advertisement

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said that the heatwave is 'unprecedented'.

'We have never seen anything as long lived in terms of a heatwave in September before,' he said.

Amid the hot weather, a yellow thunderstorm warning spanning Northern Ireland, northern parts of England and Wales as well as southern and north-eastern Scotland has been issued by the Met Office from 2pm until 11.59pm today.

A similar weather weather warning will continue to cover southern Scotland from midnight until the early hours of tomorrow morning.

'We have a third thunderstorm warning overnight for southern Scotland,' Mr Morgan said.

'That expires at 6am. And then once that's cleared, there will be a few thunderstorms tomorrow.

'But for the vast majority they will be a bit more scattered in nature than today.'

The next few days will start to see cooler temperatures across the UK, with tomorrow predicted to see showers in the southeast.

The rain will eventually clear on Tuesday, leaving mostly dry and sunny conditions while Wednesday will see a cooler start with some sunshine and further showers later in the day.

A cyclist rides along a path at Hackney Marshes in north east London

A view of a busy beach in Margate, Kent, which saw yet another scorching day

Durdle Door in Dorset was packed this afternoon as beach goers enjoyed another day scorching September sunshine

The sun rises this morning in Dunsden, Oxfordshire

People with umbrellas admire Brunell's Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol under stormy skies during a shower of rain

A couple in a kayak pass punters on the River Cam in Cambridge

Raich Keene and Raphael the retriever on a sunny back beach at Teignmouth, Devon, yesterday morning

People flock to a beach in Margate, Kent, earlier today

People enjoy the hot weather on Deal beach in Kent today

Yesterday saw Brighton beach packed with parasols as 150,000 day-trippers flocked to the Sussex resort, while Blackpool pulled in 100,000 visitors.

This week's hot weather has triggered a fresh wave of health warnings, amid fears the NHS will come under pressure, as those with heart conditions or breathing difficulties are put at most risk.

Some events have also been cancelled, including Dogfest, which was due to take place this weekend at Knebworth House, Hertfordshire but was called off after the weather conditions were deemed 'not in the best interests of dogs'.

The scorching conditions are making the UK warmer than Malaga on the Costa del Sol, which was only set to reach 28C (82F) today.

Supermarkets reported soaring demand for summer food and drink products, with Tesco estimating it would be up to 80 per cent higher this weekend than in mid-July.

Meanwhile Toolstation said sales of watering cans have increased by 107 per cent compared to the previous week, and up 84 per cent compared to this time last year

The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning until tomorrow morning

A lady relaxes on the beach in Broadstairs, Kent today

Sales of cooling fans have risen by a whopping 1,704 per cent, while water sprinklers are up by 465 per cent and hoses have risen by 88 per cent in the same timeframe.

Lakeland added that sales of ice cream makers are up by 483 per cent week on week  although, bizarrely, heated blankets are also up 192 per cent week on week.

Meanwhile Waitrose said sales of burgers were up 29 per cent compared to the same time last year, ice cream sales up 49 per cent and rose sales up 28 per cent.

Searches for 'Ice lolly' on Waitrose.com have risen 60 per cent in the last week, while 'bbq food' is up 29 per cent and 'picnic bag' is up 200 per cent.
The Home Office has been hit with a legal notice ordering it to halt work converting the former home of the Dambusters into accommodation for asylum seekers.

Town hall bosses have served contractors with a temporary stop notice after a 'breach of planning control' at the former RAF Scampton  where the Red Arrows also used to be based.

Ministers are planning to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers there. But West Lindsey District Council says work to prepare the site in Lincolnshire  which included moving in accomodation blocks  had broken rules over listed buildings and archaeology.

It said the breaches related to the installation of fences, 'intrusive' surveying works, groundworks and connections to utilities which had 'the potential to cause irreversible damage to important heritage assets'.

The 617 Squadron, known as The Dambusters, was formed at the airfield and famed for its mission in May 1943 by 19 Lancaster bombers to destroy three dams in the Ruhr Valley with 'bouncing bombs'.

The Home Office has been hit with a legal notice ordering it to halt work converting RAF Scrampton into accommodation for asylum seekers

The 617 Squadron, known as The Dambusters, was formed at RAF Scampton and famed for its mission in May 1943 by 19 Lancaster bombers to destroy three dams in the Ruhr Valley

Sally Grindrod-Smith, the local authority's director of planning, said the Home Office had 'not provided the necessary information or reassurances'.

The stop notice meant work must halt with immediate effect 'until we are furnished with details of the proposed works and can determine whether additional planning consents are required', she added.

The notice was displayed at the site at 7am on Friday and would remain in force for 28 days unless withdrawn earlier.

Scampton was one of two surplus military bases which the Home Office announced in March would be repurposed for housing asylum seekers.

Ministers said accommodating migrants across Scampton and Wethersfield in Essex, as well as the Bibby Stockholm barge moored off Dorset, would reduce reliance on expensive hotels. The first of up to 1,700 asylum seekers planned to be housed at Wethersfield arrived in July.

West Lindsey District Council and Braintree District Council have mounted challenges to the proposals, with a judicial review to be heard at the High Court on October 31. They claim the sites are unsuitable for the plans.
POLICE Scotland has been accused of hiding crime by handing out more than 100,000 warning letters to offenders instead of initiating prosecutions.

Recorded Police Warnings [RPWs] allow officers to clear up a case by offering written advice rather than make a report to the Procurator Fiscal.

Introduced in 2016, they were designed to deal with minor offences, such as breach of the peace, to avoid clogging up the criminal justice system. New research, though, has found RPWs increasingly being used for more serious incidents, including sex offences and housebreaking.

Now the force is refusing to publish the criteria on which decisions to spare criminals are taken. There are fears a pilot scheme in the North-East which will see minor crimes with no line of inquiry disregarded, will encourage an explosion in the use of RPWs.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay said The SNPs chronically weak approach to justice has resulted in what appears to be a parallel system of secret justice in which serious offences result in a mild ticking-off.

If they genuinely believe that sex criminals, fraudsters and others should only receive an RPW, they should be confident enough to explain exactly how and why this happens.

Police Scotland is accused of hiding crime by handing out more than 100,000 warning letters to offenders instead of initiating prosecutions

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay says The SNPs chronically weak approach to justice has resulted in what appears to be a parallel system of secret justice

Victims, along with the law-abiding majority of Scots, have a right to know what is going on inside the justice system which is being corroded by the SNP.

The upgraded system of RPWs was introduced in 2016 to make the process less time-consuming. Figures show more than 100,000 have been issued in five years.

In 2020-21  the last year for which there is data  6,448 were issued for drugs crimes, including possession of Class A substances. There were 1,908 for common assaults, 318 for fraud, 25 for fire-raising and 20 for sex crimes.

RPWs were even used in cases of housebreaking, stealing cars and driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

The warnings do not count as convictions. Those who receive them do not admit guilt and they disappear from criminal record checks after two years. However, they allow officers to record a crime as having been cleared up.

There has been fresh focus on how they are issued after a woman was given a black eye by a male transgender-rights activist during a feminist rally in Aberdeen.

Julie Marshall, 54, claims that she was punched in the head and arm, but her assailant was given an RPW.

Guidelines for the police from the Lord Advocate remain under wraps as the authorities insist publication would help criminals avoid prosecution.

However, research by the Edinburgh-based policy group Murray Blackburn Mackenzie warns there is little accountability built into the system.

Its latest paper on RPWs states: Although widely used, [they] do not appear to be particularly well understood. We are not aware of any published evaluations or academic research. Whether it is appropriate that guidelines for a warning scheme so widely used by the police remain confidential is questionable.

Chief Superintendent Gordon McCreadie, of the police criminal justice services division, said: Criteria are issued by the Lord Advocate. The scheme allows officers, in appropriate circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, to deal with offences on the spot.

RPWs significantly shorten the time it can take for a disposal to be achieved, reduce the volume of formal reports in the criminal justice system, and give officers the ability to exercise their professional discretion.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said it carefully balances the need for confidentiality in its procedures with a commitment to transparency and accountability.
INTRODUCING a congestion charge In Scotlands biggest city will accelerate the decline of its retail centre, business leaders have warned.

Glasgow City Council is facing a growing backlash after its deputy leader raised the prospect of a new charge on drivers who commute into the city centre.

The Scottish Retail Consortium warned that any levy could make Glasgow even less attractive to visitors.

Footfall has already declined in the citys main shopping streets, while the number of empty shops has soared. Motoring groups also reacted angrily to the prospect of a new charge, only months after full enforcement began on the citys low emissions zone.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: Glasgow City Council needs to consider carefully the economic impact of any new policies which might make the city centre less accessible and more costly to visit, and whether the potential revenue raised from new congestion levies measures up against the likely impact on retail and hospitality.

Normally busy shopping district of Buchanan Street in Glasgow city centre is almost deserted

Ricky Bell, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, raised the prospect of a congestion charge at the weekend, saying proceeds could be used to fund measures to make the city centre look better.

He added: We have a huge amount of people who come into the city because they live in the suburbs and use our services. They are paying all their council tax to other councils and thats great  but they are not paying anything for the services they use here.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: We will work with all local authorities to support equitable measures which encourage active travel and accompany greater investment in public transport for a fairer and greener transport system.
THE coronavirus booster vaccine should be offered to anyone who wants it as part of efforts to tackle the new Pirola variant, according to a Scottish Government adviser.

Professor Devi Sridhar, a member of the Scottish Governments Covid-19 advisory group, called for universal eligibility for the booster to be expanded beyond those over the age of 65.

Another leading expert yesterday also called for free lateral flow testing to be brought back and warned of a bumpy winter ahead.

Professor Sridhar, chair of global public health at Edinburgh University, raised concerns about the number of mutations of the B.A.2.86 variant of Covid-19, unofficially known as Pirola.

She said: It comes back to the booster question of who should actually be getting a booster this autumn as we head into winter, given that we know protection wanes from vaccines over time.

There is a real case to be made for widening the criteria for who gets a booster, and as we already know, moving it sooner so that people have that protection if they are exposed to a new kind of sublineage of Omicron.

Infection expert Professor Rowland Kao, of Edinburgh University, told the BBCs the Sunday Show that there are signs the threat from Covid is getting worse

Asked if it should be expanded from the over-65s to those over the age of 50, she said: Yes, definitely. Actually even pushing farther to making it accessible to those who want to have it.

If we are moving towards a yearly programme similar to seasonal flu, we do allow younger people, those who are living with those who are vulnerable, to go out and actually get vaccinated against flu, you can go to a pharmacy and have it done.

So I hope we are moving to a similar model.

She also insisted that she is not at all worried that lockdown restrictions will be needed again, and said that proportionality is the key.

Infection expert Professor Rowland Kao, of Edinburgh University, told the BBCs the Sunday Show that there are signs the threat from Covid is getting worse.

Although he said there is not yet evidence to suggest the new variant is more harmful than previous versions, he advised: If you find that you have symptoms then you should definitely be isolating if you can.

Experts say the booster vaccine should be made accessible to anyone who wants it

Another leading expert warned of a bumpy winter ahead

The problem we have of course is its showing symptoms very similar to the cold. Where you can, get a lateral flow test. I would like to see lateral flow tests become freely available again because a lot of people cant afford them.

Professor Kao said if cases keep rising over the next month or two and hospital cases continue to rise then we know we have a bumpy winter ahead of us.

Professor Sir Gregor Smith, the chief medical officer for Scotland, has briefed the Scottish Government on the new variant.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison encouraged people to take up the vaccine if eligible and said the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will provide advice on how to respond to the variant.

Asked if measures such as face masks, social distancing and lockdowns would be considered if the new variant causes major issues, she said: We would take advice, clearly, and work closely with UK partners around any change to the advice.

The advice at the moment is of course to make sure you get vaccinated if you are eligible and to take those precautions, like hand-washing, which is really important. We need to make sure the health service is as resilient as it can be entering into winter.
In unveiling his Programme for Government last week, the First Minister spoke for 34 minutes about his plans and priorities for Scotland. We have heard much since then about how this programme will repair relations between the Scottish Government and the business sector.

No one should be in any doubt that making Scotland a nation of enterprise and innovation is essential for economic growth, prosperity and the revenues needed to fund public services. Whether a government and a First Minister so fixated on social and cultural issues, and so lacking in business experience, will be able to achieve that is another matter.

If we are meant to be heartened by the emphasis placed on business in Humza Yousafs statement, what are we to make of his downplaying of other vital issues? One I have in mind is health. When he addressed MSPs, Mr Yousaf went 22 minutes  almost two-thirds of his speech  before mentioning the NHS.

The only thing worse than being identified as a priority by this Government is when they signal their utter indifference.

Thats not to say there was nothing in the health and social care announcements worth applauding. Guaranteeing a minimum wage of 12 an hour for those social care workers involved in direct care is a welcome, if belated, decision.

Complacency

There is an urgent need to improve the quality of social care in this country and that will only happen if we improve the pay and conditions of those who work on the frontline. An ageing population means this issue is only going to grow in importance.

When addressing MSPs, Mr Yousaf spoke for 22 minutes before mentioning the NHS

There was also the encouraging news that the independent living fund, which assists disabled people to live with autonomy, will be reopened. Additional support for women who suffer miscarriage, including certificates acknowledging their lost babies, will help expecting parents in this tragic situation.

In every other regard the Programme for Government displays a complacency towards the major challenges facing the NHS that borders on denial. The First Minister told us that Scotland has the best-performing accident and emergency departments in the UK. What he didnt tell us is that only 73 per cent of patients are being seen at A&E within four hours. The Scottish Governments own target says that figure should be 95 per cent.

While assuring us that Scotlands NHS is already making progress in recovering from the pandemic, he failed to note that in February 2020, the last month before Covid-19 hit, 87 per cent were seen within the four-hour window. Sixteen months since NHS Scotland was taken out of Covid emergency footing and A&E performance is 14 percentage points shy of its pre-pandemic level, which itself was still missing the target.

The First Minister trumpeted news that the number of people waiting more than 18 months for treatment has almost halved. He left out the fact that almost a third of patients wait longer than 18 months, 4,000 more than before Covid.

Statistics are important but they only capture part of the story. Personal experience will trump data for many people. It wont be enough for the NHS to improve. They will have to see it improve.

Improvement is not the word many would use to describe the NHS of late. They have found themselves up against endless waits on the telephone when trying to get a GP appointment. Securing an NHS dentist requires such rare luck that anyone managing it would be advised to next go out and buy a lottery ticket.

Some will know the anguish of having called an emergency ambulance for a loved one only to wait hours or be forced to make the journey to hospital by some other means. Others will have had a relative stuck in hospital because the necessary care package is not in place to allow them to be discharged.

Patients dont just form opinions based on their own experiences and the experiences of those close to them. They also listen to professionals. They listen when Dr Alan Robertson, chairman of BMA Scotlands consultants committee, says unfilled consultant posts are worryingly high and that the workforce is in crisis.

They listen when Dr Andrew Buist, who heads up the BMAs Scottish GP committee, warns of a very bleak situation in GP services and says many GPs fear the practices they work in are simply not sustainable in the long-term.

Two nurses, stressed and tired, comfort one another after a stressful day attending to patients

The Programme for Government pledges to improve access to general practitioner services, but how exactly?

Over the past decade, the number of patients has increased by a quarter-million while the number of GP practices has dropped by 89. Almost one in ten practices are no longer accepting new patients. Thirty per cent of GPs say the future of their practice is precarious. A quarter intend to leave in the next two years. There are only two ways you can widen access to GP services: hire more GPs or shift a significant amount of practice workloads to others, be that in-house nurses and nurse practitioners or external pharmacists. Either way, were talking about a sizeable investment.

The First Minister will launch a national centre for remote and rural health and care. A very commendable idea but how exactly will it bring rural healthcare up to par with that provided in towns and cities? Rural Scotland is underserved in GP availability, access to pharmacy services and A&E treatment. The Government cannot say it wants to see people living in rural Scotland then fail to invest adequately in healthcare infrastructure.

Talk of a new delivery plan for mental health and wellbeing is well and good but weve heard it all before. New plans, fresh strategies, improved approaches. Yet targets for both child and adult mental health services are still being missed.

Morass

This was Mr Yousafs first Programme for Government. It was his opportunity to tell us who he is, what he believes, and what his priorities are. As the former health secretary, with all the insights that role brings, he might have been expected to lay out a bold vision for the future.

A blueprint putting the service on a more solid footing.

Instead, we got the policy equivalent of a shrug. Some things will be done. More things will be hoped for. There will be input and aspirations but too little that is tangible on outcomes and metrics. It is as though, having been nothing much to write home about in the health brief, the First Minister has decided to steer clear of a political morass now that hes at the head of the table. Is it just me or does this sound terribly familiar?

Another failed health secretary has moved onto bigger things and left the NHS behind in the dust. Another First Minister will talk about our precious NHS but do precious little about it.

The difference this time is that the political landscape Mr Yousaf inherited from Nicola Sturgeon is a world away from the one she inherited from Alex Salmond. Back then, the SNP could rely on a rock-solid voter base of independence voters and others who simply preferred the Nationalists to any of the alternatives.

Independence supporters are coming to realise that Ms Sturgeon (ably assisted by Mr Yousaf) squandered one dream opportunity after another while the electoral winds were at the partys back.

The weathervane is swinging in the opposite direction and to some voters those alternatives arent all that unpalatable any more.

There is now not only a political cost attached to failure on the NHS but an election due next year at which the voters can make the SNP pay the price.
Four people have been killed and three others seriously injured after being hit by a train near Barcelona today.

The victims are believed to have been in a group of seven people who were crossing the tracks outside of an authorised area in Montmelo, around 12 miles north of Barcelona.

Four have been confirmed dead by Catalonia's emergency services while the three people injured are 'very serious' and fighting for their lives.

The tragedy happened just before 8.30pm between the stations of Parets del Valles and Granollers on a stretch of a railway line known as the R3 line.

The four people killed have been described as three men and a woman and are said to have been all aged around 20.

The tragedy happened just before 8.30pm between the stations of Parets del Valles and Granollers on a stretch of a railway line known as the R3 line

Catalan president Pere Aragones said the 'deadly tragedy leaves us speechless' and the police forces were investigating the cause of the crash

Although initial reports said they were heading to a music festival, it was being claimed they were leaving the techno music festival when they tried to cross the railway tracks at an unauthorised point.

The festival has been named locally as the Duro Techno Festival at the Montmelo race track which is known for hosting international racing events including F1 races.

The event was a sell-out.

Train services along part of the line have been suspended for the time being.

'We searched for other possible victims near the train. We did not find any others. We also helped evacuate the area and take the injured to ambulances,' the regional firefighting force wrote on X.

Civil Protection workers said: 'The initial information was that the train had hit seven people who were crossing the tracks.

'The other three people have been taken to Barcelona's Mollet Hospital.

'There were some 150 people on the train and none have needed medical assistance.'

A spokesman for the regional Mossos d'Esquadra police force said: 'We are working on the management of this incident and we are opening an investigation to find out the circumstances of this accident.'

Although initial reports pointed to some of the survivors in the group of seven fighting for their lives, well-placed sources subsequently said they had been hospitalised after suffering panic attacks and had escaped serious injury.

There has not been any official comment on the exact condition of the other members of the group.

Catalan president Pere Aragones tweeted: 'Absolutely appalled by the multiple train crash in Montmelo, a deadly tragedy that leaves us speechless.

'The emergency services continue to work and offer support to victims and relatives. The police forces are already investigating the causes of the accident.

Consternados por el terrible accidente de esta tarde en la linea R3, en Montmelo.



Mi sentido pesame a la familia y seres queridos de los fallecidos y mi apoyo a los equipos y servicios de emergencias que trabajan en esta situacion tan dura.  Raquel Sanchez (@raquelsjimenez) September 10, 2023

Spanish Transport Minister Racquel Sanchez said she was 'dismayed by the terrible accident' and sent her condolences to the family and loved ones of those who died

'There are no trains running between Parets and Granollers.'

Spanish Transport Minister Raquel Sanchez posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: 'Dismayed by the terrible accident this afternoon on line R3, in Montmelo.

'My condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and my support to the emergency teams and services working in this difficult situation.'

David Lucas Parron, the Secretary of State for transport, mobility and urban agenda, said: 'Terrible accident this afternoon on line R3, in Montmelo. I extend my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased in these difficult times.'
You didn't need to venture on to the dark web to find the baleful products sold by Canadian chef Kenneth Law. They were accessible to anybody, on mundane-looking websites with names such as Escape Mode and Imtime Cuisine.

But the 'escape' they offered was permanent. Although the websites sold apparently innocuous products including gas masks, 'flow regulators' and rubber tubing, their most popular item was an inorganic chemical compound.

In larger quantities, the white powder is deadly. An overdose prevents blood from carrying oxygen to the brain. The effect is similar to carbon monoxide poisoning, which some experts say can be horrifically painful.

For Law and his troubled customers, that was precisely the point. For it is alleged almost everything he ghoulishly sold on the five websites he operated was designed to help people commit suicide. What couldn't be used for that purpose was there as window-dressing to put the authorities off the scent.

It didn't work, and the staggering extent of his death-dealing operation is now emerging. The 57-year-old Canadian and the products he sold have now been linked to 88 deaths in Britain and he may have shipped as many as 1,200 packages to 40 countries, say police.

Kenneth Law and the products he sold have now been linked to 88 deaths in Britain and he may have shipped as many as 1,200 packages to 40 countries, say police

Although proponents of euthanasia often portray it as a merciful release for the elderly and infirm, Law's alleged victims were young, ranging in age from just 16 to 36 and very far from terminally ill. Pictured: Neha Raju, 22

Among those who killed themselves after allegedly buying products from Law include 25-year-old photographer Imogen Nunn  a TikTok star known as 'Deaf Immy' (pictured)

Last weekend, the National Crime Agency said it was investigating potential crimes committed by Law after identifying 272 purchasers of his so-called 'suicide kits' in the UK. Police in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Italy are conducting their own investigations and he faces 14 charges of counselling or aiding suicide over deaths that occurred in his home province of Ontario. Canadian investigators are also looking into the collapse and subsequent death of a colleague at Toronto's five-star Fairmont Royal York hotel  where Law had been a cook since 2016.

Although Canada controversially allows doctors to assist people in killing themselves, anyone else who 'counsels or abets' a person to die by suicide faces a prison sentence of up to 14 years. The offence carries the same punishment in the UK.

Law has denied targeting buyers who wanted to kill themselves. 'I'm selling a legal product, OK. And what the person does with it, I have no control,' he said in May.

That may be technically accurate. But the former aerospace engineer, who police say started operating his online business in late 2020 after going bankrupt, reportedly told an undercover reporter that 'many, many, many, many' people had died after using products he'd sold them online. Law charged $59 (47), not including postage, for a packet of the compound  labelled '99.999 percent pure'  used in most of the deaths.

Philip Nitschke, the Australian godfather of the euthanasia movement and former physician who has been dubbed 'Dr Death', told the Mail that Law's arrest had been a serious blow to his controversial 'right-to-die' cause.

He said 'hundreds' of supporters of Exit International, the organisation he founded and which claims to have a 47,000-strong membership, had bought from Law, although only a minority had actually killed themselves. With an average age of 75, he said, they mostly buy poisons and other suicide aids not to use immediately, but for 'peace of mind' that they can end their lives one day 'if things get bad'.

Dr Nitschke admitted the closure of Law's operations was a major setback for anyone considering suicide, as the Canadian had been one of the last remaining suppliers of the poisonous compound, which was seen as the best available method to end one's life.

Armed with Law's customer database, police around the world including the UK have been making surprise 'wellness checks' on Exit International members.

Indeed, when UK members gathered for a seminar recently in central London, the implications of Law's arrest dominated discussions, Nitschke said. 'It was a big topic. Everyone is asking, 'What do we do now? What do we do now?' But I don't know what to say because Ken Law was about the last person standing.'

That fewer people may kill themselves now that Law's in custody may provide some consolation to the heartbroken families who lost relatives after they used his products. They have expressed outrage that he was allowed to keep operating for years.

Although proponents of euthanasia often portray it as a merciful release for the elderly and infirm, Law's alleged victims in Ontario were pitifully young, ranging in age from just 16 to 36 and very far from terminally ill.

Law charged $59 (47), not including postage, for a packet of the compound  labelled '99.999 percent pure'  used in most of the deaths

Kenneth Law appears in court in Brampton, Ont., Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in an artist's sketch

The same pattern was tragically repeated in Britain where those who killed themselves after allegedly buying products from Law include 25-year-old photographer Imogen Nunn  a TikTok star known as 'Deaf Immy'  and Home Counties students Neha Raju and Tom Parfett, aged only 23 and 22.

Tom's father, David, from Maidenhead, Berkshire, said whoever supplied the poison had 'effectively handed a loaded gun to my son'.

In the U.S., customers were as young as 17-year-old Anthony Jones, who drank a dose of the compound, which is easily soluble in water, then ran to his mother with the heartbreaking cry: 'I want to live.' He died shortly afterwards.

Law's arrest has exposed a chilling industry that allows cynical opportunists to profit from the suicidal thoughts of vulnerable people.

His alleged activities first came to light in October 2022 when a British coroner's report into the death six months earlier of Ms Raju in Guildford, Surrey, revealed she had bought the substance that killed her from one of his websites.

The Surrey county coroner, Anna Loxton, noted the drug was still available online and said she was concerned that the substance was 'freely available to be purchased from the internet in lethal quantities for delivery within the UK'. She called on then health secretary Therese Coffey to take action to prevent further deaths.

In April this year, a newspaper investigation finally identified Kenneth Law as the man behind the controversial websites.

It was also revealed that Surrey Police, while investigating Ms Raju's death, had emailed Law and been reassured that he would stop selling the substance 'once his stock was depleted'.

The Surrey force said it found 'no evidence items on that site were being advertised or knowingly sold for the purposes of suicide', adding of Law: 'As he was not known to be doing anything illegal, we had no powers to compel him to immediately cease sales.'

And yet one has to wonder how closely the police investigators looked. All five of the websites linked to Law have now been shut down but the Mail this week was able to find many of the pages of both Imtime Cuisine and EscMode (for Escape Mode) because they were routinely captured and stored on a huge internet library system.

And, while they say nothing explicitly about helping people wanting to kill themselves, some of what they contain should have rung alarm bells. Imtime Cuisine billed itself as a cooking-ingredients website (its home page was headed 'Salty Nourishment  The Art & Craft of the cold kitchen') but the only five products for sale were two types of table salt, a single brand of barbecue sauce, and two powerful chemical compounds which are both potentially lethal in anything but tiny doses and have both been linked to suicide attempts.

Some of Imtime Cuisine's pages automatically connected to another website, EscMode, which listed Law as its founder and provided a PO box in Mississauga, a city next to Toronto, as a contact address.

Oddly for a business selling an industrial assortment of breathing masks and 'medical grade' gas flow regulators, among EscMode's list of 'core values' was the desire to 'responsibly honour the wishes of our customers independent of social stigma and without judgement'.

EscMode offered a 15 per cent discount to 'repeat customers' and included a selection of customer 'testimonials' that seemed to wink slyly at the outfit's ulterior purpose.

Police are still scrambling to track down those who bought Law's lethal supplies, meaning the full tragic scale of his operation still remains to be seen. Pictured: Kenneth Law

Escape Mode's 'premium solutions... were a Life-Saver  well you get my drift', said one. Another grimly called the money spent on equipment 'probably the last $1,000 I'm going to spend'. However, it appears that Law's downfall was in large part down to an extra service he offered to customers: a 40-minute 'phone call consultation' for $150.

It was during one such chat that he told a Times reporter posing as a suicidal customer that he had been inspired to go into the business after watching his mother suffer terribly after a stroke and boasted that some people told him he was doing 'God's work'. Law reportedly outlined on the phone how to take his product lethally and said British buyers were among his biggest customers. He allegedly admitted that he urged buyers to destroy any communication with him before killing themselves.

His personal history remains something of a mystery. At the time of his arrest he was living in a basement flat in Mississauga and was estranged from at least one member of his family. 'It's terrible, disgusting and disturbing. I can't believe he was living next door,' said a neighbour.

He claimed on his CV to be highly qualified as an engineer and in 2004 spent six months in Coventry working on the Boeing 787 programme team for Dunlop Standard Aerospace.

So how did a hotel chef and former engineer from Canada come to have such terrible power over the lives of so many vulnerable people?

In April 2020, Law filed for bankruptcy with debts of more than 78,000 and just over 2,000 to his name. Just four months later, he registered ImtimeCuisine.com.

Shortly before his arrest in May this year, Law told Canada's Globe And Mail newspaper: 'The issue was because of the pandemic: I need a source of income  I hope you can understand that  I need to feed myself.'

He also told the newspaper that he discovered the food preservative through his work in restaurants. Perhaps he was aware that this poison had been discovered as a potential suicide method in 2018 after it was used to cull wild pigs in Australia.

In the same year, Exit International inserted a chapter on the poison in its how-to guide, The Peaceful Pill Handbook.

However, as word spread of its potential on pro-suicide internet chat rooms, police were alerted to the development. They started to close down supplies of the compound they believed were being used for suicides  though the product is still not illegal.

Experts believe that Law must have obtained a large supply of the poison when it was still easily available and cost only $20 (16) a kilo. (By later charging $59 for a packet, Law would therefore have been selling it for nearly 60 times what he paid).

'I'm presuming his motives were financial,' said Dr Nitschke. 'He obviously wasn't worried about who he was selling to.'

So much, then, for his sob story to the undercover reporter of being inspired by watching his mother in agony.

Sensing a public-relations disaster for their cause, some right-to-die campaigners have rushed to distance themselves from Law.

Tom Curran, Europe co-ordinator for Exit International, has now condemned suicide kits sold online, saying: 'The person buying them could be a 12-year-old, they could be anybody.'

He added: 'It could be [purchased] by a person who is not thinking rationally  they need help, not a substance.'

The group's head, Dr Nitschke believes Law will be 'hung out to dry and given a heavy sentence' to deter others from copying him.

Yet such back-pedalling may come as little comfort to the devastated families of those who've already died thanks to Law's products  the kind promoted by Nitschke's group.

And, with police still scrambling to track down those who bought Law's lethal supplies, the full tragic scale of his operation still remains to be seen.
Xem them

(Construction) - On October 3, 2023, in Tokyo - Capital of Japan, Construction Newspaper of Vietnam, represented by Mr. Nguyen Anh Dung - Editor-in-Chief continued to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Daily Engineering and Construction News of Japan (DECN) with the witness of the MLIT and many businesses in Japan.

...

Tin bai cuoi cung

Khong con du lieu e load
Doctors say she is actively dying and that she should be placed in palliative care

The 19-year-old is in a 'race against time' to undergo a therapy that costs 1.5m

The family of a critically ill teenager who is fighting doctors' attempts to withdraw her life-preserving care has urged the Health Secretary to step in and help 'save their daughter'.

Anonymised to the initials 'ST', the girl who has a rare genetic condition is forbidden from putting her name to her story by draconian reporting restrictions.

This has prevented her from fundraising to join clinical trials in North America.

There are growing calls for the rules, which have shrouded the 19-year-old's heart-breaking case in secrecy, to be lifted.

'These reporting restrictions are killing our daughter,' her tight-knit Christian family told the Mail last night.

The family of a critically ill teenager who is fighting doctor's attempts to withdraw her life-preserving care has urged Health Secretary Steve Barclay (pictured) to 'save their daughter'

'We have been gagged and prevented from telling ST's story and exposing what is happening to us.'

As revealed in Saturday's Mail, the teenager who suffers from mitochondrial depletion syndrome is said to be in a 'race against time' to undergo nucleoside therapy for which she needs to raise 1.5million.

But she has been unable to launch an appeal after being taken to court by NHS doctors who claim she is 'actively dying' and should be placed in palliative care.

Her family has applied to lift the reporting restrictions, which were imposed at the request of the NHS Trust involved, and is now appealing to Steve Barclay to help.

'We urge the Health Secretary to intervene and for the hospital and the courts to lift these restrictions so that we can do everything we can to try and save our daughter,' the family said.

Supporters of ST have backed the calls, saying the NHS Trust's court action is 'a lethal form of paternalism'.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre which is backing the family, said 'urgent action must be taken before it is too late'.

ST's rare illness is the same as that of Charlie Gard, the 11-month-old whose life support was withdrawn after a bitter court battle over his treatment in 2017.

Charlie's mother Connie Yates said the restrictions on ST's family were a 'violation of their rights'.

'This is not a child who needs protecting, this is a 19-year-old who wants to tell her story and raise awareness,' she said.

Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'Justice by default should be open,' adding: 'The courts should not support closed justice when the person who is supposed to be protected doesn't want this secrecy.'

Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) said 'Justice by default should be open'

ST's end-of-life case is notable because she is an adult, is conscious and is able to communicate her desire to speak publicly about her case.

Yet a judge last month ruled that she lacks the mental capacity to make decisions or even instruct her lawyers.

Doctors argued that her refusal to accept their view that the 'kindest option' is to 'de-escalate' her care and 'make her comfortable' is a sign of delusion and that the Court of Protection should decide her fate at a future hearing.

Anscombe Bioethics Centre, a research institute for the Catholic Church, said the judgment was 'disturbing'.

Director Professor David Albert Jones, from the centre, said: 'A vulnerable patient's disagreement with her doctors is being used against her as a means not only to take away her voice but further to deny her the right to litigate against the decision to take away her voice.'

A Health Department spokesman said: 'Every effort should be made to reach agreement on the care provided, which is why we have commissioned the Nuffield Council on Bioethics to explore how best to achieve this.'
High street stores are being turned into fortresses amid a shoplifting epidemic  with everyday items from duvets to washing powder put under lock and key.

The problem has even led to the Co-op warning some communities could become 'no-go' areas for shops.

And a Sainsbury's in south London, which was once the chain's biggest supermarket in the country, is set to shut later this year with staff claiming theft is one of the factors behind the decision.

Fortress stores are introducing extra guards, electronic security barriers at self-service tills, body cameras for employees and even facial recognition systems to spot known shoplifters.

Some retailers are putting dummy packages on sale  for products such as coffee  which have to be taken to the till to be swapped for the real thing.

High street stores are being turned into fortresses amid a shoplifting epidemic  with everyday items from duvets to washing powder put under lock and key

The problem has even led to the Co-op warning some communities could become 'no-go' areas for shops

Security protection on chicken for sale in a Tesco Express store in West Ruislip earlier this year

The idea of locking up products began with wine and spirits before being extended to other high-value items such as steaks, imported cheeses, razor blades and manuka honey.

But now everyday essentials such as washing powder, milk, baby formula, butter, laundry gel and coffee have been tagged.

Body cameras on staff 'don't cut crime' The former boss of Sainsbury's said there was 'no evidence' that equipping supermarket staff with body cameras reduces crime. Justin King, who is now a member of the board at Marks & Spencer, said the use of the technology could 'inflame tricky situations' in stores. Tesco boss Ken Murphy revealed in The Mail on Sunday that every frontline worker at the supermarket was to be offered a body camera following an increase in violent attacks on staff. But Mr King, who ran Sainsbury's from 2004 to 2014, said there was 'no evidence in my time they reduced crime' as shoplifters know they are being filmed. He added: 'Many colleagues feel they inflame tricky situations. Panic alarms and appropriate security provision are more powerful.' Advertisement

Even Ferrero Rocher boxes have been seen in plastic cases.

Last week it emerged that home furnishing giant Dunelm is locking up its duvets and pillowcases in pin-protected cabinets.

And Iceland stores now have rows of roasting joints, Persil and other laundry products in security cases.

It comes after The Mail on Sunday yesterday launched a major campaign to crack down on shoplifting, a crime now so widespread a theft takes place every two seconds.

Our sister paper had backing from political and business heavyweights in its call for the police, Crown Prosecution Service and courts to be much tougher with shoplifters, and for a change in the law to make abuse or violence towards staff a specific offence.

Generally, officers do not attend and prosecute reports of shoplifting if the value of items taken is below 200.

The British Retail Consortium has reported a 27 per cent surge in losses due to shoplifting which has, in some cases, become organised looting, taking the figure close to 1billion a year.

Young thugs are sharing theft tips and organising mass raids, for example on designer stores in London's Oxford Street, over social media app TikTok.

Emmeline Taylor, professor of criminology at City University, wrote in a report, called Fortress Stores, published by the ECR Retail Loss group: 'There is a strong relationship between substance misuse, shop theft and the use of violence and aggression by drug-affected offenders.

'Industry research in the UK suggests that the majority of thefts committed against retail businesses (79 per cent) are by repeat offenders that are not being sufficiently tackled by the police.'

But now everyday essentials such as washing powder, milk, baby formula, butter, laundry gel and coffee have been tagged

Even Ferrero Rocher boxes have been seen in plastic cases

The idea of locking up products began with wine and spirits before being extended to other high-value items such as steaks, imported cheeses, razor blades and manuka honey

The Sainsbury's in the Whitgift Centre, in Croydon, south London, was the chain's biggest supermarket in the country when it opened 54 years ago.

A series of failed redevelopment plans for the centre have seen it become run down and unpopular.

READ MORE: Shopkeeper who has run his stores for 20 years says he might have to CLOSE his business as it loses more money from thieves stealing his products than it makes every day Advertisement

One employee said: 'We have been told the store is closing because it is no longer profitable to keep open due to the high levels of theft.

'Items are being taken as soon as they are put on the shelves... We are all going to lose our jobs. I'm 61 and have worked for Sainsbury's for 25 years. Who is going to employ me now?'

A regular customer said: 'Most of us that shopped there saw people stealing. There were regular incidents with professional shoplifters.' The supermarket said the closure was due to a range of factors but denied that shoplifting was one of these.

Tesco is to start offering bodycameras to staff, while the Asda chairman Lord Stuart Rose has called for tougher action by the police.

The Co-op has suffered record levels of crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour with almost 1,000 incidents each day in the six months to June  a 35 per cent annual increase.

It said one of its stores in inner London was 'looted' three times in one day.

'This level of out-of-control crime is unsustainable and could even see some communities become a no-go area for local stores,' a spokesman added.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has stressed she wants police to investigate all crimes where there is good evidence, such as CCTV. The nation's police forces have signed up to the initiative.
China was last night accused of carrying out a 'hostile act' in the heart of Westminster after a parliamentary researcher was arrested on suspicion of spying.

As diplomatic relations plunged to a new low, Rishi Sunak confronted China's premier over his country's 'unacceptable' interference in British democracy.

And there were calls for the Government to ban Beijing from attending the UK's world-first summit on artificial intelligence this autumn in response.

In what is alleged to be one of the most serious security breaches involving a hostile state at Westminster, the suspect has links to several senior Tory MPs, including security minister Tom Tugendhat and foreign affairs committee chairman Alicia Kearns, a vocal China critic.

The revelation sparked fury yesterday as it continued a pattern of behaviour by Beijing that has become increasingly concerning to the UK.

Senior Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith has been sanctioned by Beijing after condemning human rights abuses

Parliament's spy agency watchdog, the Intelligence and Security Committee, warned in July that Beijing was targeting the UK 'prolifically and aggressively' (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping)

MPs said it represented an 'escalation' in hostilities, and urged ministers to take the threat posed by China seriously, while others called for a full review of all those who hold parliamentary passes.

The researcher was in a key role in Parliament for a year, having been promoted from a more junior position. MPs were said to be furious that they were left in the dark about his arrest in March.

He worked with MPs  some of whom are privy to highly sensitive information  on international policy for several years, and has spent time living and working in China.

Senior Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith  who has been sanctioned by Beijing after condemning human rights abuses  told the Mail that 'China does not give a damn about our policy of 'robust pragmatism' and sees Britain as a 'soft option'.

He branded the alleged spying a 'hostile act', adding: 'They have infiltrated most of our institutions now. This is another example of how they target us in Parliament.'

Bob Seely, a Tory member of the foreign affairs committee, said: 'What we are not grasping is the hostility of the Chinese state and the Chinese Communist Party.'

He also urged ministers to take the threat from China 'seriously', adding: 'China does not want to live in harmony with the Western world, but it wants to be in a dominant position over it.

The Prime Minister raised his concerns with Chinese counterpart Li Qiang at the end of the G20 summit in India yesterday

'That doesn't mean we wag a finger at them it means we have a sensible, nuanced relationship but one where we are much more robust about protecting our interests and understanding our vulnerabilities and what that means in the future.'

Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the defence committee, said: 'We should assume this not an isolated incident  but potentially part of a wider, long-term, Chinese strategy to infiltrate Parliament.'

Parliament's spy agency watchdog, the Intelligence and Security Committee, warned in July that Beijing was targeting the UK 'prolifically and aggressively'.

Last year, MI5 issued a rare security alert, warning MPs that a suspected spy, Christine Lee, had engaged in 'political interference activities' on behalf of China's ruling communist regime.

'Game-changing' new law Spies working for hostile states increasingly face the risk of prosecution under a new law hailed by the head of MI5 as 'game-changing'. Following the introduction of the National Security Act in July, police and MI5 are expecting to bring more espionage prosecutions in the coming year. MI5 director general Ken McCallum said: 'We face state adversaries who operate at scale and who are not squeamish about the tactics they deploy to target people and businesses in the UK. The National Security Act is a game-changing update to our powers. We now have a modern set of laws to tackle today's threats.' Espionage was a criminal offence, but the relevant law in the Official Secrets Act was more than 100 years old. In practice, the outdated law made it impossible to prosecute foreign spies. The National Security Act has made it an offence to assist or work covertly for a foreign intelligence service. Advertisement

And in July it was alleged China sent an agent posing as a tourist to infiltrate a Commons briefing by Hong Kong dissidents, trying to access an invitation-only committee room before being turned away.

The parliamentary researcher, in his late 20s, was arrested along with another man, in his 30s, by officers on March 13 on suspicion of offences under section one of the Official Secrets Act 1911. They were both released on bail and have not been charged.

Inquiries are being conducted by Scotland Yard's counter-terror command.

Last night the suspected spy was not at his registered address, believed to be his parents' home, in a leafy suburb of Edinburgh. A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: 'He did Chinese at university. He did a further Chinese course in London.'

They added the suspect had then gone on to live in China to teach English. The neighbour said: 'He's a lovely big lad, he's a nice big fella, he's fairly pleasant.'

Yesterday there was little sign of activity at the address other than the curtains being drawn after a woman, who claimed to be a house sitter looking after the property, arrived carrying a bouquet of flowers.

A neighbour said they thought the property had been vacated last week.

The Prime Minister raised his concerns with Chinese counterpart Li Qiang at the end of the G20 summit in India yesterday.

The Chinese PM is understood to have responded by saying the two leaders obviously have 'differences in opinion' during the conversation, which also touched on Ukraine and trade.

Mr Sunak said he raised his 'very strong concerns about any interference in our parliamentary democracy, which is obviously unacceptable'.

He added: 'There's no point carping from the sidelines  I'd rather be in there directly expressing my concerns, and that's what I did today.'

Labour business spokesman Jonathan Reynolds said the government policy of not describing China as a threat was 'naive', but he argued that economic ties with Beijing could bring benefits.'

Senior Tory MP Caroline Nokes called for a review of Parliament's pass-holders.

Downing Street and the House of Commons both declined to comment, citing their policies on security matters.
Police are intensifying their hunt for accomplices as captured terror suspect Daniel Khalife was charged over his audacious prison escape.

The 21-year-old former soldier will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow after he broke out of HMP Wandsworth last Wednesday.

Khalife was arrested by plain-clothes counter-terror police officers on Saturday following a 75-hour manhunt sparked after he escaped by clinging to the bottom of a food delivery lorry.

Scotland Yard was last night refocusing its efforts on piecing together Khalife's four days on the run, including probing those who might have helped him escape or evade capture while at large.

Suspicions that Khalife relied on a network of support were fuelled after he was arrested wearing new clothes, carrying a Waitrose cool bag filled with food and travelling on a mountain bike.

Khalife was arrested by plain-clothes counter-terror police officers on Saturday (pictured) following a 75-hour manhunt sparked after he escaped by clinging to the bottom of a food delivery lorry

Footage obtained by The Sun showed the moment Daniel Khalife was arrested

The 21-year-old former soldier will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow after he broke out of HMP Wandsworth (pictured) last Wednesday

Daniel Khalife (pictured), a former soldier in the 22 Signal Regiment, was on remand at HMP Wandsworth ahead of his six-week terror trial

A former prisons minister said the terror suspect would have received some sort of 'collusion and support'.

During the manhunt, a house in Richmond, south-west London, was raided by police after intercepted communications led them to believe Khalife may have been there, security sources told The Mail on Sunday.

Shortly after the raid, there were sightings less than three miles away in Chiswick. Khalife was detained as he cycled along a canal towpath in Greenford, west London.

Sources have also claimed that Khalife, who is accused of spying for Iran, had access to a mobile phone behind bars, raising the prospect that it may have been smuggled in by a visitor or a member of staff.

Officials have refused to comment on whether he had access to a phone, but Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the escape was clearly planned.

He told LBC: 'It is a question. Did anyone inside the prison help him? Other prisoners, guard staff? Was he helped by people outside the walls or was it simply all of his own creation? This is really concerning.'

Two guards at HMP Wandsworth have been suspended following Khalife's escape. It is understood both were involved in overseeing the exit of the Bidfood catering vehicle from the prison grounds.

It also emerged that Wandsworth's head of security and safety is under investigation for alleged misconduct. Bobby Cunningham was suspended a few months ago.

Former prisons minister Rory Stewart told Sky News: 'It seems clear if he had strapping underneath this vehicle, that there was some kind of collusion and support.

Daniel Abed Khalife, who went missing from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday, during a military exercise

The terror suspect's four days on the run ended just hours later  at 10.41am on Saturday  when an undercover officer pulled him from a bike as he cycled along a canal towpath

A national manhunt was launched for Daniel Abded Khalife, a former soldier suspected of terror offences. He escaped on September 6

Khalife was wearing a chef's uniform of Wandsworth prison similar to the one pictured at the time of his escape

But it's also clear that they seemed to spend, I don't know, half an hour [to] 45 minutes before they even noticed he was gone from the kitchen, and he shouldn't be in the kitchen in the first place.'

British-born Khalife, who has Iranian and Lebanese heritage, was charged in January with breaching the Official Secrets Act and for an alleged bomb hoax at his barracks.

A Wandsworth inmate was in a critical condition in hospital last night after an 'incident between prisoners' led to a man being stabbed.
Rishi Sunak was last night urged to ban Beijing from attending the UK's world-first summit on artificial intelligence.

Britain will host a major meeting of countries to discuss the risk of the rise in the technology and bid to agree on global safety measures.

The Prime Minister announced the summit, which will take place in November, amid fears AI's rapid advancement meant current working practices and safeguards are already out of date.

His aim is to position the UK as 'home to the transformative technologies of the future'.

The Government is said to want to involve the Chinese due to the size of the country's AI industry, but the Prime Minister is under fresh pressure to exclude them from the Bletchley Park gathering.

Rishi Sunak was last night urged to ban Beijing from attending the UK's world-first summit on artificial intelligence

Tory former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a leading 'China hawk', told the Daily Mail last night: 'They have dominance in AI and they have dominance in genomics, and they are working to bring the two together. It's astonishing really.

'They are a threat and until we wake up to that threat, engaging with them only makes us look weak. [The summit] is an engagement for people who are in the free world  that's what it should be.

'We don't want to engage people who are not in the free world because they don't give a damn about us.'

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited China last month, and insisted it would not be 'credible' to disengage with Beijing.

But the EU, US and Japan are also reportedly pushing back against inviting China.

Air Street Capital, a venture capital firm investing in AI-first technology, has also said China should not be invited.

In a blog post, it said 'democratic nations have little to gain from involving a hostile government with a track record of subverting international institutions, especially considering that they have yet to agree on many of the issues at stake'.

Lord Dannatt, a former Chief of the General Staff, said Britain should be 'very wary' of involving China in information communications or intelligence infrastructure.

Tory former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a leading 'China hawk', told the Daily Mail that engaging with China 'only makes us look weak'

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited China last month, and insisted it would not be 'credible' to disengage with Beijing

But he told the Mail: 'If it's a general discussion [at the conference] about the use of AI, that is probably fine. But if it was a conference focusing on intelligence and counter-intelligence it would be totally inappropriate to invite the Chinese.'

Tory MP Mark Logan, vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary committee on China, said Beijing should '100 per cent' be invited to the summit.

'The reality of the world that we live in  whether for those of my colleagues that detest it or not  the reality is that China is a potential global superpower and any decisions and investments it makes or technological developments it has are going to impact on we live our lives today or in the future,' he told the Mail.

Fellow Conservative backbencher Bob Seely, a member of the Commons foreign affairs committee, said: 'I don't think we should sulk, I think we should continue to deal with people.

'The more you disagree with people, the more you should be communicating with them to understand them better and so they understand you better.

The Government is said to want to involve the Chinese in the major meeting due to the size of the country's AI industry, but the Prime Minister is under fresh pressure to exclude them

'I don't see anything wrong at the moment in inviting them, although we have to be mindful that they are using AI and big data to oppress their population.'

Britain is a world leader in AI, ranking third behind the US and China. The technology contributed 3.7billion to the UK economy last year and employs 50,000 people.

Tech companies, researchers and key countries will meet at the UK summit to consider the risks of AI and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally-coordinated action.

The summit will also provide a platform for countries to work together on developing a shared approach to mitigate the risks.

A Government spokesman said: 'The UK will host the first major global summit on AI safety this November, bringing together key countries, as well as leading technology companies and researchers, to drive targeted, rapid international action.

'AI safety requires a collaborative approach, and we will work with... governments to ensure we can agree on safety measures which are needed to evaluate and monitor the most significant risks emerging from the newest developments in AI technologies.'
Caribbean nations will make formal demands to the Royal Family for slavery reparations by the end of the year, it has been reported.

Rather than trying to negotiate inter-governmental agreements, several nations want to put their case directly to descendants of those thought to have benefited from slavery, including King Charles.

The Church of England, Lloyd's of London and wealthy universities are also in the crosshairs, according to Arley Gill, chairman of the Grenada National Reparations Committee.

'We are hoping that King Charles will revisit the issue of reparations and make a more profound statement, beginning with an apology, and that he would make resources from the Royal Family available for reparative justice,' he told the Daily Telegraph.

'He should make some money available. We are not saying that he should starve himself and his family, and we are not asking for trinkets. But we believe we can sit around a table and discuss what can be made available for reparative justice.'

Rather than trying to negotiate inter-governmental agreements, several nations want to put their case directly to descendants of those thought to have benefited from slavery, including King Charles

The campaign has been given impetus by the decision of former BBC correspondent Laura Trevelyan (pictured) to donate money and apologise to the people of Grenada for her family's role in the historic slave trade

The Reparations Commission for St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) intends to start issuing formal demands for reparations by the end of this year, it was claimed. The Royal Family is also likely to be squarely in the sights of SVG, which like Grenada was a British colony.

Its reparation commission chairman, Adrian Odle, said that 'every property that the Royal Family is in possession of has the scent of slavery'.

The campaign has been given impetus by the decision of former BBC correspondent Laura Trevelyan to donate money and apologise to the people of Grenada for her family's role in the historic slave trade.

'My family, the Trevelyans, owned about 1,000 slaves on five different sugar plantations in Grenada in the 17th and 18th centuries', she said last year.

'When slavery was abolished in 1834, our family received compensation from the British government for the loss of our property, as part of 46,000 UK claims made to the Slave Compensation Commission. We received about 3 million in today's money. The enslaved got nothing.'

One of the Royal Family's most often cited links to slavery was the Royal African Company, which enslaved and transported hundreds of thousands from Africa to the Americas.

Earlier this year, the Guardian published a 1689 transfer of shares in the Royal African Company from Bristol merchant and slave trader Edward Colston to King William III.

King Charles last year said he felt 'personal sorrow at the suffering of so many', but he did not go so far as an apology.

However, he has never publicly ruled out reparations.

The Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, has apologised for the Netherlands' involvement in slavery, saying he 'felt the weight of the words in my heart and my soul'.

King Charles is said to be interested in understanding the results of an academic study exploring the relationship between the British monarchy and the slave trade in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Ukraine has just 45 days left to make significant gains in its counteroffensive against Russian forces before the onset of autumn and winter weather, Western observers said yesterday.

General Mark Milley, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it would become 'very difficult to manoeuvre' in the region's autumn rains.

Early in the summer, Kyiv began to strike at Russia's defensive lines, intending to reach the Sea of Azov to split Ukrainian territory held by Russia into two.

Gains were small to begin with  in areas that the Russians had spent a year laying mines  but a week ago Ukrainian generals reported they had broken through the first lines.

General Milley said: 'It has gone slower than the planners anticipated. But that is a difference between... war on paper and real war. So these are real people in real vehicles that are fighting through real minefields, and there's real death and destruction, and there's real friction. And there's still a reasonable amount of time  probably about 30 to 45 days' worth of fighting weather left.'

General Mark Milley (pictured), US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it would become 'very difficult to manoeuvre' in the region's autumn rains

Speaking on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, he added: 'They at least have achieved partial success in what they set out to do, and that's important.

'And then the rains will come in. It'll become very muddy.

'It'll be very difficult to manoeuvre at that point, and then you'll get the deep winter.' On the same programme, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK's Chief of the Defence Staff, said Ukraine was 'winning' because Russia had failed to bring the country under its control.

'That has not happened and it never will happen, and that's why Ukraine is winning,' he added.

Meanwhile, a Spanish charity director and a Canadian aid worker were killed by Russian shelling yesterday. Emma Igual, 32, was travelling with Anthony Ihnat and two other volunteers in a van close to the frontline of Ukraine's offensive.

Meanwhile, a Spanish charity director and a Canadian aid worker were killed by Russian shelling yesterday. Emma Igual (pictured), 32, was travelling with Anthony Ihnat and two other volunteers in a van close to the frontline of Ukraine's offensive

Ruben Mawick, from Germany, and Johan Mathias Thyr, from Sweden, were seriously wounded.

The party of four  from Road for Relief, which helps evacuate the wounded from frontline areas  were trapped inside the burning van after it was struck by shells near the eastern Ukrainian town of Bakhmut.

Road to Relief said the group were on their way to assess the needs of civilians on the outskirts of Bakhmut, which saw the war's longest and bloodiest battle before falling to Russian troops in May.
The upcoming sixth Pirates Of The Caribbean movie has such an oddball script, one of its writers is amazed Disney accepted it.

Craig Mazin, who wrote the acclaimed HBO miniseries Chernobyl and co-created the network's The Last Of Us, made the candid confession to Variety.

He has now written the next Pirates Of The Caribbean film with Ted Elliott, who himself co-wrote the first four movies in the series with Terry Rossio.

'We pitched it and thought theres no way theyre buying it, its too weird. And they did!' Craig revealed in his new interview.

'And then he wrote a fantastic script and the strike happened and everyones waiting around,' the showrunner added.

Throwback: The upcoming sixth Pirates Of The Caribbean movie has such an oddball script, one of its writers is amazed Disney accepted it; Johnny Depp is pictured for the fourth movie (pictured in 2003)

Who's who: Craig Mazin, who co-created the HBO miniseries Chernobyl starring Stellan Skarsgard (left) and Jared Harris (right), made the candid confession

The previous five movies in the franchise were led by Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, a character who became beloved by legions of fans all over the world.

Johnny's Hollywood career, however, spent the past few years in the doldrums as a result of his explosive legal battles with his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Amber and Johnny waged a blistering war of lawsuits after their 15-month marriage disintegrated into a blizzard of back-and-forth abuse allegations.

After his victory in a defamation case against Amber last year, Johnny mounted a grand return to showbiz and received a rapturous reception this May at the Cannes Film Festival, where he premiered his film Jeanne du Barry.

Last May, just before Johnny's court triumph, Pirates Of The Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer was opaque on the prospect of Johnny's return to the franchise.

When the Sunday Times asked if Johnny would come back, Jerry said: 'Not at this point,' but left the door slightly ajar, adding: 'The future is yet to be decided.'

Back in 2020, with Johnny's career still on ice, it emerged Disney was developing Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 alongside a spin-off movie starring Margot Robbie.

The Margot project was going to be written by Christina Hodson, who previously wrote the blonde bombshell's supervillain caper Birds Of Prey.

New gig: Craig (pictured) has now written the next Pirates Of The Caribbean film with Ted Elliott, who himself co-wrote the first four movies in the series with Terry Rossio

Who's who: The previous five movies in the franchise were led by Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, pictured in the first film alongside Orlando Bloom as blacksmith Will Turner

Latest: Pirates Of The Caribbean rapidly became a global juggernaut as a movie franchise, churning out five movies in all between 2003 and 2017; pictured in Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl

The way they were: Johnny's career, however, spent the past few years in the doldrums as a result of his legal battles with his ex-wife Amber Heard, whom he is pictured with in 2015

On ice: Back in 2020, with Johnny's career still on ice, it emerged Disney was developing Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 alongside a spin-off movie starring Margot Robbie

Last year, however, Margot gave an interview to Vanity Fair asserting that Disney had decided to pass on her Pirates Of The Caribbean movie.

'We had an idea and we were developing it for a while, ages ago, to have more of a female-led - not totally female-led, but just a different kind of story - which we thought would've been really cool,' she said. 'But I guess they don't want to do it.'

Jerry Bruckheimer then leapt into the fray and clarified that the spin-off was not off the table completely, but has been deferred in favor of the direct sequel.

'I think that that script will come forward at a certain point,' he told Collider of the spin-off. 'We developed two different stories for Pirates and the other one's going forward first, so that's what were working on, to try to get that one made.'

Based on a children's ride at Disneyland, the Pirates Of The Caribbean movie franchise began in 2003 with a film subtitled The Curse Of The Black Pearl.

The first three films starred Johnny alongside Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, playing a governor's daughter and a blacksmith who fall in love.

Pirates Of The Caribbean rapidly became a global juggernaut as a movie franchise, churning out five movies in all between 2003 and 2017.

By the time the fifth movie premiered, Johnny and Amber were already locked in the rancorous legal battle that thundered on for another half-decade.
Little did we know that when actor Jonny Lee Miller played a drug-using Sherlock Holmes in hit US series Elementary, he had only just beaten his own demons.

Jonny, formerly married to Angelina Jolie, has spoken publicly for the first time about celebrating 12 years of sobriety  although he did not disclose what substance he had been addicted to.

'I discovered more about myself in those 12 years than my entire life beforehand,' says Jonny, left in Elementary.

'I want you to know there is life beyond your dreams.'

The 50-year-old played an opium-smoking Sherlock in Elementary between 2012 and 2019. He also famously played another heroin addict, Sick Boy, in the two Trainspotting films.

Little did we know that when actor Jonny Lee Miller played a drug-using Sherlock Holmes (pictured) in hit US series Elementary, he had only just beaten his own demons

Jonny, formerly married to Angelina Jolie, has spoken publicly for the first time about celebrating 12 years of sobriety  although he did not disclose what substance he had been addicted to

Hats off to Alice the vet

If fashion designer Alice Temperley decides to make a career move, might I suggest she becomes a vet?

Alice has rescued a baby field mouse she found lying helplessly on the floor and has now become devoted to nursing it to full health before releasing it back into the wild.

It sounds like a full-on job as Alice, 48, tells me she is feeding it on the hour to help it regain its strength.

Not only is it getting some top-level care, but the mouse has lucked out on a bit of luxury as his hospital bed is none other than one of Alice's straw hats which she has furnished with a miniature disco ball. Of her patient, Alice gushes: 'It's so cute.'
In the wake of his split from his wife Sophie Turner, Joe Jonas has tweaked the lyrics of the romantic ballad he wrote for her.

Hesitate, in which he tells his lover: 'Don't you ever say goodbye,' appeared on the Jonas Brothers album Happiness Begins in 2019, the year Joe married Sophie.

He filed for divorce this Tuesday, describing the marriage as 'irretrievably broken' and revealing he and Sophie plan to share custody of the children.

Footage from a Jonas Brothers concert in Phoenix the following night has surfaced on X, revealing the change he has made to Hesitate.

The original lyric went: 'Don't be scared because I'm on your side,' but onstage this Wednesday Joe sang: 'Don't be scared because I'm on her side.'

Raising eyebrows: In the wake of his split from his wife Sophie Turner, Joe Jonas has tweaked the lyrics of the romantic ballad he wrote for her

The way they were: Hesitate, in which he tells his lover: 'Don't you ever say goodbye,' appeared on the Jonas Brothers album Happiness Begins in 2019, the year Joe married Sophie

Crooner: Footage from a Jonas Brothers concert in Phoenix the following night has surfaced on X , revealing the change he has made to Hesitate

Sticking together: Wednesday night's concert also included a viral moment when all three brothers shared an emotional embrace onstage, just after Joe's marriage crumbled

Wednesday night's concert also included a viral moment when all three brothers shared an emotional embrace onstage, just after Joe's marriage crumbled.

TMZ sources claim that those who were around the couple had known that there was a strain in the relationship prior to Joe's shock divorce filing this week.

The estranged pair share a three-year-old daughter called Willa and a one-year-old daughter whose name they have kept private, but who is referred to in the court documents as 'DJ.'

The split has turned nasty with 'insider' comments from people 'close to the couple' causing a huge sexism row.

It's been claimed that the differences in their alleged lifestyles drove a wedge, with one dishing: 'She likes to party and he likes to stay at home.'

Other insiders who claim to have 'direct knowledge' of the situation have briefed US gossip sites, including TMZ, that Joe is watching their full-time while on tour - while Sophie films for new series Joan in the UK.

But, as several briefings emerge in America, painting Joe as a devoted father and Sophie as a party animal, a series of columns defending the actress - and questioning why Joe is being praised for looking after his own children - have appeared.

TMZ sources claim that those who were around the couple had known that there was a strain in the relationship prior to Joe's shock divorce filing; seen in October 2022

Meanwhile, the split has turned nasty with 'insider' comments from people 'close to the couple' causing a huge sexism row; seen in October 2022

Various sources who claim to have 'direct knowledge' of the situation have briefed US gossip sites including TMZ that Joe is watching his children Willa, three, and DJ, 14-months, full-time while on tour - while Sophie films for new series Joan in the UK; seen in July 2023

On the defense: But, as several briefings emerge in America, painting Joe as a devoted father and Sophie as a party animal, a series of columns defending the actress - and questioning why Joe is being praised for looking after his own children - have appeared; March 2023

Writing for Vogue, Raven Smith said: 'Team Jonas is throwing a careless-mother narrative at proceedings and seeing if it sticks, sowing seeds of his wife being a less-than-gold-star parent. Nobody is saying out loud she's subpar; it's just heavily, heavily insinuated that her liking to go out clashes with his homebody status. It's very read between the lines, please, she is not mothering at an acceptable standard.'

'The misogyny here is so ridiculously stark. All these motherly expectations serve only to keep women repressed,'.

Meanwhile, Rebecca Reid of the i, said that Sophie is being slammed as 'society doesn't like it when women - especially mums - have fun'.

'When we have babies we're supposed to have our ambition, sexuality, and desire to dance while listening to Flo Rida incinerated along with our placenta.

'So you can see how it would make sense for the PR team handling this divorce to get around a table and settle on "goes out too much, doesn't spend enough time with her family" as the perfect way to vilify Turner',

Reid's sentiment was echoed by dozens of columnists, including Cassandra Green at Marie Claire, who lamented: 'women are allowed to party, cry, work and also be great mums'.

'There's absolutely nothing wrong with a mum that likes to socialise. Enjoying time around other people, or being an extrovert, is not a crime,' she wrote.

'Conflating Joe's custody of the children with the suggestion that Turner is a "party girl" seems a little pointed.

Newspapers and magazines in the UK and US have complained about the narrative around Sophie Turner

'Get married and have children young? You're throwing your life away. Let your partner take care of the children? You're not a dedicated mother. Like to party? God forbid, that's not the mark of a 'good woman'. Talk openly about your mental health? Well, you're crazy. Get divorced? You made it happen.

Stephanie McNeal at Glamour Magazine, added: 'The implication that Turner is somehow doing something wrong by having a life that occasionally takes her away from her children really resonated with many women, who said they understood what it felt like to be judged.'

Elsewhere, Kat Romero said in Metro that her husband gets praised for raising their children, while she gets slammed.

'In 2023, we are still heaping praise onto fathers for simply being fathers. It's a slap in the face for feminism and a backhand across the engorged tit of motherhood'.

She added a dad 'has to do the bare minimum' to be considered great - while a mother 'only needs to make a single slip-up to feel the wrath of judgment from society'.

'I can't tell you the amount of times people were shocked by the fact my partner woke up in the night for bottle feeds, changed constant nappies and gave me hours to myself to nap, go for a walk or see my friends'.

Meanwhile, UK broadsheets questions why we should be pitying Joe Jonas - and asked if the split may be down to difference in British and American culture.

Lucy Denyer of the Telegraph questioned if women felt 'secret schadenfreude' and as 'smugness' that 'finally someone male understands what many of us women have been putting up with for years?''

'I think the biggest problem of all here is that he's an American and she's a Brit, and there are your irreconcilable differences right there. Squeaky clean Joe grew up the son of a Pentecostal minister, wearing a purity ring as a symbol of his desire to wait until marriage to have sex (spoiler: he didn't wait).

'Turner (who has called the purity ring "laughably, toe-curlingly lame") grew up in the Warwickshire countryside with two older brothers and a load of pigs. He wants to stay in Florida, she's desperate to move back to England, missing "the people, the attitude, everything" (that "everything" is doing a lot of work there).

Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com reveal that Joe stated his marriage to Sophie is 'irretrievably broken' - and lay out the former couple's plans to share custody of their three-year-old daughter Willa and their one-year-old daughter, whose name they have not revealed

'His favourite drink is sangria, and he's lent his face and name to a carbonated, canned, "low cal" version with 80 per cent less sugar. She had her hen do in Benidorm, clearly likes the odd cocktail and is on record as having wished she "could have gone out and drunk a lot and thrown up in the middle of a club without it being photographed", rather than spending her twenties as a wife and mother.

Kate Maxwell at the Times, echoed the sentiments, saying that Americans have a 'restrained attitude to alcohol' and a 'fun ban'.

'Perhaps what Turner needs isn't a new lifestyle but a new role. My advice to Jonas? Don't blame Britain's booze culture  join the writers' strike picket line instead.'
Donna Forbes stepped down from the Yellowstone Art Museum 25 years ago. But truly, she never really left.

Forbes was the museums executive director from 1974 to 1998. In her time, she shepherded the museums growth in reputation and in physical size, overseeing the expansion that turned the former Yellowstone County Jail into the biggest art gallery in Montana. Every time you go to a show at the YAM, youre seeing Forbes fingerprints.

From the mid-70s to the late-90s, she led an almost all male staff and worked so closely with so many male artists and male leaders in the community, YAM director Jessica Kay Ruhle said. She just had this certainty of what she was doing here and what her vision for the museum was.

On Saturday night at the YAMs The Night gala, which honored Forbes in absentia  now in her 90s, she lives in Seattle now to be closer to family  the museum announced that they had accepted a major gift from Forbes. Its her private art collection, 28 pieces in all.

The pieces almost serve as a history lesson on modernist art in Montana. There are paintings and a sculpture from Bill Stockton. A pair of Robert DeWeese drawings. Several Isabelle Johnson paintings. A Russell Chatham lithograph. A Nelije monotype. Two mixed media pieces by Jon Lodge. A couple of Jane Waggoner Deschners hand-embroidered photographs. Looking at the Forbes donation is like taking a trip through time, seeing how different generations have examined and portrayed Montana.

For now, the works are all stored in the YAMs Visual Vault. But folks wont have to wait long to see them for themselves. The pieces will be part of an exhibition on display (in one of the wings Forbes helped build) next summer, probably around June.

The museum cant hazard a guess on monetary value, but the cultural value of adding these pieces to the YAMs permanent collection is immense. Plus, this donation comes right on the heels of another major gift of art from the collection of Joseph S. Sample, as reported in the Montana Free Press.

Sample's collection skews western, including works by Kevin Red Star and Charlie Russell. But Forbes' gift is more modernist, full of works by people trying to add contrast to the Montana arts scene.

Its very much building on the core modernist collection thats here, Lisa Ranallo, the YAMs curator, said of the Forbes collection.

But thats not the whole story. These works are valuable for the way they look, but also because of the people behind them, a veritable directory of the Montana artists who spent their lives pushing art in the Big Sky country forward.

What really sets this collection apart is the personal relationships, Ranallo remarked.

Many of the pieces in the collection were gifts. They adorned the walls of Forbes Billings home, where shed host many of the artists featured in the collection. Theres a painting by Sheila Miles called Adrift at Sea. It shows a boat out on the waves, but it doesnt feel lonely. The vessel almost has a face, with a hint of a smile. It hung in Forbes daughters bedroom. One of the Isabelle Johnsons hung in Forbes bedroom. The museum isnt even sure of the names of all the artworks. They were so personal to Forbes that they blended into her life.

The collection, Ranallo explained, expresses how strong her relationships are with artist and how closely she worked with them. You dont see that as much as museums become larger and larger institutions.

The institution is at the core of this collection. Sheila Miles worked for the YAM. So did Patrick Zentz, whose wood, metal and glass sculpture Im Convinced is part of the collection. And Forbes donation includes an acrylic painting by Gordon McConnell, markedly different from the collage work hes done recently.

McConnell was on hand last year when museum staff visited Forbes home to take stock of the pieces. Longtime museum volunteer Larry Martin was also there.

Both of them were able to tell stories about every piece in the collection, Ruhle remembered. They knew how Donna had come about it, and what the particulars had been. It was a ridiculously fun day.
The Bachelor star Alisha Aitken-Radburn (pictured) has reflected on being portrayed negatively on TV in 2018 in her new tell-all memoir The Villain Edit

The former Labor staffer, 30, told The Guardian on Friday that she was unprepared for the relentless online trolling she would receive after being painted as a 'mean girl' on the show.

'I didn't think I was an angel, but I also didn't think I was the absolutely horrible person that people in my Instagram DMs were telling me I was,' she said.

In her memoir, Alisa blamed the show's producers for encouraging her to behave mischievously in front of the cameras.

'I wanted to do a good job for the producer. I'd say something spicy and I would get a laugh from the producer. And that laugh was just kryptonite to me.

The Bachelor star Alisha Aitken-Radburn, 30, (pictured) has reflected on being portrayed negatively on TV in 2018 in her new tell-all memoir The Villain Edit

'It wasn't all the edit. There were definitely things that we said in interviews we thought were edgy and funny. And they just weren't  they were mean.'

She also admitted her villain edit may have affected her chances at later launching a successful media career - and revealed she was jealous of co-star Brooke Blurton who had done so.

'I can be a deeply insecure person. I don't think that's something people express very often,' she said.

The former Labor staffer told The Guardian on Friday that she was unprepared for the relentless online trolling she would receive after being painted as a 'mean girl' on the show

The title of her memoir refers to the reality TV practice of editing people to appear in an unfavourable light - which Alisha claims was done to her as a contestant on The Bachelor.

In her book she also discusses her time working with Labor NDIS minister Bill Shorten when he was opposition leader, as well as covering her stint working for NSW Labor while it was rocked by a corruption inquiry.

Alisha said the book will cause a lot of people in politics to anxiously 'hit the Ctrl+F command' to see if they are named, she told The Sydney Morning Herald.

'I didn't think that I was an angel, but I didn't think that I was the absolutely horrible person that people in my Instagram DMs were telling me I was,' Alisha said

She also admitted her villain edit may have affected her chances at later launching a successful media career - and revealed she was jealous of co-star Brooke Blurton (pictured) who had done so

She went directly from Shorten's office, where she had begun working in 2017, to be one of the female suitors for rugby star Nick Cummins in the 2018 season of The Bachelor.

At the time, she compared the cut-throat atmosphere of competing for 'The Honey Badger's' attention on the hit Channel 10 reality show to working in politics.

'Canberra, Bachelor mansion, I think they have a little more in common than people think,' she said.

After being portrayed as a 'villain' on The Bachelor, Alisha redeemed herself with glowing appearances on spin-off show Bachelor in Paradise in 2019 and 2020, and married her co-star Glenn Smith in April.
Guy Pearce flashed his rugged arm tattoos as he hit the red carpet for a special screening of The Convert at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday.

The Australian actor, who recently reprised his iconic role of Mike Young in Neighbours, revealed his ink as he posed in a grey shirt with the arms rolled up.

He paired this with a grey hued vest and matching suit pants, as well as glasses and an unusual gemstone necklace.

The Convert is a co-production between Australia and New Zealand, and is set for release later this year.

According to Screen Australia, the film is set in 1818, with it revolving around British colonialism.

Guy Pearce, 55, (pictured) flashed his rugged arm tattoos as he hit the red carpet for a special screening of The Convert at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday

'After participating in the slaughter of innocent civilians during an uprising in colonial Ceylon, British soldier Thomas Munro [Pearce] resigns his commission and takes holy orders,' a synopsis reads.

'Soon after he's on a ship bound for New Zealand, a newly-appointed lay preacher to a fledgling community which has as yet, no protection from the Crown.'

It comes after Guy secretly filmed scenes for the Neighbours reboot alongside on-screen sweetheart Annie Jones.

Guy wore a pair of glasses and an unusual gemstone necklace

The Hollywood star shot the scenes in England with Jones, 56, in February before the rest of the cast began work on the new series in Melbourne in April reportedTV Tonight last week.

Pearce and Jones wowed fans last July when they returned for what was thought to be the Neighbours finale, reprising their original roles as sweethearts Mike and Jane.

When last seen, Mike (Pearce) and Jane (Annie Jones) had just decided to buy a house together.

But after Neighbours was revived by Amazon, the show's producers elected to bring the characters back says executive producer Jason Herbison.

'When the news of the show's return was announced, one of the big questions was, what will happen with Mike and Jane?,' he said in an interview with TV Tonight.

'Fortunately, Guy was very committed to seeing the storyline through and absolutely wanted to honour their relationship and their romance, and the fact that the show had ended, with Mike and Jane together buying a house. So we came up with a storyline.'

The Hollywood star shot the Neighbours scenes in England with Jones, 56, (left) in February before the rest of the cast began work on the new series in Melbourne in April

Elsewhere in the chat Herbison said that Pearce and Jones made time in their schedules to film the new scenes on an estate in Surrey, outside London.

The storyline, filmed over two days, will involve several episodes in the reboot.

Herbison also teased future episodes featuring Pearce's much loved character.

'We definitely don't rule out. It may not be the last you see of him, but we'll have to let that unfold.'

Pearce originally appeared on the long-running series from 1986 - 1989 as Mike Young, the best friend of Scott, played by Jason Donovan.

Meanwhile, Annie Jones, who played Jane, first appeared in the beloved soap in 1986.
Rylan Clark has given a rare insight into the relationship he had with his father and why he has 'no desire' to meet his secret family.

While Celebrity Gogglebox viewers are familiar with Rylan's mother Linda, the presenter, 34, rarely speaks about his dad.

The BBC Radio 2 DJ was brought up in Stepney by his mum and grandmother and never really knew his father, who had a secret family - unbeknownst to Linda.

'I had a lot of curiosity about him growing up, it transpired that he had a family that my mum didn't know about at the time when she got pregnant,' Rylan told The Telegraph.

'He had two other kids, then that was found out, whatever. But growing up it wasn't really something I spoke about with my mum, because I never wanted her to be upset.'

Candid: Rylan Clark has given a rare insight into the relationship he had with his late father - and the last time he ever saw him

Close-knit: The BBC Radio 2 DJ was brought up in Stepney by his mum and Celebrity Gogglebox star Linda (pictured), however he never really knew his father

During his childhood, Rylan said his father would pop in here and then, but the star can remember the last time he saw him, which coincidentally, was also the day he decided to finally hit back at the bullies at school.

Rylan, whose real name is Ross Clark, was a 15-year ginger teenager coming to terms with his sexuality and he was an easy target for bullies at school.

'I was the ginger gay kid, what do you expect? I was fking asking for it,' he explained.

But one day he decided he had had enough and retaliated, knocking one of his offenders out.

Reminiscing on the day, he recounted his mum was so happy she took him to the sandwich shop in Hornchurch to celebrate and it was there he spotted his father.

'As we were walking to the sandwich shop, bearing in mind Id not seen him for 10 years at that point, I just looked and saw this man and said, "Mum, thats Daddy." And she went, "Oh yeah, it is  you all right?" They chatted, and he just went, Oh, my boy And I said, Bye. And he went.'

The X Factor star is aware of his father's other family but expressed he has no desire to meet them, joking that 'maybe they're sitting watching me on the TV' and that he doesn't want to 'do a Cilla - surprise!'.

It's not the first time Rylan has opened up about his father after he spoke to Louis Theroux about his family situation on his podcast Grounded back in 2020.

Family: The X Factor star is aware of his father's other family but has no desire to meet them, joking that maybe they're sitting watching me on the TV (pictured CBB launch in 2013)

Fame: Growing up Rylan always craved being famous, but has compared the Rylan we see as a construct (pictured on This Morning in 2019 with colleague Ruth Langsford)

Rylan said he believed his father has now passed away but there was no contact after that day in the sandwich shop.

The star also confirmed with Louis he doesn't think he would ever forge a relationship with his half siblings comparing it to Jeremy Paxman turning up on your doorstep insisting he's your brother or father.

'Even though they don't know me personally they know me... and I just think that it would be a bit too odd.'

The star also confessed he doesn't like to talk about it with his mum Linda, who he is incredibly close to, as he doesn't want to upset her.

Growing up, Rylan always craved being famous, but has compared the Rylan we see as a construct.

He realised quickly on X Factor, around the time where the clip emerged of him breaking down in uncontrollable sobs with Nicole Scherzinger, that he was the laugh of the series and decided to play up to that.

Describing it as a Rylan facade he explained that when he's at home he doesn't sit with a full-face of makeup in his black skinny jeans, 'Weve all got a work outfit, a uniform; my uniform is the face.

'Weve all got a work outfit, a uniform; my uniform is the face: Rylan discussed how the gelled back hair and foundation is just his way of putting on his work persona

Hard times: It's been a traumatic few years for the presenter after he and his husband Dan Neal split after six years of marriage (pictured together in 2017)

And while his career has gone from strength to strength, Rylan had to deal with the breakdown of his six year marriage to Dan Neal,.

Following the split, Rylan took four months out of the spotlight and has since opened up about suffering from a mental breakdown which left him needing to be hospitalised.

Reflecting on the traumatic time, the presenter confirmed he is now in a very happy place and says since the end of his marriage 'every single day has just been confirmation to me that it was the right thing'.
The Graham Norton Show is reportedly in crisis as show bosses are said to be struggling to sign A-lists guests amid the SAG-AFTRA strikes.

Since July 17, Hollywood has ground to a halt as members of the SAG-AFTRA union joined the Writers Guild Of America in going on strike over growing concerns about the use of artificial intelligence and streaming residuals.

As a knock-on effect, talk shows such as The Graham Norton Show are finding it difficult to fill the famous red sofa for the upcoming series, with big stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Zendaya and Robert De Niro refusing to do publicity for their films out of solidarity for the writers.

According to The Mirror, the strike is causing 'an absolute headache' for bookers as they scramble to get big names on the show.

It is said bookers have been left with a few big name Brit actors and American pop stars to fill the sofas, but are struggling to get Hollywood heavyweights through the door.

Oh dear: The Graham Norton Show is reportedly in crisis as show bosses are said to be struggling to sign A-lists guests amid the SAG-AFTRA strikes

Tough: As a knock-on effect, talk shows such as The Graham Norton Show are finding it difficult to fill the famous red sofa for the upcoming series

A source told the publication: 'The BBC is in crisis as the Hollywood strikes are causing its flagship chat show an absolute headache for its next run later this year.

'They cant book any of the A-list actors who would usually be their headline guests.'

The insider added that even British guests have refused publicity 'out of solidarity', making things even harder for show makers.

MailOnline have contacted representatives of The Graham Norton Show for comment.

Graham himself hinted the strikes could have an impact on his talk show.

Speaking on Cork's 96FM this summer, he said: 'I'm going to wrap up and probably go to the States for a little while and then back to London for the chat show which, because there are no Hollywood actors, you know, if you're in London there's probably room on the sofa.'

The SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14 and is the latest of the ongoing labour disputes in Hollywood, leading to most movie sets grinding to a halt.

The action has brought the industry to a virtual standstill, forcing many film and TV productions to shut down, and marks the first time in more than 60 years that both actors and writers have gone on strike.

No can do: Big stars including Leonardo DiCaprio (pictured), Zendaya and Robert De Niro refusing to do publicity for their films out of solidarity for the writers

Strike: Since July 17, Hollywood has ground to a halt as members of the SAG-AFTRA union joined the Writers Guild Of America in going on strike over growing concerns about the use of artificial intelligence and streaming residuals(Olivia Wilde pictured)

Difficult: It is said bookers have been left with a few big name Brit actors and American pop stars to fill the sofas, but are struggling to get Hollywood heavyweights through the door

Uh oh: 'The BBC is in crisis as the Hollywood strikes are causing its flagship chat show an absolute headache for its next run later this year'

The strike has been going on since early May.

Under the rules of a strike, all Sag-aftra members will not be able to film any movie or TV series - which means that almost every show and film that's currently in the works will be delayed indefinitely until the problem is resolved.

British Union Equity, the sister organisation to Sag-aftra, said in a statement that they are 'full square [sic] behind' their US counterpart.

British actors, including Brian Cox, Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis, have supported the US strike here.
Maya Jama and Stormzy are reportedly heading to couples' therapy in a bid to rid themselves of their past tensions.

The couple reunited last month after nearly four year's apart and the rapper's mother's pastor as offered the pair some tips for their relationship.

A source told the Mirror: 'Stormzy and Maya have been encouraged to go to "couples therapy" to nip their past issues in the bud once and for all. He is very close to his mum Abigails pastor, and she made the recommendation.

'They plan to use him in a similar role to Bishop T.D. Jakes in Oprah Winfreys life, who has guided her through the highs and lows of life with transformational thinking.'

They added: 'Stormzy and Maya have never stopped loving each other and want to do all they can to protect their second shot at lifelong happiness. Stormzy has already told friends hes ready to have kids as early as next year.'

New chapter: Maya Jama and Stormzy are reportedly heading to couples' therapy in a bid to rid themselves of their past tensions (pictured in 2017)

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Stormzy for comment. A representative for Maya declined to comment.

Rapper Stormzy, 30, and television presenter Maya, 29, reunited last month in Greece after previously dating from 2015 to 2019.

It comes after it emerged Stormzy is reportedly already planning to propose to his girlfriend Maya Jama, after they sent fans into a frenzy by revealing they've rekindled their romance.

The grime star has reportedly told pals' he's 'determined' to show his commitment to the presenter after winning her back following their split in 2019.

Last week Maya and Stormzy ended months of speculation by confirming that they were well and truly back together after jetting to Greece for a romantic getaway.

A source told The Sun: 'Stormzy knows how lucky he is to have gotten back, and he's determined not to lose her again.'

'He wants to make her his wifey for lifey. He's telling his mates this is it for him now, he's found the one.'

It comes after Maya and Stormzy reportedly got stuck on the tarmac at an airport in Greece after their private jet was grounded amid air traffic control delays.

Working it out: The couple reunited last month after nearly four year's apart and the rapper's mother's pastor as offered the pair some tips for their relationship (pictured 2017)

But their getaway - which came soon after Maya's 29th birthday - came to a chaotic end as their private jet was reportedly grounded amid air traffic control issues.

They were said to be amongst thousands of stranded Brits after 80 per cent of flights leaving the UK have been delayed, with disruptions continuing into the week.

Britain's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said it experienced 'technical issues' that forced controllers to switch from an automatic system for landing and dispatching flights to a manual one on one of the year's busiest days.

Of Maya and Stormzy's delay, a source told The Sun: 'Stormzy and Maya flew to Athens by helicopter then got in his private jet - but ended up being stuck on the tarmac for hours because of the flight chaos.

'Eventually, they took off but on another jet and got back late last night.'

However, after they managed to get another flight back home, Maya took to her Instagram Stories to share a snap of herself enjoying a glass of wine on the jet.

Wedding bells? Stormzy is reportedly already planning to propose to his girlfriend Maya Jama, after they sent fans into a frenzy by revealing they've rekindled their romance

Rekindled: The grime star has reportedly told pals' he's 'determined' to show his commitment to the presenter after winning her back following their split in 2019

The pair were believed to have been soaking up the sun in a 2,700-a-night Greek villa as a 'late birthday gift' to Maya.

During the holiday, the pair delighted fans as they were spotted walking hand-in-hand after rumours of a romantic reconciliation surfaced more than a week ago.

Insiders told The Sun that their relationship was secretly rekindled a year ago as they were reportedly seen kissing in an extra special VIP area in Germany, days before the GQ bash in London.

It has also been claimed that Stormzy's mum, Abigail Owuo, was the matchmaker who 'motivated him to make amends with Maya'.

A source told The Sun: 'Stormzy is really open about wanting to settle down and have kids one day, and he knows Maya is 'The One'.'

Speculation had been rife about whether Maya and Stormzy had reunited after she was spotted at his All Points East show last weekend.

The couple dated for four years before parting ways in 2019, with the rapper publicly declaring he has 'never loved anyone how I've loved her'.

Delayed: It comes after Maya and Stormzy reportedly got stuck on the tarmac at an airport in Greece after their private jet was grounded amid air traffic control delays

Oh dear! They were amongst thousands of stranded Brits after 80 per cent of flights leaving the UK have been delayed (pictured: a snap of a helicopter Maya shared during the trip)

He has always denied infidelity in the relationship but admitted he had to learn hard lessons about his behaviour, describing it as 'disrespectful'.

Speaking to Louis Theroux in his interview series, the rapper admitted to making mistakes during their four-year relationship but revealed he has since grown.

He explained: 'My break-up, that was probably the biggest catalyst for growth as a man. It was like, OK, you made a mistake, and you lose someone you loved, someone you cared for, someone who is special to you.

'That's probably the biggest loss a man can have, isn't it? Away from someone passing away, that's the biggest loss you can have.'
Radio legend Ken Bruce has revealed he could barely speak between some songs after his second divorce.

Bruce, who left Radio 2 after four decades in March in a huge shake-up, spoke out about how broadcasting had helped him through difficult times through most of his career, including the 'massive low' of his first split.

The Greatest Hits radio presenter, 72, has tied the knot three times and is married to Kerith Coldham, who he tied the knot with in 2000.

Bruce wed for the first time in 1976 with Fiona Fraser, with whom he had two children, but the marriage was to end 12 years later.

Recalling the time, he said: 'That was a massive low for me.

Exclusive: Radio legend Ken Bruce, 72, has revealed he could barely speak between songs after his second divorce as he used radio as his 'therapy'

Heartbreak: Bruce pictured with his second wife Anne Gilchrist and daughter Kate in 1993

'It doesn't come out in work. I actually find work therapeutic. Being on the radio is really helpful.'

Two years after the divorce Bruce wed again, only to file for another separation, from Anne Gilchrist, with whom he had his fourth child, five years later.

However, the radio host said after his second heartache, the work proved to be a mixed blessing as he found it hard coping with the lyrics of sad songs which would nearly render him speechless.

Speaking in an interview for the Rosebud podcast, out on Friday 15 September, the father-of-six said: 'After my second divorce, I found that I was playing records, you know sad records, like Roy Orbison's Crying or something like that, (and it) would really bring me down.

'It would be a struggle to do the next link. But that was temporary. Mostly work has been huge therapy for me and got me through an awful lot.'

Asked what caused his first break-up and if he thought he may have been too young marrying in his mid twenties, he said: 'Yes, probably.'

He added: 'To begin with I was a very good husband, but I think I became not a terrific husband to be honest.

'I got into broadcasting. I think I was too concerned with what I was doing.

'I think I was too absorbed in my work. For me, the job I do has always been what I am and who I am, and what I like to do.

'I loved having a child. I enjoyed it with every single child. But yes I did have guilt (over his first marriage).'

Third time lucky: The radio host, 72, has been married three times and is currently wedded to Kerith Coldham who he tied the knot with in 2000 (pictured together in 2016)

Former flame: He tied the knot for the first time in 1976 with Fiona Fraser (pictured), with whom he had two children, but the marriage was to end 12 years later

Seeking help: The PopMaster host eventually decided to seek professional therapy

Eventually the BBC star, whose new TV version of his PopMaster quiz was recently upgraded to prime time Friday night on Channel 4, decided to seek professional therapy.

He added: 'After my second divorce I went to a therapist just to talk it out because I said to everybody at the time "I've been boring all of you, all my friends with how I'm feeling, I'll go and speak to somebody else", which I did.

'That was really helpful. It didn't take long at all just to work me through it.'

Describing the sessions, he said there had not been any one big revelation or solution, but just talking had proved enough to help him move on.

He said: 'Occasionally they're saying "But this means that you..."

'There were a couple of insights into my relationship that made me think "that's not true", then afterwards I thought "that is true actually".

'But I don't think there's anything that I took from it that would work for anybody else. It was just spilling one's guts.

'Actually it did the trick for me. It was really just getting it all out there, and thinking "Right, it is time to move on now".'

But despite admitting his first marriage suffered as a result of his devotion to work, Bruce said he does not see himself as a narcissist, despite the popularity and success he has gone on to achieve.

He said: 'I don't put any store by that measure of success. I don't look at my audience figures and think "Oh, fantastic". I just think "well that won't last", or "what does that mean?"

'It just means people don't really know who you are. They think you're just so nice and lovely. There's much more to me which is possibly not so nice and lovely. But that's what I'm presenting and that's what they're enjoying.

'But I don't walk away and go home and think "I'm a big star". The kids will always take the p**s out of you.

'I think if it all ended tomorrow I'd be ok. I could walk away from it - pretty sure that's the case. But I do enjoy doing it.

'There's a couple of reasons why I'm not retired now at the age of 72, one of them being I still have children going through education. The other thought is that I enjoy doing it and I love doing it.'

Bruce married for a third time to Kerith Coldham in 2000, with whom he shares another three children, sons Murray, 21, and Charlie, 15, and a daughter Verity, 18.

Bruce presented Radio 2's mid-morning show from 1986 until this year, when he announced his departure saying it was time for a change as he feared he was becoming too old for the station and some of its music.

Already listening figures have soared for his GHR slot, while they have fallen for his old BBC show.

Bruce's other three children are Campbell, Douglas, and Kate, with the eldest being 42.
Vanderpump Rules star Stassi Schroeder has officially given birth to her second child with husband Beau Clark.

The blonde beauty - who revealed she was expecting baby number two in March - shared the news of their son's arrival via Instagram on Saturday, where she revealed his unique name and birthdate.

'MESSER RHYS CLARK, born at 12:04 am on September 7th, 7 lbs 14 oz, 19.5 inches,' the mother-of-two wrote. 'We love him so much already, send prayers Hartford doesn't terrorize him.'

The reality TV fixture, 35, included photos from the delivery room  one of which showed her cradling the newborn in bed. Beau could be seen leaning over his wife and child in the heartwarming snap.

Next, Stassi gave her 3.1million followers a closer look at Messer's face as he remained swaddled in a blanket with a striped cap on his head.

The final shot shows Stassi and Beau's daughter Hartford Charlie Rose, two, meeting her new sibling for the first time.

Congrats! Vanderpump Rules star Stassi Schroeder has officially given birth to her second child with husband Beau Clark

New addition: The blonde beauty shared the news of their son's arrival via Instagram on Saturday, where she revealed his unique name and his birthdate

Stassi also took to her Instagram stories to give her fans a closer glimpse of their new little bundle of joy.

In one adorable family snap, the TV personality could be seen sitting on her hospital bed while joined by Beau as well as their daughter as they lovingly looked at Messer who was gently propped up on a pillow.

She added text towards the bottom of the picture, and typed out to her 3.1 million followers, 'Everything I've ever wanted.'

Schroeder also included an image of Hartford flashing an excited smile towards the camera while she met her little brother. The mother of two added three crying face emojis in response to the sweet moment.

The reality star shared another snap as she held a smile while lovingly cradling her baby boy.

She then revealed to her fans, 'Went into labor right after we picked Hartford up from her first day of school.'

Not long after announcing the birth of her second child and revealing his unique name, Stassi also took to her Instagram stories to explain the special meaning behind Messer.

'Messer Rhys Clark. "Messer" is an old (like during the renaissance type of old) Italian form of address which would be the equivalent of something like "signore," "sir," or "mister."

Happy family: 'MESSER RHYS CLARK, born at 12:04 am on September 7th, 7 lbs 14 oz, 19.5 inches,' the mother-of-two wrote

Meeting her sibling: One photo shows Stassi and Beau's daughter Hartford Charlie Rose, two, meeting her new sibling for the first time

Excited: In one adorable family snap, the TV personality could be seen sitting on her hospital bed while joined by Beau as well as their daughter as they lovingly looked at Messer

Special moment: Schroeder also included an image of Hartford flashing an excited smile towards the camera while she met her little brother

Just days before welcoming Messer, Stassi gave an update to her fans and followers on Monday as she showcased her burgeoning bump wearing a black top as well as black bottoms.

She snapped a quick mirror selfie and penned, 'Held this baby in for a September sapphire. Then spent the weekend trying to induce labor naturally.'

'Now that the weekend window has passed, I'm trying to hold this baby in again, because I will die and legit be devastated if I can't bring Hartford to her first day of school this week.'

The star added, 'Attempting to time this baby is like solving the freaking Pythagorean theorem. Okay I feel chaotic. Good morning.'

Much to Stassi's relief, she went into labor after picking up her daughter from her first day of school and was able to not miss the memorable moment.

Stassi announced that she was expecting baby number two earlier this year in March by showing off her growing baby bump while sitting on a coach with Hartford.

The TV personality penned in the caption, 'Secrets stress me out. Baby #2, I love you so much already.'

At the time, social media users jumped to the comment section to express their excitement and congratulations, such as Khloe Kardashian, who added a slew of red heart emojis.

Going into labor: She then revealed to her fans, 'Went into labor right after we picked Hartford up from her first day of school'

Recent update: Just days before welcoming Messer, Stassi gave an update to her fans and followers on Monday as she showcased her burgeoning bump wearing a black top as well as black bottoms

Big announcement: Stassi announced that she was expecting baby number two earlier this year in March by showing off her growing baby bump while sitting on a coach with Hartford

Later that same month, just one week after the baby announcement, Stassi and Beau revealed that they were expecting a boy on their The Good, The Bad, The Baby podcast.

Stassi celebrated her appearance on the cover of Mini Magazine which dropped in July for the summer issue, and her daughter also joined in, making it her first magazine cover.

She opened up about motherhood while talking to the outlet, and also discussed her feelings about having a boy.

'I didn't have any feelings about gender before we found out, but I have been ridiculously excited about having a boy because everyone says they love their mamas so much.'

'Hartford is such as a daddy's girl that I'm often the one left out, but I always joke that with my son, I'll hopefully get to be the favorite in out home.'

In regards to raising a family with her husband and casting agent, Beau, the star expressed, 'I couldn't imagine a better teammate throughout all of this.'

'Besides being aligned in what we value and prioritize, we just instinctively know when the other person needs a break or help and that's when the other operates at a higher percentage.'

Last month, Stassi and Beau hit a bump in the road when their nursery for Messer was damaged due to heavy rain from Hurricane Hilary.

She filmed footage inside of their $1.7 million Hollywood Hills home as water poured through a light fixture on the ceiling.

Gender reveal: Just one week after the baby announcement, Stassi and Beau revealed that they were expecting a boy on their The Good, The Bad, The Baby podcast

Damaged: Last month, Stassi and Beau hit a bump in the road when their nursery for Messer was damaged due to heavy rain from Hurricane Hilary

Repairs: However, the star soon begun repairs on the nursery and uploaded an image that was also shared by her husband on Instagram

'And I was having anxiety about getting the blinds and curtains done in time. My hormones have me legit sobbing right now. Our nursery,' she emotionally penned.

Stassi also showed her followers sopping towels that were placed on the floor to help soak up some of the water. Beau also showed some of the damage on social media and asked for contractor recommendations.

However, the star soon begun repairs on the nursery and uploaded an image that was also shared by her husband on Instagram. Blue tape could be seen scattered on the white walls and ceiling as a worker assessed on the some of the damage.

The TV personality, who was only weeks away from welcoming her second child, added three finger-crossing emojis over the snap to stay positive.
A woman who Danny Masterson was convicted of raping has criticised Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' 'insulting and hurtful' apology video.

The couple responded to backlash on Saturday over letters written to the judge in the case of convicted rapist Danny Masterson, prompting even more wrath, including from Jane Doe #1 aka Jen B.

Journalist Yashar Ali shared on X the woman's reaction to the Hollywood couple's clip.

He wrote: 'Jane Doe #1 aka Jen B, one of the women Danny Masterson was convicted of raping, just texted me her reaction to Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' video.'

The message from her said: 'This video was incredibly insulting and hurtful. My hope is that they learn radical accountability and the importance of self-education to learn when to keep their privilege in checkespecially Ashton, who claims to work with victims of sex crimes. And as to Mila, I can only think of "Times Up."'

Critics were quick to take to X, formerly known as Twitter, to unleash their dismay over the 'lawyered' apology.

Disgraced: Ashton and Mila wrote letters to the judge of Danny Masterson's case vouching for his character, igniting backlash from fans

Their video has been slammed by as 'insulting' by a woman their friend was convicted of raping

Masterson was handed a 30 years to life sentence earlier this week after a jury found him guilty of raping two women in the early 2000s

They posted the video after it was revealed that he and his wife had vouched for their former That 70s Show co-star and friend, 47.

Ashton, 45, began the short video: 'We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson.

'We support victims,' Mila, 40, added. 'We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future.'

Ashton continued: 'A couple months ago, Dannys family reached out to us and they asked us to write character letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing.'

Mila went on to say: 'The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jurys ruling.'

'They were intended for the judge to read. And not to undermine the testimonies of the victims or re-traumatize them in any way.

'We would never want to do that. And we are sorry if that has taken place,' Ashton emphasized.

'Our heart goes out to every single person that has ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape,' Mila said to conclude their statement.

Their friend: After he was found guilty of raping two women, the Hollywood A-listers pleaded for lenience

The comments on the post were disabled.

Ali reposted the video, saying: 'Its important to note that the letters werent just character letters youd write for a friend. The letters, which contained a great deal of Scientological phrasing, were intended to undermine the victims who were drugged by Danny.'

Masterson was handed a 30 years to life sentence earlier this week after a jury found him guilty of raping two women in the early 2000s.

Since the actors' letters were released, fans have reacted with outrage online.

One former supporter wrote on a recent Instagram post of Kutcher's, 'Im not a fan of cancel culture, but I make an exception for you two.'

Someone else added, 'Hard f*****g pass on you two. How the mighty have fallen.'

Slammed: Journalist Yashar Ali wrote on X/Twitter, 'Its important to note that the letters werent just character letters youd write for a friend. The letters, which contained a great deal of Scientological phrasing, were intended to undermine the victims who were drugged by Danny'

Hot take: One fan noted that their brief video seemed like a 'hostage video'

Disappointed: A dismayed fan asked, 'WTF is wrong with you?' and received thousands of likes

Choice words: The comments on the video were turned off, but fans flocked to one of Kutcher's recent social media posts to leave their thoughts

Their defense: 'We support victims,' Mila said in the video, adding, 'We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future'

The couple supported their former That 70s Show castmate by making individual submissions to the court, despite him already being convicted for raping two women.

In the letters obtained by DailyMail.com, both Kunis and Kutcher - who is credited as a co-founder and board chair of a non-profit purported to help fight child sex exploitation - spoke highly of Masterson, claiming he always 'treated people with decency, equality, and generosity.'

In his letter to the judge, Kutcher wrote: 'He's an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being.

'Over our 25-year relationship I don't recall him ever lying to me. He's taught me about being direct and confronting issues in life and relationships head-on, resolving them, and moving forward.'
Retired NRL star Sam Burgess and his new fiancee Lucy Graham are set to welcome their first child in coming weeks.

And Sam, 34, enjoyed some bonding time with his future in-laws on Saturday after they flew to Australia from the UK ahead of meeting their new grandchild.

Posting to Instagram, Lucy shared a photo of Sam posing at Coogee Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs as they enjoyed a stroll together.

In another post, Lucy revealed the group's morning plans with her parents, including getting coffee, eating avocado on toast, enjoying a coastal walk, and taking photos on the beach.

NRL star Sam Burgess, 34, enjoyed some bonding time with his future in-laws on Saturday in Sydney's Coogee. Pictured centre with his pregnant fiancee Lucy's mother Karen and father David

'Big Dave slotting into the eastern suburb lifestyle so well,' Lucy wrote, referring to her father David Graham.

Lucy is heavily pregnant with her first child with Sam, and is due in September.

Sam was previously married to Phoebe Burgess, with whom he shares two children: daughter Poppy, six, and son Billy, four.

'Coffee, avo on toast, coastal walk, quick Insta shoot on the beach, big dave slotting into the eastern suburb lifestyle so well,' Lucy wrote

The former Rabbitohs player proposed to Lucy in June, just nine months after they went public with their relationship.

Burgess previously revealed he was extremely nervous when he asked the Leeds hairdresser to marry him.

Appearing on Channel 7's Sunrise shortly after arriving back in Australia, Sam was asked how he proposed to Lucy.

While he kept the details private, he said: 'I was very nervous actually, I dropped the ball so to speak, it was a great day, a great time away, we are both very happy.'

Lucy was seen walking alongside her mother as they soaked-up the sunshine. Pictured

Lucy appeared extremely happy with her engagement ring, as she shared photos flaunting it on Instagram.

Lucy recently made the decision to move Down Under from the UK permanently and it's believed her pregnancy was the reason.

It was recently revealed that Lucy used to be a member of British girl group The Ultra Girls, who were featured heavily on The X Factor UK in 2009.

Sam proposed to Lucy during their romantic babymoon in Fiji. Pictured

Graham sang and danced with three other young women in the girl power group that took inspiration from The Spice Girls.

One of their career highlights was supporting Kylie Minogue when she performed her Aphrodite World Tour in London in 2011.

Unfortunately, despite heavy publicity their debut single Girls Will Be Girls failed to chart, ending Graham's dreams of making it as a pop star.
Nicolas Cage had all eyes on him as he arrived at the premiere for his new comedy Dream Scenario during the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday.

Looking cool in an all-black animal print suit with a matching dress shirt, tie and shoes, the Hollywood A-lister, 59, exuded confidence as he made his way from his car to the venue.

Cage  who was one of just a few actors to land an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA to attend the festival amid the actors' and writers' strikes  offered friendly waves at fans and photographers before stepping onto the red carpet.

Though he got in a slew of solo snaps, Cage made it a point to pose for photos with Dream Scenario's talented cast and crew ahead of the screening.

For his latest role, Cage plays Paul Matthews, a hapless professor who finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams.

Man of the hour: Nicolas Cage had all eyes on him as he arrived at the premiere for his new comedy Dream Scenario during the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday

Confident: Looking cool in an all-black animal print suit with a matching dress shirt, tie and shoes, the Hollywood A-lister, 59, exuded confidence as he made his way from his car to the venue

Written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the storyline for Dream Scenario focuses on Cage's Paul Matthews character, who never hit the big time in his life, only to find himself now an overnight celebrity after appearing in everyone's dream.

But ultimately his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, which then forces Paul to navigate through his newfound stardom, according to IMDb.

Along with Cage, the comedy film also stars Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, Lily Bird, Dylan Baker and Jessica Clement.

Dream Scenario is scheduled to have its wide released by A24 on November 10.

While Cage is now focused on the promotional push for Dream Scenario, he's also directing as much love and attention as he can to his daughter August, who just celebrated her milestone first birthday.

Just two days before blowing out her candles, the proud dad revealed that August had picked out a special outfit for her birthday.

'She's going to wear a Supergirl cape,' Cage told People at the opening of the store Philipp Plein.

Cage shares his daughter with fifth wife Riko Shibata, 28, whom he married in February 2021.

The Moonstruck star shared the exciting news that he was having a baby girl while promoting The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent on The Kelly Clarkson Show in April 2022.

The actor, who is the nephew of famed director Francis Ford Coppola, also has two sons Weston, 32, and Kal-El, 17, from previous relationships.

Cage has appeared in over 110 movies, dating back to the early 1980s when he was a young, eager artist trying to get a break.

He would make made his acting debut in the television pilot he Best of Times (1981), but it was never picked up by ABC.

Fan friendly: Cage  who was one of just a few actors to land an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA to attend the festival amid the actors' and writers' strikes  offered friendly waves at fans and photographers before stepping onto the red carpet

Though he got in a slew of solo snaps, Cage made it a point to pose for photos with Dream Scenario's talented cast and crew ahead of the screening

For his latest role, Cage plays Paul Matthews, a hapless professor who finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams

Ari Aster and Dylan Gelula chatted it up with Cage behind-the-scenes at the premiere party

Daddy's girl: While Cage is now focused on the promotional push for Dream Scenario, he's also directing as much love and attention as he can to his daughter August, who just celebrated her milestone first birthday; seen in March

Cage shares his daughter with fifth wife Riko Shibata, 28, whom he married in February 2021; seen in 2022

The following year he made his film debut in the coming of age classic Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982).

He went on to star in a slew of innovative and popular films such as Raising Arizona (1987), Moonstruck (1987), and Leaving Las Vegas (1995), as well as action films and blockbusters like The Rock (1996), Con Air (1997), Face/Off (1997), Snake Eyes (1998), Gone In 60 Seconds (2000) and National Treasure (2004).

After learning of his tax problems in 2009, Cage admitted he began to take just about any role he could get for the paycheck.

By January 2010, the actor announced he would pay the IRS a large sum to settle all of his debts.

'Over the course of my career I have paid at least $70 million in taxes, unfortunately, due to a recent legal situation, another approximate $14 million is owed to the IRS,' Cage told People magazine at the time, as reported by NBC News.

He continued, 'However, I am under new business management and am happy to say that I am current for 2009, all taxes will be paid including any to be determined state taxes.'

He was able to tackle his IRS issues, mainly by starring in as many films as he could land since around 2009.

Cage's Hollywood resume also includes Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), Wild At Heart (1990), Honeymoon In Vegas (1992), City Of Angels (1998), 8mm (1999), The Family Man (2000), Lord Of War (2004), World Trade Center (2006), Ghost Rider (2007), National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance (2011), and The Croods (2013).
[Nietzsche, When Nietzsche Wept]/The Talking Cure/

analyze and extrapolate the list of themes of the film and novel of the below "Nietzsche, When Nietzsche Wept (  ) | Full Drama Movie | truth of Nietzsche, Freud and Yalom. 199,916 views Premiered Oct 31, 2021 #FreeYouTubeMovies #WorldMovieCentral #FullMovies Viennese doctor Josef Breuer meets with philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche to help him deal with his despair. 2007 | Stars: Ben Cross, Armand Assante, Joanna Pacula, Kathryn Winnick | Director: Pinchas Perry | Writers: Pinchas PerryIrvin D. Yalom(novel) ///Armand Assante is my favourite actor: from Friedrich Nietzche to John Gotti he plays with equal aplomb.///In order to live strong you must think your roots to nothingness but learn to face your longliness.///// First time I watched this, I dismissed it as a cheesy depiction of a philosophers mind. How do you keep a conversation between a therapist interesting and entertaining when discussing anxiety fears loneliness or how do you convey for an audience dream sequences. How do you reach the depth of despair without over the top acting. But then it grew on me, and it surprisingly strikes a balance between being able to convey a complex thought process and expressing an emotional experience.//that the movie is "too perfect". Indeed, the grey and the grit of real life is missing. But, the learning process depicted about the therapeutic effect of recalling traumatic or deep and unsettling memories, in order to discover one's free choices in life and reconcile with the past, is well presented in this movie - the start of psychotherapy was then a revolutionary idea.//Too perfect The costumes too clean The actors are fine but their lines are dead and telegraphed This is meant for millennials who havent seen enough real film///I cant help but laugh at these depictions of 19th century women, they're so unconvincing. Every movement, the modern type of swaggering walk, self conscious flick of the hair - all of that is how women are now, *not as they were then*. At that time, women were at pains to appear ladylike, demure, restrained in speech and movement. That's truly how they were brought up. Bright red matching hats and dresses were not a thing then, either. If details like this can be messed up, it makes me wonder what else is going to be wonky here. The point is: I don't feel transported to ,Europe of the 1800's by what i see here, sorry to say. Moving right along....////Nietzsche did not grow that ridiculous mustache until he had gone mad. Having Salome mouth lines from Dostoyevsky ("If God is dead, everything is permissible") doesn't make her look smart, it makes her look like a second hander. The last thing a person with a migraine would do is scream at the top of his lungs. That's where I stopped watching. A poor excuse for a biopic of Nietzsche.///Nietzsche eventually goes mad over a horse///There is such a thin line between love and hate for me Cody William Bryson of Irving Dallas County Texas USA I think they are the same emotion. Susan Marie Holloway Bryson baby Bwitchy - Poo ///"Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery."///Anything with Katherine "Lagertha" Viking Queen Wimmick is definitely worth watching. I found the movie touching. Philosophers often get stuck in abstract thought & struggle to function in the here and now. It's touching that philosophy introduces individual human day-to-day struggles like heart-break, relationship breakdown and passionate desire.//Integration of the unconscious weight of conscious 33:16. Far from this, To increase the speed of the adaptation of the conscious to the unconscious mind. Faster recognition of truth of my unconscious mind to what is false.///The dialogue was honestly the best thing about this movie. You could poke fun at the cinematography, & some of the acting too. But what theyre saying, whats being said, & what is meant to be said those are the bits of this movie that are absolutely precious.///"We all have created God, and all of us together have killed him." I love it when philosophers address that the biggest lie religion ever told is that the divine created us in it's image, rather than the other way round. "God" is just a euphemism for projection of humanism onto what is not controllable or understandable. If there literally, really is an omniversally omnipotent and omniscient God, it cannot be considered human, neither can we fallible beings of faith, not sight, be considered like it in any rationally comparable way.////This movie taught us to get out of our fears , anxieties and make yourself free of worries .... Losen your burden///the amount of thought this movie induces is incredible....i dont know if its a good idea to have words to express what i feel or is it bette regarded as the emotion itself. cz in the end you never know if someome else feels the same thing the same way...love the movie///It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live" Marcus Aurelius///Too cheesy in my opinion. A better approach would be like paul Schraders mishima. A balance between a biographical directing style and a spiritual deep dive into nietzsches thoughts and amazing vision he had for humanity but directing it so that its interesting, not just quoting him from his books. Way to predictable///When fritz said - "I hate women with lips" Metaporphically He doesn't like women who talk////Nietzsche is dead god is dead Nietzsche is god///This movie is so appropriate for today's calamities. Nietzsche came to Earth as a troubled, yet, advanced soul, it appears. 4 Reply @englishlanguageandliteratu6833 @englishlanguageandliteratu6833 10 months ago This movie has changed my view about the immortal Nietzsche. His flesh was subject to decay but his mind and thoughts within that mind of his will continue to live on in the minds of those coming.///Whoever watches this wonderful movie will be a truth seeker, lover of wisdom, and metaphorical things....he/she will change their perspectives and assumptions concerning life and will strive to find a different living style..an extraordinary being to attain enlightenment and assurance and meaning to life!////

ChatGPT

From the comments and information provided about the film "Nietzsche, When Nietzsche Wept," it's possible to identify several themes and concepts that are explored in the movie:

Philosophy and Existentialism: The film delves into the world of philosophy and existentialism through the character of Friedrich Nietzsche. It highlights the philosophical struggles and thoughts of Nietzsche and explores the impact of his ideas on those around him.

Mental Health and Therapy: The movie revolves around a therapy session between Nietzsche and Dr. Josef Breuer. Themes related to mental health, psychotherapy, and the exploration of the human mind are central to the narrative.

Human Emotions and Relationships: The film touches on various human emotions and relationships, including heartbreak, desire, loneliness, and the complexities of human connections. It portrays philosophers as individuals who grapple with everyday human experiences.

Freedom and Self-Discovery: There is a theme of personal freedom and self-discovery as characters confront their inner struggles and seek meaning in their lives. Nietzsche's pursuit of understanding and self-realization is a prominent aspect.

Religion and God: Philosophical discussions about religion and the existence of God are featured in the movie. Nietzsche's famous declaration that "God is dead" and the implications of this statement are explored.

Legacy and Influence: The film suggests that Nietzsche's thoughts and ideas will continue to live on through the minds of future generations. It touches on the concept of legacy and the enduring impact of philosophical thinkers.

Struggles of the Human Condition: The movie portrays the struggles and complexities of the human condition, including dealing with fears, anxieties, and the burdens of life. It highlights the challenges of reconciling philosophical thought with the practicalities of existence.

Enlightenment and Meaning: Viewers are encouraged to seek enlightenment and meaning in life, perhaps inspired by Nietzsche's philosophical quest. The movie suggests that philosophical exploration can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Artistic Expression: Some comments mention the dialogue and words used in the movie as particularly significant. This emphasizes the importance of language, expression, and the power of words in conveying complex philosophical ideas.

Personal Transformation: The film appears to suggest that watching it can lead to personal transformation and a shift in one's perspective and assumptions about life. It encourages viewers to become truth seekers and lovers of wisdom.

In summary, "Nietzsche, When Nietzsche Wept" explores a wide range of philosophical, psychological, and existential themes through its portrayal of Friedrich Nietzsche and his interactions with others. It invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of the human experience and the enduring legacy of philosophical thought.

[User]

phonetics of Nietzsche?

ChatGPT

The pronunciation of Friedrich Nietzsche's name in the original German follows the standard rules of German phonetics. Here's a rough approximation of how his name is pronounced in German:

Friedrich: [?f?i?d??c] (FREED-rikh)

Nietzsche: [?ni?t?s??] (NEE-tshuh)

Please note that the "ch" sound in "Nietzsche" is somewhat unique to German and may not have an exact equivalent in English. It's a voiceless velar fricative sound, similar to the Scottish "loch." The "ie" in "Nietzsche" is pronounced like the "ee" in "see."

So, when pronouncing Friedrich Nietzsche's name in German, you would say something like "FREED-rikh NEE-tshuh."

In English-speaking contexts, it's common to hear variations like "NEE-chuh" or "NEE-chee," but the original German pronunciation is closer to "NEE-tshuh."

[User]

biography of Friedrich Nietzsche?

ChatGPT

Friedrich Nietzsche was a 19th-century German philosopher, known for his profound and often controversial ideas on morality, religion, culture, and the human condition. Here's a brief biography of his life:

Early Life (1844-1869):

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was born on October 15, 1844, in Rocken, a small village in Prussia, which is now part of Germany.

His father, Carl Ludwig Nietzsche, was a Lutheran pastor, and his mother, Franziska Oehler Nietzsche, was deeply religious.

Nietzsche showed exceptional intellectual abilities from a young age, and he began studying theology and philology at the University of Bonn and later at the University of Leipzig.

Academic Career (1869-1879):

Nietzsche became a professor of classical philology at the University of Basel in Switzerland in 1869, where he lectured on Greek and Roman literature.

During this period, he wrote some of his early works, including "The Birth of Tragedy" (1872), which explored the relationship between Greek tragedy and the Apollonian and Dionysian aspects of human nature.

Breakdown and Isolation (1880s):

Nietzsche's health began to deteriorate, and he experienced mental and physical health issues. He resigned from his teaching position in 1879.

He spent much of the 1880s in relative isolation, writing prolifically but struggling with mental illness, which would eventually lead to his institutionalization in 1889.

Major Works and Philosophical Ideas:

Nietzsche is best known for his philosophical works, including "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" (1883-1885), "Beyond Good and Evil" (1886), and "On the Genealogy of Morality" (1887).

He criticized traditional moral and religious values, particularly Christian morality, and advocated for the idea of the "will to power" as a fundamental human drive.

Nietzsche famously declared "God is dead," emphasizing the decline of religious belief and the need for new values to replace traditional ones.

Later Life and Death (1889-1900):

In 1889, Nietzsche suffered a mental breakdown in Turin, Italy, during which he is said to have embraced a horse and collapsed.

Following this incident, he spent the last years of his life under the care of his sister, Elisabeth Forster-Nietzsche, who had her own controversial political beliefs.

Nietzsche's writings became increasingly fragmented and aphoristic during this period.

He died on August 25, 1900, in Weimar, Germany, at the age of 55.

Legacy:

Nietzsche's ideas had a profound influence on 20th-century philosophy, literature, psychology, and art. He is often associated with existentialism, nihilism, and postmodernism.

His writings continue to be studied and debated by scholars and philosophers worldwide, and he remains a central figure in the history of Western thought.

Friedrich Nietzsche's life and work are marked by their complexity, and his ideas continue to provoke discussion and reflection on fundamental questions about human existence, morality, and the nature of truth.

***

The pronunciation of Josef Breuer

ChatGPT The pronunciation of "Josef Breuer" follows the standard rules of German phonetics. Here's an approximation of how it is pronounced in German: Josef: [?jo?z?f] (YOH-zef)

Breuer: [?br????] (BROY-uh) In English, you might hear it pronounced as "YOH-zef BROY-uh." The "r" in "Breuer" is pronounced as a guttural sound, similar to the French "r," which is not typical in English. Please note that pronunciation can vary slightly depending on regional accents and dialects within the German-speaking world.

Josef Breuer's life?
Celebrity psychic John Edward has issued a strong message to his non-believers as he prepares to bring his controversial Crossing Over show to Australia later this year.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Sunday the 53-year-old medium said he has no qualms about people questioning his abilities - as they have done for decades - but only if they are willing to open their mind.

'I think we're living at a time on the planet where people's critical thinking skills need to be really sharpened and addressed because of whatever the latest AI thing that's happening or just social media  so I think it's really important for people to go, 'hey, wait, I'm not sure, let me see what kind of validation is there',' he said.

'So I welcome it [scepticism]  it's important  as long as we can have a conversation about it.

'But when somebody pushes a little bit too much more, then I have to push back, and I have to be like 'woah  you can't define me, you don't know me





Celebrity psychic John Edward, 53, (pictured) has issued a strong message to his non-believers as he prepares to bring his controversial Crossing Over show to Australia later this year

The New York native also said in his interview that he can't wait to return to Australia, as he has always loved the country's 'energy'.

He praised the nation's strong sense of community and said Australians always make him feel welcome when he visits

Edward rose to fame in 2001 with his controversial Crossing Over program, in which he claimed to speak to the deceased relatives of audience members.

His supposed psychic abilities have been dismissed by many, with critics claiming the reality star is merely practicing a form of cold reading.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Sunday the 53-year-old medium said he has no qualms about people questioning his abilities, but only if they are willing to open their mind

Edward said there is a strong sense of community amongst Australians and they always make him feel welcome when he visits. Pictured: Edward on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in 2020

He has been married to Sandra McGee since 1995 and the couple share two children: son Justin, 20, and daughter Olivia, 16.

Back in 2017, Edward told news.com.au that he never set out to be a celebrity and that it simply happened as a result of his psychic abilities.

'I never woke up and decided, 'I'm going to be a world famous medium',' John said.

'And I never wanted to be on TV, it was an opportunity that came as a byproduct of my work.'

Edward will commence his Australian tour by performing at the State Theatre in Sydney on Wednesday, October 25, before heading to Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra.
Kaz Crossley looked effortlessly glamorous in a blue gown as she arrived at Little Lady Locks charity event in Manchester on Saturday.

The former Love Islander, 28, put on a stylish display in the strapless ruched-hem dress as she posed up a storm on the red carpet.

She showed off her toned shoulders and gave a glimpse of her ample cleavage before heading into the inspiring event, which aims to empower young people suffering from hair loss.

Kaz, who recently broke her silence after being arrested in the United Arab Emirates on suspicion of drug offences, turned heads in the stunning gown.

The TV personality added a pair of sparkly earrings and a simple silver handbag to let her ensemble do the talking.

Wow: Kaz Crossley looked effortlessly glamorous in a blue gown as she arrived at Little Lady Locks charity event in Manchester on Saturday

Gorgeous: The former Love Islander, 28, put on a stylish display in the strapless ruched hem dress as she posed up a storm on the red carpet

The reality star turned Muay Thai trainer pinned her brunette locks behind her face and added height to her frame with silver platform heels.

Kaz recently broke down in tears as she spoke about being questioned and held in prison in Dubai on suspicion of drug offences.

She revealed it was the 'lowest point of her life' as she discussed the 'very scary' experience of being held behind bars.

In 2020, the reality star was filmed without her knowledge, appearing to snort lines of white powder in Dubai by her 'controlling and manipulative' ex-boyfriend.

She said it 'destroyed her mental health and career' and she admitted she 'didn't leave the house for three months due to crippling anxiety'.

After flying into Abu Dhabi for a work trip following the incident, Kaz was put in jail for a week alongside a new mother and her six-month-old baby.

Speaking to GK Barry on her podcast Saving Grace podcast, Kaz discussed her traumatising experience from start to finish.

She explained: 'The Dubai thing for me is so much deeper than anything that was portrayed in the media.'

Glam: She showed off her toned shoulders and gave a glimpse of her ample cleavage before heading into the inspiring event, which aims to empower young people suffering from hair loss

Stunning: The reality star turned Muay Thai trainer pinned her brunette locks behind her face and added height to her frame with silver platform heels

Opening up: Kaz recently broke down in tears as she spoke about being questioned and held in prison in Dubai on suspicion of drug offences

Kaz has now insisted she 'was not arrested' as she explained how she was moved jails and locked up with a newborn baby and its mother.

She explained: 'I wasn't arrested I was just held for questioning. I was not arrested but I was inside the jail so it felt like it but I wasn't put in handcuffs.

'I was treated like any other inmate. I was taken to Dubai and then I got put in another jail for a day. This was really eye opening experience.

'Inside this jail there was a six-month-old baby in with me. In Abu Dhabi it is illegal to have kids if you're not married.

'The child was with the mother in jail and she had it in the hospital by Caesarean and the police came to the hospital and put her in jail with the baby after two days.

'She was in there for six months before I arrived. I still speak with her now but I was probably at the lowest point of my life and I was holding this tiny baby.

'It was a horrible place and it was not nice. I had nothing to wash with no clothes it was disgusting.'
A Casualty legend has revealed she is making a shock return to the hit BBC drama after exiting seven years ago.

During an episode of Loose Women on Friday, Sunetra Sarker announced that she will be returning to the wards of Holby City Hospital.

The actress, 50, who portrayed Doctor Zoe Hanna, revealed that her return will coincide with Charlie Fairhead's (Derek Thompson) exit from the show.

She said: 'This week I was in hospital - but not as a patient. I might have gone back to a certain hospital that I used to work at a while ago called Holby City Hospital.

'I'm going back after about... it must be seven years. I left in 2016 so it's been a while.

Big return: A Casualty legend has revealed she is making a shock return to the hit BBC drama after exiting five years ago

Exciting: During an episode of Loose Women on Friday, Sunetra Sarker announced that she will be returning to the wards of Holby City Hospital

'Im going back for a special double episode because our lovely Charlie who has been there forever is going to leave the show.

'So Im going back to make sure I get my last little moment with him.'

Derek, 75, revealed in May that he was finally hanging up his stethoscope and quitting the BBC drama Casualty after nearly four decades.

The actor revealed that 'the time has come' - with his final scenes to be broadcast next year.

Derek has played a central part in the show since it was first screened in 1986, and the BBC said his exit would culminate in a 'gripping' storyline with his character at the 'front and centre' of the action.

Discussing his departure, Derek said: 'The time has come for me to hang up Charlie's scrubs after the most wonderful 37 years.

'Charlie Fairhead was inspired by a real nurse  Pete Salt. Together with the writers and producers, I have tried to bring to Charlie the compassion, kindness, heroism and sound judgement that we all see and love in Pete and I want to say thanks to Pete and everyone else over that time who has inspired me in bringing this character to life.'

Emergency department nurse Charlie Fairhead has been in nearly 900 episodes and is the longest-serving cast member in the medical drama.

Drama: The actress, 50, who portrayed Doctor Zoe Hanna, revealed that her return will coincide with Charlie Fairhead's (Derek Thompson) exit from the show (pictured in 2016)

She said: 'This week I was in hospital - but not as a patient. I might have gone back to a certain hospital that I used to work at a while ago called Holby City Hospital' (pictured in 2009)

Charlie has been the backbone of fictional Holby City Hospital's emergency department, with the character involved in a number of huge, hard-hitting storylines over the years.

He was run over by an ambulance on his wedding day, had a near-fatal cardiac arrest during a gang siege, and had a loving relationship and heartbreaking farewell with his fellow nurse Duffy (Cathy Shipton).

Duffy died on the show in 2020 after being diagnosed with dementia. In heart-rending scenes, Charlie found her out in the snow after she wandered off.

Rushed to hospital with hyperthermia, Duffy then had a bleed on her brain, which left Charlie realising nothing more could be done for her.

Charlie recently faced further devastation when he was forced to say goodbye to nurse Robyn Miller (Amanda Henderson), whose daughter, Charlotte, was named with him in mind.

Robyn was involved in a catastrophic car accident while on the way to start her new life with Charlotte and partner Paul (Paul Popplewell).

Jon Sen, executive producer of Casualty for BBC Studios, said: 'Derek and I would often joke that, after such a long and dramatic career in the NHS, there was almost nothing that Charlie hadn't seen.

'So it was an amazing surprise to me when Derek arrived with a brilliant idea for Charlie's exit as part of an upcoming storyline, which was too good to pass up.

Hanging up his stethoscope: Derek, 75, revealed in May that he was finally hanging up his stethoscope and quitting the BBC drama Casualty after nearly four decades

Throwback: Since appearing in the first series in 1986 (pictured), the 75-year-old star has been in nearly 900 episodes and is the longest-serving cast member on the BBC medical drama

'We will all miss Derek enormously. Over nearly four decades, Derek has crafted an iconic character who is woven into the fabric of British TV history.

'We will miss his craft, his humour and his on-screen presence.

'We're also going to miss a friend, so for the next few months we're going to have a ball filming Charlie's final chapter.'

Casualty airs on Saturdays on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
Jodie Turner-Smith dressed to impress in a racy black sheer lace dress as she celebrated her 37th birthday in New York on Saturday night.

The actress was all smiles as she was joined by actor husband Joshua Jackson, 45, who looked dapper in an all white outfit.

Jodie commanded attention as she flashed her underboob in the figure hugging off the shoulder midi dress.

She elevated her frame in a pair of coordinated heels and toted her belonging around in an eye catching silver metallic clutch.

The Anne Boleyn star styled her dark tresses in a neat up-do and accessorised with a chunky silver bracelet.

Birthday girl: Jodie Turner-Smith dressed to impress in a racy black sheer lace dress as she celebrated her 37th birthday in New York on Saturday night

Celebrating: The actress was all smiles as she was joined by actor husband Joshua Jackson, 45, who looked dapper in an all white outfit

Meanwhile the Dawson's Creek star looked dapper in an open collar white shirt which he teamed with matching trousers and trainers.

The couple, who welcomed their first child in April 2020, walked into the celebrations separately.

Jodie and Joshua married in 2019 after meeting through mutual friends and and initially insisting that their romance was just 'casual'.

The actress proposed during a New Year's Eve holiday in Nicaragua, with Joshua 'instinctively' saying yes.

Last month, the stars were out in force as they showed their support for the SAG-AFTRA and WGA unions.

The groups, which represent actors and screenwriters, respectively, are both on strike as they fight major studios and streamers for more equitable pay and assurances that they won't be replaced by AI.

Among the actors putting themselves on the line was Queen & Slim actress Jodie, who was seen beaming while holding a sign supporting both unions and rocking a chic summery ensemble.

She was just one of many stars helping out with the labor action, including Oscar winners Susan Sarandon and F. Murray Abraham.

Looking good: Jodie commanded attention as she flashed her underboob in the figure hugging off the shoulder midi dress which she teamed with coordinate a silver metallic clutch

Smart: Meanwhile the Dawson's Creek star looked dapper in an open collar white shirt which he teamed with matching trousers and trainers

Doing her part: Last month Jodie was among the stars on picket lines in Los Angeles to strike for better working conditions and compensation on behalf of SAG-AFTRA and the WGA

They joined Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang, Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk and America Ferrera, among many others.

Jodie looked like a happy warrior as she held a sign above her head stating that 'SAG-AFTRA supports WGA.'

The mother-of-one showed off her incredibly chiseled abs while on the picket line with a male friend.

She rocked a sleek white cropped tank top, and she paired it with a colourful striped skirt that nearly reached to the ground.

She opted for sensible sneakers to help her stay on her feet for hours, and she wore chunky sunglasses partially covered by her navy blue bucket hat.

The model rocked a chic septum piercing and wore a gold chain around her throat while carrying a small straw handbag under her arm.
Tara Moss has shared an incredible moment managing to walk again after suffering from a chronic pain condition.

The model-turned-author, 49, took to Instagram over the weekend to share a video montage of herself on her road to recovery.

Moss, who suffers from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is shown undergoing several types of therapy, including foot spas, physiotherapy, and body work before the clip shows her walking up stairs and towards a mirror unassisted.

The Canadian-Australian described her long journey with a caption underneath the video.

'What a remarkable time in my life,' she wrote.

Tara Moss (pictured) took to Instagram over the weekend to share a video montage of herself on her road to recovery after suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

'Week seven at the Spero Clinic, after perhaps 150 hours of treatments, care, pain and miracles.'

Tara went on to say that such a simple task as walking without a mobility aid up stairs is a dream come true for her.

'I walked for over an hour this week, on my own. It was beyond. Treatment is tough, but so worth it,' she declared.

Tara thanked the clinic and expressed her gratitude for the moment

'Fingers crossed I can beat the CRPS beast... hold on to hope,' she concluded.

In the video, Moss is shown undergoing several types of therapy, including foot spas, physiotherapy, and body work

It comes as Moss recently dropped a civil lawsuit against a doctor.

Moss previously argued she was left to suffer years of 'agonising pain, loss of work and left her using a walking stick', The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Tara's lawyers alleged this is due to Blue Mountains doctor Chris Coghill failing to properly diagnose a right labral tear in her hip in 2016.

Coghill has rejected the claim.

'The defendant says if any damages were suffered by the plaintiff as alleged, which is denied, they were caused or contributed to by (her) own negligence,' the defense has claimed.

The Canadian-Australian described her long journey to health with a caption underneath the video. 'What a remarkable time in my life,' she wrote

Moss submitted a substantial 'evidentiary statement' to support her case, which includes about 80 pages of social media content.

The lawsuit was discontinued before the former model's claims could be heard at a NSW Supreme Court hearing scheduled in June.

Moss declined to comment on the quiet end to her lawsuit.

The clip shows her walking up stairs and towards a mirror unassisted

Tara has been open about her struggle with pain over recent years, documenting her use of a cane and wheelchair on Instagram.

In 2021, the model gave a tell-all interview where she revealed that being in constant pain has changed the way her brain works.

The raven-haired beauty told Body and Soul magazine: 'I've come to learn that chronic pain is really neuroplasticity  brain changes  gone wrong.'

'Now I want to use the brain's adaptability to work in my favour, and retrain it not to be so loud and vocal about my pain'.

Tara thanked the clinic and expressed her gratitude for the moment 'Fingers crossed I can beat the CRPS beast...hold on to hope,' she concluded

Elsewhere in the interview, the author was critical of the lack of accessible spaces for disabled people.

Tara began modelling at the age 14, before turning her attentions to writing, publishing her first novel, Fetish, in 1999.

She is now a bestselling author who has published 13 books in 18 countries and 13 languages around the world, and is considered one of Australia's best crime novelists.

The former model lives in the Blue Mountains with her Australian poet husband Berndt Sellheim and their 12-year-old daughter Sapphira.
Bruno Tonioli looked dapper as he headed out for a swanky lunch at Quo Vadis restaurant in Soho on Monday.

The BGT judge, 67, appeared to be wiping his teeth immediately after sipping his afternoon coffee.

He wore a pair of white trousers and added a white hat and black cross-body bag to his stylish ensemble.

The British-Italian TV personality showed off his youthful appearance in a blue loosely-fitted linen shirt and gave a glimpse of his chest in the unbuttoned top.

He later enjoyed a glass of wine and then made a swift departure as he was spotted strutting through London to get to his next venture.

Trendy: Bruno Tonioli, 67, looked dapper as he headed out for a swanky lunch at Quo Vadis restaurant in Soho on Monday

Pearly whites: The British-Italian TV personality appeared to be wiping his teeth immediately after sipping his afternoon coffee

The outing comes after he joined Lizzie Cundy for a night out at Bonnie Langford's event at cabaret venue The Pheasantry in Chelsea, London last month.

In May, Bruno took a swipe at his former Strictly Come Dancing co-stars during BGT.

The Britain's Got Talent judge, who switched the BBC ballroom show for the ITV competition, praised his new colleagues: Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden.

But in doing so, he somewhat dismissed his former Strictly co-stars - including Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse as lesser-than.

Bruno told the BGT audience: 'They say you're only as good as the people you work with, and these people are the best.'

Previously, when asked whether BGT was bigger than Strictly, the sassy star replied: 'This is the biggest show on TV  I mean it, it is now that I'm here!'

'This is the biggest show on British TV, now that I'm here,' he told press after his debut, but added that Strictly had 'changed his life'.

Bruno starred on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 until 2019, Anton Du Beke stepped in for him as a judge during the COVID-19 pandemic before replacing him permanently in 2022.

He then replaced former BGT panellist David Walliams, 51, on the panel this series after the comedian made sexual remarks towards contestants last year, for which he apologised before stepping down from the show.

Dapper: The BGT judge showed off his youthful appearance in a blue loosely-fitted linen shirt and gave a glimpse of his chest in the unbuttoned top
Daisy Edgar-Jones cut a summery figure in a pair of long blue denim shorts as she stepped out shopping in north London shopping on Sunday.

The Normal People star, 25, looked chic as she tucked a green gingham tie front blouse into the shorts.

She cinched in her waist with a chunky black Gucci belt and kept comfortable in a pair of black flat sandals.

The actress left her long blonde tresses loose as she carried a large blue plastic bag full of shopping.

It comes after Daisy reportedly found love with the ex-boyfriend of fellow actress Anya Taylor-Joy.

Chic: Daisy Edgar-Jones cut a summery figure in a pair of long blue denim shorts as she stepped out shopping in north London shopping on Sunday

Out and about: The Normal People star, 25, looked chic as she tucked a gingham tie front blouse into the shorts

She is said to be on 'cloud nine' after embarking on a relationship with photographer Ben Seed.

Ben, who goes by the artist name Pip, split up with The Queen's Gambit star Anya, 27, in 2021, ahead of her beating Daisy to the best actress gong at the Golden Globes.

And now it's been believed that he's happy again with film star Daisy, with it reported that the couple have 'become inseparable'.

The pair are said to have enjoyed a string of dates near where they live in East London and have been seeing each other for months.

A source told The Sun: 'Daisy and Pip got together earlier this year and have become inseparable.

'They have both had some free time this summer and love hanging out in Broadway Market in East London, just going to bars and spending time together.

'Theres a real spark there and they are excited about finding each other. Theyve already met one anothers friends and she is on cloud nine.'

MailOnline have contacted representatives of Daisy for comment.

Daisy's alleged new relationship comes after she split with ex Tom Varey in late 2020 after two years of dating.

Shopping: She cinched in her waist with a chunky black Gucci belt and kept comfortable in a pair of black flat sandals

While Daisy is said to be enjoying a romance with Ben, Anya is currently loved up with 'husband' Malcolm McRae.

Taylor-Joy and McRae were first spotted kissing in New York City in May 2021, just ahead of her hosting debut on Saturday Night Live.

Later that month, she spoke about having a partner in an interview with Elle, though she didn't mention McRae by name.

They made their official red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party in March 2022, just months before reports surfaced they had secretly married.

Daisy scored her breakthrough role in 2022, when she played the main role of Marianne in Sally Rooney's Normal People opposite Paul Mescal as Connell.

The romantic drama, which was released on BBC Three in 2020, focused on the on-off relationship between Irish teenagers Marianne and Connell, beginning in their school days through to their time at university.
Megan Barton Hanson looked nothing short of sensational as she flashed her sideboob in a daring dazzling blue top on Sunday.

The Love Island star, 29, took to Instagram as she posed for sizzling snaps in the cowl neck backless top.

She teamed the number with a pair of blue denim high-waisted jeans and styled her long blonde tresses in luxurious waves.

The model penned: 'Unless someone takes my picture, it's giving 2000s MySpace selfies and I'm not mad at it'.

Megan sent fans into overdrive as she shared a selection of racy Instagram snaps from the changing room on Friday.

Sizzling: Megan Barton Hanson looked nothing short of sensational as she flashed her sideboob in a daring dazzling blue top on Sunday

Hot! The Love Island star, 29, took to Instagram as she posed for sizzling snaps in the cowl neck backless top

She looked incredible as she showed off her toned curves in a racy white lace mini dress.

The influencer put on a very busty display, flaunting her surgically-enhanced cleavage, as the stunning garment featured a corset bust with lace embellishments.

Megan drew attention to her very toned legs underneath the tiny mini dress, and toted her stunning look with black stiletto heels.

'Shocking lightning but Stunning Outfit,' she penned her post alongside a white heart emoji.

The TV personality showcased her sense of style as she accessorised with a set of jewellery including hoop earrings, bracelets, rings and a slew of necklaces.

She opted for a typical glamorous make up look, pouting her lips with an eye-catching nude lipstick gloss.

Her locks were styled in a flawless blow-dry, as they perfectly cascaded on her back and shoulders.

Megan oozed confidence as she posed for a full-body snap as well as a close-up one, giving a sultry look to the camera.

Looking good: She teamed the number with a pair of blue denim high-waisted jeans and styled her long blonde tresses in luxurious waves

Jaw-dropping: Megan sent fans into overdrive as she shared a selection of racy Instagram snaps from the changing room on Friday

The star - who has recently enjoyed a sun-soaked holiday in Mykonos - has opened up about the harsh reality of working in the sex industry earlier last month.

The former Love Islander explained how she has 'lost countless jobs' over signing up for the adult content site and revealed she was slut-shamed from the age of just 13.

Speaking with Jamie Laing on his Private Parts Podcast, Megan - who came out as bisexual in 2019 - said she makes a regular income from posting explicit content on her OnlyFans account, but has faced a lot of judgement for her choice of career.

The Love Island 2018 star explained: 'I've lost countless jobs because I've signed up to OnlyFans again. Like when I went on Love Island, I had it before then, before it was like a big thing!

'And the producers were like, "This is a family show. I think you should get rid of this account" and I was fuming!'

The reality star revealed how 'head strong' you have to be in that type of industry because it comes with a lot of backlash and criticism.

Megan continued: 'As much as you preach to people and your friends and people who love you.

'If they're that way inclined, that they think that's such a seedy bad job to do, then you're never going to change people's minds.

'So, unless you're so headstrong, I don't think you should get into it. Because you are going to face judgment.'

Megan, who grew up as a child in Southend-On-Sea, Essex, spoke about how everyone was similar and 'no one ever went against the grain' in her school.

She noticed she was very 'sexually free' as she dated a lot of guys during school, which made people slut-shame her.

'I've lost countless jobs': Megan has revealed ITV bosses made her sacrifice her OnlyFans account to appear on Love Island

Love Island legend: The reality star detailed the harsh reality of working in the sex industry and revealed she was slut-shamed from the age of just 13 (pictured on Love Island in 2018)

Hard times: Megan said was very 'sexually free' because she dated a lot of guys during school, which made people slut-shame her

The model said: 'So, growing up, I lived in an area that was such a small little community. Everybody was a cardboard cutout of each other and no one like went against the grain.

'And I've always been like a little bit like sexually free and I dated a lot of guys growing up and I guess that probably wasn't insecurity. I just wanted to be liked!

'I wanted that validation from men maybe. So, I would date a lot of guys, so I was slut shamed like from Year 9 from an older guy.

'He was like, "Would you send me a video?", and thank God I was like, "No, no! Like, I'm not gonna send you anything". He was like, "Oh, have you ever masturbated before?". I was like, "Yeah", but I hadn't. But I just wanted to please him.'

The former stripper, who often speaks about her sexuality, also revealed she was 'petrified to come out' because she was painted out on Love Island to be 'the man eater'.

She said: 'That's another thing on Love Island, I was like cast as like the man eater and a very sexual person. So, I was petrified to then come out and add fuel to the fire.'

Megan has been in an on and off relationship with TOWIE star Demi Sims, 26, and were spotted out together in Brentwood last month.

In February, Demi confirmed she had rekindled her romance with former flame Megan after splitting up two years ago.
Chloe Ferry stunned in a sexy brown dress on Saturday as she headed out to watch the Lady Boys of Bangkok show in Newcastle.

The Geordie Shore star, 28, showcased her slender physique in the tight-skinned dress.

She looked nothing short of sensational in her evening attire and flashed her surgically-enhanced breasts through the figure-hugging material.

Chloe accessorised her outfit with a black shoulder bag, silver hooped earrings and added height to her frame with knee-high burgundy boots.

The TV personality, who was recently accused of edit her Instagram photos, looked effortlessly stylish.

Racy: Chloe Ferry stunned in a sexy brown dress on Saturday as she headed out to watch the Lady Boys of Bangkok show in Newcastle

Racy display: The Geordie Shore star, 28, showcased her slender physique in the tight-skinned dress

She was accused once again of going too far with the Photoshop as fans spotted another editing blunder from the star earlier this week.

The reality star is just back from soaking up the sun over in Spain and shared a healthy dose of bikini shots with her fans over on her Instagram.

Chloe showed off her enviable curves and surgically enhanced assets as she posed in a skimpy khaki bikini which left little to the imagination.

However, fans didn't hold back as they suspected all wasn't what it seemed with the snaps as they pointed out the reality star's photoshop fail.

Her followers spotted a blurred green smudge on the inside of her upper leg suggesting the photo had been edited.

The observant fan commented on the post: 'Its been photoshopped Zoom in on the first pic near her inside leg you will see a smudge of green.'

Another penned: 'Photoshop exagerou', while a third wrote: 'These photos are not so good to look at.'

In the collection of snaps, Chloe included some pictures of her and her friends smiling on a paddleboard before they lost balance and began to tip into the sea.

Sexy: She looked nothing short of sensational in her evening attire and flashed her surgically-enhanced breasts through the figure-hugging material

Peachy: Chloe slipped into a tight brown dress as showed off her sensational curves and toned bottom

Busty: The TV personality, who was recently accused of edit her Instagram photos, looked effortlessly stylish

Stunning: Chloe accessorised her outfit with a black shoulder bag, silver hooped earrings and added height to her frame with knee-high burgundy boots

Uh Oh: Chloe was recently accused by fans of editing her sizzling Instagram bikini snaps earlier this week - with fans noticing a green blur by her bikini bottoms

She also left little to the imagination as she shared a video of herself diving into the water in her thong bikini bottoms.

However some fans were less harsh on the star, with many defending Chloe as they opposed the haters in the comments.

One wrote: 'Leave the girl alone! If you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all!'

Another added: 'Its not whats on the outside that matters its what's on the inside and all I know is that woman made me laugh watching her on tv'.

It's not the first time the salon owner has suffered a photoshop blunder after she was caught out earlier this summer back in July while holidaying in Ibiza.

The star was criticised by fans after she uploaded a picture of herself looking sensational in a barely-there white bikini top and matching bottoms with high waisted string straps.

Chloe posed for the snap alongside reality star Wayne Lineker, 61, at his O Beach Club on the Balearic island.

However all wasn't what is seemed as eagle-eyed fans noticed the picture appeared to have been altered as the wood in the background behind Chloe looked bent.

Wow: The 28-year-old showed off her enviable curves and surgically enhanced assets as she posed in a skimpy khaki bikini which left little to the imagination
Danniella Westbrook took a sly dig at her daughter Jodie on Sunday after she has blocked her on Instagram.

The former EastEnders star, 49, co-parents Jodie and her son Kai, 26, with her ex-husband Kevin Jenkins.

Danniella took to her Instagram Stories to call out Jodie for blocking her on the social media platform.

The post was a picture of Marilyn Monroe waving outside a window with the caption: 'When someone blocks me & expects me to care. Bye C**t.'

It comes just days after the actress revealed she is 'heartbroken' over her daughter's decision to 'cut her out of her life'.

Brutal: Danniella Westbrook took a sly dig at her daughter Jodie on Sunday after she has blocked her on Instagram

Awkward: Danniella took to her Instagram Stories to call out Jodie for blocking her on the social media platform

The post was a picture of Marilyn Monroe waving outside a window with the caption: 'When someone blocks me & expects me to care. Bye C**t.'

Alongside several throwback snaps of Jodie, Danniella wrote: 'With all my heat, i miss my daughter. Miss so many things we shared.

'But after the beautiful birthday, I arranged for her 21st last year. Within a month, I was once again with zero explanation cut out of her life.

'And it has broken my heart but I just hope she knows how proud I am to be her mother. And I love her always . X'

Her first marriage was to van driver Ben Morgan in 1998, but they divorced nine months later.

In 2001, the star married businessman Kevin, almost four months after the birth of their daughter Jodie. The former couple divorced in 2020.

Danniella recently split from jailbird boyfriend David after a seven-year on-off relationship - just months before he is due to be released from prison.

The actress announced last year that she was waiting on David to be released from prison so that he could propose in style.

Earlier this month, she was pictured trying on wedding dresses ahead of what was going to be her big day.

It has been reported that David is serving time in prison for counterfeit goods and engaging in various physical altercations but will be released in September, just before her 50th birthday.

Danniella has now reportedly started a romance with a 'rich businessmen' just a week after splitting from David.

Family: The former Celebrity Big Brother housemate co-parents Jodie and her son Kai Jenkins, 26, (pictured in 2019) with her ex-husband Kevin Jenkins

Past: In 2001, she married businessman Kevin Jenkins and later divorced in 2020 (pictured in 2002)

A friend of the star told The Sun of their 'split': 'Danniella was heartbroken last night.

'Both Danniella and David have decided to cancel their wedding plans and, it seems, their whole relationship.

'She has spent nearly seven years travelling all over the country to visit him but it seems the closer he is to coming home, the more the cracks are showing.

'They have both just changed so much since they first got together.'
Sean McHugh, 36, who bear-sprayed cops during the Jan. 6 riot on Capitol Hill, was sentenced on Friday to 6  years in prison.

"His actions were not planned," said attorney Joseph Allen, of a client to traveled to a political rally with a 16oz can of bear spray, used it on police officers, then took to Facebook to brag about his acts of violence. The judge at McHugh's bench trialhe decided not to take his chances with a juryfound him guilty of obstruction and assaulting law enforcement officers.

McHugh was part of the initial breach of the Capitol grounds at the Peace Circle. Once he arrived at the Capitol, McHugh actively participated in at least four attempts to breach perimeters established by officers during the riot. He was one of the initial rioters to breach a police line and enter the West Plaza. Afterward, McHugh wrestled with an officer for control of a barricade protecting access to the Capitol and assaulted a line of U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers on the West Plaza, hitting them with his bear spray, causing the officers to back away from the line, and preventing them from performing their official duties. Finally, McHugh helped other rioters to push a large metal sign into officers. In between these acts of aggression, McHugh used his megaphone to encourage other rioters to act against law enforcement. After the riot, McHugh posted multiple messages on Facebook bragging about his actions during the riot and reveling in the violence against police, boasting, "we stormed them and we took Congress"

For those keeping track, McHugh was a courtroom groveler: he "made a heartfelt statement expressing his remorse."
Danny Cipriani's ex Jasmine Waltz has called him out for 'lying' throughout his new memoir.

The rugby player, 41, was branded 'heartless and delusional' by the 'Megan Fox lookalike' who he cheated on with Lindsay Lohan.

In a recent interview, Jasmine, who had 'no idea' about the new book, told The Sun: I guess 80 per cent of Danny's life has been spent womanising. He's spent so much time and effort manipulating girls.

'The way he treated me was heartless and cold. His behaviour obviously stems from insecurity  he's filling a void inside  and I wonder how the other women in his book feel.'

In the book, Danny writes: 'Later, we head to the club where the Megan Fox lookalike works. We haven't been there long when she marches towards us and punches Lindsay in the face.

Brutal: Danny Cipriani's ex Jasmine Waltz has called him out for 'lying' through out his new memoir

Feud: The rugby player was branded 'heartless and delusional' by the ' Megan Fox lookalike' he cheated on with Lindsay Lohan

'I can't say for sure but I think I'm to blame.'

But Jasmine has claimed this is '1,000 per cent false' and compares his memoir to auto-fiction.

The beauty alleges it was Lindsay who started the row after Jasmine 'accidentally backhanded her' while working as a waitress.

Danny's wife Victoria hit back at Jasmine, penning on her Instagram Stories this weekend: 'It's interesting, isn't it, that you aren't named in Danny's book.

'Yet, you pushed yourself to the front and sold an exclusive story to make people aware of precisely who he was talking about, but that's nothing new because it's the same thing you did in Manchester.

'Danny walked that high street for four years didn't get pictured once that's because he doesn't inform the media when he pops to Tesco's to buy his brioche buns. But when he walked in with you, he did, even after you sold a story on him and begged him for his forgiveness.

'Maybe you want a recap of the messages you sent him at the time? I could recap your last messages to him. It doesn't quite fit in with the narrative of your story.'

She continued: 'The valid point you made is he spent 80% of his life womanising to fill a void. Correct, he did. When you read the book, you'll see he wholly accepts that's what he was doing.

'He apologises for it because that was 50% of the reason he wrote the book: to reach out to those men who display the same behaviours as him and give insight into how he overcame in the hope of helping other lost people.'

Furious: The couple dated in 2010, following rugby ace Danny's initial split with Kelly Brook but had an acrimonious break-up with her referring to him as a 'walking boner'

Danny's wife Victoria hit back at Jasmine, penning on her Instagram Stories: 'It's interesting, isn't it, that you aren't named in Danny's book.'

The couple dated in 2010, following rugby ace Danny's initial split with Kelly Brook but had an acrimonious break-up with her referring to him as a 'walking boner'.

However, she and Danny - who split from Kelly in 2013 after reportedly cheating on her multiple times - reconciled in 2014.

When Jasmine was entering the Celebrity Big Brother house, Kelly had reportedly feared that she would reveal details about her love life with Danny.

An insider told The Sun's TV Biz: 'Jasmine has told friends she's ready to let rip at Danny and won't hold back on what he told her about Kelly and their sex life.

'Danny and Kelly have been on and off for years but Jasmine's TV appearance could be the nail in the coffin. CBB producers were blown away by her pre-interviews.'

The insider added: 'She is willing to talk about everything Danny told her about him and Kelly, from their bedroom life to their issues. It could be very uncomfortable viewing for Kelly.'

Row: The beauty alleges it was Lindsay who started the row after Jasmine 'accidentally backhanded her' while working as a waitress

In the past Jasmine has said of the British beauty: 'I feel sorry for Kelly. He has a roving eye like a horny teenage boy.'

Buxom Jasmine, who hails from Las Vegas, was romantically linked to fellow CBB contestant Lee Ryan, of boyband Blue.

However, after a brief romance following their departure from the Big Brother house, the two decided to go their separate ways.

Jasmine has reportedly dated in the past actor David Arquette and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.
She's a world famous fashion designer who launched her eponymous luxury brand in 2001.

And Stella McCartney showed off her style credentials on Saturday, as she stepped out in Venice with her husband Alasdhair Willis.

The British fashion designer, 51, looked sophisticated and summery as she explored the city in a neutral toned ensemble.

She opted for a pair of beige linen shorts teamed with a white button-up shirt and black strappy sandals.

Stella added a pop of colour to her outfit by toting a bright orange and cream bag and hid her eyes behind black sunglasses.

Loved-up: Stella McCartney showed off her style credentials on Saturday, as she stepped out in Venice with her husband Alasdhair Willis

Looking good: The British fashion designer, 51, looked sophisticated and summery as she explored the city in a neutral toned ensemble

Her husband Alasdhair cut a laidback figure in a navy blue plain T-shirt and a pair of dark grey shorts.

He added a dark blue blazer over the top and a pair of casual white trainers, while sporting black shades.

The married couple recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary last month.

The daughter of Sir Paul McCartney and his late first wife, Linda, tied the knot with the publisher at Mount Stuart House in August 2003.

They share four children together, sons Miller Alasdhair James and Beckett Robert Lee, as well as daughters Bailey Linda Olwyn and Reiley Dilys Stella.

Stella's Italian getaway comes after she received backlash for a fashion shoot featuring model Kendall Jenner naked on a horse for her new Winter 2023 campaign.

Shot by Harley Weir in the Camargue Salt Flats of France, the next-gen model and equestrian, 27, is captured amongst the region's famed white ponies.

Speaking about hiring Kendall for the campaign, Stella said: 'I knew this season's Stella girl had to love horses as much as I do.

Hot water: Stella's Italian getaway comes after she received backlash for a fashion shoot featuring model Kendall Jenner naked on a horse for her new Winter 2023 campaign

'Kendall has been riding since she was a kid, just like me, and has her own ranch; you can see how at ease she is around these sensitive creatures, and them with her.

'Capturing this connection brings Horse Power to life, both through the fashion and the vision.'

However, animal rights campaigners complained that her multi-million-pound Horse Power ads exploited the animals.

Stella hit back at critics, telling friends the ad campaign was a tribute to her mother, Linda, who loved horses.

A source told The Mail on Sunday: 'The collection was initially inspired by Stella's late mother, Linda, who was a lifelong horse lover and introduced Stella and her siblings to caring for these animals.'

The horses used in the ads were Spanish pure-bloods, known as Andalusians, which bear a striking resemblance to Appaloosas, the US breed her mother loved.

The horse's owner, Jean-Francois Pignon, also added that Stella 'put the horses first' during the fashion shoot.

He said: 'My horses respond to love and respect. Stella put the horses first. She and Kendall were empathetic and I could tell they both felt very comfortable around them.

'When I asked for a break to feed or water them, Stella immediately agreed. No animal was exploited or harmed. It was a peaceful and harmonious shoot where the horses were number one.'
Jenelle Evans' ex-husband Courtland Rogers suffered an apparent overdose at his home in North Carolina.

TMZ obtained a copy of the 911 call Rogers' wife Lindsey Frazier made during the medical emergency.

The 37-year-old was found naked on the toilet and unresponsive. During the 911 call, gurgling noises could be heard in the background.

The call was placed on August 28 and Frazier said he locked himself in the bathroom while she was out of the house with their kids.

She broke down the door to find him unresponsive. Rogers has been open about his struggles with drugs in the past and admitted to at least five overdoses.

Ex: Jenelle Evans ' ex-husband Courtland Rogers suffered an apparent overdose at his home in North Carolina

Evans and Rogers were married from 2012 to 2014. They do not have any children together.

During the 911 call, the dispatcher tells Frazer to lay him flat on his back on the floor, but she said he is too heavy for her to move.

She tried doing CPR and screams at him to wake up. Frazier told the dispatcher she didn't know what drugs he took and didn't have any Narcan available to revive him.

The frantic call ends when the paramedics arrived.

No drugs or drug paraphernalia were found at the scene and he survived.

In the past, Rogers has said that heroin has ruined his life.

Evans, 31, has had enough drama to deal with lately with her son Jace, 14, going missing for a second time late last month, according to TMZ.

Police found Jace at a gas station that is a 10-minute drive from the family home, sources told the outlet, adding that it was not immediately clear if he was by himself or with friends.

Jace also disappeared for a few hours in mid-August.

Mug shot: TMZ obtained a copy of the 911 call Rogers' wife Lindsey Frazier made during the medical emergency

Happier days: The 37-year-old was found naked on the toilet and unresponsive. During the 911 call, gurgling noises could be heard in the background

Another mugshot: The call was placed on August 28 and Frazier said he locked himself in the bathroom while she was out of the house with their kids

Ex-husband: Jenelle and Courtland were married from 2012 to 2014

Jenelle regained full custody of Jace earlier this year after she gave custody of him to her mother Barbara Evans shortly after she gave birth to him.

Jenelle told the outlet that her son ran off after his phone was taken from him following troubles at school.

'As a boy mom, kids can act up and rebel as I'm sure the majority of us all once did as kids too,' she told TMZ in a statement. 'Jace ... got in trouble at school, we decided to take his phone away and that's when he decided to run off.'

Jenelle called Jace 'a good kid' and said the situation was not 'anything that most families don't deal with while raising children,' adding, 'This is a teenage boy being a teenager mad that we decided to take his phone away.'
She recently returned from soaking up the sun in the South of France with family and friends.

And Helen Skelton showed off gorgeous bikini-clad figure in a slew of throwback snaps from her trip this week.

Taking to Instagram the Blue Peter star, 40, posted a sweet montage of the getaway as she made the most of the scorching weather.

Helen looked sensational in the skimpy black two piece while hitting the beach with kids Ernie, eight, Louis, six, and Elsie, two - who she shares with ex-husband Richie Myler, 33.

The large group looked to be having a wonderful time as they paddled in the water before enjoying snacks on the sand.

Stunner: Helen Skelton, 40, showed off gorgeous bikini-clad figure in a slew of throwback snaps from her trip this week

Mum: Helen looked sensational in the skimpy black two piece while hitting the beach with kids Ernie, eight, Louis, six, and Elsie, two

Helen captioned the post: 'France 23. Because no one does photo albums anymore (maybe I should) good times with good people xxx'.

Earlier this week she once again showcased her ageless figure in holiday photos to celebrate mum Janet's birthday.

Helen wowed in the cut-out garment and accessorised with vintage brown shades, a necklace and small hoop earrings.

The sweet snap captured mother and daughter enjoying the sunshine at the beach with Helen flashing as huge smile for the camera.

Meanwhile mum Janet is sitting right behind her, in a light blue shirt, straw hat and black shades to hid from the heat.

'HAPPPEEEE BIRTHDAY  to the most selfless fun loving granny we know. We love you thanks for the cake @jillrmoa #birthday #granny #memories #motherbear,' (sic) the TV star penned her post.

It comes just weeks after Helen officially divorced her rugby player husband Richie, 16 months after their high-profile split.

The TV star was issued a decree nisi, signalling the end of their ten-year marriage with the couple receiving confirmation of this in the post.

Holidays: Taking to Instagram the Blue Peter star shared a sweet montage of the getaway as the group made the most of the scorching weather

Fun in the sun: They all looked to be having a wonderful time as they paddled in the water before enjoying snacks on the sand

Style: Helen then slipped into a chic white summer dress as she explored the town

Together: The TV star has been enjoying the getaway with her family and friends

Bonjour: Helen captioned the post: 'France 23. Because no one does photo albums anymore (maybe I should) good times with good people xxx'

Strictly star Helen, announced her split from England and Leeds Rhinos rugby league star Richie last April.

Since the end of their marriage, Richie has gone on to have a baby with new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, 32, the daughter of Leeds Rhinos president Andrew.

Helen and Richie are now awaiting the granting of a decree absolute which will legally cement the end of their ten-year marriage.

This is a legal formality once a decree nisi has been granted and will be issued by the court as neither of them are contesting the divorce.

News of Helen's divorce came as she has revealed major changes to her life, including putting her former marital home up for sale and quitting her show on BBC Radio 5 Live so that she can spend more time with her children.

It's official: It comes just week after Helen officially divorced her rugby player husband Richie Myler, 16 months after their high-profile split

'But she's not closing herself off to anything anymore. She's open to new adventures in all respects and is making it her aim to say 'yes' to more things that excite her.'

Born and raised in Cumbria, Helen co-presented the BBC children's programme Blue Peter from 2008 until 2013 and since 2014, she has been a presenter on Countryfile.

The TV favourite also starred in last year's Strictly Come Dancing where she made it through to the final.
Emma Roberts, Cara Delevingne, Pom Klementieff, and Zoe Kravitz gathered on Saturday night to celebrate Jodie Turner-Smith's 37th birthday in New York City.

The celebrities were all dressed for a casual night out with the Scream Queens star, 32, wearing a black tank top and high-waisted jeans with black sneakers.

The model and Carnival Row star, 31, wore a white tank top with a plunging neckline and high-waisted black pants with black combat-style boots.

A black jacket hung from her elbows as she kept her shoulders free on the warm night.

The French born Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning actress, 33, wore a figure-hugging black tank dress with a purple crossbody handbag.

Birthday party: Emma Roberts, Cara Delevingne , Pom Klementieff, and Zoe Kravitz gathered on Saturday night to celebrate Jodie Turner-Smith 's 37th birthday in New York City

The Batman actress, 34, wore a short-sleeved white shirt with scalloping at the edge of the sleeves and hem.

The shirt had a boat neckline and showed a hint of Zoe's toned tummy. She paired the top with baggy jeans and black boots and carried a black handbag.

Turner-Smith turned 37 on September 7 and celebrated with her husband Joshua Jackson, 45, at the launch of the Lotus Emeya  the fastest fully electric luxury car.

The celebs were engaged in animated conversations with each other as they celebrated their friend.

Meanwhile Emma and Cara had plenty to chat about. Both star in the upcoming American Horror Story: Delicate.

Emma portrays an A-list actress named Anna Victoria Alcott while Cara plays a rather creepy character named Meg.

Earlier in the day, Cara was spotted leaving Electric Lady Studios with Taylor Swift, 33, ahead of the release of 1989: Taylor's version.

The day before Jodie's party Kravitz was in L.A. with her boyfriend Channing Tatum, 43. They met up with his ex-wife Jenna Dewan, 42, and her partner Steve Kazee, 47.

Conversation: The celebs were engaged in animated conversations with each other as they celebrated their friend

Scream queen: The Scream Queens star, 32, wore a black tank top and high-waisted jeans with black sneakers

Friends: The model and Carnival Row star, 31, wore a white tank top with a plunging neckline and high-waisted black pants with black combat-style boots. The Batman actress, 34, wore a short-sleeved white shirt with scalloping at the edge of the sleeves and hem

The couples got together to watch Tatum and Dewan's daughter Everly, eight, dance at the grand opening of The Auld Fella Irish restaurant in Brentwood.

Currently, the birthday girl is appearing in Netflix's Murder Mystery 2 alongside Jennifer Aniston, 54, and Adam Sandler, 57.

The English beauty also stars in an episode of the current season of Sex Education.

And the statuesque star also starred in the video for Rita Ora's You Only Love Me.
Salma Hayek proved age is just a number while showcasing her age-defying figure in a black and white patterned bikini.

In her latest Instagram post, the 57-year-old Oscar nominee looked nothing short of sensational in a flowy light blue cover-up as she cruised around on the ocean on a yacht.

As she posed, with windswept hair and a coy smile, the House of Gucci star placed one hand on her right hip and gave the camera her best smoldering stare.

'Whats wrong with Sunday blues?' she captioned the photo, which received more than 351,695 likes in just six hours.

Stunning: Salma Hayek proved age is just a number while showcasing her age-defying figure in a black and white patterned bikini

Her latest post comes after gushing to fans that she is 'so happy to be alive and so profoundly grateful for all the blessings.'

'My beloved family, my precious friends, my health, my work that keeps me going, my empowering team, my relationship with animals & nature, and the love of all my loyal fans,' she captioned a sexy slideshow of snaps of her at the beach.

She concluded: 'Happy 57th birthday to me!!!'

In the images, the mom-of-one's incredible curves were on full display as she smiled on her paradise getaway in an unknown location.

While she did not disclosed where she was celebrating, the Frida actress teased that she was traveling with her daughter, Valentina Pinault, 15, and seen vacationing with her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, in Mexico, one month prior.

Pinault is the chairman and CEO of the luxury corporation Kering, which owns the fashion brands Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Puma and Yves Saint Laurent, among others.

Salma and Francois-Henri announced their engagement back in 2007, and later that year she welcomed her first child with him, their daughter Valentina Paloma Pinault.

The couple were later married on Valentine's Day 2009 in Paris, and she is now also the stepmother to his three children from previous relationships: son Francois and daughter Mathilde, from his previous marriage to Dorothee Lepere, and son Augustin James Evangelista, from his relationship with the supermodel Linda Evangelista.

Blessed: Her latest post comes after gushing to fans that she is 'so happy to be alive and so profoundly grateful for all the blessings'

'My beloved family, my precious friends, my health, my work that keeps me going, my empowering team, my relationship with animals & nature, and the love of all my loyal fans,' she captioned a sexy slideshow of snaps of her at the beach

In July, while speaking on Kelly Ripa's SiriusXM podcast Let's Talk Off Camera, Salma strongly denied ever using Botox after Kelly asked her about her gorgeous complexion.

She claimed that she could meditate for 'hours' after developing her own technique, which she found more helpful than trying to completely clear her mind, 'because you don't feel the time, and it's so much fun.'

However, she did admit to using radio frequency and micro-frequency machines, which she believed help to tighten her skin and help prevent the appearance of significant wrinkles.

Additionally, she opened up about being 'too lazy to dye' her hair.

To cover her gray hairs, she revealed she puts mascara on them.

During a past interview with Glamour in February, the actress said she has positive feelings towards getting older.

'I thought getting older meant I wasnt going to work; Im working. I thought getting older maybe meant that youre not in love anymore; Im in love,' Hayek gushed to the outlet.

Red hot! In the images, the mom-of-one's incredible curves were on full display as she smiled on her paradise getaway in an unknown location

Loved: While she did not disclosed where she was celebrating, the Frida actress teased that she was traveling with her daughter, Valentina Pinault, 15, and seen vacationing with her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, in Mexico, one month prior

She also admitted that aging was entirely the opposite of what she had imagined. 'I dont feel that I lost my flexibility or my agility or even my strength. I do have to say that I have found it beautiful, getting older with someone.'

Salma also discussed still working in the industry past her 30s and explained, 'I was also told that, as an actress, you kind of stop working around 30. Imagine? I did really feel it at the time, and its unfair.'

She continued, 'If I had said instead to myself, "Dont worry, your best professional moments are going to be in your 50s," I would have been devastated: "Oh my God, do I have to wait that long?" But itll happen.'

The beauty expressed how thrilled and thankful she was to still have opportunities come her way. 'Hell, Im still going. Shocker. Im still here. They tried to get rid of me a thousand ways. Im still here.'
Strictly star Johannes Radebe made a very stylish appearance for his show at The Harold Pinter Theatre in London on Sunday.

The dancer, 36, put on a very leggy display in a navy kaftan that boasted white embroidery and a thigh-high split.

Johannes layered it over tan shorts and completed the ensemble with black patent heels, a neck scarf and a wide brimmed hat.

The South African star beamed as he took a walk outside the theatre ahead of the show while fans queued to take their seats.

JOJO: Finally Home - In Conversation with Johannes Radebe, hosted by Clara Amfo, saw the Strictly favourite speak about his upcoming autobiography of the same name.

Legs 11: Strictly star Johannes Radebe, 36, made a very stylish appearance for his show at The Harold Pinter Theatre in London on Sunday

Glam: The dancer put on a very leggy display in a navy kaftan that boasted white embroidery and a thigh-high split

It comes the dancer told how he has finally met a bully who tormented him during his childhood about his dancing and they hugged - after a 'beautiful' and cathartic conversation.

Pro dancer Johannes, who was in Strictly's first same-sex couple alongside John Whaite, grew up in South Africa and was bullied for his flamboyance and love of dance - revealing he even had his head shoved down a toilet.

But five weeks ago he returned to his homeland and met up with one of his chief tormentors, now a father of two.

He told the Saturday Live show on Radio 4: 'I didn't have a childhood like other kids where I could roam the streets without being picked on. It's stifling and it was like that for many years.

'They would smack me and say "Are you a moth, are you a sissy boy?" High school especially was terrible. I stopped going to the boys' bathrooms because of the bullying the one day they dunked my head in the toilet pot.

'I was like "I'm never going to go there, so I'm going to go in the teachers' bathrooms."'

He continued: 'I met Malcolm, who was one of the bullies now the other day when I went home, which was like five weeks ago.

'At his side I felt sorry for him because I realised it was him, it's his insecurities, he's the one that had a problem, not me.

Arrival: He had arrived at the theatre in a less glamorous get up

Host: JOJO: Finally Home - In Conversation with Johannes Radebe, hosted by Clara Amfo (pictured) saw the Strictly favourite speak about his upcoming autobiography of the same name

'And it was lovely to have a conversation about where we are in life right now.'

Asked where Malcolm was, Johannes said: 'Unfortunately unemployed, which is a situation which plagues my country. But what was interesting and beautiful was to see that he's grown as a person as well.

'And it was honestly beautiful to just have a conversation with him. I said to him "you were something else", and he said "I know".

'The fact that he acknowledged that as well. I remember that we hugged and said goodbye, and that was nice.'

Asked if Malcolm apologised, the dancer said: 'He did. I guess I had to release him a long time ago so that I could continue with my life, but for that to have happened I acknowledged it and I just said "you know it's where we are right now, isn't it".

Full circle: It comes after Johannes told how he has finally met a bully who tormented him during his childhood about his dancing and they hugged

Taunted: He was bullied for his flamboyance and love of dance - revealing he even had his head shoved down a toilet

'I didn't want to process it a lot. I was like "good for you, it was never me, I understand now, but good for you that you see things differently now".

'He's got two kids. What is he passing on to those kids, that's always my worry. You never know how they're going to turn out.'

Asked if the trip and meeting Malcolm was a cathartic experience which helped, he said: 'It really did.'
Millie Court showed off her incredible figure in a pink bikini on Saturday while on a romantic trip to Orlando, Florida with her boyfriend Liam Reardon.

The Love Island star, 26, took to her Instagram to share a slew of sizzling snaps posing in the colourful braided two-piece.

Her toned stomach and long legs were on full display as she sipped on a pink drink in front of a fire pit.

She swept her newly dyed brunette tresses up in a messy bun and shielded her eyes behind a pair of black sunglasses.

Millie poked fun at a man sunbathing behind her, as she captioning the shots: 'shoutout my man in the background'.

Looking good: Millie Court showed off her incredible figure in a pink bikini on Saturday while on a romantic trip to Orlando, Florida with her boyfriend Liam Reardon

Sensational: The Love Island star, 26, took to her Instagram to share a slew of sizzling snaps posing in the colourful braided two-piece

Flawless: Her toned stomach and long legs were on full display as she sipped on a pink drink while shielding her eyes behind a pair of black sunglasses

Hilarious: Millie poked fun at a man sunbathing behind her, as she captioning the shots: 'shoutout my man in the background'

The trip marks Millie's ninth holiday of the year, and her first romantic getaway with boyfriend Liam, 24, since the pair confirmed they had rekindled their relationship.

The couple have taken to their Instagram Stories to share glimpses of their trip Stateside together.

They revealed they had visited Harry Potter World and tried the famous butterbeer for the first time.

They then went to Simpsons Land at Universal Studios where they indulged in a doughnut and Duff beer.

The Love Island stars won the seventh series of the hit ITV2 show in 2021 and embarked on a year-long relationship, before splitting in July 2022.

However, rumours began to swirl this year that they had reconciled with the pair eventually confirming their romance was back on.

Speaking to MailOnline last month, Millie and Liam discussed how they decided to give things a second chance, saying their relationship is now 'better than ever'.

Liam said: 'I think the break we had really helped a lot. I never felt like I never wanted to see her again.'

Jetsetters: The trip marks Millie's ninth holiday of the year, and her first romantic getaway with boyfriend Liam, 24, since the pair confirmed they had rekindled their relationship

Loved-up: The couple won the seventh series of Love Island in 2021 (pictured) and embarked on a year-long relationship, before splitting in July 2022, but recently confirmed their romance was back on

Millie added that the fact that their split hadn't been bitter meant that the couple always felt the breakup was temporary.

She explained: 'It didn't end sourly, it wasn't that kind of breakup. It was a decision that we needed a break.

'I think we both knew it wasn't going to be something that ended forever. I think we knew it was something we wanted to revisit but it was time that we needed.'

She gushed: 'We managed to make it work again and now it's better than ever.'

Millie also pointed out: 'Liam was 21 when he went on the show and had his birthday in there and he's 24 now and I'm coming up to 27! So we're maybe a bit more mature as well.'

Despite speculation surrounding the pair, they made a conscious choice to keep their rekindled relationship private at the start and only recently publicly confirmed their reunion.

Explaining the decision, Liam said that they had chosen to keep things quiet to avoid the intense scrutiny that had come when they first got together, admitting that it had played a role in causing their breakup.

He explained: 'People have private lives and can't put everything on social media. And we were on the building blocks of our relationship together.

Smitten: Speaking to MailOnline last month, Millie and Liam discussed how they decided to give things a second chance, saying their relationship is now 'better than ever' (pictured last month)

'We went our separate ways last year and that was partly because so many people felt like they were involved in our relationship and stuck their noses in.

'Some people obviously were being friendly but sometimes you just want a bit of privacy.

'We decided if we're going to make this work, we have to make it work for us and not let other people interfere. Especially in the early stages.'

Millie chimed in to add: 'We just wanted to work on us and have fun and build our relationship and not have anyone's opinions on it at that time.'

And Liam continued: 'A lot of people feel like they are being lovely which we do appreciate the support, but sometimes it can be too much.

'When you're going through a breakup as well and everyone's going, "Oh you should've stayed together!" As much as we do live our lives on social media, we do want our privacy as well.'
Chris Evans and his girlfriend Alba Baptista have reportedly wed during an intimate ceremony, held at a private estate in Cape Cod, over the weekend.

A source revealed that the pair's wedding was 'locked down tight' and attendees were asked to 'sign NDAs and phones were forfeited,', according to Page Six.

The insider also revealed that the happy couple's star-studded guest list included his Marvel co-stars, like Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner.

Additionally, John Krasinski, his wife Emily Blunt, Elsa Pataky and Susan Downey were seen 'in nearby Boston for the wedding,' according to People.

Off the market! Chris Evans and his girlfriend Alba Baptista have reportedly wed during an intimate, at-home wedding over the weekend, according to Page Six

In January, Evans, 42, officially confirmed his relationship with Alba, 26, in a cute video in which he and his love were trying to scare each other.

In the caption he said he was looking back on 2022 as he added three red heart emojis that made it clear he had love for the budding star.

In November, People reported the action star has been dating her for over a year and the relationship is 'serious.'

'They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her,' a source told the site.

In the past, he has dated actresses Jenny Slate, Minka Kelly and Jessica Biel. Last year, he was also rumored to be close to Selena Gomez.

Chris told People in 2022 that he feels very 'content' in his personal life.

And he also shared that he would like to settle down one day. 'That's absolutely something I want: wife, kids, building a family,' said the actor.

'When you read about most of the best artists, whether it's actors, painters, writers, most of them [admit] it wasn't the work they made [that they are most proud of], it was about the relationships; the families they created, the love they found, the love they shared.

'So it's also something through my long 41 years that also rings true.

Keeping it private: A source revealed that the pair's wedding was 'locked down tight' and guests were asked to 'sign NDAs and phones were forfeited'

Celebrating with loved ones: The insider also revealed that the couple's star-studded guest list included his Marvel co-stars, like Robert Downey Jr ., Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner

'Those things are the most important. I love the idea of tradition and ceremony. I had a lot of that in my life, so the idea of creating that  I can't think of anything better,' he added.

Baptista has a successful career as an actress.

At age 16, she worked in a short film Miami landing in her the Best Actress Award at the Festival Iberico de Cine.

She then starred in several films in Portugal including Caminhos Magnetykos by Edgar Pera,and Equinocio by Ivo Ferreira.

In 2019 she appeared in the film Patrick, the directorial debut of Goncalo Waddington, and which was in competition at San Sebastian International Film Festival.

Next came Fatima in 2020 where she worked with Harvey Keitel.

Happier than ever: In November, People reported the action star has been dating her for over a year and the relationship is 'serious'

Alba starred in the lead role of Ava in Netflix's series Warrior Nun, which was released in 2020. This year she had the lead role in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.

She has a heart too: Four years ago she did humanitarian work at an orphanage in Cambodia.

During the early years of his career, Chris dated such names as Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth and Christina Ricci and was also linked to Sandra Bullock.

Since becoming a global superstar in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris conducted an on-off romance with Jenny Slate of Big Mouth fame.

'They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her,' a source told the site

In July, Evans' brother, Scott, defended his sibling's romance with Alba, despite their 16-year age gap.

In response to public scrutiny and wild reactions to Chris' relationships over the years, Scott, who is openly gay, said that 'it's tough' for Chris as 'people can ruin things pretty quickly.'

While appearing on Nick Viall's podcast The Viall Files, Scott explained how fame affected his brother's ability to date.

Scott explained that a superstar's girlfriend will initially think: 'Oh, I'm just dating a person, he's a guy,' only to find herself on the business end of 'article after article after article after post after tag after tag.'

He spoke candidly about Chris' besotted public 'destroying' his girlfriends and denouncing 'anybody he's tried to date' as 'a piece of crap.'

Scott acknowledged that 'you can only take that for so long,' which 'makes relationships kind of hard for him, I think.'

Hearthrob: During the early years of his career, Chris dated such names as Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth and Christina Ricci and was also linked to Sandra Bullock; seen in 2022

Successful career: Alba starred in the lead role of Ava in Netflix's series Warrior Nun, which was released in 2020. This year she had the lead role in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris; pictured in 2021

Chris' stardom, he said, developed in 'a slow burn over the years,' rather than an overnight shock where 'all of a sudden he catapults to fame.'

The two brothers 'watched the Internet happen' together, Scott said, pointing out that 'Twitter wasn't around when he started making movies.'

Now at the height of the social media age, the internet 'can be a dark place' where 'people can get very bold with the things they think are appropriate.'

Scott claimed that he hears from some of Chris' smitten fans, who refer to Scott as their 'brother-in-law' while rhapsodizing about the Marvel hunk.

Meanwhile Scott had nothing but kind words for Alba, confirming that 'I approve' of the Portuguese actress' relationship with Chris.

In 2019, the year after he split from Jenny for the final time, Chris told Men's Journal: 'I really want kids. Yeah, I do. I like pretty pedestrian, domestic things.'

The Knives Out sizzler declared: 'I want a wife, I want kids. I like ceremony. I want to carve pumpkins and decorate Christmas trees and s*** like that.'
The state has shut down Zettis Pizza & Pasta in Amherst for failing to pay its taxes  again.

For the second time in seven months, the state Department of Taxation and Finance has seized the restaurant at Maple and Flint roads across from the University at Buffalo North Campus.

A tax agent abruptly closed the restaurant at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, as employees were preparing for the lunchtime rush, said James T. Rindfleisch, a representative with IRS Help Inc., a private firm that has worked with Zettis owner John Fusco on financial matters since last fall.

An orange notice with the word SEIZED in block letters was affixed to the main entrance Saturday afternoon, next to a letter from the department dated Thursday.

The department one day earlier filed a $99,470 sales tax warrant against Zettis Maple Inc., a corporation that shares an Eden address with Fusco, Erie County Clerks Office records show.

The state in February had seized the restaurant for nonpayment of taxes, and Zettis remained closed for a couple of weeks while Fusco and Rindfleisch tried to resolve the tax debt to the departments satisfaction. Rindfleisch said they were making progress on a problem he blamed largely on bookkeeping issues, and that is why the departments latest action caught them by surprise.

The state made the decision on their own. And they have the authority to do that. We didnt feel it was appropriate, Rindfleisch said Saturday. Fusco declined an interview request, but gave Rindfleisch permission to speak to The Buffalo News on his behalf.

Zettis has struggled with financial issues going back a decade, according to court and tax records.

The restaurants first location was in the University Plaza in Amherst across from the UB South Campus, but it quickly expanded. By 2009, Zettis had opened its second restaurant at Flint and Maple roads, and a third on Transit Road near the Eastern Hills Mall.

A fourth Zettis opened in 2010 on Elmwood Avenue, near Bidwell Parkway, in Buffalo, followed by another on Lake Street in Hamburg.

The restaurant, which gained a following for its New York-style pizza, also offered made-to-order pasta dishes, subs and salads served in a casual environment.

However, the restaurants began to close one by one  first the location on Transit Road, followed by the University Plaza and Hamburg sites. In February 2014, Zettis was evicted from its Elmwood Avenue home, The News reported, leaving only the location at 4621 Maple Road.

In January 2021, a federal district court judge in Buffalo fined Zettis for failure to comply with a subpoena for business records issued by the U.S. Labor Department as part of an investigation into the restaurants compliance with federal labor law.

Documents filed with the County Clerks Office reveal a pair of state tax warrants filed against Fusco or various Zettis corporate entities in the months leading up to the state seizure in February: $81,238 in March 2022 and $79,695 in September 2022.

Fusco lost all of the restaurants perishable inventory during the two weeks it was closed as he worked out a resolution with the Department of Taxation and Finance, Rindfleisch said.

He said he couldnt get into specifics for privacy reasons, but Fusco made a down payment to get current on his 2023 taxes following the February seizure. And, Rindfleisch said, Fusco was working to get state approval on a repayment plan for his prior unpaid taxes.

Zettis was allowed to reopen in March, but more warrants piled up: two totaling $99,793 filed in April, $6,516 on Aug. 30 and then the $99,470 on Wednesday. It is not clear how much Fusco has paid toward the sales tax warrants or precisely what he still owes to the state.

Zettis also owes at least $27,700 in unpaid state unemployment insurance contributions and interest, according to Clerks Office records.

Fusco paid off $20,023 he owed to the IRS in July to satisfy a debt dating to 2019, but faces $56,900 in federal tax liens for 2020 and 2021, the records show.

Fusco, in a March interview with Buffalo Business First that followed the reopening of his restaurant, took responsibility for his failure to document and pay off his taxes. He insisted the restaurant is profitable, but said he struggled to get caught up on unfiled tax returns and to stay on top of his paperwork.

On Thursday morning, Fusco called Rindfleisch as the state tax agent was ordering the restaurant shut down.

Rindfleisch described his client as frustrated by the latest seizure. He said he and Fusco believed they were making progress in recent months, especially considering the length of time represented in Zettis tax obligations, but the state didnt agree.

Theres complexity to it, and some things cant just be rushed, Rindfleisch said.

A Taxation and Finance spokesman did not immediately respond to an email Saturday, but told the UB Spectrum in February that seizure is a last resort in these cases.

Even at that point, we will work with business owners to allow them to reopen as soon as possible. But it does require the business to make a good faith effort to address tax debts, department spokesman Ryan Cleveland told the student publication then.

On Saturday, Fusco met with Rindfleisch to discuss his options for the restaurant moving forward.

I mean, the state would like full payment in order to reopen the door, Rindfleisch said. And thats something certainly that is being explored at this point, whether it can be ascertained. But thats up to Mr. Fusco.
Eddie Murphy's son Myles Murphy wed girlfriend Carly Fink in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday.

The couple, who are parents to four-year-old daughter Evie, wed before family and friends in a private ceremony, including the comedy icon and Myles' mother Nicole Murphy, a family rep told People.

Myles, a 30-year-old writer, was clad in a Dion Julian Lattimore tuxedo for Knotstandard, the outlet reported, while Carly, 32, donned an Enzoani bridal gown.

In welcoming Evie in 2019, the couple made the comedy stalwart a first-time grandparent.

Myles made his marital proposal to Carly in July of 2022 as they were on a boat trip with their daughter.

The latest: Eddie Murphy's son Myles Murphy, 30, wed girlfriend Carly Fink, 32, in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday

Eddie Murphy, 62, was among the family present at the private ceremony. Pictured earlier this year in LA

'Forever my love,' Carly documented the clip, in which Myles was seen on one knee while asking her to marry him.

Carly was seen displaying her engagement ring with an oval-cut diamond in the clip.

In a November 2022 post in commemoration of Myles turning 30, Carly said, 'Myles, the love Evie & I have for you is infinite!

'I am SO proud of you always. God will continue to bless you & our whole family with health, happiness, success & blessings. I love you my FIANCE & I cant wait to marry you.'

Carly in June praised Myles' parenting skills in an Instagram post to commemorate Fathers Day.

'Evie and I love & appreciate you SO much!' she wrote. 'I will continue to thank God for blessing us with you. We ADORE you babe, THANK YOU for being the best of the best.'

Myles is one of Eddie Murphy's 10 children, as he was born to the Beverly Hills Cop star and Nicole Murphy on November 7, 1992.

Eddie, appearing on the WTF podcast with Marc Maron in March of 2021, said, 'I am so blessed with my kids.'

Myles made his marital proposal to Carly in July of 2022 as they were on a boat trip with their daughter

Carly was seen displaying her engagement ring with an oval-cut diamond in the social media clip

Myles and Carly made Eddie a first-time grandpa when they welcomed daughter Evie in 2019

The Coming to America star said that he loves fatherhood, as father to six daughters and four sons.

'I don't have one bad seed,' the Trading Places actor said. 'I don't have any like, "Oh you are the one." I don't have any of that.

'My kids are so great, normal people - and nobody is like the Hollywood jerk kid.'
The cast and crew of Call The Midwife has reportedly been left 'stunned and upset' after one star has been axed from the show.

Olly Rix, who plays Matthew Aylward in the BBC series, is leaving the show according to The Sun.

The actor, 36, was allegedly told last week that he was being written out, with filming for the new series already under way.

The news will come as a shock to fans, as last season's finale saw Olly's character Matthew finally marry Helen George's Nurse Trixie Franklin.

A source told the publication: 'The news of Ollys departure has left the cast and crew stunned and upset.

Shocked: The cast and crew of Call The Midwife has reportedly been left 'stunned and upset' after one star has been axed from the show

Exit: Olly Rix , who plays Matthew Aylward in the BBC series, is leaving the show according to The Sun

Happy ending: The news will come as a shock to fans, as last season's finale saw Olly's character Matthew finally marry Helen George 's Nurse Trixie Franklin

'They all thought he was a mainstay on the series after his prominent wedding scenes to Helen last season. Some feel its a bit unfair and he is well liked by everyone.

'It felt very out of the blue. There is concern now among the remaining cast about not wanting to upset production and people are keeping their heads down.'

However, Olly has previously alluded to an early exit from the popular show, saying in February: 'I dont know if the show wants me until 2026.

'They might not want to go there. I dont know. One never really knows but as far as Im concerned, Im not looking for the next thing.

'Im not looking to catch the next branch. Im gripping the branch Im on at the moment and giving it everything Ive got.'

It comes after Olly split from his partner Natasha Fagri after seven years together in July.

The actor and the make-up artist are said to have drifted apart due to work commitments.

A source told The Sun: 'Olly and Natasha were very happy together for a long time, but eventually drifted apart due to work commitments.

End of the road: It comes after Olly split from his partner Natasha Fagri after seven years together in July

Origins: Olly has been on Call The Midwife since season 10 in 2020, with his character originally married to Fiona who was pregnant with their first child, with Trixie being her midwife

'They have a lot of respect for each other and share custody of their pet dog. They are both busy with work and focusing on their future and different projects.'

Olly has been on Call The Midwife since 2020, making his first appearance as Matthew in season 10.

The character was originally married to another woman who was pregnant with their first child, with Trixie being their midwife.

However, Matthew's wife Fiona was tragically then diagnosed with leukaemia and passed away shortly after giving birth to their son.

Trixie helped the widower and single father grieve and they gradually grew closer and fell in love, before marrying at the end of series 12.

The BBC recently confirmed that the show will return for two more seasons, keeping it on air until at least 2026.

The show is set in the 1950s and 1960s in London's East End - and focuses on a group of midwives in a nursing convent.

Love story: Matthew's wife was then diagnosed with leukaemia and passed away shortly after giving birth. Trixie helped him grieve and they gradually grew closer and fell in love
Baby boomers and the 'silent generation' are blaming supermarket self-checkouts for increasing loneliness and wiping out one of their last remaining social interactions.

When 83-year-old Marliss Myers lost her husband, it was her local Albertsons cashier who provided solace.

Workers like Sharon Hechler are determined to maintain that special bond with the elderly, even as almost half of checkout lanes in the US are now automated.

'We all need that human, personal touch,' Hechler told the Los Angeles Times.

Chat with cashiers is becoming more of a rarity as supermarkets switch to tech

Marliss Myers found comfort is heading to her local Albertsons' store in Arcadia (pictured) and talking with her regular cashier after her husband died

The number of cashiers is set to decline by 10 percent by 2031, representing 335,000 jobs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But while 84 percent of Gen Z favor self-checkouts, just 46 percent of baby boomers agreed in a survey conducted by gambling site PlayUSA.

The same poll found that two-thirds of Americans said technology has made it harder to meaningfully connect, and almost 70 percent said it has led to a decrease in empathy.

The silent generation, people born from 1928 to 1945, were not surveyed but the impact the direct human interaction has on their lives is perhaps even more significant.

When Myers collected her shopping from the Arcadia store, Hechler told the Times these brief moments of direct contact would make a huge impact on both their days.

The lively cashier, known for her signature farewell 'toodle-oo', has worked for Albertsons for more than 50 years. She enjoys the connections she forms with her customers just as much as they do.

'People need people. I just can't imagine the cold world without checkers,' Hechler said.

Since 2014, their bond has slowly strengthened over time. Myers had ended up in Albertsons after her longtime market went out of business, leading to a memorable first encounter as she made her way into Hechler's queue during their first meeting.

She explained what led her to a new store, and told her that on Fridays, she and her husband ate steak together.

Hechler called over her manager who explained Myers was a new customer and she was gifted two free T-bones as a welcome gift.

Myers' husband would explore the supermarket isles together with his wife after the couple retired in 2015. When he passed away just before Christmas in 2021, Myers gave Hechler a copy of the eulogy.

'I treasure it,' Hechler says.

Baby boomers say the spread of self-checkouts worsens feelings of loneliness

These relationships - referred to as 'weak ties' - often treasured yet require minimal personal investment - are a vital part of mental wellbeing the older you get, according to Toni Antonucci, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan.

'It's somebody who makes you feel important in their world. Somebody who makes you feel human,' she says.

But the push towards achieving tasks with just a few touches of a screen threatens to drive a wedge between customer and clerk.

Do-it-yourself kiosks have appeared at gas stations, fast-food restaurants, airlines and theatres in a bid to drop wait times while lowering operational costs.

For some, however, it's one of the rare moments in a day they get to have a meaningful interaction with someone else.

While most supermarkets have a mix of in-person assistance and self-service, cashiers and their unions hold concerns about the push toward automation - as do their customers.

In one move offering reassurance, a store, Jumbo, in the Netherlands offers a slow-moving lane for older shoppers who might like to have a friendly chat.

Jumbo offers a slow-moving lane for older shoppers

It's people like Christy Carr they're scared of losing. She remembers the regulars, their habits and takes on board little personality traits and details so she can make jokes or look out for them.

She's been working for Alberton's for 35 years, spending the last five at a South LA store situated opposite a senior living community.

Darryl Jones, 72, is one of the shoppers she cares for. When he comes in, Carr has him on about needing to give the fire department a heads up after the time he burned pork chops.

'Those little things really make it important to have a human,' Jones says. 'A computer is cold. The courtesy is taken away.'

While making her customer's days with kindness in-store is one thing, Carr goes above and beyond - sometimes offering Betty Kane a ride home if it aligns with her lunch break.

'They remember me here,' Kane said.
Hailing the announcement of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a major news for Israelis, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the largest cooperation project in our history will change the face of the Middle East, Israel, and will benefit the entire world.

The new economic corridor, which many see as an alternative to China's controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was jointly announced on Saturday by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

In a video message released late Saturday evening, Netanyahu said that Israel is at the focus of an unprecedented international project that will link infrastructure from Asia to Europe. I welcome the statement that was released today by the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the European Union, as well as France, Italy and Germany, Netanyahu said. A good week to you, citizens of Israel. This evening, I am pleased to inform you (of) some major news, the Israeli Prime Minister said.

His message came as hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested on the streets against the government's judicial overhaul plan they think will undermine the authority of the judiciary.

Israel is at the focus of an unprecedented international project that will link infrastructure from Asia to Europe. This link will also realise a multi-year vision that will change the face of the Middle East, and Israel, and will affect the entire world, he said.

This vision starts in India, passes through the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel before reaching Europe, Netanyahu said. The initiative is seen as a potential alternative to the BRI, an ambitious project launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which has also drawn criticism about its debt sustainability, especially from smaller countries.

Xi unveiled the BRI in 2013 with an aim to link China, the global manufacturing giant, with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. The announcement of the IMEC comes amid discussions around the normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The two countries do not have diplomatic relations but the Gulf kingdom has been seen to be recently softening its position towards Israel by allowing Israeli airlines to use its air space. It is said to have also demanded, as per media reports, several concessions from the United States for the normalisation of ties with the Jewish state, some very contentious ones.

They announced the launch of a pioneering initiative to develop an economic corridor from India, through the Middle East, to Europe. I am pleased to inform you, citizens of Israel, that our country, the State of Israel, will be a central junction in this economic corridor, Netanyahu said.

Our railways and ports will open a new gateway from India, through the Middle East, to Europe, and back  from Europe to India via Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Israeli Prime Minister, battling a downturn in the economy in the face of his controversial Judicial overhaul plans, said.

I would like to thank US President (Joe) Biden and his administration for the major effort that has led us to today's historic announcement. Several months ago, the US contacted us regarding the realisation of this historic opportunity. Since then, it has held urgent diplomatic contacts in order to bring about today's breakthrough, he stressed.

The project reshapes the face of our region and allows a dream to become reality, he said.

The initiative includes the construction of railways, the laying of a hydrogen pipeline, the energy of the future, the laying of fibre optic communications cables, the laying of electricity cables and more infrastructure, the Israeli Prime Minister noted.

The State of Israel will contribute its capabilities, all of its experience, momentum and commitment, to realise the largest cooperation project in our history. All government ministries will be instructed to join in realizing this dream, he emphasised.

I have directed the National Security Council, in the Prime Minister's Office, to coordinate the staff work and also the close cooperation with the US and other countries in order for this vision to become reality as soon as possible, Netanyahu said.

The project will lead us to a new, unique and unprecedented era of global and regional cooperation and involvement.

Together we will succeed, Netanyahu asserted.

With protesters turning up in hundreds of thousands every weekend for the last 36 weeks, Israel faces threats of mass emigration, resignations in critical positions, army desertions, strikes and flight of capital backed by gloomy predictions from prestigious global credit rating agencies.

Netanyahu has been struggling to show that everything is under control and the economy is stable amid widespread angry protests. He also hinted at the major link project during his trip to Greece and Cyprus early this week to boost the morale of his citizens and supporters.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have a strong bond based on expediency; Pakistan needs Saudi money and the Sheikhdoms its military to defend them

Former Saudi spy chief, Prince Turki bin Faisal, described the Saudi-Pak relationship as, one of the closest relationships in the world between any two countries without any official treaty. But there is a transactional quid pro quo cementing the self-assumed and postured guardianship of the two holiest mosques, as romantically claimed by Pakistan i.e., Islamabad desperately needs financial support, and Riyadh has always needed somebody to defend the oil-rich state. This desperation for each others ability to address the other's specific concerns has led to a mutually gratifying equation that can be packaged under the cover of Ummah reciprocities.

Pakistanis readily trained and even flew sorties to thwart Yemini aggression on Saudi Arabia in the late 60s, posted over 15,000 soldiers in the 80s and even during the Gulf War. They jointly created the Afghan mujaheddin. Today the former Pakistani Army Chief, Raheel Sharif, leads the Riyadh-based multination military alliance under the aegis of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC). However, it is the Saudi-funded and Pakistan-developed Islamic Bomb project that personifies the trust and efficacy of strategic security afforded by the Pakistanis that ensures the regular Saudi doles to sustain Islamabads faltering economy.

Irrespective of the deep divides within all Pakistani political parties (even counting other institutions like the Pakistani Military or even the clergy) within Pakistan, relations with Saudi Arabia remain robust. Pew Research Centre survey records the most favourable perception (9 out of 10) of the Saudis, amongst Pakistanis. The life-sustaining financial doles from Saudi have assumed even more significance, as the freefall of Pakistan seems imminent, otherwise.

In the uniquely Pakistani narrative of the extra-constitutional mandate assumed by the Pakistani establishment (read, Military), the Pakistani Chief, General Asim Munir held a four-hour meeting with Pakistani businessmen! Confirming the worst-kept secret of the Pakistani Military to be a State within a State, the Army Chief shared details about assurances given to him by the Saudi Arabian Prince, Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS), regarding investments up to $25 billion via Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The surreal details shared by the Pakistani Chief included a specific request to set aside $10 billion to tide over the depleted foreign exchange issues  and similarly so, with his meetings with United Arab Emirate rulers. As if on cue, he assured the audience of such largesse from other Sheikhdoms like Qatar and Kuwait, additionally. Whether it was optimistic grandstanding or even genuinely confirmed investments towards the beleaguered Pakistanis, one thing is clear the only worthwhile thing that the Pakistani Army Chief can offer to these Sheikhdoms in exchange, is even more enhanced security imperatives and guarantees.

Beyond a point, no amount of arms purchased by these Sheikhdoms can replace boots on the ground. The ragtag Yemeni Houthi militias had made a mockery of the multi-billion dollar worth of the supposedly impregnable THAAD and Patriots systems, with their relatively crude drones and rockets. Taking on the likes of Houthis or other groups inimical to these Sheikhdoms requires physical troops in battleground  who are better than the financially desperate Pakistanis?

To put numbers in perspective, the annual defence budget (for 2023) of Saudi Arabia and UAE is approximately $70 billion and $15 billion, respectively (which for India is about $69 billion). For these cash-flush Sheikhdoms to reallocate financial support towards Pakistan in return for security guarantees, does not seem implausible, or even impractical. Given that the latest threat perceptions of the Sheikhdoms do not necessarily come from Israel anymore or even from the traditional sectarian rival and sanction-hit Iran, but instead come from societal dissonances within e.g., Arab Spring, or from armed militias like Houthis, ISIL, Hezbollah etc., all of which require conventional soldering responses on-ground. Such a quid pro quo will need the Pakistanis to overcome the hesitation of committing themselves to some sectarian issues e.g., they had earlier refused to commit troops to aid Saudis against Yemeni Houthis in 2015, fearing backlash in their backyard, given that 25% of Pakistanis, are Shias. The luxury of selectively picking the battles in which they would want to partake may not continue, going forward. On their part, the Pakistanis know that the Chinese investments have been realistically maximised and banked. Equally, the IMF conditionalities are so stringent and unpopular, that accepting their terms invariably makes the government even more unpopular.

So, the Sheikhdoms are the only money lenders left and the Pakistani Army Chief is the only viable businessman in Pakistan who does have something of value to offer i.e., security wherewithal.

All other platitudes of Arab capitals buying Pakistani cotton, machines, or basic food items in exchange for money lent or repayment in rupees, are pure diplomatese. Sheikhdom money is the only money that comes without strings attached and everyone from General Asim Munir, the Sheikhdoms, and even Washington DC, knows that. This arrangement will enable Islamabad to posit its religious diplomacy and duty confidently, yet potentially tide over its financial mess.

(The writer, a military veteran, is a former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry. The views expressed are personal)
Shah Rukh Khan's "Jawan" has been in the news since its release for highlighting various social as well as political issues and when a fan praised the superstar for his monologue on the importance of casting a vote, the actor once again emphasised on exercising the right "intelligently and responsibly".

The high-octane action thriller, directed by Tamil filmmaker Atlee, is a father-son story that addresses social and political issues through its hero, essayed by Shah Rukh.

It touches upon themes of government apathy, corruption, farmers suicide, a healthcare system in shambles, faulty army weapons and dangerous factories set near residential areas and in one of the key scenes, Shah Rukh's hero urges the common people to vote sensibly.
The G20 summit concluded here on Sunday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi handing over the customary gavel of the G20 chair to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Modi also proposed a virtual summit by November to review the initiatives taken during the Indian presidency. Brazil will formally assume the G20 presidency on December 1 this year. The next summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.

Geopolitical issues should not hijack the discussions at G20, the Brazilian President said after assuming the presidency of the bloc of emerging and developed economies.

Prime Minister Modi extended full support to Brazil and expressed confidence that its presidency would take forward the shared goals of the G20 bloc.

India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity, Modi said.

He proposed a virtual G20 Summit by November end to take stock of the suggestions and decisions made at the leaders summit that concluded in the national Capital on Sunday.

In the last two days, you have put forward your views, given suggestions and a number of proposals have been put forward. It is our responsibility that the suggestions that have come forth are closely looked upon as to how they can be speeded up, Modi said.

It is my proposal that we hold another session of the G20 virtually in November-end. In that session, we can review the issues that have been agreed upon during this summit. Our teams will share the details of it with you. I hope all of you will join this (session), he said.

With this, I declare the G20 summit closed, Modi said.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the G20 Summit, Lula said the bloc was not interested in a divided G20 and the challenges of the day could be faced only through joint action.

We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict, he said soon after Modi passed the gavel to him.

The path that will take us from New Delhi to Rio de Janeiro will require a lot of dedication and commitment from everyone, Lula said.

He said the Brazilian presidency will hold G20 meetings in cities in each of the five regions of the South American country.

Outlining his priorities for the Brazilian presidency, Lula said it would be his endeavour to make the political and financial tracks work in a coordinated and integrated manner. There is no point in agreeing on the best public policy if there are no resources allocated for its implementation, he said.

Lula said he would also ensure that the civil society engagement groups get an opportunity to report recommendations and conclusions to the Government directly. He congratulated Modi and thanked India for its efforts to give a voice to the topics of interest to emerging economies.

Lula also listed social inclusion, the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development as G20 priorities.

He said the UN Security Council (UNSC) needs new developing countries as permanent, non-permanent members to regain political strength.

We want greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF, the Brazilian President said.

Earlier Modi had made a strong pitch for expansion of the UNSC and reforms in all global institutions, asserting that they should reflect the worlds new realities as it is natures law that those who dont change with times, lose relevance.

Echoing Modis pitch, Lula da Silva said the UNSC needs new developing countries as permanent and non-permanent members to regain political relevance.

It has been a particularly challenging year for the group, which represents the worlds largest economies, as Russia and China had proved intransigent in discussions around the Ukraine war, climate and energy, derailing attempts for a consensus in previous ministerial meetings.

With Indias G20 presidency ensuring several tangible outcomes, world leaders at the two-day summit here hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decisive leadership and for championing the voice of the Global South, sources said on Sunday.

The world leaders also hailed Indias hospitality and praised Prime Minister Modi for presiding over a successful summit, while noting that the countrys message of one earth, one family, one future resonated strongly with all the delegates.
Urging the world to adopt a human-centric vision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday exhorted global leaders to resolve to meet the challenge of climate change through a green development plan and work for sustainability and stability.

He also called for reforms in international bodies like the United Nations (UN) and described cyber security and crypto currencies as among the burning issues affecting the present and future of the world.

Making these assertions in his concluding remarks at the end of the two-day G20 Summit, the Prime Minister underlined that crypto currency is a new subject for social order and monetary and financial stability and sought the development of global standards to regulate it.

He wrapped up the mega event with Swasti Astu Vishwa  a Sanskrit prayer for peace  as he handed over the gavel of the G20 presidency to the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Prime Minister Modi said in his closing remarks, I declare the end of the G20 Summit. Hoping the road map of One Earth, One Family, One Future will be joyful. Thank you!

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister received the G20 leaders and delegation heads at New Delhis Rajghat. They paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, followed by a tree-plantation ceremony at the G20 venue, Bharat Mandapam.

Addressing global leaders during the One Future session of the G20 Summit, Modi noted that sustainability and stability were as important as transformation to keep pace with a fast-changing world.

In this context, he urged the leaders to resolve to implement a Green Development Pact, Action Plan on Sustainable Development Goals, high-level principles on anti-corruption, digital infrastructure and Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) reforms.

Modi made a fresh push for reforms in global bodies including the UN, saying despite the increase in member states of the world body, the number of permanent members in the UN Security Council (UNSC) has remained the same.

He said the worlds new realities should be reflected in the new global structure. The world was different when the UN was founded with 51 members. Now the number of member states has risen to nearly 200, Modi said. It is natures law, Modi said, that those who dont change with time lose their relevance.

It is necessary that global bodies reflect todays realities to lead the world towards a better future, Modi said citing the UNSC as an example of a global body needing change.

He said the world was totally different when the UN was established.

Despite this, the number of permanent members in the UNSC remains the same. The world has since changed a lot in every aspect. Be it transport, communication, health and education, every sector has been transformed. These new realities should reflect in our new global structure, he said. The UNSC has five permanent members: The US, China, France, Britain and Russia.

Calling for reflection, the Prime Minister noted that many regional groupings have emerged in the last many years and they have proved to be effective.

Pitching for reforms, he said that is why a historic initiative was made on Saturday by making the African Union a member of the G20.

Similarly, we also need to expand the mandate of multilateral development banks. Our decisions in this direction should be immediate and effective, he said.

Modi described cyber security and crypto currencies as among the burning issues affecting the present and future of the world.

Cyber space has emerged as a new source of funding for terrorism and global cooperation and framework are necessary for securing it and crypto currencies, he said. This is a very important subject for every countrys security and prosperity, he added. When we take care of the security and sensitivity of every country, then the feeling of One Future will be strengthened, he said.

Noting that the world was witnessing unimaginable scale and speed in new generation technology, he cited Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an example and said G20 countries need to go beyond the Principles on AI adopted by the bloc in 2019.

I suggest we establish a framework for responsible human-centric AI governance. India will also give its suggestions. It will be our effort that all countries get the benefits of AI in areas like socio-economic development, global workforce, and research and development, he said.

Highlighting his push for a human-centric vision instead of a GDP-centric approach, Modi said India has expressed its willingness to share its lunar mission data with everyone in the interest of humanity. It is also a proof of our commitment towards human-centric growth.

He said the world needs to go beyond the concept of global village to make global family a reality, calling for a future in which not only the interests of the countries are aligned but also their hearts.

In a fast-changing world, sustainability and stability are as much needed as transformation, he said.

Later, Modi posted on X, Simply having a GDP-centric approach is outdated. Time has come to adopt a human-centric vision of progress. India has been making several efforts in this regard, particularly in areas relating to data and technology. We must do whatever we can to use AI for socio-economic development.

He added, As we pursue our development trajectories, we must keep our focus on sustainability and stability. This will ensure empowerment of the marginalised.

Modi noted that Indias presidency of G20 would officially continue till November 30 and over two-and-half months were left for its tenure as the head of the grouping.
Apart from being hailed as a gracious and perfect host to global leaders like US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak among others, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also earned laurels from the dignitaries for creating a G20 culture corridor in the resplendent Bharat Mandapam.

The Whos Who of the political world, were charmed by the nostalgia created by the historic items displayed during the two-day event, that concluded on Sunday.

Certified original copies of the US Charters of Freedom, a rare copy of the Magna Carta from the UK, a fahua-lid jar from China and Paninis grammar treatise Ashtadhyayi, Rig Veda were the historic items displayed as part of the G20 culture corridor. There were also Bhimbetka cave paintings from Madhya Pradesh, dating back to approximately 30,000 years, on display in digital format.

What really caught the attention of the dignitaries was the G20 Digital Museum where anamorphic digital images of the 16th century Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece Mona Lisa were among the several artefacts on show.

The exhibition of artefacts, both in physical and digital form, was set up on the same floor where the leaders meetings took place on Saturday and Sunday. Sources said the dignitaries walked through this corridor while moving in and out of the Summit room.

Indias G20 presidency theme was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and with this international project, we walked the talk. We displayed cultural objects from all 20 member nations and nine invited countries as part of our G20 legacy project, a Ministry of Culture official said.

Sources said the preparations for creating this unique corridor started about six months ago when all the G20 member and invitee country were requested to make submissions under four categories  physical object of cultural significance, iconic cultural masterpiece in digital format, high-resolution digital content depicting the intangible heritage and natural heritage of each of the countries.

As an exhibition titled Mother of Democracy was also being hosted to mark the Summit, a fifth segment was added to the culture corridor project in which an ancient artefact related to democratic practices in physical or digital format was sought from each G20 member and invited country. At the end of the landmark Summit, world leaders hailed Modi for his decisive leadership and for championing the voice of the Global South. They also hailed Indias hospitality and praised the Prime Minister for presiding over a successful Summit, while noting that the countrys message of One Earth, One Family, One Future resonated strongly with all the delegates.

Under Indias leadership, we have demonstrated that we can come together, at a time when it really matters. When you walk around in Bharat Mandapam and see the displays, we can see what PM Modi, the digital initiative and technology can do  delivering service to people in remote corners of our nations, a source quoted British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as saying at one of the meetings.

While Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hailed Modi for providing great leadership to the G20, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called for strengthening G20 cooperation based on the foundation created by the Indian presidency, sources said.

Turkiyes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked Prime Minister Modi for his hospitality and hoped that the Summit would be a blessing for the only world we have.

Praising the G20 theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it upholds the value of all lives and the importance of working together for a better future. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people for their competence in organising this event.

I was touched emotionally today, when I went to pay homage to dear (Mahatma) Gandhi. In my political life, Gandhi has great meaning. Non-violence is a principle I follow, he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that people will remember us for what we accomplish and Prime Minister Modi, you have gathered us here to discuss on One Future is very important.

The Mexican representative praised the wonderful arrangement for G20, while the Omans representative lauded Indian hospitality.

Late on Sunday evening Modi took some time from his watertight schedule to visit the International Media Centre at the Bharat Mandapam and greet those present there. He waved at journalists, both from India and abroad, as camerapersons vied to click him. Modi also visited and spent few moments at the stalls of various states and establishments and shared encouraging moments with the organisers and participants.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the Akshardham temple on Sunday and offered prayers amid tight security.

Sunak was then greeted by swamis, as well as senior leaders from the Akshardham Mandir, who relayed a special message on behalf of Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The British Prime Minister spent almost 45 minutes at the temple and he visited every statue personally. He also performed an aarti at the temple, according to Akshardham Temple official Jyotindra Dave.

Sunak, who was dressed in a crisp white shirt and navy blue trousers, and his wife, who paired a beige kurta with a bright pink dupatta and loose pants, reached the temple early morning at 6.30 am and were accorded a traditional welcome. Ahead of the UK Prime Ministers visit, elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple.

Prime Minister Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty walked barefoot in the temple premises even in rainy weather. From the reception area to the main temple complex, there is a distance of about 150 metres and both of them walked barefoot back and forth, according to an official.

They first offered flower petals (pushparpan) to the golden idol of Swaminarayan and then offered aarti, he said.They also offered flower petals to idols of Sita-Ram, Radha-Krishna, Laxmi Narayana and Shiva-Parvati in the temple complex. The UK PM enquired about the architecture of the temple and its history, the official said.

He also saw some of the sanctified items that belonged to Swaminarayan, such as shoes and a garland, the official added.

During his visit, the British Prime Minister was given an overview of Swaminarayan Akshardham, a 100-acre spiritual and cultural complex that portrays the traditions and ancient architecture of India and promotes the timeless Hindu spiritual messages of faith, devotion and harmony, a statement issued by BAPS said.

Inside the main temple complex, Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the sacred images and admired the art and architecture. The couple also performed abhishek (ritual pouring of water) on the murti of Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, and offered prayers for world peace, progress and harmony, the statement said. Sunak and his wife spent about 45 minutes at the Akshardham temple and offered prayers. They were gifted a marble elephant and a marble peacock besides a special replica of Akshardham, a senior temple management said.

It rained but Sunak and his wife graciously offered prayers at our temple and it is a matter of great honour for us to have hosted them at this revered temple, he said. A trustee of the BAPS Swaminarayan Trust, UK and a volunteer from the Neasden temple in London accompanied Sunak and his wife during their visit, said another temple management official who was part of the reception team. My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being. This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also portrays Indias values, culture and contributions to the world, Sunak said. We see today in Britain these very same values and culture through the positive contributions the British Indian community makes to our country, he said. I was honoured to have received the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed to me this morning, and I understand that His Holiness is inaugurating another beautiful Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, USA very soon. I would like to send my very best wishes to His Holiness and all the devotees of BAPS ahead of the opening, Sunak said. He was also offered a model of the Akshardham temple as a gift.

Brahmavihari Swami, the senior swami of the sanstha, said it was an honour to welcome the British prime minister to Swaminarayan Akshardham and share Mahant Swami Maharajs message of peace, unity and public service. The UKs relationship with India is built on a bond of friendship and fostered by cultural exchanges as well as a vibrant Indian diaspora in the UK, he said.
Pat Koch has 20 years as a professional chef under his belt, but these days hes walking through the kitchen door with an extra-sharp sense of mission. Thats because the former country club chef cooks for the homeless and hungry at Friends of Night People, the social services center at 394 Hudson St.

Koch doesnt mind driving by glitzy restaurants and thinking about what he could do with all the money spent there. All the food I did was a want for someone. It wasnt a need for people, he said. Now were not just giving customers food they want. Its food they need.

Last year Koch and crew fed 139,818 meals to hungry Buffalonians, aiming to give people with rough lives a taste of fine dining. Friends of Night People chefs cook to impress a clientele that will never pay.

 Why are you serving calamari? Why are you serving seafood bisque, pumpkin chowder? Because we have the ability to, said Koch, who became executive chef in 2021. We can make things very nice. And its things our guests wont normally see.

By 9 a.m., when the Friends of Night People door opens for breakfast, dozens of folks are waiting. Inside the foyer, racks of clothing and shoes, along with shelves of bread and bagels, are there for the taking. Some dawdle to make selections. Others line up to grab a tray and traverse the breakfast bar: eggs, sausage and gravy and cheesy grits with fresh fruit and yogurt. Milk, juice and coffee.

By 11 a.m., when breakfast ends, about 120 people have gotten a free bellyful to start the day.

Tackling homelessness: St. Luke's, City Mission, Salvation Army re-envision shelter services St. Luke's Mission of Mercy, Buffalo City Mission and Salvation Army are taking massive efforts to reimagine their physical space and operations that were outdated and outmoded for today's challenges.

Seven days a week, Friends of Night People offers dinner to anyone, no questions asked. Breakfast was added last year. In July, Friends of Night People served 7,207 meals.

That takes a village. Friends of Night People has more than 6,000 volunteers who take turns dishing up food prepared by nine full-time staffers, led by chefs Koch, Dwight Robinson, Vanessa Warner and Darryl Myles. With no government funding, its budget is purely community-based, from donations and foundation support.

On any given day, more than 1,000 people are trying to deal with homelessness in Erie County, said Homeless Alliance of Western New York Executive Director Kexin Ma, citing January survey data.

Friends of Night People started in 1969 when a group of clergy began providing food, medical care and other life-sustaining help to people who worked or hung out on West Chippewa. Buffalos red-light district was a destination for sex workers, drug dealers and their customers.

In 1983, after opening its Hudson Street site, Mayor Jimmy Griffins administration threatened to arrest leader the Rev. H. Victor Kane if he didnt close. But Friends of Night People attorneys won a series of court victories, blocking City Halls hand. Its kind of cold out there, Justice Joseph J. Ricotta observed in ruling for the shelter.

Today, with 54 years of service, Friends of Night People is one of Buffalos most enduring efforts to feed, clothe and care for Buffalos poor folks. Its endurance is entirely due to its network of corporate and individual supporters, said Patricia Krehbiel, relationship manager.

In addition to meals served here, we make food for five other organizations, hot meals and frozen meals for guests to take for later, she said. Last year we served 139,818 meals, and we are well on track to surpass that number this year. Friends of Night People also provided 46,955 pounds of fresh produce to two partner food pantries.

Breakfast was added last year because most shelters have the people leave by 8 a.m., and theyve nowhere to go, Krehbiel said. We thought breakfast would be a nice addition. Its been very popular.

Chef Robinson works overnights at Erie County Medical Center, then Friends of Night People four days a week. Even at 70 hours a week, I love doing it, he said. Some people just need help, and I can give them a good meal for the day.

Combining unexpected donations with staples on hand means an ever-changing menu. The other day somebody called and asked if we could use cantaloupe, pre-cut and sealed, refrigerated, Krehbiel said. So weve been having cantaloupe quite a bit lately.

Lining up the daily menu is like the worlds largest mystery basket cooking show for Robinson and the other cooks. When I come in, I look in the refrigerator and see what we have, then plan my day from there, he said. It cant just be plain, or basic, I have to make it look good, treat the ingredients with respect. Chopped jalapenos snuck into the cornbread for a little sunshine to start the day.

Theres always a meat of the day. It could be turkey, ham or a wild card like bologna and onions. That said, theres always something for vegetarians, too, or people who dont eat pork. Every other day Ill make cold oats, he said, made overnight with fruit and cinnamon. Sometimes Ill make rice pudding; they love that.

If bigger-than-usual crowds arrive, its pancake mix time. We always have pancake mix, so Ill make a chocolate velvet cake out of it in sheet pans, with fruits, nuts, whatever we have, Robinson said, or pancakes. Another stopgap option is pulling from the stock of heat-and-serve food in the walk-in freezer.

Given enough time, I make biscuits, and I make them nice, he said.

Most of his customers are regulars. They come every day, theyre so happy, people lined up to the end of the block, he said. Then they tell their friends, and we have people coming from all over Buffalo.

A lot of our guests wont eat without us, said Koch. They basically have nothing, theyre on the streets. So we are the light at the end of the tunnel. Some days we are the only nourishment theyre going to get. For unhoused clients, We are the only flavor profile theyve seen in weeks or months. That means its got to be good.

He doesnt feed homeless, Koch said. I feed guests, I feed clientele, I feed friends. I look at every night like an opening for a new restaurant. You want to impress people.

What if publicity for Friends of Night People means even bigger crowds?

Krehbiel was nonplussed. If somebody needs a meal, were going to feed them, she said. Thats our whole thing. No questions asked. If you come in and youre hungry, we are going to feed you.

More about Friends of Night People, including how to volunteer or donate, at friendsofnightpeople.com.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said on Sunday that Chhattisgarh was at the forefront of the country in silk production. The demand for clothes made in the state comes even from foreign countries.

He said this at a weavers' conference organized by the Chhattisgarh Bunkar Shilpi Sangh in Raipur.

He announced that the Chhattisgarh State Handloom Association will supply uniforms to school children in the academic session 202425.

Members of the weavers' society from across the state were present.

He added: "The weaving community is very hard working and entrepreneurial. They should carry forward their traditional profession with advanced skills.

"We have taken all necessary steps, from the training of weavers to cooperation in production and making their products available to the market. Our government is with you at every step."
Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on Saturday during the dinner of the G20 Summit (G20 Summit 2023). Along with this, a picture of CM Hemant Soren is being discussed a lot during this dinner. In this picture, Hemant Soren is seen with Indian President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and America's President Biden. Chief Minister Hemant Soren is talking to everyone and everyone seems happy about it. This meeting between PM Modi and CM Soren has happened for the first time after the formation of I.N.D.I.A alliance.

CM Soren on the invitation of President reached New Delhi in the evening. CM Soren after meeting the shared pictures in his twitter handle and tweeted, This evening I had the privilege of attending the #G20India2023 official dinner organized by the Hon. President Smt. Draupadi Murmu ji at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On this occasion, I also got an opportunity to meet Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and other dignitaries.

CM Soren attending the G20 dinner also assume importance as he once again skipped the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in money laundering case.

Soren did not appear before the ED on August 14 and August 24 as well. The ED then asked him to appear at its regional office in Ranchi on September 9.

"CM Hemant Soren will leave for New Delhi to attend the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for officials of the G20 summit," the chief minister's office (CMO) said in a statement.

The central probe agency is investigating more than a dozen land deals, including one related to defence land, wherein a group of land mafia, middlemen and bureaucrats allegedly connived to forge deeds and documents that go back as long back as 1932.

The ED has arrested several people in connection with the case. Soren, the leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, was interrogated for over nine hours by the ED on November 18 last year in another money laundering case linked to alleged illegal mining in the state.

The G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu was attended by chief ministers of several states. Bihar's Nitish Kumar, West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee were among the state leaders from opposition parties who attended the gala event.

The round dinner tables at the event were labelled on different rivers in the country. They included Krishna, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Ganga.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Assam CM Hemant Biswa were also present at the dinner hosted by President Murmu. Among other guests were Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seen dining with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the pictures.

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan's Ashok Gehlot, Odisha's Naveen Patnaik and Delhi's Arvind Kejriwal were among the leaders from opposition parties who gave the event a miss.

Baghel said he would give the G20 dinner a miss as no non-scheduled flights were allowed in and out of the national capital due to security measures for the G20 Summit.

Later Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the G20 Presidency gavel to Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil, a country which will assume the presidency of the grouping from December 1 this year.
A male elephant died of electrocution on Sunday in a farm land in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh.

The carcass of the elephant, aged 40-45 years, was found with the tusks intact near Medarmar village in the Dharamjaigarh forest range, Dharamjaigarh Divisional Forest Officer Abhishek Jogawat said.

Preliminary investigation suggests the elephant died of electrocution due to the presence of electric fences at a farm, he added.

The exact cause of death will be known once the post-mortem report arrives, he said.
Ahead of participating in the concluding session of the G20 Summit, focussed on One Future, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led G20 leaders to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on a rain-drenched Sunday morning Sunday.

Modi received the leaders one by one, welcoming them at the memorial with a Khadi angavastram or a stole, standing against the backdrop of an image of Bapu Kuti.

Gandhis Sabarmati Ashram which was his home from 1917 to 1930 and served as one of the main centres of Indias freedom struggle and explained about Sabarmati Ashram in the background.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, IMF head Kristalina Georgieva, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong were among the first to reach the venue this morning.

Some leaders  including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and last years G20 host President Joko Widodo of Indonesia  walked to the memorial barefoot in a customary show of respect. The leaders stood before wreaths placed around the memorial, which features an eternal flame and was draped with orange and yellow flowers marigold garlands.

The Prime Minister was seen explaining to the leaders the significance of the ashram.

Among those who paid tribute to Gandhi include US President Joe Biden, Italian PM Georgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Lula De Silva, and Japanese PM Fumio Kishia, among others, besides a host of leaders from international organisations such as World Bank Chief Ajay Banga.

However, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan could not be seen.

Later, Modi said in a post on X that at the iconic Rajghat, the G20 family paid homage to Gandhi  the beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence. As diverse nations converge, Gandhis timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global future, he wrote.

Visuals from Rajghat showed the venue decorated with colourful flowers as the leaders reached there. Security has also been stepped up in parts of the national capital in view of the G20 Summit.

Necessary arrangements were also made so as to keep the traffic smooth.
The ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of India), Bhubaneswar Chapter organised an ICSI Teachers Conference on Empowering Educators for senior secondary teachers on Sunday.

Delivering the inaugural address, Prof (Dr) PP Mathur, Vice-Chancellor, Birla Global University Odisha said teachers are necessary for the society and has a greater responsibility. He also talked about integrity, high ethical standards to be inculcated in a teacher and a teacher should be a role model for the students.

Prof (Dr) Ranjan Kumar Bal, Vice-Chancellor, ASBM University, addressed the conference as guest of honour and said students expect a lot from the teachers and teachers should come forward to help the students. A teacher should appreciate the students. He demonstrated as a leader in teaching and encouraging the students to work in a team.

In the technical sessions of the conference, Prof (Dr) BR Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Sri Sri University, addressed on Stress Management through Yoga. Prof (Dr) DV Ramana, Professor of Accounting, Xavier Institute of Management, talked about teachers skills.

The other dignitaries who addressed the conference were CS Soumya Sujit Mishra, Chairman, EIRC of the ICSI; CS Bimal Prasad Pattanaik, Chairman, Bhubaneswar Chapter, Prof (Dr) SR Mohapatra, Dean, Management, BPUT, Dr PK Mohanty, Dean School of Commerce, XIM University.
Garbage charges collected from traders will be rationalized. All the cases registered against traders during the agitation and demonstration while opposing the increased excise duty on gold and silver will be withdrawn. Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan made these announcements in the interest of businessmen and industrialists in the dialogue programme organised by Madhya Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries Gwalior on business-industrial development of Gwalior region.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also announced to provide funds for the construction of high quality cement concrete roads in Transport Nagar on the demand of traders. On the demand of making the industrial area property tax free, he said that it will be examined and it will be ensured that no two taxes are levied on the traders in the industrial area.

Chief Minister Chouhan also announced that late fees will not be charged from traders in Madhav Plaza built by Gwalior Development Authority. There will also be a system to link the transfer of name of the Municipal Corporation with the property registry. Regarding professional tax, it will be considered at the government level.

Regarding the important suggestions given by the Chamber of Commerce, Chief Minister Chouhan said that the pending bills of water consumers will be resolved by making a scheme for the outstanding bills of water consumers similar to the electricity department. For this, action will be taken by making a strategy at the government level. He said that the safety of traders is the priority of the government. If necessary, provisions will also be made in related laws.

Chief Minister Chouhan said that the government will provide the facility of providing bank loans to the traders to provide them financial support in times of disaster and calamity.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that without industrial development, the state or the country cannot develop. The priority of the government is that traders should get every facility for business. He said that holistic development has taken place in the state. Traders and industries have a huge contribution in this. Chief Minister Chouhan said that earlier Madhya Pradesh used to contribute 3 percent to the country's gross growth rate. Now it has increased to more than 4 percent. He said that before 2003, the budget of Madhya Pradesh was Rs 21 thousand crores, we have increased it to Rs 3 lakh 14 thousand crores. Now irrigation is being done in 47 lakh hectares. The flag of development has been hoisted in every field.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the Scindia family had established the Chamber of Commerce in 1906. Since then the Chamber of Commerce has been playing an important role in the development of trade and industries.

In the last 9 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has established many dimensions of development. Now our country is at fifth place in the race of development. The country is working rapidly to bring it to third place. Under the leadership of Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, unprecedented work has been done in the development of the country.

At the outset, Chamber of Commerce President Praveen Aggarwal put forward demands in the interest of traders and gave important suggestions.

Minister in-charge of the district Tulsiram Silavat, Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar, MP Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar, Chairman of Seed and Farm Development Corporation Munnalal Goyal, Chairman Manoj Tomar, BJP District President Abhay Chaudhary, Treasurer Sandeep Narayan Agarwal. Officers and members of the Chamber of Commerce were present.
Ahead of the inauguration of the Netaji Bus Terminal in Cuttack on September 16, local residents on Sunday staged a demonstration demanding employment opportunities for local youths.

The irate locals blocked the busy Badambadi-Khannagar road alleging that outsiders are being recruited for various jobs in the bus terminal.

The agitators aid Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has established an international-standard bus terminal. They had information that a Delhi-based agency is engaging people and it has already completed the recruitment process. But every organisation has CSR activity and there is provision to provide employment to locals.

There are several unemployed youths in local areas who can be employed as housekeeping, sweeping and other works. No advertisement was also issued for filling up the vacancies, they alleged.

Recently, the locals had also gheraoed the city Mayor and MLA during their visit to the bus terminal demanding employment for local youths.
The Dehradun police claimed to have arrested four members of an inter-State gang that allegedly stole lakhs of rupees in several States by using master keys in ATMs. The gang used to target the ATM booths without security guards to steal money, said the Dehradun senior superintendent of police Daleep Singh Kunwar. He said that the police received information on Saturday that some men had allegedly stolen cash from many ATMs in the Doiwala area and were taking it somewhere in cars belonging to Haryana and Delhi. Upon getting the information, a police team was formed to nab the thieves. The police started checking near Song river bridge and found four accused in two different cars. The four accused have been identified as Amit Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Shivam Singh and Honey Singh. The police also recovered cash of Rs 2.7 lakh, four master keys, black fiber strips, five ATM cards and other items from their possession. The accused told the police that they use these black fiber strips to steal money withdrawn by people. "They said that they use a black fibre strip and attach it to the space from where the money comes out in an ATM. Due to this, when a person withdraws money from the ATM, the money is deducted from his/her account but the notes get stuck and do to come out of the ATM. When the person goes outside, one of their members hiding inside the ATM booth removes the notes stuck there using the counterfeit master key and reinstalls the black tape again. Other members keep an eye on people outside the ATM," said Kunwar. He said that the gang leader Amit who belongs to Delhi told the Police that once he found a key in an ATM in Rajasthan and when he tried that same key in the other ATM of the same agency, it purportedly worked. The SSP said, "He has claimed that after this incident, he prepared the keys of the ATMs operated by other agencies and started withdrawing money. Initially, he withdrew money from Delhi but after that, he included more people in his gang in the past four years. According to him, they have done such thefts in Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. This was the first time they had arrived in Uttarakhand to steal from ATMs as there were multiple bank holidays. They had planned to start stealing money from Doiwala and Rishikesh. They stole money from five ATMs as per their plan but the police nabbed them on Saturday." They had already installed black strips in some ATMs in Doiwala and were planning to collect money from there as well but the police arrested them. Praising the police team for nabbing such cunning thieves, Kunwar announced a reward of Rs 20,000 for the team. He said that two members of the gang are absconding and will be nabbed soon.
In an apparent breach of protocol during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, a private cab designated for use in US President Joe Bidens motorcade, entered a hotel in the city where UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is staying, in an attempt to drop off one of his regular clients, before reporting for duty.

The security breach at Hotel Taj on Saturday morning initially sent the security agencies into a frenzy. But after questioning the driver, they found that he had decided to ply his other customers before going to Bidens hotel. He was freed later after questioning.

Sources revealed that the incident transpired when one of the vehicles in President Bidens convoy inadvertently entered the premises of the Taj Hotel where the President of the UAE, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was staying, as the G20 Summit is underway in New Delhi.

The security officers at the spot flashed a message as the car bore several stickers. This unplanned detour was the result of a mix-up, as the convoy was originally intended for a different destination.

Upon being questioned, the driver of the car said he was supposed to arrive at the ITC Maurya, where Biden was staying, at 9.30 am.

However, he arrived at the Taj, as he had to drop a businessman, whom he had picked up from the Lodhi Estate area, at the Taj. This deviation from the original plan, however, was not part of the protocol for the Presidents convoy. The driver said he was not aware of the protocol.

The driver claimed he was unaware of the precise route and destination initially set for him, believing that he was meant to arrive at the ITC Maurya, where President Biden was accommodated, at 9:30 AM.

Following a thorough questioning by security officers, during which the misunderstanding was clarified, the driver was subsequently released from detention.

Furthermore, the vehicle was promptly removed from the Presidential convoy.

US President Joe Biden left for Vietnam after he and several other G20 leaders paid homage at Mahatma Gandhis memorial Rajghat here on Sunday morning.

On his first visit to India as the US President, Biden arrived in the national capital on Friday to attend the two-day G20 summit and held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the same day.
Odisha is a hub of mining loot and the State and Centre are equally responsible for it," said activist and lawyer Prashant Bhushan here on Sunday. He urged the people to come forward to save the vast natural resources from exploitation by corporates.



Bhushan said the Odisha Government has yet not recovered around Rs 3,000 crore fine from the illegal miners. Coalmines in the forest area and human habitats are illegally handed over to corporates, leading to huge displacement, deforestation and pollution. We cant consume everything; we must keep required natural resources for our future generations, he said.



A legal notice will be served within 7 days to the Odisha Government to return back land to the Puri people, illegally acquired for Vedanta University and within a limited time, if land will not be returned as per Supreme Court order, then contempt petition will be filed, clarified Bhushan.



Former MLA Uma Ballav Rath congratulated Bhushan for his continuous legal efforts to save the natural resources of the country. By handing over vast land of Lord Jagannath to Vedanta, the Government had pushed the people of Puri to be the Praja of Vedanta, he criticised.



Senior leader Jagarnath Pattanaik called for a mass movement to protect land , forest water and other natural resources for the future generation.



Among others, senior leaders Niranjan Patnaik, Bhajman Behera, Sashmita Behera and social activist Padma Charan Naik were present.
Roshn, a leading Saudi developer powered by sovereign wealth fund PIF, has rebranded the iconic Riyadh Front - a mega business and leisure development in the Saudi capital - to Roshn Front.

Roshn Front comprises a mixed-use lifestyle retail and F&B destination of approximately 80,000 sq m, which welcomes over 10 million visitors annually, and an 80,000 sq m commercial district that features world-class modal workspaces, said the company in a statement.

Features of the development include 1 km of walking promenades and green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities such as a fitness center, a four-star hotel and meeting rooms, as well as conference halls.

The announcement comes following Roshn's recent acquisition of the Riyadh Fronts shopping and business areas, located adjacent to its flagship development, Sedra.

The acquisition and rebranding of Roshn Front marks the latest evolution in the developer's strategy of building coast-to-coast in Saudi Arabia, expanding its range of operations to elevate its quality-of-life agenda, and leading the region in innovation and disruptive technologies, said the statement.

This journey will transform Roshn into a globally significant multi-asset-class developer and enable the goals of Vision 2030, it added.

According to Roshn, the rebranding emphasizes its dedication to creating holistic and sustainable communities that enrich the lives of those who reside, work, and play within them.

The name change not only reflects the evolving vision of the destination but also symbolizes a new era of development excellence that Roshn is introducing to Riyadh, it stated.

Group CEO David Grover said: "The metamorphosis of Riyadh Front to Roshn Front signifies a cornerstone in the group's evolution. As we strive to fuse mixed-use development with our pioneering vision, we are honoured to breathe life into sustainable, inclusive, and innovative communities in Riyadh's epicenter and beyond."

"This rebranding not only mirrors our deep-rooted commitment to redefining urban living in Saudi Arabia but also cements our stance at the forefront of mixed-use community development," he noted.

The mixed-use assets of Roshn Front will complement the array of amenities being developed by Roshn at its adjoining flagship Sedra community in Riyadh, which will bring 30,000 new homes to the market when its eight phases of development are complete, he added.
New York state is adding a new public school holiday to the calendar.

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Saturday signed a law declaring Asian Lunar New Year as a public school holiday across the state. The law ensures that schools wont be in session on Lunar New Year, which is widely observed and celebrated by Asian Americans and people with Pacific Island heritage.

It is not just a day off from school  it is an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate their own or different cultures and traditions, Hochul said in a statement.

The next Lunar New Year is Feb. 10, 2024, a Saturday.

Democratic State Sen. Sean Ryan of Buffalo put out a statement Saturday praising the new law.

The holidays we celebrate are a reflection of the great diversity of the people who call New York home. The designation of Lunar New Year as a statewide public school holiday will ensure families can celebrate together, and is a recognition of the strength of AAPI communities here in Western New York and across our state, Ryan said.

- Jay Tokasz
The Centre for Research in Environmental Law, Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur has organised a Two-day(s) Interdisciplinary International Conference on HumanAnimal Conflict and Compensation on Sept 9 and 10, 2023 in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Law, Education, Research and Advocacy (CEERA), National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.

The collaborative two-day Interdisciplinary International Conference on "Human-Animal Conflict and Compensation," aimed to provide an inclusive platform for esteemed scholars researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from diverse fields. The premise of this conference was to comprehensively explore the intricate dynamics of human-animal conflicts and the crucially important role of compensation mechanisms in mitigating their impact on both human well-being and animal welfare.

The conference included expert sessions on different themes delivered by renowned experts in the field.

The inaugural ceremony was held on 9th September, 2023 in virtual presence of the Chief Guest Honble Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Judge, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, Guest of Honor Prof. Sairam Bhat, Professor of Law & Centre Coordinator, CEERA, National Law School India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru and other distinguished guests.

The valedictory ceremony of the conference was held on 10th September,2023 in the august presence of Chief Guest, S. Surya Prakash, ViceChancellor, National Law Institute University, Bhopal, and in virtual presence of Guest Of Honor Sr. Adv. Prabhakaran Ramachandran, Supreme Court of India.

The concept note was delivered by Srishti Yadav, Coordinator CREL, and vote of thanks was delivered by Isha Paliwal. Ruchira Chaturvedi, Assistant Professor was the Master of Ceremony. S.N. Khare, Retired District Juge and Adjunct Faculty Member, and Utkarsh Kumar Mishra, Assistant Professor marked their presence during the Valedictory Ceremony. The conference was organised by student Convenor Hemant Rajawat alongwith all other student members of CREL under the guidance of Faculty In-charge and Coordinator(s), Areena P. Ansari and Srishti Yadav, Isha Paliwal, Co-Coordinator & Teaching Associate, Bhagyashree Agrawal, Co-Coordinator & Teaching Associate.
Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar, an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claimed on Sunday that he along with BJPs Dara Singh Chauhan would soon be inducted as cabinet ministers in the Yogi Adityanath government.

Chauhan suffered a crushing defeat in the bypoll to Ghosi assembly seat on September 8. Rajbhar is an object of ridicule and scorn from the Samajwadi Party after the Ghosi setback as he had taken the responsibility for ensuring the victory of the BJP candidate in the by-election.

Dara Singh Chauhan is a party hopper who resigned from the Bahujan Samaj Party in 2017 to join the BJP. In 2017 UP assembly elections he was elected as BJP candidate and made a minister in the Yogi Adityanath government. Ahead of the 2022 UP assembly polls, he resigned from the BJP and joined the SP. He was elected to the assembly from Ghosi in 2022. In July last he resigned from the SP and joined the ruling BJP. He contested the Ghosi by-election and lost to SPs Sudhakar Singh by a margin of 42,759 votes on Friday.

The SBSP chief, a prominent leader of Other Backward Classes in eastern Uttar Pradesh, was a key campaigner for Chauhan in Ghosi assembly constituency in Mau district which has a substantial Rajbhar caste vote.

Asked to react to the speculations of opposition leaders that he and Chauhan would not be made ministers after the bypoll result, Rajbhar said, Why not? We will become ministers.

These opposition people are not out maliks (bosses). We are in the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and the maliks of NDA are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda, Rajbhar said.

The SBSP chief said the opposition parties should be patient and wait for a few days. They should take care of their hearts as they might suffer a heart attack soon, he added.

After the SBSPs return to the NDA in July, Rajbhar had hinted that he and Chauhan may be inducted into the Yogi Adityanath cabinet.

When asked if the defeat in the bypoll would have a bearing on the SBSP-BJP ties, Rajbhar said, We will be with the NDA. Our alliance is for the Lok Sabha polls and not the bypoll.

Those who are making these statements (SBSPs ouster from NDA) are ignorant. After the 2024 general election results, they (SP) will fall flat on the ground, he added.

The defeat in the Ghosi by-election is seen as a big political setback to Rajbhar, who was nursing big ambitions after returning to the NDA fold in July after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Rajbhar alleged that the BJP lost the by-election as the SP indulged in malpractices and distributed huge amounts of cash among the voters of Ghosi, particularly the Dalits and other poor communities.
A woman sustained injuries when she was stabbed by a masked man in broad daylight in the Dolamundai area of Cuttack city on Sunday. The victim, an employee of a womens beauty parlour, was rushed to the SCB Medical College Hospital here.

The masked man stabbed the woman following an altercation with her and fled from the spot.

The masked man had an argument with the woman near the beauty parlour in the afternoon. Soon, he pulled out a knife from his pocket and stabbed the woman before fleeing the spot, said a local.

However, the motive behind the incident was yet to be ascertained.

On being informed, police reached the spot and shifted the victim to hospital and were investigating into the incident. The condition of the woman was stated to be critical, sources said.
Youth Congress activists waved black flags at three Odisha Ministers during their visit to Balangir district on Sunday.

The protests were staged against Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu, Labour Minister Sarada Prasad Nayak, Rural Development Minister Pritiranjan Gharai and former Minister Sushant Singh when they were on their way to Titilagarh to participate in an event, sources said.

The Youth Congress activists raised slogans against the Ministers to protest against the State Governments alleged failure on various issues concerning the common people.

Notably, a group of Youth Congress activists had allegedly hurled eggs at the vehicles of three BJD MLAs during their visit to Narla area of Kalahandi district on September 5.

The eggs were thrown at the vehicles of Junagarh MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra, Narla MLA Bhupinder Singh and Lanjigarh MLA Pradip Kumar Dishari when they were travelling to Narla to attend a programme of the Kalahandi District Primary School Teachers Association on the occasion of Teachers Day.

Members of the Youth Congress reportedly protested against the Junagarh MLA for his alleged involvement in the murder of school teacher Mamita Meher in 2021.
Lawmakers in Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway Armenian-populated region of Azerbaijan, voted to elect a new separatist president on Saturday in a move that was strongly condemned by the Azerbaijani authorities. Samvel Shakhramanyans election as the new president of Nagorno-Karabakh follows the resignation of Arayik Harutyunyan, who stepped down on September 1 as president of the region  which the Armenians call Artsakh. It comes amid soaring tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry denounced the vote as a gross violation of the country's constitution and a serious blow to the efforts of normalisation in the region. Since December, Azerbaijan has blockaded the only road leading from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, severely restricting the delivery of food, medical supplies and other essentials to the region of about 120,000 people. Nagorno-Karabakh is a region within Azerbaijan that came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by the Armenian military after a six-year separatist war that ended in 1994. Armenian forces also took control of substantial territory around the region.

Azerbaijan regained control of the surrounding territory in a six-week war with Armenia in 2020. A Russia-brokered armistice that ended the war left the region's capital, Stepanakert, connected to Armenia by just one road known as the Lachin Corridor, along which Russian peacekeeping forces were supposed to ensure free movement.

Armenia repeatedly has complained that Russian peacekeepers have done nothing to help lift the Azerbaijani blockade of the road that has led to dire food shortages in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the situation has led to an increasing estrangement between Moscow and Yerevan.

Russia has been Armenias main economic partner and ally since the 1991 Soviet collapse. Landlocked Armenia hosts a Russian military base and is part of the Moscow-led security alliance of ex-Soviet nations, the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

But Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has become increasingly critical of Moscow, emphasizing its failure to help lift the Azerbaijani blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh and arguing that Yerevan needs to turn to the West to help ensure its security.

To Moscows dismay, Armenia called a joint military exercises with the United States starting Monday, provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine amid the war and moved to ratify a treaty that created the International Criminal Court, which this year indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes connected to the deportation of children from Ukraine.

On Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Armenian ambassador to lodge a formal protest over what the moves it described as unfriendly.
Pfizer Inc. is a US-based multinational biotech company. The company operates as a research-based pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, production and marketing of medicines and vaccines. It is the 2nd largest drugmaker globally by revenue and is ranked 64th on the Fortune 500 list. The companys avenues of research include Immunology, Oncology, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Neurology.

Regarding its product line, the company has at least ten blockbuster drugs producing more than $1 billion in avenue revenue each. The company brought in over $81 billion in total revenue in 2021. The US is its main market and represents roughly 50% of all revenue. China and Japan make up roughly 12% of the business, while the rest come from the rest of the world. It employs roughly 79,000 people and is headquartered in New York state.

Pfizer Inc. was founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer Sr. and his cousin Charles Earhart. The two were German immigrants and chemists that set up shops outside New York City to make medicinal compounds. The first major success was an antiparasitic called santonin, and the commercialization of citric acid-making technologies quickly followed that up. Their success with citric acid led to the companys expansion and other major discoveries.

World War I caused a shortage of materials for making citric acid and forced the company to seek alternatives. The one they latched on to was the fermentation of certain fungi known to produce citric acid naturally. This led to the advancement of fermentation technology that was later used in the commercial production of penicillin and then the advancement of antibiotics in general.

Pfizer Inc was incorporated on June 2nd, 1942 in Delaware, and another period of expansion began. The postwar drop in demand for penicillin led to the discovery of newer, more marketable antibiotics and cemented the companys role in modern medicine. By the time he 80s rolled around, the company was trading on the New York Stock Exchange and on the path to developing todays blockbuster lineup.

The companys top seller in 2021 was Comirnaty, a COVID-19 vaccine. It generated nearly $37 billion in 2021 and was followed by Prevnar, Ibrance and Eliquis with just over $5 billion in sales each. Other blockbuster names on Pfizers list include Xeljanz and Enbrel, each bringing in $3.5 billion. Pfizer operates 39 research and production facilities worldwide and sells its products in 125 countries.

As of 2022, the company had a robust pipeline of potential treatments, with more than 220 in some stage of clinical trials. Among its leading candidates is a vaccine for RSV, a life-threatening respiratory disease affecting children. 2021 highlights include 8 FDA approvals, four new regulatory submissions and 13 new trial startups. Pfizer is also a well-known dividend payer and has returned more than $8.7 billion to shareholders since going public.
The following companies are subsidiares of Laboratory Co. of America: 1957285 Ontario Inc. dba Quality Underwriting Services, 2089729 Ontario Inc., 2248848 Ontario Inc., 3065619 Nova Scotia Company, 3257959 Nova Scotia Company, 8165335 Canada Inc., 8348596 Canada Inc., 896988 Ontario Limited, 9279-3280 Quebec Inc., Accupath Diagnostic Laboratories Inc., Assets of Pathology Inc, Beacon LBS IPA Inc., Beacon Laboratory Benefit Solutions Inc., CannAmm GP Inc., CannAmm Limited Partnership, Center for Disease Detection International, Center for Disease Detection LLC, Centrex Clinical Laboratories Inc., Chiltern, Clearstone Central Laboratories (U.S.) Inc., Clearstone Holdings (International) Ltd., Clinical Outreach Laboratory Services, Clipper Holdings Inc., Colorado Coagulation Consultants Inc., Colorado Laboratory Services LLC, Correlagen Diagnostics Inc., Covance Inc., Curalab Inc., Cytometry Associates Inc., Czura Thornton (Hong Kong) Limited, DCL Acquisition Inc., DCL Medical Laboratories LLC, DCL Sub LLC, DIANON Systems Inc., DL Holdings Limited Partnership, Decision Diagnostics L.L.C. (aka DaVinici/Medicorp LLC), Diagnostic Services Inc., DynaLifeDX, Dynacare - Gamma Laboratory Partnership, Dynacare Company, Dynacare G.P. Inc., Dynacare Holdco LLC, Dynacare Laboratories Inc., Dynacare Laboratories Limited Partnership, Dynacare Northwest Inc., Dynacare Realty Inc., DynalifeDX Infrastructure Inc., Envigo's nonclinical contract research services business, Esoterix Genetic Counseling LLC, Esoterix Genetic Laboratories LLC, Esoterix Inc., Execmed Health Services Inc., FirstSource Laboratory Solutions Inc., GDML Medical Laboratories Inc, Gamma Dynacare Central Medical Laboratories GP Inc., Gamma Dynacare Central Medical Laboratory Limited Partnership, HHLA Lab-In-An-Envelope LLC, Health Testing Centers Inc., Health Trans Services Inc., Home Healthcare Laboratory of America LLC, IDX Pathology Inc., Impact Genetics Corporation, Impact Genetics Inc., Kaleida LabCorp LLC, Lab Delivery Service of New York City Inc., LabCorp BVBA, LabCorp Belgium Holdings Inc., LabCorp Central Laboratories (Canada) Inc., LabCorp Central Laboratories (China) Inc., LabCorp Colorado Inc., LabCorp Development Company, LabCorp Employer Services Inc., LabCorp Health System Diagnostics LLC, LabCorp Indiana Inc., LabCorp Japan G.K., LabCorp Limited, LabCorp Michigan Inc., LabCorp Nebraska Inc., LabCorp Neon Ltd., LabCorp Neon Switzerland S.a.r.l., LabCorp Specialty Testing Billing Service Inc., LabCorp Specialty Testing Group Inc., LabCorp Staffing Solutions Inc., LabCorp Tennessee LLC, LabCorp UK Holdings Ltd., LabWest Inc., Laboratoire Bio-Medic Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America, Lifecodes Corporation, LipoScience Inc., Litholink Corporation, MEDTOX Scientific Inc., MNG Laboratories, MedAxio Insurance Medical Services GP Inc., MedAxio Insurance Medical Services LP, Medical Neurogenitics LLC, Medtox Diagnostics Inc., Medtox Laboratories Inc., Monogram Biosciences Inc., Monogram Biosciences UK Limited, Myriad Autoimmunes Vectra Testing Business, NWT Inc., National Genetics Institute, New Brighton Business Center LLC, New Imaging Diagnostics LLC, New Molecular Diagnostics Ventures LLC, Orchid Cellmark ULC, Ovia Health, PA Labs Inc., Paclab LLC, Path Lab Incorporated, Pathology Associates Medical Lab LLC, Pee Dee Pathology Associates Inc., Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc., Persys Technology Inc., Pixel by LabCorp, Princeton Diagnostic Laboratories of America Inc., Protedyne Corporation, SW/DL LLC, Saint Josephs-PAML LLC, Sequenom Biosciences (India) Pvt. Ltd., Sequenom Inc, Sequenom Inc., Tandem Labs Inc., Toxikon Corporation, Tri-Cities Laboratory LLC, Viro-Med Laboratories Inc., Visiun, and Yakima Medical Arts Inc..

Read More
S&P 500 4,166.82 DOW 32,928.96 QQQ 349.20 Amazon just gave us 3 reasons to expect fresh highs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Still thinking about buying 3M for its dividend? Consider this Is Apple a buy ahead of earnings? Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Western Digital, Lumentum rise; ON Semiconductor, Revvity fall, Monday, 10/30/2023 McDonalds bottoms, plus more good news for fast food stocks Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Enterprise CEO says rental car prices have moderated as supplies have improved but remain high Exxon Mobil or Chevron? Which is the better buy?

S&P 500 4,166.82 DOW 32,928.96 QQQ 349.20 Amazon just gave us 3 reasons to expect fresh highs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Still thinking about buying 3M for its dividend? Consider this Is Apple a buy ahead of earnings? Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Western Digital, Lumentum rise; ON Semiconductor, Revvity fall, Monday, 10/30/2023 McDonalds bottoms, plus more good news for fast food stocks Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Enterprise CEO says rental car prices have moderated as supplies have improved but remain high Exxon Mobil or Chevron? Which is the better buy?

S&P 500 4,166.82 DOW 32,928.96 QQQ 349.20 Amazon just gave us 3 reasons to expect fresh highs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Still thinking about buying 3M for its dividend? Consider this Is Apple a buy ahead of earnings? Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Western Digital, Lumentum rise; ON Semiconductor, Revvity fall, Monday, 10/30/2023 McDonalds bottoms, plus more good news for fast food stocks Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Enterprise CEO says rental car prices have moderated as supplies have improved but remain high Exxon Mobil or Chevron? Which is the better buy?
Bank of America has a rich history dating back to 1800 and even earlier. It was begun by immigrants as a group of separate and unrelated banks that, over the years, merged and grew together. One such is the Bank of Italy which was founded in 1904 by Amadeo Giannini to serve Italian immigrants that were facing discrimination. He later buys out the Banca de America e de Italia (Bank of America and Italy) which was also located in San Francisco. Over the years additional mergers and changes in Federal banking legislation, as well as the boom brought on by WWI and then WWII, helped boost the bank to national prominence.

Things turned sour, however, in 1998 with a major bond default that led to yet another merger, this time with Charlotte, NC-based Nations Bank to officially become the Bank of America that exists today. At the time, the merger was the largest bank merger in history and the company has only grown in the time since.

Other additions to the new Bank of America include MBNA (a major credit card operator), Fleet Boston (then the US 7th largest and one of its oldest banks), and Merril Lynch, now Merril, which was added to the group in 2008 to provide an investment banking branch. Together the company dominates as one of the Big Four Banks in America. Bank of America lays claim to nearly 11% of all US deposits which ranks in line with its peer group and Bank of America Securities is listed as the worlds 3rd largest investment bank.

Today, Bank of America Corporation provides banking and financial services for individuals, small businesses, institutions, corporations, and governments worldwide. The bank operates in three segments Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, and Global Banking bringing in a combined revenue greater than $90 billion in 2022.

As of 2022, Bank of America serves approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,200 retail financial centers. The bank also operates more than 16,000 ATMs and digital banking platforms with approximately 41 million active users.

Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional banking and investment products for retail clients. These range from deposit accounts to savings, credit cards, consumer loans, and IRAs. The Global Wealth & Investment Management segment offers investment and wealth management solutions including, brokerage, banking, and trust and retirement products. The Global Banking segment provides lending products and services, including commercial loans and leases for businesses of all varieties. The Global Markets segment offers market-making, clearing, settlement, and custody services, as well as risk management, derivatives, and FX exchange services.
While the legal cannabis industry in New York languishes, the illicit market here thrives. Those of us following the legal rules and regulations were promised much better. We were told that if we just adhered to the rules, the market would reward our hard work. Instead, many of us who invested much of our life savings into the vision promised are now being bled dry through inconsistent regulations and a lack of enforcement against the illicit market. Here are the three actions the state needs to take immediately.

First, address the Registered Organizations (ROs, aka Corporate Cannabis) vertical integration and scale. To save 1,000 small businesses in New York, the state must slow the entry of the ROs  and their 100,000-square-foot canopy  into the wholesale side of the supply chain until the promised 160 stores open. The proposed regulations must be revised to lower the RO license tier to create a level playing field for all New York State businesses. The Legislature can then address vertical integration of the ROs. In no other industry where a two-tier system exists, such as in alcohol or tobacco, do the largest companies get an exemption. Plus, the additional awarding of RO licenses will only serve to amplify the market consolidation of vertical operators.

Second, amend the regulations now to equally limit the size of cultivation facilities for everyone  ROs (who give up vertical integration), legacy growers, current cultivators, equity applicants and individuals who were part of the mentorship training program. We need our industry to start on a level playing field from the beginning; otherwise, the state will only be compounding the existing oversupply issue that is crushing so many of our cultivators.

Third, call a special session of the Legislature to codify the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries (CAURD) program into law. If the state does not codify the program, then we will see more lawsuits result from the OCMs attempt to shoehorn the licensees into the normal licensing process. This will raise questions on scoring and criteria, holding up the industry from opening. Creating a level playing field is essential. Furthermore, $50 million has already been procured to provide grants or low-interest loans directly to CAURD applicants. These funds need to be deployed to help realize promises made by the state to support small businesses and justice-impacted people in the industry first.

New York State envisioned an industry that would address the failed war on drugs while also building small and medium-sized New York businesses. If the state does not act now, we will see a dramatic loss of legal cannabis business owners who trusted the state and risked their livelihoods to embark on a new market.
Its time to fix the problems and make preparations aimed at avoiding further dysfunction and fatalities. Its also important to realize that official readiness must be accompanied by preparedness  as much as possible  at the individual level.

All the December Blizzard report cards are in, including reluctantly released internal documents from Erie County. The City of Buffalos was made public in June; New York States came out a few weeks ago. Buffalo and New York commissioned outside consultants who provided coherent narratives, while Erie Countys is a somewhat discordant mashup of department memos.

Even so, the information is there.

Among these three assessments is plenty of food for thought and room for improvement. Its time for sleeves to get rolled up and a fully collaborative process to begin. This past weeks blistering heat notwithstanding, snowstorm season will be arriving well before we want it to.

By now, everyone knows what the big issues were. A major failure to communicate the gravity of the situation worked in combination with a holiday weekend to create a situation where, despite all the warnings, residents simply werent ready for the howling maelstrom that descended upon the region, making going outside a possible death sentence.

Roads werent closed soon enough, a problem that can be easily traced to lack of coordination among the three governments.

As for the snow itself, there just wasnt enough equipment  or the right type of equipment  to properly clear it or travel through it for emergency purposes. As always, certain neighborhoods waited at least a week for their side streets to be cleared.

Valiant efforts were made and social media made it more possible than ever for Buffalo to earn its Good Neighbor sobriquet. City, county and state officials worked around the clock.

It wasnt enough.

Given its nature as a compilation, the county report reveals some issues with specific departments that the city and state assessments do not. Many employees did not deem themselves essential enough to report during the emergency. Medical facilities lacked the capacity to keep people overnight, whether they were working staff or patients who could not be transported back to their homes. Staffers had forgotten how to use the countys disaster software system and its 858-SNOW line for residents was overwhelmed.

One key recommendation from the county report calls for better communication among the county, the city and the state Department of Transportation in road-clearing efforts. As The News Sandra Tan reported in her summary, The Highways Division noted that a city public works representative was not present at the countys Emergency Operations Center until after the blizzard passed.

This is a concern that should be writ large across the entire spectrum of government blizzard response policy. Official policies on closures should be a joint project of state, county and city.

Coordination and communication among these three entities should be ongoing and visible in all emergencies, including a shared presence at announcements and updates. Its not enough to be told entities are coordinating; we should see it in action.

With this in mind, its good news that the Erie County Snowmobile Federation is formalizing an agreement with the countys emergency services department so that these citizen resources can be efficiently deployed when needed. Other local snowmobile groups are following suit, and Erie County is increasing its own reserves of equipment that can stand up to extreme weather.

Government should be held responsible for providing effective leadership and services in emergency situations like last Decembers and these three reports are part of that accountability.

But its equally important for residents to do their own assessments and, when adequate preparation is beyond their means, seek the help thats there.

Western New York was not ready, and people died. Its essential that everybody  including residents  look at these evaluations and make better plans. s your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
Over the past few years, questions have been raised over educational standards at the university following numerous controversies. (DC Image)

WARANGAL: Kakatiya University is the second largest university in Telangana, which provides higher education to many students who are mostly from poor and rural backgrounds. But over the past few years, questions have been raised over educational standards at the university following numerous controversies.

Association of Kakatiya University Teachers (AKUT), student union leaders of Kakatiya University Joint Action Committee (KU-JAC), and Kakatiya University Retired Teachers Association (KURTA) have expressed worry over a series of incidents and irregularities at the university in Hanamkonda district.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, AKUT president Prof. T. Srinivas and general secretary Prof. M. Estari have accused university vice chancellor and registrar of allotting 20 lakh every year to various departments for taking up projects like research. But only fake projects are taken up and there is no scrutiny by principals concerned or department heads.

They said because of such activities, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has downgraded the university to B+.

Kakatiya University has also come under scrutiny for illegal recruitment practices. Telangana High Court had issued notices to authorities concerned for appointing 12 individuals as adjunct faculty. But university authorities made the appointments without following the guidelines stipulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or obtaining prior permission from the state government, the AKUT leaders stated.

Student union leaders M. Ram Babu and A. Nagaraju said they had questioned the irregularities in Ph. D admissions. They alleged that instead of following guidelines laid down for these admissions, the VC, registrar and deans of various departments sold 75 per cent of the Ph. D seats. As a result, ineligible candidates got the seats, including part-time and government employees.

Further, the student leaders pointed out that retired professors are not eligible for appointment to administrative posts, as per UGC guidelines. Yet, the state government appointed Prof. T. Ramesh as vice chancellor, which is nothing but abuse of power. They accused the VC of acting like an agent of BRS government and stifling the voice of students who are questioning the irregularities occurring in the university.

KURTA president Prof. A. Sadanandam and general secretary Prof. A. Ravinder expressed to DC their displeasure over the irregularities in the university, including in Ph. D admissions. They felt the university should utilise services of senior teachers, who have served KU for 3040 years, in selecting students for the Ph. D programmes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden, United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other leaders at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat on the final day of the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for a "human-centric vision" instead of a "GDP-centric approach", expansion of permanent membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and a "future where not just the interests of countries are intertwined, but also where hearts are interconnected." After the final session titled "One Future" on the last day of the G20 Summit, the Prime Minister proposed a virtual meeting of the G20 towards the end of November to review the topics discussed during the summit.

Even though India will continue to hold the presidency of the G20 bloc till November 30, the Prime Minister symbolically handed over the gavel to Brazils President Lula da Silva to mark the transition of the G20 presidency to Brazil later this year.

The summit, which ended on Sunday, saw India skillfully achieve a stunning consensus, particularly on the wording of the contentious Ukraine issue. "May the path toward One Earth, One Family, One Future be pleasant. Let there be hope and peace in the world. With the well-wishes of 140 crore Indians, I express our sincere gratitude to all of you! With these words, I officially conclude this G20 Summit," Modi said. He cited a Sanskrit shloka to pray for hope and peace in the entire world.

Speaking earlier in the day at the "One Future" session, the Prime Minister called for reform of multilateral institutions such as the UN, stating, "It is necessary that global systems are in accordance with the realities of the present. Today, the UNSC is also an example of this.

When the UN was established, the world at the time was completely different from today. At that time, there were 51 founding members in the UN. Today, the number of countries included in the UN is around 200. Despite this, the permanent members in UNSC are still the same.

From then until today, the world has changed a lot in every aspect. Be it transport, communication, health or education, every sector has been transformed. These new realities should be reflected in our new global structure."

"As you are aware, India holds the G20 Presidency till November. There are still two and a half months left. In these two days, all of you have put forth many things, given suggestions, made many proposals. It is our responsibility to once again look at the suggestions that have come forward, to see how their progress can be accelerated. I propose that we hold another virtual session of the G20 Summit at the end of November. In that session, we can review the topics decided during this summit. Our team will share the details of all these with you all. I hope you all will join in this," Modi told G20 leaders during the closing ceremony.

"We pledge our unwavering support to Brazil and firmly believe that during their leadership, the G20 will further advance our common objectives. I congratulate the President of Brazil and my friend, Lula da Silva. With that, I pass on the presidency to him."

"It is a law of nature that individuals and organisations that fail to adapt to changing times inevitably lose their relevance. We must think with an open mind as to what is the reason that many regional forums have come into existence in the past years, and are also proving to be effective. Today, it is necessary for every global organization to reform to increase its relevance. With this in mind, yesterday we took the historic initiative of making the African Union a permanent member of the G20. Similarly, we will also have to expand the mandate of Multilateral Development Banks. Our decisions in this direction should be immediate and also effective," Modi remarked.

The Prime Minister further said, "Only when we take care of the security of every country and the sensitivity of every country, will the feeling of One Future be strengthened. In a world marked by rapid change, we require not only transformation but also sustainability and stability. Come! Let us pledge that we will take our resolutions of the green development pact, action plan on SDGs, high level principles on anti-corruption, digital public infrastructure and MDB reforms to fruition."

"We are currently discussing a future where we transcend the concept of Global Village and witness the Global Family becoming a reality. Today many countries like India have so much that we are sharing with the whole world.  I propose that we establish a framework for Responsible Human-Centric AI governance. India will also give its suggestions in this regard. It will be our endeavor that all countries get the benefits of AI in areas like Socio-Economic Development, Global Workforce and R&D," Modi said.

Talking about Indias achievements, the Prime Minister said, "India has talked about sharing the data of Chandrayaan-3 mission with everyone in the interest of humanity. This is also a proof of our commitment towards Human Centric Growth. India has harnessed technology to foster inclusive development and facilitate last-mile delivery. Even in our most remote villages, small-scale traders are using digital payments. I am happy that under India's presidency, a strong framework for digital public infrastructure has been agreed upon.

Similarly, G20 principles on harnessing data for development have also been accepted. It has also been decided to launch "data for development capacity building initiative" for the development of Global South. Formation of Startup 20 engagement group Indias presidency is also a big step."

"Today, our world is also facing some burning issues, which are affecting both the present and the future of all countries. We are familiar with the challenges of cyber security and crypto-currency. The field of crypto currency has emerged as a new topic for everyone. Therefore, we have to develop global standards to regulate crypto-currencies. We have the Basel standards on bank regulation in front of us as a model. It is imperative that we take concrete steps in this direction as soon as possible. Likewise, global cooperation and a framework for cyber security are essential. Terrorism is exploiting new channels and new funding methods from the cyber world, making it a critical issue for the security and prosperity of every nation."
U.S. President Joe Biden leaves for Vietnam after attending G20 Summit, in New Delhi. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

New Delhi: US President Joe Biden left for Vietnam after he and several other G20 leaders paid homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat here on Sunday morning. On his first visit to India as the US President, Biden arrived in the national capital on Friday to attend the two-day G20 summit and held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the same day.

In their over 50-minute talks, Modi and Biden vowed to "deepen and diversify" the bilateral major defence partnership while welcoming forward movement in India's procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines.

Biden also participated in key sessions of the G20 Summit on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during the symbolic tree plantation ceremony at the closing session of the G20 Summit 2023 at the Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: A combination of Prime Minister Narendra Modis guarantee and "magic" helped get a strong consensus at the G20 Summit, government sources said on Sunday, referring to the total unanimity among member nations on the Delhi Declaration. India managed to hammer out an unexpected consensus among the G20 nations on the contentious Ukraine conflict through a series of hectic negotiations with emerging economies such as Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia, playing a leading role in reaching the agreement on the declaration. The Declaration reflects "47 sub-consensus" in a range of issues, which were agreed upon by all nations, sources said. Overall, the outcome at the G20 summit demonstrated India and its leadership abilities as a "junction box of democratic values", the sources said. "It is a convergent consensus rather than a divisive consensus," said a source, noting the declaration reflected a stability.

"The story ofthe consensus is a remarkable one and the overall approach in the document reflected a larger context. The paragraphs relating to the Ukraine conflict are much more than transactional. That is why the external affairs minister said Bali is Bali and New Delhi is New Delhi," the source said. Looking at the New Delhi Declaration in the context of the G20 Bali Declaration is a very transactional way of assessing the crisis, according to sources. Asked whether China created problems for the negotiators, sources said that was not the case, and India followed an inclusive approach, focused on taking along everyone.
KCR lacks the political sagacity to give Sonia Gandhi, who delivered Telangana, her due. Instead of facilitating the visit, KCR is creating obstacles to the visit," Revanth said. (Image: Twitter)

Hyderabad: TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday rapped the BRS government for objecting to the Congress plan to hold a public meeting in a ground in Tukkuguda, on the grounds that it belonged to the endowments department.

Citing the instance of AIMIM holding a rally at the Idgah Maidan in Nampally, Revanth Reddy questioned if the religious character of the land was the "real reason" for denying permission.

"Despite denial by the BRS government, farmers who own land adjacent to it voluntarily came forward to give their 100 acres for holding the meet. Decks have been cleared for it. The Congress stands for dharma, which will see that the party romps home to power," he said.

Addressing a gathering of party workers at the Tukkuguda site, Revanth Reddy said: "The BJP and BRS are worried about the rising graph of the Congress. Our bid to hold our Vijaya Bheri meeting at the Parade Ground or the Gachibowli Stadium, alternatively, were stopped by the BRS and BJP. KCR is trying to stop Mallikarjun Kharge, who belongs to the erstwhile Hyderabad state. He had lost his mother in the atrocities committed by the razakars and KCR is trying to stop him."

Thanking the Congress high command for holding the CWC meeting in the city, Revanth said that the Congress announcements of five promises, in the presence of lakhs of people, would herald the end of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Raos rule.

"Preparations are on at Tukkuguda on a war footing to hold the meeting on 100 acres," he said.

The meeting will see the attendance of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, 35 PCC presidents, CLP leaders and CWC members.

"KCR lacks the political sagacity to give Sonia Gandhi, who delivered Telangana, her due. Instead of facilitating the visit, KCR is creating obstacles to the visit. He only bothers about saving his ill-gotten wealth and his family interests. KTR even tried to intimidate the hotel management where we are holding our CWC meet in," Revanth said.

The TPCC chief did not spare Prime Minister Narendra Modi either.

"The Parliament is going to meet between September 18 and 22. Modi is using various tricks as he is unable to match the I.N.D.I.A. alliance. Rahul had said Bharat Jodo one year ago," he said.

Earlier, addressing a meeting of mandal, block level and district presidents of the party, Revanth called on them to work at the grassroots level and appoint committed workers as booth-level agents. "Everyone should work for the party for the next 100 days with utmost dedication," he said.

He also expressed concern over rising cases of dengue. "Fevers are causing a huge financial burden to people. The government should make health facilities available to everyone," he said.

Telangana AICC incharge Manikrao Thakre called on the mandal level cadre to play a critical role in bringing the party to power.

Calling on the mandal cadre to make the public meeting on September 17 a success, CLP leader Bhatti Vikramarka said the party owed its strength to them and they still had a critical role to play in the upcoming polls.
In an open letter to the Chief Mnister, Revanth Reddy said the shortage was more pronounced in Nalgonda district where the paddy sowing season is coming to an end. (File Image: Twitter)

Hyderabad: TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao was unable to live up to his promise of April 13, 2017, of providing farmers free fertilisers. "This shows he has scant regard for his promises," he alleged.

In an open letter to Chief Minister, He said the shortage was more pronounced in Nalgonda district where the paddy sowing season is coming to an end. "Farmers need to apply urea 20 to 25 days after planting paddy. Even cotton, which is at the flowering stage, needs complex and urea together. But there has been a shortage of fertilisers for 20 days, leading to difficulties for farmers. They are being asked to make do with just one or two bags when they need 20 to 30 bags,"

Identifying the areas with acute shortage of the fertiliser, he wrote, "The ayacut areas of Nagarjunasagar like Suryapet, Kodad, Huzurnagar Assembly constituencies are having difficulty in getting urea. Owing to shortage of rains, lesser availability of water in Nagarjunasagar canals farmers reduced the area under paddy but still they are short of urea. The farmers are being forced to wait outside cooperative societies and private fertiliser shops."

The shortage is there in CMs own district and in the Dubbak Assembly constituency. "Farmers are worried that the shortage of fertilisers could lead to fall in crop production but the ministers and MLAs are not bothered. The only solution that the government gloats about seems to be giving Rythu Bandhu," he wrote.

The government should have a proper plan but lack of policy has left the Telangana agriculture sector in dire straits, Revanth Reddy said.
Former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu greets TDP activists outside the courts in Vijayawada on Sunday (PTI)

HYDERABAD: For the first time in his 45-year political career, former chief minister and Telugu Desam supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu found himself inside a prison on corruption charges on Sunday, following his arrest on Saturday, when a court remanded him to 14-day judicial custody.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau special court in Vijayawada found prima facie evidence that Naidu had resorted to criminal conspiracy and breach of trust to embezzle public money in collusion with private parties while implementing the skill development centres project in the state.

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a way, went into the annals of history, which his father and then Chief Minister, the late Dr Y.S. Rajashekar Reddy, could not, by establishing prima facie evidence and securing judicial remand for his arch-rival. Naidu faced about 25 cases of a serious nature but a majority did not go beyond the investigation stage, while courts dismissed some others.

The Special Investigation Team of the AP Criminal Investigation Department headed by deputy inspector general K. Raghuram Reddy arrested Naidu in Nandyal on Saturday on the charge of being the prime conspirator in the skill scam, in which different investigating agencies found that at least Rs 241 crore was siphoned off through shell companies.

After a prolonged hearing that started around 6 am on Sunday and went on till 2 pm, the Third Additional Judge B. Satya Venkata Hima Bindu dismissed the contentions of Naidus counsel that the arrest required prior approval of the Governor and that the charges of criminal conspiracy and breach of trust do not apply in his case.

The TD chief, whose wedding anniversary fell on Sunday, was visibly shattered following the pronouncement of the order in the court hall at around 7 pm, five hours after the arguments were concluded and judgment was reserved. His wife Bhuvaneswari and son Lokesh were present.

He was taken to the Rajamahendravaram central prison in his own convoy. Naidu, sporting a long face, waved his signature V to followers and got into the car. The CID sought Naidus custody on which the court asked it to file a counter.

Naidus legal team filed a petition seeking house arrest and treating it as judicial remand and another seeking a special cell with additional facilities. The court granted him home food, medicines and a special cell, and posted other appeals for Monday. Naidus counsel will also appeal against the judicial remand in the AP High Court on Monday.

Condemning the arrest, the TD called for a statewide bandh on Monday, while police clamped Section 144 prohibitory orders across the state and banned rallies and protest programmes. Sporadic incidents of burning of effigies and tyres to disrupt traffic on national highways were reported.

The YSR Congress, on the other hand, appealed to its cadre not to celebrate Naidus arrest which, it said, was a legal issue.

The judicial remand of Naidu came as a shot in the arm for the ruling YSR Congress because the former always got away with the argument that despite his political rivals filing scores of cases, he remained unscathed.

Dr Rajashekar Reddy and Jagan Mohan Reddy had made several attempts to file graft cases against Naidu and secure his conviction, but he stalled the investigation by obtaining court orders.

"Naidu earlier claimed innocence stating that the courts did not entertain charges against him. Going by the same logic, now it is proved that he indulged in corruption," said party general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy.
Andhra Pradesh home minister Taneti Vanitha dismissed allegations of political conspiracy in the arrest of former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. (Image:Twitter)

KAKINADA: Andhra Pradesh home minister Taneti Vanitha dismissed allegations of political conspiracy in the arrest of former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, saying that the CID went ahead with the arrest after thoroughly investigating the AP Skill Development Corporation scam, in coordination with the GST department and Enforcement Directorate.

Addressing media persons at her camp office in Kovvuru of East Godavari district, she said that due process was followed in Naidus arrest, which was done after issuing notices.

She found fault with the comments of BJP state president D. Purandeswari and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan. "In which party is Purandeswari currently? Will she defend those who threw stones at Amit Shah previously and who insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi? And is Purandeswari committed to the party or her relations with family?" Vanitha questioned.

She questioned if it was BJPs official position that Central institutions like ED and GST were wrong and said that Purandeswari must answer the same before condemning Naidus arrest.

Hitting out at Pawan Kalyan, she questioned: "What is the package that Pawan Kalyan is getting in this scam?"

Vanitha said that CID officials told Chandrababu Naidu after arresting him that they would take him by helicopter from Nandyal to Vijayawada, but Chandrababu Naidu did not heed their plea.

She said that the scam first came to light in 2017, during the TD regime, claiming the then government intentionally suppressed it. "Again, another complaint was lodged about the scam in 2018 and Central agencies have thoroughly investigated it," she said.

The home minister said that Opposition comments and opposition to the arrest were unwarranted.

"There is no political conspiracy in the arrest of Chandrababu Naidu. However, a political conspiracy was made in the arrest of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy during the Congress regime. Chandrababu Naidu knows very well that he committed a blunder and since he knows that he has done wrong, he has been fighting for sympathy for the past three days, anticipating his arrest," she said.
The following companies are subsidiares of UnitedHealth Group: 1070715 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, 1st Avenue Pharmacy Inc., 310 Canyon Medical LLC, 4C MSO LLC, 4C Medical Group PLC, 5995 Minnetonka LLC, ABCO International Holdings LLC, ACN Group IPA of New York Inc., ACN Group of California Inc., AHN Accountable Care Organization LLC, AHN Central Services LLC, AHN Target Holdings LLC, AMIL International S.a.r.l., APS  Assistencia Personalizada a Saude Ltda., ASC Holdings of New Jersey LLC, ASC Network LLC, ASC Operators-East Bay LLC, ASC Operators-San Francisco LLC, ASC Operators-San Luis Obispo LLC, ASC Operators-Santa Rosa LLC, ASC Operators-South Bay LLC, ASV-HOPCo-SCA Cornerstone LLC, ASV-HOPCo-SCA Florida LLC, AbleTo Behavioral Health Services P.C., AbleTo Inc., Accurate Rx Pharmacy Consulting LLC, Administradora Clinica La Colina S.A.S., Administradora Country S.A.S., Administradora Medica Centromed S.A., Advanced Surgery Center of Clifton LLC, Advanced Surgical Center LLC, Advanced Surgical Hospital LLC, Advocate Condell Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate Southwest Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.C., Advocate-SCA Partners LLC, Aliansalud Entidad Promotora de Salud S.A., All Savers Insurance Company, All Savers Life Insurance Company of California, Alliance Surgical Center LLC, Allina Health Heart and Vascular Surgery Center LLC, Allina Health Surgery Center-Brooklyn Park LLC, Aloha Surgical Center LLC, Ambient Healthcare Inc., Ambient Holdings Inc., AmeriChoice, AmeriChoice Corporation, AmeriChoice of New Jersey Inc., American Health Network of Indiana Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Indiana II LLC, American Health Network of Indiana LLC, American Health Network of Kentucky LLC, American Health Network of Ohio Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Ohio II LLC, American Health Network of Ohio LLC, American Physicians Inc., Amico Saude Ltda., Amil, Amil Assistencia Medica Internacional S.A., Angiografia e Hemodinamica Madre Theodora Ltda., Anne Arundel-SCA Holdings LLC, Anne Arundel-SCA Surgicenter LLC, Antelope Valley Surgery Center L.P., Analisis Clinicos ML S.A.C., Apothecary Holdings Inc., AppleCare Medical Management LLC, Aquitania Chilean Holding SpA, Arcadia JV Holdings LLC, Arcadia Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., ArchWell Health LLC, ArchWell Health MSO LLC, ArchWell Health Professional Services Holding Co., ArchWell Health Professional Services of Alabama LLC, ArchWell Health Professional Services of North Carolina P.C., ArchWell Health Professional Services of Oklahoma LLC, Archwell Health Professional Services of Arizona LLC, Archwell Health Professional Services of Nebraska LLC, Arise Physician Group, Arizona Physicians IPA Inc., Arlington Surgery Center LLC, Aspectus Inc., Associacao Lusiadas Knowledge Center  Health Education and Research, Audax Health Solutions LLC, Aurora Hospitalist P.C., Austin Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Avella Specialty Pharmacy, Aventura Medical Tower Surgery Center LLC, Avery Parent Holdings Inc., Aveta Inc., AxelaCare Intermediate Holdings LLC, AxelaCare LLC, B.R.A.S.S. Partnership in Commendam, BOSC Holdings LLC, BSC Holdings LLC, Ball Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Banmedica Colombia S.A.S., Banmedica Internacional SpA, Banmedica S.A., Barranca Surgery Center LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings II LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings III LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings LLC, Beaver Medical Group P.C., Bedford Physicians Risk Retention Group Inc., Behavioral Healthcare Options Inc., Beltway Surgery Centers L.L.C., Benefit Administration for the Self Employed L.L.C., Benefitter Insurance Solutions Inc., Bergan Mercy Surgery Center LLC, Bergen-Passaic Cataract Laser and Surgery Center LLC, Bessler MD PLLC, Bind Benefits Inc., Bind LH Holdings Inc., Bind Re Inc., Birmingham Outpatient Surgery Center Ltd., Birmingham Outpatient Surgical Center LLC, Bloomfield ASC LLC, Blue Ridge Day Surgery Center L.P., Blue Ridge GP LLC, Blue Ridge Properties LLC, Boca Raton Outpatient Surgery & Laser Center LTD., Bordeaux Barbados Holdings I SRL, Bordeaux Barbados Holdings II SRL, Bordeaux Barbados Holdings III S.r.l., Bordeaux Holding SpA, Bordeaux International Holdings Inc., Bordeaux UK Holdings I Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings II Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings III Limited, Bosque Medical Center Ltda., Brandon Ambulatory Surgery Center LC, BriovaRx Infusion Services 102 LLC, BriovaRx of Florida Inc., BriovaRx of Maine Inc., BriovaRx of Massachusetts LLC, CCEC Anesthesia Management LLC, CDC Holdings Colombia S.A.S., CLISA  Clinica de Santo Antonio S.A., CMO  Centro Medico de Oftalmologia S/S Ltda., CMS  Central de Manipulacao e Servicos Farmaceuticos Ltda., COI  Clinicas Oncologicas Integradas S.A., Cabin Enterprises LLC, Cabin Holdings LLC, California Medical Group Insurance Company Risk Retention Group, Camp Hill Ambulatory Centers, Camp Hill-SCA Centers LLC, Capital City Medical Group L.L.C., Cardinal Holding Company LLC, Care Improvement Plus Group Management LLC, Care Improvement Plus South Central Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus Wisconsin Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus of Texas Insurance Company, Care Logistics LLC, CareMount Dental Member LLC, CareMount Health Solutions ACO LLC, CareMount Health Solutions Employer LLC, CareMount Health Solutions LLC, CareMount Holding LLC, CareMount Medical Foundation Inc., CareMount Value Partners IPA LLC, Carr PLLC, Casa de Saude Santa Therezinha Ltda., Castle Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Castle Rock SurgiCenter LLC, Catalyst360 LLC, Catamaran 2 Unlimited Company, Catamaran Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, Catamaran S.a.r.l., Cedar Park JV Partners LLC, Cedar Park Surgery Center LLC, Cemed Care  Empresa de Atendimento Clinico Geral Ltda., Center for Quality Improvement LLC, Center for Restorative Surgery at Maple Grove LLC, Center for Surgery of North Coast L.P., Central Indiana Care Organization LLC, Central Ohio Care Organization LLC, CentriHealth Corporation, CentrifyHealth LLC, Centro Medico Hospitalar Pitangueiras Ltda., Centro Odontologico Americano S.A.C., Centro de Entrenamiento Capacitacion en Reanimacion y Prevencion Limitada, Centro de Servicios Compartidos Banmedica SpA, Centromed Quilpue S.A., Centros Medicos y Dentales Multimed Ltda., Centura-SCA Holdings LLC, Centurion Casualty Company, Channel Islands Surgicenter L.P., Channel Islands Surgicenter Properties LLC, Charleston Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Charleston Surgery Properties LLC, Charlotte Surgery Center LLC, Charlotte Surgery Properties LTD., Charlotte-SC LLC, Chatham Orthopaedic ASC LLC, Childrens Surgery Center LLC, Citrus Regional Surgery Center L.P., Claims Management Systems Inc., Cleburne Surgical Center LLC, Clinical Partners of Colorado Springs LLC, Clinton Partners LLC, Clinica Alameda SpA, Clinica Bio Bio SpA, Clinica Ciudad del Mar S.A., Clinica Davila y Servicios Medicos S.p.A., Clinica Iquique S.A., Clinica Medico Cirurgica de Santa Tecla S.A., Clinica Portoazul S.A., Clinica San Felipe S.A., Clinica Santa Maria S.p.A., Clinica Sanchez Ferrer S.A., Clinica Vespucio S.A., Clinica del Country S.A.S., Coachella Valley Physicians of PrimeCare Inc., Coalition for Advanced Pharmacy Services Inc., Cobranzas Banmedica SpA, Cogent Healthcare IPA of New York Inc., Cogent Healthcare Inc., Cogent Healthcare Management of New York Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Arizona P.C., Cogent Healthcare of California Prof. Corp., Cogent Healthcare of Georgia P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Illinois LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Iowa P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Jackson MS LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Jacksonville LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Missouri Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Montana P.C., Cogent Healthcare of New Jersey P.C., Cogent Healthcare of North Carolina P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Oregon P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Pensacola L.L.C., Cogent Healthcare of Tennessee P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Washington P.C., Cogent Medical Care P.C., Cogent Patient Safety Organization Inc., Cogent/Endion Medical Care of New York P.C., Collaborative Care Holdings LLC, Collaborative Care Services Inc., Collaborative Realty LLC, Colmedica Medicina Prepagada S.A., Colonial Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Colorado Innovative Physician Solutions Inc., Colorado Springs Surgery Center Ltd., Comfort Care Transportation LLC, Comprehensive Hospital Physicians of Florida Inc., ConnectYourCare Inc., ConnectYourCare LLC, Connecticut Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Connecticut Surgery Properties LLC, Connecticut Surgical Center LLC, Consorcio Regenero S.A., Constructora Inmobiliaria Magapoq S.A., Consumer Wellness Solutions Inc., Continuum Physicians Group Inc., Continuum Physicians Group of Washington PLLC, Cornell Surgicenter LLC, Cornerstone Surgery Center LLC, Cornerstone Surgicare LLC, Corpus Christi Endoscopy Center L.L.P., Country Scan Ltda., Critical Care Physician of New York P.C., Critical Care Physicians of Illinois LLC, Critical Care Physicians of New Jersey PC, Critical Care Physicians of Pennsylvania P.C., Cross Timbers Surgery Center LLC, Cypress Care Inc., DBP Services of New York IPA Inc., DSP Flint Real Estate LLC, DSP-Building C LLC, DTC Surgery Center LLC, DWIC of Tampa Bay Inc., Dallas Inpatient Specialist PLLC, Danbury Surgical Center L.P., Day-Op Surgery Consulting Company LLC, Definity Health, Dental Benefit Providers Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of California Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of Illinois Inc., Denton Endoscopy Surgery Center LLC, Denton Surgery Center LLC, Derry Surgical Center LLC, Diagnostico Ecotomografico Centromed Ltda., Diasnostico por Imagenes Centromed Ltda., Digestive Disease Center L.P., Dilab Medicina Nuclear Ltda., Diplomat Blocker LLC, Diplomat Corporate Properties LLC, Diplomat Pharmacy, Diplomat Pharmacy Inc., Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy Great Lakes Distribution Center LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Chicago LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Los Angeles County LLC, Distance Learning Network Inc., Divisadero Holdings LLC, DocASAP Inc., DocASAP India Technologies Private Limited, DocASAP US LLC, Doctor + S.A.C., Dry Creek Surgery Center LLC, Dublin Surgery Center LLC, Duluth Surgical Suites LLC, Durable Medical Equipment Inc., E Street Endoscopy LLC, EM Orange Tree LLC, EP Campus I LLC, EPIC Health Plan, EPIC Management Services LLC, East Bay Endoscopy Center L.P., East Brunswick Surgery Center LLC, Echo Locum Tenens Inc., Electronic Network Systems Inc., Elual Participacoes S.A., Emerald Coast Surgery Center L.P., Emisar Pharma Services LLC, Emmaus Holdings LLC, Emmaus Surgical Center LLC, Empire Physician Management Company LLC, Empremedica S. A., Endion Hospitalist North P.C., Endion Hospitalist of Western New York P.C., Endion Medical Healthcare P.C., Endion Medical Services P.C., Endoscopy Center Affiliates Inc., Enterprise Life Insurance Company, Equian, Equian LLC, Equian Parent Corp., Esho  Empresa de Servicos Hospitalares S.A., Everett MSO Inc., Excelsior Insurance Brokerage Inc., Executive Health Resources Inc., Executive Surgery Center L.L.C., Eye Clinic Oftalmologia Clinico Cirurgica e Diagnostico Ltda., Eye Specialists Surgery Centers LLC, FMG Holdings LLC, Family Health Care Services, Family Home Hospice Inc., Ferrell Physician Services P.C., Fideicomiso Clinica Barranquilla Portoazul FA-517, First Coast Orthopedic Center LLC, First Family Insurance LLC, Florence Surgery Center L.P., For Health Inc., For Health of Arizona Inc., Fort Sutter Medical Building a California Limited Partnership, Fort Worth Endoscopy Centers LLC, Fortified Provider Network Inc., Foundation Surgery Affiliate General of Huntingdon Valley LLC, Foundation Surgery Affiliate of Huntingdon Valley L.P., Franklin Surgical Center LLC, Freedom Life Insurance Company of America, Freeway Surgicenter of Houston LLC, Frontier Medex Tanzania Limited, FrontierMEDEX Inc., FrontierMEDEX Kenya Limited, FrontierMEDEX US Inc., Fundacion Banmedica, GLBESC LLC, GRANTS PASS SURGERY CENTER LLC, Gadsden Surgery Center LLC, Gainesville Surgery Center L.P., Gainesville Surgery Properties LLC, Genoa, Genoa Healthcare Inc., Genoa QoL Wholesale LLC, Genoa Technology Canada Inc., Genoa Technology Inc., Genoa Telepsychiatry Inc., Genoa of Arkansas LLC, Gladiolus Surgery Center L.L.C., Glenwood Surgical Center L.P., Glenwood-SC Inc., Global One Ventures LLC, Golden Gate Endoscopy Center LLC, Golden Outlook Inc., Golden Rule Financial Corporation, Golden Rule Insurance Company, Golden Triangle Surgicenter L.P., Grandview Surgery Center LTD., Greater New Haven ASC LLC, Greensboro Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Greenville Surgery Center LLC, Greenway Surgical Suites LLC, Grossmont Surgery Center L.P., Grove Place Surgery Center L.L.C., H&W Indemnity SPC Ltd., H.I. Investments Holding Company LLC, HCP ACO California LLC, HCentive Technology India Private Limited, HFHS-SCA Holdings LLC, HMG Holding Corporation, HMG Holdings LLC, HMP of Baltimore  USH P.C., Harken Health Insurance Company, Harrison Endo Surgical Center LLC, Hawthorn Place Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Hays JV Partners LLC, Hays Surgery Center LLC, Health Care-ONE Insurance Agency Inc., Health Inventures Employment Solutions LLC, Health Inventures LLC, Health Plan of Nevada Inc., HealthCare Partners ASC-LB LLC, HealthCare Partners Affiliates Medical Group, HealthCare Partners Management Services California LLC, HealthCare Partners RE LLC, HealthEast Surgery Center-Maplewood LLC, HealthFirst IPA Inc., HealthMarkets Group Inc., HealthMarkets Inc., HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Inc., HealthMarkets LLC, HealthMarkets Services Inc., HealthSCOPE Holdings Inc., HealthScope Benefits Inc., Healthcare Solutions Inc., Healthplex America LLC, Healthplex Dental Services Inc., Healthplex I.P.A. Inc., Healthplex Inc., Healthplex Insurance Company, Healthplex of CT Inc., Healthplex of DC Inc., Healthplex of MD Inc., Healthplex of ME Inc., Healthplex of NC Inc., Healthplex of NJ Inc., Healthplex of TX Inc., Heartland Heart and Vascular LLC, Help Seguros de Vida S.A., Help Service S.A., Help SpA, Hemonefro  Hemodialise e Nefrologia Ltda, Highlands Ranch Healthcare LLC, Home Medical S.A., Honodav SpA, Hospice Inspiris Holdings Inc., Hospitais Associados de Pernambuco Ltda., Hospital Alvorada Taguatinga Ltda., Hospital Ana Costa S.A., Hospital Santa Helena S.A., Hospital de Clinicas de Jacarepagua Ltda., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of Broome County PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Binghamton P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Buffalo P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Newburgh P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Nyack P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Patchogue P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alabama  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alabama  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alaska  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alaska  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Goodyear Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Nogales Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Phoenix II Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Phoenix Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Sierra Vista Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Tucson II Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Tucson Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arkansas  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arkansas  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Buncombe County PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Apple Valley PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Bakersfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Camarillo PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Crescent City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Fairfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Fremont PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Grass Valley PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Jackson PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Oceanside PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Oxnard PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Salinas PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Bernardino II PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Bernardino PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Leandro PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Sonoma PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Stockton II PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Stockton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Thousand Oaks PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Vacaville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado - Brighton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado - Denver PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Manchester LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Rockville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Wallingford LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Delaware  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Delaware  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Jacksonville II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Jacksonville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Palm Coast LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Fredericksburg LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Atlanta PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - East Point PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Lavonia PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Savannah PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii - Kealakekua Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho - Nampa PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Downers Grove LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Elmhurst LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Rockford LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Winfield LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana - Clinton LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana - Mishawaka LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana - Terre Haute LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa - Cedar Rapids PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa - Mason City PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas - Topeka LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas - Wichita II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas - Wichita LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Alexandria Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Bossier City Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Lake Charles Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Shreveport Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine - Bangor PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine - Lewiston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Cheverly PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Cumberland PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Frederick PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Laurel PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Rockville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Brockton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Dorchester PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Framingham PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Holyoke PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Natick PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Norwood PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Springfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Stoughton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Taunton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Worcester PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Alpena PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Dowagiac PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Escanaba PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Grand Blanc PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Grayling PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Kalamazoo PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Plainwell PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Port Huron PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Saginaw PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Tawas City PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Minnesota  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Minnesota  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Mississippi LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Mississippi  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Mississippi  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri - Bridgeton Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri - Richmond Heights Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Billings PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Butte PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Miles City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Missoula PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Multiple Practice Sites LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nebraska  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nebraska  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Henderson Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Henderson II Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Las Vegas Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Las Vegas II Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada  TCG Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada  TCS Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Hampshire  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Hampshire  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey - Hackensack PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey - Paterson PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey - TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - Clovis LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - Rio Rancho LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New York PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Burlington PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Clyde PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Elizabeth City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Jacksonville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - New Bern PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Rocky Mount PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Dakota  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Dakota  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Akron Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Batavia Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Canton Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Cincinnati II Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Cincinnati III Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Cincinnati Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Circleville Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Columbus II Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Columbus Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Dover Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - East Liverpool Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Fairfield Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Martins Ferry Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Westerville Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Youngstown Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio  TCG Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio  TCS Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oklahoma  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oklahoma  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oregon - Portland PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oregon  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oregon  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Pennsylvania P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Pennsylvania  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Pennsylvania  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Rhode Island  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Rhode Island  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Richland County Ltd., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of San Luis Obispo County Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina - Aiken LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina - Rock Hill LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Dakota  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Dakota  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  Columbia PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  Franklin PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Amarillo PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Atlanta PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Austin II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Austin PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Bryan PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Burnet PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Corpus Christi II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Corpus Christi PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Cypress PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Dallas PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - El Paso II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - El Paso III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - El Paso PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Fort Worth II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Fort Worth PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Fredericksburg PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Houston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Humble PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Kerrville PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Kyle PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Livingston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Lubbock PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Lufkin PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Mount Pleasant PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Plainview PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Rockwall PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Round Rock PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio IV PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio V PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio VI PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio VII PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Marcos PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Texarkana PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Tyler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Utah  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Utah  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Vermont  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Vermont  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Alexandria LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Front Royal II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Front Royal LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Mechanicsville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Midlothian LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Richmond II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Richmond LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Winchester LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Arlington PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Auburn PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Bellingham PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Bremerton PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Burien PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Coupeville PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Enumclaw PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Federal Way PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Gig Harbor PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Lakewood PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Mount Vernon PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Puyallup PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Vancouver PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington County LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  Martinsburg PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  South Charleston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  Wheeling PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wisconsin Ltd., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming - Casper LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming  TCS LLC, Hospitalists Management Group LLC, Humedica, Humedica Inc., Hygeia Corporation, Hygeia Corporation Ontario, IEC Holdings LLC, IHD Holdings LLC, INOV8 Surgical at Memorial City LLC, INSPIRIS of Texas Physician Group, Illinois Independent Care Network LLC, Imagen Technologies Inc., Impel Consulting Experts L.L.C., Impel Management Services L.L.C., InTouch Pharmacy LLC, Indiana Care Organization LLC, Indiana Endoscopy Centers LLC, Inland Surgery Center L.P., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3001 S.A., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3600 Ltda., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo S.A., Inmobiliaria Clinica Santa Maria S.A., Inmobiliaria Vinamed Ltda., Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Alameda S.A., Inpatient Services P.C., Inpatient Specialists of California P.C., Inspiris, Inspiris Inc., Instituto Radium de Cammpinas Ltda, Inter-Hospital Physicians Association Inc., International Healthcare Services Inc., Inversiones Clinicas Santa Maria SpA, Ironman Holdco Inc., Ironman Intermediate Holdco LLC, Isapre Banmedica S.A., JPM Healthcare LLC, Johnston Surgicare L.P., Joliet Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Jordan Ridge Family Medicine LLC, Joyable Inc., Kansal Inc. A Professional Corporation, Knox Diagnostic Imaging Center LLC, Kokomo Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, LDI Holding Company LLC, LDI Management Services LLC, LGH-A/Golf ASTC L.L.C., LHC Group, La Esperanza del Peru S.A., Laboratorio ROE S.A., Laboratorios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., Landmark Group Holdings LLC, Landmark Health Holdings LLC, Landmark Health LLC, Landmark Health NY IPA LLC, Landmark Health NY PO LLC, Landmark Health Technologies Private Limited, Landmark Health of California LLC, Landmark Health of Massachusetts LLC, Landmark Health of North Carolina LLC, Landmark Health of Oregon LLC, Landmark Health of Pennsylvania LLC, Landmark Health of Washington LLC, Landmark India LLC, Landmark Intermediate Holdings LLC, Landmark MSO LLC, Landmark Medical of Idaho PC, Landmark Medical of Massachusetts PLLC, Landmark Medical of Tennessee PC, Landmark Primary Care LLC, Laser Acquisition Holdings III LLC, Leehar Distributors LLC, Lemhi Ventures Fund I LP, Lemhi Ventures Fund II LP, Level2 Medical Services P.C. Alaska, Lexington Surgery Center Ltd., Liberty Anesthesia Services LLC, LifePrint Health Inc., LifeWell. Ltd. Co., Lifeprint Accountable Care Organization LLC, Limestone Medical Center LLC, Litomedica S.A., Logan Surgical Suites LLC, Lotten-Eyes Oftalmologia Clinica e Cirurgica Ltda., Louisville S.C. Ltd., Louisville-SC Properties Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook L.P., Lusiadas - Parcerias Cascais S.A., Lusiadas A.C.E., Lusiadas Algarve S.A., Lusiadas S.A., Lusiadas SGPS S.A., Lutheran Campus ASC LLC, MAMSI Life and Health Insurance Company, MCNA Health Care Holdings LLC, MCNA Insurance Company, MCNA Systems Corp., MD Ops Inc., MD-Individual Practice Association Inc., ME AHS UC LLC, MGH/SCA LLC, MHC Real Estate Holdings LLC, MIAMI SURGERY CENTER LLC, MSLA Management LLC, Main Line Spine Surgery Center LLC, Managed Care of North America Inc., Managed Physical Network Inc., Mansfield Endoscopy Center LLC, March Holdings Inc., March Vision Care IPA Inc., March Vision Care Inc., March Vision Care of Texas Inc., Marin Health Ventures LLC, Marin Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Marin Surgery Holdings Inc., Marlin Holding Company LLC, Maryland Ambulatory Centers LLC, Maryland-SCA Centers LLC, Massachusetts Assurance Company Ltd. PIC, Massachusetts Avenue Surgery Center LLC, McKenzie Surgery Center L.P., MedExpress Primary Care West Virginia Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care Alabama LLC, MedExpress Urgent Care Inc. - Ohio, MedExpress Urgent Care Maine Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care New Hampshire Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care of Boynton Beach LLC, MedSynergies, MedSynergies LLC, Medical Clinic of North Texas PLLC, Medical Hilfe S.A., Medical Support Los Angeles Inc., Medical Surgical Centers of America Inc., Medical Transportation Services LLC, Melbourne Surgery Center LLC, Memorial City Holdings LLC, Memorial City Partners LLC, Memorial Houston Surgery Center LLC, MemorialCare Surgical Center at Orange Coast LLC, MemorialCare Surgical Center at Saddleback LLC, Mesquite Liberty LLC, Metro I Stone Management Ltd., Mid Atlantic Medical Services, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee, Midlands Orthopaedics Surgery Center LLC, Midwest Center for Day Surgery LLC, Mile High SurgiCenter LLC, Mississippi Medical Plaza L.C., Mobile Medical Services of New Jersey PC, Mobile-SC LTD., Modality Accountable Care Organisation Limited, Moen M.D. P.C., Mohawk Surgery Center LLC, Monarch Management Services Inc., Montgomery Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Monument Health LLC, Moore Orthopaedic Clinic Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Morris County Surgical Center LLC, Mt. Pleasant Surgery Center L.P., Multiangio Ltda., Murrells Inlet ASC LLC, Muskogee Surgical Investors LLC, Mustang Razorback Holdings Inc., My Wellness Solutions LLC, NAMM Holdings Inc., NPN IPA Washington PLLC, NSC Channel Islands LLC, NSC Greensboro LLC, NSC Greensboro West LLC, NSC Lancaster LLC, NSC Seattle Inc., NSC Upland LLC, Naperville Surgical Centre LLC, National Foundation Life Insurance Company, National Pacific Dental Inc., National Surgery Centers LLC, Navigator Health Inc., Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC, Neighborhood Health Partnership Inc., Netwerkes LLC, Nevada Pacific Dental, New Orleans Regional Physician Hospital Organization L.L.C., New West Physicians Inc., New York Proton Management LLC, Newton Holdings LLC, Niagara Hospitalist P.C., Nomad Buyer Inc., North American Medical Management California Inc., North Coast Surgery Center Ltd. a California Limited Partnership, North Dallas Surgical Center LLC, North Kitsap Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, North Puget Sound Oncology Equipment Leasing Company LLC, Northern Nevada Health Network Inc., Northern Rockies Surgery Center L.P., Northern Rockies Surgicenter Inc., Northern Utah Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Hills JV Partners LLC, Northwest Medical Group Alliance LLC, Northwest Spine and Laser Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Surgicare LLC, Northwest Surgicare Ltd. an Illinois Limited Partnership, OC Cardiology Practice Partners LLC, OCC MSO LLC, OSB  Tecnologia e Servicos de Suporte Lda., Omesa SpA, OmniClaim LLC, Oncocare S.A.C., One World Surgery, Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Dallas LLC, Optimum Choice Inc., Optum Bank Inc., Optum Biometrics Inc., Optum Care Inc., Optum Care Networks Inc., Optum Care Services Company, Optum Care of New York Management Inc., Optum Clinics Holdings Inc., Optum Clinics Intermediate Holdings Inc., Optum Compounding Services LLC, Optum Digital Health Holdings LLC, Optum Direct To Consumer Inc., Optum Financial Inc., Optum Frontier Therapies Holdings LLC, Optum Frontier Therapies II LLC, Optum Frontier Therapies LLC, Optum Genomics Inc., Optum Global Solutions Colombia S.A.S., Optum Global Solutions India Private Limited, Optum Global Solutions International B.V., Optum Global Solutions Philippines Inc., Optum Government Solutions Inc., Optum Growth Partners Holdings Inc., Optum Growth Partners LLC, Optum Health & Technology Holdings US Inc., Optum Health & Technology Hong Kong Limited, Optum Health & Technology India Private Limited, Optum Health & Technology Servicos do Brasil Ltda., Optum Health & Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd., Optum Health & Technology US LLC, Optum Health Plan of California, Optum Health Services Canada Ltd., Optum Health Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Optum Health Solutions UK Limited, Optum Health and Technology FZ-LLC, Optum Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services LLC, Optum Inc., Optum Infusion Services 100 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 101 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 103 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 200 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 201 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 202 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 203 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 204 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 205 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 206 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 207 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 208 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 209 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 301 LP, Optum Infusion Services 302 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 305 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 308 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 401 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 402 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 403 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 404 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 500 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 501 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 550 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 551 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 553 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 554 Inc., Optum Insurance of Ohio Inc., Optum Labs Inc., Optum Labs LLC, Optum Life Sciences Canada Inc., Optum Management Consulting Shanghai Co. Ltd., Optum Networks of New Jersey Inc., Optum Operations Ireland Unlimited Company, Optum Oregon MSO LLC, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Pennsylvania Inc., Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Texas Inc., Optum Perks LLC, Optum Pharma Services Holdings Inc., Optum Pharmacy 601 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 700 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 701 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 702 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 704 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 705 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 706 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 707 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 800 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 803 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 805 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 806 Inc., Optum Public Sector Solutions Inc., Optum Rocket LLC, Optum SCA CS JV Holdings LLC, Optum Senior Services LLC, Optum Services Inc., Optum Services Ireland Limited, Optum Services Puerto Rico LLC, Optum Solutions UK Holdings Limited, Optum Technology LLC, Optum UK Solutions Group Limited, Optum Venture Global Partners II LP, Optum Venture Global Partners LP, Optum Venture Partners II LP, Optum Venture Partners III LP, Optum Venture Partners LP, Optum Washington Network LLC, Optum Women's and Children's Health LLC, Optum of New York Inc., Optum360 LLC, Optum360 Services Inc., Optum360 Solutions LLC, OptumCare ACO New Mexico LLC, OptumCare ACO West LLC, OptumCare Clinical Trials LLC, OptumCare Colorado ASC LLC, OptumCare Colorado LLC, OptumCare Colorado Springs LLC, OptumCare Endoscopy Center New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Florida CI LLC, OptumCare Florida LLC, OptumCare Holdings Colorado LLC, OptumCare Holdings LLC, OptumCare Management LLC, OptumCare New Mexico LLC, OptumCare New York IPA Inc., OptumCare Portland LLC, OptumCare South Florida LLC, OptumCare Specialty Practices LLC, OptumHealth Care Solutions LLC, OptumHealth Holdings LLC, OptumHealth International B.V., OptumInsight Holdings LLC, OptumInsight Inc., OptumInsight India Private Limited, OptumInsight Life Sciences Inc., OptumRx Administrative Services LLC, OptumRx Discount Card Services LLC, OptumRx Group Holdings Inc., OptumRx Health Solutions LLC, OptumRx Holdings I LLC, OptumRx Holdings LLC, OptumRx Home Delivery of Ohio LLC, OptumRx IPA III Inc., OptumRx Inc., OptumRx NY IPA Inc., OptumRx PBM of Illinois Inc., OptumRx PBM of Maryland LLC, OptumRx PBM of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx PBM of Wisconsin LLC, OptumRx PD of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx Pharmacy Inc., OptumRx Pharmacy of Nevada Inc., OptumRx of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumServe Technology Services Inc., Oregon Healthcare Resources LLC, Oregon Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Orlando Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., OrthoNet Holdings Inc., OrthoNet LLC, OrthoNet New York IPA Inc., OrthoNet West Inc., OrthoNet of the South Inc., OrthoWest MSO LLC, Orthology Inc., Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County LLC, Orthopedic Surgery Center of Palm Beach County LLC, Orthopro Management LLC, Ovations Inc., Owensboro Ambulatory Surgical Facility Ltd., Oxford Benefit Management Inc., Oxford Health Insurance Inc., Oxford Health Plans CT Inc., Oxford Health Plans LLC, Oxford Health Plans NJ Inc., Oxford Health Plans NY Inc., P2P Link LLC, PCCCV Inc., PHC Subsidiary Holdings LLC, PHYSICIANS DAY SURGERY CENTER LLC, PMI Acquisition LLC, PMSI Holdings LLC, PMSI Settlement Solutions LLC, POMCO Inc., POMCO Network Inc., PPH Holdings LLC, PPH Management Company L.L.C., PPH-Columbia Inc., PPH-Gardendale Inc., PS Center LLC, PacifiCare Health Systems, PacifiCare Life Assurance Company, PacifiCare Life and Health Insurance Company, PacifiCare of Arizona Inc., PacifiCare of Colorado Inc., Pacific Cardiovascular Associates Medical Group Inc., Pacific Casualty Company Inc., Pacifico S.A. Entidad Prestadora de Salud, Panama City Surgery Center LLC, Park Hill Surgery Center LLC, Parkway Surgery Center LLC, Patient Care Associates L.L.C., PatientsLikeMe, Patrimonio Autonomo Nueva Clinica, Payment Resolution Services LLC, Peninsula Eye Surgery Center LLC, Penzo Enterprises LLC, Peoples Health, Peoples Health Inc., Perham Physical Therapy LTD, Perimeter Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Pharmaceutical Technologies LLC, Physician Alliance of the Rockies LLC, Physicians Health Choice of Texas LLC, Physicians Health Plan of Maryland Inc., Physicians' Surgery Center of Downey LLC, Pinnacle III LLC, Plano de Saude Ana Costa Ltda., Plus One Health Management Puerto Rico Inc., Plus One Holdings Inc., Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center Limited, Polar II Fundo de Investimento em Participacoes Multiestrategia, Polo Holdco LLC, Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center Inc., Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center L.P., Post-Acute Care Center for Research LLC, Practice Partners in Healthcare LLC, Preferred Care Network Inc., Preferred Care Network of Florida Inc., Preferred Care Partners Holding Corp., Preferred Care Partners Inc., Preferred Care Partners Medical Group Inc., PreferredOne, PreferredOne Administrative Services Inc., PreferredOne Insurance Company, Premier Choice ACO Inc., Premier Surgery Center of Louisville L.P., Premiere Medical Resources LLC, Presidio Surgery Center LLC, Prime Health Inc., PrimeCare Medical Network Inc., PrimeCare of Citrus Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Corona Inc., PrimeCare of Hemet Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Inland Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Moreno Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Redlands Inc., PrimeCare of Riverside Inc., PrimeCare of San Bernardino Inc., PrimeCare of Sun City Inc., PrimeCare of Temecula Inc., PrimeDoc St. Francis P.C., PrimeDoc of Richmond P.C., ProHEALTH Care Associates L.L.P., ProHEALTH Care Associates of New Jersey LLP, ProHEALTH Medical Management LLC, ProHealth Physicians ACO LLC, ProHealth Physicians Inc., ProHealth Proton Center Management LLC, ProHealth/CareMount Dental Management LLC, Procura Management Inc., Professional Coverage Services PLLC, Progressive Enterprises Holdings Inc., Progressive Medical LLC, Promotora Country S.A., Pronounced Health Solutions Inc., Prosemedic S.A.C., Prospero Benefits Management LLC, Prospero Care Management LLC, Prospero Management Services LLC, Providence & SCA Development LLC, Providence & SCA Off-Campus Holdings LLC, Providence & SCA On-Campus Holdings LLC, Providence & SCA Outreach Markets Holdings LLC, Pulse Platform LLC, QoL Acquisition Holdings Corp., R Cubed Inc., RABessler M.D. P.C., ROC Surgery LLC, ROCS Holdings LLC, RX Ricardo Campos Ltda., Rally Health Inc., ReMedics LLC, Real Appeal Inc., Redding Surgery Center LLC, Redlands Ambulatory Surgery Center, Redlands-SCA Surgery Centers Inc., Reliant MSO LLC, Reliant Medical Group Inc., Reliant Medical Group The Endoscopy Center LLC, Research Surgical Center LLC, Resonancia Magnetica de Colombia Ltda., Resonancia Magnetica del Country S.A., RightCare Solutions Inc., River Valley ASC LLC, Riverside Corporate Wellness LLC, Riverside Electronic Healthcare Resources Inc., Riverside Medical Management LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Meadowlands LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Newark LLC, Robert A. Bessler MD PLLC, Rockville Eye Surgery Center LLC, Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization Incorporated, Rush Oak Brook Surgery Center LLC, SC Affiliates LLC, SCA AHN JV Holdings LLC, SCA Alaska Surgery Center inc., SCA Athens LLC, SCA Austin Holdings LLC, SCA Austin Medical Center Holdings LLC, SCA Aventura Holdings LLC, SCA BOSC Holdings LLC, SCA Bloomfield Holdings LLC, SCA Cedar Park Holdings LLC, SCA Clifton LLC, SCA Colorado Springs Holdings LLC, SCA Community Service Foundation, SCA Cottonwood Holdings LLC, SCA Danbury Surgical Center LLC, SCA Denver Holdings LLC, SCA Development LLC, SCA Duluth Holdings LLC, SCA Duncanville Holdings LLC, SCA Duncanville MSO LLC, SCA ESSC Holdings LLC, SCA Englewood Holdings LLC, SCA Global One Holdings LLC, SCA Greenway Holdings LLC, SCA Grove Creek Holdings LLC, SCA Guilford Holdings LLC, SCA Hays Holdings LLC, SCA Health Value Enterprise LLC, SCA Heartland Holdings LLC, SCA High Point Holdings LLC, SCA HoldCo Inc., SCA Holding Company Inc., SCA Holdings Inc., SCA IEC Holdings LLC, SCA Indiana Holdings LLC, SCA Lutheran Holdings LLC, SCA Maple Grove Holdings LLC, SCA Mohawk Holdings LLC, SCA Murrells Inlet LLC, SCA Northern Utah Holdings LLC, SCA Northwest Holdings LLC, SCA Outside New Jersey LLC, SCA Pacific Holdings Inc., SCA Pacific Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Palisades Holdings LLC, SCA Pennsylvania Holdings LLC, SCA Pinnacle Holdings LLC, SCA Premier Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, SCA Providence Holdings LLC, SCA ROCS Holdings LLC, SCA Rockledge JV LLC, SCA Rush Oak Brook Holdings LLC, SCA SSSC Holdings LLC, SCA Sage Medical LLC, SCA Sage Medical MSO LLC, SCA San Diego Holdings LLC, SCA Skyway Holdings LLC, SCA South Ogden Holdings LLC, SCA Southwestern PA LLC, SCA Specialists of Florida LLC, SCA Specialty Holdings of Connecticut LLC, SCA Stonegate Holdings LLC, SCA Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Surgicare of Laguna Hills LLC, SCA Teammate Support Network, SCA West Health Holdings LLC, SCA Westgreen Holdings LLC, SCA Woodbury Holdings LLC, SCA eCode Solutions Private Limited, SCA of Clarksville Inc., SCA-Albuquerque Surgery Properties Inc., SCA-Alliance LLC, SCA-Anne Arundel LLC, SCA-Applecare Partners LLC, SCA-Bethesda LLC, SCA-Blue Ridge LLC, SCA-Bonita Springs LLC, SCA-Brandon LLC, SCA-Castle Rock LLC, SCA-Central Florida LLC, SCA-Charleston LLC, SCA-Chatham LLC, SCA-Chevy Chase LLC, SCA-Citrus Inc., SCA-Colonial Partners LLC, SCA-Colorado Springs LLC, SCA-Connecticut Partners LLC, SCA-DRY CREEK LLC, SCA-Davenport LLC, SCA-Denver LLC, SCA-Denver Physicians Holdings LLC, SCA-Derry LLC, SCA-Doral LLC, SCA-Downey LLC, SCA-Dublin LLC, SCA-Encinitas Inc., SCA-Eugene Inc., SCA-First Coast LLC, SCA-Florence LLC, SCA-Fort Collins Inc., SCA-Fort Walton Inc., SCA-Franklin LLC, SCA-Frederick LLC, SCA-Freeway Holdings LLC, SCA-Ft. Myers LLC, SCA-GRANTS PASS LLC, SCA-Gainesville LLC, SCA-Gladiolus LLC, SCA-Glenwood Holdings LLC, SCA-Grove Place LLC, SCA-Hagerstown LLC, SCA-Hamden LLC, SCA-Hilton Head LLC, SCA-Honolulu LLC, SCA-Houston Executive LLC, SCA-IT Holdings LLC, SCA-Illinois LLC, SCA-JPM Holdings LLC, SCA-Kissing Camels Holdings LLC, SCA-MC VBP Inc., SCA-Main Street LLC, SCA-Marina del Rey LLC, SCA-Mecklenburg Development Corp., SCA-Memorial City LLC, SCA-Memorial LLC, SCA-Merritt LLC, SCA-Midlands LLC, SCA-Midway Management LLC, SCA-Mobile LLC, SCA-Mokena LLC, SCA-Morris Avenue LLC, SCA-Morris County LLC, SCA-Mt. Pleasant LLC, SCA-Naperville LLC, SCA-Naples LLC, SCA-New Jersey LLC, SCA-Newport Beach LLC, SCA-Northeast Georgia Health LLC, SCA-PORTLAND LLC, SCA-Palm Beach LLC, SCA-Palm Beach MSO Holdings LLC, SCA-Panama City Holdings LLC, SCA-Paoli LLC, SCA-Phoenix LLC, SCA-Pocono LLC, SCA-Practice Partners Holdings LLC, SCA-River Valley LLC, SCA-Riverside LLC, SCA-Riverside Partners LLC, SCA-Rockville LLC, SCA-Sacred Heart Holdings LLC, SCA-San Diego Inc., SCA-San Luis Obispo LLC, SCA-Sand Lake LLC, SCA-Santa Rosa Inc., SCA-Somerset LLC, SCA-South Jersey LLC, SCA-Sparta LLC, SCA-Spartanburg Holdings LLC, SCA-St. Louis Holdings LLC, SCA-St. Louis LLC, SCA-St. Lucie LLC, SCA-SurgiCare LLC, SCA-Swiftpath LLC, SCA-VERTA LLC, SCA-VLR Holdings Company LLC, SCA-Wake Forest LLC, SCA-Western Connecticut LLC, SCA-Westover Hills LLC, SCA-Winchester LLC, SCA-Winter Park Inc., SCA-Woodlands Holdings LLC, SCAI Holdings LLC, SCLHS-SCA Holdings LLC, SCP Specialty Infusion LLC, SHC Atlanta LLC, SHC Austin Inc., SHC Hawthorn Inc., SHC Melbourne Inc., SJ East Campus ASC LLC, SRPS LLC, SSSC Holdings LLC, SVHS-SCA Florida JV LLC, Sacred Heart ASC LLC, Saden S.A., Sage Medical Prof. LLC, Salem JV Holdings LLC, Salem Surgery Center LLC, Salveo Specialty Pharmacy Inc., San Diego Endoscopy Center, San Diego Sports and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center LLC, San Francisco Endoscopy Center LLC, San Luis Obispo Surgery Center a California Limited Partnership, Sand Lake SurgiCenter LLC, Santa Barbara Endoscopy Center LLC, Santa Cruz Endoscopy Center LLC, Santa Helena Assistencia Medica S.A., Santa Rosa Surgery Center L.P., Santos Administracao e Participacoes S.A., Sanvello Health Holdings LLC, Sanvello Health Inc., Sanvello Health Limited, Scanner Centromed S.A., Seashore Surgical Institute L.L.C., Seisa Servicos Integrados de Saude Ltda., Senate Street Surgery Center LLC, Senior Benefits L.L.C., Serquinox Holdings LLC, Servicios Integrados de Salud Ltda., Servicios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., Servicios Medicos Bio Bio Ltda., Servicios Medicos Ciudad del Mar Ltda., Servicios Medicos Santa Maria Ltda., Servicios Medicos Vespucio Ltda., Servicios de Entrenamiento en Competencias Clinicas Ltda., Serviclinica Inmobiliaria S.A., Serviclinica S.A. Ex Los Leones La Calera, Servisalud Inmobiliaria S.A., Servisalud S.A. Ex Los Carrera Quilpue, Shark Holdings P.C., Sierra Dental Plan Inc., Sierra Health Services Inc, Sierra Health Services Inc., Sierra Health and Life Insurance Company Inc., Sierra Health-Care Options Inc., Sierra Home Medical Products Inc., Sierra Nevada Administrators Inc., Sistema de Administracion Hospitalaria S.A.C., Small Business Insurance Advisors Inc., Sobam  Centro Medico Hospitalar S.A., Sociedad de Inversiones Santa Maria SpA, Solstice Administration Services Inc., Solstice Administrators Inc., Solstice Administrators of Alabama Inc., Solstice Administrators of Arizona Inc., Solstice Administrators of Missouri Inc., Solstice Administrators of North Carolina Inc., Solstice Administrators of Texas Inc., Solstice Benefit Services Inc., Solstice Benefits Inc., Solstice Health Insurance Company, Solstice Healthplans Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Arizona Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Colorado Inc., Solstice Healthplans of New Jersey Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Ohio Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Tennessee Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Texas Inc., Solstice of Illinois Inc., Solstice of Minnesota Inc., Solstice of New York Inc., Solutran LLC, Somerset Outpatient Surgery L.L.C., Sound Inpatient Physicians Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians Medical Group Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians of Ohio LLC, Sound Inpatient Physicians of Texas I Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians  Michigan PLLC, Sound Intensivists of Nevada RBessler M.D. PLLC, Sound Kenwood Hospitalists of Cincinnati Inc., Sound Kenwood Hospitalists of Cincinnati LLC, Sound Physicians Advisory Services Inc., Sound Physicians Alaska Hospitalist Group LLC, Sound Physicians Anesthesiology of Texas PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Arizona Inc., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Georgia P.C., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Kansas LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Kentucky PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Louisiana Inc., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Michigan PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Nevada Bessler PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Southern California P.C., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Texas PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Washington PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of West Virginia PLLC, Sound Physicians Holdings LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Arizona Inc., Sound Physicians Intensivists of Georgia PC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Virginia LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Washington PLLC, Sound Physicians Palliative Care of Maryland P.C., Sound Physicians Telemedicine Inc., Sound Physicians of Florida IV LLC, Sound Physicians of Georgia III P.C., Sound Physicians of Hawaii Inc., Sound Physicians of Idaho PLLC, Sound Physicians of Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians of Indiana LLC, Sound Physicians of Iowa PLLC, Sound Physicians of Kankakee Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians of Massachusetts II P.C., Sound Physicians of Massachusetts Inc., Sound Physicians of New Jersey LLC, Sound Physicians of New York PLLC, Sound Physicians of North Carolina PLLC, Sound Physicians of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians of Wyoming LLC, South Arlington Surgical Providers LLC, South County Surgical Center LLC, South Sound Inpatient Physicians PLLC, Southern California Medical Practice Concepts LLC, Southland Hospitalists P.C., Southwest Medical Associates Inc., Southwest Michigan Health Network Inc., Southwest Surgery Center LLC, Southwest Surgical Center LLC, Space Coast Surgical Center Ltd., Spartanburg Surgery Center LLC, Specialists in Urology Surgery Center LLC, Specialized Pharmaceuticals Inc., Specialty Benefits LLC, Specialty Billing Solutions LLC, Specialty Surgical Center LLC, Spectera Inc., Spectera of New York IPA Inc., Sports and Spinal Physical Therapy Inc., St. Cloud Outpatient Surgery Ltd. a Minnesota Limited Partnership, St. Cloud Surgical Center LLC, St. Louis Cardiovascular Institute LLC, St. Louis Specialty Surgical Center LLC, Stonegate JV Partners LLC, Stonegate Surgery Center L.P., Summer Street ASC LLC, SunSurgery LLC, Surgery Center Holding LLC, Surgery Center at Cherry Creek LLC, Surgery Center at Cottonwood LLC, Surgery Center at Grove Creek LLC, Surgery Center at Kissing Camels LLC, Surgery Center at South Ogden LLC, Surgery Center at St. Vincent LLC, Surgery Center of Boca Raton Inc., Surgery Center of Colorado Springs LLC, Surgery Center of Des Moines LLC, Surgery Center of Easton LLC, Surgery Center of Ellicott City Inc., Surgery Center of Fairfield County LLC, Surgery Center of Fort Collins LLC, Surgery Center of Lexington LLC, Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, Surgery Center of Maui LLC, Surgery Center of Mt. Scott LLC, Surgery Center of Muskogee LLC, Surgery Center of Rockville L.L.C., Surgery Center of Southern Pines LLC, Surgery Center of The Woodlands LLC, Surgery Centers of Des Moines Ltd. an Iowa Limited Partnership, Surgery Centers-West Holdings LLC, Surgical Care Affiliates, Surgical Care Affiliates LLC, Surgical Care Affiliates Political Action Committee, Surgical Care Partners of Melbourne LLC, Surgical Caregivers of Fort Worth LLC, Surgical Center of Greensboro LLC, Surgical Center of San Diego LLC, Surgical Center of South Jersey Limited Partnership, Surgical Center of Tuscaloosa Holdings LLC, Surgical Eye Experts LLC, Surgical Health LLC, Surgical Health of Orlando LLC, Surgical Hospital Holdings of Oklahoma LLC, Surgical Management Solutions LLC, Surgicare LLC, Surgicare of Central Jersey LLC, Surgicare of Jackson LLC, Surgicare of Jackson Ltd. a Mississippi Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Joliet Inc., Surgicare of La Veta Inc., Surgicare of La Veta Ltd. a California Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Minneapolis LLC, Surgicare of Minneapolis Ltd. a Minnesota Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Mobile LLC, Surgicare of Mobile Ltd., Surgicare of Oceanside Inc., Surgicare of Owensboro LLC, Surgicare of Salem LLC, Surgicenters of Southern California Inc., Symphonix Health Holdings LLC, T.M. Carr M.D. P.C., THE SURGICAL CENTER OF THE TREASURE COAST L.L.C., THR-SCA Holdings LLC, TeamMD Holdings Inc., TeamMD Iowa Inc., TeamMD Physicians of Texas Inc., TeamUP Insurance Services Inc., Tecnologia de Informacion en Salud S.A., Texas Health Craig Ranch Surgery Center LLC, Texas Health Flower Mound Orthopedic Surgery Center LLC, Texas Health Orthopedic Surgery Center Alliance LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Alliance LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Bedford LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Chisholm Trail LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Irving LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Las Colinas LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Preston Plaza LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Rockwall LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Southwest Fort Worth LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Waxahachie LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Willow Park LLC, The Advisory Board Company, The Alaska Hospitalist Group LLC, The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company, The Eye Surgery Center of the Carolinas L.P., The Intensivist Group of Langhorne LLC, The Lewin Group Inc., The Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head LLC, The Polyclinic MSO LLC, The Surgery Center of Easton L.P., The Surgical Center of Connecticut LLC, Thomas Johnson Surgery Center LLC, Three Rivers Holdings Inc., Three Rivers Surgical Care L.P., Tmesys LLC, Topimagem Diagnostico por Imagem Ltda., Touchpoint Health Plan, Trails Edge Surgery Center LLC, Trauma Surgery Affiliates LLC, Travel Express Incorporated, Treasure Valley Emerald Properties LLC, Treasure Valley Hospital Limited Partnership, Tri-City Medical Center ASC Operators LLC, Tri-County Surgery Center LLC, Trinity Cardiovascular Care PLLC, Tufts Health Freedom Insurance Company, Tufts Health Freedom Plans Inc., Tuscaloosa Surgical Center L.P., U.S. Behavioral Health Plan California, UCSD Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, UCSD Center for Surgery of Encinitas L.P., UCSD Surgical Center of San Diego LLC, UCSD-SCA Holdings I LLC, UCSD-SCA Holdings II LLC, UHC Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, UHC International Services Inc., UHC of California, UHCG Holdings Ireland Limited, UHCG Services Ireland Limited, UHCG  FZE, UHG Brasil Participacoes S.A., UHG Holdings UK IV Limited, UHG Holdings UK V Limited, UHG Holdings UK VI Limited, UHIC Holdings Inc., UMR Inc., UPHT-SCA Holdings LLC, USHEALTH Academy Inc., USHEALTH Administrators LLC, USHEALTH Advisors LLC, USHEALTH Career Agency Inc., USHEALTH Funding Inc., USHEALTH Group Inc., USMD ASC IV1 LLC, USMD ASC IV2 LLC, USMD Administrative Services L.L.C., USMD Affiliated Services, USMD Holdings Inc., USMD Hospital at Arlington L.P., USMD Hospital at Fort Worth L.P., USMD Inc., USMD PPM LLC, Unidad Medica Diagnostico S.A., Unimerica Insurance Company, Unimerica Life Insurance Company of New York, Unison Health Plan of Delaware Inc., United Behavioral Health, United Behavioral Health of New York I.P.A. Inc., United Group Reinsurance Inc., United Health Foundation, United HealthCare Services Inc., United Medical Park ASC LLC, United Resource Networks IPA of New York Inc., United in Advancing Health Equity Foundation, UnitedHealth Advisors LLC, UnitedHealth Group Employee Assistance Fund, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, UnitedHealth Group International Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, UnitedHealth International Inc., UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services LLC, UnitedHealthcare Benefits Plan of California, UnitedHealthcare Benefits of Texas Inc., UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Georgia Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas L.L.C., UnitedHealthcare Consulting & Assistance Service Beijing Co. Ltd., UnitedHealthcare Europe S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare Global Medical UK Limited, UnitedHealthcare Inc., UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of the River Valley, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Designated Activity Company, UnitedHealthcare Integrated Services Inc., UnitedHealthcare International Asia LLC, UnitedHealthcare International I B.V., UnitedHealthcare International II S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International III B.V., UnitedHealthcare International III S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International IV S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International VII S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International VIII S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International X S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare Parekh Insurance TPA Private Limited, UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley Inc., UnitedHealthcare Service LLC, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits LLC, UnitedHealthcare of Alabama Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Arizona Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Arkansas Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Colorado Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Florida Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Georgia Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Illinois Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Kentucky Ltd., UnitedHealthcare of Louisiana Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Mississippi Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New England Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New York Inc., UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Ohio Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Oklahoma Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Oregon Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., UnitedHealthcare of South Carolina Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Texas Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Utah Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Washington Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Midlands Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Midwest Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Rockies Inc., Unity Health Network LLC, Upland Holdings LLC, Upland Outpatient Surgical Center L.P., Urgent Care Holdings Inc., Urgent Care MSO LLC, Urology Associates of North Texas P.L.L.C., VERTA MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC, VPay Benefits Corporation, VPay Inc., VPay Intermediate Holdings LLC, Valley Hospital L.L.C., Valley Physicians Network Inc., Vascular Labs of the Rockies ASC LLC, Vascular Labs of the Rockies PLLC, Via Vitae MSO LLC, Vida Integra S.p.A., Vida Tres S.A., Virtua-SCA Holdings II LLC, Virtua-SCA Holdings LLC, Vivify Health Canada Inc., Vivify Health Inc., WESTMED Practice Partners LLC, Wake Forest Ambulatory Ventures LLC, Walnut Creek Endoscopy Center LLC, Walnut Hill Surgery Center LLC, Wauwatosa Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Wauwatosa Surgery Center LLC, Wayland Square Surgicare Acquisition L.P., Wayland Square Surgicare GP Inc., Waypoint Minnesota PC, WellMed Medical Management Inc., WellMed Medical Management of Florida Inc., West Coast Endoscopy Holdings LLC, WestHealth JV Holdings LLC, WestHealth Surgery Center LLC, Western Connecticut Orthopedic Surgical Center LLC, Westgreen Surgical Center LLC, Wilson Creek Surgical Center LLC, Winchester Endoscopy LLC, Winter Park LLC, Winter Park Surgery Center L.P., Woodbury Surgery Center LLC, XAS Infusion Suites Inc., XLHealth Corporation, XLHealth Corporation India Private Limited, divvyDOSE, divvyMED LLC, eCode Solutions LLC, gethealthinsurance.com Agency Inc., hCentive Inc., inPharmative Inc., naviHealth Care at Home LLC, naviHealth Coordinated Care LLC, naviHealth Coordinated Care SC P.C., naviHealth Holdings LLC, naviHealth Inc., naviHealth Michigan HBPC P.C., and naviHealth SM Holdings Inc..

Read More
S&P 500 4,166.82 DOW 32,928.96 QQQ 349.20 Amazon just gave us 3 reasons to expect fresh highs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Still thinking about buying 3M for its dividend? Consider this Is Apple a buy ahead of earnings? Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Western Digital, Lumentum rise; ON Semiconductor, Revvity fall, Monday, 10/30/2023 McDonalds bottoms, plus more good news for fast food stocks Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Exxon Mobil or Chevron? Which is the better buy? Enterprise CEO says rental car prices have moderated as supplies have improved but remain high

S&P 500 4,166.82 DOW 32,928.96 QQQ 349.20 Amazon just gave us 3 reasons to expect fresh highs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Still thinking about buying 3M for its dividend? Consider this Is Apple a buy ahead of earnings? Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Western Digital, Lumentum rise; ON Semiconductor, Revvity fall, Monday, 10/30/2023 McDonalds bottoms, plus more good news for fast food stocks Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Exxon Mobil or Chevron? Which is the better buy? Enterprise CEO says rental car prices have moderated as supplies have improved but remain high

S&P 500 4,166.82 DOW 32,928.96 QQQ 349.20 Amazon just gave us 3 reasons to expect fresh highs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Still thinking about buying 3M for its dividend? Consider this Is Apple a buy ahead of earnings? Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Western Digital, Lumentum rise; ON Semiconductor, Revvity fall, Monday, 10/30/2023 McDonalds bottoms, plus more good news for fast food stocks Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Exxon Mobil or Chevron? Which is the better buy? Enterprise CEO says rental car prices have moderated as supplies have improved but remain high
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Minister of State for European Affairs Peter Burke TD is encouraging primary school students in Louth to take part in the Blue Star programme and get creative about how they learn and think about Europe.

The Blue Star Programme, coordinated by European Movement Ireland, teaches primary school children about Europe through creative activities and projects that complement the national primary curriculum.

Each participating class carries out projects on history, geography, the institutions of the EU, culture and creativity with a European twist. Teachers and their classes can be creative and tailor their projects to their own individual needs and interests.

Speaking about the opening of registration for the Blue Star Programme as he visited Saint Thomas' National School in Rathowen, Co Westmeath Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke TD said:

Im delighted to be here in Saint Thomas' National School to officially kick off the thirteenth year of the Blue Star Programme, which helps primary school children learn about the European Union.

"What makes me being here even more special is that the wonderful students at Saint Thomas' have taken part in the Blue Star programme every year since it was launched  which is a fantastic achievement!

"As Ireland celebrates 50 years of membership in the EU, the Blue Star Programme takes on even greater importance, fostering a deeper understanding of our European identity and Irelands place in it. The young people taking part in the programme today will be the leaders of tomorrow who will get to shape the future of Europe.

As Minister for European Affairs, I am honoured to support the Blue Star Programme as I have seen first-hand the incredible passion and zeal young people show when taking part. I encourage all primary schools to sign up to this valuable experience this year.

Noelle O Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland, also commented: Taking part in the Blue Star Programme allows young people to develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of Europe's cultural heritage and Ireland's place within it, which in turn promotes tolerance, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging to a broader European community.

Equally, understanding the European Union is crucial in today's interconnected world. Young people gain insight into how the EU functions, its history, and its role in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation among European nations, which is of vital importance in todays world.

As Ireland celebrates 50 years of membership in the EU this year, we encourage every primary school around the country to take part and mark this important milestone.

Each year, we are consistently awed by the creativity and originality of the participating teachers and their students who take part in the programme. 1,200 schools have registered for the programme since 2011, and we would love to see these fantastic levels of engagement continue in 2023 and 2024.

Killian Hales, Principal of Saint Thomas National School, said: "Since its inception in 2011, the school has wholeheartedly embraced the Blue Star Programme, bringing the EU closer to our students in a way that traditional textbooks can't. It's hands-on, interactive, and allows children to connect with Europe in meaningful ways.

Over the years, the school's participation has grown from strength to strength, leaving an indelible mark on the school's curriculum.

In the past, students have held mock elections, where students simulate the process of European Parliament elections. This hands-on experience not only helps children understand the democratic process but also encourages critical thinking and active participation.

But it doesn't stop at mock elections. The students have delved deep into the diverse cultures and histories of EU member countries through projects that span the continent. From France's iconic Eiffel Tower to Greece's ancient myths, the children have explored a myriad of topics, showcasing their knowledge and creativity through these projects.

As we celebrate another year of active participation in the Blue Star Programme, it's evident that this initiative has not only imparted knowledge but also shaped young minds into responsible and informed European citizens.

The enthusiasm and dedication shown by the school's students and teachers stand as a testament to the programme's ability to spark curiosity, encourage civic engagement, and bridge gaps between cultures. Since its pilot year in 2011, 1,200 schools have taken part in the Blue Star Programme nationwide. Since its first year in 2011, Louth has had 56 primary schools participate.

Primary schools interested in taking part in the Blue Star Programme 2023-2024 can register here anytime until 6 October 2022.

To complete the Programme, schools are asked to take part in online quizzes and/or submit a Blue Star Programme Report outlining how each of the key elements were explored, at the end of the year. Schools are also encouraged to host an event for Europe Day on 9 May, in school or online.

Further information about the programme can be found at www.bluestarprogramme.ie.
The Mater Hospital Foundation is calling on companies, individuals and communities in Louth to take part in its new Go Pink campaign to help raise vital funds for breast cancer care in the Mater Public Hospital.

Taking place on 18 October, Go Pink is a new fundraising campaign that will support patients with breast cancer by investing funds where they are needed most in the hospital.

To coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the Foundation is calling on people across the country to get on board by hosting their own Pink Party, and it says getting involved couldn't be easier.

Participants can host their own event on 18th October or whatever date works best. Simply register on the website or by getting in contact with the Mater Hospital Foundation directly to receive a free pink specs to bring even more razzle dazzle to your Go Pink event.

Your party can be as simple or elaborate as you like, and the Mater Hospital Foundation says the funds you raise will be put to work to support women and men with breast cancer from all across Ireland.

The Mater Hospital Foundation says that hosting your own Go Pink breakfast, brunch, event or activity is an easy and fun way to bring people together, create a real sense of togetherness in your workplace or community and make a huge difference in the Mater Hospital.

Every day, patients with breast cancer receive world-class care in the Mater Hospital, and the Mater Hospital Foundation says it is committed to standing with each and every one of them and ensuring that the Mater's doctors and nurses have the tools they need to continue to provide the very best care.

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the Mater Hospital Foundation says it has helped to make so much possible in the Mater Hospital, from enhancing the Breast Health unit to funding life-saving equipment and supporting ground-breaking research.

Commenting on the new Go Pink fundraising campaign, Mater Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Mary Moorhead says, "We are so excited to be launching this colourful campaign for companies, communities and individuals right across Ireland.

"It is a great opportunity to have some fun, embrace your silly side and bring your colleagues or friends together, all while making a real and lasting difference for patients with breast cancer in the Mater Public Hospital.

She adds, Add a splash of colour to your October by taking part in this extraordinary event. When you sign up, we will send you your very own Go Pink event pack with everything you need to make your Pink Party a real success and we have a whole host of downloadable resources that will help make your event extra special.

To register today to host a Go Pink Party, simply visit the website  www.materfoundation.ie/gopink or call the Mater Hospital Foundation on 01 830 3482 to find out more about how your workplace or community can get involved this October.
An Ethiopian nun who has continued to help people in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia in spite of the conflict that has raged there for nearly three years has been honoured by Trocaire.

Sister Medhin Tesfay was in attendance at the Trocaire 50th Anniversary Conference where she was presented with the Trocaire Romero International Award by Bishop William Crean, who is Chair of the organisation, in recognition of her extraordinary courage and commitment.

Sister Medhin thanked the people of Co. Louth and right across Ireland for their support of not just the Daughters of Charity but many other partner organisations since Trocaire was founded fifty years ago.

Through your generosity, we have been able to shed light on peoples plight, share their stories and advocate for the attention and assistance they desperately need.

"Your support has helped in saving many lives, illuminating a path towards a brighter future for these individuals, offering them a glimmer of hope and a chance for a better life, she said.

Trocaire CEO, Caoimhe de Barra, said: Trocaires history is owned by the people of Co. Louth who together for fifty years have shown unyielding solidarity to those who are suffering in our world.

"It is also owned by our brave partners overseas, like Sister Medhin, who are at the centre of positive change for their communities.

"I cannot thank our donors, clergy, parishioners, teachers, students and volunteers enough for the incredible support they have given, and continue to give, to Trocaire.

"Their generosity and solidarity with those in need in some of the worlds most fragile countries is humbling.

Sister Medhin has given tirelessly to the transformative and life-saving work of the Daughters of Charity in Ethiopia for nearly three decades. She is known and respected by many around the world, including Ireland, Scotland, England and the US, for the work she has done.

Sr. Medhins congregation opened two houses in Tigray in the 1970s to support the disadvantaged, marginalised and people living in poverty in these areas. The first house of the Daughters of Charity in Tigray Region, and where Sr. Medhin lives and serves, was established in 1973  the same year that Trocaire was established in Ireland.

Trocaire has worked with the Daughters of Charity since 1990. The work undertaken by the Sisters includes supporting education, health, emergency response, and economic and livelihoods supports particularly to women.

When recent conflict prevented access for the UN and International NGOs, Sr. Medhin courageously continued her work.

At the height of the conflict when there was no communication with the region, Sr. Medhin continued to provide relief items, supports and inspiration to the people.
The list of finalists in the Louth Business Awards were announced this week.

The winners will be announced at the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala Dinner which will take place on Saturday the 21st October 2023 in the Carrickdale Hotel.

The event is always a sell out with tickets at a premium. Tickets cost 60 plus vat per person and include a champagne reception, four course meal with wine, and dancing until late with the impressive band Sugartown Rd..

Local dignitaries, business leaders and fellow members of the Chamber will attend what promises to be one of the highlights of the social calendar in Dundalk.

Oveall Business of the year sponsored by VHI Healthcare will be announced on the night as will the Lifetime Award for contribution to Louth sponsored by PayPal.

The event has attracted over 630 guests to this glittering, black tie occasion. Tickets are a on a first come first served basis.

To book tickets call Brenda at Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email brenda@dundalk.ie

The nominees are:

Best Customer Service in the Retail Sector sponsored by Net 1

Backhouse Pharmacy

BC Electrics & Lighting

Brodigans Londis

National Tile

Best Shop Front Both Interior Exterior sponsored by AV Direct

Bumbles for Kids

Coast & Co

Pinstripe Punk

The Flower Studio

Best Hair & Beauty Award sponsored by LOreal

Glitter Girls Beauty

Luminess Skin & Laser Clinic

Renegate 13 Male

The Hairshop

Best Licensed Premises sponsored by Diageo

Lumpers Bar

Mo Chara

PJ O Hares

The Windsor Bar & Restaurant

Best Hospitality Business sponsored by Dundalk Stadium

Blue Anchor

Square Restaurant

The Lisdoo

The Townhouse

Culture Heritage & Tourism Award sponsored by Value Centre Cash & Carry

An Tain Arts Centre

Carrickdale Hotel

Creative Spark CLG  Seek Urban Arts Festival

Walking Holidays Ireland

Best Not for Profit Organization sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union

BUMBLEance

Dundalk Dog Rescue

SAFE Castlebellingham Community Counselling

SOSAD Ireland

Best New Business sponsored by The Argus

Beam Consulting Ltd

Breastcare By Alison Ltd

Louth English

Signature Hair/Signature Kids

Micro Business of the year sponsored by Recruit Island

Bumblebee Cocktail Toppers

Enerview Solutions

Wunjo Club

Zoma

Best SME Business sponsored by AIB Bank

Cusken Sync IT

Hydroscand Ireland Ltd

The Unit

TSM Control Systems

Large Business of the year sponsored by Bank or Ireland

Cargotec Engineering

KTF Housing

McArdle Skeath

Suretank Ltd

Wuxi Biologics Ireland

Training Award sponsored by Dundalk Chamber Skillnet

Irish Life Customer Service Centre

McArdle Skeath

Payckeck Plus By IRIS

UHY Farrelly Dawe White Limited

Best Family Business sponsored by Prometric

Carlingford Oyster Company

Carrickdale Hotel

Macfar Property Management

Sean Moriarty Transport

Team of the year sponsored by The Carrickdale Hotel

Catherine Allison & Co

Prometric Ireland

Servisource

UHY Farrelly Dawe White Limited

International Business Award sponsored by Enteprise Ireland

Farrell Furniture

Gardiner Family Apothecary

Suretank Ltd

TSM Control Systems

Young Business Person of the year award sponsored by Oriel Hub

Bumblebee Cocktail Toppers

Digital Design & Consultancy

Wunjo Club

Zoma

Technology, Research & Innovation Award sponsored by the Regional Development Centre at DkIT

Comfort Keepers Homecare

Creative Spark CLG

ECC Design & Engineering Ltd

XOCEAN

Best Green Business sponsored by Permanent TSB

Cargotec Engineering

Irish Life Customer Service Centre

Value Centre Cash & Carry Dundalk/BWG Foods

Wuxi Biologics Ireland

Best Use of Digital Marketing/ Social Media sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Louth

Darver Castle

Gift & Art Gallery

Hire Direct Ltd

KT Travel
RYANS SuperValu Group in Cork has joined forces with Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to change the way it powers its stores.

Demonstrating its commitment to energy reduction, the group used the SEAI grant in its stores in Glanmire and The Lough to update its refrigeration in The Lough and install solar energy panels in Glanmire, the combined results of which is the energy equivalent of powering 64 Irish houses per year.

These new energy-efficient upgrades, combined with previous works in-store, amount to over 270 KWH of energy per year, a 48% overall carbon reduction for SuperValu The Lough, and 34% for SuperValu Glanmire.

Operations director for Ryans SuperValu, Jason OCallaghan, said: We pride ourselves on setting a good example for our community, and we hope we have achieved this by committing to sustainability in our store.

Having previously worked with SEAI in our stores, we were delighted to continue our work as part of the Building Sustainable Communities initiative, this year at The Lough and Glanmire.

We have had a complete upgrade of our refrigeration systems and the installation of solar panels, and we have made enormous energy savings as a result.

The two Ryans SuperValu stores are two of 25 stores nationwide, eight of which are across Cork, that took part in the Building Sustainable Communities initiative this year.

The total energy savings has totalled some 3.7m KWH, enough to power 880 Irish homes, including 805,338 KWH alone from the Cork-based stores.

For the first time, this years initiative also sees a contribution made to not-for-profit affordable housing charity Cluid Housing, supporting 40 Dublin-based Cluid houses to raise their BER (Building Energy Certificate) rating from D2 to B2.

Community energy grants programme executive at SEAI, Tanya Osborne, said that SEAIs mission is to highlight the importance of sustainable energy.

We are very grateful to Ryans SuperValu for collaborating with us once again, she said.
WHILE some may be disillusioned by modern politics and the role of politicians, particularly younger generations, others are putting their heads above the parapet with the hope of bringing about change and enticing more young people to become involved in politics.

Amongst them is 25-year-old Roisin Nic Liam, who hails from Togher, and became involved in politics at the start of the pandemic.

I come from a non-political family, but I was always interested in what was going on, she said.

I never knew exactly how to get involved, until I met someone who introduced me to Sinn Fein and I then got involved properly. After the pandemic, I volunteered and I got stuck into it from then on.

Ms Nic Liam said there are many reasons why she chose to join the party.

There are a lot of reasons why I choose Sinn Fein, she said.

Roisin Nic Liam Sinn Fein youth activist in Cork

The main one is the fact that as an Irish republican and a Gaeilgeoir, Sinn Fein was always the party that attracted me the most.

As I became more familiar with politics in my teenage years I kind of always listened to their politicians and representatives in debates. I always identified with the politics that they had.

Their policies in terms of housing, healthcare, opportunities, social justice, and equality were all the things that enticed me.

As a Gaeilgeoir and a republican, it always seemed to me that Sinn Fein [was] the only party who would ever bring about a united Ireland. That was the main reason why I joined up and it has gotten broader ever since.

The Sinn Fein member said she is greatly encouraged by the number of college students and young people currently joining the party.

The number of young college students joining Sinn Fein is very strong and encouraging, she said.

I would have been involved with Sinn Fein in UCC during my masters year. We had a very dedicated Cumann. It was very active and rooted in republicanism.

That doesnt mean that we cant always look to improve. We always want more young people to get involved and join the party. Some young people are very busy in their own lives, and some see politics as a dirty word. The young generation would see Sinn Fein as the party that best represents them and stands up for them.

Ms Nic Liam said that in order to entice more young people to get involved in politics, they need to be empowered.

To get more people involved in politics, I think we must empower people, she said.

A lot of young people think of politics cynically a lot of the time, and maybe this is understandable as our generation has been so let down by the establishment politicians.

We need to sit down and chat with people and let them know that they have a huge part to play and the power to change this country. This could involve getting involved nationally with macro politics or becoming involved locally in local communities and local activism.

It is about showing them that their dedication and volunteering can bring about change in the country. We also need to listen to them. They need the platform to stand up and speak out about what they want and need.

I am seeing a lot of friends emigrating and they dont find a place for themselves in the political landscape because they are let down by the system. We need to reach out and give them the floor.

The Cork political enthusiast said she has no immediate plans to contest elections.

Im happy out being involved with activism at the moment, she said. I find it very empowering. It is brilliant being rooted in our communities locally. I have no interest in running at the moment. I am happy to help locally.

Keeva Walsh Young Fine Gael Cork

Keeva Walsh, 21, is from Carrignavar and is a member of Young Fine Gael. She said she got involved in politics when she was in college.

I was 19 when I got involved in politics., she said. I did politics in college. I did an arts degree, and I did history and politics. I really enjoyed the politics aspect. From there I looked into which political party I wanted to join, and I found Young Fine Gael.

Ms Walsh, who sits on the Fine Gael national executive as colleges organiser, said she picked Fine Gael due to its values.

I looked at all the different political parties and what they stood for, she said. I went through all of them, and I liked Young Fine Gael. I liked their values. I liked that they were a party of equal opportunity and enterprise.

There was also a family background in Fine Gael. My grandfather was a peace commissioner for Fine Gael. He wouldnt have been too happy if I had joined another political party.

The Cork woman, who works part-time in the office for Cork North Central TD Colm Burke, says she is concerned that many young people dont vote and feel disenfranchised by the political system.

Our numbers are not strong at college level in Cork, she said.

It is very hard to attract young people into politics. A lot of people think that Irish politics is the same as American politics. I hear a lot of this talk, especially from young people. They dont do their research.

There are so many young people who dont vote. Some of my own friends havent even registered to vote. It is a big problem in Ireland that people dont care about political issues.

We need to teach people what is politics. It is not this big scary thing. When you think of politics, people dont think of the day-to-day of politics.

Local TDs are dealing with so many issues that help people daily. It is a nice job and good to help within the community. There is too much negativity in politics.

Ms Walsh is due to start a Masters shortly and says she has no immediate plans to put her name forward for election.

I dont know if I will ever change my mind, she said. For now, I am happy working behind the scenes.

Nelius Cotter is 24 years old and is from Castletownroche. He is a member of Ogra Fianna Fail and their senior party.

He recalled how he first got involved in politics when he was a student.

I initially got involved in politics in college through the Fianna Fail Cumann in UCC, he said.

My parents house and my grandmothers house are joined, and my grandmother was always very interested in politics.

I would have grown up in a political household in that sense. I would have always had an interest. I tried Fianna Fail in college and I liked it from day one.

Nelius Cotter Ogra Fianna Fail member pictured with Minister Jack Chambers.

The young political enthusiast said he chose to join Fianna Fail due to its strong representation in his locality and for what he sees as its reputation for getting things done.

My grandmother, she would have been into Fianna Fail and a republican, he said. I would have viewed Fianna Fail as a practical party and a republican party. To me, they represented a party that got things done.

In my own area, we would have always had a great Fianna Fail representation, especially at local level. If there is any issue at all, no matter what party you are affiliated with, Fianna Fail would always have been seen as a party people would have gone [to] seeking resolutions. They were always renowned as a party on your side.

Getting a fine balance is key, said Mr Cotter with regards to recruiting young people into the party.

We have a recruitment campaign coming up in September in all the college branches. Sometimes politics can be too political. When I joined, I wrongly thought you had to be related to a politician, or you had to know every policy. This is a misconception.

For Ogra we have the politics and policy side of it and a serious aspect, but we also offer a huge social aspect such as nights out and trips away.

From a youth perspective, our biggest branch would be UCC. I am in the Cork East Ogra Fianna Fail and we would have a good few members there. Cork South Central and Cork North Central would be very strong as well.

The young Fianna Fail member is currently among five candidates who have been nominated to go before a selection convention in the coming weeks for the Fermoy/Mitchelstown Local Electoral Area.

Nelius said he enjoys canvassing and meeting the public.

I am nominated for the Fermoy/Mitchelstown Local Electoral Area, he said. We will have a convention in September or October to select the candidates who will run for Fianna Fail in next Junes local elections. Five candidates are currently nominated, and three candidates will be selected. There will be a ferocious competition. I like canvassing and engaging with members of the public. I have a genuine interest.

Rob ODonnell, 27, is from Cork City and is a member of the Green Party. He said he joined the Green Party in 2019 after being involved in several political campaigns.

Rob O'Donnell Green Party

As a teenager and going into my early 20s, I was involved in a few campaigns, particularly in education, he said. I did a lot of years in the Irish Second Level Students Union. Then in 2019 I made the jump and decided to get involved on the political side. I joined the Green Party. It was around the time of the Green Wave and the European parliamentary elections.

The Cork man said he joined the party for a variety of reasons.

There were several reasons why I joined them, he said. I liked some of their representatives. For me, they were always onside on climate, social issues such as abortion rights, LGBT issues, and looking at the way we do things. I really liked their evidence-based policy and that they had their policy written down. A lot of other parties deal in soundbites.

The Green Party is very strongly centre-left, if not even more left. If you look at their social policies, that is what people are interested in. People want to be able to afford to rent and to own their own home in the future.

We are trying to rework the systems we are living in, so they are fair to people on all incomes and backgrounds and that they are sustainable, long-term. We need to move away from centre-right policies.

Mr ODonnell is currently working in the office of the MEP for Ireland South, Grace OSullivan, which he thoroughly enjoys.

I am working in the Munster South MEP Grace OSullivans office in Cork, he said. It is busy, but I really enjoy it. There are lots of events on all the time. We keep ticking away.

Rob, who ran in the 2020 general election, said he will be competing in next years local elections.

I ran in the general election in Tipperary in 2020, he said.

That was a last-minute decision, three weeks out. We had no candidate, so I put myself forward.

After engaging in that process, and even working for Grace for the last year, [I think] you need people in there who know what they are talking about and who have their convictions and want a better world in all the senses.

There are some very unimpressive people in the European Parliament, the Dail, the Seanad and at a local level. I will put myself forward for the local elections next year.
MAYOR of the County of Cork Frank OFlynn has hailed the announcement of the countys latest road improvement scheme.

Mr OFlynn welcomed the appointment of Sorensen Civil Engineering to carry out the N73 Annakisha road improvement scheme.

The N73 is a popular tourist route between the east and south-west which also provides access to the N8/M8 to Dublin via Mitchelstown.

The scheme, covering a 3.5km section of the N73 national secondary route, is expected to improve connectivity and safety.

Works will include the realignment of a section of the N73 between Cooldurragha and Powerstown around 7km east of Mallow and the realignment of five local road junctions; the development of two combined pedestrian/cycle tracks; the construction of two bridges, two underpasses, and two culverts; and fencing, drainage, landscaping, and environmental mitigation.

This project marks another milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve the road infrastructure in North Cork, said Mr OFlynn.

The N73 is not only a crucial transportation route for our residents but also a vital artery for tourism and business in our region.

This project will improve road safety and boost economic development, support local communities, and enhance the overall travel experience for all road users.

The tender process was initiated earlier this year in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

The works are now under way and are expected to take around 18 months to complete. Traffic management will be in place during the construction phase.
I CANNOT believe we are heading into the second week of September, hasnt the weather over the last few days been just wonderful.

Lifting all our spirits before we head into the winter. The country roads are very busy with harvesters and tractors and trailers. Literally a mad dash to make hay while the sun shines.

N73

As Cork County has the largest road network in Ireland, improvements are very welcome. I was delighted to announce a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance our countys infrastructure.

The N73 Annakisha Road Improvement Scheme is set to transform a 3.5km section of the N73 National Secondary Route, a vital link between the East and Southwest, and a gateway to the N8/M8 to Dublin via Mitchelstown.

Construction has already commenced, and we anticipate the project will take approximately 18 months to complete. While this may cause some temporary inconveniences due to traffic management, please bear with us as we work towards a brighter, safer future for Cork County.

Medicine disposal

Staying with the practical, I would encourage all of you to avail of the opportunity to dispose of unused medicines properly (DUMP) during the campaign which returns to Cork and Kerry from September 4 to October 15.

This invaluable initiative offers a free collection service at local pharmacies for the safe disposal of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

By participating in DUMP, you not only protect your loved ones from potential harm but also contribute to environmental conservation. Storing unused medicines poses risks such as accidental poisoning, improper sharing, and environmental damage.

Let us join hands in keeping our homes and environment safe. I could not believe that in 2022, almost seven tonnes of medicines, were safely disposed of as part of this vital campaign. That is the equivalent of a commercial truck with a 48ft enclosed trailer, that is a lot of potentially dangerous product out of circulation safely.

Exhibition

Id strongly recommend that you avail of the opportunity to see and visit the Matrix Exhibition at LHQ Gallery by Artist Przemyslaw Richter. Richter, a graduate of MTU Crawford College of Art and Design and recipient of our Arts Office Bursary, explores the intricate genetic patterns found in human body parts through biometric technology. Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and provoke thought and this exhibition is no exception, as Richter explores the intricate genetic patterns found in human body parts through biometric technology. This exhibition encourages us to contemplate the uniqueness of our individual biometrics, often taken for granted in the age of technology. The exhibition is running from September 8th to October 20th so plenty of time to schedule a visit in.

Awards

Finally, I am thrilled to launch the inaugural Cork County Council Best in Cork Awards. These awards aim to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contributions of businesses and tourism providers to our countys prosperity and sustainability.

I would encourage businesses of all sizes and sectors to apply. These awards spotlight sustainability efforts, acknowledging businesses that have taken steps to save energy, reduce waste, and promote environmental consciousness. The winners will be celebrated at a gala ceremony on January 25, 2024, where I will announce the Mayors Best Overall Business.

Together, lets recognise and celebrate the diverse enterprises that enrich our lives, provide vital services, and contribute to our communities. Applications are open now, and I encourage everyone to take part in this celebration of Cork Countys finest.

Everything Ive highlighted in this column I hope demonstrates our commitment to progress, culture, health, and sustainability in this vibrant and dynamic place we call home, Cork County.
CANDIDATES within the Irish arts sector are invited to apply for roles at Cork Opera House.

The roles are adding to its successful Theatre Artist in Residence programme, with two new initiatives for the venue that will run from November this year until October 2024.

An invitation has been published to invite candidates in the Irish arts sector to apply for the positions of Creative Producer in Residence (Opera) and Conductor in Residence (Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra).

They will join current Theatre Artist in Residence, Jody ONeill, who has been instrumental in helping develop more accessible and inclusive performances at the Opera House.

The successful candidates in both roles will work alongside CEO and Artistic Director, Eibhlin Gleeson, to support the development of the venues operatic and orchestral programming, which in the case of the Creative Producer in Residence will mean helping to develop an ambitious five-year strategic plan for operatic programming at Cork Opera House and beyond.

The Conductor in Residence will help secure the future of the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, which was formed in 2015.

The Conductor in Residence will conduct the orchestra for a minimum of 50% of the orchestral programme over a one-year period  approximately four mainstage projects.

We see our orchestral and operatic programming as an integral part of our identity here at Cork Opera House, says Ms Gleeson, and we feel a great responsibility and commitment to developing a wide-reaching and excellent quality programme, that appeals to existing patrons and hopefully brings new fans across these programmes.

The closing date for applications is Monday, September 18, and candidates will be shortlisted for an in-person interview in early October.
A member of An Garda Siochana was challenged by a man outside a pub in Cork city who shouted, Come on, Ill fight you one on one.

28-year James ODriscoll of no fixed address suffers from anxiety and on this occasion he had mixed alcohol with his prescription medication which he should not have done, defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said at Cork District Court: On Saturday August 12 gardai received a call of a male refusing to leave the front door of Dwyers on Washington Street.

Garda David OSullivan spoke with him and observed the man was unsteady on his feet and there was a strong smell of intoxicating liquor coming from him.

Following his arrest, the man became extremely aggressive to Garda OSullivan, shouting, 'Come on, Ill fight you one on one'.

"He has one previous conviction for threatening behaviour and two for being drunk and a danger."

Mr Buttimer said the offending behaviour on this occasion was generally verbal.

Judge Olann Kelleher imposed a two-month suspended sentence and warned the defendant that if he engaged in this kind of behaviour he would be putting himself in jail.
Sunday, September 10, 2023

During the first few months after I arrived in America in early 1992, I was constantly disoriented by the dizzying pace of life in the country. My bewilderment was partly due to the fact that I had spent the previous six years in the Soviet Union, where there was hardly any socio-political agitation. It was a case of going from one extreme to the other. I had come to America on what was supposed to be a short visit, but I became so fascinated with the society that I decided to stay on a bit longer to try to make more sense of it.

As a young boy growing up in Ghana, I was expected to show a high degree of reverence toward people who were older than me. That veneration also applied to anyone in authority, and professionals such as teachers, nurses, and doctors. Generally, I was required to obey, without questioning, whatever instructions I received from those classes of people. It didnt matter whether their ideas made sense or nota determination that I mostly couldnt have made then anyway because I wasnt sufficiently aware.

I was a foreign student in the Soviet Union, and thus a passive observer of the society and its politics. Whereas Ghanaian society was quite hierarchical but somewhat free, in the Soviet Union, self-determination was almost a completely nonexistent concept. Everyone there, whether they lived in Kaliningrad on the west or Vladivostok on the east and everywhere in between, was mostly subject to the rules that were handed down by the Communist Party leaders in Moscow. Millions of people living on a landmass that stretched 11 time zones from west to east had their collective fate determined by a few men in Moscow.

I spent entire summers in England and the Netherlands, and visited various countries in Western Europe during my college years in the Soviet Union. Consequently, I had ample opportunities to get a taste of life in those free and open societies.

Based on my prior readings and other acquired knowledge, I had expected life in America to closely resemble that of Western Europe. But what I actually experienced in those early days was far beyond anything that I had imagined. As individuals, Americans seemed to take charge of their own lives to an extent that I had not seen in Western Europe. They were a lot more engaged in the process of governance, from local to national level, and appeared to have an insatiable appetite for debate on all manner of issues. Above all, what intrigued me the most was the down-to-earth nature of the people, regardless of what rung of the socio-economic and political ladder they were on.

It wasnt until after I read Alexis de Tocquevilles Democracy in America, sometime in 1993, that I began to understand what I had been feeling all those months. De Tocqueville, a French court official, and his companion, Gustave de Beaumont, had been sent to America in 1831 by the French government to study Americas novel prison system. Instead, upon arrival, the two men spent the next nine months traveling across the country, observing everyday life and documenting their findings, which de Tocqueville published in his book in 1840.

No sooner do you set foot on American soil than you find yourself in a sort of tumult. A confused clamor rises on every side, and a thousand voices are heard at once, each expressing some social requirements, de Tocqueville wrote in his book. He was amazed by the sheer number of people who were active in public affairs. All around you everything is on the move. Americans of all ages, all stations of life and all types of disposition are forever forming associations. There are not only commercial and industrial associations in which all take part, but others of a thousand typesreligious, moral, serious, futile, very general and very limited, immensely large and very minute, he added. For me, his most important observation was that the people reign over the American political world as God rules over the universe.

I have lived in America for quite a long time, but I continue to be perplexed by the extent of the responsiveness of its political institutions. Americas governing class seems to constantly anticipate the needs and expectations of the people and acts to meet them, most often without being asked. It is as if, as de Tocqueville observed, the people have put the fear of God in their governors.

Many native-born Americans will probably dispute this assessment, especially given the deep divisions in the country today and the near-total gridlock in Washington. But if they do, it would only be because they have no idea how bad political dysfunction is in other parts of the world.

In their attempts to form their own democratic systems of government, many developing nations simply adopt Americas institution-building template. They pay little attention to the socio-political culture that actually makes its democracy work. In most of these embryonic democracies, citizens just go out to vote in local and national elections and then return to their homes to sit and wait, hoping for the elected leaders to deliver whatever it is they promised during their campaigns. The types of grassroots activism and citizen-vigilance that constantly keep governors accountable in America tend to be completely missing in such societies.

I have come to believe that there are two broad forms of democracy. On one side are responsive types, such as Americas, in which there are clearly defined sets of responsibilities, with both the governors and the governed knowing exactly what is expected of them. Then there are the unresponsive ones, where, because this delineation of roles is often absent, there is, at best, a weak social contract. The vacuum left is filled with lots of constant barking by the people, but little in terms of bite. The governors have no fear of the people. They know quite well that they can simply shrug their shoulders when things go wrong. There isnt a whole lot that they feel responsible for.

As I have closely observed American society over the decades, the one thing I constantly wonder about is whether its democratic culture can be replicated elsewhere. De Tocqueville attributed Americas democratic success largely to its national principles of liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, populism, and laissez-faire. Some critics rejected, with some justification, de Tocquevilles view of American society being free and egalitarian. Blacks were still in bondage in America at the time, and women in general didnt have many of the rights that White men enjoyed. But in my view, his observations were mostly correct. America has a unique culture of nonstop and rigorous examination of itself, in a constant quest to rectify its flaws.

By and large, Western Europeans seem to have made significant progress in this cultural evolution. Todays Western Europe is a lot less aristocratic than the one that de Tocqueville and de Beaumont left in 1831. Western European democracies now generally fall in the responsive category.

For the people of any nation who aspire to live under responsive governance systems, the message then is that merely adopting institutional templates from foreign lands and holding elections regularly are simply not enough. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, they should strive to incorporate into their societies some of the cultural norms that make democracies work elsewhere.
Montana Gov. asks for moment of silence the morning of 9/11, flags ordered to be flown at half-staff
HELENA, Mont. - Recently, Montanas senators have spoken out against the Biden Administrations decision to block federal funds being used for school archery and hunting education classes.

We sat down with Senator Jon Tester who introduced the Defending Hunters Education Act, which would reverse that decision.

In a press release, Tester said schools offering shooting sport and hunter safety classes teach students safety and personal responsibility.

Here is the interview with Sen. Tester:

"As a proud gun owner myself, somebody who has more guns than I did but fewer than I want, it's a part of our sculpture and knowing how to utilize those guns in a safe way is very very important.

So when we passed the safer community act to make our community safer, it was supposed to do exactly that and then what happened is the secretary of education says 'we're not gonna fund Hunter education for weapons and for bows" and I will tell you that's crazy, Hunter safety is something that's very fundamental to Montanans and it's something that teaches people exactly what that title says: Hunter safety. To make handling of guns safer.

So it didn't make any sense.

When I found out about it in early August I fired a letter off to secretary right away nothing's really happened on that we've had some conversations but nothing's really moved so we dropped in a bill on Wednesday

Bi-partisan bill that hopefully will do everything possible in our power to get it passed very very soon within the next month I hope maybe even sooner than that and get this use put behind us because quite frankly Hunter safety learning how, what a weapon can do and how to handle that weapon is really fundamentally important to our second amendment rights.

How successful did you see these (gun safety, hunter education, archery) programs in the schools prior to that removal of funding?

So I'm gonna tell you something, I just celebrated my 67th birthday. I remember distinctly the hunter's education classes. A guy by the name of George Rice used to teach them and I'm gonna tell you that those are very very important back in the 60s and the 70s, they're very important today and they're just as useful today as they were 50 years ago so they've been very successful, and they've done what they intended to do and that is teach people to respect a gun and that's really what it's about.

We have a lot of parents that watch our show, what's one of the biggest takeaways you want them to take when we're talking about schools that their children are in and programs that their children could or may not be involved in?

I'm a parent and a grandparent now too and my grandkids are in school and I think it's really important that if you have the opportunity, I'd your school offers one of these classes, don't look at it from a negative standpoint, look at it from a positive standpoint because it really provides how to use a gun, how to take care of a gun, how to respect a gun a gun is a tool and if it's used in the right way, it can do positive things
Prince Harry joked his household is getting "a little bit more competitive" over the Invictus Games.

Prince Harry gave a speech at the Invictus Games opening ceremony

The Duke of Sussex kicked off this year's event in Dusseldorf, Germany, with a speech that acknowledged the new nations joining the competition - a multi-sport tournament for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans - including Colombia, Israel, and Nigeria, and suggested his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, will be cheering on the latter country after she previously revealed a geneaology test had shown she is 43% Nigerian.

He said: "Now, I'm not saying we play favorites in our home, but since my wife discovered she's of Nigerian descent, it's likely to get a little bit more competitive this year."

Harry - who has children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, with Meghan - began his speech by speaking in German and went on to note the year between now and last year's Games in The Hague had "went very fast", having gone "from stroopwafel to schnitzels in the blink of an eye."

Harry then acknowledged how some of the competitors may have lost their "purpose" after getting injured.

He said: "Now, remember that feeling of pride and honor when you first wore your nation's flag on your uniform? Most of us perhaps remember more its final outing, or the time we hung it up for good.

"Am I right in saying for some, it represented a cape? Perhaps a shield, or an escape? For others, an opportunity, a recognition, or a calling? No matter what it meant to you then, or your reasons for signing up, it was always about being of service to others and to your mates.

"You discovered things about yourself you'd never knew. Skills and abilities you didn't know that you had.

"You unlocked your potential and performance. And you understood the power of working as a team. Ultimately, you were part of a purpose larger than yourself, and that feeling felt good. And I'm guessing a lot of you in this stadium tonight have felt the absence of that feeling for months, maybe years. Well, not anymore."

The prince asked those gathered to look at their current outfits and noted while the uniforms may not be camouflage, they signify they are "once again part of a team" and are "surrounded by people who know what it means to serve, who have a good idea of what it's taken to get here, who see and know you, and who respect you through your shared experience."

The prince went on to insist the competition isn't "solely about medals".

He added: "This year's games is a home for respect. Think about that word for a second, respect. What does it mean to you? What does it look like? What does it feel like? Some people may act like respect is something that veterans are asking for, that people with injuries  whether visible or invisible  have to demonstrate they're worthy of it.

"Some of you here may sometimes feel that way about yourselves. That you have something to prove.

"But I've been thinking about something one of the competitors featured in the 'Heart of Invictus' shared. Mr. Na from South Korea said, 'I don't think we overcome disabilities. We overcome perceptions of ourselves in society.' These games are not solely about medals... They are about overcoming any and all perceptions that held you back, especially those you've placed on yourselves."
Jesse Tyler Ferguson is struggling to get his son potty-trained.

Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson have two sons

The 47-year-old actor has Beckett, three, and nine-month-old Sullivan with husband Justin Mikita and explained that he is struggling to juggle the polarising life stages between his sons.

He told InTouch magazine: They're really good! My biggest parenting challenge right now is potty training one while the other one is no-where near that. Juggling the different stages can be hard.

Asked if there is a chance of any more kids in the future, Jesse replied: One thousand percent no. This is it!

Meanwhile, The Class star went on to add that he hopes to lead by example if his children ever decide to pursue a career in showbusiness.

He added: I hope I lead by example. My career makes me very happy, and I want to be able to do that and be a great dad to them. I want them to do things that they are passionate about and that make them happy!

Away from TV, Jesse has enjoyed a Tony Award-winning stint on Broadway and more recently started up the Dinners on Me podcast where he loved being joined by Modern Family co-star Julie Bowen because she is like a sister to him.

Asked about his favourite roles, he added: I really enjoyed my time doing Take Me Out on Broadway last season. I won a Tony Award for it, so that obviously my [favourite] experience.

Oh gosh, I mean, 11 years with Julie Bowen I have a lot! She's basically like a sister to me. A lot of my good memories are actually from after the show ended. I call her up about parenting advice all the time. She's very good at it.
Prince William is "extremely focused" on the legacy of the Earthshot Prize.

Prince William is heading to New York

The 41-year-old royal is heading to New York to attend the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit - which will bring together Earthshot Prize winners and climate innovators from around the world - and the visit will form an important part of his "evolution as a global statesman".

A royal aide told The Sunday Times newspaper: "This trip is part of his evolution as a global statesman which is incredibly important, especially since becoming Prince of Wales.

"He and his courtiers have been thinking about how to manage that transition from Duke of Cambridge to the next king. You've seen a number of iterations of that, whether that's meeting with Joe Biden in Boston or travelling to the border with Ukraine and talking about the importance of fighting for our freedoms.

"The US is very important to him. The world's climate movers and shakers will be in New York having conversations about the future of the planet and the prince is keen to be part of those conversations and put Earthshot front and centre.

"He has huge ambitions for what the prize can become and is extremely focused on its legacy and impact."

The future monarch was actually scheduled to attend last year's summit. However, he cancelled his plans following the passing of Queen Elizabeth in September.

Prince William previously revealed that he's determined to "find the solutions to repair our planet".

The royal urged young people to "keep demanding change, and don't give up hope" at the first-ever Earthshot Prize at Alexandra Palace in London in 2021.

He said during the ceremony: "I want to say something to all the young people watching tonight. For too long, we haven't done enough to protect the planet for your future - but Earthshot is for you.

"In the next ten years we are going to act. We are going to find the solutions to repair our planet. Please keep learning, keep demanding change, and don't give up hope. We will rise to these challenges."
Stassi Schroeder has given birth to her second child.

Stassi Schroeder has given birth (c) Instagram

The 'Vanderpump Rules' star and her husband Beau Clark welcomed their son Messer Rhys - a brother for two-year-old Hartford - into the world on 7 September, and while they are smitten with the new arrival, they joked they are concerned their daughter will "terrorise" her new sibling.

Sharing a series of photos of herself with Messer, Stassi wrote on Instagram "MESSER RHYS CLARK, born at 12:04 am on September 7th, 7 lbs 14 oz, 19.5 inches.

"We love him so much already, send prayers Hartford doesnt terrorize him.(sic)"

The couple revealed in March they were expecting a baby boy, just a week after announcing Stassi's pregnancy.

They shared a video of them finding out the news on their 'The Good The Bad The Baby' podcast and the 35-year-old reality star admitted the news hadn't come as a shock.

She said: "I knew the whole entire time that we were having a boy. I kept saying it. I felt it. It was a vibe I don't know how to f****** explain it."

Stassi - who married Beau in 2020 - previously admitted she wants a "s*** ton" of children.

She told Us Weekly magazine: "It is my fantasy to have a s*** ton of children, a lot of them.

"But children are really expensive. Im discovering as life goes on - theyre very expensive and I feel like theyre the most time-consuming thing in the entire world."

Despite this, Stassi insists she won't be rushing into any big decisions.

She said: "When I think about what I want my childrens lives to be like, I want to be able to devote so much attention to each of them and give them as much as possible.

"Im like, If I had a third, how would I give that one as much attention as these other two? So at this point, I feel like two is a great number for me, but never say never because I might wake up one day and decide todays the day. You never know."
SF9s Rowoon makes a cameo In Ahn Hyo Seops K-Drama A Time Called You". The two have an unexpected BL storyline described as an 'emotional rollercoaster'. #ATimeCalledYou pic.twitter.com/xQkOzeynez  BL Critic (@BLcritic) September 8, 2023





Fans of the drama have been trending Rowoon and Ahn Hyo Seop on social media for the past 24 hours, expressing their happiness that a mainstream drama has taken this bold step.



See Also: A Time Called You: Jeon Yeo-been shares her working experience with Ahn Hyo-seop and Kang Hoon Fans of the drama have been trending Rowoon and Ahn Hyo Seop on social media for the past 24 hours, expressing their happiness that a mainstream drama has taken this bold step.

A Time Called You featuring Ahn Hyo Seop, Jeon Yeo Been, and Kang Hoon finally premiered on September 8. All 12 episodes have been released on the OTT platform, and since the start, they have garnered significant attention. However, a particular storyline involving Koo Yeon-jun, portrayed by Ahn Hyo Seop, and Tae Ha, played by SF9's Rowoon, has driven fans wild on various social media platforms, including X.Episode 8 of the show explores the complex relationship between Gu Yeon Jun and Tae Ha. Despite being portrayed as close friends, there is an underlying tension that suggests a deeper connection between them. The storyline takes an unexpected turn towards a BL (Boys Love) drama when Yeon Jun struggles to express his feelings to Tae Ha, who seems to understand him intuitively. Although they do not act on their emotions, the moment they hold hands for the first time is electrifying. The joy and relief on their faces confirm their mutual understanding, leaving fans thrilled with this significant development in their relationship.The appearance of Rowoon in the drama was a delightful surprise, but it was even more commendable to witness two popular actors embrace the BL storyline with ease, especially in conservative South Korea. While many mainstream dramas are slowly changing their perspective on love and romance, they still lag behind other countries. However, when they do incorporate a BL or GL storyline, they execute it well.
Esha Gupta VIRAL Bikini PIC: Bollywood sensation Esha Gupta, known for her sizzling fashion statements and acting prowess, has yet again set social media ablaze with her scintillating presence. The actress recently shared a jaw-dropping photo on her Instagram account, that has sent temperatures soaring across the internet.

ESHA GUPTA RADIATES SENSUALITY IN LAVENDER BIKINI

In the captivating snapshot, Esha Gupta radiates sensuality as she stands amidst a backdrop of lush green trees posing in a pair of lavender-colored skimpy bikini. The actress, wearing a matching lavender cap, added an extra layer of allure to her mesmerizing presence.

Sharing the picture, she wrote, "Mentally I'm here." In the photograph, the actress looks away from the camera while playfully adjusting her cap.

NETIZENS REACT TO ESHA'S PIC

The moment Esha shared the image online, her legion of fans rushed to the comment section, showering her with compliments. Emojis of fire and heart-eyes flooded the comments, and one fan exclaimed, "Superb lovely adorable @egupta ." Another user exclaimed, "Sexy MAMA!!!" A third user called her, "Hotness queen," and "You are looking very attractive ," wrote another.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Esha Gupta was last seen in Prakash Jha's acclaimed web series, Aashram 3, where she shared the screen with Bobby Deol. In the series, Gupta portrayed the character of Sonia, an image consultant tasked with altering the perception of Nirala Baba, portrayed by Bobby Deol. During an interview with News18, Esha talked about her decision to star in the web-series and said,

"I had heard about this show so much from word of mouth. Everyone was talking about it during the pandemic and I was at my parents' home in Delhi at the time. And everyone would say, 'What a show!' So when it was offered to me by Prakash Jha and sir told me, 'This is your character,' I simply said, 'I don't want to hear anything. You just give me one rupee and I will still do it.' I was not at all worried about money or shooting schedule or my dates. I told him all that is my manager's headache. Everything was better and better for me in this show and I'm so glad that Prakash sir thought of me for the role of Sonia."
Sonam Bajwa's Viral Hot PIC: Renowned Punjabi actress Sonam Bajwa has once again set the internet ablaze with her scintillating beauty. Recently, the actress graced her Instagram followers with a stunning picture that left everyone mesmerized.

SONAM BAJWA EXUDES GLAMOUR IN A SEXY BLACK OUTFIT

Sonam Donning exuded glamour and sensuality as she donned a captivating black bodycon dress. She earned praise from her fans and even garnered admiration from Bigg Boss OTT 2 contestant Abhishek Malhan, also known as Fukra Insaan, who couldn't resist showering her with compliments in the comment section.

In the series of photos shared on her Instagram handle, Sonam Bajwa donned a sexy black bodycon outfit. Her glam makeup beautifully accentuated her facial features. Her lustrous locks cascaded freely as she posed gracefully on the ground. Her pictures went viral as soon as it was uploaded with her fans and admirers flooding the comment section with words of admiration.

ABHISHEK MALHAN REACTS TO SONAM BAJWA'S PICS

Abhishek Malhan, too, couldn't help but appreciate her beauty, and wrote, "Tum mere sath Tum mere." Earlier, during his time in Bigg Boss OTT 2 house, Fukra Insaan expressed his admiration for the actress and called her his 'all-time crush.'

Take a look at the pic.

Meanwhile, Sonam also shared a transition video on her gram that shows her changing from a white ethnic wear to a black outfit. Check out the video.

SONAM BAJWA WORK-FRONT

Sonam Bajwa made her acting debut in 2013 with the Punjabi film Best Of Luck. She rose to fame with her lead role in the 2014 film Punjab 1984. She also received the PTC Punjabi Film Award for Best Actress in 2020 for her exceptional performance in Ardab Mutiyaran.

She was most recently seen in the Punjabi film, 'Carry On Jatta 3,' alongside Gippy Grewal. Directed by Smeep Kang and produced by Humble Motion Pictures, this film was a highly-anticipated sequel to the immensely popular 'Carry On Jatta 2.'
The Global Conference on the 10th Anniversary of the BRI and the Golden Age of China-Central Asia Engagement event is held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday. DONG MING / FOR CHINA DAILY

BEIJING, Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ten years ago at Nazarbayev University in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, President Xi Jinping proposed for the first time building the Silk Road Economic Belt, which later evolved into the Belt and Road Initiative and now stands as a testament to the power of multilateralism.

On Thursday, esteemed guests from various countries and international organizations gathered in Astana for the Global Conference on the 10th Anniversary of the BRI and the Golden Age of China-Central Asia Engagement event.

The conference looked back at the achievements made during the first decade of the BRI, which have further strengthened the bonds of friendship between China and Kazakhstan, and also celebrated the Golden Age of engagement between China and Central Asia.

Erlan Karin, State counselor of Kazakhstan, said in a congratulatory letter that the Belt and Road Initiative has grown to encompass 180 countries and international organizations and has contributed to forming an open, inclusive and balanced regional cooperation system through joint efforts.

"The Republic of Kazakhstan plays a unique role in promoting the BRI," he said. "The coupling of national infrastructure projects and this initiative creates a synergy in transport and logistics systems and paves the way for a new architecture of transcontinental corridors."

Zhang Xiao, China's Ambassador to Kazakhstan, said in his speech that the friendship between China and Kazakhstan is an invaluable treasure for the people of both countries.

Zhang also reviewed the fruitful achievements of China-Kazakhstan cooperation in recent years. A video Thirty Thousand Miles Along the Silk Road was presented, showcasing key moments from the first decade of the BRI.

In the face of recent global challenges, including significant geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, energy dilemmas and environmental crises, the guest speakers examined the role of the BRI in offering solutions and fostering international collaboration.

Vladimir Norov, director of the International Institute of Central Asia and former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, applauded the collaborative achievements between China and Central Asian nations, emphasizing how they have deepened regional interconnectedness.

Djoomart Otorbaev, former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the historical importance of the Silk Road to Central Asia's development and its transition from a landlocked to a land-linked region.

Economic exchanges between China and Central Asia have played a pivotal role in the success of the BRI, not only fostering robust economic growth, but also strengthening diplomatic ties and deepening cultural connections between the two regions. During the "Golden 30 Years" - the period during which China established diplomatic ties with the five Central Asian nations - media from the BRI countries have collaborated extensively, yielding valuable outcomes.

Shi Huangjun, vice-president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) praised Kazakhstan's creativity and efforts in revitalization.

Shi emphasized that the BRI and the China International Import Expo (CIIE) share the goal of improving people's lives. CIIE, which is closely linked to the BRI, fosters trade connectivity and cooperation through activities such as national exhibitions, enterprise showcases and innovation zones. Support from Kazakhstan has been instrumental in making CIIE a "golden gateway" for Kazakh firms entering the Chinese market. He welcomed all nations to use this gateway, strengthen ties with China, and collectively embrace another "Golden 30 Years" for China and Central Asia.

To fortify the ties between China and Kazakhstan, China Daily 21st Century English Education Media inked a memorandum of cooperation with Kazakhstan's DKN world news. This agreement seeks to bolster media exchanges between the two nations, amplifying their collective efforts in promoting stability, prosperity and connectivity across Central Asia.

Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, emphasized that China Daily is committed to bolstering its coverage of Belt and Road achievements, showcasing stories of people along the route and highlighting the global benefits of the initiative, encouraging exchanges and communication, especially among Generation Z. He also expressed optimism that China-Kazakhstan development momentum would continue, fostering stability and progress in the next "Golden 30 Years".

In addition to this, the China International Import Expo Bureau joined forces with the Kazakhstan Trade Policy Development Center, setting the stage for the forthcoming sixth edition of the event. This strategic cooperation aims to capitalize on Kazakhstan's past achievements in trade through its participation in CIIE, laying the groundwork for an even more successful future.

The resounding success of this event, held in the vibrant city of Astana, stands as a symbol of cooperation and unity, serving as a pivotal gateway for the BRI that stretches across Eurasia and beyond. It is poised to further enhance cooperation not only between China and Kazakhstan, but also throughout Central Asia and the rest of the world.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/regions-set-for-another-golden-30-years-301922689.html
Today marks 10 years since the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the world's first monoclonal antibody biosimilar infliximab, for all indications of the reference product.

The previous decade has seen transformations in the immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) treatment landscape through continuous innovation, improving patient quality of life whilst delivering cost savings for healthcare systems.

To mark this historic milestone, Celltrion Healthcare is launching a campaign including a global speaker tour across Europe to highlight the decade of innovation and ensure an environment for continued innovation in biosimilars.

Celltrion Healthcare today launches a campaign to celebrate a decade of continuous biosimilar innovation in Europe. The campaign coincides with 10 years since the world's first monoclonal antibody biosimilar infliximab, Remsima, received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Biosimilars have been pivotal in driving treatment advancements in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thousands of patients in Europe and globally have benefitted from biosimilars since their initial approval, incurring both patient health and economic benefits.1

In the previous decade, there has been an ongoing pursuit to continue improving treatments and maximising patient quality of life. This sustained innovation and evolution of biosimilars has delivered benefits beyond their reference product. The development of new administration methods has ushered in a new era, offering patients a more convenient and accessible treatment options which can be administered at home.

Alongside the wide-ranging patient benefits, biosimilars have delivered savings to economies and healthcare systems across the world. Several analyses have found that use of biosimilars in place of their reference product in Europe could save hundreds of millions of Euros. For instance, the use of infliximab biosimilar had saved approximately 100 million in a year in the United Kingdom alone, according to the announcement made by United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS).2

Taehun Ha, Senior Vice President and Head of Europe Division at Celltrion Healthcare, said, "We are proud to recognise the tremendous impact that biosimilars have had on patients in Europe. Efforts to make high-quality biologics more affordable have paved the way for the widespread adoption of biosimilars across the continent and supported in improving patient outcomes. We at Celltrion remain committed to creating innovative treatments that prioritise the needs of patients and expand their treatment options."

Professor Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet, Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) group at the Gastroenterology Department of the University Hospital of Nancy, France,said, "Initially, we were intrigued by the arrival of biosimilars, especially with the first pivotal studies focusing solely on rheumatology. However, it became clear biosimilars offered a promising opportunity to reduce healthcare costs and improve the management of multiple diseases. Studies such as PLANETCD and NORSWITCH have added to the extensive evidence of their efficacy and safety, quickly reassuring us, in addition to our real-life experience. Biosimilars made it possible to reduce treatment prices it was an economic revolution for patients and healthcare systems."

In celebration of a decade of innovation and commitment to IMID treatment landscape, Celltrion is launching an innovative campaign across Europe. The campaign aims to highlight the positive impact of biosimilars to patients and healthcare systems, whilst reflecting on what the future could hold through continued innovation. Activities will include a global speaker tour, presentations by KOLs showcasing the latest clinical data, a report highlighting a decade of innovation and a celebration at United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW) 2023 in Copenhagen.

Notes to Editors:

About the Campaign

This initiative aims to highlight the impact of infliximab biosimilars to patients and healthcare system in Europe over the last decade and spark discussion on the future of biosimilars and what can be achieved through harnessing the power of continued innovation. The campaign coincides with the 10th year since the approval of Remsima in Europe.

About Biosimilars

A biosimilar is a biologic product developed and proven to be biologically identical to a previously approved biologic known as the reference product using the same active substances. Known for its high quality and affordability, the biosimilar has become an innovative medicine for patients with different diseases across the world including Europe.

About Remsima

Remsima is the world's first biosimilar monoclonal antibody developed by Celltrion. Remsima has continued expanding globally since its introduction in Europe in 2013 and has been authorised in over 100 countries worldwide as of January 2023, with a 55% market share in Europe in 2022.3

About Celltrion Healthcare

Celltrion Healthcare is committed to delivering innovative and affordable medications to promote patients' access to advanced therapies. Its products are manufactured at state-of-the-art mammalian cell culture facilities, designed and built to comply with the US FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and the EU GMP guidelines. Celltrion Healthcare endeavours to offer high-quality, cost-effective solutions through an extensive global network that spans more than 110 different countries.

Celltrion is committed to delivering affordable biologics and addressing healthcare needs, delivering innovations in treatments for patients with IMID, such as advances in treatment administration that enable people to access at-home treatment, allowing people to have an improved quality of life whilst managing their condition.

For more information, please visit: https://www.celltrionhealthcare.com

References

1 Jahnsen J., Clinical experience with infliximab biosimilar Remsima (CT-P13) in inflammatory bowel disease patients. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2016 May;9(3):322-9. doi: 10.1177/1756283X16636764. Epub 2016 Mar 21. PMID: 27134662; PMCID: PMC4830106.

2 NHS (National Health Service). The NHS saves 324 million in a year by switching to better value medicines. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2018/07/nhs-saves-324-million-year-switching-to-better-value-medicines/

3 Celltrion, Inc. Fourth-Quarter and Full Year 2022 Earnings Release. https://www.celltrion.com/en-us/irs/resultdata

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230909999023/en/

Contacts:

Holly Barber

hbarber@hanovercomms.com

+44 (0) 7759 301620

Tom Walden

twalden@hanovercomms.com

+44 (0) 7423 534197
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tanmiah Food Company (TADAWUL: 2281, "Tanmiah" or "The Company") is pleased to announce the signing of the shareholder agreement between its fully owned subsidiary, Desert Hills Veterinary Services Company Limited (DHV) with MHP SE (LSE: MHPC, 'MHP'), the leading international food & agrotech group. This partnership is set to significantly boost food security and self-sufficiency in poultry products in Saudi Arabia.

The signing ceremony was held in Jeddah on 7 September 2023 and was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Tanmiah, His Excellency Sheikh Amr Al-Dabbagh, along with the board members and executive leadership, Saudi Government officials representing ministries, authorities, funds, and centers of excellence and the Ambassador of Ukraine, His Excellency Mr. Anatolii Petrenko. Executive Chair of MHP SE, Dr John Rich, and MENA Managing Director of MHP, Eugene Levterov, represented the Board and MHP at the ceremony.

Building on the foundation laid by the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year, this partnership will see DHV and MHP SE join forces to invest more than SAR 200 million in farming operations with the capacity of more than 1 million parent stock expected to produce approximately 175 million hatching eggs annually, a state-of-the-art hatchery and a poultry feed mill. DHV will hold a 55% stake, while MHP will have a 45% stake in the joint venture.

Zulfiqar Hamadani, CEO of Tanmiah Food Company, remarked, "Our collaboration with MHP signifies more than just a partnership; it represents our commitment to strengthen Saudi Arabia's food security framework. Utilizing our local knowledge combined with global best practices, our portfolio of best-in-class products, services, and solutions demonstrates our commitment to our customers, partners, and the broader objectives of Vision 2030."

Dr John Rich, Executive Chairman of MHP SE, stated, "Deepening our alliance with Tanmiah is a strategic pivot in MHP's global outreach. This partnership is emblematic of our shared vision to integrate international expertise with local insights, ensuring that Saudi Arabia's food security targets are met. Our collective strengths will catalyze transformative advancements in the poultry sector, fostering innovation and setting new benchmarks for excellence. The formation of this joint venture is an important first step. We are committed to a long-term, fruitful relationship that will benefit our organizations, the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region. We will continue pursuing strategic opportunities in the region, seeking to capitalize on our expertise. "

Ahmed Bin Sharaf Osilan, Executive Board Member and Managing Director of Tanmiah Food Company, commented: "Our partnership with MHP is a strategic step to delivering sustainable value to our stakeholders and making significant strides towards Vision 2030. As we are working towards boosting food security and self-reliance in Saudi Arabia, we are building facilities that are critical in the entire poultry ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, increasing non-oil GDP private sector contribution, local employment opportunities, and knowledge transfer."

The signing of the shareholder agreement is a decisive step in establishing the joint venture company after the necessary approvals, including clearance from the General Authority for Competition of Saudi Arabia and other relevant jurisdictions, are secured.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2206282/Tanmiah_sign.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tanmiah-food-company-and-mhp-se-invests-in-poultry-value-chain-to-enhance-food-security-in-saudi-arabia-301922704.html
Ostrom, a Berlin, Germany-based green energy company, raised additional USD8M in funding.

The round, which brought the total amount to $23M, was led by SE Ventures. Existing investors Union Square Ventures, Adjacent, J12, and Ubermorgen also participated.

The company intends to use the funds to further expand its product offerings and solar solutions.

Led by CEO Matthias Martensen, and CMO/CPO Karl Villanueva, Ostrom is a B Corp Certified green energy provider that helps consumers control and reduce their energy consumption through its smart energy management platform. The company offers its SimplyFair variable electricity tariff, dynamic pricing SimplyDynamic tariff with smart meter support, Smart EV Charging, HVAC optimization, Solar PV integrations all controlled through an app, and the Ostrom Store for smart home devices.

FinSMEs

11/09/2023


The G20 on Saturday adopted the Delhi Declaration.

The 37-page document came as a major victory for New Delhi after the Russia-Ukraine war and climate change had emerged as major stumbling blocks in the days leading up to the summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing that a consensus had been reached among member states, sounded a clarion call to address the global trust deficit

Modi, reiterating his earlier statement to Russias Vladimir Putin that todays era must not be of war, urged all nations to respect territorial integrity and sovereignty and comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine.

Modi further thanked the diplomats for their hard work to achieve consensus on the document.

But who are the diplomats behind the Delhi Declaration?

Lets take a closer look:

G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant

Indias team was led by its G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant.

Kant replaced Indias previous G20 sherpa Piyush Goyal.

Kant is a retired 1980 batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre.

Kant previously worked in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

As per Indian Express, Kant has played a critical role in a slew of big initiatives including Startup India, Make in India, and Incredible India.

Kant is said to have come up with the Kerala: Gods Own Country slogan during his time in the cadre.

He was appointed NITI Aayog CEO for a two-year term on 17 February, 2016  replacing former IAS officer Sindhushree Khullar.

Kant during his time at Niti Aayog handled complex political matters like the Aspirational Districts programme.

He received three extensions during his tenure  finishing his term on 30 June.

Kant was also the head of Empowered Group, one of the 11 organisations the Centre established to combat the COVID-19 epidemic.

He helmed the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), as per Indian Express.

Abhay Thakur

Abhay Thakur is the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs

The 1992 batch IFS officer served as Kants deputy at the G20 summit  that is as the Sous sherpa.

Thakur is ex-High Commissioner to Mauritius and Nigeria (with Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Economic Community of West African States.

According to Indian Express, Thakur in the MEA has been responsible for Nepal and Bhutan.

He is said to be fluent in Russian.

Eenam Gambhir

According to the Aspen Institute website, Gambir is a joint secretary in the G20 Secretariat as well as the Ministry of External Affairs.

The 2005-batch Indian Foreign Service Officer, and sole woman on the team, was in charge of planning for Indias G20 presidency as well as handling issues related to the G20.

Gambhir joined the external affairs ministry in 2005.

She previously served in the Office of the President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

She was senior adviser on Peace and Security issues.

She also worked on economic and social issues as a young diplomat.

Gambhir has worked at Indian embassies in Latin American nations such as Mexico and Argentina.

She has handled issues regarding Indias neighbourhood particularly Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in different capacities while serving in New Delhi from 2011 till 2016.

She served on the Pakistan desk at Indias external affairs ministry.

Gambhir was on the permanent mission of India to the UN in New York. She handled issues related to politics, peace and security till June 2019.

Gambhir in September 2016 as Indias First Secretary to the United Nations had delivered Indias Right of Reply to then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharifs UN General Assembly address.

Gambhir in a fiery speech said, The world has not yet forgotten that the trail of that dastardly attack led all the way to Abbottabad in Pakistan. The land of Taxila, one of the greatest learning centres of ancient times, is now host to the Ivy League of terrorism. It attracts aspirants and apprentices from all over the world. The effect of its toxic curriculum are felt across the globe.

Gambhir had again delivered the Right of Reply when Islamabads then UN envoy Maleeha Lodhi had responded to then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swarajs address to the UN General Debate.

In 2017, Gambhir again took on then Pakistan prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Speaking in Indias Right of Reply, Gambhir said, In its short history, Pakistan has become a geography synonymous with terror. The quest for a land of pure has actually produced the land of pure terror. Pakistan is now Terroristan Its current state can be gauged from the fact that Hafiz Mohammed Saeed, a leader of the United Nations designated terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, is now sought to be legitimised as a leader of a political party.

She holds two Masters degrees  of sciences in mathematics from Delhi University and Masters in advanced international security from the University of Geneva.

She speaks Hindi, English and Spanish fluently.

Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur

Naidu, a 1998-batch IFS officer, is a joint secretary at the MEA.

The career diplomat speaks Chinese fluently.

He represented India in China in four stints at Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, as per Indian Express.

Naidu was the lead negotiator on the language regarding the Ukraine war.

Naidu served the MEAs Economic Diplomacy division and headed up the Europe West Division from 2017 to 2018.

Serving as joint secretary/director general of the Europe West Division, he was responsible for Indias bilateral political engagement with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and the European Union.

Naidu was the Chef de Cabinet to the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The president, Abdullah Shahid, described Naidu as a truly outstanding diplomat, a steady hand in crisis, committed and hardworking, as per News18.

Naidu was also Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations from January 2019.

Between 2003 and 2006, he served as Consul (Political and Commercial) at the Indian Consulate in Hong Kong. From 2009 to 2012, he served as First Secretary and Counsellor (Economic & Commercial Affairs) at the Indian Embassy in Beijing.

He took over as the Consul General at the Indian Consulate in Guangzhou, China from 2013 to 2015.

After his return to the Foreign Ministry in New Delhi, Naidu served as the Joint Secretary/Director General of the Economic Diplomacy Division in the Ministry of External Affairs from 2015 to 2017.

During his term, the Economic Diplomacy Division of the MEA was given the SKOCH Platinum First Prize for Smart Governance in 2017.

Naidu was also the National Coordinator for establishing the treaty-based body International Solar Alliance in India (which has General Assembly Observer status).

He also served as a Board member in a number of Public Sector organizations including India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), Water & Power Consultancy Services Ltd. (WAPCOS), Invest India, and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT).

Naidu has a Masters in Law and Diplomacy from Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy (2008).

He is married and has two children.

Ashish Sinha

As per News18, Sinha is a 2005 batch IFS officer.

As per Indian Express, Sinha served in the External Affairs Ministers office.

He also worked as a desk officer for Pakistan.

Serving in a slew of postings including Madrid, Kathmandu, New York and Nairobi, he has spent the past seven years negotiating for India in multilateral settings.

Sinha is said to be fluent in Spanish, as per News18.

Took 200 hours

Kant on Sunday took to social media to praise his team of diplomats for delivering the G20 declaration.

The G20 sherpa said it took more than 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings and 15 circulated drafts to reach the consensus.

Kant praised Gambhir and Naidu as brilliant officers.

The most complex part of the entire #G20 was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This was done over 200 hours of non -stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings, 15 drafts. In this, I was greatly assisted by two brilliant officers  @NagNaidu08 & @eenamg pic.twitter.com/l8bOEFPP37  Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) September 10, 2023

Kant said the New Delhi Declaration adopted by the G20 leaders Saturday focusses on strong and sustainable growth, accelerating progress on sustainable development goals, green development pact, and reinvigorating multilateralism.

Todays era must be marked as the golden age of human-centric globalisation and Indias G20 Presidency under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked tirelessly towards this goal, Kant said in a series of posts on X.

Kant said the G20 Declaration was historical and path-breaking with 100 per cent consensus on all developmental and geo-political issues.

His efforts received praise from senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

Tharoor hailed Kant for achieving a consensus on the Delhi Declaration and called it a proud moment for India at G20.

Tagging Kants remarks in an interview on how the consensus was achieved on the paragraphs on Russia-Ukraine, Tharoor, a former under secretary-general, said in his post late Saturday night wrote in a post on X:

Well done @amitabhk87!Looks like the IFS lost an ace diplomat when you opted for the IAS! Negotiated with Russia, China, only last night got final draft, says Indias G20 Sherpa on Delhi Declaration consensus. A proud moment for India at G20!

With inputs from agencies
Indias presidency has been dubbed as the most ambitious in the history of G20. Day 1 of the leaders summit in New Delhi was proof. Historic pacts were signed and the African Union (AU) is now the permanent member of the bloc. Day 2 of the G20 Summit is expected to be as promising.

Heres a look at how the worlds most powerful leaders are spending their Sunday  mostly working.

G20 with Firstpost: Catch complete coverage here

Paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat

The day started with world leaders and heads of delegations arriving at Rajghat in their motorcades. Among the first to arrive were the President of Asian Development Bank Masatsugu Asakawa, and the Managing Director of the IMF Kristalina Georgieva.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was there to receive the leaders.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Deputy Prime Minister of Oman Asaad bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said arrives at Delhis Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. pic.twitter.com/HcCCdHOyYs  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

PM Modi, US president Joe Biden, Sunak, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and other heads of state and government and leaders of international organisations paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and laid a wreath. This was followed by a live performance of devotional songs.

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak visited the Akshardham Temple in Delhi with his wife Akshata Murty. This is his first official visit to India since becoming Britains PM. Sunak then headed to Rajghat.

Heading to Bharat Mandapam, tree-planting ceremony

The leaders then head to the leaders lounge at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the G20 Summit in Delhis Pragati Maidan at 9:20 am. They are expected to arrive at 9:40 am

Then there is a tree-planting ceremony at Bharat Mandapams South Plaza from 10:15 am to 10:30 am.

Third session: One Future

The third session of the summit is called One Future. It is part of Indias theme for the G20 Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth, One Family, One Future. In Sanskrit, it means The World Is One Family and is inspired by the Maha Upanishad, a prehistoric Sanskrit literature.

During this session discussions, especially on climate change, will continue.

This will be followed by the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders Declaration, a big moment for India. After months of work and lots of negotiation, the leaders arrived at a joint communique on Saturday.

The big sticking point was the Russia-Ukraine war, which was addressed in seven paragraphs. This was more elaborate than the Bali Declaration, which had only two paragraphs, reports The Indian Express.

Handover to Brazil

After the closing ceremony, India will officially hand over the G20 Presidency to Brazil.

In an exclusive interview with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Brazils president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, The Delhi Declaration is a win for the organisers- India. The G20 arrangements in New Delhi are very good, we will take lessons and implement in Brazil next year.

Media address

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant will address the media at 2 pm Sunday, after the conclusion of all scheduled discussions.

Bilateral with Macron, Trudeau

French president Emmanuel Macron arrived on Saturday in New Delhi for the Summit. He will have a bilateral meeting with PM Modi, likely in the form of a lunch on 10 September at the end of the G20 Summit.

The Embassy of France in India said during his two-day visit to New Delhi, the French president will have bilateral meetings with other world leaders, particularly with Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indonesian president Joko Widodo, and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

According to the France embassy, before his departure, Macron is likely to hold a press conference at the venue on Sunday afternoon.

PM Modi will also hold a bilateral with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. They are likely to discuss the issue of foreign interference in the countrys internal affairs.

Ahead of travelling to India, Trudeau said, As always, we will emphasise how important the rule of law is" while speaking with CBC News in Singapore. When asked by reporters about the foreign interference issue flagged by India on multiple occasions, Trudeau said, It is incredibly important that we continue to protect Canadians from any types of interference.

With inputs from agencies
Day 2 of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi saw plenty of big moments.

The day began with a slew of big hitters including US president Joe Biden, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat memorial.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the leaders at the rain-drenched Rajghat.

Lets take a closer look at the big moments of Day 2

PM Modi greets dignitaries at Rajghat

Modi welcomed the dignitaries with an angvastram or stole with an image of Gandhis Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, which was his home from 1917 to 1930 and served as one of the main centres of Indias freedom struggle, in the background.

At the iconic Rajghat, the G20 family paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi  the beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence. As diverse nations converge, Gandhi Jis timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global future. pic.twitter.com/QEkMsaYN5g  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023



The prime minister was seen explaining to the leaders the significance of the ashram where Gandhi stayed from 1936 till his death in 1948.

The G20 leaders paid tribute to Gandhi by laying wreaths at his samadhi.

While some leaders, including Modi and Sunak, walked barefoot, others were seen wearing white footwear provided to the visitors at Rajghat.

Modi hailed Gandhi as a beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence.

He added that his timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global future.

Modi also posted pictures of the mornings event.

Visuals from the spot showed PM Modi, Biden and Sunak walking together.

The ideals of Mahatma Gandhi reverberate globally. pic.twitter.com/J4Ko3IXpe4  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

The leaders then proceeded to participate in the third session One Future of the G20 summit being held at the Bharat Mandapam venue at Pragati Maidan.

PM Modis many meetings

The prime minister held meetings with several high-profile global leaders including Frances president Emmanuel Macron, and Canada Justin Trudeau.

Modi began by holding a working lunch with Macron.

A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress. pic.twitter.com/JDugC3995N  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Modi and Macron on Sunday vowed to strengthen Indo-French defence ties through partnership in design, development and manufacture of advanced defence technologies and platforms including for third countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Modi and Macron held talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthen the defence cooperation through partnership in design, development, testing and manufacture of advanced defence technologies and platforms, and expand production in India, including for third countries in Indo-Pacific, a joint statement said.

Modi met Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors. pic.twitter.com/iP9fsILWac  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Modi and Trudeau discussed full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.

In a post on X, Modi said, Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.

Trudeau said India is an extraordinarily important economy and an important partner of Canada in a range of sectors including fighting climate change and creating economic growth.

India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner to Canada on everything from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for the citizens, he said.

The Canadian prime minister said both sides will continue to look at expansion of existing cooperation.

To a question on Khalistan extremism and foreign interference, Trudeau said the issues figured in many conversations he and Prime Minister Modi had. Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us, he said.

At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred. I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada, Trudeau said.

Responding to questions on Khalistan extremism and foreign interference, said, Both the issues came up. Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues. Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us at the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred.

I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada. The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference, he added.

Modi also met the President of the Union of Comoros and chairperson of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani.

Had a very fruitful meeting with @PR_AZALI. Congratulated him once again on @_AfricanUnion joining the G20 family. Comoros is vital to Indias SAGAR Vision. Our deliberations included ways to enhance cooperation in areas like shipping, trade and more. pic.twitter.com/Zd4Nbm7YvZ  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

This came a day after Modi invited Assoumani to join other leaders at the high table  thus making the 55-member bloc the second multi-nation grouping after the European Union to be a permanent member of the G20.

Modi on Sunday discussed strengthening trade and infrastructure relations with Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Modi met Erdogan on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit that concluded here on Sunday.

We talked about ways to further cement trade and infrastructure linkages between India and Turkiye, Modi said on X.

Met President @RTErdogan. We talked about ways to further cement trade and infrastructure linkages between India and Turkiye. @trpresidency pic.twitter.com/XFIanwKKb7  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Erdogan on Sunday said India is his countrys greatest trade partner in South Asia and expressed confidence of tapping the huge potential of cooperation between the two countries.

Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the G20 leaders summit, Erdogan added,  we will be able to tap the great potential of cooperation, primarily in the field of economy and many other sectors, after the election that took place in Turkiye earlier this year, he said.

Modi also met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

After his meeting with Scholz, Modi said he thanked the German leader for enriching the G20 Summit with his views.

Also discussed how India and Germany can continue working together in clean energy, innovation and work towards a better planet, PM Modi wrote on X.

Very good meeting with @Bundeskanzler @OlafScholz in Delhi. Thanked him for enriching the G20 Summit with his views. Also discussed how India and Germany can continue working together in clean energy, innovation and work towards a better planet. pic.twitter.com/g62rUXEVDc  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Scholz said that at the summit the leaders have successfully engaged in a new interaction between the North and the South.

We will continue to pursue ambitious objectives in tackling climate change and state that the G20 have taken a clear stand against the violent principles of Russias policy, the German Chancellor posted on X.

Modi also met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The deliberations with @President_KR Yoon Suk Yeol were extensive. Reviewing the complete spectrum of bilateral relations, we agreed to further boost commercial and cultural ties between India and the Republic of Korea. pic.twitter.com/SVOalbmUnM  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Modi said the deliberations were extensive.

Reviewing the complete spectrum of bilateral relations, we agreed to further boost commercial and cultural ties between India and the Republic of Korea, Modi said on X.

Modi also met Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte.

Excellent meeting with President @LulaOficial. Ties between India and Brazil are very strong. We talked about ways to boost trade and cooperation in agriculture, technology and more. I also conveyed my best wishes for Brazils upcoming G20 Presidency. pic.twitter.com/XDMjLdfyUi  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Excellent meeting with @MinPres Mark Rutte. We talked about ways to enhance friendship between our nations. The scope of cooperation for our businesses is immense. We also look forward to strong ties in clean energy, semiconductors, digital technology and more. pic.twitter.com/KorTmjTKA1  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023



PM hands over gavel to Brazil, calls for virtual meet in November

Modi on Sunday symbolically handed over the G20 presidency to Brazil.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over the gavel of G 20 presidency to the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. pic.twitter.com/ihEmXN9lty  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023



India, which assumed the presidency the presidency on 1 December, will continue to hold the position till 30 November.

Modi, passing the gavel to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said, As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty that the suggestions we have received be reviewed once again so as to see how their progress can be sped up.

He added, I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual sessionI hope you all will connect in the virtual sessionWith this, I declare the conclusion of G 20 Summit.

The theme of this years G20 Summit, which is taking place under Indias presidency is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth  One Family  One Future.

The Brazilian president congratulated Modi for efficiently leading the G20 bloc and for excellent work in this summit.

The next G20 Summit will be held in Brazil in 2024 following which the US will take over its presidency.

Social inclusion, fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development are some of the agendas listed by Lula as G20 priorities.

With inputs from agencies
A driver from US president Joe Bidens G20 convoy was detained in Delhi on Saturday.

The driver sent security agencies into a tizzy after breaching protocol

But what happened exactly?

Lets take a closer look:

According to India Today, the incident occurred after one of the cars from Bidens convoy entered the premises of the Taj Hotel in Delhi.

Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE, is staying at the Taj during the G20.

Security officers flagged the car which had several stickers and detained the driver.

The driver said he was to reach the ITC Maurya, where Biden was staying, at 9.30 am.

But he arrived at the Taj Hotel to drop off a businessman he had picked up at Lodhi Estate.

As per NDTV, the driver said he picked up another customer as he had time to spare in the morning.

He also claimed to be unaware of the security protocols.

The driver and businessman were questioned by the official of intelligence agencies and he claimed that he was unaware of the protocol and that it was wrong to go outside during security duty, an official in the know told Indian Express.

The driver was questioned and then released.

The security officers removed the car from the convoy.

Security checks had been intensified across the National Capital on Saturday.

A multi-layer security cover had been put in place around the Pragati Maidan area in central Delhi where the summit is taking place.

Vehicle checking in New Delhi and bordering areas was intensified.

Dog squad and mounted morchas with binoculars were deployed to keep a hawks eye on the security arrangements at the venue and the entire New Delhi district.

Biden had arrived in the National Capital on Friday.

In their over 50-minute talks, Modi and Biden vowed to deepen and diversify the bilateral major defence partnership while welcoming forward movement in Indias procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines.

The two leaders also deliberated on cooperation in nuclear energy, critical and emerging technologies such as 6G and artificial intelligence, and ways to fundamentally reshape multilateral development banks.

A joint statement issued at the end of the talks said President Biden lauded Indias G20 Presidency for further demonstrating how the G20 as a forum is delivering important outcomes.

Biden also participated in key sessions of the G20 Summit on Saturday.

Biden on Sunday said this years G20 summit has proven that the grouping can still drive solutions to its most pressing issues.

At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues, Biden said.

The US president left for Vietnam after he and several other G20 leaders paid homage at Mahatma Gandhis memorial Rajghat on Sunday morning.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | US President Joe Biden departs from Delhi to Vietnam, after concluding the G20 Summit, earlier visuals. pic.twitter.com/gsAG0m5GwX  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

With inputs from agencies
Is trouble brewing between India and Canada?

Social media is abuzz with claims that Canadas prime minister Justin Trudeau, who is in New Delhi for the G20 Summit, has been snubbed by India.

Trudeau, who skipped the President of Indias reception for the G20 leaders, also did not have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Instead, the two leaders engaged in talks on the sideline.

But whats going on?

Lets take a closer look:

Trudeau skips G20 dinner, has sideline meet with PM Modi

The Canada Prime Ministers Office confirmed that Trudeau had attended all the working sessions, but skipped the G20 dinner hosted by the President of India.

As per the Mojo Story, Trudeau also was not present at the announcement of the India-Middle East Corridor as well as the declaration on biofuels.

As per The Canadian Press, Trudeau, who shook hands with Modi, was also the only leader to pull away from the longer handhold.

Trudeau and Modi did also not have a formal bilateral meeting.

Instead, the two leaders engaged in talks on the sidelines.

Modi after the meet posted on X:

Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.

Trudeau, responding to questions on Khalistan extremism and foreign interference, said, Both the issues came up. Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues. Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us at the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred.

I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada. The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference, he added.

This comes in the backdrop of Indias mounting concerns about pro-Khalistani extremism in Canada.

The Indian Mission in Canada has time and again been targeted by pro-Khalistan protesters.

It is to be noted that Trudeau, prior to reaching India, said he would raise the issue of foreign interference in Canada.

As always, we will emphasize how important the rule of law is, Trudeau was quoted as saying by National Post.

It is incredibly important that we continue to protect Canadians from any and all types of interference, Trudeau was quoted as saying.

One of the things were focused on in this inquiry is recognizing, yes, China and Russia are responsible for interference, but other countries engage in it as well, Trudeau added.

Trudeaus statement came after his Liberal Party on Thursday tasked a Quebec judge with leading an independent public inquiry into allegations of attempted foreign interference.

Trudeau vowed that the commission would go where the facts bring them.

This is a victory for Opposition parties which for months had demanded a public probe into the minority Liberal governments handling of intelligence that China sought to influence Canadian elections and policy.

Beijing has repeatedly denied any interference.

The Opposition New Democrat party later pushed to expand any inquiry to include Russia, Iran and India.

We called out the Liberals last plan to sweep this issue under the rug  and we will not hesitate to call them out again if this process doesnt deliver real answers for Canadians, Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the official opposition Conservative Party, said in a statement.

Trudeau had in March appointed a special investigator to probe alleged election interference, but that probe ended prematurely with the investigator resigning, citing widespread opposition to his appointment and work.

Trudeau NSA slams India

In June, Trudeaus National Security Adviser Jody Thomas claimed that India is among the top sources of foreign interference in Canada.

When I talk about foreign interference and economic security, Im now talking about a number of state actors and non-state proxies, Thomas said at a conference organised by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

This includes Russia, Iran and India. That said, the actor that comes up most on these issues, and its no surprise to anybody, is China, she was quoted as saying in Toronto Star.

University of British Columbia professor Vina Nadjibulla told Toronto Star that it was striking that Thomas listed India along with the three other countries  a move that could hit the close India-Canada ties.

The NSAs remarks came months after the Liberals highlighted India as part of their Indo-Pacific strategy and as a priority for establishing closer economic and scientific ties.

The relationship we have diplomatically with India is improving rapidly, but I think we would be kidding ourselves if we were not to acknowledge some of the diaspora politics and local issues here in Canada, which will have a significant impact, Nadjibulla said.

Trudeau heads a minority government which is backed by the New Democratic Party (NDP), headed by Jagmeet Singh, a Khalistani sympathiser.

Singhs NDP has 24 seats in parliament, whose support is critical for the survival of the Trudeau government.

Singh has been called out time and again on Twitter for attempting to meddle in Indian affairs, especially after he raised concerns over the crackdown in Punjab against Waris Punjab De chief and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh.

Singh has long been suspected of attempts to link Khalistani and Kashmiri separatism from his perch in Canada. He is apparently connected with prominent Khalistani and Kashmiri separatist groups based in different countries of Europe

Canada pauses FTA negotiations

The developments come a week after Canada paused negotiations for a free trade agreement with India.

News18 quoted Indias Canada envoy Sanjay Kumar Verma as saying Ottawa had asked for a pause within the last month but did not elaborate why.

An official said both countries will mutually decide on resuming the talks in the future.

The Canadian side conveyed that they were taking a pause in India-Canada negotiations on the Early Progress Trade Agreement. This will enable us both to take stock of progress and next steps. We will decide by mutual agreement when negotiations will resume, the official told PTI.

However, the official did not provide more details about the issue. Over half a dozen rounds of talks have been held between the countries on the trade pact so far.

In March last year, the two countries re-launched negotiations for an interim agreement, officially dubbed as Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA).

In such agreements, two countries significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. They also liberalise norms for promoting trade in services and attract investments.

Indian industry was looking at duty-free access for products like textiles and leather besides easy visa norms for the movement of professionals. Canada has interests in areas like dairy and agricultural products.

The bilateral trade between the countries has increased to $8.16 billion in 2022-23 from $7 billion in 2021-22.

Think-tank Global Research Initiative (GTRI) Co-Founder Ajay Srivastava said that halting of India-Canada free trade agreement negotiations does not harm Indian trade interests as more than half of Indian products already enter Canada duty-free and would not have benefitted from this pact.

Indian services sector firms in hospital or education sectors are not globalised enough to establish physical business in Canada, he said.

Stopping the FTA may harm Canadian exports, which would have benefitted from the crumbling of the high tariff wall in India.

The on-again, off-again FTA negotiations began in 2010, stopped in 2017, restarted in 2021, and have halted again. This is likely due to Canadas reluctance to meet Indias service-related requests, especially concerning the movement of professionals (Mode IV), Srivastava said, adding Canada may have found Indias goods offer lacking, with significant exclusions.

Global trade dynamics are shifting rapidly, with major players like the US and European Union (EU) imposing stricter regulations on imports, especially in climate and technology.

Its advisable for countries to focus on building domestic resilience and delay further trade openings until theres a clear and favourable economic justification, he said.

Interestingly, this isnt the first time that Trudeaus trip to India has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.

Trudeaus visit to India in February 2018 was rife with allegations that he was given the cold shoulder by the Indian government  again over the pro-Khalistan elements in Canada.

Vivek Dehejia, a resident senior fellow at the IDFC Institute, at the time told CNBC, [The trip] is best described as a slow-moving train wreck  Very little substance has come out of it and very little actually will emerge from this visit apart from some nice photo ops.

With inputs from agencies
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday midnight sent two confidential letters to the Centre and the state government.

His letter-writing exercise came after Education Minister Bratya Basu accused him of trying to destroy the higher education system in the state and running a puppet regime in universities.

Bose had earlier warned of much bigger action at midnight in the backdrop of the state education ministers severe criticism and attacks.

As the clock neared 12 am, a Raj Bhavan official said Bose has signed two confidential sealed letters, one for the state secretariat, Nabanna, and another for the Centre.

On the content of the letters, the official said that it would be disclosed later.

The governor signed two confidential letters tonight, one for Nabanna and the other for Delhi, the official added.

You will come to know of the content of the letters later, the official told PTI, while hinting that the subject could be the recent war of words between the governor and the state government.

Incidentally, Bose signed the letters a couple of hours after holding an elaborate meeting with Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi at Raj Bhavan.

The topic of the meeting, however, was not disclosed by either the state government or the Raj Bhavan.

Earlier, in the day, Bose had warned of much bigger action at midnight.

Wait for the stroke of midnight today. You will see action, Bose had told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here in the afternoon.

Minutes after Boses comment, Basu, without naming the governor, mocked him by calling him the new vampire in town and cautioned the people to beware of him.

See till midnight, see the action BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE! New Vampire in the town! Citizens, please watch yourselves. Eagerly waiting for the Rakkhas Prahar (time of the monster), according to Indian Mythology!, Basu posted on X, formerly Twitter.

In the continuing war of words between the West Bengal government and the Raj Bhavan over the appointment of interim vice-chancellors in universities, Basu had on Friday accused the governor of trying to destroy the higher education system in the state.

The minister also charged the governor, who is the chancellor of state-run universities, with running a puppet regime in the varsities and threatening registrars not to hold meetings with the higher education department.

The honourable governor wants to run a puppet regime by appointing people according to his whims to satisfy someones ego. He is making a constant effort to dismantle the higher education system, Basu said.

The West Bengal Educationists Forum, in a statement, described Boses comment on midnight action as threats.

It is unfortunate to witness the chancellor issuing threats of staging a midnight drama of revenge against the educationists and the officials and functionaries of the state higher education department, the statement said.

The governor, in his capacity as the chancellor of state-run universities, recently appointed interim vice-chancellors for eight varsities, including the prestigious Presidency University, MAKAUT and the University of Burdwan, a step which was severely criticised by the chief minister as a bid to interfere with the running of state-administered universities.

Sources said the interim vice-chancellors of eight other universities have also been finalised and appointment letters will be issued soon.
The grand stage of Bharat Mandapam, hosting the G20 summit, has unveiled a remarkable international project known as the Culture Corridor  G20 Digital Museum.

This unique exhibit celebrates and represents the shared heritage of G20 member nations and 9 invitee countries, showcasing iconic cultural objects and heritage from around the world.

The Culture Corridor is not only a visual spectacle, but also a powerful platform for fostering understanding, appreciation of diverse cultural expressions, knowledge sharing, inclusivity, and equality, all contributing to a sense of shared identity.

A G20-Themed Celebration

Aligned with Indias G20 theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the Culture Working Groups (CWG) flagship campaign Culture Unites All, the Culture Corridor was inaugurated on September 9, 2023.

Here is a glimpse of the remarkable cultural treasures featured in the Culture Corridor:

India  ASHTADHYAYI

A manuscript of the Ashtadhyayi, composed by the renowned grammarian Panini in the 5th-6th century BCE, showcases the science of Vedic phonetics and grammar, anticipating computer programming by over two millennia.

Indonesia  BATIK SARONG TEXTILES

Batik attire holds deep cultural significance, with intricate patterns crafted by applying melted wax onto fabric. Indonesias Batik heritage spans regions, and it was designated as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Brazil  MODEL OF THE NATIONAL PARLIAMENT PALACE

The National Parliament Palace in Brasilia, designed by iconic architect Oscar Niemeyer, stands as a symbol of democratic spirit in Brazil.

Argentina  PONCHO

A handmade poncho from Catamarca province represents a blend of history, technique, and community artistry, embodying the traditions of the region.

Australia  YIAPUAPU AT DJARRAKPI

This painting by master artist Narritjin Maymuru captures the rich cultural tradition and folklore of the Yolu people in northeastern Arnhem Land.

Canada  SEA MONSTER TRANSFORMATION MASK

Master carver Calvin Hunts Sea Monster Transformation Mask reflects the rich indigenous heritage of Canada and its indigenous artistry.

China  FAHUA LIDDED JAR WITH LOTUS POND DESIGN

This rare fahua ware reveals intricate designs and reflects Chinas artistic craftsmanship.

European Union  MARIE SKODOWSKA-CURIE

A bronze statue pays homage to the legendary scientist Marie Curie, highlighting her significant contributions to science and her inspirational impact on women in the field.

France  AUXERRE VASE WITH BLUE BACKGROUND

An exquisite 1912 Auxerre vase from Manufacture de Sevres showcases French porcelain expertise.

Germany  VW BEETLE MINIATURE MODELS

A miniature replica of the Volkswagen Old Beetle celebrates Germanys engineering prowess and the iconic Bug.

Italy  BELVEDERE APOLLO

A bronze statuette captures the essence of the Renaissance period and its fascination with the human body.

Japan  NENDOROID HATSUNE MIKU

A figurine clad in a 300-year-old Korin Kimono represents a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern fandom.

Republic of Korea  THE ARTISAN-CRAFTED HAT, GAT AND HEADPIECE

Traditional Korean headwear symbolizes cultural depth and legacy, transcending modern boundaries.

Mexico  SCULPTURE OF DUALITY: QUETZALCOATL AND TLALTECUHTLI

This sculpture represents the rich mythological heritage of the Aztec civilization, featuring the Feathered Serpent God and the Earth Goddess.

Russia  TRADITIONAL KHAKASS WOMENS DRESS

A traditional Khakass womans attire reflects cultural progress and goddess-inspired customs.

Saudi Arabia  TAYMA STELE WITH ARAMAIC INSCRIPTION

A 6th-century BCE Tayma Stele tells the story of temple appointments and ancient Arabian history.

South Africa  CAST OF AUSTRALOPITHECUS AFRICANUS (MRS. PLES)

This cast of one of the earliest hominins highlights Africas role as the cradle of humanity.

Turkiye  GOBEKLI TEPE STELE

A modern glass replica of a T-shaped limestone pillar provides insights into the Neolithic transition in Upper Mesopotamia.

United Kingdom  FULL-SIZE COLOUR REPRODUCTION OF THE ENTIRE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT, MAGNA CARTA

The Magna Carta, a historic document, laid the groundwork for democracy in England and the world.

USA  TYRANNY OF MIRRORS

The Tyranny of Mirrors painting by Sanford Biggers reflects the importance of quilts on the Underground Railroad and their role in guiding people to freedom.

Bangladesh  BUST OF SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN

A bust of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, commemorates his contributions to the nations independence.

Egypt  THE GOLDEN MASK AND MODERN CEREMONIAL CHAIR OF KING TUTANKHAMUN

King Tutankhamuns golden mask and throne reveal the opulence and divine authority of ancient Egypt.

Mauritius  RAVANN

The Ravann instrument symbolizes the cultural resilience and the enduring power of music in Mauritius.

Netherlands  ZIG-ZAG CHAIR

Gerrit Rietvelds Zig-Zag Chair embodies Dutch design principles of simplicity and functionality.

Nigeria  HEAD OF QUEEN IDIA AND MALE HEAD FROM IFE

Bronze artifacts from Benin and Ife reflect Nigerias rich cultural heritage.

Oman  SOFT STONE BOX WITH NARRATIVE DECORATION

A soft stone vessel from Oman showcases ancient craftsmanship and cultural motifs.

Singapore  DIFFERENT PACKAGINGS OF NEWATER AND NEWBREW

Singapores NEWater innovation highlights water sustainability and its role as a global model.

Spain  ABANICOS (HAND FANS)

Spanish fans exhibit Disenar el aire reimagines traditional fans through innovative designs, uniting history with modern materials.

UAE  REPLICA OF A HORSE GOLD BRIDLE

A replica horse bridle from Mleiha reflects the UAEs role as a cultural melting pot with rich historical connections.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva, representing the G20 presidencies of last year and the next year, handed over a sapling each to current chair Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

The symbolic ceremony took place at the start of the third session, One Future, of the G20 Summit.

First Widodo handed over the sapling to Modi and then Lula da Silva presented the sapling to the prime minister, amidst applause from other leaders.

The G20 leaders summit will draw to a close this afternoon with India handing over the G20 presidency to Brazil.

India on Saturday pulled off a big diplomatic win after the G20 summit adopted a consensus declaration overcoming major differences on the Russia-Ukraine war, as Prime Minister Modi called for ending global trust deficit.

Modi also announced that the African Union was admitted as G20s permanent member.
Manufacturers in the Middle East must develop digitally connected supply chains that are sustainable while remaining profitable. They must also prove that their products are sustainably sourced as part of a move towards a circular economy.

Managing the sustainability of their supply and value chains must now occur alongside manufacturers other change projects such as digital transformation and the upskilling of staff, writes Vibhu Kapoor, Regional Vice President - Middle East, Africa & India, Epicor.

Supply chains are part of a small family of invisible elements we humans rely upon daily. Like its relatives, electricity and telephony, we only notice it when something goes wrong. The Covid pandemic hit global supply chains hard. While a relatively small part of the underlying problem, images of the Ever Given container vessel stuck in the Suez Canal have come to symbolise a problem discussed at the highest levels of government.

Speed of recovery

Our leaders must now consider issues such as speed of recovery and fail-safes, and calculate the economic impact of inaction. Topics such as risk management, optimisation, and near-shoring have shot to the top of boardroom agendas.

According to a report by KMPG from Q3 2021, at the height of the crisis, food retailers and FMCG businesses in the UAE were struggling to continuously define optimal inventory levels. The UAE imports 85% of its food, with much of it coming from as far afield as Brazil and the US. The report referred to plummeting customer satisfaction ratings, due to stock shortages, a lack of information about order status, and expected delivery times.

The modernisation of supply chains remains critical to economic recovery and ongoing growth. The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade said as such in January at the annual World Economic Forum conference in Davos, Switzerland. Apart from the core existing problem  that the capacity, availability, and reliability of labour, warehouses, ports, shipping containers, and the ships themselves simply cannot keep pace with consumer demand  an exacerbating element has arisen.

Egypts COP27 and the UAEs COP28 place the region in plain view of the world. While these 13-day summits are not the only reason for concern over the sustainability of supply chains, they are a significant one.

Manufacturers, step forward

EY recently reported that more than 90% of the average organisations greenhouse gas emissions, and up to 70% of its operating costs, are attributed to supply chains.

Addressing this, the report rightly pointed out, will be central to making good on environmental, social and governance (ESG) pledges. Let us take manufacturing businesses as an example. What we are seeing right now is a global awakening to the fact that time is running out for us to leave a habitable biosphere for future generations. We see new environmental legislation and increased consumer demand for sustainable practices. Retailers and customers are demanding to be provided with more than just basic product information on a products labelling.

These attitudes have given way to changing laws around the world on plastics and recyclable packaging. Manufacturers must figure out how to comply with all this and ensure the sustainability of their supply chains while remaining profitable.

But EY tells us that a third of companies have yet to come up with a business case for sustainable supply chains and almost half are facing issues when trying to measure returns on such activities. So, how can manufacturers embed sustainability into their extended supply chains to support long-term growth and profitability?

See far, see wide

Visibility comes first. And its benefits are two-pronged. First, businesses get the metrics they need to drive sustainability decision-making, and second, they can identify other inefficiencies. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions are going to play a key role in the delivery of sustainable supply chains. They are already invaluable in helping businesses demonstrate how their products are being manufactured and distributed across each link in the chain. And they routinely support the identification and eradication of inefficiencies in processes and resources.

One of the most powerful capabilities of ERP, when it comes to sustainability programs, is reporting. In carbon-reduction and ESG journeys, reporting comes up often. Project managers need it, stakeholders demand it, and investors call for it. And the public expects it. Reporting tools are a standard part of ERP systems. They are not only essential to providing transparency to the outside world in light of promises made; they give manufacturers an accurate way of assuring themselves that their products are sourced and manufactured in an environmentally responsible way.

ERP solutions are, by their very nature, tied into every aspect of the business. Like a nervous and respiratory system rolled into one, the integrated ERP platform captures end-to-end product data across a digitally connected supply chain. This is essential to calculating the true cost of compliance for manufacturers. Any change to the manufacturing process can be acted on with the touch of a button to ensure that products are still profitable and, crucially, affordable for their customers.

A green chain

It is important to understand what we mean by a digitally connected supply chain. The data the system gathers covers every link in the chain. With todays heightened scrutiny, businesses are on display to the communities they serve. They have made public pledges on carbon emissions, waste, water usage, energy consumption, and more. But a connected public, and the regulators and governments that represent them, cannot be fooled for long. An enterprise can no longer claim to be green if the companies it buys from are not. Transparency is critical, and so genuine compliance is unavoidable.

This new push for sustainability in supply chains is not a cynical matter of if you cant beat em, join em. It is nothing less than an opportunity to lead and establish a legacy that outlasts the crisis. ERP systems are therefore a tool for visionaries who can champion change and, in a very real sense, save the world.--TradeArabia News Service
The New Delhi declaration which was adopted by G20 leaders was in line with our discussions and a stepping stone to restore peace in Ukraine, said a European Union official familiar with the negotiation that happened during drafting the declaration.

The EU was satisfied with the text, the official said while praising the Indian leadership for its wonderful job. He said that the New Delhi declaration was a stepping stone to bringing peace to Ukraine.

The declaration document which stated G20 countries will unite for a just, and durable peace in Ukraine will be helpful going ahead, the official added.

The New Delhi declaration adopted on Saturday, read, We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that will uphold all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations in the spirit of One Earth, One Family, One Future.

The official hopes that Brazil, which takes over the G20 presidency from India, will take forward the matter. Speaking on the Black Sea grain deal, the EU official said it was unfortunate that Russia did not hold on to the initiative. We have not heard anything from Russia, the official added.

The grain deal that had permitted Ukraine to export grain from its Black Sea ports a year ago, despite the ongoing war, to help alleviate a global food crisis, was terminated by Moscow recently, which claimed that the requirements for the extension had been disregarded.

The EU official also delved into the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor. He said the work for the deal was on for some time, adding, it will be interesting going forward.

The corridor which will connect Europe with Asia is of historic importance, he added. This initiative could be seen as an alternate supply chain in a completely evolved post-pandemic world order.

India is expected to gain significantly as it places India firmly on the route of trade flows from South East Asia to the Gulf, West Asia and Europe, giving India significant strategic and economic advantage, besides creating huge opportunities in the logistics and transportation sector.
France President Emmanuel Macron Sunday declared support for reforming global government to ensure real representation of the world today.

We support a deep reform of global governance. Security Council but as well the World Bank and the IMF, they have to reflect todays reality in terms of demography and economy as well, said Macron speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi.

#WATCH | G-20 in India | French President Emmanuel Macron says, We support a deep reform of global governance. Security Council but as well the World Bank and the IMF, they have to reflect todays reality in terms of demography and economy as well. And then we want to increase pic.twitter.com/Mn0rrbRqlJ  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

Macron also highlighted the need for financial assistance to developing countries to play a greater role on the global level and meet their climate change demands.

And then we want to increase the available tools. Thats why we want to replenish the World Bank and France is supporting that so that the emerging countries have a greater role to play
Emphasizing the One Future theme in the third session of the G20 Summit, PM Modi called for moving on from the idea of a global village towards a global family.

PM Modi addressed the summit before handing the gavel to Lula de Silva, the President of Brazil, who will follow India to take over the G20 Presidency.

Shared my thoughts during Session 3 of the G20 Summit. This Session focussed on the theme of One Future. Emphasised on the need of the hour being to look beyond the idea of a Global Village and make the vision of Global Family a reality. pic.twitter.com/KcypGXdLsP  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Shared my thoughts during Session 3 of the G20 Summit. This Session focussed on the theme of One Future. Emphasised the need of the hour being to look beyond the idea of a Global Village and make the vision of Global Family a reality, PM posted on X talking about his address.

While handing over the gavel, PM Modi assured Lula of cooperation during their G20 presidency, which it assumes on 1 December, 2023.

India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency, PM said on X.
UK Prime Minister will provide $2bn to the Green Climate Fund  the biggest single funding commitment the country has made to help the world in tackling climate change.

The UK will contribute 1.62 billion ($2 billion) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which was established by 194 countries following the Copenhagen Accord at COP15, as per the British High Commission in India.

PM Sunak marked the end of the G20 meeting in New Delhi, calling on his fellow attendees to take action in reducing carbon emissions and assisting economically vulnerable nations in preparation for the upcoming COP28 climate summit in the United Arab Emirates, according to media reports.

The United Kingdoms financial commitment, spanning from 2024 to 2027, reflects a 12.7 per cent increase compared to its contribution from 2020 to 2023, the UK government said.

Initiated in 2010 through the Cancun Agreement, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) serves as the financial instrument for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Its primary objective is to aid the global community in reaching its objectives for both mitigation and adaptation.

The financial commitment announced by Sunak is part of the UK Governments commitment to provide approximately 11.6 billion ($4.46 billion) in international climate financing, according to the statement.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who attended the G20 Summit in place of President Vladimir Putin said that the West is unable to maintain an intelligent discussion as soon as we start talking about Ukraine.

His comments came after India formally handed over the G20 Presidency to Brazil on Sunday.

As soon as we start talking about Ukraine, the West is unable to maintain an intelligent discussion, all it can do is demand that Russia stop its aggression and restore Ukraines territorial integrity, but the UN charter also mentioned the principle of equality, the Russian minister said.

The Kyiv regime destroyed the territorial integrity of its country with its own handI believe that some of our Western colleagues understand it too but you know very well that they are placing their bets on Russias strategic defeat, he added.

Summit has been a milestone

Lavrov also hailed Indias presidency after the global event concluded.

It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history, he said.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for pic.twitter.com/7Hhw4nOGCe  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

Our BRICS partners- Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests, he added.

Slamming the West for not fulfilling its promises, Lavrov said, The West also had long ago promised even 100 billion US dollars per year to prepare economists to counter the negative consequences of climate change, but nothing on that has been done.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says The West also had long ago promised even 100 billion US dollars per year to prepare economists to counter the negative consequences of climate change, but nothing on that has been done. The declaration also pic.twitter.com/QS1XGRehW7  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

Meanwhile, the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration adopted Friday called for the establishment of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The group leaders have also been urged to refrain from the threat of use of force to seek territorial acquisition or any actions that might undermine the territorial integrity of any nation.
On the sidelines of G20 Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a working lunch meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday.

Macron, who arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the G20 Leaders Summit, is expected to hold bilateral meetings with PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva among others.

Macron will depart for Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon, the French Presidents office said.

PM Modi and Macron previously met in July this year when the Indian PM visited France to attend the Bastille Day Parade.

The G20 Summit will enable Frances Head of State to continue his ongoing dialogue with his counterparts from every continent, so as to combat the risks of fragmentation of the world. It will also be an opportunity to make progress in implementing joint responses to the major global challenges that can only be tackled effectively through multilateral action: peace and stability, poverty alleviation, protection of climate and our planet, food security, and digital regulation, A statement from Macrons office said.

It further said, The Summit will also provide an opportunity to follow up on the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact held in Paris last June. This led to the establishment of the Paris Agenda for People and the Planet, providing a framework for collective action to ensure that no country has to choose between fighting poverty and protecting the planet.

Macron is also likely to hold a press conference at the venue on Sunday afternoon ahead of his departure to Bangladesh, the Embassy of France in India said.

Macron will depart for Bangladesh for a bilateral visit. To mark the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French partnership, both countries agreed to adopt a roadmap to set the course for the bilateral relationship up to 2047, which will celebrate the centenary of Indias independence, the centenary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries and 50 years of the strategic partnership.

With inputs from ANI
South Africas Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Grace Naledi Pandor, underscored the challenge of squaring off differences on the war in Ukraine and commended India for bringing a consensus on the question at the G20 Summit in Delhi in an interview with FirstPost.

I think it has been really difficult but India carried it extremely well, credit to the (Indias G20) Sherpa (Amitabh Kanth), credit to the foreign minister (, and credit to his excellency the PM (Narendra Modi), the African minister said.

Consensus on Ukraine War

The war in Ukraine has been a flashpoint for the G20 since the last year. The conflict has hijacked the grouping and set deep divides. She believed that this, especially given Ukraine is not even a G20 member, takes the focus away from the question of development. She also argued that if Ukraine was to be invited then why not all those African countries that face conflicts?

Ukraine isnt a member of G20 and its not been the practice to invite external countries to come to the G20 and almost make a submission. We are very pleased that the AU has become a permanent part, and again we credit and thank India for that decision,

I dont think that it would be appropriate to have a situation where one country which has a conflict believes it should be invited. Should we be inviting Mozambique, which has had terrorist attacks, Should we be inviting Mali, which has had a coup, or Burkina Faso? If we dont invite them then why is it because they are African so the conflict they experience doesnt matter? she asked.

Pandor expressed gratitude to Sherpa Amitabh Kanth for making sure the agenda wasnt hijacked by Ukraine.

Credit must go to the Sherpa of India who played a very important role

Indias permanent seat on UNSC

When asked about India still not having a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, and if China was behind the delay, she said that it was not the case. Instead, other countries that are not permanent members piggyback developing countries to create roadblocks.

I dont think theres an objection from China, We discussed this matter and its in our BRICS declaration that countries such as India and Brazil and African countries such as South Africa should have representation. China is a part of the BRICS declaration, so theres been no objection in our meetings to India having a presence on the security council.

The roadblock is, when you introduce the subject of reform, others who are not part of the permanent presence on the security council assert their interest, so they piggyback on the developing countries, so youd have a Germany, a Japan, it muddy the water.

France in BRICS

On the question of France being denied association with BRICS, she said that there was no place for the country and the group couldnt get to a consensus on the issue.

We didnt think that there was really a place for him in our deliberations and we had a great deal of business to get through. The interest came rather late and the members fortunately of BRICS, Our practice is we decide matters on consensus. So the chair President Ramaphosa consulted all his colleagues and there wasnt any consensus that all five wished to have the President of France.

Chinas debt-trap in Africa

Africa owes $73 billion in debt to China, making some argue that the continent is falling into a debt trap to China. However, she argued that this was not the case and it was just the media trying to create a bad image for China.

I think theres been a popular attempt in the public media to create an impression that China owns the continent and I think its really wrong. Because there are many people to whom money is owed by many African countries, many of them are in debt to the IMF, to the other international development finance institutions, but because there is this intention to present China as some form of monster eating up the African continent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday held a productive lunch meeting after the conclusion of the G20 Summit.

A very productive lunch meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress, PM Modi said on X.

A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress. pic.twitter.com/JDugC3995N  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Meanwhile, Macron said, One planet, one family, one future. This is the motto of the Delhi G20. Facing growing risks of divisions worldwide, dialogue with emerging economies on every continent is essential. Global stability and our ability to act, both depend on it.

One planet, one family, one future. This is the motto of the Delhi G20. Facing growing risks of divisions worldwide, dialogue with emerging economies on every continent is essential. Global stability and our ability to act, both depend on it. pic.twitter.com/iM3JyxRuvm  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 10, 2023

 

The world is one family.

Le monde est une seule famille. pic.twitter.com/53Fjkmyjh6  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 10, 2023

At the closing session of the G20 Summit, the French President said, I think we (India-France) have a strong bilateral partnership. We had a very strong defence partnership and we strengthened this partnership, especially during the past 2 years. The visit of your PM during our Bastille Day, was a very critical moment. French people were very proud and they felt the friendship and respect for your country We will follow up on defence, we will develop and deploy on all the different parts of our defence roadmap, additional contracts and procurements in the months and years to come.

India has formally passed on the G20 Presidency to Brazil. The next summit will happen in Brazil as the country will officially get its presidency status in December 2023.
Inclusion of the African Union in the G20 is the most important outcome of the ongoing Summit in Delhi, said an International Politics expert from the University of Cambridge.

The most important outcome of this Summit is the inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the G20, said Tristen Naylor, Deputy Director of G20 Research Group.

Naylor underscores the importance of the step in bringing the developing world closer to the group of top 20 economies. India, he argues, is positioned as a bridge between the West and the rest of the world.

That is a big step forward in increasing the legitimacy of the club & creating meaningful links with the global south. India is well-positioned to act as a bridge between the global south & the other actors be it the West or the Gulf states, the Middle East, China, and Russia. India is well-positioned diplomatically, which certainly gives it an advantage in forging links with those not included in the group, said Naylor who is an Assistant Professor of International Politics and History at the University of Cambridge.

#WATCH | G 20 in India: Having a declaration is a success for PM Modi & the host of G 20The most important outcome of this Summit is the inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the G 20. That is a big step forward in increasing the legitimacy of the club & creating pic.twitter.com/xAVFYPHCTX  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

African Union was included in the second session of Day 1 of the G20 Summit called One Family.
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida on Sunday said that G20 countries agreeing to New Delhi Leaders Declaration is truly a meaningful achievement.

Addressing an event on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Kishida said, Under the leadership of India as this years chair, we were able to agree on the G20 Leaders declaration which is a truly meaningful achievement. Japan has been engaged in the negotiations with the intent to pass on the outcome of the G7 to the G20 and we were able to hand over to the G20 points that were confirmed at the Hiroshima Summit.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Japanese PM Fumio Kishida says Under the leadership of India as this years chair, we were able to agree on the G20 Leaders declaration which is a truly meaningful achievement. Japan has been engaged in the negotiations with the intent to pass on the pic.twitter.com/g9YnPimnCF  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

I look forward to working with other leaders to follow up on the outcomes delivered by the G7 and G20, added the Japanese Prime Minister.

He lauded PM Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodos leadership as chairs of the ASEAN-related summits in Jakarta and the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

#WATCH | G-20 in India: Japanese PM Fumio Kishida says, Over the course of the past five days, I attended ASEAN-related summits in Jakarta and the G 20 New Delhi Summit. First and foremost, I extend my deep respect and appreciation to President Joko of Indonesia and Prime pic.twitter.com/OHpp8mniTY  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

Over the course of the past five days, I attended ASEAN-related summits in Jakarta and the G20 New Delhi Summit. First and foremost, I extend my deep respect and appreciation to President Joko of Indonesia and Prime Minister Modi of India for exercising outstanding leadership as chairs of the summits and to the members of both governments, said the Japanese President.

Top world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Brazil President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and several others, gathered in New Delhi for the two-day summit starting 9 September.

On the first day of the summit on Saturday, Modi announced the G20 leaders declaration was adopted with consensus, throwing a major surprise as both the Russia-China combine and the West had indicated that they would not budge from their respective positions on the Ukraine conflict.

With inputs from agencies
FILE PHOTO: Houses are seen for sale and under construction in a neighbourhood of Ottawa

(Reuters) - Canada's Housing Minister Sean Fraser is evaluating a wide range of options as he looks to ease the housing crisis in the country, CBC reported on Sunday.

"There's a range (of incentives) that we're considering right now. Some could include potential tax incentives for builders to build. Some could include other low-cost financing arrangements," the report quoted Fraser as saying in an interview to CBC.

Fraser is also considering removing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on affordable housing projects and dedicating federal lands to rental housing, the report added.

Fraser told CBC that the main goals were to use funds previously allotted for existing programs more swiftly and effectively, guarantee Canada could use its construction workforce, and support relatively underdeveloped industries like factory-built homes.

Canada is facing a housing affordability crisis, which has been blamed on an increase in migrants and international students, fueling demand for homes just as rising costs have slowed construction.

The economy's unexpected contraction in the second quarter was largely due to declines in housing investment and smaller inventory accumulation as well as slower international exports and household spending.

(Reporting by Anirudh Saligrama in Bengaluru; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of Day 2 of the G20 Summit in New Delhi where the two leaders discussed both global and regional developments, reviewed the progress in bilateral ties since their last meeting in July 2023 in Paris and vowed to strengthen Indo-French defence collaboration.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthen the defence cooperation through partnership in design, development, testing and manufacture of advanced defence technologies and platforms, and expand production in India, including for third countries in the Indo-Pacific, a joint statement released at the end of the meet said.

They also called for early finalisation of the Defence Industrial Roadmap and promised to further strengthen Indo-French defence collaboration.

A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress, PM Modi posted on X, (formerly Twitter). The two leaders met over lunch.

A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress. pic.twitter.com/JDugC3995N  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

The India-France joint statement indicated that both countries welcomed the African Unions membership to the G20 group of nations and resolved to work with AU for progress, prosperity and development of Africa.

PM Modi and President Macron also emphasised the need to expand Indo-French collaboration to address regional and global challenges. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to collectively serve as a force of good, carrying the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam that is One Earth, One Family, One Future, during tumultuous times and to reshape the global order, the statement read.

Macrons visit to India comes after Prime Minister Modis significant trip to Paris on July 13-14, 2023 as the Guest of Honour on the occasion of the French National Day on 14 July 2023. The visit also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership.

Both the leaders also discussed the India-France partnership in the Indo Pacific region and Africa, including in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability and industrial projects. They underlined their role of providers of solutions for the Indo-Pacific through their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

President Macron on his part congratulated Prime Minister Modi on Indias successful Chandrayaan 3 mission to the moon. The two leaders recalled six decades of India-France space cooperation and reviewed the progress since the first Strategic Space Dialogue in June 2023. They acknowledged the strong Indo-French civil nuclear ties, good progress in discussions for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project and welcomed the continuing engagement of both sides to expand bilateral cooperation.

France also reiterated its steadfast and unwavering support for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday proposed for G20 virtual summit in November end as he handed over the ceremonial gavel to Brazilian president Lula Da Silva to mark the transfer of the presidency of the group.

VIDEO | India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November. In these two days, you (world leaders) have expressed several views and put forward various proposals. I propose that we hold a virtual session of G20 in November end, where we can review the subjects of this pic.twitter.com/4xMc42ryq6  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 10, 2023

India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November. In these two days, you (world leaders) have expressed several views and put forward various proposals. I propose that we hold a virtual session of G20 in November end, where we can review the subjects of this summit, PM Modi said at the third and the concluding G20 session at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhis Pragati Maidan.

Discussion on G20 virtual summit

PM Modi said during the proposed virtual session of G20, member countries could review the topics decided in the G20 Summit 2023.

I hope you all will connect in the virtual session, PM Modi said as he declared the conclusion of G20 Summit.

When will Brazil take over as G20 President?

Brazil will officially take over the mantle of the presidency of the elite grouping on 1 December this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Lula da Silva congratulated PM Modi and thanked India for its efforts to give voice to the topics of interest to emerging economies.

Lula da Silva also listed social inclusion, the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development as G20 priorities.

Brazil welcomes you all

Lula said the technical groups and the preparatory ministerial meetings will be hosted in sveral cities in all five regions of Brazil.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says, The technical groups and the preparatory ministerial meetings will be hosted in several cities in all five regions of our countryI will be very much honoured to welcome you all to Rio de Janeiro pic.twitter.com/0krldSEcfl  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

I will be very much honoured to welcome you all to Rio de Janeiro Summit in November 2024, the Brazilian President said.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday hailed Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant for the Delhi Declaration consensus, and said it was a proud moment for India at G20.

Tagging Kants remarks in an interview on how the consensus was achieved on the paragraphs on Russia-Ukraine, Tharoor said in a post on X, Well done @amitabhk87!Looks like the IFS lost an ace diplomat when you opted for the IAS!

Well done @amitabhk87! Looks lile the IFS lost an ace diplomat when you opted for the IAS! Negotiated with Russia, China, only last night got final draft, says Indias G20 Sherpa on Delhi Declaration consensus.

A proud moment for India at G20! https://t.co/9M0ki7appY  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 9, 2023

Negotiated with Russia, China, only last night got final draft, says Indias G20 Sherpa on Delhi Declaration consensus. A proud moment for India at G20! Tharoor, a former under secretary-general, said in his post late Saturday night.

India on Saturday pulled off a big diplomatic win after the G20 summit adopted a consensus declaration overcoming major differences on the Russia-Ukraine war.

On Sunday, Kant said it took over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations by a team of Indian diplomats to deliver a consensus on the G20 declaration that was adopted at the Leaders Summit here.

The team of diplomats, including joint secretaries Eenam Gambhir and K Nagraj Naidu, held 300 bilateral meetings and circulated 15 drafts with their counterparts on the contentious Ukraine conflict to drive home a consensus that was clinched on the first day of the G20 Leaders Summit itself.

The most complex part of the entire G20 was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This was done over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings and 15 drafts, Kant said.

Kant said he was greatly assisted in the efforts by Naidu and Gambhir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday handed over the G20 Presidency to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil, formally ending Indias presidency.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over the gavel of G 20 presidency to the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. pic.twitter.com/ihEmXN9lty  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

PM Modi, however, also mentioned, As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty that the suggestions we have received be reviewed once again so as to see how their progress can be sped up.

He added, I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual sessionI hope you all will connect in the virtual sessionWith this, I declare the conclusion of G 20 Summit

India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial pic.twitter.com/twaN577XZv  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

After taking over the presidency of G20, Lula said, We are living in a world where wealth is more concentrated in which millions of human beings still go hungry, where sustainable development is always threatened, in which government institutions still reflect the reality of middle of the last century.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says, We are living in a world where wealth is more concentrated in which millions of human beings still go hungry, where sustainable development is always threatened, in which government institutions pic.twitter.com/rPPB1rleqQ  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

We will only be able to face all these problems if we address the issue of inequality  inequality of income, of access to healthcare, education, food, gender and race and also of representation is at the origin of these anomalies, he added.

During the closing session, the Brazilian president congratulated PM Modi for efficiently leading the G20 bloc and for excellent work in this summit.

The next G20 Summit will be held in Brazil in 2024 following which the US will take over its presidency.

Social inclusion, fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development are some of the agendas listed by Lula as G20 priorities.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday morning visited the Akshardham temple along with his wife Akshata Murthy.

In a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sunaks convoy is seen making way to the temple amid tight security.

#WATCH | UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Delhis Akshardham temple to offer prayers. pic.twitter.com/0ok7Aqv3J9  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

On 8 September, Sunak had said that he is a proud Hindu and was ecstatic to visit the temple.

I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis. I didnt have time to celebrate Janmashtami. But hopefully, as I said I can make up for that if we visit a mandir this time, he had said while speaking to news agency ANI.

After Sunaks visit to the temple, Director of Akshardham Temple Jyotindra Dave told ANI that the British Prime Minister performed aarti and enjoyed every minute at the temple

His experience was extraordinaryHe performed the Pooja and Aarti with a lot of faithWe showed him the temple and also gave him a model of the temple as a giftHe enjoyed every minute herehe kept on extending timeHis wife was also very happy, said Dave.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | On UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks visit to Akshardham Temple, Director of Akshardham Temple, Jyotindra Dave says,His experience was extraordinaryHe performed the Pooja and Aarti with a lot of faithWe showed him the temple and also gave him a pic.twitter.com/DQFylPCo8m  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

On Saturday, the Delhi Police had said that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place and checking is underway in view of Sunaks visit to the Akshardham temple.

Police officials said security has been tightened in and around the temple.

#WATCH | Delhi: Ahead of the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks visit to Delhis Akshardham temple, later today, security arrangements are being tightened outside the temple. pic.twitter.com/uQk96l39Hw  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

Sunak is in India along with his wife Akshata Murthy to attend the two-day G20 Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday and discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment.

With inputs from agencies
From 6 to 7 September, 2023, Indonesia hosted the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta City, which included the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit. The summit was co-chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It centered on the theme ASEAN Matters: Epicenter of Growth and aimed to strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while charting its future course. During the summit, leaders discussed various areas of cooperation, such as connectivity, digital transformation, trade, economic engagement, contemporary challenges, people-to-people contacts, and deepening strategic engagement. The summit also resulted in the adoption of two joint statements, one on maritime cooperation and the other on food security. Also, the leaders reaffirmed ASEANs centrality in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the synergies between Indias Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI) and ASEANs Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

While ASEAN, which stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is an international organization comprising ten nations located in the Southeast Asian region, it was founded in 1967 with primary objectives that include fostering economic growth, advancing social progress, promoting cultural development, and maintaining peace and security within the area. The member countries of ASEAN include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Remarkably, ASEAN boasts a population exceeding 600 million inhabitants and spans an impressive landmass of 4.5 million square kilometers (1.7 million square miles). The organisation operates through three key pillars: the ASEAN Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Their official motto, One Vision, One Identity, One Community, underscores their unwavering commitment to unity and cooperation.

During the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 12-point proposal to strengthen strategic relations between India and ASEAN. Key components of Modis proposal included a commitment to bolster connectivity, promote trade, and propel digital transformation. Additionally, Mr Modi revealed plans to establish a multi-modal connectivity and economic corridor bridging Southeast Asia, India, West Asia, and Europe. Furthermore, he extended an offer to share Indias digital public infrastructure stack with ASEAN partners. Within the framework of this proposal, he called for a unified effort in combating terrorism, addressing the financing of terror activities, and countering cyber disinformation. He also stressed the need to raise issues relevant to the Global South in multilateral forums, underlining Indias commitment to a fair and just global order

Moreover, ASEAN and India are not only neighbours with both land and maritime boundaries but also hold deep civilisational ties collectively wield remarkable influence, accounting for 7 per cent of global GDP and over 26 per cent of the worlds population. In the post-pandemic era, their relationship has reached an unprecedented high, with bilateral trade surging from just US$ 9 billion during their inaugural summit in 2002 to an anticipated milestone of over US$ 150 billion in 2023.

Also, PM Modis address to the 18th East Asia Summit, a prominent forum in the Indo-Pacific region dedicated to security and defence matters, underscored the importance of joint efforts to safeguard all nations sovereignty and territorial integrity. He further advocated for an effective code of conduct in the South China Sea, in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Modis comments on the South China Sea issue also coincided with heightened global attention to Chinas territorial claims in the region, particularly as depicted in its latest standard map of China. These remarks consider growing global concerns regarding Chinas military assertiveness and territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, he reiterated the conviction that the current era should be defined by dialogue and diplomacy, not conflict or war, in addressing geopolitical disputes. This stance aligns with the international communitys call for peaceful resolution mechanisms.

The writer is a Senior Research Fellow and Doctoral Candidate at the Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies (SIS), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
This G21 can only be seen as Bharats unprecedented and spectacular coming- out-party at the high table bedecked with gleaming silverware. It was hosted by our charismatic Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has established himself as a significant and influential global leader.

The attendance underlines the recognition of this country as the unstoppable third largest global power by 2030, with likely a $10 trillion plus economy by then.

The first dramatic accomplishment, at the very start of the deliberations on 9 September, at the mighty gathering, was the induction of the 55 country African Union as a permanent member of the G20 to make it up to G21.

This represents the result of not only Bharats steadfast sponsorship and advocacy of this cause, but the recognition of a changing world order. It has been dominated for a long time and is still led by the G7 countries. Now they, at the urging of India, the obsolescence and racism of old methods, are willing to change. The economic and political world order has remained almost unchanged since WWII with the West in the drivers seat. However, the emergence of ancient and modern countries like Bharat that believes in its inclusive and peaceful principles has made an impact. Amongst Prime Minister Modis many one world coinages, he uses the term Humancentric which seems to resonate with other leaders.

In a counter to Chinese neo-imperialism, institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are going to receive a $200 billion injection announced by the United States. Terms will be renegotiated to offer better lending formats to the African Union and other countries of the Global South, groaning under massive and unsupportable debt.

African countries have had to pay as much as five times as much for its multilateral loans which have ended up badly roiling their economies. China has in recent years exploited this anomaly with rapacious terms for their development loans. These were extended, sometimes to access rich mineral resources, and at other times to push Chinas Belt and Road Programme (BRI). Almost all of it however has been bogged down as bad debt because there is little bankability of these developments. It has, in turn, been putting immense pressure on the Chinese economy as well.

The most powerful and significant leaders of the world were in New Delhi for the two-day summit, with two notable exceptions.

President Putin, preoccupied with the Ukraine War, sent his venerable Foreign Minister Lavrov. President Xi Jinping, probably occupied with immense domestic economic turmoil, as characterised by senior members of the ruling CCP, sent Premier Li who is well known for his economic management. However this came unstuck with his disastrous handling of the severe lockdowns in major Chinese cities during Covid.

Both Russia and China heads, seen as ever closer allies, stayed away from the recent ASEAN Summit in Jakarta as well.

The United States, represented in New Delhi by President Joe Biden, expressed disappointment with Chinas no-show. Its tacit and active support to Russia in the conduct of the Ukraine War, along with its belligerent satellite North Korea, is of particular concern. America has also criticised Chinas latest bizarre standard map that not only claims various territories in India and along the South China Sea, but seeks to disrupt the rules-based-world-order.

A number of affected countries at ASEAN, and here at the G20 Summit, along with Bharat, have condemned the new Chinese map and Chinas attempt at muscle flexing.

Bharat pulled out all the stops to set the environs with flowers and fountains, a spanking new state-of-the-art venue, the host hotels tricked out to be at the top of their game, the approaches, monuments, selected shopping locations, Bharats proud digital accomplishments and processes, enormous security preparations, were all decked out in celebratory mode. This comes at the culmination of some 40 meetings of the G20 spread out all over the country.

Inside and outside the summit venue, Bharats 5,000 plus year old history and culture were showcased. It was replete with magnificent statues of a number of Hindu Gods. Prime Minister Modi received the honoured guests in front of a replica of the Konarak Wheel from the Sun Temple in Odisha. A massive 27-foot-high dancing Nataraja made of Ashtadhatu, fronts the G20 venue dubbed Bharat Mandapam.

There was considerable consensus on matters like Climate Change, alternate energy development, and opportunities for the Global South. Also, India managed to generate consensus among the member countries to mention war in Ukraine rather than Russias aggression against Ukraine in the final statement of the joint communique. Russia says a political reference has no place in a G21 economic summit.

Russia, of course, sees the Ukraine War very differently. China and India were not willing to condemn Russia unilaterally for their own reasons. India has called for dialogue to resolve the conflict and has long been saying for long that this is not a time for War. At the summit, Prime Minister Modi referred to a trust deficit without once mentioning Ukraine, implying a solution can be found through dialogue.

The New Delhi Declaration is indeed a great achievement for the G20 grouping under Indias presidency.

India has had both the USSR and its successor Russia as a steadfast ally and friend for decades, and some 50 per cent of its military equipment is of Russian/Soviet origin. This has been complemented with sourcing from the US, France, Israel in recent years, and more and more emphasis on aatmanirbhar or joint venture manufacturing in Bharat.

If there is an element of peevishness and desire to steal Indias thunder that has caused Chinese President Xi Jinping to stay away from this summit, and the one in Jakarta, it is probably working against China.

Without Xi Jinping adding his sour glowering presence, displayed recently at Johannesburg for the BRICS Summit, there is no great loss. At Johannesburg, the addition of nine new members through consensus amongst the five existing members, by 1 January 2024 did not quite go as per the Chinese plan. It robbed China of its desire to dominate the forum with just two or three additions of its own choice.

Chinese government mouthpieces such as The Global Times seem to be portraying the Chinese mood, with its sniping against the New Delhi summit from Beijing.

The question in many minds is just how much trouble is Xi Jinping in, given his poor handling of the Chinese economy and his diplomatic wolf warrior tactics that has almost every country exasperated. He has been called out by his mentor amongst others, and under pressure, has attempted to deny responsibility for the current state of affairs.

The G21 has also announced a railway-based land/port connectivity project involving Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US and Bharat. This new initiative is also likely to check growing Chinese influence in West Asia.

Brazil will take over the leadership of the G21 for the next year.

Prime Minister Modi was working through as many as 15 bilateral meetings and some pull-asides during these three days, ever since the leaders started to arrive on 8 September. The bilateral with the US reportedly will advance defence cooperation and joint venturing beyond the GE 414 fighter engine deal with 80 per cent technology transfer, and those for the Predator drones.

The one with Bangladesh illustrates the most successful relationship with a neighbouring country. Various others will also advance Bharats strategic partnership with its counterparts.

Amongst all this, the retreat of China from the reformist gathering, despite the presence of Premier Li, may well be marking a watershed moment.
In Bali, Prime Minister Narendra Modis formulation, Todays era must not be of war, had saved the day after India burnt the midnight oil to help host Indonesia develop an acceptable outcome document at the proverbial eleventh hour.

One year later, the bruising war is still ravaging Europe. If anything, it has become deeper, wider, and bloodier. Led by the US, NATO is engaged in a proxy war with Russia with Ukraine as the sacrificial lamb. Not just the battlefields, drones and missiles are raining down on cities, destroying civilian infrastructure, causing immense human suffering and entrenching further the intractable geopolitical positions.

When India took over the presidency of G20 from Indonesia, even the bravest punter would have thought twice before betting on New Delhi emulating Balis fragile consensus. The signs were ominous. The ministerial meetings were ending with the chair, India, forced to release chairs summary in the absence of joint communiques. In July, for instance, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Gandhinagar after the third meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) that we still dont have a common language on the Russia-Ukraine war.

Under these circumstances, when the New Delhi summit kicked off Saturday, there was pessimism all around. No dearth of snide remarks from western media and policy wonks on how the success of Indias stewardship would depend on whether it manages to forge a consensus.

To add to the suspense, reports indicated that both the warring sides were in no mood for compromise. And then it happened.

The prime ministers announcement in the afternoon, I have got good news. From our teams hard work, we have reached an agreement on the G20 declaration, prompted a long round of applause from the summit leaders, widespread disbelief in the international community and an outpouring of satisfaction and pride in India.

Few expected 83 paragraphs of full consensus with no dissent or footnotes, much less on the first day of the summit given the rift in the group over Ukraine. The text of New Delhi Leaders Declaration will be pored over and scrutinized threadbare.

Whats in those lines, however, are less important than the fact that India has been able to persuade warring camps and come out with a joint communique symbolising full consensus at a time of war and entrenched bloc politics. At a time when Russia and China are challenging the US-led established world order, the fact that India has been able to do this is testimony to the prime ministers leadership and Indias growing profile in the global comity of nations.

The untiring, relentless effort of Indias sherpa Amitabh Kant and his team  in conjunction with the emerging economies of Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, all of whom contributed towards the outcome  cannot be downplayed.

But slogging alone wouldnt have been enough had it not been for the strategic sweet spot that India has managed to secure for itself, the appeal of its growing economy, deft diplomatic footwork, and the trust and chemistry that Modi enjoys among the world leaders. It was evident when the prime minister was caught in a frame in a three-way handshake with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Joe Biden. The importance of the frame lies in the fact Biden had vowed to ostracize the Saudi crown prince, and could only manage a fist bump last year in Jeddah that became a warm handshake in the presence of Modi in New Delhi.

The strategic sweet spot has enabled India to gain a bit of semantic leeway from the West. It was crucial in achieving a consensus on a contentious few paragraphs regarding the war in Ukraine. Given the fact that China wants a dramatic break with the established global order aided by Russia, it wasnt in the Wests interest to adopt obstructionism and deny India a consensus. Depending on the viewpoint, this may be construed as strategic altruism, or the growing relevance of India on world stage  a point that has been abundantly evident over the last few days.

In keeping with Indias diplomatic tradition of strategic ambiguity, the text of the joint declaration is such that it may be variously interpreted. Though it failed to impress Ukraine, Rishi Sunak and Olaf Scholz were as impressed by the language as Russias chief negotiator, Svetlana Lukash, who praised the text on Ukraine as balanced.

It did take some doing, however. Indias G20 sherpa Kant said it took his team nearly 200 hours of ruthless, nonstop negotiations across nine months and four drafts to finally get it right on Friday night. Success doesnt come easy.

To suggest, though, that the New Delhi consensus is the biggest breakthrough that India has achieved in its G20 presidency would be misleading. Achieving consensus wasnt the sole metric of Indias success. It is a monumental achievement, but the consensus is temporal. It speaks of Indias stature and diplomatic flex, but a far more lasting legacy will be its move to make G20 more inclusive and people-centric, as I had argued in my Fridays column.

To bring Africa into the global governance structure by literally and figuratively ensuring its seat in the global high table will remain Indias lasting legacy. It gives the 55-member African Union (AU) a permanent membership status and allows African voices to make a difference in debates over climate change and emerging-market debt.

Indias focus, from the start, has been on getting everyone on board. It managed to pull off the consensus feat amid a cloud of geopolitical acrimony precisely because it avoided the blame game and put the spotlight on the larger picture  that G20 has a job to do instead of indulging in endless bickering. This pragmatic approach enabled G20 to take a proactive approach on the most pressing challenge facing humanity  climate change by adopting the green development pact. Thats real diplomacy.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Senior leader of BJP from West Bengal, Dilip Ghosh, Sunday said India will be renamed as Bharat and those who are unhappy with the change are free to leave the country.

Speaking at Chai pe Charcha programme in Kharagpur city, the BJP MP from Medinipur said, India will be renamed as Bharat. Those not liking it are free to leave the country.

Ghosh further said apart from the country being renamed, statues of foreigners in Kolkata will also be removed when BJP is voted to power in the state.

When our party comes to power in West Bengal, we will remove all statues of foreigners in Kolkata, the former BJP national vice president said.

Country cannot have two names

Rahul Sinha and a few other senior BJP leader of West Bengal said a country cannot have two names and this is the correct time to change the name as world leaders are present in New Delhi to attend the G20 summit.

Opposition not happy with Bharat

Trinamool Congress spokesperson Santanu Sen alleged that the BJP was trying to divert attention from real issues as it is afraid of the opposition I.N.D.I.A block.

Opposition parties led by Congress have formed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) to take on the BJP in Lok Sabha polls due next year.
Apple is encountering significant challenges in the Chinese market, particularly as it prepares to launch the new iPhone 15 range.

Industry analysts have reported that government agencies and state-owned enterprises in China have banned the use of Apple products, adding to the companys difficulties.

A recent video of people flocking to a Huawei store, as an Apple store lays desolate and practically empty, sums the recent turn of events pretty well.



While Apple still enjoys a loyal customer base in China, geopolitical tensions and competition from Huawei Technologies pose significant obstacles. Huawei has recently introduced its Mate 60 Pro handset, equipped with a powerful processor despite facing tough US trade sanctions. This launch occurred just ahead of Apples scheduled release of the iPhone 15 models.

Toby Zhu, an analyst at Canalys, stated that the new Mate phones from Huawei will present a significant challenge to Apple, which currently dominates the high-end segment of the Chinese handset market. The stability of Huaweis supply chain will be a crucial factor in this competition.

China overtook the United States as the worlds largest iPhone market in the second quarter of the year, accounting for 24 per cent of all iPhone shipments, according to estimates by market research firm TechInsights.

This shift occurred despite a global year-on-year decline of 9.3 per cent in iPhone sales during the same period, marking Apples most significant second-quarter sales slump in eight years. Consequently, industry analysts are closely monitoring Apples performance with the iPhone 15 in China.

Apples current high-end models, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, were the top two most popular devices in China in the previous year. However, the introduction of Huaweis Mate 60 Pro, which boasts a competitive chip from Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), could disrupt the premium segment of the Chinese smartphone market.

The Mate 60 Pro, priced at 6,999 yuan (approximately $958), has experienced high demand and is currently sold out on Huaweis official sales channels on platforms like Taobao and JD.com.

Even iPhone scalpers have taken notice of the growing interest in Huaweis new phones, with some planning to acquire Mate 60 Pro handsets alongside high-end iPhone 15 Pro models.

Shop assistants at Huawei retail stores have reported being out of stock for the Mate 60 Pro, with new shipments expected to take up to two weeks.

Additionally, there is growing interest in the Mate 60 Pro among existing Android users, and some local consumers are showing support for Huaweis efforts to counter US sanctions.

Meanwhile, Apple is collaborating with JD.com on its pre-sales program, allowing paid subscribers to the official Apple online store on JD.com to pre-purchase designated products ahead of the upcoming Apple event.
This article was provided by HappyValley Industry, an online platform that amplifies Happy Valleys success and opportunities in business, industry, talent and quality of life. Read more and sign up for the weekly newsletter at happyvalleyindustry.com.

In October, Greg Scott will mark two years as the president and CEO of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County. The Centre County native has experience in business and higher ed, bringing a unique combination of town and gown insight  so when he had the chance to serve the countys business community and move back to the area in 2021, he jumped at it.

Scott has big aspirations for Happy Valleys future, envisioning the county attracting international companies and talent, growing into a tech hub and continuing to support Happy Valleys already robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. So whats his plan for making it happen?

HappyValley Industry recently caught up with Scott to discuss why he took on a new role in his hometown and the CBICCs latest efforts to take the Happy Valley economy to new heights.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

Let me start from the beginning. I grew up in Centre County, in the Milesburg area. Im a graduate of the Bald Eagle Area High School. I went to Penn State and received a civil engineering degree. After Penn State, I went into the Navy and was a naval officer for seven years.

Then, I started a 25-year career in higher education administration and leadership at three different institutions. I was at Rutgers University for five years. From there, I came back to Happy Valley and was at Penn State for 15 years. That led to an opportunity at the University of Pittsburgh and I was there for five years as the chief business officer.

How did you come into your role at the CBICC?

I was ready to do something different after 25 years of working in higher ed and wanted to get back to the area. I received a call from the previous CBICC president who said he was retiring and that he thought I would be good at this job.

Story continues

After some due diligence, I really felt like the job was like nothing Id ever done. It excited me for a few different reasons. One, theres the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in and to help this community be even better than it is, to grow the economy and make it great. Two, I really felt my experience in working for universities would allow me to bring that experience needed to work with Penn State. I can both communicate the communitys needs, as well as understand whats going on inside the universitys walls and how decisions are made. Third, I felt like the diversity of my experience and my focus on building relationships would serve me and the community well.

Those three reasons really brought me back and it hasnt disappointed me. Its been great over the last two years.

The CBICC recently published a press release on attracting global business to Centre County. Why is that necessary and how is the CBICC advancing this initiative?

There are things happening worldwide in the economy  the war in Ukraine, logistical challenges, labor issues, energy costs  that mean companies that have previously looked to offshore outside of the United States are now looking to either stay or locate here. Weve developed a strong relationship with the states Office of International Business Development and their team to highlight and showcase what we can do here in Centre County for prospective companies who want to relocate to Pennsylvania from other countries.

Weve been working with some specific companies, and I cant go into detail on them yet, but some are really big opportunities, with potentially 500 new jobs, massive investment in the community  good companies, and environmentally sustainable companies, that are looking to do it right and provide good benefits and wages.

The university provides a big opportunity for us as well, in attracting international companies. I was meeting with one company recently that was really interested in being here because of the large international community that we have due to Penn State. They really felt like they could bring their families and employees and not feel like they were just plopped in the middle of nowhere with no one to affiliate with.

Were looking for smart growth. We dont want to bring just any company here. Were looking for high-value companies that we can bring in, that will help our economy and make this a great place for our families to live and for kids to grow up, and keep making it a healthy, well-rounded place to live and work.

The CBICC also announced the creation of its new Economic Development Council earlier this summer. Can you talk about this launch?

Were really proud to get that up and running. This was a vision of mine  to create a group of community stakeholders and influencers who are really interested in keeping our economy strong. We have a belief that, if were not growing our economy, were regressing. There is no staying still. So, what I wanted to do was assemble this group of regional stakeholders and influencers to create a countywide vision for what we want to do and develop an economic development strategy  a plan that really lays out clearly what we want to be, where we want to go and how were going to get there.

That plan will come together over the next nine months. It will focus on specific areas that we feel are opportunities, such as looking at our infrastructure around the area  our roads, our airport system, our housing issues. What are the things that, from an infrastructure standpoint, help us move forward or are holding us back? Workforce is another area well focus on. Were looking at how we can help the entrepreneurial system. We want to have a great attraction strategy. How do we position Centre County for being an attractive place for companies? We also think one focus will be revitalization.

Under these focus areas, there will be strategies and the idea is, with this group around the table, Ill be able to gather volunteers who will work on these initiatives that will improve our position.

What its going to do is set our agenda for the next three to five to 10 years. Its a strategic plan specifically focused on economic development.

What would you say is the most exciting thing happening in Happy Valley business right now, and where do you see our greatest opportunities?

There are tremendous opportunities in and around Penn State. The Bellefonte area is really hot right now. Theres a lot happening there and a lot of opportunities there. Theres a lot of good things happening in the Philipsburg area and thats an opportunity we may see become stronger over the next several years. In the tech space, theres opportunity for tech companies to call Centre County home. We could become a hub for that and were starting to see it.
Apple, a few days ago, officially announced its upcoming event, scheduled for September 12, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET or 10:30 PM, IST. This event will serve as the platform for unveiling the iPhone 15, as well as introducing new Apple Watch models and more. Apple has named the event Wonderlust, and it will be held live from Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

As with previous events, Apple is expected to livestream the iPhone 15 showcase on its official website and YouTube channel, allowing a global audience to tune in and witness the product reveals and announcements.

iPhone 15 with a USB-C, new dynamic island and more

The upcoming iPhone 15 will have a significant change  it will use a USB-C port instead of the usual Lightning connector. This change was expected due to European Union regulations.

The Pro and Pro Max versions of the iPhone 15 are likely to have faster data transfer through USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3, while the base iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are likely to have a USB 2.0. All iPhone 15 models will have quicker 35W charging.

The premium models may also feature a faster A17 chip manufactured using the 3nm process, while the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will likely have the A16 chip from the iPhone 14 Pro.

The iPhone 15 series will also feature the Dynamic Island. However, rumours suggest that the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will have the Dynamic Island as we know it today. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max variants will be different from the current design. Additionally, they will include an ultra-wideband chip.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are expected to bring some noteworthy changes. These include a titanium frame, thinner bezels, and a more easily repairable aluminium chassis, similar to what we saw in the iPhone 14.

Additionally, both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max may introduce an action button, similar to the one found on the Apple Watch Ultra. This button could replace the mute toggle and allow users to assign shortcuts to different apps and utilities.

Although early rumours suggested that Apple might replace the volume rocker and power button with solid-state toggles, recent reports indicate that these buttons will remain unchanged for now. Leaked photos and videos of upcoming iPhone 15 Pro cases offer a glimpse of what the action button may look like.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 bring many updates

Alongside the iPhone 15, Apple is set to unveil its latest smartwatch lineup, and while major changes arent expected, there are some notable updates in store.

The premium Apple Watch Ultra is anticipated to retain its 49mm size but come with a new darker titanium case. Additionally, the Watch Series 9 is likely to feature an updated S9 processor. This S9 chip is reportedly based on the A15 processor introduced with the iPhone 13, potentially offering improved efficiency and better battery life compared to its predecessor, which uses the S8 chip based on previous-generation technology.

Mark Gurman also predicts that the Apple Watch lineup may incorporate an ultra-wideband chip and various sensor and internal component upgrades, including an updated optical heart rate sensor.

Other minor updates expected for the Watch Series 9 include a pink colour option and the availability of a band with a magnetic buckle. Its unlikely that a new Watch SE will be introduced during this years event, as the product appears to follow a two-year refresh cycle and was updated just last year.

USB-C AirPods Pro

In addition to the iPhone 15, Apple is anticipated to introduce a pair of AirPods Pro with a USB-C-equipped charging case during its September event. This aligns with predictions made by Kuo last year, indicating that Apple plans to release AirPods with a USB-C charging case in 2023.

However, it remains uncertain whether Apple will make any substantial updates to the AirPods Pro themselves or if the focus will solely be on updating the charging case.

New OS  iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma

During Apples upcoming event, we can expect to learn the release dates for iOS 17 and watchOS 10. However, iPadOS 17 and macOS Sonoma may not be unveiled until later in the fall, likely in October, following Apples recent release pattern.

While the betas for these operating systems have been available for some time, they provide insights into what we can anticipate. iOS 17 brings several small but meaningful enhancements, such as StandBy mode, voicemail transcriptions, and a Journal app. MacOS Sonoma introduces widgets, a game mode, and Safari profiles.

In the case of iPadOS 17, Apple is introducing personalized lock screens, interactive widgets, the Health app, and support for external USB webcams and cameras. Additionally, an update to Stage Manager allows customization of window sizes and orientations.

Lastly, watchOS 10 will incorporate widgets for quick app access, topographic mapping features, mood logging, and new watch faces. These updates reflect Apples ongoing efforts to enhance user experiences across its ecosystem.
Just 24 hours after it first faced a slew of cyberattacks, the website of the Delhi Police was again attacked by hackers based out of Pakistan. The Delhi Police website has been experiencing extended downtime, for the second consecutive day.

Users attempting to access the website are greeted with an error message stating, The service is unavailable. Its worth noting that the site also encountered a brief 10-minute outage on Friday.



According to threat intelligence platform Falcon Feeds IO, the ongoing cyberattack is believed to be originating from a group known as Team Insane PK, a notorious hacking collective based in Pakistan. This group has gained notoriety for its cyberattacks on Indian government and business websites.

The situation became even more concerning as both the Delhi Police and Mumbai Police websites experienced outages around the same time on Friday.

Falcon Feeds IO provided insights into Team Insane PK, describing it as a religious hacktivist group that has been particularly active in targeting Indian cyberspace since February 2, 2023. The group is known for engaging in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and defacement attacks.

To elaborate, DDoS attacks involve overwhelming a server with an exceptionally high volume of internet traffic. This is a deliberate tactic employed by cybercriminals to disrupt access to online services and websites for legitimate users. The result is often a temporary or prolonged disruption of services, causing significant inconvenience and chaos for the entities being targeted.

While after Fridays attack, it took the Delhi Police 10 minutes to get their website up and running again, after the most recent attack, it took the police forces about 30 minutes to get their website functioning again.
Over the past decade, Elon Musk has made substantial investments in a series of increasingly unconventional enterprises, some of which possess a distinctly dystopian/utopian aspect.

First, there is Neuralink, a business that is focused on developing a brain-computer interface or a BCI. Then, there is the more ambitious robotic project named Optimus under the Tesla umbrella. Musk has even been a part of OpenAI, the organisation he had invested in as a co-founder, that ultimately was responsible for creating ChatGPT and making AI famous.

All in all, Musk has played a pivotal role in nurturing a collection of peculiar, science-fiction-inspired businesses that actively explore the boundaries of technological advancement.

Walter Isaacson, Musks newly appointed biographer, has proposed the notion that many of these enterprises form part of a more comprehensive strategy aimed at bringing in a bold new era of artificial general intelligence. In short, Musk plans to make an AI that is as smart as humans and perhaps has the capability to evolve into something even smarter.

In an article recently published in Time, Isaacson contends that most of Musks diverse investments in startups and business ventures are components of a broader initiative aimed at catalysing the development of artificial general intelligence, which is often commonly referred to as AGI.

The idea of AGI, as it is often presented to non-tech people is rather abstract. It essentially suggests the impending arrival of an AI model in the future that is vastly superior to humans. This notion has been the subject of both fascination and nightmares and is often referred to as the singularity.

This scenario envisions artificial intelligence evolving beyond being merely a programmed tool for human-guided algorithmic processes, aptly likened to stochastic parrots, a term recently coined for large language models.

Instead, the singularity envisions AI as a self-learning, organic intelligence capable of mimicking, or perhaps even surpassing, the innate intelligence possessed by humans. Think of it as AI that is constantly evolving and thinking on its own, without any human input or intervention, as if it has consciousness and is aware of its surroundings.

According to one of Isaacsons interviews with Musk, it appears that Musk believes his various, seemingly unrelated business ventures  such as Neuralink, Teslas Optimus project, and the neural network training supercomputer named Dojo  could be strategically aligned to pursue the overarching objective of achieving artificial general intelligence.

A key element of this purported grand scheme may be Musks recent launch of a new startup, xAI. Isaacson speculates that Musk intends to consolidate many of his other enterprises, including xAI and X, into a single expansive entity, that goes beyond the WeChat-like everything app that Musk wants to build.

The result could be a formidable artificial intelligence corporation committed to pushing the boundaries of technology beyond its current confines.

However, its important to note that numerous critics contend that achieving AGI is a distant goal. While Musk may aspire to be the figure who catalyzes the technological revolution often depicted in science fiction movies  a revolution that, according to numerous cinematic portrayals, might ultimately pose a threat to humanity  the feasibility of such an outcome remains uncertain, whether in the near or distant future.
Two researchers have crafted a living fungal skin, inspired directly by a scene from the 1984 film The Terminator. Their aim is to develop a biodegradable and multifunctional sensor coating for electronics, as reported by New Scientist.

Traditional electronic sensors constructed from silicone often pose manufacturing challenges and limitations when it comes to detecting multiple variables simultaneously.

Antoni Gandia, a co-author of an upcoming paper currently under review and affiliated with the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain, referenced a particular scene from The Terminator in explaining their inspiration.

He noted, Theres this scene in The Terminator in which they implant the skin on the robot. The skin is external to him, yet it reports data to the robot and auto-repairs. We wanted to show that we can already do things like that.

The researchers, Antoni Gandia and his colleague Andrew Adamatzky from the University of the West of England, utilized a fungus species known as Ganoderma sessile, which can thrive in diverse environments. They applied agar to encourage the funguss growth on a seven-inch model inspired by The Terminator.

Remarkably, the fungus enveloped the figurine entirely within just five days while also demonstrating sensitivity to light and touch. In their paper, the researchers refer to it as living, self-regenerating, and reactive Ganoderma sessile mycelium, effectively transforming a model cyborg figurine into a bio-cybernetic entity.

At its best, this project serves as a proof of concept, and at its most conservative interpretation, it might be seen as a playful experiment.

However, the scientists envision that their research could serve as a foundation for the development of living skins that could potentially coat structures to regulate their temperature.

In concluding their paper, they assert, As we continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable with mycelium, we step closer to a future where bio-cybernetic systems are a part of our everyday lives.
Almost a year ago, NASA accomplished a groundbreaking feat by successfully redirecting an asteroid, marking a significant step in our ability to avert a potential asteroid crashing into the Earth.

However, theres an intriguing twist to this story, as the asteroid in question appears to be behaving unexpectedly.

Change in course

As reported by New Scientist, a schoolteacher and his students have noticed peculiar behaviour in the orbit of Dimorphos, the asteroid that NASAs Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) impacted last September.

Jonathan Swift, a math and science teacher at the Thacher School in California, and his team of student astronomers made the discovery. Dimorphos orbits the larger near-Earth asteroid Didymos, akin to how our Moon orbits Earth, and it has been consistently slowing down in its orbit around Didymos since the DART test.

Mission successful, but to what end?

Its crucial to note that altering Dimorphos trajectory was the primary goal of the DART test. NASA had confirmed shortly after the collision last fall that the mission achieved its objective, reducing the asteroids orbit duration from 11 hours and 55 minutes to 11 hours and 23 minutes.

This was well within the parameters of NASAs minimum successful orbit period change of 73 seconds, affirming the success of the DART test in demonstrating our capability to divert near-Earth asteroids.

However, when Swift and his team observed Dimorphos orbit more than a month after the collision, they found that the asteroids orbit continued to slow down, which was an unexpected development. Most astronomers had anticipated that it would revert to its original orbit speed relatively quickly.

Too good to be true?

Swift explained, The number we got was slightly larger, a change of 34 minutes. That was inconsistent at an uncomfortable level.

Although NASA had mentioned a margin of error of plus or minus two minutes in its initial post-DART findings regarding the orbit slowing, this change is still a surprising outcome.

Some theories suggest that the impact might have altered Dimorphos orbit or released it from the gravitational forces of Didymos.

Despite their efforts to scrutinize their findings, Swift and his team were unable to identify any errors in their calculations.

NASA is also planning to release a report on the latest developments of the DART mission, as confirmed by a spokesperson. However, they will be competing with Swift and his students, who have shared their findings with the American Astronomical Society, which is set to publish their paper in the near future.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday thanked his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi for a historic G20 Summit and acknowledged the warm welcome he and his wife Akshata Murthy had received from the Indian people on their arrival in the country.

Stronger together. Stronger united. Thank you @narendramodi for a historic G20 and the Indian people for such a warm welcome. From global food security to international partnerships, its been a busy but successful summit, Sunak posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Sunak happens to be the first Indian-origin Prime Minister that the United Kingdom has had. Earlier talking about his priorities during the G20 summit in Delhi, the UK Prime Minister had stressed how countries need to work together and remain united to resolve key global issues.

Put simply, global issues matter, we simply cant do it all alone. Countries have to work together, we saw this during Covid-19 and it's right that we come together to fight climate change and Putin's illegal war, Sunak said on the sidelines of the annual G20 meet held in New Delhi on Saturday.

He also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday evening where the two leaders discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment. During their conversation, they also discussed the much-awaited UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and agreed to iron out differences if any in the near future.

In a post on X after the meeting, PM Modi had said, Great to have met PM @RishiSunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi. We discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment. India and the UK will keep working for a prosperous and sustainable planet, he added.

Earlier on Sunday, the UK Prime Minister accompanied by his wife visited the Akshardham Temple in Delhi and offered prayers, ahead of attending Day 2 of the global summit.

This is Sunaks first official visit to India since becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in September last year amid a political crisis in that country.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in India to attend the annual G20 Summit, on Sunday, reiterated that the actions of a few extremists do not represent the entire community or Canada as a whole. Trudeau was referring to the issue of Khalistan extremism which has been rampant in recent times.

Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and push back against hatred, he told reporters on the sidelines of the global summit.

I think on the issue of the community; it is important to remember that the actions of a few do not represent the entire community or Canada. The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference, he added.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a meeting with his Canadian counterpart where the issue of Khalistan extremism in Canada came up.

Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors, PM Modi later posted on X, formerly Twitter.

During the course of the meeting, PM Modi highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties. He conveyed Indias concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. He also emphasised that it is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats.

Multiple instances of Khalistani activities have been reported from Canada over the last few years. In March, Khalistan supporters held a protest outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot.

In June, a parade was organised to celebrate the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which drew severe criticism from New Delhi.

In July, India raised concerns over threats to its diplomats after posters carrying their personal details were circulated. The posters accused Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and Consulate General Apoorva Srivastava of playing a role in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

A number of temples have also been vandalised in Canada, and marked with anti-India graffiti.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday said that about 18 months ago Moscow agreed to sign a treaty about settling the Russia-Ukraine conflict but the Anglo-Saxons ordered President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to sign it because they thought they would be able to reap some confessions from us.

Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the G20 Summit, Lavrov said,Everyone wants peaceAbout 18 months ago we agreed to sign a treaty about settling this conflict. We even initialled these documents. After that, the Anglo-Saxons ordered Zelenskyy not to sign it because they thought they would be able to reap some confessions from us.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | On a question by ANI if he thinks there can be the beginning of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says, Everyone wants peaceAbout 18 months ago we agreed to sign a treaty about settling this conflict. We pic.twitter.com/C59vpnxy9m  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

He added, President Putin has recently said that we do not mind negotiations. However, any such negotiations need to consider the realities on the ground and take into account the reasons that have been accumulating for decades upon decades due to NATOs aggressive policy Right now the Ukrainian officials are threatening to physically destroy Russians.

Lavrov described the New Delhi G20 Summit as a milestone and said the active role of the Indian presidency has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history.

He said a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest.

It is a long way to go but this summit has been a milestone I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners  Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests, he said.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says, This Summit has been a milestone from the point of view of giving a clear guiding star for us to follow. Another thing that I would like to mention is the active role of the Indian presidency that has pic.twitter.com/Ym995IQuK2  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

I think that a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest. It is one of the decent purposes and we are already on track. In our turn, we will continue strengthening these positive trends including during Brazils presidency next year and in 2025 during South Africas presidency, he added.

Lavrov also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modis proposal to hold a virtual G20 session in November towards the end of Indias G20 presidency to review the proposals made at the New Delhi Summit.

While closing todays session, PM Modi said that he would convene another G20 Summit via video conferencing in late November. It will be another opportunity for us to review the implementation of the agreements that we have reached today, Lavrov said.

The Russian leader accused the Western countries of not fulfilling their promise about funds to deal with climate change.

The West also had long ago promised even 100 billion US dollars per year to counter the negative consequences of climate change, but nothing on that has been done. The declaration also mentions the tasks that need to be done in accordance with the long-standing promises in order to ensure a balance of interest in the global economy, he said.

PM Modi earlier in the day announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The G20 declaration was adopted on Saturday, the first day of the Summit.

With inputs from agencies
US President Joe Biden on Sunday secured deals with Vietnam on semiconductors and minerals as the strategic Southeast Asian nation lifted Washington to Hanois highest diplomatic status alongside China and Russia.

The US has been pushing for the upgrade for months as it sees the manufacturing dynamo as a key country in its strategy to secure global supply chains from China-related risks.

Nearly half a century after a lengthy and brutal Cold War-era conflict, Biden arrived in Hanoi to a ceremony organised by the ruling Communist Party that included school children waving American flags and honour guards carrying bayoneted rifles.

We can trace a 50-year arc of progress between our nations, from conflict to normalization, to this new elevated status, the US President said noting the strides that had been taken toward improved ties.

The partnership with Vietnam is part of the Biden administrations push to demonstrate to our Indo-Pacific partners and to the world, that the United States is a Pacific nation and were not going anywhere, Biden told reporters after the meeting in Hanoi.

Vietnam is navigating frosty relations between Washington and Beijing as the tech and textile exporter seeks its own foothold in the international competition to be a low-cost manufacturing hub.

Top Chinese officials, possibly including President Xi Jinping, are expected to visit Vietnam in the coming days or weeks, officials and diplomats said, as Hanoi seeks to maintain good relations with all super powers.

Biden also said in Hanoi he had talked with Xis deputy at the G20, and that the two talked about stability.

Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, 79, remarked on the 80-year-old US presidents appearance inside party headquarters, saying, You have nary aged a day and I would say you look even better than before.

The US Vietnam upgrade will include a security dimension, Jon Finer, the US principal deputy national security adviser, told reporters on Sunday, while on the plane with Biden to Vietnam from a Group of 20 summit in India.

He said he had no arms deals to announce at this stage but stressed that the US and its partners could offer Vietnam help to diversify away from Russian military supplies, an offer which he said Vietnam was receptive to.

That would help Vietnam reduce military reliance on Moscow, a relationship we think they are increasingly uncomfortable with, Finer said.

CHIPS, RARE EARTHS

Bidens visit comes as bilateral trade and investment ties are growing and a long-simmering territorial dispute between Vietnam and China heats up in the South China Sea.

Vietnam Airlines is expected to sign an initial agreement to buy about 50 Boeing 737 Max jets in a deal valued at $10 billion, timed to the trip.

Highlighting Vietnams growing importance as a friendshoring destination for US technology companies, executives from Google, Intel, Amkor, Marvell, Global Foundries and Boeing are expected to meet on Monday with Vietnamese tech executives and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Hanoi.

Still, semiconductors are the centerpiece of an action plan adopted during Bidens visit, U.S. officials said.

Besides possible announcements by U.S. corporations, it is unclear what else the partnership could mean. The US government has $100 million a year for five years available under the CHIPS Act to support semiconductor supply chains globally. A large part of it could go to Vietnam, officials said.

More support to train skilled workers is also part of the deal, as Vietnam faces a major shortage of engineers in the chips sector.

Another key issue is strengthening supply chains of critical minerals, especially rare earths, of which Vietnam has the worlds largest deposits after China, according to U.S. estimates, officials said.

Two people familiar with the plans said an agreement on rare earths was expected during Bidens visit, which ends on Monday when he flies back to America.

Human rights remain a controversial issue, with U.S. officials regularly criticising Hanoi for jailing activists and limiting freedom of expression. Vietnam may show goodwill, with diplomats suggesting activists could be freed.
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday said that G20 is a forum to discuss economic issues as it was built after the 2008-2009 global financial crisis and that it is not an appropriate forum to talk about Russias war in Ukraine.

In an exclusive interview to Firstpost, Lula da Silva said, G20 is a forum that was built because of the 2008 and 2009 global financial crisis. From there onwards, the G20 started to discuss many economic issues, and Wood institutions were also started to be discussed, the World Bank, the IMF In attempt to try to improve the functioning of these multilateral institutions. Thats why we didnt want to here in India, we would discuss the war between Ukraine and Russia. This is not the appropriate forum for that.

Watch full interview here:

He said on 19 September we will have the General Assembly of the UN and thats the place for us to discuss the war.

Thats the place for us to try to discuss peace. Thats the place for us to call Putin and Zelensky in a negotiation table because no one wants war. Everybody is against war. We want peace. So its necessary for us to establish a conversation policy so that we can try to convince the two presidents for Russia and Ukraine that the war is not the solution for anything and that the dialogue, the diplomacy and a table of dialogue could help much more, said the President.

He said that Brazils position has been very clear from the beginning on the war efforts.

From the beginning, Brazil has been saying that we do not want to participate in the war efforts. Brazil wants to participate in the peace effort. We want to try to negotiate as also India, thinks like that, China, thinks like that. Many other countries think like Brazil, and so thats why we believe that its very important that the war issue should not be included in the document, in the declaration from the G20. Thats very important, said Lula da Silva.

He said otherwise people would go to war and then we lose and waste time instead of discussing the problems that involve nine billion inhabitants, the hunger that is affecting 735 million people, unemployment of millions of people. And we stay here discussing something that is not our top priority.

And so I believe that it was very important, the decision that was made to not to allow that the war would come in into our declaration. The declaration is very serious, minded. Its a mandatory reading for all of us that participated in the G20, and I hope that it serves as a guideline, as a roadmap, so that we can, in Rio next year to do something even better, said the Brazilian President.

He said now is the time for G20 to target actual policies and commit to make things change rather than just discuss, talk philosophy.

Now we have to start to go to actual policies. Now were going to go to a phase that G20 doesnt have to stay anymore, just discussing and philosophy. No, we have to take commitments to make things change, to do things. The climate change issue is very serious. Mind that we have to do something about it. Brazil is taking the commitment of reaching 2030 with zero deforestation. We have already ended hunger in Brazil once in the past, and now we have 33 million that are in hunger once again, said the President.

When asked if this consensus in a way is a win for New Delhi and establishes India as a rising power in an increasingly divided world, he said, India will always be a power because a country that has tremendous 1000 year culture, is a country that was already colonised, a country that managed to get its Independence. India is always a country that you have to take very seriously, very respected..

He said whats happening with the climate change around the world is not a joke and most certain thing that exists today is that we are lacking the responsibility when we deal with the issue.

If someone still has doubts that the climate, nothing will happen with the climate, I can reassure you that the most certain thing that exists today is that we are lacking with responsibility when we deal with the climate change and were being the victim of the lack of attention of humanity, he added.

We still have time. We have to take care of the planet. I believe that this meeting will give a very good guideline to all countries so that we can manage to put in practice a good policy, so that we can take care with great care of our planet Earth, of their forest, of its water, so that we can live well, said Lula.

On Indias G20 agenda and the progress that has been made so far, Lula said, I think it was an extraordinary, the India agenda that they developed and the promotion of 60 debates or more in different cities in Brazil. Many ministers came to these meetings. We had the health minister, we had the mines and energy minister from Brazil, we had the science and technology minister, the enormous amount. The labor minister came here, and then the finance minister came to these meetings. So these hundreds of meetings involving thousands of people is a new way that India is teaching us that its not surface for the presidents of the countries to participate. Its necessary for us to involve the government as a whole and that we should involve the people that should participate in the debate. We learned a lot. Since were going to host next year the G20 in Brazil, we will take from India many teachings so that we can have a G20 meeting as productive as we had here in India.

When asked how did Brazil and others prevail upon the European and the G7 countries, who seemed intent on having their way with the language vis-a-vis Ukraine, to ensure that there was consensus on the declaration, Lula said, Well, this is already a majority that is being formed within the countries. On the BRICS, for example, we didnt discuss the war during the BRICS Summit meeting. We thought that theres other forum to discuss the war, and we could bring to India a debate, a discussion that has more consequence in Europe because theyre involved directly in the war, and the US is also directly involved in the war. But the other countries are not involved directly in the war. The other countries are involved in a policy

On his visit to New Delhi and the first day at G20 Summit, he said, this G20 is a G20 that is exceptionally very well organised. We had, I would say, a lot of work. I arrived last night, and today we had two sessions that were hard work, and we had some other parallel events that were also very important. We launched a commitment together with Prime Minister, Modi, and President Biden, with Argentina, with the Indonesia commitment to follow biofuel policy that is very strong so that we can fight the greenhouse gas effect so that we can diminish the use of oil and try to use biofuel. So that was very important. This initiative, this commitment, that was assumed by all the presidents that participated together with Prime Minister, Modi. I am convinced that we will come out of this meeting with some guidelines where the countries, what would they have to do from here onwards so that we can diminish the inequality between the peoples, inequality amongst the countries so that the world could have lived in a better way and above all, so that we can confront the climate issue with great responsibility.
Russia launched an air attack on Kyiv early on Sunday, with blasts ringing out across the city and its region for almost two hours and drone debris falling on several of the citys central districts, officials said.

Ukraines Land Forces said that the countrys air defence systems destroyed 25 out of 32 Russia-launched Iran-made Shahed drones, most of which targeted Kyiv and the wider region.

Reuters witnesses heard at least five blasts across Kyiv, and Ukrainian media footage showed a number of cars damaged.

Drones came onto the capital in groups and from different directions, Serhiy Popko, head of Kyivs city military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app.

(REUTERS)

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that one person was injured in the historic Podil neighbourhood and a fire broke out near one of the citys parks.

Debris from downed drones fell on the Darnytskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Podil districts, Klitschko and the citys military administration said.

In the Shevchenkivskyi district, drone debris sparked a fire in an apartment, which was quickly extinguished. There were no immediate reports of injuries, Mr Popko said on the Telegram messaging app.

There was no immediate comment from Russia about the attacks.

Moscow has been conducting near-nightly assaults on Ukraines territory. A Russian attack killed 17 on Wednesday in the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, according to Ukrainian officials.

A Russian missile attack on President Volodymyr Zelenskys hometown of Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine killed one policeman and injured at least 52 others overnight on Thursday.

The Kremlin also targeted a port in the Odesa region last week just days before talks over the Black Sea grain deal were due to begin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a meeting with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

During the meeting, Trudeau assured stringent action against Khalistani extremism.

Addressing the media, Trudeau said both Khalistani extremism and foreign interference issues were touched upon during the meeting with PM Modi.

Both the issues came up. Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us at the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred. I think on the issue of the community; it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada. The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference, Trudeau said.

India an important partner to Canada

Trudeau further said that Canada recognises that India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner his country on everything from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for the citizens.

There is always a lot of work to do and we will continue to do it, he added.

#WATCH | Delhi: On India-Canada relations and his relation with PM Modi, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, We recognise that India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner to Canada on everything from fighting climate change to pic.twitter.com/crpccU7OLu  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

'Discussed India-Canada ties': PM Modi

Sharing the picture of his meeting with Trudeau on X, PM Modi said: "We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors."

Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors. pic.twitter.com/iP9fsILWac  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

However, there was no formal meeting between Modi and Trudeau.

Ahead of his visit to India, Trudeau told media in Singapore that he would raise the issue of "foreign interference" in internal affairs with PM Modi. India has maintained that there has been no interference and that it has only raised concerns over Khalistani extremism being fostered in Canada.

The decision for pull aside talks was taken amid Indias concerns over growing Khalistan extremism in Canada.

What is a pull-aside meeting?

A pull aside is an informal meeting. It is a step down from a bilateral meeting and can take place even in hallways.

Trudeau arrived in India on Friday for the G20 Summit that was held at Bharat Mandapan in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi under India's presidency. He was accompanied by his son Xavier.

With inputs from agencies
With respect to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor which came into being at the G20 Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, US President Joe Biden has said that it is a game-changing regional investment.

Biden said that this project is about more than just laying tracks.

Im proud to announce that the US, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU finalized a historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the US President posted on X.

This project is about more than just laying tracks. This is a game-changing regional investment, he added.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress.

The corridor, according to him, is evidence of human endeavour and unity across continents.

Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation and shared progress.

As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents, PM Modi wrote on X formerly Twitter on Saturday.

India, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the European Union on Saturday announced a historic agreement to soon launch a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement for the ambitious project on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and was flanked by US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of the EU.

This is a historic and first-of-its-kind initiative on cooperation on connectivity and infrastructure involving India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany and the US.

Speaking after the launch, PM Modi said, I cordially welcome you all at this event. I am very happy to co-chair this event with my friend President Joe Biden. Today we all have seen the conclusion of a historic and important agreement. In the coming days, it will be an effective medium of economic integration between India, South Asia, and Europe.

Speaking at the Bharat Mandapam venue of the G20 Summit here, PM Modi said the mega-deal will give a sustainable direction to connectivity and sustainability across the world.

He also congratulated all the leaders who were part of the connectivity corridor.

Strong connectivity and infrastructure are the foundation of the development of human civilisation. India has given this issue utmost priority during its course of development. Along with physical infrastructure, unprecedented investments are being made in social, economic and financial infrastructure as well, PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister further stressed respecting sovereignty and regional integrity and stated that connectivity between different countries not only increases business but also trust between them.

We believe connectivity between different countries increases not only business but trust between them. By promoting connectivity initiative, we need to ensure we stick to philosophies, that is, adhesion to international rules, respect for all nations sovereignty and regional integrity, PM Modi said.
In Australia, fourteen siblings, including a few months baby, were rescued from what has been described in reports as a house of horrors, as their parents face allegations of subjecting them to abuse, torture, and confinement.

These children were taken from their house near Sydney because two of the older sisters, who are teenagers, secretly recorded their parents being mean to them and sent a message to their school asking for help.

The kids, boys and girls, were between a few months old and 19 years old. They say their parents gave them bad food, hit them, and never let them leave the house. They couldnt go to school, use phones or computers, read books, or go on the internet.

The police also say that they had to fight for toilet paper, and their clothes were dirty and didnt fit.

Only the two oldest children could leave the house to go to prayers, and the youngest only went to a nearby park sometimes.

Now, the parents are in trouble with the law and cant see their kids.

One of the 18-year-old sisters said her parents locked her up when she asked too many questions. She said they couldnt talk without permission and couldnt have friends or a normal life.

The older girls had to take care of the younger ones every day and do chores and study religion. Their mum became a Muslim when she was older and would tell their dad when they did something bad, and then he would hurt them.

One sister said her dad got her a cat and then hurt it in front of her as punishment. Another sister said their parents were mean to them, and she always wanted to make them happy.

The older sisters decided to do something when they saw their younger brother struggling with his mental health. They were afraid the bad treatment would make him really sick or make him want to die. They secretly used their iPads to learn about child abuse and what parents are allowed to do. They also took pictures of their brothers and sisters being hurt.

When one of their brothers was being hurt, one of the older sisters sent an email to their school to ask for help. The oldest sister was scared but also hopeful when she saw the police come to their home. She tried to comfort her younger sister when their mom was taken away by the police.

One of the girls said talking to the police and telling them what happened was the best part because it meant they could finally tell the truth in a safe place.

The main police officer said their top priority was to talk to each child and make sure they were safe. One female police officer who arrived first still keeps in touch with the family and had to tell the children that their parents wouldnt be coming home.

The kids had to learn basic things like how to buy groceries and handle money. The detectives worked hard to keep the family together, and the older sisters took care of the younger ones.

A few months after they were rescued, all the children started going to school like normal.

The older sisters take care of their 12 younger brothers and sisters, do house chores, take them to school, and make sure they go to the doctor.

The police officers said they wanted the older sisters to get some help and time for themselves so they could follow their dreams. The police commissioner was proud of the officers who helped and how they keep supporting the family.
The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi, who is a practising Hindu, is in India with his wife Akshata Murty to attend the G20 Summit 2023.

Early on Sunday morning, around 6:30, Sunak and his wife took time out from their G20 commitments and visited Delhis Akshardham temple before joining world leaders to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Sharing pictures of him and Akshata from the Akshardham temple on a rainy Sunday morning, the UK PM said he is proud of his India roots and his connections with the country.

Sunak said he will always have a connection to India and its people.

I am hugely proud of my Indian roots and my connections to India being a proud Hindu means I will always have a connection to India and the people of India, Sunak said in a post on X on UK in India handle.

I am hugely proud of my Indian roots and my connections to India  being a proud Hindu means I will always have a connection to India and the people of India. Prime Minister @RishiSunak and Mrs Murty visited Akshardham temple in New Delhi to offer prayers. pic.twitter.com/oAI2kIyqsb  UK in India (@UKinIndia) September 10, 2023

Upon his arrival at the Akshardham Temple, Sunak performed the puja and Aarti with a lot of faith. He was also offered a model of the temple as a gift.

My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being. This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also portrays Indias values, culture and contributions to the world, the British PM was quoted as saying in a press release.

He further said, that in Britain these very same values and culture are seen today through the positive contributions the British Indian community makes to the country.

Sunak, who is on his first visit to India after becoming the Prime Minister of UK in October 2022, said another Akshardham temple will be inaugurated in Robbinsville, USA soon.

The 43-year-old leader of the Conservative Party was first elected as a UK MP in 2015. He was made finance minister or chancellor of the exchequer in February 2020 by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly privately signalled to Chinese Premier Li Qiang that Italy is planning to exit from an investment pact that has become a test of her countrys relations with the United States.

During a meeting held on Saturday on the sidelines of an annual Group of 20 Summit in New Delhi, Meloni told Li that Italy plans to withdraw from Chinese President Xi Jinpings signature and controversial Belt and Road Initiative while still aiming at maintaining friendly relations with Beijing, according to emerging media reports.

Italy had officially signed up for the BRI in 2019.

The Italian prime minister has been taking her time before deciding how to communicate her governments decision to exit from the global infrastructure pact, fearing trade retaliation from Asian giant China.

A Bloomberg report earlier this year pointed out that Italy has signalled to its allies that it intended to pull out of the infrastructure initiative led by China, but Meloni has for months been haunted by a dilemma on how to deliver such a decision to Beijing, while limiting the risk of retaliation.

Meloni has said she will visit China in the coming months and the issue is sensitive, particularly since Chinas ambassador to Italy had warned there would be negative consequences for Italy if it withdrew from the agreement.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation will stay another night in New Delhi, the host for this years G20 meet, as his plane developed a technical snag prior to departure.

Upon our departure for the airport, we were made aware by the Canadian Armed Forces that CFC001 was experiencing technical issues. These issues are not fixable overnight, our delegation will be staying in India until alternate arrangements are made, the Canadian Prime Ministers Office said in a statement.

The flight, according to official sources, was scheduled to take off at 8 pm. Trudeau arrived in the national capital on Friday to attend the G20 Summit.

This is not the first time that the Airbus has caused problems for Trudeau and his delegation.

According to CTV News, Canadas 24-hour all-news network, an issue in October 2016 required the aircraft to return to Ottawa 30 minutes after taking off with the prime minister.

In October 2019, says CTV news, the VIP plane rolled into a wall while being towed into a hangar in Ontario.
More than 2,000 people have died and at least 2,000 more have been injured, many of them critically, after a powerful earthquake struck Morocco late on Friday, the interior ministry said on Saturday.

At least 2,012 people are confirmed dead, while 2,059 were injured, including 1,404 in a critical condition, a ministry statement said.

Of that number, 1,293 dead were recorded in the province of Al-Haouz, the epicentre of the earthquake, and 452 in Taroudant province, the two worst-hit areas.

After the magnitude 6.8 earthquake, authorities on Saturday proclaimed three days of national mourning in the country.

According to a statement from the military, King Mohammed VI of Morocco directed the armed forces to deploy specialised search and rescue teams and a surgical field hospital.

Historic structures in Marrakesh, the closest city to the epicentre, were damaged by the earthquake that shook Moroccos High Atlas mountains late on Friday night, but the majority of casualties were recorded in mountainous regions to the south in the Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces, reported Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, the efforts to clear roads for search and rescue operations are underway.

The earthquake took place at 03:41:01 (UTC+05:30) at a depth of 18.5 km. The magnitude of the earthquake caused pulses to travel from Sidi Ifni in the south to Rabat in the north and beyond.

The epicentre was noted at 72 kilometres west of Marrakesh, a major economic centre.

According to Al Jazeera, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Department (AFAD) says it has placed two hundred and sixty-five members of medical, relief, and search and rescue agencies on alert, in case it receives a distress call from Morocco.

It says a thousand tents have been allocated to be transported to Morocco if they receive a request from the authorities in Rabat.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the quake.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.

Videos and pictures shared on social media showed mountains of rubble and dust clouds as walls gave way to the earthquakes intensity.

With inputs from agencies
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received a surprising memorandum concerning an unidentified flying object (UFO) incident in Canadas Yukon territory.

This memo came to his attention in February, shortly before the search for the mysterious unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), or UFOs, was suspended.

This classified document revealed that the Yukon object marked the 23rd UAP sighting over North America in the early weeks of 2023.

It followed a disruptive event involving a Chinese espionage balloon that entered US airspace on February 4. Subsequently, US authorities reported three more incidents of objects being downed from the sky.

Besides the object in Yukon, puzzling aerial entities were also intercepted over Alaska and Montana between February 10 and February 13.

Trudeaus administration has now disclosed that, while many of these UAPs appeared benign, Object #23s purpose, mode of propulsion, or connection to any nation-state remains unverified.

This heavily censored document, dated February 15, was acquired by CTV News through a freedom of information request. It uncovered the perplexity among Trudeaus top officials regarding the object. Just two days later, attempts to recover the craft in the rugged terrain were abandoned, leaving Canadian authorities uncertain about its nature.

The document provides insights into Trudeaus response to the series of UFO sightings that captivated the Western world early in the year, preceding several hearings in the US Congress on the possible existence of extraterrestrial craft.

Downplaying the frequency of UAP detections, the memo notes that NORAD tracks and identifies objects on an annual sequential basis, with most of them later identified as non-threatening.

President Biden, following suit, declared on February 16 that the three objects posed no public threat and were likely associated with private research.

Despite their proximity to the Chinese espionage balloon, the US intelligence community believed these objects were probably weather balloons used by private companies or research institutions.

In contrast, Canadian officials insisted on analyzing the debris before reaching conclusions.

However, the search efforts were halted due to adverse weather conditions.

Marco Mendicino, Trudeaus Public Safety Minister, acknowledged the possibility of not recovering the objects, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding their nature.

The memo underscores the unknowns: It is unknown whether it poses an armed threat or has intelligence collection capabilities.

The impact site lies along a caribou migration route, raising concerns about Indigenous hunters making accidental discoveries.

The craft was initially detected on February 11 and was shot down on the same day by a US military F-22 fighter jet.

Described as cylindrical, it resembled the object shot down over Lake Huron, leading to speculation that they might be related to the infamous tic-tac UFO observed by the US Navy in 2004.

Audio recordings from the cockpit reveal the confusion of the fighter jet pilots as they struggled to define the object, alternately describing it as a small, metallic balloon and something distinct from a balloon.

The memo is a significant example of NORADs cooperationa joint US-Canadian military defense initiative responsible for safeguarding North American airspace.

It explains that NORAD Canadian CF-18 Hornets were dispatched, but the F-22s were better positioned for interception based on timing, location, and fading light.

The documents heavy redactions, carried out under sections 15 and 69 of Canadas Access to Information Act (related to national security and cabinet confidentiality), indicate the sensitivity of the matter.

CTV News obtained the memo initially from a civilian researcher, and their FOI request later produced the same document.

(With inputs from agencies)
US President Joe Biden departed for Vietnam after attending the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi on Sunday.

Ahead of his departure, Biden took to X, formerly Twitter, saying that the G20 Summit 2023 has proved that the group can still drive solutions to be most pressing issues of the climate crisis, fragility and conflict.

At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues, Biden said.

The G20 Summit 2023 took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan on 9 and 10 September.

During the second session of the first day of G20 Summit, the Delhi Declaration was adopted, which called on nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability.

The declaration was unanimously with a 100 per cent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. Also, it was for the first time, the declaration contained no footnote or Chair's Summary.

Biden wraps up Delhi visit

On Sunday morning, Biden and several other G20 leaders paid homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat.

On his first visit to India as the US President, Biden arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the G20 Summit and held bilateral talks with PM Modi on the same evening.

In their over 50-minute talks, Modi and Biden vowed to "deepen and diversify" the bilateral major defence partnership while welcoming forward movement in India's procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines.

Biden also participated in key sessions of the G20 Summit on Saturday.

Biden to miss 9/11 anniversary?

Biden will be in Hanoi, Vietnam on 10 September where he will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the US and Vietnam.

The US President is, however, expected to miss the annual ceremony in New York City marking the anniversary of 11 September terror attacks.

Biden will attend a commemoration of 9/11 with military families in Anchorage, Alaska, as he returns from a previously planned state visit to Vietnam on Sunday, meaning he wont attend the solemn event in lower Manhattan for the second straight year.

With inputs from agencies
US President Joe Biden on Saturday said that this years G20 summit has proved that the group can still drive solutions to the most pressing issues of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict.

Taking to X, US President said, At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues.

At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues. pic.twitter.com/R2jq0TdavR  President Biden (@POTUS) September 10, 2023

India is hosting the G20 Summit this year in New Delhi on September 9-10.

On September 9, the Delhi Declaration was adopted. It called on nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability.

The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that all 83 paras of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100 per cent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. For the first time, the declaration contained no footnote or Chairs Summary.

The G20 meeting on Saturday also saw the African Union being inducted as the new permanent member of G20 thereby offering developing nations a greater say in global decision-making.

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday also launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio, President of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni.

The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency.

Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries.

Another major takeaway from Day 1 of the summit, was the announcement launch of a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor by India, the US, Saudi Arabia and the European Union.
Three generations of women from a Wisconsin family have begun their fall semester together at Carthage College in Kenosha.

Mia Carter, an 18-year-old freshman accounting and marketing student, is starting her first semester at the liberal arts college alongside her mother, 49-year-old Amy Malczewski, and grandmother, 71-year-old Christy Schwan, the school told People. Meanwhile, Samantha Malczewski, Carters 19-year-old sister, is in her sophomore year at Carthages nursing program.

Samantha says she was shocked when she found out that her mother and grandmother would be joining her and her sister on campus. They were like, Oh, were going too, she told Good Morning America. It was really surprising. Mia, on the other hand, told the outlet that she wasnt too surprised. Both her mother and grandma had been interested in going back to school since Amys great-grandmother died, according to Mia.

I think my mom had a realization that your moms not always gonna be there, the 18-year-old explained, saying that the idea was to spend some quality time together and also strike out on an adventure together while they can. The duo are now enrolled in the schools 10-month masters degree programme in business design and innovation.

Life is short, so I tell people to push their doubts aside and go for it, Amy stated to People. Its especially sweet to go through this experience with my mom. Having worked at the college for over 20 years, Amy told CBS affiliate WDJT-TV: I just feel proud to be watching my daughters grow up and be more mature and have new experiences, but now also to see my mom accomplish something that shes always wanted to, and then even to accomplish something that Ive always wanted to I could probably burst Im so proud right now.

My mom raised me, obviously, to face my fears. I always say I think Im afraid every day of my life, but I just do things anyway and my mom taught me that, Amy continued.

Story continues

Before retirement, Schwan was a small business owner and at one point, climbed the corporate leader. She has also published several books, according to the school. It has always been Schwans dream to pursue her masters during retirement, and thanks to her daughter, she was given that much-needed push to go after her goals. On her website, Schwan lists among her core beliefs as together is better than separate and it is never too late for a new beginning.

Age is no deterrent in education, Christy told People. Older students bring a valuable perspective to class discussions.

Carter said that although all of them have separate schedules, having each other nearby has its perks. Its nice that we can walk them to class, meet for a study session, or just meet in the cafeteria for meals, the 18-year-old added. I really love having that touch of home right here on campus.
A researcher working for the UK House of Commons and another individual were arrested in March on suspicion of spying for China, according to a reports.

The researcher was involved in matters related to global policies and had connections with several prominent members of the Conservative Party, some of whom had access to classified or extremely sensitive information. The arrested man had contacts with individuals such as Tom Tugendhat, the Minister of State for Security, and Alicia Kearns, the head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee.

The Metropolitan Police Service released a brief statement confirming the arrests of a man in his 30s in Oxfordshire and a man in his 20s in Edinburgh under the Official Secrets Act. Searches were conducted at their respective residences as well as at a third location in east London. Both suspects have been granted bail and are due to appear in court later in October.

The investigation into this matter is being conducted by the Metropolitan Polices Counter Terrorism Command, responsible for handling cases related to espionage.

A statement from Kearns acknowledged the publics interest but emphasized the importance of not jeopardizing the work of the authorities. She declined to provide further details on the situation.

A source close to Kearns, speaking to PA Media, expressed concern that if the allegations were true, it would represent a significant escalation in tensions with Beijing.

Tensions between China and Western nations have risen in recent years, with the heads of MI5 and the FBI issuing a joint statement in July 2022, describing Beijing as the most significant long-term threat. However, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly adopted a more conciliatory tone during his recent visit to Beijing, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic and sensible working relationship with China. He also criticized calls for a complete disengagement from China.

Beijing has consistently denied allegations of espionage, accusing Western nations of engaging in a global smear campaign and urging them to abandon their Cold War mentality. In June, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated, We are firmly opposed to espionage activities and hope that relevant parties will refrain from groundless accusations against China.
The US military chief Gen Mark Milley, has predicted that Ukraines counter-offensive against Russia may come to an end in a month owing to harsh weather conditions.

In an interview with the BBCs Sunday program hosted by Laura Kuenssberg, Gen Milley expressed concerns that the approaching colder conditions would severely impede Ukraines ability to maneuver on the battlefield.

While acknowledging that the counter-offensive had progressed more slowly than anticipated, Gen Milley emphasized that heavy fighting was still underway. He stated, The Ukrainians are still making steady progress, and noted that it was premature to declare the counter-offensive a failure.

Instead, he asserted that Ukraine was steadily advancing through Russian front lines, with an estimated 30 to 45 days of favorable fighting weather remaining.

Ukraines counter-offensive, initiated during the summer with the objective of liberating Russian-occupied territories, has thus far achieved limited gains. Nonetheless, Ukrainian military leaders claim to have breached Russias formidable initial defenses in the southern region.

Gen Milley had previously cautioned that the conflict would be protracted, arduous, and result in significant casualties, and he reiterated this assessment during the interview.

In the same interview, Adm Sir Tony Radakin, the UKs Chief of Defence Staff, voiced optimism about Ukraines progress, asserting that Ukraine is winning, and Russia is losing. He attributed Ukraines resilience to the failure of Russias attempt to subjugate the country, as well as international economic and diplomatic pressure, which has caused hardship for Russia.

Adm Radakin also highlighted Russias desperate overtures toward North Korea, characterizing them as a reflection of Russias isolation and economic woes.

The planned meeting between North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un, and President Vladimir Putin to discuss weapons support for Russias efforts in Ukraine raised concerns in Washington and Seoul regarding potential military cooperation between the two nations in Asia.

Adm Radakin stated that this alliance was a consequence of Russias ill-fated invasion of Ukraine and its domestic challenges.

Shifting to domestic US politics, Gen Milley affirmed that the loyalty of the US military was pledged to the Constitution.

When asked about the possibility of serving a commander-in-chief who might be incarcerated, referring to former President Donald Trumps legal issues, Gen Milley underscored that their oath was to the Constitution of the United States.

He emphasized that the military would faithfully adhere to the Constitution, irrespective of the occupant of the White House.
In the past year, the Indian foldables market has picked up significantly, with new entries from OPPO, Techno, and Motorola. Priced cheaper than Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold series, these new entries have proven to be competitive in this emerging market. Samsung enjoyed the title of leaders in the foldable market for quite a bit now, but can they still hold on to that title?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched a little over a month ago in India. They have not increased the price, however there arent any major improvements either. So is the device still worth the price? Read on in my review.

Hardware refinements

With the Galaxy Z Fold 5, it is clear that Samsung is committed to this form factor. In particular, the aspect ratio has remained the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Pixel Fold and OPPOs Fold have wider aspect ratios, and they have been received quite well in the market. Samsung on the other hand has stuck with their choice of narrow aspect ratio for the Fold 5s front display. It has become a matter of preference at this point  some people like it, some people dont. Personally, it doesnt bother me as much. Although I did find it a bit cramped to type on the keyboard sometimes.

Design-wise, there arent any other major changes with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The displays go edge-to-edge with minimal bezels, and you get Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the front outer display and the rear panel. The inner display is still made out of their UTG (Ultra-thin glass) material. Side railings are made out of metal and the phone features their Armor Aluminium frame for increased durability and protection. The phone is still as slippery as before, and I would strongly recommend getting a case or a skin. You do not wanna drop a phone that is this fragile.

The biggest visual change to the device is easily the lack of a gap between the two panels when the phone is closed. Competition devices have not had a gap in their devices, and it is great to see Samsung finally catch up.

The placement of the buttons and ports are identical. The volume rocker and the power button (with an integrated fingerprint sensor) are present on the right edge, and the USB Type-C port is on the bottom. The SIM tray can be found on the left edge, and there are dual speakers at the top and bottom edges.

Similar to the previous model, the Z Fold 5 features IPX8 water resistance, which is quite useful. Just dont expose the device to sand or a lot of dust. It will get into the hinge and damage your phone.

Speaking of the hinge, Samsung has updated the hinge with a simpler design, and it feels just as robust as before. Hopefully the new design will improve longevity, which is unfortunately beyond the scope of this review.

The best display on a foldable

The inner display is mostly the same, measuring 7.6-inches and features a resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels. The peak brightness is higher this time, capable of reaching 1750 nits, which is the same as the Galaxy S23 Ultra. It continues to support variable refresh rates, capable of switching between 1Hz and 120Hz. As expected, the display is fantastic, with beautiful contrast and vibrant colours. Sunlight visibility was never an issue, even under the harsh direct sunlight. The display is HDR10+ certified, however there is no Dolby Vision support.

The situation with the crease is unchanged. It is just as visible as before, and I didnt notice it within 10 minutes of using the device. It rarely bothers me, and I only become aware of it when I run my finger over it.

The outer display is a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a refresh rate range of 48-120Hz. The aspect ratio is quite tall, just like the Z Fold 4, and it as usable as before. Good enough for a quick glance at apps or answering calls, but not great if you want to be productive or watch a lot of content.

Software: A version upgrade and nothing more

For the OS, the phone features Samsungs latest OneUI 5.1.1 based on Android 13. At the time of this review, it is running the August security patch, and it should receive the September patch soon. Just like other Samsung flagships, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will receive 4 Android updates and 5 years of security updates. Samsung continues to lead the market in terms of software updates, which is a major positive for them.

The software experience is largely the same as what you get on the Galaxy Z Fold 4. There is a persistent taskbar that can show 5 pinned apps and up to 2 recent apps. Running multiple apps simultaneously is quite simple thanks to Samsungs implementation of pop-up windows and easy split-screen gestures.

OneUI has become quite refined over the years and the number of issues I have with it have reduced a lot. The software feels stable, fast and feature-rich. One of the only issues I had were with third-party apps and their support for tablet mode. The Android tablet ecosystem has a long way to go, and developers need to optimize their apps for larger displays. It is happening, but maybe not fast enough.

Cameras  Nearly Flagship Quality

The camera hardware on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is unchanged, which is quite disappointing. Here are the specifications:

50 MP (f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel AF)

12 MP Ultrawide (f/2.2, 1.12 m)

10 MP telephoto (f/2.4 1.0 m, OIS, PDAF, 3x optical zoom), 30X space zoom

10 MP Front 1.22 m, f/2.2

4MP Under Display (f/1.8, 2.0m, FOV: 80)

The phone benefits mainly from the improved ISP of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It is able to process images faster and the photo quality is improved. The front-facing camera in particular is now capable of shooting video at 4K 60fps.

Regarding the quality of the cameras, the photos have overall improved. Exposure was correct, dynamic range was excellent and colours were vibrant. In well-lit conditions, the phone excelled. Ultra-wide photos were good, and portrait photos were amazing too. Samsung continues to have some of the best subject cut-outs too.

It was in low-light conditions where the phone struggled a bit. It does a decent job most of the time. However, it could not match up to Samsungs own Galaxy S23 Ultra. Another weakness of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the zoom capabilities. The S23 Ultra has a dedicated 10x zoom lens that offers more detailed and sharper photos. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 on the other hand can only do 3x optical zoom.

The inner front facing under-display camera is not great at all. The photos it produced looked smear-y and over sharpened. I would rarely use it, if at all.

Here are some camera samples from the Galaxy Z Fold 5:

Performance and Connectivity

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has been upgraded with Qualcomms latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and our model has 256GB of storage. In fact, the phone features the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset that is used in the Galaxy S23 series.

As expected, the phone performs well at nearly any task you can throw at it. It handles running multiple apps simultaneously with no issues and the graphics improvements are significant. Games like COD and BGMI can run at maximum framerate easily and in demanding games, the phone performs admirably.

Here are some benchmarks of the Galaxy Z Fold 5:

For connectivity, the phone supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v5.3, Ultra-wide band, NFC and USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds via the USB Type-C port. Location services support include GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo and QZSS. It supports a wide range of 5G bands along with Carrier Aggregation, VoWiFi and VoLTE.

Battery

The story with the battery on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a bit mixed. The rated capacity is the same at 4400mAh, and the charging speed is the same at 25W.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is pretty efficient, so that should contribute to an increase in battery life. However, during my review, I noticed that the battery life was basically the same. Depending on which display I used, I was able to get just under 6 hours of screen-on-time, which is enough for a day of light use. But with heavy use and if you use the inner display a lot, the battery can drain much quicker. It simply cannot last two days like the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Conclusion

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is Samsungs smallest update to their foldable line-up till date. The company has not made any drastic new upgrades, and it feels like they have settled a bit, the Fold 5. The Flip 5 on the other hand has much bigger upgrades, such as the larger front display.

So should you buy the Galaxy Z Fold 5? It depends on a couple of factors. If you have a Galaxy Z Fold 4, I would recommend sticking with it, as the upgrades are not worth the price. If you have an older Galaxy foldable, then the Z Fold 5 might be worth looking into.

Samsung hasnt changed the starting price of the phone, starting at Rs. 154999. That is a lot for a phone, but you are getting the best foldable smartphone out in the market right now. There are cheaper options in the market such as the Tecno Phantom V Fold which is nearly half the price. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is definitely the most refined, most complete, foldable smartphone out there and for those reasons, Samsung charges a high price. Hopefully, the upcoming OnePlus foldable could meaningfully shake things up in the market.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is priced at Rs. 1,54,999 for the 12GB+256GB model, 12GB+512GB model costs Rs. Rs. 1,64,999 and the 1TB model costs Rs. 1,84,999. It is available across all leading online and offline retails stores.
Iti doresti o presa libera si independenta, care nu da inapoi cand vine vorba de respectarea standardelor profesionale, refuza sa se lase cenzurata, sustine independenta justitiei, transparenta decizionala si valorile democratice. Alege sa o sustii.
European Union Election Observation Mission to Liberia deploys Long-Term Observers

European External Action Service (EEAS)

09.09.2023

Monrovia

European Union Election Observation Mission Liberia 2023

Following the invitation of the government of Liberia, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), led by Chief Observer Andreas Schieder, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from Austria, to observe the General Elections on 10 October. Today the EU EOM has deployed 20 Long-Term Observers all over Liberia.

"These elections mark a significant milestone in consolidation of Liberian democracy" said Deputy Chief Observer Jarek Domanski, who is in the country since end of August. "The European Union Election Observation Mission will monitor the process impartially and independently. I can ensure that our team of analysts and observers will deliver an objective assessment of the upcoming electoral process."

The EU EOM arrived with a Deputy Chief Observer and a Core Team of 10 analysts on 27 August in Monrovia. The group of experts consists of an election, political, legal, campaign finance, media and social media, and a data analyst. On 4 September, the team met with the Chairwoman and Commissioners of the National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC). Since then, the EU EOM had several meetings with Liberian authorities, political parties, journalists and civil society organisations.

A group of 20 Long-Term Observers joined the EU EOM on 5 September and are deploying today, after three-days briefing, to follow the electoral preparations and campaign in the 15 counties of Liberia. A week prior to Election Day, 40 Short-Term Observers will be additionally deployed throughout the country, alongside a Delegation of Members of the European Parliament and around 20 diplomats from EU Member States accredited in Liberia. The EU Election Observers come from the 27 different EU Member States, as well as Canada and Norway, bringing the number of EU Observers on Election Day to around 100.

"The EU EOM will assess the elections based on international and regional standards and commitments that Liberia has espoused, together with its national laws. It will focus on the entire electoral process, including an assessment of the legal framework, election administration, voter registration, candidate nomination, campaigning, the media's role, voting, counting, and tabulations of results, as well as the complaints and appeals process", explained Deputy Chief Observer Jarek Domanski.

All EU EOM observers are bound by a code of conduct, which requires strict neutrality and non-interference. The EU EOM undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. It will publish its initial findings in a preliminary statement, which will be presented in a press conference shortly after Election Day. A Final Report with concrete recommendations to enhance future electoral processes will be presented at a later stage.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






NATO navies hold annual Northern Coasts collective defence exercise in the Baltic Sea

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

09 Sep. 2023

Some 30 warships and 3,200 personnel from 14 nations will participate in the annual two-week naval exercise Northern Coasts, which starts on Saturday (9 September 2023) in the Baltic Sea, primarily off the coasts of Estonia and Latvia. Led by the German Navy, Northern Coasts is one of the biggest exercises in the region, and is focusing for the first time on high-end warfare and the collective defence of NATO Allies.

"Seven - soon to be eight - NATO Allies border the Baltic Sea, so the area is of crucial importance to our Alliance," said Acting NATO Spokesperson Dylan White. "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has radically altered the security situation in the Baltic Sea, and NATO has substantially increased its defensive presence in the region at sea, on land and in the air. Exercises like these send a clear message that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory."

Over the coming two weeks, Allies will train amphibious operations, air defence, strikes from sea to land, and securing sea lanes. Standing NATO Maritime Group One and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One are participating in the manoeuvres, which involve personnel from Allies Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the U.S. and NATO invitee Sweden. Held annually, the exercise is being run for the first time from Germany's new Navy Command in Rostock.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






African leaders welcome African Union's membership in G20

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 09 September 2023 6:26 PM

The African Union's entry to the Group of 20 (G20) has been welcomed by leaders across Africa who said the move would give the continent a "voice, visibility, and influence on the global stage."

By granting the African Union membership in the G20, Africa's leaders -- who have shown their continuous willingness to take collective action -- have moved the continent towards becoming recognized as a global power in itself and as a high-profile global player whose demands will be harder to ignore in the future.

"Kenya welcomes the addition of the African Union -- the fastest growing continent in the world -- to the G20," Kenyan President William Ruto wrote Saturday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"This will increase the voice of Africa, visibility, and influence on the global stage and provide a platform to advance the common interest of our people."

"With Africa poised to grow in the coming years, a seat will allow it to shape the decisions of G20 to ensure the continent's interests are advanced," Ruto said in a separate statement.

"The outcome of the just concluded Africa Climate Summit including fundamental reforms of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks is one thing that AU will advance," he said.

He noted that if Africa's natural assets are taken into account, the continent is immensely wealthy.

AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat said earlier that the move will allow the continent to make "its effective contribution" in helping the world meet global challenges.

"This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favor of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges," he wrote on X.

Comoros president and current AU chairman Azali Assoumani said "it's a great day for me... but also for the whole of Africa, which has just joined the G20, with great emotion and pride".

South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa said on X that he was "delighted" by the move.

"As a continent, we look forward to further advancing our aspirations on the global stage using the G20 platform," Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu posted on X.

Senegaal's President Macky Sall also welcomed the African Union's inclusion in the G20, for which he had long advocated.

"I warmly thank all the members of the G20 for their support for this initiative, which I championed during my term at the head of the African Union", said Sall, who assumed the AU presidency in 2022 until the beginning of 2023.

This advocacy "reflects his vision of fairer and more inclusive global political, economic and financial governance," Senegal's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The African Union at full strength has 55 members but six junta-ruled nations are currently suspended. Collectively, it has a GDP of $3 trillion with some 1.4 billion people.

As the G20, the grouping included 19 countries and the European Union, representing 85 percent of the world's GDP, with South Africa, till recently, as its only member state from the continent.

Currently, there are 21 members in the group: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, South Africa and the African Union.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Modi opens G20 summit amid deep divisions over Ukraine war

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 09 September 2023 11:11 AM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the annual meeting of the Group of 20 (G20), amid the bloc's deep divisions over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The two-day summit began on Saturday, with Modi calling on members to end a "global trust deficit", while announcing that the bloc was granting full membership to the African Union (AU).

"Today, as the president of G20, India calls upon the entire world to first convert this global trust deficit into one trust and one confidence," he said. "It is time for all of us to move together."

Modi further invited the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat as a permanent member.

"This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South," Modi said in a message on his official account on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The meeting took place as the group is deeply divided over the war in Ukraine, with Western nations pushing for strong condemnation of Russia in the Leaders' Declaration to be issued at the end of the summit, while others are demanding focus on broader economic issues.

One source was reported by Reuters as saying that a joint G20 declaration may or may not come to a unanimous agreement, adding that it could have paragraphs stating the views of different countries, or it could record agreement and dissent in one paragraph.

According to another senior source in one of the G20 countries, the paragraph on the war on Ukraine had been agreed by Western countries and sent to Russia for its views.

The differing views on the war in Ukraine have prevented agreement on even a single communique at ministerial meetings during India's G20 presidency so far this year.

The G20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies, comprised of 19 countries and the European Union (EU).

The bloc represents around 85 percent of the global GDP, over 75 percent of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population - but South Africa is the only member from the continent.

India currently holds the G20 presidency, a position that rotates each year between the member states.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israel authorizes three settler outposts in West Bank despite US warnings

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 09 September 2023 7:41 AM

Israel has authorized the construction of three more settler outposts in the occupied West Bank despite US warnings that any such approvals can jeopardize the viability of a two-state solution with Palestinians and normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia.

The far-right cabinet of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that the three remote outposts were Beit Hoglah, located between the city of Jericho and the Dead Sea, as well as Avigail and Asael in the south of the al-Khalil (Hebron) Hills.

The authorization turns the outposts into illegal settlements recognized by Israel but not the international community.

Israel's decision to "legalize" three settler outposts in the occupied West Bank came just a day after a phone call between US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Netanyahu, during which the two discussed "deepening Israel's integration in the region."

A US State Department spokesperson said Washington had been "clear and consistent" that expanding settlements "undermines the geographic viability of a two-state solution and exacerbates tensions."

"We strongly oppose the advancement of settlements... and urge Israel to refrain from this activity," the spokesperson added.

The Israeli decision also comes at a time when the Biden administration is trying to broker a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and the occupying regime.

Biden declared on July 28 that a deal for Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize relations may be on the horizon following national security adviser Jake Sullivan's talks with Saudi officials in Jeddah.

In order to sign a deal with Israel, Riyadh publicly asked Tel Aviv to implement the 2002 so-called Arab Peace Initiative which calls for a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East al-Quds as its capital.

However, members of the far-right Israeli regime, led by Netanyahu, say they will not make any concession to the Palestinians as part of a potential deal for normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia.

More than 700,000 Israelis live in over 280 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.

The international community views the settlements - hundreds of which have been built across the West Bank since 1967 - as illegal under international law and the Geneva Conventions due to their construction on the occupied territories.

The UN Security Council has condemned Israel's settlement activities in the occupied territories in several resolutions.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






G20 kicks off with dwindling hope for joint communique

China and Russia starkly at odds with group opposition to the war in Ukraine.

By Chris Taylor for RFA 2023.09.09 -- United States President Joe Biden touched down in India Friday, amid dwindling hopes that a New Delhi Declaration that is acceptable to all parties will emerge from the G20 summit.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told media on board Air Force One that the U.S. was joining the summit in the "spirit of compromise," adding that the U.S. hoped it was possible "to agree on a text that everybody can live with.''

Speaking to objections raised by China on issues related to the Ukraine war and climate issues, Sullivan said, "We are not there yet."

Some 15 years after the inauguration of the G20, which brings together the world's 20 biggest economic powerhouses, this year's gathering shows every sign of having lost its momentum, as key members find themselves at loggerheads over everything from territorial claims to trade - and most of all Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But China, like the U.S. said it would be working to achieve a mutually acceptable, positive outcome.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that China is willing to work with all parties and push for a positive outcome at the G20 summit in New Delhi.

Mao was responding to questions about media reports saying that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak blamed China for delaying an agreement on various issues, including Ukraine.

NSA Advisor Sullivan said that Biden would not be meeting with Premier Li Qiang, who arrived from the ASEAN summit in Jakarta in place of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is not attending the G20 summit for unknown reasons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is not attending due to an international arrest warrant for war crimes, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has tested positive for COVID and has withdrawn from attendance.

Miguel Chanto, the chief economist for emerging Asia at Pantheon Macroeconomics, an independent research firm, told RFA earlier in the week, the best hope was for a "nicely-worded - but naturally vague - statement" to be issued when the summit ends on the weekend.

Media reactions

Media coverage of the Indian summit was absent in China on Saturday morning, although English-language state media tabloid the Global Times suggested it was New Delhi not Beijing that was the "spoiler" at the global meet.

Meanwhile, Indian media has been abuzz in the leadup to the event about the ambitions of summit host Narendra Modi.

Indian media is also much preoccupied by an internal nationalist debate: should India change its name in accordance with classical Sanskrit and become Bharat - think of it as England renaming itself as Albion.

Modi today dominates India's politics, observers agree, and now his ambition is to make India shine on the world stage. Some argue he sees India as key to finding a balance in the geopolitical face-off between Washington and Beijing, a role Xi Jinping doesn't want India to have.

Xi's absence, China watchers say, underscores that reluctance to grant India a greater role in global geopolitics.

Meanwhile, foreign delegates to New Delhi received a G20 booklet titled "Bharat, The Mother Of Democracy," amid reports of slum clearances in the city, stray animals being rounded up and heated discussion on social media about India's decision to serve delegates "all veg" meals on golden plates.

Said Ashok Swain, professor of peace and conflict research at Uppsala University, "Modi has got Trump disease - silver plates and gold utensils for G20 dinner! Megalomaniac forgets India ranks 107th out of the 121 countries in Global Hunger Index, worse than Pakistan, Bangladesh & Nepal."

Where's Xi?

Despite no shortage of speculation - is Xi sick, is he snubbing India, snubbing the developed world, is he dealing with domestic issues, a power struggle even? - it's unknown why China's Xi is not gracing the New Delhi summit with his presence.

But it is lost on nobody that his absence contrasts sharply with his attendance at the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, which Xi proclaimed "historic," announcing six new members for the grouping that claims to represent the Global South.

Xi has never skipped a G20 summit before, although he "attended" the Rome 2021 meet virtually by video link due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Senior Biden administration officials have flown to China in recent months in an attempt to break an unprecedented impasse between the two world powers and the G20 summit was seen as an opportunity for the two leaders to meet in person.

Speaking to Reuters 10 foreign envoys to China said that Xi's absence at the G20 comes at a time in which there are increasing concerns that China is turning in on itself and it is becoming ever more difficult to reach out to Chinese officials and collect information on China.

Ryan Neelam, a foreign policy analyst who previously served as an Australian diplomat based in Hong Kong, said that under Xi's strict regime, Beijing officials have become more wary about engaging with foreign powers.

"That has trickle-down effects through the system where lower-level officials, bureaucrats and diplomats are less willing to go off script," said Neelam.

Edited by Elaine Chan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






African Union joins G20 as compromise statement agreed

Summit achieves unexpected breakthrough agreement in New Delhi.

By Chris Taylor for RFA 2023.09.09 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the African Union to join the G20 as a permanent member on Saturday in his opening remarks, calling on members to end a "global trust deficit."

"It is time for all of us to move together," Modi said.

Modi announced later in the day during the summit that negotiators had resolved deep differences over the wording on the war in Ukraine.

"On the back of the hard work of all the teams, we have received consensus on the G20 Leaders Summit Declaration. I announce the adoption of this declaration," Modi told the G20 leaders in New Delhi.

China and Russia are known to be opposed to any joint statement that censures Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Despite widespread anticipation that this year's summit would be a damp squib - perhaps resulting in no communique at all - the G20 appeared to be pushing back on China's apparent lack of willingness to play ball with the developed world.

The announcement of permanent inclusion of the 55-nation African Union (AU) is likely to be a blow for Chinese president Xi Jinping, who is not attending the summit for unknown reasons, and recently heralded the new membership of six countries in the BRICS grouping as "historic."

The AU's young population of 1.3 billion is expected to double by 2050, when it will account for a quarter of the global population. It's strategically important to both China, Africa's largest trading partner and one of its largest lenders, and Russia, its leading arms provider.

Meanwhile, in what will likely be seen as a challenge to Xi's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), U.S. President Joe Biden, Modi and allies were reported to have plans to announce a rail and shipping corridor connecting India with the Middle East and ultimately Europe.

The project would include the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union and other countries in the G20, the Associated Press reported Jon Finer, Biden's principal deputy national security adviser, as saying.

Biden, Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were to announce the project as part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, with commentary speculating that it would enable greater trade and be an ambitious counter to China's massive BRI, through which it has sought to invest and lend its way to making its economy better connected with the world.

The moves on Saturday, which were roundly seen as pushback against China, came against a background of speculation as to why China's Xi was not present and calls for Beijing to explain itself.

"It's incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain" why its leader "would or would not participate," Jon Finer, the U.S. deputy national security adviser, told reporters in Delhi.

He said there was speculation that China is "giving up on G20" in favor of groupings like BRICS, where it is dominant.

Edited by Elaine Chan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Pashinian Offers 'Urgent' Talks As Azerbaijan Accuses Armenia Of Firing On Troops

By RFE/RL's Armenian Service, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service September 09, 2023

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, in calls with Western leaders and Iran, has offered to hold "urgent" talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to prevent another upsurge in violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone and along the two countries' borders.

The offer came as both sides traded accusations of "disinformation" and "provocations" in recent days and as Azerbaijani officials on September 9 accused Armenian forces of firing on their troops overnight, a claim Yerevan rejected.

Baku said the most recent firefight occurred in the north of Naxcivan, an exclave of Azerbaijan that borders Armenia, Turkey, and Iran. It did not say if there had been any casualties.

Persistent tensions between Yerevan and Baku have spiked in recent weeks, mainly over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region controlled by ethnic Armenians who have accused Azerbaijan of blockading the breakaway region.

The Armenian government has also accused Azerbaijan of massing troops along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the Karabakh "line of contact" in possible preparation for another large-scale military assault.

Pashinian made his offer of new talks with Aliyev in separate phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, his office said.

Pashinian "expressed readiness to hold urgent discussions with the president of Azerbaijan aimed at reducing the tensions," a government statement on his call with Macron, which reportedly took place late on September 8.

The statement said Pashinian also reaffirmed his recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity made during October 2022 and May 2023 meetings with Aliyev attended by Macron.

A foreign-policy adviser to Aliyev told Reuters that Azerbaijan had not received a renewed offer of talks from Yerevan.

Meanwhile, three senior Azerbaijani officials on September 8 met with Baku-based foreign diplomats to accuse Armenia of stepping up "military provocations," "imitating" peace talks, and continuing to foment "separatism" in Karabakh.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry denied the accusations.

The escalation of tensions comes amid the continuing crisis over Nagorno-Karabakh, where Yerevan and local ethnic Armenian authorities accuse Baku of continuing its "illegal blockade" of the region, resulting in severe shortages of food, fuel, and other basic products.

Baku denies it is blockading the region and has proposed opening an alternative road passing through the Azerbaijani-controlled town of Agdam, but ethnic Armenian authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh have rejected that offer.

With tensions rising, Armenia announced on September 6 that it would host a joint army exercise with the United States next week.

The Armenian Defense Ministry said the purpose of the September 11-20 Eagle Partner 2023 exercise was to prepare its forces to take part in international peacekeeping missions.

A U.S. military spokesperson said 85 U.S. soldiers and 175 Armenians would take part, according to Reuters.

That announcement came following remarks by Pashinian stating that his country's policy of relying solely on Russia to guarantee its security was a strategic mistake, in light of what he said was Moscow's efforts to wind down its role in the wider region.

Moscow responded angrily to the comments, summoning the Armenian ambassador for a protest over what it termed "unfriendly steps" taken by Yerevan.

Meanwhile on September 9, separatist lawmakers in Nagorno-Karabakh voted to elect Samvel Shahramanian, 44, as the new president of the region, an action condemned by Baku.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-armenia-naxcivan- shooting/32585451.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Navies From 14 Countries Prepare For Baltic Exercises Under German Command

By RFE/RL September 09, 2023

German Rear Admiral Stephan Haisch says he is confident that participants in large-scale naval maneuvers set to begin next week in the Baltic Sea are well prepared.

For the first time, the two-week naval drills -- led this year by Germany -- revolve around an alliance defense scenario.

Haisch was quoted by dpa on September 8 as saying he did not expect any provocation by the Russian Navy during the exercises and said there are ways to communicate if they get too close to each other at sea.

Russian naval ships have continued to behave normally in the Baltic Sea despite higher tensions with the West due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he said.

The exercises, dubbed Northern Coasts, involve more than 3,000 military personnel from 14 different countries, according to the German Navy.

German Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack said on September 6 at a press conference in the Baltic Sea port of Rostock that the exercises send "a clear signal of vigilance from all partners to Russia."

Germany will command the drills from its new maritime headquarters in Rostock, which just reached operational readiness. Germany aims to provide the facility to NATO as a regional maritime headquarters capable of leading the alliance's operations in the Baltic Sea in case of a conflict.

The annual naval exercises have taken place since 2007 with Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland alternating as lead planners. Italy, France, Canada, and the United States are among the 14 countries expected to join the maneuvers.

About 30 ships, including a submarine, as well as roughly 20 aircraft and various landing units will train primarily in the coastal waters of Estonia and Latvia and the central Baltic Sea.

According to Haisch, the biggest challenge is the logistics involved in coordinating with so many units.

U.S. Marines and sailors arrived in Riga on September 7 and were to begin offloading equipment and personnel in preparation for their participation in the exercises, a spokeswoman for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit said in a news release.

"The Marines and sailors of the 26th Bravo Command are excited to be here in Latvia as well as demonstrate our warfighting proficiency and competency during Northern Coasts 2023," Lieutenant Colonel Josef Wiese, the officer in charge of the Marines aboard the USS Mesa Verde, added in the news release.

The Mesa Verde is more than 200 meters long and is designed to transport and land some 800 Marines in an amphibious assault.

"The Marines and sailors are looking forward to integrating and building trust with the German Sea Battalion on board as well as showcasing their interoperability and interdependence with our allies and partners in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility," Weise said.

Latvian Navy chief Maris Polencs told dpa that Moscow's invasion of Ukraine had led to a new evaluation of possible threats. He also spoke of the need to invest more time and money in equipment and operational readiness.

Meanwhile, Romania and the United States are organizing multinational military exercises called Sea Breeze 23 in the Black Sea and the Danube River delta, the press service of the Romanian Navy said.

In addition to the U.S. and Romania, military personnel from Ukraine, Bulgaria, France, Britain, and Turkey will take part in the training, expected to take place on September 11-15.

"The main purpose of the exercise is to develop operational-tactical interoperability between the participating countries in the field of combating explosive devices, in particular drifting sea mines, in order to ensure freedom of navigation," the Romanian Navy said.

With reporting by dpa, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/baltic-germany-naval- exercises-russia/32585250.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






NATO Says Launched Northern Coasts Exercise in Baltic Sea

Sputnik News

20230909

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - NATO said on Saturday it had launched the annual Northern Coasts defense exercise in the Baltic Sea amid the changing security situation in the region, with around 30 warships and 3,200 troops involved in the drills.

The exercise is one of the biggest regional drills and is focusing for the first time on high-end warfare and collective defense, the alliance added.

"Some 30 warships and 3,200 personnel from 14 nations will participate in the annual two-week naval exercise Northern Coasts, which starts on Saturday (9 September 2023) in the Baltic Sea, primarily off the coasts of Estonia and Latvia," the alliance's statement read.

Confict in Ukraine "has radically altered the security situation in the Baltic Sea, and NATO has substantially increased its defensive presence in the region at sea, on land and in the air. Exercises like these send a clear message that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory," acting NATO spokesman Dylan White said in the statement.

During the drills, the 14 nations will train amphibious operations, air defense, strikes from sea to land, and securing sea lanes, the statement read.

NATO has been boosting its eastern flank along the borders with Russia and Belarus since late 2021 by dispatching additional troops. In response to Moscow launching a military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, NATO has further reinforced the flank by sending more ships, planes and ground troops to the region and putting them on high alert, as well as conducting regular military drills in the area.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






No: 218, 9 September 2023, Press Release Regarding the So-Called Elections Held in the Territories of Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan Under the Control of Illegal Armenian Forces

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The elections held in the territories of Karabakh region of Azerbaijan under the control of illegal Armenian forces, is a new manifestation of efforts to unilaterally legitimize the current situation in the region, which is contrary to international law. This step is a flagrant violation of international law including the UN Security Council resolutions and the OSCE principles.

We condemn and consider this election which is held in a period when Azerbaijan and Armenia strive to continue peace talks as a move to undermine them.

Turkiye does not recognize this illegitimate election which constitutes violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignity and territorial integrity. We call on the UN and international community not to recognize this election.

Turkiye supports the peace negotiations process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and still has the belief that signing of a lasting peace agreement soon, will make a major contribution to peace and stability in the region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Repel intensifying attacks on schools, urges Guterres

9 September 2023 - With a staggering hike in attacks targeting schools and hospitals, and over seven million refugee children out of school, the UN chief called on Saturday for a new push to defend vulnerable students and teachers worldwide.

Marking the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was important to defend "havens of education".

"Education is not only a fundamental human right, but a pathway to a better future for every person, and a more peaceful, understanding world," he underscored.

He voiced a startling truth: around the globe 224 million children and young people are in urgent need of educational support - including 72 million who are out-of-school altogether - because of crises such as armed conflict.

Attacks double

According to a comprehensive report on children and armed conflicts published by the UN chief earlier this year, from January to December 2022, there was a 112 per cent rise in attacks targeting schools and hospitals, with hotspots identified in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Israel, Palestine, Myanmar and Mali.

In Afghanistan, for example, the UN verified a total of 95 attacks on civilian targets, including 72 on schools.

The report attributed 50 per cent of grave violations to non-State armed groups. The other half involved government forces, who were primarily responsible for the gravest offenses, including the killing and maiming of children, relentless assaults on schools and hospitals, and obstructing humanitarian access.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday that by the end of 2022, the total number of school-aged refugees globally jumped nearly 50 per cent from 10 million in 2021 to 14.8 million, driven mostly by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Disrupted learning

As put by Mr. Guterres, "attacks on students, teachers, educational personnel and schools are becoming all too common, cruelly disrupting young learners' education and inflicting untold psychological and physical damage that can last a lifetime."

One of the clear signs of the education deficit is the startling statistic that 763 million people around the world - adults and youngsters - lack even basic literacy skills.

'Havens of safety and learning'

The Secretary-General urged all countries to ensure the protection of schools, children and teachers at all times, through measures such as the Safe Schools Declaration and the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack.

Through joint efforts, Mr. Guterres believes, schools can become "havens of safety and learning for every child, no matter where they live".



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Joint Statement from the United States and the European Union on Support for Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's commitment to Further Develop the Lobito Corridor and the U.S.-EU Launch of a Greenfield Rail Line Feasibility Study

September 09, 2023

Today, on the margins of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) event at the G20 in India, the United States of America and the European Union welcomed the recent commitment by Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to develop the Lobito Corridor connecting southern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northwestern Zambia to regional and global trade markets via the Port of Lobito in Angola.

To accelerate this work in partnership with the three African countries, the European Union and the United States are teaming up to support the development of the Corridor, including by launching feasibility studies for a new greenfield rail line expansion between Zambia and Angola. This represents a powerful evolution of the Partnership element of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment with a collaborative approach that could be replicated in other strategic corridors around the world.

The U.S.-EU partnership will upgrade critical infrastructure across sub-Saharan Africa to unlock the enormous potential of this region. We are excited to join forces to generate economic benefits with our partners in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

The partnership will combine financial resources and technical know-how to accelerate the Lobito Corridor development, including investments in digital access and agricultural value chains that will increase regional competitiveness. This announcement shows PGI and Global Gateway at work, bringing partners together to finance multibillion dollar projects that will help create local jobs, decrease the carbon footprint and improve local economies.

As an immediate next step, the United States and the European Union will support the Governments in launching pre-feasibility studies for the construction of the new Zambia-Lobito railway line from eastern Angola through northern Zambia. This builds on the initial U.S.-led support to refurbish the railway section from the Lobito port in Angola to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Once transport infrastructure connecting all three countries is fully operational, the Corridor will enhance export possibilities for Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, boost the regional circulation of goods, and promote the mobility of citizens. By significantly reducing the average transport time, the new railway will lower the logistics costs and carbon footprint of exporting metals, agricultural goods, and other products, as well as for future development of any mineral discoveries.

The United States and the European Union plan to explore cooperation in three specific areas: i) transport infrastructure investments; ii) measures to facilitate trade, economic development and transit; and iii) support to related sectors to fuel inclusive and sustainable economic growth and capital investment in Angola, Zambia and Democratic Republic of the Congo in the longer term. Specifically, this includes developing clean energy projects to increase the power supply to surrounding communities, supporting diversified investment in critical minerals and clean energy supply chains, extending digital access, growing agriculture value chains to enhance local food production for the region's expanding population and to address global food insecurity, as well as augmenting local workforce training, support for small and medium enterprises and economic diversification.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer Ahead of the G20 Summit

September 09, 2023

Via Teleconference

International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre

New Delhi, India

8:09 A.M. IST

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Hi, everybody. Good morning. And this is Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary.

And I have with me today Jon Finer, our Principal Deputy  Principal Deputy National Security Advisor 

MR. FINER: That's a lot of words.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: (Laughs.) A lot of words, but we love it. Thank you so much for joining us, Jon.

I'm just going to really kick it off to you. I know you're going to lay out what the President's going to do in his first full day here India, New Delhi, at the G20 Summit.

So, over to you.

MR. FINER: Thanks, Karine. And thanks, everybody. I'll go through a few things and then, obviously, happy to take questions.

So, a bit later this morning, President Biden will head to the first session of this year's G20 Leaders' Summit. I'll, of course, go through the highlights of the schedule. But before that, I do want to take a brief step back and draw your attention to some of the themes that we see running through the day.

President Biden has been clear from the moment he took office that it is profoundly in the interests of the United States to work with our partners and allies to tackle the hardest problems the world faces. We think we've walked the walk in doing just that, and this G20 is no exception.

What you will see again and again, over the next couple of days, is the United States working alongside and investing in a truly wide range of the world's major economies and emerging economies to advance our shared interests in improving our infrastructure and connectivity, our health outcomes, our climate and clean energy transition.

And while we have all read  and maybe you all have written  a lot of analysis about who is or isn't in Delhi for this summit and why or why not that may be, the United States is focused on the fact that President Biden is here and rolling up his sleeves with the other G20 countries and partners to produce real results.

So, I think you will see a demonstration of why we continue to believe in the G20 format, because we believe that it can deliver real concrete outcomes that benefit the people in each of our nations and beyond.

Now, what will that look like? During the first session today, titled "One Earth," President Biden will highlight how the United States is leading the global energy transition through historic job-creating investments at home, while pressing for higher levels of climate action and ambition from other major economies.

President Biden will use this session to highlight how Russia's brutal war on Ukraine is harming many of the countries in that room and their neighbors; that Russia continues to commit unconscionable crimes that all nations abhor, like forcibly deporting Ukrainian children to Russia; as well as the fact that the war is having devastating social and economic consequences far beyond the region, including exacerbating global food insecurity.

The President will also reiterate his call for a just and durable peace grounded in the fundamental precepts of the U.N. Charter, such as sovereignty and territorial integrity  a call, by the way, that many other G20 members with varying views about the war have reiterated in recent weeks and months.

In the day's second session, titled "One Family," President Biden will reaffirm the United States' leadership and commitment to global development. He will call on G20 members to redouble their efforts to accelerate progress toward the sustainable development goals. And he will urge them to mobilize significantly more financing for development from all sources to get us back on track to meet these goals by 2030.

To that end, President Biden will highlight his commitments to fundamentally reshape and scale up the World Bank to more effectively tackle poverty and deliver inclusive economic growth so it can better address global challenges like climate change and pandemics.

The President will point to his request to Congress for funding that would unlock over $25 billion in new concessional World Bank lending from the United States and urge other countries to join us in this ambitious commitment.

Now, some have speculated that China's absence indicates that it is giving up on the G20, that it is building an alternative world order, that it will privilege groupings like the BRICS.

I would just point out that the three democratic members of the BRICS  India, Brazil, and South Africa  also happen to be the current and next two chairs of the G20. They are committed to the G20's success, so is the United States. We will host after those three. And if China is not, that's unfortunate for everyone, but much more unfortunate, we believe, for China.

President Biden will also be calling on G20 members to step up efforts to provide meaningful debt relief so that low- and middle-income countries can regain their footing after years of extreme stress  from climate change, from the pandemic, and from other factors  and invest in their future.

And later that afternoon  this afternoon, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi will bring together a number of leaders for an event centering on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment  or PGI.

We're looking forward to making a number of groundbreaking announcements focused on high-quality investments in building sustainable infrastructure around the world.

This will include a memorandum of understanding among the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the EU, and other G20 partners to explore a shipping and rail transportation corridor that will enable the flow of commerce, energy, and data from here in India, across the Middle East, to Europe.

Like the Lobito Corridor project we are launching in Southern and Central Africa, it will be a clear demonstration of a new model that President Biden has pioneered for more transparent and sustainably  and sustainable develop  sustainable high-standard infrastructure that fills a damaging global gap and enables greater prosperity and better connectivity for key regions around the world.

So, as you can see, this is a  really a big, rich agenda with the United States leading different groupings of our G20 partners to take on the biggest challenges we face.

And I'm now happy to take your questions about it.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right, guys. So what we're going to do is we'll take questions from folks here. We'll try to alternate with the folks here and the folks who are online as well  on the Zoom. So we'll start here first.

Go ahead, Aamer.

Q Thanks, Jon. On the memorandum of understanding and this project, can you put a little bit more meat on the bones on the ambition of it  maybe a ballpark dollar amount, how long this will take?

And then, secondly, just a broad question about the meeting last night. There's been some sense of  with Modi appreciating the turn and the attention that the administration has given to the Indo-Pacific, but would like to see a little bit more "Indo" to that part of it. Did that come up in the conversation?

MR. FINER: Thanks. So, a couple of things. First, on the corridor project: I'm not going to get into the details and, sort of, scoop our own announcement in that way. I did want to preview it a bit for you all to give you some context.

Taking a step back though from the details, I can give you a bit more of the strategic theory of the case for why we think this is important. First and foremost is the value proposition we see in a corridor linking these three key regions of the world  enabling the flow of commerce, of energy, of digital communications  that we think is going to help increase prosperity at a time in which that is in high demand.

Second, we have talked at great length about the broader global infrastructure gap, which is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries, and much of the theory of the case of PGI is about doing what the United States can with our partners in filling that gap.

Third, for the Middle East in particular  which, you know, historically, has, you know, obviously, often been a net exporter of turbulence and insecurity  to have the opportunity to play this key role in the, kind of, global connective tissue  of commerce, of inf-  of digital communications, of energy  linking these key regions, we think, is a huge opportunity, building on our broader efforts over the last couple of years, to turn the temperature down across the region, increase connectivity within the region, and address a conflict where we see it.

But to  just taking one  one more step back on the theory of the case: We see this as having a high appeal to the countries involved and also globally because it is transparent, because it is a high standard, because it is not coercive. We feel demand that we are being responsive to in these regions of the world. We are not going out and trying to impose anything on anyone. And so, we feel good about what we have on offer.

On your question about the prime minister and  and our Indo-Pacific strategy and implementation, I would be, frankly, surprised to hear the charge that you laid out, in part because of how intensive our focus has been on the bilateral relationship between the United States and India, but also on the broader Indian Ocean region, you know, given, obviously, the enormous steps forward that were made around Prime Minister Modi's state visit to Washington, if you go back and read the documents that emerged from that visit  the deep commitments that were made on both sides to enhance our cooperation.

And then, just to follow up only a few months later with  with this bilateral meeting last night that was important in its own right, but that also helped drive further implementation and outcomes, building on the high ambition of the state visit.

And I think you all saw an extremely detailed joint statement that was released last night. That is not just rhetoric; it is actual things that are happening in the world that the United States and India are  are driving together.

And so, I think we feel good about our investments here  here in India; here in this region, more broadly, in the Indo-Pacific  and are going to continue implementing that strategy.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay, we're going to start with somebody on  on the Zoom here. We got  give people a chance.

MR. ZISKEND: Alex Ward, let's kick it over to you.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right, Alex.

Q Thanks. First, in the Modi meeting, I just wanted to know if anything about the  the bulldozing of the slums came up at all. Did the President mention that as a way of just saying, "Hey, you know, we  this is not how democratic nations behave"?

MR. FINER: So, Alex, first, thanks for the question. What I will say is that the sort of state of democratic governance, both in the world and in each of our countries, is a core facet of the U.S.-Indian bilateral relationship  and both Prime Minister Modi and President Biden have said that  which means that those issues are very much on the agenda in every one of their conversations.

What I'm not going to do  given the fact that we did a pretty extensive on-the-record readout of this meeting last night and  and also submitted, which I just referenced, quite an extensive and detailed joint statement  is go through sort of issue by issue and say what was covered and what wasn't.

I mean, what I will say is: We have got an enormously broad and consequential relationship with India. And all of these meetings are  take place in the context of limited time. So, it would be, I worry, misleading to say what was above the line and below the line in terms of what they were able to cover.

What I will say is: The broad category of issue that that falls into  democratic governance and its state in the United States and in India  was very much on the agenda.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. Go ahead. Go ahead, Justin.

Q Thank- 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Justin is going to take it. Go ahead.

Q Thanks, Karine. Thanks, Jon. One sort of thing that we've heard from the meeting so far is, I think, familiar complaints and frustration from Europeans and some in Asia over the President's economic agenda: the subsidies for climate and CHIPS.

I'm wondering how you're  if there's any new explanation that you're offering for that. And, assuming not, to kind of spin it forward, are you confident that the steel deal with the Europeans is going to come together by the von der Leyen summit next month? Has there been progress on the critical minerals deal for the EU? And are you engaging with any new countries on those types of deals here at the summit going forward to, sort of, address some of their concerns over, you know, subsidies?

MR. FINER: So, first, thanks for the question. Justin, as you know, you know, we have a deeply integrated economic relationship with countries across Europe, with the Eur-  European Union as an entity. And when it comes to the historic investments that the United States and that President Biden is making, you know, in our own country  you know, on infrastructure, on chips, on driving the climate and clean energy transition through the IRA  we believe that that is not just a set of initiatives and major pieces of legislation that are good for the United States, we believe they're fundamentally good for the world. And we believe that our partners are increasingly seeing the value proposition  again, not just for us, but for them  in what we're doing.

We work extremely closely with those partners on ways in which they can be integrated and incorporated into what we are doing domestically, the ways in which it benefits them, their citizens, their companies. And we think that we are on a very constructive and positive track in making that case with our core partners.

So, I  you know, beyond that, I'm not going to get into the specifics of steel or other, kind of, ongoing conversations, other than to say: We consider these conversations extremely important. We're working very hard to  to make progress.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay, who do we have online?

We'll  we'll come back.

On Zoom?

MR. ZISKEND: Let's go to Barak Ravid. Barak.

Q Hi. Thank you you for doing this. Hi, Jon. I missed the beginning of the briefing, so maybe you covered it, and if so  so, let me know, and I'll look afterwards what you said.

But how does the railway project fits into the wider strategy in the Middle East with the mega-deal you're trying to get with Saudi Arabia, the normalization processes? Is Israel going to be a part of it?

MR. FINER: So  I'm sorry, Barak, were you finished?

I think so.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: (Inaudible.)

MR. FINER: I won't repeat everything I  I said in the  in the, sort of, prepared remarks at the beginning.

What I will say is: First, it's not just a railway project; it's a ship and railway project. And that's, I think, important for people to understand because it speaks to both the breadth and the scope of how expansive and ambitious and, frankly, groundbreaking this will be.

Second, in terms of how the Middle East fits into it, we have an approach to the Middle East that we have been implementing since the very first day of this administration that is focused on turning the temperature down; on de-escalating the conflicts that have been underway, in some cases, for many years in the region  and I would point to the 18-month, now, relative truce that has been in place in Yemen as just one kind of core example of that; and, frankly, on incentivizing bos-  both stability in the region and connectivity among the countries of the region.

And this railway project and the opportunities that it presents and will provide to the countries of the Middle East and beyond, we think, is wholly in line with and will further exactly that strategy that we have been implementing across the Middle East.

And so, we think this is a very consistent and, in many ways, a big potential step forward once these conversations can now get underway more formally with  with the launch of the MOU.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Go ahead, Nandita.

Q Thanks, Karine. Jon, you just spoke a little bit about China's absence from the summit. And you said if China is not committed to the success of the G20 then that is "unfortunate." Could you expound on that a little bit? And if  is that your takeaway from their absence at the G20?

And then there is an event at 5:00 p.m. to talk infrastructure today on the President's schedule. Is that where we should hope you're announcing the rail deal?

MR. FINER: So, on your second question, yeah, that is likely to be the slot in which you'll learn more about what I've laid out.

But, look, on China, I feel like one interesting dynamic of  of China's, kind of, role in these institutions and some of the steps it takes in the world is that the United States is often called upo-  called upon to explain actions that are taken by the Chinese government. And to be honest, I don't think we really see that as our role.

We are focused on  on, kind of, our agenda here at the G20, on the leadership role that we see President Biden playing.

And when you go through, kind of, the highlights of what is likely to be accomplished here, it is very much in line with and consistent with our global priorities and those of our partners and, we believe, of the rest of the G20, including countries that China considers to be its core partners, like some of the BRICS countries that I mentioned earlier.

As for why China isn't here, you know, I don't see that as something for the U.S. to  to expound on or speculate about. One, you know, I'm not sure we have a clear answer to that question. But, two, really, it's incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain why a leader would or would not participate.

What I was responding to, in many ways, was analysis that we see, which I think is also speculative, about trying to explain, you know, China's participation or lack thereof. They will be represented here. They will be represented at the premier level.

And, you know, beyond that, I think I'd leave it to them to explain the decision-making on their side.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right, who do we have on the Zoom?

MR. ZISKEND: Let's go to Ed O'Keefe next. Ed.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Ed, are you there?

Okay, go ahead, A-  go ahead, Asma.

Q I wanted to ask you 

Q Can you hear me now?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Oh, sorry.

Go ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead, Ed. And then we'll go to Asma  Asma after that.

Go ahead, Ed. We can hear you.

Q Sorry about that. Thank you, guys, for doing this.

Good.

Real quick. Can you give us, Jon, a sense of who else he might be meeting with, either formally or informally, today?

I realize this is fluid and it's kind of like going to a high school reunion where you never know who you're going into, but is there any better sense of who he might meet with formally or informally? Which helps us fill out what we're telling folks back home, especially this morning on broadcasts.

And then, we know we're in another country that has different press rules and restrictions. Can we walk everyone through sort of why it is we may not be able to see certain things today and what we are now hopefully going to be able to have access to? I know there's been a lot of work on that by the White House with the Indian government, despite the fact that, for example, last night, we were kept off the grounds during that meeting. Thank you.

MR. FINER: Thanks, Ed. So, this may not be a satisfying answer to your first question, but I promise you, it's an honest answer. These events tend to be extremely highly regimented and scheduled, with, kind of, every minute or even, you know, five-minute block, kind of, accounted for during the course of the day.

And so, the reason we have not read out what bilateral interactions that the President may have during the course of the G20 is that those interactions will often happen in a very ad hoc way, kind of done on the fly, kind of catch-as-catch-can. And we do expect that he will have substantive interactions with some of his fellow world leaders.

If and as those occur, you know, we will read them out to you all, so you both know what happened and a bit about what was discussed. But because I can't actually be sure which interactions we will be able to produce during the course of a very scheduled day, I don't want to preview any of that for you at this point. We will  we will be as transparent as possible about who he sees and  and what they talk about.

On access, I think we've spoken to this quite a lot. I know Karine has. I know Jake and others have. We have all been in touch directly with our Indian counterparts conveying not just, by the way, the requests that you all have for greater access to these proceedings but our own view that that would be a better way to proceed.

You know, at the end of the day, the Indians are  are the host of this event. They have a set of  of protocols that they are adhering to. We are going to continue to advocate for access as we do in  in all visits and all interactions that the President has when overseas.

But I don't think I can, you know, explain the  the exact details of  of where you all will be allowed to be present and  and why other than to say this has been on our agenda in  in every one of our recent conversations.

Karine may have more to add. But  but for now, you know, we'll continue to raise these things. We know they're important to you. They're also important to us.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, and like Jon said  and you guys have heard from me, heard from Jake, most recently in the gaggle on our way here  we have made some improvements for  for today in particular. And so  which is good. It's not what we want 100 percent.

As you all know, as Jon just said, we work with every summit anytime we travel to do these travels to make sure that we give y-  get you all access. And  and we will always continue to do that.

And so, again, we've made some  some improvements today, and we'll just continue to hammer that home. But obviously, free press is the pillar of our democracy, as you've heard me say many times before  and the President say. And so, we will do everything that we can to make sure that you all are cov-  are able to cover as much as  as much as possible, especially as it relates to the President of the United States.

Go ahead, Asma.

Q And I had two, just, brief questions. One is on the joint communique. I know there has been historically  recently, I should say, difficulty  right?  in issuing one given the conflict in Ukraine. I'm curious with these  China's top leadership not being here, Xi Jinping, if you can give us an assessment of if, specifically on the Ukraine matter, there is more consensus in your optimism on that front.

The second is on this memo of understanding. Can you give us a timeline  a horizon of  how far off is this from becoming a reality? I realize there is a memo of understanding being issued. But then, when does it become real?

MR. FINER: So, look, on  on the potential for a joint communique, I don't want to get ahead of conversations that are genuinely ongoing about the  the substance of all that.

What I will say is that this is always more challenging in this format than it is, for example, in the G7. You know, the  the G7 tends to be an extremely likeminded grouping of countries, and the G20 is just a more diverse body with a wider range of views on, particularly, some of the global issues, with Russia and Ukraine, you know, being high on  on that list.

What I will say is that that is part of what makes the G20 an appealing format for the United States. It gives us a chance to interact with and  and work with and  and take constructive steps with a wider range of countries, including some, you know, frankly, that we don't see eye to eye with on  on every issue.

But, you know, it's not lost on us and I'm sure it's not lost on you that getting agreement on specific language related to, for example, the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a body that includes Russia, which is the perpetrator of, you know, what is a war of aggression, is going to be more challenging. So, we're working through those challenges.

We think we have made a very compelling case for how we see that conflict to the other countries of the G20. We see, outside of the context of this format, I think, you know, increasingly constructive comments and approaches to the Russia-Ukraine conflict among some of the G20 members and other countries in the regions that they represent.

Where exactly we land on a joint communique, we'll learn more about in  in the coming hours. But this is always a harder proposition here than it is in bilateral meetings, than it is in some other multilateral settings where countries are much more purely likeminded. And that's just the way it is.

Q And then, on the shipping corridor.

MR. FINER: Yeah, on the MOU. So  so, look, all of that is going to be subject to the actual detailed conversations that  that the MOU will launch. And so, you know, the exact timeline of, kind of, how long it will take to play that out, I don't even want to speculate about at this point.

What I will say is this is a long time coming. This has been the result of  of months of  of careful diplomacy  quiet, careful diplomacy, you know, bilaterally and in  in multilateral settings that has kind of led to this moment where we're ready to now unveil what will be a process going forward that we think has enormous potential. But exactly how long it takes, I  I don't know.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay, so we're going to wrap this up. I know, Aurelia, you have a quick question. Do that 

Q Yeah, a quick one 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  and then we'll take one last one from Zoom.

Q  on climate. Can you maybe update us where are we, too, on the negotiating phrasing, for example, on "phasing out" or "phasing down" fossil fuels? And do you see this G20 summit as setting expectations for the  for the COP?

MR. FINER: So, on  on climate, again, I don't want to get ahead of the exact, you know, details and negotiation that will take place in the joint communique. What I  what I will say is there will be a lot of discussion in the sessions that I described earlier on.

For example, the clean energy transition on  when it comes to infrastructure, the United States' view  which we think we're finding increasing traction for  that infrastructure project should be done in a way that is sustainable. It should be in furtherance of sustainability goals and not at odds with them.

And so, I think you'll hear us speak to that as well during the course of  of today. You know, we've got, now, several months to go  or  or at least a couple of months to go before the COP. There is a lot of intensive negotiation going on about that as well.

This is obviously a milestone on the path to the UAE for that event. And  and, you know, beyond that, I think you will see some language in  in the communique when it's  when the negotiations are completed. But I don't want to prejudge where that's going to land.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. We're going to take one last question for someone on Zoom. Who we got?

MR. ZISKEND: Nadia  Nadia Bilbassy, let's go to you, please.

Q Hi, can you hear me?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We can hear you. Go ahead, Nadia.

Q Hello. Okay, great. Thank you, Karine. Thank you, Jon.

On the infrastructure deal. By involving India, some say that, actually, the deal aims to counter increasing Chinese influence in the Middle East. Do you agree with this analysis?

And at later stage  I know you don't want to go into the details of implementation, et cetera  but do you see Israel being involved at one stage since you're talking about a greater (inaudible)?

Thank you.

MR. FINER: Thank you. So, what I will say is I  I realize the appeal of  of, kind of, the  the narrative that you just laid out. And  and  but what I  the way we see the infrastructure project  and, frankly, the way we see all of PGI  is that it is an affirmative, positive agenda and, kind of, vision for a global infrastructure that the United States and our partners are laying out that we think has real appeal for countries and regions that are underserved by  by infrastructure that  that have these enormous gaps that  that need to be filled.

We do not see it as zero-sum with other approaches to  to infrastructure. We are not asking countries to  you know, to  to make, you know, this zero-sum choice, but we do think the value proposition that we have to offer is  is high.

And  and, frankly, you know, we have seen other efforts that are not as ambitious when it comes to high standards, when it comes to transparency, when it comes to sustainability and that are fundamentally more coercive in nature. We feel good about the contrast that what we have  that we are  that what we are offering provides.

In terms of other countries beyond those that I've mentioned that are participating in the announcement today, I will let those countries speak for themselves about what role they may be playing.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Then, Jon  sorry  one last question from Sara.

Go ahead, Sara.

Q Thank you  thank you so much, Karine. Thank you, Jon.

You said the President plans to raise the  Russia's war in Ukraine in the first session. Zelenskyy was not invited to attend the G20 in person. Did the President make an appeal to Modi to have him participate virtually or in some other way, as he has in the past with international summits?

I know Jake said yesterday it would be a good thing for Zelenskyy to have a role in the G20. And is the President disappointed that he doesn't in this one?

MR. FINER: So, our view is that it is fundamentally a good thing when President Zelenskyy is able to make his case and Ukraine's case for, you know, how  how damaging this conflict has been to his people and  and to his country  that he is the most effective messenger for that. And that certainly in a  in a format in which, you know, Russian representatives will be able to give their views about the conflict, it is appropriate for Ukraine to be able to offer its perspective.

Ultimately, that was not and is not our decision. We did express our support for  for his inclusion. He will have no shortage of other opportunities to do that. He is a very credible and effective messenger for it.

But you will  you can expect that the United States and that our other partners who are working with Ukraine so closely and who have committed to doing so for as long as it takes will make that case quite forcefully in the context of these conversations.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Okay. All right. Thanks, everybody.

Okay, have a great day.

8:40 A.M. IST

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 10 September 2023 - Day 564

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that in Russia's Pskov Oblast, close to the Estonian border, the governor has organised volunteer security patrols to interdict further uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks against Kresty air base. Reportedly up to 800 citizens have signed up to join the patrols. This initiative follows the reported damage of two IL-76 CANDID transport aircraft on 29 August 2023.

Due to the limited range of quadcopter UAVs, the attacks were on the base almost certainly launched from within the Russian Federation. The patrols will consist of groups of 50 divided among multiple municipalities which will patrol border areas and critical infrastructure, particularly airports and airbases.

The creation of these volunteer security patrols will likely act as a deterrence and provide a level of defence against quadcopter UAVs being operated from the immediate vicinity of the air base. Historically it has proven difficult to destroy UAVs using small-arms fire, so Russian forces will still require air-defence systems, with a surveillance capability and both kinetic and electronic means of interception, to destroy attacking UAVs. The use of volunteers highly likely indicates a shortage of trained security personnel within Russia.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of September 10, there were 25x combat engagements. Moreover, the Russian Federation launched another air strike with Iranian Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs against Kyiv oblast. The forces and means of the Air Force together with the air defense of other units of the Defense Forces, destroyed 26 of the 33 Russian Shahed UAVs. In total, the russian invaders launched 5x missile, 81x air strikes, 27x MLRS strikes at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements.

Unfortunately, Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Over 100 private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the Russian adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Kostyantynivka (Sumy oblast), Vesele and Ohirtseve (Kharkiv oblast). More than 25x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Hrem'yach (Chernihiv oblast), Shalyhyne, Boyaro-Lezhachi, Iskryskivshchyna (Sumy oblast), Karaichne, Zemlyanky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Syn'kivka, Kyslivka, Kotlyarivka (Kharkiv oblast), Novoselivs'ke (Luhansk oblast). The settlements of Syn'kivka, Kyslivka, Kucherivka, Kotlyarivka, Tabaivka, Krokhmal'ne (Kharkiv oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire.

Lyman axis: Russian forces launched air strikes against the settlements of Novojehorivka, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast) and Spirne (Donetsk oblast). More than 20x settlements, including Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Sivers'k, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, Spirne, Berestove, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast), were shelled with artillery and mortars.

Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces successfully holding back the Russian offensive in the vicinities of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Klishchiivka, Kurdyumivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes against settlements of Khromove, New York (Donetsk oblast). More than 25x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Vasyukivka, Min'kivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Kurdyumivka (Donetsk oblast).

Avdiivka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian attacks in the vicinities of Kertamik and Avdiivka (Donetsk oblast). The Russian adversary launched an air strike in the vicinity of Avdiivka. More than 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Keramik, Novokalynove, Stepove, Avdiivka, Karlivka, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar'inka axis: during the day of September 10, Ukrainian defenders repelled 11x Russian attacks in the vicinity of Mar'inka. The Russian invaders fired artillery and mortars at around than 15x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Mar'inka, Heorhiivka, Illinka, Novomykhailivka, Katerynivka, Yelyzavetivka (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces launched air strikes near Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Shakhtars'ke, Novomaiors'ke, Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire.

Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled Russian attack in the vicinity of Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The Russian occupiers launched air strikes in the vicinities of Mala Tokmachka and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at more than 30x settlements, including Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Orikhiv, Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast).

Kherson axis: the Russian invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Burhunka (Kherson oblast), islands Pervomays'kyy and Zmiinyi. The settlements of Beryslav, Tomaryne, Antonivka, Kherson, Veletens'ke (Kherson oblast) came under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol' axis and offensives (assaults) on Bakhmut axis, destroying Russian forces and step by step liberating the occupied territories.

Following assault actions Ukrainian Defense forces have partial success in the areas of Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast) and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast), pushing Russian forces out of their positions and consolidating new positions.

During the day of September 10, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 10x air strikes on the concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment of the Russian adversary.

Missile troops destroyed 8x artillery systems of the Russian invaders.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in the Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces, jointly with aviation and artillery, repelled two attacks launched by assault groups of the 53rd and 110th mechanised brigades of the AFU close to Vodyanoye and Krasnogorovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, AFU personnel and military hardware were hit near Kleshcheyevka, Krasnoye, and Maloilyinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

During the combat actions, the enemy lost up to 260 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and five motor vehicles.

In Zaporozhye direction, as a result of active action by units of the Russian Group of Forces, supported by aviation and artillery fire, six attacks launched by assault groups of the 65th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region) have been repelled during the day.

In addition, enemy personnel and hardware were inflicted fire damage close to Novoandreyevka, north of Rabotino and north-west of Verbovoye (Zaporozhye region).

Up to 80 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, and two pick-up trucks have been neutralised during the day.

In counter-battery warfare, the following vehicles were eliminated: one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery gun; U.S.-made M198, M119, and M777 howitzers, as well as Msta-B and D-20 guns.

Also, a Swedish-made ARTHUR counter-battery radar station was destroyed near Shirokoye (Zaporozhye region).

Ammunition depots of the 82nd Air Assault Brigade and the 9th Army Corps of the AFU were obliterated near Trudovoye and Rizdvyanka (Zaporozhye region).

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces repelled an attack by units of the 37th AFU Marine Brigade near Novodonetskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, air strikes and artillery fire struck clusters of manpower and equipment of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade and the 38th Marine Brigade of the AFU close to Nikolskoye, Novomayorskoye, and Ugledar (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy's losses in this direction totalled over 130 Ukrainian servicemen, four motor vehicles, and one Msta-B howitzer.

In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, in co-operation with aviation and artillery, repelled an attack launched by an assault group of the 67th Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic).

Fire also damaged hardware and personnel clusters of the 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade, the 5th Ukrainian National Guard Brigade, and the 67th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU in the vicinity of Kuzmino and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic).

Over 50 Ukrainian troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, two pickup trucks, two Gvozdika self-propelled launchers, and a D-30 howitzer were neutralised.

In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces, supported by air and artillery fire, repelled two attacks launched by assault groups of the 25th Airborne Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Kuzemovka (Lugansk People's Republic).

The AFU losses totalled up to 35 troops, one tank, two motor vehicles, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery gun.

In addition, an ammunition depot of the 1st Special Forces Brigade of the AFU was wiped out near Volchanskiye Khutora (Kharkov region).

Over 20 Ukrainian personnel, two motor vehicles, and two D-30 howitzers have been eliminated by fire in Kherson direction during the day.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Armed Forces' groups of forces engaged manpower and military hardware of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 117 areas.

In addition, a P-18 air target detection and tracking radar station was destroyed at a position uncovered by reconnaissance means near Lukashevo (Zaporozhye region).

Fire struck command and observation posts of the 77th Airmobile, 93rd Mechanised, 100th Territorial Defence brigades, and 15th Regiment of the Ukrainian National Guard in the vicinity of Spornoye and Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The Russian Naval Aviation detected and destroyed three U.S.-made Willard speedboats in the Black Sea at night, each carrying up to 36 members of the AFU special operations forces in landing groups.

Air defence and electronic warfare systems destroyed and suppressed 42 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles in the areas of Ocheretovatoye, Novoye, Ulyanovka, and Kharkovo (Zaporozhye region), Ploshchanka, Belogorovka, and Rubezhnoye (Lugansk People's Republic), Spornoye, Soledar, and Gorlovka (Donetsk People's Republic), Novaya Mayachka and Velyka Lepetikha (Kherson region).

In total, 467 airplanes and 248 helicopters, 6582 unmanned aerial vehicles, 436 air defence missile systems, 11773 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1149 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 6319 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 12883 units of special military hardware have been destroyed during the special military operation.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN Concerned Unregulated Meth Chemicals Going to Myanmar

By Zsombor Peter September 09, 2023

The United Nations is growing increasingly alarmed at the rising volume of unregulated chemicals for making methamphetamine headed to Myanmar, the hub of the region's billion-dollar drug trade, and is ramping up efforts to get its neighbors to stem the tide.

U.N. staff have been holding meetings and training governments across the region to persuade and teach them how to spot and seize seemingly anodyne shipments of chemicals with legal applications that are likely headed for Myanmar's booming meth labs as precursors.

Falling street prices for methamphetamine across Southeast Asia and record seizures in recent years suggest the labs are churning out more drugs than ever, much of it headed as far away as Australia and Japan.

For many of the chemicals used to make that meth, "there [are] no real regulatory measures," Inshik Sim, a research officer for the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, or UNODC, for the Asia-Pacific region, told VOA in recent days.

"It is quite important to know ... who's the end user for these chemicals, but that is really missing in this region," he said.

Some of the chemicals are closely watched.

The 1988 U.N. Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances lists 33 chemicals commonly used to make methamphetamine and other narcotics. Whenever any one of them crosses international borders, the exporting country must notify the country it is destined for, to help them track the shipment and make sure it ends up where it is supposed to and is not shunted, or diverted, along the way.

As those chemicals become harder to source, however, creative chemists working in Myanmar's drug labs are learning to make them on their own with other, noncontrolled chemicals not on the list. Sim told VOA the pace at which Myanmar's drug gangs are making the switch has picked up in the last few years, judging by the growing number of noncontrolled chemicals suspected of heading for the labs that authorities in the region have been seizing.

Out of control

"As organized crime groups have been trying to circumvent the existing regulatory framework, either at the global level, like [with] the U.N. drug convention, or at the national level, they continuously look for alternative chemical substances," Sim said.

"Sourcing the controlled chemicals is not easy anymore for those organized crime groups. That's why they've been relying increasingly on those noncontrolled chemicals, because it's easier for them," he said.

According to data compiled by the UNODC, seizures of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and other controlled chemicals popular with Myanmar's meth cooks have been suspiciously low in the last few years across the region.

Yet in Myanmar itself, local authorities last year seized more than 3 million pseudoephedrine tablets that had arrived in two massive shipments from India. While pseudoephedrine in its raw form is controlled, tablets of it mixed up with other ingredients are not.

In its latest annual report on Asia's synthetic drugs trade, the UNODC called the growing use of noncontrolled chemicals "one of the most serious challenges" to efforts to control the flow of precursor chemicals into Myanmar.

At the same time, it called the response of regional governments to the problem "ineffective," riddled with "major gaps" in regulation and enforcement.

To help fill those gaps, the UNODC has been holding meetings with the pharmaceutical and drug enforcement agencies of a number of countries to highlight the problem and advise them on solutions.

It held a meeting on drug precursors in Vietnam late last year, in Malaysia and the Philippines in July, and in Laos last month. Sim said the trafficking of precursor chemicals also featured prominently at a meeting last week on combating the region's drug trade in China with the lower Mekong countries and would likely figure at a regional meeting on the drug trade in India next month.

China and India make most of the chemicals ending up in Myanmar's meth labs.

Part of the challenge, Sim said, is that some officials are focusing on controlled chemicals only, thinking their noncontrolled building blocks, or pre-precursors, are not a problem.

"We have seen that for many, many, many times," he said. "That's why we try to change their mentality of [how to] look at the chemical issues a even if it's noncontrolled, you really need to pay attention. That's our job."

Making the list

Another part of the job is making it easier for countries to notify each other when chemicals with drug-making potential cross each other's borders.

The U.N.'s International Narcotics Control Board, or INCB, launched an online Pre-Export Notification, or PEN, system for government agencies to report the export of controlled chemicals in 2006, and a "light" version for noncontrolled chemicals last year.

"The continued evolution of illicit drug manufacturing and the growing importance of synthetic drugs are at the core of the development of the PEN Online Light system," Antonio Mazzitelli, head of precursors control for the INCB secretariat, told VOA.

"PEN Online Light offers countries the opportunity for moving towards a more proactive, preventive approach," he said.

Yet another approach is to reclassify more precursor chemicals from noncontrolled to controlled. The U.N. Commission on Narcotic Drugs meets annually to decide whether to add more chemicals to the 1988 convention; it has added 10 in the past eight years.

Sim said the drug gangs are learning to substitute and make their own precursors faster than the commission can add them to the list, so it encourages countries to add internationally noncontrolled chemicals to their own national lists. He pointed to Thailand, a popular thoroughfare for the chemicals headed to Myanmar's drug labs, as a good example.

Thailand added sodium cyanide to its list of controlled chemicals in November.

Prin Mekanandha, director of law enforcement at Thailand's Office of the Narcotics Control Board, said sodium cyanide is commonly, and legally, used by the country's gold mines. It can also be used to make meth but is not covered by U.N. convention.

Days after Thailand designated sodium cyanide a controlled chemical, it seized 220 tons shipped from China and likely headed for the drug labs. Prin said the delivery would have been enough to make some 4.8 million meth tablets.

He agreed that the drug gangs' use of noncontrolled chemicals was a growing problem.

"In the past they didn't use sodium cyanide to produce the methamphetamine, but right now we control the sodium cyanide," Prin told VOA Monday.

"We have to follow them and [find] the evidence that they use the noncontrolled [chemicals], and then we try to [change] the noncontrolled to controlled," he added. "We follow the situation."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Joint declaration on a Strategic Partnership between the Republic of the Philippines and the Commonwealth of Australia

Joint statement

09 Sep 2023

Prime Minister, President of the Republic of the Philippines

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1946, the Republic of the Philippines and the Commonwealth of Australia have developed a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect, understanding and shared values. We recall that the Comprehensive Partnership between the Philippines and Australia established in 2015 highlights the concerted efforts of our governments and peoples to advance bilateral relations. Recognising the strength and dynamism of our long-standing bilateral ties and to mark a new chapter in our relations, the Philippines and Australia declare the elevation of our relationship from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership. Our Strategic Partnership is established in the spirit of friendship, and founded on shared democratic values and a common vision for the region where strategic agency is freely exercised and sovereignty is upheld. For the benefit of both countries, we are committed to strengthening our ties, deepening cooperation and enhancing capacity, striving for a region that is open, resilient and prosperous. The Strategic Partnership lays the foundation for our two countries to cultivate and nurture our productive potential, innovation, and creativity. We will explore new opportunities and address common challenges, recognising our collective agency and shared responsibility to respond to changing dynamics in the region. In declaring this Strategic Partnership, we reaffirm our shared interests in building prosperity and preserving peace in the Indo-Pacific. We recognise that stability in the region is anchored on respect for national sovereignty and shaped by long-standing agreed rules and norms, based on international law. We will work in partnership to build strategic capability and demonstrate our shared commitment to maintaining an environment that guards against conflict. We remain committed to ASEAN centrality and recognise the importance of an inclusive ASEAN-led architecture for regional peace, stability and prosperity, characterised by the principles of openness, transparency, good governance, respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law and the rules-based international order. In recognition of the elevation of ASEAN-Australia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021, we commit to support and uphold the principles articulated in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. We welcome the Quad's steadfast support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including through its positive and practical agenda to support regional partners' priorities and needs and its ambition for an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. We will deepen and strengthen our ties based on adherence to the United Nations Charter.We uphold the principle of free and fair trade, open markets and resisting protectionism, the rules-based multilateral trading system, as well as mutually respected rules and norms that have shaped our relations for many decades.

Political and Strategic Cooperation

We commit to deepening political and strategic cooperation through frequent high-level bilateral exchanges and meetings, as well as through political dialogues and consultations in regional mechanisms. In addition to the biennial foreign affairs and trade Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting (PAMM), under the Strategic Partnership we will establish an annual Defence Ministers' Meeting. We commit to continue regular high-level officials' talks, including but not limited to, the Philippines-Australia Strategic Dialogue and the Philippines-Australia Maritime Dialogue. These will cover the breadth of our bilateral political and strategic relationship, including defence and security, maritime security cooperation, counter-terrorism and combating transnational and organised crime, critical infrastructure security, non-proliferation, arms and export controls, development cooperation, and consular and crisis management, including traditional and non-traditional crises.

Defence and Security Cooperation

We will enhance and strengthen our extensive and long-standing defence and security cooperation, supported by the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program. Together, we make a meaningful contribution to regional and global security including by working with other regional partners. We will continue high-level defence consultations; cooperation in humanitarian and disaster response; education and training; cooperation and support on law enforcement, counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism, money laundering, human trafficking, illegal drug trafficking, supporting women and youth, peace and security, and maritime security; and participation in joint exercises and activities. We will solidify our cyber affairs and critical technology cooperation, including through information sharing, particularly in investigating cybercrime and cyber-enabled crimes. Both countries underscore that all disputes should be resolved peacefully, without the threat or use of force or coercion, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and that the South China Sea Arbitration Award of 12 July 2016 is final and legally binding on both parties, and call on both parties to abide by the award. As maritime nations, we reaffirm the importance of maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas in accordance with UNCLOS. To this end, we will strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation between maritime policy-making, administration, security and law enforcement agencies through dialogue and coordination, practical engagement and capacity-building activities. We will plan bilateral joint patrols in the South China Sea and in areas of mutual interest to support regional peace and stability. Both countries recognise the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We reaffirm our commitment to the preservation of regional peace and stability, and the rules-based international order. We look forward to the positive contribution the AUKUS security partnership will have to the collective security and stability of the region. We reaffirm our shared ambition for a world without nuclear weapons and will work together to strengthen the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime. We will continue to support the International Atomic Energy Agency's essential role in facilitating peaceful uses of nuclear energy and technology while safeguarding against nuclear weapons proliferation. We affirm the international ban on the production and use of biological and chemical weapons.

Economic Relations

Through mechanisms such as the PAMM and the Philippines-Australia Trade, Investment and Industry Dialogue, we will bolster our economic security and expand bilateral trade and investment. We will explore opportunities to broaden mutual economic cooperation, including developing resilient supply chains, supporting the climate and the clean energy transition, and in mining and minerals processing, education, food security, digital and creative economies, the Blue Economy across various sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture and maritime transport, and high-quality infrastructure development. We seek a region that is predictable and operates by agreed rules, standards and lawsawhere all countries are free from coercion. To this end, we will work together to strengthen and reform the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, including having a fully and well-functioning WTO dispute settlement system, accessible to all members, by 2024. Building on the complementary nature of our two economies, we will help business take advantage of meaningful market access opportunities to achieve balanced trade, eliminate unnecessary barriers to trade and investment, foster a level playing field, and pursue trade facilitation measures to achieve inclusive economic growth. We encourage positive business engagement and building an understanding of our respective trade and investment regimes and regulatory systems, including through two-way business and trade missions. To sustain inclusive economic growth and mutual prosperity, we will continue to work closely to enhance the free trade agreements between our countries. These include implementing the upgraded Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, and pursuing high-standard commitments related to trade, supply chains, clean energy, and anti-corruption and tax through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). We will continue to work together through Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to advance a free, fair and open trade and investment environment and support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Development Cooperation

The Philippines and Australia remain committed development partners, building mutually beneficial economic ties and reinforcing our cooperation for a more resilient, stable, and prosperous region. We will strengthen our longstanding development partnership by investing in inclusive programs that are responsive to the priority development needs of the Philippines. We will further intensify our efforts to build a better future for our two countries and the broader region through cooperation informed by the Philippine Development Plan 2023-28, Australia's new International Development Policy, and as set out in the Philippines-Australia Development Partnership Plan. We will continue to exchange knowledge and information, strengthen institutions, and empower local communities to be safer and more resilient against the impacts of climate change and disasters.

Environment and Climate Change

The Philippines and Australia will strengthen collaboration to accelerate action on climate change and address environmental concerns. Noting existing cooperation on climate change adaptation, community resilience and environmental protection, we will explore opportunities including in climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, electric vehicles and transport decarbonisation, regional connectivity, mineral resources development, biodiversity and wildlife conservation, and nature-based solutions for climate outcomes. We will seek further opportunities to work together on tackling climate change and driving the clean energy transition in regional and global forums.

People-to-People Links

We recognise that our peopleaincluding our diaspora communitiesaare central to every aspect of the bilateral relationship. We will work towards greater linkages and mobility including in labor, education, technical and vocational education and training, research, and building greater institution-to-institution partnerships and collaboration. Recognising the contribution of tourism in both economies, the Philippines and Australia commit to enhancing tourism flows and supporting the exchanges of knowledge between both countries' tourism administrators and tourism promotion agencies. We will continue to facilitate extensive governmental, commercial, and cultural exchanges from all sectors and parts of society, including civil society and non-government organisations. We will also support parliamentary exchanges to advance mutual understanding between our political representatives. Recognising the unique role of Indigenous Peoples in both countries, we will explore cooperation to elevate the voices and perspectives of our Indigenous Peoples, to support self-determination and empowerment, and to advance Indigenous rights. We commit to promote the effective implementation of the Philippines-Australia 'Work and Holiday' program. We recognise the importance of promoting respect for and protecting the rights and welfare of migrant workers in our respective communities. We will collaborate to raise awareness about their rights, advocate for policies that support their well-being, and strengthen our systems for monitoring and enforcing labor migration laws and standards. To realise the Strategic Partnership, the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia will direct our foreign ministries to formulate and coordinate a whole-of-government Joint Plan of Action. The Joint Plan of Action will ensure the successful implementation of continuing programs drawn from the previous Plan of Action to elevate the Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership, as well as to identify and take advantage of new initiatives and opportunities that accompany this elevation.

Signed in duplicate in Manila, Philippines on the 8th day of September 2023, in the English language.

For the Government of the Republic of the Philippines For the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

President The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Australian Prime Minister Announces Long-Awaited China Trip

By Phil Mercer September 09, 2023

Australia is expected to continue its efforts to end a trade dispute with China when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Beijing this year. The trip, announced Thursday, will be the first by an Australian leader to China since 2016.

Analysts said that the visit is the latest sign of improving relations between the two countries but that more work is needed to normalize ties.

Albanese's center-left Australian government, elected in May 2022, has been eager to end friction with China, by far its biggest trading partner.

In recent years, China imposed trade sanctions on a range of Australian imports, including coal, barley and wine.

Analysts have said there have been various triggers to the diplomatic tensions, such as disagreements on human rights, Taiwan and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Australia's previous conservative government infuriated China with its support for an inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. That was interpreted in Beijing as criticism of its handling of the early phases of the pandemic.

Bilateral relations are improving and some, but not all, of China's restrictions on Australian imports have been removed.

Richard McGregor, a senior fellow for East Asia at the Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based research group, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that Albanese's visit is a sign that relations are improving but not yet back to normal.

"It is obviously significant, particularly from an Australian perspective," McGregor said. "I would not exaggerate it. It is not a reset. ... We are not going back to what the relationship was previously. But I think it is a big step in the gradual stabilization of the relationship."

Chinese tariffs on Australian wine imports remain in place. Australia has agreed to suspend its action against those restrictions at the World Trade Organization if Beijing agrees to carry out a prompt review of the barriers.

China's demand for resources, most notably iron ore and coal, has fueled Australia's recent prosperity.

Australia is a middle power with far-reaching security ties to the United States. It is a former British colony and one of the world's most multicultural countries. China is its biggest trading partner.

The Albanese government has to balance these often-competing interests.

He met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia, last year.

There is no confirmed date for Albanese's Beijing trip.

The announcement followed a meeting between Albanese and the Chinese premier, Li Qiang, on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, this week.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






What health conditions are newborns screened for in Virginia?

To prevent adverse outcomes from undiagnosed illnesses, newborn infants in Virginia are screened for a variety of rare and serious disorders.

Just after birth, babies are assessed for conditions that may have improved outcomes if caught early, improving childrens health, development and survival. When a potentially fatal or disabling disorder is identified before a baby has signs or symptoms of that disorder, treatment or prevention may be more effective.

This screening is done in three ways: heart screening, hearing screening and a blood test. In the newborn nursery or hospital after birth, an infant will have a pulse oximetry test to measure oxygen levels in the blood, a hearing assessment to assess neonatal hearing, and a dried blood spot test.

This blood spot is sent to the state laboratory to assess or screen for several conditions. In the state of Virginia, newborns are screened for 35 conditions (a full list is below, and more information is available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/newborn-screening/). These generally fall under several categories: genetic/metabolic (including amino acid disorders, fatty acid oxidation disorders, organic acid disorders), neurological conditions (including lysosomal storage disorders, spinal muscular atrophy), endocrine disorders (congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia), disorders of the immune system, hematologic disorders (thalassemia and sickle cell anemia) and several other conditions.

One recent addition to the newborn screen in the state of Virginia to highlight is the new test for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a progressive neuromuscular disorder of the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord that help control muscle movement, leading to severe progressive weakness in infants and children. Prior to 2016, there were no treatments available, and this was not part of newborn screening in Virginia. However, with the advent of new, life-saving treatments for this rare disorder, early diagnosis is very important.

The earlier an infant can be treated for this disease, the better the outcomes in saving the motor neuron function and halting the progressive weakness. SMA was added to the newborn screening to allow infants to be identified within days of birth, be treated quickly, and prevent death or significant weakness and illness. Like many of the disorders on the newborn screening panel, early identification saves lives.

Infants identified with one of the conditions that are part of Virginias newborn screening panel can then receive follow-up care at one of several specialty clinics at UVa Childrens, including pediatric genetics, pediatric cardiology, pediatric hematology, pediatric neuromuscular/neurodevelopmental, pediatric ENT, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric pulmonology and immunology. Health conditions screened for in Virginia:

Amino Acid Disorders

Argininosuccinic Aciduria.

Citrullinemia, Type I.

Classic Phenylketonuria.

Homocystinuria.

Maple Syrup Urine Disease.

Tyrosinemia, Type I.

Endocrine disorders

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Primary Congenital Hypothyroidism.

Fatty acid oxidation disorders

Carnitine Uptake Defect.

Long-Chain L-3 Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency.

Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency.

Trifunctional Protein Deficiency.

Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency.

Hemoglobin disorders

S, Beta-Thalassemia.

S, C Disease.

Sickle Cell Anemia.

Lysosomal storage disorders

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type-I.

Pompe.

Organic acid conditions

3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaric Aciduria.

3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA Carboxylase Deficiency.

Beta-Ketothiolase Deficiency.

Glutaric Acidemia, Type I.

Holocarboxylase Synthetase Deficiency.

Isovaleric Acidemia.

Methylmalonic Acidemia (Cobalamin Disorders).

Methylmalonic Acidemia (Methymalonyl-CoA Mutase Deficiency).

Propionic Acidemia.

Other disorders

Adrenoleukodystrophy.

Biotinidase Deficiency.

Classic Galactosemia.

Critical Congenital Heart Disease.

Cystic Fibrosis.

Hearing loss.

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

For more information, visit childrens.uvahealth.com.
Congratulations to President of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong Un

Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to President of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong Un on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the DPRK.

September 9, 2023

09:00

The message reads, in part:

"Seventy-five years ago, the Soviet Union was the first country to recognise a new sovereign state which emerged in the Korean land. Ever since we have been building relations between our countries based on the principles of friendship, neighbourliness and mutual respect, with substantial experience of constructive cooperation accumulated in various areas.

I am confident that through joint efforts we will continue to consistently develop bilateral ties in all directions. This totally meets the interests of our peoples and is in line with ensuring security and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russians, Chinese officials attend N Korea's military parade on founding anniversary

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 09 September 2023 10:01 AM

North Korea has staged a massive military parade to mark the country's 75th founding anniversary, with Russian diplomats and a high-ranking Chinese delegation in attendance.

The event was held in the capital Pyongyang, as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, accompanied by his daughter, looked on smiling and clapping, the state news agency KCNA reported.

The Kim Il Sung Square "was full of excitement and joy of the spectators significantly celebrating the birthday of their great powerful country," the agency said on Saturday.

The parade featured uniformed paramilitary brigades, including some riding tractors or in large red trucks, KCNA noted, adding that it did not appear to showcase the country's banned weaponry including intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent Kim a message marking the anniversary, calling for the two countries to "expand the bilateral ties in all respects," KCNA said.

China's President Xi Jinping also "extended congratulations in a call to Kim Jong-un" on the anniversary, according to Chinese state media.

The participation of Russian and Chinese diplomats in the anniversary celebrations comes amid Kim's latest efforts to deepen ties with Moscow and Beijing.

It also comes as Kim is expected to travel to Russia later this month for a meeting with Putin in the eastern city of Vladivostok to discuss arms deals.

Friday's military parade came as Pyongyang launched its first operational "tactical nuclear attack submarine," tasking it with patrolling the waters that lie between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Kim said arming the navy with nuclear weapons was an urgent task and promised to transfer more underwater and surface vessels equipped with tactical nuclear weapons to the naval forces.

North Korea has been under harsh sanctions by the US and the United Nations Security Council for years over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

North Korea has been very open about its rocket development program, saying Pyongyang's objective is to defend the nation against US aggression exemplified in its continuous military drills and deployment of nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula.

The nuclear-armed country views all military drills conducted by Washington and its regional allies as rehearsals for the invasion of its territory.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






North Korea holds its third military parade of the year to shore up internal unity

Display of military might on its 75th year of founding comes as it grapples with economic slump, regional tensions.

By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.09.09 -- North Korea staged an anniversary parade on Saturday as the nation strives to boost internal unity while seeking stronger military ties with China and Russia to buffer a slumping economy and growing regional tensions.

"A civil defense military parade to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the republic was grandly held at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang," North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday.

The parade held at midnight featured "columns of motorcycles with high mobility" and "anti-tank missile launchers towed by tractors," KCNA said. A photo released by the news agency showed the Kim Il Sung Square filled with people, some of them holding cards that said "Arming the Entire People."

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, clad in a black suit, watched the parade alongside his daughter Ju Ae from a white, marble-decorated balcony. Kim did not give a speech.

"Since it was a civil defense force parade, it could be seen that Pyongyang was predominantly aiming to solidify its internal unity," said Cheon Seong-whun, a former security strategy secretary for South Korea's presidential office.

"Internal solidarity is a prerequisite for the sustainability of the North Korean regime. It could also be that Pyongyang is preparing for possible social and ideological relaxations, following its decision to open its borders for the first time after the COVID pandemic," Cheon added.

The parade is also the third of its kind this year, following similar events in February and July. It marks the first time under Kim Jong Un's leadership that North Korea has held three military parades within a single year.

Holding multiple parades within one year requires the state's decision to centralize resources, including finances, manpower and other logistical capabilities, which underscores its urgent need to shore up internal solidarity. North Korea usually tries to overcome its internal problems with its military might, via putting an emphasis on its defense capability.

Pyongyang also conducted multiple missile tests this year, among which were several launches of its Hwasong-series intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that it claims could deliver nuclear warheads to the U.S. mainland. The military provocations came after its economy contracted for the third straight year in 2022, according to the Bank of Korea. The COVID restrictions, combined with international sanctions, are widely seen to have further depressed the North's struggling economy.

The economy may slump further this year. Kim last month blasted his premier Kim Tok Hun for his irresponsible response to flood damage on the western coast, which he claimed hurt the economy, according to KCNA. Almost half of the North Korean people were undernourished between 2020 and 2022, a World Food Program report published in July found.

The food shortage in North Korea appears to be spreading, with sources inside the country telling Radio Free Asia that as many as 30% of farmers in two northern provinces are unable to work on collective farms because they're weak from hunger.

Although Saturday's parade only consisted of a civil defense force, any form of military parade may still elevate tension on the Korean Peninsula. The parade did not feature North Korea's regular military, new or strategic weapons, including ICBMs, but it bore diplomatic significance - demonstrated by support from its regime backers, China and Russia - despite Pyongyang's ongoing nuclear provocations.

China's vice premier Liu Guozhong was present at the military parade, while Russia sent its military orchestra to Pyongyang. Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin sent letters hailing their countries' strengthening ties with North Korea, which will contribute to regional stability and prosperity, KCNA reported.

Beijing and Moscow remain among the few states that maintain amicable ties with Pyongayng, amid heavy sanctions and criticisms it faces due to its nuclear weapons and missile development.

Showcasing foreign delegations in North Korea's military parade is not common, according to South Korea's Kyunghee University professor Joo Jae-woo, a North Korea expert. The latest, thus, signals the North's attempt to enhance the regime backers against the strengthening security collaboration with the U.S., South Korea and Japan.

In reality, forming an authoritarian bloc against the U.S. and its allies may not be a simple task, given the diverse interests of Beijing and Moscow.

With Russia, mutual interests are more aligned as Moscow also faces international sanctions for its aggression against Ukraine. According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service, Russia has formally proposed a joint naval drill with China and North Korea in July. Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to meet Kim Jong Un later this month, with arms trade anticipated to be at the center of discussion.

China's stance, however, differs. While North Korea is valued as a strategic asset against the U.S. and its allies, getting too cozy with North Korea could jeopardize its relations with the U.S. and its regional allies, which are crucial to improving its economic situation.

The international community has witnessed China's economic decline and weakening real estate market in recent months. China needs to maintain access to international markets and foreign investment in order to prevent a further deterioration of its economy. As China may seek to repair its ties with the U.S. and its allies, strengthening its political ties with North Korea and Russia may prove difficult.

Edited by Elaine Chan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister's meeting with Prime Minister of Italy

India - Ministry of External Affairs

September 09, 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Ms. Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. This is the second visit of Prime Minister Meloni to India following her State visit in March 2023, during which bilateral relations were raised to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

2. Prime Minister appreciated Italy's support for India's G20 Presidency and Italy's joining of the Global Biofuel Alliance and the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor.

3. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the completion of 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. They also took stock of the progress in diverse areas of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership, and agreed to bolster cooperation in areas like defence and new and emerging technologies. They noted the need for G7 and G20 to work in consonance for the greater global good.

4. Prime Minister Meloni congratulated Prime Minister for a successful G20 Summit.

New Delhi

September 09, 2023

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister's meeting with Prime Minister of Japan

India - Ministry of External Affairs

September 09, 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with H.E Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, on 9 September 2023 on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi.

2. During the meeting, the leaders acknowledged the constructive dialogue of the two countries throughout the year on their priorities for their respective G-20 and G-7 Presidencies, particularly in bringing the concerns and aspirations of the Global South to the fore.

3. The leaders held discussions on various facets of the India-Japan bilateral partnership, including on infrastructure development, technological collaboration, investments and energy.

4. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

New Delhi

September 09, 2023

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister's meeting with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

India - Ministry of External Affairs

September 09, 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2023 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. This is Prime Minister Sunak's first visit to India since becoming Prime Minister in October 2022.

2. Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation for UK's support during India's G20 Presidency, marked by high-level participation at various G20 meetings and events.

3. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the progress in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation as per the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as the Roadmap 2030, particularly in economy, defence and security, technology, green technology and climate change, health and mobility sectors. Both leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of importance and mutual interest.

4. Both leaders also reviewed the progress of Free Trade Agreement negotiations and expressed hope that the remaining issues could be addressed at the earliest so that a balanced, mutually beneficial and forward looking Free Trade Agreement is concluded soon.

5. Prime Minister Modi invited PM Sunak for a bilateral visit at an early, mutually convenient date for a more detailed discussion. Prime Minister Sunak accepted the invitation and congratulated PM Modi for a successful G20 Summit.

New Delhi

September 09, 2023

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister meets President of the United States of America

India - Ministry of External Affairs

September 09, 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met President of the USA, H.E. Mr. Joseph R. Biden in New Delhi today. President Biden, who is visiting India for the first time in his capacity as President, will be participating in the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023.

Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation for President Biden's vision and commitment to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared democratic values, strategic convergences and strong people-to-people ties.

The two leaders commended the progress in implementing the futuristic and wide-ranging outcomes of Prime Minister's historic State visit to the U.S. in June 2023, including under the India-U.S. Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

The leaders welcomed the sustained momentum in bilateral cooperation , including in the areas of defence, trade, investment, education, health, research, innovation, culture and people-to-people ties.

President Biden warmly congratulated Prime Minister and the people of India on Chandrayaan-3's historic landing near the lunar south pole and highlighted deepening cooperation between the two countries in Space.

The two leaders also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues. They agreed that India- US partnership was beneficial not only for the people of the two countries but also for global good.

Prime Minister thanked President Biden for the consistent support received from the United States in ensuring success of India's G20 Presidency.

New Delhi

September 09, 2023

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PM meeting with Prime Minister Modi of India: 9 September 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in New Delhi today.

9 September 2023

The Prime Minister met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in New Delhi today.

He congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his country's consummate presidency of the G20 this year, which has demonstrated India's vital global leadership and influence. Prime Minister Modi noted the warm reception the Prime Minister has received in India.

The leaders reflected on the close and growing ties between the UK and India, exemplified in the 'living bridge' between our people. They agreed it was important to build on the past and focus on the future, cementing a modern partnership in cutting-edge defence technology, trade and innovation. They also discussed a number of consular issues.

The leaders had a productive conversation about negotiations on a UK-India Free Trade Agreement. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's ambition to deliver a landmark trade deal which benefits businesses and workers in both countries and grows our trade in both goods and services.

They agreed that ministers and negotiating teams would continue to work at pace towards an FTA.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the opportunity to meet again in person and the Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Modi again on delivering a successful G20 Summit.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran Air Defense Force can target aircraft of any radar cross section: Commander

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 09 September 2023 11:02 AM

The chief commander of Iran's Air Defense Force says the country's home-grown long-range air defense systems are capable of detecting and dealing with any flying object irrespective of its radar cross section (RCS).

In an interview with IRNA published on Saturday, Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard said the entire air defense systems now at service in his force have been domestically designed and manufactured at the Defense Ministry and the Air Defense Force, in conjunction with knowledge-based firms.

"For years, we have employed indigenous military gears in our drills. We have not faced any bottlenecks in this regard, and have no dependence whatsoever on foreigners," he stated.

Sabahifard also underscored that Iran's Air Defense Force "can detect any aerial target regardless of its type and generation. We possess the capability to engage and confront any flying object no matter at what flight ceiling or radar cross section it might be operating."

He described Iran's air defense as covert and multi-layered, stressing that the air defense systems have been deployed nationwide to secure skies over the country's energy, petrochemical and nuclear facilities, and make them impenetrable for potential aerial threats.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the commander noted that plans are underway to increase the engagement range of homegrown air defense systems to 300 kilometers (186.4 miles).

"There are currently two or three countries in the world that possess such know-how. We intend to be top-ranked in the world," he stated.

He also attributed the advances in Iran's air defense to the guidelines of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient.

Iranian officials have declared that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran's defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.

Ayatollah Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran's defense capabilities.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Court papers confirm US theft of one million barrels of Iranian crude

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 09 September 2023 8:42 AM

Newly unsealed court papers have publicly confirmed that the US government seized almost one million barrels of Iranian crude oil from the Greek-managed tanker M/T Suez Rajan.

The State Department said on Friday that the US government had seized the vessel and its cargo of 980,000 barrels of crude oil, alleging it was transporting Iranian oil to China in violation of Washington's sanctions against Tehran.

It further claimed that the US government obtained a warrant earlier this year for its seizure.

On April 19, around the time of the seizure, the vessel's owner, Suez Rajan Ltd, pleaded guilty to sanctions violations and was fined $2.5 million.

Subsequently, the Greek vessel's operator, Empire Navigation, agreed to cooperate with US authorities and ordered the ship, located in Southeast Asia at the time, to take its load of oil to the United States.

The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy warned on July 20 that any oil company unloading hundreds of thousands of barrels of seized Iranian oil sitting in a Greek tanker off the coast of Texas would be held accountable.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri's remarks came on the anniversary of Iran's confiscation of a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz in 2019 after Britain seized an Iranian oil tanker off Gibraltar.

A few days after the seizure of the M/T Suez Rajan, Iran's Navy seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Sea of Oman, which was carrying Kuwaiti oil for the second-largest energy company in the US.

The oil tanker, named Advantage Sweet, had been involved in a maritime accident with an Iranian fishing craft, which resulted in the injury and missing of a number of its crew.

After the collision, the oil tanker attempted to flee the scene in serious breach of international laws and regulations, which require the provision of medical treatment and supply of proper and sufficient medicine to seamen in case of sickness or injury.

After sitting off the Texas coast for months, the Suez Rajan began the hours-long ship-to-ship transfer of its oil to another tanker, the MR Euphrates, on August 21.

The newly released court documents confirm the US government then seized the oil.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference on August 21, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kan'ani emphasized that the Islamic Republic won't remain silent on any violation of the Iranian nation's rights, will show an appropriate reaction, and will "cut off the hands of violators."

He reminded the parties that have plans to confiscate Iran's oil to review the history of Iran's actions in similar cases.

"Measures that involve attacking oil tankers carrying Iranian oil are a brazen example of piracy," Kan'ani stated.

The United States and its allies have been seizing Iranian oil cargoes since the previous US administration of Donald Trump withdrew unilaterally from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in May 2018.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foulath subsidiary, Bahrain Steel, a leading producer and global supplier of high-grade iron-ore pellets, has obtained the ISO 50001:2018 certification for its energy management system. The certification was awarded by DNV, an international accredited registrar and classification society.

Bahrain Steel has implemented the standards required to become more energy efficient, cost effective and to help conserve energy resources. Energy management systems ensure that all aspects of energy are monitored, and targets are aligned with the sustainability strategy of the organisation.

The energy management system will integrate into the organisations existing integrated management system whose components include quality, environment, occupational health, and safety.

Sustainable business practices

Dilip George, Group CEO of Foulath Holding, said: Bahrain Steels ISO 50001 certification is a testament to our organisations commitment to sustainable business practices. Over the last five years, Bahrain Steel has made significant investments in energy efficiency initiatives, and the ISO 50001 certification is a validation of our accomplishments in energy savings. With both energy and environment management systems in place, we are well positioned to achieve our sustainability objectives.

Energy management systems formalise the organisations approach towards energy use and equips the organisation to cope with evolving regulations aimed at reducing emissions.

ISO 50001 certification enables an organisation to maximise its energy savings potential by continuously monitoring energy-intensive assets and implementing new energy efficiency measures, thereby improving operations and reducing costs.-- TradeArabia News Service
Attorney General Jason Miyares on Friday announced a multi-state settlement with Kroger that will require the grocery store chain to pay up $1.37 billion to state and local governments for its role in the national opioid crisis.

With about $28 million of that expected to come to Virginia in installments over the next 11 years, it brings the states total in settlements with pharmaceutical companies and other retailers to over $1 billion so far.

The opioid crisis has tragically claimed the lives of countless innocent Virginians, and this significant settlement is another important step in the battle against this epidemic, offering aid and recovery services to those who urgently need it, Miyares said in a statement.

This crisis has left a profound impact on so many families, and at the Office of Attorney General, we are focused on fighting this crisis in every corner of the Commonwealth.

As well as the financial terms, a final settlement will be contingent on agreement on critical business practice changes, the statement said.

Attorneys general from North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, California, Colorado, Illinois and Virginia led the negotiations.

Over the past year, Miyares has also announced other settlements in ongoing legal battles attorneys general of many states have undertaken with various companies  such as a $9 million settlement with Endo International and a $67 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson. The funding has gone toward Virginias Opioid Abatement Authority and localities.

The nations opioid crisis can largely be traced to rural communities from Maine to Ohio and central Appalachiaincluding Southwest Virginia  where opioid-producing company Purdue Pharma first marketed OxyContin in the 1990s. It led to widespread opioid addiction and the company reached a $6 billion settlement with several states last year.

Author and journalist Beth Macy, a former Roanoke Times reporter, chronicled the roots of opioid issues in Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America. The New York Times-bestselling book was also adapted to a series on Hulu.

Photos: Tranq, the new fentanyl additive worsening Americas opioid epidemic
Comments by Mr. Artur Lyukmanov, Director of the Department of International Information Security of the MFA of Russia, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cooperation in the Field of Information Security, for Newsweek

8 September 2023 17:42

08-09-2023

International information security is a way to peace, not war



The "Russian hackers" is the usual headline of the US media when covering news on election frauds, data leakages, theft of technology or business plans, DDoS attacks, fishing, malware or ransomware incidents. No hard evidence of Russia's alleged malicious ICT activities has ever been provided via the existing bilateral hotlines with Washington established in 2013 specifically to investigate computer attacks.

Instead the US builds up offensive ICT-capabilities, conducts Ahunt-forwardA operations against Russia, employs its clients abroad. Among them is the notorious "IT-army of Ukraine". A similar purpose is served by a number of NATO "cyberlaboratories" in Eastern Europe. Moreover, the March US Cyber Strategy claims the NSA's right to "punish" other states for wrongdoings in information space. The US Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, Naval Institute, government foundations and private companies are involved in preparations for "cognitive warfare".

Such an escalatory path adds higher risks of confrontation. Russia has voiced previously concerns about the NSA's illegal mass surveillance program. It is prolonged every year with the extension of the FISA Section 702 and is applied beyond the US borders. The servants of this policy are big-data corporations that are no different from East Indian Companies in the way they impose their interests on the rest of the world.

We want to halt further deterioration. A mistake in the use of ICTs may lead to a direct conflict, an all-out war. Especially as that the White House is aware that Russia has all the necessary capabilities to defend itself. A devastative computer attack against our critical information infrastructure will not be left without response.

The right way to prevent escalation is to engage in dialogue. The goal is to have an international legal framework as it is not for two or twenty countries to decide on security in the use of ICTs which are transborder in their functions. A decade ago despite the difficult geopolitical situation Russia and the US, as well as other UN Member States managed to agree on a list of rules, norms and principles of responsible behavior in information space, though Washington initially rejected the very idea of voluntary obligations.

We believe the next step should be making these arrangements mandatory for all countries. In 2021 Russia and the US initiated the UNGA consensus resolution that supported the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICT security and paved the way for elaborating new binding norms. In accordance with the Group's mandate in March 2023 Russia and a group of like-minded countries presented a concept of convention on international information security. It is an invitation to start working on a universal treaty which would provide an equal basis for cooperation between UN Member States and help them overcome the digital divide.

Such an approach, i.e. elaborating global agreement, is supported by an overwhelming majority of countries. A good evidence of that is the launch of negotiations on a convention to counter the use of ICTs for criminal purposes. Upon Russia's initiative the relevant Ad Hoc Committee was established in 2021. The negotiations are ongoing. They are difficult, tense, but we already have tangible results on paper. The delegations agree that only states and their competent authorities should ensure protection of their citizens and societies in the global ICT domain.

There is little doubt that eventually common sense will prevail among other governments, including the US, when it comes to the need for prevention of a conflict situation with an unpredictable outcome as a result of a transborder and anonymous computer attack. All countries are vulnerable to threats in information space, whether they have Silicon Valley or not. That's the nature of data which, like water, will always find a weak spot in ICTs. Our task is to prevent such leaks from turning to stormy streams, a hurricane beyond category 5.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Syria blasts 'illegal' visit by senior US diplomat to Dayr al-Zawr

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 09 September 2023 10:45 AM

Syria has denounced the illegal entry of a US delegation into its territory, calling it a flagrant violation of the country's sovereignty.

Damascus said the trip of the delegation led by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ethan A. Goldrich amounts to a breach of international law and Security Council resolutions.

The Syrian government has decried the delegation's meetings with US-backed militant groups in northern Syria.

Damascus said the claim that the visit is aimed at addressing the problems of the residents of Dayr al-Zawr is a sheer lie and reflects Washington's hypocritical approach.

Damascus said the US plunders the wealth of the Syrian people and imposes unjust, illegitimate and inhumane coercive measures on them.

On Tuesday, US officials announced what they described as a significant meeting between Goldrich and Syrian militant leaders in Istanbul, saying the purpose was to discuss the recent developments in Dayr al-Zawr, Suweida, and Hasakeh.

The meeting came after a week of escalating tensions and clashes in Dayr al-Zawr between Arab tribes and US-backed Kurdish militants.

Last month, a delegation of US senators visited the northern countryside of Aleppo, which is under Turkish occupation.

On Monday, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said, "The US occupation of northeastern Syria, its act of plundering of its wealth, and its support of the separatist terrorist groups will end thanks to the struggle of our heroic people in Dayr al-Zawr and Hasakah, along with the Syrian Arab Army."

The US deployed forces and military equipment in Syria in 2014 without any authorization from Damascus or a UN mandate under the pretext of fighting Daesh.

The US military claims its presence in Syria is aimed at preventing the oilfields in the area from falling into the hands of Daesh.

Damascus, however, maintains that the deployment is meant to plunder the country's natural resources.

Former President Donald Trump of the United States admitted on several occasions that American forces were in the Arab country for its oil wealth.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taiwan will not allow China interference in presidential election: Hsiao Bi-khim

ROC Central News Agency

09/09/2023 02:53 PM

Washington, Sept. 8 (CNA) Taiwan's Representative to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim () said Friday that her country is focused on building a more resilient democracy and will not permit any interference by China in its upcoming presidential election.

In an interview on Bloomberg TV Balance of Power program, Hsiao said China has been trying for years to interfere with the people's decisions in Taiwan's major elections, ever since the first direct presidential vote in 1996, and some of Beijing's tactics have become very sophisticated.

"We are trying to strengthen our democracy, to build a more resilient democracy so that we are less vulnerable to external interference and interventions," Hsiao said. "And ultimately, the people of Taiwan will decide how our elections go. We will not let the PRC (People's Republic of China) coerce us into making those decisions."

When asked whether she would join the ticket of Vice President Lai Ching-te (), who is the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Hsiao declined to confirm the rumor, saying she was on the show not to talk about her personal future, but rather to focus on the ties between the United States and Taiwan.

Hsiao said that because of Taiwan's relationship with the U.S., the former has been gaining the capability to ensure peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region by finding ways to curb China's aggression and deal with its military build-up in the region and its coercive use of military power.

Taiwan's response to those aggressive moves are within the parameters of its partnership with the U.S., said Hsiao, a former legislator who has been serving as Taiwan's representative to the U.S. since 2020.

She noted that last year, China used the visit of then U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei as an excuse to launch coercive military action against Taiwan, which was very much resented by the Taiwanese people.

Taiwan has to constantly struggle to fight back against that type of bullying by China, which is aimed at isolating Taiwan, Hsiao said, referring to the large-scale military exercises that Beijing launched around Taiwan shortly after Pelosi's 19-hour visit to Taipei in August 2022.

"But again, I do want to reiterate that ultimately our goal is to maintain stability in the region, and we are committed to the status quo," Hsiao added.

Taiwan has a very different political system from China and will continue to focus on preserving its democracy, its way of life, and its right to choose its own leaders, she said.

Taiwan held its first free and direct presidential election in 1996, when Lee Teng-hui () and Lien Chan () of the Kuomintang were elected as president and vice president, respectively. Prior to that, the president and vice president were chosen in a vote by the deputies of the country's National Assembly.

Its next presidential election is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2024, when Lai is expected to come up against two opposition party candidates and one independent contender.

In Hsiao's Bloomberg interview Friday, she said Taiwan will stay in close contact with its partners in the U.S., and "we also hope that the PRC will be open to dialogue with us as well."

On the issue of Taiwan's role in the global semiconductor industry, Hsiao said the investments by contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in the U.S. state of Arizona are critical to the consolidation and stabilization of the industry's supply chain, as it will help to meet demand in the semiconductor market and from consumers.

The government of Taiwan has been encouraging its semiconductor suppliers to expand their presence in the global market by investing in high-end chip technologies and production, so as to ensure stability of the global supply chains, she said.

Taiwan has spent decades developing its semiconductor ecosystem in order to roll out very competitive chips, Hsiao said, adding that "in the long run, we still see Taiwan as indispensable and irreplaceable."

TSMC is investing US$40 billion to build two wafer fabs in Arizona, with the first scheduled to start mass production on the advanced 4 nanometer process in 2025. The second fab is expected to begin commercial production in 2026 on the 3nm process, the chipmaker's latest technology as of the end of last year.

According to TSMC, commercial production at the first plant has been pushed back from the initial 2024 date, due to a lack of skilled workers, which is slowing down installation of its clean room equipment.

(By Chiang Chin-yeh and Frances Huang)

Enditem/pc

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US, Canada sail warships through Taiwan Strait, prompting China to puts its forces on 'high alert'

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 09 September 2023 4:45 PM

The navies of the United States and Canada sailed two warships through the Taiwan Strait, prompting China to put its troops on "constant high alert."

The US Navy said in a statement on Saturday that the guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson and Canada's HMCS Ottawa sailed through the waters that separate mainland China and Chinese Taipei.

The navy said the warships conducted a "routine" transit "through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law."

China's military condemned the transit, saying its troops "remain on constant high alert, and will resolutely protect national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability."

China has sovereignty over the self-ruled island, and under the "One China" policy almost all world countries recognize that sovereignty.

China's military spokesperson Shi Yi said that the two ships had "openly hyped up" their passage through the strategic waters.

Chinese forces tracked both ships throughout their entire transit and "dealt with the situation," Shi added.

A similar joint transit occurred in June when a Chinese navy ship cut sharply across the path of an American destroyer, forcing the US vessel to slow to avoid a collision.

The US ship also was conducting a transit with a Canadian vessel at the time.

The US Navy released a video of the joint sailing, describing it as an "unsafe interaction" in the Taiwan Strait.

China has been increasing its military operations around the island over the past few years, due to the United States and Western allies' provocations by naval vessels through both the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese Vessels Escort US, Canadian Warships in Taiwan Strait

Sputnik News

20230909

BEIJING (Sputnik) - The Chinese armed forces on Saturday escorted one US and one Canadian warships passing through the Taiwan Strait, People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesman Shi Yi said, adding that the escort had been carried out in accordance with law and regulations.

"The PLA Eastern Theater Command organized naval and air forces to escort and observe [the US and Canadian ships] along the entire route in accordance with law and regulations," Shi said in a statement published on WeChat.

Chinese servicepeople maintain a high degree of combat readiness and are unwavering in defending national sovereignty and security, as well as regional peace and stability, the spokesman added.

Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949. Beijing regards the island as its province, while Taiwan maintains that it is an autonomous entity but stops short of declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official foreign contacts with Taipei and regards Chinese sovereignty over the island as indisputable.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PM meeting with Prime Minister Jugnauth of Mauritius: 9 September 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth at the G20 Summit in Delhi today.

9 September 2023

The Prime Minister met Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth at the G20 Summit in Delhi today.

They discussed enhancing opportunities for cooperation between their two countries, as Commonwealth partners, in areas of shared interest, including strengthening trade and tackling the impact of climate change.

They also assessed the progress made so far in the negotiations between Mauritius and the UK on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory/the Chagos Archipelago.

Both Prime Ministers agreed to meet again soon.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PM meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore: 9 September 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the G20 Summit in India today.

9 September 2023

The Prime Minister met Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the G20 Summit in India today.

The leaders praised today's agreement of the UK-Singapore Strategic Partnership. They underlined the document's importance in elevating our already strong partnership and strengthening the work we do together across trade, security, and science and technology.

The Prime Minister said that the Strategic Partnership is the latest example of the UK's tilt to the Indo-Pacific, a significant diplomatic move which is seeing us invest more in this increasingly crucial region. Prime Minister Lee welcomed this heightened engagement.

The leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. They agreed on the need for further work between international partners to ensure proper regulation of AI. The Prime Minister updated on progress towards the UK's AI Safety Summit, and he and Prime Minister Lee looked forward to working together on this issue.

You can read the full Strategic Partnership Declaration here.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Royal Navy flagship sails to lead international carrier strike group deployment

Aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth sails from Portsmouth for her autumn deployment.

9 September 2023

Britain's flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth sails this week from Portsmouth as she heads north to lead a Carrier Strike Group deployment alongside ships from partner nations.

The aircraft carrier, crewed by up to 900 sailors, with her F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters and Merlin helicopters will lead a mixed group of warships from various nations as they head to the Norwegian Sea and waters of northern Europe.

The UK Carrier Strike Group deployment comes just days after HMS Prince of Wales departed Portsmouth for the United States, where she will undergo trials and operate a multitude of aircraft and drones.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

The UK leadership of this international strike group shows the strength of our commitment to working with Allies to promote security in Europe and demonstrate our resolve against any threat from potential adversaries. With both HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales deployed simultaneously, the Royal Navy sends a strong message that the UK's capability for carrier operations is among the strongest in the world.

The first phase of the deployment will see the carrier's F35 fighter jets taking part in Exercise Cobra Warrior, the RAF's largest bi-annual exercise, which will see aircraft from the Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Norway, and the UK taking part in joint exercises.

The 18-day exercise will involve RAF Typhoon and F35 jets, A400M and C17 transport aircraft, and Voyager air tankers, developing interoperability alongside allied aircraft and practicing integration between fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft across air, sea, and land.

Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group, said:

It is with much eagerness that the UK Carrier Strike Group is now assembling for deployed operations - the first time the UK CSG will be under my command. This autumn's deployment showcases the UK's capability to operate at range from the UK and demonstrates our continued commitment to North Atlantic security. The Carrier Strike Group is an agile and highly capable force and we are excited to be heading to the North Sea and North Atlantic along with our International Partner Nations to reinforce security across the region.

The following phases involve HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Carrier Strike Group conducting activities alongside international partners, including through the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) framework - highlighting the utility and strength of JEF.

A series of sorties will also be carried out by 617 Squadron - the Dambusters, the joint RAF-RN Lightning stealth fighter formation from RAF Marham - and the strike group will take part in various port visits and defence engagement events.

Captain Will King, HMS Queen Elizabeth's Commanding Officer, said:

It is an extraordinary privilege to have command of one of the Royal Navy's most capable ships and to lead a dedicated and highly skilled crew on operations. As we sail to the north leading a coalition of nations in our unwavering commitment to peace and security in Northern Europe, we stand together as a formidable force for stability in these waters.

The 65,000-tonne carrier and her Strike Group will also join NATO allies for exercises and training in the North Atlantic.

The deployment will mark the second time the Royal Navy flagship has led an international carrier strike group, after her deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2021.

HMS Prince of Wales will lead a further Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025, further strengthening the UK's defence ties in the region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Comment by Foreign Minister Tsahkna on the UN Secretary-General's letter to Lavrov

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

09.09.2023

Comment by Foreign Minister Tsahkna on the UN Secretary-General's letter to Lavrov

In light of the letter by the Secretary-General of the UN, it is very important to stress that Russia alone is responsible for the war against Ukraine. Russia is continuing its attacks against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, harming civilians and damaging residential buildings, and carrying out illegitimate local elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Estonia is strongly and unanimously supporting the call by President Zelensky to ramp up sanctions against Russia.

During the high-level opening week of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in mid-September, Estonia's main objective is to keep the spotlight on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and call for stronger support to Ukraine. This week offers a chance to raise issues Estonia considers important.



Estonia's message is clear: making concessions to an aggressor only expands the aggression instead of ending it.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's tweet on the topic: https://twitter.com/Tsahkna/status/1700243890949718455?s=20

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia reiterates demands on Black Sea grain deal, dismisses UN bank proposal

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 09 September 2023 1:48 PM

Russia has reiterated its conditions for a return to the Black Sea grain deal, saying that Moscow needed its state agricultural bank to be reconnected to the international SWIFT system, while rejecting a UN proposal to reconnect "a subsidiary of the Russian Agricultural Bank" to the bank payments system.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday that Russia "maintains its responsible, clear and consistent position, which has been repeatedly voiced by the president."

"All our conditions are perfectly well known. They do not need interpretation, they are absolutely concrete and all this is absolutely achievable."

The Black Sea deal was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July 2022 to enable Ukraine to export grain by sea despite the war with Russia.

Russia withdrew from the deal in July this year, saying its conditions for the agreement were not met. Moscow complained that its agricultural exports faced obstacles and not enough Ukrainian grain was going to countries in need under the grain deal.

It said its grain and fertilizer exports faced barriers in practice because of sanctions by the West affecting port access, insurance, logistics, and payments - including the removal of agricultural bank Rosselkhozbank from SWIFT.

Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow welcomes negotiations on restoring the deal. He said the deal could be restored only if the West fulfills a separate memorandum agreed with the UN to facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports.

Putin made the remarks after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov "a set of concrete proposals" aimed at reviving the deal.

The proposal made by Guterres was to reconnect "a subsidiary of the Russian Agricultural Bank to SWIFT," Lavrov said.

The UN has proposed that a Luxembourg-based subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank could immediately apply to SWIFT to "effectively enable access" for the bank within 30 days.

Peskov, however, said in his remarks that Russia needed its state agricultural bank - and not a subsidiary of the bank -- to be reconnected to the international SWIFT bank payments system.

"The agreements say that SWIFT should be open to Rosselkhozbank, and not to its subsidiary. That is, we are talking about the need to return to the basics, to the agreements that were in place originally and which we were promised would be fulfilled," Peskov reiterated.

He said that President Putin "clearly said that the moment they are fulfilled, then the deal will immediately resume. But not vice versa."

Russia and Ukraine are two of the world's key agricultural producers. The two are influential players in the wheat, barley, maize, rapeseed, rapeseed oil, sunflower seed, and sunflower oil markets.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Bald Mountain Wildfire burns in the Grande Prairie Forest Area in Alberta on 12 May 2023. Government of Alberta Fire Service / Canadian Press / AP

By David Wallace-Wells

6 September 2023

(The New York Times)  Canadian wildfires have this year burned a land area larger than 104 of the worlds 195 countries. The carbon dioxide released by them so far is estimated to be nearly 1.5 billion tons  more than twice as much as Canada releases through transportation, electricity generation, heavy industry, construction and agriculture combined. In fact, it is more than the total emissions of more than 100 of the worlds countries  also combined.

But what is perhaps most striking about this years fires is that despite their scale, they are merely a continuation of a dangerous trend: Every year since 2001, Canadas forests have emitted more carbon than theyve absorbed. That is the central finding of a distressing analysis published last month by Barry Saxifrage in Canadas National Observer, ominously headlined Our forests have reached a tipping point.

In fact, Saxifrage suggests, the tipping point was passed two decades ago, when the countrys vast boreal forests, long a reliable sink for carbon, became instead a carbon source. In the 2000s, the effect was relatively small. But so far in the 2020s, Canadas forests have raised the countrys total emissions by 50 percent.

There is this feel-good myth in Canada that our massive forest is offsetting some of our massive fossil fuel emissions, Saxifrage writes. That might have been true decades ago under our old, stable climate. But weve so weakened our forest  through decades of business-as-usual industrial logging and fossil-fueled climate shifts  that it has switched to hemorrhaging CO instead of absorbing it.

Satellite view of smoke from wildfires sweeping over southern Canada, as well as North Dakota, Minnesota, and several other U.S. states, on 15 May 2023. Photo: NOAA

And, in theory at least, there is a lot more to hemorrhage: Saxifrage calculates that the 3.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide released by Canadas forests since 2001 are only a small fraction of the 100 billion tons stored in its trees and soil. The trends there are not encouraging. As extreme as this years wildfire emissions have been, he says, they are just the latest escalation in a multi-decade flood of CO pouring out of Canadas managed forests and forestry.

This is not a simple story of wildfire and climate change but also of logging and forest management. Roughly speaking, when trees logged and trees replanted and regrown are in balance, a forests ability to absorb carbon is stable. But beginning in the early 2000s, twice as much carbon-absorbing ability was destroyed through logging as was regenerated by replanting. In the decades since, the forest has largely stopped regenerating at all. In the 1990s Canadian forests were sequestering 165 million tons of carbon each year, 20 million more than the carbon-storage loss by logging. In the 2010s those same forests released 35 million more tons of carbon each year than they stored, not including the additional carbon released by logging. In the 2020s, that number has grown to 180 million tons released annually.

It all seems very Canadian. This is a country that promotes itself as a soft-spoken environmentalist leader, endowed with an endless forest landscape, but which nevertheless expands its pipelines, mocks the idea of leaving fossil fuels in the ground and routinely arrests climate activists. Canada is one of the few countries with more per capita emissions than the United States; in fact, its overall carbon production has actually grown since 1990, with the country producing more than 20 percent more carbon dioxide in 2019 than it did three decades earlier. This year, in the hellish midst of its worst fire season in modern history, Alberta actually hit pause on new renewable energy projects  a pause that may derail 118 projects worth $33 billion. []

Dog walker Leslie Kramer ventures out as heavy smoke from northern Alberta forest fires blankets downtown Calgary on Tuesday, 16 May 2023. Photo: Larry MacDougal / The Canadian Press / AP

But in recent months carbon offsetting has begun to look like an outright sham, with reports illustrating the emptiness of a vast majority of programs, particularly those that pay skimpily for poorly monitored projects in the developing world.

In one particularly scathing review in Science, researchers estimated that only 6 percent of 89 million carbon offsets would be associated with real carbon reductions. My colleague Peter Coy recently noted that the British bank Barclays suggested that the cost of offsets had fallen by more than three-quarters in just a year, a reflection of how little faith those buying them have in their reliability; voluntary carbon markets are shrinking for the first time in seven years out of growing skepticism. And last month in The Guardian, Patrick Greenfield speculated that carbon-credit speculators stood to lose many billions as the world came to realize that nearly all of the offsets being sold were worthless. A 2020 study showed that much-celebrated offsets sold for the Brazilian Amazon had barely slowed deforestation there. And a white paper published this summer by Joe Romm argued that the whole project of mitigating emissions through carbon offsets using forest replantation was unscalable, unjust, and unfixable. [more]

Forests Are No Longer Our Climate Friends
Divided G20 Statement Angers Kyiv As New Drone Fragments Found In Romania

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 09, 2023

The final declaration of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies in India left Kyiv angry over its refusal to condemn Moscow for its aggression against Ukraine, as new fragments of projectiles appeared to have landed on NATO-member Romania's territory on September 9.

"We are grateful to the partners who tried to include strong wording in the text," Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko posted on Facebook.

"However, in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, [the] G20 has nothing to be proud of," he wrote.

The final declaration revealed the sharp divisions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with host India able to get attendees to agree to a final statement only after softening language on Moscow's war on its neighbor.

The statement underlined the "human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine," but did not mention Russia's invasion.

"All states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible," it said, referencing the UN Charter.

A senior EU diplomat told AP that the bloc had not given up any of its position and said the fact that Moscow had signed on to the agreement was important.

"The option we have is text or no text, and I think it is better [to have a] text. At least if they [the Russians] don't implement, we know once more that we cannot rely on them," the diplomat said.

Meanwhile, Kyiv said the toll of the wounded from a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kryviy Rih rose to 74, as Ukrainian forces pressed their slow counteroffensive against Russian forces in southern and eastern regions.

Elsewhere, Romanian officials said they had found new drone fragments on the NATO nation's territory near the Ukrainian border for the second time this week. The Defense Ministry said they were "similar to those used by the Russian Army."

President Klaus Iohannis said in a statement that the fragments indicated "an absolutely unacceptable violation of the sovereign airspace of Romania, a NATO ally, with real risks to the security of Romanian citizens in the area."

Iohannis added that he had a phone call with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to inform him of the new finding and that he had received assurances of the alliance's support.

Moscow did not comment on the report.

Eighteen months into Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine is struggling to build momentum in the counteroffensive taking place over three fronts, with the primary push coming south of Orikhiv, in the southern Zaporizhzhya region.

While some Western allies have expressed frustration with the slow pace of the effort, now in its third month, Ukrainian troops have shown glimpses of success in breaching the Russian defensive lines.

Kyiv also claimed "partial success" in the east, near the obliterated Donetsk region city of Bakhmut, which Russia captured earlier this year.

And in Crimea, Russian-installed authorities in the city of Simferopol called a blaze at a military post a "domestic fire" and not the result of an attack by Ukrainian drones.

Full details of the blaze were not immediately available. Kyiv has not commented.

A main goal of Ukraine's southern counteroffensive is to drive toward the peninsula and eventually retake the region, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

Ukraine is almost entirely dependent on Western military aid and equipment to wage its defense against the Russian invasion. Kyiv has repeatedly pressed the United States and other allies for more powerful weaponry, such as F-16 fighter jets, which could be put into service next year.

Kyiv has also sought supplies of long-range, U.S.-designed Army Tactical Missile Systems, which have a greater distance for striking at Russian targets.

The United States has been reluctant to send the weapons, but unnamed U.S. officials told ABC News that the systems, known as ATACMS, or "attack-ems," were likely to be supplied in the end.

"They are coming," one anonymous official told ABC News on September 8. A second official said the missiles were "on the table" and likely to be included in an upcoming weapons package.

Japan's foreign minister arrived in Kyiv on September 9 in an unannounced visit aimed at showing support for Ukraine.

Yoshimasa Hayashi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and agreed to begin talks on potential security guarantees and to cooperate on reconstructing Ukraine's economy, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.

Japan has joined the West in supporting Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. However, it does not allow the supply of weapons, under long-standing pacifist government policies.

It's the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in a joint news conference thanked Hayashi for his country's support and that he wanted the foreign minister "and the entire Japanese people to know that the Ukrainian people remember and will never forget the humanitarian aid."

With reporting by Reuters and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-counteroffensive-russia- g20/32585425.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Navy Destroys 3 Ukrainian Boats Trying to Attack Crimean Bridge - MoD

Sputnik News

20230909

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Vessels of Russia's Black Sea Fleet over the past week destroyed three Ukrainian unmanned boats that were going to attack the Crimean Bridge, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

"Ships of the Black Sea Fleet, while on combat duty in the southern part of the Kerch Strait, detected and destroyed three Ukraine's unmanned semi-submersible boats attempting to attack the Crimean Bridge," the ministry said in a statement.

Moreover, the Black Sea Fleet's aviation destroyed four high-speed boats with a total of 50 Ukrainian special operatives on board west of Crimea, the statement read.

Russian troops also thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian forces to land on the island of Tendrovskaya Kosa in the Kherson Region. Over the past week, a total of five Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups were eliminated in the area.

Russian air defense and electronic warfare systems destroyed or jammed 247 Ukrainian drones over the past seven days, including 23 unmanned aerial vehicles over Russia's western regions, the ministry added.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia Repels 56 Ukrainian Attacks in Donetsk Direction in Past 7 Days - MoD

Sputnik News

20230909

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces repelled 56 attacks by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk direction in the past seven days, with Kiev losing over 2,100 soldiers, 23 tanks and other armored combat vehicles in the area, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

"During the past week, 56 attacks by Ukrainian troops were repelled in the Donetsk direction thanks to the competent actions of the units of the Southern group of Russian troops, as a result of which over 2,100 servicepeople, 23 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 45 vehicles, as well as 30 field artillery pieces were destroyed," the ministry said in a statement.

Another 2,075 Ukrainian soldiers were eliminated in the Zaporozhye and South Donetsk directions, with 27 tanks and armored vehicles, including a UK Challenger tank and 25 vehicles destroyed, the ministry said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian losses in the Kupyansk and Kherson directions amounted to about 780 troops and eight armored vehicles, as well as 15 howitzers, the ministry added.

In the Liman direction, Ukrainian forces lost more than 450 soldiers, as well as 13 armored vehicles and seven howitzers, the ministry said.

The Russian armed forces also carried out six air strikes, disrupting the work of strategic radio-technical reconnaissance systems, as well as logistical support of Ukrainian troop groups in the Kherson and Zaporozhye directions.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Volodymyr Zelenskyy agrees with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan to start negotiations on bilateral agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine

President of Ukraine

9 September 2023 - 15:28

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi, who is visiting Ukraine. The meeting was attended by top managers of leading Japanese companies accompanying the head of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his visit to Kyiv, including representatives of Rakuten, Marubeni, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Allm Inc., Tsubame BHB.

The head of the Ukrainian state thanked for comprehensive support from Japan in overcoming the consequences of the Russian armed invasion.

"I'm grateful for the significant humanitarian and financial assistance that Japan has provided to our country since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Japan has made significant efforts to help us get through the winter period and overcome the challenges to Ukraine's energy system that have arisen due to Russian attacks," the President said.

Zelenskyy highly appreciated Japan's leadership in mobilizing international support for Ukraine, in particular, during Japan's G7 Presidency. The importance of the approval of the G7 Joint Declaration on support of Ukraine during Japan's presidency was noted. The Head of State reported that Ukraine has already started negotiations on the conclusion of bilateral agreements on security guarantees with a number of partners and expressed readiness for relevant consultations with Japan.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi announced the readiness of the Japanese side to shortly start negotiations on the conclusion of a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine.

During the meeting, there was also an exchange of views on the practical implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and Japan's involvement in the preparations for the Global Peace Summit.

Particular attention was paid to intensifying cooperation with Japan in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

The Head of State emphasized Ukraine's readiness for active collaboration with Japan in the preparation of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for the beginning of next year and set to take place in Japan. "The involvement of Japanese business in the conference to the fullest extent is important for us," the Head of State said.

In this context, he highly appreciated the arrival in Kyiv, together with Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, of a powerful delegation of Japanese businesses, which includes top executives from leading companies.

"We are pleased to welcome representatives of Japanese business in Ukraine. This is very important because we are actively working on the recovery of the Ukrainian economy and attracting new investments to Ukraine. We are open to cooperation and ready to share ideas and our vision," the President said.

During the meeting, there was also an exchange of views on political dialogue measures in the near future.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






We count on France's support in providing Ukraine with legal security guarantees - Ihor Zhovkva at a meeting with the French parliamentary delegation

President of Ukraine

9 September 2023 - 11:49

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with the French parliamentary delegation led by Benjamin Haddad, the head of the France-Ukraine interparliamentary friendship group.

Zhovkva thanked France for the powerful support of our country in the fight against Russian aggression and noted the important role of the French Parliament in this.

The main focus of the parties was on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula proposed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The deputy head of the Office of the President expressed his gratitude to the French side for its willingness to participate in the implementation of several of its points.

"Ukraine's Peace Formula remains the only effective mechanism for achieving just and lasting peace throughout the world. We continue working with our partners to prepare for the Global Peace Summit. It is important that this Summit gathers the widest range of participants, including the countries of the Global South," Zhovkva said.

Separately, the interlocutors discussed bringing to justice the top leadership of the aggressor state. Zhovkva thanked France for supporting the idea of creating a special tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against Ukraine and for participating in the work of the relevant Core Group.

In addition, the parties considered the issue of providing effective security guarantees to Ukraine before our country acquires full membership in NATO.

In this context, Zhovkva thanked his French colleagues for adopting a Joint Declaration on Support of Ukraine in Vilnius on July 12 of this year, together with other G7 states, and outlined further joint steps in this direction.

"We are interested in the expedited development of a legally binding security draft agreement by the negotiating teams of our countries. We also count on the French Parliament's support in the process of ratifying the future agreement, including by implementing the necessary domestic procedures," the deputy head of the Office of the President said.

The parties also discussed the details of the preparation and France's participation in the second Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform, which is scheduled to take place at the end of October in Prague.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






When working on new sanctions against Russia, it is crucial not to give it the opportunity to circumvent current restrictions - Andriy Yermak at joint briefing with Michael McFaul

President of Ukraine

9 September 2023 - 11:43

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Director at the Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), a professor at Stanford University, Ambassador Michael McFaul spoke at a briefing in the Office of the President about the new developments of the International Expert Group on Russian Sanctions led by them.

Yermak thanked Ukraine's great friend Michael McFaul for fruitful collaboration in the working group, the recommendations of which are already on the tables of nearly every world leader.

"We are proud to say that 85% of our recommendations have already been implemented in sanctions applied by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union," he said.

For his part, McFaul said that it was a great honor for him to work in this group, which has brought together many Ukrainian, American and European experts.

"Our group's goal is to stop this terrible invasion and occupation of Ukraine as soon as possible. The goal is to reduce the funding that Putin uses for this war. The goal is to reduce the supply of technology that he obtains through third countries and uses to kill Ukrainians. Our work is to prepare new creative ideas and provide them to the governments, including the Ukrainian government and my government, and the governments of other countries, for them to apply," the Ambassador said.

Answering questions about preparing the 12th package of sanctions, the head of the Office of the President confirmed that work on it is ongoing.

"We continue insisting on sanctions against Rosatom and Russian defense industry enterprises. We are rapidly responding to information from our military to stop Russia's ability to manufacture missiles and drones as much as possible. We are very uncompromising in this regard. If we find elements manufactured even in our partner countries, we talk about it openly, and our partners are reacting to it very quickly and effectively," Yermak said.

At the same time, the co-chairs of the International Expert Group said that the war started by Russia continues, which means that it is necessary to introduce new, stronger sanctions and more closely monitor compliance with the restrictions applied earlier.

As McFaul said, the working group has taken several steps in this direction. First, it developed documents in which extremely close attention was paid to schemes for supplying electrical components and equipment to Russia, in particular, through third countries.

"The first step is to show that it exists. In informal conversations, representatives of some companies are even surprised that their components are used by Russia, although they are sent to third countries. The next step is to force companies to halt these exports. We have not yet achieved this, but I think this will be our next step," the Ambassador said.

Yermak added that the International Expert Group works 24/7, and over 50 experts from around the world are already involved in it.

"Today, we had the opportunity to report to Mr. President about the results of our work. Many of our group joined via Zoom. Everyone is full of enthusiasm, no one is tired, and our work continues," he said.

Answering journalists' questions, Yermak also informed about the work in the direction of confiscation of Russia's frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine. According to him, the difficulty of implementing this task lies in the fact that each country has its own legislation, and this makes it difficult to adopt a single decision that would suit all partners.

"Today, we are talking about supporting Ukraine during the war, but we are already discussing the future reconstruction. All countries understand that without the confiscation and use of Russian assets it will be impossible to do this. Therefore, everyone is ready for it, and each country is looking for its own way. I think it was crucial to confirm that everyone is on the same page, and mechanisms will be found," the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine concluded.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






President discusses with Michael McFaul activities of International Expert Group on Russian Sanctions

President of Ukraine

9 September 2023 - 11:14

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Director at the Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), Ambassador Michael McFaul, who, along with Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, leads the International Expert Group on Russian Sanctions.

Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Rostyslav Shurma, Deputy Minister of Justice Iryna Mudra, President of Kyiv School of Economics Tymofiy Mylovanov, advisors to the head of the Office of the President Daria Zarivna, Vladyslav Vlasiuk and Serhiy Leshchenko attended the meeting.

Experts of the International Group joined the meeting via video links.

The Head of State thanked Michael McFaul and the entire team of the Group, which shows true achievements in the field of sanctions policy against the aggressor country.

"The result is 15 important documents developed by the International Expert Group. I want to thank all our partners who use these developments because it is very important. During meetings, partners around the world say that they are doing everything possible to introduce new sanctions against Russia that you proposed," Zelenskyy said.

The President noted the importance of systematic work with partner countries to implement the achievements of the International Expert Group.

The Head of State emphasized the strengthening of sanctions against Russia's energy sector, and the inadmissibility of supplying the aggressor country with components and spare parts used for manufacturing missiles and drones. The President said that Russia is directing these weapons, in particular, against the facilities of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and therefore, this issue is of particular importance on the eve of the autumn-winter period. In addition, it is crucial to strengthen sanctions against Russia's financial and banking sectors.

Zelenskyy called on the International Expert Group to continue its activities to enhance sanctions pressure on Russia in various areas, together with foreign partners.

For his part, Michael McFaul noted the importance of depriving the Russian regime of funds that are used for waging the aggressive war against Ukraine. In particular, he stressed that Russia's frozen assets should never be returned to the aggressor state but should be directed toward Ukraine's recovery. The ambassador emphasized that every Russian company and individual operating in the aggressor country should feel the consequences of the imposed sanctions.

"We have certain results we managed to achieve. But we have to continue our work," Michael McFaul said.

Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said that the International Expert Group has become a generator and a key platform for preparing sanctions against Russia.

He said that thanks to the group's efforts, an embargo on crude oil and petroleum products and a mechanism for oil price caps have been introduced, and over $300 billion of the Russian Central Bank's assets have been immobilized, also sanctions against Russian propagandists have been introduced, and the activities of Russian-language mass media in several EU countries have been banned. According to Yermak, the International Expert Group is currently working on such important areas as the introduction of sanctions against Rosatom, software restrictions, further energy sanctions, as well as effective limitations to halt the flow of microelectronics into Russia.

"Therefore, we are rapidly responding to the calls of our military to counter the Russian defense industry's growing manufacturing of drones and missiles. Overall, this set of measures is aimed at further restricting the aggressor country's access to technology," the head of the President's Office said.

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov said that since the beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression, the NSDC has imposed sanctions against 7,010 individuals and 5,028 legal entities, including representatives of Russia and other states working with the aggressor country. In addition, Changes to the sanctions legislation have been adopted, introducing electronic sanctions records.

First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized the importance of strengthening export control of goods supplied to Russia and preventing the aggressor country's access to high-tech components.

Advisors to the head of the Office of the President Daria Zarivna and Vladyslav Vlasiuk informed about how the international sanctions group created a system of development, advocacy, and implementation of international sanctions. From the beginning, the idea was to turn the group into a kind of complex media, in addition to the analytical component, where each expert is also a separate channel of customized communication. As a result, in addition to the group's analytical products, an ecosystem was created for their discussion and popularization at the levels of governments, expert communities, and wider audiences in different countries. This made it possible to improve the process of taking into account the proposals of the Yermak-McFaul international group by the governments of the partner states.

At the end of the meeting, the Head of State presented Michael McFaul with the Order of Merit, 3rd class, recognizing his significant personal contributions to strengthening interstate cooperation, supporting Ukraine's state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and his substantial efforts in promoting Ukraine on the world stage.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






OTTAWA, Sept. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Red Cross has launched the Morocco Earthquake Appeal to help provide immediate assistance to people impacted by the disaster.



The Red Cross Red Crescent is working to get help to those impacted by the earthquake in Morocco as quickly as possible. Money raised will enable the Red Cross Red Crescent to provide immediate relief, recovery efforts, and resilience and preparedness activities for future events in impacted and surrounding areas. As urgent needs are met in this crisis, funds may be used to support readiness to respond quickly to disasters globally.

Canadians wishing to make a donation to the Morocco Earthquake Appeal can do so online at redcross.ca.

Additional Resources

@RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog

Red Cross donor inquiries: WeCare@redcross.ca or 1-800-418-1111

About the Canadian Red Cross

Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement  which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies  the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supporting them in strengthening their resilience.

MEDIA CONTACTS

English Media: 1-877-599-9602

French Media: 1-888-418-9111
NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of The Boeing Company (Boeing or the Company) (NYSE: BA). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.



The investigation concerns whether Boeing and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On August 23, 2023, Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc. (Spirit Aerosystems), a key supplier of components for Boeing aircraft, issued a press release acknowledging a quality issue involving elongated fastener holes on the aft pressure bulkhead on certain models of the 737 fuselage produced by Spirit AeroSystems. Spirit Aerosystems stated that it has implemented changes to its manufacturing process to address this issue and is working closely with [Boeing] to address any impacted units within the production system and address any needed rework.

On this news, Boeings stock price fell $11.27 per share, or 4.93% percent, to close at $217.31 on August 24, 2023.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 7980
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology glaciologist and head of the Swiss measurement network Glamos, Matthias Huss, work at the Rhone glacier with his team near Goms, Switzerland, Friday, 16 June 2023. A top glacier watcher warned that a warm early summer and a heat wave could have caused severe glacier melt across Switzerland, threatening to make 2023 the second-worst year for ice loss after a record thaw in 2022. Photo: Matthias Schrader / AP Photo

By Jamey Keaten

1 September 2023

GENEVA (AP)  A top glacier watcher has warned that a warm early summer combined with a heat wave last week may have caused severe glacier melt in Switzerland, threatening to make 2023 its second-worst year for ice loss after a record thaw last year.

Matthias Huss of the GLAMOS glacier monitoring center said full data wont be in until late September and a precipitous drop in temperatures and high-altitude snowfall in recent days could help stem any more damage.

But early signs based on readings from five sites and modeling results across Switzerland suggest considerable damage may already be done.

We can definitely say that we had very high melting in Switzerland and in Europe in general because the temperatures, they were extremely high for a long time  a more than one week heat wave, Huss said in an interview this week.

Swiss meteorologists reported last week that the zero-degree Celsius level had risen to its highest altitude since recordings on it in Switzerland began nearly 70 years ago  meaning that all of the Alpine countrys mountains faced temperatures above freezing.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology glaciologist and head of the Swiss measurement network Glamos, Matthias Huss, center, and his assistants arrive at the Rhone glacier near Goms, Switzerland, Friday, 16 June 2023. A top glacier watcher warned that a warm early summer and a heat wave could have caused severe glacier melt across Switzerland, threatening to make 2023 the second-worst year for ice loss after a record thaw in 2022. Photo: Matthias Schrader / AP Photo

The late-summer heat wave was particularly harmful to glaciers this year because high temperatures earlier in the summer had already melted nearly all of the protective snow cover, which meant that almost all glacier ice was kind of naked, Huss said.

A blanket of white snow cover has a crucial effect in protecting glaciers by reflecting energy from sunlight back upward, a process known as the albedo effect.

Last year marked a historically punishing year for Switzerlands estimated 1,400 glaciers  the largest count of any country in Europe, and a bellwether for the impacts of climate change.

Were definitely not going to beat the records of last year  but right now, it seems that were on track to be maybe the second-most negative year, Huss said.

A combination of factors made for a near-perfect storm in 2022 including low wintertime snow cover, warm temperatures in early summer, greater heat later that season, and weather patterns that carried orange-colored dust from the Sahara Desert up to Switzerland  coloring the snow and ice.

A staggering 6 percent of glacier volume in Switzerland was lost in that single year.

For comparison, we lost, on average, about 2 percent in the last decade, and already 2 percent is very high, said Huss. If you extrapolate that, that would tell you that in 50 years we have nothing left. If we lose 6 percent in one year, its even much more extreme.

ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) glaciologist and head of the Swiss measurement network Glamos, Matthias Huss, checks the thickness of the Rhone Glacier near Goms, Switzerland, Friday, 16 June 2023. A top glacier watcher warned that a warm early summer and a heat wave could have caused severe glacier melt across Switzerland, threatening to make 2023 the second-worst year for ice loss after a record thaw in 2022. Photo: Matthias Schrader / AP Photo

Strong melting and glacier disappearance in recent years has already caused Huss team to halt three of its 20 monitoring programs where detailed measurements are taken. This year, one was ended at the Saint Annafirn glacier, south of the central village of Andermatt, because measurements there were no longer meaningful, he said.

The glacier is so small by now, and dangerous, because it has receded so much that there is a lot of rock fall, he said.

With areas like the town of Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, hitting 31 degrees Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) last week, the impacts will continue to be felt.

We can say its climate change that makes these years with very strong melting much more likely, said Huss. In the last decades, I would say that almost every year is kind of an extreme year.

Swiss glacier watcher warns recent heat wave threatens severe melt again this year after record 2022
Complexity, says Brookings Institution social mobility expert Richard V. Reeves, is the friend of the upper middle class. To me, Reeves observation provides insight into the insidious way governments can, even without realizing it, work against the bulk of the people they seek to serve. It reminds me of my days as a social worker, when a lot of my clients would ask me to interpret government letters and forms for them. I worked for the state of Pennsylvania, but the forms they brought to me were from the city, the county, the state, the feds. It didnt matter -- it was all the government to them, and the special skill I brought was that I could interpret bureaucratese.If what Reeves says is true, then what Nick Macchione, director of health and human services for San Diego County, Calif., calls potent simplicity is the friend of everyone else. Macchione and his colleagues used the concept to create a clear, empowering message to underpin Live Well San Diego, the countys strategic community health plan. They came up with notion of 3-4-50 to communicate the idea that three behaviors -- smoking, lack of exercise and poor nutrition -- contribute to four chronic diseases that cause more than half of the countys deaths.In the book, authors Alan Siegel and Irene Etzkorn write that achieving simplicity is anything but simple. It takes work to organize, streamline, clarify and generally make sense of the world around us, they write. An example of the scope of effort involved is Rhode Islands work to increase voter participation. Secretary of State Nellie Gorbeas team began by redesigning the ballot, working with the Center for Civic Design, the federal Election Assistance Commission, the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the Brennan Center for Justice. They tested it with focus groups and people on the street and then educated voters with videos, sample ballots online, interviews with Gorbea in both Spanish and English, and 120 voter information sessions.Simplifying the school selection process for Boston families -- a system perceived by many as working to perpetuate the inequities it was supposed to be fighting -- also was anything but simple. Susan Nguyen, chief of staff for the Boston Mayors Office of New Urban Mechanics, says the changes had to be made with a lot of attention to who was using the process. Collaborating with Code for America and spending a lot of time talking with parents, Nguyen and her team ditched an eight-page printed foldout crammed with complex details in favor of a multilingual Web page that functions like Hotels.com.Reeves quotes a mantra of the artist Georgia OKeeffe: Select, simplify and amplify. Public officials who take those words to heart in shaping public services will have succeeded in opening another front for combating inequality and the decline of trust in government.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan famously fired 11,000 air traffic controllers who went on strike. Looking back on it, one has to credit those controllers for having the courage to go on strike in the face of pay and working conditions they regarded as unacceptable.In contrast, the police in New York City, who are unhappy that Mayor Bill de Blasio has not paid them the deference they demand, have been on strike while at work! That is, they have been reporting for duty, so as to get paid, but by making few arrests have been refusing to engage in their duties. The police characterized their exercise in insubordination as an act of protest against the mayor. In fact, of course, it was an act of defiance against the people of New York City, who tax themselves to pay their police force for its services.What is striking (no pun intended) about the New York City situation is the nature of the battle, with the mayor and the police commissioner on one side and the police on the other. Surely this can't be right. The police, after all, were, where supervisors and managers ought to be found. Why is it that we have only the mayor and the commissioner on the side of a day's work for a day's pay? Is there no management in the police department with the responsibility and the authority to obtain work?The answer is, of course, that there is management, but it is dispiritingly weak. It may even be participating in the debacle. It is, after all, a public-sector mantra that management must be weak. (In theory, weak management allows elected officials to be strong, but in practice no such result is obtained.)Consider the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The legislatures of the two states, hardly known as champions of professionalism in government, recently astounded one and all by passing comprehensive reform legislation that would have installed professional management in lieu of political patronage at the bi-state agency. This unexpected and unwelcome intrusion into their political prerogatives served to unite Govs. Andrew Cuomo and Chris Christie, with the announcement that they would veto the legislation amounting to a defense of patronage and a stance against professionalization. The Cuomo-Christie alliance is altogether reminiscent of the political resistance in the 19th century, across party lines, to civil-service government when those reforms cut into political patronage.Or consider the U.S. Postal Service, which has professional management in name but not in fact. Between Congress on the one hand and labor on the other, Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahue is all but powerless to manage the institution he supposedly heads. The Postal Service's professional managers know exactly what to do to render the agency economically viable. But those measures are not politically viable. So the Postal Service's top management must wait and hope that, one day, that which is required might be politically permissible.We often pay lip service to professional and managerial values in the public sector, but we rarely permit those values to be applied. At one end of the spectrum, the politicians in charge do not regard managerial values as consistent with their political interests. At the other end, the labor unions that represent millions of government employees regard professional management as their mortal enemy.So it is that we portray government's management deficit as a political problem. But in truth it is a structural, institutional problem. Neither the politicians in charge of government nor the employees who would be subject to it have any interest in promoting professional management. As long as this remains the case, and it looks like it may remain the case in perpetuity, institutions of government will continue to operate without professional management. The public pays a huge price for this, but as yet neither politicians nor labor have been called upon to pay any price at all.
US man sets Guinness World Record after watching 777 movies in theaters in one year

New York Post Showbiz News Sep - 09 - 2023 , 14:58

This movie buff is finally the star of the show.

Pennsylvania man Zach Swope saw 777 movies inside theaters over the past year in an attempt to raise awareness for autism and suicide prevention awareness, setting a Guinness World Record.

Zach Swope, 32, a self-proclaimed Lover of Films began his movie journey on July 5, 2022, when he went to watch Steve Carrells hit film Minions: The Rise of Gru, according to a Guinness World Records press release.

The film fanatic, who has Aspergers syndrome, was motivated to watch as many shows as he could because was doing it for the two causes.

I am a suicide survivor and have lost people I care about to suicide, Swope said. This was an amazing journey that I dedicated a year of my life to, and it was all for a good cause.

Swope watched approximately three movies during the week as he worked his full-time job early in the day. Weekends were all-day endeavors.

He prioritised short-length movies which allowed him to watch more in a day as he used a Regal Unlimited membership, which gives him access to every film for just $22 per month.

Swope targeted 16 to 17 movies per week, depending on whether he took a day off to mentally recharge.

Throughout his record attempt, Swope adhered to a set of strict rules: each film had to be watched in its entirety and he had to be independent of any other activity, meaning he couldnt fall asleep or check his phone while the movie was playing.

Swope wasnt allowed to eat or drink during the viewing and was monitored at all times by theater employees to ensure he didnt break any of the rules.

Swopes most-watched film over the calendar year was Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which he viewed 47 times.

Watching nearly 800 movies in a year means there would be multiple viewings of the same film, and out of all the ones he watched, Swope saw Puss in Boots: The Last Wish the most at 47 times.

The two runner-ups were The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Thor: Love and Thunder at 35 and 33 times respectively.

On June 2, Swope surpassed the previous world record of 715, set by Frenchman Vincent Krohn in 2018, when he watched Spider-man: Across the Spiderverse

An initial goal of 800 movies was set but Swope realized that number wasnt achievable he decided to end on lucky number sevens.

Swope watched Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny as the last movie of his yearlong binge on July 5

The 777 movie record didnt burn him out as a few weeks later he watched the highly anticipated World War II thriller Oppenheimer he told Regal Cinemas.

His least favorite movie was The Devil Conspiracy, a Sci-Fi, Horror film which he only saw once.

Thats a movie Id rather forget, he told the Morning X radio show about the Nathan Frankowski-directed movie according to the release.

Swope was no stranger to movie theaters before he began his yearlong binge as he used to average 100-150 films in theaters a year and watching 777 of them would cost a ton but he says he used the Regal Unlimited, a subscription pass that allows the owner to watch as many movies for only $22 a month.

He is unsure of his next venture, but theres always a chance he will attempt to watch more than 777 movies in a year.

Who knows, maybe Ill go back and try to break my own record? he added.

Read also: Why Akon is stingy
Police and partisan politics: Lets use lessons from IGP removal plots for reforms

Dr George Asekere Features Sep - 09 - 2023 , 12:12

Albert Einstein is widely quoted to have once said that the world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything. These words resonate when one takes a keen interest in some of the things going on in our country today.

Ordinarily, such mischief is cured by independent institutions in every functioning democracy like ours but Rome, we know was not built in a day. But the process of building Rome could have been truncated if the evils were given a free ride. As such, it would be preposterous to assume that because Rome was not built in a day and eventually got built, Ghana will be built eventually even if we keep watching evil people without doing anything in the Einsteinian context. As noted by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, evil people always support each other; that is their chief strength.

Thoughts of these should remind us of some ongoing developments, particularly with the alleged plots to remove the Inspector General of the Ghana (IGP). On Thursday, September 7, 2023, a memo from the Ghana Police Service read in part: The Police Service has interdicted Commissioner of Police, George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Superintendent George Lysander Asare, in connection with the audio tape which has become a subject matter of investigation by Parliament. The interdiction is to make way for disciplinary proceedings into their conduct in line with Police Service regulations.

However, as of the time of writing this article, the police administration in a statement on Thursday, September 7, 2023 had announced the suspension of the interdiction.

"In order not to prejudice the ongoing probe by Parliament, the Police administration has suspended their interdiction", the press statement signed and issued by the Director of Police Public Affairs, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Grace Ansah-Akrofi explained.

Talk in town is that of surprise over the bold public comments on national television by some of the front-line actors in the bi-partisan investigations into the alleged plots to get rid of the IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare. Many are believed to be taken by surprise that senior police officers with experience in Ghanas public and civil service could say some of the things we have heard so far; open partisanship and the evil aspect of spirituality.

Politicisation

But the politicisation of our state institutions did not just begin today. In this country, are we sure that we do not know of the stuffing of some of our security agencies with people who are more partisan, sometimes, than some executives of political parties? Even if we admit that the politician is the evil person here, Albert Einsteins quote above is still relevant; the destruction will be caused by the loud silence of those of us who watch without doing anything.

In a country where it is increasingly becoming the norm that those who want to do or say the right things are considered wicked, we should not expect anything less than some of the revelations in the Atta Akyea-chaired bi-partisan committee.

It is also not entirely true that Ghanaians are not saying anything about the recruitments and stuffing of partisan people into sensitive state institutions. It is the case that those who talk are not powerful enough to warrant a listening ear by the powers that be. In the past the Catholic Bishops Conference used to play a domineering role in seeking to correct some of the ills in our society, but it remains debatable today if the Bishops are still engaged in this national service. To what extent have our chiefs who are the custodians of our land commented on some of the negative decisions or actions taken by the ruling class? In some instances, our chiefs even praise the politicians.

It should beat our imagination how well trained, experienced and patriotic people fully equipped to serve their country in varied capacities would kowtow to politicians, some of whom are certainly less intelligent to remote control them. How would you feel when you eventually retire from active service? That your output while in active service was not truly due to your expertise but order from above? Let us pray that such sins do not extend to or prevail in other critical state institutions such as the Judiciary, the Legislature, and other sensitive security agencies  surely minus the Ghana Police Service where they believe in service with integrity.

Way forward

It does not serve anyones interest to live in a country where the laws apply with alacrity to some and perceived not to apply to others. We aspire to higher feats and have standard references in the global north such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, among other countries.

We have deceived ourselves for far too long and the time to revise our notes is now. The Report of the Constitution Review Committee must be relooked at. It is abundantly clear that our 1992 Constitution has served us well by nurturing our democracy thus far but has also widened the class structure where the powers that be continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the suffering middle to low working class.

Our traditional and religious leaders, together with civil society, must speak up in a tone that seeks to undo some of the pronounced evils in our state institutions.

The writer is a Lecturer, Department of Political Science Education, University of Education, Winneba.
3 Communities educated on negative impacts of quarry activities

Biiya Mukusah Ali Sep - 09 - 2023 , 12:26

The Women Integrated Development Association (WIDA), a non-governmental organisation, has engaged three farming communities hosting quarry companies in the Wenchi Municipality in the Bono Region.

The engagement was to explore ways to minimise health risks and environmental challenges associated with the quarry industry.

The forum, which was organised by WIDA, with funding from the Global Green Grants Fund and facilitated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), brought together about 200 key stakeholders from Buoku, Mensahkrom and Abrefakrom, all farming communities.

Organised on the theme: "Quarry mining: Impact on health, environment and livelihood and community rights", the community members were schooled on the negative impact of activities of the quarries on their health, livelihood and environment.

Forum

The forum also created an opportunity for the EPA to interact with the participants to identify some of the challenges the quarry operations had on the communities.

It also sought to assess the negative impact of quarrying activities on the environment, health and livelihood of the people, particularly women and children in the three host communities.

Additionally, it aimed at collecting data on the negative impact of the activities of the companies to enable WIDA to engage the companies to minimise the negative impact on the health, environment and livelihood of the people.

During the open forum, some of the community members raised concerns about several negative impacts of quarry activities on their livelihood, health and the environment.

Some of the issues raised included dust pollution, the development of cracks in their buildings due to blasting, and water and air pollution.

Others were the blocking of routes leading to their farms and the destruction of farmlands and vegetation, among others.

EPA investigation

Addressing the forum at Buoku recently, the Bono Regional Assistant Programme Officer of the EPA, Hudu Mutawakilu, said it would not hesitate to charge or punish the quarry companies if it came out that the concerns the communities raised were true after investigations.

He encouraged the community members to always report concerns associated with the activities of the companies to the EPA or the Minerals Commission to take action.

Mr Mutawakilu said the approved distance from a quarry site to a community or human activities should be 500 metres.

Engage companies

The Leader of WIDA, Emelia Konadu Kyeremeh, said her organisation would further engage the quarry companies after the forum to discuss with them their findings in order to get solutions to the concerns of the communities.

She said the engagement would help minimise the negative impact on the health of the people and the environment.

Mrs Kyeremeh said WIDA would work closely with the EPA to ensure that the challenges caused by the operations of the companies were addressed, to bring relief to members of the communities.

She said the forum created an opportunity for the communities to speak directly with the EPA and seek their support in dealing with their plight.

Mrs Kyeremeh said the forum also enabled stakeholders to educate the communities on how to channel their concerns to the appropriate authorities to demand clarification on issues associated with the quarry mining.

She said plans were far advanced to organise a series of community engagements to educate them on the quarry laws to build their capacity to enhance their knowledge.

Mrs Kyeremeh said WIDA was a women's organisation established in 2014 to promote women and community rights, women's economic empowerment and issues around environmental sustainability.

Quarry companies

The Assemblyman of the Buoku Electoral Area, Musah Mustapha, told the Daily Graphic that there were about five quarry companies operating in the area.

He explained that the Grey Quarry Company was operating at Abrefakrom, while J Adom Quarry was operating at Buoku.

Mr Mustapha said the activities of these quarry companies were having several negative impacts on the health, livelihoods and environment.

He expressed the hope that the collaboration between the NGO and the EPA would help reduce the environmental and health impacts of the quarry companies in the area.
BAPSA gives back to alma mater

Daily Graphic Sep - 09 - 2023 , 12:51

The Bogoso St Augustines Senior High School Past Students Assocation (BAPSA) has donated two sets of modern brass bands and instruments valued at GHc50,000 to the school.

They included sets of trumpets, cornets, French horns, flugelhorns, trombones, euphoniums, tubas, bugles and two sets of parade drums.

The gesture was a collaborative effort between the associations members in Ghana and those overseas, comprising North America and Europe.

This was done with the view to uplift the schools visibility through music, promoting hands-on training in music, enriching social activities on campus and generally make the school attractive within the Bogoso community.

Curriculum activities

The Chairman of BAPSA, Kwamena Ewusi-Brown, charged both the authorities and students to make the best use of the instruments.

We have had two significant homecoming experiences here on this campus during the past couple of years and it is so sad that on both occasions, we had to endure the embarrassment and inconveniences of having to hire a band from either Prestea or Tarkwa for our programmes, he said.

Mr Ewusi-Brown noted that besides the pursuit of their academic routines and goals, most schools of similar pedigree as Augusco had regimental and other musical groups that helped to enrich their extra curriculum and recreational pastimes.

The Second Vice-Chairman of the association, Benjamin Ackaah-Gyasi, said he was delighted that a dream nurtured by the executive of the association barely two years ago had come to fruition.

These musical instruments we present to you today come from contributions of the Old Students here in Ghana and our compatriot old students in North America, specifically the United States, Lawyer Ackaah-Gyasi explained, charging the school to take the greatest care of the equipment.

The Headmaster of the school, Rev. Fr Ignatius Miah Whajah, who received the instrument, expressed gratitude to BAPSA for its continuous support for the school.

He gave an assurance that the instruments would be properly maintained.

He also entreated the alumni to not relent but continue to support the school to enable it to give quality education to its students.

Past gestures

BAPSA has, over the past six years, extended considerable support to the alma mater in the form of projects and donations, among which are the construction of a urinal block, electricity extension to the School Church Building, the donation of a corn milling machine, the donation of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose printer, lawn mower and a poly-tank for water storage.
Bawumia's candidacy poses no concern for NDC, Alan would have been tougher opponent - Amaliba

GraphicOnline Sep - 10 - 2023 , 08:11

The Director of Conflict Resolution for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abraham Amaliba has asserted that the NDC harbours no apprehensions regarding Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's potential candidacy as the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In an interview on Citi TV, Mr. Amaliba stated that the NDC's concerns would have been more pronounced had Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen secured the NPP's flagbearer position.

"Dr. Bawumia is the least person that the NDC is afraid of. Indeed, we would have been afraid of Alan more than Bawumia Indeed, for us, if Bawumia emerges the winner, our campaign will be much easier than if it were Alan Kyerematen," Amaliba stated.

He also raised apprehension over the issues that led to Kyerematen's withdrawal from the NPP's flagbearer race, asserting that they cast a shadow on the democratic process.

The withdrawal of Alan together with the reason he gave for me is a scar on the conscience of our democracy. Alan is not talking about numbers Alan talks about intensity of intimidation and threats. And when you are going for internal elections, and you bulge out ones eye how does that make it better And that is just the preliminary one. How about the other one they are going to do in November? How many eyes will they bulge out?

"Alan did not talk about numbers, he said the intensity of threats and intimidations has never happened in their party before," Mr. Amaliba emphasized.

Kyerematen withdrew from the NPPs flagbearer race on September 5, 2023, leaving Dr. Bawumia and three other contenders for the NPPs presidential primaries in November 2023.

The NDC has already nominated John Damani Mahama as its flagbearer for the December 2024 polls.
The Trinity test fireball, 25 thousandths of a second after its detonation at the Alamogordo bombing range in New Mexico at 5:29 a.m. Mountain time on 16 July 1945. Photo: Los Alamos National Laboratory

By Stephen Trimble

3 September 2023

(Los Angeles Times)  Christopher Nolan believes J. Robert Oppenheimer is the most important person who ever lived. By unleashing nuclear power, the film director concludes, he gave us the power to destroy ourselves. Nolan might exaggerate, but Oppenheimer, the subject of Nolans hit movie, is surely worthy of the title most often applied to him, father of the atomic bomb.

Oppenheimer ran the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos, N.M., during World War II, managing a team of the smartest physicists he could recruit. Together, they created the bomb  atomic energy, the nuclear age  in a remote corner of Americas Southwest.

In delivering us into the atomic age, Oppenheimer also became the father of the Anthropocene. Given his anguish about Americas deploying his nuclear weapon in 1945, I suspect Oppie would also agonize about his ownership of our current geologic time period. Nevertheless, he and his fellow physicists gave us the indicator  what geologists call the golden spike  that marks a new epoch in Earth history.

Earth scientists have been debating whether to add this new epoch to their time scale for two decades. In 2019, they reached agreement: If youre alive now you live in the Anthropocene  a geologic epoch incorporating humans in its very definition: Anthropo, as in anthropology, meaning human; and cene, as in so many recent geologic epochs  Miocene, Pleistocene  meaning recent or new.

Until the International Commission on Stratigraphy sealed the change with a vote, we were living in the Holocene, the wholly recent  a relatively uneventful 12,000 years that started at the end of the Ice Age.

But 8 billion humans now inhabit our planet. Our influence has become so extreme, so pervasive, that we must take responsibility for a new era.

We casually burn fossil carbon from plants that grew 200 million years ago. We alter the climate. We strew waste across the Earth from our industrialized societies. As global temperatures rise and habitats are disrupted, we speed up the course of evolution. And, beginning with Oppenhemers gadget, our nuclear bombs have blanketed the Earth with radioactive fallout.

Anthropocene. The peopled recent. Humans have taken command of geological time. Its an astonishing thought.

Geologic time periods are graphed, with beginning and ending dates. When did humans take over? When did the Holocene end and the Anthropocene begin?

Historians and anthropologists look back to the dawn of the Industrial Revolution or even further, to the adoption of agriculture or the Columbian Exchange, when Columbus explorations brought together the Eastern and Western hemispheres, scattering once-geographically limited species across the globe. Indigenous people did plenty of landscape management, burning and deforesting when it suited their needs, but it took thousands of years of increasing human interventions to arrive at a geologic hinge point: an observable, unambiguous change in the physical properties or fossil content of the strata.

Radioactive plutonium that drifted to Earth in the first years of Oppenheimers nuclear age provides geologists with a recognizable, mappable layer in the Earths crust  perhaps the most pervasive signal of any marker between geologic time periods. This summer, geologists even settled on a type locality for the Anthropocene marker: Crawford Lake, Ontario. This little suburban lake happens to be extraordinarily deep, with perfect chemistry for chronicling annual deposits of sediment, pollution and pollen grains over thousands of years. The lakes record shifts abruptly in 1950, when plutonium shows up, drifting across the continent from nuclear bomb tests in Nevada and the Pacific.

A worldwide spike in fly ash from burning coal also occurs in 1950. And so most stratigraphic experts have settled on 1950 as the curtain-raiser for the Anthropocene.

The first device that blasted fallout into the atmosphere exploded at the Trinity site on July 16, 1945. The next month the United States bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki  killing 200,000 people, bringing World War II to a close. But we kept developing, testing and exploding fission and fusion weapons after the war, more than 2,000 times, across the world. Only North Korea is still testing today.

Geologic epochs last for thousands and even millions of years. But the Anthropocene  initiated by human interference and likely to end by it as well  may be the shortest of them all. [more]

Opinion: The atomic bomb laid down the marker for humanitys era of catastrophic change
Delegations from Dagbon, Zoomlion commiserate with Ga State

Vincent Amenuveve Sep - 09 - 2023 , 12:18

A delegation from the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, has paid a visit to the Ga Mantse in Accra to commiserate with the Ga State on the passing of the Paramount Queen, also, known as Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaedru III.

The delegation, made up of some chiefs, key elders of the Ya-Na and prominent people from the Dagbon State, included the Chief of Pishigu, Naa Alhassan Andani.

The delegation was received at the palace by the Paramount Chief of Abola Traditional Area, Nii Ohene Nunoo III, the Paramount Chief of Akumadjen, Nii Ayikai III, and the Ga State Asafoatse Onukpa, Captain Nii Kojo Nseni Mankata IV.

Book of condolence

The Dagbon delegation, also, signed the book of condolence opened in the late Ga Manyes memory.

In a tribute in the book of condolence signed by Naa Andani, the Dagbon delegation expressed profound regret for the loss of the Ga State Queenmother.

Naa Gbewaa on his own behalf and on behalf of the people of Dagbon wish to express our profound sorry on the loss of the Queen mother of the Ga State. We stand with the people of the Ga State in their time of loss. We will participate fully in the final rites for the Queenmother of the Ga State, the message read.

Zoomlion

Representatives of waste management company, Zoomlion, was also at the palace to donate assorted drinks and 12 waste bins to the palace.

They said the receptacles were to enable the palace to maintain clean environment during the funeral rites of the late queenmother.

Led by the acting Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Adokarley Okpoti-Paulo, the delegation pledged to help maintain a clean environment and hygienic conditions throughout the period of the performance of the funeral.

The book of condolence signed by Mrs Okpoti-Paulo, read we at Zoomlion are very concerned and hurt that we have lost a great queenmother of the land. Manye Naa Dede rest in perfect peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. From Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Zoomlion, and the entire management and staff, rest in perfect peace.

Book of Condolence

The first to pen a tribute in the book of condolence was President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on June 19, 2023 when he commiserated with the Ga State over their loss.

Since that time, other dignitaries and people from all walks of life have been trooping in to empathise with the Ga State and to sign the book of condolence.

The book of condolence will be closed by the first week in October to pave way for the funeral rites of the late queen.
Shops in Accra central to close for 3 days for Ga Many's final funeral rites

Kweku Zurek Sep - 10 - 2023 , 11:26

Offices and shops in the Central Business District in the Greater Accra Region are expected to remain shut for three days to make way for the final funeral rites of the late Ga Many (the Paramount Queen of Ga State), Naa Dedei Omaedru III.

"From 27th to the 29th of October, we expect shops and offices in the Central Business District to remain closed," said Naa-Yarlay Adjei Amoah, the Chief of Staff at the office of the Ga Mantse.

Naa-Yarlay Adjei Amoah, who doubles as the Secretary of the Central Funeral Planning Committee of the late Ga Many, added "We also expect them to decorate their business premises with black and red drapings".

The various markets are also to drape all their surroundings in black and red because "we are mourning together, it's not just the palace so we are respectfully calling on all to cooperate with us in this time of grief."

Naa-Yarlay Adjei Amoah made this known when a delegation from Jospong Group of Companies led by Mrs. Adokarley Okpoti-Paulo, Group Financial Controller for Environmental and Sanitation Group/ Finance Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited signed the book of condolence at the Ga Traditional Council on Friday September 8, 2023.

The Group presented an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, cartons of mineral water as well as refuse bins and an undisclosed cash donation to support preparations towards the final funeral rites of the late Ga Many.

Presenting the items, Mrs. Okpoti-Paulo, said the gesture was to console and mourn with the elders for the great loss.

She announced that Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., a subsidiary of the group will take charge of all the sanitation-related issues regarding the funeral.

"Zoomlion will help to keep the surroundings clean during and after the funeral ceremony to ensure that the Ga State is clean at all times," she promised.

Receiving the items, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, commended the Group for the gesture and prayed for a long life for the Executive Chairman of the Group.

The final funeral rites of the late Ga Many, who passed away in December last year, is slated from October 15-31, 2023.

The book of condolences was signed by President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo on June 19, 2023.
Uphold peace at all times - Togbi Kadzahlo urges Anlos at 2023 Hogbetsotso Za launch

Alberto Mario Noretti Sep - 09 - 2023 , 10:34

The 2023 Hogbetsotso Za of the Anlo State was launched at Anlo-Afiadenyigba last Thursday amid pomp and ceremony.

The festival was instituted 61 years ago by the then Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbi Adeladza II, to commemorate the migration of the people of Anlo from Notsie in the Republic of Togo to their current location.

The celebration also displays the rich culture of the Anlos and draws attention to the businesses and tourism opportunities in Anlo.

The Dufia of Anlo-Afiadenyigba, Togbi Kadzahlo IV, in a welcome address, expressed misgivings about what he described as the divisive conduct of some people in Anlo as the festive period approached, and called on all Anlos to uphold the peace and unity in the area for uninterrupted development.

Hogbetsotso Festival

Touching on the festival, he said, there was only one Hogbetsotso Za recognised and celebrated by the Anlo, and for no reason must another deviant group celebrate the same festival separately for their own glory.

Togbi Kadzahlo said one of the cardinal objectives of the Hogbetsotso Za was to reunite the people of Anlo for greater progress.

For that reason, every divisive tendency emerging before, during and after the celebration must be discouraged and nipped in the bud, he added.

The Dufia of Anlo-Afiadenyigba appealed to the organisers of the festival to consider the celebration of the Hogbetsotso Za on rotational basis among the Anlo towns in future, just as it was in the case of the mini-durbars.

That, he explained, would help to identify the specific development needs of every Anlo town and how they could be resolved.

Project

Meanwhile, Togbi Kadzahlo announced that the people of Anlo-Afiadenyigba were mobilising funds to construct the major road between the town and Havedzi Junction, since repeated calls on the government to fix the road had been ignored.

He again called on the Keta Municipal Chief Executive, Emmanuel Gemegah, to take steps to ensure that the contractor on the abandoned project site resumed work as soon as possible.

Peaceful Area

The Awadada of Anlo, Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, for his part, expressed grave concern about the attempt by some people to cause confusion in the peaceful town of Anlo.

He, therefore, called on the people to remain united to build the state for the benefit of the generations yet unborn.

He announced that this years mini Hogbetsotso Za would be celebrated at Dzelukope under the chairmanship of Togbi Dzelu IV, the Dufia of Dzelukope, on Saturday, October 28, and called on all Anlos, both at home and abroad, to patronise the event.

The Stool father of Anloland, Ambassador Dan Abodakpi, described as unfortunate some negative developments that began in the State last year but gave an assurance that this years festival would be climaxed at Anloga on Saturday, November 4.

The ceremony was chaired by a chief from Dzodze, Togbi Adzenu II.
If you've been keeping up with the spying world as of late, then the Pegasus spyware might ring some bells. Israel-based cyber-arms company NSO Group develops the software and has the capability of reading a target's text messages, listening in on calls, tracking their location and more. The software made headlines after it was discovered that multiple nations have used it to spy on journalists, activists and other persons of interest.

Apparently, Apple's recent iOS 16.6 mobile OS features a zero-day and zero-click, meaning no user interaction is required to use it, exploit dubbed "Blastpass" by its discoverer - Citizen Lab. The exploit apparently involves PassKit - and Apple SDK, allowing developers to integrate Apple Pay into their apps and some malicious images sent through iMessage to trigger the exploit. Citizen Lab successfully installed Pegasus on a target device using said exploit and immediately reported it to Apple.

A fix has now been implemented in iOS 16.6.1, and all users are advised to get the update as soon as possible. Apparently, the exploit is pretty severe and far-reaching since Citizen Lab even advised users concerned about their privacy to enable the iOS Lockdown mode - a recent iOS feature that severely restricts the functions of Apple devices.

In other recent news, China just banned the use of iPhones by government officials. We're not speculating it is somehow connected to the exploit, but Apple is definitely going through a rough patch with its iPhones.

Source | Via
Apple has a reputation of having the best software support in the smartphone world, but when iOS 16 arrived in 2022, it was only for phones from 2017 and onward  2016s iPhone 7 and iPhone SE were dropped. Thats better than Android makers, which only do OS updates for four years at most... well, its better than most Android makers.

Dutch company Fairphone made waves with its fifth generation phone  by using an industrial Qualcomm chip, it can promise support for 8 years (with an option to extend that to 10 years). This means security patches, but the company is also targeting at least 5 OS updates from the Android 13 that the phone gets at the factory.

8 years (possibly 10) of software support for the Fairphone 5

The Fairphone 5 can easily last a long, long time. For starters, the company offers 5 years of warranty instead of the standard 2 years. And, of course, the thing that put Fairphone on the map is the repairable design of their phones. The model 5 has ten modules that can be replaced individually by an inexperienced user  you just need a prying tool and a Phillips head screwdriver.

The Fairphone 5 has 10 modules that can be replaced individually

Well, the Fair in Fairphone actually stands for the way the company sources components and materials and how its phones are built  this year the phone is built out of 70% fair and recycled materials and the people at the factory are paid a living wage.

So, best phone ever? Lets have a look at the specs first. The Fairphone 5 costs 700/650, up from 580/500 for the Fairphone 4. Thats quite a price hike and the Qualcomm QCM 6490 is only equivalent to a Snapdragon 778G or so  you can easily get an 8 Gen 2 in this price range.

Fairphones first HRR display, also first punch hole

On the plus side, this year Fairphone switched to a 90Hz OLED display with higher resolution, 6.46 1,224 x 2,700px, compared to a 60Hz IPS LCD, 6.3 1,080 x 2,340px. The phone now boast stereo speakers too  but there is no headphone jack.

Additionally, the phone features three 50MP cameras  one main module (1/1.56, 1.0m) with OIS, one ultra wide (0.7m) and one selfie camera (0.74m). All three can record 4K video at 30fps. And notice the lack of a notch, this is the companys first punch hole camera.

Higher quality cameras on the Fairphone 5 (50+50MP back, 50MP front)

Additional improvements include more RAM and memory in the base (actually only) configuration, 8/256GB vs. 6/128GB, which partially offsets the price hike. Theres also a bigger 4,200mAh battery with faster 30W charging (vs. 3,905mAh/20W), it hits 50% in 20 minutes (vs. 30 minutes). And the water resistance was upgraded from IP54 to IP55.

The battery and USB-C port are easy to replace

All in all this is a solid mid-ranger and even though its priced higher than a mid-ranger, that cost will be amortized over time. A current Android mid-ranger might lose support after only 2-3 years and even if it makes it to 4-5 years, thats only as long as the Fairphone 5s warranty, never mind its actual lifespan.

There is no direct competitor to the Fairphone 5, though the future looks bright. Apple recently did a 180 and announced support for Right To Repair bills. Cupertino has also been expanding its Self Service Repair program, rival Samsung has been doing the same. Also, the EU may force manufacturers to make their batteries easier to replace. But thats in the future, the Fairphone is here today and does the self-repair thing better than any other company.



Fairphone 5 colors: Matte Black  Sky Blue  Transparent Edition

Checking up on the companys online store, we see that the estimated delivery time has slipped to September 20-25 (it started as September 14). That suggests there is demand for this device. Fairphones are niche devices, they sell in the tens of thousands rather than tens of millions like iPhones and Galaxys, so the demand is still fairly small.

Fairphone sales in 2022

Maybe its time for this to change  what do you think, is the company on the right path and will you get a Fairphone 5?
From left: Marilyn Borja, EVP of Consumer Business Unit, DOCOMO PACIFIC; George Takagi, 1st Vice Chairman, ARC Guam Chapter; Marcus Fong, Chairman of the Board, ARC Guam Chapter; Karvin Flynn, Treasurer, ARC Guam Chapter; Joaquin Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Guam; Akira Fujibayashi, Chief Technology Officer, DOCOMO PACIFIC; Roderick Boss, Chief Executive Officer, DOCOMO PACIFIC; Chita Blaise, Chief Executive Officer, ARC Guam Chapter; Jim Herbert, Board Member, ARC Guam Chapter; Robert Marks, Board Member, ARC Guam Chapter; Caroline Sablan, Board Member, ARC Guam Chapter; Rose Grino, Board Member, ARC Guam Chapter; and Monica Duenas, Secretary, ARC Guam Chapter.
Police launched a death investigation after a male body with injuries and possible signs of a foul play was discovered in the Sumai area Sunday afternoon.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations will continue to see its ties with China strengthen with particular focus on economic matters, a Malaysian observer said.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations see the two sides move in lockstep to secure and improve their economic cooperation to face an uncertain global outlook, according to Azmi Hassan, a senior research fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research.

China has proposed to accelerate ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations and strive to conclude negotiations in 2024, according to a list of China's cooperation initiatives for the ASEAN-related summits, which just concluded in Indonesia.

"I think ASEAN and China have been trading smoothly. A few years ago, when RCEP was finalized, and all 10 ASEAN plus five other countries made RCEP materialize, it is part of the healthy relationship between China and ASEAN in terms of economic matters," he told Xinhua in an interview.

In 2022, bilateral trade increased 11.2 percent year-on-year to $975.3 billion, up significantly from 443.6 billion dollars a decade ago. By July this year, two-way investments topped 380 billion dollars, with an increasing number of Chinese-funded companies and jointly-developed innovation parks.

During the 26th China-ASEAN Summit on Wednesday, a joint statement was issued on mutually beneficial cooperation between The Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. A series of outcome documents were also adopted in such fields as science and technology, agriculture and e-commerce.

Azmi also pointed to the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services as another successful cooperation where ASEAN nations are also participating, with China's openness drawing in ASEAN interest for its tourism, services, technology, innovation and digital economy.
A MASTER builder from Nettlebed is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his business.

Dan Catlin founded his own company in 2013 but has always been in the trade, having followed his father Ade.

Catlin Ltd specialises in renovations, new builds and Passivhauses, which is a German concept of building that is designed to use minimal energy.

Mr Catlin said: We have built up a good reputation in the area and have been working on some really nice projects. I am really excited for the next chapter.

His father and brother Ashley are also builders.

Mr Catlin said: When I was about 12 in the summer holidays I started helping out my dad and then when I left school, I joined the trade. He became a self-employed builder when he was 19 and then joined a local family business when he was in his early twenties before deciding to start his own company.

He said: I always knew Id own my own building company. I set up the business when I was in my thirties and it just kind of snowballed.

Mr Catlin said the project he was most proud of was the eco-friendly, energy-efficient Passivhaus he built for his family at Park Corner.

He lives with his wife Jessica and children Harry, 15, who attends Gillotts School in Henley, and Emmie, seven, who is just starting at Badgemore Primary School.

The three-storey, three/four-bedroom property is fitted with an advanced air filtration system, special insulation and triple-pane windows to make it airtight.

The couple bought the plot of land with a cowshed for 300,000 in March 2020.

Mr Catlin said: I worked on it every evening and weekend for 14 months. It was during covid so it was great timing. The house is really ahead of its time. I want to be the best builder in the area, building houses for and of the future.

I couldnt be happier with what weve built so far but Im always looking for ways to do better.

Mr Catlin said that his son would be helping him out with building projects in the school summer holidays.

He is studying business and he really enjoys that, he said. I think he has been inspired by seeing me run the company.
The U.S. bugging has long been an open secret. In 2015, WikiLeaks revealed that European leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French Presidents Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande had all been monitored by the United States. Yet, American officials simply shrugged off the accusations.

"Most of the time, foreign interference came from a friendly and allied country: the United States. For instance, I, along with (former French) President (Nicolas) Sarkozy, was under surveillance for five years by the United States' National Security Agency (NSA)," former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon stated during a hearing on foreign interference before the French National Assembly in May.

The Pew Research Center, an American research institute, published a survey in June on the American role in global affairs, revealing that in 23 countries, including Britain, France, and Germany, an average of 82 percent of respondents believed that the United States interfered in the affairs of other countries, while an average of 50 percent thought that the United States did not consider their countries' interests when making its international policy decisions.

Every American ally knows that they live in the shadow of an empire, asserted British political analyst Ian Martin, noting that the United States often acts in its own interests.

LONG-TERM SURVEILLANCE

Countries seeking strategic autonomy, like France, have always had differences and even conflicts with the U.S. on certain issues, and as a result, they were often targeted with special attention and "got stabbed in the back."

In the hearing, Fillon said the United States was not only monitoring the French but also other allies.

"When documents from U.S. intelligence services leaked," he said, "everyone focused on the fact that Chancellor ( Angela) Merkel had been spied on, but the same was true for all members of the French government and, presumably, other European countries as well."

The U.S. bugging has long been an open secret. In 2015, WikiLeaks revealed that European leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French Presidents Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande had all been monitored by the United States.

Yet, American officials simply shrugged off the accusations. Former CIA director James Woolsey wrote an article in 2000 titled "Why We Spy on Our Allies", arguing that they were right to conduct this kind of surveillance: "That's right, my continental friends, we have spied on you because you bribe."

Thanks to the European Parliament's publication of a report on the interception of private and commercial communications by American intelligence agencies, many American espionage cases have been exposed. For example, the NSA listened in on fax and phone negotiations between Airbus and Saudi Arabian Airlines as well as the Saudi Arabian government in 1994, providing relevant information to an American competitor of Airbus, helping it to defeat Airbus to get the big contract.

LONG-ARMED JURISDICTION

Long-armed jurisdiction, another typical form of American interference with their allies, "has serious consequences for the economic life of our country," said Fillon during the hearing.

He mentioned a 9-billion-dollar fine paid by the French banking group BNP Paribas in 2014 for violating the American embargo on certain countries.

"When I asked its leaders why they conducted transactions with Sudan in dollars when they could have easily done them in euros, they told me that by doing so, they would have immediately faced retaliatory measures from the United States. Since it is a global bank, it cannot afford to incur the hostility of this country," said Fillon.

According to financial experts, BNP, a major European bank, would be perceived as a threat to the supremacy of the U.S. dollar if it conducted significant transactions in euros.

During a hearing at the French National Assembly in April, former French Minister of Economy, Productive Recovery, and Digital Technologies Arnaud Montebourg elaborated on the Alstom case he had dealt with during his tenure, a typical example of American extraterritorial jurisdiction.

In 2013, the U.S. arrested Frederic Pierucci, a senior executive of the French company Alstom, on charges of involvement in a corruption case related to Alstom in Indonesia in April 2003. Under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Pierucci was sentenced to prison, and Alstom was heavily fined before being eventually coerced into selling its related operations to its main competitor General Electric, an American multinational conglomerate.

"The United States of America were indeed not victims of any harm: it (the Astom deal) did not concern an American company or American territory since the incriminated contract was signed between Indonesia and Alstom," said Montebourg. "It was a violation of our sovereignty, interference in the lives of our companies, illegal surveillance, against which protests were politically and diplomatically feeble, and an infringement on our national interests."

ARMS SALES MANIPULATION

The United States also takes advantage of their allies' military dependence to "manipulate" them. At the National Assembly, Montebourg recalled, "President (Jacques) Chirac decided in 2003 to exercise France's veto right in the United Nations Security Council against the invasion of Iraq by a Western coalition, the United States of America, which controlled the catapults of our aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, ... in retaliation, applied a unilateral embargo against France on the supply of a critical component that was of American origin."

"It was political, legal, and economic interference in our sovereignty," said the former French minister.

For self-interest, America does not hesitate to stab its allies in the back. In February 2019, Australia signed an agreement with France to order 12 conventionally powered submarines worth billions of euros.

In September 2021, the United States, Britain and Australia established AUKUS, with Washington and London announcing their support for establishing a nuclear submarine fleet for Australia. Subsequently, Australia suspended the submarine purchase contract with France and bought American nuclear submarines instead, arousing an outcry and strong protest from the French side.

Les Echos, a French newspaper, commented that the Joe Biden administration "places its strategic interests far above those of its allies."

From illegal espionage to long-armed jurisdiction, from military embargoes to theft of orders, more and more U.S. allies, including France, have fallen victim to American betrayals and its long-standing hypocrisy.
To clear the applications for setting up Ganesh pandals in Bengaluru streets, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has opened window clearance centers in all areas of the city. More than 60 such centers were opened in Bengaluru to ease the process and organizers who want to start Ganesh pandals in the street can apply and get clearance at these centers. BBMP opens window clearance centers for Ganesh pandal applicants in Bengaluru.

Also Read - Karnataka: BBMP welfare body to provide financial assistance to kin of decased engineer

Each window clearance center will have a BBMP official, a representative from Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), fire and police departments. The civic body has also directed the nodal officers to speed up the process as the festival is around the corner.

The BBMP has already imposed a strict ban on the sale and manufacture of Ganesh idols that are made with Plaster of Paris (POP). A hefty penalty will be imposed on the makers if they flout the rules.

As the idols will be erected at various places in the city, the BBMP directed for the hassle-free celebrations in the streets. The civic body also said that it will ensure that the festival happens in an environmentally friendly way and action will be taken if the celebrations breach the guidelines.

Meanwhile, it also imposed a strict ban on banners and flexes across the city, during the festival. The unauthorised flexes, banners and hoardings are already banned in Bengaluru.

Special arrangements are being made at Sankey lake, Halasuru lake, Yediyur lake, Agara lake and Hebbal lake for the immersion of idols.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The private taxi and bus associations in Bengaluru declared strike on September 11 (Monday) and most of the private transportation in the city is expected to shut. As Monday is a working day for the IT employees and other commuters, the BMTC is also planning to deploy extra buses to meet the demand amid the strike. Bengaluru bundh on September 11. What's open, what's closed

Also Read - Bangalore bandh LIVE Updates: Protests begin across city, cabs and autos stopped

Ever since the Shakti scheme, the free bus travel for women in Karnataka was implemented, the private players in the transport industry have been complaining that they are severely hit due to the scheme. They also met the transport minister earlier and asked to include private buses in the Shakti scheme and compensate them for the losses.

Earlier, transport unions had held discussions with state transport minister Ramalinga Reddy on July 24, just three days before they initially scheduled a protest for July 27. At that time, Reddy had assured them that 28 out of their 30 demands would be met by the end of August.

Also Read - Bengaluru Traffic Live Updates: Police alert with advisory on bandh day

However, the Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy then said that he will take it to the notice of the chief minister and discuss the issues with him. After not hearing back from the government, the associations decided to go on a strike for a day on September 11.

What will be closed?

All private airport taxis.

People who are heading to the airport must make their own arrangements or use the BMTC Vayu Vajra bus services to the airport.

Ola, Uber and other cabs

The app-based cabs have already announced their support for the strike and said that they will be off-road on Monday.

Autorickshaws

The auto rickshaw unions are also participating in the strike and the autos which are the crucial part of Bengalurus commute system will stay away from services.

Private buses

All private buses that travel within the state from Bengaluru will not operate on Monday.

What will operate?

Emergency services

All emergency service-related vehicles like ambulances, pharma vehicles and other important goods carrying vehicles will be working.

Food and delivery vehicles

There will no stoppage of food, grocery and other daily essential transport and they operate as usual.

Public transport.

All public transport including the BMTC buses and metro trains will operate normally without any interruptions. The BMTC is also planning to run extra buses on Monday.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said BJP and JD(S) may come together to fight 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka, but they will not be able to suppress Congress' prospects in the state. BJP-JD(S) may come together but cannot suppress Congress in K'taka, says Kharge

Also Read - Karnataka CM, DCM participate in Bharat Jodo Yatra's first anniversary celebrations

"I have read in papers that they have joined hands. I also saw pictures of Deve Gowda (JDS supremo) and Narendra Modi (PM) holding hands. Maybe they are trying to come together, but how their alliance will come together, how many seats will be shared between the both is still not clear. But there are enough indications that both of them may come together," Kharge said.

Speaking to reporters here, in response to a question, whether this was the plan to suppress the Congress, he said, "No one can suppress us. We have been trying since the beginning to stand on our own feet and face the election in Karnataka."

"In the entire country as well, about 26-28 parties (INDIA bloc) have come together to face the election, because 60 per cent of votes are with the opposition parties. If 60 per cent votes come together, 40 per cent of votes are with the NDA. So, we are hopeful that in a democratic set up, we will get success," he added.

Yediyurappa on Friday said the BJP will have an understanding with former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S) for the Lok Sabha elections, an announcement that shot up political temperature in the State.

The veteran leader, who is also the BJP parliamentary board member, had said that as part of the poll understanding, the JD(S) will contest in four LS seats in Karnataka, which has a total of 28 constituencies.

However, earlier today, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy said discussions regarding BJP and his party contesting the Lok Sabha polls together are still at initial phase.

The BJP had swept the 2019 LS polls in Karnataka by winning 25 seats, while an independent (Sumalatha Ambareesh from Mandya) backed by it won in one seat. The Congress and JD(S) won one seat each.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{At G20 dinner} Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the gala dinner during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. (PTI)

Himachal Pradesh chief minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the rain-caused calamity in the hill state a national disaster. Sukhu was the only CM from Congress-ruled states who attended a dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for G20 leaders on Saturday.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, he said, Had the privilege of addressing the grave aftermath of torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh during my conversation with Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji after our G20 Summit dinner. I also requested a special disaster relief package and emphasised the need to designate this calamity as a national disaster, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

An official statement said Sukhu has conveyed the gravitas of the damage suffered by the hill state during the monsoon season to the prime minister and appealed to him to declare the rain-related incidents a national disaster.

The CM has also told Modi that Himachal Pradesh requires substantial assistance from the Union government to chart a path towards recovery and requested him to announce a special relief package for the state.

Sukhu  who had earlier said Himachal Pradesh had suffered losses of worth 12,000 crore due to rain-related incidents this monsoon  has been demanding that the calamity be declared a national disaster and a special disaster package be announced on the lines of those provided in the aftermath of the Kedarnath and Bhuj tragedies.

On September 4, the chief minister had reiterated his demand and said he would meet Prime Minister Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah in this regard if the need arises.

Earlier, the Congress government in the hill state had raised claims of losses to the tune of 6,700 crore suffered till August 10 and sent a detailed report of the damage caused during the monsoon to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government. Himachal Pradesh saw two spells of heavy rain this monsoon.

The first on July 9 and 10 led to large-scale destruction in Mandi and Kullu districts. Shimla and Solan districts were hit during the second spell on August 14 and 15, and the capital city of Shimla suffered heavy damage as an aftermath.

According to the state emergency operation centre, 418 people have died (265 in rain-related incidents like landslides, boulder falls, floods, and 153 in road accidents) since the onset of monsoon on June 24 till September 9, while 39 are missing.

The state has suffered losses of 8,678 crore and the estimates are still pouring in, it said.

Dignitaries including US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Presidents and Prime Ministers from other countries, representatives of 19 invited countries, dignitaries from various international organisations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund and World Health Organization, Union cabinet ministers and chief ministers of various states attended the dinner

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Punjab Police has nabbed a sepoy posted as a computer operator at Western Command headquarters, Chandimandir, for allegedly supplying sensitive information to Pakistans Inter Service Intelligence (ISI), through a drug peddler. The accused has been identified as Manpreet Sharma, who hails from Bhopal. (Sanjeev Kumar/HT Representative)

The accused has been identified as Manpreet Sharma, who hails from Bhopal. His activities had come to the fore after the arrest of a drug peddler, identified as Amrik Singh, from Patiala in May 2022.

During the course of investigation into the drug case, police had recovered five mobile phones, each of a different company. Upon further examination by the cybercrime cell, it was found that one of these mobile phones contained evidence of Amriks communication with ISI agents. He was in constant touch with an ISI agent Sher Khan, through a foreign SIM card, and had allegedly leaked a 140-page dossier of vital information. He had also shared maps of the army area, pictures of such locations and other army infrastructure, which the police now believe were sourced through the sepoy arrested on Sunday.

There are many voice recordings, which the police and Army are investigating one by one.

In one of the recordings, an ISI agent is talking to Amrik about having arranged a cross-border drone. The agent is also heard asking the drug smuggler whether he has received the two AK-47 and 250 cartridges sent to him, to which Amrik responds in the affirmative.

Senior superintendent of police Varun Sharma said, Police connected the dots of the entire spy network through the drug peddler and arrested Manpreet Sharma, a computer operator posted at Western Command, Chandimandir. He is associated with drug peddler Amrik Singh.

He refused to share more information, terming the case as highly sensitive, but confirmed that the accused had shared vital information, which has been brought to notice of higher officials in the Army.

Sources said that as soon as Manpreet found out that the police had contacted the Army to join investigation in Amriks case, he proceeded on leave. However, he was nabbed a in joint operation with ATS Madhya Pradesh from Bhopal railway station. Punjab Police is bringing him to Patiala for remand. Sources also revealed that Amrik was coerced into sharing the sensitive information after being caught in a honey trap laid by the ISI. Police is also likely to quiz a retired IAS officer of Punjab, who is reportedly a relative of Amrik, and used to visit him in jail, the sources revealed.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Celebrated American gay novelist James Baldwin (1924-1987) wrote thus in his famous novel Giovannis Room that sex and gender do not matter and all that really matters is that two people love each other. Urdu writer Ismat Chughtai (HT File)

However, this simple statement irked the straight society for long and even in the US. Even in the liberal West, gay rights have taken their own sweet time to come bit by bit. in India, after a long struggle, the Supreme Court decriminalised gay sex a few years ago in 2018. The discrimination and prejudice, however, may take a very long time to go away.

The denial by the hetrosexual majority makes its way from life to literature easily and so was the case with modern Indian literature.

One recalls how the acclaimed Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, considered today as a literary genius and the true chronicler of the violence of Partition in literature, had to face as many as six trials for obscenity in his stories: three before Partition in British India and three after 1947 for obscenity in his stories. Mantos famous take on obscenity was: If you find that the characters are living an obscene life, it is because life is obscene.

An obscenity charge was also slapped on a contemporary of Manto, the famous Ismat Chughtai for her story Lihaaf (The Quilt) and had the prominent city lawyer late Hira Lal Sibal defending her in the Lahore quote along with Manto in 1945 for her story Lihaaf, which narrated same-sex love between two women. Talking about the famous case of his Lahore days in an interview, Sibal told me: Both were acquitted, but Ismat had to pay a fine of 50. This is because women were not supposed to talk about such things. With progressing time, a film based on Ismat Appas Lihaaf by director Rahat Kazmi won a Special Honour Award at a US Film Festival in 2019.

From Ismat Appa to Ruth Vanita

From the times of Ismat Chughtai, whose one story on same-sex love created a furore, we come to this age when an author activist like Ruth Vanita has created a full body of work through immaculate research and translation on the same theme. Specialising in British and Indian literary history with emphasis on gender and sexuality studies, besides writing on Hindu philosophy. She did her BA, MA and Phd in English literature from Delhi University.

In 1978, Vanita co-founded Manushi: A Journal about Women and Society and worked with the journal as co-editor till 1991. It was in the mid-80s that one came into contact with her in Delhi when Manushi was staging an anti-dowry street play in which I was picked to be the greedy mother-in-law. I still recall her gentle support and presence while her co-editor Madhu Kihswar and director Feisal Alkazi supervised the play. After having worked as a reader in the English department, she subsequently moved to the University of Montana in the US where she directed the programme of South-East Asian Studies. She has a vast repertoire of writings and translations from Hindi literature. Her books include Queering India: Same-sex Love and eroticism in Indian Culture and writing and Same-sex Love in India: Readings from Literature and History, co-edited with Saleem Kidwai.

Desire on the edge

In hand is her latest book published by Penguin Random House titled On the Edge: 100 years of Hindi Fiction on Same-Sext Desire. It is indeed the first-of-its-kind collection of short stories and extracts from Hindi novels translated from novels, which seems to be an answer to Indian critics who have rejected depiction of such love as they consider it a western phenomenon.

Vanita points out persistent prejudice in the words of none other than the revered Marxist critic Namwar Singh in his comments as late as 2010 to editor Ashish Tripahti in his introduction to Namwar Singh, Zamane Se Do-Do Haath: It is to be admitted that homosexuality is an exception. Whether it is between men or women, it is unnatural. That is how it should be portrayed in literature. Some English-language writers, under Western influence, are trying to gain cheap popularity by glorifying this exception.

As a reply to this, Vanitha has translated writings from Hindi fiction, published between 1927 to 1922 including classic works by Asha Sahay, Geetanjali Shree, Sara Rai, Rajanedra Yadav and several others.

Characters from the pieces of fiction, who remained in the shadows for long, come out in the light to tell their stories. And now it is over to this rare collection by an author of repute, of whom Daisy Rockwell winner of the 2022 Booker Award for translating the novel Rait Samadhi by Geetanjali Shree, says: Ruth Vanitas sensitive translations in this exciting new anthology enable English readers to connect with depictions of same-sex desire in Hindi literature over the past century.

So over to these stories that Vanita has translated, hoping that no one growls and points it all to the foreign hand!

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Incessant rain in the Capital on Saturday and Sunday led to waterlogging across the city, including in parts of Lutyens Delhi that have been designated controlled zone 1 for the G20 Summit, officials said, adding that more than 800 field workers were pressed into action to keep arterial roads ready for the movement of delegates. Amid rain, 800 NDMC workers deployed to keep roads clear of water

Delhi logged 38.6mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period till 8:30am on Sunday, and a subsequent 1.3mm rainfall from 8:30am to 5:30pm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), leading to complaints of water logging from parts of the Capital.

A senior New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) official, declining to be named, said the G20 control room set up at the Humayun Road disaster management centre remained active all night, coordinating the water removal work between various agencies, with security personnel deputed on ground flagging some instances and others tracked using the cameras of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

The official quoted above said the control room received 70 complaints as of 11am on Sunday. Of these, 26 were received on Saturday night. The reported issues encompassed minor waterlogging, fallen tree leaves, and malfunctioning road lights, necessitating swift and effective action, he said.

The official said NDMC addressed 19 instances of waterlogging at crucial locations  at Le Meridien near Janpath, Sikandra Road, C-Hexagon, Copernicus Marg, Barakhamba Road, Kidwai Bhawan, Statesman house, Mandi House, Harish Chander Mathur Lane, and Kautilya Marg. The removal of water stagnation was achieved through manual efforts and the utilisation of super sucker machines, the official said.

Around 800 workers equipped with wipers and mobile water pumps were working through the night to keep the water accumulation under control. Wipers were used to increase the flow of water towards bell-mouths, the official added.

NDMC vice chairman Satish Upadhyay said, Field workers have worked hard to keep the roads operational for the second day of the summit.

Shahnawaz Khan, an NDMC field worker deputed at Connaught Place, said that the entire team was on its toes through the night. We have been staying overnight in a nearby office, and with heavy rainfall starting late night on Saturday, we were tasked with checking all the bell-mouths (tapered opening) of drains open and increasing the waterflow manually, Khan said.

A second NDMC official said 450 cameras of ICCC were deployed to keep track of areas where water was starting to accumulate. In some cases, such as areas near Connaught Place, the preliminary information regarding waterlogging was dispatched by the police, while some complaints were also dispatched from the traffic police control room. In interdepartmental team efforts, a team was also dispatched to clear the waterlogging near the gate number 7 and 8 of Pragati Maidan. Due to security reasons, police provided us a window of 1am to 3am to clear the areas, the official said, on condition of anonymity.

Separately, a Public Works Department (PWD) official said, The stretch between Rajghat to Indraprastha flyover had two pumps operationalised for half an hour starting 6.30am to clear the area for VIP movement. The main Pragati Maidan Tunnel was clear and no pumps were required.

The official added that other parts of the city, such as Narela and Mundka, witnessed heavy water logging, and pumps were set up to clear the neighbourhoods.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi, in its official monsoon report on Sunday, said that waterlogging complaints were received from Narela, Lado Sarai, Neb Sarai, Sainik Farms, Delhi Gate, and Mubarak Pur Dabas. The civic body also registered 16 cases of tree felling in places like Vasant Kunj, Geeta Colony, Greater Kailash-3, and Sheikh Sarai.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory at 8.30am on Sunday, saying that traffic movement was affected on Rohtak Road between Rajdhani Park and Tikri Border due to waterlogging.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
One person died, and another was critically injured when a car collided with the motorcycle they were riding on Gurugrams Sector 22 main road, police officers aware of the matter said on Sunday. A police team arrived on the scene and rushed both riders to a private hospital in Palam Vihar, but doctors declared one of the injured dead. (Representational image)

They said that the incident occurred at 12.30am on Saturday. The police suspect the car was travelling on the wrong side of the road and struck the motorcycle from the front.

Investigators said that the motorcycle rider attempted to avoid the collision by moving sideways towards the footpath but failed and lost balance after colliding sideways with the car. Both motorcycle riders fell on the footpath, their heads striking the hard surface, causing severe injuries.

According to police, a private security guard stationed at gate two J-block in Sector 22 witnessed the accident and alerted the police control room.

A police team arrived on the scene and rushed both riders to a private hospital in Palam Vihar, but doctors declared one of the injured dead.

The deceased was identified as Satyam Kumar, 26, from Lanka in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and the injured person was Amar Kumar, 25, from Bihar. Amar Kumars condition was still critical because he had not yet regained consciousness, said officers. According to the police, both were returning to their home at Ghata village in Sector 54 after meeting up with friends in Delhi.

Inspector Deepak Kumar, Palam Vihar police stations station house officer, said they were attempting to locate the car that caused the accident. We are scanning CCTV camera footage from the area to get the cars registration number, he said.

Based on a complaint from the security guard, Ankit Singh, a first information report was registered against the unidentified car driver under sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 304A (causing death by negligence), and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering live or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code at Palam Vihar police station on Saturday.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Khamjane Vongphosy (Photo: VNA)

The minister, who is head of the Lao-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, made the assessment in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on economic cooperation between the two countries in the recent past.



According to him, the two countries have the time-honoured tradition of cooperation and mutual support throughout their respective revolutions to regain independence and national unification as well as the current causes of national defence, construction and development.



Minister Khamjane noted that under the close leadership of the two Parties and States, ministries, agencies and localities of both countries have actively coordinated with each other to effectively implement the agreement on the 10-year cooperation strategy (2021-2030) and the five-year cooperation agreement (2021-2025) as well as cooperation plans for each period. This has contributed greatly to maintaining political stability, ensuring national defence-security and socio-economic development of each country, and further promoting the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, he said.



He underlined that the Vietnamese Government has provided a large volume of aid to Laos, one third of which was used for human resources development, and the remainder was allocated to projects in other fields, including poverty reduction.



The minister highlighted the bilateral economic partnership, with two-way trade value rising throughout the years. Meanwhile, Vietnamese companies are running over 400 investment projects in Laos, which have contributed significantly to local socio-economic development, especially in infrastructure, transports, social welfare, education and culture in remote and hard-to-reach areas, thus helping gradually improve the living conditions of local people, he said.



Khamjane also informed that the two countries have worked to enhance the connectivity between the two economies, particularly in trade, investment, finance, transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications and tourism, with a view to expanding the scope for cooperation and development not only between them but also with other countries in the region.



The minister said following the direction of their leaders, the two countries have been encouraging Vietnamese firms to invest in Laos, with attention paid to attracting investment of corporations with good financial capacity and expertise to such fields as clean agriculture, processing industry, clean energy, cultural tourism and nature conservation.



He stressed that the Lao Government has attaches importance to improving the investment and business environment through streamlining licensing process, adding that the work is expected to facilitate Vietnamese investors investment and expansion of production in Laos./.
Four people were killed while 11 others, including a minor, were injured when a private bus they were traveling in collided with a trailer on Sunday morning near Amarpura village in Nagaurs Sadar area of Rajasthan, a police official said. Representational image.

The incident took place when the Nagaur-bound bus from Kherat carrying around 30 people had a head-on collision with a Kherat-bound trailer on the Nagaur-Ladnun highway, leading to the death of four people, Sadar station house officer Jagdish Jatt said.

The deceased have been identified as Mangi Lal (40), Ramzaan Umardeen (22), Muhammed Hussain (41), and Sahadev Luhar (25).

Locals rushed to rescue the injured from the bus and took them to the nearby JLN hospital for treatment.

Four of the injured, identified as Saleem Ahmed (23), Muhammed Zakeer (25), Imraan Jalal Uddin (22), and a three-year-old boy, were later referred to Bikaner for better treatment as they were critical, the SHO said.

The police have filed an FIR under section 304 A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
After a ten-day-long protest by lawyers against the lathicharge on their colleagues in Hapur, courts in Agra are set to resume work from Monday. (For representation)

The protest, however, will continue, albeit in a phased manner, said Hari Dutt Sharma, the Agra Bar Association president, on the Civil Courts premises here on Sunday.

Workings in courts will come to normalcy from Monday in compliance with a decision taken by the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh. On September 16, lawyers across the state will lodge a peaceful protest at treasury and registrar offices against the lathicharge incident, Sharma and Sunil Kumar Vasistha, the associations secretary, said in a joint statement.

In the second phase, lawyers will protest by wearing black strips and burning effigies of the state government on September 29. A division-level meeting of lawyers will be held on October 6. The presidents of all bar associations in Uttar Pradesh will attend the meeting to be organised in Prayagraj on October 13. Finally, a gherao of Vidhan Sabha Bhawan in Lucknow will be done on October 20 if the demands by lawyers remain unmet, the statement read.

Lawyers in Agra expressed solidarity with the lawyers in Hapur...and abstained from working till last Friday. We will continue to ensure compliance with directions received from the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh as and when issued, it added.

The ongoing agitation had brought workings at the sub-registrar offices in Agra tehsil to a halt last week. As such no sale deed or other document were executed throughout the week.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
In light of a potential resurgence in Naxalite activities in parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the state government has opted to enhance vigilance and patrol efforts in three districts. A senior police official explained that the UHF radios work within a frequency range of 400 and 512 megahertz, and theyre preferred because their signals could even penetrate busy buildings and were suitable for indoor and outdoor usage. (File)

A senior home department official confirmed that the government has released 1.19 crore for the purchase of safety gear and communication devices needed for effective patrolling in the Naxal-hit areas of Sonbhadra, Chandauli and Mirzapur districts.

An order, addressed to the additional director general (ADG) at U.P. Police Headquarters, was issued in this regard on August 30. HT has seen the order.

It further stated that 65 lakh has been released for the purchase of at least 130 units of bulletproof jackets. Each unit costs 50,000, as mentioned in the order.

The government has also approved the purchase of 122 units of hand-held ultra-high frequency (UHF) radios for 50.63 lakh. Each unit costs 41,500.

A senior police official explained that the UHF radios work within a frequency range of 400 and 512 megahertz, and theyre preferred because their signals could even penetrate busy buildings and were suitable for indoor and outdoor usage.

The third tool in the list is 56 units of high-end earphones that will be bought for 4.05 lakh. Each unit costs 7,245. The official said these earphones were for easy communication while patrolling the Naxal-affected areas.

The recent government order was issued in the wake of the arrest of five alleged Naxalites, among whom was a key woman member, from Balia district by the UP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) on August 15. The ATS had claimed that the arrested persons were involved in re-establishing their organisation in the state by carrying out fresh recruitment.

Moreover, this apprehension of the Naxal movement spreading in some parts of the state gained momentum after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raided eight locations in Prayagraj, Varanasi, Azamgarh, Chandauli and Deoria on September 5. The NIA later claimed that their investigation indicated that several frontal organisations and student wings had been tasked to motivate and recruit more cadres and propagate the ideology of the banned CPI (Maoist) in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh with the intent of waging a war against the establishment.

The NIA officials claimed that these organizations were conspiring to commit acts of terror and violence in furtherance of this agenda. They stated one Pramod Mishra was leading the cadres and sympathisers as well as over-ground workers of CPI (M) in the efforts to revive the banned organisation.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The King Georges Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow is likely to get its second campus in the Balrampur district. Balrampur district is 150 km away from the state capital. The development of the campus will add 100 MBBS seats in the state that has over 3000 seats in the government sector. (HT FILE)

A team of officials from the medical education department of Uttar Pradesh and KGMU visited a 300-bed government hospital in Balrampur district where the proposed second campus of KGMU is likely to come up.

As per the officials, this hospital will be upgraded to a medical college under the supervision of experts from KGMU. At this campus, a total of 100 students will initially be given admission to the MBBS course.

Balrampur district is 150 km away from the state capital. The development of the campus will add 100 MBBS seats in the state that has over 3000 seats in the government sector.

Once things materialise, the existing infrastructure will be analysed and further developed keeping in view the need of patients coming to Balrampur hospital and in accordance with the standards for the MBBS students as the national medical commission has drafted, said a senior official of the KGMU.

Need for second campus

The proposal to start a second satellite campus of KGMU was made five years ago but it could not be materialised. The need was felt keeping in view the patient footfall from other districts.

Over 1000 patients, mostly in serious condition, come from other districts out of the daily average of 7000 patients who visit KGMU.To ensure people get timely treatment for ailments under expert guidance in their own districts second campus was planned.

A second campus in Balrampur will cater to patients from Basti, Gonda, and Siddharthnagar, as they will not have to come to Lucknow for treatment.

With the help of tele-consultancy/telemedicine people in Balrampur will get expert opinions from doctors sitting at the medical university and they will not be required to travel, which is one key factor for delayed treatment in periphery districts in the state, said Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary general association of international doctors.

Also, visits of senior faculty from each department will be scheduled to Balrampur to make sure the facilities develop and run as per the desired standard. Attempts will be made to develop a facility at Balrampur for all types of major surgeries for which people usually travel to Lucknow.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Mumbai: The probe into the custodial death of a housekeeping worker, Vikram Atwal, has been transferred from the Andheri police station to the Mumbai Crime Branchs Unit 10. Atwal was arrested by the Powai police on September 4, a day after he allegedly killed an airhostess in her Marol flat, and died allegedly by suicide on September 8 in the police lockup. Mumbai, India - Sep 04, 2023 : The Powai police on Monday morning arrested a cleaning staff of a housing society in Marol for allegedly murdering a trainee air hostess living in the building, in Mumbai, India, Monday, Sep 04, 2023. (Photo by Vijay Bate/HT Photo)

Crime Branch officials have started recording the statements of the 16 occupants of the lockup and the guards who were posted there. According to the police, there were around 16 CCTV cameras installed in the lockup, of which six were not working. There were over 20 accused in the Andheri general lockup: 16 of these were in Atwals barrack on the ground floor while the rest were on the first floor.

The police have recorded the statements of around six to seven inmates of the barrack as well as around five police guards of the 16 who were posted there, said a Crime Branch officer. Another police team, meanwhile, recorded the statements of Atwals family members.

Narrating the incident, a Crime Branch official said that Atwal was put in the general lockup at Andheri police station between 12.30 pm and 12.45 pm on Thursday, after the Powai police completed the process of interrogation. As per the statements of the other occupants of the barrack, Atwal went into the bathroom the next morning at around 6.50 am and did not come out for almost an hour. The incident came to light between 8.15 am and 8.30am after the shift of the prison guards changed.

After arriving on duty, the new guard began counting the inmates in the lockup and found one missing. He then checked the premises and found Atwal lying unconscious in the bathroom, where he had allegedly used his trousers to hang himself. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead before admission. The body was then sent to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem, and his family was informed about his death.

A police officer who is part of the probe said they had been checking the sequence of events, including whether the medical examination was conducted or not before putting Atwal in the general lockup and if there were any lapses by the guards on duty. The probe is at a very preliminary stage, he said. Things will become clearer once we record the statements of all the inmates of Atwals barrack. Apart from statements, we have also examined the technical evidence and recorded the opinions of doctors and experts.

The crime

Atwal was on the cleaning staff of the NG Complex housing society in Marol, where the victim stayed with her sister and a friend. She had had many run-ins with him in the past over dereliction of duty. On September 3, she summoned him to her flat to clean a choked pipe in her bathroom. With full knowledge that she was alone at the time, Atwal went there armed with a sickle: the intention was to sexually assault and kill her, he confessed to the police after his arrest.

Soon after he entered the flat, Atwal and the victim got into another verbal spat. He attacked her but she managed to overpower him and even took away his weapon. Scared that she would complain, Atwal wrested the sickle from her and slit her throat. He then dragged the blood-soaked body to the bathroom and left the flat.

Meanwhile, the victims parents called her several times during the day, but on not getting any response, reached out to her friends. They rushed to her flat and had a security guard break open the front door to find the victim lying in a pool of blood inside.

The police formed eight teams to probe the murder and tracked down Atwal to his residence in Tunga village, Andheri. They found him in a blood-stained shirt with visible injury marks on his hands and face, indicating the prior scuffle between him and the deceased. He was arrested and on September 5 sent to three-day police custody, which ended on September 8.

The victim

The victim moved to Mumbai six months ago from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and lived in the third-floor rented accommodation in NG Complex with her elder sister and a friend. At the time of the incident, she was alone in the apartment, as her sister and friend had left for their hometown three days earlier.

The accused

Atwals wife also works in the housekeeping department of the building. The couple has two daughters, one of them a teen.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Mumbai: Around 7.4 kg of foreign-origin gold worth 4.51 crore was seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)s Mumbai unit at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai on Saturday. HT Image

The DRI busted a syndicate allegedly involved in smuggling gold dust-in-wax and arrested six persons under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, including two alleged carriers, a security employee of a private airline, and a father-son duo who ran a facility at Kalbadevi, south Mumbai, specialising in the melting of smuggled gold for further sale, for their alleged involvement in the smuggling operations, sources said.

The agency also seized gold weighing 4.28 kg worth 3.32 lakh from the premises of the melting facility on suspicions that they were proceeds from the sale of the smuggled gold. The operators of the smuggling ring, who are suspected to be members of an international syndicate, allegedly smuggled gold dust-in-wax via carriers, who allegedly took a commission for the same.

The agency had received intelligence that a passenger arriving at the Mumbai International Airport from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at around 9.30am on Saturday would be carrying some contraband with him. As per the input, the passenger was supposed to leave the contraband in the aircraft, and the said contraband would then be picked up by unknown ground staff of the airline, who would smuggle it out of the airport.

Acting on the intelligence, the DRI team intercepted a security employee working with a private airline. The frisking of the employee in front of independent panchas yielded allegedly two black packets containing gold dust in wax, weighing around 1.7 kg, concealed in his shoes (one packet in each shoe).

The employee told the agency that the two gold packets were left by a particular passenger in the seat pocket of seat 22f, where he sat in the aircraft. The accused further said that he had allegedly been asked to pick up the gold packets and smuggle them outside the airport without declaring the same to the Customs authorities. The airline employee said that he would get 50,000 from the smuggling syndicate for pick-up of the gold left by any passenger and that he had been working for the smugglers since January this year.

The DRI, thereafter, identified the concerned passenger and questioned him after intercepting him at the Baggage Scanning Machines - area. The passenger revealed that he had allegedly been asked by a person to carry the gold and leave it behind in the aircraft and that he was asked to leave the airport and then contact a man, who was in touch with the airline employee too, to tell him about the gold packets he had left behind and to collect his commission from him.

The DRI zeroed in on the man, who was in contact with the airline employee and the passenger, who allegedly confessed to his role in picking up smuggled gold packets within a 2-km radius of the airport on behalf of the smuggling syndicate for handing them over to the latter. The accused said that he got allegedly a commission of around 3, 000 per such pickup of gold packets and that he would earn up to four lakh per month from such activities (up to four such pick-ups per day). The accused also said that he used to allegedly hand over the gold packets in turn to either a representative of the smuggling syndicate or to a man, who along with his son, operated a melting facility for smuggled gold.

The DRI meanwhile seized two more packets of gold dust -in-wax weighing 1.7 kg from another passenger who arrived from a flight from Phuket, Thailand, at the Mumbai international airport, on further revelations of the arrested airline security employee who said he had been directed by the syndicate to collect gold packets left by the former as well. The passenger who arrived from Phuket was arrested as well. He had earlier been intercepted by Mumbai Customs in February 2019, according to him.

The DRI arrested the gold facilitys operator and his son for their alleged roles. The agency is probing the roles of other members of the syndicate and the hawala angle in the purchase of the gold.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) is considering a significant change in its land payment scheme for realtors, officials aware of the matter said. Under the proposed revision, developers may be allowed to pay housing land costs over a five-year period, in contrast to the previous scheme, which required payment within 90 days after land allotment. (Representative Image)

Under the proposed revision, developers may be allowed to pay housing land costs over a five-year period, in contrast to the previous scheme, which required payment within 90 days after land allotment.

Officials said that move comes after Yeidas realized that realtors have been hesitant to purchase land for realty projects under the current scheme.

Under the existing scheme, developers are initially required to pay 30 per cent of the total land cost immediately upon allotment. Subsequently, within 90 days, Yeida requests the remaining 70 per cent of the land cost.

In contrast, the new scheme currently under development would require developers to make a 30 percent payment at the time of allotment, with the remaining 70 percent of the land cost spread over a five-year period.

The proposal for this change will be presented in the upcoming Yeida board meeting scheduled for September 13.

Arun Vir Singh, chief executive officer of Yeida, said, We will present the proposal to the board for discussion. We will see what the board decides.

Yeida has already allocated land for approximately 20 real estate projects since 2010, and it now intends to extend this to housing land in its new schemes designated for developers.

The land is currently allocated at a rate of approximately 32,000 per square metre. Following this board meeting, Yeida aims to introduce schemes for the allocation of group housing land, driven by increased demand due to the acceleration of the airport project work in Jewar.

The change in the payment plan is necessary because entrepreneurs or young talented players with limited funds cannot acquire land in the ongoing scheme in the Yamuna area. Only large groups with substantial funds can participate in this scheme. The new scheme will promote entrepreneurship and provide opportunities to new players, said Vivek Raman, a real estate expert and co-founder and managing director of the Regrob Group of Companies.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Bihar police on Saturday arrested a close relative and his driver of Gopalganj Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Sadar Kusum Devi on charges of liquor possession. Gopalganj Police recovered 36 litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from their possession (Representative Photo)

Police said they were arrested from Kararia village, around 190km northwest of the state capital, late on Saturday while coming from Uttar Pradesh.

The arrests were made after a tip-off, and police recovered 36 litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from their possession, said Gopalganj excise superintendent Rakesh Kumar.

The excise police had started a routine checking of vehicles when this particular vehicle carrying two persons was stopped. Bottles of IMFL in four cartoons were found in the automobile, Rakesh said.

Police have identified the arrested persons as Ashok Singh, a former chief of Khawajepur panchayat and his driver Harikesh Shah.

Singh is the brother-in-law of MLA Devi and the younger brother of former minister Subhash Singh, police said.

Following the arrest, a first information report was lodged at the Town police station, and both were sent to jail, said police.

When contacted, the MLA said the driver had kept liquor bottles in the car, but his brother-in-law was unaware of it.

Under Bihars Excise Act, the sale and consumption of alcohol was banned in Bihar by the chief minister Nitish Kumar government in April 2016.

Meanwhile, Bihar police late on Saturday night seized at least 45,303 bottles of IFML loaded in a sealed container and trucks from Muzaffarpur and Banka districts, police said on Sunday.

Acting on a tip-off from the Patna control room, a team of Gaighat police seized the container near Beruga Dhalan locality and arrested its driver and cleaner identified as Gorakh Ram and Bajran Ram, both a resident of Barmer in Rajasthan.

In other raids, Banka police seized a truck from the Bhagalpur-Hansdiha national highway near a high school and recovered 518 cartons (6823 litres IMFL) worth Rs.70 lakh and arrested his driver identified as Kisan Ram, a resident of Barmer in Rajasthan.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Bihars Patna University (PU) has decided to change the colonial name of its iconic Wheeler Senate House to Jayaprakash Narayan Convention Centre after activist Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, people aware of the matter said. Bihar governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the refurbished hall on September 5 (HT Photo/Sourced)

The decision comes less than a week after Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is the Chancellor of the university, advocated it on Teachers Day. On September 5, the governor along with chief minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the refurbished hall.

The name was recommended by CM Kumar who said, it was here that JP addressed to sow the seeds of the revolution and we were also part of it.

This iconic hall was the venue in 1973 where the representatives of the students union under JP adopted a resolution for launching a statewide agitation against the misrule of the then government, which later paved the way for changing the political scenario of the entire nation.

According to a notice issued by the Patna University registrar, the renaming of the hall will take place on Monday (September 11) following the proposal approval from the Chancellors secretariat.

I have been told great philosopher and poet Rabindra Nath Tagore had also visited here. The university should think on those lines to get rid of the colonial hangover, Governor Arelkar said.

It was in the Wheeler Senate House that poet Rabindranath Tagorewas was felicitated on March 17 1936 soon after he won the Nobel prize.

According to university archives, the hall was built with funding from Raja Devaki Nandan Prasad Singh of Munger, who had offered to meet the entire cost of building the senate hall in 1925.

The hall was built in 1926 and was inaugurated the same year by the then Governor of Bihar and Orissa province and Chancellor of the University Sir Henry Wheeler.

Earlier, it hosted convocations, conferences and other functions, but its condition kept deteriorating until the Bihar government got it renovated, keeping its aesthetic design with magnificent pillars, high ceilings and attached corridors intact.

Eminent personalities like Lord Mountbatten, Sarojini Naidu, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, C D Deshmukh, VKRV Rao, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit and Jayaprakash Narayan addressed university convocations here. Scientists like Jagadish Chandra Bose, Sir CV Raman, Meghnad Saha, and Satyendra Nath Bose also addressed university students and faculty members. Its legacy is huge, said the former head of the Department of Economics, NK Choudhary.

However, Patna University, set up in 1917 and the seventh oldest university in the country, does not have just one structure reminding of the pre-independence days.

It has its famed hostels carrying colonial names. Universitys Minto Hostel which was set up in 1907 was named after the then Viceroy Lord Minto while Jackson Hostel, set up in 1908, was named after then Patna College principal VH Jackson.

Last month, the university students held a protest after speculations over the possible changing of the names of the hotels. However, university vice-chancellor Girish Choudhary, whose term is ending later this month, said there was no such proposal at present and he would like to see the university grow.

New hostels of greater capacity are already planned. PU is undergoing an image makeover, and many things have changed for the better. Thanks to financial assistance from the government. The campus development projects worth over Rs.300 crore have already been approved. We have submitted another Rs.414 crore project for Saidpur development with more hostels and residential quarters. The objective is to revive the glory of the university during my tenure and beyond. I have tried to do my best here as PU is my alma mater, Choudhary had said.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arun Kumar Arun Kumar is Senior Assistant Editor with Hindustan Times. He has spent two-and-half decades covering Bihar, including politics, educational and social issues. ...view detail
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has convened a meeting of all political parties in Maharashtra on Monday to discuss Maratha reservation issue, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, said on Saturday. Maratha reservation has become a complex issue for the government with those agitating from the community is pressing for their inclusion in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. (HT PHOTO)

Speaking in Pune, Ajit Pawar said that despite multiple efforts by government and various leaders, the Maratha protestors led by Manoj Jarange has continued fast unto death at Antarwali Sarati village in Ambad tehsil in Jalna district of Marathwada.

The government has taken all efforts to end the Jarange patils hunger strike. Various efforts have been made so far which include government representatives including minister Girish Mahajan and Arjun Khotkar meeting Jarange Patil. However, he has refused to end the fast. Now, the Chief Minister has convened an all-party meeting on the reservation issue on Monday, said Ajit Pawar.

At Antarwali Sarati, Jarange Patil welcomed the decision to convene an all-party meeting although he clarified that hunger strike will continue. From today onwards, I have stopped taking water and even the medicines in order to escalate the strike. The government can take its time, but I will not break my fast until our demands are met.

Maratha reservation has become a complex issue for the government with those agitating from the community is pressing for their inclusion in the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. Many in the OBCs, however, have opposed inclusion of Marathas in their category fearing that it might eat into their reservation.

The state government led by Shinde after several rounds of negotiations between Jarange Patil and the government appointed representatives last week issued a government resolution offering certificates to those Marathas in Marathwada who have records from Nizam era.

Jarange Patil, however, has rejected the government resolution, saying he will not break his fast unto death until all Marathas be given Kunbi certificates by state government. Jarange Patil has also sought action against police personnel responsible for the lathi-charge against protesters, and those cases filed against protesters be withdrawn.

Meanwhile on Saturday, Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra assembly Vijay Wadettiwar participated in a protest staged by OBC community members opposing inclusion of Marathas in the list.

In order to intensify the fight for the rights of Kunbi/OBCs, an indefinite strike has been started at Constitution Chowk Nagpur on behalf of the All Branch Kunbi OBC Movement Committee. Visited the protest site today and extended my support for the demands made on behalf of the protest committee, Wadettiwar said in a post on X.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan will pay a visit to Mozambique. (Photo: VNA)

Highlighting the significance of the visit, set to take place next week, the ambassador said that it takes place in the context of Mozambique prioritizing development towards modernising the industry, attracting foreign investment capital and improving social life to create momentum for the countrys general election in 2024.

Moreover, the country is taking on the role of non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2023 - 2024 term, affirming it as a responsible member to regional and international issues.

This is a decisive moment for Vietnam and Mozambique, on the basis of good political relations, to continue to explore and expand relations from traditional areas of cooperation such as agriculture, education, healthcare to new areas like digital transformation, minerals, civil industry, agricultural processing, construction, energy, and infrastructure, he said.

During the visit, Xuan will meet leaders of Mozambique and local business representatives, which offer opportunities for the two sides to review the implementation of cooperative activities and propose measures to strengthen their multifaceted collaboration, Kim said, noting the Vice Presidents visit will continue to affirm the good traditional friendship between Vietnam and Mozambique.

With the important role and increasing position of Mozambique in southern Africa and Vietnam in Southeast Asia, the potential for cooperation between the two countries in the coming time is huge, especially in economy and trade, according to Kim.

Mozambique has strengths in natural resources, fisheries and competitive labour while Vietnam boasts advantages in agriculture, handicrafts, fisheries, and a hard-working workforce.

The complementary economies, the regular exchange of high-level delegations, and enhanced cooperation between localities and businesses are favourable factors for Vietnam - Mozambique relations to further develop, the diplomat said.

Vietnam and Mozambique established diplomatic relations on June 25, 1975. Vietnam opened its Embassy in Mozambique in 1976, showing its respect for and desire to develop the traditional friendship with Mozambique in particular and African countries in general.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation is the highlight of the two countries' relationship. Their trade turnover in 2022 reached over 177 million USD, an increase of 16% compared to 2022./.
PUNE For around a decade and a half, no chief minister in Maharashtra has escaped the wrath of Maratha community, seeking reservation. (Hindustan Times)

The issue of Maratha reservation is back to haunt the state government led by chief minister Eknath Shinde and his two deputies  Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. For around a decade and a half, no chief minister in Maharashtra has escaped the wrath of Maratha community, seeking reservation.

Fadnavis, a Brahmin, however, has faced the most even as it was under his rule, between 2014 and 2019, that the state government made maximum efforts and successfully offered reservation to Marathas. Marathas were first granted 16 per cent reservation in jobs and education by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)-Congress government led by Prithviraj Chavan in 2014 although it could not sustain as within days the High Court quashed it.

After Fadnavis offered reservation, the High Court upheld it. In 2021, when Uddhav Thackeray was the chief minister, the Supreme Court turned down the reservation, citing that Marathas cannot be termed backward, and theres restlessness within the community.

The apex court has taken a firm stand on the issue and has also quashed a review petition by Shinde-led state government in April this year. While the government has now gone into curative petition, hoping for a different approach from the Supreme Court, many feel the outcome may not change.

Given that curative petitions have on most occasions never worked in the past, the Marathas have brought in change in their stand with demand that they be included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

Its for the same reasons, some members of the Maratha community from Marathwada have been on hunger strike and the government too appears to be taking a serious note of it given the size (around 31% of population) and clout the community has in state.

While the protests were initially largely away from medias radar, the violent protests in Jalna district of Marathwada brought to centre stage the issue and those raising it.

If the reservation protests in the past were staged by prominent leaders from Maratha outfits, the current face of the agitation  Manoj Jarange Patil  was largely an unknown name even as he has participated in various protest on the issue previously, due to the violent clash between the police and his supporters.

If the police lathi charge on Maratha protestors was an immediate trigger for the issue to be in the focus, there is another reason too for many in the community feeling uneasy. For the past one and a half years, the state election commission has not been able to hold local elections, be it for municipal corporations, councils, or zilla parishads due to various petitions in the Supreme Court. The state government too on its part has not shown keenness to push for local body polls, possibly due to political considerations.

Marathas, being politically influential and active, feel left out and seek polls to possibly restored their status. At the same time, the sentiments related to reservation are stronger among those in the community from Marathwada region compared to Marathas from western or north Maharashtra.

With smaller land holding, lack of jobs, and inadequate rainfall this year, the unease is far more among Marathas in Marathwada. It is for the same reason, Patils demand has been to first give Kunbi certificates to Maratha community in Marathwada. With Kunbis being part of OBCs, the certificates can enable Marathas of reservation.

However, it will not be easy for the government to accept this demand as it can lead to unrest among Marathas and OBCs who feel the move will eat into their quota.

Interestingly, Marathas till late 1980s were not keen to reservation and there was reluctance to be tagged backward. However, after the Mandal Commission recommended 27 per cent reservation to OBCs, Marathas began to feel left out in jobs and education. By the first decade of this century, community hit the streets and protested for reservation.

As argued in this column in the past, Marathas have over the decades retained its clout in Maharashtras politics, keeping its share intact in power. If Maharashtra has had more than 60 per cent chief ministers from Marathas, the community has fair representation in the cabinet or in state assembly.

On the economic front, Marathas are a stratified community. Dalit writer Anand Teltumbde, who extensively covered the caste system in India, has observed in his Economic and Political Weekly piece that Marathas have witnessed three-fold stratification.

The lowest at the hierarchy are either land-less or marginal farmers. They are mostly from Maharashtras Marathwada and account for largest within the community. It is for the same reason, the demand for reservation to community gained maximum traction in this region.

It is for this section that many political parties have sought reservation, citing they account for majority of the community. The same class, attracted towards caste-based outfits such as Maratha Mahasangh, Sambhaji brigade and Chhawa, has largely remained dissatisfied with those within the community holding on to power. This section is largely trapped in agriculture sector without access to urban resources.

At the middle level are those having control over land and resources through various institutes like cooperatives and credit societies. Many in this category have control over rural credit and banking. There are many in this category whose next generation has migrated to bigger cities such as Pune and Mumbai for jobs.

In the cities though, this section has not been able to dominate the economy. On the contrary, many have had to settle for secondary position, not in consonance with Maratha pride.

The top most category in the Maratha stratification is one that has direct control over power. This section, no matter which party is in government (Ajit Pawar being a classic case), has enjoyed the fruits of power. This has at times led to increasing gap between Maratha elite and the community with former using identity politics to gain power without ensuring the benefits of power reaching the community at large.

Today, the community that assumed control of the states political apparatus seeks tag of backwardness as many within it could not taste the benefits of post-globalisation economy. While the community draws its dominance from the caste cluster of Marathas and Kunbis, which makes its numerically strong, economically, a large section of it has not been able to achieve material growth.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Following three incidents within the span of a month wherein doctors and nurses at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)-run Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) were verbally abused and threatened by visitors  the latest involving a female doctor being abused by a female security guard herself  the civic body has decided to transfer the entire staff of 34 security guards from KNH. The civic body has decided to transfer the entire staff of 34 security guards from Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH) (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

On August 25, the female doctor in question scolded a female orderly at KNH over a mistake, saying that if the latter was unable to work in that ward, she could do some other work. The female orderly informed her mother, who has been working as a security guard at KNH for the past 15 years. Infuriated, the mother then threatened the female doctor with dire consequences, called the local people, and abused the doctor.

According to the female doctor, the mother-daughter duo created a scene and began abusing her and recording a video. I had only told her daughter (orderly) that if she is unable to work in the ward, she can do some other work. Its a regular thing to be scolded by your superiors for mistakes. However, doctors and nurses at the hospital are bullied and threatened by the local staff, which has been stationed at the same hospital for several years and has political connections. However, I appreciate that the PMC has issued orders and decided to transfer the entire security staff of the hospital, the female doctor said.

Despite the female doctor taking the matter lightly to begin with, the attitude of the female security guard did not change, forcing the former to complain to the health department on Friday. Thereafter on Saturday, September 9, the police visited KNH but the female doctor refused to lodge a complaint with them. However, the PMC took matters in its own hands and decided to transfer the entire staff of 34 security guards from KNH.

Officials said that earlier on August 4, a resident doctor had been verbally abused by a visitor to the hospital after which an FIR was registered with the police. On August 5, a nurse was similarly verbally abused. While the former two incidents raised questions regarding the security at the hospital, in the latest incident, the female security guard herself had abused and threatened the female doctor.

Confirming the development, Dr Kalpana Baliwant, health officer of PMC, said that two to three security staff at the hospital had behaved inappropriately with the doctors and other staff. The complaint had been lodged and they were expecting the staff to be transferred. The issue has been discussed with the medical superintendent of KNH. The hospital head has been asked to regulate and control the security and administration at the hospital, she said.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Three months have passed since the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) decided to dismantle the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) on Pune-Ahmednagar (Nagar) Road from Parnakuti (Yerawada) to Viman Nagar Chowk however the civic body has managed to dismantle the BRTS only in parts. As a result, traffic congestion and accidents continue to occur on this arterial road. BRTS causing blind spot near Gunjan Chowk. (Shankar Narayan/HT PHOTO)

Since the announcement in June, the PMC has only managed to dismantle the BRTS on this road from Parnakuti (Yerawada) to Gunjan Chowk, and Ramwadi Octroi Post to Novotel Hotel (Wadgaon Sheri Chowk). The BRTS elsewhere on this road continues to cause accidents, especially near Gunjan Chowk where all private luxury buses and state transport (ST) buses halt, Shastri Nagar Chowk, and Chandrama Hotel. So much so that the Yerawada traffic police have written to the PMC to at least place reflectors on the BRTS railing in the accident-prone areas to prevent accidents from occurring. Of these, the PMC has managed to place bollards and signages at Gunjan Chowk.

Shailesh Shankhe, police inspector, Yerawada traffic branch, said, In the last one month, more than five accidents have occurred at three spots. Especially Gunjan Chowk is one of the dangerous spots where commuters hit the BRTS railing. We have written two letters so far. Finally, the PMC has placed signage only at the Gunjan Chowk spot.

The PMC had announced plans to dismantle the BRTS on this stretch but they have not. It is the PMCs decision and we cannot pursue it, he said.

Upendra Vaidya from the PMC road department, said, We have dismantled only certain parts of the BRTS on Nagar Road where the road becomes narrow due to the metro pillars and staircase and causes traffic congestion. On Saturday, we placed signage and plastic bollards with reflectors at the Gunjan Talkies Chowk. We have also removed some of the railing near the Gunjan Talkies Chowk and cleared the road. We will repeat the same at the other two accident-prone spots. There is no need to dismantle the entire Nagar Road BRTS.

Qaneez Sukhrani, convenor, Association of Nagar Road Citizens Forum, said, I have been an opponent of the BRTS since 2006 as the BRTS Global Concepts and Features are not being used. Because a wide portion of Nagar Road is taken up by the segregation for the BRTS, traffic congestion on the MV lanes is tremendous. After the announcement of the PMC, it should have dismantled the BRTS from Parnakuti (Yerwada) to Viman Nagar Chowk completely and not in parts for better results.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Selection Committee of DMER Tamil Nadu will begin the registration process for the Mop-Up round for MBBS/BDS Degree courses from tomorrow, September 11. The registration and choice-filling process for the TN NEET UG MBBS and BDS courses will end on September 14. Candidates can register online through the official website at tnmedicalselection.net. DMER Tamil Nadu Begins Registration for TN NEET UG Mop-Up Round for MBBS/BDS Degree Courses on September 11

The processing of seat allotment will be held on September 15. The TN NEET UG Mop-Up round seat allotment results will be announced on September 16. Candidates will be able to download the provisional seat allotment results from September 17 to September 21 till 5 p.m. The last date for reporting at the allotted college is September 22 till 3 p.m.

Candidates who are participating the online choice filling for MBBS/BDS Degree Courses will have to remit a non-refundable Registration Fee of Rs.500/- for Government Quota and Rs.1000/- for Management Quota, reads the official notification.

TN NEET UG 2023 Counselling: How to register for Mop-Up round

To apply for registration, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official site of DMER, Chennai at tnmedicalselection.net.

Click on DMER, Chennai at tnmedicalselection.net.

A new page will open where candidates can click on the registration link.

Click on the link and enter the required details.

Fill in the application form and make the payment of application fees.

Once done, click on submit.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Get latest news on Education along with updates on Board Exams and Competitive Exams at Hindustan Times. Also get latest Job updates on Employment News

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Joint Entrance Examination Council, Uttar Pradesh will release the seat allotment result for round 5 today, September 10. Candidates can check the seat allotment results through the official website at jeecup.admissions.nic.in. UP Polytechnic 2023 Seat Allotment Result to be Released Today; Check at jeecup.admissions.nic.in(Hindustan Times/Karun Sharma/For representation only)

According to the official schedule, the UP Polytechnic 2023 seat allotment results will be released today, September 10. Candidates will be able to deposit the fee acceptance from September 11 to September 12. The classes will commence on September 14, 2023.

UP Polytechnic 2023 seat allotment result: How to check

To check the seat allotment result, candidates can follow the steps given below.

Visit the official website of JEECUP at jeecup.admissions.nic.in.

On the homepage, click on the round 5 seat allotment result link

Enter the required credentials and click on submit.

Seat allotment results will be displayed on the screen

Check it and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Get latest news on Education along with updates on Board Exams and Competitive Exams at Hindustan Times. Also get latest Job updates on Employment News

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Blue Exorcist is making a highly anticipated return with a brand-new anime series, set to tackle the thrilling Shimane Illuminati Saga in 2024. After a break of over a decade since the Kyoto Saga, fans have eagerly awaited more from this beloved series. Blue Exorcist Reawakens: 'Shimane Illuminati Saga' Brings the Heat in 2024. (Twitter. X)(Twitter. X)

With the manga currently in the midst of its final epic battles, the surprise announcement of a third season of the Blue Exorcist anime last year sent waves of excitement through the fanbase.

ALSO READ: Solo Leveling anime unveils premiere date, fans gear up for epic adventure!

During Aniplex Online Fest 2023, it was unveiled that the Blue Exorcist anime would be back with 'Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga'. This new adaptation will cover volumes 10 through 15 of Kazue Kato's original Blue Exorcist manga, and it promises to feature the return of the familiar cast.

Studio VOLN is at the helm of this project, and fans were treated to a new trailer and a captivating poster in anticipation of the series' premiere in January 2024.

The series will bring back the voice cast from the first two seasons and the feature film. The series composition will be handled by Toshiya Ohno, the the character design will be done by Yurie Daito and the music will be composed by Kohta Yamamoto and Hiroyuki Sawano.

Notably, the second season of the Blue Exorcist anime concluded with an entirely original storyline, so this upcoming batch of episodes holds the potential to surprise fans.

ALSO READ: One Piece enters the final saga, Egghead Arc: What to expect from the new arc

The Shimane Illuminati arc represents the sixth major story arc from the Blue Exorcist manga. It follows the events of the Kyoto Impure King arc and spans chapters 50 through 64.

For those eager to get up to date with thE thrilling saga and the entirety of the Blue Exorcist manga, Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump library provides a convenient means to catch up before the Blue Exorcist anime makes its grand comeback.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
One Piece finally made its way to live-action television after seven years of production. Upon its release, the show quickly skyrocketed to the top spot in 84 countries, outperforming even Netflix's hits like Stranger Things and Wednesday. Netflix's One Piece adaptation excels globally but disappoints creator Eiichiro Oda with plot deviations.(One Piece )

Eiichiro Oda, the mangaka behind One Piece, initially had reservations about a live-action adaptation but ultimately greenlit the project. He serves as the executive director, ensuring every detail aligns with his imaginative world. When I first started, I didnt think there was any point in drawing a manga that could be remade in live-action. But when I saw the movie Shaolin Soccer, it felt like a manga-esque world brought to life. I changed my mind. I realized times had changed, and there was technology available that could make a live-action One Piece happen. So I shifted to finding the right partner to bring the manga to life, he told The New York Times in an interview.

While many fans have voiced concerns about the series' deviation from the manga's plot. Oda who is quite happy with the live adaptation stated, A live-action adaptation of a manga doesnt simply re-enact the source material on a one-to-one basis: It involves really thinking about what fans love about the characters, the dynamics among them  and being faithful to those elements.

"A good live-action show doesnt have to change the story too much. The most important thing is whether the actors can reproduce the characters in a way that will satisfy the people who read the manga. I think we did it well, so I hope audiences will accept it," he added.

Fans of the original manga and anime have been vocal about their issue with the plot deviation, noting that while Netflix's adaptation stands on its own merits, it introduces significant changes that detract from the source material's essence.

One notable change revolves around the character Merry, who in the Netflix version becomes a financial advisor rather than a butler and meets a different fate at the hands of Kuro. Such alterations have left fans puzzled and disappointed.

Another instance of divergence involves Nami's interactions with her village. In the manga and anime, her sacrifices are acknowledged by the villagers who are forced to pretend otherwise. However, the live-action adaptation portrays Nami as greedy, leading to awkward scenes that fans find out of place.

Also Read | One Piece Live-Action Season 2: Script set but awaiting green light from Netflix

Despite these concerns, Netflix's One Piece adaptation has streamlined the narrative to make it more accessible to newcomers. While slight deviations from the source material are expected in adaptations, the Netflix series has faced criticism for unnecessary changes that alter the core story.

As fans eagerly wait for more details about the second season they can catch up on the manga and the anime adaptation. The script and cast are ready, and producers hint at a new season within 12-18 months.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Comedy star and Punjabi actor Gurpreet Ghuggi asserts that for now he is focusing on performance-oriented roles and be part of meaningful cinema. Actor Gurpreet Ghuggi on his recent visit to Lucknow. (Deep Saxena/HT)

The Cuttputlli (2022) actor says, I started in 1998 with the launch of comedy audio cassettes and then featured in first Great Indian Laughter Challenge. Its due to TV that a larger audience knows me more as a comedian. In Hindi films also, people have seen me in comic roles like in Khiladi 786 (2012), Singh is Kingg (2008) and Singh is Bling (2015) with my friend and superstar Akshay (Kumar). So, masses mein meri image comedian ki ban gai hai... thats what I have to change.

On his recent visit to Lucknow, the actor says, Comedy is no longer the focus for me. It surely had given me a lot but for now, I want to explore serious genre. I basically come from a theatre background so the actor deep inside me is craving to do some serious roles. I am no longer solely doing comedy. I have done a cameo in director Raj Kumar Hiranis Dunki starring actor Shah Rukh Khan.

A big name in Punjabi cinema, he feels his regional industry was not picking subjects that could appeal to the audience at national and international level.

We are stuck with limited subjects and making films in our comfort zone. The focus largely is on rom-coms and comedies which have worked well with local audiences and pockets abroad. We need to come out of that bracket and pick subjects rooted in our rich culture and history like Southern industry makers do, adds the Carry On Jatta (2012) star.

Ghuggi gives example of successful Hindi films made in Punjabi backdrop. Films like Flying Jatt, Kesari and others have worked well but those were Hindi films. Punjabi cinema would benefit if films made there, work pan-India and abroad. Like for Mastaney we worked on subject for three years and made a big budget film rooted in culture which has slice for our history which the world should know our glorious past.

Ghuggi emphasised on scaling up the budget of Punjabi films.

We need to make big budget films to showcase our history and make a period drama on a relatable scale  the grandeur must be big. So, budget to ab aur zyada hi hoga if accha cinema banana hai! Popular rom-coms genre has its own market and will keep happening but Punjabi movies, on the pattern of Southern film, with a global appeal, is what we should aim for. I am very hopeful. In Bollywood too the focus is on collection and weekend opening. Art is getting lost and thats where Southern industry is scoring.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Veteran filmmaker KC Bokadia recently wrapped shoot of his directorial film Teesri Begum in Lucknow. Last year in June, he shot a feature film The Signature with actors Anupam Kher and Mahima Chaudhry. Next, he is all geared up for his third venture, titled Police Diary. Filmmaker KC Bokaida during his meeting with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow

Bokadia with actor Kainaat Arora during shoot of Teesri Begum in Lucknow.

I have an experience of over 60 films in 50 years and its nearly impossible to shoot anywhere without police protection and security but in Uttar Pradesh people are exceptionally friendly. I have never faced any kind problem while shooting here. Apart from locations, the government officials and district administration gave us unparalleled support. Thats why in less than 18 months, I will be shooting my third film here, says the Aaj Ka Arjun (1990) and Pyar Jhukta Nahin (1985) filmmaker.

Bokadia wrapped shooting of his second film in 18 days with actors Amit Gaur, Mugdha Godse, Kainaat Arora and Rachna Shyam.

We had a splendid shoot and for the climax, we had a great sequence with 380 cars, as action is the backbone of the film and I didnt want to compromise. We are gearing up for the release of The Signature (directed Gajendra Ahire) which received huge accolades at the Namaste Vietnam Festival 2023. My daughter Sangeeta will also share the screen in both my films. The cast for my next is being locked and we will start its shoot in October, in Lucknow, he tells us.

Bokadia is of the view that the subsidy offered by state government is surely an add-on. For films in tune of 5-10 crores budget subsidy is a huge help. Its surely a big incentive for medium-budget films.

He has also completed Teri Meharbaniya-2, a sequel to his 1985 hit with Jackie Shroff in the lead. The film is nearly ready, only a small portion is left to shoot. This time its a story of two dogs.

Zeroing in on Noida Film City

Now that the up-coming mega Noida Film City has been divided into three parts, Bokadia wishes to focus more on the project. I am already in the advance stage of talks with the UP government officials for 220-acres of land and we will start work in three months and get it functional in a year. I had a meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that ended on a very positive note. We will set-up everything under the same roof  training institute, studios, luxury hotel and replica of airport, railway and bus station all in place for a perfect shoot, says the filmmaker.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Deep Saxena Deep Saxena writes on Bollywood, OTT, television, food and culture for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City. ...view detail
Filmmaker Mohsin Khan ventured into direction rather than following the footsteps of his father  veteran actor Mushtaq Khan. Mohsin Khan

The youngster says, Except TV, I am working on all mediums  feature films, OTT, social media, making ads and campaigns. I am getting offers to act from the biggest production houses all the time, also while I go for narration of projects I am asked to try acting. For now, I am concentrating on writing, direction and production. My dad took me to (Mahesh) Bhatt saheb way back in 2009-10 but my passion is in film making. I feel, I am a better storyteller than an actor.

Khan adds, I keep myself fit and work on myself, my looks and other aspects. I dont want to distract myself and concentrate on direction as next I have plans to do a film with A-listers. Actor Vicky Kaushal is my schoolmate, so Ill pitch to him as well. On acting front, later when I am established, and something suits me, then I may give it a try but to thats not my aim in life.

After directing short films, music videos and other projects, the 36-year-old turned director with the feature film Delivery Boy. Marathi star Prathamesh Parab is making his Hindi film debut with my film that will have a theatrical release later this year. I have also completed another film which is still untitled and will be released by this year-end but on OTT. It stars Manmeet Pem who played the lead in the National Award-winning film Kachcha Limbu. Both films have been shot simultaneously in Hindi and Marathi with a pan-India outlay.

Dabbling with digital content he is collaborating with big influencers as content creator and director. I am directing content for Instagram influencer Awez Darbar who has following of 30 million. My short film Chhutta Nahi Hai also garnered 10 million views on YouTube. So, industry is treating me well.

Khan wants to shoot his next in UP. Scripting for my next film is being done. So, if we shoot it in Hindi-Marathi then it will be in Maharashtra else I want to film it in Uttar Pradesh. I have been there for the shooting of a yet-to-release film Mandli that was shot in Mathura and Gokul. I was there assisting the direction team, and I really liked the vibes and culture. Since then, UP is on mind and the subsidy bit is also a big draw for filmmakers.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Deep Saxena Deep Saxena writes on Bollywood, OTT, television, food and culture for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City. ...view detail
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and heads of delegations

to 24th ASEAN - Republic of Korea Summit in Indonesia. (Photo: VNA)

In a recent interview granted to Vietnam New Agency correspondents in Jakarta, Indonesia, he stated that since Vietnam joined ASEAN in 1995, the country has boasted rapid growth, and continues to increase its contributions to regional cooperation and narrowing of the development gap in the region.In 2020, Vietnams leadership as Chair of ASEAN was instrumental in advancing regional cooperation to overcome and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, affirming that propelled by capacity as such, Vietnam played a pivotal role during the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings on September 5-7.According to the diplomat, the RoK and Vietnam established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. President Yoon Suk Yeol made a successful state visit to Vietnam last June, which further boosted the already strong relationship between the two countries.Vietnam is the RoKs biggest trading partner in ASEAN while the RoK is the No. 1 investor in Vietnam, he said, adding that the Southeast Asian nation is also his countrys largest official development assistance (ODA) recipient.Vietnam is indeed one of the core partners in the RoKs cooperation with ASEAN, he affirmed.Since 2021, Vietnam has been a coordinator for ASEAN-RoK relations, he said, adding it has been vital, adroit and helpful in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.Under Vietnams coordinatorship, the RoK and ASEAN successfully adopted a joint declaration on the cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) at the 24th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit on September 6.He said he personally worked closely with the Ambassador of Vietnam to ASEAN in Jakarta and made joint efforts to expand and develop RoK-ASEAN relations to its fullest potential.Under Vietnams initiative, the two sides will observe and celebrate RoK-ASEAN Day in Hanoi on November 1 this year, he revealed.I look forward to continuing working closely with Vietnam as we aim to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and Korea next year, he noted.Regarding the East Sea, the RoK diplomat said as the East Sea carries one-third of global shipping, peace and stability in the region, therefore, is vital for ASEAN to become the epicentrum of growth."The RoK is committed to upholding the rules-based order in these waters, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, based on international law including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," he stressed.The RoK is closely observing the progress in the on-going Code of Conduct negotiations, and looks forward to an effective and substantive Code of Conduct that is consistent with international law and respects the rights of third parties, he added./.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan took to Twitter and penned down a heartfelt to congratulate PM Narendra Modi. PM Modi wrapped up the meeting on Sunday and India handed over the bloc presidency to Brazil. Hours after Narendra Modi shared a glimpse of the successful event, Shah Rukh praised the PM. Also read: Brazil President Lula says RRR had him enchanted Shah Rukh Khan wishes PM Narendra Modi on G20 Summit in India.

Shah Rukh Khan to PM Modi

Shah Rukh tweeted, Congratulations to Hon. PM @narendramodi ji for the success of Indias G20 Presidency and for fostering unity between nations for a better future for the people of the world. It has brought in a sense of honour and pride into the hearts of every Indian. Sir, under your leadership, we will prosper not in isolation but in Oneness. One Earth, One Family, One Future.

G20 Summit in India

PM Modi formally closed the summit by passing on a ceremonial gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Brazil will take the bloc's presidency on December 1. He said, I want to congratulate Brazil's president and my friend Lula da Silva, and hand over the presidency's gavel to him."

Brazilian presidency of the G20 has three priorities - first, social inclusion and fight against hunger. Second, energy transition and sustainable development in its three aspects... Third, the reform of global governance institutions. All these priorities are part of the Brazilian presidency motto which says 'building a fair world and a sustainable planet'. Two task forces will be created - global alliance against hunger and poverty and the global mobilisation against climate change, President Lula said. PM Modi also proposed to hold a virtual session of G20 at the end of November.

Brazil president is enchanted by RRR

Meanwhile, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also praised RRR. He told Firstpost, RRR is a three-hour feature film and it has really funny scenes with beautiful dance in the film. There is a deep critique of British control over India and Indians. I sincerely believe this film should have been a blockbuster all around the world because everybody that talks to me, the first thing that I say is, have you watched the three-hour film Revolt Rebellion and Revolution? So, I congratulate the director and artists of the film because it enchanted me.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Sooraj Pancholi has revealed that he has been in a relationship for the past seven years. In his new interview with ETimes, Sooraj also claimed that his relationship with his former girlfriend, late actor Jiah Khan, was his shortest one. Sooraj was acquitted in the case of abetment to suicide in relation with Jiah Khan's death earlier this year. (Also read: Sooraj Pancholi shares Salman Khan was first person he contacted after court) Actor Sooraj Pancholi was acquitted in the suicide abetment case of late actor Jiah Khan earlier this year.

Sooraj told the English daily, I think my relationship with Jiah was probably the shortest relationship I have had. After that, I have been in one relationship and its been about seven years now, and it is beautiful. Theres nothing in the world that can match up to the feeling of being in love, being taken care of, and doing the same for the other person."

He also said that through the past 10 years when he faced the court trial, most people judged him as a bad lover and partner, but only those close to him really know the kind of person that he is. He added that he won't share details of the girl or reveal her identity as she is not an actress. He also said that he may get married in a "few years". Sooraj is the son of Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab.

Found dead in her Mumbai flat in 2013, Jiah Khan died by suicide and the Mumbai Police booked Sooraj Pancholi under section 306 (abetment to suicide). Earlier, Sooraj and Jiah were in a relationship and her mother Rabia Khan even alleged that the actor was murdered. Rabia had filed a case against Sooraj. The case had been in the courts for a decade before he was acquitted in May this year.

In an interview with Hindustan Times soon after his acquittal, Sooraj had admitted to losing out on a lot of work due to the case. He said that image and perception matter a lot for actors, and such celebrities' profession, adding that he faced media trial ever since he was accused in Jiah's death case. I was made into this evil monster when I was only a 20-year-old. It was not in my control because I faced a virtual media trial, where there was no investigation, no research, no evidence. My entire trial was a media trial. It was all hearsay. Thats what made it even worse and it took 10 years, he had said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh of Kahaani fame is back with a new thriller, Jaane Jaan. The film marks Kareena Kapoor's OTT debut and will release on Netflix on September 21. On Sunday, Sujoy came across a tweet in which an X user questioned his aukat (calibre) to release the film in theatres. The filmmaker gave him an epic reply and added that he would be forever grateful to him. Also read: Not Kareena Kapoor-Vijay Varma but Aishwarya Rai and Saif Ali Khan were first choices for Jaane Jaan Kareena Kapoor and Vijay Varma in a still from Jaane Jaan trailer.

Sujoy Ghosh's epic reply to hater on X

Sharing the Jaane Jaan trailer once again, Sujoy Ghosh wrote on X on Sunday, Just realised so many of you have seen our trailer. So thank you... thank you... thank you. Eleven days to exam result (gulp!) but dekhna zaroor on 21st (11 days to exam result but watch it for sure on 21st).

Commenting on his tweet, an X user wrote, Kaheka exam (laughing emojis) theatre mai release karne ka aukat to hai nehi ott mai sab hit hi hai tu tension mat le (giggling emoji) (What exam. You do not have the calibre to release it in theatres, everything is hit on OTT, don't worry).

Replying to him, Sujoy wrote, Thanx bro. You just relieved me of all my tensions. Forever grateful. Big hug. (laughing emoji).

Sujoy Ghosh replied to an X user on Sunday.

More about Jaane Jaan

Jaane Jaan is based on the Japanese novel The Devotion of Suspect X. It is a murder mystery and has Jaideep Ahlawat in the role of Kareena's neighbour and Vijay Varma as a cop investigating the murder case with Kareena as one of the suspects. Kareena plays a single mom in the film.

Kareena said one of the reasons she boarded the Netflix film was that she didnt want to be left behind in exploring the streaming space. "I am more nervous than I was 20 years ago for the first time. Watching the promo so closely on TV screens, people would be watching me so closely on their phones. We have all worked very hard. Every actor says that but Sujoy has made a fantastic film. We have been trying to work together for over a decade, she said at the trailer launch according to news agency PTI.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have apologised for character letters the couple wrote on behalf of fellow That 70s Show actor Danny Masterson before he was sentenced for rape this week. A judge in Los Angeles on Thursday sentenced Danny to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in 2003. (Also Read | Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis called Danny Masterson 'role model, confidant' in letters to judge ahead of rape sentencing) Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis posted a video message on Instagram.

In a video posted on Instagram on Sunday, Ashton and Mila said they were sorry for the pain they may have caused with the letters, which were made public on Friday.

Ashton said the letters that asked for leniency were intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or retraumatize them in any way. We would never want to do that and we're sorry if that has taken place".

Ashton said Danny's family approached them after the actor was convicted in the rapes in May and asked them to write character letters describing the person that we knew for 25 years. The letters were posted online by The Hollywood Reporter and other digital publications.

Danny starred with Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace in That 70s Show from 1998 until 2006. He had reunited with Ashton on the 2016 Netflix comedy The Ranch but was written off the show when the Los Angeles Police Department investigation was revealed the following year.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F Olmedo handed down the sentence to Danny, 47, after hearing statements from the women, and pleas for fairness from defence attorneys. Ashton described Danny as a man who treated people "with decency, equality, and generosity, he wrote in his letter dated July 27, 2023.

Mila in her letter to the judge called Danny an outstanding role model and friend and an exceptional older brother figure." Both rapes took place in Danny's Hollywood-area home in 2003 when he was at the height of his fame on the Fox network sitcom That 70s Show. The victims testified that Danny drugged them before violently raping them.

Mila said in the apology video that their letters did not mean to undermine the testimony of victims. Our heart goes out to every single person whos ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or rape, she said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Recently, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the president of Brazil, praised SS Rajamouli's hit film, RRR. Lula was in Delhi to attend the G20 Summit. During an interaction with the media, he said he was enchanted by RRR. Also read: RRR sequel confirmed, Ram Charan and Jr NTR to star but SS Rajamouli may not direct Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is a fan of SS Rajamouli's RRR.

SS Rajamouli to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Reacting to his praise, SS Rajamouli wrote back on the micro-blogging site X, formerly known as Twitter, Sir @LulaOficial Thank you so much for your kind words. Its heartwarming to learn that you mentioned Indian Cinema and enjoyed RRR!! Our team is ecstatic. Hope you are having a great time in our country.

SS Rajamouli to Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Brazil president on RRR

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told Firstpost, RRR' is a three-hour feature film and it has really funny scenes with beautiful dance in the film. There is a deep critique of British control over India and Indians. I sincerely believe this film should have been a blockbuster all around the world because everybody that talks to me, the first thing that I say is, have you watched the three-hour film Revolt Rebellion and Revolution? So, I congratulate the director and artists of the film because it enchanted me.

RRR

RRR is a Telugu film which was dubbed and released in Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam. It starred Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn and others. The film's song Naatu Naatu, composed by MM Keeravani, became a global hit as a dance number. It even fetched India its maiden Golden Globe and Academy Award in the Best Original Song category.

A sequel is also in talks. Previously, Vijayendra Prasad, SS Rajamouli's father and screenwriter of RRR, confirmed that the RRR sequel will again star Ram Charan and Jr NTR. However, SS Rajamouli might not return as the director. In an interview with a Telugu channel, Vijayendra said, "We are planning to make a sequel of Ram Charan and NTR's RRR. The movie will be directed by SS Rajamouli or someone else under his supervision." RRR released on March 24, 2022.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! ott:10

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
First impressions are forever the lasting ones, and keeping this in mind are the performing artistes who are carrying the responsibility of welcoming G20 guests on their skilled shoulders. Positioned at Palam Air Force Station and Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, to welcome and see off the G20 delegates from the world over, these artistes are accomplishing no small feat. They are on their toes, quite literally, for September 7 to 11, and aim to give their best shot each time when they take to stage to perform! Director General of World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala applauds as Indian artistes perform Odisha's Sambalpuri dance.(ANI Photo)

Weve practised for almost 8,000 hours now, says Nehal Singh, a Kathak dancer, adding, Still, many of us are conscious and are trying our best to not to make any mistake because this is a global stage and we wish to make our country proud. Weve been assigned the responsibility to represent the various cultural dances of our country, and in the process weve learned 17 different types of dances, which are all diverse in styles. These include Odishas Sambhalpuri, Maharashtras Lavani and Rajasthans Ghoomar.

A fusion of Kathak and contemporary dance has been choreographed on the song, Lean On.(Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

A squad of artistes stepped up to a mix of Major Lazers Lean On and a fusion of Indian Classical music, to honour the arrival of guests on September 7 and 8. The same troupe will now be performing to see off the delegates on September 10 and 11. Every delegate has an eye on us, isliye galti ka koi chance nahi hai, adds Srishti Prabhu, a Chhau artiste.

The delegates, on the other hand, have been spotted enjoying the performances staged by these artistes, and some such as Kristalina Georgieva, who is the managing director and chairman of International Monetary Fund (IMF), joined in to match a step or two. "It was phenomenal, shares Vijay Raj, manager of Taal Milan Dance group, which has 450 artistes performing in small batches at both the airports.

Chiming in, Sagarika Sen, a Lavani dancer, adds, We wish to make our country proud by representing the various cultural dances. Hence, our group has learned 17 types of dances... Ive been part of the group that has performed Sambalpuri choreography for about 12 times since the evening of September 7. We feel a bit tiring sometimes, but the excitement level is so high among us since India is witnessing such a large-scale global event for the first time, that we get filled with patriotism each time some dignitary arrives.

Another artist, Shreya Panjrath, who has been performing a fusion of Kathak and contemporary dance, shares, Our performances are making the delegates aware of the rich heritage of India, and in the process also offering us a golden chance to hold these moments as memories for a lifetime. Im sure to proudly share these with the generations to come... Just telling someone that I performed at this grand occasion fills me with pride for India.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
KANPUR: Four snake charmers, disappointed with their earnings after a performance on board the Chambal Express in Uttar Pradesh, released the reptiles in the compartment to scare a group of passengers after a heated exchange late on Saturday evening. The Chambla Express was allowed to proceed to Gwalior after an extensive search did not turn up any snakes (File Photo)

For the next 30 minutes, there was chaos in the unreserved compartment as passengers scrambled to get onto the upper berths. Some also hid in the washroom till the nightmare ended, said a passenger Dheeraj Kumar.

Kumar, who lives in Malakpura village of Mahoba district, said the snake charmers boarded the train, which operates between Howrah and Gwalior, at Banda station and got off at the next stop 60 minutes later, Mahoba. The performance started soon after as they flipped the lid of a basket and a snake emerged, swaying as they played their gourd flute.

Once the performance ended, they asked the passengers for money.

Some people gave the money, some declined, recalled Kumar. It is not clear how but the snake charmers got into an argument with some persons who had refused to pay. At one point, they suddenly released the snakes in the compartment, he said, giving people a scare of their life.

Somebody called the railway control room.

Akhilesh Pratap Singh, the officer in-charge of the Government Railway Police at Mahoba station, said they received information about snakes being released from the railway control room.

The snake charmers eventually caught the snakes they had released and got off the train moments before it entered the Mahoba station, the trains next stop after Banda.

Singh said: We spoke to the passengers at Mahoba railway station and they confirmed the incident. The snakes did not bite any passenger but did cause significant distress, he said.

Security personnel did conduct a comprehensive search of the compartment - and the adjoining ones to be sure - but the snake charmers hadnt left any behind.

Singh said the train, which was headed for Gwalior, was allowed to continue its journey.

The snake charmers will be identified soon, he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Haidar Naqvi Haidar Naqvi covers central UP and Bundelkhand. He closely tracks developments in internal security in the region and beyond. ...view detail
NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday took a swipe at the central government over a video clip that showed water outside one of the halls at Pragati Maidan where the G20 Summit was held, promoting a sharp rebuttal by the Centres Press Information Bureau which called the claim exaggerated and misleading. AAP leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj targeted LG VK Saxena for the waterlogging at Pragati Maidan (X/Saurabh_MLAgk)

This is very serious, Bharadwaj said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, tagging lieutenant governor VK Saxena. Even after ur (your) 50+ inspections, if the very main area around Mandapam is submerged in water, then heads must roll. I as Minister of Delhi dont have control over this Central Govt area, else would have assisted u (you) sir, Bharadwaj, who is also Delhis urban development minister, said. He also shared a 31-second video clip.

Pradeep Singh Kharola, chairman and managing director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), which oversees the complex, said some water did accumulate in front of the pathway of Hall 5 due to rains in the early morning.

Multiple machines and manpower were deployed simultaneously. Water (was) drained out and cleaned immediately," Kharola told HT.

There was no immediate reaction from the LGs office. But in a post on X, PIBs Fact Check handle said there was a video which claimed that there is waterlogging at venue of #G20Summit.

This claim is exaggerated and misleading. Minor water logging in open area was swiftly cleared as pumps were pressed into action after overnight rains. No water logging at venue presently, it said.

According to India Meteorological Department, the Safdarjung observatory recorded 38.6 mm of rainfall in 24 hours between 8:30am on Saturday and 8:30am on Sunday. Palam recorded a rainfall spell of 46 mm during the same duration.

Indian Youth Congress chief Srinivas BV also took a dig at the Centre. The images of Bharat Mandapam which was developed at a cost of several crores of rupees for hosting G20 members Vikas (development) is floating.
A day after West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu accused him of trying to "destroy" the higher education system in the state and running a "puppet regime" in universities, Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday warned of a much bigger action at midnight. West Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose. (Hindustan Times)

As the clock was nearing midnight, a Raj Bhavan official said Bose had "signed two confidential sealed letters", one for the state secretariat, Nabanna, and another for the Centre.

On the content of the letters, the official said "it would be disclosed later".

"The governor signed two confidential letters tonight, one meant for Nabanna and the other for Delhi," the official added.

"You will come to know the content of the letters later," the official told PTI, hinting that the subject could be on the recent war of words between the governor and the state government.

Incidentally, Bose signed the letters a couple of hours after holding an elaborate meeting with chief secretary HK Dwivedi at Raj Bhavan.

The topic of the meeting, however, was not disclosed by either the state government or the Raj Bhavan.

Earlier, in the day Bose warned of much bigger action at midnight in the backdrop of the state education minister's severe criticism and attacks.

"Wait for the stroke of midnight today. You will see what is the action," Bose had told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here in the afternoon.

Minutes after Bose's comment, Basu, without naming the governor, mocked him by calling him the "new vampire in town" and cautioned the people to "beware of him".

"See till midnight, see the action BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE! New Vampire in the town! Citizens please watch yourselves. Eagerly waiting for the "Rakkhas Prahar" (monster prahar), according to Indian Mythology!," Basu posted on 'X'.

In the continuing war of words between the West Bengal government and the Raj Bhavan over the appointment of interim vice-chancellors in universities, Basu had on Friday accused the governor of trying to "destroy" the higher education system in the state.

The minister also charged the governor, who is the chancellor of state-run universities, with running a "puppet regime" in the varsities and threatening registrars not to hold meetings with the higher education department.

"The honourable governor wants to run a puppet regime by appointing people according to his whims to satisfy someone's ego. He is making a constant effort to dismantle the higher education system, Basu said.

The West Bengal Educationists Forum, in a statement, described Bose's comment on midnight action as "threats".

"It is unfortunate to witness the chancellor blaring out threats of staging a midnight drama of revenge against the educationists and the officials and functionaries of the state higher education department," the statement said.

The governor, in his capacity as the chancellor of state-run universities, recently appointed interim vice-chancellors for eight varsities, including the prestigious Presidency University, MAKAUT and the University of Burdwan, a step which was severely criticised by the chief minister as a bid to interfere with the running of state-administered universities.

Sources said the interim vice-chancellors of eight other universities have also been finalised and appointment letters "will be issued soon".
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently touring Europe, attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during his address at a university in Paris, saying that the ruling party just aims to get power at any cost and that there is nothing Hindu about their actions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi speaks during the public interaction with Professor Christophe Jafflerlot at Sciences Po, in Paris on Friday (ANI)

Ive read the Gita, a number of the Upanishads, and many Hindu books; there is nothing Hindu about what the BJP does, absolutely nothing, Gandhi said, during an interaction at the Sciences PO University in Paris, a leading social sciences institution in France, a video of which was released on Sunday.

He was responding to a question about the rise of Hindu nationalism in the country.

I have not read anywhere, in no Hindu book, from no learned Hindu person have I ever heard that you should terrorise, harm people who are weaker than you. So, this idea, this word, Hindu nationalists, this is a wrong word. Theyre not Hindu nationalists. They have nothing to do with Hinduism. They are out to get power at any cost, and they will do anything to get power They want dominance of a few people and that is what they are about. There is nothing Hindu about them, the former Congress president said.

Gandhi also accused the BJP and its ideological fountainhead, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of trying to stop the expression and participation of the minorities and other oppressed sections in India.

It is a matter of shame for India to have minorities that feel uncomfortable in their own country. If there are 200 million people who feel uncomfortable in India, if people from the Sikh community feel uncomfortable, women feel uncomfortable, it is a matter of shame for us. That needs to be corrected, the Congress leader said.

What the BJP and the RSS are trying to do, the heart of what theyre trying to do is trying to stop the expression, the participation of lower castes, other backward castes, tribals and minority communities, he said. For me, an India where a Dalit person or a Muslim person, tribal person, upper-caste person, anybody, is being mistreated, is being attacked, is not the India I want.

Speaking on the ongoing debate around the name of the country, Gandhi said that both India and Bharat are documented in the Constitution, adding that both names are perfectly fine. He said the BJP-led Union government was fiddling with the idea of name change out of irritation as the newly formed Opposition bloc was also named INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance).

The Indian Constitution uses both names (India and Bharat). Both names are perfectly fine. But we have perhaps irritated the (central) government with our coalition name... And thats why they decided to change the name of the country, he alleged. There is something deeper that is going on, which is that people who want to change the name of anything are basically trying to deny history...

Gandhi started his week-long Europe trip on September 5. Paris was the second city on his tour after Brussels. He is scheduled to address an interaction, titled India in the World at Universiteit Leiden in the Netherlands, before returning to New Delhi on September 11.

Responding to Gandhis remark, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya wrote on X, The very fact that Rahul Gandhi thinks that Hinduism is practised by referring to books shows how shallow his understanding of our dharma.

That he has been reduced to crying before a handful of people in some far away European city while Bharat is achieving global consensus at G20 is telling of how the nation has rejected his brand of politics in the last decade, he added.
Dubai has launched its marine transport master plan for 2030 which encompasses a 188% expansion of the marine transport network, a 400% increase in passenger lines and the manufacturing of the world's first electric abra using 3D printing technology.

The plan targets a 51% increase in the number of marine transport users, from 14.7 million to 22.2 million annually by 2030. Additionally, it outlines a 188% jump in the total length of the marine transport network, from 55 km to 158 km, reported Wam.

Another key element of the plan will see marine transport stations go up from 48 to 79 stations along the Dubai Creek, Dubai Water Canal, the coastline of the Arabian Gulf and various waterfront projects in accordance with a well-thought-out strategy.

The plan, which was approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, also includes increasing passenger transport lines from seven to 35, marking a 400% surge, besides expanding the marine transport fleet by 32%, from 196 to 258 marine vessels.

During his visit to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the master plan for scaling up Dubais marine transport system through to 2030.

He was given an overview of key aspects of the plan by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed RTAs initiative to manufacture the world's first electric abra using 3D printing technology in partnership with the private sector, said the Wam report.

Designed to carry 20 passengers, the 3D-printed boat features a design that melds aesthetics and heritage cues of the original abras. Aligned with the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, this initiative slashes manufacturing time by 90% and enables 30% cost savings.

He later reviewed the operational metrics and performance of the Al Garhoud RTA Marine Maintenance Centre (for abras, ferries, and water taxis).

The biggest marine maintenance facility in the region, it spans 5,000 sq m comprising five distinct workshops, a 250-m pier, a dock capable of accommodating boats up to 32ms in length, a boat crane with a lifting capacity of up to 100 tonnes, three storage areas, zones designated for marine and external tasks, administrative spaces and an employee rest zone.

Al Tayer said RTA was planning to introduce a real-time monitoring system empowered by Artificial Intelligence to analyse data, predict faults and plan ahead for potential spare part requirements.

The autonomous electric abra boasts a host of advanced features highlighted by zero carbon emissions, operating and maintenance cost savings of 30% and the elimination of noise compared to diesel-powered abras, he stated.

Equipped with two electric motors, it is capable of achieving a maximum speed of seven knots. It is fitted with an autonomous control system and four lithium batteries that ensure an operating time of seven hours., he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Azerbaijan has refuted the information spread by the Armenian Ministry of Defense about the alleged shelling from the Azerbaijani side, Trend reports.

"We categorically refute the information disseminated by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia that, on September 9, at 22:50 (GMT+4), units of the Azerbaijani Army allegedly shelled the positions of the Armenian armed forces located in the direction of the Guneshli settlement," the message reads.
An anti-corruption bureau (ACB) court in Vijaywada on Sunday sent TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu to judicial custody till September 23 in connection with alleged skill development scam.



The former Andhra Pradesh chief minister was arrested at Nandyal in the early hours of Saturday. A police contingent had arrived at around 3 am to arrest the Telugu Desam Party chief while he was sleeping. They could not arrest him as his party workers gathered in large numbers and protested the move. Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu(HT_PRINT)

The TDP leader's security detail also intervened saying they could not allow police to arrest him until 5.30am as per the rules. Naidu was eventually arrested around 6am.



Naidu was arrested in connection with the alleged 3,300 crore Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) scam which reportedly took place during his stint as the Andhra chief minister.



In March this year, the Andhra Pradesh Police's Crime Investigation Department (CID) had initiated a probe into the case. The investigation followed notices to former Indian Railway Traffic Service officer Arja Srikanth, who was the chief executive officer (CEO) of the APSSDC in 2016, based on the statements by an accused turned approver and depositions by three IAS officers.



ALSO READ: What is the multi-crore skill development scam? Explained

The APSSDC was set up in 2016 to empower unemployed youth and provide skill training to enhance their employability.



According to the CID probe, the then Chandrababu Naidu government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project worth 3,300 crore. The MoU involved a consortium with Siemens Industry Software India Ltd and Design Tech Systems Pvt Ltd.

Siemens Industry Software India Ltd was to establish six centres of excellence for skill development. The Andhra government was supposed to contribute around ten per cent of the total project cost. The two companies would provide the remaining funds as grant-in-aid.

As per investigation by CID, the project was initiated without following standard tendering process. The state cabinet allegedly did not approve the project.

The CID probe pointed to Siemens Industry Software India allegedly failing to invest any of its own resources in the project and diverted a substantial portion of the 371 crore allocated by the state to various shell companies. The CID alleged the funds meant for the project were funnelled into shell companies.

Following the heat, Siemens Global Corporate Office initiated an internal inquiry into the project and discovered that the project manager had misappropriated the government-allocated funds to shell companies as hawala transactions.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that G20 member states had adopted a consensus leaders document for the summit, saying with the hard work of our teams, and with the cooperation of you all, there is consensus on the New Delhi G20 Summit Leaders Declaration. Chinas G20 delegation was led by Premier Li Qiang (Twitter Photo)

What remains unclear is how China came around to accept the consensus document, given that Beijing had strong reservations about the mention of Moscows invasion of Ukraine and the language to be used in the context of the conflict.

The consensus declaration adopted by the G20 leaders called for a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine, urging member states to refrain from the threat of use of force to seek territorial acquisition or act against the territorial integrity of any state.

Chinas G20 delegation, led by Premier Li Qiang, remained silent on it, avoiding, until late on Saturday, any interaction with foreign media.

Neither Li, Chinas second-ranking leader in the Communist Party of Chinas hierarchy, at the summit instead of President Xi Jinping, nor his delegation offered any comment on the declaration. HT also reached out to the Chinese embassy for a comment, but there was no response.

Also Read: Middle-East Corridor is new Indian spice route to rival the Chinese silk road

Given that several reports in the run up to the summit said that Beijing had emerged as the primary stumbling block against a consensus document, its unclear how the differences were ironed out.

A comment piece published by Xinhua, Chinas official news agency, on Saturday evening was the closest Beijing has come to making an indirect reference to the document while criticising the US.

Led by Premier Li Qiang, the Chinese G20 delegation is here (New Delhi) to seek unity and agreement instead of confrontation and differences. The country criticising others for not following its zero-sum approach will witness Chinas constructive role during the summit, the Xinhua piece said without elaborating on what it meant by constructive.

It added that against the backdrop of headwinds, a result of the high fence, small yard protectionism led by the United States, G20 members gathering in New Delhi over the weekend are widely expected to promote global economic growth.

The comment piece also used the phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which Beijing, according to reports, had opposed the use of in official G20 documents as the UN doesnt recognise Sanskrit.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase from ancient Indian scriptures, means the world is one family. The theme of the Indian G20 Summit -- One Earth, One Family, One Future in English -- underscores the expectation that countries will support each other in pursuing growth, the comment piece said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday congratulated Bharat for the success of the mega G20 Summit held in New Delhi. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Dhankhar said that the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration is a comprehensive document as it lays the roadmap for collective global action in building a prosperous future. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar.(PTI)

Congratulations Bharat, visionary leadership and the entire team for meticulous execution and successful conclusion of G20 summit in New Delhi. The historic summit, inspired by our civilizational ethos, would ever be remembered for forging consensus among world leaders on the urgent need to address common problems faced by humanity at large, the Vice President wrote.

After two action-packed days, the G20 Summit held at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital concluded on Sunday. In a major win for India's Presidency, the G20 nations adopted the New Delhi Declaration with a 100 percent consensus - just hours after the Indian side circulated among the G20 states a new text to refer to the Ukraine crisis.

After proposing that the leaders declaration be adopted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, I announce that this declaration is adopted. He then banged the gavel thrice and thumped the desk as other G20 leaders clapped loudly. On this occasion, I convey my heartfelt thanks to ministers, sherpas, and all officials who worked hard to make this possible and they are worthy of being praised."

After much anticipation, the G20 nations also officially made the African Union a permanent member of the intergovernmental forum.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, PM Modi proposed a virtual session of the G20 in November when Brazil will take over the Presidency. PM Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Brazilian President Lula da Silva and handed over the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to him.
NEW DELHI: The Wests efforts to Ukrainise the agenda of the G20 were prevented by the consolidation of the groupings members from the Global South, which is unwilling to be lectured to about the Ukraine crisis, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Sunday. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov speaks at a press conference during the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 10 (REUTERS)

Addressing a news conference a day after the G20 Summit issued a leaders declaration that made no reference to Russias aggression against Ukraine, Lavrov said the active role of the Indian presidency of the grouping consolidated member states from the Global South  including Brazil, China and South Africa  to uphold and protect their legitimate interests.

The G20 members of the Global South prevented the efforts of the West to Ukrainise the agenda of the two-day summit, which was more about the awakening of developing countries that are no longer willing to be lectured to about Russia complying with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys peace formula, he said, speaking in Russian.

The leaders declaration is not an ultimatum to Russia, Lavrov said, thanking Russias Indian friends for laying a solid foundation for working towards the democratisation of international economic and financial relations.

He acknowledged that Russia hadnt expected the West to accept the text finally used in the leaders declaration to refer to the Ukraine crisis. When they agreed to that, perhaps it was the voice of their conscience. Speaking frankly, we didnt expect that. We were 100% ready to defend our honest wording of the text, he added.

Lavrov also said the text on the Ukraine crisis in the leaders declaration should not be seen in isolation. Let me underline that we cannot isolate that [text] from the rest of the work in the declaration. The main content of the declaration this year is about the awakening...and the consolidation of the Global South, that is truly willing for the G20 to work for its main goals, he said.

The Global South is also not willing to force Russia to comply with the Zelenskyy formula to end the conflict, he said, in a reference to the 10-point peace formula the Ukrainian leader had proposed at last years G20 Summit in Indonesia.

The Global South is no longer willing to be lectured. They dont want to hear anything about forcing Russia to comply with the Zelenskyy formula. I dont want to talk about it, this formula is unrealistic, he added.

Lavrov said a healthy solution was found in the declaration to ensure a clear and equitable balance of interests. In our turn, we will continue strengthening these positive trends, including during Brazils presidency [of the G20] next year and in 2025, during South Africas presidency, he said.

Russia will return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative the same day as Moscows conditions for export of its wheat, other grains and fertilisers to global markets are met, Lavrov said. Russia quit the deal in July, a year after it was brokered by the UN and Turkey, on the grounds that its exports were being hindered.

When all the necessary actions for removing obstacles for our grain and fertiliser exports are implemented, the same day we will return to the collective implementation of the Ukrainian part of the Black Sea initiative, Lavrov said.

The G20 leaders declaration on Saturday called for full, timely and effective implementation to ensure the immediate and unimpeded deliveries of grain, foodstuffs, and fertilisers/inputs from Russia and Ukraine to meet the needs of developing countries.

Lavrov also said Russia is not against negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict but talks should take into account the realities on the ground and NATOs aggressive policy.

Everyone wants peace...About 18 months ago, we agreed to sign a treaty about settling this conflict. We even initialled these documents. After that, the Anglo-Saxons ordered Zelenskyy not to sign it because they thought they would be able to reap some concessions from us, he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who attended the G20 Summit dinner in New Delhi, said he addressed the grave aftermath of torrential rain in the state during his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday night. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the Gala Dinner during the G20 Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. (PTI)

Sukhu said he also requested Modi for a special disaster relief package for Himachal Pradesh.

Had the privilege of addressing the grave aftermath of torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh during my conversation with Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji after our G20 summit dinner. I also requested a special disaster relief package and emphasized the need to designate this calamity as a 'national disaster,' highlighting the urgency of the situation, Sukhu wrote on X (formally Twitter) on Sunday.

Sukhu was among the chief ministers of Opposition-ruled states who attended the dinner. Other chief ministers present for the dinner at the Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the 18th G20 Leaders' Summit, were West Bengals Mamata Banerjee and Jharkhands Hemant Soren. Assam chief minister Himanta Sarma posted a group photo on X featuring UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with Union minister Piyush Goyal, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Sukhu among others.

Sunak also exchanged pleasantries with Union minister for science, technology and space Jitendra Singh during Ratri Bhoj par Samvad.

170 guests on list of special invitees

A total of 170 guests are on the list of special invitees to the G20 dinner hosted by President Murmu.

President Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar with his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Modi, former president Ram Nath Kovind, and former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu joined the dinner party.

Apart from foreign leaders and heads of delegates,cabinet, and state ministers, secretaries in the central government, and other distinguished guests were invited to the gala dinner.

The G20 World Leaders Summit was held from September 9 to 10 in New Delhi.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
India on Sunday began the process of handing over the G20 presidency to Brazil after a successful stint that culminated in an unprecedented joint declaration, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for a new global structure to reflect a changed world; new frameworks to govern artificial intelligence (AI), regulate cryptocurrencies, and ensure cybersecurity; the reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs); and the need to ensure sustainability as the top issues that the world must address. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over the G20 Presidency to the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after the closing session of the G20 Summit 2023 at the Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi, on Sunday. (PTI)

On the concluding day of the G20 Summit, Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel to Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose country will take over the presidency on December 1. But in order to review the progress made on the declaration, Modi called for a final virtual summit of leaders in November.

Also Read: G20 declaration confirms Russias isolation, isnt a win: Emmanuel Macron

We will fully support Brazil and believe that under its leadership, G20 will move forward towards our common objectives, Modi said. He added that all leaders had put forward their views, given suggestions and offered proposals in the past two days. It is our responsibility that we review the suggestions and find ways to give them momentum. The November virtual summit will review these subjects, Modi said.

On Day 1, in a departure from the norm, the Indian Presidency succeeded in delivering the New Delhi Declaration, which found a way to reconcile the global geopolitical divide on Ukraine and address a range of priority issues, including growth, climate, sustainable development goals (SDGs), debt crisis, digital transformation, women-led development and reform of MDBs.

The second day began with a powerful symbolic act.

Also Read: How to read the fine print of the G20 Delhi Declaration

All G20 leaders walked into Rajghat together in the morning to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The moment reflected the central challenge of the times given that several countries represented in the group are at war with each other either directly or indirectly or share extremely uneasy ties and regularly practice the cynical art of realpolitik, but also nurture an aspiration for a more peaceful future based on truth and non-violence, the Mahatmas core values.

This symbolism was then combined with substance, with leaders making their way to the Bharat Mandapam for the final session of the summit on the theme of One Future, to outline challenges that crossed borders and thus required cross-border solutions.

Modi set the tone for the session, by speaking of the need to think of a future that went beyond the idea of a global village to a global family, based on not just an interest-based convergence but also deeper emotional connect and where a GDP-centric approach gives way to a human-centric approach.

But giving this soaring rhetoric more tangible shape, Modi spoke of the Indian example and its willingness to share this experience in a wide variety of domains for global good.

This, he said, can be seen in India offering to share data from the Chandrayaan mission with the world or its unique digital public infrastructure (DPI), which had enabled last-mile delivery, now finding its way in a G20 framework on DPI, the adoption of G20 principles on harnessing data for development, and launch of the Data for Development Capacity Building Initiative.

Offering his suggestions on issues that can now constitute the future global agenda, Modi said, My advice is that we should now prepare a framework for responsible human-centric AI governance. In this regard, India will offer its suggestions and we will attempt to ensure that all countries can benefit from AI in the domains of socioeconomic development, global workforce and research and development.

Modi also identified cybersecurity and cryptocurrency as challenges. Cryptocurrency has become a new issue in areas that affects social order, monetary and financial stability. We will have to develop global standards to regulate cryptocurrencies. We have the Basel standards on bank regulation as a model and must take concrete steps in this direction as soon as possible.

He also said the world needs a global framework on cybersecurity given that the cyber domain is giving rise to new forms of terrorism and funding. This is critical for security and prosperity of each country. It is only if the security and sensitivity of each country is kept in mind that the spirit of the one future be strengthened, he added.

The next set of issues Modi identified as critical for the future revolved around reshaping global institutions to reflect contemporary realities and he offered the example of the UN Security Council. When the UN was set up, the world was very different from the world of today. At that time, the UN had 51 founding members. Today, the UNs membership includes close to 200 countries. Despite this, the number of UNSC permanent members has remained the same. The world of today is different and be it transport or communication, health of education, every sector has transformed completely. These new realities must get reflected in a new global structure.

Modi said that it is a rule of nature that the relevance of a person or an institution is contingent on changing with the times. We will have to think, with an open mind, why is it that there are so many regional forums that have arisen and even shown their effectiveness. Today, every global institution, to increase its relevance, must reform. It was with this approach that India, he said, took the lead in including African Union as a permanent member of the G20 in the summit.

In a similar vein, Modi spoke about the need to expand the mandate of the multilateral development banks. We must take both immediate and effective decisions in this direction. A changing world, Modi said, also needed sustainability and stability. Let us vow today that we will take the issue of green development pact, the action plan on SDGs, the high level principles on anti-corruption, DPI, and MDB reforms from conception to conclusion.

Commenting on the significance of the Delhi Declaration and the future agenda laid out by Modi, Samir Saran, the president of the Observer Research Foundation and chair of the Think20 secretariat during the Indian Presidency, said, The New Delhi Leaders Declaration is the political and intellectual successor to the 2009 Pittsburgh G20 summit outcomes, which brought the world out of a deep crisis and forged a suitable multilateral economic framework. The Delhi declaration advances that by a generation, and is easily the most substantial document on multilateral governance to come out in the past decade.

Saran added that its focus on SDGs, technology, development and climate finance, women-led development, reformed multilateralism, and serving the next seven billion people on the planet made it critical in shaping the progress in this century.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
NEW DELHI: The leaders declaration at the G20 Summit doesnt amount to a diplomatic boost for Moscow since the communique reflects the isolation of Russia and a majority of the groupings members have denounced the war in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday. French President Emmanuel Macron addresses a press conference at the International Media Centre during the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 10. (HHT Photo/Sanjeev Verma)

Macron, who was addressing a news conference after the two-day summit, also said the G20 is not the forum for making diplomatic progress on the Ukraine conflict since the bloc was created to discuss international economic and financial issues after the 2008 global crisis.

I dont feel this is a major diplomatic win or anything else, other than isolation for Russia, Macron said. This G20 confirms once again the isolation of Russia. Today, an overwhelming majority of G20 members condemn the war in Ukraine and its impact.

Western members of the G20 have faced criticism at home since the leaders declaration made no reference to Russias aggression against Ukraine  something that was mentioned in the joint communique adopted at the last G20 Summit in Indonesia.

The G20, Macron said, is not the place where youll have diplomatic progress on that topic [the Ukraine crisis]. He added: Lets be honest that the G20 is not a forum for political discussions. And were here to mainly talk about economic topics and climate change.

However, the G20 supports a just and lasting peace even if member states disagree on the Ukraine issue. Sixteen members of the G20 approved all UN resolutions that condemn Russia while three abstained, he noted.

The G20 said it supports a just and lasting peace. This is exactly the opposite of what Russia is saying, he pointed out. The G20 also reiterated its support to territorial integrity and the UN Charter, and Russia is in a very isolated position, he added.

Macron said India did its utmost for the G20 to work for unity and peace and send across the message of unity while Russia is still waging its aggression in Ukraine. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said France stands alongside India in these efforts.

Modi also had a bilateral meeting over lunch with Macron on the margins of the G20 Summit on Sunday and the leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation through a partnership in design, development and manufacture of advanced military technologies and platforms, according to a joint statement.

They further agreed to expand the production of defence hardware in India, including for third countries in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. In this context, they called for the early finalisation of a Defence Industrial Roadmap.

The leaders also assessed progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Paris in July and exchanged views on significant international and regional developments.

In the context of several key outcomes of Modis last visit to France, including the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and Indo-Pacific Roadmap, the leaders discussed overall progress and next steps in implementing new goals for cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts.

The leaders also reviewed the India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific and Africa, including in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability and industrial projects.

They underlined their role of providers of solutions for the Indo-Pacific through their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the joint statement said.

In the field of civil nuclear cooperation, Modi and Macron acknowledged the good progress in discussions for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project and welcomed continuing engagement to expand cooperation to establish a partnership for co-developing small and modular nuclear reactor technologies, and the forthcoming signature of a dedicated declaration of intent, the joint statement said.

France reiterated its steadfast and unwavering support for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, it added.

Modi thanked Macron for Frances support to Indias G20 presidency, which sought to address global challenges and build a more stable global order through unity. India and France also welcomed the African Unions membership of the G20.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
New Delhi: Facing questions about why Washington agreed to drop a specific reference to Russias aggression against Ukraine in the New Delhi G20 Leaders Declaration, US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken has said that G20 leaders have stood for Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty; the language in the text is very strong; and that every member in the room, barring Russia, wanted a just and durable peace to end Russian aggression. US President Joe Biden delivers remarks after their meeting at the Communist Party of Vietnam Headquarters, in Hanoi, Vietnam. (AP)

Separately, addressing a press conference in Hanoi, President Joe Biden was asked whether the absence of a reference to Russian aggression showed Ukraine was a wedge issue with the global south. Biden said, It is not a wedge issue with the global south. It is a wedge issue with Russia which was present, with China which was present and had representation.

Also Read| G20 declaration confirms Russias isolation, isnt a win: Emmanuel Macron

In two separate interviews to American news networks, ABC News and CNN, Blinken strongly defended the declaration and that consequences of Russian aggression were being felt deeply across the global south and developing world.

Asked why the US couldnt get countries to agree to mentioning Russian aggression, Blinken said, The leaders stood up very clearly, including in the statement, for Ukraines sovereignty, for its territorial integrity. I think the statement is a very strong one. And what I heard in the room as well makes very clear that virtually every member of the G20  perhaps minus one  is intent on making sure that there is a just and durable end to this Russian aggression. And leader after leader in the room made clear that, for the rest of the world too, the consequences of what Russia has done are having a terrible, terrible impact.

Also Read: What the G20 Summit success means for India and the world

Blinken said that there was food insecurity around the world, with Ukraine having been the breadbasket of the world for many years, and that Russia had blockaded its ports after the invasion. Referring to the Black Sea Grain Initiative  the declaration has called for its full implementation  Blinken said that the deal was negotiated to get grain out but Russia had torn it up, at a time when 30 million tons of grain were getting out of Ukraine, mostly to the developing countries including the ones at G20.

It was very clear in the room, going around the table, that countries are feeling the consequences and want the Russian aggression to stop, Blinken said.

In response to a question from CNN on the weaker language in the text compared to Bali, Blinken reiterated that G20 countries in the statement had all stood up for the importance of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

I was in the room when all the leaders spoke with President Biden, and it was very clear from everything that they said that not only do they want to see this war end, but they want to see it end on just and durable terms, and it was also very clear that the consequences of Russias aggression are being felt throughout the G20 countries and throughout the developing world.

Asked if he was disappointed that G20 couldnt agree on stronger language, Blinken said that it was very important that G20 spoke as one.

I mean, to some extent, maybe its the G19 because obviously Russia is also here  its part of the G20  but the fact that we have a statement coming out collectively affirming the importance of Ukraine, its territorial integrity and sovereignty, that speaks loudly. But what really speaks loudly, again, are the leaders in the room itself. And I think if you were on the receiving end of what so many of them said, if you were in the Russian seat, its pretty clear where the rest of the world stands.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prashant Jha Prashant Jha is the Washington DC-based US correspondent of Hindustan Times. He is also the editor of HT Premium. Jha has earlier served as editor-views and national political editor/bureau chief of the paper. He is the author of How the BJP Wins: Inside India's Greatest Election Machine and Battles of the New Republic: A Contemporary History of Nepal. ...view detail
The leaders and heads of the delegations of the worlds largest economies have begun arriving at Rajghat to lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhis memorial a day after the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration evolving a middle way between the West and Russia on the Ukraine war was adopted. Consensus eluded all G20 meetings over the Ukraine issue over the last 10 months. The leaders will lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhis memorial. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed delegates at Rajghat. The delegates will attend a live performance of Mahatma Gandhis favourite devotional songs before heading back to the will G20 summit venue at Bharat Mandapam to participate in a tree-planting ceremony. The third session of the summit titled One Future will follow the ceremony.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier visited Delhis Akshardham temple to offer prayers.

India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, and the USA separately unveiled on Saturday an ambitious trade and infrastructure project linking India, the Middle East, and Europe in a first-of-its-kind initiative. A modern-day spice route involving ports, electricity, data networks, and energy pipelines is proposed to be built as part of the initiative.

The project was announced on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit. It is expected to act as a counterweight to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

A mega infrastructure project, BRI has fuelled concerns about Beijings expansive footprint across at least three continents.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is expected to stimulate economic development through enhanced connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Gulf, and Europe.
The monsoon rains eased as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed world leaders to the Raj Ghat memorial complex in central Delhi on Sunday, site of the eternal flame that burns for Mahatma Gandhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with other G20 leaders arrives to pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat on the final day of the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023.(PTI)

Gandhi led the nonviolent protests that brought India independence from British colonial rule in 1947. And Modis decision to use the second and final day of his Group of 20 summit to remind his guests of the Father of Nation was another message signaling Indias rise.

Symbolism is hard to escape in the so-called family photograph. Its a G-20 tradition that offers a rare, unvarnished glimpse of the interaction between leaders  the warmth or chill of greetings, the backslapping, side chats, scowls or moments of awkwardness - and so points to the state of world relations.

Absent from this years lineup were Chinas President Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin, both of whom skipped the summit amid tensions with the US and its allies. (Mexicos Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who rarely leaves the Americas, also stayed away.)

Indian media reported that the picture would not be a traditional family photo due to disagreement over the inclusion of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who stood in for Putin.

US-China rivalry and Putins war on Ukraine were never far away from the summit and infused the joint statement. But those global challenges took a momentary back seat as leaders ambled toward the black marble monument to Gandhi for their family portrait.

Barefoot walk

Some, like Germanys Olaf Scholz and Canadas Justin Trudeau, walked barefoot through the wet. President Joe Biden and Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva  who assumes the G-20 chair from India - were among those wearing slippers or overshoes.

A moments silence was held, then traditional Indian music struck up as the G-20 heads made their way out, past a backdrop of Gandhis ashram that was a center of the Indian struggle for freedom.

Biden walked beside Modi as the UKs Rishi Sunak reached over to have a word. Japans Fumio Kishida walked beside South Koreas Yoon Suk Yeol, the recent rapprochement between the two US allies on display. Lavrov, shunned by several leaders, talked with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has been pressing for Russia to resume the Black Sea grain deal.

Indias chairmanship of the G-20 was perhaps most notable for securing an unexpected consensus among leaders, in particular on the contentious language related to Russias war, but also on global action to combat climate change and on admitting the African Union as a full member of the group.

Here are a few moments captured in recent G-20 summit group photos:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with World Bank President Ajay Banga, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Joe Biden pose for a group photo during the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.(PTI)

(L-R) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden attend a session as part of the G20 Leaders' Summit at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 9, 2023.(AFP)

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, and U.S. President Joe Biden, right, shake hands next to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.(AP)

Some leaders are new, others are on their way out, a few veterans have seen it all before. But events always dictate the proceedings. Japan held the last G-20 before the pandemic upended the world. The following years summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia, was virtual.

When Argentina hosted the G-20 in 2018, these were happier days for the nation thats now suffering deep economic turmoil. Argentina  whose president, Alberto Fernandez, isnt running for re-election so is attending his last summit  has just been admitted to the BRICS grouping as it expands to 11 members from the core of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Germanys G-20 summit in 2017 was notable for a moment when fellow leaders spontaneously stood up and applauded Angela Merkel, and for the anti-capitalist riots that shook the host city of Hamburg, almost costing the mayor  one Olaf Scholz  his job. Scholz, of course, went on to succeed Merkel as German chancellor.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has condemned the so-called presidential elections held by the separatist regime in Azerbaijans Karabakh, Trend reports.

Pakistan considers Karabakh as the sovereign territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan and any attempt to conduct so-called "elections" by the illegally installed regime is legally and morally reprehensible. Such an attempt is also a grave violation of the UN Charter and principles of established international law, the statement of the ministry said.

The Azerbaijani MFA has called on the international community to strongly condemn these "elections", noting that "holding the so-called elections once again clearly shows that Armenia and the puppet regime created by it, which have taken steps to maintain the status quo and continue its occupation policy, are not really interested in the peace process, on the contrary, have taken the path of provocation and escalating the situation.
In a landmark breakthrough, G20 leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration on Day 1 of the leaders summit on Saturday. The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that all 83 paragraphs of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100 per cent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. US President Joe Biden (left), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hold hands as they attend the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance at the G20 summit in New Delhi on Saturday.(AP)

The world leaders, who have arrived in the national capital, gathered at the Pragati Maidan's Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The first session of the G20 Summit began around 10:30am under this year's theme 'One Earth'. This global meeting, a culmination of various ministries, meetings and the engagement of different groups that happened throughout the year, aimed to address key issues around the globe.

In the second session, 'One Family', was held between 3:30pm and 4:45pm when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

Complete schedule of G20 Summit Day 2 (September 10):

8:15am to 9am: The leaders and heads of the delegations will arrive at Rajghat in individual motorcades.

9am to 9:20am: The leaders will then lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's Samadhi. Also, a live performance of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite devotional songs.

9:20am: Leaders and heads of delegations will then move to Bharat Mandapam's Leaders' Lounge.

Follow the full coverage on G20 Summit

9:40am to 10:15am: Arrival of leaders and heads of delegation at Bharat Mandapam

10:15am10:30am: Tree planting ceremony at Bharat Mandapam's South Plaza

10:30am12:30pm: The third session of the summit, called 'One Future', will take place at the venue.

PM Modi's meet with Frances Emmanuel Macron

Modi is expected to hold a working lunch meeting with France President Emmanuel Macron. Besides, meetings are planned with Canada, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Brazil, Nigeria, Comoros and Turkiye.

Rishi Sunak's visit to Akshardham Temple

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid visit to the Akshardham Temple on Sunday morning along with his wife Akshata Murthy. Police officials said security has been tightened in and around the temple.

Modi met with Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday and discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment.

Expressing pride for his Hindu roots, Rishi Sunak on Friday expressed his hope that he will find time to visit a temple in India, during his stay for the G20 Summit.

I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis I didnt have time to celebrate Janmashtami. But hopefully, as I said I can make up for that if we visit a Mandir this time, Sunak told news agency ANI.

What happened G20 Summit Day 1: Five takeaways

1. The Group of 20 leading economies began the weekend's proceedings by welcoming the African Union, the newest member of a bloc which already represented 85 per cent of world GDP. Before Saturday, the G20 comprised 19 countries and the European Union, with South Africa its only member state from the continent.

The African Union at full strength has 55 members but six junta-ruled nations are currently suspended. It has a collective GDP of $3 trillion with some 1.4 billion people.

2. G20 leaders have been deeply riven over the Ukraine war since Moscow's invasion last year, with Russian President Vladimir Putin skipping the summit entirely to dodge political opprobrium. Facing the prospect of a major diplomatic embarrassment, host India pressed members to agree a common statement that watered down its earlier condemnation of the war.

In the end, the G20 denounced the use of force for territorial gain but refrained from direct criticism of Russia by name. Kyiv's foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko criticised the statement, saying the G20 had "nothing to be proud of".

3. Leaders failed to agree on a phase-out of fossil fuels, despite a UN report a day earlier deeming the drawdown "indispensable" to achieving net-zero emissions. But for the first time, the G20 backed a target of tripling global renewable energy capacity and referenced the need for emissions to peak before 2025.

4. A broad alliance including the United States and Saudi Arabia unveiled ambitious plans to create a modern-day Spice Route linking Europe, the Middle East and India. It would establish railways, ports, electricity and data networks and hydrogen pipelines in a counterbalance to lavish Chinese infrastructure spending.

5. For days India has been abuzz with rumours that official usage of the country's English name would be dropped. Modi gave the biggest signal yet of a potential change in his opening address to the summit, seated behind a country nameplate labelled "Bharat". India and Bharat are both official names for the country under its Constitution.

When will G20 leaders fly home?

Twenty heads of state, including US President Joe Biden and Sunak, are scheduled to leave Delhi on Monday, September 11, following their participation in the G20 Summit.

News agency ANI reported that the Centre has assigned responsibilities to Union ministers of states to see off the foreign delegates after the summit. A directive in this regard was issued by the foreign secretary.

The heads of state of countries including UAE, US, Bangladesh, Egypt, China, Australia, UK, Argentina, Indonesia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Canada and Singapore will depart from Delhi on Monday, the report added.

Bidens departure is scheduled around 10.20am, while Sunak will depart from Delhi at 2.15pm.

(With inputs from agencies)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
G20 Summit 2023 highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the closure of the two-day G20 Summit held in the national capital New Delhi. Earlier today, he received the world leaders at Rajghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, where they paid homage and laid a wreath to the father of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam.(ANI)

On Saturday, PM Modi hosted the leaders of over 30 countries and organisations, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on the first day of the 18th G20 Summit, organised at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi.

The opening day of the G20 Summit witnessed several crucial developments, including the consensus on the Delhi Declaration, the formal induction of the African Union to the group, a biofuel alliance and the announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IECC EC). India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the IECC EC.

The day concluded with President Droupadi Murmu hosting a lavish dinner for nearly 400 guests at the G20 venue, with Modi welcoming the global leaders from the reception dais, whose backdrop showcased the ruins of the Nalanda University in Bihar.
Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said it took more than 200 hours of non-stop negotiations by a team of Indian diplomats to deliver a consensus on the G20 declaration that was adopted at the 18th Leaders' Summit in New Delhi. Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant with joint secretaries Eenam Gambhir and Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur,

The team of diplomats, including joint secretaries Eenam Gambhir and Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, held 300 bilateral meetings and circulated 15 drafts with their counterparts on the contentious Ukraine conflict to drive home a consensus that was clinched on the first day of the G20 Leaders Summit itself.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor lauds India's G20 sherpa after 200 hours of non-stop negotiations' claim

"The most complex part of the entire #G20 was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This was done over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings, 15 drafts. In this, I was greatly assisted by two brilliant officers -@NagNaidu08 &@eenamg," Kant wrote on X (formally Twitter) and shared a picture of him with them.

Kant said he was greatly assisted in the efforts by Naidu and Gambhir.

Who is Eenam Gambhir?

Eenam Gambhir is currently serving as a joint secretary G20 and the ministry of external affairs, New Delhi.

A 2005-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Gambhir, in her position in the G20 Secretariat, deals with handling G20-related issues including the preparations for India's G20 Presidency.

Prior to this, Gambhir served as a senior adviser on Peace and Security issues in the Office of the President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN HQ in New York.

Gambhir has also served in Indian embassies in Latin American countries such as Mexico and Argentina and is a fluent Spanish speaker.

Gambhir has also dealt with issues relating to Indias neighborhood especially Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in different capacities while working in New Delhi from 2011 till 2016.

She also served in the permanent mission of India to the UN in New York and covered political and peace and security issues till June 2019.

Gambhir holds two masters degrees  masters of sciences in mathematics from Delhi University and masters in advanced international security from the University of Geneva.

Who Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur?

Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, currently serving as a joint secretary, is the Chinese speaker in the team. He was reportedly a lead negotiator on the Ukraine conflict paragraphs.

Kakanur has served as the chef de cabinet to the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Prior to this, Kakanur was the deputy permanent representative of India to the United Nations.

A career diplomat, Kakanur is a 1998-batch Indian Foreign Service officer.

Kakanur is a fluent Chinese speaker and has served in China in four separate stints.

At the Indian embassy in Beijing, Kakanur served as third and second secretary (special projects) between 2000 and 2003.

Between 2003 and 2006, he served as Consul (political and commercial) at the Indian Consulate in Hong Kong. From 2009 to 2012, he served as first secretary and counsellor (economic and commercial affairs) at the Indian embassy in Beijing.

He took over as the Consul General at the Indian Consulate in Guangzhou, China from 2013 to 2015.

After his return to the foreign ministry in New Delhi, Naidu served as the joint secretary/director general of the economic diplomacy division in the ministry of external affairs from 2015 to 2017.

Kakanur has a masters in law and diplomacy from Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy.

New Delhi Declaration

India managed to hammer out an unexpected consensus among the G20 countries on the contentious issue with emerging economies such as Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia playing a leading role in reaching the breakthrough.

The G20 leaders' declaration avoided mentioning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and made a general call to all states to follow the principle of respecting each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law, including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability," the declaration said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday discussed the potential for bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence and security at a bilateral meeting on the margins of the G20 Summit. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)

Erdogan described India as Turkeys greatest trade partner in South Asia while addressing the media after the meeting. We have great potential to deepen our partnership in the sphere of economy and other sectors, he said.

The two leaders focused on the potential for cooperation in trade, investment, defence, security, civil aviation and shipping, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

Erdogan congratulated Modi on the countrys G20 presidency and thanked India for the prompt relief provided under Operation Dost after an earthquake struck Turkey in February. India had rushed emergency relief supplies and medical and rescue teams to Turkey within hours of the quake.

He also congratulated Modi on the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the moon and conveyed best wishes for the Aditya mission to the sun, the external affairs ministry said.

New Delhi and Ankara have had strained relations over the years, mainly because of Turkeys support to Pakistan on the Kashmir issue at global forums such as the UN and the OIC. However, trade relations and people-to-people contacts have grown in recent years.

Responding to a question at the news conference, Erdogan said Turkey would be proud if a country such as India becomes a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, but added that all non-P5 members should have an opportunity to become members of the Security Council by rotation.

Referring to the P5 or five permanent members of the Security Council  China, France, Russia, the UK and the US, Erdogan said the world is bigger and larger than five.

We would be proud if a country like India became a permanent member of the UN Security Council. As you know, the world is bigger and larger than five...what we mean is that its not only about the US, UK, France, China and Russia. We dont want to have just these five countries in the Security Council, he said.

While the Security Council now has five permanent and 10 non-permanent members drawn from different regions, Erdogan proposed a mechanism whereby all 195 member countries can potentially become a member of the UNs top decision-making body.

What the five members say should not determine the voice of the whole world, he added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Rishi Sunak, offered prayers at Akshardham Temple on Sunday morning. Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy at Delhi's Akshardham temple(ANI/ X)

After offering prayers, Sunak left the Akshardham Temple premises to accompany world leaders at Rajghat.

Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murthy at Akshardham temple premises.(ANI/ X)

Ahead of the UK Prime Minister's visit, elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple.

While speaking to ANI on Saturday, the UK PM had said that he will visit Delhi's Akshardham temple today.

Rishi Sunak also expressed his hope that he will find time to visit a temple, here in India, during his stay for the G20 Summit. He had said that he has enormous respect for PM Modi and that he is keen to support him in making the G20 an enormous success.

Saints offer tilak on Rishi Sunak at Akshardham Temple. (ANI/ X)

I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis, Rishi Sunak said.

I didnt have time to celebrate Janmashtami. But hopefully, as I said I can make up for that if we visit a Mandir this time, he added.

Rishi Sunak had earlier said that faith is something very important as it gives strength and resilience during stress. (ANI/ X)

He further said that faith is something very important as it gives strength and resilience during stress.

An Akshardham temple official had earlier told ANI that preparations were fully done to welcome United Kingdom Prime MinisterRishi Sunakand his wife Akshata Narayana Murty on Sunday.

Sunak, accompanied by wife Akshata Murty had arrived in Delhi on Friday. This isRishi Sunak's first visit to India as Prime Minister since he assumed the office of Prime Minister of the UK in October last year.

Rishi Sunak at Akshardham temple. (ANI/ X)

India and the UK are bound by strong ties of history and culture, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Indias multifaceted bilateral relationship with the UK intensified with its upgradation to a Strategic Partnership in 2004.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abdul Momen on Saturday expressed gratitude for the invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, designating as a guest member at the G20 summit, saying that India's gesture was a significant honour for their country. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, shakes hand with Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina upon her arrival at Bharat Mandapam convention centre for the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, on Saturday, September 9. (HT Photo)

Momen said that throughout the summit, PM Modi encouraged his counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, to meet other leaders.

"We are very proud and PM (Sheikh Hasina) also mentioned that India has honoured us by inviting us as the guest country and we are very thankful to India. They have given us an honour and a privilege to raise the issues of the Global South," he said while speaking to ANI.

He further added, "Bangladesh has been raising the issues of the Global South particularly. We are the leader in climate change, we are the leader in women empowerment, we are the leader in disaster management and the Prime Minister has exposed those issues to the G20 leadership."

Bangladesh PM, who arrived in India on Friday, held a bilateral talk with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi on the same day.

The two countries also signed three memorandum of understanding (MoUs), including one on cooperation in Digital Payment mechanisms. "The MoU on cooperation in Digital Payment mechanism was signed between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Bangladesh Bank," the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official release earlier.

Another MoU focused on the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) between India and Bangladesh for 2023-2025.

The third MoU was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC).

PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina also looked forward to beginning of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), covering trade in goods, and services, and protecting and promoting investment, the MEA release said.

The full range of bilateral cooperation, including political and security cooperation, border management, trade and connectivity, water resources, power and energy, development collaboration, and cultural and people-to-people linkages, was discussed by the two leaders.

Discussions also included recent regional developments and collaboration in international fora.

This is the first time that the G20 Summit is being hosted by India. Extensive preparations have been underway to portray India's tradition and strength.

During the presidency, India has focused on various issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access. By leveraging its presidency, India is fostering collaborative solutions that benefit its own population and contribute to the broader global well-being.

The countries taking part in the G20 Summit include Nigeria, Argentina, Italy, the AU (represented by Comros), and South Africa. Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Japan Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Egypt, Australia, the United States, Canada, China, the U.A.E, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey Spain, Germany, France, Mauritius, the European Union and Singapore.
India may choose stricter regulation of crypto-assets than the minimum basic regulatory threshold prescribed by the G20 and a decision on this matter would be taken by the government after consulting all stakeholders, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), two officials said on Sunday. HT Image

The regulatory outline discussed at the G20 Summit was in the form of a synthesis paper that provides basic minimum recommendations on regulating crypto-assets, these people said, asking not to be named.

The synthesis paper covered policy recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and regulatory provisions proposed by the Financial Stability Board (FSB), which are not binding on any member of the G20, they added.

The paper pointed at the highly disruptive potential of crypto-assets for financial stability as it advocated the need for regulations, since a complete ban by one country would be difficult because of the nature of cryptos digital and borderless characteristics, an official said.

The paper recommends a minimum level of regulation, but any country is free to choose additional measures. Some may even ban it completely. But no country should have less regulatory measures that what is recommended in the paper endorsed by the Delhi Declaration, he added.

Comprehensive regulatory and licensing mechanisms are needed for macroeconomic and financial stability, the report cautioned, adding that widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies and assets based on them could undermine the effectiveness of monetary policy, circumvent capital flow management measures, exacerbate fiscal risks, divert resources available for financing the real economy, and threaten global financial stability.

As the paper highlighted risks of crypto-assets, similar to the RBIs position, a comprehensive discussion would be required before taking any final policy decision. The government will also discuss the matter with stakeholders afresh in the light of the synthesis paper and take a decision appropriate for the country, its monetary system and its economy, a second official said.

Cryptocurrencies are unregulated in India. While RBI had voiced concerns over the adverse effect of cryptocurrencies on the Indian economy, the Union government has been of the view that any unilateral ban or regulation would be ineffective since enforcement will also depend on other countries. At present, India has put a tax on incoming crypto transactions at a rate of 30% in order to dissuade its use.

RBI had been cautioning users, holders and traders of crypto-assets, including virtual currencies (VCs) through public notices on December 24, 2013, February 1, 2017 and December 5, 2017 that dealing in VCs was associated with potential economic, financial, operational, legal, customer protection and security related risks, the second person said.

RBI also issued a circular in April 6, 2018 prohibiting its regulated entities  banks --- to deal in virtual currencies (VCs) or provide services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with or settling VCs. That circular was, however, set aside by the Supreme Court on March 4, 2020.

Movement on regulation of crypto-assets was one of the seven key achievements of the finance track under the G20 India Presidency, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday at a press conference immediately after the New Delhi Declaration. The global push for clearer policy for crypto-assets have gained momentum, she said as the declaration supported a coordinated and comprehensive policy and regulatory framework considering the underbelly of crypto assets, including money laundering and terror financing.

Nilaya Varma, CEO & co-founder of consultancy firms Primus Partners, said the India G20 presidency emphasized the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework to safeguard national interests, enhance user awareness, and support technological development, all while avoiding a blanket ban. This stance aligns with recommendations from international organisations and standard-setting bodies. Indias burgeoning population and growing adoption of VDAs position it as a key player in the global Web3 space, but decisive domestic policy implementation is crucial to harness this potential and transition from a talent exporter to a leader in services, technology, and products in the crypto sector, he added.
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President of the Union of the Comoros and chairperson of the African Union (AU) Azali Assoumani during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit 2023, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday (HT Photo)

India is a superpower in terms of its population and is ahead of China now, Comoros president and current chairperson of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, said on Sunday.

Assoumani, in New Delhi for the G20 Summit, made the remarks while speaking to reporters. Asked about the future of India-Comoros ties, he said: Its a good future. Weve always had a good relationship with India. I remember Indians being in the Comoros for centuries. They are doing trade and we have never had any problem with the Indians living there.

He added: India is the fifth superpower in the world, so there is enough room for India in Africa. We also know that India is so powerful that it went to space. So, we just need to coordinate our opportunities. India is a superpower in terms of [population], it is ahead of China now.

On Saturday, the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during the summit of leaders of the worlds largest economies, marking the first expansion of the bloc since it was created in 1999 to cope with a series of financial crises.

In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written to his counterparts among G20 members that the African Union should be given full membership of the grouping. The proposal was also backed by key members of the European Union (EU), China and Russia, albeit for different reasons.

The African Union will have the same status as the 27-member European Union (EU), the only regional bloc with full membership of the G20.

Assoumani spoke of the moment when Modi hugged him after formally inducting the African Union into the G20. I was about to cry. It was a great emotion for me. Because actually, we thought that there was going to be a debate and then a decision would be taken but at the very beginning of the summit, it was announced that we were a member, he said.

On Sunday, Modi held a meeting with Assoumani and congratulated him on the African bloc joining the G20. Had a very fruitful meeting with @PR_AZALI. Congratulated him once again on @_AfricanUnion joining the G20 family. Comoros is vital to Indias SAGAR Vision. Our deliberations included ways to enhance cooperation in areas like shipping, trade and more, Modi posted on X.

.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s deputy director Gita Gopinath on Saturday exchanged pleasantries with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the dinner hosted at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi at the 18th G20 Summit. IMF's Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath with PM Modi at Bharat Mandapam.(X/ @GitaGopinath)

Sharing a photo with Modi, Gopinath congratulated him for successfully hosting the G20 Summit. "Congratulations Prime Minister @narendramodi on presiding over such a successful @g20org. India's message of 'one earth, one family, one future' resonated strongly with all delegates," she wrote on X.

In reply, Modi said these efforts are testament to the collective spirit of unity and progress. "Thank you for the kind words. It is an honor to host the G20 summit. Our efforts are a testament to the collective spirit of unity and progress," Modi said.

Gopinath also posed with President Murmu at the G20 venue. "Greatly honored to meet President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn whose life story is deeply inspiring", she said in an X post.

Modi on Saturday hosted the leaders of over 30 countries and organisations, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on the first day of the G20 Summit which is being organised at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre.

The opening day of the two-day G20 Summit witnessed several crucial developments, including the 100 per cent consensus on the Delhi Declaration, formal induction of the African Union to the group, a biofuel alliance and the announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IECC EC).

After the completion of the proceedings of the 1st day of high-level conclave, President of Murmu hosted a dinner for the heads of state of the G20 group with nearly around 400 guests.

India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and had organised about 200 meetings in 60 cities across the country. The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday spoke on increasing activities by pro-Khalistan elements in his country.



Referring to Khalistani extremism and 'foreign interference, Trudeau said,"Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues... Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us.. at the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred".



I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada. The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference, Trudeau added.



Trudeau's statement comes days after the Shri Mata Bhameshwari Durga temple in Canada's Surrey town in British Columbia was desecrated with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti on its outer walls.



The desecration took place a day before pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) claiming to lock down India's Consulate in Vancouver.



The temple desecration took place in retaliation to the Canadian authorities withdrawing their permission to hold voting at a public school following concerns over their promotional materials that featured the image of an AK-47 rifle. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses a press conference on the sidelines of the G20 Summit at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi, Sunday,(PTI)

The referendum was scheduled for September 10 at the Tamanawis Secondary School in the town of Surrey in British Columbia.



Last month, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey was vandalised with anti-India and pro-Khalistan posters pasted on its front gate and rear wall. The posters, which were later removed, were pasted in the early hours.

Takes surge in Khalistani activity extremely seriously

In July, Trudeau had said his government is taking the matter related to surge in pro-Khalistani activity in Canada extremely seriously'.

We have an extremely diverse country and freedom of expression is something that we have. But, we will also make sure that we are pushing back against violence and extremism in all its forms", the Canadian prime minister had said while responding to a query over a controversial parade float depicting late prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination in Canada's Brampton.

The float was showcased at a parade by pro-Khalistani radicals in Brampton city of the North American country.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) calls on the international community not to recognize the so-called "elections" in Karabakh, Trend reports.

"The so-called 'elections' held in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan contradict international law. This move constitutes a gross violation of international law, including the UN Security Council resolutions, OIC resolutions, and OSCE principles. The General Secretariat of the OIC views these so-called 'elections' as a step aimed at undermining negotiations.

The OIC General Secretariat does not recognize these illegitimate so-called 'elections,' which violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. It calls on the UN and the international community not to recognize these so-called 'elections' and to take effective measures to prevent Armenia from taking steps that jeopardize fragile efforts to normalize the situation in the region.

The OIC, which supports the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, believes that the signing of a durable peace agreement in the near future will make a significant contribution to peace and stability in the region," the organization's statement said.
Every state government in Maharashtra in the last decade-and-a-half has had to deal with one constant  the vexed issue of Maratha reservation . The state currently has a 52% quota based on caste (ANI)

The Marathas constitute close to a third of the population of a state that sends 48 representatives to the Lok Sabha, second only to Uttar Pradesh, and have produced more than half of the states Chief Ministers. Driven by protests governments led by the Congress, the NCP, the unified Shiv Sena, even the BJP have all sought to find legislative solutions, only for them to be struck down by the courts.

And the absolutism of Maratha demands have made other solutions difficult.

For instance, in the last fortnight, even as protests raged in Jalna, led by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil , the Eknath Shinde led government hurriedly announced a government resolution that would effectively mean Marathas in Central Maharashtra would be included in OBC reservations if they could prove that they were categorized as Kunbis in Nizam era documents, a time pre-1948 when the region was under the Hyderabad state. The Kunbis are categorised as an other backward class in the state. On September 6, Sinde said that a five-member panel headed by retired judge Sandeep Shinde would determine a standard operating procedure for this. The state government, wary of the opposition looking to capitalize on the Maratha anger ahead of a crucial 2024 parliamentary election, hoped this would assuage tempers.

Except, the move angered existing OBCs that have argued against Marathas taking part of the pie. And Jarange himself, wasnt mollified either, declaring that he would cease his protest only if all Marathas across Maharashtra were given Kunbi certificates.

The slicing of the pie

The state currently has a 52% quota based on caste -- 13% for scheduled castes ; 8% for scheduled tribes ; 19% for OBCs; 2% for special backward castes another 2% for vimukti jati or denotified tribes, and an 8% split across nomadic tribes of various kinds. Apart from this, there is a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

Chastened by a 2014 humbling in the parliamentary election, where they won six of the 48 seats, and ahead of an assembly election later that year, in July 2014, the Congress-NCP government in the state promulgated an ordinance granting 16% reservation in education and government jobs to the Marathas. In four months, however the Bombay High Court issued an interim order staying the ordinances implementation.

In January 2017, under the Fadnavis led BJP-Shiv Sena government, the Maharashtra government sought to resolve the issue again, establishing the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission that recommended 12% and 13% reservation for Marathas in educational institutions and appointments in public services respectively. Upon the commissions recommendations, Maharashtra passed the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2018, but this too, was challenged in the Bombay High Court that in 2019, upheld the constitutional validity of the act. In May 2021 however, the Supreme Court struck down the act and quashed the demand for a review petition two months later.

At the heart of the Maratha demand is a problem that has played out across India -- as agriculture becomes less remunerative, once dominant land-owning agrarian communities such as the Patidars and Jats and Marathas have lobbied for reservation in educational institutions and for government jobs, conscious of how this has helped those from other backward classes and scheduled castes and tribes.

Protests and more protests

In the last week of August 2023 , members of the Maratha community in the stronghold of Marathwada, led by Manoj Jarange Patil of the Maratha Kranti Sena sat on a hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati village. The protest turned violent, leaving 20 protesters and 37 police personnel injured, with at least 15 vehicles set ablaze.

As Sharad Pawar and other politicians rushed to Jalna and chastised the government for their handling of the situation, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis apologised for the police action. The violence fuelled protests by the Marathas across the state, forcing the September 6 announcement by Shinde on Kunbis.

Shinde held talks with a delegation sent by Jarange late on Friday but the latter has thus far refused to withdraw his hunger strike. On Saturday, in the presence of a government delegation, Jarange said the impasse continues. He said that the government has also not kept its word on the withdrawal of police cases against protesters and action against officers responsible for the lathi-charge. The government should first issue a government resolution, announcing blanket reservation to us as Kunbis...until then I will not call off my indefinite strike, Jarange said. On Sunday, Jarange Patil said that he would now stop consuming water.

He was also critical of the Maharashtra government for failing to keep its word on the withdrawal of police cases against protesters and the lack of action against police personnel responsible for the lathi-charge on September 1.

But the government now also faces the threat of a statewide agitation by other OBCs. Chandrakant Bavkar, working president of the OBC Janmorcha told HT that they would oppose any move to share our reservation benefits with the Marathas.

The government resolution cannot be sustained in a court of law. We do not hate Marathas but we will fight for our rights and also against the government, and not the Maratha community. It is more a political than a social issue, he added. An ultimate solution, Bavkar said, was a caste based census, either national or akin to the process being conducted by Bihar, to provide quantitative and qualitative data of communities to the government.

Demands for a caste census have increased in recent years, and gathered momentum over the past few months with parties opposed to the Bharatiya Janata Party seeing it as a likely way to tackle the welfarism-plus-Hindutva appeal of the current national political hegemon.

Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, the Kunbis themselves are not happy with the governments move on the Marathas.

Vishwanath Patil, chief of the Kunbi Sena said that while the community was not against reservation to Marathas, they should not be given Kunbi certificates. We will strongly oppose it if the state government takes any such decision.

These rumblings are significant, for the OBCs have been among the core votebanks of both the BJP and the unified Shiv Sena. The BJP, in fact, expanded its base after it implemented a formula called Madhavam- Maratha, Dhangar, Vanjari and Mali.

The protests also seem to have revived other similar demands, with the Dhangars, for instance, reasserting a long-standing demand for scheduled tribe status. The community has long argued that they were kept out of the scheduled tribes list because of a typographical error in 1976.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said that the BJP was inciting the Maratha and the OBC communities against each other. The BJP doesnt want to give reservation to Marathas by conducting a caste-based census. Now they are talking about Marathas being given reservation from the OBC quota.

Political analyst Abhay Deshpande said that the move to give Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas in Marathwada opens a Pandoras box . The OBCs are also worried they will lose reservation in local self government bodies once Marathas get certificates. All this can have political repercussions and would also may not stand legal scrutiny.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The leaders declaration at the G20 Summit does not amount to a diplomatic boost for Moscow since the communique reflects the isolation of Russia and a majority of the groupings members have denounced the war in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday, suggesting a day after the historic document was sealed that divisions persisted and the interpretation of the text depended on the prism through which it was being viewed. France's President Emmanuel Macron attends a press conference after attending the G20 summit in New Delhi on Sunday. (AFP)

Macron, who was addressing a news conference after the two-day summit, also said that G20 is not the forum for making diplomatic progress on the Ukraine conflict since the bloc was created to discuss international economic and financial issues after the 2008 global crisis.

I dont feel this is a major diplomatic win or anything else, other than isolation for Russia, Macron said. This G20 confirms once again the isolation of Russia. Today, an overwhelming majority of G20 members condemn the war in Ukraine and its impact.

Western members of the G20 have faced criticism at home since the leaders declaration made no direct reference to Russias aggression against Ukraine  something that was mentioned in the joint communique adopted at the last G20 Summit in Indonesia  while alluding to the actions of Russia in the context of the war.

The G20, Macron said, is not the place where youll have diplomatic progress on that topic (the Ukraine crisis). He added: Lets be honest that the G20 is not a forum for political discussions. And were here to mainly talk about economic topics and climate change.

The G20 supports a just and lasting peace even if member states disagree on the Ukraine issue, he said, noting that 16 members of the G20 approved all UN resolutions that condemn Russia while three abstained.

The G20 said it supports a just and lasting peace. This is exactly the opposite of what Russia is saying, Macron said. The G20 also reiterated its support to territorial integrity and the UN Charter, and Russia is in a very isolated position, he added.

Juxtaposing his comments with those of Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov later in the day  Lavrov said that the paras on Ukraine could not be viewed in isolation and that the text was a victory for Russia  Macron highlighted that the positions on issue remained unaltered even if the framing could be spun to validate either perspective.

Macron said that India did its utmost for the G20 to work for unity and peace and send across the message of unity while Russia is still waging its aggression in Ukraine. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said France stands alongside India in these efforts.

Modi also had a bilateral meeting over lunch with Macron on the margins of the G20 Summit on Sunday and the leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation through a partnership in design, development and manufacture of advanced military technologies and platforms, according to a joint statement.

They further agreed to expand production of defence hardware in India, including for third countries in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. In this context, they called for the early finalisation of a Defence Industrial road map.

The leaders also assessed progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Paris in July and exchanged views on important international and regional developments.

In the context of several key outcomes of Modis last visit to France, including the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and Indo-Pacific Roadmap, the leaders discussed overall progress and next steps in implementing new goals for cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts.

The leaders also reviewed the India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific and Africa, including in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability and industrial projects.

They underlined their role of providers of solutions for the Indo-Pacific through their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the joint statement said.

In the field of civil nuclear cooperation, Modi and Macron acknowledged the good progress in discussions for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project and welcomed continuing engagement to expand cooperation to establish a partnership for co-developing small and modular nuclear reactor technologies, and the forthcoming signature of a dedicated declaration of intent, the joint statement said.

France reiterated its steadfast and unwavering support for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, it added.

Modi thanked Macron for Frances support to Indias G20 Presidency, which sought to address global challenges and build a more stable global order through unity. India and France also welcomed the African Union to the G20.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The announcement of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) triggered a backlash from Pakistani citizens against its government, with many seeing it as a "last wake-up call". The new economic corridor, which many see as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was jointly announced on Saturday by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia upon his arrival at Bharat Mandapam convention centre for the G20 Summit in New Delhi, on Saturday, September 9, 2023. (HT Photo)

The unexpected development in India's national capital where world leaders had gathered for the G20 Summit came in as a shock for many Pakistanis.

As a Paki, I can't help but feel a deep sense of shame today. Our nation deserves better leadership, accountability, and a brighter future. It's time for change and a renewed commitment to the values that truly represent us, wrote a social media user on X, formerly Twitter, while reacting to the announcement.

High time we get our house in order and set our priorities straight. Wishful thinking and petty politics will get us nowhere. Perhaps reassessing and questioning our limitations might bring about the change our Country needs, another user posted on X.

The announcement also came at a time when Islamabad was expecting investments of up to $25 billion from Saudi Arabia in Pakistan.

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said on Monday that Saudi Arabia's investment would come in the mining, agriculture and information technology sectors, and was part of a push to increase foreign direct investment in the debt-ridden country. Pakistan is embarking on a tricky path to economic recovery under a caretaker government after a $3 billion loan programme averted a sovereign debt default.

The official bio of DG-ISI says he loves to read, wrote a user named Wajahat S. Khan. "Maybe he should read this, and then ask the Boss whether the $25 billion coming from the KSA is going to be a part of this new "Saudi-Indian Economic Corridor" (SIPEC)."

Its all about democracy, constitution and rule of law. Last wake up call for Pakistan, another user posted.

Here are some more reactions:

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Although many chief ministers of the opposition INDIA bloc attended the G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, a number of others, including three from states ruled by the Congress, stayed away. At the G20 summit dinner on Saturday.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin attended the dinner and shared candid moments with global leaders.

Attended the #G20Dinner at Kaveri Table hosted by Honble President of India @rashtrapatibhvn, Stalin posted on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of his interaction with US President Joe Biden.

Kumar and Soren interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Biden, setting aside domestic political rivalry and joining the celebration of the first G20 summit in India.

If Congress chief ministers such as Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan), Bhupesh Baghel (Chhattisgarh) and Siddaramaiah (Karnataka) and Kerala chief minister Pinarai Vijayan boycott the event, it is their problem, an aide of Banerjee said, declining to be named. We cant toe the Congress line on all issues. There is no scope of politics in the G20 dinner hosted by the President of India.

Most of the chief ministers who attended the vegetarian dinner at Bharat Mandapam had arrived in the national capital by Friday to avoid any last moment flight interruptions. I have come here to attend the G20 dinner on the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, Kumar said upon his arrival.

It was not proper on the part of the leaders to avoid the G20 dinner. The invitation came from the President and this is a government programme, another non-Congress leader said, seeking anonymity.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was the lone Congress representative in the dinner. Modi, who interacted with many chief ministers, was seen hugging Sukhu.

Another opposition chief minister, K Chandrashekar Rao of Telangana, didnt attend for the event. Gehlot and Baghel had claimed they didnt get permission to land their aircraft at Delhi airport. Government officials rejected the claims.

The Congress high command didnt advise anyone to skip the dinner but left the decision to the chief ministers, a Congress leader said, wishing to remain unnamed.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday proposed a virtual session of the G20 in November when Brazil will take over from India the rotational presidency of the grouping of worlds largest economies. US President Joe Biden at the Raj Ghat memorial with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and other G20 leaders. (REUTERS)

In that session, we can review the topics discussed during this [G20] summit [in New Delhi], Modi said in his closing remarks at the summit. Our team will share all details...With this, I declare the G20 summit closed, he said. May the roadmap of One Earth, One Family, One Future be pleasant. May there be hope and peace throughout the world.

He conveyed his best wishes to Brazilian President Lula da Silva and handed over the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to him.

Modi referred to suggestions and proposals mooted at the two-day summit and said it is their responsibility to look at them and ensure a follow-up.

The leaders and heads of the delegations earlier visited Rajghat to lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhis memorial a day after the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration evolving a middle way between the West and Russia on the Ukraine war was adopted. Consensus eluded all G20 meetings over the Ukraine issue over the last 10 months.

The delegates participated in a tree-planting ceremony at the G20 summit venue Bharat Mandapam before the conclusion of the third session of the summit titled One Future.

India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, and the US separately unveiled on Saturday an ambitious trade and infrastructure project linking India, the Middle East, and Europe in a first-of-its-kind initiative. A modern-day spice route involving ports, electricity, data networks, and energy pipelines is proposed to be built as part of the initiative.

The project was announced on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit. It is expected to act as a counterweight to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A mega infrastructure project, BRI has fuelled concerns about Beijings expansive footprint across at least three continents.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is expected to stimulate economic development through enhanced connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Gulf, and Europe.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A day after he was arrested in a case involving alleged corruption in Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation, Telugu Desam Party chief and former state chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu was sent to 14 days in judicial custody. The leader of opposition in the Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly was produced before the court of the third additional sessions judge for anti corruption bureau cases in Vijayawada early on Sunday morning, after being questioned by the state Crime Investigation Department for close to 10 hours. The CID said that they have named the former chief minister as accused number 37 in the case. Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu being taken to prison, in Vijayawada on Sunday (PTI)

Even as the Andhra Pradesh government tightened security in the state, particularly in Vijayawada, preparations were being made to take Naidu was taken to Rajahmundry Central Jail, with his lawyers expected to move the state high court on Monday morning. His lawyers have been trying for his house arrest citing security reasons, a TDP leader said. The TDP has also confirmed a statewide bandh on Monday.

In its remand report, the CID said that Naidu was non-cooperative during interrogation, and that even though they had arranged for a helicopter for him to travel to Vijayawada from Nandyal, the place where he was arrested , Naidu refused and drove to the city, with his convoy obstructed on several occasions by angry TDP cadre. This, the CID said, was an indication of his efforts at intimidating law enforcement officials by virtue of his position. He was asked questions based on the note files, which form part of the evidence in this case diary. But to all the questions he was non-cooperative and replied vaguely that he could not recollect the facts. In this regard, the report was drafted in the presence of the mediators and duly attested by him, the report said.

Meanwhile, the CID filed a petition in the anti-corruption bureau court in Vijayawada, seeking police custody of Naidu for further interrogation.

The ACB court directed that Naidu would have access to home cooked food, medication and a special room at the Central Jail, as well as adequate security arrangements in prison.

The allegations date back to 2014 when a few months after coming to power after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the Naidu-led TDP government proposed the establishment of the APSSDC, ostensibly to develop employability skills for students studying non-professional courses and promoting entrepreneurship. The CID alleged that the former chief minister orchestrated the transfer of public funds from government to private entities via shell companies; that there was no actual delivery or sales of items on invoices; and that a portion of funds were used to create centres of excellence departing from official procedure. Naidu possesses exclusive knowledge of the transactions leading to the issuance of government orders and memoranda of understanding, making him a central figure in the investigation. Key documents related to the case have gone missing and Naidu and others are the primary suspects, N Sanjay, deputy inspector general(DIG), CID said on Saturday.

In its remand report submitted on Sunday, the CID called Naidu the chief architect and conspirator in the alleged corruption case whose magnitude is estimated at 371 crore. Sanjay, the DIG CID said on Saturday that the misappropriation could be as high as 550 crore.

Naidu however rejected the allegations and said on Saturday, The police came last night and created a fuss. When I asked them to show proof that I had committed any wrongdoing, they failed to do so. The ruling party is very keen on foisting a false case against me.

The arrest comes at a time when party insiders from the YSR Congress Party, the party helmed by chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, have been left worried by political surveys that suggest that the TDP may be gaining ground in the state. While the party has questioned the veracity of the survey and pointed to the historical inaccuracies in predicting election results, particularly when they are several months away, party leaders said several senior party people had alerted the leadership about concerns in their respective areas.

Supporters of the TDP protested in several parts of the state on Sunday, observing a one-day fast. Party leaders alleged that they were prevented from doing do in parts of Prakasam, Tirupati, and East Godavari districts. TDP national spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain said that Naidus arrest showed the mentality of the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. The way protests were held across the state against his arrest, shows how popular Chandrababu is, he said.

CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has been away on a personal visit to London, officials said, and is expected to return to the state on Monday. His party has however maintained that Naidus arrest follows an investigation and is above board. Senior YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member V Vijayasai Reddy said on social media platform X,:  Why should Chandrababu Naidu not be punished? The Raavan of organized corruption, money laundering, and looting AP should be ended. On Saturday, Reddy said that Naidu committed several offences during his tenure, and that the CID and the ACB have adequate evidence to prove the case against the former Chief Minister.

(With agency inputs)
KOCHI: Former CPI(M) Lok Sabha MP PK Biju on Sunday rejected allegations of involvement in the fraud at the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank raised by Congress leader and former MLA Anil Akkara. The Enforcement Directorate is probing the fraud at the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank in Kerala. (HT Archives)

Citing a remand report of the Enforcement Directorate, which is probing the financial fraud at the bank, Akkara had said on Saturday that P Sathish Kumar, an accused in the case, was the mentor of Biju and that the duo had financial dealings. The former Congress MLA from Wadakkanchery had also alleged that Biju was part of an internal CPI(M) panel that inquired into the scam at the bank and that the report the panel submitted said nothing about the involvement of Kumar.

Responding to the allegations, Biju said on Sunday, Anil Akkaras claims are baseless and politically motivated. If there is any evidence of my involvement, he must produce it before the media. He is peddling lies.

Biju, who served as the Lok Sabha MP from Alathur between 2009 and 2019, added, I have not made any kind of involvement in the financial dealings at Karuvannur bank. I dont know Kumar and I have not spoken to him over the phone or exchanged WhatsApp messages. For us, the people and the party are mentors. We dont need to work under the mentorship of financial fraudsters.

The former MP also said neither he nor his wife own a house or a plot of land. I stay in a flat owned by the party, he said.

He underlined that if summoned by the ED as part of probe into the case, he would certainly go and clarify his position.

The ED on September 4 arrested Sathish Kumar and Kiran PP under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the bank fraud case. Kiran was the beneficiary of illegally sanctioned loans in the names of benamis using benami properties and thereby generated proceeds of crime to the tune of 48.57 crore including principal and interest which remained unpaid to the bank, the agency had said.

Sathish Kumar has also committed the scheduled offence and generated proceeds of crime of more than 14 crore in the form of illegal loans from the bank, the agency said.

The agency has been probing the case where benami loans were sanctioned to non-members of the CPM-controlled bank often by mortgaging the properties of poor members without their knowledge. The money to the tune of 150 crore has been swindled out of the bank, ED has said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vishnu Varma Vishnu Varma is Assistant Editor and reports from Kerala for the Hindustan Times. He has 10 years of experience writing for print and digital platforms and has worked at The New York Times, NDTV and The Indian Express in the past. He specialises in longform reportage at the intersections of politics, crime, social commentary and environment. ...view detail
New Delhi Reaffirming their traditional position on the global governance architecture, India and Brazil, the current and future presidencies of the G20, have made a renewed pitch for the comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to include both permanent and non-permanent members, and expressed support for each others candidature as permanent members. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) along with world leaders pays respect at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 10, 2023. (AFP)

PM Narendra Modi and Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a joint India-Brazil statement said, have agreed to have regular bilateral coordination meetings on Security Council Reform.

Also Read: How the Delhi Declaration feeds into COP28

The two leaders expressed disappointment at the paralysis created at the Inter-Governmental Negotiations on UN Security Council reform, which have not produced tangible progress, the statement said. The two countries are also seen as important pillars of the Global South.

Separately, Turkeys president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that having a country like India in the UNSC would be a matter of pride. As you now, the world is bigger than larger than five. Alluding to the current set of permanent members, he added, And when we say the world is larger than five, what we mean is that its not only about the US, UK, France, China and Russia. Erdogan, however, pitched for rotational membership of the council where each state in the world got a turn.

Also Read| G20 has stood up for Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty: Blinken

In his own statement at the G20 during a session on one future, Modi pointed out that the UN had 51 members when it was set up in the wake of the Second World War and that there were close to 200 members now, but the number of permanent members had remained the same. He warned that an institution that did not change with changing times risked losing its relevance.

While the pitch for UNSC reform comes just a week before the world congregates in New York for the UN General Assemblys high level week, where countries of the global south are expected to reiterate their pitch, the issue remains stuck in global geopolitics.

While other permanent members have supported Indias bid, China remains at the forefront of the opposition. In the case of other aspirants  Japan, Germany and Brazil (which, along with India, constitute the G-4)  a limited group of naysayers and regional rivals have consistently sought to block reform efforts.

But the issue is also hostage to process. The IGN process, which is the central framework under which UNSC reform is being discussed, hasnt been able to finalise a text.

In a press briefing last year in New York, on the sidelines of the last UNGA high-level week, an exasperated external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said, It is incredible that after so many years, there is no text. How does the negotiation advance if there is no text, no progress, no stocktaking, no end of the year assessment? In the absence of the text, it just goes round and round.

On the grounds of seeking a consensus, China, along with select naysayers, has played an obstructionist role during the IGN process, even if Beijing does not, in principle, oppose the idea of reform. India has considered the possibility of taking the issue straight to the General Assembly where China will be forced to show its hand and has been in talks with other like-minded countries in this regard.A

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prashant Jha Prashant Jha is the Washington DC-based US correspondent of Hindustan Times. He is also the editor of HT Premium. Jha has earlier served as editor-views and national political editor/bureau chief of the paper. He is the author of How the BJP Wins: Inside India's Greatest Election Machine and Battles of the New Republic: A Contemporary History of Nepal. ...view detail
Amid the India versus Bharat debate, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday took a jibe at the BJP-led central government saying he does not really have a problem with either of the names since both are used in the Constitution. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said, "It (the Constitution) starts with "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States". So, I don't really see a problem there. Both words are perfectly acceptable."

But I think maybe we irritated the government a little bit because we named our coalition INDIA. So that got more heated. Now they decided to change the name of the country...I mean, we could always give our coalition a second name as well. But, people act in strange ways, the Congress leader added.

A political row erupted last week after the invites for the grand G20 dinner called President Droupadi Murmu the President of Bharat instead of the usual President of India. This move led to a speculation that the ruling government may be looking to change the name of the country, triggering a backlash from the opposition who termed it as a distraction.

Adding fire to the fuel, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the inaugural address at the G20 Summit, the nameplate kept in front of him read 'Bharat' instead of India.

PM Modi's message to ministers on India-Bharat row

As the India-Bharat debate started to heat up, PM Modi on September 6 - ahead of the mega G20 Summit - asked his ministerial colleagues to avoid the political row saying that it has been the country's ancient name.

The ministers were told that they need to assertively face falsehoods and attacks against issues of faith, to put things in the right context, and to rely on the provisions of the Constitution that do not allow the denigration of any religion, said an official.

While there is a speculation that the idea to change the name of the country could be a part of the legislative agenda in the upcoming special session of Parliament, the government has neither stated its position on the issue nor declared the legislative agenda for the special session yet.

(With inputs from PTI)
New Delhi India on Sunday conveyed to Canada its strong concerns about pro-Khalistan elements promoting secessionism from Canadian soil and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying mutual respect and trust are essential for progress in bilateral ties. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends a press conference after the closing session of the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 10, 2023. (AFP)

Modis remarks during a meeting with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the margins of the G20 Summit came on the back of extremist elements organising rallies and protests in support of Khalistan in Canadian cities and targeting Indian diplomatic facilities and officials over the past few months. The Indian side was particularly angered when a float at a recent rally eulogised the assassins of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

While emphasising that bilateral ties are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties, Modi conveyed Indias strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

These elements are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship, the statement said.

Modi mentioned that mutual respect and trust are essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship.

The statement added: The nexus of such forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats.

Though the statement didnt directly name pro-Khalistan elements, there was no doubt whom the Indian side was referring to.

Asked at a news conference about Indias concerns at the activities of pro-Khalistan elements, Trudeau said Canada will always defend freedom of peaceful protest but simultaneously asserted it will also prevent violence and tackle hatred.

Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us, he said.

At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred. I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada, Trudeau said.

A readout on the meeting from the Canadian Prime Ministers Office contained no reference to India raising the activities of pro-Khalistan elements. It said the two leaders discussed Indias priorities under this years G20 theme of One Earth, One Family, One Future and spoke about inclusive economic growth, support for low- and middle-income countries and access to concessional finance for sustainable development.

Trudeau raised the importance of respecting the rule of law, democratic principles and national sovereignty, the readout added.

During the news conference, Trudeau further said India is an extraordinarily important economy and an important partner of Canada in a range of sectors, including climate change and creating economic growth. He said both sides will continue to look at expanding their existing cooperation.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The passage of a truck with food supplies from Russia for Armenians living in Azerbaijans Khankendi was delayed, Trend's Karabakh Bureau reports.

The truck is still standing in the Barda district, although the food intended for families of Armenian origin living in Khankendi was supposed to be delivered to Askeran today around 10:00 (GMT+4).

The delay of the delivery, on the one hand, is a consequence of another unconstructive position of the separatists regime in Karabakh, and also, according to reliable sources, is a result of the pressure from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the West on the Russian Red Cross Society.

Meanwhile, upon the initiative of the Russian side, in accordance with the memorandum of cooperation between the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and the Russian Red Cross Society, in order to meet the food needs of the Armenian residents living in Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region, for the delivery of food and non-food items by the Russian Red Cross Society through the Aghdam-Askeran road to the city of Khankendi, in accordance with the legislation of Azerbaijan, the Russian Red Cross Society has decided to deliver food and non-food items to the city of Khankendi.
India and Brazil on Sunday affirmed their common vision for global prosperity as Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the G20 presidential gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, marking the beginning of the journey from New Delhi to Rio De Janeiro, which will host the influential grouping in November next year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in New Delhi on Sunday. (PTI)

As the G20 Summit closed in New Delhi after an unexpected and historic consensus on the leaders declaration saw India churn out the highest number of documents and outcomes in the multilateral groupings history, Modi also hailed the strong ties between two countries often considered the twin pillars of the Global South.

I want to congratulate Brazils president and my friend Lula da Silva, and hand over the presidencys gavel to him, Modi said, effectively beginning the countdown for Brazils formal ascendance to the presidency later this year.

Modi and Lula also met for a bilateral meeting later in the afternoon -- their third this year, having met at the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Johannesburg and during the G7 meeting in Hiroshima in May.

Ties between India and Brazil are very strong. We talked about ways to boost trade and cooperation in agriculture, technology and more. I also conveyed my best wishes for Brazils upcoming G20 Presidency, Modi said on X.

A joint statement issued at the end of the meeting touched upon issues critical to developing countries that New Delhi had championed through its yearlong presidency of the G20, and Brasilia pledged to take them forward. This included the need to reform the UN system, fair and equitable energy transition, the climate crisis, food security, trade and defence cooperation.

The statement showcased several areas of convergence between the two countries and common spaces in global issues where New Delhi and Brasilia can cooperate.

Highlighting their roles as major global food producers, according to the joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed their resolve to increase cooperation in sustainable agriculture and rural development, including at the multilateral level, with the aim of safeguarding food and nutritional security of both countries and of the world.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which has wreaked havoc on global supply chains, Modi and Lula underscored the need for open, unimpeded and reliable food supply chains and called upon the international community to ensure that agricultural trade is not affected by unilateral restrictions and protectionist measures, duly taking into consideration the multilateral trade rules.

The leaders acknowledged the urgency of a fair and equitable energy transition.

They noted the vital role of biofuels and flex-fuel vehicles in decarbonising the transport sector, especially in developing nationsand celebrated the establishment during Indias G20 presidency of the Global Biofuels Alliance, of which both countries are founding members.

The joint statement noted in detail the two leaders focus on the importance of tackling the climate crisis.

They called it one of the greatest challenges of our time that needs to be addressed in the context of sustainable development and of efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger.

They reiterated their determination to enhance the multilateral response to climate change in a way that also tackle inequalities within and among countries, the joint statement noted.

The conversations between the two leaders have continued since they met in May, months after Lula became Brazils president for the third time on January 1.

One aspect of the relationship, which both leaders admitted needs to be worked on, HT learns, is expanding trade last year bilateral trade stood at $15 billion.

Overall, despite Brasilias close diplomatic and trade ties with China  where Lula received a warm welcome earlier this year  the India-Brazil relationship has much potential and much to offer to the world in context of their gradual transition into developed economies, a diplomat, who asked not to be named, said.

The leaders have a similar agenda: Sustainability, fighting poverty, fighting for developing countries. They also realise that this a very good moment for the Global South with the G20 presidency passing to Brazil next and South Africa after that, the diplomat said.

Both leaders welcomed the consecutive presidencies of developing countries in the G20, which elevates the Global Souths influence in world governance. They noted with satisfaction the formation of a G20 troika comprising the three IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) countries during Brazils presidency, the statement said, referring to the next G20 presidency.

India took over the presidency of the G20 on December 1 last year from Indonesia and will continue to hold the position until November 30 before Brazil takes on the mantle. South Africa will take on the presidency after that.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed to his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau New Delhi's strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada as they are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats and threatening the Indian community there. PM Modi meets Justin Trudeau on the sidelines on G-20 Summit

In his talks with Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Modi also mentioned that a relationship based on "mutual respect and trust" is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"The Prime Minister highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties," it said.

"He conveyed our strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship," it said.

"The nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats," the MEA said in a statement.

In July, India summoned the Canadian envoy and issued a demarche over the increasing activities by pro-Khalistani elements in Canada, days after posters featuring names of India's senior diplomats serving in Canada featured in some posters in certain areas in that country.

In June, a video emerged on social media that showed a float depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi. It was reportedly part of a parade that was organised by some Khalistani elements in Brampton.

Asked about India's concerns over the increasing activities of the Khalistani elements in Canada, Trudeau said at a press conference that his country will always defend freedom of peaceful protest but at the same time asserted that it will always prevent violence and push back against hatred.

"Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us," he said.

"At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred. I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada," Trudeau said.

There were instances of India complaining to Canadian authorities over incidents of security lapse at the Indian consulate in Vancouver.

A Canadian readout said Trudeau and Modi spoke about inclusive economic growth, support for low-and middle-income countries, and access to concessional finance for sustainable development.

"They noted the importance of welcoming the African Union as a member of the G20. Prime Minister Trudeau raised the importance of respecting the rule of law, democratic principles, and national sovereignty," it said.

In his comments to the media, the Canadian prime minister said India is an extraordinarily important economy and an important partner of Canada on a range of sectors including fighting climate change and creating economic growth.

"India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner to Canada on everything from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for the citizens," he said.

The Canadian prime minister said both sides will continue to look at expansion of existing cooperation.

In a post on 'X', Modi said he and Trudeau discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday had lunch with French president Emmanuel Macron following the conclusion of the G20 Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with French president Emmanuel Macron.(X/Narendra Modi)

A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress, PM Modi posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.



The prime minister was accompanied by external affairs minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.



We will further develop defence cooperation with India, Macron was quoted by PTI as saying.



ALSO READ: Modi proposes virtual G20 session before Brazil takes over blocs presidency



Earlier, Macron thanked Prime Minister Modi and hailed India's efforts for G20 presidency to serve peace and unity. I thank PM Modi. Faithful to its principles India did its utmost for the G-20 presidency to serve unity and peace and send across the message of unity while Russia is still waging its aggression on Ukraine, ANI quoted the French president as saying.



ALSO READ: Russia's Lavrov thanks India for preventing attempts to politicise G20 Summit



Macron also called for deep reform of international organisations. We support a deep reform of global governance. Security Council but as well the World Bank and the IMF, they have to reflect today's reality in terms of demography and economy as well. And then we want to increase the available tools. That's why we want to replenish the World Bank and France is supporting that so that the emerging countries have a greater role to play, the French president said.

New Delhi Leaders' Declaration

On Saturday, India achieved a milestone in G20 presidency after all the leaders agreed to the New Delhi Declaration after it changed the text on Ukraine. The new text was a result of several rounds of negotiations to reach a consensus on the joint statement.



Asserting that "today's era must not be of war", the New Delhi G20 Summit Leaders' Declaration called on all member states to uphold the principles of international law, including territorial integrity and sovereignty and pitched for initiatives for "comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine". The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and discussed full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors. PM Modi meets Justin Trudeau on the sidelines on G-20 Summit

In a post on X, Modi said, Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.

Modi has held several bilateral meetings over the last three days as world leaders gathered for the G20 Summit that concluded on Sunday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called an end on Sunday to the G20 Summit in New Delhi by passing on a ceremonial gavel to Brazil, which will take the bloc's presidency. I want to congratulate Brazil's president and my friend Lula da Silva, and hand over the presidency's gavel to him, Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Brazil's President Luiz Inacio da Silva while handing him over the presidency of G20 after the closing session of the G20 Summit 2023 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Sunday.(PTI)

Brazil officially will take over the mantle of the presidency of the elite grouping on December 1. Speaking on the occasion, Lula da Silva congratulated Modi and thanked India for its efforts to give voice to the topics of interest to emerging economies.

Lula da Silva also listed social inclusion, the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development as G20 priorities.

He said the UN Security Council needs new developing countries as permanent, non-permanent members to regain political strength.

"We want greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF," he said.

"Brazilian presidency of the G20 has three priorities - first, social inclusion and fight against hunger. Second, energy transition and sustainable development in its three aspects... Third, the reform of global governance institutions. All these priorities are part of the Brazilian presidency motto which says 'building a fair world and a sustainable planet'. Two task forces will be created - global alliance against hunger and poverty and the global mobilisation against climate change."

On the occasion, Modi proposed to hold a virtual session of G20 at the end of November.

"In the last two days, you have put forward your views, given suggestions and a number of proposals have been put forward. It is our responsibility that the suggestions that have come forth are closely looked upon as to how they can be speeded up," Modi said.

"It is my proposal that we hold another session of the G20 virtually in November- end. In that session, we can review the issues that have been agreed upon during this summit. Our teams will share the details of it with all of view. I hope all of you will join this (session)," he said.

"With this, I declare the G20 summit as closed," Modi said.

He cited a Sanskrit shloka to pray for hope and peace in the entire world.

US, Russia praise G20 Summit declaration

Russia and the US both praised the G20 Summit declaration that stopped short of directly criticising Moscow for the war in Ukraine as the bloc's leaders headed into the final day of deliberations on Sunday.

The world's biggest economies adopted a consensus declaration in New Delhi on Saturday that avoided condemning Russia for the war but highlighted the human suffering the conflict had caused and called on all states not to use force to grab territory.

"Everything was reflected in a balanced form," Svetlana Lukash, the Russian G20 sherpa, or government negotiator, was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Interfax.

"All members of the G20 have agreed to act as one in the interests of peace, security and conflict resolution around the world."

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters the declaration "does a very good job of standing up for the principle that states cannot use force to seek territorial acquisition or to violate the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of other states".

Germany and Britain have also praised the resolution but Ukraine has said "it was nothing to be proud of".

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid a visit to the Crafts Bazaar at Bharat Mandapam after concluding the G20 Summit, an exhibition arranged to showcase India's rich and diverse arts and craftsmanship, each reflecting the uniqueness of its region. He also made a stop at the Digital India Pavilion, set up as part of the summit to present India's impressive digital achievements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 'Crafts Bazaar' in Bharat Mandapam.

In a brief 43-second video shared on his official YouTube channel, PM Modi began with the Rajasthan stall and continued to explore Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and other states. At each stall, skilled craftsmen explained their handcrafted products. Additionally, he made time to visit the Focus North East stall, where he observed and appreciated the handicrafts from the seven northeastern states of India, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

In another video, PM Modi was seen engaging with the hardworking Shramiks at Bharat Mandapam, sharing moments and capturing photographs with them. Subsequently, he headed to the Digital India Pavilion, dedicated to showcasing various digital advancements that India has achieved.

These zones at Bharat Mandapam held special significance during the G20 Summit, allowing foreign delegates and guests to immerse themselves in India's rich culture and digital progress.

Crafts Bazaar

The 'Crafts Bazaar' held at Bharat Mandapam  the venue for the G20 World Leaders' Summit, was designed to showcase a wide array of handicraft products from various regions of India. It laid special emphasis on One District One Product items with Geographical Indication (GI) tags, along with creations by women and tribal artisans. Delegates and international media attending the Summit had an opportunity to explore and purchase locally-sourced products.

The exhibition was a collaborative effort between the G20 Secretariat, the Ministry of Textiles, and various state and union territory governments.

Those attending the Crafts Bazaar included representation from around 30 states and union territories, as well as central agencies like the Khadi Village and Industries Commission, TRIFED, and Saras Ajeevika.

A Focus North East stall was established to showcase exceptional handicraft and handloom items from the northeastern regions.

A diverse range of live artisans, including national awardees from across the country, offered live demonstrations of their art and craft. These demonstrations covered various genres, such as Lac Bangles from Rajasthan, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, Thanjavur paintings from Tamil Nadu, and mud mirror work from Gujarat.

Digital India Pavilion

A 'Digital India Experience Zone' was set up within Halls 4 and 14 at the Bharat Mandapam, with the primary aim of showcasing India's digital advancements to member nations and other international guests. This zone has emerged as a significant attraction during the summit, providing delegates with an opportunity to directly witness the transformative impact of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPIs).

The Digital India narrative, tracing its journey from 2014 onwards, was vividly presented through virtual reality in this zone during the summit. This immersive experience effectively highlighted the significant achievements and progress made in the digital domain. Additionally, the Digital Tree display served to elucidate the development of Digital India initiatives.

Seven key initiatives were meticulously selected to showcase the best practices in implementing DPIs, including Aadhaar, DigiLocker, UPI, eSanjeevani, DIKSHA, Bhashini, and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Protests over reservation for Marathas intensified in Maharashtra on Sunday as groups backing and opposing quotas for the dominant community dug in their heels, indicating that the deadlock over the fractious issue was nowhere close to resolution. HT Image

Four days after the state government proposed to grant quotas to a subset of the Maratha community, Manoj Jarange-Patil, who is leading the charge for quotas, announced that he had given up water and intravenous support, attempting to put even more pressure on the government to accept his demand of bringing the entire community under the other backward classes (OBC) umbrella.

But any such move was opposed by OBC groups and Kunbis  the subset of the Maratha community that is already classified as backward  who fear that the influential community that makes up roughly a third of the states population will eat into their share.

The government appeared caught between the two sets of demonstrations, and called for an all-party meeting on Monday  the first time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena administration has sought to understand the views of opposition parties since the protests first surfaced roughly two weeks ago.

We have made all possible efforts to end Jarange-Patils hunger strike but he refused to call it off, said deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in Pune on Sunday.

The demand for quotas by Marathas is decades old, but in 2018, the state government granted 16% reservation in the face of sweeping protests. It was slashed to 13% in jobs and 12% in education by the Bombay high court. In 2021, the Supreme Court quashed the move.

The current crisis began on September 1, when protesters demanding OBC status for Marathas were lathi-charged by the police in Jalna  the site of Jarange-Patils hunger strike. Under pressure, chief minister Eknath Shinde announced last week that Marathas from the central Maharashtra region can access reservation under the OBC category if they can produce a certificate from the Nizam era classifying them as Kunbis.

But the order  which opened the window for quotas for the community  left all sides unhappy. The Maratha groups said they wanted reservations without any stipulation, and not just for the eight central Maharashtra districts. The OBC and Kunbi groups feared their quotas will be eaten into by the fresh entrants.

Kunbis get reservation in the OBC category while Marathas come under the general category. Jarange-Patil and some Maratha outfits say that until the Nizam rule was dismantled in September 1948 in central Maharashtra, the Marathas were considered Kunbis, and were effectively OBCs.

Jarange-Patil announced to reporters in Jalna that he had stopped drinking water and accepting IV fluid from Sunday. The government should take its decision as per its convenience. I am not in any hurry, he said.

But OBC groups also dug in their heels.

We are not ready to give up our share of reservation for anyone else. If the government wants to give reservation to the Maratha community, it should consider giving it from the open category, said Baban Taywade, president, OBC Mahasangh.

Naresh Barde, a Kunbi leader from Nagpur said they sought two resolutions in the meeting. The agitation will continue until we are assured in writing that Kunbi certificates will not be given to all Marathas and the existing OBC quota will not be touched to provide reservation to the Maratha community.

The protests also appeared to be spreading. From Sunday, both Kunbis and OBCs started an indefinite sit-in protest at Samvidhan Chowk in Nagpur city, seeking a written assurance from the government that they would not have to share their quota with any other community.

Ravindra Tonge, an OBC activist, will begin an indefinite hunger strike in Chandrapur from Monday, while a day-long protest is to be held at Khamgaon in Buldhana and Bhandara on Tuesday. To discuss their strategy for agitations in western Maharashtra, leaders from the OBC community are meeting in Mumbai the same day.

Ajit Pawar said that CM Shinde wanted to understand the views of leaders from all political parties, and thus called a meeting at Sahyadri guest house on Monday.

We have organised a joint statewide OBC parishad to decide our agitation in this fight to save our reservation, said Chandrakant Bavkar, working president, OBC Janmorcha.

Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe welcomed the move to hold the all-party meeting, but said that it should be convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the government is really serious about resolving the complex issue of reservation.

A bill should be brought during the special session of Parliament to remove the cap of 50% reservation so that the Maratha community can be accommodated This is the only way to resolve this issue.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Faisal Malik Faisal is with the political team and covers state administration and state politics. He also covers NCP. ...view detail
The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government is exploring options to initiate legal action against governor CV Ananda Bose, whom the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused of pressuring state universities to skip a meeting called by the education minister two days back, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday. The long-running tussle between the state government and the Raj Bhavan has escalated in the past few weeks after CV Ananda Bose recently appointed interim vice-chancellors for 14 varsities (PTI)

The long-running tussle between the state government and the Raj Bhavan has escalated in the past few weeks after Bose, in his capacity as the chancellor of all 31 state-run universities, recently appointed interim vice-chancellors for 14 varsities, including the prestigious Presidency University, without consulting the government. The positions were lying vacant since May 31 when the tenure of the former V-Cs ended.

The chief minister has severely criticised the move, calling it a bid to interfere with the running of state-administered universities. She even threatened to block funds for universities if they followed the governors orders. If you [governor] interfere in the affairs of any university or, if any university takes orders from you, I will create an economic blockade Let me see how you pay the salaries of the university staff she had said at an event on September 5.

The latest in the ongoing standoff came after registrars of several universities skipped a meeting called by states education minister Bratya Basu at his office on Friday to discuss allocation of funds and financial matters.

We have found some documents which suggest that some of the acting V-Cs asked the registrars of those universities not to attend the meeting, a senior officer from the higher education department said, requesting anonymity. The government is consulting lawyers to explore possible legal action against the Raj Bhavan.

On Friday, Basu had made similar allegations against the governors office. We have information that threats were issued to stop people from attending the meeting. Who is creating an atmosphere of terror? Who is issuing threats? he told reporters.

Raj Bhavan officials refused to comment on the allegations; they, however, said the governor sent two sealed letters late on Saturday night. A letter each, the officials added, was sent to the state secretariat, Nabanna, and to the Centre.

Neither the Raj Bhavan nor the state government divulged any information on the sealed missive from the governor.

The ruling TMC lashed out at the governor, accusing him of deliberately adopting a confrontationist approach on behalf of the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party].

The governor is destroying the states higher education sector by violating all rules, statutes and constitutional provisions, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Sen told reporters. Despite the state pointing out the anomalies in his action, he appears nonchalant and has adopted a confrontationist stance because of the support of the BJP.

BJP state chief Sukanta Majumdar hit back at the ruling party saying the governor was trying to clean up the mess created by TMC in the higher education sector.

The ruling party is humiliating the governor in the most unsavoury manner as it does not like his initiative for improving the education sector. It is not concerned about the fate of students who suffer due to the chaotic situation in several state universities, Majumdar told reporters.
Russias aggression against Ukraine is shaking the very foundation of cooperation at the G20 and the leaders declaration at the summit in New Delhi is a significant achievement as all members concurred on principles such as territorial integrity, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Sunday, addressing criticism that the joint communique wasnt strong enough on the issue, and explaining that it was actually much more detailed and specific . Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference after attending the G20 summit, in New Delhi on September 10, 2023 (AFP)

Kishida reiterated his characterisation of India as an indispensable partner for Japans plans to achieve a Free and Open Indo-Pacific  a vision he first outlined at a speech in the Indian capital in March. He noted that bilateral defence cooperation is deepening steadily as the three services of both countries have conducted joint exercises.

Russias aggression of Ukraine is shaking the very foundation of cooperation at the G20...Further, it is causing enormous impact to the world economy through such factors such as protracted rise of food and energy prices. Today, as the world faces complex crisis, collaboration at the G20 as a premier forum for economic cooperation is becoming increasingly important, Kishida said, speaking in Japanese.

The G20 leaders declaration adopted under the Indian presidency is a truly meaningful and significant achievement as all members concurred on the importance of a just and durable peace in Ukraine and principles of the UN Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty, as was reflected in the communique, he said.

Most G20 members confirmed the need for the bloc to respond to the intensifying impact of the Ukraine crisis on the global economy, and discussed challenges faced by the world community such as food security, development, health and digital issues, he said. They also concurred on the importance of the G20 cooperating and responding to such challenges, he added.

Kishida was responding to a question from Hindustan Times on whether geopolitical issues had divided the G20 more than ever at a time when the world was looking to the bloc to handle such crises as the UN is viewed as dysfunctional.

While the G20 cannot replace the functions of the UN, Japan will continue to deal with the challenges facing the international community through the G20 framework ,which we think is playing a very important role, as well as utilising other frameworks, he said.

Kishida also responded to criticism that the leaders declaration was seen as weak and without any explicit condemnation of Russias actions by saying that the communique includes new items such as the call for refraining from use force to seek territorial acquisition, the call to stop the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the pursuit of a just and durable peace. That this was adopted along with the participation of Russia is very meaningful, he said.

Japans vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) is a concept to uphold and reinforce a free and open international order based on the rule of law in the region, and this is aimed at ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region and across the world, he said.

In March this year, in this very city of New Delhi, I announced the new plan for FOIP and under this plan, the security and safety of the sea and the sky is positioned as one of the pillars of cooperation for FOIP, Kishida said. In particular, India is an indispensable partner to realise FOIP.

Kishida hastened to add that this is an inclusive and open concept that has no specific country in mind, and that Japan is open to cooperating with any country on region that agrees on such a perspective.

Japans Self Defence Forces and all three of Indias services have conducted joint exercises this year, and all members of the Quad  India, Japan Australia and the US  are now part of the Malabar joint naval exercise, he pointed out.

Japan will work to ensure that the Indo-Pacific will not be a region where things are decided by force and instead be an area that values freedom and rule of law, and as part of this vision, the country will continue active defence cooperation and exchanges with India, he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday expressed gratitude towards India for preventing attempts to politicise the G20 Summit. We were able to prevent the West's attempts to 'Ukrainize' the summit agenda, he said during a press briefing as the two-day meeting of global leaders of the top 20 economies concluded. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov(AP)

Calling the Summit a milestone, Lavrov said, The active role of the Indian presidency has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in historyIt is a breakthrough summit in many ways. It provides us a way forward to move ahead in many issues.

Our BRICS partners- Brazil, India, China, and South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests, he added.

On challenges emanating from climate change, the Russian foreign minister said the Western powers have done nothing on its promise of providing USD 100 billion annually to developing nations to deal with climate change.

New Delhi Declaration shows a fine balance on Russia-Ukraine war

India achieved a milestone in its G20 presidency as all leaders agreed to the New Delhi Declaration after India changed the text on Ukraine. The Indian Presidency managed to pull off a fine balance - by highlighting the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine, but not blaming Moscow particularly.

Concerning the war in Ukraine, while recalling the discussion in Bali, we reiterated our national positions and resolutions adopted at the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly and underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety, the text on Ukraine read.

It added, Todays era must not be of warWe call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. The peaceful resolution of conflicts, and efforts to address crises as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical.

We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives, the declaration read.

Ukraine says nothing to be proud of

However, Ukraine criticised the New Delhi Declaration's text on Ukraine for not mentioning Russia. Ukraine foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said that it is nothing to be proud of and added, "It is clear that the participation of the Ukrainian side (in the G20 meeting) would have allowed the participants to better understand the situation."

(With inputs from agencies)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Movement of a truck with food supplies of the Russian Red Cross Society on the Barda-Aghdam-Khankendi road fully complies with the Azerbaijani constitution, Azerbaijani political scientist Ilyas Huseynov told Trend.

"If the separatists still do not allow this truck to pass, the situation will become even more tense. The ICRC is also trying to facilitate this, but the creation of artificial obstacles is becoming massive. In general, the ICRC is creating obstacles to peace and security through its actions. I think that the Red Cross, which protects the interests of the West, also participates as a tool in geopolitical games. The mission of this organization should be to support humanitarian activities," he said.

"The food shipment should reach its destination soon. Thus, we will see the failure of all performances of the so-called 'humanitarian blockade'," Huseynov noted.

Meanwhile, this morning a truck of the Russian Red Cross Society was expected to arrive in Aghdam, and from there to Askeran. However, the truck of the Russian Red Cross Society is still not allowed to go to Askeran. At present, a truck with food from the Russian Red Cross Society is still standing in Barda, although it should move to Khankendi on the Aghdam-Khankendi road.
It wasn't an easy task to achieve consensus on the G20 declaration. India's G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant told NDTV that nearly 200 hours of non-stop negotiations were required to ensure a joint communique from G20 leaders divided over the grouping's stance on Russia's war on Ukraine. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described it as a proud moment for India at G20!.(PTI file)

A series of hardball negotiations by India with China, Russia and other key Western players and a strong backing by Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia to the efforts helped New Delhi achieve consensus. Reports claimed said India circulated the final draft to the G20 members on Friday night saying if they did not agree to it, then there would be no declaration.

Confirming the landmark development, Kant said the New Delhi Declaration was the result of multiple rounds of talks and that consensus was only reached late Friday night.

The team of diplomats, including joint secretaries Eenam Gambhir and K Nagraj Naidu, held 300 bilateral meetings and circulated 15 drafts with their counterparts on the contentious Ukraine conflict to drive home a consensus that was clinched on the first day of the G20 Leaders Summit itself.

"The most complex part of the entire G20 was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This was done over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings, 15 drafts," Kant said.

Follow G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauded Kant for hardball negotiations.

Well done @amitabhk87! Looks lile the IFS lost an ace diplomat when you opted for the IAS! Negotiated with Russia, China, only last night got final draft, says India's G20 Sherpa on 'Delhi Declaration' consensus, Tharoor wrote on X (formally Twitter).

Tharoor also described it as a proud moment for India at G20!.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on X.

Sources told news PTI that India managed well in convincing China to agree to the text relating to the Ukraine conflict after the European Union concurred with the text.

Also Read: G20 nations reiterate national positions on Ukraine, oppose territorial acquisition by force

On the first day of the summit on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the G20 leaders' declaration was adopted with consensus, throwing a major surprise as both the Russia-China combine and the West had indicated that they would not budge from their respective positions on the Ukraine conflict.

The declaration was adopted hours after the Indian side circulated among the G20 states a new text to refer to the Ukraine crisis in the draft leaders declaration in an effort to break the impasse.

A draft of the declaration prepared on Friday, which most G20 states agreed on, left the paragraph on the geopolitical situation or the Ukraine crisis blank.

The negotiators from G20 states hammered out an agreement on 75 other paragraphs in the draft, including issues such as financing for climate transition, reform of multilateral development banks, and regulation of cryptocurrency.

French diplomatic sources told PTI that India has displayed a "kind of power and an ability to bring countries together", adding not many countries are in a position to negotiate as New Delhi has done to take on board comments from everyone, and work out a compromise proposal on the Ukraine conflict.

It was a tough negotiation and the consensus on the declaration was a great achievement by India, European sources said on the condition of anonymity.

Asked about the absence of the term "Russian aggression" on Ukraine in the declaration which figured in the Bali G20 declaration, the sources said the Western countries were satisfied with the overall outcomes.

(With inputs from PTI)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday hit out at the Centre for not inviting leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge for the G20 dinner, calling it an absence of spirit of accommodation within Indian politics.



Earlier in the day, Tharoor had lauded India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant over the hardball negotiations involving India, Russia, China and other Western powers for a joint communique, the New Delhi Declaration.



"Well done  @amitabhk87! Looks like the IFS lost an ace diplomat when you opted for the IAS! "Negotiated with Russia, China, only last night got final draft," says India's G20 Sherpa on 'Delhi Declaration' consensus. A proud moment for India at G20!" he had said.



However, the Congress MP did not mince words while questioning the government over reports of not inviting Kharge. This diplomatic triumph makes it all the more a pity that the government does not bring the same attitude of conciliation & co-operation to bear in its domestic dealings, he said.



The failure to invite the Leader of the Opposition, and indeed any Opposition MP, to any of the G20 events, receptions, dinner etc underscores my point. No other democracy would snub its own Parliamentary colleagues on a global stage like this. A pity that the spirit of accommodation that prevailed at G20 is absent within Indian politics! Tharoor added.



Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot had not attended the dinner, claiming the ministry of home affairs had not granted approval to his helicopter. However, the ministery had denied the allegation.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.(PTI / File photo)
In a rare instance of a businessman lending support to a politician after his arrest, Zoho CEO and co-founder Sridhar Vembu on Sunday expressed his shock after the CID took N Chandrababu Naidu of the TDP into its custody in the skill development corporation scam case. Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu being taken to Vijaywada after his arrest from Nandyal in the Skill Development Corporation scam in Nandyal district on Saturday. (PTI)

Vembu claimed that the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister worked so hard to bring so many companies to the southern state.

I was shocked to read that Shri Chandrababu Naidu-ji was arrested yesterday. I know him and he worked so hard to bring so many companies, including Zoho, to Andhra Pradesh. I hope justice prevails, the Zoho CEO wrote on X (formally Twitter).

On Sunday morning, Naidu was produced in an Anti-Corruption Bureau court in Vijayawada amid tight security, a day after being arrested in a case of alleged corruption.

The Crime Investigation Department, which arrested the Telugu Desam Party supremo, has claimed that the former CM was non-cooperative during questioning and replied vaguely saying he did not remember certain issues.

Seeking his judicial custody, the remand report said though the officials arranged a chopper to take him to Vijayawada from Nandyal where he was arrested, the Leader of the Opposition refused.

The convoy was obstructed several times by TDP cadres which is an indication of intimidating law enforcement officials by virtue of his position.

The CID further said after reaching the office of the CID, Naidu was questioned about his role in the offences in the presence of mediators. He was given breaks as per his request to consult a legal counsel, to meet the members of his family and have food and refreshments. A CID report said the TDP chief is not a flight risk.

Naidu was arrested in a pre-dawn operation at Nandyal for his alleged role in a multi-crore Skill Development Corporation scam, which involved officers knocking on the door of the caravan in which he was sleeping.

The former CM was arrested by the CID around 6am from a marriage hall (outside which his caravan was parked) at Gnanapuram in Nandyal. CID chief N Sanjay had said Naidu was the "principal conspirator" in the case.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A galaxy of global leaders unveiled on Saturday an ambitious trade and infrastructure project linking India, the Middle East and Europe in a first-of-its-kind initiative that proposed building a modern-day spice route involving ports, electricity, data networks and energy pipelines. US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabian PM and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and PM Narendra Modi during the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe (Twitter Photo)

The initiative  announced on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit in New Delhi  is expected to act as a counterweight to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a mega infrastructure project that has fuelled concerns about Beijings expansive footprint across at least three continents.

India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Germany, Italy and the US came together for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). IMEC is expected to stimulate economic development through enhanced connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.

This will give the whole world connectivity and development a sustainable direction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. It will drive sustainable development for the entire world, he added.

This is a big deal  a real big deal, US President Joe Biden said, underscoring the historic nature of the pact.

IMEC, whose total proposed budget remains unannounced, will comprise two separate corridors  the east corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf and the northern corridor connecting the Arabian Gulf to Europe, according to documents seen by HT.

The project aims to build a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network. This, the documents added, will enable the transit of goods between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe. Along the railway route, partner nations intend to lay cables for electricity and digital connectivity, as well as pipes for clean hydrogen export.

During the announcement, Modi also stressed on promoting financial viability rather than adding to the debt burden, and respecting green guidelines and territorial sovereignty of partner nations in what appeared to be comments aimed at distinguishing an Indian model of global cooperation from the Chinese one.

Other than Modi and Biden, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the event and signed a memorandum of understanding.

Ursula von der Leyen called it a historic occasion. It will be the most direct connection between India, Arabian Gulf and Europe, with a rail link that will make trade between India and Europe 40% faster, she said.

She also mentioned that electricity cables and clean hydrogen pipelines will foster clean energy trade between Asia, the Middle East and Europe, and a high-speed data cable will link the worlds digital ecosystem hubs. This corridor is much more than just a railway or cable. It is a green and digital bridge across continents and civilisations, she added.

Also Read: China remains silent after signing off on consensus doc

The project will spur economic development through enhanced connectivity and economic integration between Asia, Middle East and Europe, said officials aware of the matter. India is likely to gain significantly from the project as it will place the country at the core of trade flows from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Europe, bestowing strategic and economic advantage to New Delhi.

It provides us with a faster and cheaper transit option compared to what we have currently, giving a boost to our trade and exports. It can be developed as a green corridor enhancing our green transition objectives, strengthening our standing in the region and allowing our companies to participate on an equal footing in infrastructure construction, added the officials quoted above.

Modi stressed on the importance of connectivity and infrastructure. Along with physical infrastructure, digital, social and financial infrastructure are being given unprecedented importance. These are laying the foundations for a developed Bharat.

Through PGII (Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment), we can play a key role in filling the infrastructure gap in Global South countries. India does not limit connectivity into regional borders. We believe connectivity can also play a key role in strengthening mutual trust, he added.

Biden underlined how unprecedented the announcement was, and said Washington will invest in ships and rail that extend from India to Europe, connected by the UAE, Saudi, Jordan and Israel, build ports across two continents, make it easier to trade, export clean energy, expand access to clean electricity, and lay cables that will connect communities to a stable and more secure internet.

I want to thank sponsors and particularly Prime Minister Modi and Mohammed bin Salman this is a game changing regional investment, he said.

The Saudi crown prince said he looks forward to the integration of the economic corridor. Macron said the intention was to have the best technology, common developments and a fair process. Scholz spoke about the importance of financing and strengthening institutions such as the World Bank.

The project will help India by providing the country with a faster and cheaper transit option, boosting trade and exports, with the option of developing it as a green corridor, explained Indian officials. The corridor will also secure supply chains, generate jobs and improve trade facilitation and accessibility. Opportunities will also be created in connectivity, logistics and freight infrastructure, clean energy and hydrogen production, and energy transmission infrastructure  dovetailing with the aims of initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat, said the officials quoted above.

Kishida cited Japanese support in mega projects such as Delhi Metro and said Tokyo will focus on supply chains and building industrial value chains in the Bay of Bengal region.

Speaking earlier in the day, US principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said the project will be high-standards, transparent, sustainable, non-coercive and based on demands from the region instead of being an imposition, again, drawing an indirect but sharp contrast with BRI.

Though no formal announcement was made, Amos Hochstein, Bidens coordinator for global infrastructure and energy security, laid out a rough timeline for the project over the next year.

In the next 60 days, working groups will put together a fuller plan and set timelines. The first phase will involve identifying the areas that need investment and where physical infrastructure can be connected between countries. Hochstein said the plans can be put into place over the next year so that the project can move onto setting up finances and construction.

US security adviser Jake Sullivan said the project started coming together after Biden visited Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in July 2022, where he emphasised a need for greater regional economic integration. The alliance was also a diplomatic coup because Saudi Arabia and Israel do not have diplomatic relations. Sullivan said the project was not a precursor to a potential normalisation but characterised Israels inclusion as significant.

(with agency inputs)
Janata Dal (Secular) chief and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda on Sunday said his party has held discussions with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form an alliance in Karnataka for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, while clarifying that seat-sharing consensus has not yet been achieved. HD Deve Gowda pointed out that the BJP does not have strong presence in Hassan, Mandya, Ramanagara, Kolar and Tumakuru districts of Karnataka (PTI)

Addressing the JD(S) workers convention at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, the veteran leader said his son and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy will discuss the seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP and take a final decision.

It is true that the BJP approached us regarding an alliance for the Lok Sabha elections. PM [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi, [Union home minister] Amit Shah respect me. They know about my behaviour. But I have not asked for any seats in particular yet. I have explained about each seat, Deve Gowda said.

The nonagenarian further pointed out that the BJP does not have strong presence in Hassan, Mandya, Ramanagara, Kolar and Tumakuru districts of Karnataka.

The BJP should not think that the JD(S) does not have votes in these places either. I have mentioned it during the discussion. I have also told the BJP that they will win elections in Vijayapura, Raichur and Bidar only if our party supports them, Deve Gowda said. Kumaraswamy will discuss regarding the seat sharing and take the final decision.

The JD(S) chiefs statement comes a day after Kumaraswamy had said that discussions with the BJP to contest the next years parliamentary elections together were still in initial stages. Speculations of a BJP-JD(S) coalition grew louder on Friday, when former chief minister BS Yediyurappa  the tallest BJP leader in the southern state  said that both parties have come to an agreement that the JD(S) would contest four of the states 28 Lok Sabha seats leaving the remaining for the BJP.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the JD(S) fought seven seats but won just one  the Gowda family pocket borough of Hassan. The BJP won 25 of the 28 seats, while the Congress won one. The remaining one seat was bagged by an independent candidate, who joined the BJP earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Deve Gowda also appealed to his party leaders not to take any decision in haste amid speculations that several ticket aspirants for the Lok Sabha polls were weighing their options in case the party decided to contest fewer seats.

Some people in the party say they will go to the Congress. But I asked them not to take any decision in haste, Deve Gowda said. We dont know how many seats the BJP will give us. Kumaraswamy will talk to PM Modi and finalise the seat-sharing. After the seats are finalised, I will go to all the constituencies and campaign.

He also expressed confidence of his partys revival in the southern state. The JD(S) will survive and grow in this election The workers are the strength of our party.

Kumaraswamy on Sunday said his partys aim is to defeat the Congress in the upcoming national elections. He also refuted speculations about divisions within the JD(S), saying all 19 party legislators are together.

Our aim is to expose the corrupt Congress government and defeat them in upcoming elections. There are no internal issues in our party and all 19 MLAs are together. Even if an issue arises, we know how to solve it, Kumaraswamy told reporters.

He reiterated his remarks that alliance talks with the BJP are a work in progress.

Speaking at the JD(S) convention, partys state president CM Ibrahim, however, said there is no urgency or necessity to form an alliance with anyone. If the horse is good, the buyer will come. You dont have to take the horse to the market. JD(S) has showed that it cant be sold in the market, Ibrahim said. We will take a good decision on alliance at the right time.

Reacting on the BJP-JD(S) tie-up talks, senior Congress leader and chief minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said: I used to refer to them as the B team of the BJP, and JD(S) leaders would get upset with me. Now they are aligning with the BJP. Despite having secular in their party name, they are aligning with the communal BJP.
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya on Sunday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the latter's attack on the saffron party over Hinduism.



Gandhi, during a discussion at a university in Paris said, I have read the Gita, Upanishads and many Hindu books. There is nothing Hindu about what the BJP doesabsolutely nothing I have not read anywhere in any Hindu book or heard from any learned Hindu person that you should terrorise or harm people who are weaker than you. BJP leader Tejasvi Surya (HT File)

Responding to Gandhi's remark, Surya wrote on X, The very fact that Rahul Gandhi thinks that Hinduism is practiced by referring to books shows how shallow his understanding of our dharma.

That he has been reduced to crying before a handful of people in some far away European city while Bharat is achieving global consensus at G20 is telling of how the nation has rejected his brand of politics in the last decade, he added.

Rahul Gandhi also said, If the Prime Minister wants to decide tomorrow morning that there would be no violence or chest-thumping in India, it would stop. It is the direction and imagination that the country's leadership provides that shape the people.

A kind of ailment has now entered the Indian institutional framework, where the neutrality of those institutions has gone out of the window, he added.

Earlier in the day, the Congress leader addressed a press conference in Brussels where he supported the Modi government's stand on the Russia-Ukraine crisis but reiterated the stance he took at Cambridge University in UK in March. He said, There is a sense in India that democratic structures of our countryinstitutional structures of our country are under attack. They are under attack from a group of people who are running India.

Rahul Gandhi is on a week-long tour to Europe. He is set to hold meetings with the European Union (EU) lawyers, students, and the Indian diaspora.

(With agencies' inputs)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Paris on Sunday saying that there was nothing Hindu about what the saffron party did and that they (BJP-RSS) were not Hindu nationalists. Rahul Gandhi during an interaction with students and faculty at Sciences PO University, in Paris, France, on Sunday. (PTI)

I have read the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and other Hindu scriptures. And I can say that there is nothing Hindu about what the BJP does, there is absolutely nothing. I have not read anywhere, in no Hindu book, or heard from any learned Hindu person that you should terrorise, harm people who are weaker than you. So, this idea, this word, Hindu nationalists, this is a wrong word. Theyre not Hindu nationalists. They have nothing to do with Hinduism. They are out to get power at any cost, and they will do anything to get power They want dominance of a few people and that is what they are about. There is nothing Hindu about them, Gandhi said.

The former Congress president, who is currently on a week-long Europe tour, made these remarks during an interaction with students at Science Po University in Paris, France.

Accusing the BJP and its ideological parent, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of trying to stop expression and participation of the minorities in India, Gandhi added, I am striving to not let that happen in the country.

It is a matter of shame for India to have minorities that feel uncomfortable in their own country. If there are 200 million people who feel uncomfortable in India, if people from the Sikh community feel so uncomfortable, women feel so uncomfortable, it is a matter of shame for us. That needs to be corrected, Gandhi added.

When asked to comment on the India-Bharat row, Rahul said that he did not mind if the country was called India or Bharat, but stressed that the BJPs intention behind the name change was rather out of irritation as the Opposition alliance was also named INDIA.

India is defined as India that is Bharat, a union of states. The Indian Constitution uses both names (India and Bharat). Both words are perfectly fine. But we have perhaps irritated the (central) government with our coalitions name. Our coalitions name is INDIA. And thats why they decided to change the name of the country, Gandhi said.

Gandhi, who was reinstated as the Lok Sabha MP last month, took up his week-long Europe trip on Tuesday amidst the G-20 summit and he will return on September 11, one day after the summit concludes.

There was no immediate reaction from the BJP and the RSS to Gandhis remarks. Earlier on Friday, the BJP had hit out at him for conducting his visit at a time when the G20 Summit was being held in India. BJP national spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam said, People like (Rahul) Gandhi want to bring a bad name to India.

Union minister Kiren Rijiu on Saturday said, Rahul Gandhi is attacking India from Foreign soil when the whole world is applauding Indias peaceful rise as a global leader. Rahul Gandhi is deliberately praising China, running down India on foreign soil just to distract Indias successful #G20 summit. Please ignore him.

On Friday, opening up on his meeting with the European Parliamentary members, Gandhi had said that the members were concerned when he had raised the issue of the attacks on the democratic institutions of India.

Some people are trying to promote Rahul Gandhis anti-India statements given in Brussels. He is meeting well known anti-India activists & trying to damage Indias image. #G20 summit is a Golden opportunity for INDIA to showcase our capability and ability.. Lets not waste it, Rijiju added.

In Belgium, Gandhi held meetings with the European Union leaders, students and the media and discussed the condition of the democratic processes in India, which he opined was under attack.

While in France, apart from interacting with students at the Sciences Po, Gandhi also participated in a meeting of the Labour Union of France in Paris.

His next stop is Norway, where he will address a diaspora event in Oslo and Gandhi is also scheduled to go to the University of Oslo to deliver a speech before returning to India.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Ahead of the second day of the G20 Summit on Sunday, global leaders gathered at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi to pay their respects. Among those registering early arrivals were Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, World Bank President Ajay Banga and various other leaders and delegates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the guests who came to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay wreaths, despite the inclement weather. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni.

On Sunday, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Delhi had forecast light to moderate intensity rain with thunderstorms continuing over Delhi and nearby areas.

Prior to commencing the second day's events at Bharat Mandapam, it is scheduled that all heads of delegations will visit Raj Ghat.

Watch G20 leaders at Rajghat

Schedule for Day 2 of the G20 Summit:

 8:15 am to 9 am: Leaders and heads of delegations will arrive at Rajghat in individual motorcades.

 9:00 am to 9:20 am: Leaders will lay a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's Samadhi, accompanied by a live performance of his favourite devotional songs.

 9:20 am: Leaders and Heads of Delegations will move to Bharat Mandapam's Leaders' Lounge.

- 9:40 am to 10:15 am: Arrival of leaders and heads of delegation at Bharat Mandapam.

 10:15 am to 10:30 am: Tree planting ceremony at Bharat Mandapam's South Plaza.

 10:30 am to 12:30 pm: The third session of the summit, titled 'One Future,' will take place at the venue, followed by the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

Following their participation in the two-day G20 Leaders' Summit hosted in the national capital, most Heads of State, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are scheduled to depart from Delhi on Sunday.

On Monday, seven G20 leaders from countries including Brazil, the African Union (represented by Comoros), Nigeria, the European Union, and Mauritius will leave Delhi. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is on a three-day state visit to India, will also depart on Monday.
New Delhi As the Indian Presidency of G20 begins wrapping up, after a weekend which brought the world to Delhi for an extraordinarily successful leaders summit, New Delhi can breathe a sigh of relief that all went well. And it can take justifiable pride in its achievements. G20 leaders pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on the final day of the G20 on Sunday. (HT Photo)

The summit and its declaration, as well as the bilateral and plurilateral meetings on the sidelines, reflected Indian foreign policy priorities and the nature of its relationships with key actors. The declaration will also have implications for bilateral ties, particularly with the US, Russia and China, Indias quest to be the voice of the Global South, and efforts to revive reformed multilateralism at a particularly bleak time in the international system.

Also Read: G20 will use a mix of renewable energy, low carbon, and clean tech to achieve carbon neutrality

In his book, The India Way, external affairs minister S Jaishankar wrote: This is a time for us to engage America, manage China, cultivate Europe, reassure Russia, bring Japan into play, draw neighbours in, extend the neighbourhood, and expand traditional constituencies of support. On each of these fronts, India succeeded in meeting its objective.

Engaging America

If Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to the US in June represented a Great Leap Forward, President Joe Bidens visit to India represented consolidation and deepening of trust. Think of the two visits as a blistering opener setting the stage for a big score, to be followed by a solid middle-order knock to consolidate the innings. This was reflected in cooperation at the global, regional, and bilateral levels.

Also Read: G20 has stood up for Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty: Blinken

India owes the US a debt for Washingtons flexibility on the text of the Delhi declaration. There is little doubt that Biden, who has arguably been the most committed Democratic president to the India relationship in history, signed off on dropping a specific reference to Russias aggression, in the context of UN resolutions, and allowed for a more generic and broader formulation. The Europeans then followed suit, for despite all their bravado, it is the US that has rescued Ukraine from Russian aggression so far. American flexibility also gave India the room to mobilise the Global South and bring collective pressure on Moscow on board. But even beyond Ukraine, the Delhi-DC synergy on multilateral development banks (MDBs) or DCs acceptance of Indias digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a possible global template or collaboration in the Global Biofuels Alliance shows how India and US want to shape the world together.

On the regional front, the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe corridor announcement cannot be overstated. Yes, the project will take decades to complete. But rarely have such a diverse set of actors, across four regions (North America, the European continent, West Asia and South Asia) collaborated on a project of this scale for common good. Not only can this present a concrete alternative to the predatory model of Chinese infrastructure financing, it can open up tremendous commercial opportunities for India.

And bilaterally, Biden and Modi reviewed the speedy implementation of a range of their agreements signed last June and made a set of new announcements. The GE jet engine and MQ-9B deals are moving along smoothly. Under the initiative on critical and emerging technology (iCET), the space, semiconductor, defence innovation, education, quantum, biotech and telecom collaboration has seen tangible action. All trade disputes between India and the US at WTO now stand resolved. And there are real financial partnerships emerging in the domain of climate.

Put it all together. The summit shows that Delhi and DC are closely engaged. Their friendship is deepening. The collaboration is both public and private. And they are talking about issues way beyond the traditional box of the bilateral relationship.

Reassuring Russia

The weekend also illustrated the complexities that mark the India-Russia relationship, where the public and private, short-term and medium-term, and past and future have to viewed differently.

In terms of the public projection of the relationship, the summit showcased that the old bonds of friendship between Delhi and Moscow persist in the short-term. It is unlikely that any other country would have been able to create a context which offered Russia a face-saver on the international stage, at a time when Moscow has invaded another country.

India, however, ensured that the declaration dropped the specific reference to Russian aggression in the text to accommodate Vladimir Putins demand. But in doing so, it won over the space to insert a set of paragraphs that are clear criticisms of Moscows positions and actions, from its threat of using nuclear weapons to halting the implementation of the Black Sea Grain deal, from attacking civilians and infrastructure to the second-order consequences of its actions in terms of destabilising the global economic environment, from the violation of territorial integrity and sovereignty of another state to embarking on a war in an era which is not one of war.

But this mix of accommodation and criticism isnt the story. The story, as Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrovs praise for the Indian presidency on Sunday showed, is that Moscow feels good about what happened in Delhi. If the aim was to reassure Russia of Indias commitment to the relationship, and that Delhi retains its autonomy despite getting closer to the west, India has done that yet again.

This reassurance is needed in the first place because privately, Indian policymakers know that the future of the strategic partnership isnt as bright and, for its own national security, Delhi has no choice but to diversify its relationship and dependencies. India may or may not say it, but it knows that Moscow was wrong in attacking Kyiv. It knows that Moscow today is weaker, in terms of comprehensive national power, than it was before February 2022. It knows that Moscows dependence on Beijing has complicated how India thinks of its foremost security challenge, China. It knows that the Indian military is struggling to meet its requirements because of the dilution in the Russian military-industrial base. And it knows that deeper ties with the rest of Europe are essential.

And if India knows all of this and is acting accordingly, Moscow knows that Delhi knows it. Which is why the actions with medium-term implications have to be distinguished from the posture in the short term. The weekend highlighted both this disconnect but also Indias ability to pursue both tracks simultaneously.

Managing China

The G20 weekend showed the incredible challenge India faces in managing the China relationship and how this will persist. Take three specific forms in which this played out.

The first was Chinese president Xi Jinpings decision to skip the summit, the first time he was absent from a G20 gathering since taking over. For the Indian political leadership, in terms of domestic optics, this was probably a good thing, for a Modi-Xi handshake or a Modi-Xi bilateral meeting may well have invited criticism from the Opposition, which would have alleged this was a sign of Indias weakness given the situation at the border. But in terms of strategic signals, it was yet another sign that Chinas political leadership wanted to steer clear of seeming to endorse Indias success on the global high table or even, it appeared before the summit, block it. It is also a possible warning that things arent going to get better and may even get worse at the border.

The second was the Chinese stance during the negotiations on the text. While backing Russia on Ukraine, it did support the other elements of the outcomes at the ministerials. But it stepped up its obstructionism in recent weeks on a range of other items, in a clear attempt to unsettle the Indian side. Delhi figured that the only way to get Beijing on board was by creating a situation where China would either have to be the last one standing resisting a common text or come on board due to the risk of being seen as isolated and as a spoiler. Through adroit diplomacy, including by convincing Moscow and mobilising the Global South in its favour, Delhi did that. Beijing shed its resistance.

The third form this took was in specific geopolitical actions which werent directly related to China but will impact the Delhi-Beijing bilateral axis. In the past, Indian policymakers have been cautious in being seen as moving too close to the West for the fear of China interpreting it as an aggressive move directed at it. But Beijing helped resolve that dilemma for Delhi with its aggression. India is now clear that it will do what is in its interest with the US, irrespective of how Beijing may interpret it. Both Quad, for which Biden may visit India again next January, and intensified engagement with the US in West Asia through the infrastructure corridor, are instances of this approach.

Put it together, and the big takeaway from the episode is that India-China ties are fragile and will remain so. But given the asymmetries of power, India needs time to strengthen its capabilities. It also needed China to play ball on a set of multilateral issues. And therefore it managed China, without any illusion that this management is anything close to a resolution of the structural issues that haunt the relationship.

Traditional constituencies

Finally, this weekend illustrated how India is bringing its neighbours in (think of how Bangladesh was a guest country at G20 and got an unprecedented networking opportunity with the worlds political elite); working in the extended neighbourhood (the infra corridor with the UAE and Saudi Arabia reflects this); and expanding its transitional constituencies of support (think of the entire discourse around the Global South).

Of these dimensions, the return of the Global South was the most prominent takeaway from the weekend. There is a view which sees this as a return to the old anti-West, third-worldism rhetoric that dominated Indian foreign policy for long. But Indias current approach is different because it is based on using New Delhis unique position in the global hierarchy to bridge the divide between West/North and the South. And this took four specific forms over the weekend.

The first was the inclusion of African Union (AU) in G20. Think about it. The worlds premier forum for international economic cooperation had a single African member: South Africa. Few data points illustrate the inequities in the global power structure better than this shocking lack of representation of an entire continent. While there had been discussions of bringing in AU, the fact that this happened under the Indian Presidency will now be etched in history books. And the western bloc fully supported the initiative.

The second was the inclusion of the most pressing concerns of the Global South in the text. Think of food security and there is a demand to implement the Black Sea Grain Initiative which has been so critical to meeting requirements in Africa. Think of climate and there is a clear recognition that the crisis is here, the world is failing to meet temperature goals, but that it is according to common but differentiated responsibilities that the crisis needs to be managed. The declaration even has a figure in terms of financing requirements for the developing world to meet emission targets. Think of sustainable development goals and the setbacks in recent years in meeting these goals, and there is talk of a new road map with adequate financing needed to achieve them. Think of the acceptance of the idea of DPI and financial inclusion, which will help the poorest citizens in the poorest parts of the world. Every section of the declaration is imbued with a spirit of inclusion of the most marginalised voices in the international order.

And finally, the idea of reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs) has to be seen in the context of India prioritising the Global South. It used its presidency to make clear to the West that the expansion in the mandate of the World Bank to include battling the climate crisis cannot happen at the cost of the aims of ending extreme poverty. It pushed for newer ways to mobilise finances to enable MDBs to meet these expanded goals.

Put all this together, and its clear that India is now not just at the high table, but actually shaping conversations on the concerns of the Global South and finding ways to address them in specific ways, not in opposition to the West but in conjunction with the West. No picture illustrated this better than the one that had the leaders of India, South Africa, Brazil, US and World Bank together. There was of course a strategic subtext to this. Chinas hopes of becoming the champion of the Global South will not go uncontested  and India will compete on its own terms and with its own partners, but while listening carefully to what its partners want.

From the bilateral to the global, India had its best foreign policy weekend ever in Delhi. But in geopolitics, there is no full stop. What has happened will inaugurate a new chapter as India navigates the next set of challenges in the global order. The experience, however, must have made policymakers both more confident in their skills  and acutely conscious of the challenges that lie ahead.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Assam government will start the second round of intensified crackdown on child marriage and in the next 10 days, the state police will arrest those who have married underage girls, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in the next 10 days, police will arrest at least 2,000 to 3,000 offenders who have married minor girls (PTI)

Speaking at the national executive meet of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha in Guwahati, Sarma also said that his government will bring a law by December to prohibit polygamy in the state.

At least 5,000 offenders were arrested in the first round of crackdown against child marriage in February this year, the chief minister said, adding that the drive was kept on hold till the completion of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Our drive will continue now as we were waiting for the G20 Summit to conclude. In the next 10 days, our police will arrest at least 2,000 to 3,000 offenders who have married minor girls, the chief minister said. We are not going to spare anyone in this regard.

The BJP leader also said that both the measures  crackdown on child marriage and law against polygamy  are to stop the exploitation of women, especially of a particular community, who are married off at nine years, become mothers by 12 years and then are forced to accept their husbands marrying more than once.

We wont allow multiple marriages because our sisters suffer due to this. By December, we will bring a law to ban this legally, Sarma said.

In May, the state government constituted an expert committee to examine competence of the legislature to enact a law to end polygamy. The panel, which was asked to scrutinise the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, 1937 read with Article 25 of the Constitution of India, submitted its report on June 8, saying the state does have the power to enact such a law.

To be sure, 2011 census data shows that polygamy among men is not a phenomenon which is restricted to Muslims alone, and that the number of currently married women is greater than currently married men among all religious groups.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been using selective approach in regard with humanitarian cargo deliveries to Armenians living in Azerbaijans Karabakh, MP of the Azerbaijani Parliament Azer Badamov told Trend.

He noted that the cargo of the Russian Red Cross Society is waiting in front of the hotel in Barda and is not allowed through.

"At first glance it seems that the ICRC is acting under the same convention, but in fact there are selective approaches and the Russian Red Cross Society is being pressured for sending humanitarian cargo to Khankendi. This once again reveals the true purpose of the ICRC. We saw this during the 44-day Patriotic War," said Azer Badamov.

"At that time, the ICRC collected information and passed it on to the Armenian side. Even after the end of the war, the ICRC carried out intensive transports from Armenia to Khankendi. But since these shipments were not inspected, what was in these trucks raises questions. It was also found that the ICRC has been engaged in smuggling through Azerbaijani border," the deputy said.

Now the ICRC says that only humanitarian goods from Armenia can be brought to Khankendi.

"This means that an international organization, which should be engaged in neutral activities related to humanitarian aid, is engaged in political issues and implementation of its dirty intentions. If the purpose of the ICRC is to provide humanitarian aid to people in need, what is the importance of its direction? However, the development once again proves that the ICRC has turned into an instrument of political manipulation in the hands of the West. The ICRC office must clearly realize that even if the Aghdam-Khankendi road is opened, they will not be able to continue their dirty intentions under their emblem as before," Badamov noted.

Earlier, a truck of the Russian Red Cross Society was expected to arrive in Aghdam and from there to Askeran. However, the truck of the Russian Red Cross Society is still not allowed to go to Askeran. A truck with food from the Russian Red Cross Society is still standing in Barda, although it should move to Khankendi on the Aghdam-Khankendi road.
Grandparents' Day 2023: Grandparents are the sweetest human beings on earth. They love us unconditionally, scold us when we are wrong, give us the pleasure of watching their wisdom turn to experience and then to learnings for us, and also spoil us with whatever we want. From chocolates at a young age to their stories of wisdom at a later age, Grandparents enrich us throughout and make this world a better place to live. They help us to know that we can conquer everything with a little bit of love. They are also the safest place on earth to go when we need to hide from scolding from our parents or when we are heartbroken, and we need someone to cry to. Grandparents' Day 2023: Date, history, significance(Pexels)

Grandparents are playful, at the same time they teach us everything that we need to navigate through life. From making the most delicious foods for us to reading bedtime stories, Grandparents' make us love life and ourselves. Every year Grandparents' Day is celebrated with a whole lot of love. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few things to keep in mind.

ALSO READ: Grandparents Day 2022: Thoughtful gifts for your grandparents

Date:

Every year, Grandparents' Day is celebrated on September 10. This year, it is being celebrated on the same date  it falls on a Sunday.

History:

In 1973, Senator Jennings Randolph proposed the idea of making Grandparents' Day a national holiday. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter passed the declaration for celebrating Grandparents' Day on the first Sunday after Labour Day. On September 10, 1978, the first Grandparents' Day was celebrated in the US.

Significance:

The relationship shared between a child and the grandparent is based on pure and unconditional love. On this day, people raise awareness on the contribution of the grandparents not just on the upbringing of a child but also in creating social awareness in the younger generations.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tapatrisha Das Tapatrisha is Content Producer with Hindustan Times. She covers stories related to health, relationships, and fashion. ...view detail
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great fanfare throughout India. The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god and son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In India, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Goa, Lord Ganesha is revered as the god of new beginnings, the remover of obstacles, and the god of wisdom and intelligence. As Ganeshotsav approaches, confusion about the correct date for the festival to begin increases, and many people are wondering whether the celebrations will begin on September 18 or 19. (ANI Photo/Deepak Salvi)

Ganesha's clay idols are placed both privately in people's homes and publicly in elaborate pandals to commemorate the occasion. Daily prasad, which includes delicacies such as modaka as it is believed to be Ganesha's favourite sweet, is prepared along with prayers and fasting. The festival ends on the tenth day when the idol is paraded through the streets and immersed in nearby waterways. (Also read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Date, shubh muhurat, history, significance and all you need to know about Ganeshotsav )

When Is Ganesh Chaturthi? September 18 or 19?

Ganesh Chaturthi usually takes place between August and September, during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. As Ganeshotsav approaches, confusion about the correct date for the festival to begin increases, and many people are wondering whether the celebrations will begin on September 18 or 19. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Read on for clarification.

Hindu scriptures claim that Lord Ganesha was born in the Gregorian month of August or September, which corresponds to the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar. On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed, and on Thursday, September 28, 2023, the tenth day, Ganesh Visarjan, will take place.

The auspicious time to welcome Lord Ganesha home on Chaturthi Tithi will start at 12:39 PM on September 18, 2023, and end at 01:43 PM on September 19, 2023, according to the Drik Panchang. The ten-day Ganesha Utsav festival will come to an end on September 28 with Ganesha Visarjan.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Did you know while tubal ligation is an extremely effective method for preventing pregnancy, it does not offer complete certainty? For the uninitiated, this health procedure is done either as an open surgery or it can be done laparoscopically. Is it possible to undo a tubal ligation? Can one conceive if they have tied their fallopian tubes? (Pexels)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rupali Tambe, Fertility Consultant at Nova IVF Fertility in Pune, explained, The procedure involves either cutting, tying, or blocking the fallopian tubes to permanently control birth (sterilization). This intervention effectively hinders egg movement from ovaries to fallopian tubes while also preventing sperm from reaching an egg through these tubes. Despite its high efficacy as a contraceptive measure, tubal ligation has its limitations.

She elaborated, There remains a slight possibility of becoming pregnant even after undergoing this procedure. There are several approaches to this procedure, varying from less invasive techniques like laparoscopy to more extensive surgery. One option is to make a small incision in the abdomen known as mini laparotomy, while another possibility is performing it during a caesarean section immediately after childbirth.

Why do women opt for this procedure?

Dr Rupali Tambe answered, Tubal ligation is a method of permanent sterilisation in a woman. Situations that may warrant this form of birth control include being an adult woman, facing potential health risks associated with pregnancy, or having a genetic disorder that one does not want to pass on to children. Nevertheless, if there is uncertainty about future plans for parenthood or the possibility of new partners entering the picture, it is important to reassess the suitability of this contraceptive option.

Any risks attached to this procedure?

According to Dr Rupali Tambe, additional hazards to be mindful of include a higher likelihood of ectopic or tubal pregnancy if conception occurs after tubal ligation. She shared, Ectopic pregnancies arise due to this procedure. This condition can result in tube rupture and pose life-threatening risks. Employing an extra contraceptive method like condoms or undergoing vasectomy offers an effective means to further safeguard against such occurrences for men specifically.

Is it possible to undo a tubal ligation?

Dr Rupali Tambe highlighted, Tubal ligation is intended to be irreversible, so if you have plans of conceiving in the future, it's not recommended by a fertility consultant. It is better to speak to the fertility consultant and then only decide what is suitable for you.

She advised, If you wish to get pregnant after having your tubes tied, the fertility consultant will not recommend a reversal. Instead, he/she will suggest in vitro fertilization (IVF) which is an effective way to conceive after a tubal ligation. IVF is an effective way to conceive after tubal ligation with a good success rate.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
NASA released a picture on Saturday revealing intriguing natural formations known as fairy circles in Australia, which were found to be releasing hydrogen gas from their edges. The images were captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on June 27, 2023, near the town of Moora, located approximately 150 kilometers north of Perth in the country. This has the potential to be a quest for alternatives to fossil fuels. The images were captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on June 27, 2023. (NASA)

In the region, clusters of these round depressions can be spotted running along the Darling Fault, which stretches from north to south. Although they are sometimes referred to as salt lakes, these features are several hundred metres in diameter, and the amount of vegetation and water within them changes over time. The image showcases groups of these fairy circles near Moora.

In 2021, researchers stumbled upon the presence of hydrogen in the region while conducting soil-gas measurements. They noticed heightened hydrogen concentrations along the perimeter. According to the NASA report, Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) was the first to officially identify these natural hydrogen emissions in the country and establish a connection with the region's geological characteristics.

Hydrogen is the simplest and lightest element in the universe and is quite common. However, in Earth's atmosphere, hydrogen molecules (H2) are scarce because they are highly reactive. Typically, hydrogen can be found at very low concentrations, measured in parts per million, in deep drill holes.

The process of producing green hydrogen involves using renewable sources to break down water molecules (H2O) into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2) through a process called electrolysis.

How can Hydrogen form naturally?

Hydrogen can naturally form within the Earth's subsurface through various processes, such as specific interactions between water and rocks and the breakdown of water molecules due to radiation, a phenomenon known as radiolysis.

In the North Perth Basin, the environmental conditions appear to support the production of hydrogen, the NASA report said. According to the researchers, their theory suggests that this hydrogen is generated when water reacts with the iron-rich rocks in the region. Upon examining geophysical data, it is believed that fault zones might serve as vertical channels through which this gas can migrate to the surface.

Previous instances of Hydrogen cluster discoveries

-In the past, hydrogen reservoirs were often discovered accidentally. For instance, in the late 1980s, well diggers in Mali (African nation) unexpectedly encountered a highly concentrated natural hydrogen deposit.

-Currently, the use of satellite imagery has made it easier to identify fairy circles that could potentially be investigated as sources of hydrogen seepage.

-Various semi-circular to circular surface features containing high concentrations of hydrogen in their soil have also been observed worldwide, spanning from Brazil and Russia to the US state of North Carolina.

-According to NASA, experts believe that there are likely numerous undiscovered natural sources of hydrogen waiting to be found, provided the right tools and a willingness to explore exist.

What are the advantages of green Hydrogen?

- Green hydrogen is entirely sustainable and does not release harmful emissions during production or combustion.

-Hydrogen is easily stored, making it suitable for use at a later time or for different purposes than its initial production.

-Green hydrogen is adaptable and can be converted into electricity or synthetic gas, serving various purposes in commercial, industrial, or transportation sectors.

Disadvantages with Hydrogen

-Green hydrogen production is expensive due to the higher cost of renewable energy sources needed for electrolysis.

-Hydrogen production, especially green hydrogen, consumes more energy compared to other fuels.

-Hydrogen is volatile and flammable, demanding rigorous safety measures to prevent leaks and explosions.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lingamgunta Nirmitha Rao Trainee Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital Stream. India's regional languages attract me. ...view detail
A man from the United States took his love for films to another level by breaking the world record for the most films seen in a cinema in one year. Zach Swope achieved this feat by viewing an astounding 777 films from July 2022 to July 2023, surpassing the previous record of 715, which was held by Vincent Krohn from France in 2018. Zach Swope smiling for the camera before watching Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. He watched this film a staggering 47 times. (Guinness World Records)

Swope, 32, started his film-watching adventure with Minions: Rise of Gru and ended with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. For this record, Swope had to watch all the films from start to finish without doing anything else, be it using the phone, taking naps, or eating or drinking during the film, reports Guinness World Records in a blog.

Swope managed to break the world record while working a full-time job. He would go to the cinema after work hours and watch up to three films and even more on weekends. Swope also took days off from watching films to mentally recharge himself. He aimed to watch 16-17 films a week.

Out of all the movies he saw, the one he watched the most times was Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. He saw this film 47 times. His favourite film was Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and The Devil Conspiracy was his least favourite.

Swope attempted this record to raise awareness about autism because he himself has Aspergers syndrome, which is a type of autism. While talking to Guinness World Records, Swope expressed, This was an amazing journey that I dedicated a year of my life to, and it was all for a good cause. Who knows, maybe Ill go back and try to break my own record?

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Air strikes killed at least 46 people and injured dozens Sunday at a Khartoum market, local activists said, one of the deadliest single attacks in Sudan's nearly five months of war. Smoke rises above buildings after an aerial bombardment during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army, in Khartoum.(Reuters)

The bombing in the south of Sudan's capital came about a week after another air strike, also in southern Khartoum, killed 20 civilians on September 2, according to activists.

The number of victims in Sunday's "Qouro market massacre" had risen to 46 by evening, said the local resistance committee, one of many groups that used to organise pro-democracy protests and now provide assistance during the war.

In its statement, the committee revised an earlier toll of 30 killed. It added there were "dozens wounded" and said casualties continued to pour into the nearby Bashair hospital.

"At about 7:15 am (0515 GMT), military aircraft bombarded the Qouro market area," the committee said.

The hospital had issued an "urgent appeal" for all medical professionals in the area to come and help treat the "increasing number of injured people arriving".

A conservative estimate from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project says nearly 7,500 people have been killed in the war that began on April 15 between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In early July an air strike on a residential area of Omdurman, Khartoum's sister city, killed around two dozen people and drew condemnation from the United Nations.

Millions uprooted

The armed forces control the skies over Khartoum, while RSF fighters continue to dominate the city's streets.

The army has been accused of repeated indiscriminate shelling of the residential areas where the paramilitaries have embedded themselves, including by evicting families and taking over homes.

Positioning themselves in civilian occupied neighbourhoods and buildings is "a potential violation of the Geneva Conventions," the US-supported Sudan Conflict Observatory has said.

It added that the Sudanese Armed Forces would still be required to ensure that civilian harm is minimised regardless of whether a target has been made a legitimate military target.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
US President Joe Biden on Sunday hailed the historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a game-changing regional investment. President Biden, in a social media post, said the project would bridge ports across two continents and would make it easier to trade, export clean energy, and expand access to reliable clean electricity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman hold hands at an event on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.(AFP)

I'm proud to announce that the U.S., India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU finalized a historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the US president said.

This project is about more than just laying tracks. This is a game-changing regional investment.

India along with the US and several major economies on Saturday unveiled an ambitious infrastructure initiative of a railway and shipping corridor aimed at enhancing commerce, energy and digital connectivity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Biden co-chaired the event on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. Besides Modi and Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the event.

Speaking at the Bharat Mandapam venue of the G20 Summit, PM Modi said, "Today we all have seen the conclusion of a historic and important agreement. In the coming days, it will be an effective medium of economic integration between India, South Asia, and Europe.

"India does not limit connectivity into regional borders. It has been India's priority to increase connectivity with all regions. We believe that connectivity between various countries is not only a source of increasing trade but also for strengthening mutual trust," Modi said.

Later, in a post on X, Modi said, "Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents."

The ministry of external affairs said the project would comprise of two separate corridors, an eastern corridor connecting India to the Gulf region and a northern corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe. The corridor will include a railway and ship-rail transit network and road transport routes.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau was unable to depart from India after his aircraft suffered a technical snag.



The delegates had not boarded the flight. The information was conveyed to the airport teams well in advance and now the aircraft will take off in the morning on Monday.



Upon our departure for the airport, we were made aware by the Canadian Armed Forces that CFC001 was experiencing technical issues. These issues are not fixable overnight, our delegation will be staying in India until alternate arrangements are made", Canadian website CTV News quoted Trudeau's office statement.



Trudeau is headed back to Canada after attending a two-day G20 Summit in the national capital. Earlier in the day, the Canadian prime minister held bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses a press conference on the G20 Leaders' Summit, in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI)

During the meeting, PM Modi conveyed to Trudeau about India's concerns related to continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canadan who are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats and threatening the Indian community there.

"The Prime Minister highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties," the ministry of external affairs said.

"The nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats," PTI quoted the MEA statement.

Canada will always defend freedom of expression

During a press conference held after the G20 Summit, Trudeau was asked about increasing incidents involving pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us.. at the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred, the Canadian premier replied.



On Friday, a Hindu temple in Canada's Surrey in British Columbia was desecreated with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti painted on its wall. The incident took place amid pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) threatening to lock down Indian consulates in Vancouver.



In August, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey town was defaced with anti-India and pro-Khalistan slogans pasted on its front gate.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed deep emotions during his visit to Raj Ghat in New Delhi, where he paid homage to his 'role model,' Mahatma Gandhi. He drew a parallel between his Labour Movement's work and Gandhi's non-violent struggle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Indonesia President Joko Widodo and Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva lay wreath at Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi on Sunday. (PMO)

As global leaders convened at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial before the second day of the G20 Summit, President Lula shared his sentiments in his concluding speech, saying: Personally, I was very much touched and emotional when I went to pay homage to our dear Gandhi today, news agency ANI reported.

"Everybody knows that in my political life, Mahatma Gandhi has great meaning because the struggle with non-violence was a role model that I followed for many decades when I was in the Labour Movement. That is why I am very much touched and emotional...," he added.

Brazil to assume the presidency for G20 2024 Summit

Brazil is poised to assume the presidency for the G20 Summit in 2024. President Lula extended his gratitude to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for hosting the current G20 Summit and outlined three key priorities for Brazil's upcoming presidency within the group. These priorities encompass social inclusion and the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development, and the reform of global governance institutions.

New Delhi Summit draws end

Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally concluded the G20 Summit and proposed a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals presented during the forum.

Following the two-day event, many leaders are set to depart from the capital city. However, seven G20 leaders, including those from Brazil, the African Union (represented by Comoros), Nigeria, the European Union, and Mauritius, will remain in Delhi on Monday. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is on a three-day state visit to India, will also depart on Monday.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hamid ben Henna had just asked his young son Marouane to fetch a knife to cut a melon for the family's evening meal when Morocco's earthquake hit on Friday night. A man gestures next to emergency workers on the rubble, in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake, in Amizmiz, Morocco.(REUTERS)

With the weekend beginning, they had been enjoying a lamb and vegetable tagine stew and Marouane had been telling his father what materials he would need for the coming school year.

"That's when it struck," Ben Henna said. The room began to shake, the lights went out and rubble started falling from the ceiling of their traditional house in a remote village of the High Atlas mountains.

The earthquake was Morocco's most powerful since at least 1900 and it killed more than 2,000 people, mostly in small mountain villages like Tafeghaghte where the Ben Henna family live.

Ben Henna and his other son, Mouad, staggered out of the open door into the alleyway as their house began to collapse. They managed to free his wife Amina and small daughter Meryem. But as the dust settled they saw that Marouane had not made it.

The eight-year-old had run further into the house and was lying under a meter of rubble.

His little body was only recovered the next day, after Ben Henna's brothers arrived by car from Casablanca, five hours away, to help lift the rubble.

Marouane, described by his father as an enthusiastic boy who loved school, was buried on Saturday morning.

DESTITUTION

The family is now not only grieving but destitute. All their belongings lie in the wreckage of their fallen house and they face a third night sleeping outside in the bitter mountain cold.

Ben Henna's source of livelihood, the three-wheel moped he used to ferry goods around the neighbourhood for a small fee, was buried in falling debris and no longer works. The alleyway leading to the ruins of their house is covered in fallen rocks.

The family still have a donkey and a goat that survived the quake. But their animal feed was buried in a collapsed storeroom and there is little point slaughtering the animals because they cannot refrigerate the meat.

Barely a house in Tafeghaghte seems unscathed by the disaster. Of the roughly 400 villagers, nearly 80 are dead, according to survivors. Large piles of rubble dot the village. One family Ben Henna knew lost seven members.

Families have gathered under olive trees in a small field to pitch shelters where survivors can spend the night, safe from aftershocks even if their damaged homes stayed mostly erect.

Fatima Boujdig sat with her husband in the shade of their large red truck, badly damaged by falling rubble, as a donkey grazed nearby. They borrowed money to buy the truck and do not know how they can now repay it.

"We were in darkness and covered in dust. We heard the earthquake and the rocks and walls falling... now you can see the village is reduced to rubble," she said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, September 10. We are still waiting for an answer on the delivery of food cargo to Khankendi, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society Jeyhun Mirzayev said, Trend reports.

He said that the food trucks have been on the Aghdam-Khankendi road for the 13th day.

As you know, we are here for the 13th day in a row. We are together with our dedicated employees and volunteers. As you already know from yesterdays report, a truck with food from the Russian Red Cross Society passed through the Samur checkpoint.

In the evening it has reached the indicated address in Barda. Today at 10:00 a.m. an agreement was reached on the passage. However, the passage has not yet taken place, added Jeyhun Mirzayev.

Meanwhile, the trucks with 40 tons of flour have been on the Aghdam-Khankendi road since August 29 in front of the Russian peacekeepers post. Employees of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and volunteers spend the night in tents erected on the territory. They said that they would remain here until food supplies were delivered to the Armenian residents of Khankendi.
A Tennessee teacher who taught English and Social Studies to fourth-graders has been arrested and charged with raping a 12-year-old boy. The police are looking for more victims who may have been groomed by the teacher on social media. Tennessee teacher raped 12-year-old boy(Instagram)

The teacher, Alissa McCommon, 38, is a mother of two children. She was taken into custody by the Covington Police Department on Friday outside her home. Currently, she is held at the Tipton County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

According to Covington Police Chief Donna Turner, McCommon had a sexual encounter with one of her former students at her home in 2021. The boy was only 12 years old when the abuse happened.

McCommon taught at Charger Academy, an elementary school in the district.

The school district learned about the allegations on August 24 when a parent reported them.

McCommon was suspended immediately, Yahoo News reported.

Police said that several other juvenile victims came forward and claimed that McCommon had contacted them through social media and played video games with them.

ALSO READ| Hurricane Hunters footage takes you inside the ferocity of Hurricane Lee, monster gears up for a strength surge

She then allegedly sent them nude pictures and asked them to have sex with her.

Police said that McCommon admitted that she had inappropriate conversations with the former students.

Wearing a maroon long-sleeved tee shirt, grey joggers, and sneakers, McCommon was apprehended by law enforcement officers(Covington Police Department)

The news of the teachers arrest shocked and angered many parents, who said they were not informed by the school until two weeks later through a Facebook post. Some parents said they were considering homeschooling their children because they lost trust in the school district.

One parent, Bianca Taylor, told Fox13 Memphis that she asked her son if his teacher had been in school lately. Her son said that there was a substitute teacher because the school said the teacher was sick.

I do hope they take matters seriously, because any other situation. If it was a man doing it the opposite way, yall would take it more seriously, Taylor said.

Even if she did it or didnt do it, it needs to be looked at and not swept under the rug.

Police said that none of the alleged sexual acts are believed to have occurred on school grounds.

Its unspeakable and its 100 percent preventable. I think thats why the detectives and we are so passionate about making sure victims are okay, said Chief Turner.

The accused teachers lawyer, Jere Mason, said his client denies the charges. He also said that his client is being unfairly targeted on social media.

We believe that its borderline a witch hunt on social media and thats frustrating to us, Mason said.

ALSO READ| 400 officers on the hunt for escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante following two recent sightings in Pennsylvania

What were asking is that the public be patient and allow the justice system to do its job and not create further persecution on the alleged victims or on the family of the defendant.

McCommon also worked at Crestview Elementary School in the past, according to Tipton County Schools.

Police are still investigating the case and expect to file more charges against McCommon. Her scheduled appearance in General Sessions Court is set for October 13th.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday conveyed the UKs significant concerns about alleged Chinese interference in the UK's parliamentary democracy to the countrys Premier at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, after a UK media report revealed spying charges against two men. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other dignitaries attend the Opening Ceremony of the G20 Summit, at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi.(X/Cyril Ramaphosa )

Sunak met Li Qiang as The Sunday Times reported that two men were arrested under the UKs Official Secrets Act amid claims a parliamentary researcher in Britain spied for China. One of the men, in his 20s, was a researcher with links to several governing Conservative Party MPs and another man in his 30s were both said to have been arrested in March and now out on bail.

"The Prime Minister met Premier Li Qiang and conveyed his significant concerns about Chinese interference in the UK's parliamentary democracy," a 10 Downing Street spokesperson said.

Both men were held at a south London police station until being released on bail until early October. The Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, which oversees espionage-related offences, is investigating the case.

"A man in his 30s was arrested at an address in Oxfordshire and a man in his 20s was arrested at an address in Edinburgh. Searches were also carried out at both the residential properties, as well as at a third address in east London," the Met Police said.

The parliamentary researcher has been linked, among others, with UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat but is said not to have had any contact with the senior politician since before he became a Cabinet minister in September last year.

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China pressure group said it was "appalled at reports of the infiltration of the UK Parliament by someone allegedly acting on behalf of the People's Republic of China".

The allegations come amid strained UK-China relations and weeks after Foreign Secretary James Cleverly became one of the senior-most UK government figures to visit Beijing, saying it was important to manage the countrys relationship with China across a range of issues.
A tense hostage situation at a gas station in Ceredo, West Virginia, ended tragically when the suspect, David Maynard, was shot by officers after taking multiple people hostage. The incident was linked to the fatal shooting of Maynard's stepfather in Ohio, according to authorities. Hostage standoff in West Virginia ends tragically as suspect linked to stepfather's murder is shot by officers. (HT_PRINT)

The standoff came to a dramatic conclusion when Maynard, the murder suspect, appeared at the door of the Speedway on C Street. Officers, fearing for the safety of the hostages, fired multiple shots, fatally injuring him. All three hostages were reported to be safe and unharmed.

The situation unfolded after police in Ironton, Ohio, discovered the lifeless body of Maynard's stepfather and found his ex-girlfriend tied up but unhurt inside a residence. Ironton Police Chief Dan Johnson described the harrowing discovery, saying, "They heard a woman screaming for help inside, so they forced their way into the rear door, got inside found the woman. She was tied up in a bedroom there." Authorities had been searching for Maynard since the discovery of the murder victim.

Maynard's criminal history includes a previous prison sentence for murder, as reported by local news outlet WOWK-TV. His whereabouts were traced to Kenova, just west of Ceredo, where a shelter-in-place order was issued while police initiated their search.

Kenova Police Chief Bob Sullivan reported that Maynard took three hostages at a gas station in Ceredo around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday. Negotiators from the West Virginia State Police Special Response Team engaged with Maynard for approximately 90 minutes. One hostage, identified as a clerk, was successfully rescued by officers. The other two hostages, both customers, were released by Maynard without visible injuries.

Also Read | Jacksonville shooting reignites firearms debate - What is AR-15 style firearm?

Before the gas station hostage situation, Maynard had been involved in separate incidents in Kentucky, where he kidnapped and carjacked two women. One victim managed to escape, while the other is still missing, along with her vehicle, after an incident near a Dollar General in Louisa, Kentucky, located 25 miles south of Ceredo.
US president Joe Biden arrived in Vietnam to deepen cooperation between the two nations. Semiconductors and rare earth minerals are expected to be a key focus for talks as Joe Biden flew from the G20 summit in New Delhi to meet the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong to sign off on a comprehensive strategic partnership. The US president may also shore up support against Beijing's increasing diplomatic influence. Here's what to expect from Joe Biden's Vietnam visit:

Joe Biden In Vietnam: US president Joe Biden arrives at the Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam.(AP)
More than 2,000 people were killed as rescue teams raced to find survivors trapped under the rubble of flattened villages in Morocco following the country's strongest-ever quake. At least 2,012 people were killed and over 2,059 injured, many of them seriously, according to the latest official figures. The 6.8-magnitude quake struck 72 kilometres southwest of the tourist hub of Marrakesh, wiping out entire villages in rural areas. Morocco Earthquake: A general view of damage following a powerful earthquake in Amizmiz, Morocco.(Reuters)

Troops and emergency services have scrambled to reach remote mountain villages where victims are still feared trapped. Al-Haouz province, where the epicentre was located, suffered the most deaths with 1,293, followed by the province of Taroudant where 452 lives were lost.

Here are top updates on Morocco earthquake:

Morocco declared three days of national mourning while several countries including France, Israel, Italy, Spain and the United States, offered aid. US deputy national security advisor Jon Finer said that Washington was "ready to provide significant assistance". We've got search and rescue teams ready to deploy... We are also ready to release funds at the right time. The United States will be with them at every step of the way when they are ready to avail themselves of what we have to offer, Jon Finer said. Spain said it would send search and rescue teams and other aid after it received a formal request for help. Algeria, which has had rocky relations with Morocco, opened its airspace, which had been closed for two years, to flights carrying humanitarian aid. The Red Cross warned that it could take years to repair the damage. "It won't be a matter of a week or two... We are counting on a response that will take months, if not years," Hossam Elsharkawi, its Middle East and North Africa director, said. The earthquake was the deadliest in Morocco since a 1960 tremblor that destroyed Agadir and in which over 12,000 people died.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
Spain will send search and rescue teams and other aid to quake-hit Morocco after it received a formal request for help from Rabat, Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said Sunday. Morocco Earthquake: A man carries belongings out of his damaged house, in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Moulay Brahim, Morocco.(Reuters)

"It is a sign of Spanish solidarity and of the sense of friendship which unites the people of Spain with the people of Morocco," he said during an interview with Catalunya Radio, adding he received a call from his Moroccan counterpart requesting the aid in the early hours of Sunday.

"It will be as much aid as Morocco needs, at first what we are setting in motion are search and rescue teams because it is urgent to try to find the greatest number of people alive to save them. When it is time for reconstruction, Spanish aid will also be present."

Albares did not provide further details but an interior ministry spokesman said the government was preparing to "immediately" send 65 members of Spain's Military Emergencies Unit (UME) to Morocco to help in the search and rescue operation.

The UME is a body of the armed forces that was created to intervene quickly in emergency situations such as forest fires, floods and earthquakes.

A UME unit was sent to Turkey in February following a devastating earthquake and helped rescue six people, including a mother and two children, according to Spain's defence ministry.

The strongest-ever quake to hit Morocco has killed at least 2,012 people and injured over 2,059, many of them critically, according to the latest official figures.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Rescuers in Morocco were scrambling Sunday to reach people trapped under the rubble after a powerful earthquake that killed more than 2,100 people and decimated entire villages. A rescue worker takes part in a search and rescue operation, in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Ouirgane, Morocco.(REUTERS)

Here's what we know so far:

- Strongest-ever in Morocco -

A 6.8-magnitude quake, according to the US Geological Survey -- the strongest in the North African country's history -- struck Friday at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) in an area of the Atlas mountain range 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of the city of Marrakesh.

It was also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira, as well as Agadir which in the 1960s had to be completely rebuilt after a devastating tremor.

- Historic city hit -

Friday's quake caused damage in the tourist hotspot of Marrakesh which is famed for its sprawling medina, or old town, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of ochre-coloured palaces and markets.

Also Read: Morocco earthquake damages historic mountain Tinmel mosque

The city's 12th-century ramparts partially collapsed.

Fearing their homes might collapse too, some residents spent the past two nights camped out on the vast Jemaa el-Fna square.

- Atlas villages crumple -

The worst destruction took place in the remote villages of the High Atlas, in the provinces of Al-Haouz and Taroudant.

The mud-brick villages of Tafeghaghte and Moulay Brahim, near the quake's epicentre, were almost completely destroyed, AFP reporters witnessed.

In Tafeghaghte alone, some 70 victims out of a population of around 100 people were buried on Saturday.

- Deaths mount -

The quake killed at least 2,122 people and injured 2,421 others, many of whom are in critical condition, according to the latest figures from Morocco's interior ministry.

Most deaths were recorded in Al-Haouz province, with 1,351, followed by Taroudant where more than 450 lives were lost.

Four French nationals were killed, according to Paris.

- Rescue underway -

The race is on to get teams with heavy-lifting equipment into the worst-hit areas including hard-to-reach mountain villages.

The Moroccan Red Crescent and army are leading the rescue effort.

Caroline Holt of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on Saturday that "the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in terms of saving lives".

Spain has sent 56 rescue workers along with drilling equipment and four search dogs after an official request from Morocco.

Other countries are waiting for an invitation to be able to intervene.

European Union members, Britain, the United States, Turkey and Israel -- which established ties with Rabat in late 2020 -- have all expressed solidarity with Morocco and offered help.

- Three-day mourning -

Morocco on Saturday proclaimed three days of national mourning, following a meeting presided by King Mohammed VI.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets President of the Union of the Comoros and chairperson of the African Union (AU) Azali Assoumani after the Union became permanent member of the G20 in New Delhi (PTI/PMO)
As Brazil takes over the rotational presidency of G20 in December, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has assured that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, will not be arrested if he attends the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next year. Russia's President Vladimir Putin.(via AFP)

Putin was conspicuous by his absence at the G20 Summit as world leaders gathered in New Delhi for the two-day event in New Delhi. He had also skipped the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg following a row over whether South Africa would be forced to arrest Putin under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.

The ICC issued a warrant in March against Putin over accusations of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children, a war crime. The Kremlin, however, insists the warrant against Putin is "void".

Even though Brazil is an ICC signatory, Lula, speaking to news network Firstpost on Saturday, said Putin would be invited to next year's event in Rio de Janeiro.

"We enjoy peace and we like to treat people well. So I believe Putin can go easily to Brazil," he said.

"If I'm the president of Brazil and if he comes to Brazil, there's no way that he will be arrested."

Lula also said that he would attend a BRICS bloc of developing nations summit in Russia next year.

The G20 Summit in India comes amid fraught relations between Moscow and the West over the conflict in Ukraine, which caused deep tensions at last year's summit in Bali.

The West was pushing for stronger condemnation of the war in Ukraine in the G20 communique but climbed down to reach a consensus on the Delhi Declaration. The G20 nations adopted a declaration that avoided condemning Moscow for the war in Ukraine but called on all states to refrain from using force to grab territory.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Russia's Central Elections Commission claimed on Sunday that the United Russia party, which staunchly backs President Vladimir Putin, was leading local ballots in four Ukrainian regions occupied by Russian forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin.(AP)

The Kremlin claimed to have annexed the eastern and southern territories late last year despite not having full military control over them, and the so-called elections have been dismissed by Ukraine and its allies as a sham.

Data posted on the Commission's website purported to show that the electorate in the war-battered territories -- where Ukraine has opened news fronts -- had backed United Russia after an initial count.

The polls also being held across Russia come ahead of presidential elections planned for next year expected to prolong Putin's rule until least 2030.

His opponents are in exile or jail and Moscow has criminalised criticism of its conflict in Ukraine and detained thousands for speaking out.

Authorities set up mobile polling booths days ahead of the vote in annexed Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, where Moscow said a polling station was attacked by a Ukrainian drone.

Voting was also taking place in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Ukrainian security services said they had compiled a list of "collaborators" helping to organise the voting and vowed retribution.

- 'Live in peace' -

In Rostov-on-Don, a southwest city close to Ukraine's border that was attacked by drones this week, two voters told AFP the conflict was their main worry.

"We just want to live in peace with our children," said 40-year-old Nina Antonova.

"Everyone is worried about this one problem -- the war. We don't have any other concerns," said 84-year-old Anatoli, a pensioner who declined to give his last name.

In Moscow, which was hosting a mayoral vote, there were very few campaign posters.

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin -- a Siberian-born Kremlin loyalist in post since 2010 -- was omnipresent on television in recent days, opening new regional train routes, a motorway and renovated hospitals.

In his 13 years at the helm of Europe's largest city, Sobyanin has presided over numerous mega-projects that have transformed Moscow's skyline.

In 2013, he was almost defeated by anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny.

Navalny was jailed in 2020 on old fraud charges his allies say were a pretext to end his political work.

Sobyanin, the easy favourite, is up against the grandson of a veteran Communist politician and a little-known candidate from a new party dubbed "New People".

Moscow residents however praised Sobyanin in interviews with AFP for modernising the city.

"Just yesterday, two metro stations opened," 21-year-old student Rukhin Aliyev told AFP.

"Moscow is blossoming in front of our eyes."

Musician Kirill Lobanov said Sobyanin had done "very well" as mayor, particularly "in the last year" marked by the conflict.

Sobyanin has in recent months sought to downplay increasing Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow that have hit the Kremlin and crashed into the capital's iconic financial district.

- 'High alert' -

In regions bordering Ukraine that have seen frequent attacks by Kyiv this summer, voting was going ahead with additional security precautions.

Electoral commission chief Ella Pamfilova said voting had been postponed in Shebekino, a district of the Belgorod region that has been hit by shelling, "due to a regime of high alert".

Observers say one of the few competitive races in Russia's 11 time zones has emerged in Siberia's remote Khakassia, where governor Valentin Konovalov is seeking re-election.

The 35-year-old Communist defeated a Kremlin-backed candidate in 2018 after a wave of rare protests in the sparsely populated mountainous region.

In this year's campaign, he initially faced Moscow-backed candidate Sergei Sokol, who portrayed himself as a Kremlin-decorated "hero" who fought in Ukraine.

Sokol dropped out at the last minute, citing health reasons. Konovalov is one of few regional leaders not backed by the Kremlin who remains in office.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Azerbaijan and Turkiye have been discussing issues of mutual interest in all areas, including in the diplomatic sphere, and taking steps in accordance with each other's interests. This is most noticeable in regional problems, which are currently emerging.

The result of the phone talk between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan once again confirms how strong the Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood is.

Over the past three days, the office of the Prime Minister of Armenia has made serious efforts to organize a telephone conversation between Pashinyan and Erdogan.

Based on fraternal relations, the Turkish side turned to the Azerbaijani side. During a telephone conversation between President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish leader Erdogan, this issue was discussed along with other issues, and the position of Azerbaijan was heard.

As always, the leadership of Azerbaijan showed constructiveness and openness to dialogue and did not object to contact between the leaders of Turkiye and Armenia.

With this step, Turkiye demonstrated that it attaches great importance to fraternal relations and deeply respects the interests of Azerbaijan.

The information received also stated that the normalization of relations between Turkiye and Armenia should be carried out in parallel and synchronously with the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijan and Turkiye have a common position on this issue.

Armenia must also understand that the problems of the region can only be resolved jointly with the countries of the region.

For this, the 3+3 format (Russia, Iran, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia) proposed by Azerbaijan is the most appropriate platform, and it is necessary to try to resolve the existing issues within this framework.
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan backed India for a permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat saying, A country like India being there on the UN Security Council, we would be proud. But as you know, the world is bigger than larger than five. Turkiye's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a press conference on the sidelines of the G20 Summit at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi.(PTI)

And when we say the world is larger than five, what we mean is that it's not only about the US, UK, France, China and Russia. What we say is all of them, we should only have permanent members. And it should work on a rotational system, because right now, you have all these members, 195 countries, who are all members of the UN. So we should have a rotational mechanism where potentially each and every member, every one of those 195 countries can potentially become a member. That's what we propose, he asserted.

India is Turkiye's greatest trade partner in South Asia and the two countries have great potential in the field of economy, the Turkish president said.

"India is our greatest trade partner in South Asia. And we have great potential to enjoy primarily in the field of economy and many others..." he said thanking India for a gracious and very successful term of presidency.

I would like to thank PM Modi for the gracious hospitality that was shown to me, my spouse and my entire Turkish delegation, he said, adding, This year, our theme was one world, one family and one future. And within the first session of the summit, we talked about the environmental challenges that our planet currently encounters. Climate change, the loss of biological diversity and especially there is the dimension of extensive pollution is a trio of challenges which we can feel even more profoundly now."

Its success is a very little possibility. We believe that any step that may escalate the tensions in the Black Sea should be avoided... In order to support global food security and food supply security, we are going to bring together the Food Supply Security Study Group, both Russia, and Ukraine, as well as the United Nations, and with our stakeholders coming from the international community, we are going to have continuous talks..." he continued.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
Prince Harry and his elder brother Prince William's rift is "too deep", but they could be brought back together by one thing, a royal expert said after the Duke of Sussex visited Britain for the WellChild awards ceremony in London and visited the grave of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death. Despite the visit, Prince Harry did not meet Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton or his father King Charles. Royal Family: Princes William and Prince Harry(AFP)

Journalist and TV presenter Jennie Bond said, "To me, it seems absolutely bonkers that you would come over from California and not see your brother and father for even the briefest of meetings. But it seems that they, and we, have now got used to the idea that Harry will come and go to the UK without troubling to have any family meetings.

King Charles will be in Scotland and Prince William is due to be in Wales for the anniversary of the late Queens death. Even so, a meeting would obviously have been possible, if the will on either side had been there. But it seems that feelings are still too raw and the rift too deep. The danger is that this becomes a normal state of affairs for them, Jennie Bond said.

In his memoir, Prince Harry accused Prince William of physically attacking him and pushing him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan Markle. He also claimed that it was William and Kate who encouraged him to wear a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party in 2005 and "howled" with laughter when they saw it.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Charlotte were mutually close, as per a body language expert who said that their bond wasnt identical to the late monarchs special relationship with Charlottes older brother, Prince George. The daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Charlotte, looked close to her great-grandmother, body language expert Judi James said. Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth often looked at her happiest when surrounded by her great-grandchildren. Even in more formal poses, she appears relaxed and quietly playful. Her bonds with all of them appear typically doting, although we have been shown some moments that look especially intimate, the expert said.

Princess Charlotte was often seen close to the queen looking happy and relaxed, suggesting a mutually close relationship. On one occasion, Charlotte sat on the queens lap for one formal portrait. When that position was taken by her younger brother [Prince] Louis for the next formal shot, it was still Charlotte sitting close, between the queen and Prince Philip, raising one hand in the air to suggest she was totally relaxed and totally uninhibited in their company," the expert added.

Talking about George's relationship with the late monarch, the expert said, Like her relationship with [King] Charles and William, there is always the sense of something very special in the queens bonding with George that is based on empathy and destiny. The queen knows more than anyone what is in store for her heirs, and her bonds with George, who featured in that all-important photo with his father, grandfather, and great-grandmother to define the line of accession, already show signs of a shared sense of duty alongside the more usual signals of a very loving great-granny.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov called the G20 summit in India a success, saying that due to the consolidated position of the countries of the global south, Russia managed to ensure the G20 agenda was not overshadowed by the Ukraine war. As the Group of 20 adopted a consensus declaration that avoided condemning Russia for the war in Ukraine, the Russian foreign minister was asked whether there can be a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Russia-Ukraine War: Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov(AP)

To this, Sergey Lavrov responded, Everyone wants peace. About 18 months ago we agreed to sign a treaty about settling this conflict. We even initialled these documents. After that, the Anglo-Saxons ordered Zelensky not to sign it because they thought they would be able to reap some confessions from us.

President Putin has recently said that we do not mind negotiations however any such negotiations need to consider the realities on the ground and take into account the reasons that have been accumulating for decades upon decades due to NATO's aggressive policy, he continued.

Right now the Ukrainian officials are threatening to physically destroy Russians, he said.

Sergey Lavrov also said the Russia was willing to return to the Black Sea grain deal as soon as its conditions are met. Moscow had quit the deal in July, a year after it was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. It had then complained that its own food and fertiliser exports faced obstacles and insufficient Ukrainian grain was going to countries in need.

Russia values the attempts by the United Nations to facilitate grain talks but called it west only talks, he said.

Describing the New Delhi G20 Summit as a milestone he said that the active role of the Indian presidency "has genuinely consolidated" the G20 countries.

"It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone... I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners - Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests, he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A key Russian general who Russian president Vladimir Putin promoted this week said that Moscow's invasion of Ukraine is a mere "stepping stone" to further conflict with Europe. Vladimir Putin promoted lieutenant general Andrey Mordvichev to the rank of colonel-general after he had already been serving in the role of commanding the central military district and Russian central grouping of forces in Ukraine. Russia-Ukraine War: Smoke rises above buildings following a shelling in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine.(Reuters)

In an interview with Moscow's state-run Russia-1, Andrey Mordvichev said that he believes Vladimir Putin's war will last quite a long time and expand in the future.

"I think there's still plenty of time to spend. It is pointless to talk about a specified period. If we are talking about Eastern Europe, which we will have to, of course then it will be longer," the general said.

"Ukraine is only a stepping stone?" the interviewer then asked.

"Yes, absolutely. It is only the beginning," he responded adding that the war will not stop here.

Earlier, some of Vladimir Putin's allies have floated the possibility of expanding the Kremlin's invasion into NATO countries, including Poland and several other Eastern European nations.

This comes as Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky again rejected a suggestion that Ukraine would need to cede territory to Russia to end the war. Did you see any compromises from Putin in other issues? the Ukrainian leader told CNN as Russia wrapped up elections in the four Ukrainian regions  Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson  that Moscow annexed a year ago.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
US president Joe Biden hailed the partnership between India and the US, saying that it is rooted in Mahatma Gandhi's principle of trusteeship that is shared between the two countries. Joe Biden and other G20 leaders paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US president Joe Biden, Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, United Kingdom's prime minister Rishi Sunak and Indonesian president Joko Widodo pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat.(PTI)

"The partnership between India and the United States is rooted in Mahatma Gandhis principal of trusteeship  trusteeship that is shared between our countries and for our shared planet. Thank you, Prime Minister for bringing us here today, Joe Biden said in a post on platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

Joe Biden also posted a picture of him and other G20 leaders paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial. At the memorial, PM Narendra Modi welcomed Joe Biden and G20 leaders with an 'angvastram' or stole having in the background an image of Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat.

The G20 leaders later paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by laying wreaths together at his samadhi. Joe Biden shared a video of the same.

Earlier, the US president said this year's G20 summit has proven that the grouping can still drive solutions to its most pressing issues.

"At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this year's Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues," Joe Biden said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Toronto: Two Indian films set in rural India and featuring gutsy young women struggling through a female-unfriendly system have received great reception at their world premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). A still from director Kiran Raos Lost Ladies, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada.

Contrasting films, the commercial but delightfully witty Lost Ladies, from director Kiran Rao, and the micro-budget Marathi movie A Match had their world premiere screenings at North Americas largest film festival to applause from the audience.

Robyn Citizen, TIFFs director, programming described Lost Ladies as at once a comedy of errors and a feminist coming-of-age tale which packs a punch in more ways than one.

Based on the absurd theme of brides getting lost thanks to being hidden behind their veil, Lost Ladies, set in 2001, takes the serious matter of stifling orthodoxy and with crisp dialogue and humour tells a feminist tale.

Raos debut feature Dhobi Ghat also premiered at TIFF, in 2010. And she brought her second film as a director for its world premiere at the festival because, she said, TIFF ticks all the boxes for a filmmaker. That includes a cultured audience, as well interaction with other filmmakers from across the globe and the presence of the industry and critics. We were so delighted with the audience reaction, she said of the films maiden public screening on Friday.

Rao takes serious issues and tackles them with a light touch in the film, as she said, We wanted it to be extremely entertaining, very accessible, very fun. And, of course, we wanted to seed a lot of ideas and issues and themes along the way.

The film will have its theatrical release in January 2024. While pressure of society on young women, seen in the context of arranged marriages, is also the underlying theme for A Match, director Jayant Digambar Somalkars Marathi film, the treatment is very different.

Its a poignantly told story about Savita, the protagonist, who is rejected by potential grooms for being too dark, too short, or her farming family is too poor to pay an exorbitant dowry. The film was financed by the filmmakers themselves and the cast includes Somalkars own family members and is set in home village of Dongargaon. But, as with Lost Ladies, this small movie also gained audience appreciation on its world premiere on Saturday. As TIFF director Citizen said, A Match brims with ordinary joys and frustrations, but underlying its every moment is a plea to disrupt the status quo.

TIFF is being held from September 7-17.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anirudh Bhattacharyya Anirudh Bhattacharya is a Toronto-based commentator on North American issues, and an author. He has also worked as a journalist in New Delhi and New York spanning print, television and digital media. He tweets as @anirudhb. ...view detail
Rescuers raced on Sunday to rescue an American caver who had become trapped more than 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) underground in southern Turkey, moving him halfway to the surface. Rescuers descend to the entrance of Morca Cave as they take part in a rescue operation to reach U.S. caver Mark Dickey who fell ill and became trapped some 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) underground, near Anamur in Mersin province, southern Turkey.(REUTERS)

Mark Dickey, 40, was on an international exploration expedition in the Morca cave in Mersin province's Taurus mountains when he began suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding at a depth of 1,040 metres.

More than 150 rescuers from Turkey and other countries have been working for days to rescue him from the country's third deepest cave.

"Our medical team is working really hard to try to keep Mark's condition as stable as possible. Since yesterday, we started lifting the stretcher and transporting him through the cave," Giuseppe Conti, European Cave Rescue Association technical commission chairperson, told reporters.

"We have to do it very carefully because we cannot risk any conditions worsening (for) Mark. So we must pay attention metre after metre. Currently, the stretcher is about ... 500 metres from the surface."

Dickey's fiancee, Jessica Van Ord, who was with him during the expedition, has been staying at the camp site and working with the rescue teams.

"A medical doctor will accompany him the whole way. Right now, Italian doctors are accompanying him along the route. Mark's medical condition right now is very good," said Tulga Sener, medical coordinator for the cave rescue commission.

Cenk Yildiz, Mersin provincial head of Turkey's AFAD disaster management authority, said Dickey would be brought out in two to three days "if they don't experience any problems".
US president Joe Biden said that Chinas recent economic troubles may diminish any inclination by Beijing to invade Taiwan as he traveled to Vietnam following the G20 meet in India. Joe Biden said he had met with Chinese premier Li Qiang while at the summit. When asked why he hasnt met with Chinese president Xi Jinping in 10 months, the US president said his Chinese counterpart has his hands full right now. US president Joe Biden holds a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam.(Reuters)

Xi Jinping opted not to attend the G-20 summit with no explanation given. Joe Biden said China has a difficult economic problem right now for a whole range of reasons that relate to international growth and lack thereof, and the policies that China has followed.

I dont think its going to cause China to invade Taiwan, matter of fact the opposite, probably doesnt have the same capacity as it had before, he added during a press conference in Hanoi.

The US president also addressed growing tensions between the worlds two largest economies over their technological ambitions.

Im not going to sell China material that would increase their capacity to make more nuclear weapons or engage in defense activities, Joe Biden said.

But Joe Biden emphasized that he had no intention of trying to contain or isolate China. I dont want to contain China, I just want to make sure that we have a relationship with China that is on the up and up, squared away, everybody knows what its all about, he said.

Joe Biden and Xi Jinping have not spoken since the G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia in November 2022. This followed a new round of strains between Washington and Beijing including Taiwan, military encounters in the South China Sea, US' export bans on semiconductor technology, and an alleged Chinese spy balloon that crossed the US.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
The official Delhi police website has been hacked for the second time.

The latest cybersecurity breach was identified during the opening day of the G20 Summit on Saturday, Sept. 9.

G20 Summit: Delhi Police Website Hacked by Pakistan Hackers

According to the First Post's latest report, the latest hack against the Delhi police's website happened 24 hours after the first cyberattack.

The serious website breach was allegedly done by Pakistan-backed hackers of the hacking group called Team Insane PK.

This is based on the investigation conducted by the Falcon Feeds IO, a trusted threat intelligence platform. The cybersecurity agency said that Team Insane PK is a notorious hacking group located in Pakistan.

The cybercrime gang gained notoriety after conducting multiple successful cyberattacks against business websites and government pages in India.

The Falcon Feeds IO described the Pakistan-based hacking group as a religious hacktivist group targeting India's cyberspace since February.

The threat intelligence platform added that the Team Insane PK usually relies on DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service), as well as defacement cyberattacks.

For those unfamiliar with DDoS, it is a hacking technique that overwhelms a server with an exceptionally high volume of internet traffic.

This cyberattack allowed the Pakistani hacking group to disrupt access to the Delhi police website, preventing users from accessing it. Affected visitors said they received the error message "The service is unavailable."

Read Also: Hackers Now Use AI to Steal Passwords With Over 90% Accuracy-Listening to Keystroke Sounds is All They Need

Other Indian Governmental Websites Also Hacked

Aside from the Delhi police, Times Now reported that other governmental websites in India have also been hacked.

These cyberattacks against the following governmental pages are believed to be conducted by Pakistani and Indonesian hackers:

G20 official website by the Government of India

Delhi Transport System

Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission

Health and Family Welfare, Delhi

Hansraj College, Delhi University

LT Governor of Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party

National Capital Region

Services Department of Delhi

Directorate of Prosecution

Since Pakistani are against the G20 Summit, many critics believe the cyberattacks are linked to the multilateral event.

Recently, Pakistani authorities explained that India could take advantage of the G20 Summit to downplay the India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir.

They added that Indian officials could use the multilateral event to justify the country's control over the disputed region.

Related Article: Sabre Data Breach Update: Dunghill Leak Ransomware Group Claims Stealing 1.3 TB of Data

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The international campaign named "World for Peace in Caucasus" launched by a group of foreign NGOs and representatives of civil society on the international platform Jotform continues, Trend reports.

In an appeal to the Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, it is recommended not to succumb to the provocations of Armenia and the remnants of the separatist regime, their political manipulations and to open the Aghdam-Khankendi road to ensure peace.

Those who joined the appeal believe that Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan should be able to correctly evaluate the positive messages of the Azerbaijani side and civil society for the sake of peace. The number of civil society representatives who signed the appeal from around the world reached 1,000 people. They represent 42 countries. A few days ago the number of these countries was 27.

Alhagi Manneh, Chairman of the UAid Foundation (Gambia), said he supports this initiative, emphasizing the importance of cooperation to achieve peace.

I support the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will certainly contribute to the governments efforts to address sustainable development issues. Today I'm here to talk about peace. It is sad that today in many parts of the world there is violence and war. Therefore, we need to cooperate and achieve results and be more useful, he said.

Ecaterina Bordeianu from Romania said that there is no need to artificially inflame tensions and stage a blockade and a humanitarian crisis.

I have many friends in Azerbaijan, so I have been closely following developments in the region for many years. Allegations about the so-called blockade are not true. The Lachin road was intended solely for humanitarian purposes and not for illegal military activities or the transportation of natural resources from this territory, she said.

Bordeianu recalled that the International Court of Justice rejected Armenias petition dated May 12, 2023 regarding the alleged illegality of the Azerbaijan's Lachin checkpoint and the demand for the withdrawal of all Azerbaijani armed forces from the Lachin road.

"It is impossible not to mention the fact that Armenia has repeatedly recognized Karabakh as the territory of Azerbaijan," she added.

Ayub Kara, founder and president of the Center for Economic Peace (Israel), expressed support for the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, which has sent food supplies for the needs of the Armenian population of Karabakh.

As a former Israeli Minister of Communications, I support the efforts of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society to deliver food to Karabakh and condemn those who try to obstruct this. I am doing everything to maintain peace in the South Caucasus, he said.

President of the organization "Sustainable Business Development and Innovation in Africa" Edward Mwaba Ndalama from Zambia noted that people living in the South Caucasus region deserve peace.

"I support peace in the Caucasus. We need peace to be free, wherever they are. Without peace, it is impossible to ensure economic freedom," he added.
On the sidelines of the G20 summit in India, UK's prime minister Rishi Sunak chastised China Sunday (September 10) for what he said was an "unacceptable" interference in his country's democracy. The remarks were issued after a British newspaper reported a Parliament researcher was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of spying for Beijing.

Downing Street officials confirmed Sunak raised the concerns with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in an unscheduled meeting while attending the G20 summit.

Sunak later told British broadcasters in New Delhi about the meeting, confirming that he raised to Li his "very strong concerns" about the alleged interference in his country's parliamentary democracy.

Sunak and Li met after the Metropolitan Police arrested two men, one in his 20s and the other in his 30s, in March under the UK's Official Secrets Act. Both men were not charged and were bailed until October, pending further inquiries.

If the spying allegations were proven, the case would represent one of the most serious breaches of security involving a foreign adversary.

The Sunday Times reported that the younger man was a parliamentary researcher working with senior lawmakers from the ruling Conservative Party, including Foreign Affairs Committee chair Alicia Kearns and her predecessor and current security minister, Tom Tugendhat. The report further alleged the suspect held a pass that allowed him full access to the Parliament buildings, which were issued to lawmakers, staff, and journalists after security vetting.

Meanwhile, the pressure group Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China said they were appalled with the reports of Chinese interference in Westminster by persons allegedly acting on behalf of Communist China.

Read Also: UK Rejoins EU Science and Space Programs in Major Post-Brexit Breakthrough

Beijing's Interest in British Affairs

Britain and China have been involved in a long history of tensions, which could be traced back to the Opium Wars of 1839 to 1842 and the handover of the former colony of Hong Kong in 1997. According to the Associated Press, the tension between the two countries has resurfaced in recent years over accusations of economic subterfuge, human rights abuses, and Beijing's crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong.

However, the Conservatives are torn on how toughly they would have to tackle China and how much access Chinese firms should have to the British economy. While Sunak and his team referred to China's growing power as a challenge, several Tory MPs sought to declare China as a threat to the UK.

Former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith said news of the March arrests and how they were handled exposed the government's attempt not to see China as a systematic threat.

British intelligence authorities said China posed a threat as an adversary of the UK. Back in November, MI5 chief Ken McCallum said the activities of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) posed what he called the most game-changing strategic challenge to the country. On the other hand, MI6 head Richard Moore said last July that China was his agency's single most important strategic focus.

As early as January 2022, the MI5 issued a public alert, saying a certain London-based lawyer named Christine Lee was trying to covertly interfere with British politics on behalf of the CCP's United Front Work Department, an organization known to exert Chinese influence abroad.

It was alleged that opposition Labour Party lawmaker Barry Gardiner received over GBP 500,000 ($685,000) from Lee between 2015 and 2020, mostly for office costs. She also worked at placing her son at Gardiner's office.

Both Lee and Beijing denied any of the allegations.

Aside from the UK, other Commonwealth countries, notably Australia and Canada, have also seen recent claims of Chinese espionage or political interference, which officials in Beijing also denied.

Related Article: World Leaders Update: Biden to Attend G20 Summit This Week; Harris Sent to ASEAN Summit to Quell Regional Concerns

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The state of California is now facing a new lawsuit filed by Elon Musk.

In the legal action, the billionaire explained why he is against the new media transparency law.

California Faces Lawsuit Filed by Elon Musk

In 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom decided to sign Assembly Bill No. 587 (AB587) into law.

This new regulation requires social media giants to have more transparency by disclosing their policies on hate speech, disinformation, and other harmful content, as reported by PC Mag.

Aside from this, AB587 also states that online platforms should also share how they enforce these policies to the state of California.

Since the requirements of the content moderation law are quite strict, Elon Musk is against it. As part of his efforts against AB587, the billionaire filed a lawsuit in the federal court in Sacramento, California.

The Guardian reported that the complaint claims that California's media transparency law has a hidden intent, claiming that the "true" goal of AB587 is to pressure social media firms to delete content that officials find objectionable.

Musk explained that the law clearly violates the First Amendment and the California Constitution.

The billionaire added that the state is forcing companies to adopt its views on politically charged issues, which he considers a "form of compelled speech in and itself."

Read Also: Amazon Barely Reviewed Project Kuiper Launch Contracts; Board of Directors Now Face Lawsuit

California Defends Media Transparency Law

California State Assembly member Jesse Samuel Gabriel, the politician who authored the bill, defended the state's media transparency law.

He said that if X (formerly known as Twitter) has nothing to hide, then the social media giant doesn't need to object to the bill.

"Assembly Bill 587 is a pure transparency measure that simply requires companies to be upfront about if and how they are moderating content," said Gabriel.

"It in no way requires any specific content moderation policies - which is why it passed with strong, bipartisan support," he added.

While Elon Musk is objecting to the new content moderation law, many organizations claim that hate speech and other harmful content in X are worsening.

Civil rights groups, such as the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) and Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said that they identified drastic increases in the volume of hate speech on X.

These hateful posts are usually targeting gays, transgenders, Jews, as well as Black people. CCDH and ADL said that hate speech on X worsened ever since Elon Musk took over the social media site.

Related Article: 3M Earplugs Lawsuit Update: Company Clarifies $6 Billion Settlement is Not Admission of Liability

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Vatican beatified Sunday (September 10) nine members of a single family executed by the Nazis for harboring Jews into their household during the Second World War, including an unborn child.

Pope Francis approved the beatification of Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children, the youngest of which is still in Wiktoria's womb. The papal declaration was read in Latin by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the pope's legate to the beatification Mass in the Polish town of Markowa, where the Ulmas lived and died.

After the declaration, a contemporary portrait of the family was revealed as a gesture of recognition. Relics of all the family members were also taken from their graves and into the altar in order to make reverence to them.

The beatification ceremony was attended by Polish President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and Poland's chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich. Morawiecki's conservative party, Law and Justice, has been stressing family values and the heroism of the Poles during the Second World War, with the beatification of the Ulmas becoming a welcome addition to its intense political campaigning ahead of its October 15 general election.

This is the first time in the almost 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church that a cause for canonization of a whole family has been advanced to its highest level to date using its typical process.

Martyrs of Hospitality, Light in the Darkness of War

During his sermon, Semeraro noted that the family paid the highest and ultimate price of martyrdom for their gesture of hospitality, care, and mercy to the Jews they harbored, especially during the Holocaust, when Jews were exterminated by the thousands by Nazi Germany.

Semeraro, who was also the head of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, has also clarified prior to his trip to Poland that, while the youngest child was not baptized in the Catholic rites after it was unexpectedly born by the time of its mother's death, the child was included in the family's beatification as it received a "baptism by blood" of its martyred mother.

Meanwhile, Francis, who remained in Rome after the historic first visit of any pope to Mongolia, addressed to the crowd gathered at St. Peter's Square for his regular Sunday noon Angelus address that the Ulmas represented a "ray of light in the darkness" of the Second World War and should be a model for all in doing good through acts of service.

The pope's address was also shown in Markowa.

Read Also: Cardinal Burke, Traditional Catholics Warn Upcoming Vatican Synod is a 'Pandora's Box,' 'Trojan Horse' in New Q&A Book

Unprecedented Beatification of an Infant

The Rev. Robert Gahl, a professor of ethics at the Catholic University of America and Rome's Pontifical Holy Cross University told the Associated Press the Ulma family's beatification process posed several new theological concepts about the Catholic Church's ideas of holy men and women that would also have implications for the pro-life movement due to the beatification of the infant in Wiktoria Ulma's womb.

Gahl said that since the concept of beatifying a fetus could be weaponized by the pro-life movement, the Vatican apparently felt it necessary to state the child was born at the moment the mother was executed. By stating that the child was born, the Vatican also affirmed that the Nazis intended to kill the child in odium fidei (out of hatred for the faith), a requirement for a martyrdom and beatification declaration, the priest-theologian added.

Who Were the Beatified Ulmas?

Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma were 44 and 31, respectively, when they were killed in March 1944. Prior to the incident, the family was a simple Catholic farmstead household. The Nazis executed the family - including children Stanislawa (7), Barbara (6), Wladyslaw (5), Franciszek (3), Antoni (2), and Maria (18 months) - for hiding eight Jews in their home. According to several anecdotes, a seventh child was born after Wiktoria was executed.

Poland's Institute of National Remembrance, which meticulously documented the story of the Ulmas, said the order to execute the family and the Jews they harbored was given by a certain Lt. Eilert Dieken, head of the regional Nazi military police, who lived to see the end of the war and continued to serve as a police officer in Germany. Only one of his subordinates, Josef Kokott, was convicted in Poland over the killings, dying in prison in 1980.

The Nazis tracked the location of the Jews after a Nazi-controlled local police officer named Wlodzimierz Les betrayed them. Les was captured by Poland's wartime resistance and was executed in September 1944, six months after the Ulmas were killed.

Aside from being beatified by the Catholic Church, the second-highest level in its four-step process of declaring people saints, the Ulmas were also declared by Israel's Yad Vashem Institute with the title of Righteous Among the Nations in 1995, a recognition they share with Germany's Oskar Schindler, whose story was popularized in the 1993 Steven Spielberg film "Schindler's List", and Princess Alice of Battenberg, the paternal grandmother of British monarch King Charles III.

Related Article: Pope Francis Advances Sainthood Cause of Fatima Mystic Sister Lucia

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The U.S. Park Police arrested a popular "Roblox" developer in San Francisco. Because of this, the Roblox Developers Conference's RIA (Roblox Innovation Awards) has been canceled.

If you are a fan of Simbuilder, here's why police officers have to arrest him.

San Francisco: US Park Police Arrests 'Roblox' Dev Simbuilder

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the U.S. Park Police arrested a man at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on Sunday, Sept. 10.

The man turned out to be Roblox developer "Simbuilder" (real name Mikhail Olson). The Park Police said they had already received a warning on Saturday, Sept. 9, regarding a security concern related to RDC 2023.

Sgt. Thomas Twiname explained that they were alerted by a police officer saying that a guy was acting disorderly.

Police authorities tried to talk to him. However, the personnel said the suspect suddenly assaulted them, leaving them no choice but to arrest him.

Twinames said that the man even told them a firearm was inside his car. Although the U.S. Park Police didn't identify the suspect, many people who were able to take a video said that it was Simbuilder.

Acquired jail records also stated that Mikhail Olson was booked on suspicion of having a concealed firearm in a vehicle, possession of ammunition, and a large capacity magazine, as well as leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle.

Read Also: [VIRAL] Maryland Police Officer Suspended After Footage Shows Him Kissing a Female, Getting Into Patrol SUV

RDC's Roblox Innovation Awards Canceled

The arrest of Simbuilder forced the Roblox Developers Conference to cancel its Roblox Innovation Awards.

"In an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel the Roblox Innovation Awards due to a potential security concern," said the organizers via the Roblox's official X post.

They added that they're working with all appropriate officials to ensure the safety of participants.

"We take safety very seriously. This is not how we wanted RDC to end," added RDC's organizers.

Many of his fans were disappointed and saddened by the situation of the "Roblox" developer.

An X user said that it is sad to see Simbuilder's situation, saying that he is hoping that the man can turn things around.

Meanwhile, others said that Simbuilder should get a psychiatrist as soon as possible. These are just some of the comments made by "Roblox" fans regarding Olson's arrest. You can click this link to see more.

Related Article: Missing Netflix Engineer: Remains of Yohanes Kidane Found in San Francisco Bay 2 Weeks After Disappearance

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Today, a truck from Russia with food supply for Armenians in Azerbaijans Karabakh, that was supposed to arrive in Aghdam around 10 o'clock in the morning today, is still in Barda. The primary reason for this is that the cargo was not accepted by Karabakh separatists.

At the same time, according to information received by Trend, there is a truck from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Armenian territory, close to the Lachin checkpoint.

Although the Azerbaijani side is ready to facilitate its passage through the border in accordance with the legislation of the country, Karabakh separatists are also unwilling to accept it. This is because, in this case, a truck from the ICRC should also enter in parallel via the Aghdam road, and the separatists refuse to agree to this.

The irrational actions of the Karabakh separatists provide further evidence that the alleged "blockade" and "humanitarian crisis" supposedly affecting Armenian residents of Khankendi, in fact, baseless claims.
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:
Governor Announces Natural Disaster Recovery Funds to Impacted Farmers

BOSTON  The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the availability of an initial $15 million in funding from the Natural Disaster Recovery Program for Agriculture to Massachusetts farms that were adversely affected by one or more of the extreme weather events in 2023.

This funding will provide financial relief to farmers impacted by the February freeze, May frost, and July floods so they can recover and rebuild their growing operations.

"The climate crisis is here and farmers are bearing the brunt of extreme weather. With the heavy losses that our farmers have recently suffered, it is critical for us to support their recovery efforts," said Governor Maura Healey. "These funds will help ensure our farms have the resources to salvage a difficult year and come back stronger than before. We're grateful to the Legislature for making these funds available to support our hardworking farmers."

In early February, an arctic freeze plunged temperatures to subzero digits causing total damage to the stone fruit crop in Massachusetts, wiping out this year's peaches and plums. In May, a series of frost events when the temperature dipped below freezing on multiple nights caused severe damage to many fruit crops including apples, pears, and grapes. In July, unprecedented rainfall caused catastrophic flooding in Western and Central Massachusetts impacting more than 2,700 acres of crops at more than 110 farms across the region.

"Our farms are key economic drivers in their local communities, contributing so much more than just the food and produce they grow," said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. "A strong agricultural sector ensures job security, environmental resilience, and a robust local food system. It's essential that our affected farmers receive the aid they need in order to ensure their future production capacity won't be diminished by the recent natural disasters."

To be eligible to apply for these funds, a farm must be a commercial operation selling products to wholesale or direct to consumer markets and have suffered at least a 15 percent acreage crop loss from one or more of the three natural disasters in 2023.

"It's been such a difficult year for our farming community but we know that in the face of adversity, our farmers remain steadfast and resilient," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "Thank you to our partners in the Legislature for all their advocacy on behalf of the agricultural industry in Massachusetts. It's truly been a collaborative effort to ensure the availability of the Natural Disaster Recovery Program for Agriculture which I know will bring real relief to our affected growers."
Senators Lydia Edwards and Paul Mark meet with local officials and housing advocates on Thursday at Great Barrington Town Hall. Edwards is on a listening tour of the state regarding housing.

County Stakeholders Push for Housing Solutions from State Senators



State Sen. Lydia Edwards, left, chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, and state Sen. Paul Mark and Berkshire Housing Development Corp. President Eileen Peltier. GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.  Local and housing officials are pleading for solutions to the housing crisis that is driving people out of their hometowns and understaffing businesses.

A large part of the equation is money  prices are rising and wages are not.

That was the message to state Sen. Paul Mark and his colleague Lydia Edwards of East Boston, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, who is on a listening tour of the state to better understand the issue.

Mark took Edwards on a tour of Chester Commons, a senior affordable housing complex in the former Chester High School, before the Berkshire County public session on housing at Town Hall.

"It's just really great to see how the conversation on housing is bigger than Boston," Edwards said.

"And now that the bond bill is coming with the governor committing  we're hoping  several billion dollars into housing that should last through her two terms and to build the level that we need, that bill comes to my committee first and so I thought it'd be great to know what that means for smaller towns and larger towns outside of Boston."

Gov. Maura Healey is expected to introduce a bond bill this month to address housing needs. A $1.8 billion housing bond passed in 2018 is nearing its conclusion.

Select Board Vice Chair Leigh Davis said Great Barrington's lack of affordable housing is causing people to be unsheltered and rental vacancy rate of 0 percent, along with a "millennial valley" of people have leave after high school and don't return until retirement.

The median price for an apartment in Great Barrington is $3,250 a month, meaning that a person would have to earn $28 an hour to afford housing. The average home goes for around $650,000.

"We're going to be the new Nantucket. We're going to be the new Martha's Vineyard. We're going to be the new Jackson Hole," Davis said.

"People are coming here and pushing out people that want to remain here in their homes, that have raised their families here, and there's the greater disparity every single day."

She said the town is trying to prevent this and hold on to its uniqueness. One of the ways is through a proposal for a real estate transfer fee that would impose a one percent fee on transactions over $1 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

"The solution to this is not going to be on the backs of the taxpayers of Great Barrington," Select Board Chair Stephen Bannon said. "It can't be. Seven thousand people can't solve the housing problem or, of course, the affordable, so there's got to be a better solution."

Robin Helfand, a member of the Community Development Corp. of South Berkshire and small-business owner, emphasized the importance of workforce housing.

"When [Davis] references that gap from the 20-year-olds who have to move out and can't afford to move back until they're in their 50s, a big part of that is they can't afford to live here. They can't afford to work here," she said, adding that the middle managers of Jane Iredale Cosmetics can't afford to live within a reasonable commute.

Helfand pointed to the effect that this has on the local economy.

"If we don't have the ability to house our workforce, we won't have a workforce," she said. "And that means we won't have small businesses because small businesses can't staff and so our economic engine, the private part of that public-private partnership that makes all of this work, it will collapse."

Mark explained that the arts are a big seasonal driver and he is hearing the same thing in that sector.

"They want to provide housing, some places, for people that come here," he said.

Stockbridge Selectman Patrick White said the towns are in a Dickensian moment where it's the best of times and the worst of times.

"There is so much well with seasonal residents, and there is so much poverty with full-time residents," he said.

"Twenty years ago, the median income in Stockbridge was $45,000, and the average home price sale was $235,000. Twenty years later, the median income is $45,000 and the average house price sale is $700,000 and my assessor tells me it's going up 15 percent this year. Great Barrington, sales are up 70 percent last five years. Lee, a working-class community, 86 percent sale prices last five years. Stockbridge is over 100 percent in the last five years. The fact is that prices are going crazy and income is not even gaining, let alone keeping up, with it."

He said it is fine to talk about a transfer tax for one town but would like to see tools from the state that can reach further.

Brad Gordon, executive director of the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority, explained that a person can go from being a homeowner to homeless in the county very easily.

"I am 100 percent in on development but I also am a realist," he said. "And I know that we're not going to quickly develop our way out of this. We're just not. So if we don't understand that we're going to be in a lot of trouble."

He said keeping people housed is essential and there are many efforts that are not terribly expensive such as access to legal counsel and foreclosure-prevention programming.

Erin Forbush, director of shelter and housing at ServiceNet, explained that from the point-in-time count taken over the summer, the Berkshires has far outpaced other counties for homelessness.

The organization operates family and individual shelters and will be operating an emergency shelter for individuals in Great Barrington this winter with a hotel.

"We don't give enough credit to the trauma that happens for people, in general, that lose their housing and are housing unstable," she said, adding that you also have to factor in all of the other social ills that come into play.

She said that when talking about housing and support dollars, they have to be creative on what that support is.

"Everybody that I work with, there's a different way that I support that person," Forbush explained. "For some, in some senses, if it's purely economical there's some tools out there for that but more than not it's folks that have grown up in generational poverty that don't really see something different."

Last month, Healey declared that a state of emergency exists in Massachusetts due to rapidly rising numbers of migrant families arriving in Massachusetts in need of shelter and services and a severe lack of shelter availability in the state.

At the time there were nearly 5,600 families or more than 20,000 individuals in state shelter, including children and pregnant women.

Edwards spoke to the income disparity that exists in her district, with the largest concentration of billionaires and millionaires and of working-class immigrant communities.

"Housing is the No. 1 issue," she said. "I really believe the fundamental aspect of dignified housing is truly being able to choose where you live, having a choice at least, and having options."

The senator began her tour in Fitchburg, then went to Holyoke, Chester and Great Barrington.

She said it was her first time seeing infrastructure as part of funding for housing.

"It's vital, I think, for housing in small towns or rural areas. I've always seen them as separate like, if you want to do Wi-Fi, do Wi-Fi. If you want to make sure that we have clean water, access to water, be on wells, do that," Edwards said.

"But you can't have housing without that so the housing is going to actually lead up infrastructure conversation here where in larger cities and towns that just doesn't work that way."
Clarksburg Residents Killed in Fatal Pedestrian Accident

NEW LEBANON, N.Y.  Two Clarksburg, Mass., residents were struck and killed while crossing US Highway 20 on Saturday night.

The victims were identified Sunday morning as Gary J. Sheldon, age 74, and Patricia Peck Platt , age 77, both of Clarksburg.

A press release from New York State Police say the two were in the crosswalk near New Lebanon Valley Speedway when they were struck by a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek operated by Erica C. Florin, age 36, of Lee, Mass.

Florin was eastbound on US Highway 20, according to troopers, who were called to the scene at about 8:21 p.m.

Troopers and responding emergency medical service personnel attempted life-saving measures, but both victims were pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation remains ongoing and State Police say new information will be updated as it becomes available.

Saturday was the finale of the speedway's racing season.




iciHaiti - PNH : France strengthens its police cooperation with Haiti





As part of the celebration of International Police Cooperation Day (September 7), Fabrice Mauries, the French Ambassador to Haiti praised the efforts made by the Haitian National Police (PNH) to fulfill its mission despite the difficulties.



From January to August 2023, several training sessions were provided by experts from RAID, the French police intervention unit, for the benefit of PNH agents from specialized units such as the BRI, the BLTS, the BLVV, the DCPJ, DCPA and SWAT https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-39089-icihaiti-antigang-the-french-elite-raid-unit-trains-bri-agents.html



During these training courses, training was carried out in various areas such as: urban guerrilla warfare, arrests in closed environments and on public roads, interventions with armored vehicles, management of crime scenes, handling dogs in airports...



An officer and a commissioner from the PNH and a trainer from the national police academy were also trained in France.



During this same period, France donated several materials and equipment to the PNH: 14 vehicles, motorcycles, dogs specialized in the search for narcotics and explosives, computer equipment to almost all PNH services. and drones. It is also preparing to donate protective equipment : helmets, bulletproof vests and other sensitive materials.



France also financed the renovation of the electrical system of the DCPJ and the Port-au-Prince police station, each of which now has a solar power plant and a generator allowing them to be autonomous in terms of electricity.



IH/ iciHaiti






















iciHaiti - Elections : Patrick Laurent candidate for the post of President of the Bar of Port-au-Prince





Friday September 8, 2023, the Citizen Protector Renan Hedouville organized a talk to allow Me Patrick Laurent, candidate for the position of President of the Bar of Port-au-Prince, to present his program and his vision for the bar in the presence of the lawyers, members of civil society organizations and students from the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences.



Renan Hedouville portrayed this lawyer as an essential reference in the field of law and in the practice of the legal profession in Haiti "Me Patrick Laurent has a very rich academic and professional background. He is a legal consultant for several public and private institutions and the initiator of the most important annual legal event in the field, the law fair," recalled Hedouville, specifying that Me Laurent aspires to become president of the order. lawyers to strengthen the Port-au-Prince bar, promote the legal profession and above all defend lawyers in danger in Haiti.



In his intervention, Me Patrick Daniel Frantz Laurent presented his action plan focused on three fundamental pillars:



1) training;

2) communication;

3) the relaunch of the trial of the assassination of the former barrister Mr. Monferier Dorval https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-31661-icihaiti-pelerin-5-assassination-of-the-president-of-the-bar-of-port-au-prince.html deploring that three years after this assassination the trial remains in its embryonic phase



IH/ iciHaiti


















The death toll in the in the powerful earthquake that rocked Morocco's central province of Al Haouz late on Friday evening has increased to at least 2,012, according to an updated Interior ministry toll issued late last night (Sept 9).

More than 2000 people were also injured, including 1,404 of them in critical condition.

This earthquake caused 1,293 deaths in Al Haouz, 452 in Taroudant, 41 in Ouarzazate and 15 in Marrakech, the ministry said in a press release.

No new deaths were reported in the provinces and prefectures of Chichaoua, Azilal, Agadir Ida Outanane, Grand Casablanca, Youssoufia and Tinghir, the same source added.

The public authorities are continuing their efforts to speed up rescue operations, evacuate and provide care for the injured, and mobilize all necessary resources to respond to the repercussions of this painful tragedy, it added.

Meanwhile Reuters reported neighbours were still searching for survivors buried on the slopes, where houses of mud brick, stone and rough wood were cracked open and mosque minarets toppled by the quake. The historic old city of Marrakech also suffered extensive damage.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 6.8 with an epicentre some 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech.

In the village of Amizmiz near the epicentre, rescue workers picked through rubble with their bare hands. Fallen masonry blocked narrow streets. Outside a hospital, around 10 bodies lay covered in blankets as grieving relatives stood nearby.

Rescuers stood atop the pancaked floors of one building in Amizmiz, bits of carpet and furniture protruding from the rubble. A long queue formed outside the only open shop as people sought supplies. Underlining the challenges facing rescuers, fallen boulders blocked a road from Amizmiz to a nearby village.

Nearly all the houses in the area of Asni, some 40 km south of Marrakech, were damaged, and villagers were preparing to spend the night outside. Food was in short supply as roofs had collapsed on kitchens, said villager Mohamed Ouhammo.

The village of Tansghart in the Ansi area, on the side of a valley where the road from Marrakech rises up into the High Atlas, was the worst hit of any Reuters saw. Its once-pretty houses, clinging to a steep hillside, were cracked open by the shaking ground. Those still standing were missing chunks of wall or plaster. Two mosque minarets had fallen.

US President Joe Biden said he was "deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco," voicing his administration's readiness "to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia expressed his deep condolences and sincere feelings of compassion.

President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressed his solidarity with the Moroccan people at this difficult time, praying to the Almighty to preserve Morocco from any misfortune.
Subscription to paid content

Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) will soon implement a plan for Iranian citizens not to use US dollars on trips as tourists to regional countries, Director General of the CBI Mohammad Reza Farzin said, Trend reports.

In recent days, Iraqi dinars, instead of US dollars, were sold to Iranian citizens who visited Iraq in order to participate in a religious ceremony. This was tested as a pilot on the plan of the Central Bank of Iran, Farzin noted.

The director general added that the required amount of Iraqi dinar has been provided to Iranian banks so that there are no problems in selling the dinar to Iranian citizens.

According to him, currently, US dollars and euros are sold to Iranian citizens when they travel to other countries.

"Meanwhile, Irans trade with other countries is mainly carried out in other currencies except the US dollar," he said.

On May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany), and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad.

Also, the sanctions have created serious problems for bringing US dollars to Iran and Iran's trade with US dollars.

According to the official exchange rate of Iran, $1 equals 42,000 Iranian rials, and 1 euro equals 44,977 rials, while in the black market, $1 is worth about 494,000497,000 rials, while 1 euro is worth about 529,000532,000 rials.

---

Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur
 Close Hurricane Nigel to rapidly intensify

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Hurricane Nigel has strengthened slightly overnight and is set to intensify further, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Nigel, the sixth hurricane to form in the Atlantic Ocean this season, developed into a Category 1 storm yesterday and was forecast to rapidly intensify to become a Category 3 hurricane.

At the moment, Nigel has sustained winds of 80mph (130kph) but forecasters in the National Weather Service (NWS) and National Hurricane Center expect the storm to have sustained winds of at least 111mph as it grows.

Nigel was located approximately about 875miles (1,410km) east-southeast of Bermuda and was moving northwest at a speed of 12mph (19kph).

The hurricane is not expected to make landfall and no warnings or watches have been issued.

As of now, the National Hurricane Center predicts Nigel will veer off right into the open Atlantic Ocean by Wednesday morning.

Nigel developed shortly after Hurricane Lee landed in Nova Scotia as a post-tropical storm.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Maisie Smith has revealed that she was in Morocco two days before the country was hit by a major earthquake on Friday night.

At least 820 people have been killed and 672 injured, while 205 are said to be seriously hurt.

The tremors were in the High Atlas mountains, with the epicentre said to be in the Ighil area, about 40 miles (70km) south of Marrakech.

Videos have since been published on social media showing several buildings being reduced to rubble, while parts of the famous red walls in Marrakech have been damaged.

Now, Smith, 22, has offered her condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

I cant believe it, she wrote in a caption on Instagram alongside a photo of herself strolling through the Medina in Marrakech.

We only just flew back from this beautiful country just two days ago.

My thoughts are with all the victims and the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.

Smith had previously been updating fans about her trip on Instagram, posting photos of herself out and about in Marrakech.

Many residents in Marrakech have said they spent the night outside their homes in fear that a second quake might strike the region.

The earthquake was the strongest to hit the north African nation in more than a century.

It struck just after 11pm on Friday and has impacted the entire region, with tremors being felt thousands of miles away in Portugal and Algeria.

Smith was awarded runner-up in Strictly Come Dancing when she appeared on the show in 2020.

The actor joined EastEnders when she was just six years old, leaving briefly in 2014, before returning in 2016. She quit for good in 2022, but has since spoken about making a comeback.

Speaking to OK! Magazine, she said: You never leave EastEnders. Ive got a family on there that will be there for the next 50 years. Ill always have a place there.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Richard Osman has revealed that he was approached by MI6 while studying at the University of Cambridge, but did not pass the test to become an actual spy.

In a new interview, the author and TV presenter explained that he found the fun tests too difficult and did it not make it to the next stage  but said that it didnt matter much as he wouldnt have made the best spy in any case.

They just said, No, its fine, he said told The Guardian of his interview experience, which involved a series of war-gaming scenarios and speaking to people who got older and posher throughout the day.

Osman, 52, added: Honestly, I would have been terrible. Im too tall [6ft 7in], not bright enough, and if I have a secret, I tell everybody. You could not find a worse spy. He added that he cannot tell a lie.

The irony is that one of Osmans most beloved characters, Elizabeth, from his hugely popular Thursday Murder Club series of books, is a former spy.

But the author is adamant that they have very little in common in that sense.

Im still available, by the way, if MI6 read this, he teased at the end of the interview. I could be useful because no one is going to suspect me now.

Elsewhere in the interview, Osman went on to speculate over the huge success of his books, explaining that its about understanding what gets Britons going while also understanding key data.

The two school subjects I use every day are O-level statistics and my O-level sociology, he said.

Sociology tells you the world wasnt made this way; it has been constructed by us through a series of choices. Statistics tells you the truth about things. With those two tools, you can pretty much decode anything, I think. Why people do things. What drives people.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 10. Uzbekistan's exports to South Korea have increased by 15 percent compared to the same period last year, Trend reports.

Since the beginning of 2023, total volume of direct Korean investments attracted to the economy of Uzbekistan has exceeded $7 billion.

Over a recent meeting between Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev and Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea Choo Kyung-ho on September 7 held in Uzbekistans Tashkent, the parties exchanged constructive exchange of views on the implementation of current joint projects and promising areas for the further development of bilateral multifaceted cooperation.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan noted the effectiveness of cooperation with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which helped implement 33 projects in Uzbekistan worth $141 million and organized more than 2,000 internships in Korea for Uzbek specialists.

The meeting resulted in signing a protocol reflecting the key agreements reached during the event and the main vectors for further deepening multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Clashes resumed in Lebanons largest Palestinian refugee camp, with heavy gunfire and shelling wounding several people and prompting residents of the camp and the surrounding area to flee on Friday.

Several days of street battles had broken out in the camp, Ein el-Hilweh, between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah movement and Islamist groups after Fatah accused the Islamists of gunning down one of their military generals on July 30. Those street battles left at least 13 dead and dozens wounded, and forced hundreds to flee from their homes.

An uneasy truce had been in place since Aug. 3, but clashes were widely expected to resume as the Islamist groups have not handed over the accused killers of the Fatah general, Mohammad Abu Ashraf al-Armoushi to the Lebanese judiciary as demanded by a committee of Palestinian factions earlier this month.

A committee of Palestinian factions in Ein el-Hilweh announced on Tuesday that their joint security forces would launch raids in search of the accused killers. Fatah officials said that the Islamist groups had launched an attack Thursday night in an attempt to forestall plans by the joint security forces to clear militants out of schools they had been occupying in the camp on Friday.

The state-run National News Agency reported six people were wounded, including an elderly man, and transported to hospitals overnight. There were no immediate reports of deaths. The public Lebanese University announced it would close its branches in the city of Sidon, which is adjcent to the camp, and postpone scheduled exams in light of the fighting.

Officials with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, could not immediately give information on the number of casualities or displaced.

UNRWA appealed last week for $15.5 million to repair infrastructure damaged in the last round of clashes in the camp, provide alternate education locations for children whose schools were damaged or occupied by militants, and give cash assistance to people who have been displaced from their homes.
 Close Escaped terror suspect Daniel Khalife arrested in west London

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Daniel Khalife used a material that may have been from bed sheets to strap himself to the underside of a van when he escaped from prison last week, a court has heard.

Khalife appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday after being captured and charged with escaping from prison. He was remanded in custody.

The suspected terrorist was arrested on a canal towpath in west London at 10.41am on Saturday after being pulled off a push bike by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer.

His detention brought a dramatic end to a 75-hour nationwide land and air manhunt after Khalife went missing from the prison on Wednesday.

Prior to his alleged escape, Khalife was on remand at HMP Wandsworth after being charged with terror offences in January.

The incident has highlighted inadequacies in the condition of the facility, with the chief inspector of prisons calling for it to be shut down.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Most front pages of Britains Sunday newspapers have been dominated by the weeks major story  the manhunt and capture of escaped Wandsworth prisoner Daniel Khalife.

The Sunday Telegraph, Sunday Express, The Mail on Sunday and The Independent have all focused on the details of Khalifes capture after four days on the lam.

The Sunday Times has run with an accused spy of a different kind for their splash.

The Daily Star reports the Met has confirmed Saturday as the hottest day of the year.

Sunday People leads with thousands dead after a magnitude 7 earthquake hit Morocco.

And The Observer says new NatWest boss Richard Haythornthwaite has links to an under-fire Saudi Arabian oil group.
 Close CCTV captures moment earthquake strikes busy Marrakech street

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Rescuers are racing the clock to find survivors in the rubble more than 48 hours after Morocco's deadliest earthquake in more than six decades.

Some 2,901 have people have been killed in a disaster that devastated villages in the High Atlas Mountains. More than 5,000 are still missing.

Aftershocks will continue to rock Morocco weeks or months, a seismological expert has warned. Remy Mossu, the director of the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, told Sky News that more than 25 aftershocks have already hit the country since the 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

There will be aftershocks. It is not probably, it is a certainty, he said.

Some villagers say they are struggling to find enough space to bury their dead as funerals can take place beside rescue work. Others are preparing extra graves ready for more bodies, even as rescue operations continue.

Moroccos King Mohammed VI has thanked Spain, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates for sending aid, with the UK government set to send 60 search and rescue specialists and four search dogs to Morocco.

The damage from the quake could take several years to repair, according to the Red Cross.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A lost hiker was rescued from Alaskas Katmai National Park after he was spotted on a live bear camera livestream mouthing help me.

The unidentified hiker was spotted on Dumpling Mountain on 5 September in a remote part of the state by vigilant viewers of the Explore.org live camera.

He appeared to say lost and help me into the camera, and gave a thumbs down to indicate he was in trouble.

Viewers alerted moderators at Explore.org, who contacted Katmai National Park rangers about the distressed hiker.

Within hours, Katmai Park rangers were then able to reach the stricken hiker near the peak of the 2,400 foot (750m) mountain.

Today dedicated bear cam fans alerted us to a man in distress on Dumpling Mountain. The heroic rangers @KatmaiNPS sprung into action and mounted a search saving the man, Explore.org said in a post on X/Twitter.

Bear camera viewers celebrated the hikers safe return.

A lost hiker was saved after he mouthed the word help into a bear camera in Alaskas Katmai National Park (National Park Service)

There was no cell service and limited visibility due to high winds, driving rain and fog, Mike Fitz, a former Katmai ranger, told USA Today.

Even though youre only two straight-line miles from Brooks River and the lodge in the park visitor center that happens to be there in the campground, in that situation, it can feel like a world apart, Mr Fritz told the news site.

The weather often is much worse on top of the mountain its just really difficult to get your bearings.

Katmai, about 250 miles northwest of Anchorage, is only accessible by plane or boat, and is famous for its large population of brown bears.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Eleven lighthouse enthusiasts were hurt when a walkway collapsed, sending people tumbling into mudflats below during an annual event that encourages tours of Maine's beloved beacons.

The wooden walkway collapsed at Doubling Point Lighthouse in Arrowsic on Saturday afternoon. The lighthouse was open to the public as part of Maine Open Lighthouse Day, which is a day when the state's scenic lighthouses are open to the public.

Five of the 11 injured people were taken to hospitals, said Bath Fire Department Deputy Chief Chris Cummings.

The collapse of the bridge happened at low tide and caused some of the victims to fall eight to ten feet, and they landed in a somewhat rocky mudflat below, Cummings said. He said numerous public safety safety departments responded to the scene.

"It was a team effort," said Cummings, whose department is in a small city a few miles away.

Karen McLean, a member of the Friends of Doubling Point Light, said the group intends to repair the lighthouse, but there is no timeframe to do that yet.

The website of Friends of Doubling Point Light directed visitors to a message that said the lighthouse was "closed to visitors until further notice" on Sunday. McLean said the group has been working with local authorities in the aftermath of the collapse.

Doubling Point Lighthouse has stood since the late 19th century and is located on the Kennebec River. It's located in a small town of about 450 people located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) up the coast from Portland, the largest city in the state.

The lighthouse is active as a Coast Guard aid to navigation. The site has a long wooden walkway that leads over a marshy area to the lighthouse, which itself is shorter than many in the state with a tower height of 23 feet (seven meters).
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Experienced explorer Mark Dickey has emerged from a Turkish cave after a successful three-day rescue operation by teams from all over Europe to carry him out of one of the deepest caves in the world.

Mr Dickey said that it was Amazing to be above ground again, as he was taken to a medical tent for examination before he could be transferred to hospital after his ordeal, reported CNN.

And he thanked the rescue teams and Turkish government for bringing him to safety and said they had saved my life literally no questions asked.

And he added: I was underground for far longer than ever expected with an unexpected medical issue.

An international team of cave rescuers successfully brought Mr Dickey from 3,400 feet (1,036 metres) in the cave to safety at 12.37am on Tuesday local time, after a challenging operation that began on Saturday.

Mark Dickey was removed from the last exit of the cave at 00:37 and taken to the UMKE tent. Thus, the cave rescue part of the operation has ended successfully. We congratulate all those who have contributed! Turkish rescuers stated on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.

Turkish officials said that Mr Dickey would be taken by helicopter to a hospital in Mersin.

He seems fine at first look, Recep Salci of Turkeys disaster and emergency management authority (AFAD) said on Tuesday, according to CNN.

The 40-year-old American embarked on an expedition to map out one of the deepest cave systems in the world, in the Morca cave in Mersin provinces Taurus mountains on 2 September.

The Morca cave system descends through various, very narrow, twists, turns and rappels  making it a difficult exploration for any person in good health. The underground equivalent of the cave is like climbing Mount Everest.

But the expedition was suddenly cut short after Mr Dickey fell ill with gastrointestinal bleeding and became trapped at a depth of 1,040 metres (3,400 feet).

Video images from Turkish channel TRHaber show US caver Mark Dickey following his rescue (TRHaber)

His condition worsened quickly, making him unable to move and requiring a doctor to go down into the cave to administer vials of blood to keep him stabilised.

SON DAKIKA | Morca Magaras'nda arastrma yaparken mahsur kalan ABD'li bilim insan Mark Dickey'i kurtarma calsmas 10. gununde basaryla sonucland.



Dickey, helikopterle hastaneye sevk ediliyor. pic.twitter.com/kPmyi5aw8F  TRHaber (@trhaber_com) September 11, 2023

For days, rescuers were unsure if Mr Dickey would be strong enough to be rescued to the surface, but his condition began improving on Wednesday.

Members of the CNSAS, Italian alpine and speleological rescuers carry a stretcher holding American researcher Mark Dickey during a rescue operation in the Morca cave, near Anamur (AP)

Rescue teams from countries across Europe, including Turkey, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy and Poland, rushed to Mr Dickeys aid in the remote area in southern Turkey, with 158 of those rescuers being cave experts.

Mark Dickey was removed from the last exit of the cave at 00:37 and taken to the UMKE tent. Thus, the cave rescue part of the operation has ended successfully. We congratulate all those who have contributed! #MarkDickey #caverescue #Morca #tumaf@AFADBaskanlik  Turkiye Magaraclk Federasyonu (@tumaf1) September 11, 2023

And thus began the arduous rescue operation on Saturday 9 September, as Mr Dickey was slowly and carefully carried by stretcher through the dark, narrow underground passages.

Mark Dickey, who fell ill during an international expedition exploring the Morca cave in the south of Turkey (Sourced)

The base camp of international rescuers is seen near the Morca Cave (Umit Bektas/Reuters)

Cave rescue teams from several European countries conducted a extraction effort to rescue Dickey (AP Graphic)

Mr Dickeys fiancee and fellow caver Jessica Van Ord was with him when he fell ill and stayed with the 40-year-old until medics arrived and gave him IV fluid and blood.

She eventually climbed out and stayed at a base camp near the mouth of the cave, while working with the 150-strong team of cavers who have travelled to Turkey to help bring Mr Dickey out by stretcher.

The mouth of the Morca cave system in Turkey (REUTERS)

Rescuers initially worked to stabilise Mr Dickeys condition before he could be moved.

By Thursday, his bleeding had stopped and he was able to walk unassisted, according to Cave Rescue Bulgaria.

The mission to extricate Mr Dickey began on Saturday afternoon. Rescue teams set up medical base camps at various depths throughout the caves where they could rest and recuperate.

Rescue teams used explosives to blast open parts of the cave to safely extract him.

Apart from small explosives, rock hammers were also being used by rescuers to make way for a stretcher to ensure Mr Dickeys safety during ascent.

Mark Dickey is seen in Morca Cave, days before he fell ill (REUTERS)

A medical team takes care of Dickey inside the cave (AP)

Members of the CNSAS, Italian alpine and speleological rescuers, start to descent on ropes (AP)

The cave path from the surface is a known route, Denes Akos Nagy, a doctor with the Hungarian Cave Rescue Service, told the Wall Street Journal. But the path isnt frequently travelled and is difficult to navigate, he added.

If you imagine a skyscraper, that would be maybe 100 meters tall. They are 1,000 meters down there. Thats like 10 skyscrapers stacked on top of each other, Mr Nagy said. Its extremely far, far away.

In ideal conditions, it takes a full 15 hours for an experienced caver to reach the surface, the Speleological Federation of Turkey said. But this was not the case with Mr Dickey.

To tackle the issue, the team of international experts divided up the depths of the cave and assigned it to a specific team to figure out a solution for that specific area.

Officials from the Speleogical Federation of Turkey announced they had reached 100m below ground on Monday evening local time. Mr Dickey was reported to be in stable condition at the time.

An expert caver

A New Jersey native and current resident of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, Mr Dickey is a highly-trained caver, cave rescuer himself and well-known in the international speleological (cave expert) community, according to the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA).

His resume of cave explorations and expert status is endless: secretary of the ECRA medical committee, lead instructor for Caving Academy, a US-based organisation that prepares other cavers for exploration and a national instructor for the National Cave Rescue Commission.

He also volunteers with the New Jersey Initial Response Team, a nonprofit search-and-rescue team.

Having participated in many cave explorations in karst areas around the world for many years, Mr Dickey is knowledgeable and skilled  the kind of person youd want on complicated cave exploration like the Morca mission.

Mr Dickey was on an expedition to map the 4,186-foot-deep cave system in southern Turkey for the Anatolian Speleology Group Association.

Photos from a Facebook page that seemingly belongs to Mr Dickey show him happily preparing for the mission by inspecting all the necessary gear before embarking.

But what Mr Dickey, and others, could not prepare for was the sudden emergency medical situation he found himself in during the journey.

On 2 September, Mr Dickey fell ill with severe gastric pain that was escalating quickly. Though there was initial hope that Mr Dickey could exit the cave on his own, the pain turned into gastrointestinal bleeding and it was clear he needed medical attention quickly.

The Speleological Federation of Turkey sent a medical team and six units of blood in the following days in the hopes of stabilising Mr Dickeys medical situation.

On Thursday, Mr Dickey appeared in a video for the first time, obtained by The Associated Press, where he thanked Turkish authorities for responding quickly to his medical needs.

As you can see, Im up. Im alert, Im talking, but Im not healed on the inside yet, he said.

I dont quite know whats happened, but I do know that the quick response of the Turkish government to get the medical supplies that I need, in my opinion, saved my life, Mr Dickey said. I was very close to the edge.

In this screen grab from video, American caver Mark Dickey, 40, talks to camera inside the Morca cave (AP)

While crews have been working to rescue Mr Dickey from the cave, a fundraiser for the efforts surpassed the $60,000 mark.

Many thanks to everyone who is contributing to Mark Dickeys rescue from Morca! The last cave rescue of this scale (Riesending, 2014) required 700 rescuers over the course of 2 weeks and cost approximately 960,000 Euros (about $1 million), the GoFundMe reads.

This GoFundMe is currently set to $100,000 and this will only be a start for the expenses. The funding will be put to good use towards the travel, food, gear and supplies that the rescuers have needed. This is a complex and expensive operation and your contributions to this effort are making a good impact towards supporting those involved!
 Close Aftermath of Russian missile strike on Ukraine mail depot that killed six

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Ukrainian troops have made confirmed advances near Bakhmut, Donetsk, and Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

Geolocated footage posted on 30 October shows that Ukrainian forces have advanced northeast of Kurdyumivka (10km southwest of Bakhmut), it said.

Ukrainian forces have also marginally advanced west of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia, according to geolocated footage seen by the think tank.

It comes as Kyiv said it had successfully hit a strategic object of the air defence system in western Crimea. Russian sources said the attack was carried out using combined long-range weapons like ATACMS, storm shadow missiles and sea drones.

The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed its air defence systems destroyed eight Storm Shadow cruise missiles over the peninsula.

If confirmed, this would be the first time Ukraine has used the top-tier missile system provided by the US to hit targets on the Crimean coast.

Meanwhile, Russia has bulked up its forces around the devastated city of Bakhmut in the east and has switched its troops from a defensive posture to taking active actions, a Ukrainian military commander said.
Google was founded 25 years ago, with a mission that is both simple and impossible: "To organise the worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful". In the years since, its attempt to do that has changed the world fundamentally  and it might be about to do so again.

The search giant has changed in profound ways since it announced that mission. It has gone from a tiny garage to a vast "Googleplex" in Mountain View, California, and it has dropped other seemingly central tenets like its famous "don't be evil" motto. But it has never forgotten its commitment to organise the worlds information, even as both the information and the organisation has changed and grown.

Google began in 1995, at Stanford University, when student Sergey Brin was showing around Larry Page, who was considering graduate study there. At the time, the internet was a mess: there was already plenty of pages on it, but little way of finding information from across them. From their dorm rooms, Page and Brin built a system that organised websites depending on links: the system was called PageRank, and the search engine was called Backrub.
Runner, Frank Noon, saw Wandsworth Prison terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife further down Thames hours before his arrest in Greenford.

Noon saw the 21-year-old lying on his back while he was running along the river.

It was only when I saw him three hours later and he was wearing the same clothes that I thought thats the same guy thats weird, Mr Noon told Sky News.

Khalife was tackled off his bike by a police officer on a canal towpath and then arrested, ending a 75-hour nationwide manhunt.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the former soldier was arrested by a plainclothes counter-terrorism officer near Rowdell Road in west London just before 11am on Saturday (9 September) morning and is currently in their custody.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. The situation in the South Caucasus becomes more complicated when there are interactions beyond the 3 + 3 format, (Russia, Iran and Turkiye, plus 3 South Caucasus countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia), Iran's Vice President Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on his page on X, while announcing the details of the telephone conversation between the President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi and the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Trend reports.

According to Jamshidi, cooperating with foreigners, carrying out military exercises with them and making suspicious trips make the situation even more difficult.

Jamshidi noted that the situation worsens when there are foreign collaborations, joint military drills and dubious travels.

Iran shows that it is aware of various disturbing steps taken by Armenia in the region recently. Iran wants regional issues to be resolved by regional countries.

---

Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur
Holidaymaker Nadia Cryer shares what she experienced during the earthquake in Morocco.

My brain couldnt accept that it was an earthquake. I was just terrified, Ms Cryer told Sky News. I just could see a lots of dust because buildings were falling infront of my eyes.

More than 2,000 people have been killed and at least 2,059 people injured in Morocco after one of the most powerful earthquakes to ever strike the country.

Morocco has declared three days of national mourning. The national flag will be flown at half staff throughout the country, the royal court said in a statement released on Saturday evening, a day after the quake.
The Communicator

Our international senior leaders have forgotten how to be supportive during virtual meetings, the chief people officer of a global healthcare company told me this past week.

It started simply enough. A person crossing over another person while the first person is speaking. One person monologuing so long they ate up most of the meeting. Now its escalated to an intolerable level. Just yesterday, while one leader was sharing her screen and giving a presentation, another leader interrupted the presenter, clicked on share screen and began running his own separate presentation.

Did anyone call him out? I asked incredulously.

No, everyone just sort of let it happen and then texted each other afterward how rude the behaviour was. I think we need a reboot.

Ill say, I replied.

A team is not effective if the members do not agree upon respectful rules of engagement.

That brings us to todays philosopher. Come with me, workplace warriors and time-travellers as September is Deep Thinker month here at The Communicator. Lets take another trip in search of a thought leader of yore whose big ideas are still useful for us today.

Introducing Hypatia; so cool, like Adele or Cher, she didnt need a last name. And more importantly, yes, I found an ancient philosopher for us to learn from who was a woman.I confess I had never heard of her before.

When I decided to spotlight a series of ancient philosophers for us this month, I was initially thinking of pulling them from the books Id read during my college days studying political science. Until, that is, I realised that I hadnt studied the writings of even one single female. Sheesh.

So, I began researching and voila! From Google and the pages of a Smithsonian magazine article, I dug up the story of this tradition-breaking woman from ancient Egypt  not Greece as you might imagine.

Hypatia was born in the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria in 350AD or 370AD depending on which historian you ask. When I lived in Cairo, I spent a couple of terrific weekends there. There is a beautiful boardwalk along the sea lined with cafes featuring live music  probably not at all like the Alexandria Hypatia found herself in.

Thats because an important backdrop to her story is the dysfunctional workplace environment the place was back then. Founded centuries before by Alexander the Great as a city dedicated to a varied culture of study with an enviable university and museum filled with more than half a million scrolls, by the time Hypatia arrived on the scene Alexandria was a discordant shadow of itself.

Her dad, Theon, was the very last instructor at the museum before it was destroyed by the conquering Romans. Although he encouraged his daughter to learn, lecture and even publish, she found herself pulled apart figuratively and ultimately literally by the competing pagan and Christian forces of the day.

Before I get to Hypatias demise, let me first tell you about the impact she had while she lived. And how her words can inspire us even now.

Her father introduced her to the sciences of mathematics and astronomy and she excelled so much that her name can now be found lent to an astronomy belt, a lunar crater and even a genus of moth.

But Hypatia went on to establish herself as an eminent philosopher in what is now known as the Neoplatonic school, a belief system that states everything essentially stems from One being. During a time when women werent permitted much freedom, she was allowed to give public lectures and reportedly packed in the crowds. She taught loads of students ,too; and historians say one of them, named Synesius, would go on to convert to the Christian church and apply her principles when establishing the doctrine of the Trinity.)

So, she was clearly an influential thinker.

Here are three quotes attributed to Hypatia that can help us think too:

Life is an unfoldment, and the further we travel the more truth we can comprehend. Determination and persistence, and the experience that comes with pushing through, will result in positive outcomes. Dont stop. Keep going and growing. 

To understand the things that are at our door is the best preparation for understanding those that lie beyond. Just because youre going and growing, dont be in too much of a hurry. Dont just look for the next career path promotion opportunity within you organisation or be constantly scanning the employment platforms for a position with another company altogether. Instead, spend some time getting to better understand your current role, responsibilities and the people around you. Be curious about where you are now. 

Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all. Cultivate a speak up culture. But as Im reminded of that dysfunctional leadership team, insist on courtesy. Dont speak up and over everyone else.

Consider poor Hypatia. A Christian mob, which felt threatened by her, pulled her from her home, assassinated her and tore her limb from limb. If your company is at risk of allowing a divisive culture, its time to reboot before the disruptions tear your team apart.

Figuratively of course.

Write to Gina in care of SundayBusiness@independent.ie

With corporate clients in five continents, Gina London is a premier communications strategy, structure and delivery expert. She is also a media analyst, author, speaker and former CNN anchor.

@TheGinaLondon
A co-owner of a plot of land positioned between the two runways at Dublin Airport has said he would sell the land to an investment fund interested in building a private terminal.

Ulick McEvaddy told RTE he had received potential interest from around the world from venture capital funds and from pension funds, in relation to the land.

The DAA, which manages Dublin airport, offered 75 million to buy the 261-acre plot that lies between two runways.

Mr McEvaddy rejected the offer, saying he wanted to receive market price for the land, and had received offers in excess of 205 million.

He described the DAA offer as derisory.

For a strategic land bank, I mean they paid 1.7 million an acre for the car park, which is not strategic. Okay its income earning but its not strategic for the future Dublin Airport. These lands are vital for the expansion of the airport, he said.

Mr McEvaddy said a potential private buyer could go to court to gain permission to use Dublin Airport runways via a private terminal built on the land.

Some of the buyers, the potential buyers want to gain access to the runways and infrastructure at the airport, which were entitled to, by the way, under the law, he said.

He added: Venture capital funds have been onto us on a regular basis trying to get to invested in a terminal. Terminals are very, for pension funds, theyre very solid. A Canadian pension fund bought London City Airport and 90pc, 95pc of most European airports are privately owned now.

Mr McEvaddy further stated that he would be willing to take such a case to court on behalf of a new owner of the plot because of his history with the DAA.

Its not our desired route, just have to say, our desired route was that the DAA would own these lands, and have the vision to do what is necessary for the expansion of Dublin airport, he said.

He said Dublin Airport could be a leader in clean, hydrogen-fuelled air travel, although he admitted that technology was still a long way from being commercially available.

Dublin Airport could be the pre-eminent hub in Europe providing hydrogen for the future, providing power for the future and its uncongested airspace.

A spokesperson for the DAA said the organisation would not pay crazy prices for the plot.

DAA is still interested in buying the land and our offer remains on the table at a realistic valuation. Daa has made a sensible commercial offer but wont pay crazy prices, they said.

Last week, the chief executive of DAA, Kenny Jacobs insisted the airport doesnt need the 260 acres of land between its runways thats being sold by a clutch of sellers including the McEvaddy brothers.

And Mr Jacobs said that even with its blistering growth, Dublin Airport isnt in need of a third terminal for the foreseeable future.

This publication revealed last week that the Galway billionaire Comer brothers have made a bid for the land. The McEvaddys believe the land should fetch at least 210m.

Mr Jacobs said that while the semi-State DAA has made a bid for the land, it wouldnt make crazy bids.
Smurfit Kappas merger talks with US peer WestRock would tick several key boxes for the Irish firms shareholders and management, not least its chief executive Tony Smurfit.

WestRock is the second biggest US packaging company and it has a major presence in a country that has proven very tricky for Smurfit group over many decades.
Founder Sinead Crowther is delighted with success of firms products to ease childrens travel sickness and pain

Louth-based healthcare firm Soothing Solutions plans to raise a further 5m to keep pace with UK growth opportunities for its products.

For founder and CEO Sinead Crowther, the growing success of the firm she started while on a break from work is sometimes hard to believe.

In a few years since founding the Dundalk-based firm in 2017, Crowther has gone from facing her home being repossessed to seeing her products rolled out in hundreds of outlets in Ireland, Britain and beyond.

In the 15 months since she began selling the specialised honey jelly pops she dreamed up at her kitchen table, Crowthers firm has sold more than 100,000 units. And that is just for starters as hundreds more outlets agree to stock the innovative products.

UK high street and airport retailer WH Smith has agreed to stock the firms Tonstix Travel Pops, which help children with ear-popping on flights and with travel sickness, in 77 of its stores across the EU as well as its stores in the UK.

Discussions are also ongoing with a major airline to stock the product on board flights.

We also have a massive opportunity with Amazon

It is one of two honey jelly pops designed by Soothing Solutions specifically for children, with the other product, now stocked by major pharmacy chains, used as a gentle way to soothe sore throats.

We are now established quite well in the pharmacy channels and were talking to the major grocery retailers. We are following a similar pattern in the UK and weve secured a listing in Well Pharmacy, which has 300 stores, in addition to the 600 Boots stores in which we are stocked, Crowther said.

We also have a massive opportunity with Amazon that we are looking at. But we are trying not to grow too fast because we dont want to be one of those companies that you read about that grew too quickly.

Crowther believes this initial success is just the beginning of the opportunities for the company because of the universal nature of the problems that its products are designed to soothe.

The growth has been really rapid now in the last three months and so we need to raise funding to ensure we can keep pace with that. We are looking towards a Series A round in March 2024 to look to raise 5m, she said.

Crowther had previously worked as a pharmaceutical technician and had noticed a gap in the market for products to help children.

Sore throats was one and the ear pressure associated with flying was another. I could see there was an opening to do something, she said.

But, at the time, Crowther herself was going through a difficult period.

I was on my own with four children, separated and trying to deal with a mortgage. My son had an accident and sustained third-degree burns and nearly died from sepsis. I had been suffering from depression and anxiety for a long time. And the thing with depression is that you believe you dont really have a value and that no one would miss you, she said.

But after her sons accident when she found herself sitting with him in the hospital she made a promise to herself that life was going to improve for her family.

I really had to fight my case to say, "Well they havent (done this) and this is a big opportunity

She decided to take time off from her work in a pharmacy and that gave her the space to think about the ideas she had for a business.

It was the ideal time to start looking into my idea to develop a jelly lozenge. I had realised that other solutions for sore throats were full of sugar and made of hard candy that I felt were just not suitable for children, Crowther said.

She joined an entrepreneurship programme.

Some of the initial feedback I got was that if this was really going to work then some of the big guys would already have done it. I really had to fight my case to say, Well they havent and this is a big opportunity, Crowther said.

Eventually, others started to see those same opportunities and she won a 50,000 investment out of an Enterprise Ireland competitive start fund.

I had a prototype and I had spoken to pharmacy buyers who said they would stock the pop and I had a medical device company who said theyd make the stick. But winning that investment was the breakthrough that made it a reality, Crowther said.

Throughout 2020, Crowther and business partner Denise Lauaki worked hard to fine tune the idea and develop a manufacturing process.

There was no machine that could run the stick we needed so all of that had to be engineered. The beauty of lockdown was that there were no expectations to get the product on the shelf so it gave us a little timeout, Crowther said. The company survived on angel investment until March 2022 when it secured funding from new food and beverage focused venture capital fund Redesdale.

That allowed the firm to complete its factory in Dundalk and commission the machines it needed.

Veteran businessmen Niall FitzGerald and former Glen Dimplex boss Sean ODriscoll were introduced to the firm and agreed to each take an investment, bringing total funds raised to more than 1.2m, including 400,000 from Enterprise Ireland.

Crowther still cannot believe the success she has had to date with the products.

A friend of mine was in the UK last week and sent me a photo of the products on the shelves in a Boots store. That is such a thrill when I think where I was just a couple of years ago, with the bank asking me to surrender the keys to my house because I couldnt afford it.
As the global tech giant Apple prepares to unveil a slew of new products next week, including the iPhone 15, it has a global fanbase of millions to thank for propelling it to the top of the annual ranking of the worlds most valuable brands.

This is the second year in a row that the Cupertino-headquartered company has occupied the pole position in the annual Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands rankings in which the research firm attributes a financial value to thousands of different brands around the world.

In the case of Apple, its brand value weighed in at a staggering $880.4bn (820bn) in the BrandZ rankings that were published in June 2023. This put it way ahead of Google in second place ($577.6bn), Microsoft ($501.8bn) in third place and Amazon ($468bn) in fourth place.

Indeed, Apple may well be an outlier when it comes to branding and the power of its brand, commanding considerable brand loyalty while at the same time successfully wielding enviable pricing power.

But how do you value a brand? While investors use benchmarks like market capitalisation, the return on equity or dividend yields when it comes to assessing a companys investment potential, measuring the intangibles and off-balance sheet items like brand equity, pricing power and consumer perception is an entirely different matter.

As part of its annual BrandZ research, Kantar conducts thousands of consumer interviews to understand the true value of a brand, diagnose its strengths and weaknesses and ultimately connect what people say with what they do.

A key part of the valuation process is an understanding of a brands meaningfulness, its points of differentiation from competitors and its saliency, while brand attributes like innovation, creativity and sustainability and trust are also factored into the equation.

Kantar then combines these inputs with a financial model of the business to determine a brands ability to generate value, with the overall result painting a portrait of the brand equity it has built up and how both consumers and the market values that brand.

Given the pervasive role that technology plays in our daily lives, it is not surprising that companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Google and Amazon dominate the rankings. Other business and tech brands in the top 20 include the likes of Facebook ($93.0bn), Oracle ($91.9bn) and IBM ($87.6bn).

But it is not all about Big Tech. McDonalds, for example, was the fifth most valuable brand in the Kantar global rankings with a brand valuation of $191.1bn, while the financial services brand Visa made it to sixth place on $169bn.

A notable feature from the 2023 rankings is the strength of luxury goods brands, which tend to be a lot more resilient in times of economic uncertainty. The French brand Louis Vuitton, for example, makes it into the top 10 with a valuation of $124.8bn. Hermes ($76.3bn) is the second-most valuable luxury brand with a lot of its success heavily linked to the quality of its so-called hero products like its Birkin bag and perfumes. Elsewhere, luxury brands like Chanel ($55.9bn), Gucci ($26.3bn), Dior ($11.4bn), Cartier ($9.7bn), Rolex ($7.8bn) and Tiffany ($6.1bn) also make it into the top 100 brands. What they all have in common, however, is their ability to command a substantial price premium while at the same time building on their loyal customer base.

As Apple and indeed other brands that make the grade have shown, there are several lessons to be learned. Possibly the most important of all is that brands that continue to invest in effective marketing and build strong and emotional connections with their customers are likely to deliver strong brand equity and ultimately greater returns for their investors.

Industry news

Tickets are now on sale for Effie Awards Ireland 2023 have now gone on sale. One of the highlights of the advertising calendar, the awards are organised by the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland (IAPI) and showcase advertising effectiveness and creativity.

This year the awards will take place on Friday, October 20 in the RDS Concert Hall and tickets are available from IAPIs website, www.iapie.ie

SuperValu, the Musgrave-owned retailer, has rolled out a new advertising campaign to showcase its sustainability credentials and to highlight how small actions by local communities can have a global impact.

Called Local Action, Global Impact, the campaign was created by the Dublin-based agency Thinkhouse and it is currently running across TV, cinema, radio, and SuperValus digital hub and social channels.
Q Im 33 and switching jobs. My new employer is offering me health insurance and it looks like the value of the health plan is 2,160. However, someone told me Id have to pay benefit-in-kind tax on that. Is that correct? How much should I expect to pay? Im wondering if Id be better off buying the health insurance myself.
The huge venture capital haul was boosted by three massive individual deals for local energy infrastructure firms Amarenco (300m), Jolt (150m) and Weev (58m)

Irish startups and tech companies raised more money in the first six months of this year than during any similar period previously, new figures suggest.

In total, 963m was raised by Irish tech and clean tech firms, and other tech firms headquartered on the island of Ireland.

Although over half of the money came from three individual energy infrastructure deals, the figures suggest that Ireland was an outlier for the amount of money raised, as international venture capital recovers from a slump.

Ireland well outperformed global trends, said Denise Sidhu, chairperson, chairperson of the Irish Venture Capital Association, which compiles the figures from a variety of investors.

VC investment worldwide fell by over 50pc in the first half and by almost 50pc for the second quarter.

Overall, the figures represent a huge rise in venture capital here. The Irish industry exceeded 1bn in VC funding for the first time in a calendar year in 2021. Two years later, it is on track to almost double that investment.

However, the numbers are being treated with caution by investors, who say that they are reliant on a few very large transactions and international funders.

If you exclude deals over 30m, investment fell by 52pc for the second quarter compared to last year and by 16pc for the half year, said Ms Sidhu.

She also said that international investors accounted for 82pc, or 785.4m, of total venture capital investment in Ireland in the first half of 2023, and 78pc, or 360.5m, for the second quarter.

The value of international investment in the first half has risen from 58pc of the total last year to over 80pc in 2023, she said.

As in the case of foreign direct investment, there is a high risk of over-dependence on mobile international capital. We need to put in place alternative sources locally.

The IVCA figures sit in stark contrast with numbers put out by TechIreland earlier this month, suggesting that funding had fallen 40pc to 460m, less than half the IVCAs figure.

The difference in the two organisations set of figures comes almost wholly from different decisions on whether to include the cash from three individual giant deals for energy infrastructure firms  Amarenco (300m), Jolt Energy (150m) and Weev (58m).

All three are Irish firms, headquartered here. However, much of the capital raised will be deployed outside Ireland.

While the IVCA treats these three deals as legitimately part of the industrys record here, TechIreland is understood to believe that they dont represent investment into the Irish tech ecosystem in a similar way to other deals recorded.

The lower figure is also considered helpful to organisations such as Scale Ireland, which is seeking additional fiscal measures and reliefs from the government to stimulate tech investment here.

In its half-yearly report last week, TechIreland nevertheless noted that the achievement of the three cleantech firms was impressive.

According to the IVCA, the three big energy deals helped cleantech hoover up 57pc, or 550.5m, of the total VC investment, followed by life sciences at 10pc, or 92.2m.

For the first time, artificial intelligence companies were in the top three sectors for the first half, raising 83m or 9pc of the total.
Russia will return to the Black Sea grain deal 'the same day' as Moscow's conditions for export of its own grain and fertilisers to the global markets are met, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters on Sunday.

Russia quit the deal in July, a year after it was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, complaining that its own food and fertiliser exports faced obstacles and that insufficient Ukrainian grain was going to countries in need.
Roslyn Dee: Challenging society and creating strong female roles  why soap operas are better than any reality TV

Televisions original sin, the soap opera, continues to be derided by both self-styled egalitarians and Love Island zealots. Here, life-long fan Roslyn Dee rallies, explaining that its storylines are reflective of our grubby reality and were ahead of their time with strong women in lead roles

Bernie, played by Fionnuala Murphy, and Cass, played by Eamon Morrissey in long-running Irish soap Fair City. Photo: RTE

Roslyn Dee Mon 11 Sep 2023 at 13:05

With increasing menace and calculated, self-serving, ill intent, the murders have been slowly escalating and, at the time of writing, the body count stands at three. Not forgetting, of course, that another intended victim  his fiancee, no less  survived his attempt to kill her and pocket her savings while also reaping the benefits of the life-insurance policy he had arranged for her.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hold talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Trend reports.

"I will talk with Pashinyan tomorrow. We have no choice but to call for an ease of tensions in the region. The steps taken by Armenia are wrong. During my conversation tomorrow, I will warn Pashinyan and let him know that the so-called elections in Karabakh are unacceptable, Erdogan said.

Meanwhile, earlier the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry called on the international community to strongly condemn the so-called elections.

As noted in the statement of the Azerbaijani MFA, the holding of the so-called elections once again clearly shows that Armenia and the puppet regime it created, which has taken steps to maintain the status quo and continue its occupation policy, are not really interested in the peace process, but on the contrary, they took the path of provocations and escalating the situation.
The architect of the Good Friday Agreement also said he found it extraordinary that the British Government has pursued the controversial Northern Ireland Legacy Bill despite the fact that it is opposed by virtually everyone in Northern Ireland and the Republic

Bertie Ahern was speaking at the General Liam Lynch commemoration in Kilcrumper, Co Cork. He is pictured with Cllr Deirdre O'Brien, chairperson of the General Liam Lynch Commemoration Committee

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has warned that Sinn Fein could face a situation similar to Fianna Fail and Fine Gael after previous general elections and require unexpected and even unthinkable Coalition partners if they are to enter government.

Mr Ahern also said the constituency situation will have to be reviewed if Ireland is to avoid a scenario where 10-plus TDs are added to the Dail every 15 years because of population growth.

Speaking at the General Liam Lynch commemoration in Kilcrumper, Co Cork, the former Fianna Fail leader said it was "a no-brainer" that there will be a general election at the end of 2024 - but warned that Sinn Fein may face difficult coalition talks if they want to take power.

Mr Ahern's remarks came after he was asked if it was inevitable that Sinn Fein would form the next government given their strength in recent opinion polls.

"The people will decide - there are a number of options still at the table. You know, every election - I remember the election when we went into a campaign and I ended up with the Progressive Democrats [in Coalition], Mr Ahern said.

"Charlie Haughey, the last thing that was on his mind was to go with the PDs. Then we went with Greens - then I had to go off dealing with the Independents.

"John Bruton [the then Fine Gael leader] said he would never have anything to do with Democratic Left and ended up four weeks later in Government with the Democratic Left. So the people decide, the figures decide.

"The one thing I would be sure of, whatever the figures decide, is don't have another election for five years."

Bertie Ahern was speaking at the General Liam Lynch commemoration in Kilcrumper, Co Cork. He is pictured with Cllr Deirdre O'Brien, chairperson of the General Liam Lynch Commemoration Committee

The Electoral Commission has recommended Ireland create another 14 TDs bringing the Dail up to 174 TDs across 43 constituencies.

The UK - which has a population 13 times greater than Ireland - has 650 members of parliament, around four times greater than the total number of TDs in the Republic.

"Based on this and based on the projected growth, we'd be growing 10-15 more every five years. That is not necessary," Mr Ahern said.

"Across the water, they have 650 for 65 million or whatever so for this one, they should just pass it every review. That happened since 1977 when (then Taoiseach) Jack Lynch brought in the independent commission following the Tullymander. You just get on and pass it as quickly as possible and let TDs and wannabe TDs get ready for the next general election."

The Tullymander is named after an attempt to engineer constituencies in favour of the National Coalition government by Labour Housing Minister James Tully that backfired and helped result in a landslide for Fianna Fail in 1977.

Mr Ahern also said he believed the current Coalition won't last until 2025.

"It's not the date that the new Dail forms - it is [from] the date of the election. So therefore it's a no brainer  it would have to be a 2024 election. Because you wouldn't want to go into 2025 because you're only going five or six weeks into 2025 - something Christmas Eve or a good day like that!"

The architect of the Good Friday Agreement also said he found it extraordinary that the British Government has pursued the controversial Northern Ireland Legacy Bill despite the fact that it is opposed by virtually everyone in Northern Ireland and the Republic.

The Bill is expected to be carried by Westminster vote on Tuesday and Mr Ahern warned that, totally aside from generating such negativity in Northern Ireland, he considers the bill to be essentially unnecessary.

Mr Ahern said co-operation and co-ordination between the Irish and British Governments was never more important.

"The risk is that, you know, it leads to a lot of bad blood. There is a lot of good co-operation in a lot of areas....it will go into the life of the new Government and [Labour leader] Keir Starmer has said that if he is elected he will drop the bill or repeal it. He said he would appeal the bill, take it off the statute books, he said.

Both London and Dublin are already at loggerheads over the decision by the Conservative Government to press ahead with the legislation.

"They go into an inter-state argument if they have to do it, if the legal advice is that they have to do it, but I find it extraordinary that the British Government is pursuing this," Mr Ahern said.

"I really do - I just think it is totally unnecessary. It is rubbing everybody wrong - I have talked to almost every politician in the north, there is nobody in favour of this.

"They just keep pressing and pressing it on without allowing, it may not be the only reason that they are trying to handle it - they may want to do it for the best. But they are allowing that to be the perception, to be the prominent perception whether it is wrong or right.

"I just wish they...it looks like it is going to pass on Tuesday.

"Then that is it, it goes to the King. It is very unfortunate - I really did think they would drop it."

Mr Ahern said he also believed it was now time for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to accept measures to allow power sharing institutions to be resumed in Northern Ireland.

"They are waiting for [UK prime minister] Rishi Sunak to come back with some amendments. If those amendments are then impossible for them, if it means those amendments mean he then has to go back to the 27 [EU member states] and start renegotiating them, he is not going to do that - he is not going to be able to do that, Mr Ahern said.

"I think they need to wrap it up. In fairness, I think everybody has given a lot of time - and Sinn Fein have given a lot of time for Jeffrey (Donaldson) to get his ducks in a row.

"He said at the time of the Good Friday Agreement, that the anniversary was not the appropriate time - then he said the election was coming up in the north and that was not the appropriate time, then he said it was the marching season and that was not the appropriate time. Now we are gone through the summer and we are still sitting around - so it is very damaging for Northern Ireland that they do not have the institutions up.

"Really, really they should reflect on the position. It is not desirable - for this to drift on where a group of good civil servants, they are doing their very best, they are running Northern Ireland."

Mr Ahern added: "If it is not sorted now it could run into the life of the next British Government. It could run into 2025 and it is really, really undesirable. They need to crack it."

"I honestly think - without mentioning any names - I think people are ready to move on."
Two people were in the car and 190 passengers were on board the train. Photo Andy Newman

A passenger is escorted from the 12.45 Dublin to Westport train after it struck a car at an unmanned Level Crossing between Ballyhaunis and Claremorris in the townland of Garryredmond on Saturday. Two people were in the car and 190 passengers were on board the train. Photo: Andy Newman

Pictures have emerged of the aftermath of a collision between a train and a car in Co Mayo.

Two men were airlifted to hospital after the collision on Saturday, where both were in a stable condition.

The collision, involving the 12.45 Heuston to Westport service, happened at a level crossing between Ballyhaunis and Claremorris.

The crossing is on a minor road near Garryredmond.

Pictures show the damaged car on its side in a field, while passengers are being escorted down the line by Irish Rail staff.

The adult male driver of the vehicle and the teenage male front-seat passenger were both airlifted to Galway University Hospital where their condition was described as stable.

Two people were in the car and 190 passengers were on board the train. Photo Andy Newman

No injuries were reported on the train carrying 190 passengers.

Passengers were transferred via bus from Ballyhaunis for the remaining services to Westport for the evening.

The vehicle and the train, Dublin Heuston to Westport service, collided at an unattended level crossing on a rural road at Garryredmond, Claremorris, Co Mayo.

A garda spokesperson said: Gardai and emergency services remain at the scene of an incident involving a train and a vehicle which occurred on the train line near Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo at approximately 3:15pm this afternoon, Saturday 9th September 2023.

An Garda Siochana are investigating all of the circumstances of this road traffic incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda station on (094) 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The victim had been on life support in the intensive care unit of Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, since being rushed there by ambulance

A man who was critically injured in a street altercation in Westport, Co Mayo, in the early hours of Saturday died has died in hospital this afternoon.

The victim, Peter McDermott (60), who lived in Westport, had been on life support in the intensive care unit of Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, since being rushed there by ambulance.

His family and other relatives kept a vigil at his bedside during his final hours.

A State Pathologist is due in Castlebar to carry out a post mortem later on Sunday or Monday.

A man in his 20s being held for questioning in connection with an assault was earlier released by gardai. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Gardai are continuing their investigation into the incident and are taking statements from witnesses.

Officers are trawling CCTV footage from the High Street area of Westport where the incident occurred sometime between 1am and 2am.

Earlier footage from a number of licensed premises in the town is also being studied.

Mr McDermott was a native of Co Leitrim but had been living in the Murrisk area, close to the base of Croagh Patrick, for some time.

He is understood to have farming interests in Co Roscommon.

According to shocked locals in Murrisk, the victim was industrious and constructed a number of houses in his adopted, seaside location.

He is known to have worked in Britain for some time.

Local councillor Christy Hyland said on Sunday evening his thoughts and the thoughts of the community are with the bereaved.

What happened is a tragedy for all concerned, Cllr Hyland noted.

In a statement this evening, the Gardai said: Peter McDermott (60s), who had been receiving treatment at Mayo University Hospital following a serious assault in Westport passed away earlier this evening, Sunday, 10th September 2023.

The State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem will now take place in due course. A family liaison officer has been appointed.

The force added: Earlier today, a man (20s) who was arrested as part of this investigation was released from custody.

A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public of Prosecutions.

Gardai are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.

They asked for any pedestrians or road users who were in the vicinity of High Street in Westport between 1.00am and 2.00am on Saturday and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) to make this available.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station, they said.
Voting in a Garda Representative Association (GRA) motion of no confidence in Garda Commissioner Drew Harris by rank-and-file gardai closes tomorrow, with up to 80pc of officers casting a vote in an unprecedented level of return.

The GRA, which represents the vast majority of the force, invited over 10,800 garda members to vote on whether they had confidence in Mr Harris. Officers received their postal vote over four weeks ago.

The deadline for a response is 5pm tomorrow and it was a single item ballot, which asked: Do you have confidence in the garda commissioner?

It is the first time in the history of An Garda Siochana that there has been a ballot of confidence in a garda commissioner. The vote mainly stems from unhappiness among gardai to proposed changes to the garda roster.

The ballots are to be returned to independent accountants in Dublin, who will begin counting the votes and responses on Tuesday morning.

The results will be reported to the GRA on Wednesday, and they will in turn inform Garda HQ and the Minister for Justice of the result.

The GRAs central executive committee has scheduled a press conference to discuss the outcome of the vote for Wednesday when general secretary of the GRA, Ronan Slevin, and president, Brendan OConnor, will discuss the results.

Then, a fortnight later on September 27, the GRA has convened a special delegates conference for 160 of its elected representatives nationwide.

At this meeting, the delegates will discuss what action, if any, will be taken in response to the outcome of the vote. The 160 delegates will have had time to consult with the gardai they represent, leading to motions being put to the floor for a vote at the conference.

While the ballots have yet been opened, well-placed sources within the GRA say that indications from its membership suggest that the vast majority of rank and file gardai have voted no.

The expectation is that it will be a resounding no in terms of confidence in Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, though not a single ballot has been opened yet.

"If it was only a slim no, the GRA leadership would come under pressure, because it would show it is not in touch with its members. But that is not expected to be the case, said a well-placed source in the representative body.

If the GRA returns a vote of no confidence in the commissioner, the proposal would have no legal force. Gardai are not permitted to strike.

However, they could vote to implement a work-to-rule action, which would see them refuse voluntary overtime and to take calls outside of their working hours, which has the potential to have a significant impact on policing.

It is widely expected to be a resounding result of no confidence. Whatever way you look at it, this is a very bad look for Commissioner Harris, added a separate GRA source.

Harris has described the unprecedented vote as an extraordinary thing and a very unnecessary step.

He said it will resolve none of the issues which lie behind the vote  including the central issue: a dispute about gardai returning to a pre-pandemic roster which requires members work six days in a row, instead of the current four days.

Harris has said he will be staying in his role, regardless of the vote.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said she has full confidence in the garda commissioner.
Dublin poet looked elsewhere for help and was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease

A Dublin man who waited four years for a hospital referral to treat an aggressive mouth cancer believes he would be dead had he not sought help elsewhere.

James Mooney, a poet and podcaster who is best known online as The Wandering Paddy, presented to his GP in the summer of 2019 complaining of a sore throat after he found a lump on his neck.

He said the GP examined him, became concerned and urged him to go to hospital immediately.

I was in serious pain, Mr Mooney said. The back of my throat was white and red. I learned later that the discolouration was the cancer cells and where they were at that stage.

This happened really quickly. The cancer I had was very aggressive. It started out as a sore throat and later looked like mumps.

Mr Mooney went to Tallaght University Hospitals emergency department, was processed there and saw a doctor who was also concerned about his symptoms.

The doctor referred him to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinic. He was told to go home and wait for an appointment notification.

As the days and weeks passed, an appointment was not forthcoming. Mr Mooneys concern deepened. He went back to his GP who again referred him to the hospital.

They said there was already a referral in the system and I would be contacted, Mr Mooney said.

It would be four years before he heard from the hospitals ENT clinic again. Last month, Mr Mooney said he received two letters from the hospital. One was for an appointment at the ENT clinic on September 2. The other was for a duplicated appointment on September 9.

He presented for the first of these appointments believing it was in relation to a separate health issue.

I was told we are doing the follow-up for your 2019 A&E visit when you presented with a sore throat. I said it wasnt just a sore throat  it was cancer. Id be dead if I hadnt done something about it myself.

Mr Mooney has made a formal complaint about the delays and indicated a willingness to engage with the hospital about how his case was handled, he said. He is glad he did not wait for a referral from Tallaght and sought help elsewhere.

By October 2019, with his symptoms getting worse, Mr Mooney presented to another GP. The GP was able to get a doctor at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin to examine him.

He was diagnosed with an aggressive mouth cancer and by the end of that month underwent a biopsy. A few weeks later, he had further surgery. By the time he underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in early 2020, Mr Mooney had lymph nodes removed from the side of his neck, underwent a tonsillectomy and lost part of the back of his tongue.

A spokeswoman for Tallaght University Hospital said it could not comment on individual cases but did say its ENT service is very busy with a large number of referrals. A shortage of specialists in the area is a factor in how cases are managed.

When a referral is received, it is triaged based on the available information, she said. The referral will be added to the urgent or routine waiting list. GPs can submit additional information on a patient which will prompt a review and reprioritisation as appropriate.

Where wait times are long, patients are contacted at regular intervals through a validation process where they can confirm if the appointment is still required as they may have received treatment elsewhere or the issue [may have been] resolved. When a patient confirms that they still require an appointment, one will be issued, or if declined the appointment slot will be offered to someone else.

Mr Mooney said he did not receive communications at regular intervals. While he has been free of cancer since undergoing treatment, he feels the delays in his care contributed to him having worse outcomes. He suffers with chronic pain that needs to be managed and has been left with scar tissue.

My life is irreversibly changed, he said. If I had that initial referral, it would not have spread to my lymph nodes. I wouldnt have needed the level of radiotherapy I needed and would not be left with the damage I have now.

I could be dead. I am glad to be alive and I am lucky, but only because a GP was able to refer me to someone he knew and said I have a patient who needs urgent investigation, can you take a look?.
Parents have been forced to travel to Spain to fill childs prescription

He is severely autistic, as well as potentially schizophrenic, and is so unmanageable right now that the Wexford-based family is in crisis, according to his mother.

This follows years of systematic neglect by the health services. Ms Dore-Geraghty says her family is at breaking point, with no State support to deal with her increasingly volatile son. His behaviour is so violent that the mother of three is currently staying elsewhere with her younger children, while her husband and his father remain with Harrison in the family home.

The couple hope his behaviour stabilises to the point where the family all feel safe sleeping under the same roof again soon. But unless Harrison receives the urgent help he needs, his future is bleak, Ms Dore-Geraghty believes.

As sad as it is to say, we feel this child, our child, is on a trajectory that is going to be a threat to life and society if he does not receive the appropriate care in his younger years, she said.

He is inevitably someone who will be required to be housed within some level of state care setting, be it residential, detention or prison, the longer time goes on. It is just horrific. This is my child, a child I love. But Im also scared of him.

Audrey Dore Geraghty and her son Harrison from Rosslare, Co Wexford. Photo: Patrick Browne

I am at a family members place with my six-year-old son and 13-week-old daughter. I have been going to see Harrison every day with the other children, but thats because my husband and his father are there. If I was on my own, I would be terrified he would attack me, but Im mostly concerned for the other two kids. My husband Huw can restrain him, [but] I cant anymore.

Harrison Geraghty-Anthony was diagnosed with autism shortly before he turned three. Over the next couple of years his parents, who are dentists, made attempts to access State supports. They found services so lacking they paid for private therapy. Then Dublin-based, they sent Harrison to an autism-specialised pre-school, where he was a huge challenge to staff, according to his mother.

When he was five, Harrison was referred to a private psychiatrist and prescribed ADHD medication. But when the medic retired, his parents found it difficult to find another psychiatrist  either public or private  to take him on.

It was 2020, during the pandemic, and they realised their Dublin home was no longer suitable for Harrison. His intense screaming episodes were disturbing the neighbours and they chose to move to Rosslare, Co Wexford, three years ago.

Harrison got a place in the autism unit at Kilrane National School in Rosslare. Audrey praised the school and its staff but it wasnt long before his behaviour became so problematic that he had to be kept almost completely segregated.

Harrison Geraghty-Anthony was diagnosed with autism shortly before he turned three. Photo: Patrick Browne

It became clear to his parents that unless his behaviour improved, he would be unable to stay at the school. Unable to find a psychiatrist who would treat Harrison in the short term, the couple were forced to look abroad. They found a Spanish psychiatrist and the medication she prescribed helped.

The school became able to manage Harrison with greater ease and life improved. But the couple ran into difficulties renewing medication in Ireland, meaning they have to travel to Spain to fill his prescription. Towards the end of this summer, Harrisons eyes began to roll in their sockets. Identified as a potential reaction to the medication, his parents were advised to cease it. This led to explosive outbursts. He was put on a different drug, with little success.

Things went from bad to worse when he was admitted to Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) in Crumlin and underwent surgery for a suspected septic hip. He remained in hospital for three weeks and was discharged just 10 days ago.

In the last week at the hospital he hit and kicked most of the nurses who attended him, said Ms Dore-Geraghty. We grew increasingly anxious and worried about him and at how strong he is. He kicked walls, beds, windows, threw items around the room and at us and suffered severe screaming meltdowns multiple times a day.

The couple decide to discharge Harrison. They hoped he might settle better at home, but so far he has not. He has a hospital prescription for psychiatric medication for the next couple of months. After that, one of them expects to have to travel to Malaga again.

CHI attempted to refer Harrison to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) in Wexford, as well as a childrens disability service, but neither could accept him as he does not have a verified intellectual disability. As a consequence, he cannot access local psychiatric services.

At a minimum, we require urgent respite services, his mother added. Urgent for the sake of the younger childrens lives and our mental health. We are all prisoners in our own home and the other children are suffering terribly. We are scared in our own home of our nine-year-old, who we know is only going to get bigger and stronger.

When asked a series of questions about the concerns outlined by Harrisons mother, a spokesperson for HSE/South East Community Healthcare said it was aware of the childs case but could not comment specifically.

They said: At this time, our staff and the families we support are coping with waiting times and staffing shortages which mean that often our service falls short of what people and families expect, and what our staff would want to deliver. Because of a limited pool of qualified and experienced staff, many of our teams are working with fewer members than they need [We] regret where there is an extensive waiting time for an assessment or for supports and therapies that would help children and their family.
The 66 year old, a suspect in the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier (39), said he feared that the stress of being wrongly associated with the crime for 26 years had finally taken its toll on his health

The writer said he wanted people to know that if he didnt pull through, he was an innocent man and did not kill Sophie. Photo: Mark Condren

Ian Bailey vowed that "there is life in the old dog yet" as he confirmed he had suffered two suspected heart attacks and was being treated in the cardiac unit of a Cork hospital.

The 66 year old, a suspect in the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier (39), said he feared that the stress of being wrongly associated with the crime for 26 years had finally taken its toll on his health.

"My life has been a torture over recent years - I honestly don't know how I endured it. It felt at times like I was being bonfired," he said.

"I suppose all of this has to catch up on my health."

But the Manchester-born poet and freelance journalist said he was "overwhelmed" with the care he had received in Bantry General Hospital - and was hopeful of making a full recovery once he is able to undergo treatment.

"But I feel like I am running on 25pc power at the moment," he said.

"I am very ill and fear I am running out of time. The doctors have not been able to operate because of existing health issues I have."

"I have some kind of heart issue but at the moment they cant put stents in. I just want people to know that if I dont pull through, I am an innocent man and did not kill Sophie.

Mr Bailey said he had not felt well for some time.

He had completed a podcast biography over the spring and summer as well as doing a virtual poetry performance for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The poet was working on other projects when, last weekend, he suddenly fell ill with severe chest pains.

"I took a heart attack on Sunday and then Monday and was initially treated in Bantry hospital. The care I have received in both hospitals (Cork University Hospital) has been outstanding, he said.

"I feel really weak at the moment and do not know what the future holds. The medical team is doing their best for me and I really appreciate it. Each and everyone of them are stars. I have been overwhelmed with support.

"I had been suffering from extreme stress and anxiety for weeks now caused by the whole Sophie case plus the prospect of being kicked out of my home."

Sophie Toscan du Plantier

"There is nothing worse than being accused of something you did not do. The pressure of losing your home and homelessness is also very very difficult to deal with."

"I did not feel well at all and then it all came to a head. I felt very weak and felt like I was going to die. Thankfully I got to the hospital in time and they were able to treat me."

Mr Bailey - who is also a law graduate - has successfully fought extradition to France three times since 2010 over the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier (39). He has consistently protested his innocence in relation to the December 23, 1996, killing of the French mother of one at her west Cork holiday home. Mr Bailey was twice arrested by gardai in relation to the investigation in 1997 and 1998 but was released without charge on both occasions. The Director of Public Prosecutions ruled that he did not have a case to answer. But he was convicted in absentia by a French court of the killing in 2019 - despite repeatedly claiming that attempts were made to frame him for the crime. The French court imposed a 25-year prison term. The poet, formerly of Liscaha, Schull, Co Cork, but currently living in Bantry, described the Paris proceedings as "a farce" and "a show trial.
Professor Maurice Whelan, who has died at the age of 84, was a distinguished academic and an innovator in the Irish technology sector. Recognition of his many achievements included being made an Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau, presented by the Dutch government in 1995 for his role in establishing strong business links between the Netherlands and Ireland. In 1999 he was conferred with an honorary doctorate by Dublin City University and he received the University College Cork distinguished alumni award in 2003.

Maurice Vincent Whelan was born on September 5, 1938, at Ennistymon, Co Clare, a son of bank manager James Whelan and his solicitor wife Neeta (nee OHalloran). He received his secondary education at St Finbarrs College, Farranferris, in Cork city, and graduated from UCC with an electrical engineering degree in 1960. Having received a scholarship, he went on to do his masters degree at the prestigious California Institute of Technology, better known as Caltech. He also received a masters degree at UCC in 1964 and a PhD at the University of Eindhoven in 1968, and he was a Fellow of Trinity College Dublin.

He declined the opportunity to work in the sector in California and moved to the Netherlands to be close to his beloved Christine, whom he had met when she was an au pair in Ireland. He took up a position with Philips Research Centre, the Nat Lab, in 1962. He worked in Philips Research for 14 years, before moving to Philips Consumer Electronics for another four years.

He completed his PhD, putting it forward in the process in fluent Dutch. Christine and himself got married and started a family. They moved to Ireland in 1981, where Maurice took up a position as Professor of Microelectronics in Trinity College, making the switch from industry to academia. He established programmes with other universities in the Netherlands, France and Italy, as well as an important link with Philips Research in Eindhoven to provide potential career opportunities for some of his students.

In a renewed focus on industry, he established Silicon and Software Systems (S3) in 1986, which was the genesis of S3 Group, S3 TV Technology, S3 Semiconductors and S3 Connected Health. In the words of Midas Ireland when it presented him with a lifetime achievement award in 2017: Professor Whelan played a crucial role in establishing Irelands leadership position in electronics internationally.

Whelan himself recalled: In those economically depressed days of the mid-1980s, Ireland was educating and then immediately exporting many of its best talent to foreign fields. A turning point was reached in 1985 when Philips chartered an entire Boeing 737 to bring 126 engineering graduates for interviews and job offers in the Netherlands.

It was then that I decided to make a difference in my own area of engineering in Ireland. I went to Philips with a compelling proposition  instead of bringing all those Irish engineers over to the Netherlands, why not set up a suitable environment and infrastructure in Ireland for these engineers to remain and thrive at home?

As his daughter, Deirdre, a former co-host of RTEs Home Of The Year series, said: Over 1,000 engineers passed through his company in Ireland, with many more in Poland, the Czech Republic, US, Portugal and elsewhere. Many others learned from him and, from that, many other companies started here too.

Prof Whelan lived for many years in Delgany, Co Wicklow, before moving back to the Netherlands. He passed away peacefully on August 11 at the Fleuriade nursing home complex in Eindhoven, where he spent the last eight months of his life.

In a tribute on Rip.ie, S3 colleague John OBrien wrote: Maurice was an amazing person, from the first second I met him at my S3 job interview in 1988 I was bowled over by his kindness, non-stop enthusiasm for everything and his intelligence. He created a very special place in S3 where young engineers could flourish in Ireland, doing world-class work in a brilliant and supportive environment.

Predeceased by his first wife Christine (nee Evers) and his brothers Aidan and Dermot, he is survived by his second wife Tonn, children Deirdre, Siobhan and Dermot, sons-in-law Paul and Brian, daughter in-law Paula, stepchildren Kim and Dorrit, his cherished grandchildren and his siblings Enda, Amelia, Mike, Barbara and Philippa, along with his extended family, friends and associates.

A funeral held on August 19 at Veldhoven in the Netherlands was followed by cremation. On September 2, a well-attended requiem mass took place at St Patricks Church, Kilquade, Co Wicklow.
The Irish Prison Service is spending around 320,000 at three jails on a graphic design project to try and lift the mundane and dreary atmosphere in prison yards and landings.

The wall graphics are intended to brighten up the most austere areas of Castlerea Prison in Roscommon, Cloverhill in Dublin, as well as Cork Prison.

The decorations include inspiring quotes intended to lift the mood of prisoners and staff, as well as photos of nature and iconic snaps of crowds in Croke Park and the Sam Maguire being hoisted in front of Hill 16.

Quotes such as Every day is a chance to be better were suggested

The prison service said the impetus for the project had been a number of murals that were painted at a number of locations at Castlerea Prison.

It said this had been received with great interest, appreciation and praise by the prison population, staff, and by visitors to the jail.

They were intended to provide a softer and brighter interior according to a business case prepared by prison officials. It said the murals had even helped improve relations between prison officers and inmates, acting as focal points and thought-provoking instruments that led to better communications at Castlerea.

The business case said the expansion of the project to include graphics would lead to prison yards and halls becoming enlightened and softened, with a positive effect on the mental health and wellbeing of everybody at the prison.

The project, which cost just under 72,000, would also help further brighten and soften the sometimes-austere persona of the prison building.

The business case added: The D Division needs this sense of invigoration, life and illumination and all the positive benefits associated with the stimulating graphics. The recreation yards and halls are equally in need of an uplift.

Listed as constraints for the project were that it would have to take place at night, meaning a prison officer would be required to escort contractors.

Extra security and vigilance will be needed, it added. Tools and machinery will also need to be monitored during these times.

Example graphics included landscape photos of Ireland, with a currach and Kylemore Abbey featuring in two of them. Inspirational quotes such as Every day is a chance to be better and Dont be afraid to start over. Its a chance to build something better were also put forward as part of the design.

A similar project at Cloverhill Prison in West Dublin was expected to cost in the region of 105,000, according to records released under FOI.

Suggested quotes for the Dublin jail included No one is you, that is your power! Another said The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

A business case for it said: The current inner confines in specific areas of the prison are drab and stale looking. The circle area requires a new, but different way of providing a different ambiance and feelgood factor.

It said Cloverhills D2 landing was particularly important because it housed prisoners of a vulnerable nature, who suffer from mental-health issues, and do not mix with the general population.

This landing needs a bespoke feel and needs this sense of invigoration, life and illumination and all the positive benefits associated with the stimulating graphics, said the business case.

A third project at Cork Prison was budgeted at tender stage at around 142,500 and featured graphics of science, education, and spiralling trees. A suggested inspirational quote was The future starts today, not tomorrow.

The business case also explained how with graphics placed at the front area of the jail, it would provide a positive first impression of the prison.

A prison service spokesman said: An important part of providing equivalence of mental-health care is the provision of whole population preventative approaches, often witnessed in the community.

The Prison Service have commenced a program of upgrades to enhance the aesthetics of the exercise yards in a number of prisons across the estate. The Irish Prison Service intends to rollout this program across the entire prison estate.
He is bringing us some happiness at this very difficult time, says heartbroken uncle of five-year-old Reyansh

The brother of an Indian woman who was stabbed to death in Cork during the summer is now raising her only child as his own.

Ullas Dinamani came to Ireland following his sister Deepa Dinamanis death and has now returned to India with his nephew, five-year-old Reyansh, who is settling well into his life there.

When he is older, he will have questions about what happened to his mother, but for now we are just trying to make sure he is happy and well looked-after, Mr Dinamani said from his home in Kerala. He loved his mother very, very much. They were extremely close.

Deepa Dinamani (38) was found stabbed to death on July 14 in her home in Cardinal Court in Wilton, on the southside of Cork city. Her 41-year-old husband, Regin Parithapara Rajan, remains in custody charged with her murder.

Ullas Dinamani is two years younger than his late sister, his only sibling, who was also his best friend.

He said he will never forget the phone call from gardai in Cork telling him of his sisters death.

He had to wait 10 days before he could fly to Ireland to see his nephew and take his sisters remains back home for a Hindu funeral service followed by cremation.

The priority was to get to Ireland as soon as I could to be with my nephew, because he was all alone with no family and staying with foster parents arranged by Tusla, Mr Dinamani said.

He was 1,600km away from his own parents in India when gardai phoned.

Two days after my sister died, I got the call. I couldnt believe it, but then I had to, he said. I was visiting my wifes family and we had driven there because we brought our two dogs  the animals could not fly. It took me another two days to drive back to my parents to be with them. It was such a difficult journey.

The priority was to get to Ireland as soon as possible, and after a number of days he secured a visa and arrived on July 28, a fortnight after his sisters death.

I cant even remember the journey to Ireland. All I wanted to do was see my nephew. When I got there, a social worker took me to see him. He looked very different. He had clearly been going through a very hard time with what had happened, he said.

He is such a nice kid, such a great boy. He is a shy boy, but I had never seen him shy around me, we are very close.

He had been through such a difficult thing, the loss of his mother. We just needed to get him home to be with his family.

Asked how his nephew is doing since his return to India, Mr Dinamani said he is coping a lot better.

He is much happier now, being with his grandparents and myself and my wife and in the house he grew up in, the house his mother bought and always intended to return to.

I am now raising him, with my wife, and my parents live beside us too, which is traditional in India, for children to look after their parents.

Me and my sister, we used to have discussions. I would say, There is one kid in the family, that is enough. My wife and I had decided not to have children, our dogs are like our children. Now, with my sister gone, my nephew is our child and we will raise him. We feel lucky. He is a great boy. He is bringing us some happiness at this very difficult time.

Mr Dinamani said his parents are struggling with the loss of their only daughter, and his mother, in particular, remains in deep mourning.

She still misses her so much. Not a day passes where she does not weep, he said. Like me, she would speak to Deepa almost every day. What bothers my parents is that it was not a natural death.

The thought that she might have suffered, that is very hard. But there is nothing we can do to change the past. Reyansh, he is keeping us happy.

Deepa Dinamani

Deepa moved to Cork last April with her husband and son to begin work as a senior funds manager at Alter Domus in Cork Airport Business Park. Mr Dinamani said his sister was very happy in Ireland, as was his nephew.

What can I say about my sister  she was an amazing lady. She was kind, caring, hard-working and compassionate, and she was a really wonderful mother. She was very organised, very ambitious, he said.

She was happy for the opportunity to move to Ireland for this good job she secured. She knew it was a great opportunity for her son too, to experience a different way of life and culture. She knew the education system for him was good in Ireland. And he had adapted really well. He had only been there a few months, but he had begun school and had made friends.

Mr Dinamani said he received so much support and help from the people of Ireland, the Indian community in Cork and nationwide, as well as Alter Domus, even before he arrived from India.

More than 25,000 was raised on an iDonate page to pay for his sisters repatriation to India and his travelling costs.

I just want to thank all of the many people in Ireland who helped us out so much, with getting to Ireland and all of the things I needed to arrange when I was there. I appreciate the kindness from the bottom of my heart and my family will never forget it, he said, adding that he hopes to return to Ireland one day.

I would like to come back. It might help give some closure around what happened to my sister.
We will witness a unique astronomical phenomenon in the fall. An incredible solar eclipse will take place in the sky.

ADVERTISIMENT

Ring-shaped eclipse "ring of fire" will pass along a path of about 200 kilometers, which extends from the northwestern United States through Central America to Brazil. The details were revealed by Space.

When the eclipse can be observed

The annular solar eclipse is only a month away. It will take place on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

The Moon does not completely cover the Sun, it leaves a thin outer line visible, which is often called the "ring of fire".

The Moon's orbit around Earth is a flattened circle or ellipse. Sometimes the satellite is closer to Earth or at perigee, and sometimes it is farther away or at apogee. Blackouts occur during the new moon phase. During total solar eclipses, the Moon is close to Earth, and the completely dark lunar disk is large enough to cover the entire Sun.

Ring-shaped obscurations occur when the Moon is at apogee. The satellite is farther away during this period, so visually it appears slightly smaller in the sky. This means that the lunar disk does not completely cover the Sun and does not result in a total eclipse.

ADVERTISIMENT

Will it be possible to see the eclipse in Ukraine

Residents of the USA, some Central American countries, Colombia and Brazil will be able to observe the blackout. If weather conditions are appropriate, some regions outside the path of the "ring of fire" will also be able to see a partial solar eclipse, including Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

During the annular eclipse on October 14, the Moon will cover 91% of the Sun, and the "ring of fire" will be visible on a strip of 190-220 kilometers.

Ukrainians will be able to see the astronomical phenomenon only online. NASA will hold a live broadcast, which will begin on October 14 at 15:30 GMT (18:30 Kyiv time).

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier OBOZREVATEL reported that scientists have found a likely place of accumulation of dark matter and explained why it does not bode well.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL channels on Telegram and Viber to be aware of the latest events.
EXCLUSIVE | Youre just talking s***: Explosive interview with Sean Quinn as he hits out at so-called lies

The former billionaires new book tells his side of events at his former firms. He wanted to talk, but not to journalist Maeve Sheehan. Even so, he relented, invited her into his lakeside home  then told her what he thought about her

The moment Sean Quinn abruptly ends his interview with the Sunday Independent's Maeve Sheehan

Maeve Sheehan Sun 10 Sep 2023 at 09:00

After multiple interviews, an RTE documentary called Quinn Country, plus a follow-up book by Trevor Birney, the documentarys director, Sean Quinn has published the story he says the media refused to publish: Sean Quinn, In My Own Words.
Pedro Sanchez is up against language difficulties in efforts to pull together a new coalition government in Spain. Catalan nationalists are demanding full EU recognition for their language as part of the price for support for the caretaker premier who is short of numbers to secure a new term following deadlocked elections in late July.
TV veteran Alastair Stewart has revealed he has been diagnosed with early onset vascular dementia (Peter Byrne/PA)

TV veteran Alastair Stewart has revealed he has been diagnosed with early onset vascular dementia.

The 71-year-old former ITV News presenter retired from regular broadcasting on GB News earlier this year after nearly five decades on air.

He hosted his final episode of Alastair Stewart And Friends, a discussion programme on GB News, in March.

Stewart left ITV in 2020, where he had presented a range of news and current affairs programmes including the evening news, lunchtime news and News At Ten, after more than 35 years with the broadcaster.

He told GB News programme The Camilla Tominey Show on Sunday: I mean, the headline story, and it is relatively dramatic, I suppose, is that about six, nine months ago, I began to feel one of my favourite words, a bit discombobulated.

I wasnt becoming forgetful but things like doing your shoelaces properly  thats how I wear these lovely moccasins now  making sure your tie was straight, remembering that the call time for your programme is four oclock and not five oclock, not turning up early or late, and stuff like that.

I then decided at my ripe old age of late 50s, early 60s, that I might have something wrong.

He added that he went to see his GP and was sent for a scan which revealed he had had a serious of minor strokes that are called infarct strokes, and led to a diagnosis of vascular dementia.

According to the NHS, the common condition is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which has symptoms including slowness of thought and problems with concentration.

Stewart said that, following the news, he moved to a contributor contract at GB News and has appeared as a commentator on major news events such as the Kings Coronation for the channel.

He added: The thing I have found most difficult to deal with, genuinely, is the impact its had on Sally, my wife. Weve been married for nearly half a century, and, you know, your life partner, your lover, all of those descriptions that are personal and intimate, that person is reduced  I choose my words very carefully  almost to a carer.

Stewart said his wife, who has worked as a production assistant, and with whom he has four children, had to make sure he was ready before appearing for the interview and that his tie was done properly.

He added: So, if you do think that theres something wrong with you, go and see the GP, listen to what he or she says.

But also do remember that the people you work with and the people you live with and share your life with are the most important people in the entire world. And they are there if youre lucky enough, as I was, to help you.

Dementia UKs senior consultant admiral nurse Victoria Lyons said they are very sorry to hear of Stewarts diagnosis and hope support is being provide to him and his family.

She added: By choosing to speak publicly about his diagnosis, Alastair will raise vital awareness of dementia and we hope that this will encourage others to seek advice if they have concerns for their brain health.

GB News presenter Gloria De Piero, Tory MP Michael Fabricant and journalist Emma Woolf all sent messages of support.

Former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips recently said she has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, and the family of American actor Bruce Willis have revealed he has frontotemporal dementia.

Phillips, 62, said in July that she hopes her involvement in clinical trials will be a step towards defeating Alzheimers, telling the Daily Mirror: I cant just lie down and accept it.

Kate Lee, chief executive of Alzheimers Society, said: We are so sorry to hear that Alastair Stewart has been diagnosed with dementia and our thoughts are with him and his family.

She added that speaking so candidly can help others understand the condition which devastates lives.

Alastair Stewart was named Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2004 (Ian West/PA)

During his career, Stewart has covered stories such as the Beslan school siege in Russia, the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany, and various royal weddings.

He was named Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2004 and two years later was made an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity.

He started his career in 1976 at ITVs Southern Television in Southampton, where he served as a general reporter, industrial correspondent, presenter and documentary-maker.

In 1980 he joined ITN as industrial correspondent and a decade later became Washington correspondent.

He went on to anchor ITNs coverage of the first Gulf War and became the first UK TV reporter to broadcast live from the liberated Kuwait City.

Stewart has also chaired debates with political figures, including Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg ahead of the 2010 General Election for ITV, and for GB News when Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss were bidding for the Conservative Party leadership.
Actress Sarah Lancashire, who won the special recognition gong at this years National Television Awards, has revealed she has brain fog due to the most terrible menopause (Lucy North/PA)

Sarah Lancashire has revealed she has brain fog due to the most terrible menopause.

The 58-year-old actress was given the special recognition gong at the National Television Awards (NTAs) last week for her body of work, including roles in Coronation Street, Last Tango In Halifax, and Happy Valley.

Lancashire told The Mail on Sunday: Im having the most terrible menopause. Ive got brain fog.

I was in Sainsburys the other day, and I found myself just stood there in the aisle and could not remember what I was there for. It just comes over you all of a sudden.

I cant remember things that happened 30 years ago either.

James Norton, Rhys Connah and Siobhan Finneran all starred in Happy Valley alongside Sarah Lancashire (Danny Lawson/PA)

Previous recipients of the special recognition award include Doctor Whos David Tennant, comedian Sir Lenny Henry, and journalist David Dimbleby.

Lancashire also spoke of her struggles with the heat and needing two fans pretty much on my face the whole time at the awards ceremony.

I brought one of my closest friends with me and his job was to keep an eye out for the cameras and if it looked like they were going to pan across to us, then hed let me know so I could hide them, she said.

At Londons O2 on Tuesday, she also won the award for best drama performance for her role as no-nonsense West Yorkshire police sergeant Catherine Cawood in gritty crime drama Happy Valley, which ended earlier this year after three seasons.

Both series one and two won Baftas for best drama series and writing, and earned Lancashire a leading actress award for the second series.

The show, which began in 2014, follows Catherine as she grieves for her daughter, Becky, who took her own life, and raises her grandson, Ryan, played by Rhys Connah, born as a result of Becky being raped by Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton), who becomes Catherines nemesis.
I am a gay man in my 60s and am very happily married to a wonderful man, who I met 14 years ago and married (abroad) 10 years ago. He has sons and grandsons, and his extended family have always welcomed me with open arms.

My issue, such as it is, is that I was an only child, who was expected to be at my parents beck and call all the time, especially after I retired. My parents lived 150km away from me and I ended up spending three days a week with them, organising everything. Both my parents passed away within the last two years, without ever acknowledging my relationship or marriage.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

Scientists at Bangor University are carrying out research on powering rockets and developing the fuels required for supporting life on the Moon.

Bangor University is leading one of eight projects funded by the UK Space Agency to revolutionise our ability to journey deeper into space  and even travel to Mars.

The research will make space travel both safer and more efficient, using remote technologies and supplies found in space to sustain astronauts and spacecraft, the university said in a statement.

Bangor University research, led by Dr Phylis Makurunje, will use additive manufacturing techniques to create nuclear-based fuels for space propulsion. Such stable nuclear fuel systems are vital to enabling deep space missions.

The new processes being developed by scientists from Bangors Nuclear Futures Institute will enable the development and manufacture of various fuel configurations and designs that cannot be easily realised by conventional manufacturing methods.

Professor in Nuclear Materials and Co-director of the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University, Simon Middleburgh said: This project will harness the expertise in nuclear fuels which we have within the Nuclear Futures Institute and apply it to one of the most exciting applications possible: space exploration.

"On the moon and on planetary bodies that have day and night, we can no longer rely on the Sun for energy and therefore must design systems such as the small micro-reactor to sustain life.

"Nuclear power is the only way we currently have to provide the power for that length of space travel. The fuel must be extremely robust and survive the forces of launch and then be dependable for many years.

"This challenge is being met by excellent scientists and engineers at the Nuclear Futures Institute, but more will be required over the coming years and we hope that the new Engineering programme at the university will provide a wealth of exciting opportunities for students who wish to apply themselves in these exciting areas of research and development.

India Chandrayaa-3 lunar mission recently tasted success when Vikram lander made a soft landing on the south pole of Moon at 6.04 PM IST on August 23.

India became the fourth nation after the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.
Image Source: YouTube videograb

Washington: Dennis Austin, who co-created PowerPoint presentation application, breathed his last at his home in Los Altos, California on September 1, at the age of 76.

Washington Post reported that his son, Michael Austin, said that his father was suffering from lung cancer that had spread to his brain.

He was born in Pittsburgh on May 28, 1947.

Austin studied engineering at MIT and UC Santa Barbara and joined the software company Forethought as a software developer and co-developed Powerpoint.

According to The Washington Post, the company released the software in 1987, and Microsoft bought it after a few months for $14 million.

Austin was PowerPoint's main developer from 1985 to 1996 when he superannuated.

PowerPoint earned huge popularity and by 1993 it generated over $100 million in sales.

Microsoft integrated PowerPoint into its suite of Office programs, including Word.

The report said more than 30 million presentations are created every day on PowerPoint.

The software is used by corporate executives, business schools, professors and military generals.
In image Chandrababu Naidu being arrested/ courtesy: Videograb

Hyderabad/IBNS: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , who was produced in a Vijayawada Anti-Corruption Bureau court on Sunday morning after his arrest, told the court that he has been falsely implicated for political gains.

Citing technicalities under statutory provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and claiming there is no "well-founded accusation" against him, Naidu requested that the court reject the remand report submitted by the prosecuting agency.

The former Andhra Pradesh CM was arrested on the charge of misusing funds from AP Skill Development.

The alleged offences relate to a policy decision taken and approved by the state cabinet, making it a decision of the state government, which, therefore, can't be questioned by initiating criminal proceedings, Supreme Court lawyer Siddarth Luthra, who is representing Naidu along with a team of advocates, submitted.

The Rs. 360 crore which is in contention was allocated to the Department of Skill Entrepreneurship and Innovation by the state government, and incorporated into the 2015-16 state budget, he said, adding that the same was voted by the Legislature and hence it can't be questioned by initiating criminal proceedings.

"No role has been attributed to the accused in the official complaint and the police's remand report on siphoning the funds," Luthra argued.

The First Information Report registered on December 9, 2021, also has no allegation against Mr Naidu, he said.
Agartala: A day after BJPs landslide victory in the by-elections to two assembly seats in Tripura, the CPI-M Politburo reiterated its demand of countermanding the by-polls in Boxanagar and Dhanpur in the Sepahijala district, alleging mass rigging.

Six months ago, in the assembly elections, the BJP conceded the Boxanagar seat to CPI-M candidate Samsul Haque by a margin of about 5,000 votes when the voter turnout was 89.33 percent.

In the by-election, the polling percentage reduced marginally to 89.2 percent, but the BJP candidate won the seat by a margin of over 30,000 votes, which indicates large-scale rigging, the party said.

In 2023, BJP candidate Pratima Bhoumik won the Dhanpur assembly seat in a multi-cornered fight by a margin of about 3500 votes, but in the by-elections, BJP candidate Bindu Debnath won the seat by a margin of over 18000 votesan unusual instance in a direct fight between the BJP and CPI-M, Politburo member and former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar claimed.

"In Boxanagar constituency, the BJP won, securing 89 percent of votes polled, and 71 percent in Dhanpur constituencythese are unprecedented in the election history of Tripura. After having lost Boxanagar seat to the CPI-M in the February elections, it is impossible for the BJP to secure 89 percent votes except through large-scale rigging," Sarkar argued.

The results vindicate the apprehensions raised by CPI-M and justify the demand for countermanding them and holding fresh polls under strict supervision, and The Election Commission of India must review the results and the footage run on social media about how BJP cadres have looted the vote in both constituencies with the help of local administration and police, he said.

CPM state secretary Jitendra Choudhury said unless the ECI recognises the facts, there will be a question mark on its neutrality and independence.

People still have faith in the ECI and the courts even after the Narendra Modi-led government destroyed all democratic institutions for the BJPs narrow interests. If an organisation like ECI doesnt stand with the truth, where will it lead Indias democracy? he said.

(With UNI inputs)
Image Courtesy: twitter.com/narendramodi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday ended the G20 summit with Swasti Astu Vishwa -- a prayer which means "let there be peace in the world" as he handed over the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, marking the ceremonial transfer of the G20 presidency.

The next G20 chair Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva commended India for lending voice to concerns of emerging economies.

India passes the gavel to Brazil.



We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity.



India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial pic.twitter.com/twaN577XZv  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

"Yesterday, we had wide-ranging discussions in the 'One Earth, One Family' sessions. I am satisfied that today the G20 has become a platform for optimistic efforts regarding the vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future," PM Modi said in his closing remarks today.

Shared my thoughts during Session 3 of the G20 Summit. This Session focussed on the theme of One Future. Emphasised on the need of the hour being to look beyond the idea of a Global Village and make the vision of Global Family a reality. pic.twitter.com/KcypGXdLsP  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Congratulating PM Modi, Lula da Silva enumerated the top prioritiessocial inclusion, the battle against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development as G20 priorities.

Presidente Lula participa do encerramento da Cupula do G20 https://t.co/iJ2VBu7wZ2  Lula (@LulaOficial) September 10, 2023

He emphasised the need for reforming the UN Security Council, with new developing countries as permanent, non-permanent members to strengthen them politically.

"We want greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF," he said.

The Summit recognised the need to end the "global trust deficit", start of the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the of new logistics networks between the US, India, Saudi Arabia, and Gulf states.

Earlier thought to be difficult by several quarters, including the US, India managed to draw a consensus despite disagreement over references to Russias aggression on Ukraine. The New Delhi Declaration appealed to the nations to respect the territorial integrity and international humanitarian law to safeguard peace and stability.

"We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability," the declaration said.

China and Russia, whose heads of state were not present at the Summit, also agreed with the Delhi declaration.

However, Ukraine expressed disappointment over the declaration, saying it was "nothing to be proud of" as the declaration avoided condemning Russia for the war in Ukraine even as it called on all countries to not use force to grab territory.

Ukraine's foreign ministry said that a Ukrainian presence would have given the members of the grouping a better view of the situation.

The G20 bloc represents 85 percent of the world's GDP and contributes 80 percent of emissions.

The African Union was added to G20, increasing the presence and representation of the global south on the world stage.

Before the end of the sessions today, the visiting delegates and heads of the states paid homage to Mahatma Gandhis memorial at Rajghat in Delhi.
Volunteer security patrols to protect the city against UAV attacks appeared in the Pskov region of the Russian Federation. With the help of the so-called volunteers, the aggressor will try to protect the Kresty air base from further attacks.

ADVERTISIMENT

The use of civilians as patrols probably indicates a lack of trained personnel in Russia. This is reported by the UK military intelligence on X, formerly known as Twitter.

At the initiative of the Pskov governor, about 800 citizens revealed their desire to join the patrols. It is worth noting that such an initiative followed immediately after the attack on the airfield on August 29, during which IL-76 transport planes were damaged.

British intelligence noted that the attacks on the base were probably carried out from the territory of the Russian Federation due to the limited range of UAVs.

It is now known that the so-called patrol groups will consist of 50 people divided among several municipalities. The Russians are going to patrol border areas and critical infrastructure, airports and airbases in particular.

ADVERTISIMENT

UK intelligence noted that it has proven difficult to destroy UAVs with small arms fire, so Russian forces will still need Air Defense systems with surveillance capabilities, as well as kinetic and electronic interceptors to destroy attacking drones.

On the night of August 30, explosions went off in several regions of the Russian Federation at once, including the Pskov, Bryansk, Kaluga, Orel, Ryazan, Tula and Moscow regions. Russians were furious at the Defense Ministry's claims about the "effective work" of Air Defense. Russians were particularly shocked by a "firework show" at a Pskov military airfield, which destroyed several airplanes at once.

ADVERTISIMENT

On the night of September 1, Pskov complained about the attack of UAVs again. Residents reported the sounds of explosions and shooting. Russian propagandists said that an unknown object that was allegedly "flying from the Baltics" at an altitude of 1,000 meters at a speed of 120 km per hour was spotted in the sky shortly before that.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, a unique video of a special operation in the Russian Pskov, where 2 Il-76s were destroyed and 2 more other aircraft were hit, appeared online. The total amount of damage inflicted on the aggressor is valued at 200 million dollars.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Photo Courtesy; Narendra Modi X page

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on Sunday spoke on the issue of pro-Khalistani elements in his country and said Ottawa will always prevent violence and push back against hatred.

He said the actions of a few people do not represent the entire community or Canada.

Trudeau said Khalistani extremism and 'foreign interference' have been discussed several times during his conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi over the years.

"Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues," he told reporters.

"Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred," the Canadian PM, who visited India to attend the G20 Summit, said.

"It is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada," he said.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Khalistan extremism and "foreign interference", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, "Both the issues came up. Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues... Canada will always defend freedom of expression, pic.twitter.com/sRYsCoEvY0  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

"The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference," he said.

Also Read: The Pannun puzzle: Chinas surprising embrace of Khalistan separatist movement

Trudeau made the remark at a time when a Hindu temple in British Columbia in Canada was desecrated with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti.

The Indian Consulate in Vancouver condemned the incident and asked Canadian authorities to investigate the matter.

"We strongly condemn the defacing of Shree Mata Bhameshwari Durga Devi Temple at Surrey with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators," the consulate posted on X.

We strongly condemn the defacing of Shree Mata Bhameshwari Durga Devi Temple at Surrey with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action against the perpetrators.  India in Vancouver (@cgivancouver) September 8, 2023

Meanwhile, Indian PM Narendra Modi said he met Trudeau and discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.

Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors. pic.twitter.com/iP9fsILWac  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

What happened in the meeting?

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties.

He conveyed India's strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.

They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomtic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.

"The nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats," read an official statement issued by the PMO India office.
Photo Courtesy: UNI

New Delhi: British PM Rishi Sunak, who visited New Delhi's Akshardham Temple, on Sunday said he is a 'proud Hindu' and his India-origin root will always help him in connecting with the country.

"I am hugely proud of my Indian roots and my connections to India ... being a proud Hindu means I will always have a connection to India and the people of India," the PM was quoted as saying in an X post by the British High Commission.

"I am hugely proud of my Indian roots and my connections to India ... being a proud Hindu means I will always have a connection to India and the people of India."



Prime Minister @RishiSunak and Mrs Murty visited Akshardham temple in New Delhi to offer prayers. pic.twitter.com/oAI2kIyqsb  UK in India (@UKinIndia) September 10, 2023

Taking a break from the G20 Summit, Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the Akshardham Temple in the national capital on Sunday.

This is Rishi Sunak's first official visit to India since becoming Britain's Prime Minister.

The security around the temple has been beefed up ahead of their visit.

Before leaving India after the completion of the summit, Sunak described the G20 meet as 'historic' and 'thanked' his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for hosting the event.

"Stronger together. Stronger united," he wrote on X.

Stronger together. Stronger united 



Thank you @narendramodi for a historic G20 and the Indian people for such a warm welcome.



From global food security to international partnerships, its been a busy but successful summit. pic.twitter.com/Bz1az3i2Xr  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) September 10, 2023

"Thank you @narendramodi for a historic G20 and the Indian people for such a warm welcome," he said.

"From global food security to international partnerships, its been a busy but successful summit," Sunak said.

Sunak met PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday and discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment.

During the bilateral talk, Sunak reiterated the UKs ambition to deliver a landmark trade deal that benefits businesses and workers in both countries and grows trade in both goods and services.
Photo courtesy: twitter.com/POTUS

New Delhi: US President Joe Biden has hailed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) launched on Saturday as a 'game-changing investment' for the US.

Emphasising the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), he underscored the US's commitment to investing in the new rail line from Angola towards the Indian Ocean.

Biden said IMEC is a critical step to increase employment generation and boost food security globally.

He forecast the term 'economic corridor' to gain prominence in the forthcoming decade.

I'm proud to announce that the U.S., India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU finalized a historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.



This project is about more than just laying tracks.

This is a game-changing regional investment. pic.twitter.com/JPbwFYcUeQ  President Biden (@POTUS) September 9, 2023



Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) with India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and the US as its members.

The corridor will provide a new direction to connectivity and sustainable development of the entire world, said PM Modi

In his remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of physical, digital, and financial connectivity. He said that IMEC would help promote economic integration between India and Europe.

Today we all have reached an important and historic partnership. In the coming times, it will be a major medium of economic integration between India, West Asia and Europe, he said. The corridor will give a new direction to connectivity and sustainable development of entire world, said PM Modi

Promoting infrastructure development and greater connectivity.



PM @narendramodi and @POTUS @JoeBiden chaired a special event on Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment & India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.



The event pic.twitter.com/senGrHk6Ul  Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) September 9, 2023

The rail and shipping corridor is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII)  an initiative of the G7 nations to fund infrastructure projects in developing nations.
Photo courtesy: twitter.com/narendramodi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a bilateral meeting on Sunday on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including the global and regional situation, the progress of the India-France strategic partnership, and ways to strengthen defence cooperation.

They reviewed the progress made since their last meeting in July 2023 in Paris and agreed to further deepen the India-France relationship.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to working together to address common challenges, including the situation in Ukraine and the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress, PM Modi posted on X, (formerly Twitter). The two leaders met over lunch.

A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress. pic.twitter.com/JDugC3995N  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023



They agreed to strengthen cooperation in defense manufacturing, joint exercises, and training.

They also discussed ways to boost cooperation in the areas of climate change, sustainable development, and space.

The meeting was a sign of the strong and growing India-France strategic partnership.

The two countries are committed to working together to address common challenges and promote peace and stability in the world.

India and France welcomed the African Union's membership to the G20 and said they would work with the AU to promote progress, prosperity, and development in Africa.

The two countries said they would work with the AU on economic development, peace and security, climate change, and health.

President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Modi on India's successful Chandrayaan 3 mission to the moon.

They recalled six decades of India-France space cooperation and examined the progress of the first Strategic Space Dialogue started in June 2023.

In the context of strong Indo-French civil nuclear ties, they noted good progress in discussions for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project.

France also reiterated its steadfast and unwavering support for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
PIB

The entire world was eagerly waiting for the outcome of the15th BRICS summit which concluded on 24 August, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The summit took place at a critical juncture when the existing global order is facing unprecedented challenges in the domain of economic integration, global governance, and geopolitics.

The frozen rivalry between the United States and China, outdated Bretton Woods institutions,ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, disruption of global supply chain system, and subsequent Western sanctions have further motivated to challenge the existing US-led so-called liberal international order.

Here, one might wonder why is there suddenly a stampede to join or show interest in BRICS.

The answer is that, over the years, BRICs has emerged as a steadily progressing group unlike other groupings, small, medium and large, with exception to ASEAN and BIMSTEC.

While the United Nations is tottering, various other regional groups in Africa have lost their sheen and are at the verge of collapse for want of cooperation among members.Against this backdrop, countries from the Global South are showing interest in joining this group currently accounting for around 27% of worlds land mass, 42% of its population and over one-fourth of the worlds GDP.

With a combined GDP of BRICS having crossed $27.6 tn. now, it has emerged as a heavyweight challenger to the G-7 which has a GDP of $ 43.78 tn. and if we add the GDP of six new entrantswhich is around $ 3.28 tn., it comes to$30.68 tn. which can present a potent danger to the existing global economic order led by the West.

This challenge will be even graver when some more aspirants join the BRICS (now BRICS+) after the summit in Russia next year.

Originally conceptualised in 2001 by a Goldman-Sachs economist Jim -o-Neil as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) as the fastest growing economies that would become the top economic giants toppling the USA from its monopoly, the group accepted the Republic of South Africa as its fifth member in 2010 perhaps at the Chinese insistence.

Now, with around 40 countries having shown their interest in Joining the grouping, eight have already formally applied for the membership while 11 others are in serious dialogues for the membership.

After much deliberation on the criteria and conditions for entry of new members (which was finalised just before the summit), the summit approved the applications of six countries-Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. which will be formally inducted in BRICs on 1st January, 2024. They all are comparatively healthy and emerging economies eager to find an alternative to the existing economic order.

Though many under-developed/ developing nations, having gradually realised the viciousness of the Chinese debt trap, are worried about the Chinese dominance, the possible de-dollarisation and low growth of western economy is slowly alienating these countries from the American dream.

Hence the new non-Dollar economic order is gaining traction. Many poor African nations have, in fact, started demanding that the western mining companies stop milking the African nations.

Though the BRICS block, formed with the objective of improving global economic situation and reforming the financial institutions in wake of the economic melt-down in the first decade of the millennium, ithas rightly been called an asymmetric block with two of its members- China and Russia-not being democracies.

However, despite these constraints, the block has achieved considerable success in various fields like most notably the formation of the New Development Bank, headquartered in Beijing and set up with contributions from the member countries, in 2014 with the aim to provide soft loans to the member countries for their developmental needs.

Simultaneously, the members of bloc were trimming their US holdings and by the end of the same year, China trimmed it to US$ 1.25 tn while Brazil, India and South Africa had reduced their US holdings to 26.7 bn, 77.5 bn and 10.3 bn respectively.



In order to skip the compulsion of routing their international economic transactions via USA through SWIFT, the four major members have developed their own alternative systems-SPES (Russia), CIPS (China), SFMS (India) and PIX (Brazil). The group is also working on strengthening the North-South Trade Corridor to avoid the western interference.

Besides, it is planning to launch BRICS cable and another project for cooperation in information and communication technology.

Let us analyse this confusion over the fusion.

The expansion of BRICS and the establishment of a common currency for the Bloc was on the top of agenda of the summit.

The indiscreet expansion of the group without examining the applications and without any criteria is always fraught with the possibility of making BRICS inactive as it is always more difficult, if not impossible, to find a consensus (which is mandatory in BRICS)on any issue of importance.

Thus, it became imperative to first arrive at an agreement on the norms and parameters according to which an application should be examined.

This is what India and Brazil have been advocating contrary to the narrative being created that these two are against any expansion.

Wary of the possibility that China might hijack BRICS by including some countries which it could bully due to its sheer economic power and with Russia supporting the Chinese stance, India and Brazil wanted to go slow on the expansion by first deliberating and deciding on the criteria for new admissions.

It seems that the second issue of the common currency is also was not discussed at all as there was a lack of consensus among the existing members.



Though Russia, compelled to play a second fiddle to China in the current geo-strategic scenario, was reportedly in support of the Chinese demand for a common currency, India and Brazil were not prepared for it fearing the tightening of Chinese grip on the bloc.

The demand for de-dollarisation also did not find any overt mention in the 24-page long Final Document of the summit. India understandably was not in favour on the de-dollarisation or a common currency for two reasons.

First, India is the only member of BRICS which is steadily steering on the path of smooth economic recovery post -covid thereby negating the need for a change of currency at this stage. Moreover, the USA has emerged as the biggest trading partner of India relegating China to the second position.

With India-U.S. trade steadily growing, India would certainly not like to rock the boat at this juncture. Instead of a common currency, South Africa has given a more practical solution which is to accept the currencies of all the five members withing each others territories.

The countries which will join the BRICS next January these are, except Ethiopia, either one trillion-dollar economies or are steadily progressing ones.

The inclusion of Ethiopia, which has a small GDP (nominal) of US$ 126.78 bn. as compared to other entrants at the cost of more deserving candidates like Mexico and Indonesia- both one trillion Dollar plus economies- is confusing.

It appears that the summit in South Africawanted to give bigger representation to Africa in line with its theme "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism.

As expected, the summit touched upon various flash points on the Globe, called the developed nations to continue their support of $100 bn. to the developing countries to fight climate change, appealed WTO to be more transparent, open and fair in its dealings with the developing and least-developed countries by giving them special and different treatment.

The Summit also called for greater representation of the EMDC (emerging markets and developing countries) in international organisations.

However, the 92- para document devoted only four lines on Ukraine without mentioning Russia (perhaps at the insistence of Russia and China) and openly supported Iran by calling for resumption of JCPOA. Other point covered were the usual ones- SDGs, UN reforms, terrorism, digital economy (clearly a foot-print of India)a post covid health and economic recovery.

However, the growing popularity of BRICS and the impressive queue for its membership is reason enough to warn the existing unipolar system that the multi polarity has arrived and it is here to stay.

With the Global South gaining strength with India becoming its voice and working as a bridge between the Global North and South, the world may see economic upheavals in the foreseeable future.

A word of caution here- the expansion of the BRICS should be done only after examining the applications on the basis of some criteria.

This might sound difficult, yet it is not impossible to find some commonalities like a stable government (which might not necessarily fit into the straight-jacketed compartmentalisation of the term democracy by the west) and a steady economic growth.

The criteria decided by the summit but yet to be made public, needs further fine-tuning inorder to get a clearly articulated rules of expansion.



About the Authors:

Ambassador J.K. Tripathi, IFS (Retd), Indias Former Ambassador to Zimbabwe

Dr. Sandeep Tripathi, Assistant Professor at Sharda School of Humanities and Social Science, Sharda University.
Image credit: UNI

Islamabad/IBNS/UNI: A soldier was killed in an exchange of fire between security forces and militants in Pakistan 's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a military statement said.

The incident happened when the security forces conducted an operation in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan district of the province, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Saturday.

The ISPR statement said a sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area.

The Pakistani military said the security forces of the country are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of the soldiers further strengthen the nation's resolve.
Photo Courtesy: Crater of Diamonds State Park website

A US girl recently got the gift of a lifetime on her birthday when she discovered a 2.95-carat golden brown diamond during her visit to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro.

Seven-year-old Aspen Brown's find is the second-largest registered by a park guest this year, topped only by a 3.29-carat brown diamond discovered in March, the park said in a statement.

Browns diamond is the first large diamond registered since the completion of an excavation project at the park last month.

A contracted company dug a 150-yard trench in August to help manage erosion on the north side of the search area, said Caleb Howell, park superintendent. Several tons of unsearched diamond-bearing material were exposed and its very possible that this diamond and others were uncovered as a result. 

Brown was visiting the park with her dad and grandmother to celebrate her birthday.

They made their way to the north side of the parks 37.5-acre diamond search area, a ploughed field atop the eroded surface of an ancient, diamond-bearing volcano. According to Aspens dad, Luther Brown, She got hot and wanted to sit down for a minute, so she walked over to some big rocks by the fence line. Next thing I know, she was running to me, saying Dad! Dad! I found one!

Brown picked up a gem about the size of a green pea from a pathway along the northeast side of the search area.

On their way out of the park, the family stopped at the Diamond Discovery Centre to have their finds identified.

There, the park staff confirmed that Aspens gem was a diamond.

Aspens diamond has a golden-brown colour and a sparkling lustre. It is a complete crystal, with no broken facets and a small crevice on one side, created when the diamond was formed, said Waymon Cox, assistant park superintendent. Its certainly one of the most beautiful diamonds Ive seen in recent years.

Many of Crater of Diamonds State Parks visitors choose to name the diamonds they find at the park. Luther Brown says that he thinks the Aspen Diamond is the perfect name. There was no skill required for her to find it. She was just in the right place at the right time.

The Aspen Diamond was found close to where another large diamond, the 3.72-carat Caro Avenger, was discovered in 2019.

563 diamonds have been registered at Crater of Diamonds State Park in 2023, totalling more than 89 carats.

An average of one to two diamonds are found by park visitors each day.

In total, over 75,000 diamonds have been unearthed at the Crater of Diamonds since the first diamonds were discovered by John Huddleston, a farmer who owned the land long before it became a state park in 1972.

The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States was unearthed in 1924 during an early mining operation on the land that later became the state park.

Crater of Diamonds State Park

Located on Arkansas Highway 301 in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, Crater of Diamonds State Park is one of the only places in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except New Years Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve afternoon and Christmas Day).
Over Rs 4,100 crore was spent on sprucing up the Capital for the G20 Summit, according to government records on expenses related to the two-day event, which kicked off Saturday. According to the records, the expenses were categorised broadly under around 12 categories.

However, the 2023-24 budget announced in February had allocated 990 crore for the G20 presidency. The reported amount is four times the amount designated in the budget.

AFP

While Indian spent whopping crores of rupees to deck up Delhi for the big event, heres how much money other countries had spent on hosting the summit:

1. Indonesia (2022)  364 crore

The 2022 G20 Summit in Bali was reportedly budgeted at around 674 billion Indonesian Rupiah, or more than 364 crore.

2. Japan (2019)  2660 crore

Japan spent $320 million, or Rs. 2,660 crore, on the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, according to data tweeted by The World Ranking on X.

3. Argentina (2018)  931 crore

According to sources, the 2018 G20 conference in Buenos Aires, Indonesia, cost $112 million (about Rs. 931 crore).

argentina

4. Germany (2017)  642 crore

According to Germanys official G20 website, the government spent 72.2 million (about Rs. 642 crore) on hosting the meeting in Hamburg.

5. China (2016)  1.9 lakh crore

The 2016 G20 Summit was held in Hangzhou, China. According to a report by The Economist, the cost to host the same was a whopping $24 billion, over 1.9 lakh crore (approximately).

6. Australia (2014)  2,653 crore

The 2014 G20 summit was held in Brisbane, Australia. According to a fact sheet by the University of Toronto, the 2014 summit cost was AUD 400 million for hosting and AUD 100 million for security, making a total of AUD 500 million, over 2,653 crore.

australia

7. Russia (2013)  170 crore

The 2013 G20 Saint Petersburg Summit hosted by Russia costed around RUB 2 billion, over 170 crore, according to a fact sheet by the University of Toronto.

8. France (2011)  712 crore

The fact sheet by the University of Toronto stated, the 2011 G20 Summit held at Cannes ended up costing over EUR 80 million (around 712 crore).

9. Canada (2010)  4351 crore

According to sources, Canada spent CAD 715 million, approximately 4,351 crore, on the G20 Toronto meeting in 2010.



For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.


The story of Nataraj and Apsara pencils weaves a tapestry that touches the heart of every Indian kid's childhood. These pencils, with their characteristic red and black stripes, hold a world of memories within them, from the first strokes on paper to the painstaking shading during exams.

Even as we grow older, our need to learn the genesis story of these writing partners persists. So, join us on an adventure to discover the roots of the renowned Nataraj and Apsara pencils, which, strangely, have a familial link under the roof of Hindustan Pencil Ltd.

Natraj And Apsara Pencils Belong To The Same Brand

YouTube Screengrab

The seeds of Hindustan Pencils Ltd. were planted in 1958 by three best friends: B. J. Sanghvi (nicknamed Babubhai), Ramnath Mehra, and Mansookani. Their love of pencils drove them to Germany, where they perfected the technique of pencil manufacture.



When they returned to India, they turned their discoveries into reality, giving birth to the legendary Nataraj Pencil. These buddies set out to create strong, low-cost pencils that appealed to the masses, therefore establishing the foundation of a magnificent legacy. Babubhai Sanghvi subsequently took over as CEO of the company, bringing it to extraordinary success.

NewNeeds

Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd. is a giant in the pencil manufacturing industry, controlling 60% of the market. Nataraj and Apsara, two of its crown jewels, have won the hearts of countless people and found homes in more than 50 nations around the world.



The voyage began in 1958 with the debut of the Nataraj Pencil, followed by the advent of the Apsara Pencil in 1970, which was originally created as a drawing pencil.

Over time, all Nataraj-branded items were effortlessly merged into the Apsara brand. Today, Nataraj and Apsara provide a wide range of writing instruments, erasers, sharpeners, scales, wax crayons, oil pastels, mathematical instruments, and watercolours to meet the different needs of people all over the world.

Surprisingly, despite their shared ancestors, Hindustan Pencils developed a dual-brand approach for Nataraj and Apsara. Nataraj embodied resilience and affordability, whereas Apsara exemplified a luxury offering. This tactic was also evident in both marketing campaigns, with Nataraj's tagline "Phir se champion" resonating with Apsara's "Five Marks Extra," enticing varied consumer segments with specialised messaging.

They Are Manufactured In The 'Pencil Village' In J&K

Lokmat

Tucked away in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama area is the Okhu village, also known as the "Pencil Village." This charming village of about 250 dwellings is home to three enterprises that produce hardwood slates used in pencil manufacture.



Hindustan Pencils obtains a substantial percentage of its raw materials from these businesses, forming a symbiotic relationship that fuels the development of these beloved writing companions.

Harendra and Kirti Sanghvi, who serve as managing directors, are the current torchbearers of Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd. The family legacy is carried on by their offspring, Bhowmik and Dhruman, who hold key roles within the organisation.

While the firm's growth trajectory has slowed in recent years, the Sanghvi family is committed to expanding their business portfolio beyond pencils. Despite the development of digital technologies, pencil makers are certain that the age of penless, paperless institutions has yet to arrive.

As we look back on the journey from childhood pencil boxes to worldwide brand presence, Hindustan Pencils Ltd.'s long history serves as an inspiration for budding businesses and a source of fond memories for us all.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
The four detainees include the captain of the ship and the men accused of pushing Antonis Karyotis, 36, off the ship's boarding ramp shortly before departing for Crete on Tuesday night , causing his death at the port of Piraeus
A Ukrainian woman named Irena found herself in an unpleasant situation during her working visit to Oslo, Norway. The woman rented an apartment in the center of the capital using the services of a well-known accommodation search platform, but once inside, she was shocked by the "pro-Russian interior" of the apartment.

ADVERTISIMENT

Thus, the Ukrainian saw a bust of Russian leader Vladimir Lenin on the windowsill, and she was offered to sleep on a bed with the image of nesting dolls. Details and photos Irena shared in an exclusive commentary OBOZREVATEL.

On the pictures of housing, made public on the site, there were no hints that the apartment belongs to a fan of Putin. Looking closely, you can see a statuette on the windowsill behind a curtain, but to guess that it is a bust of Lenin - unrealistic. The only thing that confused the Ukrainian in the photo was the carpet, but the rest of the conditions suited her, so she agreed to rent. It should be noted that Irena traveled not by herself, but with two children.

ADVERTISIMENT

"I checked in late at night, and what was my surprise when I made up the bed and there was a bed of matryoshkas! In the morning, after brewing coffee and opening the curtains in the living room, I saw Lenin looking at me from the windowsill in his bronze sculpture," the woman said.

The owner brazenly did not answer the messages of the shocked tenant, which seemed strange and disrespectful to the Ukrainian.

"Probably, he considered my question incorrect. But to rent housing with traditional attributes of Russia I think not only wrong, and not because I am a Ukrainian, but because it is unacceptable to promote the culture of the aggressor, which 1.5 years wages war in the center of Europe," - said Irena.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier OBOZREVATEL wrote that the residents of Thailand are concerned about the influx of Russian emigrants in the country. Thais complain that Russians take their jobs, open illegal businesses and commit crimes. Details - in our material.

Only verified information in our Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, former military Governor of Old Kaduna State, has accused ex-President Muhammadu Buhari of not handling the insecurity issues in the country effectively during his tenure.

The former Governor posited that over 80,000 persons lost their lives, while thousands of women and girls were raped under Buharis administration.

He further stated in a chat with Sunday Sun that hundreds of thousands were kidnapped and killed or released after the payment of ransom.

According to Umar, Buhari was more concerned about his administrations security than national security, which explains his decision to retain military Service Chiefs in the face of public dissatisfaction with their performance.

When asked if the over-stretching of the military in their fight against terrorism led to the emergence of banditry, kidnapping for ransom, farmers-herders conflict and separatist movements, Umar said, Partially so. Even the strange decision to relocate the militarys command centre from the federal capital, the seat of the Commander-in-Chief and his Service Chiefs would point to this.

These other security challenges existed even though they were not as virulent as the Boko Haram insurgency. But unlike past administrations, the Buhari Presidency failed to deal decisively with them, causing them to fester.

Had he allowed the continuation of the counter-insurgency strategy, Boko Haram would have been totally defeated, making troops available for other security details.

Unfortunately, the Boko Haram insurgency lingers on to this day. The governments claim of having technically defeated the insurgents is empty propaganda. We are still awaiting Mr Lai Muhammads plan to convert Sambisa Forest into a holiday resort.

Lets review the most serious security challenges which were simmering as the Boko Haram insurgency was raging. We should also look at how past administrations reacted to their emergence and forestalled them morphing into the existential securitya threats which they have become currently.

The Maitatsine, an Islamic fundamentalist sect emerged in the early 1980s under the President Shehu Shagari administration. It had its base in Kano, with cells in other parts of the North, more visible in Maiduguri, Yola and Kaduna.

Sensing its security threat, the government ordered the military to dislodge and stamp them out. Its headquarters in Kano was destroyed.

READ ALSO: Tribunal: Former VP, Yemi Osinbajo Congratulates Tinubu, Shettima

Its cells were also exterminated. Many of its members, including its leader, Muhammad Marwa, were killed. Many were arrested and prosecuted.

This brought to an end, the Maitatsine religious uprising. Banditry; this also became a serious security challenge in the late 1970s and early 80s. Bandits bearing sophisticated arms crossed into Nigeria from neighbouring states of Chad, Niger Republic and Cameroon.

They rustled livestock and foodstuffs and retreated into their bases in those countries. Once again, President Shagari tasked the military to confront the threat.

The 3 Armoured Division, Jos, under the command of General Muhammadu Buhari, was given the mission. The Division successfully drove out the bandits, pursuing them across our border into Chad, with the aim of attacking their bases and preventing them from future raids. This resulted in a diplomatic row between Nigeria and Chad.

In an effort to placate the Chadians, the Shagari administration conveyed its disapproval to General Buhari, a kind of censure or slap on the wrist. The General was so angered by this which must have contributed to his decision to lead a coup against the government of Shehu Shagari.

The arrest and detention of Dr. Haruna Adamu, whose magazine wrote an editorial critical of General Buharis actions is evidence of the Generals anger. Dr Haruna Adamu remained incarcerated and was only released after the ouster of General Buharis regime in August 1985.

Speaking on the issue of banditry, he said, The new banditry and kidnapping for ransom have assumed an industrial scale in the past eight years.

Most of the perpetrators we have encountered were Tuaregs and Fulanis. Some of the Fulanis were herders who lost their livestock to cattle rustling. But most of the new recruits in the growing army found these criminal enterprises very lucrative and low risk.

These criminals continued to roam freely, bearing sophisticated weapons. They have pillaged most of the rural areas in the Northwest and some parts of North-central. More than 300 villages in Zamfara State alone have been sacked.

They have rendered over 70 per cent of the farms in these areas inaccessible. The failure of the Buhari administration to confront this metastasizing security cancer has so confounded Nigerians, causing cynics to attribute this failure to the Presidents shared ethnicity with the criminals.

If the Boko Haram insurgency appears defeated or at least under control, it is because banditry and kidnappings have eclipsed it in terms of posing greater national security challenge.

The farmer-herders conflict; is an age-old struggle for the control of land and water resources. The conflict was easier to manage due to the abundance of these resources and the possibility of delineating grazing reserves and livestock routes.

READ ALSO: Gov. Fubara Places N100m Bounty On Criminals Who Killed Rivers DPO

The sedentary farmers were quite welcoming and accommodating of the herders in a symbiotic relationship. Desert encroachment, exponential population growth and rapid expansion of arable farming have caused land and water resources to shrink, leading to the intensification of the conflict.

The civil war raging between farmers and herders in the Middle Belt more concentrated in Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states must be seen in this context. If it appears like as an ethno-religious conflict, it is because the herders are Muslim Fulanis and the farmers are mostly of different ethnicities and Christians. The divide-and-rule policy of opportunistic politicians has also complicated matters and led to escalation.

States and the Federal Government must provide solutions to this crisis. They must create an enabling environment for balanced and sustainable livestock and arable farming to guarantee the much-desired food security.

Separatist movements; have existed since amalgamation in 1914, but grew during the struggle for independence and soon after. Sections or regions which felt aggrieved or marginalised by unfavourable Federal Government policies sought relief through different means, which included threats to exit the federation.

The Biafran secession which led to the 30 months of civil war was the most successful attempt at separation. Since then, separatist threats have been peacefully handled and discouraged.

Umar in his take on Biafrans to break out of Nigeria, claimed that ex-President Buharis discriminatory and exclusionary policies against the Igbo enhanced the agitation.

He noted that Buhari while in power did not find any Igbo extraction worthy of appointment as head of any of security services.

Umar stated, The current Biafran movement as represented by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was given traction by ex-President Buharis discriminatory and exclusionary policies against the Igbo, hence the Igbo voting decision by which they gave General Buhari five per cent of their votes and, therefore, undeserving of key appointments in his government. No person of Igbo extraction was found worthy of appointment as head of any of the security services in all of President Buharis eight-year tenure. We must view the Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB separatist struggle in this context.

The young man is fighting a just cause. God forbid that we succeed in creating a nation in which citizens, particularly the youth, remain passive in the face of injustice.

The Federal Government must obey the courts decision and release Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB must pursue its objective peacefully.

Rating Buharis fight against insecurity, the ex-military Governor said, The current violent struggle is disruptive and injurious to the nation and more so to its kinsmen. In summary, the failure of President Buharis administration in the area of security can be appreciated by the following statistics: Over 80,000 persons have lost their lives. Thousands of women and girls were raped.

Hundreds of thousands were kidnapped and killed or released after the payment of ransom. Millions have been internally displaced. It would appear that the president was more concerned about his regimes security than national security, which explains his decision to retain military Service Chiefs in the face of public dissatisfaction with their performance.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested and detained the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in charge of Financial System Stability, Aisha Ahmad.

According to Nigeria Television Authority via X, Ahmad was allegedly detained for fraudulent acquisition of shares in Polaris Bank, Titan Bank/Union Bank.

The CBN Deputy Governor is currently being interrogated on how the $300 million to complete the acquisition of Union Bank was raised by Titan Bank.

Information Nigeria reports that Ahmad was appointed Deputy CBN governor on 6 October 2017, confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on 22nd March 2018, replacing Sarah Alade, who retired in March 2017.

READ ALSO: INECs Failure To E-Transmit Results Has Broken Nigerians Trust  Osinbajos Aide

In December 2022, the Peoples Gazette claimed that Ahmad helped facilitate the sale of Polaris Bank at a favorable price in order to be considered for the position of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The CBN denied these allegations and asserted that the sale of Polaris Bank was an institutional decision supervised by a committee of senior representatives of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and the CBN.

According to the Apex bank, the divestment was also coordinated with outside legal and financial advisers and approved by the leadership and boards of Polaris Bank and the purchaser, Strategic Capital Investment Limited.

The CBN stated that no other party made a higher purchase offer as alleged by the Peoples Gazette.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, on Saturday, signed to the bill creating 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State.

Akeredolu signed the bill on Saturday, a day after his return from a 3-month medical leave.

Information Nigeria reports that the State House of Assembly passed the bill for the creation of the 33 additional councils on August 15 after it passed the third reading.

Richard Olatunde, media aide to Akeredolu, in a statement said with the governors assent, the bill now possesses legal backing for the creation of the LCDAs in the State.

READ ALSO: Ill Be Alive To Complete My Tenure  Akeredolu To Ondo Assembly

The creation of the LCDAs, the Governor posited, marks a substantial step towards fulfilling his campaign promises and addressing the aspirations of the people for enhanced grassroots development.

Moreover, this initiative underscores Governor Akeredolus unwavering commitment to improving public service delivery, as it aims at bringing governance closer to the people, ultimately resulting in more responsive and efficient services.

Governor Akeredolu remains dedicated to delivering impactful projects and innovative initiatives, just as he is poised to redouble his efforts in advancing the development of the Sunshine State, the statement read.

The newly created LCDAs are to co-exist with the existing 18 Local Government Areas in the state, bringing the total number of local councils in the state to 51.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has placed N100 million bounty on the killers of Bako Angbashim, a superintendent of police, in the state.

Angbashim, a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA), was killed on Friday when his team ran into an ambush while returning from an operation.

Fubura, in a statement issued on Saturday, Fubara said intelligence from the security agencies has linked one Gift David Okpara Okpolowu and his criminal gang for being responsible for the murder of the senior police officer.

According to the Governor, Okpara and his gang have established camps in the area and are responsible for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism in Ahoada East LGA.

As a responsible government, we cannot fold our arms and allow criminals and crimes to rear their ugly heads and thrive in any part of our state.

First, the prime suspects, Mr. Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and all members of his criminal gang are hereby declared wanted.

READ ALSO: DPO Killed During Shootout With Cult Group In Rivers

Secondly, a bounty of one hundred million (N100,000,000.00) naira is hereby placed on his head for anyone who gives useful information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution, he stated.

The governor also indefinitely suspended Cassidy Ikegbidi, a traditional ruler in the area, for acts of complicity in ceding control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.

Also, Kayode Egbetokun, Nigerias Inspector-General of Police, has condemned the murder of Angbashim, while demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the culprits.

Speaking via Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, Egbetokun said the killing of the DPO is not only an affront to the nation but a reflection of a lack of patriotism and gross illegality.

The IGP said any nefarious acts against any officer of the force will not be treated with levity as perpetrators will be made to face justice.
Emir of Kano State, Aminu Ado Bayero, on Saturday, posited that rich Nigerians should help the needy around them.

Speaking with newsmen in commemoration of World First Aid Day, Bayero who said Nigerians are facing difficult times, added that some go to bed for two or more days without eating.

He however appealed to citizens to help one another, irrespective of religion, tribe and culture, in order to build a peaceful society.

I am appealing to the rich among communities across Nigeria to assist the needy around them facing hardships and hunger due to the current difficult economic situation in the country, News Agency of Nigeria quoted him as saying.

READ ALSO: Kaduna: Perpetrators Intend To Ignite Ethnic, Religious Tension  Gov. Sani Condemns Catholic Church Attack

Bayero further urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, saying the present economic situation is not permanent and will be a thing of the past as no condition is permanent.

The Emir who advised citizens to support and assist one another and not limit such gestures to times of disaster, said rendering assistance to the needy can also be described as aid, noting that presently, more people are in need of assistance.

We will not relent on our call to the government as we inform them of the hardship being faced by the people. We call on them to find solutions to the hardships being faced by the people, especially those that are weak among us.
Operatives of the Bayelsa state police command have busted a gang of alleged criminals who specialised in using tricycles to steal mobile phones.

According to the Spokesperson of the force in Bayelsa, SP Asinim Butswat, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Yenagoa that the feat follows an upsurge in cases of mobile phone theft in Yenagoa, Bayelsas capital.

Butswat said the suspects, Daniel Patrick, Oyinmi Gideon, Abdulmalik Saadu, Ebenezer Samuel, David Ebikabowei and John Okon, were arrested at different locations within Yenagoa Metropolis, after sustained surveillance by Police operatives.

According to him, four commercial tricycles, assorted types of mobile phones and sundry items were recovered from the six-man gang.

READ MORE: Bayelsa Residents Invade Warehouse, Loot Foodstuffs Meant For 2022 Flood Palliatives

The suspects modus operandi is to drive in pairs, one claiming to be a driver and the other a passenger, when they pick a genuine passenger, the driver distracts the unsuspecting passenger by haggling over transport fares.

The other partner then steals the phone from the unsuspecting passenger.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the suspects would sell the stolen phones to one Abubakar Mallam, alias Danmallam, Ibrahim Ahmed and Iliya Isiaka at a give-away price.

The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr Tolani Alausa, calls on members of the public whose phones were stolen recently, to contact the Police Public Relations Officer for possible identification and recovery, Butswat said.

The Police spokesman explained that the suspects were cooperating with the Police in their investigations and would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.
The General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, has cautioned prophets who are known of predicting elections in the country to stop.

The Pastor said the pulpits in the House of God are for saying truth to the children of God, and should not be manipulated for political campaigns for politicians.

Olukya made this known during the sermon on Sunday, at the headquarters of the church, while lamenting how many Christian clerics that predicted the outcomes of the 2023 elections failed.

He said the so-called prophets brought shame to the religion of Christianity by declaring unfounded predictions on their preferred politicians in the build-up to the electrons.

He said, You see what happened in Nigeria during these last elections, disgraced the religion of Christianity very well. This prophet said this person would win, and this would not win, Olukoya said.

READ MORE: Naira Will Soon Become Stronger Than The Dollar  Pastor Adeboye

If this one wins, I will become a herbalist, if this one wins, let them cut off my hand, if this one wins this, this one will die before his wish.

All did not come to pass, and they call themselves prophets. Prophets of where? It is madness when you begin to say what God does not ask you to say. The pulpit in the house of God is the pillar and ground of truth. It is not for political campaigns, he added.
Daniel Bwala, a spokesperson of the defunct Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council, has alleged that every rise to fame of the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has been at the expense of those who helped him.

The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain disclosed this in a post via X on Saturday, in the wake of the loggerhead between Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the call for his suspension.

According to Bwala the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister has never been faithful to anyone who helped him.

He further made a list of some politicians Wike had deceived in the past, including the former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo and the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.

Wike, he said, is pretending to be loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the assumption that he can scatter PDP and take control of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to advance his presidential ambition.

READ ALSO: Why Is The Watermark Of Tinubus Legal Team On CTC Copies Of Judgement?  Atikus Camp Queries Tribunal

His words: Verifiable facts, Wike allegedly, has never been faithful or loyal to anyone that helped him; Rotimi Amaechi, Patience Jonathan, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. In fact, he deceived Peter Obi that he would support him, deceived Baba Obasanjo in London that he would support Peter Obi, deceived some members of his Gra gra 5 that he would support Obi, lied to Nigerians that APC is a cancer, and will never support APC government.

While doing all this, he was secretly negotiating his selfish ambition. He is more disloyal to PDP than anyone he accuses. His weapon is Benjamin Franklins. Imagine a society of Wikes imagination and wishes. Banana republic

Check it; every of his rise to fame has always been at the expense of those who helped him. Unfortunately for him, now he has found himself under a politician who knows every side of the political coin.

In his small mind, he thinks while pretending to be loyal to Tinubu, he will scatter PDP and take control of the party in other to advance his presidential ambition against PBAT. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu must be smiling like a mouse that was served cookie and a glass of milk without asking for it.
Nicole Hunt, president of Unite Here Local 634, speaks at a Wednesday news conference about the local's 1,900 Philadelphia cafeteria workers and climate staff, who on Saturday authorized a strike. Their contract with the Philadelphia School District expires Sept. 30. Read more

Philadelphia School District cafeteria workers and climate staff have authorized a strike.

The members of Unite Here Local 634  1,900 women and men who work across the districts 216 schools  voted unanimously Saturday to empower their union leadership to call a strike if it so chooses. The step was announced Sunday by Nicole Hunt, 634s president.

Local 634s contract expires Sept. 30; the vote represents an authorization, not a strike, and the employees will continue working unless a strike is called.

 READ MORE: These Philly school workers say they make welfare wages. They were told their raise request was too much.

Advertisement

Most of the locals members are paid $15.50 an hour, among the lowest wages in the school system. They cook and serve students food and ensure order and safety in schools.

Negotiations with the district are ongoing; the next bargaining session is scheduled for Friday.

Our members are the people [who] make sure that young people in the city of Philadelphia are kept fed and safe, Hunt said in a statement. But, our wages dont guarantee that we can keep our own families fed and safe. Enough is enough.

Hunt said the union will continue to negotiate in good faith with district officials, but we will no longer accept less. This strike authorization vote gives our Executive Board the ability to do what is necessary if the school district is not able to meet our commonsense demands.

 READ MORE: White lives matter stickers were placed outside their school. These students responded with love.

Union officials said they asked for $1.50 an hour raises for members but were told their demands were not feasible.

They also asked for training, including de-escalation training for climate staff, and for climate staff to be equipped with walkie-talkies. Those workers are now expected to use their own cell phones to call for help and communicate with other school staff.

We are no longer willing to accept substandard wages and inadequate training, said Katherine Felder, a 634 member and food service worker at Building 21, a public school in West Oak Lane. My Unite Here Local 634 brothers and sisters will continue to stand together. We do right by Philly kids each and every day. Its time for the School District of Philadelphia to do right by us.

District officials have said they believe a strike can be averted.

We continue to work diligently to reach an agreement on a successor collective bargaining agreement and we are optimistic that we will do so with our union partners before the current agreement expires on September 30, school district spokesperson Monique Braxton has said in a statement.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Max Baer, 74, hailed as a longtime advocate for children and families, died at his home near Pittsburgh overnight, just months before he was due to retire, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts announced Saturday morning. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Justice Debra A. Todd, who like Baer is a Democrat from Western Pennsylvania, becomes the new chief justice, the first woman to lead the state Supreme Court. Of the six other justices, Todd had the longest continuous service on the court, joining it in 2008. She turns 65 later this month.

This is a tremendous loss for the Court and all of Pennsylvania, Todd said in announcing the death of the man who had been working to ensure a smooth transition to her leadership upon his mandatory retirement in December, when he would have turned 75.

Chief Justice Baer was an influential and intellectual jurist whose unwavering focus was on administering fair and balanced justice, Todd said. He was a tireless champion for children, devoted to protecting and providing for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

Baers replacement on the seven-member court must be appointed by the governor and confirmed by two-thirds of the state Senate. Whether that appointment will be made by the term-limited Tom Wolf, a Democrat, or his successor is not yet known. The state Senate is scheduled to meet only seven more times this year.

Advertisement

Baer was part of a 5-2 Democratic majority on the court.

Baer was elected to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County in 1989 and was appointed administrative judge of its Family Division in 1993. Ten years later he was elected to the state Supreme Court, where he served as chief justice just since 2021.

Baer was deputy attorney general in Pennsylvania from 1975 to 1980.

Gov. Wolf issued a statement calling Baer a respected and esteemed jurist with decades of service to our courts and our commonwealth. I am grateful for his contributions and leadership in the Supreme Court.

Praise also came from Commonwealth Court.

The Chief personified all that is good about the work and the role of the courts, focusing his lifes work on meeting the needs of children and their families, Commonwealth Court President Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer said in a statement.

Pennsylvania House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R., Lancaster) lauded Baers service on the court, which he said would have a lasting impact.

The chief justice was an honorable man doing a difficult job, Cutler said. He was respectful, honest and carried himself with dignity and integrity.

House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, who represents Philadelphia and Delaware County, called Baer a giant in the Pennsylvania legal community.

Throughout his career, he was a champion of the commonwealths children, earning multiple accolades for his advocacy, McClinton said. Most recently, Justice Baer had been a fierce defender of free and fair elections. I have no doubt that his legacy to Pennsylvania will endure.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro, the Democratic nominee for governor, called Baer a legal giant, a truly kind man and a dedicated public servant to our Commonwealth. His impact will be felt for generations.

Wesley R. Payne IV, chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, said Baers legacy will be one of strong advocacy for children and families that led to innovative and far-reaching reforms with respect to the treatment of juveniles and domestic-relations matters.

That included reducing the number of children in foster care and the length of time a child spends there, Payne said, and earning national recognition for Pennsylvanias child-welfare system.

Baer was named the Pennsylvania Adoption Advocate of the Year in 1997, received the federal Department of Health and Human Services Adoption 1998 Excellence Award for Judicial Innovation, and honored as the Pennsylvania Bar Associations Child Advocate of the Year in 2000, among numerous other recognitions.

He earned a bachelors degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a law degree from Duquesne University School of Law.

Duquesne president Ken Gormley, a longtime friend, recalled Baer as someone who always led by example as a caring, collaborative colleague who brought the Court together to achieve consensus whenever possible. He also said Baer was a lifelong student of history who presided with pride over the state Supreme Courts 300th anniversary at an event at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. It is the nations oldest appellate court.

Last month, he participated in the naming of the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, after fellow alum, friend, and Philadelphia lawyer Tom Kline.

Said Kline on Saturday: Max was a good friend to so many of us  an exceptional jurist, grounded in his commitment and devotion to his wife Beth, his children and grandchildren, and steadfastly the guardian of the rights of all citizens, but most particularly the children of our Commonwealth.

Wolf has ordered that all commonwealth flags on state facilities, public buildings, and grounds fly at half-staff immediately until sunset on the day of Baers interment, which has not yet been announced.

Staff writer Jeremy Roebuck contributed to this article.
The European Union (EU) has banned residents of the terrorist country Russia from importing cars, smartphones, jewelry, laptops and other things. Russians are now not allowed to import even shampoos into the bloc's territory.

ADVERTISIMENT

The European Commission confirmed the interpretation of the sanctions legislation against the Russian Federation, according to which the entry into the EU countries on passenger cars registered in Russia is regarded as prohibited imports. This is stated in the document of the EC.

It does not matter whether the vehicle is used for private or commercial purposes, as long as it is registered in Russia, it is subject to sanctions and will be treated as prohibited imports. It is also prohibited to import cosmetics, suitcases, laptops, leather and fur products, semi-precious and precious stones, toilet paper, shampoos and toothpastes.

Earlier it was reported that Estonia is going to be the first EU country to legalize the confiscation of Russian assets to finance Ukraine's reconstruction.The country's government is already ready to approve the relevant bill and send it to parliament for approval.

ADVERTISIMENT

"It will really hit the oligarchs, it will really hit the Russian state," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. He also added that this law will inevitably lead to a wave of litigation from Russia.

As OBOZREVATEL wrote earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that Russia's holding of fake "elections" in the temporarily seized territories of Ukraine is a picture for propaganda. He threatened that everyone involved in this illegal process risks falling under US sanctions.
Raquel Evita Saraswati has responded to allegations that she has been pretending to be a woman of color for years. Read more

Raquel Saraswati, the former chief equity, inclusion, and culture officer of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), who earlier this year faced accusations from her former colleagues that she was pretending to be a person of color, recently issued a news release in which she rebuts the allegations that had become public.

As a queer, Muslim woman, Saraswati was prominent in Philadelphias activist communities, providing mentorship to other queer Muslims in the community, organizing protests in response to racist violence and receiving awards and distinguished positions for her work. But in February, Saraswatis image was called into question when her AFSC colleagues dug into her past and anonymously published that Saraswati was of German and Italian descent, and that she changed her name to sound more diverse. Subsequently, Saraswatis biological mother, Carol Perone told the Intercept, Im as white as the driven snow and so is she.

We are each the experts on our own lives. Anonymous, troubled, or unscrupulous individuals are not, Saraswati said in her news release. Sadly, this extends to some biological and non-biological family members, including my own mother.

We are each the experts on our own lives. Raquel Saraswati

As part of her rebuttal of the allegations, Saraswati presented information about her dermatologists classification of her skin tone:

I classify [Saraswatis] skin type as Fitzpatrick Skin Type 4, meaning she has light brown/olive skin color, Jayne Bird, Saraswatis dermatologist since 2018, said in the news release. Based on this genetic testing, and my observations of Raquel as a patient, it is clearly established that she is skin type 4 and skin of color.

Advertisement

Saraswati also said she has undergone three DNA tests, which found that she is of mixed heritage, with the largest portion of her genetics (40%) coming back North African.

But experts warn that genetic testing can be misleading, pointing to a key question raised by Saraswatis story: Who can claim to be a person of color?

Does the science answer the questions?

According to race experts, the science raises more questions than provides answers. For one, sociologists repeatedly assert that race is a concept invented by humans thats not based in science.

We know from the study of genetics and evolutionary biology that there is tremendous variation of skin tone within most racial groups, and there is overlap, said Wendy Roth, a sociology professor at the University of Pennsylvania who specializes in how genetic ancestry testing influences racial and ethnic identity. There are a lot of people who are socially considered white who have light brown or olive skin.

Having a dermatologist interpret the genetic ancestry test results is also a red flag, Roth said, because dermatologists have no expertise in genetic testing.

Its a little bit like asking a sociology professor to verify and confirm your cancer screening. Wendy Roth

Its a little bit like asking a sociology professor to verify and confirm your cancer screening, she explained. It would be a geneticist who would be an expert. A dermatologist is not looking at the kind of genetic material thats relevant for these kinds of tests.

The genetic ancestry testing results themselves can be quite misleading too, experts warned. Results are determined by comparing a persons genetic code to an overall population database  so if Saraswati were to get the tests done by a large company, such as 23andme, they would yield significantly different results than if she were to get tested by a private practitioner.

Saraswatis spokesperson said she conducted her DNA tests with three of the most reputable DNA companies on the market, but would not provide the names of the companies for privacy reasons.

To say that somebodys ancestry is 40% North African is misleading, Roth said, explaining that the process doesnt account for the cross-migration that frequently happens across the world, and especially in formerly colonized areas.

Its not that the person or their ancestry is 40% North African, Roth said. This test result is saying that 40% of the genetic markers we looked at [out of millions and millions on the genetic code] are more often associated with the North African population group than they are with other groups  but that marker still may be found in other groups in varying frequencies.

A more complicated but fundamental question

At the heart of the allegations and rebuttal is the complicated question: What defines a person of color?

What [Saraswati is] trying to do very clearly is to suggest that there are these kinds of objective scientific measures, whether her skin color or her DNA, that proves that shes a person of color. But neither of those things prove that, said Ann Morning, a sociology professor at New York University.

Because race is a social construct, Morning said, theres no bedrock truth or biological way to prove whether someone is a person of color. So then what does?

Were left with, what are the social conventions around who should be considered a person of color? Morning said. And I think its pretty clear from what we know of [Saraswatis] background and history, that she didnt grow up in a way where she would have identified or been identified as a person of color.

When asked what her cultural upbringing was and where her family members are from, Saraswati responded by email that she was raised on false and inconsistent narratives regarding my biology and [I] had to find that truth on my own.

But what stuck out to Morning in Saraswatis news release was her affirmation that it is her God-given right to pursue, embrace and celebrate the truth of my personhood  a completely different narrative from the science Saraswati initially relied on, instead saying that she should have the right to decide who she is.

Race has always been such a central organizing principle in our society. Ann Morning

Morning classified this mentality as transracial.

Theyre making claims that they somehow have this internal sense of identity that is genuinely that of a person of color, Morning said.

When white people claim non-white identities, Morning said, it does two things: it leads to a historical resentment of people of color feeling their accomplishments are yet again being appropriated, and it takes away opportunities from people of color. And the history of race in the United States serves as the unavoidable backdrop to these issues.

Race has always been such a central organizing principle in our society, she said. It was a matter of life and death, it was the difference between freedom and enslavement.

Broken community trust

Saraswati rose to positions of power within influential Philadelphia institutions. She had served as chair of the Mayors Commission on LGBT Affairs, won a RAD girl of the year award in 2019, and more recently was appointed to her former DEI officer role within AFSC (which she resigned from in March).

She positioned herself as a mentor to many, and people saw her home as a safe space to convene. They confided in her about personal issues ranging from sexuality to spirituality.

I think people are still dealing with the material impact of what she did. Abdul-Aliy Muhammad

Soon after the allegations about Saraswatis race and history spread, members of the communities Saraswati had said she was part of were rattled.

I think people are still dealing with the material impact of what she did, said Abdul-Aliy Muhammad, a former friend of Saraswatis and a Philly-based writer and organizer. Shes always going to have that archive of peoples stories. That really makes them vulnerable.

To Muhammad, Saraswatis news release furthered the harm felt in the community she was once a part of.

To respond with the arguments she did was the worst, and whitest, way to double down on an issue like this, they said. Instead of doing what the community wants you to do to be accountable, you resort to using the systems and people in positions of power to protect you.

Still, Saraswati asserted in her news release that she is deeply committed to my work in service to marginalized communities and to ensuring safe and truly inclusive workplaces for everyone.
SEPTA police officer Martin Zitter waits at a transit stop as an El train arrives. SEPTA has beefed up its police force. Read more

A passenger on SEPTAs Market-Frankford Line was shot and wounded at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Berks Station, transit agency officials said.

Both the suspect and victim left the scene. A man whom police believe was the victim arrived later at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with a gunshot wound to the leg, SEPTA officials said.

The wounded man, who was in stable condition, is not cooperating with police, agency officials said.

Police were still searching for the suspect Saturday evening. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call SEPTA Transit Police at 215-580-8111.

Several other shootings have occurred on the agencys trains, buses, or platforms this summer.

On Aug. 31, a man was shot in the hand on the North Broad platform of SEPTAs Regional Rail line. On July 14, a man shot at a SEPTA Route 57 bus in North Philadelphia.

And on June 15, a SEPTA security guard was shot in the leg on a Market-Frankford Line train in the citys Frankford section. The week after that, the agency added 21 officers to its police force.
If you watch cable TV news, youve probably learned a lot over the last month about Georgias racketeering, or RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) law, and understandably so. If your views are on the left side of Americas political chasm, you probably applauded when Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis indicted Donald Trump under that RICO statute  alleging that the 45th president oversaw a criminal enterprise to overturn his 2020 election loss that included pressuring state officials and election workers and convening fake electors.

With hours and hours of coverage of Fulton County inmate No. P01135809, youve probably heard nothing about another man charged in recent days under Georgias RICO law  a 20-something from Maryland named Geoffrey Parsons. According to a recent grand jury indictment steered by the Peach States Republican attorney general, Chris Carr, Parsons committed an overt act in a criminal conspiracy when he signed a document with the acronym ACAB, which stands for all cops are bastards.

This absurd allegation against Parsons  courts have ruled, after all, that its legal to give the finger to a cop  might almost be funny if it were not part of the most serious threat to American democracy that not nearly enough people are talking about.

 READ MORE: Cop City in Atlanta is the future of America | Will Bunch

Advertisement

Georgias RICO charges against 61 people involved in the protest movement against Cop City  the uber-controversial $90 million police training center under construction on Atlantas outskirts  are a full-frontal assault on citizens right to protest. Despite the lack of fanfare, it means as much for the future of the American Experiment as our obsession over whether Trump will be president or prisoner in 2025.

The specifics of Carrs criminal case against the nearly two-year protest movement that has consumed metro Atlanta are appalling. In addition to signing ACAB, the indictment alleges that overt acts of racketeering include an $11.91 reimbursement for buying glue, passing out flyers depicting a police officer who shot and killed a demonstrator, trespassing on the Cop City site, and soliciting donations to pay bail for protesters arrested in the civil disobedience campaign. One of the alleged racketeers was a lawyer and legal observer for the Southern Poverty Law Center. The lawyer, Thomas Jergens, is also one of dozens previously charged with domestic terrorism.

Even more troubling, though, is the bigger argument laced through the 109-page indictment. It seeks to reframe a protest movement with broad support in the Atlanta community and beyond as a criminal enterprise  especially any connections to the philosophy of anarchy and, even more disturbingly, the protests that began in May 2020 when Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd.

According to the Orwellian language of the Georgia RICO case, ideas that are fundamental to the notion of dissent  mutual aid, solidarity, and collectivism  are felony crimes. New York Magazines Sarah Jones righteously nails it when she calls the indictment an artifact of political repression and writes that the case shows Georgia cares more for Cop City than for civil liberties and is determined to quell dissent by whatever means it can.

Its a shocking and deliberate overuse of prosecutorial power meant to criminalize the movement, Kamau Franklin of Atlantas Community Builders Movement, a leader of the citys Stop Cop City efforts, told me on Sunday. He noted that other cities planning their own Cop City-style projects to amp up militarized policing are watching closely.

Even from nearly 1,000 miles away in Americas birthplace of Philadelphia, Ive come to see the fight over Cop City as a battle for the nations soul. For one thing, the training center  which would include a mock city where officers will practice crushing urban protests  has become kind of the last stand for the remnants of the protest movement that motivated millions in the spring of 2020, which is seeing the dream of radical police reform slipping away.

Whats more, the battle  opponents are still hoping to block Cop City, now mainly through a drive to get a referendum before Atlanta voters  will also define whether working-class and low-income urban residents, squeezed by rapid gentrification in the booming capital of the American South, have any say in the future of a city dominated by a long-standing alliance between mostly white business elites and a Black political class willing to work with them. A big chunk of the money for Cop City comes from the nongovernmental Atlanta Police Foundation funded by the citys corporations, from Home Depot to Waffle House, and even the owners of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which supports the project.

That alliance has seen the citys liberal-branded Democrats, led by Mayor Andre Dickens, supporting Cop City despite substantial public opposition. In June, Atlantas city council heard 14 hours of mostly negative testimony and then voted 11-4 to move forward with the training center. On Monday, Franklin and other organizers plan to turn in more than 100,000 signatures  a stunning number, well over the legal requirement of roughly 70,000  for a voter referendum to cancel the Cop City lease and kill the project.

But city officials  most of them Democrats whove complained for years, justifiably, about Republicans in Georgia conducting voter suppression  seem determined not to bring Cop City before the people. The Dickens-led City Hall has threatened to use rigid signature matching  again, a move sharply criticized when GOP election officials did it  and even legal action that would question the validity of a voter referendum.

You can smell the hypocrisy all the way up here in Philly.

But the RICO charges that double down on the notion that Cop City protesters are domestic terrorists are an even more existential threat to democracy. The idea that anarchism  linked, sometimes in reality and sometimes in political spin to anti-fascism, as branded on the political right as antifa  is a criminal conspiracy feels ripped from a Fox News highlight reel of demagoguery, with the goal of boosting a Republican talking point on the eve of 2024s elections.

But the worst thing about the Cop City RICO rap is that the indictment alleges a criminal conspiracy began on May 25, 2020  the date that Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin placed his knee on George Floyds neck and murdered him. Tellingly, the GOPs Carr chose this date even though details of the Cop City project were not made public until more than a year later. The gobsmacking implication of this date is a brazen attempt not just to criminalize the Cop City protests, but the massive, multiracial coalition for police reform and social justice that millions marched for in 2020.

Theyre trying to say that the whole movement against police violence in Black communities is a criminal conspiracy, Franklin said, adding that Georgia authorities wanted to send a message that any time you organize against police, that you must be a criminal, that you must be terroristic in your actions.

Have crimes been committed during the Cop City protests? Of course. Many of them are not domestic terrorism but misdemeanor acts of civil disobedience like trespassing, of the kind that one Atlanta civic hero  the late Congress member John Lewis, who has a boulevard named after him  called good trouble. Other acts, like vandalizing construction equipment, are more serious  also morally wrongheaded and counterproductive, in my opinion  and perpetrators should be charged with those specific crimes. Whats happening instead is much more insidious, with the goal of chilling the kind of dissent supposedly protected by the First Amendment.

Atlantas moral center  the Eternal Flame where the citys patron saint, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his wife, Coretta, are buried  must be flickering under this brazen assault on the very values that King, Lewis, and the other civil rights heroes fought for. King, after all, was jailed 29 times for nonviolent civil disobedience. But authorities in his native Georgia and across the South  who, correctly, saw King as a threat to the white supremacy they called their way of life  never charged him or his broader movement with racketeering, or as a domestic terrorist. The fact that this is happening now, in 2023, should make you very, very alarmed.

Ive made it clear that the resurgence of Trump  and the modern, American strain of fascism propelling his movement  is a life-or-death threat to U.S. democracy. But the Cop City arrests arent a weird 90-second distraction from that story, but rather an essential part of the plotline. Top Republicans  with the lame acquiescence of craven Democrats  want to establish anti-fascism as a crime before a Trump 47 can implement a fascist agenda in 2025. They want to backdate as felony racketeering the protest movement that started with George Floyd because they know that mass protests by the same folks may be our last defense against autocracy.

The only good news here is that the heightened contradictions of an American police state could backfire. On the day after the RICO indictment was announced, protesters flocked to the Cop City construction site, and five were arrested when they chained themselves to the bulldozers. The more of us that are willing to take this risk and come out here and put their bodies on the line to save this forest, one of those arrested said in a video posted by the Atlanta Community Press Collective, then we will win. The stakes are too high to contemplate the alternative.

 READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter
President Bill Clinton stands between PLO leader Yasser Arafat, right, and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzahk Rabin, left, as they shake hands on Sept. 13, 1993, at the White House. The pair signed the historic Israel-PLO Oslo Accords on Palestinian autonomy in the occupied territories. Read more

Thirty years ago, on Sept. 13, 1993, I sat on a folding chair in the sunshine on the White House lawn, along with 3,000 other witnesses, watching President Bill Clinton nudge a reluctant Israeli prime minister and the ebullient chief of the Palestine Liberation Organization into shaking hands.

The occasion for the world-famous clinch between Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat capped the signing of the Oslo Accords. Secretly negotiated in Norway, they set out a declaration of principles that mapped a potential pathway to the end of conflict between Israeli Jews and the Palestinians, with self-determination for the latter.

People have been predicting Oslos failure since that handshake.

I think the accords still had a chance until about the year 2000. Since then, with brief resuscitations, Oslo has mostly been on life support  with deep wounds inflicted by both sides.

Advertisement

The coup de grace may have been delivered by the current Israeli government with its open policy of de facto annexation of the West Bank into one apartheid-like Israeli state  in which Palestinians are given minimal rights and are pressed to emigrate.

Yet, as I look back on decades of covering this story  and on my three weeks in Israel and the West Bank in April  I can recall why Oslo might have succeeded, why its prospects died, and why its ghost wont disappear.

Lack of leadership

In the summer of 1995, a year after Arafat left his base in Tunisia and entered Gaza, as permitted by the Oslo Accords, I attended a meeting of so-called Fatah hawks in a large basement in Gaza City. I was the only journalist there, huddled in a corner, as my Palestinian interpreter, whom I knew well, whispered in my ear.

The Fatah hawks were Gazan members of Arafats Fatah party, not the PLO men he brought back from abroad. Most had served time in Israeli prisons, spoke Hebrew, and had some grasp of Israeli society. They were angered by Arafats refusal to crush Hamas and other Islamist groups that opposed Oslo. They believed this could undercut the agreement  and they spoke openly of wanting to end the conflict with two states, so they could start living normal lives.

I heard similar discussions at the time among West Bank and Gazan professional groups who were eager to trade an end to the Palestinian revolution for an end to occupation. Arafat never appeared to have made up his mind to do so, and never crushed the Islamists when it was still possible. (Instead, in 2007, Hamas drove Fatah forces out of Gaza, whose internal governance it still controls today.)

Then came Nov. 4, 1995. I was vacationing on Long Beach Island with my husband, Paul, when I turned on the radio and heard that Rabin had been assassinated by a messianic far-right Jewish terrorist. I remember looking at Paul and saying, This may be the end of Oslo.

I still believe that, even though Rabin had serious doubts about a Palestinian state, he was the only Israeli leader tough and farsighted enough to convince Arafat to face reality and conclude a deal. A brief, brave effort in 2008 by center-right Prime Minister Ehud Olmert came too late.

Confidence laid low

Over the following years, I watched both Arafat and Israeli leaders take steps that destroyed public confidence in the Oslo process.

With Arafat, it was his tolerance of terrorist attacks on civilians inside pre-1967 Israel as a tactic of warfare.

In 2000, after the failure of Camp David II, after a violent intifada (uprising) broke out on the West Bank, I interviewed Marwan Barghouti, who is now in an Israeli prison under several life sentences, but was then Arafats right-hand man. He told me the Palestinians would talk and fight. He mistakenly believed terror attacks would get the Palestinians better terms at the table.

But the 2000 Israeli presidential election brought the right-wing Likud candidate Ariel Sharon to power. Israeli voters in the liberal German Colony neighborhood whispered to me, as if afraid to let their friends hear, that they would vote for the right this one time because Sharon would stop the terror attacks. That was the start of a long-rightward trend (with brief exceptions) in Israeli presidential politics, during which Benjamin Netanyahu has served as prime minister for 15 years.

In other words, the talk and fight strategy failed.

However, during all those decades since the Oslo signing, I also watched the disastrous Israeli expansion of Jewish settlements on the West Bank. On annual tours of the area, I saw the endless construction of settler apartment buildings marching across hilltops and settlement roads dissecting the entire West Bank.

Perhaps the greatest error of Oslo was to permit Israeli settlement growth to continue unabated during negotiations (Israel insisted on it, and the Palestinians still believed they would have their own state soon.)

The number of Jewish settlers soared from 116,000 in 1995 to 465,000 in 2022. Settlement infrastructure gradually divided the West Bank into disconnected cantons, which became open Israeli policy.

Moreover, settler violence, uprooting Palestinian olive groves, and seizing Palestinian land and water, has grown over the years. On my recent trip to the West Bank, I saw the burned-out buildings in the town of Hawara, the work of violent settler gangs that are being egged on by people in Netanyahus cabinet. Settler violence has metastasized since April unchecked by the Israeli military, as Palestinian terrorist attacks on settlers have also increased.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whom Netanyahu has made the cabinets overlord of the West Bank, wants to double the number of settlers there to 1 million and de facto annex the West Bank even if there is no legal declaration.

Given the lack of leadership on both sides  as messianic radicals control Netanyahu and the 87-year-old, almost powerless Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas grows more incoherent  Smotrich may succeed.

Here is where the ghost of Oslo takes its revenge.

Thirty years ago, Yitzhak Rabin agreed to the Oslo Accords because he foresaw that Arabs would eventually outnumber Jews in a one-state Greater Israel. That would mean either the end of a Jewish homeland or Israelis ruling over Palestinians in an apartheid-style state.

Rabins nightmare apartheid scenario has arrived under the Netanyahu government.

No U.S.-brokered deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia  and I seriously doubt one will materialize, despite the current hoopla  will change that reality.

The demise of Oslo leaves Israel facing the death of its democracy (even if mass Israeli protests stop Netanyahu from destroying Israels Supreme Court).

That is the reality I observed firsthand in April. It overshadows my memories of that hopeful handshake on the White House lawn.
Pennsylvania voters will choose between two candidates to fill a vacancy on the state Supreme Court this fall. Read more

HARRISBURG  Pennsylvania voters will elect a new state Supreme Court justice this fall  and some big 2024 presidential election decisions could be at stake.

The state Supreme Court has deadlocked on some election cases over the last year, so the November election to fill a vacant seat could determine how the court leans on voting issues.

Pennsylvania is again expected to be a crucial battleground state in the 2024 presidential election. In 2020, the state Supreme Court was at the center of election issues amid battles over mail ballots and former President Donald Trumps false claims of voter fraud. Voting rights advocates expect similar challenges in next years election, especially if there is a rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden.

If we see similar trends to what we saw in 2020, the state Supreme Court is going to be vital, said Kyle Miller, a policy advocate in Pennsylvania for Protect Democracy.

Advertisement

Pennsylvania voters will choose in November between Carolyn Carluccio, a Republican and the first woman to serve as president judge of Montgomery County Court; and Dan McCaffery, a Democrat and Superior Court judge.

The Supreme Courts potential influence over issues such as voting rights and abortion access have prompted both parties to pour money and resources into what is usually a low-turnout race.

The election will not change party control on the bench, which has had a 4-2 Democratic majority since the death of Chief Justice Max Baer last year.

However, the current six-member court has recently deadlocked on election cases, such as whether prohibiting undated mail ballots violates federal law. The new member of the court could be the deciding vote on similar issues.

The Supreme Court has a very important role to play in voting rights, said Marian Schneider, senior policy counsel for voting rights at the Pennsylvania ACLU. A shift of one justice could really make a difference in enfranchising or disenfranchising voters in Pennsylvania.

The Supreme Court could determine the future of mail voting

The state Supreme Court will need to decide cases on Act 77, the no-excuse mail voting law. That law has faced multiple challenges over the last few years from Republicans, despite being passed almost unanimously through the GOP-controlled legislature in 2019.

Counties and election-access advocates have been asking state lawmakers to pass additional language clarifying parts of the law, but most legislative attempts have failed thus far. That means decisions fall to the courts  especially in 2020, the first major test to the mail voting law.

Theres still a lot of unaddressed issues from Act 77, Miller said. The legislature hasnt, to this point, shown much interest in resolving them without adding more layers of scrutiny on top, like voter ID.

The state Supreme Court received strong criticism from some Republicans in 2020 of judicial overreach, or legislating from the bench, around voting issues. For example, the court ruled in 2020 that counties could use ballot drop boxes and created a three-day extension for mail ballots to be received by counties past Election Day, due to fears that the national mail service was unable to deliver ballots on time.

Some Republican legislators unsuccessfully sued to have the mail voting law struck down. And some far-right lawmakers have introduced legislation to overturn the law.

What do the Supreme Court candidates say about mail voting?

Carluccio, the Republican running for a seat on the bench, said in a statement that Act 77 is law, and I will uphold the law.

Changes in our election laws need to come from our Governor and Legislature, Carluccio added. There is no place for judicial activism on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Carluccio noted, however, that she believed the court previously ruled inconsistently on how counties should handle undated or incorrectly dated ballots.

The Inquirer previously reported that Carluccio told the Erie County Republican Party that she wanted a chance to rework Act 77.

McCaffery, the Democratic candidate, declined to comment on past or future mail ballot cases, citing judicial rules preventing judges from speaking about issues that may appear before them. However, he reiterated that Act 77 was passed with broad bipartisan support and is designed to encourage voter participation.

Whats ahead

Voting rights advocates are already bracing for future legal challenges to Pennsylvanias voting system.

Advocates said they expect more lawsuits about how  and if  counties can allow voters to fix errors on their mail ballots, and possible challenges to the use of drop boxes. They hope that federal courts will rule before the 2024 election on how the state should handle undated or improperly dated ballots.

The state Supreme Court will remain a final backstop against election deniers, too, advocates said, with the winner of the November election as the potential deciding vote.

Election deniers across Pennsylvania have in the last year turned to the recount process to disrupt the election certification process. Any three voters can file a petition requesting a recount if they suspect fraud, but do not need to specify what fraud they believe occurred or offer evidence, according to state law.

Miller, the policy advocate in Pennsylvania for Protect Democracy, said its likely that bad actors could seek recounts in counties across the state to delay the certification process of next years presidential election. All 50 states presidential electors need to meet by Dec. 17, so counties must certify their elections before then.

State courts have a primary role in arbitrating our states constitution and how citizens are allowed to participate in democracy, Miller said. Voters should be choosing who they put on this court based on their willingness to uphold those principles and to err on the side of a one person, one vote ideal we try to live up to in America.
An Irish doctor has told how things flew off shelves before she and her daughters fled barefoot outdoors during Friday nights 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco.

Claire McCaughey, who has lived in the country for 15 years, said her house was hit by a violent shaking from the country's deadliest quake in more than six decades.

It has killed more than 2,000 people, injured more than 2,000 more, and laid waste to villages in and around the High Atlas Mountains epicentre 72 km southwest of Marrakech.

The historic old city, where Dr McCaughey lives, suffered extensive damage.

Damage has also been recorded in Agadir, the southern Atlantic coastal city in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains popular with Irish tourists, despite being 250 km from the epicentre.

Luckily for her, Dr McCaughey and her family have so far escaped the worst effects of the earthquake on Marrakech.

People take shelter after an earthquake in Marrakech, Morocco, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 (AP Photo)

She said: "It was a violent shaking of the whole house - things falling off shelves, falling off walls.

I had to wake the girls up and just kind of run outside in our nightwear, in our bare feet.

She said her family spent Saturday night outside, "like much of the country".

She added: "For us here in the city where the damage has been less extreme, there is a lot of fear, a lot of panic.

That's the talk: 'Will there be more, can we sleep in our beds tonight? What comes next for us?.

"There is devastation in the mountain areas.

"Those (affected) are starting to make their way to the city.

Dr McCaughey, from Bangor, Northern Ireland, told BBC News NI, the private hospital where she works in Marrakech is gearing up to deal with survivors.

"The hospital system here is chronically underfunded and overused, she said.

There's difficulties with the public hospitals here on the best of days.

"Response to crisis is something that I have seen happen here on more than one occasion.

"We will have a lot of work; we will get exhausted. We'll do what we have to do."

The Co Down-based K9 Search and Rescue NI rescue team has offered its services to the Moroccan government and is on standby to be called in to help.

People inspect their damaged homes after an earthquake in Moulay Ibrahim village, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Meanwhile, the Irish Travel Agents Association CEO Clare Dunne has issued advice for Irish travellers in the stricken country.

She said: If you are in an affected area, we advise you to monitor local news reports and follow any advice or instructions issued by the local authorities, your accommodation provider or local tour operator staff on the ground.

Alternatively contact your tour operator or the travel agent you booked your holiday with for assistance.

If possible, keep your mobile phone charged and turn it onto roaming to receive alerts from local authorities.

The local airport remains open and flights continue to operate. Irish tour operators on the ground in Marrakesh are reporting that holiday makers in the area are safe.

She added: The ITAA is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and devastation this has caused and our deepest sympathies go out to all those affected.

We are especially thinking of our colleagues, partners and agents in Morocco who have lost family and friends.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was closely monitoring the situation in Morocco.

"All Irish citizens in the affected areas are asked to follow safety instructions from local authorities and monitor local media," it said.

Irish citizens who have been affected can contact the Embassy in Rabat at +212 666 933 599 or by email at Rabatembassyexternalmail@dfa.ie.

They can also contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at +353 1 408 2000 or their travel agent.
A mother whose son was last month diagnosed with an intellectual disability cannot get him a place in a Cork school because it already has a waiting list, despite not yet being open.

The East Cork Community Special School is set to open in Carrigtwohill in November.

It will do so with 18 primary and secondary-level students.

The Department of Education told the Irish Examiner that there is already a waiting list for the school.

A spokeswoman for the Cork Education and Training Board said: Cork Education and Training Board is working to a date of Monday, November 6 as the opening day for East Cork Community Special School.

A principal for the school was appointed this week and Cork ETB is currently in the process of recruiting other staff.

The school is for students, aged 4 to 18, who have a diagnosis of autism and complex learning needs and for students with complex learning needs, who require the support of a special school setting, according to Cork ETB.

The mother of a 15-year-old boy who has recently been diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability says her son has returned to a unit in a mainstream school elsewhere in east Cork on a part-time basis.

He also has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and is attached to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and the East Cork Disability Network services.

During the last academic year, he could not cope in mainstream school as he is not on the same level as his peers either emotionally or socially.

He should be starting his third year in school and planning ahead for his Junior Certificate exams.

Local Fine Gael councillor Anthony Barry said he is not surprised that there is already a waiting list for places in the new school.

The woman, who does not want to be identified to protect her family, believes he needs to be a in special school, with peers, and able to avail of occupational therapy, speech therapy, and life skills.

She says: Next month, I can apply for a place for next year, for September 2024 [in the East Cork Community Special School].

The applications for this year have been closed  we missed the window.

Local Fine Gael councillor Anthony Barry said he is not surprised that there is already a waiting list for places in the new school.

But he said: What we need to look at is how many places are actually needed in the East Cork region.

I have no doubt that 18 places wont be anything like enough but it is a start.

He added: Carrigtwohill and East Cork is going through a rapid expansion, population-wise.

If that is the case, you have to put the social infrastructure in place and this is a key part of it. What we are doing is playing catch-up. It is a great news story, it is brilliant that we have this school but whether the capacity will be enough is another thing.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Education said that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has confirmed that a waiting list has been put in place.

The spokeswoman added: It is envisaged that the new special school will continue to grow and expand to support additional students over time.

In addition, 388 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2023/24 school year, she said.

She added: 78 of the new special classes sanctioned for the 2023/24 school year are in Cork, 54 at primary level and 24 at post-primary.
The G20 has announced a plan to develop a rail and shipping corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and the European Union in a new initiative to foster ties between nations.

The initiative was announced at the G20 summit in New Delhi with leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and US President Joe Biden participating in unveiling the mammoth plan.

A timeline for completion was not provided in the announcement.

World leaders at the Global Infrastructure and Investment event at the G20 summit in New Delhi (Evelyn Hockstein/AP)

The rail and shipping network would physically tie together a vast stretch of the globe and would improve digital connectivity among countries.

The new corridor would also boost economic growth, bolster trade, allow the improved dissemination of energy products like hydrogen, and will link nations who do not currently have diplomatic ties to each other; specifically Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Mr Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the enhanced infrastructure will help bring countries in the Middle East together.

Its a day of good news for all ... that leads us to a new era of regional integration and cooperation.

Mr Sullivan added the new trade corridor will help establish the region as a hub for economic activity instead of as a source of challenge, conflict or crisis.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement calling the rail and shipping project a breakthrough that would transform the region.

Mr Netanyahu said: Its a day of good news for all citizens of Israel, good news that leads us to a new era of regional integration and cooperation.

Saudi Arabias Mohammed bin Salman, left, shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as US President Joe Biden looks on at the G20 (Evelyn Hockstein/AP)

In the next 60 days, working groups will create a fuller plan and set timelines, world leaders revealed in the announcement.

The first phase will involve identifying the areas that need investment and where physical infrastructure can be connected between countries.

Plans will be then implemented throughout the next year to see the project move into the next phase, namely setting up finances and construction.
Mathematicians have been trying for more than 300 years to solve the almost insurmountable problem of how three objects can form a stable orbit around each other. Mathematically describe the motion of two bodies - simple enough, but the appearance of the third immediately spoils everything. At the same time, researchers have now discovered 12 thousand orbital arrangements corresponding to Isaac Newton's laws of motion.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in a study published on the arXiv preprints site. The results of the work of scientists have yet to be evaluated by the scientific community.

As New Scientist notes, it is relatively simple to describe the motion of two orbiting bodies and how the gravity of each of them affects the other. It is the appearance of the third that poses serious problems for the calculations.

In 2017, the scientists said they found 1,223 new solutions, doubling the number of solutions known at the time. But now Ivan Hristov of Sofia University in Bulgaria and his colleagues claim to have discovered more than 12,000 more working orbits.

Although the three-body problem is mathematical, it is of great interest to astronomers because it can describe how any three celestial objects - stars, planets or moons - can maintain a stable orbit.

ADVERTISIMENT

The team of scientists was helped to solve the riddle by a supercomputer that was running an optimized version of the algorithm used in the 2017 paper. The updated algorithm was able to find 12,392 new solutions.

At the same time, Hristov believes that if the algorithm had run on a more powerful computer, the results would have been "five times more".

All the solutions found start with three bodies being stationary, and then gravity pulls them towards each other and they go into free fall.

In doing so, momentum prevents them from colliding and propels them past each other. Subsequently, all three objects slow down and return to rest until gravity sends them into free fall again.

Scientists say that in the absence of friction, this scenario would repeat indefinitely.

However, they recognize that it remains to be seen how stable the new solutions are when the tiny effects of additional, distant bodies and other real-world obstacles are taken into account.

ADVERTISIMENT

"Their physical and astronomical significance will be better known after the stability study - this is very important. But nevertheless, stable or unstable, they are of great theoretical interest. They have a very beautiful spatio-temporal structure," Hristov stated.

In turn, Johan Frank from Louisiana State University (USA) noted that all these solutions are very interesting for mathematicians, but in reality their application will be very limited.

"Most, if not all (solutions. - Ed.), require such precise initial conditions that they will probably never be realized in nature," Frank explained.

According to him, in nature, the complex orbital interaction of three bodies eventually leads to the formation of a binary system and the ejection of the third body (usually less massive) outside of it.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier OBOZREVATEL told about the fact that the mathematician of the 19th century found the planet Vulcan in the vicinity of the Sun.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL channels in Telegram and Viber to be aware of the latest events.
Daniel Khalife has been charged with escaping from custody at HMP Wandsworth, police in the UK have said.

The former soldier was arrested on a canal towpath in west London at 10.41am on Saturday after being pulled off a push bike by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer.

His capture followed a mass land and air search over four days after he went missing from the prison on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Police said a member of the public reported seeing a man matching Khalifes description walking away from a Bidfood van that had stopped near the south entrance to Wandsworth Roundabout on Wednesday morning.

Officers then carried out a search in the Richmond area and, although Khalife was not found there, the force received a number of calls from the public with sightings of the suspect nearby.

Police were seen checking peoples gardens, stopping cars, inspecting car boots, and asking residents for their IDs throughout Saturday morning.

Khalife was eventually found on a canal towpath in Northolt, west London, around eight miles from where he was last seen by a member of the public.

Prior to his alleged escape, Khalife was on remand at HMP Wandsworth after being charged with terror offences in January.

The 21-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday.

Daniel Khalife was on remand at HMP Wandsworth after being charged with terror offences in January (Yui Mok/PA)

In a statement, the Met said: Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday September 11 charged as follows: On the 6th day of September 2023, then being a prisoner in His Majestys Prison at Wandsworth, being remanded in custody pending trial as ordered at the Central Criminal Court on the 21st day of July 2023, escaped, contrary to common law.

Questions have been raised over the security of the prison following the police manhunt.
An aftershock rattled Moroccans on Sunday as they mourned victims of the nations strongest earthquake in more than a century and worked to rescue survivors, while soldiers and aid workers raced to reach desperate mountain villages in ruins.

The disaster killed more than 2,000 people  a number that is expected to rise.

The United Nations estimated that 300,000 people were affected by Friday nights magnitude-6.8 quake and some Moroccans complained on social networks that the government was not allowing more help from outside.

The worst destruction was in small, rural communities that are hard for rescuers to reach (Fernando Sanchez/Europa Press via AP)

International aid crews were prepared to deploy, but some grew frustrated waiting for the government to officially request their assistance.

We know there is a great urgency to save people and dig under the remains of buildings, said Arnaud Fraisse, founder of Rescuers Without Borders, who had a team stuck in Paris waiting for the green light.

There are people dying under the rubble, and we cannot do anything to save them.

Help was slow to arrive in Amizmiz, where a whole chunk of the town of orange and red sandstone brick homes carved into a mountainside appeared to be missing. A mosques minaret had collapsed.

Three days of national mourning started on Sunday (Fernando Sanchez/Europa Press via AP)

Its a catastrophe, said villager Salah Ancheu, 28. We dont know what the future is. The aid remains insufficient.

Residents swept the rubble off the main unpaved road into town and people cheered when trucks full of soldiers arrived. But they pleaded for more help.

There arent ambulances, there arent police, at least for right now, Mr Ancheu said.

Those left homeless  or fearing more aftershocks  slept outside on Saturday, in the streets of the ancient city of Marrakech or under makeshift canopies in Atlas Mountain towns like Moulay Brahim, among the hardest-hit.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11.11pm (Fernando Sanchez/Europa Press via AP)

The worst destruction was in small, rural communities that are hard for rescuers to reach because the roads that snake up the mountainous terrain are covered by fallen rocks.

These areas were shaken anew on Sunday by a magnitude 3.9 aftershock, according to the US Geological Survey(USGS).

It was not immediately clear if it had caused more damage or casualties, but it was likely to have been strong enough to further unsettle people living in areas where damage has left buildings unstable and residents fear aftershocks.

Fridays earthquake toppled buildings not strong enough to withstand such a mighty quake, trapping people in the rubble and sending others fleeing in terror.

The army mobilised specialised search and rescue teams (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

A total of 2,012 people were confirmed dead and at least 2,059 more people were injured  1,404 of them critically, the interior ministry reported on Saturday.

Flags were lowered across Morocco, as King Mohammed VI ordered three days of national mourning starting on Sunday.

The army mobilised specialised search and rescue teams, and the king ordered water, food rations and shelters to be provided to those who had lost their homes.

He also called for mosques to hold prayers on Sunday for the victims, many of whom were buried on Saturday amid the frenzy of rescue work nearby.

In a sign Morocco may be prepared to accept more assistance, a Spanish search and rescue team was dispatched to rural Talat NYaaqoub (Spanish Defence Ministry, via AP)

But Morocco has not made an international appeal for help like Turkey did in the hours following a massive quake earlier this year, according to aid groups.

Aid offers poured in from around the world and the UN said it had a team in Morocco co-ordinating international support.

About 100 teams made up of a total of 3,500 rescuers are registered with a UN platform and ready to deploy in Morocco when asked, Rescuers Without Borders said.

Germany had a team of more than 50 rescuers waiting near Cologne-Bonn Airport but had sent them home, news agency dpa reported.

The epicentre of Fridays quake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

In a sign Morocco may be prepared to accept more assistance, a Spanish search and rescue team arrived in Marrakech and was headed to the rural Talat NYaaqoub, according to Spains Emergency Military Unit.

Foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said in a radio interview that Moroccan authorities had asked for help.

Another rescue team from Nice, France, was also on its way.

The epicentre of Fridays quake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, about 44 miles (70km) south of Marrakech. The region is known for scenic villages and valleys tucked in the High Atlas Mountains.

Those left homeless  or fearing more aftershocks  slept outside on Saturday (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

Devastation gripped each town along the High Atlas steep and winding switchbacks, with homes folding in on themselves and people crying as the dead were carried through the streets.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11.11pm, lasting several seconds, the USGS said. A magnitude 4.9 aftershock hit 19 minutes later, it said.

The collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates occurred at a relatively shallow depth, which makes a quake more dangerous.
Joe Biden has said his visit to Vietnam is not aimed at starting a cold war with China, but was part of a broader effort to provide global stability by building US relationships throughout Asia at a time of tensions with Beijing.

Its not about containing China, the US president said at a news conference in Vietnams capital after attending the G20 summit in India. Its about having a stable base.

He arrived in Hanoi as Vietnam was elevating the US to its highest diplomatic status: comprehensive strategic partner. That is evidence of how far the relationship has evolved from what Mr Biden referred to as the bitter past of the Vietnam War.

Joe Biden attends a military welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi (Luong Thai Linh/AP)

The expanded partnership reflects a broader effort across Asia to counter Chinas influence. Mr Biden has said Vietnam wants to flex a degree of independence, and US companies are seeking an alternative to imports from Chinese factories. He is pursuing possible allies while also trying to soothe tensions with China.

I think we think too much in cold war terms, Mr Biden said at his news conference. Its not about that. Its about generating economic growth and stability in all parts of the world. And thats what were trying to do.

We have an opportunity to strengthen alliances around the world to maintain stability. Thats what this trip is all about.

Mr Biden opened his news conference by saying he had travelled around the world in five days, from Washington to New Delhi and now Hanoi, showcasing efforts by his administration to forge alliances. The president will stop in Alaska on the way home on Monday to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

In response to one question, he told reporters he had met Chinese premier Li Qiang in India. The contact is the highest-level interaction between US and Chinese officials since Mr Biden and Chinas President Xi Jinping held talks at last years G20 in Indonesia. Mr Xi skipped the India talks and sent Mr Li in his place.

Joe Biden in a meeting at the Communist Party of Vietnam headquarters (Evan Vucci/AP)

We talked about stability. It wasnt confrontational at all, Mr Biden said.

The exchange, between G20 sessions on Saturday, was brief, according to a senior Biden administration official. It was not clear who approached whom, but Mr Biden was interested in seeing Mr Li and underscoring his desire to stabilise the relationship between the two countries, said the official.

Mr Biden went into meetings with Vietnams leaders after his arrival in the country. He welcomed the new partnership and said he hoped for progress on climate, the economy and other issues during his 24-hour stop in Hanoi.

We can trace a 50-year arc of progress between our nations from conflict to normalisation to this new elevated status, Mr Biden said with Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, at party headquarters.

The US president has described himself as being part of the Vietnam generation, although he did not serve in a war. He was given five draft deferments and was exempted from military service because he had asthma as a teenager.

Joe Biden with Vietnamese general secretary of the Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong (Luong Thai Linh/AP)

He called Vietnam a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community, and noted that veterans such as John Kerry, his climate tsar, and the late John McCain, a Vietnam PoW and Republican senator from Arizona, found ways to build a relationship with Vietnam after the war.

Both men saw so clearly, as I and so many others did, how much we had to gain by working together to overcome a bitter past, he said.

Mr Trong pledged that his country will work hard to implement the agreement. Only then can we say it is a success, he said.

Mr Biden described the US and Vietnam as critical partners at what I would argue is a very critical time.

Neither leader specifically discussed how Chinas economic and geopolitical rise had contributed to their countries expanded partnership, but it was hard to explain the mutual embrace without Beijings growing influence.

Vietnam previously bestowed the same level of relations on China and Russia. Elevating the US suggests Hanoi wants to hedge its friendships as US and European companies look for alternatives to Chinese factories.
1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
China's opening-up, improved business environment garner foreign investors' confidence

Xinhua) 09:13, September 10, 2023

This photo taken on Sept. 8, 2023 shows a view of the 23rd China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

XIAMEN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's commitment to high-standard opening-up and an improved business environment has boosted the confidence of foreign investors attending the ongoing 23rd China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), with senior officials reiterating the country's sincerity in facilitating international exchanges and cooperation.

The event kicked off in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, on Friday, drawing the participation of companies from 102 countries and regions.

Wang Yong, vice chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that China will unswervingly promote high-standard opening up.

Noting that the country is committed to its fundamental national policy of opening to the outside world and is pursuing a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, Wang stressed that China would promote high-standard opening up, further improve the environment for foreign investment and firmly safeguard the multilateral trading regime.

Among those attending CIFIT is ABB, a world leading electrification and automation company. It has invested approximately 19 billion yuan (about 2.63 billion U.S. dollars) in China over the past 31 years, expanding its operations to encompass research, manufacturing, sales and engineering services in 700 Chinese cities.

James Zhao, senior vice president of ABB (China) Ltd., told Xinhua, "China's business environment has been continuously improving over the years." He cited the Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect three years ago, as a significant step in providing a legal framework and protection for foreign investments.

"China's recent introduction of new policies will surely provide a more equitable business environment," Zhao added.

According to a report released by the Development Research Center of the State Council during CIFIT, China has maintained its position as the world's second-largest recipient of foreign investment since 2017 and remains one of the most attractive investment destinations globally.

In 2022, China's actual use of foreign direct investment (FDI) reached 189.1 billion U.S. dollars, marking an 8 percent year-on-year increase on a comparable basis. The country's share of global FDI rose from 8.2 percent in 2012 to 14.6 percent in 2022.

The report attributed China's success to its proactive alignment with high international standards, continuous optimization of investment policies and the business environment, and persistent expansion of market access.

Saleh Ali Khabti, Deputy Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, lauded China's investment environment as "great" and cited the growth of Saudi companies' investments in China as evidence of the improved business environment. He also mentioned the recent increase in investment by Saudi Aramco, the world's oil giant, in various Chinese regions.

This photo taken on Sept. 8, 2023 shows the Signing Ceremony of Fujian Key Investment Projects during the 23rd China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

At a CIFIT forum for promoting investment in China, Chen Chunjiang, assistant minister of commerce, met with companies both from home and abroad, pledging greater efforts to enhance opening up.

He said the country would shorten the negative list for foreign investment access, remove and relax restrictions on foreign investment, and increase the openness of the modern service industry.

China will also increase policy support for foreign investment, improve services and guarantees for foreign-funded enterprises, and strengthen the protection of the rights and interests of foreign investors, Chen added.

"With China stepping up efforts to stabilize foreign investment and promote consumption, events like CIFIT provide us with golden platforms, allowing us to engage in deep communication with the Chinese government and creating favorable opportunities," Lu Haiqing, chief corporate affairs and strategic relations officer of IHG Greater China, told Xinhua.

As one of the first multinational hotel groups coming to China, the UK-headquartered hotel giant has launched 658 hotels across 200 Chinese cities, operating under 12 distinct brands.

Lu highlighted the company's impressive growth trajectory in China, noting, "Every year, we witness the inauguration of approximately 100 new IHG hotels in China, and we currently have 500 more in the pipeline for construction."

He affirmed IHG's commitment to accelerating its expansion in China, particularly in the post-epidemic era, as it remains confident in the country's promising economic prospects and the continuously improving business landscape.

Lu disclosed that he had directly exchanged ideas with various provincial and city-level government officials. "We had offered our insights and received active feedback from the governments," Lu said, adding that the group had secured good opportunities for future development during the exchanges.

When asked about the details, Lu responded with a confident smile, stating, "We will provide more details when they are finalized, and some of them are in the second and third-tier cities. We anticipate swift progress in the follow-up work."

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chaolan)
AWASR, a licensed service provider, Alliance Networks, a digital infrastructure service provider, and AMS-IX, a world leading Internet Exchange provider, have joined forces to launch Oman-IX, a ground-breaking Internet Exchange. It aims to revolutionise digital infrastructure services in the region by interconnecting industry-leading organisations, networks, datacentres, and cloud services across the Middle East and beyond.

The new Internet Exchange will be owned by AWASR, an established player in the telecommunications industry, who aims to establish an IX node in Oman as part of its commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering digital growth in the sultanate.

Alliance Networks, known for its extensive network reach and expertise in providing advanced digital solutions, will deliver marketing and sales support for the new Internet Exchange and collaborates with AMS-IX to deliver the platform, technical support, expertise, and training.

Transformative collaboration

Eng Adnan Al-Alawi, CEO of AWASR, said: "This is a transformative collaboration with Alliance Networks and AMS-IX. By launching Oman-IX, we will unlock new opportunities for Oman, enabling efficient exchange of internet traffic and promoting digital innovation across industries."

Adel Al Daylami, CEO of Alliance Networks, said: "Alliance Networks is dedicated to providing reliable and robust digital infrastructure services in the region. Partnering with AWASR and AMS-IX to establish Oman-IX aligns with our mission to interconnect networks and promote seamless data exchange across borders. We look forward to creating a strong digital ecosystem in Oman."

Peter van Burgel, CEO of AMS-IX, said: "We will contribute our expertise in Internet Exchange services to this partnership. The collaboration between AWASR, Alliance Networks, and AMS-IX will empower Oman's digital landscape and accelerate the country's connectivity to global networks via public peering. Oman-IX will serve as a vital hub for internet traffic exchange, enabling enhanced user experience and fostering digital innovation."

Mutually beneficial partnership

Through this mutually beneficial partnership, AWASR, Alliance Networks, and AMS-IX will collaborate to build digital infrastructure services, leveraging Alliance's infrastructure, AWASR's expertise, and Oman's Internet Exchange capabilities.

Oman-IX will serve as a hub for aggregating IP peering traffic from both local and global networks within Oman, while also facilitating the exchange of peering traffic through AMS-IX Internet Exchange to other international internet exchanges.

The new exchange powered by AMS-IX Internet Exchange will be situated in the MC1 carrier neutral datacentre of Equinix in Muscat. Implementation and go live of the new IX is expected for Q4 this year.-- TradeArabia News Service
Russian President Vladimir Putin is afraid even of his security. His visits to his numerous residences are concealed from the FSO officers guarding them.

ADVERTISIMENT

The most interesting performances take place during his visits to the "Russian" Crimea: the appearance of Putin's arrival is created simultaneously by air, land and sea, while the coast is guarded by a special squad of divers. The secrets of "Putin-style security" were revealed in an interview with an ex-employee of the FSO Vitaly Brizhatyi with the Russian TV channel Dozhd.

Brizhatyi is now in Ecuador. He fled there after the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. The man has been working in the Federal Security Service since February 2022, serving in the temporarily occupied Crimea. He told journalists about the security measures taken by Putin and high-ranking Russian officials during their visits to the occupied Ukrainian peninsula.

The former FSO officer worked as a kinesiologist before fleeing to Ecuador. His tasks included, among other things, inspecting the territory of "state houses" for explosives.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to him, there was a lot of work.

"When the top government officials arrive, they start bringing gifts by truck. Sinologists check them. For example, Matvienko came and they gave her a TV set. Why does she need it?" a former FSO officer asked.

However, Putin's visits to Crimea are accompanied by special security measures. The dictator's visit to the Crimean summer house is concealed even from FSO employees. The dictator is accompanied exclusively by his security service, while employees in the regions are entrusted only with preparing the territory for the arrival.

"We are told that he [Putin] is there, but he may not be. He doesn't trust his guards. People may be told that he is vacationing at this summer house, but he may be somewhere else," Brizhatyi said.

The dictator's paranoia is so great that a whole spectacle usually unfolds during his arrival in Crimea. According to the former FSO officer, three helicopters fly to each of the airports on the peninsula, the Rosgvardiya and motorcades arrive, and Putin himself may arrive by sea. The coastal zone is guarded by a special squad of divers, which is located in the same building of kinesiologists.

ADVERTISIMENT

Interestingly, such "secrecy" not only for Putin but also with other representatives of the ruling elite of the Russian Federation led to a constant operation of officials' summer houses. After all, they can come at any moment. In particular, food is regularly brought there.

Only the officials' guards and cleaners "with special access" are allowed inside the houses.

Earlier Putin accused the West of covering up Nazism in Ukraine with the ethnic Jew Zelensky. The Ukrainian president's Jewish roots seem to be bothering the "anti-Nazi" from the Kremlin, as this is not the first time he has emphasized it.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reacted to Putin's anti-Semitic and anti-Ukrainian outburst. They called the words of the Russian president another manifestation of deep-rooted anti-Semitism of Russian elites and called on the world to strongly condemn the statements of the Russian president.

ADVERTISIMENT
TheSouth Korean government has decided to allocate 2.3 billion dollars for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The first part of the amount (300 million) will be received by Kiev in 2024 for humanitarian needs.

ADVERTISIMENT

From 2025, the remaining 2 billion will be sent to Ukraine as long-term aid - to support social and economic infrastructure. This was announced by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the G20 summit in New Delhi (India) during the session entitled "One Future", Yonhap reports.

Long-term aid will come in the form of low-interest loans through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). The latter Seoul launched in 1987 to support economic and social infrastructure projects in developing countries.

"This will demonstrate our responsible role as a global pivot state in leading aid to restore peace in Ukraine and lay the groundwork for our full participation in Ukraine's future reconstruction," Yoon Seok-yeol said.

We would like to add that the G-20 summit in New Delhi is the eighteenth meeting of the G-20 heads of state. It takes place on September 9-10 in the face-to-face format.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZREVATEL wrote:

- The President and First Lady of South Korea came to Ukraine on July 15, 2023. Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Kon-hee visited not only the capital, but also Bucha and Irpen near Kyiv, and met with Volodymyr and Olena Zelensky.

- The Washington Post previously said that the South Korean government planned to transfer hundreds of thousands of artillery shells to the Ukrainian Defense Forces via the United States.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
US molecular agriculture company Elo Life Systems (Elo) is tackling the country's sugar crisis by developing an innovation. It is a plant-based natural sweetener that contains antioxidants from more than 20 easy-to-grow fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and cucumber.

ADVERTISIMENT

Elo Life's alternative to sugar is free of calories and unwanted flavors inherent in other sweeteners. Company CEO Todd Rands told Foodingredientsfirst.

"Our sweetener allows food and beverage companies to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners while improving the nutritional quality of products. It is 300 times sweeter than sugar, with zero calories and has a clean flavor profile that is superior to other sweeteners," he said.

Rands said the sweetener can be used in thousands of everyday foods that consumers enjoy, from beverages to snacks, cereals, yogurt and ice cream.

Consumer product companies are expected to use Elo Life's sugar alternative to reduce sugar, artificial sweeteners and ineffective natural sweeteners in their products.

"We produced our sweetener from over 20 different fruits and vegetables to determine the most efficient biofactory. Our sweetener will be available in two formats: in liquid form from watermelon juice and in powder form from sugar beets," explained the company's CEO.

ADVERTISIMENT

The company recently secured $24.5 million in funding, which it will use to further roll out the products. Elo will be increasing its supply of the innovative sweetener over the next two seasons. It will be fully marketed starting in 2025.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Ukraine plans to introduce an excise tax on sweet drinks in the amount of 0.1 euros (about 4 UAH) for each liter. This is expected to help reduce the consumption of sweet sodas and reduce the number of Ukrainians suffering from diabetes.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Reddit Email 66 Shares

( Middle East Monitor)  The Saudi authorities have executed more than 100 people this year, hitting a new milestone that Amnesty International considers reveals its chilling disregard for the right to life.

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia executed a displaced religious resident on charges of killing a Saudi in the capital, Riyadh, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday.

This brought the number of executions so far in 2023 to 102 people, according to Agence France-Presse, based on official data, including 33 people executed for conviction in terrorism-related cases.

Saudi Arabia carried out 147 death sentences in 2022.

SPA did not provide details on how the execution was carried out, noting that the Kingdom often carries out death sentences by beheading.

Human rights organisations assert that these executions undermine the Kingdoms efforts to improve its image by approving social and economic amendments as part of its reformative Vision 2030 programme.

In clear contrast to Saudi Arabias repeated promises to limit its use of the death penalty, the Saudi authorities have already executed 100 people this year, revealing their chilling disregard for the right to life, Amnesty Internationals Middle East and North Africa Director Heba Morayef conveyed in a statement on Friday.

Morayef pointed out: The authorities relentless killing spree raises serious fears for the lives of young men on death row who were under 18 at the time of the crimes. In August alone, Saudi Arabia executed an average of four people per week.



Image by jorono from Pixabay

According to Amnesty, in 2022, Saudi Arabia ranked third on the list of countries carrying out death sentences worldwide.

Saudi Arabia has carried out more than 1,000 executions since King Salman Bin Abdulaziz came to power in 2015, according to a joint report by Reprieve and the European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, published at the beginning of this year.

Sixty-nine death sentences were carried out in 2021, 27 executions in 2020 during the peak of the COVID outbreak and 187 in 2019.

At the end of last year, death sentences resumed against those convicted of drug crimes after suspending executions for about three years. Saudi Arabia has already executed two people this year for drug smuggling.

Amnesty International stated that it has: Documented numerous cases in which the authorities have sentenced people to death for anything from a few tweets to drug-related offences, following grossly unfair trials that fell far short of international human rights standards.

Via Middle East Monitor
Chinas rapid transformation into an electric car superpower that threatens Europes established carmakers even on their home turf is a dominant theme at this years IAA motor show in Bavarias capital Munich. The presence of Chinese companies has doubled at this years show, which is open to the public from 5 to 10 September, reflecting a tectonic shift in the global automobile industry.

A perfect storm is brewing in Munich, said Christian Hochfeld, who heads Berlin-based clean mobility think tank Agora Verkehrswende. Established European carmakers are facing huge challenges.

Hochfeld pointed to Chinas lead in battery technology, digitalisation, competitiveness, and the automation of production. He also noted conventional carmakers dependence on fragile supply chains dominated by the East Asian country, both in raw materials and products like batteries and electronics. Additionally, carmakers are dealing with a sales crisis in Europe, high energy prices, and a skilled labour shortage, Hochfeld told Clean Energy Wire.

Stefan Bratzel, the director of the Center of Automotive Management, also warned against regarding conventional carmakers record profits as an indication of future success. They might still be doing fine at the moment, but trouble is ahead, Bratzel said.

China is like a magnifying glass of the transition. What we will see on a global scale in the future can already be observed in China today, Bratzel said. Electrification and digitalisation are far more advanced than in Europe, and domestic competitors are very strong in China, especially in electric mobility. Established carmakers have their work cut out for them.

As the world races to lower emissions in the fight against climate change, a rapidly growing number of countries and cities have already set phase-out dates for combustion engines. This shift has massive repercussions for the Europes car industry, whose success was built on this climate-damaging technology, and has been slow to switch to clean alternatives like electric vehicles.
While Kim Rae Won's determination grows, his walk to his sudden demise becomes shorter. After six long weeks, the impenetrable police detective finally sees his end in "The First Responders 2" Episode 11.

'The First Responders 2' Episode 11: Jin Ho Gae Learns About Dex's Identity

In "The First Responders 2" Episode 11, Jin Ho Gae (Kim Rae Won) learned that every piece of evidence had been tampered with as the technician was also the culprit.

When Dex's identity as Han Se Jin (Jeong Sung Woo) is discovered, he blows up the ambulance that Jin Ho Gae is in.

Because of this, the police and the authorities couldn't find Jin Ho Gae's body. It is taken by Dex who installs a bone conduction ear set that transmits electricity to the other's ears.

He orders Jin Ho Gae to call Song Seol (Gong Seung Yeon) and infiltrate the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's computer room, else he will send waves to the detective and kill him off.

Jin Ho Gae Manages To Turn Tables

The database that Dex wants to hack contains a decade worth of DNA with data that amounts to over 300,000 criminals. However, Jin Ho Gae obliges to the culprit's orders.

If he disobeys, Dex guarantees to harm Song Seol and Gongmyung Pil (Kang Ki Doong). Just when the culprit thinks he's winning, Jin Ho Gae turns the situation around.

He swallows the chip that contains all information about the criminals and immediately asks Kang Do Ha (Oh Eui Shik) for help before running off to their meeting place.

Jin Ho Gae arrives at the place where they had agreed to meet but to his surprise, his father Jin Cheol Jung (Jo Seung Yeon) is the only one waiting for him.

Like him, his father is wearing a headset with a bomb installed at the back. This angers Jin Ho Gae whose determination to catch Dex doubled.

Jin Ho Gae Faces His Demise

As he heads to the rooftop of the building, Jin Cheol Jung's bomb explodes. No one survives the bomb, killing off both him and his estranged father.

Elsewhere, Song Seol, who learns about the devastation, cries her heart out and falls into despair. Later, Dex approaches the former which heightens the tension.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS: 'My Lovely Liar' Episode 12: Hwang Minhyun Tracks Down Real Culprit

The ending of "The First Responders 2" episode 11 made every viewer's jaw drop, leaving an unforgettable impact in its penultimate broadcast.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
With Gwang Sik's help, Moon Jang Yeol (Lee Min Ki) connected the dots and suspected Kim Sun Woo (Suho) as the serial killer in "Behind Your Touch" episode 9.

'Behind Your Touch' Episode 9: Bong Ye Bun Tricked by Ji Suk's Kindness

In "Behind Your Touch" episode 9, the Mujin Residents gathered to vote for the election. They asked Kim Sun Woo who he would vote for, and told in front of Assemblyman Mr. Cha that he had not found any right candidate yet.

At the police station, Moon Jang Yeol freed Gwang Sik and Ae Ran and let them off with a fine. Ji Suk, Ae Ran's friend, went to Bong Ye Bun (Han Ji Min) and asked her friend's whereabouts. She revealed she was safe at the police station.

The coffee shop owner found Ae Ran and dragged her back to the shop. Gwang Sik yelled at Ye Bun for telling Ji Suk about Ae Ran's place. This made Ye Bun upset as she thought Ji Suk was sincerely worried about her friend.

Bong Ye Bun confronted Ji Suk and shared how anxious she was for Ae Ran. However, she was furious as Ae Ran left knowing that if any one of the two girls went missing, the other one had to clear off that person's debt too.

Serial Killer Targets Ji Suk Next

Amid the conflict, Ye Bun got drunk at a nearby shop and met Sun Woo. They had a conversation about trust and people, to which the young man told her to not trust anyone.

She insisted and got tipsy and fell. Sun Woo placed his palm under her forehead so she wouldn't get hurt.

Ye Bun had a vision of her mother's death but was shocked to see Ji Suk was there as the victim. She immediately woke up and ran away.

Kim Sun Woo returned and discovered Ye Bun was missing. He checked on her phone and sensed something.

The psychic went to Ji Suk and had a conversation. She accompanied her in distributing the delivery only to leave Ye Bun in an isolated place.

Bong Ye Bun walked toward the road and found Ji Suk's bike on the ground. She caught a firefly and read its memories to know Ji Suk's place.

She followed the path and saw the serial killer stabbing Ji Suk. She pushed him away and saved Ji Suk. They hid in a secluded place.

Ye Bun told Ji Suk to stay and went out to ask for help. She crossed paths with the residents and avoided their touch as one of them might be the other psychic.

However, she was touched by many as they checked up on her bloody face. She met Jang Yeol and told him about the incident. They went to Ji Suk only to find out that she was stabbed to death.

She was devastated and talked with Jang Yeol about the culprit. They both realized that the killer might be a psychic.

However, it was hard for them to name the murderer.

Moon Jang Yeol Suspects Kim Sun Woo as the Serial Killer

The next day, Mr. Cha visited Jong Muk and told him to ensure that the serial killer news didn't hit the press.

Elsewhere, the duo asked for Gwang Sik's help in finding the culprit. He then read Ye Bun's memories hoping to find a lead.

Later on, he described the suspicious man's appearance. When Gwang Sik and Jang Yeol met Sun Woo, they felt all the description of the suspicious man fits him.

The detective checked the convenience store and learned Sun Woo was not on duty during the elections, and he was suspected of being out during the killing.

Jang Yeol asked Ye Bun's whereabouts, but she lied to him as she was at Sun Woo's workshop. He panicked while at the shop, Sun Woo picked up a knife and walked towards Ye Bun.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Shai Collins wrote this.
Torture and inhuman behavior of the Russian authorities with civilian Ukrainians and prisoners of war cannot be assessed as accidental. It is more about Moscow's state policy.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Jill Edwards at a press conference in Kyiv on September 10. According to her, the number of data on torture and other cases of inhuman treatment of civilians and prisoners of war by Russia is constantly increasing.

"In my opinion, these horrific acts cannot be assessed as accidental, but rather as an organized part of state policy... in order to intimidate, punish, or obtain information and confessions. I base this analysis on the scale of the allegations as well as the methods, the purposes of torture of various forms," Edwards said.

She added that she had testimonies of electrocution, beatings, simulated executions and drowning, being forced to stay in certain positions for long periods of time, threats of rape or death, and various so-called ceremonies intended to humiliate.

ADVERTISIMENT

Ukrainian civilians described being held in cramped cellars. And one Ukrainian soldier in captivity lost weight from 100 to 55 kilograms in nine months, Edwards said.

Several other survivors of Russian captivity admitted that they lost consciousness from beatings and electric shocks, as well as memory loss due to torture, the UN rapporteur said.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- On September 9, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said that in the liberated territories found 80 Russian torture rooms. The occupiers kept Ukrainians there in inhumane conditions.

- Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin earlier said that the Russian Federation had built a developed system of torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainians. About 90% of POWs went through torture, rape or threats of sexual violence.

- Russian military in intercepts openly admit to war crimes against Ukrainian civilians and P OWs. The military, according to them, are simply shot, considering them "superfluous cargo".

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
2 Shares Share

It was a frigid January night in Chicago. My whole body felt cold as flurries of snow landed on my clothes, prompting me to quickly enter the restaurant to find my friend.

The dinner began to unfold how I had imagined. My friend, a fellow medical student, and I eagerly chatted about our life updates. I shared stories from my days in the hospital, and she described the progress of her research projects. We agonized over the menu, with almost every item grabbing our attention.

While laughing and enjoying each others company, we mused over how much we loved our nights out together in Chicago. Neither of us needed to wake up early the next morning, so we decided to stay put for some time after finishing our carefully chosen meals. Suddenly, a waiter, who was not assigned to our table, approached us and asked if we were involved in the medical field. He must have overheard our conversations interspersed with medical student-speak. He then stated that he wanted to tell us about his previous experience as a young adult with leukemia. Having finished my month-long hematology-oncology rotation just the day prior, I was instantly intrigued.

He pulled up a chair and proceeded to tell us about his journey. He shared what differentiated his favorite physicians from his less favorite ones: their ability to treat him as a person, rather than solely as a patient. We delved into what this meant to him. He added that physicians seemed to overlook the importance of various components of the patient encounter, such as the first question they choose to ask the patient during rounds. Also, where physicians position themselves in the room can communicate about how much time they are willing to spend with patients and their families.

The waiter remarked that all physicians can inform patients about their diseases, how they are responding to medication, and the available treatment options. However, what he, and other patients, often care about the most is how much a physician makes them feel like a person and how well the physician can maintain the patients sense of humanity in the face of illness. The waiter then discussed a potent example of this. One of his most positive memories was when a certain physician asked him about his hobbies, and he discussed his favorite video games. The physician subsequently facilitated a way for the waiter to play his video games in the hospital room. A simple question, leading to a simple act, meant the world to him because it ultimately helped the waiter feel more like himself before cancer landed him in the hospital.

The waiter proceeded to inform us that the genetics of his form of cancer were unique, as his specific translocation was rarely seen in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He agreed to participate in all research that physicians asked him to consider engaging in. His reasoning was that he wanted physicians to learn from his case for the benefit of future patients. I was touched by this. But what touched me the most out of our entire conversation was that he went out of his way to teach my friend and me lessons that you cannot learn from a book or lecture in medical school. He wanted us to learn from his story and perspectives on the art and science of medicine.

Before I knew it, the restaurant manager was asking us to leave the restaurant so that he could close it for the night. My friend and I were the last customers to exit the restaurant  not only with our expectedly full stomachs but also with our unexpectedly exceedingly full hearts.

Since that night, I have carried these prized lessons into my patient encounters as a medical student. I have continued to observe the powerful impact of how an extra question, inquiry, or comment to patients can make them feel heard, unrushed, and most importantly, human.

Our conversation strengthened my aspiration to become an especially empathic and humanistic physician  one who consistently honors the dignity of patients  irrespective of how life-limiting their illnesses may become. Thank you, waiter, for truly teaching me about medicine at a restaurant on a Saturday night when I least anticipated it. I owe you.

Emily S. Hagen is a medical student.
Why would anyone lie about you? And what makes you prone to conviction? There are three types of people that will absolutely bring your world crashing down on you, and you need to know who they are. But first, we need to understand the formula that prosecutors have developed to target doctors.

Prosecutors go after doctors because they are easy targets. The formula developed by prosecutors has three steps: First, make the doctor look greedy and shady in the media; second, find someone willing to lie about their practice; and third, confuse a medically naive jury about what the usual practice of medicine for a legitimate medical purpose really is.

The first is easy; todays media does not fact-check what the authorities feed them and are only too happy to parrot what they are told. Talk about a doctor accepting cash or driving a nice car, hint that they care more about money than they do about their patients, suggest that they are known as Dr. Feelgood. Thats a classic that goes all the way back to Elvis. Now comes step two: Find a good liar.

Who is willing to lie about a doctor? There are three categories of people that you need to be aware of. These are:

Angry patients dismissed for cause. Disgruntled employees you had to fire. Jealous competitors.

Lets look at each of these individually.

When you find a patient that is abusing your trust by diverting medication, you will feel a righteous indignation. You will often be angry and speak to them harshly. But even if you approach them with compassion and understanding, tapering them down and referring them to counseling, these patients become ticking time bombs and the prosecutors best friend. They dont have to come back and shoot you and your staff, as some angry patients have done. All they have to do is get caught selling drugs or medications, and they have a get-out-of-jail-free card. These patients have already become adept at lying convincingly, or they wouldnt have been your patient in the first place. And they are very adept at street survival. When the prosecutor says, We cant help you with your charges unless you can help us with Doctor X, they know exactly what that means.

When an employee works for you, they get to know your practice well, they hear the stupid jokes and off-hand statements made by some staff and patients. They hear a lot more than you do. And these arent stupid people. Any real mistakes you make or blind spots you have are noted by them, even when they are not expressed to you. While you are paying their salary, they look at you with compassion and affection. But the minute you have to let someone go, whether for cause or just financial reasons, that affection becomes bitterness. We have all seen love turn to hate in romantic relationships. And dont be surprised when someone you tried to help when their work was substandard or their personal lives interfered too much, turns on you. People in the medical field know all too well how easy it is to call the medical board, insurance companies, or the DEA to destroy you.

And finally, the jealous competitor. You might think that physicians and those in the medical profession are at a higher level of moral development. But thats not always the case. These people are human beings, subject to every flaw and frailty people have had throughout history. They will get jealous if you do better than they do, assuming that you are just lucky or cheating somehow. If you have a better rapport with patients, its not because the other doctors a jerk, its because you coddle your patients or give them what they want instead of what they need. And if you treat pain or addiction, this becomes a very powerful weapon to use against you. ER doctors are famous for exclaiming, Who put you on this much medication! having no clue what its like to have to treat patients suffering with terrible maladies day after day, year after year. Controlled medication Luddites and those who dont treat people with these problems will tell everyone who listens that you are prescribing too much. And this gets around, to local law enforcement. And if that competitor picks up the phone, as one of mine did, to the DEA, federal prosecutors and the DEA will not give you the benefit of the doubt. A phone call or report is all it takes.

Step two is now complete: a patient in custody, a former employee angry over being fired, and a jealous competitor who wants you out of the way. These are the things that will everything you spent your life achieving. And dont think the truth will set you free. The truth becomes indistinguishable from a lie in a courtroom when one of those three people raises their hand and testifies falsely about you.

Step three is a breeze. Indictment in this country is a foregone conclusion. Prosecutors are under no real obligation to tell the truth. Whos going to prosecute them if they knowingly allow liars to take the stand? And once indicted, you will lose your ability to practice and fund a defense. You will be forced to take a plea or face those same lies in court, where you will come against people very skilled at deception.

Be aware of these three threats to your practice. Be very careful whom you accept as a patient and whom you hire. And when you must make someone angry, document everything as carefully as possible. And establish a good relationship with a health care specialty law group that practices civil and criminal law. Otherwise, you will not have a chance when they kick down your door.

L. Joseph Parker is a distinguished professional with a diverse and accomplished career spanning the fields of science, military service, and medical practice. He currently serves as the chief science officer and operations officer, Advanced Research Concepts LLC, a pioneering company dedicated to propelling humanity into the realms of space exploration. At Advanced Research Concepts LLC, Dr. Parker leads a team of experts committed to developing innovative solutions for the complex challenges of space travel, including space transportation, energy storage, radiation shielding, artificial gravity, and space-related medical issues.

He can be reached on LinkedIn and YouTube.
An Ethiopian nun who has continued to help people in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia in spite of the conflict that has raged there for nearly three years has been honoured by Trocaire.

Sister Medhin Tesfay was in attendance at the Trocaire 50th Anniversary Conference where she was presented with the Trocaire Romero International Award by Bishop William Crean, who is Chair of the organisation, in recognition of her extraordinary courage and commitment.

Sister Medhin thanked the people of Kilkenny and right across Ireland for their support of not just the Daughters of Charity but many other partner organisations since Trocaire was founded fifty years ago.

Through your generosity, we have been able to shed light on peoples plight, share their stories and advocate for the attention and assistance they desperately need. Your support has helped in saving many lives, illuminating a path towards a brighter future for these individuals, offering them a glimmer of hope and a chance for a better life, she said.

Trocaire CEO, Caoimhe de Barra, said,

Trocaires history is owned by the people of Kilkenny who together for fifty years have shown unyielding solidarity to those who are suffering in our world. It is also owned by our brave partners overseas, like Sister Medhin, who are at the centre of positive change for their communities. I cannot thank our donors, clergy, parishioners, teachers, students and volunteers enough for the incredible support they have given, and continue to give, to Trocaire. Their generosity and solidarity with those in need in some of the worlds most fragile countries is humbling.

Sister Medhin has given tirelessly to the transformative and life-saving work of the Daughters of Charity in Ethiopia for nearly three decades. She is known and respected by many around the world, including Ireland, Scotland, England and the US, for the work she has done.

Sr Medhins congregation opened two houses in Tigray in the 1970s to support the disadvantaged, marginalised and people living in poverty in these areas. The first house of the Daughters of Charity in Tigray Region, and where Sr Medhin lives and serves, was established in 1973  the same year that Trocaire was established in Ireland.

Trocaire has worked with the Daughters of Charity since 1990. The work undertaken by the Sisters includes supporting education, health, emergency response, and economic and livelihoods supports particularly to women.

When recent conflict prevented access for the UN and International NGOs, Sr. Medhin courageously continued her work. At the height of the conflict when there was no communication with the region, Sr. Medhin continued to provide relief items, supports and inspiration to the people.
Our Sun will have reached the final stages of its existence in about 5 billion years, having used up all the nuclear fuel in its core. Unless a medical miracle happens soon, there is 0% chance that anyone alive today will be able to see this happen. But, of course, both ordinary people and scientists are wondering what the demise of our luminary will look like and will turn into a voracious black hole.

ADVERTISIMENT

The professor of physics and an expert on black holes at the University of Sussex in the UK Xavier Calmet shared what will happen in the distant future of our solar system in the commentary to LiveScience. He is convinced that a black hole will never form near Earth, but our home may not survive the demise of the Sun as it is.

The Sun's death will begin in 5 billion years when it has burned up all its fuel and can no longer resist its gravity. As a consequence, the outer layers of our luminary will fly apart and quite possibly destroy the Earth or all life on it. At the same time, the Sun's core will shrink to an incredibly dense state.

Thus, our dying Sun will enter the red giant phase and it won't even be the last phase of its death.

As Calmet explained, when the Sun becomes a red giant about a billion years after its core runs out of hydrogen, it will expand to the orbit of Mars, engulfing the inner planets, possibly including Earth.

ADVERTISIMENT

Next, the outer layers of the red giant will cool and atomize, forming a planetary nebula around the Sun's smoldering core. This will be the final stage in the death of our star, which will eventually turn into a white dwarf, whose size will be about the same as the size of the Earth. Right now, the Sun is 109 times the diameter of our planet.

So, as is already obvious, our Sun will never turn into a black hole. Here's a simple enough argument for that: no matter how gigantic the Sun is from our perspective, it's still too small to turn into a black hole.

"It's very simple: the Sun is not heavy enough to become a black hole," Calmet explained.

He noted that several conditions, including its composition, rotation and the processes that govern its evolution affect whether a star can become a black hole. But the right mass is the main condition.

ADVERTISIMENT

"Stars with an initial mass of about 20 to 25 times the mass of our Sun have the potential to experience the gravitational collapse necessary for black holes to form," Calmet noted.

This threshold, known as the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff boundary, was first calculated by Robert Oppenheimer and his colleagues.

Scientists now believe that a dying star must leave behind a core about two to three times the mass of the Sun to create a black hole. The Sun's core, as mentioned above, would shrink to the size of the Earth.

At the same time, stars that are capable of becoming black holes go through almost the same phases of death.

When a star exhausts the fuel in its core, nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium still occurs in its outer layers. When the core collapses, the outer layers expand and it enters the red giant phase.

ADVERTISIMENT

Meanwhile, massive stars that can create black holes go through several such periods of collapse and expansion, losing more mass each time.

As the physicist explained, this happens when stars fuse heavier elements at high pressures and temperatures. The process continues until the core of the star is entirely made up of iron, the heaviest element a star can create. Such a collapsed star then explodes in a supernova, scattering even more of its mass into space.

It subsequently turns into a black hole and begins to feed on nearby gas and dust.

However, our Sun will never reach the stage of melting iron and will not turn into a black hole.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL shared what will happen when the Milky Way crashes into Andromeda.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL channels on Telegram and Viber to be aware of the latest events.
The Herald reports:

prime minister Chris Hipkins' office has been ordered to apologise by the Chief Ombudsman for breaching the Official Information act.

In a formal finding that has not been made public until now, Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has upheld a complaint by the Herald about a weeks-long delay in the release of government documents relating to the extreme flooding in Auckland earlier this year.

The rebuke follows Hipkins' comments in May that he absolutely expects ministers to comply with the disclosure rules after Willie Jackson failed on several occasions to meet the obligations imposed by the OIA.

Do as i say, not as I do!

Share this: Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Reddit

WhatsApp

More

Pinterest

Print

Tumblr


You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
States are stepping in to pay for school meals for all kids. Pictured, are students at Gudy Gaskill Elementary School in Centennial, Colorado picking up their lunch.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a strong speech against the West at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) forum. He called for helping Ukraine defend itself until its territories are fully liberated and emphasized that peace under the rule of Russian President Vladimir Putin is impossible.

ADVERTISIMENT

Johnson's words were quoted on the website of the YES forum on Sept. 10. "If there is any way to reach a peaceful settlement - of course we should do it. But I don't think it can be done with Putin. I am skeptical about it," the politician said.

According to the former British prime minister, the world should prove that the values of democracy and freedom work, and for this purpose the West should help Ukraine defend itself from the aggressor until the last Russian military officer leaves its territory.

The best security guarantees for Ukraine would be its membership in NATO, Boris Johnson said.

"We need Ukraine to become a member of the Alliance as soon as possible. NATO has proved that it is effective. There was an argument that if Ukraine became a NATO member it would provoke Putin. But look at what happened without Ukraine's membership in NATO. Only Ukraine's membership in the Alliance is a long-term solution to this problem," he explained.

ADVERTISIMENT

Johnson also called on the West to strengthen sanctions against Moscow and hand over the seized $300 billion Russians have seized to Ukraine for reconstruction.

"My question to my friends in other Western countries is what are we waiting for? Start now and we will save lives and we will end this terrible conflict. We always give what we need, but we always do it months and months later," the politician said.

As reported OBOZREVATEL, the day before Johnson visited the Ivan Franko National University in Lviv, where he received the highest title of honorary doctor. The title was awarded to him back in October 2022, but he took his diploma only now.
Financial Supervisory Service Governor Lee Bok-hyun delivers a congratulatory speech during an international conference held at Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Aug. 31. Newsis



London investor relations event to take place on Wednesday



By Anna J. Park



Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Governor Lee Bok-hyun has embarked on a week-long tour, Sunday, which will entail visits to three European countries: Switzerland, the U.K. and Germany. The tour aims to both promote the Korean financial industry and discuss global financial supervision issues.



According to the FSS, Governor Lee's first leg of his European tour will begin in Switzerland, where he is scheduled to attend a banking supervision meeting hosted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) on Monday. Lee will join the Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision (GHOS) and the Heads of Supervision (HOS) meetings. The GHOS is the highest decision-making body of the BCBS, which endorses strategic policy priorities on banking supervision with 45 institutions from 28 countries participating.



The FSS explained that Governor Lee will be joining the meetings to discuss the implementation status of the Basel III  an internationally agreed set of measures developed by the Basel Committee to strengthen the regulations and risk management of banks  by member countries, as well as recent global banking and supervision trends.



On Wednesday, Governor Lee will participate in an investment relations session in London, jointly organized with the municipalities of Seoul and Busan, along with six financial companies, aiming to promote Korea's financial hub cities and the strengths of the Korean financial sector.



Major financial leaders, including Shinhan Financial Group Chairman Jin Ok-dong, Woori Financial Group Chairman Yim Jong-yong, Mirae Asset Securities Chairman Choi Hyun-man, NH Investment & Securities CEO Jeong Young-chae, Samsung Life Insurance Jeon Young-muk and Korean Re CEO Won Jong-gyu, will join the promotion session with the FSS chief in London.



The FSS said Governor Lee's participation in the investment relations event is part of the state-run supervision institution's duties to promote and support the local financial sector's globalization efforts. During the week-long schedule, Lee is slated to hold various one-on-one meetings with his foreign counterparts, including the head of the financial supervisory authorities from the U.K. and Indonesia. He will also hold meetings with representatives from international organizations and executives from global financial institutions.



In particular, Governor Lee will meet with Nicholas Lyons, the Lord Mayor of the City of London on Thursday, aiming to seek insights from London's experiences as a global financial hub. On the same day, Lee will also meet with Nikhil Rathi, CEO of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the U.K., to discuss how to improve market accessibility for foreign investors.



Lee is also scheduled to meet Andreas Barckow, the chair of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), Bruce Carnegie Brown, chairman of Lloyd's of London on Thursday, followed by a meeting with Ram Nayak, co-head of the Investment Bank of Deutsche Bank on Friday.






President Yoon Suk Yeol attends Session 3 of the Group of 20 Summit at the Bharat Mandapam International Convention Center in New Delhi, Sunday (local time). Joint Press Corps





By Nam Hyun-woo







NEW DELHI  South Korea will provide an aid package totaling $2.3 billion for the reconstruction of war-ravaged Ukraine  $300 million offered through international organizations next year and $2 billion in mid-term, low-interest loans from 2025, President Yoon Suk Yeol promised during a speech at the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in New Delhi, India, Sunday.







Along with the speech, Yoon held bilateral summits with the leaders of India and a number of other countries during the last day of his trip to Indonesia and India to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the G20 summits. He will be arriving in Seoul early Monday.







"After World War II, the international community has been prohibiting the use of force in international relations as a strict legal principle," Yoon said during his speech at Session 3 of the G20, titled "One Future."







"To safeguard this principle, the war in Ukraine should end and peace should be restored promptly Through solidarity with the international community, the Republic of Korea will carry out comprehensive support programs entailing security, humanitarian aid and restoration."







Yoon said the support package will begin with the provision of $300 million worth of aid next year through various means, including humanitarian aid, grants for development and providing funds to the World Bank or the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.







The next step will be providing $2 billion through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), which is South Korea's indigenous low-interest loan program for developing countries. The presidential office said details on how to support Ukraine through the EDCF will be announced in 2025.







The pledges were in line with Seoul's commitment to play a pivotal role in the international community to safeguard the rules of order in the world. It was also a follow-up measure to Seoul's promise to support Kyiv's restoration during Yoon's summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July.







Before attending the session, Yoon joined world leaders participating in the G20 and visited Rajghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. Yoon and the leaders planted a tree and laid a wreath to pay homage to the late politician.







President Yoon Suk Yeol talks with U.S. President Joe Biden during a gala dinner of the Group of 20 Summit at the Bharat Mandapam International Convention Center in New Delhi, Saturday (local time). Courtesy of presidential office





Korea, Japan share commitment to 3-way summit involving China PHOTOS President Yoon at G20 Summit G20 agreement reflects sharp differences over Ukraine and rising clout of Global South On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Yoon ran into U.S. President Joe Biden three times and shared cordial greetings.



According to Seoul's senior presidential secretary for public relations, Kim Eun-hye, Yoon told Biden during a gala dinner on Saturday that "the trilateral cooperation scheme between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan set up at Camp David last month will make a big contribution to the progress of the Indo-Pacific region and the global community," while the U.S. leader also noted that the three countries' cooperation will have a positive influence on their people.



Yoon also had a brief encounter with Chinese Premier Li Qiang before the tree-planting ceremony and expressed hopes of meeting him again "within this year," apparently referring to a South Korea-Japan-China trilateral summit that Seoul is seeking to hold. The two had a meeting during their previous stop in Jakarta, Indonesia, on the occasion of ASEAN-related summits.



During the G20 Summit, participating leaders agreed to include the African Union as a new member. Also, they signed a joint declaration detailing their commitments to sustainable growth, combating climate change, green development, multilateral institutions for the 21st century and other international agendas.



Initially, there were concerns that the summit would not be able to produce a joint declaration for the first time due to disagreements over the war in Ukraine. Russia and China were objecting even the language that they had agreed to last year at the G20 summit in Bali.



Instead, the declaration used softened language, describing the situation as "the human suffering and negative added impact of the war in Ukraine," without specifying Russia's invasion. Ukraine was critical of this softening, with its foreign ministry saying the declaration is "nothing to be proud of."



President Yoon Suk Yeol talks to Chinese Premier Li Qiang before attending a planting ceremony at Rajghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, in New Delhi, Sunday (local time). Joint Press Corps

With his attendance at the G20 Summit, Yoon wrapped up his trip to Indonesia and India.



At ASEAN-related summits, Yoon focused on his messages of boosting the interest of ASEAN members and Pacific nations to North Korea's increasing nuclear and missile threats.



He issued a warning against potential military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and urged China to play its part to deter Pyongyang's nuclear programs, noting, "North Korea's nuclear program should not derail Seoul-Beijing ties," during his meeting with the Chinese premier. Yoon also called on the two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to enforce U.N. resolutions on the North.



To ASEAN members, the president promoted the importance of trilateral cooperation between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo, and highlighted the bloc's commitment to support ASEAN's regional strategy amid growing tensions between China and Southeast Asian countries.



On the economic front, Yoon held bilateral summits and meetings with more than 20 countries to secure new markets.



During Yoon's trip, South Korea and Indonesia signed 22 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on nuclear power, mobility, electric vehicles and other industrial sectors and signed a free trade agreement with the Philippines.








President Yoon Suk Yeol held a series of bilateral meetings with the leaders of Italy, Germany and Mauritius on Sunday as he sought to expand cooperation and win support for Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan.







During his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which was held on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, Yoon asked for Italy's cooperation on their competition to bring the Expo to their respective countries. Korea and Italy are in a three-way competition with Saudi Arabia to win the right to host the Expo.







Yoon and Meloni also discussed ways to develop bilateral ties, according to the presidential office.







In a separate meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Yoon expressed hope for the two countries to continue cooperation to enhance their industries' competitiveness and stabilize global semiconductor supply chains.







Yoon also met with Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and expressed his commitment to expanding cooperation with the African nation.







Citing bilateral projects carried out so far in infrastructure, agriculture and other areas, Jugnauth noted the large potential for cooperation in other sectors, such as the "blue economy," or the sustainable use of maritime resources, and tourism, and called for increasing cooperation between the two countries, the presidential office said. (Yonhap)


[T/W] Despite receiving a hateful comment from a netter, ZEROBASEONE Sung Hanbin drew attention for gracefully replying to it. But why is he being criticized for it instead?

[T/W] ZB1 Sung Hanbin Wittily Replied to Hateful Comment Telling Him to 'Die'

Amid the hate he is receiving, ZB1 Sung Hanbin chooses to be the bigger person and gracefully responds to his hater instead.

Recently, Sung Hanbin was selected as one of the new MCs for M Countdown. It was a huge achievement as he was selected, just about two months after debuting this July.

However, it was not shocking as Hanbin has always been a "fan favorite" even when he was still competing in Mnet's "Boys Planet" until he debuted in ZEROBASEONE.

Ever since he was introduced to the music industry, Hanbin has been emanating a warm and positive image that led more people to join the fandom.

But regardless of how good an idol is, there are always trolls who will trample their feelings and confidence by leaving hateful comments.

This happened to the male idol when he was communicating with fans through the Mnet+ platform and took his time to respond to some of his supporters.

Unfortunately, the platform doesn't filter negative comments which led Hanbin to read an extremely hateful comment, saying:

"Your life is so pathetic HAHAHAHA please die. Youre a disgrace on this planet we currently live on so go k*ll yourself."

The hate comment was eventually removed, but it was too late since Hanbin had already seen it. Obviously, it was painful and overwhelming for the star, but he still chose to spread love instead and replied:

"I think that what you are doing right now is also (showing) interest. I will hug you with love."

Props to Hanbin for always choosing love over hate!

ZB1 Sung Hanbin Raised Brows For Replying to Hateful Comment

When this incident became known among the K-pop community, fans relayed caring and loving messages, especially on Twitter, even trending #WeLoveSungHanbin.

However, there are Korean netters who have different views regarding the incident and instead criticized the male idol for replying to the hater. According to them, what Sung Hanbin did just feed the trolls to continue tormenting him to be noticed.

There are also web users who ridiculed the male idol for his response, accusing him of creating a "good boy" image despite the extremely painful words he received.

Here are some of the comments Hanbin received:

"I like it when people receive 'healing' from idols, but I hate it when they show off and fight with their wits by giving attention to comments like this. Sung Hanbin is kind so even I find him likeable but why can't he leave comments like this alone? Even female idols who receive crazy malicious comments from the public refrain from doing that. But he even pressed the "heart" to the comment as if he's trying to say, 'Look at how generous I am to the pathetic you."

"I just fxcking hate how he's not able to stop himself from feeding the troll."

As a result, fans counterattacked by replying:

"People who say something to Sung Hanbin after seeing this are crazy. Normal people curse at the haters first."

"Stop it. You have to beat the person who wrote the malicious comments. Does it make sense to post and beat the person who replied to them?"

"The hate commenter was the one in the wrong but he's the one getting hate?"

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.
The Ukrainian counter-offensive continues despite the difficulties. The advance of our troops is slowed down by the continuous mining of the territories temporarily occupied by the enemy and the large number of kamikaze drones in the possession of Russian troops.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The main problems encountered are solid mining and a huge number of small kamikaze drones," Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, said this at the annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) forum. He was quoted by the Interfax-Ukraine.

The head of the DIU noted that the Russians have well-built defense lines and a large number of portable anti-tank complexes. According to him, the artillery of the enemy "is no longer playing the first role."

"No matter how it may seem to some, the offensive continues. It's not going as fast as I would like it to, I'm not hiding it either. First of all, I am not the Commander-in-Chief or the Chief of the General Staff, these questions are better addressed to them. All I can tell you is that the situation there [at the front] is quite complicated. The enemy made it as complicated as possible," Budanov said.

ADVERTISIMENT

He was asked whether the change of weather would affect the dynamics. The head of Ukrainian Military Intelligence replied that "one way or another, the fighting will continue," but admitted that "it is more difficult to fight in the cold, wet and mud."

"The fighting will continue. The offensive operation in all directions, which is held in several directions, will also continue," he said.

According to Budanov, the occupiers do not have time to adapt their strategy, but at the same time Russian troops are learning from mistakes and "there are positive shifts for them, unfortunately."

"You can't just say that they have a bad strategy, that they are fools or other things. No, that's not the case. They are adapting, trying to change the tactics of using their armed forces," the head of the DIU emphasized.

ADVERTISIMENT

For example, the enemy began to use drones en masse, and this is something "they did not have such an opportunity before the war against Ukraine"

"Now they are copying our actions in many respects," Budanov added.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZREVATEL wrote, on September 7, 2023, the Day of Military Intelligence of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky promoted Kyrylo Budanov. He is not a major-general now but a lieutenant-general.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): After attending the G20 Summit in India, US President Joe Biden on Sunday departed for Vietnam. During his visit, he is due to meet Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the two nations.

US Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam in a statement on September 6 said, "President Joseph R Biden Jr will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam on September 10, 2023. While in Hanoi, President Biden will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam."

Also Read | Joe Biden Leaves From Delhi: US President Departs for Vietnam After Attending G20 Summit (See Pics).

According to the statement, the two leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, expand people-to-people ties through education exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

As Biden departs for Vietnam, here is a look at the key takeaways of his 3-day visit to India, which included a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit to Delhi, Biden attended the G20 Summit under India's Presidency.

Also Read | G20 Summit 2023: UK PM Rishi Sunak Announces USD 2 Billion Aid, Biggest Single Funding Commitment to Green Climate Fund.

Biden said that the G20 Summit held in India proved that the group can still drive solutions to "most pressing issues." He noted that the global economy is suffering from overlapping shocks of the climate crisis.

Sharing a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, US President Joe Biden stated, At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues.

At the G20 Summit, India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Biden called it a "game-changing" regional investment.

Biden said that this project is about more than just laying tracks. "I'm proud to announce that the US, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU finalized a historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor," the US President posted on X.

"This project is about more than just laying tracks. This is a game-changing regional investment," he added.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress." The corridor, according to him, is evidence of human endeavour and unity across continents.

Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents, PM Modi wrote on X formerly Twitter on Saturday.

PM Modi made the announcement for the ambitious project on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and was flanked by US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of the EU.

Speaking after the launch, PM Modi said, "I cordially welcome you all at this event. I am very happy to co-chair this event with my friend President Joe Biden. Today we all have seen the conclusion of a historic and important agreement. In the coming days, it will be an effective medium of economic integration between India, South Asia, and Europe."

PM Modi on Saturday launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentina President Alberto Fernandez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency. Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries.

On Friday, PM Modi and US President Joe Biden held a bilateral meeting. During the meeting, India and the US settled the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute.

US President Biden and PM Modi welcomed the completion of the notification process regarding negotiations for a commercial agreement between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, the White House said in a statement.

The two leaders commended the progress in implementing the futuristic and wide-ranging outcomes of PM Modi's historic State visit to the US in June 2023, including under the India-U.S. Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

The India-US joint further said that the leaders also welcomed the sustained momentum in bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence, trade, investment, education, health, research, innovation, culture and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders also reiterated the importance of nuclear energy as a necessary resource to meet the climate, energy transition, and energy security needs of both nations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen and diversify the India-US defence partnership through expanded cooperation in new and emerging domains such as space and artificial intelligence, and accelerated defence industrial collaboration.

PM Modi and US President Biden welcomed intensified consultations between the relevant entities on both sides to expand opportunities for facilitating India-US collaboration in nuclear energy, including in the development of next-generation small modular reactor technologies in a collaborative mode.

The US reaffirmed its support for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and committed to continue engagement with like-minded partners to advance this goal. Biden welcomed the issuance of a Letter of Request from the Ministry of Defence to procure 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment.

After the meeting, both the leaders lauded the India-US relations and said that the friendship between the two nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good.

Happy to have welcomed @POTUS @JoeBidento 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Our meeting was very productive. We were able to discuss numerous topics which will further economic and people-to-people linkages between India and USA. The friendship between our nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good, PM Modi said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Biden also affirmed support towards making the India-US partnership stronger, closer, and more dynamic. Great seeing you, Mr Prime Minister. Today, and throughout the G20, we'll affirm that the United States-India partnership is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history, US President Biden posted on X.

Apart from attending the G20 Summit and his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, US President Joe Biden visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He also attended the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday night. Biden engaged with world leaders at the dinner organised at Bharat Mandapam.

Biden also met with the US Embassy staffers and their families after arriving in New Delhi, the White House informed. In a post on X, the White House stated, "President Biden met with US Embassy staff and their families today after arriving in New Delhi." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, September 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the closure of the New Delhi G20 leaders' Summit and handed over the presidency gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Brazil will hold the G20 presidency for the next one year. PM Modi expressed hope that under Brazil's presidency, G20 will take forward the common agenda of the grouping further ahead. He also congratulated the Brazilian president on the occasion.

While delivering his speech to announce the closure of the G20 Summit, PM Modi said, "As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty that the suggestions we have received be reviewed once again so as to see how their progress can be sped up. I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20." G20 Summit 2023: PM Narendra Modi Hands Over Gavel of G20 Presidency to Brazil President Lula da Silva (Watch Video).

PM Modi Hands Over Gavel of G20 Presidency to Brazil President

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over the gavel of G 20 presidency to the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. pic.twitter.com/ihEmXN9lty  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

He added, "We can review the topics decided in this Summit in that virtual session. I hope you all will connect in the virtual session. With this, I declare the conclusion of G20 Summit". India had taken over the G20 presidency from Indonesia during the Bali Summit last year. G20 Summit 2023: New Delhi Declaration in Line With Discussions, Stepping Stone for Peace in Ukraine, Says European Union.

Enhancing financial inclusion and strengthening digital public Infrastructure as well as expanding multilateral development banks (MDBs) for emerging economies, amplifying the voice of the Global South and ensuring environment sustainability have been some of the key takeaways of India's G20 presidency.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2023 02:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Panaji, September 10: Father Nicholas Dias, secretary for the liturgy commission for the Delhi Archdiocese, has described US President Joe Biden as a "very humble" person who expressed that his grandmother was a great influence in his life. Father Dias met Biden during a 30-minute holy communion service for the US president at a hotel where he was staying in New Delhi on Saturday, ahead of the G20 summit.

Talking to PTI, Fr Dias said their conversation was around faith, Goa and India.

"I mentioned to him about the origin of Christianity in India and recalled that Indian Church is as old as Christianity in the world," said the priest, who hails from Benaulim in Goa. Joe Biden Leaves From Delhi: US President Departs for Vietnam After Attending G20 Summit (See Pics).

The Delhi Archdiocese priest prayed for the success of the G20 summit and of both India and the US. Fr Dias said the US president was "very humble" and expressed his gratitude for making time for the prayers. He said Biden told him about the influence of Christianity on him and his closeness to Holy Father Pope Francis.

"We had a quick conversation where he shared how his grandmother was a great influence in his life and in his Catholic upbringing," Fr Dias said. The priest also shared with him Bebinca, a Goan delicacy which he carried with him. Before their meeting concluded, Biden handed over a sourvenir - the President's Seal No 261 - to Fr Dias which he said he will always cherish.

The priest also mentioned to Biden about the relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa and the decennial exposition scheduled to be held next year in the coastal state. G20 Summit 2023: US President Joe Biden Lauds India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Calls it 'Game-Changing Regional Investment'.

Fr Dias also told President Biden that St Francis Xavier was the inspiration behind his vocation. "I also told Biden that I was close to two saints - Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II," said the priest, who has worked in various apostolates for last three decades. Fr Dias recalled that he was with the then Pope when he released the 'Ecclesia de Asia' document in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the gavel of G 20 presidency to the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the ongoing G20 Summit 2023 held in New Delhi on Sunday. Upon receiving the gavel, Lula da Silva congratulated PM Modi for efficiently leading the G20 bloc and for excellent work at the summit. He added that the UN Security Council needs new developing countries as permanent, non-permanent members to regain political strength.

PM Modi Hands Over G20 Presidency Gavel to Brazil President

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over the gavel of G 20 presidency to the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. pic.twitter.com/ihEmXN9lty  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
US President Joe Biden landed in Vietnam on Sunday after a successful G20 Summit 2023. However, Joe Biden faced another "Joe moment" here while addressing the press conference. He seemed very "confused" while talking to the media. "I'll just follow my orders here. Staff, is there anybody that hasn't spoken yet? I ain't calling on you," he muttered while reviewing some papers. Joe Biden Leaves From Delhi: US President Departs for Vietnam After Attending G20 Summit (See Pics).

Joe Biden Appears Confused

Biden gets VERY confused during his "press conference" in Vietnam: "I'll just follow my orders here. Staff, is there anybody that hasn't spoken yet? I ain't calling on you." pic.twitter.com/8xSmP94ZZK  RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 10, 2023

'Joe Moment'

JUST IN  Biden in Vietnam: "I'll just follow my orders here. Staff, is there anybody that hasn't spoken yet? I ain't calling on you." pic.twitter.com/hlkjlw144s  Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 10, 2023

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
Neptunes Delusions

Its neither nice nor necessary to rob anyone of their harmless delusions. Think of delusions as property to be respected, not poked at or commented on. And remember, everyones reality is different. What seems like unreasonable faith to one person is perfectly plausible to another. This message is brought to you by the dreamy lunar trine to Neptune.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Dont wait until you need support to cultivate a support system. The best time to build this kind of network is when you have more to give to it than you want or require from it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you find yourself agreeing with whatever you heard last, its an invitation to get much more information and experience on the matter. With more knowledge, youll understand the benefits and limitations of every option.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Theres a lightness to your attitude that makes it so easy for you to find the playful aspects of life -- just one of the many perks to being you today. Youll make people smile, then bask in those good vibes.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Before you get more entwined in a relationship, it is important to think about how it fits into the bigger context of your life and the ways in which it might work with your other relationships.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The work goes on because the dream goes on. The cause endures because you endure. Do not doubt for a minute that you are integral to an outcome that will affect us all.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Youll get special opportunities because you have talent, but also because you have a desire that burns so bright it makes your talent rise up to meet its demand.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Youll meet with indifference, which is excellent for you because it means you can take things in any direction. You decide what experience you want to have and project that onto the blank slate of this day.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). In the future, someone will describe you based on the impression you make today. With this in mind, youll put a little extra thought into how you look, what you say, and most importantly, the feeling an interaction with you conveys.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Many speak to fill the void, get attention or share what they know. Challenge yourself to lend your voice only when youre convinced it will bring connection or help to others. The rest of the time, lend your ears instead.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Relationships are like suitcases where you keep a collection of your thoughts about someone or something. Since the relationship lives in your mind, youre the one who gets to decide if its healthy or not.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). How you think of yourself is different from the way others think of you. You tend to be much harder on yourself than they are. Your joy will grow with each bit of self-consciousness and/or perfectionism you let go of.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Since youre so good at finding evidence to support the premise youre in love with, a friend who plays devils advocate will be crucial to your success. Seeing different sides gives you the awareness you need to be very confident in your final decision.

TODAYS BIRTHDAY (Sept. 10). The lovely lift of the year: a personal life that flows with the sweet ease that allows you to excel in other areas that matter to you. Youll get very efficient with a project or business. Youll make cuts and add super effective tools and systems. More highlights: a mysterious gift and a study that gives you many moments of wonder. Aries and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 18, 3, 32 and 1.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: In The Kings Speech, Colin Firth gave an Oscar-winning performance of King Georges struggles with a debilitating speech impediment. Contrastingly, Firth is known for spot-on accents and fluency in several languages including Italian. Firth is a Virgo with natal Venus in Libra, suggesting that he is, like so many of the characters he plays, charming, loyal and driven by principles of love and justice.

Holiday Mathis debut novel, How To Fail Epically in Hollywood, is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and ebook. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.

Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM
The Russian terrorist army is attacking Ukraine with weapons that have recently been manufactured at the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex. The defense-industrial complex of the aggressor country is trying to increase its efforts to produce so-called "high-tech weapons".

ADVERTISIMENT

The weapons are immediately transferred from the assembly line to the army, so the occupants use them to launch attacks on Ukraine. This was stated by the deputy head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Vadym Skibitsky at the annual Yalta European Strategy (YES), reports "Interfax-Ukraine".

According to him, Russia turned its economy into a military system in 2022. The aggressor is trying to ramp up its arms manufacturing efforts.

"We see that the weapons that go straight to the troops from the enterprises have been used to attack Ukraine since May," Skibitsky said.

He noted that the occupiers used missiles that were manufactured in April to strike Kryvyi Rih in May. In addition, Putin's terrorists used missiles manufactured in the third quarter of this year during August. Skibitsky stressed that it is necessary to neutralize the production of weapons in the Russian Federation to stop the missile attacks.

ADVERTISIMENT

"Here we are working with the international community on many aspects. That includes international sanctions on the supply of the relevant applied parts, as well as the blocking of all supply channels through other countries and through some countries that have not joined the international sanctions. The third aspect is military, which means strikes and the destruction of enterprises producing lethal weapons," Skibitsky said.

Russia now has at least 585 missiles in its arsenal, which shoot at a distance of more than half a thousand kilometers and which is mostly used to attack Ukraine. It is not the X-22 long-range supersonic anti-ship missiles.

Earlier it was reported that Russia had only slightly replenished its stockpile of precision missiles through mothballing over the summer and could launch a broader campaign of strikes against Ukraine's critical infrastructure as early as the fall. However, the available number of missiles in Russia will not be enough to carry out massive attacks like in the winter of 2022-2023.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Russia has set up a plant of Shahed kamikaze drones on its territory. By the end of the year, the aggressor country plans to make 1,300 drones.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A Costa Rican man who eluded rape charges in Bethlehem for nine years is now in custody in Northampton County Prison, according to court records and a Northampton County prosecutor.

Greivin Mauricio Venegas-Umana had been sought since July 2014 for allegedly raping a then-9-year-old girl, according to court papers. The 38-year-old allegedly raped the child in a South Side Bethlehem apartment sometime between 2011 and February 2012, court records say.

The child reported the rape to a police officer at her elementary school in April 2014, according to records. By that time, Venegas-Umana had moved to his home country in Costa Rica, police said. He eluded capture until international authorities flagged his passport after a flight from Costa Rica to Panama, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Tatum Wilson.

Venegas-Umana was detained in Panama, then agreed to be extradited back to the United States on Aug. 11, Wilson said. He was scheduled to leave Panama on Friday and was arraigned Saturday in Northampton County by District Judge John Capobianco, Wilson said. Venegas-Umana is in county prison after failing to post $2 million bail.

Wilson said Bethlehem Police Detective Sean Molony never gave up looking for Venegas-Umana. She said the victim is overwhelmed and relieved now that Venegas-Umana is in custody.

At this point we are ready to prosecute, Wilson said.

Venegas-Umana is charged with rape of a child, statutory sexual assault and indecent assault. In addition to raping the victim, he allegedly sexually assaulted her sometime between 2009 and February 2012 when she was between the ages of 7 and 9.

Venegas-Umana is subject to deportation after prosecution and after he serves any prison sentence imposed, Wilson said.

Wilson thanked federal authorities.

Without the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys office, we may never have been in a position to bring this case to court, she said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
A four-year study on the spotted lanternflys impact on hardwood trees shows they may not be in as much danger from the pests as previously feared.

The research led by a team at Penn State University discovered that hardwood trees, such as maple, willow and birch, may be less vulnerable to damage from the non-native, invasive species than initially thought.

The teams findings were published in late August in the journal Environmental Entomology.

First found in the United States in Berks County in the fall of 2014, the spotted lanternfly uses its piercing, sucking mouth-part to feed on sap from trees and vines like grapes and hops. Their sugary excretions  called honeydew  can attract bees, wasps, and other insects; it also builds up and promotes the growth of sooty mold fungi that can cover the plant, forest understories, patio furniture, cars and anything else found below their feeding, according to the Penn State Extension.

If not contained, the spotted lanternfly potentially could drain Pennsylvanias economy of at least $324 million annually, according to an extension study carried out by economists at Penn State.

The lanternfly uses several common hardwood trees as hosts, and a previous study found that short-term feeding can reduce the growth of young maple saplings, according to an abstract of the new research.

For the new study, the researchers reared spotted lanternflies in enclosures containing hardwoods for four years and found that all the trees survived, according to Sara LaJeunesse, a Penn State spokeswoman.

Our study represents a worst-case scenario in which the spotted lanternfly fed on the same trees for four consecutive growing seasons, stated Kelli Hoover, a Penn State professor of entomology, noting that the results suggest that the U.S. is unlikely to see big impacts on the growth of trees.

Hoover led the research with fellow Penn State educators Lidiia Iavorivska, Emily K. Lavely, Osariyekemwen Uyi, Brian Walsh, Emelie Swackhamer, Anne Johnson and David M. Eissenstat.

Beyond the worst-case scenario created for the study, the abstract says that spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) population numbers in the wild can vary greatly from year to year on individual trees and they move frequently among hosts  until autumn when they settle on trees of heaven or other late-season hosts.

Thus, we would not expect negative impacts of unconfined L. delicatula in natural settings on forest or ornamental trees to be as marked as reported here, the abstract reads.

Amy Korman, a Penn State horticultural educator in Northampton and Lehigh counties, was not directly involved in the research but said its findings reinforced what entomologists have learned about the insect since it moved into the region.

While we have known for a while that spotted lanternfly is not killing our trees, we do know that it is a plant stressor, she told lehighvalleylive.com. The paper from Kellis lab documents some of the physiological impact of lanternfly feeding.

Nonetheless, it is problematic to vineyards and a nuisance to everything else on a good day. We need to stop moving them (lanternfies) around and introducing them to other parts of the country. Bottom line for me  nothing changes in our quest to rid ourselves of the spotted lanternfly.

Invasive species like the lanternfly are a major concern across the United States and Pennsylvania. On Friday, the state House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee met with Gov. Josh Shapiros Invasive Species Council for a joint hearing at Temple Universitys Ambler Campus in Montgomery County.

Non-native, invasive plants, insects and birds outcompete native species, diminishing the natural biodiversity and negatively changing the environment, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture said in a news release on the hearing: The cost to manage these invasive species grows each and every year, adversely affecting our Commonwealth both ecologically and economically.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
A man was found dead early Sunday after a report of shots fired in Eastons West Ward, according to the Easton Police Department.

Police found the 36-year-old man at 14th and Lehigh streets around 2:22 a.m., according to a news release from Easton Police Lieutenant Matt Gerould. It didnt identify the man who died.

Were still waiting for more information from our investigation, including the autopsy, to determine what exactly occured, Gerould said.

Police found the man after responding to a report of shots fired. Two homes and a vehicle were struck by gunfire on Lehigh Street between 14th and 15th streets, the release says.

Police are not searching for any suspects currently, the release says.

The release asks neighbors with security cameras in that area to call police if they have any footage that is relevant to the investigation.

They can call city detectives at 610-250-6637 or the Easton police tip line at 610-250-6635.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
Rescue teams on Sunday in Turkey successfully carried an American researcher up from the depth of a cave at 3,410 feet to the 2,297 feet mark where he will rest at a base camp before they continue the taxing journey to the surface.

An experienced caver, Mark Dickey, 40, started vomiting on Sept. 2 because of stomach bleeding while on an expedition with a handful of others in the Morca cave in southern Turkeys Taurus Mountains, one of the deepest in the world, according to experts.

The 40-year-old experienced caver lives in New York and is the chief of the New Jersey Initial Response Team, a volunteer group that aids in search and rescue operations.

A rescue operation began Saturday afternoon with doctors, paramedics and experienced cavers from across Europe rushing to help. They set up small medical base camps at various levels along the shaft, providing Dickey an opportunity to rest during the slow and arduous extrication.

Mark was delivered to the campsite at -700 meters as of 03:24 local time (GMT+3). At this stage, he will set out again after resting and having the necessary treatments, the Speleological Federation of Turkey wrote on its official account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Turkish authorities said there are 190 personnel from eight countries taking part in the operation, 153 of them search and rescue experts.

The most challenging part of the rescue operation is widening the narrow cave passages to allow stretcher lines to pass through at low depths, Yusuf Ogrenecek of the speleological federation previously said.

The extraction is expected to take up to 10 days depending on his condition.

Were in touch with Turkish officials regarding the rescue operation underway for Mark Dickey  a local caver who leads the NJ Initial Response Team in Sussex County, reads a statement from Gov. Phil Murphys Facebook page Saturday morning. We are grateful to the Turkish military and first responders leading the rescue effort.
A woman who was caught trying to bring drugs into the Midlands Prison has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Nicole Doonan, 27, with an address at 62 Manorlands, Trim, Co Meath was stopped going into the Midlands Prison on December 10, 2022. She was charged with possession of 100 Zimovane tablets.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was found with 100 white tablets in a kinder egg during a pat down search at the prison.

Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy said his client was serving a four year sentence for her part in a robbery.

She is not a person who would have had an offending history, he said.

He claimed she had gotten involved with a man from Dublin and he was the person she had been visiting in prison.

She wishes to simply apologise to the court, said Mr McCarthy.

Judge Andrew Cody sentenced the woman to two months in prison which he suspended for five years. He also ordered the destruction of the drugs.
Portlaoise College has been recognised by Trinity Access Programmes (TAP), Trinity College Dublin, for their ongoing work in creating a college-going culture in their school.

The Schools of Distinction Award is conferred by TAP, Trinity College Dublin, which this year celebrates 30 years working with schools and organisations to increase participation from under-represented groups at third-level. Established in 2017, Schools of Distinction recognises and celebrates the efforts of schools nationwide to transform their school culture and develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

This School of Distinction: Transformation Award recognises schools that have embedded a vibrant college-going culture, transforming school vision, perceptions and expectations.

Transformation Award winners have established the three core practices of Pathways to College, Mentoring and Leadership in Learning as fundamental to their whole school culture. Innovative and student-centred teaching and learning is a priority with teachers leading and supporting a Community of Practice within their own school and the wider Trinity Access community.

Transformation Award winners actively engage in a process of reflection, using school data and current research to inform their whole school planning and target setting.

This award scheme aims to support the development of college-going practices and a student- centred, innovative learning environment across schools nationwide. Portlaoise College was particularly successful in hosting a Careers Evening for Sixth Years and their parents.

The event was a joint effort between the Colleges Guidance Department and the Parents Council. Initially, the guidance team had worked alongside the students and devised a list of careers that students sought information on.

It is wonderful to begin a new role with an organisation that carries a rich history of working with schools. I want to congratulate all the Schools of Distinction Awardees on their achievements. These schools work tirelessly to embed a college-going culture inspiring their young people to recognise their full potential, said TAP Director Wendy Crampton.

The Guidance Team invited those in the local community who work in various fields of employment to volunteer their time and give talks on their careers to the students.

Sixth year student Callen Dunne said that he was amazed by the number of people who had given up their time to come into the college to give talks on their careers. He was thankful to them, as he felt it was a massive help in deciding what he would do after his Leaving Cert.

We are delighted to be part of a nationwide movement to promote the importance of post-secondary education. Winning the School of Distinction: Transformation award recognises the ongoing work of our staff and students, said Guidance Counsellor Daryl Egan.
Samuel Hutt, known by the stage name Hank Wangford, is coming The Corn Mill Theatre, Carrigallen on Sunday, September 24 at 5pm.

Hank will be joined by rising stars The Messages who consist of Belturbet lass, Fiona Maria Fitzpatrick, Donegals Seanan Brennan (KILA), Denise Boyle and James McNamee on fiddles and UKs hero John Devine on uilleann pipes/keys. Also to appear, a genius of jazz on the pedal steel/dobro is the amazing Richard Nelson and Modal Citizen Record boss Marc Geagan on bass.

The English country and western songwriter will kick off his tour at Clifden Arts Festival on September 18, where he will be joined by Noel Dashwood and The Messages.

Most songs Hank does will be from his "troublesome" tenth album Holey Holey and his new duo project with The Dash, 'Promises Promises' is due to be released in Ireland and the UK 1st December.



It's a long time since Hank officially toured Ireland (he did a small tour with The Messages, and special guest Seamus O'Rourke in 2022, and has done gigs in Clifden and Ballintubbert with Glen Hansard and the Footsbarn Theatre Company) and he loves playing his songs to receptive Irish audiences.





The New York Times said of Hank: "If you want originality, something that still has the bite and twang that drained out of so much country, the sharp cutting wit and the rawness of hard country, then there is only one man to see. His name is Hank Wangford."

And, of Whistling In The Dark: "a classily performed set that justifies Wangford's reputation as the troubled elder statesman of English alt.Country"

The Guardian said: "A late night cigarettes and whisky album of such maturity that it would be no great stretch to compare it with the best of Cash's later years"

Hank will perform at The Corn Mill Theatre, Carrigallen on Sunday, September 24 at 5pm (Doors 4:30pm).

The entry fee is 15 and you can book online at https://cornmilltheatre.com/show-item/hank-wangford-the-messages-dash/
Leitrim native Peter McDermott (60s), who had been receiving treatment at Mayo University Hospital following a serious assault in Westport passed away earlier this evening, Sunday, 10th September 2023.

The State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem will now take place in due course. A family liaison officer has been appointed.

Peter McDermott is a native of the Manorhamilton area and had spent most of his working life in England before returning to Ireland where he had farming interests in Co Roscommon and laterly where he resided at Murrisk, Co Mayo.

Earlier today, a man (20s) who was arrested as part of this investigation was released from custody.

A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public of Prosecutions.



Gardai are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.



Any pedestrians or road users who were in the vicinity of High Street in Westport between 1.00am and 2.00am this morning, Saturday 9th September 2023 and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to investigating Gardai.



Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Former director of the US Central Intelligence Agency David Petraeus has said that Washington and other Western governments should speed up deliveries of fighter jets to Ukraine. In addition, he urged Western representatives not to hesitate to send Kiev long-range missiles.

ADVERTISIMENT

Petraeus emphasized that the Ukrainian army needs long-range ATACMS missiles and other long-range weapons, the dispatch of which depends on the decision of European leaders. This is reported by The Telegraph.

According to the former CIA director, the USA should stop discussions on sending the ATACMS tactical missile system, which has a range of about 300 km. He also believes that other leaders should increase their own support for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Petraeus believes that Ukrainian forces can change the dynamics of the war if they are able to cut the land corridor that Russian occupiers have established between the Crimean peninsula and other occupied territories. But the former CIA director hinted that Washington is undermining those prospects by hesitating over some decisions, including on ATACMS.

ADVERTISIMENT

"I hope that the U.S. will provide an Army tactical missile system that will double the range of what we have provided. And I hope that the aircraft can enter service sooner than currently projected," the former CIA director said.

We shall remind you that the US media quoted official sources in Washington as saying that the administration of US President Joe Biden is likely to send the Ukrainian Defense Forces long-range ATACMS missiles to help them fight a Russian full-scale invasion. The White House is allegedly close to making such a decision.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier it was reported that after the allies agreed to transfer US F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Kiev is also interested in other models. In particular, we are talking about French-made Rafale multirole fighters. As Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba noted, Ukraine "is not going to limit its ambitions to receiving F-16s."

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, ATACMS missiles and F-16 fighters will contribute to the liberation of territories, but for a successful counteroffensive the AFU needs a surface fleet. Thus, in case of liberation of the Azov region, it is necessary to take control of all Ukrainian ports on the Azov, as well as territorial waters, according to the expert of the Center for Defense Strategies, Captain of Reserve First Rank of the Ukrainian Navy Andriy Ryzhenko.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
FeatureSome 30 factories are expected to make the country one of the world leaders in electric car batteries by 2030. Local residents are worried about the consequences of this rapid industrialization.

As she sat in the car driving her to eastern Hungary, south of Debrecen, Eva Kozma recoiled at the sight of the concrete foundations, just a few kilometers from her home: "The CATL factory is ruining our lives!" It's right here, in the southern industrial park of the country's second-largest city, where the global leader in the electric battery market, China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), is building Europe's largest lithium-ion plant, with a capacity of 100 gigawatt-hours (GWh). These 221 hectares of former fertile fields should eventually be able to equip one million cars with electric batteries.

Set to begin in 2025, production is causing concern among the local population, much like Kozma, who lives in Mikepercs, a rural village of 5,300 inhabitants bordering the CATL plant. The 47-year-old Hungarian moved there 17 years ago in search of a healthy environment in which to raise her children. She now feared that her home may become uninhabitable. "It's a sector that uses dangerous solvents and heavy metals, which could find their way into the soil we farm, the water we drink and the air we breathe. The authorities are not up to the task of enforcing the regulations."

The battery plant site, south of Debrecen, a few kilometers from Mikepercs (Hungary), August 9, 2023. ANDRAS ZOLTAI FOR LE MONDE

Ultimately, the CATL site should produce 1 million electric batteries a year. August 9, 2023, south of Debrecen (Hungary). ANDRAS ZOLTAI FOR LE MONDE

She also feared an influx of foreign labor into this small locality, at a time when the country, close to full employment, is facing a shortage of workers. "Hungarians weren't prepared for this. On the contrary, we've been told over and over again that foreigners shouldn't steal our jobs and our culture. Besides, this could lead to modern-day slavery." It's a situation that the village is already facing: One family home is currently occupied by around 50 Asian workers living in less-than-desirable conditions.

Since they never received a proper response to their concerns from either CATL or the government, Kozma and several Mikepercs residents, united under MIAKO  Mikepercs' collective of mothers advocating for the environment  are actively participating in all the protests against the project. It's akin to a David versus Goliath struggle because it involves opposing the intentions of the prime minister, Viktor Orban.

Eva Kozma, head of the Mothers for the Environment association, outlines the potential environmental impact of the plant in Hajduszoboszlo (Hungary) on August 9, 2023. ANDRAS ZOLTAI FOR LE MONDE

Orban has ruled Hungary since 2010, while weakening the checks and balances, and has made no secret of his dream of making this Central European nation a "major powerhouse" in electric batteries. "We are making huge investments in electric batteries and, before long, we will become the world's third-largest producer and fifth-largest exporter," he declared in July 2022, at a summer school in Transylvania (Romania).

You have 75% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, September 10, 2023. GLEB GARANICH / REUTERS

Two foreign aid workers were reportedly killed in eastern Ukraine on Sunday, September 10, as Russian shelling hit a van carrying a team of four working with a Ukrainian NGO, while dozens of Russian drones targeted Kyiv and wounded at least one civilian.

The four volunteers from the Road to Relief NGO, which helps evacuate wounded people from front line areas, were trapped inside the van as it flipped over and caught fire after being struck by shells near the town of Chasiv Yar, the organization said on its Instagram page. Road to Relief said Canadian Anthony Ihnat died in the attack, while German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr were seriously injured.

Road to Relief added that it could not trace the whereabouts of the van's fourth passenger, Emma Igual, a Spanish national who was the organization's director. Hours later, Spains acting foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spanish media that authorities in Madrid had received "verbal confirmation" of the 32-year-old Igual's death.

The volunteers were on their way to assess the needs of civilians on the outskirts of Bakhmut, Road to Relief said, in reference to the eastern town that saw the war's longest and bloodiest battle before falling to Moscow in May. Ukrainian forces have held on to Bakhmut's western suburbs and are pushing a counteroffensive in the area.

Kyiv fends off new wave of overnight drone attacks

Also on Sunday, "over two dozen drones" launched by Russia were shot down over Kyiv in the early hours, according to the head of the Ukrainian capital's military administration. Serhii Popko reported in a Telegram post that debris from Iranian-made Shahed drones landed in several districts of the city and wounded at least one civilian. Popko said there was no risk to the person's life, and added that most of the wreckage fell in open ground, although one high-rise apartment was damaged.

A local resident walks near the fragment of a drone, marked by a police expert after a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 10, 2023. GLEB GARANICH / REUTERS

"We recorded the launch of 33 Shahed (drones) in the direction of Kyiv... 26 were destroyed," the Ukrainian Air Force said on Sunday, September 10. Earlier, officials said air defence downed 25 out of 32 drones.

Kyiv had seen drone and missile attacks on an almost nightly basis last winter and spring, as Russia pounded cities across Ukraine in a bid to wipe out Ukraine's energy infrastructure and destroy morale.

The strikes had since become less frequent, but last month the capital faced the "most powerful strike" since spring, with more than 20 drones and missiles destroyed. And as summer is coming to a close, Klitschko on Tuesday told journalists that the city was already preparing for a "tough" winter.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes War in Ukraine looms over a fractured G20 summit

In a conference in the capital on Friday and Saturday, officials said the West should not lose any time and provide Kyiv with powerful arms to back up its army pushing Russian troops out of the territories it seized. Newly appointed Defence Minister Rustem Umerov called for more military equipment. "We are grateful for all the support provided... We need more heavy weapons," Umerov said. He added: "We need them today. We need them now." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the provision of weapons was slowing down, hampering the counteroffensive against Russian positions.
Stefanos Kasselakis on the shores of Lake Dojran, in late August 2023. CAPTURE eCRAN DE LA PAGE TWITTER DE STEFANOS KASSELAKIS

After a dismal summer for the left, marked by fires and the crushing defeat of the main opposition party Syriza in the last legislative elections at the end of June, the run for party leadership to succeed the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras took an unexpected turn.

Effie Achtsioglou, 38, a moderate former labor minister, was the favorite. Then, on August 29, Stefanos Kasselakis, who up to then was not well known, caused a stir by announcing his candidacy for presidency at the party's next election, scheduled for September 10 and 16.

With his shirtsleeves rolled up and against soft background noises, the 35-year-old former banker introduced himself in a clip on social media: "My name is Stefanos. I was born in 1988 (), in a self-made family, and in a country whose prime ministers belong to dynastic politics." The video went viral; all the media picked it up and in the space of a few hours, the name "Kasselakis" became the most-used hashtag on X (formerly Twitter) in Greece.

First openly gay candidate

Built like an athlete, the financier with piercing blue eyes has had an extraordinary career. At just 14, he left for the United States. His father, a majority shareholder in a shipping company, was going through financial hardships. Kasselakis said that he left Greece "out of necessity." Not only because of economic problems but also because he was suffocating in a conservative society where he was afraid to talk about his sexual orientation. He is the first openly gay candidate to seek the leadership of a party, and his candidacy video also features his American husband Tyler McBeth, who is an emergency room nurse.

A brilliant student, Kasselakis got a scholarship to study finance and international relations at the University of Pennsylvania from Andreas Drakopoulos, co-president of the powerful Stavros Niarchos Foundation (named for the famous shipping magnate). In 2009, when Greece was on the brink of bankruptcy and would soon have to seek aid from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, Kasselakis was recruited by the American bank Goldman Sachs as a commodities sales analyst.

The bank is well known in Athens as, according to investigative reports, it helped Greece to fudge its public accounts, starting in 2001, which led to the country's economic downfall. In the face of his left-wing detractors, who have accused him of rubbing shoulders with the world of capitalism, Kasselakis responded: "If I hadn't worked in the capitalist world, I wouldn't have understood its hubris and I wouldn't be siding with the left today." In 2014, he switched his business activities to the shipping sector, an environment in which his family and those close to him operate.

You have 50% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol with his US counterpart Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on August 18 at Camp David, Maryland. ANDREW HARNIK / AP

The consolidation of security relations between the United States, South Korea and Japan, which took place on Friday, August 18, at Camp David in Maryland, has given rise to a great deal of talk about the new geostrategic pole being formed in Northeast Asia.

The cooperation was brought about in part by the deteriorating international context, marked by the war in Ukraine, the Chinese threat to Taiwan, tensions arising from Beijing's territorial disputes with its neighbors and North Korea's military development. The same context has prompted the Joe Biden administration to turn to its bilateral alliances, such as the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) with Australia, Japan and India; AUKUS with the United Kingdom and Australia; and the "Chip 4" alliance with Taiwan, South Korea and Japan in the highly strategic semiconductor market.

Triangular cooperation between the US and its South Korean and Japanese allies has always been imperfect. For decades, Washington has sought to institutionalize triangular military collaboration with Seoul and Tokyo. The Camp David agreement represents a significant step forward in this respect, given that it provides for annual trilateral meetings, joint maneuvers and the exchange of intelligence information.

Risk of tension

At the same time, the cooperation seems rather fragile and carries the potential risk of further tension. President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida described the Camp David summit as "historic." But history is one of the very factors of uncertainty looming over the trilateral coalition. "The history of trilateral cooperation is something of a pendulum, with periods of progress in ties that are swiftly reversed after changes in the security environment or in political leadership, particularly in Japan and South Korea," stated Christopher Johnstone of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Since taking office, Biden has sought to strengthen security cooperation with his two East Asian allies. This objective was facilitated by the conservative Yoon Suk-yeol taking office as president of South Korea in May 2022. Since then, he has worked hard to forge a rapprochement with Japan, seeking to downplay the "war of memories" that periodically sours relations between the two neighbors. This was further helped by his plan to use private funds to pay compensation to Korean victims of forced labor during the period of Japanese colonization (1910-1945). While this decision pleased Tokyo by putting an end to the lawsuits against the Japanese companies that exploited South Koreans, it aroused lively discontent among some in South Korea.

You have 55% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
I CAN SAY with some satisfaction that I have never paid for a ticket to Electric Picnic.

Of course the downside is I've had to work every year I've gone, but what a small price to pay to see good music.

This year is my third year working the festival, my second in-a-row, and coincidentally ten years since I first got the opportunity to work it, as a volunteer with Oxfam, in 2013.

There are a number of ways you can work festivals in Ireland, whether as a volunteer or as staff, or - if you're really lucky - for a vendor.

As a broke 20 year old who was neither interested in or able for the serious drinking of a festival, I jumped at the chance to get to a festival, any festival, for free.

Few experiences can rival that of sitting in a camping chair as the moon comes up, listening to the sound of Robert Plant roll over the row of food trucks between our stall and the main stage, or the thrill of smuggling cheap wine in a plastic bottle into the main arena for the Sunday night headliners simply by waving your vendor's wristband at a security guard whos busily searching all your friends whove paid to be there.

As formative festival experiences go, it made an impression.

But of course, youre there to work, not just skive off to drink cans and dance.

The chances of you being stuck at your job on the opposite side of the arena, gnashing your teeth and cursing your luck, while your favourite band plays another stage is high.

Working a festival makes the shows you can see all the more special though. By some stroke of luck this year, any artist I managed to catch played all my favourites in the short window I was able to see them for.

Theres a certain joy that comes from sprinting across an arena and diving into a mosh pit just in time for someone to catch you by the arms and tell you youre beautiful, or from sitting in the grass eating your dinner to your favourite band, when its a moment caught between working.

Ten years on from my first Picnic and working as a journalist, I get a much better seat to listen from these days. Rick Astley sounds just as good from the tent youre working in behind the stage as he does if you were standing in the front row.

The real pleasure of working a festival comes from the people you meet. From families to first timers to seasoned festival veterans, from the sesh heads to security personnel to punters, working a festival allows you to widen your interactions far beyond who you might if you were there with a group of friends.

Everybody has their festival essentials, be it a signature hat, your sleeping bag, a tent that doesn't leak. My festival essential is that I keep getting lucky enough to enjoy good music, at the cost of a few hours work.
New Delhi: Inside Indias fledgling electric two-wheeler growth story is an ongoing battle for survivalfor seven companies. These arent firms operating on the sidelines. They are well-recognized and, for a few years, rode the growth wave in electric vehicles (EVs).

Think of Hero Electric and Okinawa Autotech. The two were leading the market till 2021. Then there is Greaves Electric Mobility, a subsidiary of Greaves Cotton, a listed entity, and is backed by Saudi Arabian investor Abdul Latif Jameel. There is also Revolt Motors, currently the countrys biggest electric motorcycle maker. Founded by Micromaxs Rahul Sharma, it is currently owned by RattanIndia, a group that has diversified interests in the energy infrastructure space. Benling India, AMO Mobility and Lohia Auto are the remaining three in the group of seven endangered EV players.

All of them have been penalized by the Indian government for not adequately fulfilling the criteria for claiming subsidies on electric scooters. To qualify for the sops under the governments Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, companies need to localize production of scooters in India in a phased manner. Under this phased manufacturing programme (PMP), 18 components have to be localize

View Full Image Graphic: Mint

A probe conducted by the government for over six months, starting September 2022, found the seven firms guilty of violating the guidelines. This led to the government imposing a 469 crore penalty on the companiesin effect a rollback of the subsidies paid to them between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2022. They are also debarred from availing subsidies in the future. Additionally, the group of seven stands to lose out on the subsidies for the period between 1 April 2022 and 30 November 2022, which the government had withheld for the duration of the investigations.

We are in dire-straits. Last year, we had over 200 people working for us which is now down to just about 50," said a senior executive from one of the EV firms. The decision of the government is too harsh. If they dont soften the blow, I dont think we would be able to survive." The executive did not want to be identified.

The companies contest the governments claims but are running out of options. Without the subsidies, they have been forced to increase the prices of their products and cannot compete with subsidized rivals. This has impacted their sales. Since the start of the year, monthly sales of the seven companies have more than halved as of August. Hero Electric sold 10,479 two-wheelers in August 2022. This August, it could only sell 783 units. From a dominant market share of over 20% in August last year, the auto makers share was a minuscule 1% this August.

Realizing the need for stronger advocacy with the government, the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) roped in Sanjay Kaul, a former spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party, as its chief evangelist.

Through the course of these 18 months, the manufacturers have been sufficiently penalized and any further delay on resumption in business would drive them to bankruptcy," Kaul said. The manufacturers are not contesting the governments claims (of not adhering to PMP guidelines) even though they believe they have a case there as well, since a long litigation process is not in anybodys interest. Instead, we are trying to find common ground through reasonably negotiated arbitration," he added.

The violations

The industrys appeals for arbitration notwithstanding, the government is in no mood to relent.

Broadly, there were two allegations made against EV companies. Under the FAME scheme, only scooters with an ex-showroom price of less than 1.5 lakh were eligible for subsidies. To circumvent this, companies like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor had billed customers separately for chargers. After being pulled up by the government, the companies decided to refund the money they had charged to the customers.

The second problem involves inadequate localization of parts. Like we mentioned earlier, the PMP has a list of 18 critical components used in the making of EVs and these are supposed to be manufactured or assembled locally. The parts include the battery pack, traction motor and controller, vehicle control unit, on-board charger and instrument panel, among others.

Lax supervision meant that the violations were not detected on time. A whistleblower, who identified himself simply as Akash Shah, CFA and CA (in some emails, the surname is Sharma), started making allegations around the violations in a series of emails beginning April 2022. The government woke up. As the violations were retrospective in nature, the government wants the seven companies to refund the subsidy from the start of the FAME scheme itself.

There has been no obfuscation of subsidy and the end consumer has benefitted from it. So, the governments endeavour to boost transition to EVs has happened. Asking manufacturers to reach out to consumers to refund the subsidy is neither tenable nor desirable," Kaul said.

Besides Revolt, which paid back 50 crore to the government last month, none of the other companies have made any payment yet. And while the government is willing to give the companies more time, there are no indications of any other financial reprieve for now.

Well give them a few weeks more. Still giving them two-three chances in case they want to furnish some documents (to prove they met PMP guidelines). Otherwise, we will initiate legal proceedings," said Hanif Qureshi, joint secretary, ministry of heavy industries.

Blame covid?

The question is what led to the violations. The seven companies say it wasnt intentional. While they do not deny that the norms were flouted, they blame it on the pandemic, which disrupted the global supply chain. Many of the parts meant to be localized were simply not available to meet the demand and had to be imported.

The government had announced PMP much in advance and a glide path was provided. Of Course, covid-19 hit and it became difficult as global supply chains got messed up and a few extensions were also given," said Hemal Thakkar, directorconsulting, Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics, a research outfit.

Unlike in ICE (internal combustion engines), the dependence on global supply chain in EVs for batteries and controllers is more. So, it may seem a bit harsh but then you have to push the industry to increase localization levels," he added.

The government wanted to bring down prices through subsidies and increase demand in the market and that did happen, said Sushant Kumar, managing director, AMO Mobility. We did not keep the subsidies for ourselves. The issue of non-compliance with PMP is not that big. It could have been handled in a more mature manner. The government could show some leniency as the violations were not intentional," he added.

Nonetheless, not everyone agrees supply chain bottlenecks were at the heart of the violations. If that was the case, companies beyond this group of seven would have been impacted too. Companies such as Ola Electric, Ather Energy, TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto were able to meet the localization norms.

The PMP guidelines are common for the industry and have been adhered to by many players despite the supply chain issues. There were certain manufacturers who took advantage of the scheme to claim subsidies without making investments in local manufacturing," said Arti Roy, associate director, CareEdge Ratings, a ratings company.

The breakdown

While there are arguments on both sides, whats clear is a complete breakdown of communication between the government and the industry. The chasm is big, Kaul realized soon after joining SMEV.

My job is to restore it (the breakdown in communication) and bring them back to the table," Kaul told Mint. This is a sunrise industry and I am certain the government doesnt want it to suffer. If these companies are grounded, then the consumers will be impacted. Violations, if at all, were marginal in nature and not intentional or substantial and the role of these manufacturers in scaling up the industry and developing the market should be taken into account," he added.

Meanwhile, the EV industry is also dividedthat doesnt help.

While Kaul, under the aegis of SMEV, is trying to break the deadlock, Greaves has chosen to do it alonethe company is not party to the industry bodys negotiations. Greaves could be open to a resolution through the courts, some believe. Thats a route the other companies want to avoid.

We are working with the government to better understand their concern and we have made a detailed representation. We are committed to helping realize Indias ambitions to be a world leader in developing, engineering, and manufacturing electric vehicles," Sanjay Behl, chief executive officer and executive director, Greaves Electric Mobility, said in a statement to Mint.

The decision by Revolt to pay the penalty to the government also came as a surprise to the others.

I dont know what prompted them to do that. The government knows we are under pressure and this sends the message that eventually everybody will pay to save their skin," said an executive from one of the seven companies. He did not want to be identified either.

Growth jolted

With the fate of the seven companies hanging in the balance, the industry is going through a period of churn. Meanwhile, the government has also reduced the subsidy on electric two- wheelers.

Earlier, manufacturers could claim a subsidy of 15,000 per kilowatt hour (size of the battery). However, there was a cap on the claimit was limited to 40% of the ex-factory price of the vehicle. From 1 June this year, the subsidy has been slashed to 10,000 per kilowatt hour and the cap is reduced to up to 15% of the vehicles price.

This has impacted sales. It is down from a high 105,518 units in May to 62,343 units in August (see graphic).

Sales are expected to gradually recover. Customers are expected to take time in absorbing the price hikes. Over the medium term, benefits from economies of scale and value engineering initiatives will help lower the upfront price and aid adoption," said Rohan Gupta, vice president, corporate sector ratings at ICRA, a credit rating agency.

The second phase of the FAME scheme, for five years, came into effect on 1 April 2019 with a corpus of 10,000 crore. The scheme has to fund a range of EVs, from buses to two-wheelers. The target for two-wheelers was one million vehicles.

As on 20 July, 740,000 electric two-wheelers have benefitted from the scheme. It is unlikely that the target of one million units will be met by March 2024. Now, the reduction of subsidies has raised doubts on whether the scheme would be extended in the current form. The two-wheeler market is highly sensitive to prices. Therefore, analysts believe that extending the subsidies could be crucial to boost adoption.

Should the seven companies go out of business, would it tar the image of the industry and dissuade potential investors? Unlikely, experts said. India is the only big market that offers good potential for growth. No investor can ignore us. The government is cognizant of this and so can mandate local production with an iron hand," said Thakkar of Crisil.

The industry is at the cusp of a consolidation phase and thats not a bad thing. The EV space remains in the early stages of its growth and its promise has attracted a large number of players," Gagandeep Sidhu, director, CEEW Centre for Energy Finance, said. As this market matures over the next few years, it would be natural to see some consolidation." CEEW is a non-profit research institution.

Where does that leave the seven companies? The deal breaker will be not getting any subsidy in the future.

The vehicles are now fully compliant with PMP norms and the government should allow them to be sold in the market (with subsidy). If an arbitration award is decided, give some time to the companies to pay back any penalties," said Kaul. This is what was done with the four other companies (charger violations), and offering the same deal to the others is only fair," he added.

Just like the identity of Akash Shahthe anonymous whistleblowerthe fate of the seven companies, right now, remains unknown.
London: UK-based JCB plans to start manufacturing hydrogen-powered engines at its Haryana factory soon after its commercial adoption in the UK, top company executives said. The company considers its Ballabhgarh plant ideal for participating in the hydrogen initiative, as it already makes diesel engines for the parents worldwide operations.

J.C. Bamford Excavators Ltd, the company behind the JCB brand of earthmoving and construction equipment, debuted the new 448 ABH2 hydrogen-powered engine in March this year. The new engine is part of JCBs Road to Zero initiative to create zero-carbon solutions in construction and agricultural equipment.

India is already a large producer of diesel engines to meet JCBs global needs, and it would take up the manufacture of even hydrogen engines once the technology is mastered and put into JCB machines, chairman Lord Bamford said.

We make engines in India. Every day, we make 200 engines at our plant near Delhi. And if we were making hydrogen engines for commercial use, we would be making them in India as well," Bamford said, stressing the need to develop infrastructure for producing hydrogen fuel.

India continues to be the most important market for JCB, where it has invested more proportionately than any other global operation and is accounting for almost a quarter of its global revenues. In the hydrogen initiative, it has already invested over 100 million in the UK to master the technology and make it fit for its range of construction equipment. A similar investment may be considered in India to scale up existing production plants to build hydrogen-powered construction equipment.

The biggest challenge for hydrogen-powered equipment is the availability of the fuel itself. India is endowed with sun and water resources, the two key elements required for producing hydrogen. Once the fuel infrastructure improves, JCB would be ready with its green solutions for the growing industry here," Bamford said.

He said JCB would install a small electrolyzer plant at its existing engine facility at Ballabhgarh that would produce enough hydrogen to test and run equipment prototypes using its proprietary hydrogen combustion engine. It has done a similar exercise in the UK. JCB tries to introduce and reproduce everything that they do in the UK in India, and the hydrogen initiative will be no different," Bamford said.

JCBs hydrogen-powered construction equipment may be ready for commercial production in the UK in 18 months, chief executive Graeme Macdonald said.

Prototype JCB hydrogen engines are already powering backhoe loader and Loadall telescopic handler machines in the UK as the company works to perfect the technology.

Though hydrogen engines are being built for JCBs off-road machinery, the company claims that the technology could be applied in trucks, vans, trains, buses and even large cars. The company has also installed one of the hydrogen engines into a 7.5-tonne Mercedes truck, a retrofit which was completed in just days.

JCB has also unveiled its very own designed and built mobile refuelling unit, which has enough hydrogen to fill 16 hydrogen backhoe loaders and is able to be transported either on the back of a modified JCB Fastrac tractor or on a trailer.

in India, JCB has been making engines since 2011, so hydrogen combustion engines are an exciting prospect for JCB India. Hydrogen is a mobile fuel, perfect for the Indian market. And in line with the Government of Indias National Hydrogen Mission, as the hydrogen economy develops in India, the opportunity for this zero CO2 fuel for use in construction machinery is significant," Deepak Shetty, CEO and managing director of JCB India said.

Hydrogen-powered construction equipment is fast getting traction worldwide due to its near zero-emission characteristics.

According to Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (ICEMA), the industry size of construction equipment sold in India stood at 70,100 units in 2021. It fell to 69,400 in 2022 but is expected to make smart recovery in 2023, as in first half of the year itself, sales have gone up to 40,800 units. It is projected that despite the cost differential, sale of green equipment will rise over the next decade, giving ample opportunities for companies to test newer and greener fuels.

JCB is expanding its India operations, with the local subsidiary investing 1,000 crore to scale up production of a new range of products at its new factory in Gujarats Vadodara. It has already completed an investment of 650 crore at its plant and would complete the balance investments over next few months. Investment at Ballabhgarh for hydrogen engines would be a fresh investment to be made by the UK- based company.

The reporter was in London at the invitation of JCB.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has dismissed a call for insolvency proceedings to be initiated against Wipro. The dispute pertains to the supply of goods for a government project implemented by the tech giant. The Bengaluru Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal had previously dismissed the plea by Tricolite Electrical Industries in the capacity of operational creditor.

A two-member Chennai bench of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal had earlier dismissed the operational creditor's petition to initiate insolvency proceedings. It noted that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code was not framed for being a "mere recovery legislation for creditors". The NCLAT has now upheld the NCLT's January 2020 order.

The NCLT order had been challenged by the Delhi-based operational creditor  a manufacturer of LT/ HT Electric Panels. The complaint is in connection to a government project awarded to Wipro for design, manufacture, supply work as well as installation of MV Panels.

Tricolite Electrical Industries contends that Wipro had failed to pay its dues after placing a purchase orders for a total supply worth 13.43 crore. The appellant claims that it supplied the goods on time and raised various invoices. However Wipro allegedly made payment of 97% of the value of the invoices. The remainder continued to be kept outstanding in spite of several reminders and a Demand Notice.

ALSO READ: Wipro appoints Brijesh Singh as Senior Vice President and Global AI Head

Wipro has denied the allegations, arguing that there is a pre-existing dispute between the parties.

It is the consistent stand of Wipro that 97% of the amount was paid and the balance 3% was kept on hold only on account of evaluating customer satisfaction and it was established that there was a delay of six weeks on behalf of the Appellant Company in executing the job assigned to them on account of which liquidated damages/Penalty of 40,56,539, which is as per the terms of the contract was levied," the NCLAT said.

(With inputs from agencies)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are facing a pressing challenge: a shortage of individuals adept at fundraising from companies and alumni. To overcome this, IITs are looking at the US to secure funds by highlighting their accomplishments in science and technology.

Mahesh Panchagnula, dean of (alumni and corporate relations), at IIT Madras, said the concept of alumni generously contributing to the institutions is still at a nascent stage in India. We are strengthening our fundraising efforts in the US and reaching out to more people in India."

IIT Madras is one of the primary beneficiaries, having received 578 crore in the past four years. In FY23, it had collected 231 crore, one of the highest amounts in recent years. The institute is encouraging alumni to visit campuses as well as project locations and hosting events as it aims to launch more projects at the national level.

View Full Image Graphic: Mint

Fundraising by alumni and corporates is a nascent category in India compared to what US universities have witnessed over the years. Hence, we need to sensitize and create awareness among potential donors via campaigns," Panchagnula said.

According to a Mint analysis, six IITsDelhi, Bombay, Madras, Kharagpur, Roorkee and Kanpurhave received over 1,400 crore in donations from corporates and alumni. The amount will be higher if one includes the 23 IITs in India, but most have not declared funding details in their annual reports.

Globally, endowments are very popular. A 2021 report in The Daily Princetonian said Harvard University got the highest endowment of $53.2 billion among the eight Ivy League institutions, followed by Yale ($42.3 billion) and Princeton ($37.7 billion) for the year ended 30 June 2021.

The lack of trained professionals well-versed in higher education fundraising is a significant challenge. Unlike Western nations, the culture of giving back to alma mater is at a nascent stage in India. It will take us some time to inculcate this culture," said Kantesh Balani, dean of resources and alumni office at IIT Kanpur. In the past four years, it has raised over 400 crore, the second-highest after IIT-M.

The donations are primarily used to develop the institutes research facilities as well as hostel infrastructure. In 2010, IIT-Bombay used the funds to establish the Young Faculty Award, with an aim to attract young talent to replace the retiring faculty.

The other reason why institutes like the IITs might miss out on fundraising opportunities is the primary allocation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for NGOs instead of educational institutions.

To counter this challenge, IITs have set up dedicated teams to engage with stakeholders like alumni, foundations, corporations, and philanthropists to get funds. The institutes are also involving alumni in mentoring students and supporting their startup ventures to get long-term investments. IIT-Kanpur, for instance, said it signed many agreements with corporates for various projects under CSR initiatives and sponsored research endeavours.

The projects cut across domains, such as health, medtech, drones, energy, environment, and community welfare. The institute has partnerships with IBM, Portescap, Citibank, HDFC Bank, REC, Ansys, JK Cement to name a few," Balani added.

IIT-Bombay did not respond to Mints queries on funds raised over the last three financial years. However, according to a news report, the institution had received 160 crore from an anonymous donor to establish a Green Energy and Sustainability Research Hub in August.
India stands as the world's fifth-largest economy, with its economic landscape chiefly shaped by the services sector, which accounts for over 50% of the total GDP. The sustained growth is primarily driven by domestic demand, propelled by the emerging middle class. Industry, on the other hand, constitutes less than one-third of the GDP, with manufacturing contributing to 50% of the industry's Gross Value Added (GVA) in FY23.

India presently accounts for a mere 3% of the global manufacturing output. Historically, India has not been strongly oriented towards manufacturing as a core economic focus. However, the long-term policy is changing, giving equal importance to domestic industries. The government is revamping the industrys norms and regulations with a vision of self-sufficiency and to become the manufacturing hub for the world.

To attain this goal, the initial phase involves enhancing both the quantity and quality of fundamental infrastructure assets through an increased allocation of government funds. Frankly, the governments fiscal position had become robust, led by financial reforms increasing the corpus size.

Over the past five years, government capital expenditure has seen a remarkable 23% CAGR, reaching to 7.3 trillion, accounting for 2.7% of GDP. In the first quarter of FY24, the government has already utilized 2.8 trillion, which constitutes 27.8% of the allocated annual capital expenditure for FY24. Two-thirds of the Centers capital expenditure in Q1FY24 was incurred on the construction of roads and railway infrastructure.

The government's unwavering commitment to infrastructure development through initiatives like NIP, GATI Shakti, and budget allocations has resulted in a robust order book, a promising project pipeline, improved profitability, and enhanced return ratios, providing a significant boost to the infrastructure sector.

The alternative strategy is to stimulate the industrial sector by offering financial incentives for capital expenditure and other financial aids, such as reducing effective taxes. In 2019, the basic corporate tax rate was slashed from 30% to 22% (excluding surcharges and cess), thereby enhancing cash flows and potentially boosting future private expenditure. Thirdly, is to support the MSME being the backbone of the domestic industry sector; credit and guarantee to MSME have been substantially increased with the introduction of the Emergency Credit Linked Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS).

To incentivize large-scale manufacturing, PLI scheme has been launched across 14 sectors, backed by an allocation of 1.97 lakh crore, and more categories are expected to join. The government is providing 50% financial support for capex and 2.5% for R&D. Swift measures are underway to address the needs of the semiconductor, laptop, and green hydrogen sectors.

The government's Make-in-India initiative is actively promoting investment, fostering innovation, and developing top-tier infrastructure. For example, in the mobile phone segment, India has become the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally, with the production of handsets going up from 6 crore units in FY15 to 29 crore units in FY21. This trend is instrumental in bridging the gaps in domestic manufacturing capabilities, driven by a surge in FDI. Annual FDI equity inflows in the manufacturing sector have been steadily increasing over the last few years. It jumped from US$ 12.1 billion in FY21 to US$ 21.3 billion in FY22.

India has a unique opportunity to become a global manufacturing hub. The PLI scheme is estimated to generate 3 lakh cr of capex and 60 lakh jobs in the next 5years. This development not only enhances in-house manufacturing capabilities but also curtails the import bill, fortifying the country's fiscal strength. Electronic exports increased from USD 3.9 bn in FY18 to USD 13.8 bn in FY23 (economic survey). And the electronics industry is likely to be a key driver of manufacturing in the future.

The slowdown of the Chinese economy may have hiccups in some parts of the world. And we are well positioned to take advantage as global market is essentially considering India as the next growth engine. The domestic total electronics industry, as of FY20, is valued at US$118 billion. Government expects it to reach US$300 billion with US$ 120 billion of exports in FY26.

So much is happening in the industrial sector. High infra & capital expenditures are enhancing the aura of infra, power, manufacturing, and industry sector. The equity performance of these sectors has been rolling for the last 3years. These are expected to continue as the real benefit will be exposed in the next 5 to 10years. As foreign, private, and public expenditure continues to invest the industry outlook will remain robust. This leads to strong equity market performance and premium valuation.

View Full Image There has been growth in Nifty's Industrial sectoral indices

Specifically, sectors like capital goods and power are currently rated well above their long-term averages, while others, such as energy and infrastructure, maintain a more balanced position. Given that manufacturing is a central theme for the future, it is reasonable to anticipate that premium valuations will remain a lasting feature of these sectors.

Author of the article, Vinod Nair, is the Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

GATI More Information

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Russia's war against Ukraine was the first military conflict in which "absolutely all types of weapons" were used, from submarines to strategic bombers. And even this did not give the aggressor state a decisive advantage: during the full-scale war, the military power of the Russian Federation was significantly undermined, and the professional army ended in the literal sense of the word.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, during the annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy. He is sure that Russia is significantly inferior to Ukraine in creativity and flexibility on the battlefield, but noted that the aggressor state is still a super-serious opponent that should not be underestimated.

According to Budanov, the war against Ukraine, which the Kremlin envisioned as a factor in strengthening the Russian Federation, has become a trap for Russia, siphoning off its economic, financial and military "juices."

"The war has not gone in favor of Putin's regime: the economy is not holding out, that's a fact. Finances are held on reserves, and military power has lost a lot during the war. The professional army, in a general sense, ended last fall. They are now fighting mobilized troops. The production of new weapons and equipment is at a completely insufficient level," Budanov formulated his vision of the consequences for the Russian Federation of a year and a half of full-scale aggression against Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

He is skeptical about talk of a possible further escalation on the part of the Russian Federation, as it has already used almost all types of available weapons.

"What kind of escalation can we talk about if absolutely all types of weapons are involved: from submarines to strategic bombers. We need to change the logic: not everything is in the hands of the Russian Federation, and not everything is in the hands of other players on the world stage, something depends on us," Budanov said.

However, despite this, the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence emphasized, it would be a big mistake for Ukrainians to fall into euphoria and underestimate the enemy: Russia still poses an extraordinary threat to Ukraine.

"In terms of creativity and flexibility, we are still beating Russia. Putin's regime is not so powerful anymore. But it's still an insurmountable enemy and you can't just say they're doing absolutely bad. They are adapting. It's good to build more than one line of defense. But our movement continues!" - Budanov shared his thoughts.

ADVERTISIMENT

We will remind, earlier the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence assured that the counter-offensive of Ukraine will continue in cold, wet weather, although it will create additional difficulties for the soldiers. This statement was made against the background of the words of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Mark Milley that weather conditions will allow the Ukrainians to continue the offensive operation for a maximum of one and a half months.

Budanov is also convinced that Russia does not have enough forces for a long war. Therefore, it will not drag on for years more, as predicted by a number of military and political analysts. Data from the Ukrainian military intelligence shows that the Russian Federation has no resources for the long term, and the available ones are being depleted day by day.

ADVERTISIMENT
Several global leaders including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are scheduled to leave Delhi on Monday, September 11, after attending the two-day G20 Leaders' Summit hosted in the national capital, according to a report published by the news agency ANI.

The Heads of State of countries including UAE, Bangladesh, Egypt, China, Australia, UK, Argentina, Indonesia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Canada and Singapore will depart from Delhi on Monday.

The Central government has assigned responsibilities to Union Ministers of State to see off the foreign delegates after the summit. A directive in this regard was issued by the foreign secretary, ANI reported.

Apart from the 20 heads of state, seven G20 leaders of countries including Brazil, the African Union (represented by Comoros), Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and Mauritius will also depart from Delhi on Monday.

In a significant milestone under India's G20 presidency, the 55-member African Union became a new permanent member of the grouping of the largest economies of the world. It is the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden will arrive in Vietnam on Sunday to deepen cooperation between the two nations, AFP reported.

Biden will meet the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, on Sunday, and is expected to sign off on a "comprehensive strategic partnership", Hanoi's highest level of diplomatic ties.

The underlying goal of the short visit will be much the same as during Biden's time at the G20 gathering -- to shore up support against China's increasing influence, as per AFP reports.

In Hanoi today, there will be a welcome ceremony, speeches by the two leaders, and a press conference by the US president -- who on Tuesday awarded the top US military honor to a helicopter pilot who rescued four soldiers during the Vietnam War. Biden will meet President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh the following day.

(With inputs from agencies)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would be proud to have India as part of the UN Security Council and proposed a rotational membership mechanism. Addressing the media after the G20 Summit on Sunday, the senior politician however noted that the world was larger than five. The remarks came mere hours after US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for a reformed UNSC with India as a permanent member.

A country like India being there on the UN Security Council, we would be proud. But as you now, the world is bigger than larger than five. And when we say the world is larger than five, what we mean is that it's not only about the US, UK, France, China and Russia...What we say is all of them, we should only have permanent members," Erdogan said.

He also called for a rotational system that would see all 195 member countries potentially becoming a member.

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi had held talks with US President Joe Biden to reaffirm their commitment to the G20 and bolster multilateral cooperation.

The leaders once again underscored the need to strengthen and reform the multilateral system so it may better reflect contemporary realities and remain committed to a comprehensive UN reform agenda, including through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council," the statement said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also touched upon the topic during an address on Sunday/ He hailed India for giving voice to topics of interests of emerging economies and contended that the UN Security Council needed new developing countries as permanent and non-permanent members. Lula said that this would help it regain political strength and ensure greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

(With inputs from agencies)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The 2023 New Delhi Summit of the G20 has been a splendid success. India demonstrated to visiting heads of state and other dignitaries that the country can organise a global event of such significance with the pomp, ceremony and attention to detail it deserves. But has substance matched style?

Only the naive expect a gathering of heads of government to produce breakthrough solutions to world problems every time it assembles. It takes a crisis such as the Global Financial Crisis to precipitate ponderous deliberations into precipitate, coordinated action, such as infusion of liquidity, provision of swap lines to provide emergency access to foreign currency, institution of elevated capital adequacy norms for banks and extra, loss-absorbing buffers of capital for globally systemically important financial institutions, accompanied by periodic stress tests by banking regulators.

The world does not face that kind of a crisis. What it does face is a different, geopolitical crisis, of which Russias invasion of Ukraine is one facet, while intensifying American rivalry with China for global hegemony is another. In the face of this crisis, many expected the New Delhi summit to be unable to come up with a joint leaders declaration. It is indeed a minor triumph that sustained negotiations by Indian diplomats with the help of those from EU, Brazil and Indonesia managed to come up with language on Ukraine that everyone  including representatives of Russia and China, whose heads of state stayed away  could agree upon, to make the Delhi declaration possible, thus averting the confusion that followed the preceding Bali Summit of G20 in 2022 when the two countries later dissociated from the lines agreed, rendering that joint statement fraught.

Contentious lines on Ukraine have been averted by the Declarations tactic of locating these in references to UN resolutions that condemn Russias invasion and by letting leaders restate their national positions on the subject, thereby accommodating all shades of opinion on the matter.

The language on Ukraine, it was feared till the very last moment, would make it impossible to have a joint statement, which would have been a first in the history of the G20, raising doubts over its future. But by ensuring the summit produced a declaration against all odds, New Delhi secured its survival and the rotating presidency has been duly passed to Brazil.

India has at the same time wooed countries in Africa, drawn by yet wary of Chinese overtures backed by truckloads of money, made available, alas, as loans, rather than as grants. Those loans have now landed many countries in Africa and elsewhere in a debt trap. The Delhi Declaration, thus, sustains the pressure on China to restructure, if not forgive, developing country debt under the common framework outlined at an earlier G20 summit. China has been dragging its feet on the subject.

This scores twice, diplomatically: we champion indebted countries, and focus attention on Chinese inaction on this front. The formal induction of the African Union as a member of the G20, with Indias sponsorship, gives credence to Indias advocacy of the Global South in the G20 in which the European Unions support proved of great help.

The Declaration keeps up the pressure  to the extent joint statements from multilateral platforms can  on the global community to address the collective risk to human life posed by accelerating climate change. Climate technology, finance and resilient infrastructure find their place, even if carbon dioxide removal does not. A biofuel initiative has, however, to be tempered by the need to keep subsidised fertilizer and water out of its ambit, to prevent biofuels from consuming more energy than it supplies.

The Declarations focus on digital public infrastructure and renewable energy, accompanied by green hydrogen as the solution to renewable energys intermittency problem, lays the ground for raising collective global welfare, with Indian enterprises potentially playing a lead role in these areas. The focus on small modular reactors is welcome, too, as nuclear energy should play a vital role in increasing the share of carbon-free energy generation.

The Delhi Declaration calls for coordinated regulation of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies. This is essential, even if the US-China rivalry raises potential hurdles in the path of such regulation.

Indias concerns on terror financing and money laundering find reflection in the Declaration, too. It is welcome, too, that the Declaration lays stress on respecting the human rights of migrants, even illegal ones, and on accommodating the imperatives of human diversity.

Action, though, is a different matter altogether. It is vital that countries try and act on the urgings of the G20, instead of retaining them as perennial prescriptions, as in the case of the 2009 Pittsburgh summits call to end fossil fuel subsidies, which has been repeated in the Delhi Declaration as well.
AP Skill Development Corruption Case: Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation has extended his support for Chandrababu Naidu who was arrested in an alleged 371 crore scam in the AP Skill Development Corporation during 2014-2019.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu wrote, I was shocked to read that Shri Chandrababu Naidu-ji was arrested yesterday. I know him and he worked so hard to bring so many companies, including Zoho, to Andhra Pradesh. I hope justice prevails."

On 9 September, Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The former Andhra Pradesh CM was arrested under relevant IPC sections, including Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), and 465 (forgery). In addition, AP CID has also invoked the Prevention of Corruption Act against him.

Earlier today i.e. on 10 September, Naidu was produced in an Anti-Corruption Bureau court amid tight security. According to news agency PTI, The former Andhra Pradesh CM will be represented by Supreme Court lawyer Siddarth Luthra and a team of advocates. Several TDP senior leaders and the party cadre gathered at the court complex.

The TDP have given a call to its supporters to take part in a one-day fast in every Assembly constituency on Sunday to protest against Naidu's arrest.

TDP national spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain also slammed the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. While talking to news agency ANI, Jain said that the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRPC), which itself is accused of looting 44000 crore, is alleging Chandrababu of corruption, who was not even served with an arrest warrant in the 45 years of his political career.

The way Chandrababu was arrested amid tight security forces, is a defeat of YSR Jagan Mohan Reddy and the way protests were held across the state against his arrest, shows how popular Chandrababu is. There was not a single accusation in his 45 years of political career nor he was served with an arrest warrant. Arresting him without providing proper information shows the mentality of the YSRCP government. YSRCP itself is accused of looting 44000 cr. The government of sand mafia and land mafia is now accusing Chandrababu," Jain told to news agency ANI.

Meanwhile, Naidu was also questioned for nearly 10 hours at the Special Investigation Team (SIT) office. The CID submitted a remand application before the court while Naidus lawyers sought that the plea be rejected. The CID alleged that Naidu as the primary accuse and has submitted in its remand report. It alleged that Naidu is the chief architect and conspirator of the alleged scam and that he indulged in a criminal conspiracy with the intention of fraudulent misappropriation or otherwise conversion for own use, disposal of property which was under the control of a public servant, besides engaging in cheating, forging documents, and destroying evidence.

As per the CID, the investigation has revealed serious irregularities such as before any expenditure by private entities, the then state government provided an advance of 371 crores, representing the entire 10 per cent commitment by the government.

Most of the money advanced by the government was diverted to shell companies through fake invoices, with no actual delivery or sale of the items mentioned in the invoices, CID officials said.

In its remand report, the CID has said that according to the investigation so far, the total amount spent by private entities on six skill development clusters is sourced exclusively from funds advanced by the Government of AP and AP Skill Development Center, totalling 371 crores.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
NEW DELHI : The adoption of the New Delhi declaration at the end of the G20 Summit without impediments has given the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a platform to advance its political outreach and electoral campaign ahead of next years general election, riding on the triumph of an event it claims is a result of iPrime Minister Narendra Modis leadership.

The PM himself had earlier referred to the summit as an opportunity to present the country on the international arena. The summit having drawn to a close with a consensus on critical issues such as the Ukraine war, climate change, sustainable and inclusive growth has come as a shot in the arm for the ruling party that will face the electoral battle on the back of a two-term anti-incumbency and with the opposition parties banding together.

According to party leaders, the outcome of the summit and the key takeaways will be aggressively publicized over the coming weeks and will be conspicuous in the partys outreach ahead of the elections that begin with five states going to polls at the end of the year and the 2024 election.

It is undoubtedly a huge win for the government led by PM Modi. Getting world leaders to congregate at a platform and form consensus even on issues that are polarising such as the Russia-Ukraine war is not an easy feat. This also shows that PM Modis leadership is accepted. The opposition has been running campaigns against him, while he was working towards the growth and development of our country.... we will go to people with this message," said a senior party leader, not wishing to be named.

The leader said on earlier occasions when the government and the party spoke about Indias growing influence and heft and how it was emerging as a powerful voice, the opposition ran down" the PMs efforts on the global platform to discredit" him.

When Indian students and citizens of other countries were evacuated from Ukraine as part of Operation Ganga, they said it was done with the elections in UP in mind. A campaign has been run to show the government as intolerant...but this summit has exposed their designs," the leader said.

Referring to the oppositions response to the summit, the leader said the chinks in the oppositions armour" were exposed as some chief ministers rose above party lines to attend the reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for the visiting dignitaries.

Some of them (opposition) have reals\ized that the PMs efforts in bringing the country onto the centre-stage have succeeded and world leaders who earlier did not think much of India are now acknowledging our might," the leader said.

The opposition was divided in its response to the summit. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on X, The PMs statements at the G20 and other summits globally are sheer hypocrisy. While destroying protections for Indias forests and biodiversity and diluting the rights of Adivasis and forest-dwelling communities, he talks of environment, climate action and equity.

Referring to the impact that the summit would have on the partys electoral fate, and on PM Modis leadership in the context of domestic politics, senior BJP leader and president of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, said India has been able to assert itself whether its proposing and leading the solar alliance or giving voice to the concerns of the developing countries at COP-27. India has emerged as a global power and what PM Modi said about war has resonated with the others. This shows acceptance of Indias leadership," he said.

On the issue of the BJP leveraging the summit for domestic political gains he said, It is natural that success at international platforms will benefit the government. Even when in the past such international meetings were held governments of the day benefited. But remember, this government handled it in a non-partisan manner. All non-BJP CMs too were made a part of the reception and that was very natural! We, never and nobody should look at such benefits from the lenses of domestic politics," he said.

The party has been quick to attribute the success of the summit to PM Modis leadership. On Sunday, party president JP Nadda said under PM Modi leadership, India has emerged as a voice for the Global South and has shown that even in times of major geopolitical divide, nations can cooperate for a better future for the planet and its people.

The adoption of the New Delhi Leaders Declaration at the summit has been particularly pathbreaking as it brought major world powers to a consensus on pertinent issues of geopolitics and climate. Our G20 success is a watershed in Indias diplomacy and has ushered in a sense of pride in the hearts of every Indian. It is also a testament to the timeless quality of our cultural values, which teach us that we are indeed One Earth, One Family, with One Future," he said on X formerly Twitter.

The PMs cabinet colleagues also hailed the success of the summit and attributed it to his leadership, an indication that the issue will be front and centre as the party begins preparations for the upcoming polls.

The success of the event is a befitting reply to the opposition, the critics and those who have accused the government of enforcing majoritarianism, of having a limited view...while the PM is talking about forging ties, development of all, addressing the concerns of all, these people are busy splitting hairs," said the first party functionary quoted above.

Political commentator Manisha Priyam also concurred that the adoption of the declaration with consensus is a big win for the BJP.

The visuals of world leaders with PM Modi at the centre, India as the voice of the global south, the adoption of the declaration without a hiccup are a huge win for the party. The achievement is that even its worst critics have been forced to say that it (summit) was pulled off well," she said.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
G20 Summit 2023: The G20 Summit has entered its final day today i.e. on 10 September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold various meetings with eight global leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Comoros, Turkey, UAE, South Korea, etc.

PM Modi to hold a working lunch meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron today. The PM will hold a pull-aside meeting with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and will later do bilateral meetings with Comoros, Turkey, UAE, South Korea, EU/EC, Brazil, and Nigeria," sources told news agency ANI.

Here are Top 5 key highlights so far:

1. During the inaugural session of the two-day G20 Summit, the African Union (AU) was granted permanent membership in the Group of 20 largest economies (G20) worldwide.

2. The G20 also adopted the New Delhi Leaders Summit Declaration. Asserting that "today's era must not be of war", the New Delhi Declaration of G20 countries on Saturday called on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty and said the peaceful resolution of conflicts as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical.

3. At the G20 Summit, India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Biden called it a "game-changing" regional investment. The economic corridor of rail and shipping links aims to bolster trade between India, the Middle East and Europe, a modern-day Spice Route to bind regions that account for about a third of the global economy.

4. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Sunday at the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi that Britain will commit to provide $2 billion to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to help developing countries cope with climate change. The Green Climate Fund (GFC) - the worlds largest such fund - was set up under United Nations' climate change negotiations to help channel money needed by poor states to meet their targets to reduce carbon emissions, develop cleaner energy sources and adjust to a warming world.

5. Russia praised G20 consensus declaration that avoid direct criticism of Moscow for the war in Ukraine as 'balanced." "Everything was reflected in a balanced form," Svetlana Lukash, the Russian G20 sherpa, or government negotiator, was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Interfax. Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has left tens of thousands dead, displaced millions and sown economic turmoil across the world. Moscow, which says it is conducting a "special military operation" there, denies committing any atrocities.

Meanwhile, a European Union official, who did not want to be identified, said on Sunday the Ukraine war was the most contentious issue in the negotiations. "Without India's leadership it would not have been possible," the official said as quoted by Reuters, adding that Brazil and South Africa also played a crucial role in bridging differences. Meanwhile, the US President Joe Biden skiped final session of summit and left for Vietnam after he and several other G20 leaders paid homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat in Delhi on Sunday morning. Earlier on Day 1, US President held talks with PM Modi. PM Modi and Biden vowed to "deepen and diversify" the bilateral major defence partnership while welcoming forward movement in India's procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines.

In another news, Central bank Executive Director Ajay Kumar Choudhary has said that the Reserve Bank is likely to launch the pilot of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for transactions for interbank borrowing or call money market by October. The pilot of the wholesale CBDC, known as the Digital Rupee-Wholesale (e-W), was launched on November 1, 2022, with the use case being limited to the settlement of secondary market transactions in government securities. "The RBI will introduce the wholesale CBDC in the call market either this month or next month," Choudhary said on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Delhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
IMF's Gita Gopinath congratulates PM Modi on successfully hosting G20 Summit in India; India signs MoU for IECC EC.

International Monetary Fund's deputy director Gita Gopinath on Saturday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for successfully hosting the two-day G20 Summit in India. She posted a picture with PM Modi on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle. In a post on X, Gita Gopinath wrote, Congratulations Prime Minister@narendramodi on presiding over such a successful @g20org. India's message of 'one earth, one family, one future' resonated strongly with all delegates." She also exchanged pleasantries with President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi during the dinner hosted at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi at the 18th G20 Summit. In response, PM Modi replied, Thank you for the kind words. It is an honor to host the G20 summit. Our efforts are a testament to the collective spirit of unity and progress." Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman interacted with the first Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, Gita Gopinath during Ratri Bhoj par Samvad at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. " @nsitharaman interacts with Ms @GitaGopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the @IMFNews, at the G20 Dinner hosted by President Smt Droupadi Murmu (@rashtrapatibhvn) at Bharat Mandapam," Sitharaman wrote on X.

The first day of the G20 Summit remained full of heavy engagements for the world leaders here in New Delhi. The US, India, Brazil, and South Africa reaffirmed their shared commitment to the G20, which is to deliver solutions for the shared world.

The opening day of the G20 summit on Saturday witnessed several crucial developments, including the formal induction of the African Union to the group, 100 percent consensus on the Delhi Declaration, a biofuel alliance, and the announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IECC EC).

India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union, on Saturday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the IECC EC.

India is hosting the G20 Leaders Summit in the national capital at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam on September 9-10. The summit is being attended by more than 30 heads of state and top officials from the European Union and invited guest countries and 14 heads of international organizations.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
After attending the G20 Summit in India, US President Joe Biden on Sunday departed for Vietnam to expand ties between the two nations. Biden will meet Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the two nations.

In an official statement on September 6, the US Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam said, President Joseph R Biden Jr will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam on September 10, 2023."

While in Hanoi, President Biden will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam," the statement read.

During his visit to Vietnam, the two leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, expand people-to-people ties through education exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region, ANI reported.

As Biden departs for Vietnam, here is a look at the key takeaways of his 3-day visit to India, which included a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit to Delhi, Biden attended the G20 Summit under India's Presidency.

Biden said that the G20 Summit held in India proved that the group can still drive solutions to "most pressing issues." He noted that the global economy is suffering from overlapping shocks of the climate crisis.

Sharing a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the US President stated, At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues."

At the G20 Summit, India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Biden called it a "game-changing" regional investment.

Biden said that this project is about more than just laying tracks. "I'm proud to announce that the US, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU finalized a historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor," the US President posted on X.

"This project is about more than just laying tracks. This is a game-changing regional investment," he added.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress." The corridor, according to him, is evidence of human endeavour and unity across continents.

Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents," PM Modi wrote on X formerly Twitter on Saturday.

PM Modi made the announcement for the ambitious project on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and was flanked by US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of the EU.

PM Modi on Saturday launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentina President Alberto Fernandez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency. Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries, as per ANI reports.

On Friday, PM Modi and US President Joe Biden held a bilateral meeting. During the meeting, India and the US settled the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute.

US President Biden and PM Modi welcomed the completion of the notification process regarding negotiations for a commercial agreement between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, the White House said in a statement.

The two leaders commended the progress in implementing the futuristic and wide-ranging outcomes of PM Modi's historic State visit to the US in June 2023, including under the India-U.S. Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

The India-US joint further said that the leaders also welcomed the sustained momentum in bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence, trade, investment, education, health, research, innovation, culture and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders also reiterated the importance of nuclear energy as a necessary resource to meet the climate, energy transition, and energy security needs of both nations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen and diversify the India-US defence partnership through expanded cooperation in new and emerging domains such as space and artificial intelligence, and accelerated defence industrial collaboration.

PM Modi and US President Biden welcomed intensified consultations between the relevant entities on both sides to expand opportunities for facilitating India-US collaboration in nuclear energy, including in the development of next-generation small modular reactor technologies in a collaborative mode.

The US reaffirmed its support for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and committed to continue engagement with like-minded partners to advance this goal. Biden welcomed the issuance of a Letter of Request from the Ministry of Defence to procure 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment.

After the meeting, both the leaders lauded the India-US relations and said that the friendship between the two nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good.

Happy to have welcomed @POTUS @JoeBidento 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Our meeting was very productive. We were able to discuss numerous topics which will further economic and people-to-people linkages between India and USA. The friendship between our nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good," PM Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Apart from attending the G20 Summit and his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, Biden visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He also attended the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday night. Biden engaged with world leaders at the dinner organised at Bharat Mandapam.

Biden also met with the US Embassy staffers and their families after arriving in New Delhi, the White House informed. In a post on X, the White House stated, President Biden met with US Embassy staff and their families today after arriving in New Delhi."

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received a sapling from Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, representing the G20 presidencies of last year and the next year. The ceremony took place at the beginning of the third session One Future of the G20 Summit.

First Widodo handed over the sapling to Modi and then Lula da Silva presented the sapling to the prime minister, amidst applause from other leaders. The G20 leaders summit will draw to a close this afternoon with India handing over the G20 presidency to Brazil.

Earlier today, PM Modi along with G20 leaders and other heads of international organisations paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Spains Vice-President Nadia Calvino, Minister of Economy of United Mexican States, Raquel Buenrostro Sanchez paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and also lay a wreath.

The Prime Minister welcomed the leaders with a Khadi shawl with a cut out of Gandhi Ashram in the backdrop. Later on, the leaders will plant tree saplings at Rajghat and leave for the third session of the G20 summit One Future at Bharat Mandapam.

The theme of this year's G20 Summit, which is taking place under India's presidency is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or One Earth  One Family  One Future." Notably, India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year.

On 9 September, the Delhi Declaration was adopted. It called on nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability.

The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that all 83 paras of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100 percent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. For the first time, the declaration contained no footnote or Chairs Summary.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
As the G20 Summit entered its final day on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold various meetings with eight global leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Comoros, Turkey, UAE, South Korea, etc.

PM Modi to hold a working lunch meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron today. The PM will hold a pull-aside meeting with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and will later do bilateral meetings with Comoros, Turkey, UAE, South Korea, EU/EC, Brazil, and Nigeria," sources told ANI.

Day 2 of the G20 summit started with the leaders visiting Delhis Raj Ghat laying wreaths at the Samadhi of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. A musical tribute featuring favorite hymns of Mahatma Gandhi was also played at the wreath-laying function.

The leaders headed for the Bharat Mandapam where a Tree planting ceremony took place at the South Plaza, followed by the third session of the G20 summit One Future being held at Bharat Mandapam.

The G20 leaders saw a productive day 1 on Saturday, 9 September. The important decisions taken on the first day of the G20 Summit included the adoption of the New Delhi Leadership Declaration, the announcement of a mega India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, and the induction of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the Group of 20.

The economic corridor of rail and shipping links aims to bolster trade between India, the Middle East and Europe, a modern-day Spice Route to bind regions that account for about a third of the global economy.

The US signed an agreement with India, Middle Eastern countries and the European Union aimed at connecting them via a network of railways and sea routes.

In a major breakthrough, the G20 adopted the New Delhi Leaders Summit Declaration. Asserting that "today's era must not be of war", the New Delhi Declaration of G20 countries on Saturday called on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty and said the peaceful resolution of conflicts as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical.

The Group of 20 top world economies welcomed the African Union as a member at their annual summit Saturday. There was widespread support for adding the AU to the G20, making it the second regional bloc to become a permanent member after the European Union and adding momentum to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's drive to give a greater voice to the Global South.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The UAE has stressed the need to transform food systems to make them more resilient and inclusive and leverage them as engines of economic growth and prosperity for all.

Talking part in the Africa Food Systems Forum (AGRF) Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, called upon African nations to signal their commitment to working towards adaptation and mitigation across food systems by signing the Leaders Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action.

The minister not only galvanised support for global food system transformation but also built momentum for COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference hosted by the UAE, during her interactions with African ministers and leaders at AGRF.

UAE's pledge of $4.5 billion for clean energy

The forum, which was organised by AGRA, took place during a historic week for UAE  Africa relations, after the UAE pledged $4.5 billion in support of clean energy projects at the Africa Climate Summit.

Speaking at the AGRF, Almheiri, who is also COP28 Food Systems Lead, said: This has been a pivotal and historic week for the African continent. Just a few days ago, the Nairobi Declaration was endorsed in addition to billions of dollars in commitments to enable African countries achieve inclusive green growth in the face of climate change. On behalf of the UAE, we are truly honoured to make our $4.5 billion contribution to unlock Africas clean energy potential.

She took part in a round table discussion focused on sustainable food system transformation and highlighted the importance of the COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda  which she launched at the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment in Rome in July.

Almheiri reiterated the central aims of the agenda: galvanising national leadership, encouraging involvement from non-state actors, innovation scaling, and finance.

Powerful way

At a presidential session entitled The Great Debate: Can Africa Feed Itself?, Almheiri made a compelling speech, in which she reminded those gathered that signing the Leaders Declaration is a powerful way to commit to wholesale food system transformation. The event was attended by the Presidents of several African nations, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, president of Tanzania; William Ruto, president of Kenya; Macky Sall, president of Senegal; and Evariste Ndayishimiye, president of Burundi.

The presidential session was one of the highlights of the Africa Food Systems Forum, and was made up of several different panel discussions and activities. During the session, she spoke about the importance of youth engagement in climate action. She also emphasised the crucial role that innovation plays in food system transformation and encouraged nations to share technology and knowledge in order to drive change. William Ruto, the President of Kenya then made a speech in which he fully endorsed the comments made by Almheiri.

Almheiri urged African nations to join the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), which the UAE co-leads with the USA. This initiative, which has over 500 international partners, has raised $13 billion in investment for climate-smart agriculture and food system innovation. She also called upon African nations join the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, a project which the UAE launched in partnership with Indonesia, to protect and restore vital mangrove populations across the world.

Almheiri also addressed a COP28 ministerial event in which she reviewed and strengthened the Leaders Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action with the input of African nations. This provided an invaluable opportunity to further international collaboration and ensure that the Leadership Declaration meets the needs of countries across Africa.

Climate change demands immediate action

Speaking at the ministerial event, she said: Climate change is a present, intensifying crisis that demands our immediate attention, she said; To address it, we must place food system transformation at the heart of our discussions. The UAEs COP28 Presidency believes strongly that there is no path to realising the Paris Agreement goals without contending with food systems and climate change action.

In her final event of the forum, she built enthusiasm for COP28 - which is now just 81 days away. She said the UAEs goal was for COP28 to act as a global turning point for climate change by refocusing efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, ensure inclusive climate financing, and deliver adaptation and mitigation initiatives that will protect lives and livelihoods.

She pledged that the UAE would support Africa to access the climate finance it requires for adaptation measures. At COP28, we will stand alongside African nations and advocate for greater climate finance to go towards food system transformation initiatives. Africa is responsible for just a small fraction of greenhouse gas emissions; it is only fitting that you receive all the support available to strengthen your food systems, which are so severely threatened by climate change. She reminded those in attendance that in order to fix the worlds food systems, we must first fix Africas food systems.

Bilateral meetings

She also took part in a series of successful bilateral meetings during the forum. These included meetings with African ministers for Agriculture, Environment, Food Security and Water.

These events have also set a firm foundation for COP28, where energy, finance and food will be key elements of the UAEs COP28 presidency agenda.-- TradeArabia News Service
Ukrainian servicemen continue to effectively reduce the number of the Russian terrorist army. Only during the week, the enemy lost hundreds of pieces of equipment and thousands of invaders.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the period from September 4 to 10, the AFU fighters eliminated 3970 enemy personnel. This was reported in Telegram by the first Deputy Minister of defense Oleksandr Pavlyuk.

During the week, the defenders burned 866 units of weapons and military equipment of the Russian occupation army. The enemy lost most of all artillery systems - 229 units, automotive equipment - 236 units and armored combat vehicles - 106 units.

Also Russian terrorists lost 78 tanks, 21 multiple rocket launchers, 7 air defense systems, 31 special vehicles and a ship during the week.

In addition, Ukrainian servicemen destroyed 8 enemy missiles and 149 drones during Russian missile and drone attacks.

ADVERTISIMENT

We will remind, on the Bakhmut direction sniper "demilitarized" the invader from a distance of almost 1 kilometer. Fighters of the Ukrainian sniper group "Ghost of Bakhmut" of the separate presidential brigade named after. Hetman Bohdan Khmelnitsky eliminated the enemy in the area of the "Airplane" in temporarily occupied Bakhmut.

Earlier it was reported that since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the Russian occupation army has already lost 268.6 thousand people killed. Also the invaders have lost thousands of units of military equipment. Only for a day on September 9, Ukrainian servicemen "demilitarized" about 490 occupants.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, in another intercept of a telephone conversation of a Russian soldier confirms the numerous losses of the Russian army. The occupier asked his comrade to negotiate with the military commissar to pull the remnants of the invaders from the front, otherwise they too will come to an end.

ADVERTISIMENT
India's presidency for the 18th Group of 20 Summit ( G20 Summit ) on Saturday saw the New Delhi G20 Leaders Declaration get accepted with 100% consensus. The declaration that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Day 1 of G20 Summit, focused on war in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions, sustainable growth, creating an inclusive world among other points.

There were four Indian Foreign Services officers who burnt the midnight oil to draft the New Delhi G20 Leaders Declaration which achieved a reported 100% consensus, a historic achievement.

The four diplomats who created the Delhi declaration were Abhay Thakur, Ashish Sinha, Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, and the only woman among the four Enam Gambhir.

According to an Indian Express report, the four diplomats went through months of hard trot, back-and-forth with member countries, and a final dash across five sleepless all-nighters from 3 September, to hit the finish line Saturday: A communique with complete consensus.

Taking a look at the four diplomats

Enam Gambhir

Enam Gambhir, is an alumnus of University of Geneva. She has been working with India Government's Ministry of External Affairs since January 2021. Before that Gambhir was Second Secretary for India's Embassy in Argentina.

Enam is currently the Joint Secretary G20 and a 2005 batch IFS officer.

According to IE report, Enam Gambhir has served as a senior advisor on Peace and Security issues in the Office of the President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN HQ in New York.

The report further states that Gambhir is a fluent Spanish speaker, and has dealt with issues relating to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran working in New Delhi from 2011 to 2016. She holds two Masters degrees; one in maths from Delhi University and another in international security from the University of Geneva. She writes poetry in Spanish, English and Hindi.

Ashish Sinha

Ashish Sinha is another 2005 batch IFS officer. He is also fluent in Spanish, and has served in Madrid, Kathmandu, New York and Nairobi. In New Delhi, he worked in the External Affairs Ministers office and as a desk officer for Pakistan.

Abhay Thakur

A Russian speaker, Abhay Thakur, is the Additional Secretary, the Sous-sherpa, No. 2 to Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant. He has been Indias envoy to Mauritius and Nigeria, and has handled Nepal and Bhutan in the Ministry of External Affairs. Thakur has also been a director in the External Affairs Ministers office.

Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur

Fluent in Chinese, Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur is a Joint Secretary, and the lead negotiator on the Ukraine conflict paragraphs. Naidu has multilateral experience as Chef de Cabinet to the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Naidu is an IFS of the 1998 batch. He has handled the MEAs Economic Diplomacy division and headed the Europe West Division where he was in charge of ties with major G7 countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the European Union, reports IE.

Naidu has a Masters from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Delhi Declaration: Path to complete consensus

Notably, the negotiations for the Ukraine conflict paragraphs were handled by Gambhir and Naidu. They faced tough situations a month after the G20 Summit in Bali, when the consensus (on Ukraine) broke down in December, reports IE.

Elaborating on how the four strategized to ensure a complete consensus on the Delhi Declaration, especially with the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the Indian Express report states that the four diplomats decided to enlist the support of Brazil and South Africa, since they were going to hold the next G20 summits. It helped that they were all from developing countries, and representing the Global South.

Therefore, forming a troika (the past, present and future presidencies)  India joined hands with South Africa, and Indonesia, thereby lending credibility to their arguments.

After a few months and five sleepless nights and negotiations, they finally arrived at the consensus on Friday night, between the G7 and the Russia-China bloc. What helped seal the deal was the phone call between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week and the bilateral with US President Joe Biden on Friday.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10 September along with G20 leaders and other heads of international organisations paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Spains Vice-President Nadia Calvino, Minister of Economy of United Mexican States, Raquel Buenrostro Sanchez paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and also lay a wreath. G20 Summit 2023 LIVE

PM Modi welcomed the leaders with a Khadi shawl with a cut out of Gandhi Ashram in the backdrop. Later on, the leaders will plant tree saplings at Rajghat and leave for the third session of the G20 summit One Future at Bharat Mandapam.

Visuals from Rajghat showed the venue decorated with colourful flowers as the leaders reached there. Security has also been stepped up in parts of the national capital in view of the G20 Summit.

Necessary arrangements were also made so as to keep the traffic smooth. "Traffic Alert: Controlled Zone 2 has been implemented and consequently buses will not operate on Ring Road between ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Sarai Kale Khan. Buses will operate on the remaining stretch of Ring Road and the road network beyond Ring Road towards the borders of Delhi," tweeted Delhi Traffic Police.

The theme of this year's G20 Summit, which is taking place under India's presidency is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or One Earth  One Family  One Future." Notably, India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year.

Here's the schedule for G20 summit

Day 2 of the G20 summit started with the leaders visiting Delhis Raj Ghat to lay wreaths at the Samadhi of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. A musical tribute featuring favourite hymns of Mahatma Gandhi was also played at the wreath laying function.

The leaders will head for the Bharat Mandapam where a Tree planting ceremony will take place at the South Plaza which will be followed by the third session of the G20 summit 'One Future' which will be held at Bharat Mandapam. A G20 exhibition for spouses of World leaders is also scheduled for the 2nd day of the summit.

Earlier on 9 September, the Delhi Declaration was adopted. It called on nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that all 83 paras of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100 per cent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. For the first time, the declaration contained no footnote or Chairs Summary.

(With inputs from agencies)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Amid the ongoing summit in Delhi, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, took out some time from his busy schedule to offer prayer at the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi on Sunday Morning. G20 Summit LIVE The convoy of the UK PM could be seen arriving at the temple ahead of the beginning of the second day sessions of the G20 Summit. Before his arrival, elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple. Earlier, PM Sunak had said that he will visit Delhi's temple on Sunday. He also called himself a Proud Hindu" and said that he has a huge respect for PM Modi and he is keen to support him in making the G20 an enormous success. During his visit to Akshardham Temple, he performed the Pooja and Aarti with a lot of faith. He was also offered a model of the temple as a gift.

While speaking to ANI, Rishi Sunak expressed his will to visit the temple during his stay for the G20 Summit. He also said that he missed this year's Janmashtami celebration.

I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis," Rishi Sunak said.

The UK PM and his wife Akshata Murthy enjoyed every minute in the temple with full faith, said the Director of Akshardham Temple, Jyotindra Dave.
The IIT Council, on behalf of all higher-education institutes in India, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Association of American Universities (AAU) to establish and seek support for the Indo-US Global Challenges Institute.

The inking of the pact comes on the back of G20 summit being held in New Delhi. According to a statement on Sunday, the institute will seek to address some of the most consequential economic, environmental and technological challenges that have the potential to affect the security, prosperity and stability of both countries.

The institute comprise a virtual network of partner universities and provide a platform to address strategic research programs that require interdisciplinary solutions in critical and emerging technologies such as sustainable energy and agriculture, health & pandemic preparedness, semiconductor technology and manufacturing, advanced materials, telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum science. The MoU was signed by Barbara Snyder, president of AAU, and Abhay Karandikar on behalf of the IIT Council.

The statement added that IIT Bombay has joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange as an international partner. Meanwhile, New York University Tandon School of Engineering and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur also signed a pact to launch the New York University-Tandon and the IIT Kanpur Advanced Research Center in critical and emerging technologies. Additionally, multi-institutional Joint Research Centers involving the State University of New York at Buffalo and IIT Delhi, Kanpur, Jodhpur, and BHU are also being set up in the areas of critical and emerging technologies.

Dharmendra Pradhan, union minister for education, skill development and entrepreneurship said this was a sign of the growing relationship between India and the US in education, research and skill development. He said these partnerships were also in consonance with the priorities set by the G20 Education Working Group to enhance academic and research collaboration among G20 countries.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
India is a superpower in terms of "inhabitance" and "ahead of China now", Azali Assoumani, chairperson of the African Union (AU) said, ANI reported on Sunday.

The President of the Union of Comoros said there was enough room for India in Africa, the fifth superpower in the world.

"India is the 5th superpower in the world so there is enough room for India in Africa. We also know that India is so powerful that it went to space. So we just need to coordinate...India is a superpower in terms of inhabitance, India is ahead of China now," the ANI quoted Assoumani as saying.

The AU chairperson also praised India for advancements in space research

Assoumani said it was an emotional moment one for him, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugged him after formally inducting the African Union into the G20 family.

The AU chairperson added that he thought there would be a debate before a decision is arrived to induct the African Union into the G20 family at but the AU was announced as part of the G20 family at the very outset of the two-day summit on Sunday.

"I was about to cry. It was a great emotion for me. Because actually, we thought that there was going to be a debate and then a decision would be taken but at the very beginning of the Summit it was announced that we were a member," the Assoumani was reported as saying.

In his opening remarks at the 18th G20 Leaders Summit on Saturday, PM Modi invited the African Union, represented by Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member.

The African Union chairperson expressed his gratitude to the G20 member countries for the historic inclusion of the bloc in the G20 family.

Assoumani took to his official handle on 'X' to post, "The G20 has just ratified, through the voice of the Prime Minister of India, @narendramodi, the admission of the @_AfricanUnion into its fold. On behalf of the African continent, I sincerely thank all the member countries of the @g20org for this historic admission."

On Sunday, PM Modi held a meeting with Assoumani, congratulating him on the African bloc joining the G20 family.

Taking to his official handle on 'X', PM Modi posted, Had a very fruitful meeting with @PR_AZALI. Congratulated him once again on @_AfricanUnion joining the G20 family. Comoros is vital to Indias SAGAR Vision. Our deliberations included ways to enhance cooperation in areas like shipping, trade and more."
Xi Jinpings decision to stay away from this weekends Group of 20 summit may have been intended to deny India its moment. Instead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi  along with the US and Europe  figured out how to more effectively counter China on the world stage.

Fellow G-20 nations hailed Indias success in reaching agreement on a joint communique that remained in doubt just days before world leaders gathered for their most significant annual diplomatic event. Apart from finding consensus on Russias war in Ukraine, the most difficult issue, they also elevated the African Union as a full G-20 member and took action on issues like climate change and debt sustainability that are priorities of emerging markets.

The final outcome irked Ukraine, which saw the compromise on war language as weaker than what leaders produced just 10 months ago in Bali, Indonesia. But for the US and its allies, criticism of a communique that on substance was similar to Bali and has little impact on the ground is a small price to pay for giving Modi a win that bolsters Indias status as a rising power capable of blunting Chinas global influence.

President Joe Biden led the charge, seeing in India his administrations best hope of isolating China and Russia  and providing a booster shot to the USled world order. The result showed that Washington is finally learning the language of the so-called Global South, with India as its principle guide.

Some commentators are pointing to watered-down language on Russia-Ukraine as a sign of Western climbdown," said Milan Vaishnav, director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. But theres another way of looking at it: The West is also invested in making sure India got a win. A lack of consensus would have been a huge disappointment for India."

If there was a moment that illustrated the summit dynamics, it was Bidens meeting on Saturday to discuss White House-led efforts to deliver more financing to developing nations.

Along with World Bank President Ajay Banga, the first Indian American to hold the role, Biden was pictured with Modi, Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa  key members of the BRICS grouping, minus China and Russia. That bloc expanded earlier this month, posing a challenge for the Group of Seven advanced economies.

Earlier in the day, US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer swiped at China by referring to those nations as the three democratic members of the BRICS," saying they and the US were all committed to the G-20s success. And if China is not, thats unfortunate for everyone," Finer said. But much more unfortunate, we believe, for China."

And the US didnt stop there. It separately announced a deal with India, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Israel and other Middle Eastern countries to develop an ambitious rail and maritime network across the region. Biden hailed it as a game-changing regional investment," cementing the deal with a three-way handshake that included Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who the US president had cast as a pariah" ahead of the last election.

That kind of pronouncement is certainly more likely to appeal to Middle East interests than badgering over human rights, even if the projects time line and funding remains vague. The US denied it was meant to counter Chinas growing influence in the Gulf, but a French official acknowledged it was designed to provide competition for Xis Belt and Road Initiative, saying that wasnt a bad thing.

Xis move to skip the G-20 summit for the first time since he became president in 2013 marked a shift in behavior from last November, when he cast himself as a statesman with a responsibility to get along with other countries." Chinas negotiators also risked appearing petty in looking to thwart Indias progress, taking a stand on minor issues like Modis use of a Sanskrit phrase and the USs bid to host the G-20 gathering in 2026. The Global Times, a newspaper affiliated with the Communist Party, called the US just a copycat" for its Mideast infrastructure plan.

Going into the summit, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accused China of acting as a brake on progress toward a joint statement. At one point in the deliberations behind closed doors, Beijing raised the issue of access to semiconductors in a discussion of climate action, people familiar with the talks said. That prompted National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan  a leading advocate of US export controls on chips and chip technology to China  to decry the idea of holding climate hostage" to unrelated issues.

Premier Li Qiang, representing China in Xis absence, told leaders that the G-20 needs unity instead of division, cooperation instead of confrontation," the official Xinhua News Agency reported. That followed a commentary posted hours earlier by a Chinese think tank affiliated with the countrys top spy agency, which criticized India for having sabotaged the atmosphere for cooperation" at the G-20 by pushing its own agenda.

But China relented on its opposition to the communique, and India drew praise from all camps for negotiating a compromise. People familiar with the discussions said the breakthrough occurred after India, Indonesia, Brazil and South Africa jointly put forward a proposal on language describing the war.

This consensus itself shows the cemented role of India as a trustworthy fulcrum of a world bitterly divided on geopolitical issues like the Ukraine war," said Swasti Rao, an associate fellow at the Europe and Eurasia Center at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses. There is little doubt that middle order powers wish to keep the global economic order multipolar and not fall into the Chinese game of dominating it."

While the final language on Ukraine made some US allies uneasy, supporting the compromise presented a bigger opportunity to align more closely with major democracies in the Global South that ultimately serve as key swing nations when it comes to Russias war and other global issues. G-7 leaders publicly praised the outcome, with Sunak insisting that the language adopted was very strong" and that Russia is completely isolated."

Just and durable

For the US, any move that bolsters India and amplifies other democracies in the Global South helps to counter China and Russias influence, particularly when it comes to bringing about the G-20s call for a comprehensive, just and durable peace" in Ukraine. Back in May at the G-7 summit in Japan, the US and its allies struggled to convince Modi, Lula and Indonesias Joko Widodo to side with them on Ukraine, even after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a surprise appearance. Zelenskiy wasnt invited to address Indias G-20.

A senior European Union official said the agreement effectively saved the G-20 as the last global forum bringing together the worlds major powers. Moreover, the official said, it helped bridge the gap between the G-7 and emerging markets, who would now be partners in holding Russia to account if it doesnt follow through on seeking a just peace in line with UN principles.

Other senior European officials said China shot itself in the foot by staying away from the summit, allowing India to cement its leadership of the Global South and providing the US and Europe a clear path to strengthen ties with emerging markets.

Even Russia, represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after Vladimir Putin stayed home, saw the agreement as a win. Moscow was pleased that BRICS democracies served as interlocutors with the G-7, according to a person familiar with the situation, underscoring Chinas status as an outsider looking in.

The US, of course, could yet stumble in its bid to appeal more to the Global South. Ahead of the G-20, Biden skipped a summit in Indonesia hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a move that appeared like a snub to Widodo. The US president sought to do damage control in Delhi, meeting the Indonesian leader briefly and pledging to meet him at the White House in November, when world leaders head to the US for the APEC summit.

More significantly, however, was Indias ability to grasp the moment to assert a global leadership role. Modi declared that history has been created" while his chief negotiator, Amitabh Kant, called India the spokesperson of all the Global South."

More than anything else, it has amplified the voice of Global South," Kant said of the summit outcome. It has also demonstrated that India has a huge capacity of bringing the world together and leading the world in developmental and geopolitical issues."

--With assistance from Alberto Nardelli, Jorge Valero, Michael Nienaber, Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Jing Li, Simone Iglesias, Samy Adghirni, Selcan Hacaoglu, Alex Wickham, Akayla Gardner, Justin Sink and Ruchi Bhatia.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
G20 Summit 2023: US President Joe Biden on Sunday highlighted the focus of the two-day G20 Leaders' Summit in India, saying that the focus was One Earth, One Family, One Future. Biden will arrive in Vietnam on Sunday to expand ties between the two nations.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Biden wrote, One Earth. One Family. One Future. Thats the focus of this G20 Summit: building resilient infrastructure, making quality infrastructure investments, and creating a better future that represents greater opportunity, dignity, and prosperity for everyone."

The first day of the G20 Summit remained full of heavy engagements for the world leaders here in New Delhi. The US, India, Brazil, and South Africa reaffirmed their shared commitment to the G20, which is to deliver solutions for the shared world.

"Together, the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa reaffirm our shared commitment to the G20  delivering solutions for our shared world," Biden further wrote.

The leaders of the four countries, who met on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, vowed to build on the "historic progress" of Indias G20 Presidency to address global challenges.

In a joint statement, the four countries said, In this spirit, together with the World Bank President, we welcome the G20s commitment to build better, bigger, and more effective multilateral development banks. This commitment underscores what we can do, by working together through the G20, to support our people toward a better future."

The opening day of the G20 summit on Saturday witnessed several crucial developments, including the formal induction of the African Union to the group, 100 percent consensus on the Delhi Declaration, a biofuel alliance, and the announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IECC EC).

India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union, on Saturday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the IECC EC.

(With inputs from agencies)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
NEW DELHI : New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday decided to expand production of advanced defence technologies in India, including for third countries in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

The two leaders were meeting bilaterally on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit in New Delhi.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthen the defence cooperation through partnership in design, development, testing and manufacture of advanced defence technologies and platforms, and expand production in India, including for third countries in Indo-Pacific and beyond," New Delhi said in a press release.

In this context, they also called for early finalisation of the Defence Industrial Roadmap."

The decision comes amid increasing attempts by China to flex its muscle in the Indo-Pacifican attempt that has alarmed India and several other countries.

In recent years, France has emerged as a key European partner of Indiaboth strategic and economic.

The two leaders discussed overall progress and next steps on the implementation of new and ambitious goals for cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts.

Macrons visit to India comes soon after Modis historic visit to Paris on 13-14 July as the guest of honour on French National Day, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership.

On Sunday called for strengthening institutional linkages in digital, science, technological innovation, education, culture, health and environment cooperation, on the model of the Indo-French Campus for the Indo-Pacific.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged world leaders assembled at the G20 leaders summit to make global structures, including the UN Security Council , reflective of current realities.

Speaking at a summit session, Modi made Indias claim for permanent membership of the UNSC unambiguous and cautioned that it is a natural law that individuals and institutions that do not adapt to change tend to lose their relevance over time. The five permanent UN members with veto power in the world body are the US, UK, France, Russia and China.

Modis call to secure a seat for India at the UNSC comes against the backdrop of India presenting itself as the voice of the Global South, championing the cause of developing and least developed countries. It comes a day after G20 nations according permanent membership to the 55-member African Union in G20, based on a proposal by India.

India and Brazil, which holds the next G20 presidency, also issued a joint statement in which Modi and Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reaffirmed their commitment to the comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, including its expansion in the permanent and non-permanent categories, with increased representation of developing countries in both. The leaders reiterated their mutual support for their countries permanent membership in an expanded UNSC.

Modi also called for reforms at multilateral banks, global regulations on crypto assets, responsible human-centric AI governance and global cooperation in cyber-security. In his concluding remarks at the two-day G20 leaders summit, he proposed another G20 meeting in November when Brazil formally takes over the groupings presidency.

Modi told the visiting leaders that todays world is vastly different from when the UN was set up. UN had 51 founding members initially, but it now has nearly 200 members, Modi said.

But the number of permanent members in the UNSC stays the same. Since then, the world has changed in every respect. Whether it is transportation, communication, health or education, every sector has undergone a transformation. These new realities should be reflected in our new global structure," the Prime Minister said in his bilingual speech.

It is natural law that persons and institutions that do not adapt to change, lose their relevance. With an open mind, we have to consider why many regional forums have emerged in recent years and are proving to be effective," Modi said.

Modi also suggested a human-centric vision for world leaders rather than a GDP-centric" one. He said that India, like many other countries, has a lot to share with the rest of the world and referred to New Delhis commitment to share data from the Chandrayaan mission for the benefit of humanity.

The Prime minister emphasized evolving a regulatory framework for crypto assets. The field of cryptocurrency has emerged as a new topic for everyone, that is, social order, monetary and financial stability. Therefore, we have to develop global standards to regulate crypto-currencies. We have the Basel standards on bank regulation in front of us as a model," Modi said.

The leaders summit also offered Indian and visiting leaders an opportunity to hold bilateral talks on a host of issues, including investments, clean energy, trade, technology, people-to-people linkage, space, biofuels, critical minerals, mobility of skilled personnel and infrastructure. That included a working lunch that Modi held with French president Emmanuel Macron and meetings with Canadas prime minister Justin Trudeau, president of Comores and president-in-office of the African Union Azali Assoumani, prime minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands and president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman also took the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings, including with Asian Development Bank President Masasugu Asakawa. Sitharaman, in a social media post, highlighted the need for additional push by the multilateral development bank ecosystem to step up the implementation of their Capital Adequacy Framework.

In his concluding remark at the summit, Modi said that in the remaining two months and a half of Indias G20 presidency, the grouping will try to advance its shared goals. Modi also said that in the proposed virtual session in November, the decisions taken at the current leaders session can be reviewed.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The Bharatiya Janata Party has nothing" to do with Hinduism and there is nothing Hindu" about their actions, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said during an interaction with students and academics in Paris, adding that ruling party is out to get power at any cost, the PTI reported Sunday.

I have read Gita, I've read a number of the Upanishads, I've read many Hindu books; there is nothing Hindu about what the BJP does, absolutely nothing," the PTI quoted the Congress leader as saying, in response to a question about the rise of Hindu nationalism" in India.

"I have not read anywhere, in no Hindu book, from no learned Hindu person have I ever heard that you should terrorise, harm people who are weaker than you. So, this idea, this word, Hindu nationalists, this is a wrong word. They're not Hindu nationalists. They have nothing to do with Hinduism. They are out to get power at any cost, and they will do anything to get power They want dominance of a few people and that is what they are about. There is nothing Hindu about them," the PTI reported him as saying.

It requires political imagination" to combat the issue of violence against the Dalit and other minority communities head on" and the Opposition is committed to that fight, Gandhi said when he was asked about the issue atrocities against Dalits in India.

"What the BJP and the RSS are trying to do, the heart of what they're trying to do is trying to stop the expression, the participation of lower castes, other backward castes, tribals and minority communities. And, for me, an India where a Dalit person or a Muslim person, tribal person, upper-caste person, anybody, is being mistreated, is being attacked, is not the India I want," he said reported PTI.

"If the Prime Minister tomorrow morning was to decide there would be no chest thumping and no violence in India, it would stop. It is the direction that the leadership of the country gives, the imagination that the leadership of a country gives that shapes people," Gandhi, now on a tour of Europe, said.

"The feeling right now is that you can do whatever you want and nothing's going to happen to you This is an attack on the soul of India, and the people doing this should pay a price for it," he added.

Referencing his own experiences, the Gandhi pointed to 24 legal cases against him and also the "first time in Indian history" that somebody was given the maximum sentence for criminal defamation. But he stressed that the fight to keep the democratic structure of India is ongoing and very vibrant".

The Congress leader was referring to his conviction in a 2019 defamation case over his Modi surname remark. Last month, the Supreme Court stayed his conviction, paving the way for revival of his Lok Sabha membership.

"We are part of that fight we are going through a process; we are going through turbulence in our democratic structure and there are millions of people who really believe in that democratic structure and are going to defend it with everything that they've got.

"So, it's a fight and also an opportunity to rethink and to reimagine our country. There are many things that can be improved, and I think this is an opportunity, this is a test that many countries go through. And, I think we'll come out just fine in this test," Gandhi reported as saying.

Asked about the debate around the name of the country, Gandhi noted that both India and Bharat are documented in the Constitution and therefore, the government was acting in strange ways" because they are irritated" with the name of the Oppositions Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.).

"There is something deeper that is going on, which is that people who want to change the name of anything are basically trying to deny history. The fact of the matter is, whether we like it or we don't like it, we have a history. We were ruled by the British, we fought the British, we defeated the British English is spoken by more Indians than English people; it's our own language more than theirs," Gandhi said.

"Embedded in that English is a huge history, lot of pain, lot of happiness, imagination, struggle, those things are embedded. And the people who want to change the name want to erase that; they don't want the history of our country is known to our future generations, it disturbs them," he added.

The former Congress president countered the notion that the majority of India voted for the current government, claiming that 60% of India voted for the current Opposition alliance.

"So, this idea that the majority community is voting for the BJP, is a wrong idea. The majority community actually votes more for us than they vote for them. They do polarise society, they divide society, they spread hatred in society and that is their mechanism. They also happen to have very good relationships with the most powerful, richest crony capitalists in the land, who finance and support them," Gandhi reported as saying.

On the issue of crony capitalism, Rahul Gandhi once again targeted the Adani Group to claim that documentation is available" to back the Oppositions allegations of monopolistic practices.

"What you're having in India today with Mr Adani is so blatant and it's completely so over the top, I don't think there's any other place where this is going on. The gentleman is in pretty much every single business eventually he's going to be held accountable for it," the Congress leader said.

The session in Paris, the second European city on his tour after Brussels, was moderated by Professor Christophe Jaffrelot, Director of the Centre of International Studies, and chaired by Arancha Gonzalez, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences PO, who asked him about India's foreign policy stance.

"When you're dealing with a country the size of India, we have to have relationships with multiple different countries and as a nation, we act in our interest," Gandhi said, pointing to the development model of China as a particular concern for the world order.

"We have a planet today where the bulk of production, the bulk of manufacturing, the bulk of value addition is being done in China the problem is that for us, we need to think about production in a democratic environment, production in a non-coercive environment and we need to be able to compete with them while giving our people political freedom and economic freedom. So that is really the challenge," the former Congress president was reported as saying.

ALLIANCE More Information

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
On the morning of September 10, Russian troops attacked the center of Kherson. As a result of the attack, an educational institution was damaged, as well as a store and a transformer substation.

ADVERTISIMENT

Also, a residential house that came under enemy fire was burning in the city, and a 68-year-old woman needed medical assistance. About it reported in the Kherson regional military administration.

"Around 7:00 the occupants hit the educational institution. Due to the hit of enemy shells, the roof and windows in the building were damaged. Also shelled and a residential house. A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed with situational neurotic reaction. She was given medical care and left on the spot", - noted in the message of the Kherson regional military administration.

At the same time, according to the head of the military administration of Kherson Roman Mrochko, enemy shells also hit a store and damaged a transformer substation, and a fire broke out in the house under fire.

Later, the State Service for Emergency Situations said that a shell hit a two-storey residential building and caused a fire.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The flames engulfed the roof of the building, but thanks to the professional actions of rescuers managed to save the living rooms from the fire. The fire was liquidated on the area of 200 square meters. m. To extinguish involved 12 firefighters and 2 units of equipment", - stated in the message.

ADVERTISIMENT

Recall that on the night of September 10, Russia attacked Kyiv and the region with "Shaheds". Air defense forces destroyed 26 kamikaze drones out of 33 launched by the enemy. The attack was carried out by the occupants from the Russian Kursk.

The debris of downed drones fell in three districts of Kiev, mostly in open areas.
This week, India is hosting the 18th Group of 20 or G20 Summit in the national capital Delhi which will be concluded today, Sunday, September 10, while a controversy erupted around India's name change. Besides, a powerful earthquake has killed over 2,000 people in Morocco. On the other hand, Tata Group has denied the reports of claiming at least at least 51% stake in Indian snack food maker Haldiram's.

Here are some of the biggest stories of this week

1) G20 Summit 2023: Major takeaways from New Delhi Declaration

The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that the declaration was passed unanimously with a 100 percent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. The first day of the G20 Summit remained full of heavy engagements for the world leaders here in New Delhi including the announcement of a historic connectivity deal between India, the Middle East, and Europe. The US, India, Brazil, and South Africa reaffirmed their shared commitment to the G20, which is to deliver solutions for the shared world.

2) Morocco Earthquake: Death toll crosses 2,000-mark in just one day

Morocco's government said that 2,000 died and 329 were injured after a powerful quake, more than doubling the earlier toll. Moroccans posted videos showing buildings reduced to rubble and dust and parts of the famous red walls that surround the old city in historic Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, damaged. The US Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11:11 pm, with shaking that lasted several seconds. Morocco's National Seismic Monitoring and Alert Network measured it at 7 on the Richter scale.

3) ASEAN India Summit: PM Modi proposes 12-point cooperation plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a multi-modal connectivity and economic corridor linking Southeast Asia (SEA), India, West Asia and Europe during the Asean-India Summit in Indonesia, as part of a 12-point plan to enhance relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economies. The proposal bears some resemblance to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which involves the development of infrastructure and connectivity across countries to promote economic development and secure Chinas trade routes.

4) India vs Bharat Row: Govt may bring bill to change India's name

The Central government has gotten embroiled in a controversy over the alleged renaming" of India to Bharat. The controversy erupted when an invite for a G20 dinner was sent out in the name of the 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India', triggering a buzz that India was being renamed. The drill followed  The INDIA bloc protested against an assault" on the Union of States, the NDA faction hailed the use of Bharat, saying the word India was given by the Britishers. PM Modi's country placard also read 'Bharat' and not 'India', refueling the debate on a potential name change.

5) Tata-Haldiram Deal: Not engaged in any discussions

The Tata Group's consumer unit, Tata Consumer Products Ltd has denied the report carried out by news agency Reuters that it is in talks to buy at least 51% of popular Indian snack food maker Haldiram's but is not comfortable with the $10 billion valuation sought. In a regulatory filing Tata Consumer Products stated in reference to the news article captioned " Indias Tata seeks control of Haldirams, snack maker wants $10 billion valuation" which appeared in www.reuters.com on September 6, 2023.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
US President Joe Biden, who was in India to attend the 18th Group of 20 Summit in Delhi, requested a private mass be organised, which was then fulfilled by Father Nicolas Dias. Father Nicholas, Secretary for Liturgy Commission for the Delhi Archdiocese, had got a call from the US Embassy in New Delhi, with a request that the US President Joe Biden wished to hold a private mass while in Delhi.

I received an invite from the US embassy asking me whether I can celebrate the Holy Eucharist for the President. They sought an appointment with me, met me personally at the clergy home, and they told me that it is a short service of 20 minutes. They asked if they could avail my services, which I gladly accepted," the priest told news agency ANI.

The private mass for Joe Biden was conducted on Saturday, 9 September.

It was an occasion for me to be in faith and fellowship with the President of America who is a born Catholic and a devout Catholic" the priest said.

He began to share with me how he cherishes his grandmother's faith and that was the starting point of our discussion. I had prepared a minute-to-minute liturgy for this purpose so that we keep to the timing." Father Nicholas said.

"I took the intention of praying for the success of G 20 summit, also praying for both the countries, India and America, and we prayed that all things may go well in both these countries. I involved the President in reciting the prayers. Mass went on and Holy Communion was administered to President Biden and also the other attendants, including his personal assistants" the priest added.

After the mass service was over, the priest gifted Biden with the Goan sweet Bebinca. Whereas, President Biden gifted the priest a seal of the President of the United States.

When the communion service was over, I gifted him the Goan delicacy of Bebinca, which I had brought with me recently during my visit to my home state. And the President was grateful to me that I had given him time to celebrate the Eucharist. And he said wait, I will gift you something. And his personal assistant brought me this gift, thats memorabilia given only to selected people, I reckon. And he handed it over to me, asked me to close my fist and mentioned this is the way it is given, Father. And that I saw it, both the sides and it had the number 261, which I know before me only 260 people had received such an honour," the priest said.

Meanwhile, concluding his India visit, President Biden departed for Vietnam. During his visit, he is due to meet Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the two nations.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
On the side lines of the 18th Group of 20 Summit (G20 Summit) being held in Delhi, India, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi met. They discussed about the India-Canada relationship across various sectors.

After the G-20 Summit meet concluded, PM Trudeau addressed a press conference in Delhi where he answered queries on Khalistan extremism and said, Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us.. at the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred".

On Khalistan extremism and "foreign interference", PM Trudeau said, "I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada. The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference..."

India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner to Canada" Trudeau added.

Indias relationship with Canada are being touted to be in a tight spot. Tensions have flared in recent months over the presence of pro-Khalistan separatist groups in the maple country. In a significant move, just before the G20 Summit, Canada has reportedly suggested putting a pause on the ongoing free trade talks with India.

As reported by Mint earlier, trouble began to surface for India and Canada's diplomatic relationship after a spate of attacks from pro-Khalistan groups on Indias embassies and consulates across the world. These were triggered by the nationwide manhunt for pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh.

Demonstrations outside the High Commission of India in Ottawa were labeled threatening" by Indias ambassador to Canada. Besides this, there were investigations into the use of smoke grenades in these demonstrations.

PM Modi meets PM Trudeau

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the side lines of the G20 Summit and discussed full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.

In a post on X, Modi said, Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the side lines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors."
Paying tribute to the victims of Morocco earthquake, Eiffel Tower's lights were turned off on Saturday in Paris, France. The light of the world famous tower were turned off at 11 pm.

Notably, Morocco has witnessed one of its deadliest earthquakes in decades. Morocco Interior Ministry said that more than 2000 people have been killed and another 1500 are severely injured due to the natural calamity. The African nation witnessed an earthquake of 6.8 magnitude and its epicentre was located at around 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech.

Morocco has revised upward the death toll from a powerful earthquake that shook Marrakesh and surrounding regions. The Interior Ministry said late Saturday that 2,012 people were killed when the temblor struck late Friday. The toll is expected to rise as rescuers struggled to reach hard-hit remote areas. The ministry said the highest number of deaths were recorded in Al Haouz province, with 1,293 killed; and Taroudant, with 452.

At least 2,059 people were injured, including 1,404 critically. The government also announced three days of national mourning. The magnitude 6.8 quake on Friday was the biggest to hit the North African country in 120 years.

Late Saturday, King Mohammed VI decreed three days of national mourning. The monarch, who was abroad at the time of the Friday disaster, also called for donations from citizens and local businesses.

The painful" earthquake caused important human and material losses in several regions of the kingdom", the royal cabinet quoted him as saying after a meeting with officials.

The quake was one of the strongest to strike the North African nation in almost a century, and the kingdoms deadliest since 1960. The official death toll has climbed to more than 2,000 and another 1,400 people were critically injured, the interior ministry said.

As the army joined the search for survivors, world leaders offered support for whats expected to be a massive recovery effort. US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy were among those to express sympathy and readiness to provide assistance. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, where a massive earthquake killed tens of thousands of people in February, joined the chorus.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues.

Taking to X, Biden tweeted, At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues." Earlier on Saturday, US President Biden highlighted the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor and affirmed the United States' commitment to collaborating with its allies to support the development of sustainable and robust infrastructure while prioritizing high-quality infrastructure investments. Also Read: Joe Biden on focus of G20 Summit 2023: Creating better future, quality infrastructure investment, and more He was addressing the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor programme at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Biden wrote, One Earth. One Family. One Future. Thats the focus of this G20 Summit: building resilient infrastructure, making quality infrastructure investments, and creating a better future that represents greater opportunity, dignity, and prosperity for everyone."

"Together, the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa reaffirm our shared commitment to the G20  delivering solutions for our shared world," Biden further wrote.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden reaffirmed their nations close ties and commitment to developing robust global semiconductor supply chains during their meeting before the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, building on discussions from their June bilateral meeting.

Biden also reiterated Americas support for Indias longstanding demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and expressed support for Indias candidacy for another term in the UNSC as a non-permanent member in 2028-29.

Also Read: Modi, Biden vow stronger links, better chip supplies

The leaders called on their governments to continue the work of transforming the India-US Strategic Partnership across all dimensions of our multifaceted global agenda, based on trust and mutual understanding," a joint statement released by the White House after their meeting said.

Defence cooperation received a boost during Modis June state visit to the US after General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the manufacture of GE F-414 jet engines in India, for HALs Light Combat Aircraft Mk 2. The deal cleared the notification process required by US Congress with no objections raised, which means that both governments can now negotiate the terms of the agreement. It is expected to involve significant transfer of technology to India.

(With inputs from agencies)

HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS More Information

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Russia welcomed the G20 summit declaration, which refrained from explicitly condemning Moscow for its actions in the Ukraine conflict.

Russia expressed the view that the leaders of the G20 acted in the spirit of conflict resolution as discussions continued on Sunday, Reuters reported.

As reported by Reuters, the consensus declaration, adopted in New Delhi on Saturday, did not directly criticize Russia for the war but instead urged all states to refrain from using force to acquire territory. Russia has characterized its actions in Ukraine as a "special military operation."

"There were very difficult negotiations on the Ukraine issue; first of all, the collective position of the BRICS countries and partners worked, everything was reflected in a balanced form ...", Svetlana Lukash, the Russian G20 sherpa, or government negotiator, was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Interfax.

Also Read: G20 Summit: Game-changing regional investment, says Joe Biden on India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

In the weeks leading up to the summit, the G20 nations faced difficulties in reaching a common agreement regarding the Ukraine conflict. Western countries pushed for a unified stance that would condemn Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, while Russia maintained its position that it would veto any resolution that did not align with its perspective.

"This was one of the most difficult G20 summits in the almost twenty-year history of the forum ... it took almost 20 days to agree on the declaration before the summit and five days here on the spot," Lukash said.

"This was not only due to some disagreements on the Ukraine subject, but also due to differences in positions on all key issues, primarily the issues of climate change and the transition to low-carbon energy systems..."

Also Read: G20 Summit: Full text of New Delhi G20 Leaders Declaration. Read here

Reuters reported that a European Union official, who did not want to be identified, said on Sunday discussions on the G20 leaders' declaration went on until the last moment and the Ukraine war was the most contentious issue before a consensus was reached.

The official commended India for its robust leadership and noted that Brazil and South Africa also made significant contributions during the negotiations.

The summit, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by leaders like US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aims to strike a balance between the interests of the global south and those of the Western world.

Ukraine's foreign ministry said the Delhi declaration was "nothing to be proud of", adding that a Ukrainian presence would have given participants a better understanding of the situation.

Also Read: India shares new text on Ukraine crisis as leaders' declaration impasse continues

Ukraine had inquired about the possibility of participating in the summit of the world's largest economies.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 resulted in a significant loss of life, the displacement of millions of people, and widespread economic disruptions globally. Moscow has consistently denied allegations of committing atrocities during the course of the conflict.

(With inputs from Reuters)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Regarding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, established during the G20 Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, US President Joe Biden described it as a transformative regional investment. Biden emphasized that this initiative extends beyond mere infrastructure development.

"I'm proud to announce that the US, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU finalized a historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor," the US President posted on X.

"This project is about more than just laying tracks. This is a game-changing regional investment," he added.

According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor holds the potential to serve as a symbol of collaboration, innovation, and collective advancement.

Meanwhile, on board Air Force One, Jon Finer, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor of the White House speaks on the United States' railway deal with India, UAE and Saudi, US President Joe Biden along with India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and European Union, announced a landmark commitment to work together to develop a new India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor."

Finer added that this transformative partnership has the potential to unleash a new era of economic activities from Europe to Asia with a railway, linked with ports, connected to the Middle East. This will create a novel interconnected corridor to facilitate global trade, expand reliable access to electricity, facilitate clean energy distribution and strengthen telecommunication links," he added.

Also Read: G20 Summit: 'G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues, says US President Joe Biden

Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents," PM Modi wrote on X on Saturday.

During the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union. They jointly declared plans to initiate a massive India-Middle East-Europe transportation corridor encompassing both shipping and railway connectivity.

Also Read: G20 Summit: PM Modi, Joe Biden to unveil rail and shipping corridor linking India to Middle East, Europe

The announcement was made in the presence of US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and EU leaders, marking a historic agreement.

Also Read: G20 Summit: India-Middle East-Europe' economic corridor, a modern-day spice route, announced. Details here

Additionally, it has the potential to serve as a substantial response to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aimed to link various parts of the world to the Chinese economy.

During a call with reporters, Jon Finer outlined three key justifications for the project. Firstly, he emphasized that the corridor would boost economic prosperity among the participating countries by enhancing the transportation of energy resources and digital communications. Secondly, the initiative aims to tackle the infrastructure deficit that hampers growth in lower- and middle-income nations. Lastly, Finer suggested that the project could contribute to reducing tensions and instability in the Middle East, thereby improving overall regional security.

The White House more broadly is trying to strengthen the G20 as an international forum, while Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have chosen not to attend. Still, China and Russia are represented at the summit and that could make it difficult for the G20 to produce a joint statement on the war in Ukraine, Finer said.

(With inputs from agencies)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni , reportedly on Saturday, privately signalled to China's Premier Li Qiang that Italy is seeking to exit the Belts and Roads Initiative (BRI) agreement was signed four years ago. Earlier in July this year, Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has said that the BRI was an "improvised and atrocious" made by Italy while signing with China.

Reports of Italy considering signing the BRI a regrettable decision and seeking to break free has been doing the rounds from the later half of 2023. However, during the prestigious 18th Group of 20 (G20) Summit, being held in India's Delhi, Italy's PM Meloni has signalled to China that they want to exit the agreement that is testing Italy's relations with United States, according to Bloomberg.

The Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter stated that PM Meloni told Li that Italy plans to withdraw from Chinese President Xi Jinpings signature Belt and Road Initiative while still looking to maintain friendly relations with Beijing

Italy officially signed up for the pact in 2019.

Meloni has said she will visit China in the coming months and the issue is sensitive, particularly since Chinas ambassador to Italy had warned there would be negative consequences" for Italy if it withdrew from the agreement.

Notably, Italy's decision signing the BRI agreement, made it the only major Western country to have taken such a step.

The BRI scheme aims to rebuild the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with large infrastructure spending. Critics see it as a tool for China to spread its geopolitical and economic influence.

"The decision to join the (new) Silk Road was an improvised and atrocious act that multiplied China's exports to Italy but did not have the same effect on Italian exports to China", Italy's defence minister had said in July.

Meloni had in July reiterated her view that it is a "paradox" that while Italy is part of the BRI, it is not the G7 country with the biggest trade with China, and said that shows it is possible to have good relations with Beijing without the Belt and Road Initiative.

PREMIER More Information

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Reuters witnesses reported hearing a minimum of five explosions in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, on Sunday morning.

As reported by Reuters, this occurred following a statement by Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, who mentioned that Ukrainian air defense systems were actively countering an air attack by Russian forces.

"Drones are still heading towards Kyiv!" Klitschko wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Furthermore, Klitschko mentioned that remnants from the drones fell in the Sviatoshynskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, and Podil districts of the city, leading to a fire near a park and impacting roadways, Reuters noted.

As per initial reports, there has been one reported injury, Klitschko added.

Meanwhile, after weeks of negotiations, the G20 members on Saturday finally reached a conclusion regarding the Ukraine war putting an end to speculations that the summit might end without a declaration.

Also Read: G20 Declaration calls for peace in Ukraine, revival of Black Sea grain deal

The G20 Leaders declaration reiterated the suggestion made by Prime Minister Narendra to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the current era should not be one of war.

The leaders also emphasized the need for the revival of the Black Sea grain deal to ensure the smooth flow of food grains from prominent ports in Russia and Ukraine.

The declaration refrained from directly condemning Russia's incursion into Ukraine, but it stressed that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety".

Also Read: Opposition backs India's position on Russia-Ukraine war: Rahul Gandhi in Belgium

The declaration stated that G20 is not the platform to resolve geopolitical and security issues but acknowledged that these issues posed by the Ukraine-Russia war could have significant consequences for the global economy. Hence, G20 leaders called for the timely and effective" implementation to ensure immediate and unimpeded" deliveries of grain, food stuff and fertilisers from Ukraine and Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The Khalistan extremism issue seems to be a burning concern in the diplomatic ties between India and Canada . On Sunday during a press conference Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada would defend the freedom to expression, and peaceful protest, the north American country's government would also push back any kind of hatred that was perpetrated.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi met PM Trudeau to express his concern about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada as they are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats and threatening the Indian community in Canada.

Modi also mentioned that a relationship based on "mutual respect and trust" is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"The Prime Minister highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties," it said.

"He conveyed our strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship," it said.

"The nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats," the MEA said in a statement.

Indias relationship with Canada are being touted to be in a tight spot. Tensions have flared in recent months over the presence of pro-Khalistan separatist groups in the maple country. In a significant move, just before the G20 Summit, Canada has reportedly suggested putting a pause on the ongoing free trade talks with India.

In July, India summoned the Canadian envoy and issued a demarche over the increasing activities by pro-Khalistani elements in Canada, days after posters featuring names of India's senior diplomats serving in Canada featured in some posters in certain areas in that country.

In June, a video emerged on social media that showed a float depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi. It was reportedly part of a parade that was organised by some Khalistani elements in Brampton.

There were instances of India complaining to Canadian authorities over incidents of security lapse at the Indian consulate in Vancouver.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
On the night of September 10, Russian troops attacked Kyiv with Iranian kamikaze drones. They entered the capital in groups from different directions.

ADVERTISIMENT

Air Defense Forces destroyed more than 20 hostile targets, according to Kyiv RMA. Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine specified that 26 drones out of 33 were eliminated.

"This night the enemy attacked Kyiv with Shahed drones. They headed to the capital in groups from different directions. Air Defense Forces managed to destroy more than two dozen enemy UAVs. The exact data on the number of downed drones and their type will be made public by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said KMVA chief Sergei Popko.

According to the General Staff of the AFU, the occupants attacked Ukraine with 32 kamikaze drones, 25 of which were destroyed by Ukrainian Air Defense assets. The Russian occupiers directed most of the attack UAVs at the Kyiv region.

Air Force then published clarified information.

ADVERTISIMENT

"On the night of September 10, 2023, the enemy attacked Ukraine from the northern direction (Kursk, RF). 33 Shahed drones were recorded in the direction of the Kyiv region. As a result of combat work by the forces and means of the Air Force in cooperation with the air defense of other components of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, 26 targets were destroyed," the report said.

The Kyiv RMA noted that the drones did not reach their targets due to the excellent work of the Air Defense Forces. However, the debris of downed UAVs fell in several districts of the capital.

"An apartment in a high-rise building was damaged in the Shevchenkivskyi district. However, most of the debris fell on open, undeveloped territory. Cars, trolleybus power lines and roads were damaged. It is known about one victim, there are no threats to his life", Popko said.

ADVERTISIMENT

He added that the operational data is still being clarified.

"I thank our heroes from the Air Defense for the excellent work. The best way to thank them properly is to find funds and donate. Support the warriors every day!" Popko urged.

More details about the consequences of the fall of debris in three districts of the capital were shared by the State Emergency Service.

They noted that the fall of debris was recorded in the Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Podilskyi districts of the city.

Shevchenkivskyi district. Rescuers liquidated the grass deck and wooden sleepers that caught fire in the open area. The call was received at 01:36. The fire was liquidated at 02:49 on a total area of 4 square meters.

ADVERTISIMENT

As a result of debris fall, one of the apartments on the 24th floor of a 25-story residential building had damaged windows and personal belongings, no fire and no casualties were recorded.

Podilskyi district. There was a fall of debris in an open area. No fire, casualties or damage to structures were recorded.

As a result of falling debris, a parked car, road signs and trolleybus power lines were damaged. There were no fires or casualties.

Sviatoshynskyi district. Rescuers extinguished the fire in the open area. As a result of falling debris, a bench and a camping table caught fire. The fire of 5 square meters was eliminated.

35 rescuers and 7 units of basic and special fire-rescue equipment worked on the sites of falling debris of enemy drones.

On the night of September 10, Russia attacked Ukraine with kamikaze drones. Strike drones of the type entered the territory of Ukraine from the north. An air raid alarm was announced in several regions, after which the Air Defense began eliminating enemy targets.

ADVERTISIMENT

In particular, the sounds of explosions were heard in Kyiv and the region.
Russia's Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday informed that India will offer Moscow options to invest the billions in rupees it has accumulated for exports. Lavrov who addressed a press conference in New Delhi after the 18th G20 Summit meet on Sunday.

Our Indian friends said they would propose promising areas they can be invested in," Lavrov told reporters, citing talks with Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Jakarta, Indonesia, on the side lines of the East Asia summit prior to his arrival to India. Right now our governments are talking how to use and invest them to mutual benefit.", Bloomberg quoted Russia's Foreign Minister.

With imports from India stagnating, Russia is ending up with an excess of rupees, which its companies have trouble repatriating because of local currency restrictions.

Notably, Sergei Lavrov attended the 18th G20 Summit in place of Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

On Arms Contract with India

Lavrov also said Russian arms contracts with India remain in force, despite difficulties with payments caused by sanctions imposed by the US and its allies over Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Notably, Russia has emerged as the top supplier of oil to India over the past year, thereby settling a greater share of trade in national currencies and redirecting shipments east as traditional customers in Europe shunned purchases after President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.

On Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed diplomatic victory on Sunday, declaring a G20 summit in India a "success" after the bloc shied away from direct criticism of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"We were able to prevent the West's attempts to 'Ukrainize' the summit agenda," Lavrov said as the two-day meeting of leaders closed.

"The text doesn't mention Russia at all" Russia's veteran diplomat said.

"The Kyiv regime destroyed the territorial integrity of its country with its own hand...I believe that some of our Western colleagues understand it too but you know very well that they are placing their bets on Russia's strategic defeat..." Lavrov said at the press conference.

Lavrov Criticises the West

Lavrov also criticised the West in saying, "The West also had long ago promised even 100 billion US dollars per year to prepare economists to counter the negative consequences of climate change, but nothing on that has been done. The declaration also mentions the tasks that need to be done in accordance with the long-standing promises in order to ensure a balance of interest in the global economy..."

Lavrov Hails India's G20 Presidency

"The Indian presidency has really managed to coalesce G20 members from the global south," Sergei Lavrov added, suggesting that Russian allies like Brazil, South Africa, India and China had made their voices heard.

"It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone... I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners- Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests..." Lavrov said.

(With agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
US President Joe Biden is set to visit Vietnam on Sunday with the aim of strengthening collaboration between the two countries, particularly in response to China's expanding influence in the region, AFP reported.

After departing from the G20 summit in New Delhi, Biden is scheduled to hold a meeting with Nguyen Phu Trong, the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party. During this visit, it is anticipated that they will formalize a "comprehensive strategic partnership," marking the highest level of diplomatic relations between Hanoi and Washington.

The underlying goal of the short visit will be much the same as during Biden's time at the G20 gathering -- to shore up support against China's increasing influence.

For Vietnam, the upgrading of diplomatic ties is significant. It only has top-level ties with Russia, India, South Korea and China. Although it will be careful to be seen as not taking sides between the United States and China, Vietnam shares American concerns about its neighbour's growing assertiveness in the contested South China Sea, AFP noted.

The United States and Vietnam -- a key manufacturing hub -- also have increasingly close trade ties, and Washington sees Hanoi as an important partner as it looks to source less from China after supply chain shocks rocked the global economy in recent years.

In Hanoi on Sunday, there will be a welcome ceremony, speeches by the two leaders and a press conference by the US president -- who on Tuesday awarded the top US military honour to a helicopter pilot who rescued four soldiers during the Vietnam War.

As reported by AFP, Biden will meet President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh the following day.

Ahead of the 80-year-old US president's arrival, Hanoi's central Hoan Kiem Lake area, packed with families out for a weekend stroll, was adorned with American and Vietnamese flags.

Nearby in the city's old quarter, a souvenir shop sold T-shirts with Biden's face emblazoned across the front.

"I think the US is a good friend to Vietnam," said the shop's 61-year-old owner Truong Thanh Duc.

With this visit of President Joe Biden, I think he will bring more business contracts and jobs to Vietnamese people."

In Vietnam, Biden will be juggling strategic interests with the defence of human rights.

The Southeast Asian country has a dire human rights record. Government critics face intimidation, harassment and imprisonment after unfair trials, and there are reports of police torture to extract confessions, Human Rights Watch says.

While the president has often criticised China's human rights record, he has largely stayed quiet on Vietnam and campaigners are fearful he may not press the subject.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said prior to the trip that Biden would raise issues related "to freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and other basic human rights".

His visit comes days after a US government commission on religious freedom harshly criticised Vietnam for "egregious, ongoing, and systematic violations".

On Saturday, Nguyen Bac Truyen, a legal expert and religious freedom advocate who was sentenced in 2018 to 11 years in prison for subversion, said on Facebook he had been released and allowed to travel to Germany with his wife.

Vietnam often releases political prisoners prior to US presidential visits.

Biden's visit to Hanoi will mean he leaves early from the G20 summit, where leaders agreed on a joint declaration that papered over deep divisions on the war in Ukraine and tackling climate change, avoiding direct criticism of Moscow and any concrete pledge to phase out polluting fossil fuels.

His Vietnam trip will also include a poignant visit to the memorial to his friend John McCain, the former US senator shot down and held captive during the Vietnam War who in later years helped rebuild ties between the two countries.

(With inputs from AFP)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The grand G20 summit has concluded, and a question arises in its wake: What has the country and its people achieved with such splendour? Ill take you back 15 years to find the answer.

In September 2009, then prime minister Manmohan Singh was in the US for a G20 summit. It was customary then for the prime minister to speak with journalists accompanying him, on the aircraft back home. During this press conference, a journalist asked Singh: Can you give us an idea of what Indias aam aadmi has benefited from the G20 after its three rounds. How does he benefit from the G20 meetings in his daily life."

Singh replied: If the world economy collapses, there is obviously some effect on our country...No country by itself can ensure that all its goals of economic life can be achieved by working to the exclusion of other participants, in the increasingly interdependent world that we live in. There is, therefore, a necessity for India to ensure that the global economic system continues to progress.

Singhs response remains relevant today. The slogan of One Earth, One Family, One Future is also used by the current prime minister Narendra Modi.

The world is moving towards a global village, a concept that took shape in the 1990s. No country in the world may now follow the ekla chalo re (walk alone) policy. On 26 September 1999, the G20 was founded with this goal in mind. The world then was reeling from the Asian financial crisis. There was a consensus that such situations could recur in the future, and that a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors from these 20 nations would be useful in dealing with them. This was a significant move because the G20 group accounts for 85% of global GDP.

Is mission of this grouping a complete success?

Certainly not. The Russia-Ukraine conflict had left the G20 summit in Bali last year divided into two camps. This time, neither Russian president Vladimir Putin nor Chinese president Xi Jin Ping visited New Delhi. Long-standing tensions between countries are the harsh reality of our times. The League of Nations, founded in 1920, and the United Nations, founded in 1945 with fresh resolutions following its failure, have yet to untangle these knots. What else would you expect from the G20, which is only 24 years old?

Perhaps the question in your mind is: What is the immediate benefit of G20 meetings to India and Indians? It goes without saying that G20 meetings were held in 60 major cities around the country. This resulted in infrastructure development. The central government alone had set aside 990 crore for this purpose. The state governments spent money in addition. I live in Noida, travel to Delhi for work, and frequently visit family in Agra or Varanasi. The development that took place in all these metropolitan cities in one year not only made these cities more beautiful but also boosted peoples convenience.

Another direct and indirect message emerged from this historic gathering.

The G20 tourism group met in Srinagar from 22 to 24 May. After a few years, such an international event could be held in the Valley. This sent a message to the world that, with the repeal of Article 370 and the division of the state, this violence-hit region is now moving towards peace. Top executives from travel agencies from nations that were unable to attend owing to diplomatic obligations were there. This will pave the way for foreign tourists to arrive in the coming days.

It is desperately required in the current situation.

The opposition alleges that G20 meetings were held in one or more countries each year, but in India, the central government sought to exploit this chance for electoral advantage. They claim that the way the New Delhi event appeared on giant screens in all cities, towns, and villages was designed to enhance the prime ministers image and to distract from existing issues. This is a classic Indian political formula. The same had happened in March 1983, when India hosted the non-aligned countries summit. Similarly, the Asian Games in 1982 were used for political gain. Apart from technology, the only difference between then and now is that the faces and stances of critics have shifted. We have to understand that the road of progress, companionship, and politics cannot always be the same in a democracy.

Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. Views are personal.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Google faces its biggest ever legal challenge in a Washington court on Tuesday, as it fends off accusations from the US government that it acted unlawfully to build its overwhelming dominance of online search.

Google has been accused of being evil by some people for a number of reasons, including:

Its monopoly power: Google is the dominant search engine in the world, with over 90% of the market share. This gives Google a lot of power over what information people see and how they interact with the internet.

Google is the dominant search engine in the world, with over 90% of the market share. This gives Google a lot of power over what information people see and how they interact with the internet. Its data collection practices: Google collects a vast amount of data about its users, including their search history, location data, and browsing habits. This data is used to target ads to users and to improve Googles products and services. However, some people worry that Google is collecting too much data and that it is not doing enough to protect user privacy.

Google collects a vast amount of data about its users, including their search history, location data, and browsing habits. This data is used to target ads to users and to improve Googles products and services. However, some people worry that Google is collecting too much data and that it is not doing enough to protect user privacy. Its political bias: Google has been accused of censoring conservative viewpoints in its search results and of favoring liberal causes. This has led to accusations that Google is trying to manipulate public opinion.

Google has been accused of censoring conservative viewpoints in its search results and of favoring liberal causes. This has led to accusations that Google is trying to manipulate public opinion. Its impact on society: Google has been accused of contributing to the spread of misinformation and of making it harder for people to find reliable information. Google has also been accused of contributing to the rise of social isolation and loneliness.

These are just some of the reasons why some people believe that Google is evil.

Over ten weeks of testimony involving more than 100 witnesses, Google will try to persuade a federal judge that the landmark case brought by the Department of Justice is without merit.

The trial is the biggest US antitrust case against a big tech company since the same department took on Microsoft more than two decades ago over the dominance of its Windows operating system.

Technology has progressed a lot in 20 years so what results from this case will have a strong bearing on how tech platforms operate in the future, said John Lopatka, from Penn States School of Law.

The Google case centers on the governments contention that it illegally forged its domination of online search by entering into exclusive contracts with device makers, mobile operators and other companies that left rivals no chance to compete.

Through these payments of billions of dollars every year to Apple, Samsung or carriers like T-Mobile or AT&T, Google secured its search engine default status on phones and web browsers and allegedly guaranteed its success to the detriment of competitors.

Two decades ago, Google became the darling of Silicon Valley as a scrappy start-up with an innovative way to search the emerging internet, the Justice Department said in its lawsuit. That Google is long gone.

The biggest alleged victims in the case are rival search engines that have yet to scratch out a meaningful market share against Google, like Microsofts Bing and DuckDuckGo.

 90 percent share 

Google remains the worlds preeminent search engine, capturing 90 percent of the market in the United States and across the globe, much of which comes through mobile usage on iPhones and phones running on Google-owned Android.

In its defense the company contends that its success is due to the unbeatable quality of its search engine that has been judged a cut above the rest since its launch in 1998 by founders Sergei Brin and Larry Page.

In sum, people dont use Google because they have to  they use it because they want to, said Kent Walker, Google president of global affairs in a blog post.

The trial will be presided over and decided by Judge Amit P. Mehta, whose ruling would come many months after the roughly three months of hearings.

The stakes for Google are enormous if Mehta upholds any or all of the US governments arguments.

Remedial action could involve a break up of Googles far flung business or an order to revamp the way it operates.

The company has faced major legal action in Europe, where it was fined more than 8.2 billion euros ($8.8 billion) for various antitrust violations, although those decisions are under appeal.

Whatever Mehta ends up deciding, the US case will almost certainly be appealed by either side, potentially dragging the case on for years.

Launched in 1998, Washingtons case against Microsoft ended in a settlement in 2001 after an appeal reversed an order that the company be split up.

The US government launched its case against Google during the Trump administration and the suit carried over in the transition to President Joe Biden.

Biden has also made a point of challenging tech giants, but with little to show for it.

In January, Bidens Department of Justice launched a separate case against Google involving its advertising business and this could go to trial next year.

The company also faces other lawsuits from US states that accuse it of abusing monopolies in ad tech and for blocking competition in its Google Play app store.

Google and the states said on Tuesday that they had reached an agreement in principle to settle the Google Play case.

Shayne Heffernan
Two volunteers - 32-year-old Emma Igual (Spanish citizen) and Anthony Ignat (Canadian citizen) - were killed near the village of Ivanivske in Donetsk region. They, along with two other foreigners, participants of a humanitarian mission, were in a car and came under Russian fire.

ADVERTISIMENT

The occupiers opened fire on the car of the humanitarian organization Road to Relief, which was traveling from Sloviansk in the direction of Bakhmut. El Mundo writes that a direct hit caused the vehicle to overturn and catch fire.

Ivanovskoye is close to the front line, between Bakhmut and Chasovy Yar.

The Road to Relief organization wrote on its Instagram page that in the car of the humanitarian group, in addition to Emma Igual and Anthony Ignat, there were German medical volunteer Ruben Mavik and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias.

Ruben and Johan suffered severe shrapnel wounds and burns, but their condition is stable. The injured are in separate hospitals away from the scene.

ADVERTISIMENT

The body of Canadian Anthony "Tonko" was found at the impact site, while the Spanish national was initially reported missing. On September 10, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced that he had received confirmation of Emma's death.

The woman was the director and co-founder of Road to Relief, a non-governmental organization that since 2022 has been helping Ukraine by evacuating civilians and delivering humanitarian aid to the most affected areas.

Prior to that, Emma Igual worked for more than five years as a researcher at various universities and UN agencies and published articles in scientific journals.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZREVATEL wrote, defending the Ukrainian state from a full-scale invasion of Russia, a warrior and volunteer Yevgeny Savelyev with the call sign "Dobry" died. The defender of the country was severely wounded at the front on August 28, fought for life, but on September 7 he was gone.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
By an astonishing coincidence, Macworlds sleuths have stumbled across the video rehearsal for yet another Apple keynote presentation. All that time spent sifting through the bins at Apple Park was well worth it.

So here it is: The entire minute-by-minute script for Tuesdays Wonderlust event. From the iPhone 15 to the Apple Watch Series 9, from the awkward jokes to the show-stopping demos, you can read about all the announcements here several days before they actually happen. If you want to be surprised, stop reading now and watch the event live at 10 a.m. PT on September 12.

(The last time we did this, some people questioned whether it was real or not until after the WWDC keynote, when it was clear that we made the whole thing up. While we cant vouch for the validity of the most recent file we pilfered, we can vouch for the gullibility of the Internet.)

Introduction

09:55: The pre-stream starts, which means were staring at a dynamic Apple logo screensaver image, accompanied by the latest pop tunes from the hit parade. These include Well I Wonder by The Smiths, Little Wonder by David Bowie, and several tracks by the Velvet Wonderground.

10:01: Actual video starts playing! An actor in casual wear is wandering/wondering around an American city enjoying his Apple products. Various logistical puzzles and social encounters are lubricated by the assistance of his phone, headphones, and smartwatch. The theme appears to be Isnt life great when you own expensive consumer electronics?

10:03: The actors adventures end, and the video fades into Tim Cook standing in the green space in the middle of Apple Park. (Note that this is all pre-recorded, as expected. Even after a few years of these virtual events, the lack of audience whooping and cheering still strikes us as weird, like watching Two And A Half Men without the laugh track.) Cook wishes us a good morning, and says how lucky he is to work for Apple, a company committed to leveraging technology innovations into positive life experiences through the synergy of magical products going forward. He then revealsbang, no messingthat this event will be about three product lines specifically: the iPhone, the AirPods, and the Apple Watch. Sure, Jan. I bet there wont be One More Thing as well.

10:05: But before we get into the hardware, a few software updates. Cook says that since WWDC 2023, more people have taken part in Apples beta software program than ever before. He claims that Apples engineers were able to add numerous new features on the basis of user feedback. (Presumably, they spotted a few bugs, too, but he doesnt draw attention to that.) Oh, and heres the first announcement of the event: iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10 will all launch on Monday, September 18. Thats good news for iPad owners, who feared they might have to wait a bit longer, as happened last year. No word on macOS Sonomas release date.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

New Apple Watches

10:07: Cook is recounting the letters hes received from grateful customers whose lives were saved by their Apple Watches. Following on from last years catalog of misfortunes, 2023s letter writers report near-death experiences involving volcanoes, leopards, dynamite, hot-air balloons, serial killers, acid, venomous snakes, and the International Space Station. Its a dangerous world out there.

10:09: Here comes Jeff Williams, Apples chief operating officer, strolling confidently around a grassy corner of Apple Park like Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 3. He says the Apple Watch soars over other smartwatches like a beautiful golden eagle looking down at mice and voles and assures us that big things are in the pipeline.

10:10: Whoosh! A brief CGI marketing video, and theres our first sighting of the new Apple Watch. It looks quite a lot like the old Apple Watch. And yep, theres confirmation that its called the Apple Watch Series 9.

10:11: Were getting into the details. Williams says the S9 processor in the Series 9 is far more powerful than any smartwatch chip on the market right now, like a strong lion ruling over a kingdom of lesser creatures. In practice that appears to mean a 20 percent boost in processing speed, and Williams says we can expect a substantial increase in everyday performance and battery life. Williams doesnt acknowledge this, but the speed bump is especially noteworthy because the last three Apple Watch chips, despite being branded as the S6, S7, and S8, were all technically identical.

10:13: The Series 9 gets 5G connectivity! Thats a key breakthrough in Apples push to make its smartwatch an independent device. Williams adds that it also gets the Dual-Frequency GPS feature that debuted on the Apple Watch Ultra last year. That means it covers the L5 band as well as the standard L1 for sharper location tracking.

10:14: Were now seeing lush photography of the Series 9, which is available in a new pink color. As nice as this is, it suggests there arent any more substantive upgrades to talk about. To be fair we expected this year to be a minor refresh, ahead of the more groundbreaking Apple Watch X launch in 2024.

10:15: Whoosh! Another CGI video, this time showing what looks like yes, its the Apple Watch Ultra Series 2.

10:17: Williams is getting enthusiastic about the upgrades on the new Ultra. It gets a microLED display, which means a brighter and sharper picture and should also lower power consumption. And this will be, the executive adds, even bigger than the original Ultras screen, towering over other watch screens like the noble gorilla of the forest. To be more specific, its a 51mm display.

10:20: There are some design changes to the Ultra Series 2, although the overall look is largely the same. The chassis is lighter than that of its predecessor: it weighs just 58.3g, which means its dropped 3 grams. (Its still heavier than all of the non-Ultra Apple Watches, of course.)

10:23: The new Ultra obviously gets the upgraded S9 chip and 5G. Not much to say herethe same Series 9 upgrades also apply to the Ultra Series 2.

10:25: The new Ultra also gets a new color option: a dark titanium finish that Apple calls Galaxy Black, and Williams describes as the color of a ravens dreams. And with that, hes striding off and this section appears to be over.

10:27: Tim Cook is back to sum up the new Apple Watches. He says pre-orders begin today, and that they will ship to customers and appear in stores starting from Friday, September 22. The Series 9 starts at $399/409, while the Ultra Series 2 starts at $799/829. Those are the same U.S. prices as the Series 8 and original Ultra respectively, but its interesting that the U.K. gets a price cut.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

New AirPods

10:30: Cook is talking about the AirPods range. He says AirPods synergize simplicity and experience design with seamless technology innovation going forward. And he is excited to tell us about the products next evolution.

10:31: Whoosh! Product video. Earbuds. They look rather like the 2nd-gen AirPods from 2019, except theyre in all kinds of colors: blue, yellow, and pink. This is a big step from Apple.

10:33: Ah, mystery solved. Cook says hes proud to announce the AirPods SE! And he welcomes AirPods senior engineer Mary-Ann Rau to the virtual stage to tell us more.

10:34: Rau says AirPods are the most popular and successful headphones in the world, but Apple wanted to go further. It wanted to put AirPods into the hands of everyone who appreciates great audio. And the companys engineers have been working to bring all the advantages of AirPods, at a low, low price. Ker-ching!

10:36: AirPods Lite sorry, AirPods SE have the same design, the same audio quality, and the same features as our enormously popular 2nd-gen AirPods, with the addition of great new colors and a price tag youll love. Cashback!

10:38: This all means that the AirPods SE do not get Spatial Audio or Adaptive EQ, like the 2021 AirPods. Nor do they get those headphones more sophisticated touch controls. Youll just get double-tap to play, fast-forward, and so on. Plus Hey Siri, if thats your thing. Nor, of course, do they get active noise cancellation like the AirPods Pro. All of which will be fine if the price is right.

10:40: No word on the price just yet. Rau is moving on to Apples over-ear headphones. She says AirPods Max deliver market-leading audio in an elegant package, and have proved popular around the world. Bosh! Its worth saying that the reviews of AirPods Max were by no means universally positive, with particular criticism of the physical design, although the audio quality is indeed excellent.

10:42: Whoosh! Product video. Were seeing over-ear headphones, but they look closer to the Beats aestheticparticularly this years Beats Studio Prothan the original AirPods Max. This points to a complete redesign. Theres a wide range of colors, but the first-gen Max models had plenty of color options. Then again yes, a definite sighting of the new AirPods Max in pink. Thats new.

10:45: Rau says shes proud to announce AirPods Max 2nd Generation. Snappy name.

10:46: Lots more images of the new AirPods Max. Theyre very different, which says a lot about Apples faith in that elegant package.

10:47: Rau says the new AirPods Max feature the very latest in audiophile technology. Awooga! This means they now support Adaptive Transparency, Conversation Boost, and Apple Musics Lossless Audio format; they also get the newer Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness features announced at WWDC 2023. And they get the newer H2 chip youll find in the newer AirPods instead of the H1. Thats a lot, but its all a question of catching up with another Apple product that costs less than half as much. By the time we see the third-gen AirPods Max, they will presumably have fallen massively behind once again.

10:51: Cook is back to sum up. He says pre-orders of the AirPods SE begin today, and they will appear in stores from Friday, September 22. They will cost $99/99its genuinely impressive that Apple got under a hundred, and Id suspect these will sell well. The AirPods Max will go on sale in October and cost $499/499. And were done with AirPods! Whats next?

Foundry

iPhone 15

10:53: Cook is talking about the historic impact of the iPhone. He says it changed the very essence of the human experience, marking the innovative synergy of design simplicity going forward. But today, simplicity becomes even more innovative going forward!

10:54: Cut to black. And whoosh: another product video. A sprinkling of stars, a looming shape its

10:55: The iPhone 15. Tagline: Apples goodest iPhone yet.

10:56: And here to talk about the improvements in this years iPhone, product sub-marketing vice-manager Harry Harriman.

10:57: Harriman is talking about the Dynamic Island, which he describes as the greatest human invention since the air fryer. He says Apple wanted to make sure that more people could access this groundbreaking feature of the iPhone 14 Pro, which is why the iPhone 15 gets the Dynamic Island.

10:59: Its maybe worth noting that Apple in recent years has very much not been interested in making sure as many people as possible can access its best features. It has pursued a deliberate policy of confining the best features to the premium products only, in order to push customers into upgrading.

11:00: One hour in! And Harriman is talking about the mute switch. This has been replaced with a solid-state Action button. Because its not a mechanical moving part it should be less likely to go wrong; the old mechanical Home button was notorious for jamming up or refusing to work after a few years, and things improved with the launch of the capacitive Home button on the iPhone 7. On the other hand, how often do you have problems with your mute button?

11:02: Thats a fair point. Harriman points out that solid-state buttons are easier to customize: not just their function, but their haptic feedback, the speed or duration of double or long presses, and so on.

11:04: Were looking at more photos of the iPhone 15. There are some smart new color finishes: green and pink. And the yellow finish has been brightened up, so its now a bit jollier.

11:06: The changes arent just cosmetic: The standard iPhone has had a redesign, albeit quite a minor one. The screen is slightly larger (6.2 inches and 6.8 inches respectively for the 15 and 15 Plus) but the body of the phone remains the same size thanks to smaller bezels. The back corners of the chassis are now more rounded, for presumably a smoother feel in the hand (when uncased). Overall it looks largely the same, just slightly nicer.

11:08: The cameras are mostly the same but the iPhone 15 is getting the 48MP lens that the iPhone 14 Pro got last year. No mention of ProRAW but Apple says the new camera takes photos with incredible clarity and precise details.

11:09: There will not be any leather accessories for the iPhone 15! That was expected, but its still a big call. Harriman says Apple takes its environmental responsibilities seriously, and that starting today, the Apple Store will not sell any products or accessories containing leather. There will be a leather-free alternative which he claims feels exactly the same.

11:11: Tim Cook is back to sum up the iPhone 15. Pre-orders open today, and it will appear in stores on September 22, the same as the new Apple Watches and the AirPods SE. The iPhone 15 starts at $749/799, while the 15 Plus starts at $849/899: both get a price cut from the 14-series.

Foundry

iPhone 15 Pro

11:13: Cook is now talking about the iPhone 14 Pro, which he says was more popular than any previous premium smartphone Apple has made. Probably because you gave the standard iPhone 14 a year-old processor.

11:14: How do you improve upon perfection? By focusing on the synergy of simplicity and the user experience, he says. Here to announce the iPhone 15 Pro is product vice-marketing sub-manager Steve Bytheway.

11:16: Whoosh: product video. We can see that the Pro models also get slimmed-down bezels, so the screens are presumably larger. It also looks like theres a new gray color finish.

11:18: Bytheway says the new A17 Bionic processor is the fastest chip Apple has ever put in an iPhone. (Which seems obvious.) More impressively, he says its the industrys first 3nm processor. It features more than 22 billion transistors; the A16 had just 16 billion. That means far more raw processing muscle, while power consumption should also be improved.

11:21: The iPhone 15 Pros storage options go all the way up to 2TB. Who needs that much space on a phone? Nobody. And 8GB of RAM as standard, up from 6GB on the 14 Pro. (Thats a firstApple doesnt usually talk about the RAM in iPhones.)

11:22: Were looking at the design. The 15 Pro handsets are made of titanium instead of stainless steel, which means theyre lighter than last years phones while providing the same strength. You know whats weird? The photos and videos keep avoiding the bottom edge of the phones. What is Apple hiding?

11:24: And of course, the Pro models get all the design upgrades on the 14 and 14 Plus. They get the solid-state Action button and the same slimmer bezels, which means screen sizes of 6.2 inches and 6.8 inches respectively. Theres been no mention of a rebranding of the top-end model, by the way; it still seems to be called the Pro Max rather than the Ultra.

11:26: Battery life is much improved, Bytheway claims. He says the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max last at least an hour longer than their equivalents from 2022. That will be at least partly down to the A17.

11:28: Theres a new color finish: Titan Gray. It looks quite dull, but maybe its more impressive when you see it in person.

11:29: Now the camera. The improvements to the wide (better sensor) and ultra-wide (48MP) are glossed over as an image of a distant building appears. Now it gets closer, even closer, and boom, we can see it now. Bytheway is describing the new periscope telephoto lens that has a 6X optical zoom and up to 30X digital zoom with clarity as if youre inches away. It looks impressive but we were kind of hoping for 100X space zoom.

11:31: Bytheway is showing a video about the new camera, which seems very impressive. This will make a lot of iPhone buyers want the Pro Max.

11:33: And Cook is back to sum up. Again, pre-orders open today, and sales on September 22. The iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999/1,099 (the same as the 14 Pro), while the 15 Pro Max starts at $1,199/1,249 (which has gone up) though youre getting 256GB of storage, which cost $100 previously.

11:34: We seem to be wrapping up.

One More Thing

11:35: The screen darkens, and then were back with Jeff Williams. Hes talking about Lightning, which he calls the strongest and bravest and fastest and most secure proprietary connection standard in the world. (We call it the little iPhone port that could.)

11:36: Sometimes, Williams says, you need to show courage. The same courage as the noble stag being chased by cowardly bureaucrats trying to impose short-sighted regulations.

11:37: Which is why, he says, were proud to announce a brand-new standard. Its called Apple Port.

11:39: Apple Port is as fast and secure as USB-C, and has been carefully designed to be compatible with all USB-C products made by the lesser and weaker companies sniffing around our revenue streams.

11:40: Apple went so far as to make Apple Port look exactly the same as USB-C so that users wont be confused.

11:41: But Apple Port adds a feature that USB-C does not offer: Apple Speed Control. Hmmm, whats that?

11:42 Apple Speed Control ensures that genuine products sold by Apple itself or a registered reseller are running at optimal efficiency. Your charging and data transfers will be as swift as a salmon, Williams says. Unless you are using a non-genuine product made by another company, in which case we will de-optimize its operations at no extra cost or inconvenience to you.

11:44: All of this years iPhones and AirPods will feature Apple Port, and the company will be working to adapt all of its other products to the same standard.

11:47: And now we really are wrapping up. We hope you enjoyed the presentation.
AnyRoR Gujarat Portal View Rural Land Record Gujarat Step 4: Select any of the below-mentioned options from the Select Anyone drop down list. Old Scanned Vf-7/12 Details (Anyror Gujarat 7 12)

Know Khata By Owner Name

135-D Notice For Mutation

Old Scanned Vf-6 Entry Details

Entry List By Month-Year

Vf-7 Survey No Details

Vf-8a Khata Details

Vf-6 Entry Details

New Survey No From

Old For Promulgated Village

Integrated Survey No Details

Revenue Case Details Step 5: Select the District, Taluka, Village and enter the captcha code.



Step 6: Click on the Get Record Details button. The details will be displayed on the screen in a digital format.



Also Read: Market value of land in Gujarat How to check the Urban Land Records at AnyROR Gujarat portal? In a similar manner with that of rural land records, urban land records can also be checked from AnyROR Gujarat website. Follow the below-mentioned steps to obtain urban land records from AnyROR Gujarat or anyror gujarat gov-



Step 1: Login to AnyROR Gujarat website i.e. anyror.gujarat.gov.in or anyror gujarat gov.

Step 2: On the home page click on View Land Record - Urban AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Urban Land Records (Anyror anywhere Gujarat or EDhara)

AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Urban Land Records (Anyror anywhere Gujarat or EDhara) Step 3: On the home page click on View Land Record - Urban

Step 4: You will be redirected to the following page. AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Urban Land Records AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Urban Land Records Step 5: Select any of the below-mentioned options from Select Anyone Survey Number Details

Nondh Number Details

135-D Notice details

Survey number by owner name

Entry list by month-year (details of notes by year and month) Step 6: In this step, fill in the details such as District

City Survey Number

Ward

Year

Month Step 7: Once the details are filled, enter the captcha code and click on Get Record Detail. The details will be displayed online.



Also read: Check Gujarat Bhu Naksha



How to check 8 12 or 8A land records on AnyRoR Gujarat online? The AnyROR Gujarat website allows a user to get hold of 8 12 or 8 A land record Gujarat online. To get the 8A or 8 12 land records Gujarat online, follow the mentioned steps- Step 1: Visit the AnyROR Gujarat website or (anyror gujarat gov). Step 2: Click on the View Land Record Rural.

AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Rural Land Records (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Rural Land Records (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) Step 3: On the following page, choose the 8A Khata details from the drop down list.

AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Rural Land Records (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Rural Land Records (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) Step 4: Fill other details such as District, Taluka, Village and Khata Number. Step 5: Enter the Captcha Code. Step 6: Click on the Get Record Detail. The details of 8 12 or 8A land records on AnyRoR Gujarat will be displayed on the computer screen. How to get E Chavdi on AnyRoR Gujarat online? The Gujarat government has provided a facility to get the E Chavdi document online (Land record Gujarat). To get E Chavdi on Gujarat RoR online (Anyror Gujarat 7 12) , follow the mentioned procedure- Step 1: Visit the AnyROR Gujarat website or (anyror gujarat gov). Step 2: Click on the View Land Record Rural. AnyRor Gujarat Portal View E Chavdi Online (Anyror anywhere Gujarat or Edhara) AnyRor Gujarat Portal View E Chavdi Online (Anyror anywhere Gujarat or Edhara) Step 3: On the following page, choose the E Chavdi option from the drop down list. AnyRor Gujarat Portal View E Chavdi Online (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) AnyRor Gujarat Portal View E Chavdi Online (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) Step 4: Choose the District, taluka, Village, year and month and enter the Captcha code. Step 5: Click on the Get Record Detail button. The E Chavdi on Anyror Gujarat will be displayed online. How to get VF 7 Survey Number Details on Gujarat land record portal? You can easily access the VF 7 survey number details on the Anyror Gujarat (Land record Gujarat) website. To get VF 7 Survey Number on Gujarat RoR online, follow the mentioned procedure- Step 1: Visit the AnyROR Gujarat website or (anyror gujarat gov). Step 2: Click on the View Land Record Rural. AnyRor Gujarat Portal View VF 7 Online (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) Step 3: On the following page, choose the option  VF 7 Survey Number Details from the drop down list. AnyRor Gujarat Portal View VF 7 Online on Edhara AnyRor Gujarat Portal View VF 7 Online on Edhara Step 4: Fill in the details such as District, Taluka, Village and Survey/Block Number. enter the captcha code. Step 5: Click on the Get record Details button. The details will be displayed on the screen. How to Check Revenue Case Details on Anyror Gujarat Online? A user can seamlessly check the revenue cases details on line on the Anyror Gujarat portal. Before the introduction of the portal, these revenue cases were only available with the land officer or Patwari. To get the revenue cases details online, follow the mentioned steps. Step 1: Visit the AnyROR Gujarat website or (anyror gujarat gov). Step 2: Click on the View Land Record Rural. AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Revenue Cases details Online (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Revenue Cases details Online (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) Step 3: On the following page, choose the option Revenue Case Details from the drop down list. Step 4: Enter the details such as District, Taluka, Village, Survey/block Number. Enter the captcha code. Step 5: Click on the Get Record Details. The revenue cases details will be displayed online. How to check AnyROR Gujarat land records via Property Search? The AnyROR Gujarat portal allows you to search for land record Gujarat via Property Search. Follow the below-mentioned steps to obtain land records through Property Search- Step 1: Login to AnyROR website or (anyror gujarat gov).



Step 2: On the home page, click on the Property Search option.



Step 3: You will be redirected to the following page AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Land Records via Property Search (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) AnyRor Gujarat Portal View Land Records via Property Search (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) Step 4: Select any of the below-mentioned options from the Select Any One option. Property Wise

Name Wise

Document number - year wise Step 5: Fill in the details such as District, Sub-Registrar Office, Index-2 Village, Property/Land Type, Search Type, TP/Survey/Value Zone, Applicant Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID.



Step 6: Enter the verification code sent to your mobile number Step 7: Click on CERSAI SEARCH to obtain the documents. The details will be displayed on the screen.



Also Read: Top Tier 2 Cities to Invest in Land in West India How to apply for online revenue applications in Gujarat ? The Revenue department of Gujarat allows you to apply an online application to get permission to buy land, permission to pay premium, application related to title deed, application related to city survey office, application related to land survey, obtaining non  agricultural permission, non-cultivation permission with non  cultivation premium, and to obtain a certificate of honest industrial purpose. These applications can be filed through Integrated Online Revenue Applications (IORA) portal of the revenue department of Gujarat. To apply for permissions online on IORA, follow the below-mentioned steps: Step 1: Visit the IORA website and click on Online Application (IORA). AnyRor Gujarat Portal Apply for revenue application (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) AnyRor Gujarat Portal Apply for revenue application (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) Step 2: You will be redirected to the following page. AnyRor Gujarat Portal Apply for revenue application AnyRor Gujarat Portal Apply for revenue application

Step 3. Fill in the details like Purpose of Application, Application Type, Applicants Mobile Number, Applicants Email Id, and enter the captcha for New Application. Step 4. Enter the OTP, verify it and submit the application

How to Recover a Forgotten Password on AnyRoR Gujarat Online Portal? Step 4. Enter the OTP, verify it and submit the application Find below a few simple steps to recover a forgotten password on the AnyRoR Gujarat Online Portal. Step 1: Visit the AnyROR Gujarat (7 12 Utara Gujarat) website at anyror.gujarat.gov.in/ or anyror gujarat gov. Step 2: Click on the Office Login button available on the tab at the top of the Gujarat Land Records portal homepage. Step 3: On the next window, click on the Forgot Password button and provide your Username. Step 4: Enter the Captcha as shown on the screen with other required details including your registered mobile number. Step 5: Click on the Submit button to proceed with the password reset process. Step 6: The link for resetting the AnyRoR Gujarat portal password will be sent to your registered mobile number. Step 7: You can use the link to reset the password of your AnyRoR Gujarat online portal. Land Measurement Fee in Gujarat The land records department of Gujarat charges certain fee for the measurement of lands for differnt pusposes.



Sr No Purpose Fee 1 a) A survey number upto 1(one) hectare 600 (b) thereafter one more survey number of the same applicant of that land up to one hectare 300 2. (a) If the area is more than one (1) hectare in a survey number then of the first one hectare 600 (b) thereafter every one hectare 300 3. (a) up to four shares or two hectares per each survey number of share measurement 900 (b) if the survey number contains more than four lots, each lot if in multiples of one (1) hectare; 300 (a) if there is an application by the same applicant for surveying a portion of more than one survey number, for each subsequent portion 300 4. (a) Up to four (4) plots of one survey number for non-cultivation 1200 (b) per each subsequent plot 300 5. (a) Second visit fee (Revenue/Agriculture Supernumerary) 600 (b) Second visit fee for non-cultivation survey number 1000 6. (a) Measurement for emergency measurement shall be two-tiered. Payment of measurement fee along with application (1) Completing the measurement work in 1 day and providing a copy of the measurement sheet per hectare 1800 What is EDhara land records in Gujarat? The land records department of Gujarat charges certain fee for the measurement of lands for differnt pusposes. In Gujarat, the state government has made earnest endeavors to provide the land records Gujarat online. Under this exercise, the Gujarat state government has developed an electronic facility called EDhara Gujarat. Using the EDhara Gujarat portal, users can view their land records of 7/12 (7 12 Utara Gujarat), 8/12 and 6/12 with respect to their District, taluka and village using this service At present, the EDhara Gujarat services are being provided under the Umang Application developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. bTo access the Gujarat land record services online, you can visit the Umang portal at https://web.umang.gov.in/ and access the Gujarat land record details by logging in through the mobile number or MPin. How to know the Revenue Case details on the AnyRoR Gujarat portal? The Any ROR portal of the Gujarat government allows the users to know the Revenue case details online. To know the Revenue Case details online, follow the mentioned steps on Anyror Gujarat website. The Any ROR portal of the Gujarat government allows the users to know the Revenue case details online. To know the Revenue Case details online, follow the mentioned steps on Anyror Gujarat website. Step 1: Go to the AnyRoR Gujarat website. Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Rural Land Record. Step 3: Select the Revenue Case details. Step 4: Select the District, Taluka and Village. Step 5: Enter the Captcha Code. Step 6: Enter the Get Record Detail. The revenue record detail will be displayed on the screen. How to know the 135 D Notice for Mutation on Anyror Gujarat? The AnyRoR portal of the Gujarat government allows the users to check the 135 D notice for mutation online on AnyRoR Gujarat portal. To check the 135 D notice online, follow the mentioned steps- Step 1: Go to the AnyRoR Gujarat website. Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Rural Land Record. Step 3: Select the 135D for Mutation option. Step 4: Fill in the District , Taluka, Village and Entry number. Step 5: Enter the Captcha Code. Step 6: Click on the get Record Detail button. The 135 D Notice for mutation will be displayed on the screen. AnyROR Gujarat: Types of Land Record Forms Available Following land records are available on AnyROR Gujarat platform:- VF-6 (Village Form 6) : It is a form which includes day to day changes in the land records. These details are maintained by Talati or Village Accountants.

VF-7 (Village Form 7) : All the information about the survey number is available on VF-7 form. Also, the form is known as Satbara Utara or 7/12.

VF-8A (Village Form 8A ): All the details of the Khata are on VF-8A

135-D: An applicant has to fill the 135-D form when mutation of property is to be done. What is ROR Issuance and its Process? The full form of ROR is Record of Right, it is an extract from the land records which is kept by the Revenue Department. A department which is headed by the state government. It has all the information related to property owner, land owners. In Gujarat ROR can be extracted on AnyROR Gujarat website. You need to fill form VF-8A with all the necessary details. Lastly, you have to do the payment online and then a receipt will be generated. What are the benefits of E Dhara Gujarat? (Land record Gujarat) The E Dhara project provided the following benefits for the land records management in Gujarat state (land record Gujarat)- E Dhara helped to create an e-Governance environment in rural areas

Computerized copies of RoR are available to farmers and landowners by paying a nominal fee

Workflow established to for mutation request process

E Dhara created a new source of revenue records, apart from the talati.

Led to greater transparency and minimized tampering of land records

E Dhara helped in land-related litigation cases

E Dhara used MIS data in land reforms and future planning

Now, reducing efforts of other stakeholders to validate and use land records

Ease in administration of other land related departments like acquisition, grant etc. How to get the Digitally Sealed Nakal of Property card on AnyRoR Gujarat portal? AnyRoR Gujarat was developed to provide the citizens of Gujarat the land records in a digital format. While on the one side, it reduced the time taken to complete the process, it also brought transparency into the entire system. The Gujarat government has also started the facility to provide digitally sealed Nakal of property card. To get the digitally sealed Nakal of property card, follow the mentioned steps- AnyRoR Gujarat was developed to provide the citizens of Gujarat the land records in a digital format. While on the one side, it reduced the time taken to complete the process, it also brought transparency into the entire system. The Gujarat government has also started the facility to provide digitally sealed Nakal of property card. To get the digitally sealed Nakal of property card, follow the mentioned steps- Step 1: Go to the official website of Anyror Gujarat (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) . Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Digitally Sealed property Card Nakal button. Step 3: You will be redirected to a form. Step 4: Fill in the details such as Applicant name, mobile number, email, gender, district, city survey office, Tehsil survey ward, Survey number, sheet number, card number, current area, and total fee. Step 5: Once you fill in the details, click on the Save application button. Your application for a sealed digital Nakal will be processed by AnyRoR Gujarat office. Benefits of AnyROR Anywhere Gujarat (Land record Gujarat) AnyROR Gujarat or anyror gujarat gov is a useful website for verifying and finding the key land record Gujarat in a digital format. It has the following benefits. Protects ownership rights of the land

Bank loans are easily sanctioned

In case of land disputes and litigations, AnyROR Gujarat land records act as an important document in determining the ownership

It a vital document while selling the land and this helps the buyer to cross-check and verify the land details

The application is free of cost and consumes less time to check AnyROR Gujarat records

The AnyROR Gujarat portal provides government verified forms to maintain and update land records online. The types of land records are-

VF 6 (Village Form 6)  The day-to-day changes in land record is maintained by the Village Accountant or Talati is obtained by VF 6

VF 7 (Village Form 7)  It is also known as 7 12 Utara or Sat bara Utara or AnyRoR Gujarat 7 12 online. The survey number is obtained from VF 7.

VF 8A (Village Form 8A)  It provides khata details

135 D  It is a Notice to Mutation. When a person applies for mutation, the Village Accountant issues 135D. Also Read: Stamp Duty Charges in Gujarat AnyROR Gujarat Mobile Application Despite facilitating revenue related services online through AnyROR Gujarat portal (Anyror anywhere Gujarat) , AnyROR Gujarat does not have any official mobile application. Despite this, there are many fraudulent third-party applications on Google play store offering AnyROR services. However, these apps are not affiliated to the Gujarat government. Therefore, it must be highlighted that to access land record information, the official website of AnyROR Gujarat is the best tool. Also Read: National Generic Documents Registration System The Revenue Department of the Gujarat government is a key department which provides key services such as land records extraction, updation and access. If a citizen faces any difficulty in getting services online, they can contact the Revenue Department at the following address- Revenue Department, Block no-11, New Sachivalay, Gandhinagar Gujarat (India) Conclusion to AnyROR Gujarat 7/12 Utara Conclusively, the AnyROR Gujarat is the official website of the Revenue department of the Gujarat government, and it provides a range of services related to the land records extraction of both rural and urban areas. AnyROR Gujarat gov has also facilitated online application of various services via Integrated Online Revenue Applications (IORA) portal. However, the Revenue department has not rolled out any mobile application and users must avail of the services via the web portal only.



State-wise Land Records Meebhoomi Andhra Pradesh Apna Khata Rajasthan Delhi Land Records Jamabandi Punjab Himbhoomi Land Records AnyROR Gujarat Bhulekh Bihar UP Bhulekh Jharbhoomi Jharkhand MP Bhulekh Odisha Bhulekh Jamabandi Haryana E-Rekha Dharani Patta Chitta Banglarbhumi Bhuiyan CG Bhu Naksha Maharashtra Conclusively, the AnyROR Gujarat is the official website of the Revenue department of the Gujarat government, and it provides a range of services related to the land records extraction of both rural and urban areas. AnyROR Gujarat gov has also facilitated online application of various services via Integrated Online Revenue Applications (IORA) portal. However, the Revenue department has not rolled out any mobile application and users must avail of the services via the web portal only.
The land records in Rajasthan or Apna Khata Rajasthan are maintained by Apna Khata or E-Dharti portal, headed by the revenue department of Rajasthan . Apna Khata Land Record Rajasthan, also known as e-Dharti are are computerized land records. The citizens of Rajasthan can easily obtain land records via the Apna Khata Rajasthan portal (Rajasthan land record). You can check land records online in Rajasthan using the owner's name, USN or GRN number, Khasra number details, and account number. A citizen can get all Apna khata land record Rajasthan details on the online portal @ apnakhata.raj.nic.in.

Apna Khata Rajasthan is available at E-Mitra kiosk, which the Rajasthan government has set up. The aim of the portal is to offer all government and private services online to the citizens under one roof, including land records. However, you cannot find land records of the years before 1920 on Apna Khata.

Also Read: DLC Rates in Rajasthan

Apna Khata Rajasthan or E Dharti - Quick Facts

Here are some quick facts about Apna Khata Rajasthan:-

Particulars Detail Portal name Apna Khata or e dharti Official portal https://apnakhata.raj.nic.in/LRCLogin.aspx Services offered Jamabandi Nakal copy (Khasra/Khatauni) and nomination copy Copying Fee See Bhu Naksha Apply for Mutation (Mutation Application) Mutation Status E-Mitra Login Revenue Officer Login Apna Khata Contact Details Other Land Services Objective To digitize land records and make it convenient for all citizens to access them online Launched by Government of Rajasthan Department responsible Revenue Department of Rajasthan Contact details Revenue Board Rajasthan, Todarmal Road, Civil Lines, Ajmer

How to Check Apna Khata Rajasthan Land Records @ apnakhata.raj.nic.in

The Revenue Department launched the online land records Rajasthan portal or Apna Khata Rajasthan portal after the state passed the Rajasthan Urban Land (Certification of Titles) Act, 2016. It is a law that allows people to check guaranteed land titles. Now, checking Apna khata land record Rajasthan is very easy. All you need to do is follow the below steps:-

Step 1: Log in to Apna Khata Rajasthan website, i.e. https://apnakhata.raj.nic.in/LRCLogin.aspx

Apna Khata Rajasthan (Bhulekh Rajasthan) Homepage

Step 2: Now, select your District from the drop-down menu. Once District is selected, you will be directed to a new webpage. Select your areas Tehsil.

Apna Khata Rajasthan Choose District Window

Step 3: Pick your village from the given list on the Apna Khata Rajasthan or Apna khata land record Rajasthan portal. Also, select the year for which you need to check the land record.

Apna Khata Rajasthan choose a village window

Step 4: Fill in the required details such as name, address, city, pin code, etc. Provide any of the numbers-khata, khasra, name, USN and GSN.To view records click on Select. You can also download the details and get a printout for future reference.

Apna Khata Land Record Rajasthan Details



How to apply for Khata mutation on Apna Khata Rajasthan

Contrary to the traditional method of manual application for Khata mutation, users can easily apply for the mutation on the Apna Khata Rajasthan portal. To apply for Khata mutation on Apna Khata land records in Rajasthan, follow the mentioned steps-

Step 1 : Go to the official Apna Khata land records website online.

: Go to the official Apna Khata land records website online. Step 2 : On the homepage, click on the Namantaran Ke Liye Apply Karein or apply for mutation.

: On the homepage, click on the Namantaran Ke Liye Apply Karein or apply for mutation. Step 3: A new page will be opened. Enter the details such as Applicants name, fathers name, Address, Address, District, Village etc

A new page will be opened. Enter the details such as Applicants name, fathers name, Address, Address, District, Village etc Step 4: Fill in the details and click on the Submit button.

The application for the mutation can be submitted online. Once the application is submitted, the department will check the application, and if found correct in all respects, the mutation will be done. You can also check the status of mutation on the Apna Khata land records portal online.

How to check Mutation Status on Apna Khata Rajasthan or E Dharti

The Apna Khata Rajasthan portal allows a user to check the latest status of mutation on the Apna Khata Rajasthan portal. To check the mutation status on the Apna Khata Rajasthan portal, follow the mentioned steps-





Step 1: Log in to the official portal of Apna Khata Rajasthan, i.e. https://apnakhata.raj.nic.in/LrcLogin.aspx

Step 2: Click on the Mutation Status/Namantaran Ki Stithi tab on the home page.

Check mutation status on Apna Khata Rajasthan

Step 3: As soon as you click on the tab, you will be redirected to the following window, displaying the mutation status.

Apna Khata Rajasthan Mutation Status

E-Mitra Login On Apna Khata Rajasthan Portal

The Apna Khata Rajasthan portal allows for a seamless login to the E-Mitra portal of the Rajasthan government. To log in to the E-Mitra via Apna Khata land record Rajasthan, follow the mentioned steps-

Step 1: Go to the homepage of https://apnakhata.raj.nic.in/LRCLogin.aspx

Step 2: Click on the Emitra Login tab on the homepage-

Apna Khata land record Rajasthan Emitra Login

Step 3: As soon as you click on the portal, the following window will pop up.

Apna Khata Rajasthan (Jamabandi Rajasthan) Emitra Login Window

Step 4: Fill in the details such as Username, Password, and Captcha code.

Step 5: Click on the login button. You will be logged into the e-mitra portal.





Apna Khata Rajasthan Revenue Officer Login

Jamabandi Rajasthan portal allows for a login facility for the concerned Revenue Officer. The revenue officer login can be accessed from the homepage. To access the Revenue office login, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Enter the website of Apna Khata Rajasthan, i.e. https://apnakhata.raj.nic.in/LRCLogin.aspx

Step 2: Click on the Revenue Officer Login (For License) tab on the homepage.

Apna Khata Rajasthan revenue officer login

Step 3: As soon as you click on the tab, the following window will appear.

Apna Khata revenue officer login window

Step 4: Enter the Username, Password and verification code.

Step 5: Click on the Login button. District Wise Mutation Status on Apna Khata Rajasthan The district-wise mutation data is collected by the Rajasthan government and displayed on the Rajasthan Bhulekh website. Till August 15, 2023, the following number of Mutations were sanctioned in the mentioned districts.



S. no. District Name Total Mutation Mutation Sanctioned Determined Average Days (Mean) Decided Median 1 Ajmer 264922 256873 19 14 2 Alwar 288090 279867 20 13 3 Udaipur 149820 142335 28 16 4 Karauli 60918 59042 25 20 5 quota 102739 98112 26 23 6 Ganganagar 230058 224798 14 10 7 Churu 249458 245827 16 13 8 Chittorgarh 146740 142439 20 16 9 Jaipur 325909 316721 19 10 10 Jaisalmer 39707 38043 21 14 11 Jalore 144841 140215 24 17 12 Jodhpur 160060 152711 24 12 13 jhunjhunu 217247 212837 15 10 14 Jhalawar 161807 157326 19 12 15 Tonk 113252 109327 21 16 16 Dungarpur 88133 85183 22 15 17 Dausa 81224 78050 21 15 18 Dholpur 93998 91407 19 16 19 Nagaur 319069 313107 12 3 20 Pratapgarh 84607 82691 20 14 21 Pali 129687 122646 27 20 22 Boondi 86853 83032 24 18 23 Barmer 151599 145523 21 14 24 Baran 74226 71280 21 15 25 Banswara 116460 113035 25 16 26 Bikaner 175362 169904 21 15 27 Bharatpur 229556 224520 18 14 28 Bhilwara 233723 225783 22 16 29 Rajsamand 87865 84501 30 21 30 Sawai madhopur 80871 77918 21 12 31 Sirohi 28619 27640 29 21 32 Sikar 241879 235407 15 10 33 Hanumangarh 201578 197320 13 9 Total 5160877 5005420 20 14 Click on the Login button.

The district-wise mutation data is collected by the Rajasthan government and displayed on the Rajasthan Bhulekh website. Till August 15, 2023, the following number of Mutations were sanctioned in the mentioned districts.

Benefits of Apna Khata Rajasthan Land Records

The following are the benefits of the Apna Khata Land Record Rajasthan portal:

Citizens of Rajasthan can check Jamabandi and any land records of Rajasthan.

All land records are available; all you need to do is enter Khasra number.

You can easily take the printout of land records, which the bank might need for the approval of the loan

It brings transparency to the whole process, and there is no need to visit the Registrars office.

It helps in reducing cases like land-related crimes, illegal occupation of land, scuffles etc.

Important Terms for Jamabandi Rajasthan

Before we move ahead to understand the process of checking Rajasthan land records, we should know the meaning of the following terms:-

Jamabandi: Jamabandi is just another term used for the word-record of rights (ROR). This term is commonly used in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It provides information about every land in the state.

Khata Number: An account number allotted to a family who owns the entire land. Sometimes also known as khewat number, it provides owners' detail and the total area of land owned.

Khatauni number: It is a number issued to the owner of the pieces of land where cultivation takes place. This number is only allocated to the people who use their land for farming. It is a vital document as it has every information about the piece of land. The details related to the Khatauni number are available at Tehsildars office, or you can use apna khata rajasthan gov in or the land record Rajasthan website.

Suggested Read: What is Khatauni and Khasra Number- in Bhulekh

Facilities Available on Apna Khata Rajasthan Land Record Portal

There are various types of records which can be checked on the Apna Khata Rajasthan or land record Rajasthan such as:-

Before investing in land or a plot, buyers can verify the details on the Apna Khata Rajasthan portal. Also, check the land titles. By doing so, you can avoid any mishappening in future.

Check the mutation status of the property.

Download land title and mutation status as banks require them before approving a loan.

Is Jamabandi's copy from Apna Khata Land Record Rajasthan admissible in a court of Law?

A copy of Jamabandi is available on this website under the agricultural land records of Rajasthan. The information provided is for general information only, and some of its modifications are not updated immediately, so it cannot be used as a certified / authorized copy in any court or office.

How to Get a Certified Copy of Jamabandi in Rajasthan?

To get a certified or authorized copy, the user will have to apply at designated kiosks.

Can you Access E-Panjiyan Website from Apna Khata Rajasthan?

Yes, if you are on the website of Apna Khata and want to access the website of the revenue board, you can do so easily. To access the revenue board website, you will have to go to the homepage of the Apna Khata Rajasthan website. At the bottom right of the website, three links are available.

Revenue Board, Ajmer

Chief Minister of Rajasthan

E-registration

How to Find Rajasthan Land Record Customer Care/Helpline Numbers

The citizens of Rajasthan can call the helpline numbers on Apna Khata land records of the Rajasthan state government to get details of land records. To get the contact numbers-

Step 1: Log in to the Apna Khata Rajasthan portal.

Step 2: Select the District where the land is present.

Step 3: After selecting the district, a list of phone numbers is displayed on the website.

Step 4: By calling on those numbers, the citizens get details of land records.

Also read: How to change name in Bhulekh If the user faces any difficulty in accessing the land records on the Apna Khata portal, they can contact the department at the following address. Revenue Board Rajasthan, Todarmal Road, Civil Lines, Ajmer Other News on Bhulekh Rajasthan Farmers to get certified land records copy free of cost across Rajasthan.



June 02, 2023: According to a recent update shared by the Rajasthan state government, farmers will not have to pay any fee for obtaining a certified copy and girdawari of land records. It will be a major step towards the welfare of the farmers across the state. Hitherto, getting the land records has been a cumbersome task for the citizens as well as land farmers. In addition to this, the farmers are also required to pay the required fee for obtaining certified copy of land records. According to the new order, the farmers can obtain the settlement copy from the commissioner free of cost. In addition to this, Patwari will have to issue a certified printed copy of land records. The new regulation will enable the farmers to get the land records to copy free of cost.

Conclusion to Apna Khata Rajasthan

Apna Khata Rajasthan is an online portal where a person can find land records. The Revenue Department sets up online land records in Rajasthan; the portal was set up after the state government passed the Rajasthan Urban Land (Certification of Titles) Act, 2016.

Records can be searched using the owner's name, USN or GRN number, and account number. Also, the portal provides E-Mitra kiosks intending to provide all government and private services under one roof.




CM to inaugurate 5 Lakh houses built under "Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu", APSHCL completes the project in record time



October 11, 2023: According to a recent update, Chief Minister of Telangana YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is all set to inaugurate over 5 lakh houses built under the "Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu'' housing scheme of the state government. Under this flagship programme of the state government, the house site has been registered in the name of women to empower them.Over 5 lakh houses have been built by the APSHCL or Andhra Pradesh State Housing Corporation Limited in record time. As per the special instructions of the state government, the APSHCL has completed the construction of over 5 lakh houses by August 2023.The completion of the construction of such a large number of houses within the stipulated time is a great challenge. The houses are equipped with adequate infrastructure facilities like electricity, water, drinking water supply and sewage management.

What is APSHCL?

APSHCL is the nodal agency for housing development activities across Andhra Pradesh. YSR Housing Scheme 2021 is also implemented by the APSHCL. APSHCL oversees the implementation of the centrally sponsored housing scheme Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and YSR Housing scheme among others. The motto of the APSHCL is Housing for all houseless poor.



APSHCL full form is Andhra Pradesh State Housing Corporation Limited. APSHCL was founded in the year 1979 under the Companies Act. It was established with an aim to provide pucca houses to the economically weaker section of the society.

The objective of APSHCL was to ensure a dignified and decent residential abode for every Below Poverty Line (BPL) family of the state. APSHCL implements, coordinates, and provides technical assistance for housing schemes implementation in both urban and rural areas of Andhra Pradesh. The APSHCL also provides monetary assistance to the real estate developers engaged in the development of affordable housing projects across the state.

APSHCL has been included as the 8th Navarathna company of the state. APSHCL has been lauded for the expeditious building of



Search for Properties in Amravati

Navaratnalu-Pedalandariki Illu for APSHCL: Key details The ownership titles of these sites, measuring 71,811 acres, are held by women, and the land alone may cost around Rs 56,102 crore. Out of the total number of beneficiaries, the reservation share of different categories is mentioned below-



Scheduled castes 19.9 percent Scheduled tribes 5.76 percent Backward classes 54.35 percent Other castes 19.98 percent Owing to the achievement of a unique feat of construction of over 25 lakh houses in the last five years, thehas been included as the 8th Navarathna company of the state.has been lauded for the expeditious building of affordable houses , registration in the name of lady members of the houses, and facilitation credit at the rate of 25 paise interest, for Rs 2-5 lakh home loan.The ownership titles of these sites, measuring 71,811 acres, are held by women, and the land alone may cost around Rs 56,102 crore. Out of the total number of beneficiaries, the reservation share of different categories is mentioned below- The scheme built for the weaker section in the State is being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh State Housing Corporation Limited. Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh Township and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APTIDCO) is contributing towards the initiative by building 2.62 lakh houses in 88 cities for the urban poor population. These houses are being constructed in a G+3 pattern and are categorised based on financing and size.

Housing Schemes by APSHCL

The APSHCL is responsible for the formulation and implementation of various housing schemes across Andhra Pradesh. Some of the most popular housing schemes floated by the APSHCL in recent times are as follows-

YSR Jagananna Colonies Project/ Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu Scheme

The YSR Jagananna Colonies project is aimed at providing affordable houses to the poor and economically weaker sections of society. Under the YSR Jagananna Colonies Project, the Andhra Pradesh State government has planned to construct over 30 lakh affordable houses across the state.

The state government envisages constructing a total of over 30 lakh houses for the poor. Under the first phase of the project, more than 15.6 lakh houses will be constructed. The Andhra Pradesh government intends to spend Rs 28,084 crore on the first phase of house construction under the YSR Jagananna Colonies Project. Under the phase 2 of the scheme, 12.70 lakh houses will be built by 2023.

The Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu scheme is the umbrella scheme under which the YSR Jagananna Colonies Project is being implemented. This scheme is expected to get completed by the year 2023. The total cost of the project, including Phase-1 and Phase-2, is pegged at Rs 50,944 crore. The scheme was launched in June 2021.

Floor plan of the house under YSR Jagananna Colonies Project

YSR Jagananna Colonies Project is that the government will make an effort to register the Pattas of these houses under the name of women in the applicants family.



Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu Number of Layouts 15901 House Sanctioned 1298684 Houses Grounded 51416 Houses Completed 96077 Expenditure Rs 5020 Crore Toll Free Number 1902 Twitter @APSTATEHOUSING Email helpdesk.apshcl@apcfss.in Under the Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu scheme, the project site will be near the hometowns of the workers. This will prevent the workers from relocating or traveling long distances in search of work. The special feature of theis that the government will make an effort to register the Pattas of these houses under the name of women in the applicants family.



This scheme under APSHCL will improve the social status of women and will be a major step towards women's empowerment. Under this scheme, the State government will make sure to provide houses to all the beneficiaries who have been granted house site pattas by the State government.





Constructed House under YSR Jagananna Colonies Project





Andhra Pradesh TheState Housing Corporation Limited or APSHCL will provide quality construction material to the beneficiaries directly from the manufacturers of the construction materials. The material will be provided below the market prices through the reverse tendering method.

Budget Allocation under YSR Housing Scheme

Under the YSR Housing scheme (Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu Scheme) implemented by APSHCL, a total budget of over Rs 50, 944 crore has been earmarked. The said budget will be spent on the following heads.



Expenditure Under YSR Jagananna Project Head Expenditure Drinking Water Rs 4,128 crore Roads and Drainage Rs 22,587 crore Power Supply Rs 4,986 crore Internet Rs 627 crore Other infrastructure Rs 567 crore

Layouts taken up in YSR Jagananna Colonies Phase 1

The APSHCL is moving expeditiously in the direction of housing construction under the YSR Jagananna Colonies Scheme Phase 1. Here is the latest status report of the layouts and plots taken up in the Phase 1 of the project.



S No. District No. of Layouts No. of Plots No. of Layouts Taken up in Phase-I No. of Plots Taken up in Phase-I 100% Covered 1 SRIKAKULAM 749 46469 749 38888 419 2 VIZIANAGARAM 909 57074 909 52996 596 3 VISAKHAPATNAM 496 40399 496 33941 136 4 EAST GODAVARI 815 177049 815 120122 416 5 WEST GODAVARI 1135 137025 1135 123646 767 6 KRISHNA 1242 239020 1242 184044 433 7 GUNTUR 589 174513 589 134394 154 8 PRAKASAM 754 67745 754 50857 110 9 SPSR NELLORE 273 73561 273 55662 31 10 CHITTOOR 968 121283 968 96598 493 11 YSR KADAPA 338 101217 338 72249 68 12 ANANTAPURAMU 423 102610 423 69193 81 13 KURNOOL 643 107891 643 85196 219 Total Total 9334 1445856 9334 1117786 3923

Facilities available under the YSR Jagananna Colonies

The APSHCL has ensured that state-of-the-art physical infrastructure facilities such as potholes-free roads, electricity, water, schools, hospitals, and other social amenities will be provided under the scheme. All the houses under the YSR Housing Scheme will be geo-tagged. The APSHCL has allocated a sum of Rs 1.8 lakh for each house, in addition to the construction material assistance.

The APSHCL has planned to make the colonies with a definite urban pattern with efficient underground drainage facilities. In each colony, half an acre of land will be earmarked for Rythu Bharosa Kendras. These centres will facilitate warehousing and cold storage facilities for the farmers. Moreover, 5 percent of the total land will be dedicated to the Janata Bazaar or local market.

How to apply online for YSR housing Scheme 2021?

To apply online for the YSR Housing scheme under APSHCL online, follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Go to the official website and click on the Login tab (APSHCL Login)-





APSHCL Homepage APSHCL Homepage



Step 2: Click on the NPI Sign in (APSHCL Login), fill in the required details and click submit.



Step 2: Click on the NPI Sign in (APSHCL Login), fill in the required details and click submit.

APSHCL NPI Sign In



Once the form is submitted, save a copy for future reference.

How to Check the YSR Housing Scheme Beneficiary List?

APSHCL is the nodal agency for the implementation of the YSR Housing Scheme across Andhra Pradesh and it releases the beneficiary list of YSR Housing Scheme on the official portal. To perform an APSHCL Beneficiary search, follow the below mentioned steps.



Step 1 : (APSHCL Login)Log in to the official portal of APSHCL, i.e., https://housing.ap.gov.in/index.jsp





APSHCL Homepage (APSHCL Login)Log in to the official portal of APSHCL, i.e.,APSHCL Homepage

Step 2: Scroll down and click on the Beneficiary Search at the bottom.





APSHCL Beneficiary Search

Scroll down and click on the Beneficiary Search at the bottom.APSHCL Beneficiary Search

Step 3: When you click on the  Beneficiary Search option, the following window will open.



When you click on the  option, the following window will open.

APSHCL Beneficiary Search Window



Step 4: The  Beneficiary Search on APSHCL can be performed using three fields viz

Beneficiary Id

UID

Ration Card Number

You can enter any one of the three fields and check whether your name appears in the YSR Housing Scheme Beneficiary List or not.

Documents Required for YSR Housing Scheme

To apply under the YSR affordable housing scheme under APSHCL, the applicant must have the following documents at his/her disposal-

Aadhar Card

Domicile Certificate

Income Certificate

Address Proof

Mobile Number

Bank Account Passbook

Photograph

Caste Certificate

YSR Housing Scheme is restricted to the citizens of Andhra Pradesh only, the Domicile certificate is an essential document to be presented.

How to search for a Government order of Memo or Circular on APSHCL website? As theis restricted to the citizens of Andhra Pradesh only, the Domicile certificate is an essential document to be presented. The common citizens of Andhra Pradesh are unable to keep track of all the communications of announcements made by the Andhra Pradesh government. If a common man wants to refer to a government order or an official circular by the government, he/ she can avail of this facility on the APSHCL website. Follow the mentioned steps to search for a GO's/Circular/Letters/Memos of Andhra Pradesh Government online. Step 1: (APSHCL Login) Go to the official website of APSHCL @https://housing.ap.gov.in/

Step 2: Click on the GO/Circular at the bottom of the homepage.

Step 3: The following window will be opened.

APSHCL Go Search Step 4: On this window, select the Department, Section, Subsection, Ref Date from, Ref Date to, and Search Text. Step 4: On this window, select the Department, Section, Subsection, Ref Date from, Ref Date to, and Search Text. Step 5: Click on the Search button. The details of the relevant Government order will be displayed on the screen.

YSR-PMAY Urban Housing Scheme

Along with the State housing schemes floated by the APSHCL, the Andhra Pradesh state government is collaborating with the union government to implement the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban (PMAY-U). The objective of the said collaboration is to provide pucca houses to the urban dwellers by the year 2022.





The union government has sanctioned over Rs 6,000 crore for the purpose. For the excellent implementation of the PMAY Urban scheme, Andhra Pradesh bagged three awards from the Central Government in best practices, best project practice and innovation category.

For YSR-PMAY Urban scheme, as on January 2021, the Andhra Pradesh government had acquired, plotted and distributed over 68,671 acres of land, including 25,433 acres of Government land to the eligible poor families.

YSR-PMAY Gramin Housing Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana



YSR Housing Scheme Layout  Gunkalam Colony In addition to the YSR Housing scheme in the rural areas, Andhra Pradesh is also a frontrunner among the states implementing the rural housing scheme of- Gramin across the state. Gunkalam Colony- which is going to be one of the largest sites of YSR housing scheme- is spread over 397 acres, consisting of 12,301 plots. The colony will be equipped with all the world class social amenities like well constructed roads, school, hospitals, parks etc. Jagananna Sampoorna Gruha Hakku Pathakam (One Time Settlement Scheme) Under the Jagananna Sampoorna Gruha Hakku Pathakam, the State government of Andhra Pradesh is providing a One Time Settlement (OTS) of home loans and interests taken by the poor homebuyers through APSHCL. The State government has decided to waive off the home loans taken from Andhra Pradesh Housing Corporation between 1983 to 2011. The Andhra Pradesh Government has taken the step to ease the burden of loans on poor households and provide them with property ownership. The Andhra Pradesh government (APSHCL) has decided that the OTS amount will be Rs 10,000 for rural areas, Rs 15,000 in municipalities and Rs 20,000 in corporations. The home loan beneficiaries had to pay the requisite amount by Apr 2, 2022. After the successful payment, the housing department registered the concerned property in the name of the beneficiary. The OTS scheme was also open for the homeowners who had bought the property from the original beneficiary. The OTS scheme was also open for the cases where a person has sold the under-construction home, and the buyer belongs to the poor category and does not own a home. However, the OTS amount was different in such cases. In such cases, the OTS amount was Rs 20,000 for rural areas, Rs 30,000 for municipalities and Rs 40,000 for municipal corporations. Under the OTS scheme, the Andhra Pradesh (AP) government decided that those beneficiaries who have taken land from the government and constructed a house on their own will not be charged a property registration fee. YSR Housing Scheme: Energy Efficient Homes The authorities are trying to provide thermal efficient homes to the applicants. To help reduce the temperature within the house, Indo-Swiss building methods are used. It is believed that this technique will reduce the temperature by two to four degrees and reduce the electricity consumption by 20%. YSR Housing Scheme: Employment Opportunities It is said that this scheme is going to generate employment for different kinds of artisans like masons, electricians, plumbers, carpenters etc. This will result in increased per capita income of the state. Advantages of Jagananna Sampoorna Gruha Hakku Pathakam Scheme The Jagananna Sampoorna Gruha Hakku Pathakam scheme under APSHCL will have the following advantages- The document registered under the Jagananna Sampoorna Gruha Hakku Pathakam will create a freehold property title over the house in which the beneficiary is living. The registered document will allow the beneficiary to legally sell, rent, gift or mortgage the concerned property. The registration of the concerned property will be done at the village secretariat only. The beneficiary would not be required to go to the Sub-registrars office (SRO).

As the outstanding loans on the land would be cleared, the property would be removed from the 22-A list, maintained for properties with outstanding loans. Even if the beneficiary does not want to sell the property, it would be beneficial to take the property patta under the Jagananna Sampoorna Gruha Hakku Pathakam or OTS scheme. As the patta would come in handy for taking loans and mortgaging the property if the need arises. If the eligible citizens do not avail the OTS facility, they will remain on the defaulter list. Hence, they will not be able to avail of loan facilities from authorized banking institutions. In the earlier schemes of similar nature, patta was not issued, and property ownership remained elusive. Moreover, earlier schemes only waived the interest part, and it had very little impact on the poor citizens. Loan Facility under the OTS Scheme In March 2022, the State government of Andhra Pradesh announced a loan scheme for the beneficiaries of Jagananna Sampoorna Gruha Hakku Pathakam or the OTS scheme. Under the scheme, the Chaitanya Godavari Grameena Bank will provide a loan facility of up to Rs 3 lakh for the beneficiaries. The bank will consider the beneficiarys home as collateral for the loan amount. The home loans facility, along with the exemption from stamp duty

APSHCL and EESL Join hands to provide energy efficient homes across the state



September 4, 2023: The Andhra Pradesh government has joined hands with the EESL Limited to provide energy efficient homes. A memorandum is signed in this regard. After a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and Andhra Pradesh State Housing Company Limited (APSHCL), EESL is planning the execution of the energy-efficient project with the State government. Shortly, a team of highly placed officials from EESL will visit the State.



As part of the conservation efforts to boost energy efficiency in the housing and building sectors, EESL has partnered with the Andhra Pradesh government for the landmark Navaratnalu Pedalankriki Illu housing project under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

AP State Housing Company Limited (APSHCL) is taking the charge to facilitate high-quality, cost-effective energy-efficient appliances to the housing scheme beneficiaries through EESL.

The home loans facility, along with the exemption fromand registration charges, will prove doubly beneficial for the beneficiaries. For any further clarification or information you may contact on the following address or send a mail at the given mail:- APSHCL address: AP State Housing Corporation, Plot No : 11 & 12, Behind BSNL Telephone Exchange, Auto Nagar, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, 520007. Email id: helpdesk.apshcl@apcfss.in

Conclusively, APSHCL is the key implementation agency behind the massive affordable housing projects of Andhra Pradesh such as YSR Housing Scheme and PMAY among others.
Latest News on Bihar Bhulekh 2023 Special Land Survey to update Bhulekh Bihar Land Records to be Over by the year 2025



August 10, 2023: In a recent disclosure, the Bihar Government has stated that a special land survey to update the Bhulekh Bihar or Bihar Land records will be completed by the year 2025. Although the exercise to update the Bihar Bhulekh or Bihar land records started in the year 2011, it has missed deadlines many times. The Bihar land records department has already scanned over 64 Million revenue documents of Bhulekh Bihar. The Bhulekh Bihar department will complete the scanning and digitisation of over 160-200 million Bhulekh Bihar land records in a year's time. Once the scanning is complete, the land records Bihar will be made available to the public at a fixed fee. The state government has made the Deputy Collector Land Reforms (DCLR) as settlement officers and they are overseeing the land survey work.

About Bhulekh Bihar Bhulekh Bihar/ Land Record Bihar is an online database and viewing system for managing and preserving land records in Bihar. Under the central governments National Land Record Modernization Program (NLRMP), the Bihar government endeavoured to digitize the land record of Bihar. You can check land record Bihar on the Bihar Bhulekh official website using the Serial number or Party name. (Land record Bihar online) In a recent disclosure, the Bihar Government has stated that a special land survey to update the Bhulekh Bihar or Bihar Land records will be completed by the year 2025. Although the exercise to update the Bihar Bhulekh or Bihar land records started in the year 2011, it has missed deadlines many times. The Bihar land records department has already scanned over 64 Million revenue documents of Bhulekh Bihar. The Bhulekh Bihar department will complete the scanning and digitisation of over 160-200 million Bhulekh Bihar land records in a year's time. Once the scanning is complete, the land records Bihar will be made available to the public at a fixed fee. The state government has made the Deputy Collector Land Reforms (DCLR) as settlement officers and they are overseeing the land survey work.Bhulekh Bihar/ Land Record Bihar is an online database and viewing system for managing and preserving land records in Bihar. Under the central governments National Land Record Modernization Program (NLRMP), the Bihar government endeavoured to digitize the land record of Bihar. You can check land record Bihar on the Bihar Bhulekh official website using the Serial number or Party name. (Land record Bihar online) Keep reading for a few simple and quick steps to find land records online in Bihar (Land Record Bihar) or Bihar land registry details online.



Also Read: Bihar Bhunaksha

Bihar Bhulekh: Key Features

The following are the key features of Bhulekh Bihar:-

Particulars Details Name of the website Bihar Bhumi (Bihar Bhumi land record) Website Address http://biharbhumi.bihar.gov.in/Biharbhumi/ State Bihar Function Update and maintain Bihar land records Target audience Citizens of Bihar Ministry responsible Department of Revenue and Land Reforms Services available Check land record

Check land MVR

Check flat MVR

Apply for Dakhil Kharij

Check Khasra and Khatuani number

Pay Bhu Lagan

Check changed mutation number

View failed transaction status of Bhu Lagan

Download Deeds

Obtain Encumbrance certificate

How to Check Land Record Bihar on Bhumi Jankari?

Land record Bihar or Bhulekh Bihar can be checked on the Bihar Bhumi portal of the Bihar government.

Step 1: Log in to Bhumijankari or bhumijankari.bihar.gov.in or Bhulekh Bihar portal.



Step 2: On the right-hand panel of the Bhulekh Bihar website, click on Searching by Serial No

Bihar Bhumi Jankari Homepage

Step 3: Select the right category.

Post Computerization (2006 to till date)

Pre-Computerization (1996 to 2006)

Search Deed by post-computerisation Period for Bihar Bhumi Jankari

Step 4: If you choose the option of Post Computerisation phase (2006 to Till Date), you will have to fill in the following details and click on the View button.

Serial number

Registration office

From year

To year

Search Deed by pre-computerisation Period for Bihar Bhulekh

Step 5: If you choose the option of the Pre-Computerisation phase (1996 to 2006), you will have to fill in the following details and click on the View button.

Serial number

Registration office

From year

To year

Also Read: Online Payment of Land Tax in Bihar

How to Check Land Record Bihar or Bhulekh Bihar by Party Name?

You can also check the land record Bihar online (Bihar bhumi land record) or Bhulekh Bihar by party name in the below-mentioned steps-



Step 1: Log in to the Bhumijankari website and select Searching by Party Name on the right-hand pane.

Bhumi Jankari Bihar Homepage (Access Bhulekh Bihar)

Step 2: You will be redirected to the following page. Here, You will have to choose from the two options

Post Computerization (2006 to till date)

Pre-Computerization (1996 to 2006)

Step 3: In this step, fill in the details such as

Party name

From year

To year

Party Type (Executant/Claimant/Both)

Step 4: Click on the View button to display the details on the screen.

What is the Minimum Value Register (MVR) in Bihar Bhumi Jankari?

The Bihar government maintains a register of the minimum value of a property based on its location. Minimum Value Register (MVR) of Bhulekh Bihar is a tool that helps in finding the cost of a plot on the basis of its location anywhere in Bihar. (Land record Bihar online)

How to log in with Digital Sewa Connect on Bihar Bhumi Jankari?

Digital Seva Connect is a secure authentication system for connecting our users to services available on the Digital Seva portal. The Bihar Bhulekh portal allows users to log in with the Digital Sewa Connect facility. To log in with the Digital Sewa connect facility on Bihar Bhulekh, follow the mentioned steps-

Step 1: Go to the Bhulekh Bihar portal.

Step 2: Go to the Login with Digital Sewa Connect option on the home page.

Step 3: As soon as you click on the option, you will be redirected to the following page https://connect.csc.gov.in/

Step 4: Enter the username, password and captcha code on this page.



How to check the status of mutation cases in Bihar? You can check the status of mutation in Bihar online. On the Biharbhumi portal, you can check the status of mutation applications filed in Bihar. To check the status of mutation on Biharbhumi portal, follow the mentioned steps-



Step 1: Go to the Biharbhumi portal.

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Dashboard.

Step 3: You will be redirected to the dashboard of E Mutation status.

Step 4: You can click on the- Total mutation cases

Total cases disposed

Total cases pending

Total cases rejected Step 5: Once you click on one of the options, a graphical representation will show the details of mutation in Bihar.

You can also see Total mutation cases district wise and number of mutation circle wise. You can also see how many mutation cases are pending district wise. Step 5: Click on the Sign In button. You will be logged into the system.

What is LRC Bihar Bhumi Jankari?

LRC Bihar Bhumi is the acronym for Land Reforms Commissioner, Bihar. The LRC Bihar Bhumi is associated with the Directorate of land records and Surveys in Bihar. The LRC Bihar is the nodal agency for the updation and revising land records in Bihar state. The Bhumi Bihar portal of Bihar is the digital repository of the land records in Bihar (Bihar bhumi land record). Under LRC Bihar Bhumi, the land records, mutation application and mutation application status of Bihar land records can be obtained. The core vision of the office of LRC Bihar Bhumi is the real-time updation of land records. LRC Bihar Bhumi serves as an integrated land information repository that enables access to the Bihar land records (LRC Bihar Bhumi) in an Anytime Anywhere basis. (Land record Bihar online)

How to Check Land MVR Online on Bhulekh Bihar?

The MVR in Bihar can be checked online (Land record Bihar online). You must follow the below-mentioned steps to obtain MVR online-



Step 1: Log in to the Bhumijankari website http://bhumijankari.bihar.gov.in/ and click on View MVR option from the services tab.



MVR Details for Bhulekh Bihar (Bihar Bhumi) MVR Details for Bhulekh Bihar (Bihar Bhumi)

Step 2: Enter the details such as Registration Office, Circle Name, Thana Code and Land Type. Step 3: In the advanced calculation tab, enter details such as land Transaction Type, Total land cost and land area. Step 4: Bihar Bhumi: Click on the View Calculation tab. The Minimum value of the land record Bihar or Bihar Bhulekh will be displayed on the screen.



To see Changed LPC Case Number

To see Changed Mutation Case Number 2022-23, Bihar Bhumi: Click on the View Calculation tab. The Minimum value of the land record Bihar or Bihar Bhulekh will be displayed on the screen.To see Changed LPC Case Number Click Here To see Changed Mutation Case Number 2022-23, Click Here



How to Check Flat MVR Online in Bhulekh Bihar (Bihar Bhumi)?

The Bhumijankari website also allows an option to check flat MVR online so that homebuyers or sellers can check the minimum value of their property



Step 1: log in to the Bhumijankari portal or Bihar Bhulekh website (Land record Bihar online).

Step 2: Click on the MVR for Flat in the Services tab.

MVR for Flat on Bihar Bhulekh (Bihar Bhumi)

Step 3: Enter details such as

Town

Circle Name

Local Body

Property Location

Thana Code

Plot Area of Apartment

Flat Area of Apartment

Structure Type

Parking Space Cost

Super Built-Up Area

Road Type

MVR Land

MVR Structure

And click on the Submit Button. The details of the MVR of the flat on Bhulekh Bihar will be displayed online.



How Can Deeds Can be Downloaded from the Bihar Bhumijankari?

The below-mentioned list of the model deeds can be downloaded from Bihars Bhumijankari portal or Bihar Bhulekh (Land record Bihar online) in English, Hindi, and Urdu languages.

Sale deed document

Sale agreement of a flat

General Sale agreement

Mortgage Deed

Mortgage deed with a possession

Mortgage deed

Lease agreement

Lease agreement (for a vacant land)

Lease surrendering Deed

Transferring the rights of leasehold by sale (land structure)

Transferring of the right of leasehold by sale (vacant land).

Trust deed

Will Deed

Exchange deed

Power of Attorney (PoA)

Arbitration Deed

Adoption Deed

Endowment Deed

Security bond document

Rectification Deed

Cancellation Deed

Gift (house/land) Deed

Award Deed

Partnership dissolution Deed

Partnership Deed

Partition Deed

Deed pertaining to usufructuary mortgage

Bhulekh Bihar: How to Obtain the Encumbrance Certificate (EC)?

Encumbrance certificate refers to the document which registers the encumbrances or pending loans on a property. All the current home loans are also mentioned in this certificate. In Bihar, the Encumbrance certificate can be obtained from the Bhumijankari portal (Land record Bihar online) in a below-mentioned way.

Step 1: Log in to the Bhumijankari portal of the Bihar government (Bihar Bhumi).

Step 2: Click on the Encumbrance certificate tab.

Encumbrance Certificate on Bihar Bhulekh

Step 3: Enter all the following details

Registration office

Circle name

Mauza/Thana No

Type

Rural/Urban

Step 4: Click on Show Transaction. The encumbrance details on Bhulekh Bihar will be displayed on the screen.

Bihar Bhumi: Alternative Procedure to Check Land Record Bihar

The land record Bihar online or Bihar Bhulekh (Bihar bhumi land record) can be obtained through an alternative method. To obtain the land record in Bihar, follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Log in to the official website of the Department of Revenue and land reforms, i.e., http://land.bihar.gov.in/Ror/RoR.aspx



Log in to the official website of the Department of Revenue and land reforms, i.e., http://land.bihar.gov.in/Ror/RoR.aspx

Step 2: Click on the Bhu-manchitra tab

Bhu Manchitra Window for Bihar Bhulekh (Bihar Bhumi land record)

Step 3: You will be redirected to the following page with a Map of Bihar.

List of Districts for Bhulkeh Bihar (Bihar Bhulekh Naksha)

Step 4: Click on the respective district for which the land record Bihar is desired.

Bhulekh Map Bihar (Bihar Bhulekh Naksha), all the districts

Step 5: Select the respective district, zone, and name of the mouza.

Step 6: Click on the Account search button, and the land record will be displayed on the screen.



Plots in Aurangabad

How to Get a Web Copy of Land Records on Bihar Bhulekh Portal?

Bhulekh Bihar Website Homepage



Bhulekh Bihar Website Homepage

Web Copy Details Form on Bihar Bhumi portal



Web Copy Details Form on Bihar Bhumi portal

How to Check Khasra-Khatauni in Land Record Bihar Online?

Find below the steps you can follow when fetching a web copy of your land records from the Bhulekh Bihar portal (Bihar Bhumi land record).Visit the Bhulekh Bihar or Bihar Land Records online portal.Provide your property details such as serial deed number, registration office, registration year, etc.Click on the Search Web Copy button to get the required details.

To obtain khasra-khatauni details online in Bihar (Land record Bihar online), follow the below-mentioned steps-



Step 1: Log in to the official website of Bihar Bhumi or Land record Bihar or Bihar Bhulekh (Bihar Bhumi land record).

Bihar Bhumi Jankari or Bhulekh Bihar Homepage

Step 2: Click on the Jamabandi Panji tab on the homepage.

Step 3: You will be redirected to the following page.

Jamabandi Prativedan for Bihar Bhulekh

Step 4: Fill in the details, such as

District

Halka

Mauja

Anchal

And click on the Search button. The Jamabandi details will be displayed online.

How to Apply for Daakhil Kharij on Land Record Bihar Portal?

Daakhil Kharij is a process that transfers the land purchased by you to your name in the Land record Bihar. Only after Daakhil Kharij in Land Record Bihar is done you legally get the ownership of that land or property. Citizens can apply for Daaakhil Kharij online on the Biharbhumi portal.

To apply online for Daakhil Kharij, follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Log in to the Biharbhumi portal or Bihar Bhulekh (Land record Bihar online).

Step 2: Click on the Online application for Daakhil Kharij.



Step 3: You will be redirected to the following page

Dakhil Kharij Online on Bihar Bhulekh or Biharbhumi

Step 4: If you are a new user, you will have to create an account by clicking on the Registration tab. If you already have an account, enter your email id, password and the captcha code and click on the Sign In button.

Step 5: Once you log in, you will be redirected to the following page.

User Registration on Bihar Bhumi Jankari Portal

Step 6: In this step, fill in the details such as Name, Mobile Number, Email Id, Password, Address, Town/City/Village, District, State and Pin Code and click on the Register Now button.

Step 7: After filling out this form, you will be able to apply for Daakhil Kharij online.

Functions of Bihar Bhulekh (Land Records Bihar) After filling out this form, you will be able to apply for Daakhil Kharij online. Following are the functions of land record Bihar portal (Bihar Bhulekh):- To collect land revenue from the citizens of Bihar

Update and maintain Bihar land records

Acquire land for public purpose

Conserve and lease government lands

Do survey of land

Do demarcation of land

Manage and control natural resources Land Record Bihar: Advantages of Bhulekh Bihar or Bihar Bhumi A citizen of Bihar can enjoy the following benefits from the Bhulekh Bihar portal (Bihar Bhumi) and services offered by them:- All the Bihar land details (Land Record Bihar) are available online on Bihar Bhulekh.

Banks easily sanction the loans if all land records are available

Easily check Khasra and Khatauni number

Land records can also be saved in an image format

Avail Bhulekh Bihar land records by sitting at home.

Bihar Bhulekh helps you save time. BiharBhumi Land Record: Important Terms (Land record Bihar online) Bhulekh Bihar is a portal where all the land details are available. However, before you access the portal, you need to know a few important terms:- Khasra Number : Khasra number is a unique number that is given by the Bihar government to each land parcel. Khasra number is also called survey number, which is a Persian term.

: Khasra number is a unique number that is given by the Bihar government to each land parcel. Khasra number is also called survey number, which is a Persian term. Khewat Number : Khewat number, also known as Khata number, is a number that is assigned to the owners who jointly own the property.

: Khewat number, also known as Khata number, is a number that is assigned to the owners who jointly own the property. Dakhil Kharij: Dakhil Kharij is a Hindi term for property mutation. It is a process of property transfer in the name of others. Bhulekh Map Bihar: How to Check Land Map on Land Records Bihar Portal (Bihar Bhumi)? To check the land map (Bihar Bhulekh Naksha) on the Bhulekh Bihar portal, you should perform the following steps:- Step 1: Go to Bhulekh Bihar or Bihar Bhulekh Step 2: Click on Land Map (Bhulekh Map Bihar/Bihar Bhulekh Naksha) and then use your login credentials Step 3: Once you have logged in, click on View Your Account Step 4: Select your district, village and circle name from the drop-down menu. Land map or Bhulekh Map Bihar of your area will be displayed on the screen

How to Pay Tax Online on Bihar Bhoomi Portal?

With the advent of technology of digitisation is taking place in every sector. In Bihar, one can easily make online tax payments and check their land tax liability. The tax payment can be easily made via the Bihar Bhoomi portal. The page can be easily translated from Hindi to English.

Step 1: Go to the official portal of Bhulagan @https://www.bhulagan.bihar.gov.in/

Step 2: Select the option 'Pay Online Lagaan'. A new screen will open up



Pay land tax online on the Bihar Bhoomi portal

Step 3: Enter all the required details like District Name, Zone name, Short name, part number etc. To know the part and page number, click on see the Jamabandi Register



Enter details to pay land tax online on the Bihar Bhoomi portal

Step 4: Enter the security code, and click on the search tab.

Step 5: On screen, all the information will be displayed about tax liability will be displayed. Pay the taxes by selecting the payment mode.

How to View Failed Transaction Status of Bhu Lagaan?

You can view the failed payment status in the following steps on the Bihar Bhumi portal or land record Bihar portal (Land record Bihar online).

Step 1: Step 1: Log in to the Bihar Bhumi portal.

Step 2: Click on the Bhu Lagaan tab on the home page.



Step 3: You will be redirected to the following page.

Online Payment of Bhu Lagaan on Bhumi Jankari Bihar

Step 4: Click on the Failed Transaction Status tab.

Step 5: You will be redirected to the following page.

Online Payment Status Check on Bihar Bhulekh

Step 6: Enter the transaction id and verify the status of payment. The payment status of Bhu Lagaan will be displayed online.

Who Is Eligible to Pay Land Tax Bihar?

The following are the eligibility criteria for paying Land Tax in Bihar:

The taxpayer must be 18 years of age or above.

The taxpayer must own a piece of land in the state of Bihar

The taxpayer must be a permanent resident of the state.

Bihar Bhumi: How to Check the Change Mutation Case Number?

What is MARBLE under Bihar Bhulekh? Bihar citizens can apply for the mutation of land on Bhulekh Bihar website. However, the Mutation case numbers have changed and the citizens can access the changed mutation case number on the Bihar Bhumi website. To get the changed mutation case number, go to the Biharbhumi website. On teh homepage, click on the "See changed mutation number". A pdf will be opened in the new window. The user can check the mutation case number here. MARBLE is the acronym for Map and Record Based Land Entitlement. Developed under the Revenue and Land Reforms Department of Bihar, MARBLE is a repository of questions, suggestions and FAQs serving the challenges faced during land survey activities across the State of Bihar. The suggestions under MARBLE have been forwarded to the district-level authorities. The suggestions under MARBLE would help special survey officers carry out the duties related to land map surveys and Bihar land records updation (Land record Bihar online). Bihar Bhumi: How to apply for online LPC? The LPC in Bihar Bhulekh land records is the acronym for Land Possession Certificate. The LPC certificate is a valid document to prove the ownership of a land parcel. The Bihar Bhulekh portal (Bihar Bhumi land record) allows a user to apply for the LPC online for the LPC certificate. Unlike the previous regime, the online facility to apply for LPC is seamless and conducive for the citizens. It saves time and ensures transparency in LPC applications in Bihar. Follow the mentioned steps to apply for the LPC certificate online on Bihar Bhulekh. Step 1: Go to the official website of Bihar bhulekh(@http://biharbhumi.bihar.gov.in/Biharbhumi/Default (Bihar Bhulekh Gov In) Step 2: Click on the Online LPC Application option on the homepage. Step 3: If you are a new user, click on the Registration button and create your account. The account creation would require details such as Name, Mobile Number, Email Id, and OTP. Step 4: If you already have an account, enter the Email id and Password. Step 5: Enter the Captcha Code. Step 6: Click on the Login button. You will be logged into the system. You can proceed with the application of the LPC certificate on Bihar Bhulekh. View Jamabandi Register on Bhulekh Bihar Jamabandi register is a new feature introduced on the Bhulekh Bihar portal. To view the jamabandi register, you will have to perform the following steps:-



Step 1: Go to Bhulekh Bihar portal @http://biharbhumi.bihar.gov.in/Biharbhumi/



Step 2: Click on View Jamabandi Register (in all 22 languages of India). A new page will open up Step 3: Now, enter details like district, light, sock, part current, search by account number, search by jamabandi number and security code. Click on Search button







Enter property details to check Jamabandi register on the Bhulekh Bihar portal Step 4: Details about Jamabandi Register will be displayed on the screen How to check the changed Land Possession Certificate (LPC) case number on Bihar Bhulekh? The Bihar government provides a Land Possession Certificate (LPC) to the landowners of Bihar. Recently, the Bihar government has changed the LPC case numbers. The citizens who have applied for the LPC certificates can get the changed LPC numbers on the Biharbhumi portal. To get the changed LPC numbers, log in to the Biharbhumi portal. On the homepage, click on the Changed LPC numbers option. A PDF with changed LPC numbers will be displayed on the screen. (Land record Bihar online) Jamabandi register is a new feature introduced on the Bhulekh Bihar portal. To view the jamabandi register, you will have to perform the following steps:-Step 1: Go to Bhulekh Bihar portal @http://biharbhumi.bihar.gov.in/Biharbhumi/Step 2: Click on View Jamabandi Register (in all 22 languages of India). A new page will open upThe Bihar government provides a Land Possession Certificate (LPC) to the landowners of Bihar. Recently, the Bihar government has changed the LPC case numbers. The citizens who have applied for the LPC certificates can get the changed LPC numbers on the Biharbhumi portal. To get the changed LPC numbers, log in to the Biharbhumi portal. On the homepage, click on the Changed LPC numbers option. A PDF with changed LPC numbers will be displayed on the screen. (Land record Bihar online) Changed LPC Numbers on Bihar Bhumi (Land record Bihar online)

Parimarjan Portal of Bihar Government

The portal for correcting incorrect entries in the digitized Jamabandi Register or Parimarjan, is an online portal of the land and revenue department of the Bihar government. Raiyats can now see the Jamabandi details from the comfort of their homes. However, Jamabandi work requires further improvement as the feedback from the citizens suggest that some of the Jamabandi documents or land record in Bihar are in need of correction/improvement in terms of the name of Raiyat, Khata or Khesra Number, Rakba involved or the Lagaan that has been already paid or is applicable. The Parimarjan portal can be accessed at http://parimarjan.bihar.gov.in/.

Features and Benefits of the Parimarjan Portal Bihar

Find below a few useful features and benefits of the Parimarjan Portal Bihar.

Simple Navigation: Parimarjan Portal Bihar comes with a simple navigation feature that helps users visit the required section on the portal in just a few clicks. Using the portal, they can easily register an online application for Bihar Land Records rectification.

Downloads: In the Application Format section available on the Parimarjan Portal Bihar, users can download the affidavits and application forms for corrections in just a few clicks. Some of the application forms available for download are application form for correction in Bihar land records, correction in land tax, correction in digitised Jamabandi details, etc.

Instructions: Parimarjan Portal Bihar has an Instructions tab available at the homepage. Users can visit this section and find the user manual for online correction application. This saves them from making any mistakes in their application.

What are the types of rectification available on the Parimarjan Portal Bihar?

Type of Rectification Required Documents Rectification in Raiyat name, Address (1) Application in the prescribed format. (2) Self-attested copy of Order of mutation case. (3) Self-attested copy of Correction Slip. (4) Self-attested copy of Bhu-Lagaan Receipt. (5) Self-attested copy of the latest Final Khatiyan (CS/RS) (6) Self-declaration in the desired format. Rectification in Khata, Khesra, Chauhaddi and Rakba Rectification in details related to Lagaan Digitization of left out Jamabandis during computerization Rectification needed in Jamabandi created after disposal of Online Mutation cases Rectification required in Buyer, Seller, Jamabandi Raiyat or the Khatiyani Raiyat details (1) Document submitted for Online Mutation. (2) Document submitted for Online Mutation. (3) Self-attested copy of Order of Mutation case. (4) Self-attested copy of Correction Slip. Rectification is required in Lagaan amount and Boundary details. Rectification needed in Khata/Khasra/Rakba in Jamabandi created after disposal of Online Mutation cases Rectification is required in Khata, Khesra or Rakba details of the Jamabandi. In such a situation, there will be no option to file the application via the Parimarjan portal. The applicant will be directed to file an appeal before the DCLR. After the order of the DCLR, the Mutation will be executed on the basis of rectified mutation application, revoking the order passed earlier by the Circle Officer.

Parimarjan Portal: How to correct old land records in Bihar Bhulekh?

The following rectifications are allowed on the Parimarjan portal. The documents required for rectification are also mentioned.

As mentioned above, the Parimarjan Portal allows users to correct their old land records from the comfort of their homes. Online record correction in Bihar Bhulekh can be conducted using the below-mentioned process-

Step 1: Visit the official Bihar Bhulekh portal

Step 2: On the websites homepage, select Parimarjan. It will redirect you to the official page of the Pairmarjan portal.





Go to Parimarjan portal for rectification of old records

Step 3: On the page, you can find the option to Post Your Application, click on the option

Step 4: Enter the asked details, including your name, email ID and contact number

Step 5: You will receive an OTP for verification. Enter the OTP

Step 6: Fill in relevant details in the Property Detail section

Step 7: Scroll down and select Rectification in old digitised Jamabandi from the drop-down list in the Application Category section

Step 8: Upload supporting documents and click on Submit

Step 9: Your request for rectification of old bhulekh Bihar records will be submitted to the authority

Online Services Available on the Parimarjan Portal Bihar

Find below some additional online services available on the Parimarjan Portal Bihar.

Online Application: Users can submit an application for any kind of rectification in their Bhulekh Bihar Land Records online using the Parimarjan Portal Bihar. All they need to do is go to the Parimarjan Portal Bihar and click on the Post Your Application tab available at the top of the homepage.

Application Status: Users can also check the status of their Bhulekh Bihar rectification using the same portal. All they need to do is visit the portal and click on the Track Your Application tab available at the top of the homepage.

Application Forms: Users can also download different application forms to correct their data related to Bhulekh Bihar, land records, land tax, digitisation of Jamabandi, etc.

If a user encounters any problem related to the digital accessibility of land records in Bihar or Bhuelkh Bihar (Land record Bihar online), he/she can contact the department on the following address.

Department of Revenue and Land Reforms, Government of Bihar

Old Secretariat, Bailey Road, Patna - 8000015

Call- 18003456215

Email- emutationbihar@gmail.com



Other News on Bihar Bhulekh

Bihar Revenue Department to Link Jamabandi With the Aadhar Number of the Landowners



July 17, 2023: In order to check the practices of illegal land grabs and encroachment, the revenue department of Bihar has decided to take the help of technology. The Revenue Department of Bihar has decided to link the Jamabandi records of landowners with their Aadhar numbers. The state government has issued directions in this regard.



In order to link the land of Jamabandi Raiyat with an Aadhaar card, the Department of Revenue and Land Reforms has directed the concerned officials to link a maximum Aadhaar. Regarding this, along with the photocopy of his Malgujari Receipt and Aadhaar card, Jamabandi Raiyat will have to provide his mobile number to the Halka employee. After this, the ryot's mobile number and Aadhaar card will be linked to the Jamabandi of the land. The new initiative will check the practices of land grab and encroachment.



Bihar Revenue Department to Launch an Online Portal, Offers Quick Access to Bhulekh Bihar Documents

June 2023: Bihar Revenue and Land Reforms Department has decided to launch a dedicated portal to help citizens easily access all Bihar Land Records details and documents. The authority has planned to launch this portal after three months.

Bihar State Government has allocated the portal development task to IIT Roorkee. The authority will pay Rs. 16.50 crore to the organisation for creating the Department of Revenue and Land Reforms portal.

Once operational, the portal will easily help citizens of Bihar carry out the mutation process online. Along with Bhulekh Bihar details, detailed Jamabandi Bihar information will also be available on this portal. IIT Roorkee will also add updated Bihar BhuNaksha for different locations in the state to the portal. The new system of updating Bihar Land Maps will start from some selective villages that are being settled and surveyed by the authority.

Summing Up: Bihar Bhulekh

You can easily use Bhulekh Bihar Land Records to find the required property-related details. All you need to do is visit the Bhulekh Bihar Land Records online portal and follow the given steps to find your property details in just a few clicks. The best part is that you can find quick links to all the online services on the portal's homepage. Just provide the required property information and get your desired details on your screen quickly.
In the war against Ukraine during the full-scale invasion, Russia used practically all the weapons available to the Russian army. In particular, prohibited weapons such as phosphorus ammunition and various "inventions" of the "second world army" were used repeatedly.

ADVERTISIMENT

In some places, as in the Limano-Kupyansk direction, the Russians use modern T-90 tanks and Su-35 attack aircrafts, but usually outdated equipment is used in the battle, because the Ukrainian Defense Forces have significantly "demilitarized" Russia over the past year and a half. This was told by the head of the press service of the Eastern grouping of troops Ilya Yevlash on the air of the telethon.

According to Yevlash, during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian soldiers at the frontline have seen practically everything that is in the arsenal of the "world's second army".

"It's already hard to say what is changing (in the armament that the occupiers use in the war against Ukraine. - Ed.), because during this time we have already seen everything - from banned weapons, from phosphorus ammunition to some of their "creations" that they come up with. There, on the MT-LB (multi-purpose light armored tractor. - Ed.) to install a ship cannon.... I think we have already seen everything there is to see," said the head of the press service of the Eastern Group of Forces.

ADVERTISIMENT

Yevlash added that the Russians use modern T-90 tanks and Su-35 attack aircraft on the Liman-Kupyansk direction, but with little success.

"All of them still burn when hit by a Stinger or Javelin missile," the representative of the Eastern group of troops emphasized.

According to him, the Russian occupation troops have equipment and weapons that are far from new, although the old models are able to drive and shoot and they need to be destroyed just as much.

"Usually now we record the appearance on the battlefield of old weapons like IFV-1 (the first Soviet serial armored tracked combat vehicle. - Ed.), which is more than 60 years old, different tanks like T-55, we record different MT-LBs, which in modern countries, even in post-Soviet countries, have long been written off. The so-called "second army" of the world still keeps them, and now they are used mainly to plug the holes," explained Yevlash.

ADVERTISIMENT

And what they have, the invaders are forced to save, because they have suffered significant losses in equipment thanks to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Thus, the day before, only in the Bakhmut direction, said Yevlash, there were 8 military clashes. The invaders there are retreating with fights and with losses: on September 9, 188 Russian occupants were eliminated near Bakhmut.

They also suffered losses in equipment. One enemy infantry vehicle, three paratrooper vehicles, a 240-millimeter 2S4 Tulpan, two Grad multiple rocket launchers, one Rapira, six vehicles used by the Russians to deliver ammunition, one anti-tank missile system, two ammunition depots, one drone control point and one Orlan-10 drone were destroyed during the day.

ADVERTISIMENT

We will remind, earlier in the General Staff of the AFU said that the Defense Forces hold the initiative in Avdiivka, Maryinka and Shakhtarsk directions, the offensive in the south continues. Over the past day, according to the operational summary for the morning of September 10, there were 30 clashes on the front line.
Latest News on UP Bhulekh 2023

Property Transfer Scheme at Rs 5,000 Extended Indefinitely in Uttar Pradesh



In an encouraging development, the Uttar Pradesh government has revived the popular property transfer or bhulekh UP transfer scheme at a minimal cost. Under this scheme, the residents can transfer their property in the name of their blood relatives at a nominal fee of Rs 5000. Owing to the popularity of this scheme, the UP Government has extended the scheme indefinitely. The property transfer scheme was first introduced for a period of six months. Under the property transfer scheme or UP Bhulekh transfer, if a property is transferred in the name of a father, daughter, son, mother, husband, wife, daughter-in-law, real brother, sister, son-in-law and grandchildren, a nominal fee of Rs 5000 will be charged. Apart from this, an additional processing fee of Rs 1000 will also be levied. Before the introduction of the scheme, the transfer of property to the blood relative attracted a 7% stamp duty calculated on the property value. In an encouraging development, the Uttar Pradesh government has revived the popular property transfer or bhulekh UP transfer scheme at a minimal cost. Under this scheme, the residents can transfer their property in the name of their blood relatives at a nominal fee of Rs 5000. Owing to the popularity of this scheme, the UP Government has extended the scheme indefinitely. The property transfer scheme was first introduced for a period of six months. Under the property transfer scheme or UP Bhulekh transfer, if a property is transferred in the name of a father, daughter, son, mother, husband, wife, daughter-in-law, real brother, sister, son-in-law and grandchildren, a nominal fee of Rs 5000 will be charged. Apart from this, an additional processing fee of Rs 1000 will also be levied. Before the introduction of the scheme, the transfer of property to the blood relative attracted a 7% stamp duty calculated on the property value. About UP BhuLekh

UP BhuLekh is a portal launched by Uttar Pradesh Revenue Board to digitize Uttar Pradesh land records and make them available to the citizens via a web portal. The government involved the state NIC in this digitization process, which made land ownership-related details, including Khatauni (Records of Rights), available to all transparently. UP Bhulekh portal has been designed to help you avoid the hassle of visiting a Tehsildar or Patwari anytime he/she needs to verify the UP land record.

BhuLekh UP Bhulekh website (up bhulekh gov in) include the khata (land) details, Khasra number (land parcel identification numbers), and Khatauni (list of holdings of an individual or family in that village) as per the digital database of the state government. The UP land record digital database has been created for all the districts of Uttar Pradesh. The word  is made up of two words: Bhu means land, and Lekh means the account (in Hindi). Thus, Bhulekh UP means the land records in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The land records available on thewebsite (up bhulekh gov in) include the khata (land) details, Khasra number (land parcel identification numbers), and Khatauni (list of holdings of an individual or family in that village) as per the digital database of the state government. The UP land record digital database has been created for all the districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read: Stamp Duty in UP



How to Download Khasra Khatauni on UP BhuLekh @ upbhulekh portal?

A user can seamlessly check UP land records on the Bhulekh UP portal (up bhulekh gov in). To check the land records UP, follow the mentioned steps-

Step 1: Go to the official portal of Bhulekh UP, i.e. http://upbhulekh.gov.in.

Step 2: On the home page, select Khatauni Ki Nakal Dekhin (imitation of rights record)

UP Bhulekh Website Homepage

Step 3: On the next screen, enter the correct captcha code as appearing on the screen

Step 4: Select the right district, tehsil, and gram (village).



Khasra Khatauni Check on UP Bhulekh Website

Step 5: On the next page, you can search by Khasra Number, Khata Number, Name of the owner (Khatedaar).



Khasra Khatauni Check on UP Bhulekh Website Khasra Khatauni Check on UP Bhulekh Website

Step 6: Type the information and press of the search (green) button

Khasra Khatauni Access on UP Bhulekh Website

Step 7: The land details are presented in a specific format



Sample Khasra Record on UP Bhulekh Website Sample Khasra Record on UP Bhulekh Website

Other land records, including code of revenue village and plot, can also be checked on UP Bhulekh (UP Land Records) by following the procedure listed above. However, the UP land record portal requires a viewer to have a few details, such as the Khata No, Khasra No or the name of the Khatedaar, to view these details.



Also Read: IGRS UP

How to check code of revenue village Khatauni & plot on UP BhuLekh @ upbhulekh.gov.in

On Bhulekh UP (UP Land Records), you can obtain the details about the code of revenue village Khatauni and the plot. The step-by-step procedure is as follows -

Step 1. Login to Bhulekh UP i.e http://upbhulekh.gov.in/ (UP Land Records)

Step 2. Click on Know the unique code of revenue village khatauni on the home page



UP Bhulekh Website Homepage

Step 3. On the next page select the district, tehsil, and select village name/village code.



UP Bhulekh Website Code of Revenue Village

Step 4. Under Select Village name/Village Code, you can find the code of revenue of the village.



You can follow the above steps to obtain the details of the code of the plot on the UP land record.



Checkout: Web Story on UP Bhukekh

How to Check Owner Share Details on UP Bhulekh portal?

The Bhulekh UP portal is a technology-backed web application allowing users to view the hitherto complex and inaccessible land owners' share details or Bhulekh Naksha UP online. To view Bhulekh naksha UP online, follow the mentioned steps-

Step 1: Log in to the website of Bhulekh UP (UP Land Records).



Bhulekh UP Homepage

Step 2: On the home page, click on the Khatauni Ansh Nirdharan Ki Nakal Dekhien.

Step 3: As soon as you click on this option, the web page will be redirected to the following screen.



Bhulekh UP Owner Share details

Step 4: In this step, choose Janpad, tehsil and Village.

Step 5: As soon as you select the Janpad, Tehsil and Village, the following screen will appear on the screen.

How to Certify Copy of Khatauni Nakal Online on UP Bhulekh?

The UP Bhulekh website allows a user to certify the copy of Khataini Nakal online. You can certify the copy of Khatauni Nakal online in the following steps-

Step 1: Go to the UP Bhulekh website (up bhulekh gov in).

Step 2: At the bottom of the homepage, click on the Certify Khatauni Nakal option.

Step 3: You will be taken to a new window.

Step 4: Here, select the place of issue of the Khatauni Nakal.

Step 5: In this step, you will have to enter the Khatauni Nakal number.



UP Bhulekh: Land Type and Gata Code List UP Bhulekh Land Type List Land Type Land Type Description Land Type Code(15-16 digits of GATA Unique Code) 1 Such land, in which the Government or Gaon Sabha or other local authority does farming. 11 1-A Land which is in the possession of transferable landholders 12 1a(a) blank 13 1-B Such land which is owned by individuals under the Government Grant Act. 14 2 Land which is in the possession of non-transferable landowners. 21 3 Land which is under the control or authority of the Asaamis 31 4 Land which is in the possession of the occupants without income in case no person's name is already recorded in column 4 of the Khasra. 41 5-1 Cultivable land - new fallow 51 6-1 Non-agricultural land  submerged land. 61 7 Land which is in the possession or possession of the Assamese. 71 9 Such occupiers of land who have taken possession of the land without the consent of the person mentioned in column 4 of Khasra. 91 Step 6: Press the Submit button. The details of the Khatauni Nakal will be displayed on the screen.

How to register for Varasat online in UP? (UP Varasat Praman Patra Online)

It is easy to register Virasat (name of heir) in Khatauni. For this there is no need to go round the tehsil anymore. All you have to do is apply online after which the legacy will be registered after scrutiny of the application by the revenue department. To register inheritance, you have to apply online in this way.

Step 1:For this, you have to first go to the official website of the department http://vaad.up.nic.in/index2.html.

Step 2:After opening the website, click on the link of the application form for succession / inheritance. After that a new page will open.

Step 3:Here you have to login, for which you have to enter the mobile number and click on (send OTP to the mobile number)

Step 4:After this, a one time password will come on the entered mobile, which you will have to enter in the box given below.

Step 5:Now enter the given captcha code and click on login.

Step 6:After this, to apply online, click on the link to apply for succession / inheritance.

Step 8:After that the application form will open. All the information sought in the application form has to be entered in four parts.

Step 9:After filling all the information asked in the application form, you will have to click on submit, your application will be completed and computerized application number will be displayed on the screen, take a print out of it and keep it safe with you as well as SMS computerized application number will be received on the mobile number. Your application will be completed, after which the inheritance will be registered after the completion of the Revenue Department investigation.

Steps to view real-time Khatauni on UP Bhulekh website

To view real-time Khatauni (land records) on the UP Bhulekh website, you can follow these steps:

Go to the official website of UP Bhulekh (http://upbhulekh.gov.in/).

On the homepage, Click on the Real Time Khatauni option.

As soon as you click on the option, you will be redirected to a new webpage at https://upbhulekh.gov.in/rtk_dashboard/ Here, select the district from the drop-down list and see the desired details in real-time.



It is important to note that the availability of real-time Khatauni records may vary from district to district, and the website may sometimes experience technical glitches or downtime. If you encounter any issues while accessing the website or viewing the records, you can contact the relevant authorities or seek assistance from a local land records office.

How to do Khatauni Login on UP Bhulekh Website?



The Bhulekh Up portal allows users to check the Khatauni details on the UP Land records portal, i.e. https://upbhulekh.gov.in/. To check the Khatauni details, one has to login into the khatauni system. Follow the mentioned steps to do a Khatauni login on the Bhulekh UP portal. Step 1: Go to the official page of UP Bhulekh (up bhulekh gov in). Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Khatauni Login option. Step 3: You will be redirected to the official login window of Bhulekh UP. Step 4: You can be an official or a normal user. The land records website presents you with multiple options, such as Board of Revenue Administrative Login

Board of Revenue Report Login

District Administrative Login

Tehsil Administrative Login

Tehsil Mutation Login

Tehsil Mutation Login

Tehsil Khatauni Print Login Step 5: Choose an option, and you will be redirected to a window where you will have to enter the Username and Password. Step 6: As soon as you fill in the details, click on the Submit button. Features of UP Bhulekh Online Portal Here are a few major features of the UP Bhulekh online portal. Easy Navigation: The Bhulekh UP portal has easy navigation options to help users check the required information in just a few clicks. The portal offers quick links not only for the services offered but also for other UP Government portals such as the Registry Office, Board of Revenue, Disaster Management, and more.

The Bhulekh UP portal has easy navigation options to help users check the required information in just a few clicks. The portal offers quick links not only for the services offered but also for other UP Government portals such as the Registry Office, Board of Revenue, Disaster Management, and more. Categorisation: Bhulekh UP online portal categorises the provided information in various sections that users can search based on their preferences.

Bhulekh UP online portal categorises the provided information in various sections that users can search based on their preferences. User-Friendly: The portal is user-friendly and comes with all the UP land records details that users can search by providing some simple details such as the location, size, or registration number of the property.

The portal is user-friendly and comes with all the UP land records details that users can search by providing some simple details such as the location, size, or registration number of the property. User Guides: The bhulekh Up portal offers user guides to help users navigate the portal easily. The visitors can simply go through these guides and learn the steps to be followed to get the required information.

The bhulekh Up portal offers user guides to help users navigate the portal easily. The visitors can simply go through these guides and learn the steps to be followed to get the required information. Online Services: Bhulekh UP portal (up bhulekh gov in) comes with a wide range of online services such as complaint registration, Stamp & Registry, e-district, and more. List of the services available on Bhulekh UP website Stamp and Registry - Stamp and Registration department of UP takes care of the registration work of documents of immovable property. This service allows the citizens of UP to access property related online services.

Revenue Litigation - Revenue Litigation also known as Revenue Court Computerized Management System which provides all the information to the litigants about the court proceedings taken in the court.

DILRMP - Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) is the service launched by the Government of India with an aim to digitize and modernize the land records and create a centralized land record management system.

EDistrict - E-District service on the portal is to computerize people-centric services. It includes services like certificate, public distribution, pension, Khatauni, complaint, revenue dispute, registration in employment centres, and many more.

GeM - The Government e Marketplace (GeM) is an e market for various different goods and services that are procured by the Government organizations and departments. Which Land Records are Available on UP Bhulekh? The UP land record database has details of all the registered land holdings according to the Khasra and Khata numbers, along with the ownership details of the land. Listed are details available on the portal: Name of the Owner (s)

Number of Owners

Size of the land

Details of the Khasra Number and Khata Number

History of transactions made in lieu of the property, including mortgage, third-party claims, etc.

Vacated Properties

List of enemy properties The Bhulekh UP portal (up bhulekh gov in) authorizes any citizen to check the land details of a piece of land in the state. With the introduction of the Bhulekh UP portal, the state government has digitized the tasks related to the UP land record. Activities such as the Khatauni system and Jamabandi were done manually on paper a few years back and are done digitally today. It provides a transparent mechanism to view UP Khatauni and other land information.

Benefits of UP BhuLekh portal The Bhulekh UP Land Records portal offers various advantages. These include: The Bhulekh UP online portal (up bhulekh gov in) gives citizens a single platform to view land-related data, maps and other related information. They do not have to visit any Government office and can access the Bhulekh UP portal anytime and anywhere.

To view details related to the land or ownership of the land, the citizens just need to enter the Khasra or Gata number on the portal.

Since the data is online, the portal helps the state ensure greater transparency and tackle crimes such as land grabbing, illegal possession of land, etc.

Bhulekh UP Land Records portal is a one-stop source for all the information related to your land.

If you have to update your land information or add any information to land accounts, you can do that using the Bhulekh UP online portal. Important Terms Related to UP BhuLekh In India, many states have launched online Bhulekh portals, including Uttar Pradesh. It is important to know a few terms before visiting the website of Bhulekh UP. Jamabandi/Fard: Jamabandi is a record of rights (RoR) which includes ownership rights, cultivation, and various rights of land.

Khata: Khata is a legal document which contains all the details about property owners and their family members.

Khasra: Khasra number is a survey number which is allocated to a particular piece of plot.

Khatauni: Khatauni is a legal document which contains all the details about the land cultivators like name, address, plot size etc.

Khewat: Khewat number is also referred to as Khasra number. It is a number that is given to the co-owner of a property, who owns property in the same proportion or different.

Gata Number: Gata number is a number using which a land of plot is denoted. Bainama: Bainama is just another name used for sale deeds. A sale deed is a legal document which signifies that a property has been sold to a buyer. How to Check Status of Sale of Bhukhand/Gata in Uttar Pradesh?

A user can easily check the status of the sale of a land parcel or bhukhand or gata. UP Bhulekh Gov In portal allows a user to get the status of the sale of a land parcel. Follow the mentioned steps to check the sale status on the UP land records portal. Step 1: Go to the official land records website of Uttar Pradesh @https://upbhulekh.gov.in/ Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Bhukhand/Gaate ke Vikray ki Stithi Jaane. Step 3: As soon as you click on this option, you will be redirected to a new window. Step 4: On this page, choose the details such as District, Tehsil and Village. Step 5: As soon as you choose the details, the details of the Enemy Property will be displayed on the screen.

How to get details of enemy properties from Bhu Abhilekh Uttar Pradesh portal? In addition to the information about vacated properties, a user can also access the details about an Enemy property in Uttar Pradesh (UP). To check the enemy property on the UP Bhulekh or UP land records portal, follow the below steps. Step 1: Log in to the UP Bhulekh Portal (up bhulekh gov in) . Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Shatru Sampatti (Enemy Property) tab. Step 3: In the next step, you will be required to choose the Janpad and Tehsil. Step 4: As soon as you choose the details, a PDF file will be opened. This will contain the information related to the Enemy Property in UP.

How to Check if the Plot is Disputed on UP Bhulekh @ upbhulekh gov in

Step 6: Here, enter the Khasra number or Gata number of the concerned property and click on the search button. The Bhulekh Up will be displayed online.

The Bhulekh UP portal allows a user to check the concerned property for disputes or legal issues. This kind of check allows the investors to be careful of disputed properties. The manual process for checking the status of UP Land records was cumbersome and time-consuming. However, the Bhulekh UP portal has streamlined the process. To check if the property is disputed or not, follow the mentioned process.

Step 1: Log in to the official page of Bhulekh UP (up bhulekh gov in).

Step 2: On the home page, click on Check the Dispute Status of the Land.



Step 3: The following window with Janpad, tehsil and Village name will appear on the screen.

Bhulekh UP Owner Share District, Village

Step 4: As soon as you fill in the required details, you will be taken to the following screen.

Bhulekh UP Portal

Step 5: Enter the Khasra Number and click on the Search button. The disputed status of the concerned land parcel will be displayed on the screen. If the land is dispute free, the following message will be displayed.



Also Read: UP Bhu Naksha

How to Check Vacated Property Details on UP Bhulekh portal

Vacated properties, or Nishkrant Sampatti in Hindi, are the properties whose original owners had left for Pakistan at the time of partition. Now, these land units are under the control of the State government.

Before investing in land, a user must check if it is a vacated property or not. If it is a vacated property, it cannot be sold and comes under Government Jurisdiction.

To check if a property is vacated or not, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Log in to the official website of Bhulekh UP (up bhulekh gov in).

Step 2: On the home page, click on the Nishkrant Sampatti option.

Bhu Abhilekh Uttar Pradesh Portal Vacated property

Step 3: You will be redirected to the following webpage.

Bhulekh UP Portal Vacated property search

Step 4: Select the District and Tehsil.

Step 5: As soon as you choose the District and the Tehsil, the details of vacated properties will be displayed in the following format.

The details will be displayed with gata number, district, tehsil, migration of the owner and other details.

How to register a complaint on UP Bhulekh online?

The Uttar Pradesh government has endeavoured to provide citizen centric services digitally. In addition to the providence of land records and allied services online, UP Bhulekh portal enables the citizens to register their grievances online. Using the online module, the complaints can be registered digitally. Follow the mentioned steps to register a complaint online on Bhulekh UP.

Step 1: Login to the official website of UP Bhulekh (up bhulekh gov in).

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Complaint Registration option at the bottom.

Step 3: You will be redirected to https://jansunwai.up.nic.in/. This website is dedicated to the complaint redressal and registration.

Step 4: Click on the Complaint Registration online option.

Step 5: Accept the Code for Complaint registration.

Step 6: In this step, enter the mobile number and get an OTP. Enter the OTP and proceed for complaint registration.

How to check status of complaint registered online on Bhu Abhilekh Uttar Pradesh?

After the submission of the complaint, you can also check the status of the complaint online on Bhulekh UP portal. Follow the mentioned steps to check the status.

Step 1: Login to the official website of UP Bhulekh.

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Complaint Registration option at the bottom.

Step 3: You will be redirected to https://jansunwai.up.nic.in/. This website is dedicated to the complaint redressal and registration.

Step 4: Click on the Status of Complaint option.

Step 5: On the newly opened window, Enter the complaint number, Mobile number, Email Id, and fill in the Captcha Code.

Step 6: Click on the Submit button.

How to View Copy of Khatauni Account in Real-Time

To check your Khatauni account, here's what you need to do.

Step 1: Go to the official UP Bhulekh official website (up bhulekh gov in).

Step 2: On the home page, you will come across multiple options; choose the last one, "View the copy of the real-time account" or (Real Time Khatauni ki Nakal Dekhein)

Choose Copy of the real time account on the UP Bhulekh homepage

Step 3: A new web page will open once you click this option.

Step 4: Choose your Janpad, Tehsil and Gram (Village) on this page.

Select your Janpad, Tehsil and Village

Step 5: As soon as you select the Janpad, Tehsil and Village, the following screen will appear on your screen.

Search your Khatauni Account

Step 6: Enter your Gata or Khasra number and press the Search button to view real-time Khatauni on your screen.

How to See Evicted Property in UP Bhulekh 2023?

Step 1: Go on the online portal of UP Bhulekh @https://upbhulekh.gov.in/public/public_ror/Public_ROR.jsp and then click on Evicted Property

Citizens of Uttar Pradesh can see evicted property on the UP Bhulekh online portal easily; here is a step-by-step guide:-



Check evicted property on UP Bhulekh 2023

Step 2: Now, select the district, tehsil and village and then a new webpage will open up



Select district and tehsil on UP Bhulekh 2023

Step 3: A new webpage will have all the details about the evicted property



Details about the evicted property will be displayed on UP Bhulekh portal

UP Bhulekh: How to apply for land mutation?

Land mutation or mutation of a property is the process through which the land title is changed in the municipal records once the property is transferred under the name of a different owner. Land/property mutation is crucial to claim complete ownership of the property. The government of Uttar Pradesh offers the facility to apply for land mutation and check the status. To apply for land mutation in Uttar Pradesh, follow the given steps-

Step 1: Visit the official website of e-NagarSewa UP

Step 2: On the main page, scroll down to find ULB Services and click on it





Visit ULB services to apply for land mutation





Step 3: As you click on it, the page will be redirected to the services section. Find Property Mutation and click on Proceed





e-NagarSewa UP for mutation application

Step 4: Login in by providing the required information, such as ULB type, city, login Id, password and captcha code

Step 5: Once you are logged in, select Apply for property mutation

Can we use Bhu Abhilekh Uttar Pradesh Online Records for Official purposes?

No, the online details are only for informative purposes. For official purposes, the owner needs to get an authorized copy by making an application in the Revenue Department (Tehsil Office) of Uttar Pradesh along with a nominal fee. He/She can collect a physical copy from the department, which would be legally valid.

UP Bhulekh: Government Enhances the Land Acquisition Strategy for Industries, Acquires Gram Sabha Land

June 20, 2023: Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) has formulated a new strategy to ensure hassle-free land acquisitions for the residents of the state. The state government has initiated this four-pronged strategy to ensure the availability of large-scale land parcels to be acquired for the development of industries. UPSIDA has clarified that the disputed or unused land parcels of bankrupt and closed industries will also be used for acquisition purposes. The authority has already acquired 1300 acres of Gram Sabha land parcels and plans to acquire over 871 acres more that are located in various districts for the industrial development. The initiative will help investors find land parcels with ease. They can also visit the UP Bhulekh online portal to check the details of disputed and acquired land parcels. 23 villages not registered under UP Land Records.



June 16, 2023: The municipality is unable to send a proposal to the government because of the lack of name in Khasra Khatauni. Post the expansion of the limits the municipality got over 100 acres of land in different villages. On these land areas in different villages the municipality was working to prepare for the development of civic amenities, construction of new parks, and beautification of ponds. This action plan, however, put on a halt. The reason for this is that the municipality's name is not recorded on public land properties in the enlarged territories. Only until the name is registered in Khasra-Khatauni will the government be able to request a budget for construction work. Ideally within the two months the name of the municipality should have been registered on the properties of the extended area. As the election were near the assigned representatives and officials did not really pay attention to it.



New Record Room Is Being Created in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh June 2023: In the Sambhal city of Uttar Pradesh, the government has begun modernizing the record room to keep the land records safe. Separate boxes will be installed to ensure the records are not damaged due to bad weather conditions and infestation. The upkeep aims to ensure that land records are easy to access when the information is requested and at the time of inspection. Additionally, the digitalization process will begin soon for these land records. Even if the land records across the state are safe inside the tehsil office, they are still at risk. With the help of high-tech storage facilities and the digitalization of land, records can be saved from getting soiled. The activity will be carried out in 3 major tehsils of the city. UP Bhulekh Department To Announce 6% Population Plots To Farmers After Review May 2023: Soon, UP Bhulekh department may give 6% of population plots to 530 farmers. The authority has asked the department to dispose of the objections in the list of 530 farmers so that list can be presented in the next meeting after getting appropriate approvals. The CEO of Greater Noida Authority held a review meeting in Noida, where the Bhulekh Department was also reviewed. The CEO also directed that if any objection comes up, it should be resolved on priority. It was also informed that 188 cases regarding Abadi plots out of 1451 cases had been settled. The Bhulekh department announced that earlier, the eligibility of 19,210 farmers was fixed, out of which the Planning Department has planned more than 18,008 plots. The Plots Department has allotted more than 17,080 plots. Thirteen thousand one hundred forty-nine lease plans have been issued by the Project Department, of which 13,047 checklists have been issued, and 6,933 farmers have done lease deeds.

Here are the contact details for UP Bhulekh help and support team. You can use these details to contact the team in case you have further queries.

Office Address: Computer Cell, Revenue Council, Lucknow, UP

Contact Number: 0522-2217145

Email Address: bhulekh-up@gov.in

Concluding UP BhuLekh - Land Records of Uttar Pradesh

Conclusively, the BhuLekh UP portal has proven to be a very useful tool for the general public. Hitherto inaccessible and complex land records can now be obtained from the comfort of a users home. The Bhulekh UP portal has digitized the land records of Uttar Pradesh and brought transparency as well as efficiency to the land records management efforts of the state government.
From tying the knot with the Chocolate boy Ranbir Kapoor and announcing her pregnancy on Instagram to delivering a mind-blowing performance in her recent hit - Darlings, Alia Bhatt has greatly been in the headlines for a few months.



Today, we take you on a home tour of Alia Bhatts house, a gorgeous and cosy chick pad that perfectly reflects her chirpy personality. So, if youre planning to give your home a touch of elegance and class, Alia Bhatts house tour will surely give you tons of steal-worthy ideas and inspiration!

The Student of The Year debutant, Alia Bhatt, owns a swanky apartment in the posh locality of Juhu, which is also home to celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, and many others. She often glams up for events and poses for pictures in different corners of her house before stepping out. Now, lets check out what her Juhu pad, spread across 2,300 square feet, looks like.

Also read: Akshay Kumars House in Mumbai

Alia Bhatt wins 69th National Film Award for Gangubai Kathiawadi

August 2023: Alia Bhatt bagged the Best Actress 69th National Film Award for her incredible performance in Sanja Leela Bhansalis directorial Gangubai Kathiawadi. The awards were announced on August 24, 2023. Along with Alia, Kriti Sanon also won the Best Actress award for Mimi, which both actresses shared. On the other hand, Allu Arjun won the Best Actor Award for the movie Pushpa.

Alias mother-in-law, Neetu Kapoor, congratulated her on Instagram for this great achievement. She wrote a note on her Instagram handle: So so proud of you for your first national award".

Alia Bhatt's production house purchases an apartment worth Rs 37.80 Crore

April 2023: The Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt's production company Eternal Sunshine Production has recently bought a luxury flat in Pali Hill, a posh locality in Mumbai's Bandra area. This apartment purchase is one of the most expensive deals with 2,500 square feet of carpet area, at almost Rs 1.51 lakh per square foot. The property has two designated parking spaces for this residential skyscraper Aerial View on the sixth level of Nargis Dutt Road.

On April 6, the deal was completed, and on April 10, it was registered. According to the paperwork retrieved through Indextap.com, Alia has paid the entire 6% stamp duty of Rs 2.26 crore for the registration of the transaction.

Alia Bhatt House Address

First, lets start with the exact address of the Alia Bhatt house. As such, Alia owns three houses in all. One is in Juhu, and one is in London. She is also said to have recently acquired another apartment in Bandra. However, the house where she was residing is the Silver Beach Apartments, the exact address of which is as follows:

Alia Bhatt House Address: Silver Beach Apartments, B- Wing, A.B. Nair Road, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra.



Alia Bhatt currently resides with her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, in their lavish Bandra Apartment, where they both got married.

We take you on an inside tour of this beautiful house of Alia Bhatt.

Also read: Top 10 most beautiful houses in the world

Inside Alia Bhatts House

A mellow combination of cosy and vibrant vibes, brick detailing, elegant walls, exquisite furniture, and a captivating, rich interior collectively prominently describes Alia Bhatts decor style. Alia Bhatt moved into her Juhu apartment in 2019, which is said to be her first property purchase, and she used to live here with her sister Shaheen Bhatt. The actress also gave a sneak peek into her apartment in a YouTube video  Alia Bhatts Moving Day Vlog. In the video, she can be seen decking up her new home with the help of her sister, and mom, Soni Razdan.

YouTube Video Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGT_EeoMteI

In the video, she shares her incredible experience of moving away from her home for the first time and moving into her own house.

Alia Bhatt House Photos  Interiors & Latest Pictures

Designed by the celebrity interior designer Richa Bahl, it took about two years to complete the interior design of this spacious apartment. This uniquely designed 4-bedroom apartment blends New York loft and Swiss Chalet styles.

Talking about the interiors, the first thing youll encounter when you enter Alia Bhatt house in Mumbai is the carved teal blue door, which gives an inviting vibe. The leaf carvings give it a rich antique look and add a vintage touch to the space. Also, the door has been smartly designed and has another door in the vessel that is strictly for professional use. This is done in mind that professional and personal life should be kept at a distance; the designer has designed Alia Bhatt Juhu house to balance it well.
Telangana Property Tax: Latest News

SCB Discovers 5,000 Properties Not Added to GHMC Property Tax Records Aug 10, 2023: Secunderabad Cantonment Board has discovered around 5,000 properties that were unaccessed and uncovered during the assessment of GHMC Property Tax (Telangana Property Tax). The authority has decided to assign these properties with identification numbers and add them to the SCB tax wings records. Currently, there are around 38,000 properties added to the SCB property tax database. SCB took various initiatives in the process of discovering these properties. The officials used drone technology to capture images of these properties. They contacted the owners of these properties and verified records available with them. Next, they went through the entire database and listed properties that were not paying their due property taxes. Identifying these properties and including them in Telangana property tax records may lead SCB to collect an additional property tax amount of Rs.10 crore for the next financial year. The authority is also planning to implement a penalty on buildings constructed with structures that are unauthorised or deviated from the sanctioned plans.

GHMC Property Tax Payment

Hyderabad property owners are subject to property tax payments to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) every year. This money is used by the municipal body to support better public services in Hyderabad. As a guideline for collecting property tax in Hyderabad, the GHMC uses an annual rental value and adopts a slab rate for residential properties.

Each taxpayer shall have a property tax Identification Number (PTIN) for each property. Old PTIN No is a four-digit number, and the new PTIN is a ten-digit number. Based on the PTIN number, the GHMC website will display the payment amount on the screen.

If you plan to renovate or add to the house at some point, the property tax payable will rise and be assessed according to the current dorm rate. However, it will remain the same PTIN and house number. You should notify the Deputy Commissioner directly to re-evaluate the property tax.

How to Pay Telangana Property Tax Online/Offline

Online Payment process

Go to the GHMC website online payment portal.

The payment of property tax in Telangana can be made online or offline. Below mentioned steps can be followed for an easy process.

Fill in your Unique PTIN and tap on the Know Property Tax Dues button.

Check for all the details, such as property tax, arrears, and interest on arrears. You can choose to pay between net banking, credit or debit card.

Fill in all the details in the payment gateway and complete the payment.

Offline Payment Process

You can take the DD or a check in the name of Commissioner GHMC and pay your property tax at any of the Mee-Seva centres, State Bank of Hyderabad, citizen service centres, and Bill Collectors.

Property Tax Exemption/Concession

Properties with monthly rental (in Rs) Up to 50:- No Tax 51  100:- 2% 101  200:- 4% 201  300:- 7% More than 300:-15% Properties of ex-military servicemen, charitable trusts, religious places No Tax Recognized Educational Institutions No Tax Vacant property (based on the report submitted by Tax inspector) 50%

Half-yearly property tax 31 July and 15 October Delay in Payment 2% per month

Online Property Assessment

Below is the list of exemptions and concessions available for the various property types in Telangana State.Follow the steps listed below to make your assessment online.1. Visit the official GHMC website and click on the search your property tax.

2. OTP will be generated on the successful completion of the mobile number.





3. Fill in the self-assessment form with all the details required. The sale deed and occupancy certificate should be uploaded to the website in PDF format. Tap on the Save tab.



After you receive your request, the authority concerned will inspect the land, check the information you provide and measure the property tax at the slab rate. A specific Property Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and a new house number are subsequently given to you.





Telangana Property Tax Rates

Monthly Rental Value General Tax Lighting Tax Conservancy Tax Drainage Tax Total Up to Rs.50 Exempt Exempt Exempt Exempt Exempt Rs.51 - Rs.100 2% 3% 9% 3% 17% Rs.101 - Rs.200 4% 3% 9% 3% 19% Rs.201 - Rs.300 7% 3% 9% 3% 22% Rs.300 and more 15% 3% 9.00% 3% 30%

How to CalculateTelangana Property Tax - Residential Properties

For calculating the residential property tax in Telangana, take note of these steps:

Step 1: Measure the PA (plinth area). PA is the total built-up area that includes all the covered areas, including the garage and balconies.

Step 2: Determine or evaluate the present rent-per-square-foot in the market for similar properties in the area. However, if you have rented the property, consider the rent-per-square-foot as mentioned in the rental agreement. This value is called the MRV (monthly rental value) per square foot.

Step 3: Then calculate your residential propertys tax in Telangana using this formula:

= PA x MRV (per sq. ft) x 12 x (0.17 - 0.30) as per the table given above - 10% depreciation + 8% library cess.

How to CalculateTelangana Property Tax - Commercial Properties

For calculating the commercial property tax in Telangana, take note of these steps:

Step 1: Measure the PA (plinth area). PA is the total built-up area that comprises all the covered areas.

Step 2: Check the MRV. The MRV (Monthly Rental Value) for commercial property is mentioned in the GHMC notifications for the fixed monthly rent per square foot. You can check the latest updates here.

Step 3: Then calculate your commercial propertys tax in Telangana using this formula:

= 3.5 x PA in sq. ft. x MRV in Rs. per sq. ft.

Note: Hoardings/cellular towers and ATMs are taxed as commercial property in Telangana at the maximum with a monthly rent of Rs.50 and Rs.70 per square foot, respectively.

If you have any questions or issues regarding the payment of GHMC or Telangana property tax, you may contact a professional on these details:

Official Address: CC Complex Tank Bund Road, Lower Tank Band Hyderabad: 500063

Phone Number: 21111111

Website: www.ghmc.gov.in

And if you wish to register a complaint, you may visit the official IGRS Hyderabad portal and raise an online complaint there.
Time is everything and matters a lot especially when it comes to Griha Pravesh. As per the Hindu Calendar, Griha Pravesh is a ceremony that ushers good fortune and positivity to your new home and life if performed on specific days and time. So, before you step into your new home, check out the best dates for Griha Pravesh Muhurat 2023 to plan the ceremony better and make it perfect. We give you the shubh Muhurat month-wise for your Griha Pravesh here, along with some interesting Griha Pravesh decoration ideas. A housewarming ceremony called Griha Pravesh is performed before you enter your new home. If you want the shifting process to your new home to be smooth, it is important to select the right date for the Griha Pravesh ceremony. Also, do not forget to consider the Shubh Muhurat.

Griha Pravesh Muhurat - Which Day Is Good For Shifting In A New House In 2023 - 24?

As per astrology experts and Vastu Shastra for home, you should move to a new house on the day when the positive energies are the strongest. Thus, it is crucial to find out the favourable date, nakshatra, and tithi to decide on the Griha Pravesh muhurat date in 2023. The auspicious Griha Pravesh muhurat date and time in 2023 are mentioned below; however, if you wish to perform the housewarming ceremony on a different date, you must consult an astrologist or a priest before Griha Pravesh. Also read: Vastu Shanti Pooja for House As per the experts, different types of months, including Kharmaas, Chaturmas, Shraad, etc., are considered to be unlucky for Griha Pravesh. Therefore, before you finalize the date of Griha Pravesh Puja 2023, consider the Griha Pravesh guide and also consult your respective panditji or astrologer.

Griha Pravesh Dates Day Muhurat Timing November 17, 2023 - November 18, 2023 Friday 1:17 am to 6:46 am November 22, 2023 - November 23, 2023 Wednesday 6:37 pm to 6:50 am November 23, 2023 Thursday 6:50 am to 8:01 pm November 27, 2023 - November 28, 2023 Monday 2:45 pm to 6:54 am November 29, 2023 Wednesday 6:54 am to 1:59 pm December 8, 2023 - December 9, 2023 Friday 8:54 am to 6:31 am December 15, 2023 Friday 8:10 am to 10:30 pm December 21, 2023 Thursday 9:37 am to 9:09 pm January 3, 2024 Wednesday 07:14 AM to 02:46 PM February 12, 2024 Monday 02:56 PM to 05:44 PM February 14, 2024 Wednesday 07:01 AM to 10:43 AM February 19, 2024 Monday 06:57 AM to 10:33 AM February 26, 2024 Monday 06:50 AM to 04:31 AM, Feb 27 February 28, 2024 Webnesday 04:18 AM to 06:47 AM, Feb 29 February 29, 2024 Thursday 06:47 AM to 10:22 AM March 2, 2024 Saturday 02:42 PM to 06:44 AM, Mar 03 March 6, 2024 Wednesday 02:52 PM to 04:13 AM, Mar 07 March 11, 2024 Monday 10:44 AM to 06:34 AM, Mar 12 March 15, 2024 Friday 10:09 PM to 06:29 AM, Mar 16 March 16, 2024 Saturday 06:29 AM to 09:38 PM March 27, 2024 Wednesday 06:17 AM to 04:16 PM March 29, 2024 Friday 08:36 PM to 06:13 AM, Mar 30 March 30, 2024 Saturday 06:13 AM to 09:13 PM April 3, 2024 Wednesday 06:29 PM to 09:47 PM

So, these are the dates that are perfect for your upcoming Griha Pravesh ceremony. Along with the dates listed in the above table, we have included a few more auspicious dates, which can also be chosen based on the rashis and nakshatras of different individuals.

Is Sharad Navratri a good time for Griha Pravesh?

Sharad Navratri starts on the first day of the fortnight of the lunar month of Ashvini, i.e. in the months of September and October. It is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated all over India with great zeal. It is a nine-day festival where the Goddess Durga is worshipped. The festival will fall from October 15 to October 23 this year. While people keep fast on these nine days and worship the goddess, many auspicious works are done. These days are considered auspicious to start a new thing despite observing the favourable time, as per the scriptures. Most people start a new business or move to a new house during the festival.



It is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi resides during Navratri, and performing a Griha Pravesh pooja brings home happiness, fortune and prosperity. To perform the pooja, you should keep the Kalash with you - fill it with water and keep eight mango leaves and coconut on it. Also, use kumkum to make the symbol of a swastika on the urn and coconut. Keep auspicious things such as coconut, jaggery, rice and turmeric with the Kalash while entering your new house.

The Griha Pravesh Muhurat dates would vary a little for different calendars; for example, the Gruhapravesam Muhurtham, as per the Telugu Panchangam, has slightly different dates from the Hindu Panchang. So also, the Gujrati and Bengali Griha Pravesh dates may vary from the main Hindu calendar. Do note that the Griha Pravesh muhurat dates and timings are location-based, and these could vary depending on the sunrise and sunset time of your particular place. It is hence, good to consult with your local priest before finalising the ceremony. The Griha Pravesh puja ensures positive energy in the new house when conducted in the proper manner. The Grih Pravesh Muhurat, or best time for Griha Pravesh puja for the first half of the year 2023, is given below. These are the auspicious days for you to shift to your new house - whether it is your own house or a rented one. You Might Also Like Bhumi Pujan Muhurat 2023: Best Dates for New House Construction Griha Pravesh in July 2023 While June has at least 1 auspicious date for Griha Pravesh Muhurat, July has no date to conduct the Griha Pravesh puja. Although you can consult an expert, they may suggest you a lucky day as per your Kundli or horoscope. Griha Pravesh Muhurat in August 2023 There is no Griha Pravesh muhurat available in the month of August 2023.

Griha Pravesh Muhurat in September 2023 There is no Griha Pravesh muhurat available in the month of September 2023. Griha Pravesh Muhurat in October 2023 There is no auspicious date for Griha Pravesh Muhurat in October 2023.

There is no Griha Pravesh muhurat available in the month of August 2023.There is no Griha Pravesh muhurat available in the month of September 2023.There is no auspicious date for Griha Pravesh Muhurat in October 2023.





Griha Pravesh Dates Day Nakshatra Tithi Muhurat Timing 17th November 2023 Friday Uttara Ashadha Panchami 01:17 am - 06:46 am (18th Nov) 22nd November 2023 Wednesday Uttara Bhadrapada Dashami, Ekadashi 06:37 pm - 06:50 am (23rd Nov) 23rd November 2023 Thursday Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati Ekadashi 06:50 am - 09:01 pm 27th November 2023 Monday Rohini Pratipada 02:45 pm - 06;54 am (28th Nov) 29th November 2023 Wednesday Mrigashirsha Dwitiya 06:54 am to 01:59 pm Griha Pravesh Muhurat in December 2023 The month of December has 3 auspicious dates to perform the Griha Pravesh Muhurat in 2023.

Griha Pravesh Dates Day Nakshatra Tithi Muhurat Timing 08th December 2023 Friday Chitra Ekadashi 08:54 am - 06:31 am (Dec 9) 15th December 2023 Friday Uttara Ashadha Tritya 08:10 am - 10:30 pm 21st December 2023 Thursday Revati Dashami 09:37 am - 10:09 pm Griha Pravesh Muhurat in January 2024 In November 2023, there are 5 lucky dates to conduct Griha Pravesh puja. As the new year starts - as a harbinger of new hopes and dreams, you can begin the year by moving into your new house. There is just 1 shubh day for the grih pravesh muhurat in January 2024. Griha Pravesh Date Day Nakshatra Tithi Muhurat Timing 3rd January 2024 Wednesday Uttara Phalguni Saptami 07:14 AM to 02:46 PM Griha Pravesh Muhurat in February 2024 There are 6 shubh muhurat dates that are available for Griha Pravesh in the month of February in 2024. The month of Faghun is known to bring a new ray of hope and therefore is considered to be great to plan your Griha Pravesh Ceremony. The month of February brings auspicious dates to conduct the puja and enter your dream home. However, before finalising on a particular date, we advise you to consult a priest to get your personalised date. Griha Pravesh Dates Day Nakshatra Tithi Muhurat Timing 12th February 2024 Monday Uttara Bhadrapada Tritiya 02:56 PM to 05:44 PM 14th February 2024 Wednesday Revati Panchami 07:01 AM to 10:43 AM 19th February 2024 Monday Mrigashirsha Dashami, Ekadashi 06:57 AM to 10:33 AM 26th February 2024 Monday Uttara Phalguni Dwitiya, Tritiya 06:50 AM to 04:31 AM, Feb 27 28th February 2024 Wednesday Chitra Panchami 04:18 AM to 06:47 AM, Feb 29 29th February 2024 Thursday Chitra Panchami 06:47 AM to 10:22 AM Griha Pravesh Muhurat in March 2024 March is another auspicious month for Griha Pravesh Dates. There are 8 dates in March 2024 when you can conduct the Griha Pravesh puja of your house and move in. We suggest you consult a priest or astrologer and find the right time to perform Griha Pravesh muhurat during the month. Griha Pravesh Dates Day Nakshatra Tithi Muhurat Timing 2nd March Saturday Anuradha Saptami 02:42 PM to 06:44 AM, Mar 03 6th March Wednesday Uttara Ashadha Ekadashi 02:52 PM to 04:13 AM, Mar 07 11th March Monday Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati Dwitiya 10:44 AM to 06:34 AM, Mar 12 15th March Friday Rohini Saptami 10:09 PM to 06:29 AM, Mar 16 16th March Saturday Rohini, Mrigashirsha Saptami 06:29 AM to 09:38 PM 27th March Wednesday Chitra Dwitiya 06:17 AM to 04:16 PM 29th March Friday Anuradha Panchami 08:36 PM to 06:13 AM, Mar 30 30th March Saturday Anuradha Panchami 06:13 AM to 09:13 PM Griha Pravesh Muhurat in April 2024 There is just 1 shubh day for Griha Pravesh muhurat in the month of April 2024. Griha Pravesh Date Day Nakshatra Tithi Muhurat Timing 3rd April 2024 Wednesday Uttara Ashadha Dashami 06:29 PM to 09:47 PM Griha Pravesh Muhurat in May 2024 There is no Griha Pravesh muhurat available in the month of May 2024. Griha Pravesh Muhurat in June 2024 There is no auspicious date for Griha Pravesh Muhurat in June 2024. Griha Pravesh Muhurat in July 2024 There is no Griha Pravesh muhurat available in the month of July 2024. Griha Pravesh Shubh Muhurta 2023: Upcoming Auspicious Festivals Apart from these dates, a few festivals are considered best for Griha Pravesh Shubh Muhurta 2023. However, you should be aware that the dates of Griha Pravesh in 2023 may vary in the Tamil calendar or Panchang or Vikram Samvat calendar. You must consult a priest before deciding on a date for Griha Pravesh Shubh Muhurta. Festival Date Dussehra October 24 Dhanteras November 10 How to Calculate Griha Pravesh Muhurat 2023? It is not easy to calculate Griha Pravesh Muhurat. The Vatu experts and astrologers take several factors into account to find out the right Griha Pravesh Muhurat. They check factors including the best nakshatra, lagna, position of the 9 plants, dates, adhik mas or an added month to the calendar. After considering all these factors the favourable Griha Pravesh muhurat is selected. And the right muhurat results in prosperity and good health for the house owner. The auspicious time for Griha Pravesh muhurat is calculated after doing the Panchang Shuddhi, after this the right time for housewarming, havan, and shanti puja is decided. As per pandit or astrologers one must avoid entering the new house at the time of Shukra Tara Asta and also Guru tara, reason being that time planet Venus and Jupiter are combusted. The Shubh Muhurats for Griha pravesh 2023 are considered when they stay for a minimum of four hours and are calculated from the time of sunrise to sunrise. Types of Griha Pravesh Puja

As per Hindu Traditions, the Griha Pravesh Ceremony can be performed in the following ways:

1. Dwandhav: This Griha Pravesh ceremony should be done when you have left your home due to any natural calamity and have returned after many years.

2. Sapoorva: The Sapoorva Griha Pravesh should be done when you re-enter your house after a really long time. For example, if you are someone who has been working outside of your home town for many years and your home was vacant, it is advised to go for Sapoorva Griha Pravesh. Remember to clean your home thoroughly before you perform the puja.

3. Apoorva: The Apoorva Griha Pravesh should be conducted when you have bought a newly constructed home.

Which Nakshatras Are Best for Griha Pravesh

The nakshatras that are considered to be the best for Griha Pravesh are:

1. Uttar Bhadrapad

2. Uttar Phalguni

3. Uttarshadha

4. Rohini

5. Margashira

6. Chitra

7. Anuradha Nakshatra





Griha Pravesh Decoration Ideas

Decorate the entrance for Griha Pravesh muhurat: On the day of Griha Pravesh Muhurat, it is considered auspicious to decorate the entrance of your home with fresh flowers. You can hang a toran of marigold flowers and mango tree leaves.

Make rangoli for Griha Pravesh Muhurat: Rangoli is considered to attract prosperity and wealth. So, on the day of your Griha Pravesh Muhurat, you can make a nice rangoli at the entrance gate.

Add lights on Griha Pravesh puja: As much as flowers are important for any occasion, lights are important too. You can hang a mix of fairy lights, LED lights, candles, and lamps to light up your home for Griha Pravesh puja muhurat.

Decorate your mandir: No matter how small or big is your home temple, on the auspicious occasion of Griha Pravesh muhurat puja, you must decorate your home temple. You can decorate the mandir with flowers, make a garland, and can attire the idols with new clothes.

Tips Before Planning a Griha Pravesh Ceremony

Housewarming Parties are the ideal occasion to invite all your loved ones and show them your new house. Here are a few tips that will help you prepare better for the Griha Pravesh ceremony without any additional stress.

Finish the Construction Work: Make sure you conduct a Griha Pravesh puja only after finishing the construction work. You must enter the house when it is ready, and the construction work, including the fittings, furniture, woodwork, paint, etc., is completed.





Make sure you conduct a Griha Pravesh puja only after finishing the construction work. You must enter the house when it is ready, and the construction work, including the fittings, furniture, woodwork, paint, etc., is completed. Choose an Auspicious Date: You must perform your Griha Pravesh puja on an auspicious date. Although festive seasons come with many auspicious dates, the months of Vaishakh, Magh, Jyeshtha, and Phalgun are considered the best for a Griha Pravesh ceremony. On the other hand, the months of Bhadrapada, Paush, Ashadha, Shravan, and Ashwin are not considered ideal for entering the house.





You must perform your Griha Pravesh puja on an auspicious date. Although festive seasons come with many auspicious dates, the months of Vaishakh, Magh, Jyeshtha, and Phalgun are considered the best for a Griha Pravesh ceremony. On the other hand, the months of Bhadrapada, Paush, Ashadha, Shravan, and Ashwin are not considered ideal for entering the house. Check the Vastu: Your house must be Vastu-compliant. This applies especially to the main entrance and puja room in the house.





Your house must be Vastu-compliant. This applies especially to the main entrance and puja room in the house. Wipe Out the Negative Energies : As per Vastu, a clean place attracts more positive energies. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of all the dirt and old furniture before the Griha Pravesh ceremony starts. Purify your premises nicely and wash out all the negative energies.





: As per Vastu, a clean place attracts more positive energies. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of all the dirt and old furniture before the Griha Pravesh ceremony starts. Purify your premises nicely and wash out all the negative energies. Focus on the Direction : You should not only do the Griha Pravesh puja in 2023 on one of the auspicious days mentioned above but also ensure to place the idols in the East-facing direction of your home.





: You should not only do the Griha Pravesh puja in 2023 on one of the auspicious days mentioned above but also ensure to place the idols in the East-facing direction of your home. Decorate Your House : You must decorate your house for griha pravesh. Especially the main door which is called the Simha Dwara and is considered to be the face of Vastu Purush. You must decorate the main door of your house with mango leaves and flowers. The main door must also have a spiritual symbol like a swastika at both its ends.





: You must decorate your house for griha pravesh. Especially the main door which is called the Simha Dwara and is considered to be the face of Vastu Purush. You must decorate the main door of your house with mango leaves and flowers. The main door must also have a spiritual symbol like a swastika at both its ends. Make a Proper Setup for the Havan Kund : In order to cleanse the aura of your home, it is necessary to perform the havan ceremony on the day of your Griha Pravesh. The herbs that are used in particular at the time of havan originate smoke that helps to purify the surroundings and attract positive energies.





: In order to cleanse the aura of your home, it is necessary to perform the havan ceremony on the day of your Griha Pravesh. The herbs that are used in particular at the time of havan originate smoke that helps to purify the surroundings and attract positive energies. Invite your Near and Dear Ones: Invite all your close relatives and friends by either sending a digital invitation or calling them. You must consider having a small gathering and inviting a lot of people may bring in negative energies.

Also read: Griha Pravesh Invitation Ideas

Dos and Donts For Griha Pravesh Ceremony Some Griha Pravesh dos and donts are: 1. Always perform the Griha Pravesh Ceremony in a fully constructed home. The doors, windows, and roof should always be in a ready-to-move-in state before the ceremony 2. Shift only the cooking gas/oven before the Vastu Puja. 3. You should not do Griha Pravesh on Tuesday; in exceptional circumstances, Sunday and Saturday are also considered inauspicious. 4. Enter the house with a Kalash filled with water, coconut, and eight mango leaves. 5. The Kalash should be kept in North East corner of the house. 6. Brahmins should be fed food on the day of Griha Pravesh. 7. On the first day of keeping green leafy vegetables and jaggery in kitchen. 8. Purify the entire home premises by sprinkling the holy water with mango leaves all over the house. 9. Break the coconut before entering the new home. It is believed that coconut removes every obstacle of a new journey. 10. Enter the house with your right foot forward. 11. Place the Puja idol in the direction that faces the east of the home. 12. Boil milk during the day of the Griha Pravesh Ceremony. This ritual is believed to bring prosperity and good days to the house. 13. Perform the Puja only when every member of your family is physically healthy and happy for your new home. It is better to keep negative wishes away on this day. 14. Do not shift furniture before the Griha Pravesh Ceremony. 15. Never keep the home empty till 3 days before the Griha Pravesh Ceremony. 16. Do not perform the puja if there is a death in the family or if the lady of the house is pregnant. 17. Do not talk during the puja. Griha Pravesh Gift Ideas - Housewarming Gifts Purchasing a house is a significant milestone, and the next exciting thing for a new homeowner is the Griha Pravesh muhurat or the housewarming ceremony and the Griha Pravesh gifts which come with it. So, if your friend, relative, or colleague has recently bought a new home, then make sure your Griha Pravesh gift stands out in the sea of common wall clocks, crockery, frames, etc. To help ease your task, we have compiled a list of some unique and budget-friendly housewarming gift ideas. Housewarming Gift - Lord Ganesha Idol A colourful or silver-plated idol of Ganpati is considered lucky and should be kept in a home for prosperity. A housewarming gift is given to a person on their official first-time entrance into their new home, so what could be a better Griha Pravesh muhurat gift than the Ganpati idol? Lord Ganesha is worshipped before beginning any auspicious work, as he is the god of new beginnings. So, a lord Ganesha idol is an apt housewarming ceremony gift.





Ganpati idol for Griha Pravesh Muhurat gift Griha Pravesh Gift - A Luxe Bedding Set Although every household has its own sets of regular bedding, it's always good to own some luxe bed linen which you can bring out on some special occasions.





A luxe bedding for a housewarming gift Housewarming Gifts - Electronic Appliances For your close friends and relatives, an apt Griha Pravesh muhurat gift will be something that is useful, and they can use every day. Thus, electronic appliances are an ideal Griha Pravesh muhurat gift. There are tons of electrical appliances to choose from, such as a juicer, vacuum cleaner, microwave, toaster, etc.





Electronic appliance for Housewarming gift

Vastu Implications For Griha Pravesh Puja

Every puja decoration is not fancy, as some fall under the puja rituals to bring positivity to the home. Find out the Vastu requirements during the Griha Pravesh Ceremony with colourful decorations, wise company, and positive vibes.

Decorate the main door of the house with Swastika (the holy symbol for the Hindus) and the feet of Goddess Laxmi on each of the thresholds of the house. A Toran of fresh mango leaves and the marigold flower is known as a positive indication. Hang one on each of the doorways. Perform the Griha Pravesh Ceremony on the Northeast corner of the house, known as the Ishaan Corner of the house. Perform a Havan by Navagraha, Ganesh, and Vastu Puja to sweep off negative energy in the house.

Serve the priests good food and care once the puja is over.

Perform the Griha Pravesh Ceremony in a clean and spacious room.

Pick up some bright Rangoli Colors made of rice flour, and decorate the floor with eye-catching designs.

Try to not have any obstacles in front of the main gate.
Delay in New Project Registration and Resolution of Consumer Complaints at Gujarat RERA October 10, 2023: Due to the absence of a Chairperson at the Gujarat RERA authority for so long, the backlog of property registrations has increased. The new team has been assigned, but it will take time to reset the process and complete backlog registrations. There are around 450 projects pending new registrations with the Gujarat RERA authority till the first week of October 2023. In addition, more than 500 customer complaints are also pending with the authority for hearing. Earlier, if a project is received for new registration, it used to get cleared in 35 days. Whereas, now the approval has taken around two months or more. Currently, there are 800 cases pending from consumers against developers. The increase in the number of new project registrations is also because of the land deals that happened in the last two quarters. Several developers are planning to launch projects around the festive season, but the delays are affecting the progress of projects.

Gujarat RERA will Penalize Developers Involved in Soft Launches. September 29, 2023: Gujarat RERA will penalise developers who sell their flats before RERA registration. Any developer involved in a soft launch- pre-RERA marketing and taking bookings without obtaining the RERA registration number will face sou moto and penalty. If penalised, a developer may have to pay 10% of the project cost as a penalty. In 2021, GujRERA penalised one of the developers with Rs 10 lakh for marketing a project before getting a RERA registration number. It was noticed that many developers were selling a flat at a lower price before obtaining the registration number; this is against the RERA Act. This action also puts buyers in a vulnerable state. There have been cases where builders have got the amount submitted in their bank account without getting RERA approval. Some builders have also offered flats at cheaper rates to maintain the liquidity in the market. However, this has created disputes with investors. A senior Rera official stated, A developer cannot market a project before registering it with Rera. However, we have observed widespread instances where developers promote their upcoming projects without obtaining a Rera registration number. We are scrutinising social media to identify such developers and have already issued notices.

Real Estate in Gujarat

The real estate sector of Gujarat is very impressive as it has experienced a transformation at global standards. The factors which have contributed are Gujarat Municipal Corporation going beyond limits for expansion, implementation of RERA Gujarat, developing essential infrastructural utilities, and growth of the state as a renowned commercial and industrial hub. Out of all these, the performance of Gujarat RERA has proved to be a blessing for many homebuyers, agents and promoters. This act has provided a safe and secure system and due to which a transparent and concrete real estate ecosystem has been created. If a person wishes to invest in property or is a developer/ agent/ promoter, then this blog will help you understand what RERA Gujarat is, how to register, fees and much more.

Also read: RERA Real Estate Act

What is RERA Gujarat?

The government of Gujarat launched the RERA portal known as GUJRERA (Gujarat Real Estate Regulation Authority) in May 2017. The GujRERA was established under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The RERA Act Gujarat aims to watch the real estate sector of Gujarat very keenly and safeguard the interest of homebuyers. The online portal provides solutions about project/agent compliance, registration, complaints filing or redressal, among others.

Vision and functions of RERA Gujarat

The vision and functions of Gujarat RERA is:-

To provide a secure, transparent, trustworthy, and sustainable regulatory environment in the real estate market.

A secure and transparent environment will encourage more and more investors to invest.

Get a legitimate property that is not involved in cheating cases.

Customer-friendly solutions- homebuyers can quickly check if a builder is RERA registered, and promoters can register themselves easily.

In case of any complaint, visit the GujRERA website for a timely solution

As per the latest update shared on GujRERA website, there are:

Particulars Numbers Complaints resolved 3530 Projects registered 10,117 Agents registered 2089 Projects completed 4298

Services Provided by Gujarat RERA

There are various services offered to homebuyers, real estate agents and promoters by RERA Act Gujarat.

1. Homebuyers: A homebuyer can file a complaint against a developer or an agent in case of any issue related to delay in project or payment. Also, while buying a property, they can access records and information on real estate projects.

2. Promoters: If a buyer fails to make a payment, a promoter can complain on a RERA Gujarat website. Secondly, a promoter can easily register your project at the comfort of your home.

3. Real estate agents: A real estate agent can also file a complaint against developers or builders in case of project delays. Also, they can register the project or renew their registration at GujRERA.

GujRERA: Gujarat RERA Online Portal

The Gujarat state government provided the citizens with an online portal (GujRERA) to easily use the Gujarat RERA services offered. The portal helps users track the progress of their real estate investments while getting real-time updates.

Here are a few major features and benefits of the Gujarat RERA online portal.

Quick Registration: The Gujarat RERA offers a quick and hassle-free registration process where users can register themselves by providing their basic details such as their name, mobile number, email address, etc.

Simple Navigation: The portal offers a simple navigation feature which allows users to find all important links on the dashboard and visit the required section in just a few clicks. This helps them save time and find answers to their queries in no time.

Realtime Updates: GujRERA portal has a separate section for the latest information available on the homepage. It is called Latest Happenings. The section provides all recent updates on specific real estate projects.

Analysis & Reports: The portal shows the number of projects registered and approved. By visiting the portal, users can also check the total investment made, the number of complaints resolved, and the number of agents registered.

Check Status of Gujarat RERA registered projects

We advise a new homebuyer to check the status of RERA registered projects before buying a property. This will ensure accountability and transparency while purchasing a property. Here is how a homebuyer can check the status:-

Log in to the RERA Gujarat website

Now click on Registration from the menu bar and click on Agent

A list of registered agents will be displayed

To check in a particular city, you can click on company or individual under the city name

A list with registration number and agent name will be displayed

Know More: Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Gujarat

How to file a complaint on Gujarat RERA Online ?

You can easily file a complaint on Gujarat RERA website. Here is all you need to do:-

Step 1: Visit the GujRERA website

Step 2: Click on Citizen tab and then click on Comaplaint

File a complaint Online on GujRERA

Step 3: Now, select the option as per your requirement. If you want to file a complaint as a home buyer then, click on login. If you have not registered then register yourself first.

Step 4: A complaint form will open up, enter all the details like name, address and complaint in description

Step 5: Make a payment of Rs 1000 and then click on Submit. Your complaint will be registered. Later, you can use the same portal and login credentials to check the status of the complaint.

How to file a complaint on Gujarat RERA Offline?

If a home buyer has a complaint against a promoter or an agent, they can file it online or offline. A complaint can be filed online on a website by entering the email address, then clicking next. After this, fill in all the details asked in a form and make a payment.

If using an offline medium, a homebuyer will have to fill a Form A, which is available on the GujRERA website. Also, they will have to submit a demand draft (DD) of Rs 1000 with Form A. Once they submit the form and DD to the authority, they will give a hearing date. Similarly, if a homebuyer opts for an offline method, submit Form A and DD at the Gujarat RERA office.

Sample of complaint Form A





Complaint Form A of GujRERA

If a homebuyer has to file a complaint regarding compensation, then they will have to submit Form B under section 12, 14, 18, 19 of RERA Act 2016 to the RERA Adjudicating officer.

Sample of complaint Form B





Complaint Form B of GujRERA





Note: If you are filing a complaint online then you will have to pay the fees online. The payment can be done using a debit or credit card. At the payment screen, select the payment method, enter the amount, enter the unique token number. Accept the declarations and then you will have to click Submit.

How to Raise a Ticket on GujRERA?

To raise a ticket for complaint or issue on GujRERA perform the following steps:-

Step 1: Go to GujRERA website

Step 2: Click on Citizen tab and then click on Raise Ticket

Raise ticket on GujRERA

Step 3: A login pop up window will open up. Select Promoter Claim 1.0 if you are a promoter and Agent Claim 1.0 if you are an agent.

Step 4: If you are a new user then you will have to sign up to the portal

Step 5: Once you have logged in enter the description of the issue and your ticket will be raised. You will get a ticket number which can be further used to track the status.

RERA Gujarat: Register Complaint as an Association

If a group of residents want to file a complaint against a real estate agent to the Gujarat Appellate Tribunal then it should be registered as an association. If not then it can be done as individuals.

Eligibility criteria of RERA Gujarat registration

A promoter/ developer/ or a real estate agent must fulfil the following eligibility criteria to register themselves at the RERA Gujarat website.

A developer or a builder constructing a building or apartments

A developer/builder involved in the renovation of a building

A developer or a builder develops a building on barren land for sale purposes.

A public body constructs a building on land owned by the government.

Also Read: Check Jantri Rate in Gujarat

Fees of RERA Gujarat

A promoter/ developer/ real estate agent has to shell out some money while registering a project on the RERA Gujarat website. The charges are listed below:-

Registration fees for Promoter
E stamping Facility Launched in Andhra Pradesh, To Ease Property Registration April 2023: The Government of Andhra Pradesh has recently launched the E stamping facility. The newly launched E stamping service by the state government will make property registration easier. With the e-stamping service, citizens will be able to pay the stamp duty directly. They will be able to prepare the documents for property registration by themselves.



Using the E Stamping facility, the citizens will be able to pay the requisite stamp duty at the stock holding corporation website (https://www.stockholding.com/) or using the Mobile application. The citizens will be able to pay in cash once the property value is ascertained.At present, the E stamping facility is available at over 1400 branches of SBI, Union Bank, Andhra Pradesh State Cooperative Bank, Common Service Centres and Stamp vendors.

About IGRS AP

IGRS Andhra Pradesh (IGRS AP), or Andhra Pradesh Inspector General of Registration and Stamps (Andhra Pradesh Stamps and Registration), preserves age-old property records and presents the same records to the court as testimony in case of any property dispute. IGRS AP also collects revenue via registration fees, stamp duties, and transfer duties. Andhra Pradesh IGRS (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh) is considered the third major revenue-receiving department in Andhra Pradesh.

What is IGRS AP

IGRS AP (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh) is the oldest department in the state of Andhra Pradesh that runs intending to provide authenticity to the registered documents. The department collects stamp duty and registration charges during property registration. Stamp duty is an obligatory tax levied by the state government on property transfers or purchases. A registration fee is also levied during property registration in case of transfer of ownership of immovable property.

IGRS AP (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh) also provides various online services such as land information, marriage registration, market value services, land registration and many more. For information, you must visit the official website of IGRS Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Pradesh Stamps and Registration) at http://registration.ap.gov.in.

Services Provided by IGRS AP Portal

The online portal of IGRS AP (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh) allows users to check property registration details. To get any property's registration details, one must have important details like document number, village name, district name, plot or apartment number, etc. Buyers can also calculate the e-stamp and e-challan charges at IGRS Andhra Pradesh (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh). After calculating stamp duty and registration charges, one can pay these two obligatory taxes of property transactions by filling in the required information at the IGRS AP portal (igrs ap gov in).

IGRS AP portal (Andhra Pradesh Stamps and Registration) offers an outline of all forms of property deeds to make property transfer and registration more convenient and accurate. Different formats of property deeds are required for mortgage, sale, lease, gift, exchange power of attorney, will, etc.; these ready formats provide ease and convenience to the consumer. These templates of deeds include sale deed (igrs ap deed details), gift, lease, mortgage, exchange, Will, and power of attorney.

IGRS AP portal further allows users to search for encumbrance certificates of any property registered in the sub-registrar's office. Users can also verify encumbrance certificates at the IGRS AP portal (Andhra Pradesh Stamps and Registration), and they can get the details of the registration of society as well. Details regarding e-stamp franking agents and stamp vendor lists are also available at the official web portal of IGRS AP.

Features of IGRS AP Online Portal

Quick Registration: IGRS AP online portal has a quick registration process that users can follow to create their unique credentials. They must provide details such as the user type, name, email address, mobile number, Aadhar number, etc. And register in just a few clicks.

Convenient Navigation: IGRS AP online portal (igrs ap gov in) has an easy navigation feature. There are multiple sections for different types of online services. The users navigate their preferred service and get the required details quickly. A Wide Range of Online Services: IGRS AP portal (igrs ap gov in) offers a wide range of online services such as property valuation, GPA search, marriage registration, property registration, and document registration, among many others. Lists: With the IGRS AP portal, users can go through various lists, such as the Sub-registrar office list, stamp vendor list, notary list, etc. and find the nearest office for their chosen service without hassle. Document Templates: IGRS AP portal (igrs ap deed details ) also comes with different document templates such as sale deed template, mortgage template, gift template, rent/lease template, release deed template, and more.

FAQs: The portal has a separate section where users can find answers to their basic questions about stamps, registration, property purchase, probate will, and more. They can contact the help and support team of the portal in case they have further queries.

IGRS AP (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh): Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Andhra Pradesh

Find below a few significant features of the IGRS AP online portal (igrs ap gov in).

As per Section 17 of the Indian Registration Act, all transactions, including the purchase & sale of immovable property, must be registered in the Andhra Pradesh Registrars Office within six months of performing the property deed. (ap stamps and registration fees)

Registration is necessary to safeguard the title of possession and prevent uncalled deceits in the future. For property registration, stamp duty and registration charges must be paid by the buyer to IGRS AP (Andhra Pradesh Stamps and Registration). The fee (ap stamps and registration fees) varies as per the property's location, age, and price.

S. No. Nature of Deed Stamp Duty (ap stamps and registration fees) Registration Charges User Fee 1. Gift Deed 2% on M.V. 0.5% 100/- if the value is less than or equal to 50,000 and 200/- if the value is above 50,000 2. Mortgage with Possession 2% 0.10% 100/- 3. Partition 1% on V.S.S. 1000/- 100/- if the value is less than or equal to 50,000 and 200/- if the value is above 50,000 4. Sale of Immovable Property 5% 1% 100/- if the value is less than or equal to 50,000 and 200/- if the value is above 50,000 5. Settlement 2% 0.5% 100/- if the value is less than or equal to 50,000 and 200/- if the value is above 50,000 6. Agreement of Sale Cum G.P.A. 5% 2000/- 100/- if the value is less than or equal to 50,000 and 200/- if the value is above 50,000 7. Agreement to Sale with Possession 5% 0.5% 100/- if the value is less than or equal to 50,000 and 200/- if the value is above 50,000 8. Mortgage without Possession 0.50% 0.10% 100/-

Additionally, apart from stamp duty & registration fee, a surcharge or transfer duty is levied as well at the time of property registration. The transfer duty is levied according to provisions of the AP Gram Panchayats Act, 1964, and the AP Municipalities Act, 1965, which goes to state government agencies. (ap stamps and registration fees)

Stamp duty and registration charges are calculated by IGRS AP (igrs ap gov in) on either the market value or circle rate of the property, whichever is higher. The stamp duty in the case of the sale deed is 5% for all citizens of Andhra Pradesh, and the registration charges and transfer duty is 1% and 1.5%, respectively. For information regarding stamp duty and registration charges, buyers can visit the official portal http://registration.ap.gov.in/ of IGRS Andhra Pradesh, where they can click the Duty and Fee Detail option on the home page.

IGRS AP Website (igrs ap gov in) Homepage



IGRS AP (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh): Documents Required for Registration of New Property

Registering a property with IGRS AP (Andhra Pradesh Stamps and Registration) requires the below-mentioned documents:

Passport-size photo of the buyer and seller and the buyer

Identity cards like Aadhaar Card, Voter ID or Passport

Current property card obtained from CSD (City Survey Department)

Registered photocopy of the original sale deed

Photocopy of utility bills

Photocopy of the valid document stating the required stamp duty payment.

IGRS AP: Online Payment of Stamps and Registration Charges

The Stock Holding Corporation of India provides an integrated facility for the citizens to know about e-stamping centers in Andhra Pradesh, a list of SRO offices, and a list of ACC bank branches for stamp duty payment via e-stamping.



Step 1: To pay the stamp duty via Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd, visit the official website of shcil,i.e. https://www.shcilestamp.com/estamp_stateandhra.html.

Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited Login Page

IGRS AP: How to know the market value of a property?



Login to your account if you have an existing Username and Password. If not, register and create an account on the portal.Once you are logged in, choose the state of Andhra Pradesh and proceed for online payment of stamp duty via NEFT/IMPS/RTGS/UPI etc.

To know the property's market value on the Registration and Stamp Department Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Pradesh Stamps and Registration) or IGRS Andhra Pradesh portal (igrs ap gov in market value), follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: (igrs ap gov in market value) Visit the online portal of the IGRS AP or Andhra Pradesh IGRS @ http://registration.ap.gov.in

IGRS AP Website Homepage (igrs ap gov in) IGRS AP Website Homepage (igrs ap gov in)

Click on the market value (igrs ap gov in market value) certificate option in the IGRS AP website service section.

Services Section on IGRS AP Website (igrs ap gov in)

Step 3: After clicking on the market value certificate section (igrs ap gov in market value), you are directed to a new page where you have to fill in the details, like whether the property is agricultural or non-agricultural. Then fill in the district name, village name, and Mandal name. Afterwards, click the submit tab to get the details of the area's market value (igrs ap gov in market value).

IGRS AP Unit Rates Details Form IGRS AP Unit Rates Details Form

IGRS AP Locality-Wise Details Page IGRS AP Locality-Wise Details Page

IGRS AP EC: Encumbrance Certificate

Once you submit the locality details, the following screen will appear, giving the unit numbers. From this window of the IGRS AP, one can get the unit rates locality-wise.

IGRS EC is a vital property document that contains key information related to the property. While buying a property, it is essential to check the Encumbrance Certificate. The IGRS AP EC serves as the legitimate proof of property ownership and Title of the concerned property.

The IGRS AP EC is proof that the property owner has unquestioned authority over the premises. This document also includes and enumerates all the transactions related to the property. The EC certificate clearly shows if there are any encumbrances (mortgages) on the property. Earlier, a user had to go to the registration department and physically get the IGRS AP EC. However, the IGRS AP web portal (igrs ap gov in) has enabled an online application and access to the Encumbrance Certificate in Andhra Pradesh.



IGRS AP 2022: Types of Encumbrance Certificate (EC) and Stamps Here is the step-by-step method to get an Encumbrance Certificate on IGRS AP EC online. EC is rolled out by the Registration and Stamps Department of Andhra Pradesh. There are two kinds of AP Encumbrance Certificates (EP) and stamps, Form 15 and Form 16. Form 15 This form comprises a record of the lease, sale, gift, release mortgage, partition and more. If a property is registered with these details, Form 15 is issued. Every property buyer or loan provider must provide the correct details while filling out this form. Form 16 The sub-registrar issues Form 16. A NIL document, also known as NIL EC, Form 16 acts as proof that the property is under dispute. It also indicates that the property has not been in any transactions since the requested EC.

How to Check e-Encumbrance Certificate (EC) Statement at IGRS AP EC

At the time of buying a property, the buyer must check the encumbrance certificate of the property. This is to ensure that the property in question is not a disputed property. One can check the encumbrance certificate or IGRS AP EC online.

Step 1: To get the encumbrance or IGRS AP EC details, visit the official website of IGRS AP (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh) and click the Encumbrance Certificate tab of the services section on the website's home page.





IGRS AP Website Homepage

Afterwards, you click on the encumbrance certificate on the IGRS AP.

IGRS AP EC Encumbrance Statement Page

Step 3: Click the submit option written on-page, and you will be redirected to the new page. Fill in the details such as document number, memo number and year of registration, submit tab, and you will get the encumbrance certificate.

IGRS AP Details Form IGRS AP Details Form

Once you enter the details, another page will appear on the IGRS AP website, and it will ask for the following information. Enter the information, and then you can view the encumbrance certificate.

IGRS AP EC Encumbrance Search Form

How to Find IGRS AP EC Encumbrance Certificate Online?

The IGRS AP web portal (igrs ap gov in) allows for an online facility to get the Andhra Pradesh EC online. Follow the below-mentioned procedure to get the EC online.

Step 1: Log in to the IGRS AP web portal (igrs ap gov in) http://registration.ap.gov.in/chatbot-0.0.1-SNAPSHOT/index.html

Step 2: Click on the EC Search option on the left.

List of Options on IGRS AP Website (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh)

As soon as you click on the button, the following window will be opened.

Citizen Registration Form on IGRS AP Website (igrs ap gov in)

Step 4: This form is for unregistered users. Enter the details such as Name, User Id, Password, Email Id, Aadhar Number, and Address and click on the submit button.

Step 5: If you are already registered, you can directly log in and get the Encumbrance Certificate (IGRS AP EC) online.





How to Use MeeSeva to Get IGRS AP EC?

MeeSeva is an online portal (service) that works with the AP registration department. According to the revised MeeSeva services from 11th April 2022, a user has to pay Rs 40 for Category A and Rs. 50 for Category B.

To receive IGRS AP EC via the MeeSeva online portal, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to - https://onlineap.meeseva.gov.in/CitizenPortal/UserInterface/Citizen/Home.aspx.

IGRS AP EC through the MeeSeva Portal

Step 2: Click on the Registration Department. It is a blue box below the Commission Rate of Industries.

Get IGRS AP EC (Encumbrance Certificate) on MeeSeva Portal

Step 3: When a new page will all the services open, choose ENCUMBRANCE CERTIFICATE.

Step 4: Log in to get the AP encumbrance certificate.

NOTE: Before accessing IGRS AP EC through the MeeSeva online portal, ensure you have a confirmation SMS regarding its approval. If the EC request is not approved by the authority, i.e. SRO (Sub Registrar officer), it will not be available on the MeeSeva portal.

IGRS AP: How to Know Your SRO on IGRS Andhra Pradesh?

The IGRS AP portal lets a user know his Sub-registrars Office (SRO) online. It can be done in easy steps on the IGRS AP portal.





Step 1: Visit the official portal of IGRS AP.

IGRS AP Website

Step 2: On the homepage of the portal, click on the Know Your SRO option.

List of Options on IGRS AP Website (igrs ap gov in)

The following screen would appear.

IGRS AP Details Form (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh)

Step 4: Enter the details like District, Mandal and Village.

SRO Details on IGRS AP Website (igrs ap gov in)

Step 5: As soon as you fill in the details, the SRO details will be displayed on the screen. It will contain details like Village Name, SRO name, SRO Code, Location Address, Latitude and Longitude of the SRO.

How to Calculate Stamp Duty and Registration Charges on IGRS AP

The common citizens are unaware of the technicalities in calculating the stamp duty and registration charges on various dimensions and types of properties. To solve this problem, the IGRS AP portal allows for an online calculation of stamp duty on the IGRS AP portal (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh). Follow the mentioned steps to calculate the stamp duty and registration charges online.

Step 1: Visit the official portal of IGRS AP.

Step 2: Click on the Duty Fee Calculator tab on the home page.

IGRS AP Website Homepage (igrs ap gov in)

Step 3: The following page will appear on the screen.

Duty and Fee Calculator on IGRS AP Website

Step 4: You will have to fill in the details such as Major Code (Type of Deed), Consideration value, whether the property is identified or not, Property Type, District, Village, Locality, Boundary Dimensions, House Number, Extent, Floor Number, Plinth Size, and Stage of construction among other things.

Step 5: Once you fill in the desired details, click the calculate button. The stamp duty, registration charges, transfer fee and total payable amount, will be displayed on the screen.

IGRS AP: How to Check the Registration Details on IGRS Andhra Pradesh Portal?

You can easily check the registration details of an apartment, layout plot and document number online. Follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Go to the official website of the Registration and stamps department of Andhra Pradesh, i.e. http://rs.ap.gov.in/

(Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh)IGRS AP Website Homepage

Step 2: On the right-hand pane, click on the List of Transaction button.

(Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh) List of Options on IGRS AP Website

The following screen will appear.

(Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh) IGRS AP Registration Details Form

Step 4: Choose the entity for which you wish to check the registration details. After this, choose the District, SRO office, Document Number and Registration year and Click on the Submit button. The registration details will be displayed on the screen.

IGRS Andhra Pradesh Portal: How to Search a Document by Name

Without crucial details, a person can search for a document by name. The IGRS AP portal (Andhra Pradesh Stamps and Registration) provides a seamless facility to search for a document by its name. Follow the mentioned steps to search for the document by name.

Step 1: Visit the official website of IGRS AP.

Step 2: Click on the homepage's Search by Name tab.

(Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh)List of Services on IGRS AP Website



The following screen will be displayed.

(Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh) IGRS AP Search Form

Step 4: Enter the details such as Case Number, FIR Number, Surname or Middle Name or Last Name and captcha code.

Step 5: Click on the submit button. The details will be displayed online.

IGRS AP: Prohibited Property Search

The IGRS Portal allows for a comprehensive search of prohibited properties online. Follow the mentioned steps to search for prohibited properties online.

Step 1: Log in to the IGRS AP portal.

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Prohibited Property Search.

List of Options on IGRS AP Website





The following screen will appear.

(Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh) Details Form on IGRS AP Website

Step 4: Fill in the District, Mandal, Village and Survey Number and click on the Submit button. Prohibited properties will be displayed on the screen.

IGRS AP: Check Integrated Property Wise Transaction Details Online

The IGRS Portal allows for an online facility to check property transactions. To check the property transactions online, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Log in to the IGRS AP portal.

Step 2: Click on the Integrated Property Wise Transactions.

List of Options on IGRS AP Website

The following window will appear.

(Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh)Transaction Details Form on IGRS AP Website

Step 4: Select the Rural properties or Urban properties option. The following screen will be displayed if you choose the rural properties option.

Details Form on IGRS AP Website

Select the District, Mandal, Village and Survey number from the drop-down list. And click on the submit button. The transaction details will be displayed online.

Transaction Details Form on IGRS AP Website

How to get a Certified Copy of IGRS AP (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh)?

Follow these steps to get a certified copy on the IGRS AP website.



Step 1: Click the Certified Copy tab on the home page of the IGRS AP portal. This will direct you to a new page.

Certified Copy Form on IGRS AP Website

How to View Notary List on IGRS AP (Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh)?

On the new page, fill in the information such as district name, SRO Location, and Registration Year. Enter Captcha.Click the submit tab and get the certified copy of the property.

Here are a few simple steps to help you view the Notary license holders list on the IGRS AP portal.

IGRS AP Online Services List

IGRS AP Notary License List IGRS AP Notary License List

How to Find Chit Fund Companies List on IGRS AP

Visit the IGRS AP online portal @ http://registration.ap.gov.in and scroll down to find the list of online services.Go to the Find section and click on the Notary License Holders List option.Next, provide the district name and get the notary license list for the same in just a few clicks.

Here are a few simple steps to help you fetch Chit Fund Companies List from the IGRS AP portal.

IGRS AP Chit Fund Companies List Option

IGRS AP Chit Fund Companies List Option

Visit the IGRS AP online portal @ http://registration.ap.gov.in and scroll down to find the list of online services.Go to the Find section and click on the Chit Fund Companies List option.Provide the district name to get the Chit Fund Companies list on your screen in just a few seconds.

IGRS AP Chit Fund Companies List



IGRS AP Online Payments: How to See Bill Status?

To know the bill status of IGRS AP online payment, you must go to https://cfms.ap.gov.in/ and then click on bill status under citizen services. Now enter details like year, gross amount, bill status, deduction, DDO, net amount, district, treasury office, and HOA. Click on the Checklist log.

IGRS AP online payments: How to do DDO search?

To do DDO search on the IGRS AP portal, you must go to the https://cfms.ap.gov.in/ website. Then click on Bill Status under citizen services. Here enter details like District, Treasury, and you will see the DDO code, DDO description and DDO Beneficiary code.

IGRS AP: Feedback

A citizen can easily provide feedback on the IGRS AP portal. On the homepage of IGRS AP, you will find an option for feedback in the bottom right-hand corner. Click on Feedback, and a new form will open up. Now enter your and click on Submit.

IGRS AP: Special Marriage Registration Form

On IGRS Andhra Pradesh, you can easily find a special marriage registration form. To download the form, you will need to perform the following steps:-

Step 1: Go to IGRS AP's official website

Step 2: Then click on Downloads

Step 3: Now, click on Special Marriage Registration

Step 4: A form will open up; you can download it in a pdf format

IGRS AP: Societies forms (MoV-Bye-Laws)

Using the IGRS AP gov website, you can download societies forms (MoV-bye-laws). It is a model document used for the registration of the society. Here is a guide to downloading the form from the IGRS Andhra Pradesh portal.

Step 1: Visit the official portal of IGRS Andhra Pradesh

Step 2: Now click on Downloads from the menu bar

Step 3: Once a new page opens up, click on Societies Forms (MoV-bye-laws)

Step 4: On the right-hand side, the form will open up, which you can download easily in a pdf format.

Registered Vendor List on IGRS AP

IGRS AP collects revenue via registration fees, stamp duties, and transfer duties. For this purpose, the state government of Andhra has designated some e-stamp vendors. The list of e-stamp vendors is available on the website of IGRS AP. Citizens who require e-stamps do not have to visit the registration office and can directly contact these registered vendors.

Follow the steps mentioned to get the list of registered vendors on IGRS AP.

Step 1: Go to the official website of IGRS AP (igrs ap gov in).

Step 2: On the home page, go to the Find section.

Step 3: Under this, click on the Stamps Vendor List tab.

Step 4: The list of registered stamp vendors with IGRS AP will be displayed on the screen.

You can contact one of the stamp vendors for e-stamping services related to IGRS AP.

IGRS AP: Online Payment Services on CFMS

Civil Deposits CM Relief Fund Judicial Challan Capital Development Fund Escort Charges Guard Charges Challan Status Transaction Cancellation Challan Cash Recovery Challan Pension Recovery Undisbursed Social Pensions Expenditure Reimbursement Employee Challan CPS Contribution Citizen Challan

IGRS Andhra Pradesh has started an online and comprehensive facility to manage payments related to citizen services. The CFMS or Comprehensive Financial Management System provides online payments services for the following services-

To access the CFMS Online Payment Service on IGRS AP, go to the official website of IGRS Andhra Pradesh website. On the home page, clock on the CFMS option and log in to make an online payment.

Online System for Land Registration Introduced in Andhra Pradesh





In a recent development, the Registration Department of Andhra Pradesh (IGRS AP) has launched an online land registration service across the State. The state government will expand the land registration service for the entire State. Under the Jagananna Bhoo Hakku-Bhoo Samrakshana Pathakam (resurvey and resettlement) programme, the state government has envisaged a fool-proof title and deed registration system after the completion of the resurvey project.





Under the new public data entry system, citizens can upload their data on the IGRS website, obtain a time slot and walk into the SRO office. The registration process will be complete in 20 Minutes. The government has also installed CCTV cameras to ensure transparency in the registration process.

The Bottom Line

Lastly, the Registration and stamps department Andhra Pradesh or IGRS AP website offers various services, such as viewing encumbrance certificates, certified copies, market value certificates, stamp fee calculations, registration fees, and other user charges. In addition, one can also check prohibited property searches, a list of stamp vendors, and several other services citizens who are not related to property registration services and charges, such as marriage registration and firm & society registration. View the IGRS Andhra Pradesh (Registration and Stamps Department Andhra Pradesh) official website @registration.ap.gov.in.
All information that is land-related and works about property registration in Bihar is being undertaken by the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department. This department is popularly known as the Bihar Inspector General of Registration and Stamps (IGRS Bihar).





The organisation was founded in August 1999. Before that, this department was referred to as the Revenue Department. Bihar's state-owned Bhumijankari portal provides the services by the IGRS Bihar.

IGRS Bihar (Property registration details in Bihar)

Bihar inspector-general of registration and stamps (IGRS Bihar) is entirely responsible for property and land registration within the state. The department came into existence in 1999, and since then, the department has been called the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department. The information about IGRS Bihar is offered by the state land information portal. This department is headed by the Inspector General of Registration and Stamps.

IGRS Bihar: Key Details

Following are the key details of property registration details of Bihar:-

Particulars Details Full form of IGRS Inspector General of Registration and Stamps Function The department levies taxes on the purchase of property

It helps the state government earn revenue

View registered document Services offered Land and property-related information

Model deeds

Property and land registration information Headed by Inspector General of Registration and Stamps Beneficiaries Citizens of Bihar Portal name http://bhumijankari.bihar.gov.in Portal to pay stamp duty OGRAS portal https://e-receipt.bihar.gov.in/brcs/ Founded In August 1999 Contact information Vikas Bhawan, Bailey Road, Patna - 800 001,Bihar. Telephone: (0612)-2215664. Email: igr-bihnic.in

Functions of IGRS Bihar

The following are the functions of IGRS Bihar:-

The department levies taxes on the purchase of property

It helps the state government earn revenue

You can also view the registered documents on the IGRS Bihar online portal

Information Available on IGRS Bihar Portal

Also Read: Bhulekh Bihar 2022-23- Land Records

On the IGRS Bihar portal- Bhumijankari-you can avail land and property-related information, model deeds, and property and land registration information. You can also avail of e-receipts of documents from the portal.

The IGRS Bihar, or the inspector-general of registration and stamps, is a government body completely responsible for levying taxes on various property transactions and other related activities in Bihar. This leads to the generation of revenue by the state government, which is very crucial for the growth of the state in various aspects.





Among the various online services the department provides to the state's citizens are property and land registration, information about the land, and property and model deeds. You can also generate e-receipts of various documents by using the department's official portal http://bhumijankari.bihar.gov.in

IGRS Bihar: Registration on Bhumijankari portal, Bihar









Registration on IGRS Bihar Note here that after you register at www.bhumijankari.gov.in, you can access registry details of any Bihar property.Registration on IGRS Bihar

IGRS Bihar: Property registration on the Bhumijankari Bihar portal







Property registration in Bihar on the Bhumijankari portal While model deeds and other information can be sourced from the Bhumijankari Bihar without registering on the website, the user must first register himself on the Bhumijankari portal to proceed with the duties of property registration. Then you can log in and proceed with the registration procedure of any property within Bihar.Property registration in Bihar on the Bhumijankari portal







https://e-receipt.bihar.gov.in/brcs/







Firstly, you need to remember that you should keep all the property-related and personal information handy before starting the procedure. You should also be able to pay the stamp duty via the net banking channels by using the OGRAS portal

OGRAS Bihar





In this procedure, you can make an online booking of an appointment at the sub-registrar's office (SRO) to complete the biometric verification, along with the seller and two witnesses. You are necessarily required to be a registered user to book an appointment at the office of the sub-registrar.





Bihar.

IGRS Bihar: Documents for Property Registration Once the appointment is scheduled, you must reach the sub-registrar's office on the scheduled date carrying all the originals and copies of the critical documents. The buyer, the seller, and the witnesses would have to carry their government-issued identity cards and address proofs for property registration in If you wish to do registration of property on the IGRS Bihar portal, then you need to submit the following documents:- Copy of sale agreement

Map of plot

Identity proofs of buyers and sellers

PAN cards of buyers and sellers

Receipt of payment of Stamp duty

IGRS Bihar: Stamp duty and registration charges

For property registration in Bihar, the buyers would have to pay 6% of the transaction's value, known as the stamp duty. Another 2% of the transaction value is being paid as registration charges.





However, in case a particular property is being purchased by a woman. The applicable stamp duty is 5.7%, and if a male purchase the property, the duty will be 6.3%. Similarly, if a woman buys a particular property, the registration charges would be 1.9%. If a man is purchasing a property, then the charges for the same would be 2.1%. For a sale agreement, the registration fee in the state of Bihar is 2%.





Chapter 2 of the Bihar Registration Act states that the documents must be registered via a computerized procedure that uses software as directed by the Department of Registration.





Below are the documents a buyer requires for a property to be registered. Here are the documents that the buyer would need to get a property registered in his name:

A copy of the agreement of sale.

The plots map.

The copies of the identity proofs of the buyers and the sellers.

Copies of the PAN cards of the buyers and the sellers.

Copies of the challan of stamp duty payment.

The buyers in Bihar can also pay the property stamp duty and registration charges via the OGRAS Bihar portal through net banking. For booking a property registration through the online medium in Bihar, you would have to visit the Bhumijankari portal and then book an appointment at the sub-registrar's office (SRO).





Getting land-related on Bihars Bhumijankari portal





To obtain different information regarding land transactions in Bihar, a user would have to provide all the necessary details, including the location, area, mauja, serial number, deed number, land value, plot number, etc. These are all shown in the below image.

IGRS Bihar: Deeds from Bihars Bhumijankari portal

The below-mentioned list of the model deeds can be downloaded from Bihars Bhumijankari portal in English, Hindi and Urdu languages.

Sale deed

Sale agreement (flat)

Sale agreement (general)

Mortgage

Mortgage deed with a possession

Mortgage deed by conditional sale.

Lease agreement

Lease agreement for a vacant land

Lease surrendering

Transferring the rights of leasehold by way of sale (land structure).

Transferring of the right of leasehold by way of sale (vacant land).

Trust deed

Will

Exchange

Power of Attorney

Arbitration

Adoption

Endowment

Security bond

Rectification

Cancellation

Gift (house/land)

Award

Partnership dissolution

Partnership

Partition

Deed pertaining to usufructuary mortgage
e-Nibandhan Jharkhand or IGRS Jharkhand (Inspector-General of Registration and Stamps Jharkhand) has to oversee the collection of stamp duty and registration charges on property registration at the time of sale or transfer of ownership through a gift deed. We give you all details of what IGRS Jharkhand is,

What is IGRS Jharkhand?

The e-Nibandhan or IGRS Jharkhand is in charge of collecting the stamp duty and registration charges at the time of property registration. As both, these are not just mandatory but also compulsory to transfer the ownership of the property. The stamp duty is a form of tax that the government collects for transferring the rights of ownership on immovable property. The registration charges are the charges of property document registration charges. These are basically like charges for providing a service.





e-Nibandhan Jharkhand is the online portal of IGRS Jharkhand. Over the years, to bring in more transparency and accuracy in the entire system, the IGRS Jharkhand has been providing services online. The e-Nibandhan portal helps buyers in paying the stamp duty and registration charges online. As per the Registration Act of 1908, under section 25, the buyer must pay the stamp duty within two months of execution of the instruments. Although ideally it must be paid before the implementation of the document.





In addition, for the registration of different types of deeds, documents required must also be shared with the IGRS Jharkhand or via the e-Nibandhan portal for online submissions. These documents must be shared within four months of document execution.

What are the Services Offered by e-Nibandhan portal?

The e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal offers services such as fee calculation and payment for e-stamp online payment and payment of registration charges. The provision of registration of society is also available . On the e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal, one can also check the list of registered societies and firms.





The e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal further offers the templates of all types of deeds to increase the ease of doing business. These templates of deeds include sale, gift, lease, mortgage, exchange, Will, and power of attorney. Under the section of ease of doing business (EODB), the e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal also offers options such as property search and non-encumbrance information.





The download section of the e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal offers download of deed documents through Digi Locker, society and firm registration form, list of acts and rules, list of stamp duty and registration fee, form for refund of stamp duty, and minimum valuation of land structure. On the IGRS portal, one can also search the CERSAI to rule out the case of fraudulent activities.







Fee Calculation / Payment Section of e-Nibandhan Jharkhand Portal



The fee calculation and the payment section of the e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal help individuals in paying the stamp duty against different types of instruments. The stamp duty and registration list provides details related to stamp duty and registration fees against various types of deeds. These deeds include adoption deed, conveyance deed, gift deed, mortgage, will, and partition deed, etc.

Also, when you click on the Fee calculator on the above drop-down menu, it redirects you to a different website, i.e. the National Generic Document Registration System.





You can further use the services of this website for various payments such as stamp duty, document registration, uploading documents, and making online appointments. In addition, this website can also be used for property registration. The National Generic Document Registration System website is a common platform launched across the states of India. For registration and verification of the account on the website, Aadhar card verification is a must. With the help of the NGDRS website, citizens can submit a grievance online as well related to property registration.





In addition, if someone has to file for the property registration fee refund, then it can be done through the e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal . Select the fee collection / payment option, and from there, select Fee Refund Log in. Once the registration page opens, the citizen must create an account by registering on the website and from there can apply for the fee refund process.

How to Pay Stamp Duty online with IGRS Jharkhand Portal?



To pay online the stamp duty, visit the e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal @http://enibandhan.jharkhand.gov.in/ and select online services.

From the drop-down menu, select the e-stamp payment option, and it will redirect you to the NGDRS website. From there, you can register and login into the website and make payments towards e-stamping online.







For land registration as well the same procedure of visiting the e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal @http://enibandhan.jharkhand.gov.in/ is to be followed and from there the NGDRS website.

How to Register a Firm or Society with the e-Nibandhan portal?

To register a firm or society on the e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal or the IGRS Jharkhand portal, visit the official website and select Society and Firm Registration.

From the drop-down menu, it is advisable to select Society Registration and read the user manuals provided for the registration of a society. Similarly, for firm registration, is it advisable to read the user manual from the Firm Registration in the above drop-down menu. Also, from the same drop-down menu, one can also download the partnership form for registering a partnership.

How to Check Registered a Firm or Society with the e-Nibandhan portal?

This facility is not available on the new e-Nibandhan Jharkhand website or the IGRS Jharkhand website. However, it is still available on the old website, i.e. @http://regd.jharkhand.gov.in/jars/website/. Under this, visit the Society / Firm registration and click either on the Online Registered Society or Online Registered Firm to check which all have been registered.



How to Search Non-Encumbrance Certificate with IGRS Jharkhand Portal?

Again this facility is available on the old e-Nibandhan Jharkhand website or the IGRS Jharkhand website, i.e. @http://regd.jharkhand.gov.in/jars/website/. On the website, select the EODB section, i.e., ease of doing business and select Non-Encumbrance and Search. A user manual will open up, which will guide on how to get the non-encumbrance certificate.

CERSAI Search

The e-Nibandhan Jharkhand website or the IGRS Jharkhand website, i.e. @http://enibandhan.jharkhand.gov.in/ offers a CERSAI search section. CERSAI basically stands for Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India. The sole reason behind the launch of this portal is to help identify and curb fraudulent activities that are related to equitable mortgages. This portal was formed to restrain people from availing multiple loans against the same immovable property or asset. Visit the website and click on CERSAI search.

Another page will appear, submit the required information, and from there, one can view if there are multiple loans taken against the same immovable property or not.

Lastly, the IGRS Jharkhand is responsible for collecting the revenue and taxes. The e-Nibandhan Jharkhand portal @http://enibandhan.jharkhand.gov.in/ is the online portal through which citizens can do property registration in Jharkhand, pay stamp duty online, and can get templates of various types of immovable property sale instruments. In addition, the IGRS Jharkhand portal enables people and institutions to search for fraudulent activities and multiple loans against the same collateral through the CERSAI search. Several user manuals are also available on the e-Nibandhan Jharkhand website that can be of great help to people for property registration, society registration, and firm registration.


Latest News on Property Registration in Rajasthan

State Government Launches One-Click System for Auto-Generation of Registration Deeds



Oct 9, 2023: The government of Rajasthan has implemented a new system for the automatic preparation of registration deeds with just one click. The stamp and registration department has developed this system to transfer four types of documents, namely:

sale deed

lease deed

rent deed

donation deed



This auto-deed generation system aims to provide relief to people, and in the future, it may also be used for other transfer deeds.

As per the Secretary of the Revenue Department in the Finance Department, this new approach aligns with the proposals presented in the 2021-22 budget announcement by Chief Minister Rajasthan. They included integrating blockchain technology into the state's administrative framework, creating a digital verification-based auto-approval system, and using information technology to simplify processes, all of which have been implemented successfully.

What is IGRS Rajasthan?

The full form of IGRS is Inspector-General of Registration and Stamps of Rajasthan, which is responsible for levying taxes related to property transactions- like buying and selling. The property registration in Rajasthan comes under Rajasthan Registration Act 1955. Recently, IGRS Rajasthan launched a website igrs.rajasthan.gov.in through which you can easily do property registration. Also, this system helps the Rajasthan government generate significant revenue. IGRS Rajasthan has a vertical called E-Panjiyan, which records all property registration transactions.

Services Available at E-Panjiyan

You can avail of the following services at the e-Panjiyan website:-

Land dispute details

Time slot booking

DLC rate information

Document status tracking

Valuation of property

e-inspection/search

Fees and rebates based on documents

Process to Check Property Valuation for Citizens

To find the exact value of your property, perform the following given steps:-

a. Step 1: Log into E-Panjiyan Rajasthan, Registration and Stamps website

b. Step 2: Click on property valuation for citizens, which is given under head Online Facilities

Homescreen of IGRS Rajasthan website

c. Step 3: You will be directed to a new page, now enter a phone number, verification code

Do property valuation on IGRS Rajasthan website

d. Step 4: Now enter an OTP, which you will receive on the submitted number

e. Step 5: Now, you will be moved to Fresh Evaluation/ Modify Evaluation

f. Step 6: Enter type of location, select document option, a subtype of sale deed- which will be sale deed certificate

g. Step 7: Enter Tehsil, District, and SRO details.

h. Step 8: Again, a new page will open. Here enter the details like location, colony area, plot number, etc.

i. Step 9: Add details built area, floor type, etc. in the additional value section

j. Step 10: Now, choose a commission, and then the measured value will be displayed.

k. Step 11: Click on Save the property details

Fees and Rebates based on Documents

http://www.epanjiyan.nic.in The stamp duty for men and women keeps changing in Rajasthan. Generally, the costs are between 3%-6%. To know the stamp duty, registration charges in Rajasthan, you must visit the official website of E-Panjiyan Rajasthan -The stamp duty for men and women keeps changing in Rajasthan. Generally, the costs are between 3%-6%.

DLC Rate Information

DLC Rate, also known as District Level Committee Rate, is a minimum value on which registration of an apartment, house, or plot is done. To check the rates, you should visit the official website of IGRS Rajasthan and then go to epanjiyan DLC. If you wish to review old and new rates, you must click on a specific district.

Documents Required for Property Registration

Following documents are required for property registration:-

Proof of Ownership- A copy of the sale deed and assessment of MC

Release Deed for ancestral property identification

Lease Deed if terms exceed a year

Photograph

PAN card and Form 60 as identity proof

Chain Document

Verification of GA if registration of the property is done out of the state

NO

Witnesses identity proofs

Description and map plan of the property

How to Register Property Through e-panjiyan Website

To register your property through e-Panjiyan website, perform the following steps:-

Visit the official website of e stamp Rajasthan or epanijyan.nic.in

On the home page, click on Property Valuation.

For property registration, click on Fresh Valuation. Fill in details like the location type of the property. Select Sale deed as document option and subtype sale deed certificate

Now, enter the details about Tehsil, District, and SRO.

As a new page opens up, enter details like location, colony area, property area, address details, etc.

Enter built area or floor type in the additional value section

Choose commission, and then the measured value will be displayed.

Now, Click on Save the property details to get the value of the land.

Click Next to go to e stamp Rajasthan page.

Enter execution date, face value, and select option Calculate Stamp Duty.

With stamp duty and registration charges, you also need to pay CSI and surcharge. The penalty also, if there is any.

Click on save

Click on Proceed to party details.

Now, provide the type of presenter, type of party, category, gender, party name, ID proof, address, and contact details.

Upload the necessary documents in a PDF format, then click upload and save. Once done, click Done and Exit

Click the payment option; now, you will land on the e-GRAS page.

Use username and password if you are already a user.

A new user will have to sign up and fill in all the details.

Choose Registration and Stamps Department

Fill the e-challan application.

Make the payment using a debit or credit card and click on Submit.

Once payment is made, the application will go to e-panijyan website.

Select time slot booking and click the good time and date when you can visit the SROs office.

Now, enter the CRN number and enter an OTP, which is sent to the registered mobile number.

Visit the Sub Registrars office (SRO) with the fee receipt and CRN number on the selected date and time.

When you reach the office, data verification will be done using the CRN number.

Pay the charges in cash or cheque if you select the manual payment method.

Once the process is done, the thumb impression and photographs of the Claimant, Presenter, Witness, and Executants will be captured. How to Draft a Deed on IGRS Rajasthan? Here is a guideline to draft a sale deed on IGRS Rajasthan. Step 1: Click on the Property Valuation for Citizen tab. Enter your mobile number.

Step 2: Enter all your property details, date of execution, face value and etc

Step 3: Click on Draft of Sale Deed

Step 4: Now a form will appear, where you need to fill the additional details like direction, limit and then click on Save to save the information

Step 5:Click on Draft of Sale Deed and a proforma will appear as per the details entered by you. You can still make the amendments as per requirement and then a deed will be created.

Also find: IGRS Bihar - Property Registration and Stamp Duty

How to Track Document Status

Here is a step by step guide to tracking the document status:-

Visit the official website of E-Panjiyan Rajasthan

From Online Facilities, Click Track CRN/Document Status

Click on View Status

dir="ltr">Book Time Slot Using E-panjiyan





To book a time slot to visit the SROs office, all you have to do is, visit the official website of e-Panjiyan. Click on On-time slot booking from the home page under the Online services. Enter details like district, sub-registrars office, date and time, CRN, and then Enter the OTP received on the mobile. Then you can visit the SRO office on the selected date and time with all your documents.

Book time slot on E-Panjiyan website

Verification of E-Stamp in IGRS Rajasthan

To verify E-Stamp in Rajasthan, you will have to perform the following steps:-

Log on to the IGRS Rajasthan website

Click on E- Citizen and then select E-stamp verification

Select State, enter certificate number, stamp duty type, a certificate issued to date, etc

Choose the state name and verify the certificate

A list of people will be displayed, and you can get in touch with those to avail e-stamping facility

Check Land Dispute Cases

To check the land dispute cases:

1. Visit the official website of e-panjiyan Rajasthan. 2. Click on Land Dispute Details from Online Services. 3. Here, choose a district and enter a Captcha and click on search.

Check land disputes on IGRS Rajasthan Website

4. All the disputed land cases of your land will be displayed on the page.

Online Refund Process





In case you need a refund on stamp duty charges, you can apply for it online. All you need to do is go to the official website, go to the Citizen Area section, and click on Online Stamp Refund. You will be directed to a new page, where you need to enter refund type, reason, and district. Click on Applicant Detail and then provide contact details and verification code.

Application for online refund on IGRS Rajasthan website





IGRS Rajasthan and E Panjiyan Website - Registration, DLC Rate And More

Epanjiyan: Online Time Slot Booking

To make an online appointment for registration of property in Rajasthan, you will have to visit http://epanjiyan.nic.in/stepin/home.aspx. Once you are on the page, you will be asked to enter details like district, mobile number (on which you want to get an OTP), nearest sub-registrars office, preferred date and time, CRN and OTP. Now enter the OTP and then click on Submit. On the day of appointment and time visit the sub registrar's office.

IGRS Rajasthan: Check Sub-Registrar List

You can check the sub-registrar list at IGRS Rajasthan website for any district of Rajasthan. Here is a step by step guide to check sub registrar list on IGRS Rajasthan website:-

Step 1: Go to the IGRS Rajasthan website @https://igrs.rajasthan.gov.in/

Step 2: From menu bar click on E-Citizens and then click on Sub Registrar List

Step 3: To get a district wise list click on the name of the district. For example if you want a list of Jaisalmer, click on Jaisalmer. List of Sub registrars offices will be displayed on the screen.



Check IGRS Rajasthan sub registrar list

How do I use the IGRS Rajasthan to authenticate my PAN card and Aadhaar?

Use the following method to authenticate PAN card and Aadhaar card with IGRS Rajasthan:-

To authenticate PAN card and Aadhaar you must get a CRN number from any bank. Once you have the number, take an appointment with the Sub Registrars Office (SRO).

Visit SROs office on the date of appointment with Fee receipt and CRN number

Data verification process will begin once CRR and fees for verification are paid at the SRO office. Once verification is successful, authentication of PAN card and Aadhar will be done.

Grievance Redressal: IGRS Rajasthan

You can lodge a complaint or grievance on IGRS Rajasthan portal. To lodge a complaint, perform the following steps:-

Step 1:Visit the official website of IGRS Rajasthan.

Step 2: Go to Lodge your Grievance from the second fold of the website

Step 3: Click on Register Grievance, before registering a complaint please read the points carefully.

Step 4: Enter mobile number, name, complaint. Your complaint should not be of more than 2000 characters.

Step 5: Then click on Submit

Following are the contact details of IGRS Rajasthan and stamps:-

Department Name: Registration & Stamps Department

Nodal Officer: Sh. Sunil Bhatia, Joint Director (Computer)

IG, Registration & Stamps Dept, Head Office, Ajmer

Phone no: 0145-2971208

Mobile no: 8209786099

You can contact at helpdesk.epanjiyan@rajasthan.gov.in if you have any issues related to the website or property registration. Also, you can call on a toll-free number 1800-180-6127 for any information or services.

Objectives of IGRS Rajasthan

Following are the objectives of the IGRS Rajasthan:-

To enforce the Indian Registration Act 1908 and its provisions

All laws related to stamps should be amended

To provide transparency and efficiency for users

The collection of stamp duty charges and registration charges help expand revenue growth

Benefits of E-panjiyan website

E-panjiyan offers the following benefits for citizens of Rajasthan:

It saves time and money

More transparency

Get all information sitting at home
IGRSUP (Integrated Grievance Redressal System UP) is mainly concerned with the registration of documents of immovable properties in UP. IGRSUP or Stamp and Registration Department UP is the official portal of stamp and registration department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP). IGRSUP is a one-stop solution for obtaining certified copies of deeds, and Exemption certificate (Baarah Saala) among others. Stamp and Registration Department UP





What is IGRSUP?





Search For: Properties in Lucknow IGRSUP is the website of the Stamp and Registration Department UP Government. Apart from the registration of property documents, IGRSUP provides services such as protection of registered documents, the providence of copies of registry documents to the court (when desired) and public, among others. IGRSUP also provides online services such as property registration, encumbrance details, stamp duty information, online property search and online application for stamp refund among others.

Services provided by IGRSUP (Stamp and Registration Department UP)

IGRSUP is primarily involved in the providence of services such as registration of documents and marriage registration, including the registration of properties. The following services are provided by the IGRSUP.

IGRSUP (Stamp and Registration Department UP) facilitates the registration of papers presented by the public in the Deputy Registrar's offices.

facilitates the registration of papers presented by the public in the Deputy Registrar's offices. Indexing of registered papers in the Deputy Registrar's offices. In indexing, in the Deputy Registrar's offices, the names of the parties involved, and the area-wise lists of the property is prepared and made available publicly.

IGRSUP (igrsup gov in) ensures the availability of attested copies of the papers to the Hon'ble Court and the public.

(igrsup gov in) ensures the availability of attested copies of the papers to the Hon'ble Court and the public. Discharge Certificate  If any transaction has been registered between the public in relation to any immovable property in recent years or if any mortgage of the property has been registered, then the related certificate can be obtained from the office of the Deputy Registrar.

If any transaction has been registered between the public in relation to any immovable property in recent years or if any mortgage of the property has been registered, then the related certificate can be obtained from the office of the Deputy Registrar. IGRSUP facilitates Hindu Marriage Registration  Under the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955, the registration of Hindu marriages is done by the Deputy Registrar Office.

facilitates Hindu Marriage Registration Under the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955, the registration of Hindu marriages is done by the Deputy Registrar Office. Under IGRSUP (igrsup gov in) , attested copies of sale letters or donation letters of agricultural land are made available free of cost to the revenue office of the concerned tehsil by the deputy registrar offices.

, attested copies of sale letters or donation letters of agricultural land are made available free of cost to the revenue office of the concerned tehsil by the deputy registrar offices. When the wills of the public are submitted, they are preserved by the district registrar's offices.

Due to illness or old age etc., if an executor is unable to go to the Deputy Registrar's office for the registration of his paper or to accept the performance of the paper, then in such a case, the process is completed at the place of residence of the executor. Also Read: Bhulekh UP



IGRSUP Property Registration Online

IGRSUP provides an online facility of property registration in Uttar Pradesh. Here is a step-by-step method to register a property on IGRSUP (Stamp and Registration Department UP) online through IGRSUP Login.





IGRSUP Login) Go to the official website of IGRSUP, i.e., IGRSUP login at Step 1: () Go to the official website of IGRSUP, i.e.,at https://igrsup.gov.in/



Step 2: Click on the Property Registration (Sampatti Panjikaran) tab on the left.







IGRS Property Registration (Stamp and Registration Department UP)



IGRS Property Registration (Stamp and Registration Department UP)

https://igrsup.gov.in/igrsupPropertyRegistration/ Step 3: When you click on the Apply Now (Aavedan Karein) tab, a new window will be opened at







Property Registration Window



Property Registration Window







Registration Application Portal



Step 4: If a new application is being submitted for property registration, click on the New Application (Naveen Aavedan).Registration Application Portal

Step 5: (IGRSUP Login) When you click on the New Application (Naveen Aavedan) tab, the following window opens.









New Application Window



New Application Window

District

Tehsil

Deputy Registrar

Mobile Number

812-digit Password and captcha code

How to check the property registration application status on IGRSUP?

If you have already applied for the property registration on the IGRSUP portal (igrsup gov in), you can check the status using the following method-





IGRSUP Login) Go to the official website of IGRSUP, i.e., IGRSUP login at Step 1: () Go to the official website of IGRSUP, i.e.,at https://igrsup.gov.in/





Step 2: Click on the Property Registration (Sampatti Panjikaran) tab on the left and click on Apply Now.







Check Property Registration Application Status



Step 3: (IGRSUP Login) Click on the User Login or (Prayokta Login).



Check Property Registration Application StatusStep 3: (IGRSUP Login) Click on the User Login or (Prayokta Login).





Property Registration Application Window Property Registration Application Window



Step 4: When you click on the User Login, the following window opens. https://igrsup.gov.in/igrsupPropertyRegistration/propertyRegistrationLogin Step 4: When you click on the User Login, the following window opens.





Property Registration User Login



Property Registration User Login

Step 5: Fill in the details such as District, Application id, Password, and the Captcha code. When you click on the Log in button, the application status of property registration on IGRSUP will be displayed.

How to Search for Property Information on IGRS Uttar Pradesh? (IGRSUP Property Search)

The IGRSUP portal allows a user to search for a property online. To search for a property on IGRSUP online, follow the below-mentioned steps-





IGRS login) at https://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/defaultAction.action

Step 2: When Click on the Property Details (Sampatti Vivaran) tab on the left, the following window opens at https://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/propertySearchLinks



Step 1: You can login to the IGRS portal () at

Step 2: When Click on thetab on the left, the following window opens at



Property Search Window (Stamp and Registration Department UP)



Property Search Window (Stamp and Registration Department UP)

Step 3: Here, you can search for both rural properties and urban properties.





Step 4: if you click on Rural Properties, the following window opens.





IGRSUP Rural Property Search

IGRSUP Rural Property Search

Step 5: You have to enter the details on IGRSUP such as

District

Tehsil/SRO office

Village/Mohallah

Khasara No/House No/plot No

Once you click on submit button, the details of the property are displayed on the screen.





Urban Properties tab in the following window.







IGRSUP Urban Property Search (Stamp and Registration Department UP) Step 6: if you want to get the details of urban properties, you have to click on thetab in the following window.IGRSUP Urban Property Search (Stamp and Registration Department UP)

Step 7: Fill in the details such as District and Property id and click submit.





Property Search Window



Property Search Window

The details of urban property on IGRSUP will be displayed on the screen.





The property search on IGRSUP portal (IGRSUP index) can be done through the following links at (igrsup gov in).

How to apply for stamp duty withdrawal on IGRSUP?

apply online for stamp duty withdrawal on the IGRSUP portal (igrsup gov in).



The IGRSUP portal of Stamp and Registration Department UP allows a user to withdraw the stamp duty . A user canon the IGRSUP portal (igrsup gov in).

Steps to apply online for withdrawal of stamp duty on IGRSUP portal.





IGRSUP login) at Step 1: Login on the IGRSUP portal () at https://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/defaultAction.action





IGRSUP Login, click on the Stamp Vaapsi Hetu Aavedan (Withdrawal of stamp duty on IGRSUP) tab. The following window will open.



Step 2: After, click on the  (Withdrawal of stamp duty on IGRSUP) tab. The following window will open. Stamp Refund on IGRS UP



Step 3: If you are a new user and applying for stamp refund on IGRSUP for the first time, click on New Register.















Step 4: In the following window,

Fill the details such as District, Mobile Number, Password and Captcha Code and Click Sign in. You can now apply for the stamp duty refund on the IGRSUP portal.











Status Refund Application Portal Step 5: If you have applied for the stamp duty refund earlier, you have to click on Pre-register tab.Status Refund Application Portal

Step 6: After you click on the Pre-Register tab, you will have to fill the details such as Application Id, Captcha Code and password and the stamp duty refund status will be displayed on the screen.





Stamp Refund Pre Register



Stamp Refund Pre Register





Search for Properties in Greater Noida This way, the stamp duty refund can be applied on the IGRSUP portal. This facility has enabled the online application for stamp duty refund and saves a lot of time of the general public. It has also ensured transparency in the refund mechanism of IGRSUP.

How to Apply for Certificate of Registered Instrument on IGRSUP? (Panjikrat Lekhpatra Ka Pramanpatra)

The stamp and registration department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh (IGRSUP) allows for online application of certificate of registered instrument via IGRSUP portal (igrsup gov in). The certificate can be applied in the following steps.





Step 1: Click on the Application for Registered Instrument Certificate or Panjikrat Lekhpatra Pramanpatra Ka Aavedan on the left on IGRSUP portal





Certificate of Registered Instrument

Certificate of Registered Instrument Step 2: The followng Window will be opened.



New User Registration New User Registration

Step 3: Fill in the following details

District

Sub-registrars office

Type of Property

Registration year

Registration Number

Date of Registration

Name of the Applicant

Captcha Code

And click on Sign In. you will be able to apply for certificate of registered instrument via IGRSUP portal.

How to apply for industrial property registration through IGRSUP?





Step 1: (IGRSUP Login) Log in to the IGRSUP portal at https://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/defaultAction.action

The Uttar Pradesh Government is encouraging start-ups and investors to invest in the State. To provide a one-stop interface to the investors, the UP government has rolled-out the Nivesh Mitra website. The investors can register on the Nivesh Mitra portal through IGRSUP portal in the following steps.Step 1: (Log in to the IGRSUP portal at

Step 2: On the Home page, click on the Audhyogik Sampatti Panjikaran hetu Nivesh Mitra Website ke Madhyam se Aavedan Karein.





Nivesh Mitra through IGRSUP Nivesh Mitra through IGRSUP

http://niveshmitra.up.nic.in/







Nivesh Mitra Window (Stamp and Registration Department UP)



Step 3: You will be directed to the following website @Nivesh Mitra Window (Stamp and Registration Department UP)





Find Out: Properties for Sale in Prayagraj Step 4: here, you can get information related to required approvals, budding industrial sectors, Government support and facilities provided to the investors.

How to apply for Encumbrance Certificate on IGRSUP portal? (Bharmukta Pramanpatra/Barah Sala)

The IGRSUP facilitates the application for Encumbrance Certificate or Bharmukta Pramanpatra/Barah Sala Online. Before applying for the Encumbrance certificate on IGRSUP portal (IGRSUP Index), keep the important property documents handy. Property details and names of the owner or co-owner are compulsory to apply for Encumbrance Certificate on IGRSUP (igrsup gov in). To apply for Encumbrance Certificate on IGRSUP portal, the following steps must be followed.





https://igrsup.gov.in/ (IGRSUP Login) and click on the Bharmukta Pramanpatra/Barah Sala on the left.





Apply for Encumbrance Certificate on IGRSUP



Step 1: Go to(IGRSUP Login) and click on theon the left.Apply for Encumbrance Certificate on IGRSUP





Step 2: Once you click on Apply or Aavedan Karein the following window opens.



Barah Sala Application on IGRS Uttar Pradesh

Step 3: If you are a new user, click on Start New Registration







Start New Registration Window Start New Registration Window



Step 4: Fill in the details such as Applicants information, and



Step 4: Fill in the details such as Applicants information, and details of the property



Application for Encumbrance Certificate



Review before submitting and click submit button to Apply for Encumbrance Certificate on IGRSUP.













Online Payment for Encumbrance Certificate on IGRS Uttar Pradesh



Step 5: Once you Submit the application, you will be redirected to the payment gateway.Online Payment for Encumbrance Certificate on IGRS Uttar Pradesh





Search for Properties in Ghaziabad You can make the online payment through Debit Card, Credit Card, Neft, RTGS, UPI and Other Online payments methods.

How to certify E stamp on IGRSUP portal?

You can certify the e-stamp on the IGRSUP portal (igrsup gov in). To certify the e-stamp, follow the below mentioned steps.





Step 1: Click on the E-stamp Satyapan on the home page of IGRSUP portal.







Certify E-Stamp on IGRS UP Certify E-Stamp on IGRS UP



Step 2: Once you click on the E-stamp Satyapan, the following window opens.



Step 2: Once you click on the E-stamp Satyapan, the following window opens.



Certify E Stamping on IGRSUP



Step 3: Fill in the details such as state, certificate number, stamp duty type, and issue date, and click on Verify. You will get the details on the screen.





Accredited Collection Centres for E-stamps at IGRSUP here. You can download PDF of the district wise details of

Stamp Duty Charges in UP (Stamp and Registration Department UP)

The prevailing stamp duty charges in UP are





Sr No Deed Type Stamp Duty Charges 1 Sale Deed 7% (Registration charge=1 %) 2

Sale Deed (Female) 6% (Registration charge=1 %) 3 Sale Deed (Male+Female) 6.5% (Registration charge=1 %) 4 Sale Deed (Female+Female) 6% (Registration charge=1%) 5 Sale Deed (male+male) 7% (Registration charge=1%) 6 Gift deed Rs 60 to Rs 125 7 Lease deed Rs 200 8 Will Rs 200 9 General power of attorney (GPA) Rs 10 to Rs 100 10 Special power of attorney (SPA) Rs 100 11 Conveyance Deed Rs 60 to Rs 125 12 Notarial act Rs 10 13 Affidavit Rs 10 14 Agreement Deed Rs 10 15 Adoption Deed Rs 100 16 Divorce Rs 50 17 Bond Rs 200 Rate List for Mutation of Land Records at urban Local Bodies The IGRS Up or Inspector General of Registration and Stamps (IGRS) of Uttar Pradesh provides a facility to check the rate list for mutation of land records target urban local bodies. To check the rate list of mutation of land records at urban local bodies of UP, follow the mentioned process. Step 1: Go to the official portal of IGRS UP homepage.



Step 2: Click on the fee details section under the other services section.



Step 3: A new tab will be opened.



Step 4: Under this, click on the Mutation and Name Change at ULB.



Step 5: You will be redirected to the the following page https://e-nagarsewaup.gov.in/ulbappsmain/mutationRate



Step 6: Here, select the type of Local Body from Nagar Nigam, Nagar Palika and Nagar Parishad.



Step 7: Select the City.



Step 8: Click on the Show Mutation Rates option. The mutation rates will be displayed on the screen. Step 1: Go to the official portal of IGRS UP homepage.Step 2: Click on the fee details section under the other services section.Step 3: A new tab will be opened.Step 4: Under this, click on the Mutation and Name Change at ULB.Step 5: You will be redirected to the the following page https://e-nagarsewaup.gov.in/ulbappsmain/mutationRateStep 6: Here, select the type of Local Body from Nagar Nigam, Nagar Palika and Nagar Parishad.Step 7: Select the City.Step 8: Click on the Show Mutation Rates option. The mutation rates will be displayed on the screen.

How to File a Complaint on IGRS UP? Find below a few simple steps to file a complaint on the IGRS UP portal. Step 1: (IGRSUP Login) Go to the official website of IGRSUP, i.e., IGRSUP login at https://igrsup.gov.in/ Step 2: Click on the Suggestions/Complaints (Sujhav/Samasya) tab available on the top right side of the website homepage. Step 3: Fill out the Complaints Form by providing a few basic details such as your name, location, mobile number, email ID, and the complaint-related information. Step 4: Enter the correct captcha in the space provided in the form. Step 5: Click on the Submit button to file the complaint.

Other services available through IGRSUP

Apart from the services mentioned above, the IGRSUP enables the reach to the following services online. The IGRSUP (IGRSUP Index) provides an online link to the following services-

UP Rajkosh

UP Rajkosh is the website of the Finance Department of Uttar Pradesh. In addition to the offline payment facilities, the Finance Department of UP takes online payments through the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS). The facility of online acceptance of payment of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Taxes through the internet portals of various banks has been developed and interlinked. It is done without having any implication on the existing procedure of the Department.





IGRSUP (igrsup gov in) provides a link to UP Rajkosh.



Properties in Agra To avail of the benefits of this facility, the taxpayer is required to have an Internet banking account with any of the banks listed and empanelled with the government.igrsup gov inprovides a link to UP Rajkosh.

UP Bhulekh Khatauni

The Bottom Line IGRSUP (igrsup gov in) provides a link to the UP Bhulekh Khatauni portal. UP Bhulekh Portal has been designed to computerize the land records across Uttar Pradesh. It helps in better management and preservation of the land records and makes the records accessible from anywhere. Bhulekh Portal enables synchronization of the Khatauni Cycle . Using UP Bhulekh API, you can view land records data, details of the landowner, and land record details online.

Conclusively, apart from the providence of property registration services, IGRSUP (igrsup gov in) provides services such as Encumbrance certificate, deed registration, marriage registration and property details among others.

Step 6: Once this window ofproperty registration opens, you have to fill the details such asStep 6: After filling up of the following details, click the Enter (Pravesh Karein) button.Step 7: Once all the details are submitted online, the applications and the duly signatured documents will be presented before the Sub-registrar. You can choose a suitable time for presenting the documents for verification.
The Romanian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires after the discovery of drone debris on Romanian territory. New UAV fragments were discovered near the Romanian village of Plauru on September 9.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in a statement of the Romanian Foreign Ministry, released on September 10. The ministry noted that the day before, Romanian Secretary of State Iulian Foto met with a Russian diplomat to convey to him "Romania's protest against the violation of Romanian airspace."

Foto "firmly asked the Russian side to stop actions directed against the Ukrainian population and infrastructure, in particular those that threaten in any way the security of Romanian citizens in the region," the Romanian Foreign Ministry said.

Recall, the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis addressed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg after the fall of new drone debris on Romanian territory. He said that the incident indicates an unacceptable violation of the country's airspace.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- On the night of September 4, during Russia's massive attack on Odessa region, part of the kamikaze drones fell and detonated on Romanian territory. The downed UAV attacked the Izmail port on the Danube River.

- Romania's president denied the downing of the "shaheds" and claimed that "no drone" or part of it had reached the Romanian border.

- The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that Romania had taken a pause to investigate the situation.

- On September 6, the Romanian Defense Ministry admitted that parts of the Russian drone had fallen on their territory. The country decided to tighten security measures.

- Stoltenberg said that the fall of the "Shahed" does not indicate a deliberate action on the part of the Russian Federation.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Bhulekh Haryana finally Lal Dora free October 4, 2023: In a recent update, the Chief Minister of Haryana has announced that the state has finally become free of Lal Dora lands. The initiative was launched in 2019 to provide clear property ownership rights in rural areas of Haryana. Under the initiative, drones were employed for land parcel mapping and issuance of legal ownership cards. Covering 6,260 villages across the state, over 2.5 million property cards were identified. Out of the number, around 2.4 million cards have already been handed out to property owners. Additionally, 0.462 million properties have been registered in 3,613 villages. Lal Dora lands have continued to pose a hurdle in maintaining revenue and ownership records. This initiative will address such issues, ensuring a more precise and effective maintenance of land property records in the state. Therefore, villagers can use these records for official purposes such as obtaining bank loans. Haryana Government announces Start of schemes under No Litigation Policy, To benefit IMT farmers with registered names in Haryana Jamabandi land records





August 2, 2023: In a recent move, the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) has started the implementation of a No Litigation Policy. The policy would benefit the ousted farmers of the Industrial Model Township (IMT) Manesar.





The policy has been introduced for the active and voluntary participation of the landowners to achieve sustainable development in the state. The No Litigation Policy will benefit landowners whose names were registered in the land records on the date of the announcement of the award. Revenue estates of Kasan, Kukrola and Sehrawan villages of Manesar. The No Litigation policy would benefit the landowners whose land was earmarked for compulsory acquisition in January 2011. Under the policy, the landowners get the option of receiving better benefits in lieu of no litigation. However, such farmers would have to give an undertaking in this regard in a prescribed format.

About Jamabandi Haryana

Jamabandi Haryana (Haryana Land records) is an online portal to check Haryana land records. The records are available at jamabandi nic in Haryana. Jamabandi is created in every revenue estate as part of a record of rights. This includes information on possession, development and current status of various land rights. It is updated once in five years when Patwari prepares a Jamabandi (land records), and the Revenue Officer affirms with an attestation. The revised Jamabandi is prepared in two copies, of which one copy - Nakal - is kept with the District Record Room and the other copy remains with Patwari. To this currency of settlement, a presumption of truth is also attached under Section 44 of the Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887.

Further, in the blog we have covered how to access digital land record Haryana or Jamabandi Haryana, search court cases, download court orders and more.

Jamabandi Haryana Land Records

Jamabandi Haryana is an online portal where you can get all the land records of Haryana. Jamabandi Haryana online system is set up by the Revenue Department of Haryana. All land right modifications to the Revenue Agency's notice are recorded in the Jamabandi under a specified procedure after the revenue officer has validated them. The Haryana land record information system is offline as well, you will have to visit the Revenue department and then submit the application form, attach required documents. Once the documents are verified Land ROR will be issued.

Services Offered on Jamabandi Haryana Portal

Any person who owns a property in Haryana can avail the below mentioned services from the portal:-

Avail Jamabandi Nakal

View Mutation order

Check mutation status, fees

Check Collector rates

Check Stamp duty and registration fees

Use Stamp Duty calculator

Cadastral Maps

View Registered Deeds

Check Revenue Court Order Status

Book deed registration appointment

What is Jamabandi Haryana (Haryana Land records)?

Jamabandi is also known as Record of Rights (ROR). This record is revised once every five years. It is prepared by the Patwari and attested by the Revenue Officer. The jamabandi Haryana contains the following details -

Details of the owner

Details of the cultivator

Source of irrigation

Type and area of the land

Khewat/khasra, khatoni, and Patti details

Rent details paid by the cultivator

Benefits of Jamabandi Haryana

Following are the benefits of Jamabandi Haryana portal:-

Time Saving: One can avail Haryana land records from home. There is no need to stand in long queues to get the records. All you need is a good internet connection to avail the records.

Transparency: Online land records help reduce the frauds and scams related to Haryana land records.

Easy access: Land records of Haryana are available within no time and can be downloaded easily.

Real time update: Land records of Haryana are updated on a real time basis.

Quick redressal: If you have any complaint or query it is resolved quickly. You can call on the customer care number or send email.

Process to Check Availability of Deed Registration Appointment Slots

To check the availability of slots for deed registration on Jamabandi Haryana portal (Haryana Land records), perform the following steps:-

Step 1: Go to Jamabandi website (jamabandi nic in Haryana)



Jamabandi Haryana Homepage

Step 2: Now, click on Deed Registration Appointment from the menu bar

Step 3: A new page will open up, select district, tehsil and choose the number of days from the drop down menu

Deed Registration Availability (Haryana Land records)

Step 4: Upon searching, youll be able to view the availability of the slots.

Deed Registration Appointment Availability (Haryana Land records)

Step 5: Now, you will be redirected to the below given page.

Haryana Jamabandi Login with Mobile (Haryana Land records)

Step 6: Enter mobile number and OTP which you received on your phone. After that, you will be redirected to the below given page, select Normal Appointment or Tatkal Appointment and fill the required details and click Next.

Appointment for Deed Registration

Step 7: Once, you have selected the District, Tehsil or Village you will be redirected to below given page and click on Get Details

Appointment for deed Registration Jamabandi Haryana Online

Jamabandi Haryana Land Records: How to Check Jamabandi Nakal Online@ Jamabandi nic in Haryana?

Follow the below-mentioned simple steps to view Jamabandi Nakal on the official website of Haryana Jamabandi.

Step 1. Visit Jamabandi official website (jamabandi nic in Haryana) and choose the Jamabandi tab on the homepage. Click on Jamabandi Nakal.

Jamabandi Haryana Homepage (Haryana Land records)

Step 2. You can find the details using four options; 1. Owner name, 2. By khewat, 3. By khasra/survey number, 4. By the date of mutation. Click on anyone to proceed. Choose the appropriate option and fill in the details and proceed.



Jamabandi Haryana Nakal Details





Step 3. After entering the owners name, the Nakal details will be displayed.

Jamabandi Haryana: Search Court Cases and Download Order

The steps to find out court cases on a property and download the order online are:

Step 1. Visit Jamabandi official website (jamabandi nic in Haryana) and choose the Court Cases tab on the homepage. Click on Revenue Court Cases/Civil Court Cases



Jamabandi Haryana Court Cases

Jamabandi Haryana: Search for Registered Deeds

There are various types of deeds which are registered in Haryana. A citizen of Haryana can easily search for such deeds on Nakal Jamabandi Haryana portal. To search different types of deeds, you will have to go to Jamabandi NIC In Haryana portal. Go to Property Registration and then click on View Registered Deeds. You will have to login using your mobile number and then can see the registered deeds by entering important details.

Jamabandi Haryana: Check Important Property Details

Jamabandi Haryana for Civil Court Cases

Follow the below given steps to check civil court cases on Jamabandi website ((jamabandi nic in Haryana). Enter District, Tehsil, Village and other details on the Jamabandi Haryana Website. Clicking on the 'Submit' button will allow you to find the court case and download the order.

Jamabandi Haryana for Revenue Cases

On Jamabandi Haryana portal you can check important details about property such as- owner details, kashtkar, Makbuja, Majrua, Total land details, Irrigation details, and Khewat/Khatoni details. To know all these details, you have to visit Jamabandi Nakal Haryana website and then click in Query. Select service as per your requirement and then enter the details. All the details will be displayed on the screen.Check important details on Jamabandi Haryana portal

Users can also check the details of revenue cases on the Jamabandi Haryana portal. To check the Jamabandi Haryana follow the mentioned steps.



Step 1. Enter the official website of Jamabandi Haryana and click on the Revenue court under Court Cases tab.



Step 2: Enter Location, Court, Case No, Case ID, Petitioner Advocate, and Petitioner Name. The details will be displayed on clicking on the Submit.



Jamabandi Court Case Status

Suggested Read: How to Register in RERA Haryana

Process to Check Cadastral Map in Jamabandi Haryana

You can easily check the Cadastral map on the Jamabandi Haryana website (jamabandi nic in Haryana). Perform the below given steps to check the maps:

Step 1: Visit Jamabandi Haryana website- jamabandi nic in Haryana

Step 2: Then select Cadastral maps from the menu bar and click on View Cadastral Maps

Step 3: Now you will be redirected to a new page and you can search by district, tehsil. For example if you want to search for Faridabad, then write Faridabad in the search bar. Also, from the menu bar on the right hand side you can select your search type.

Cadastral Map in Jamabandi Haryana Cadastral Map in Jamabandi Haryana

Also Read: National Generic Documents Registration System

How to Check Collector Rates at Jamabandi Portal

To check the collector rates at Jamabandi website (jamabandi nic in Haryana), perform the below given steps:-

Step 1. Visit Jamabandi official website and choose the Property Registration tab on the homepage. Click on Collector Rates.



Collector Rates Window

Step 2. Enter details such as District, Tehsil, Period, and Village. Click on the Submit button and get the information on collector rates.



Collector rate haryana jamabandi Collector rate haryana jamabandi

Mutation of property is change of title ownership from one person to another when the property is sold or transferred. It can be because of gift, exchange, mortgage with possession, without possession, partition, land term leases etc. You will have to levy a fee of Rs 250 for acquisition of an interest or right by a registered deed or an order of court. Also, Rs 50 will be levied at district level at the District Information Technology Society (DITS).

Process to Check Mutation Orders on Haryana Land Records

Perform the following steps to check mutation orders on Jamabandi Haryana land records website:-

Step 1: Go to Jamabandi website

Step 2: Click on Mutations from the menu bar and then click View Mutation Orders

Step 3: Now, select Tehsil, District, Village from the drop down menu, mutation number, mutation date

Check Mutation on Haryana Jamabandi

Step 4: To view the mutation order, click on Submit

Process to Check Mutation Status Online

Follow the below given steps to check status of mutation online:-

To know the status of a mutation online, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Go to Jamabandi website

Step 2: Click on Mutations from the menu bar and click on Check Mutation Status

Step 3: Select the district, tehsil, from the drop down menu and enter registry number, and date.

Check Mutation Status on Jamabandi Haryana Online

Step 4: Now, click on Search and status will be displayed.

How to check the mutation status of Deeds on Jamabandi Haryana?

In addition to checking the status of mutation, the users of Haryana can also check the mutation status of Deed on Jamabandi Haryana Portal online.To check the mutation status of Deeds on Jamabandi Haryana portal, follow the mentioned steps-

Step 1: Go to the official website of Jamabandi Haryana.

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Mutation tab.

Step 3: From the drop down list, click on the Mutation Status of Deeds.

Step 4: A new window will be opened. Fill in the details like District, tehsil

Step 5: Click on the Search button. The Mutation status of Deeds will be displayed on the screen.

What are the documents required for Deed registration on Jamabandi Haryana portal? The following documents are required for Deed registration on Jamabandi Haryana portal.



1 Proof of Ownership Fard of Jamabandi/Certified copy of original old sale deed/assessment of MC/Mutation. 2 Identification of the Parties Ration Card/Voter card/Driving License/Aadhar card/Pan card/Identity card and ID proof of witness also. 3 Registration of document through power of attorney Verification of GPA from where it has been registered in case it has been registered out of state only. 4 NOC required U/s 7(A) NOC from DTP concerned if the area is notified U/s 7(A) of the HDRUA Act 1975. 5 Witness Two witness of the parties along with ID proof. 6 Map Plan Map plan and description of immovable property. 7 In case of building/plot Digital photograph of building/plot. 8 In case of release deed Mutation of Virasat for identification of ancestral property. The following documents are required for Deed registration on Jamabandi Haryana portal.

Haryana Government introduces online property mutation process

July 7, 2023: In a recent meeting the Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar announced the launch of an online portal for the automatic generation of mutation after the land registry. Manohar Lal Khattar said after the launch of the portal named 'intequal' the process of property mutation will be quick and seamless. The mutation of any property or land will be done right after its registration process.

With this online portal all the details pertaining to the mutation will also be available on the prortal which anyone can check online. He further stated that in case anyone raises any objection within the 10 days, then the mutation of land will be considered as contested. And in case no objection is raised, then automatically the mutation will be done. From now onwards the mutation will be done on mortgage with possession, gift of any land/property, sale, and family transfer.

Farmers to Get Jamabandi Fard Digitally Within the Comfort of Their Home

July 4, 2023: The Web - HALRIS website of the Haryana State Government has now made it possible to get the attested copy or Fard of the Jamabandi copy from your home. It will be especially helpful for farmers.

The Web HALRIS system is already in use. The access is available across Tehsils and Sub-Tehsils. The availability of the system is easing the work of the officials as they can now do land record management online.

Earlier also, the system was in place. However, farmers had to go and get the attested copy in person. To help save the time of farmers, the Web - Halris system will enable the farmers to get these attested copies or Fard of Jamabandi in the comfort of their homes.

To get the attested copy of jamabandi, visit the Web HALRIS portal and enter the details such as owner name and date of mutation or khasra / survey number, and select the tehsil and sub-tehsil along with jamabandi year and village name to check the details.

Haryana High Court Puts HSVP Plots Allotment on Hold in Aravali Green Belt

June 2023: Punjab and Haryana High Court have put the allotments of seven residential plots and four commercial sites in Aravali green belt between DLF-1 and Sector-42 on hold. The green belt in Sector 26A lies under the Aravali Plantation, which is preserved under the Central Forest (Conservation) Act. The allotment of the green belt has been allotted to a school and nursing home.

BPCL, or Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, issued the orders on a petition for this on May 13. The next hearing is lined-up for September 13. The site was first given out in 2015 to a petrol pump. But it was cancelled due to a petition by the RWA. The HSVP opposed the order and e-auctioned the belt in 2023.

DLF 1 residents had written to CM earlier this year against the HSVPs plans for auctioning some sites on the green belt for residential, educational and medical uses. The sites comprise the ones between DLF 1 E block and Sector 42 that lie under the Aravali plantation. Due to huge chaos, the HSVP removed four sites from the list of plots for group housing societies auctioning on May 28.

No Occupancy Certificate to Property Owners without Prior Approval

March 2023: The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has directed officials of the planning wing to not issue Occupancy Certificates to property owners who have constructed the 4th floor without permission. There are many residential owners in Gurgaon who have constructed four storey buildings without prior approval of building plan. Many property owners come to get the approval for the fourth floor as per the norms by paying hefty amounts.

The general practice is that plot owners take approval for stilt parking plus two floors, so that they dont have to pay entire external development charges and floor ratio areas fees. Later after one year they construct four floors and get an Occupancy Certificate for four floors.

Rajesh Kaushik, District Town Planner (planning), said, Property owners who got approval for two floors wont get permission for four floors. Even if the owner manages to get an OC, it will not be accepted by DTCP. Architects have also been directed not to issue OCs for the buildings where four floors have been constructed without approval.

Conclusion to Haryana Land Records

Jamabandi Haryana is an online portal set up by the Revenue Department of Haryana. On this online portal-jamabandi nic in Haryana- you can get the land records of Haryana in a digital format. The website offers services like property registration, finding Haryana land records by name, Khasra number, khata number, view cadastral maps, mutation of property, etc. You can also check the land records by visiting the Revenue department. We advise you to use an online portal to avoid long queues of office.

Land Records: State-wise
Latest News on Jamabandi Punjab

Jamabandi Punjab: Govt Takes Back Panchayat Land of 850 Acres in Dasuya

June 15, 2023: The Punjab Government has successfully reclaimed 850 acres of panchayat land illegally occupied in Dadyal village, located in the Dasuya block of Hoshiarpur. It is now the second-largest chunk of encroached government land to be vacated from illegal possession. The Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, Laljit Singh Bhullar, led the effort to reclaim the land.

According to Bhullar, the reclaimed land is with more than 170 crore rupees. Out of 1,013 acres, 115 acres were vacated voluntarily, while the remaining 49 are still under court proceedings. Bhullar assures a resolution of the cases and the release of any encroached land.

The department vacated 11,442 acres of land, including 9,030 acres worth 2,709 crore rupees last year. The government freed 2,412 acres of land from illegal possession this year. The Minister urged people to vacate encroached land voluntarily for the state's benefit.

Punjab Land Records

Punjab Land Record Society (PLRS) is an establishment of the Punjab Government, to devise policies and strategies in public matters related to land revenue and land records. This unit was constituted under the Registration of Societies Act, 1860. Jamabandi Punjab primarily focuses on tracking, monitoring computerization and inspection of Punjab Land Records and related documents. (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

PLRS Punjab Homepage (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab) PLRS Punjab Homepage (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Landowners in the Punjab state can view and access the land records online on the PLRS website webpage (Online Jamabandi Punjab). The PLRS (Punjab Land Record Society) website also provides access to the Jamabandi Punjab web portal.

What is Jamabandi Punjab?

Jamabandi is a colloquial word used for the Punjab land record, Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The PLRS maintains online (Online Jamabandi Punjab) and offline documentation of Jamabandi Punjab.

Jamabandi Portal (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Jamabandi Punjab is the official web portal of the Punjab government for land records management. It offers services such as Jamabandi records, Mutation, Rojnamcha, online request for FARD, Cadastral map, Nakal verification, and Registry Deed among others.

Jamabandi Punjab Land Record: What is Fard?

In India, a property's title document is known by a variety of names, depending on the nature of the ownership. A home buyer will have a sale deed in his possession as proof of ownership, whereas a landowner will have Jamabandi documents. All of these documents are collectively referred to as the "Fard'' documents. You can check land records on the basis of Owner Name, Khewat Number, Khasra Number, and Khatoumi Number on Jamabandi Punjab portal (Online Jamabandi Punjab).

Also Read: RERA Punjab

PLRS (Punjab Land Record Society): Punjab Jamabandi Overview

On the PLRS portal/Jamabandi Punjab portal, you can check for Jamabandi, mutation records, details of property tax and court cases on land issues. The option of correcting the land records online is also available on the portal.

Organization Punjab Land Record Society (PLRS) Initiated by The Government of Punjab Official Website https://jamabandi.punjab.gov.in/ Act Registration of Societies Act, 1860 Objective Administer and Digitize Land Records in Punjab Headquarters Jalandhar City, Punjab Ongoing Projects Fard Kendras

Faridkot

Kotkapura

Jaitu

Sadiq Services Offered Jamabandi

Mutation records

Property tax records

Court cases related to land disputes

Check Out: Properties in Chandigarh

Punjab Jamabandi: How to Check Punjab Land Record?

Jamabandi Punjab portal (Online Jamabandi Punjab) allows you to check land records in Punjab online. To check the Jamabandi online on the PLRS (Punjab Land Record Society) and Jamabandi Punjab portal, follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Visit the Official Punjab Land Records portal. (http://plrs.org.in/). Click on FARD option at the centre.

PLRS Homepage (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 2: The following webpage will be displayed. On the redirected page, enter the required details such as District, Tehsil, Village, and Year. Click on Set Region.

Check Punjab Land Records (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 3: Once you fill in the details, the following window will appear. It will display options such as Jamabandi, Mutation, Roznamcha and Mutation after registry. Choose Jamabandi.

Jamabandi Link on PLRS (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 4: The Jamabandi can be checked based on Owner Name, Khewat No, Khasra No, and Khatouni number wise. Choose the appropriate option and enter the details. If you choose to search the Jamabandi details by owners name, the following window will appear.

Search Punjab Land Records (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 5: Fill in the Owners name. You can also fill in the name in the Punjabi language. Click on View Owner Relation. The Jamabandi details will be displayed on the screen.

Also Read: Top Tier 2 Cities to Invest in Land/Plots in North India



Punjab Jamabandi: How to Correct Land Records on Jamabandi Punjab portal?

The Jamabandi Punjab portal (Online Jamabandi Punjab) allows you to correct the land records information online. Follow the below-mentioned steps in correct land records on Jamabandi Punjab portal.



Step 1: Login to the Punjab Land Records portal i.e. (http://plrs.org.in/). Click on FARD

PLRS Homepage (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 2: You will be routed to the following page.

Jamabandi Punjab Correct land Records (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 3: Enter the required details such as District, Tehsil, Village, and Year. Click on Set Region.

Step 4: Once the region is set, Click on the Correction record tab at the bottom right.

Land Record Correction in Punjab (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 5: The following window will be opened.

Punjab Land Records Corretion Request (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 6: On the redirected page, enter the required details such as Name, Mobile No, Email-ID, District, Tehsil, Village, About, and Feedback.

Step 7: On the details are filled, click on the Submit button.

Also Read: Punjab Bhu Naksha

Jamabandi Punjab: Punjab Land Record Advantages and Features

The Jamabandi Punjab website has streamlined the hitherto tedious and time-consuming process of land records management and correction (Online Jamabandi Punjab).



Jamabandi Punjab provides the following advantages.



1. Residents of Punjab can examine all information related to their land records through the Punjab land records online website or Jamabandi Punjab portal.

2. They are not required to visit any government offices in order to view land records and can view it online. The Jamabandi Punjab portal would make the land management system more transparent.

3. You can even use this portal to make corrections to your land records.

4. This portal also allows you to access the court cases related to the concerned land parcel.

5. Punjab residents can also get cadastral maps via the Jamabandi Punjab webpage.

Checkout Properties in Amritsar

Jamabandi Punjab: How can I verify the PLRS collector rates online?

The PLRS (Punjab Land Record Society) website can also be used by home buyers to look up and verify the prevailing collector rates in their area. To do so, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Login to the website of PLRS (Punjab Land Record Society).

Step 2: Click on the Collector Rates tab on the left pane.

Collector Rates Window (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 3: The following window with collector rates link will be opened.

Collector Rates Link on Jamabandi Punjab (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 4: Click on the desired district link and verify the collector rates online (Online Jamabandi Punjab).



Checkout Properties in Ludhiana

Jamabandi Punjab: How to perform Verification of Nakal online?

Jamabandi Punjab allows for an online verification of land records Nakal documents. You must follow the below-mentioned procedure outlined below to complete your Nakal verification: -

Step 1: Login to the Jamabandi Punjab portal i.e., https://jamabandi.punjab.gov.in/

Step 2: Click on the Nakal Verification tab on the left-hand pane.

Jamabandi Punjab Nakal Verification (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 3: You'll be taken to a page. Here, you will have to fill in some basic information like your district, tehsil, and dates.

Jamabandi Punjab Nakal Verification Details (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 4: Once you have entered all of the information correctly, you will need to click the Verify Nakal button. The Nakal Verification document will be displayed in the following format.

Verify Nakal Window on the Jamabandi Punjab (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Check Out Properties in Amritsar

Jamabandi Punjab: How to Access the Cadastral Map of an Area?

The Jamabandi Punjab portal (Online Jamabandi Punjab) allows a user to access the cadastral map of an area in a seamless online manner. To examine the cadastral map, simply follow the below-mentioned steps.



Step 1: Login to the Jamabandi Punjab portal i.e., https://jamabandi.punjab.gov.in/

Step 2: Click on the Cadastral Map on the left-hand side.

Jamabandi Punjab portal cadastral map (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 3: Once you click on the Cadastral Map option, the following window will be opened.

Jamabandi Punjab portal cadastral map (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 4: Select the District, Tehsil, and Village from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: The cadastral map of the selected village will be shown in the following format.

Cadastral Map Sample on Jamabandi Punjab (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab) Cadastral Map Sample on Jamabandi Punjab (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Jamabandi Punjab: How to Check the Status of Mutations on Jamabandi Punjab portal?

The Jamabandi Punjab Portal allows users to check the status of mutations online. To check the status of mutations online on Jamabandi Punjab portal, follow the below mentioned steps.

Step 1: Go to the official Punjab land records website or Jamabandi Punjab website (Online Jamabandi Punjab).

Step 2: Click on the Dashboard-Status of Mutations option.

Check Status of Mutation on Jambandi Punjab (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab) Check Status of Mutation on Jambandi Punjab (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 3: The following webpage will be opened on the screen. Here, select the District.

Check Mutation Status on Jamabandi Punjab (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 4: Your district mutation status will appear on your computer screen as soon as you make a choice. The mutation status will be displayed in the following format.

District Wise Mutation Status

Also Read: What is Bayana?

Jamabandi Punjab: How to Check Mutation Status After Registry?

The Jamabandi Punjab portal (Online Jamabandi Punjab) allows you to Check Mutation status after the registry. You must follow the below-mentioned steps to check the mutation after obtaining the registry.

Step 1: Visit the official website of Jamabandi Punjab i.e. https://jamabandi.punjab.gov.in/

Step 2: Click on the Mutation after Registry option on the left pane.

Punjab Land Records Mutation After Registry (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 3: Fill in the information such as Vaseeka Number Wise and Mutation Number Wise on the following webpage.

Mutation After Registry PLRS (Punjab Land Record Society)

Step 4: If you choose Vaseeka Number wise, fill in the details such as District, Tehsil, Vaseeka Date Vaseeka Number, and the Captcha Code. If you select the option Mutation Number Wise, you will be asked to fill in the details such as District, Tehsil, Village, Mutation Number and Captcha Code.





Checkout Properties in Patahnkot Step 5: Once you fill in the details, click on the Search button. The details will appear on the screen. (Punjab Land Records)

Jamabandi Punjab: How to Check Roznamcha on the Jamabandi Punjab Portal?

The Jamabandi Portal Punjab allows you to check the Roznamcha online. To check Roznamcha online on Jamabandi Punjab portal, follow the below mentioned steps.

Step 1: Login to the official Jamabandi Punjab portal (Online Jamabandi Punjab).

Step 2: Click on the Roznamcha option on the left-hand pane.

Punjab Land Records Roznamcha (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 3: You have two options to view Roznamcha viz Rapat Number wise or Waqiati Number wise. Choose the appropriate option.

Step 4: The following window requires you to fill in the details like District, Tehsil, Village and Year. Enter the information and click on Set Region.

Jamabdnai Period Selection

Step 5: You will be taken to the following page. Here, Click on Roznamcha.

Punjab Land Records Roznamcha (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 6: The following window will be opened.

Punjab Land Records Roznamcha Nakal Type (Online Jamabandi Punjab)

Step 7: Click on Rapat No wise or Waqiati No wise.

Punjab land Records Rojnamcha (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Jamabandi Punjab: Online procedure to check land-related court cases

Step 8: As soon as you enter the details, the Roznamcha information will be displayed on the screen. (Punjab Land Records)

Jamabandi Punjab's official portal allows prospective buyers to search through the court cases pending on certain land or property. This action prevents getting into fraudulent deals, saving the buyer from a huge hassle. Checking pending court cases online via Jamabandi Punjab is a market-intelligent option/choice. Follow the below steps to access pending court cases in Jamabandi Punjab-

Step 1: Visit the official portal of Jamabandi Punjab and navigate to its home page

Step 2: On the home page, find the Court Case option on the left side panel and click on it



Check court cases on Jamabandi Punjab Check court cases on Jamabandi Punjab

Step 3: Upon clicking, the website will ask for details such as District, Tehsil, Village, Khasra Number and Khewat Number

Step 4: Fill in the required information and select Search

Step 5: The command will fetch the active court cases listed on the Khasra and Khewat Number

Step 6: Browse through the list to find your property

Note: It is crucial to check whether the property you are interested in buying holds any pending court case. This prevents you from getting exposed to monetary loss.

How to Check the Property Tax Register on Jamabandi Punjab website?

The land records department of Punjab maintains a property tax register of the Punjab property taxpayers. Punjab land records website allows a user to check the property tax register on the official website. Follow the mentioned steps to check the land records register in Punjab.

Step 1: Go to the official website of Punjab land records @http://jamabandi.punjab.gov.in

Step 2: On the left-hand pane, click on the Property Tax Register tab.

Jamabandi Property Tax Register (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab) Jamabandi Property Tax Register (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

Step 3: As soon as you click on this option, a window will be opened.

Step 4: Choose the location from the drop-down list. You can choose from the district names viz Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Mohali, Moga and Phagwara. (Punjab Land Records)

Step 5: Enter the Property Id or Registration Number.

Step 6: Click on the Search button. The property tax details will be displayed on the screen.



Checkout Properties for Sale in Patiala

How to Check the Registry Deed on Punjab land records portal?

In addition to the property tax details, the punjab land records portal allows a user to check the details of a registry deed. The registry deed on the Punjab land records portal can be checked by the Seller/Buyer Name, Khewat Number, Registration Number and registration Date. Follow the mentioned steps to check the Registry Deed on Punjab land records portal online.

Step 1: Go to the official website of Punjab land records.

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Registry Deed tab.

Step 3: A details window will be opened.

Step 4: Choose district and Tehsil and select the Search criteria. You can search the Registry Deed by Khewat number, Registration Number, Registration Date and Buyer/Seller Name.

Step 5: Once you fill in the details, Click on the Search button. The details of the Registry Deed would be displayed on the screen.

How to submit feedback on Punjab land records website (Online Jamabandi Punjab)?

The Punjab land records website allows a user to submit a feedback to the authorities online. To submit your feed, follow the mentioned procedure.

Step 1: Log in to the official website of Punjab land records.

Step 2: On the homepage, you will find an option of Feedback on the left hand pane.

Step 3: Click on the tab. A form will be opened.

Step 4: Fill in the details such as Name, Email Id, Mobile, District, Tehsil, Village and Feedback.

Step 5: Once you file in the details, click on the Submit button. The feedback to the Punjab land record portal will be submitted online.

How to Find Daily Land Transaction Details on Jamabandi Punjab Land Records Website?

Here is how you can find daily land transaction details on Jamabandi Punjab land records:-

Step 1: Go to official portal of Jamabandi Punjab land records @ http://plrs.org.in/. Click on Set Region and choose year, Rapat Type and Rapat Number. Click on Roznamcha tab will appear and then click on it.



Check daily land transaction details on Jamabandi Punjab land records

Step 2: Go to Roznamcha and Select Rapat No. Wise or Waqiati No. Wise to proceed.

Step 3: Choose year, Rapat Type, Rapat Number and enter Captcha



Select rapat type and rapat number on the PLRS portal

Step 4: A page with detailed information will be displayed



Details about land transaction details will be displayed on the screen

Jamabandi Punjab Mobile Application

On Playstore there is a mobile application to check land records. The app is named as Punjab land records - PLRS Jamabandi. It is one of the easiest and fastest ways to check land records, jamabandi, PLRS collector rate, mutation status and much more. From the app you can save the record as a pdf and can take a print out further. (PLRS fard jamabandi Punjab)

List of services available on the app:-

Jamabandi

Mutation

Roznamcha

Mutation after registry

How to Check Land Records on Jamabandi Punjab App?

To check land records on Jamabandi Punjab App (Online Jamabandi Punjab) you need to perform the following steps:-

Step 1: Download the App on your phone from Playstore and then open the app. (Punjab Land Records)

Step 2: Go to Land Records

Step 3: Select District, Tehsil, Village. Also you can search the records using Khasra number, Khewat number, or khatauni number. Enter Captcha and click on Search

Glossary of Terms Associated With Jamabandi Punjab

Step 4: Land records will be displayed on the screen.

Here are some of the most common terms used with respect to Jamabandi in Punjab

Terms Meaning Jamabandi Jamabandi is a Record of Rights document and also includes the details of owners and cultivators. Nakal Nakal is a document that contains information of the land its ownership patterns, and revenues, etc. Khasra Khasra is the unique number allocated to a land parcel in villages. It is also known as DAG number and Survey number (in urban areas). Khatauni Khatauni is a book that includes the details of all the land records of a particular person. Khata Khata is a document that includes all the details of the property. It has the details such as the built up area of the property, size, and the owner of the property. Patta Patta is a legal document indicating the details of the legal owners. It is the record of rights of the property. Khewat Khewat is the account number allocated to the land owners. Especially those who own a piece of land jointly.

To get any further information about Jamabandi Punjab you can contact on the following information:-

Office Address: Room No 3, Floor-4, Punjab Civil Secretariat, Sector-1, Chandigarh-160001

Contact Number: 0172-2742242, 2748469

Wrapping UP: Jamabandi Punjab Land Records Email: revenuecommissionpb@gmail.com

Conclusively, Jamabandi Punjab is the official portal of the Punjab government to manage and provide complex land records online. Online Jamabandi Punjab has facilitated the availability of land records, mutation requests, Fard Requests, Fard request status check, Nakal Verification, and correction in land records a seamless and easy process.
What is Jharbhoomi Jharkhand?

National Land Records Modernization Program.

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Land Records Overview

Jharbhoomi is the official land records portal (land records Jharkhand) of the Jharkhand government. Department of Revenue and Land Reforms, Jharkhand, has established an online portal 'Jharbhoomi' (Jharbhoomi nic in). Jharbhoomi was developed in partnership with the National Informatics Center (NIC). Jharbhoomi is a part ofTo bring transparency to the land record management system and tackle all the related problems, the Government of India launched the National Land Records Modernization Program (NLRMP) in 2008. The aim of the programme is to digitise the land record system, minimise property disputes and enhance transparency. Jharbhoomi portal specifically aims at providing state residents with land record information in a digital format (Jharkhand land records online).

Jharbhoomi portal (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand) was designed with the aim of peaceful use of land resources. Details of the Jharbhoomi portal of the Jharkhand government can be summarised below.

Portal Name Jharbhoomi (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand) Initiated by Department of Revenue, Jharkhand Collaboration National Informatics Centre (NIC) Objective To make land record publicly accessible in a single window Official Website https://jharbhoomi.nic.in/ (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand) Key Services Land Record details (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Mutation Documents

Details of change in ownership of the land parcel

Revenue and registry details digitization

Prevent illegal activities on land and property

Details on Apna Khata and Bhu Naksha Jharkhand

Along with the above-mentioned services, the portal provides additional features such as Khatian Registration Services, Land Map records (Bhu Naksha Jharkhand), and Land Tax online payment.



Checkout: Jharkhand E District Portal



How to Check Land Record Jharkhand Online on the Jharbhoomi Portal?

Jharbhoomi portal (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand) was designed to let the users see and download the land records from a single online repository. To check the land records Jharkhand online on the Jharbhoomi portal, follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Log in to the official website of Jharbhoomi I.e., https://jharbhoomi.nic.in/ or (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand)

Step 2: On the left-hand pane, click the "View Your Account" tab.



Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Check Land Record Online (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 3: you will be redirected to the following page. Select the relevant district where the property or land is located on the digital map.



Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Check Land Record Online (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand online)

Step 4: The block map of that district will appear on your screen after you select the district.



Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Check Land Record Online (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 5: Choose the relevant block from the map.

Step 6: once you click on the relevant Block, you will be taken to the following screen.



Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Check Land Record Online (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 7: Here, you must choose "Halka" and a land type from a dropdown menu.



Step 8: To view or search for the document, Mauja name, Mauja as per Khasra numbers, account number, or account holder name options are available.



Step 9: Once you have made your selections, click the "Search" button. The information of the revenue record will appear on your screen. (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

How to Login to your Account on Jharbhoomi.nic.in for Jharkhand Land Records

To log into the Jharbhoomi portal(jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand), follow the step-by-step procedure to log in to the account on the Jharbhoomi Portal.

Step 1: Visit the Jharkhand Land Record Portal's official website, jharbhoomi.nic.in and Click on the Online Application option on the left-hand side.

Jharbhoomi Login Page (Jharbhoomi land records Jharkhand online)

Step 2: You will be redirected to a new page as below

Step 3: If you are a new user, Click on the Registration tab. Fill in all the required details and click on the Proceed button. If you are a registered user, you can directly proceed to log in with the Email Id, Password and captcha code.



Also Read: Stamp Duty in Jharkhand

How to Check Jharkhand Khatian or Jharbhoomi Register 2 online @ Jharbhoomi Portal?

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand portal (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand) allows users to check the land records and Jharbhoomi register 2 online. To see land records and jharbhoomi register 2 on the Jharbhoomi portal, you need to follow the easy steps to register as Khatian or see jharbhoomi Register 2 on the official website of Jharbhoomi.

Step 1: Visit the Jharkhand Land Record Portal's official website https://jharbhoomi.nic.in/ or (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand)

Step 2: Click on the See Account and Register 2 option on the left-hand pane. (Jharbhoomi register 2)

(Jharbhoomi register 2) (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 3: Click on the Khatian or Register 2 (Jharbhoomi register 2), and fill in all the required information such as district name, Anchal name, last name, Halka name, Meja Name, Account Number, and Variety of land.

(Jharbhoomi register 2) (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 4: Enter the Captcha code and Click on Khatiyan or Jharbhoomi Register 2. The details will be displayed on the screen.

Also Read: Bhu Naksha Jharkhand

Jharbhoomi: How to Pay Taxes Online using the Jharbhoomi Portal?

Jharbhoomi portal (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand) allows a user to pay the Lagaan or land taxes online. Earlier, the taxes could be paid on the portal itself. However, to pay Lagaan on the Jharbhoomi portal, you have to choose the payment of the Lagaan option at the starting only. Follow the below-mentioned steps to make a tax payment online through the Jharbhoomi portal (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand).

Step 1: Log in to the official website of Jharbhoomi at https://jharbhoomi.nic.in/ (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand)

Step 2: You need to choose the For Online Lagaan option on the homepage.

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Pay Tax Online

Step 3: Once you choose the Online Lagaan option, you will be redirected to the following page.

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Pay Tax Online (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 4: Click on the Pay Online option here.

Step 5: Once you click the Pay online button, you will be redirected to the following screen.

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Tax Payment Online (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand online)

Step 6: Fill in the details such as-

District Name

Anchal Name

Halka name

Mauja Name

Here, you can search the document through Raiyat name, Khata Number, and Plot Number. You can also watch the entire Panji 2 by name.

Step 7: Once you have filled in the details, enter the Captcha code and click on the Search button. the details will be displayed online.

Step 8: Once the payment details are visible on the screen, you can proceed with payment. You can proceed with the payment via UPI/RTGS/Net Banking/Debit Card/ Credit Card etc.



Also Read: RERA Jharkhand

How to apply for online mutation in Jharkhand?

The Jharbhoomi Jharkhand portal allows a user to apply for mutation online. Follow the mentioned steps to apply for mutation online.

How to view previous payments on Jharkhand Jharbhoomi Portal?

Step 1: Go to the official website of Jharbhoomi Jharkhand.Step 2: On the left hand bar, click on the online application.Step 3: Login with the registered username and password.Step 4: Select District and Circle from the drop-down list.Step 5: Click on the Apply New Mutation.Step 6: Fill in the applicants details like Name, address, district, pincode, and Mutation Type. In the mutation type, select By Sale.Step 7: In this step, fill in the buyer details like name, guardian name, relation, caste, gender, mobile number and address.Step 8: Fill in the plot/property details like district, circle, revenue thana, Sub division, Halka name and Thana name. In addition to this, you will have to provide specific property details like Khata Number, plot number, transact area 1, transact area 2 and boundaries.Step 9: Upload the Sale Deed/Registration in pdf format.Step 10: Click on the Submit button. A mutation applied receipt will be generated. Keep it safe for future reference.

In addition to the online payment of lagaan on Jharbhoomi portal, the users can also enquire about the status of previous payments on Jharbhoomi Jharkhand portal. To check the status of previous payment on Jharbhoomi portal, follow the mentioned steps-

Step 1: Go to the official website of Jharkhand Jharbhoomi @ https://jharbhoomi.jharkhand.gov.in/ (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Online Lagaan option.

Step 3: From the options displayed, click on the View Previous Payments option.

Step 4: As soon as you click on the option, a new window will be displayed.

Step 5: You will have to fill in the details such as Name of the district, Halka name, Mauja Name, Region name, present portion, present page number, etc.

Step 6: You can search for this detail using a number of options such as Raiyyat Name, Plot Number, and Khata Number. You can also view the entire Panji 2 register using the name.

Step 7: Once you fill in the details, you will have to enter the captcha code.

Step 8: After entering the Captcha Code, click on the Search button.

The details of previous payments on Jharkhand Jharbhoomi will be displayed online.

Jharbhoomi: How to Check Khasra Details on the Jharbhoomi Portal?

The Jharbhoomi portal (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand) allows a user to view the Khasra details online. Follow the step-by-step guide to view Khesra details online on the Jharbhoomi portal.

Step 1: Log in to the official website of the Jharbhoomi portal (Jharbhoomi Login)

Step 2: Click on the Khasra ka Sampoorn Vivaran tab on the left-hand side.

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Check Khasra Detail Online (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 3: In this step, you will be redirected to the district map (Jharbhoomi naksha).

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Check Khasra Detail Online (Jharbhoomi naksha)

Step 4: Click on the relevant district and a Block map (Jharbhoomi naksha) will appear.

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Check Khasra Detail Online (Jharbhoomi nic in Jharkhand naksha)

Step 5: Once you choose a block, the following form will appear on the screen.

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Check Khasra Detail Online

Step 6: Fill in the details such as-

District Name

Anchal Name

Halka name

Mauja Name

Here, you can search the document through Raiyat name, Khata Number, and Plot Number. You can also watch the entire Panji 2 by name.

Step 7: Once you have filled in the details, enter the Captcha code and click on the Search button. The details will be displayed online. You can also print the document by clicking on the Print tab.



Learn more: Khasra and Khatauni Number from Land Records

How to File a Complaint with the Jharbhoomi Portal or Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand?

Jharbhoomi portal (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand) allows a user to file a complaint online. Follow the below-mentioned steps to file a complaint on the Jharbhoomi portal.

Step 1: Log in to the official portal of Jharbhoomi (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand).

Step 2: Click on the Public Grievances tab on the home page.

File a Complaint on land record Jharkhand online

Step 3: Once you click on the Public Grievances tab, you will be redirected to the following page.

File a Complaint on Jharbhoomi Jharkhand (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 4: Fill in the details such as

District Name

Anchal Name

Halka name

Mauja Name

Name

Address

Mobile Number

Email Id

Khata Number

Plot number

Register 2 Page Number

Register 2 Volume Number

Query

Step 5: Once you have filled in the details, upload the documents, and click on the Submit button. The complaint will be registered on the Jharbhoomi portal.

How to Access the Jharbhoomi Naksha/Land Maps from the Jharbhoomi Portal? (Jharbhoomi nic in Jharkhand naksha)

Jharbhoomi portal facilitates access to the Bhu Naksha / land maps web application. To access Bhu Naksha from the Jharbhoomi portal, follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Log in to the official portal of Jharbhoomi (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand).

Step 2: Click on the BhuNaksha (Jharbhoomi naksha) tab on the left-hand pane (Jharbhoomi nic in Jharkhand naksha)

View Jharbhoomi Naksha (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 3: You will be redirected to the following page of Jharbhoomi Naksha (Jharbhoomi nic in Jharkhand naksha).

Jharbhoomi Naksha Sample (Jharbhoomi land record Jharkhand)

Step 4: Fill in the details such as District, Circle, Halka, Mauja and Sheet number to see Jharbhoomi naksha (Jharbhoomi nic in Jharkhand naksha).

Step 5: The details of the selected plot will be displayed with the name and other details as follows.

Jharbhoomi Naksha Plot Information Sample (Jharbhoomi nic in Jharkhand naksha)

Also Read: Top Tier 2 cities to invest in land/plots in East India

How to Get the Summary of Land in Jharkhand from the Jharbhoomi Portal?

A user can easily check the details of the land bank available with the Jharkhand government via the Jharbhoomi portal. Follow the below-mentioned steps to check land bank details via the Jharbhoomi portal.

Step 1: Log in to the home page of Jharbhoomi (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand).

Step 2: On the home page, click on the Bhumi Bank tab on the left-hand side.

Step 3: You will be redirected to the following page.

Step 4: Click on the summary of land bank button

Get Summary of Land Bank on Jharbhoomi Portal

Step 5: You will get the details on the following page.

Sample of Summary of Land Bank on Jharbhoomi

You can also download the land report in PDF format. Using the same link, you can also get a list of the nodal officers designated by the Jharkhand government.

Also read: What is Bhulekh and how to change the name in Bhulekh

How to Check the Jharbhoomi Mutation Status?

The Jharbhoomi Jharkhand portal has eased the challenges related to land mutation. Hitherto, the land mutation application in Jharkhand was to be done offline. It was a very time-taking and cumbersome process. However, with the introduction of the Jharbhoomi portal, the Jharbhoomi Mutation Status can easily be checked over the internet. Follow the mentioned steps to check the mutation status on the Jharbhoomi Jharkhand web portal.

Step 1: Log in to the Jharbhoomi website, i.e. https://jharbhoomi.jharkhand.gov.in/newhome2

Step 2: On the left-hand pane, click on the Application Status' (jharbhoomi mutation status)Step 3: The District-wise map of Jharkhand will be opened.Step 4: Choose the district where the land parcel, whose Mutation status is being checked, is situated. After choosing the district, you will have to select the Block.Step 5: As soon as you choose the block, a form containing various fields will appear.

Check Mutation Status on Jharbhoomi Portal ((jharbhoomi mutation status))

How To Check Cause List on Jharbhoomi Land Records

Step 1: Go to Jharbhoomi land records portal @https://jharbhoomi.jharkhand.gov.in/

Step 2: Then click on Revenue Court Management System and new screen will open up

Step 6: You can get the details based on pending cases, disposed-off cases, objected cases, Rejected cases etc.Step 7: You can check the mutation status (jharbhoomi mutation status) by Case Number, Applicants name, or Mauja wise.Step 8: Once you choose the details, click the search button. The mutation Status of Jharbhoomi mutation status online will be visible on the screen.To check the cause list- cases that are being heard or to be heard- on the Jharbhoomi land record portal, here is a step-by-step guide:-



Click on RCMS on the Jharbhoomi portal

Step 3: Go to Cause List and click on Cause List



Go to cause list to check cases to be heard

Step 4: Now, select District from the drop-down and Court Type-Revenue



Enter the details like district and court type

Step 5: Click on View and list of Cause List will be displayed on the screen, to check for the particular cause list click on the particular date.

Step 6: Final detail list will be displayed on the screen. Also, you can download the excel sheet for the same.

How to calculate the stamp duty via the Jharbhoomi portal?

Essential Documents for Online Land Mutation on Jhrbhoomi

The Jharbhoomi portal allows a user to access the stamp duty calculator functionality. To get access to the calculator, follow the mentioned steps.Step 1: Go to the Jharbhoomi portal.Step 2: Under useful links, click on the State Portal for Revenue option.Step 3: You will be redirected to this website http://regd.jharkhand.gov.in/jars/website/ Step 4: Click on the stamp duty calculator on the homepage.Step 5: On the next page, click on the Deed type and District.Step 6: Fill in the details like Anchal Name, Mouza Name, Land Type, Valuation, Selling Rate, Area and Unit.Step 7: Once you fill in the details, click on the Add button. The stamp duty will be displayed on the screen.

Here is the list of documents you require for online land mutation:

Application for mutation with a stamp affixed

Aadhaar Card

Registration deed (old and new)

Sale Deed

Affidavit on stamp paper of requisite value

Receipt of the latest property tax payment

Ration Card

Pay Online Lagan on Jharbhoomi Portal

Step 1: Go to the official Jharbhoomi web portal, and then click on the Online Lagan

Now, a citizen of Jharkhand can pay the lagan online using the Jharbhoomi portal. Here is a step-by-step guide to paying the Jharkhand lagan online:-



Check and pay online lagan on the Jharbhoomi portal

Step 2: A new web page will open up, and now click on the View Pending Dues (Bakaya Dekhein)



Click on View Pending Dues to check the Lagan

Step 3: Now enter details such as district, Halka, anchal and mauja names



Enter details to check pending due

If you wish to make a Lagan payment online, click the Online Bhugtan karein' option. Later you will have to fill in all the payment details, and the payment will be made. Also, you can check the past Lagan payment records on the portal.

How to View Outstanding Payment on the Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Portal?

Besides making an online payment on the Jharbhoomi Jharkhand portal, a user can also check if there is any outstanding payment on his/her behalf.

For this, go to the homepage of Jharbhoomi Jharkhand and click on the 'Online Lagaan option. On the following screen, click on the View Arrears.



View Payment Arrears on Jharbhoomi Jharkhand

Next, fill in the details such as District, Anchal., Halka, Mauja, etc. You can also search the property by Raiyyat name, Plot Number, and Khata number. Fill in the security code and click on the Search button.

The details of any outstanding payment related to the property concerned will be displayed on the screen.

Property Registration and Slot Booking Using Nibandhan Portal of Jharkhand

To digitise the land records and streamline the property registration process, the union government launched the National Generic Documents Registration System or NGDRS. the Jharkhand government has adopted this property registration application and renamed it as Nibandhan portal.

You can perform the following functions on the NGDRS Jharkhand or Nibandhan portal.

Citizen registration with Username and Password

Document Entry for Property Registration

Upload Property Documents Online

Online Appointment with the Concerned Sub Registrars Office (SRO) for document verification

To access the Nibandhan portal, go to the official website of Jharbhoomi Jharkhand at https://jharbhoomi.jharkhand.gov.in/. On the homepage, click on the Nibandhan option. You will be redirected to the official website of Jharkhand Nibandhan at https://jharnibandhan.gov.in/. If you wish to proceed further, create an account and go for the property registration steps as directed.

Parishodhan portal under Jharbhoomi

The Government of Jharkhand has endeavoured extensively to digitize the land records of the state. However, despite its earned efforts, the government has observed many mistakes and errors in the land records and related documents. With an aim to rectify the mistakes, the state government has launched the Parishodhan portal. The government aims to bring transparency through the Parishodhan portal. This portal will also help in the expeditious completion of the task.

Through this portal, raiyats can register complaints/applications for correction of wrong entry of Digitized Khatian and Jamabandi (Register-II) and entry of missing Khatian and Jamabandi (Register-II). Correction of errors mentioned in the complaint and entry of missing Jamabandi/Khatian can be done by the Circle Office only after matching the government records and after thorough checking.

Correction of error in digitized Jamabandi (Register-II) before online system Type of correction Correction Procedure i) Correction in name and address of the raiyat in the digitized Jamabandi (Register-II) Firstly, the applicant will upload the available revenue documents related to the subject of complaint along with their ID proof.

The circle officer will check the uploaded revenue documents, after checking if any other revenue documents are required, only then will ask for additional revenue documents.

Accordingly, the ryot will upload the related documents sought online through the UPLOAD DOCUMENT link. ii) Correction in the entry of Khata, Khesra and Rakba entered in Digitized Jamabandi (Register-II) iii) Correction in the amount of Lagan and related entries in the Digitized Jamabandi (Register-II) iv) Entry of Jamabandi (Register-II) missed during digitization

How to lodge a complaint on Parishodhan Portal?

To get an error rectified on the Parishodhan portal, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Log in to the Jharbhoomi portal.

Step 2: Click on the Parishodhan tab on the homepage.

Step 3: You will be redirected to the https://parishodhan.jharkhand.gov.in/

Step 4: At the button of this page, click on the Post Grievance tab.

Step 5: On the next window, Applicant name, email address and contact numbers.

Step 6: Click on the Send OTP button and enter the OTP to lodge a complaint on the next window.

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Land Records Mobile App

Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Land Records app is a third-party mobile application and has not been launched by the state government of Jharkhand. It is not evan associated with the Jharkhand Government. The mobile app however is synced with the Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Land Records portal and helps users fetch their lans records for properties located in Jharkhand. With the Jharbhoomi Jharkhand Land Records mobile application, users can get their land records by providing the location-related details such as the district, village, and tehsil of their property.

New and Improved Version of Jharbhoomi Soon

The land revenue department of Jharkhand will launch an advanced version of the Jharbhoomi portal (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand). The updated portal will be called Jharbhoomi 2. In the new and advanced version of the portal, efforts have been made to minimize the problems to officers, employees and common citizens. Its security feature has been further strengthened so the website cannot be tampered with. The land-related data uploaded on the Jharbhoomi portal could not be deleted or reversed. For this, the department has directed the NIC to follow the necessary procedure. The launch of the advanced version of Jharbhoomi 2 is in the final stages.

The advanced version of Jharbhoomi 2 is being technically strengthened. In this, the complaint monitoring system has been simplified. In future, any complaint will be directly registered on the complaint monitoring system (CMS) and resolved by NIC within the stipulated time frame.

Jharkhand Assembly passes Bill to Use 1932 land records Jharkhand to ascertain Domicile



The Jharkhand Assembly has cleared a Bill that proposes to use 1932 Jharkhand land records to ascertain the domicile status of native people of Jharkhand. The concerned Bill is called the The Jharkhand Definition of Local Persons and for Extending the Consequential Social, Cultural and Other Benefits to such Local Persons Bill, 2022. It was a long pending demand of the native people that the last land survey conducted by the British in 1932 be used as the basis for defining locals.



The earlier cut-off date was 1985.Accepting the long pending demands of Adivasis and tribals of Jharkhand state, the State government has taken a key decision to consider the 1932 land records to ascertain the local inhabitants of Jharkhand. According to the government decision, residents whose ancestral land was registered in the Land Survey of 1932 will be considered as Jharkhandi.The Jharkhand government has clarified that those residents who are landless and whose names are not there in the government land records Jharkhand can approach the gram sabha and get their names included in the list.

For further clarifications or information on Jharkhand Jharbhoomi, you can contact the following address and contact number:-

Department of Revenue, Registration and Land Reforms

Government of Jharkhand

Office Address: New Auditorium, Ground Floor, Project Building, Dhurwa, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834004

Contact Number - 0651-2401716

Email: dolrjh@gmail.com

Summing Up: Jharbhoomi

Conclusively, the Jharbhoomi portal (jharbhoomi nic in jharkhand) by the Jharkhand government is a major step in the digitisation of land records. Jharbhoomi has helped in efficient management and online disbursal of key land records to the common man. Hitherto, land records management was tedious and marred with corruption and lack of transparency. In line with the National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP) of the Indian government, Jharbhoomi has facilitated the digital delivery of complex land records to the citizens of Jharkhand.
Latest News MCG Property Tax (2023)

MCG Enables Taxpayers to Rectify Flaws in Gurgaon Property Tax Bills Right at Their Doorstep

Aug 23, 2023: Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon has hired a private agency for assessment, rectification, and distribution of MCG property tax bills. The agency has started sending assessment property tax bills to over 6.4 lakh taxpayers in the city to help them rectify their existing data.

The authority has taken this initiative to smoothen the entire MCG property tax payment process for taxpayers. With this agency in place, taxpayers do not have to visit the municipal corporation office to get errors in their property tax data corrected.

MCG has clarified that officials of the agency will visit door-to-door to get in touch with taxpayers and hand them their Gurgaon property tax bills. Taxpayers can point out the revision points in person with these officials and have them fixed in no time. Taxpayers need to provide their ID proof and a working mobile number to the officials for the same.

All About MCG Property Tax

The property tax in Gurgaon, or MCG Property Tax, is a direct tax that Municipal Corporation Gurgaon imposes on properties such as commercial space, residential space, rented property, and vacant land. The property tax in Gurgaon is collected by the Municipal Corporation every year. Property tax is the main source of income for the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. Let us understand in this blog how MCG Gurgaon property tax is paid using various methods and how it is calculated.

Factors Deciding MCG Property Tax

MCG levies property tax just like any other city. However, the charges differ in every city. The following are the factors due to which property tax varies:-

The property's locality: If you live in a posh locality, you will have to spend more money on MCG property tax. At the same time, charges are less for affordable localities.

Area of the property : The more the area of the property, the more property tax is to be paid.

Market Value of the property : It is an important factor in determining property tax.

Type of building : Charges are different for residential, commercial, institutional and industrial properties.

Age of the property: You will have to pay more tax if your property is newly built. If it is an old construction,, you will have to pay fewer taxes.

MCG Property tax calculation

Now, it is easy to calculate the MCG Gurgaon property tax using the MCG property tax calculator. A tool on the MCG website helps citizens access the tax liability. As mentioned above, tax is calculated using various factors like location, size, etc. Gurgaon and Faridabad are categorised as Type A1 cities of Haryana, so rates are similar for the same type of properties here.

MCG Property Tax on Residential Property (House)

Area Rate per square yard 300 square yards Rs.1 301-500 square yards Rs.4 501-1000 square yards Rs.6 1001 square yards to 2 acres Rs.7 Above 2 acres Rs.10

MCG Property Tax on Vacant Land (Residential space)

Area Rate per square yard (Residential) Rate per square yard (Commercial) 100 square yards Exempted Exempted 101-500 square yards Rs.0.5 Rs.5 Above 501 square yards Rs.1 Rs.2

MCG Property Tax on Commercial Property

Area (Shops) Rate per square yard 50 square yards Rs.24 51-100 square yards Rs.36 101-500 square yards Rs.48 501-1000 square yards Rs.60

Area Rate per square feet 1000 square feet Rs.12 Above 1000 square feet Rs.15

Area (Institutional space) Rate per square feet 2500 square feet Rs.12 2501 to 5000 square feet Rs.18 Above 5000 square feet Rs.24

MCG Property Tax for Industrial space

Area Rate per square yard 2500 square yard Rs.5 2501 square yards to 2 acres Rs.6 2 to 50 acres Rs.8 Above 50 acres Rs.9



What does MCG do to make your colony liveable?

Rebate and penalties on MCG property tax

Self-occupied residential properties up to 300 square yards owned by defence personnel, paramilitary personnel, freedom fighters family, and deceased soldiers family are exempted from paying property tax by MCG. Vacant land used for agricultural purposes, which is up to 1 acre, is also exempted from paying tax. Furthermore, religious places such as temples, churches, etc., are also exempted, provided the revenue is used for public or religious services.

Also, if you own a flat of up to 2000 sq ft in a housing society, you do not need to pay MCG Gurgaon property tax.

The state government has also waived property tax on Lal Dora properties from April 1, 2020.

Owners who pay property taxes within 45 days from the date of notification are provided with a 30% rebate, and owners who pay taxes before July 31 of the respective year are given a 10% concession.

Penalties  An interest of 1.5% per month is charged in case of late payment. In case of a wrong declaration, interest and a penalty will be charged. The owner must pay a penalty along with the tax evaded amount if he/she fails to pay the due property tax.



Also Read: Your Guide to MCG Water Bill Payment

How to pay MCG property tax online in Gurgaon?

Login to the MCG website @https://www.mcg.gov.in/

website @https://www.mcg.gov.in/ Select Property Tax on the home screen



Pay MCG property tax online Pay MCG property tax online

Search property details using Property ID. If you dont have a property ID, fill in details such as name, address, etc.

Click on Search and the amount to be paid will be displayed

Credit/debit/net banking can be used to make the payment

A receipt is generated for future reference on successful payment

One can pay the property tax online by using the MCG website, and below are the steps:

How to pay your Property Tax ( Policy Matters S01E61)





How to Pay MCG Property Tax Using E-Wallets?

You can pay MCG property tax using e-wallets. Today, we will explain the steps to pay using Paytm.

Open the Paytm app on your phone; if not downloaded, then download it from Playstore or App Store.

Search for Municipality Taxes in the search bar.

Select Municipal Corporation of Gurugram and then enter your property ID, name, address, email, and phone number.

Pay MCG property tax using Paytm

Click on Get Tax Amount

MCG Gurgaon property tax will be displayed on the screen

Now, click on Make Payment and select the preferred payment method. Once payment is made, take a printout of the receipt.

MCG property tax offline payment

You can pay MCG Gurgaon property tax using a traditional method: visiting the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon office. Here is a step-by-step guide to making an offline payment:-

Visit the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon office or property tax collection centres. There are many tax collection centres available in the city. At the centre, you must provide property details like property ID, name, and address. There you can make the payment in cash or using a credit or debit card. Once the payment is completed, you will get a payment receipt.

Summing Up: MCG Property Tax

Also, you can go to any branch of the Orient Bank of Commerce branch in the city. At the bank branch, a representative will verify the details and then allow you to make the payment.

MCG property tax is a direct tax that is paid to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. The amount levied from the MCG Gurgaon property tax is collected from all types of properties. In return, citizens get basic amenities like good roads, water, electricity, and much more. The MCG has made property tax payments easy and hassle-free for citizens of Gurgaon by launching the MCG portal. Therefore, we hope this guide will help you pay MCG property taxes.


What is Meebhoomi AP? Meebhoomi AP Portal is the official Andhra Pradesh Land Records registry. The Government of Andhra Pradesh established Meebhoomi portal in the year June 2015. The Meebhoomi AP portal was launched by the Department of Revenue and aimed to provide land records data to the citizens online. Meebhoomi AP is an entirely online system where information can be accessed, like Meebhoomi Adangal land records, Meebhoomi 1b, village maps, and others. The Meebhoomi AP portal currently provides the Andhra Pradesh land records, tenancy, crop details, water source, soil type, area assessment, nature of possession of the land, and liabilities. Meebhoomi Adangal and Meebhoomi 1b land record documents can be accessed through the Meebhoomi AP website.

Meebhoomi AP or AP Land Records Overview In Andhra Pradesh, one can track the Andhra Pradesh Land Records online via Adangal and 1-B documents from the Meebhoomi AP portal.

Andhra Pradesh Land Records Portal Name Meebhoomi for Andhra Pradesh Land Records Owner The Government of Andhra Pradesh Year 2015 Objective To make land records publicly accessible, Mutation Application Official Website https://meebhoomi.ap.gov.in Services provided AP 1B land records

Land records Aadhaar Card linkages

Electronic passbooks

Crop types grew in land Meebhoomi Adangal Survey

Survey number

Patta Names

Pattadar Passbook Statistics

Mee Seva and Meebhoomi issue report

AP FMB (field measurement book)

Village landlords List Contact number: Toll-free number 14400 Email Id meebhoomi-ap@gov.in

Meebhoomi Adangal

Meebhoomi Adangal is a document maintained by the village administrators, which includes the details of the land area, land type, liabilities, etc.is known as the Adangal. Meebhoomi Adangal is also recognized as the Village Count Number 3. Meebhoomi Adangal can be used to sell and purchase a property, as it specifies all the land-related details.



Know more about how to check Adangal online.

Meebhoomi 1B Record

Meebhoomi 1B is an extract of Andhra Pradesh Land Records maintained by the States revenue department. Meebhoomi 1B document is a tahsildar record of the property. Meebhoomi 1B can be used in court proceedings, for obtaining bank loans, and in the verification of the information of the seller. Know more about how to check 1-B online.

Difference between Meebhoomi Adangal and ROR 1B

The difference between Meebhoomi Adangal and ROR 1B is:-

Particulars Meebhoomi Adangal Meebhoomi ROR 1B Who owns This document can be with the property owner as it has all the details related to the seller Tehsildar keeps this document Information It has details like land type, nature of land It has details like land type, nature of the land and also whether the land is mortgaged or not Can it be used for bank loans and court cases? No, it cant be used Can be used



Read More: IGRS AP for Encumbrance Certificate





Meebhoomi AP: How to download ROR 1B form online?

ROR, the acronym for Record of Rights, is an official document in Meebhoomi AP used to verify property ownership. ROR 1B extracts are used in acquiring information about the land type and the activities carried out on it. To download the ROR 1B extract online on Meebhoomi AP, the user must follow the below-mentioned steps-

Step 1: Visit the official Meebhoomi AP portal and select 1B from the main menu bar

Step 2: Choose between the option of downloading personal 1B and Village 1B

Step 3: Upon performing the action, a form will be displayed on your screen

Step 4: Add relevant information to the form including, Aadhar number, account number and survey number

Step 5: On the Meebhoomi AP portal, select your village, district and zone from the drop-down menu

Step 6: Enter the captcha displayed on your screen and click on Submit

Step 7: Once you click on submit, ROR 1B will be generated

Step 8: A pop-up message on your screen will display the details in 1B

How Do you Link Aadhaar Card on the Meebhoomi AP Portal?

On the Meebhoomi AP, you can link or verify if your Aadhaar card is linked to your account number.

Step 1: Visit the official Meebhoomi website (https://meebhoomi.ap.gov.in/). Click on the Aadhaar/Other Identities option and click on Aadhar Linking.

Meebhoomi AP Website Homepage (AP Land Records) Meebhoomi AP Website Homepage (AP Land Records)



Meebhoomi AP Aadhar Linking Form (AP Land Records) Step 3: Link your Aadhar Card with Meebhoomi AP online portal.

Meebhoomi AP: How to Check Village Map on Meebhoomi?

On the Meebhoomi AP website, you can also view the Village map online. You can follow the simple procedure below if you wish to check your village map.

Step 1: Click on the Village map tab on the home page.

Step 2: To link to or verify if your Aadhaar number on Meebhoomi AP is associated with your account number, provide details such as district, city, village, and account number.

Meebhoomi AP Website Homepage (AP Land Records)

How to Check Land Conversion Details on Meebhoomi AP?

You can follow the following simple steps if you want to check your land conversion details on the Meebhoomi AP website.

Step 1: On the official website of Meebhoomi AP, click on the Land Conversion Details Tab.

Meebhoomi AP Website Homepage (AP Land Records)



Step 2: You will be redirected to the following page. Here, Select the District, Zone, and Village and Click on the submit button. The village map will be visible online.Step 2: You will be redirected to the following page.

Meebhoomi AP: Land Conversion Details Form (AP Land Records)

Step 3: Select the District, Zone, village, and survey number.



Step 4: Click on the submit button. The details will be visible online.

Find Field Measuring Book on Meebhoomi AP (FMB)

Meebhoomi field measurement book is a collection of maps stored in a district office. It is used for recording the availability of land, borders and size of the package. Usually, these are hand drawings and not used for measuring.

You can follow the following steps if you wish to reach Meebhoomi FMB and see land parcels available in the area.



Step 1: Login to the official website of Meebhoomi AP. On the top menu in the Meebhoomi portal, click Meebhoomi FMB.

Meebhoomi AP Website Homepage (AP Land Records)

Step 2: You will be redirected to a new page where you can choose the district, zone, and village name out of a drop-down list.

Meebhoomi Field Measurement Book Form (AP Land Records)

Step 3: After selecting the survey number from the menu, Enter the Captcha Code. When you press the Submit' button, the results will appear on the screen.

Step 4: Visit the official Meebhoomi website. The department will make the necessary changes within 15 days. To seek a revision to your land records, go to the official website and follow the instructions.

How to get Georeferenced Map from meebhoomi.ap.gov.in?

A user can download a Geo referenced map from the Meebhoomi portal in the following steps.

Step 1: Login to the official website of Meebhoomi Ap. On the top menu in the Meebhoomi portal, Click on Geo Referenced.

Meebhoomi Portal Homepage (AP Land Records)

Bhuvan Web Application Bhuvan Web Application

Step 3: Here, you can zoom on the desired part and get the details in the following format.

Geo Referenced Map on Meebhoomi Geo Referenced Map on Meebhoomi

Meebhoomi AP: How much Time is Taken Adangal and RoR-1B?

On Meebhoomi AP you can view Adangal and RoR-1B as and when you fill the information on the website. However, if you wish to make some changes in Adangal or Pahani then it will take up to 15 days.

Meebhoomi AP: Service Charges

Step 2: You will be redirected to the Bhuvan web application of the Indian Space research Organisation (ISRO).Step 4: You can also get the map in base admin and base hydrology format.Also Read: IGRS Telangana



To avail any services on Meebhoomi AP you will need to pay some charges. Here is a list of charges which needs to be paid:-

Type of Service Charges Adangal Rs 25 Adangal Corrections Rs 35 Old Adangal Rs 35 RoR-1B Rs 25

Meebhoomi AP: How to File a Complaint Related to the Land Records

On the Meebhoomi official website, you can file any land-related complaint. To use the portal to file a complaint, go to the official website and complete the instructions below: 

Meebhoomi AP Website Homepage Meebhoomi AP Website Homepage



Step 1: Click on the "Complaints" option on the Meebhoomi AP official website's homepage, then select the "Register of complaints" tab from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: A new page will appear in front of you, with all of the relevant information such as  Click the "Click" button after entering the applicant's name, mobile number, Aadhaar card number, and other information.

Step 3: Now you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number, which you must enter in the prescribed location and save by clicking the "Save" button.

How to Obtain an Electronic Passbook in Andhra Pradesh?

With the introduction of the Meebhoomi portal, the landowners in Andhra Pradesh may also use the Meebhoomi AP website to access their passbooks online. The procedure to download your E-Passbook from Meebhoomi AP is as below.

Meebhoomi AP Website Homepage Meebhoomi AP Website Homepage

Step 1: Visit the official Meebhoomi website ( https://meebhoomi.ap.gov.in/ ). Click on the Electronic Passbook option.Step 2: You will be redirected to the following page.

Meebhoomi AP Details Form

Encumbrance Certificate in Andhra Pradesh

How to Check Land Complaint Status on Meebhoomi AP?

Step 3: Enter the required details such as district, zone, village name, account number, and mobile number. Enter the code given on the website and submit the details by pressing on CLICK.

Once you have filed a complaint on the Meebhoomi portal, you can also check the status of a complaint in the following steps.

Step 1: On the Meebhoomi AP website, Click on the "Complaints" option on the Meebhoomi AP official website's homepage.

Step 2: Select the "The Status of Your Complaints" tab from the drop-down menu.



Step 3: On the new page, you enter the name of the District and the Complaint number.

Meebhoomi Complaint Status Check Form Meebhoomi Complaint Status Check Form

Meebhoomi AP: Get Court Dispute Details

Step 4: Following that, you will have to enter the CAPTCHA code shown in the image and click the "Click" button. Your complaint's status will be shown on your computer screen.Also read: Bhu Naksha Andhra Pradesh

On the Meebhoomi portal, the court dispute details can be obtained on the basis of the concerned district. The list of districts available on the Meebhoomi AP is Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur, Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa, Anantapur, and Kurnool. From the Meebhoomi AP portal, you can also download the list of court disputes.

You can get the disputed details in the following steps.

Step 1: Login to the official website of Meebhoomi AP.

Step 2: Click on the Details of Court Disputes tab on the home page.

Meebhoomi AP Court Dispute Details Form



Meebhoomi AP Court Dispute Details Form

Step 3: Select the district from the drop-down list.

Step 4: Once you select a district, the court cases of the district will be displayed in the following format.

Meebhoomi AP Court Cases Information Meebhoomi AP Court Cases Information

Meebhoomi AP: Download Revenue Court Details

Meebhoomi portal allows you to download the revenue court details. You can get the revenue court cases details in the following steps.

Step 1: Login to the official website of Meebhoomi AP.

Step 2: Click on the Others tab on the home page.

Meebhoomi Website Homepage Meebhoomi Website Homepage



Step 3: Choose Details of Revenue Court from the drop-down list.

Step 4: The details of Revenue Court Cases will be displayed in the following format.

Meebhoomi AP Revenue Court Cases Meebhoomi AP Revenue Court Cases

Meebhoomi AP District-Wise Cases Meebhoomi AP District-Wise Cases

Step 5: You can download the list in a PDF format.

Find below the Meebhoomi AP contact details that you can use in case you have any further queries.

For Technical Issues: For technical issues, you can send an email to meebhoomi-ap@gov.in and the team will contact you.

For Data Related Issues: To report data-related issues, you need to fetch the details of your concerned tahsildar base don your location. Here are the steps that you can follow to find your tahsildar contact details (phone number and email address).

Step 1: Visit the official website of Meebhoomi AP and click on the Contact tab placed in the blue bar at the top of the website homepage.

Step 5: You can download the file in a PDF format.Step 5: You can click on the numbers and get the details of the cases district wise.

Meebhoomi AP Contact Details Option



Step 2: Click on the Contact Your Concerned Tahsildar link.

Meebhoomi AP Contact Information Link

Step 3: Provide the Required details, such as the district and the Mandal name. Click on the Click button. You will find the details of your chosen tahsildar on your screen.



Tahsildar Contact Details on Meebhoomi AP



Meebhoomi AP Land Records - What Happens if You Lose the Documents?

Do not panic or worry if you lose your AP Land records or Meebhoomi AP documents. You can get a duplicate copy of your Meebhoomi AP land record document by following the steps below:

Step 1: File a police complaint about your missing Meebhoomi documents. The landowner must file an FIR in case of lost documents. Once done, ask for the complaint copy and keep it safe with you.

Step 2: Put a newspaper ad about your missing Meebhoomi documents. It might seem a little irrelevant to advertise it after filing an FIR, but its essential. You can advertise in any English-language newspaper or a regional-language newspaper. The landowner must wait for at least 15 days before submitting a request for duplicate Meebhoomi or AP Land Records documents.

Step 3: The landowner must submit a duly filled Form 22 and letter at the sub-registrars office. The letter will help you attain a certified copy of the lost Meebhoomi document. If you dont know where to get Form 22, you can request it from the sub-registrar office.

Meebhoomi AP: Online Correction of Land Records

Landowners in Andhra Pradesh can conveniently opt for land record rectification and complaint registration at their nearest Mee-Seva Centre. As per the mandate, this request would typically be processed within 15 days of registration. However, thanks to the Meebhoomi AP online portal, users can opt for correction in land records data online. Follow the below-mentioned process for land records rectification-

Step 1: Visit the Meebhoomi AP official portal and navigate to the Angad Correction by Khata page

Step 2: As you click on the page, the website will be redirected to the official form for land records correction

Step 3: Enter the asked information, including the Complainants name, contact details, permanent address, Aadhar number, type of complaint, village name, district name, mandal name and account number

Step 4: Proceed by entering the OTP received on your registered mobile number

Step 5: After verifying your identity via OTP, click on Save

Step 6: Your application for correction in the land records document will be saved in the official data centre

Meebhoomi AP: Features & Benefits

The Meebhoomi AP website by the Andhra Pradesh government has enabled easy access to the Andhra Pradesh Land Records and related documents. Find some of the key features of the portal below.

Acts as a one-stop platform to access all land-related details for land parcels located in Andhra Pradesh.

All the features can be accessed in the mobile application

Provides online access to AP land records

Supports the process of receiving encumbrance certificates or land documents with transparency

Can be used by any user from any location in Andhra Pradesh

Open to use for all Andhra Pradesh residents.

Provides users with a facility to lodge a complaint and get their concerns addressed.

Provides status of any process to the office bearers and patterns by SMS

Details of land conversions are also available on the portal

Provides Patta names and issues statistics based on Patta passbook details

Risk assessment and land surveying services available

Helps perform title check by providing access to the list of landlords and property owners in a specific area

Provides KYC details of landlords and property owners

Provides information about tenancy as well

Detailed information about crops, soil and the source of water

Offers simple navigation options to help users access the required information with ease.

Provides access to latest news and updates related to AP land records with data updated in realtime.

Meebhoomi Andhra Pradesh: Department Login

Citizens of Andhra Pradesh can easily register themselves on Meebhoomi Andhra Pradesh. Here is a step-by-step guide to registering on the portal:-

Step 1: Go to Meebhoomi @http://meebhoomi.ap.gov.in/

Step 2: Click on ME1-b/Village 1-B

Step 3: Click on the Department Login button, and a new page will open up

Step 4: Now, enter the login name, and password, choose a district from the drop-down list and enter the code. Here enter the captcha and click on Login.



Enter all the details to do department login on Meebhoomi Login

Meebhoomi Andhra Pradesh Helpline

In case of any query or feedback, you can contact at the given office address, or phone number or write an email:-

Contact number: Toll-free number 14400

Email id: email@meebhoomi-ap@gov.in

Andhra Pradesh Comes First across India Survey 4000 Villages and Providing Digital Land Records



September 13, 2023: According to a recent update by the state government, Andhra Pradesh has become the first state to conduct a survey of 4,000 villages. The resurvey of the land of 4000 villages was conducted in record time. The resurvey exercise was conducted under the YSR Jagananna Saswata Bhu hakku, Bhu raksha scheme in the shortest possible time. Under this scheme, the land records are provided in a digital format up to an accuracy of 10 cm. Under the said scheme, the state government is providing survey stones on the boundaries of agricultural lands, free of cost. It leads to the creation of tamper-proof documents. Periodic updation of the Andhra Pradesh Land Records, mutation services, and sub-division before registration are integral parts of the scheme. The state government has used advanced technologies like drones, helicopters, aircraft, and rovers to complete the land survey.





Andhra Pradesh Government Assigns Priority to Land Resurvey and Deploys Airplanes and Drones to Complete the Task June 2023: The collector of Vizianagaram district has asked the officials to complete the resurvey of the land in the next two months. There are around 300 villages where the land resurvey has to be conducted. In addition, the resurvey has already begun in certain parts of the state. The resurvey was undertaken with the help of aeroplanes and drones.



The use of aeroplanes for land surveys is a first in the country. A total of 1.30 lakh square kilometres has to be measured in the survey. However, only 32,252 square kilometres will be measured via aeroplanes for the remaining area. Drones will be used. The survey for more than 32 thousand square kilometres has already started. Out of this, 30 thousand square kilometres have already been measured. The survey of the remaining area will be complete in the next 15 days, i.e. around the end.



The area covered via aeroplanes is part of districts like Anantapur, Kurnool, Palandu, Srisatyasai, Bapatla, and Nandyala. The entire resurvey was conducted under the watchful eyes of the state government. With the help of these resurveys, property owners will be able to understand and see their land information online hassle-free. Andhra Pradesh Government starts releasing 2 lakh acres of 'dotted lands'



May 2023: The Andhra Pradesh government has begun releasing "dotted lands" in the state from the prohibited list, restoring full selling rights or pledging these lands to those who own them, i.e. farmers. Over 2 lakh acres of these British-era dotted lands were recognised for permanent denotification. Dotted lands are disputed lands without any clear ownership documents. Generally, one or more individuals and the government's Revenue Department lay claim over these lands. The Andhra Pradesh government has begun releasing "dotted lands" in the state from the prohibited list, restoring full selling rights or pledging these lands to those who own them, i.e. farmers. Over 2 lakh acres of these British-era dotted lands were recognised for permanent denotification. Dotted lands are disputed lands without any clear ownership documents. Generally, one or more individuals and the government's Revenue Department lay claim over these lands. They are called 'dotted lands' because, during the British era, when tasks like land ownership surveys & land records resettlement were taken up, local revenue officials who were asked to identify government and privately-owned lands put dots in the ownership column if more than one person claimed a piece of land and its ownership could not be established.

Bottom Line on Meebhoomi AP Land Records
What is Patta Chitta?

Patta, also known as Record of Right (RoR) is a legal document issued by the government of Tamil Nadu in the name of actual owner of the property. Patta Chitta document specifies details such as Patta number, District, taluk and village details, Property ownership (Name of the Owner), Survey number and subdivision, Type of land (Wet or Dry), Total area of land, and Property tax details.





Chitta is a land revenue record specifying land area, property owner name, type of land, etc. The Village Administrative Officer (VAO) and the Office in the Taluk are responsible for the maintenance of the document in Tamil Nadu.

How to apply for Patta Chitta Online in Tamil Nadu?

Patta Chitta is a process of applying for Patta Chitta online or Tamil Nadu Land records in Tamil Nadu or TN Patta Chitta involves the following steps.

Step 1: Visit the official website of TN Patta Chitta @ eservices.tn.gov.in. Click on the View Patta Chitta option.

Apply to View Patta Chitta Online (Tamil Nadu Land records)

Step 2: On the redirected page, District , Area Type, Taluk, Town, Ward, Block, Survey Number, and Subdivision Number.

Apply to View Patta Chitta Details Page (Tamil Nadu Land records)

Step 3: Enter authentication Value and click on Submit.

A certificate with the property information will be received from the Land Registrar Office and a printout of this can be taken. Patta Chitta online will include all information on the locality, land nature, survey number and others.



Also Read: Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu

TN Patta Chitta Sample

TN Patta Chitta Online has the following format.

Patta Chitta Sample Image (Tamil Nadu Land records)

How to Verify TN Patta Chitta Online?

Besides applying for a patta chitta online, a user can easily verify the status of a TN Patta Chitta online. Here are the steps they need to follow.

Step 1: Visit the official website of TN patta Chitta.

Step 2: Click on the Application Status button, available on the left bottom side of the page.

Patta Chitta Application Status (Tamil Nadu Land records)

Step 3: On the redirected page, Enter the Application ID and Authentication value.

Patta Chitta Application Status Details Window (Tamil Nadu Land records)

Step 4: Enter the Captcha Code.

How to view Patta Chitta FMB online on TN Patta Chitta portal?

The Patta Chitta Tamilnadu portal allows a user to check the Patta Chitta FMB online. The Patta Chitta FMB is the record of field measurements in Tamil nadu. Before the introduction of the eservices.tn.gov.in/ portal, the Patta Chitta FMB documents were difficult to obtain and the procedure was completely manual.





Step 1: Go to the official website of TN Patta Chitta.



Step 3: Click on the Submit button. As soon as you click on the Submit button, the following window will be displayed.





Patta Chitta FMB Online



Step 2: Select the District from the dropdown menu and Area type from Rural and Urban.Step 3: Click on the Submit button. As soon as you click on the Submit button, the following window will be displayed.Patta Chitta FMB Online

Step 4: On this window, fill in the details like taluk, town, ward, block, Survey number, and sub division number.

Step 5: Enter the Authentication Value.

Step 6: Click on the Submit button. The Patta Chitta FMB will be displayed online.









Also Read: Tamil Nadu Registration Department

What is A register? An A-Register in Tamil Nadu is a land record maintained by the Village Administrative Officer in the state of Tamil Nadu. The facility to view Patta Chitta FMB online has greatly reduced the time and efforts required in obtaining the Patta Chitta FMB. The Patta Chitta FMB certificate is an important land record document and citizens must use the online facility to get Patta Chitta FMB online.An A-Register in Tamil Nadu is a land record maintained by the Village Administrative Officer in the state of Tamil Nadu.

How do I check the status of Poramboke land in TN Patta Chitta?

Step 5: Click in the get Status button. The status of the Patta Chitta will be displayed online. (Patta Chitta Online)

The patta chitta portal of the Tamil nadu government (TN patta Chitta) portal allows for an online verification of Poramboke land. To verify the status of Poramboke land online on TN Patta Chitta, follow the mentioned steps-

Step 1: Visit eservices.tn.gov.in/eservicesnew to access Tamil Nadu's online site. Click Verify Poramboke Land' on the home page.

Verify the status of Poramboke land online (Tamil Nadu Land records)





Step 2. In this step, you can choose the district, village, taluk, survey number , and subdivision number on the redirected page.

Step 3. After you have entered all of the necessary information, click the submit button to finish the verification process.

How to view A Register Extract online in TN Patta Chitta?

The TN Patta Chitta portal allows a user to view the A Register Extract online. Follow the mentioned steps to view A Extract Register online on the portal.

Step 1: Enter the official website of Patta Chitta online@ https://eservices.tn.gov.in/eservicesnew/index.html



Step 2: Click on the View A Register Extract option on the homepage.





Step 3: The following window will be opened.

View A Extract Register Online (Tamil Nadu Land records)

Step 4: Fill in the details such as District, Taluk, Village, Survey Number, Sub division number, and Enter Authentication Value.





Step 5: Click on the submit button. The A extract will be displayed online.

How to View Patta Order Copy Rural on TN Patta Chitta online?

To view Patta Order Copy Rural online, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Enter the official website of TN Patta Chitta.





Step 2: Click on the Patta Order Copy Rural tab.





Step 3: In the next step, fill in the Application ID and Enter Authentication Value.





Step 4: Click on the submit button. The Patta Order Copy Rural will be displayed online.

How to View FMB Sketch Rural on TN Patta Chitta online?

To view FMB Sketch (Rural) online, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Enter the official website of TN Patta Chitta (Tamil Nadu Land records).





Step 2: Click on the FMB Sketch Rural tab.





Step 3: In the next step, fill in the details such as District, Taluk, Village, Survey Number, Sub division number, and Enter Authentication Value.





Step 4: Click on the submit button. The FMB Sketch Rural will be displayed online.

How to View TSLR Extract Online on Tamil Nadu Land Records Portal?

To view TSLR Extract online, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Visit the official website of Tamil Nadu Land Records.





Step 2: Click on the View TSLR Extract tab.





Step 3: In the next step, fill in the details such as District, Taluk, Village, Ward, Block, Town Survey Number, Sub division number, and Enter Authentication Value.







What details are found in the Patta Chitta Online document? Step 4: Click on the submit button. The TSR Extract will be displayed online. In Tamil Nadu, patta chitta documents are considered as key documents of property ownership. TN Patta Chitta can be obtained online. You can also check the status of Patta Chitta online. The key components of a patta chitta online document involve- 1. Owners Name 2. Survey number of the property 3. Survey Number and the Sub-division 4. Patta Quantity (Patta Chitta download) 5. Name of the district, village and taluk of the owner 6. Property dimensions 7. Tax details of the property 8. Type of Land (Dry or wetland) 9. Chitta land ownership Documents required to apply for TN Patta Chitta Online The following documents are necessary if you are to apply for Patta Chitta documents on Tamil Nadu Land Records official website. Electricity Bill or Previous Property Tax receipt for proof of ownership

Sale Deed photocopy should be submitted to the Tehsildar office for authentication Can I Transfer Patta Chitta Online? Yes, Patta Chitta can be transferred online. The transfer application can be filed at Common Service Centres(CSCs) across Tamil Nadu. To make a transfer application, a fee of Rs 60 has to be paid per Patta transfer application. Once you have applied, you can track the status on the E-services website. How to Transfer Patta in Tamil Nadu? In the case of property sales, the transition of Patta is made. The Patta migration process is close to the Patta land registry process. Upon the basis of the report by the department concerned, the application may be approved or rejected. The necessary documents for process of transferring TN Patta are: 1. Sale Deed 2. Water or electricity bill for ownership proof 3. Encumbrance certificate 4. An Affidavit

How GRAINS portal helps farmers of Tamil Nadu? The GRAINS portal is a digital platform developed by the Government of Tamil Nadu to provide various services and information to farmers in the state. This portal has several features that can help farmers in Tamil Nadu, such as providing them with real-time weather updates, market prices of crops, agricultural news, and information about government schemes and subsidies. Linking the Patta (land ownership documents) with the GRAINS portal can further benefit the farmers in Tamil Nadu in several ways. How to view Government excluded land details on TN Patta Chitta Portal online? The Tamil Nadu land records portal of Patta Chitta online portal allows the citizens to view, update and download the land records documents online in Tamil Nadu. In addition to various land records services, the Pattc Chitta portal allows a user to view the government excluded land details online. Follow the mentioned procedure to view Government excluded land details on TN Patta Chitta Portal online. 5. Previous Tax receiptsThe GRAINS portal is a digital platform developed by the Government of Tamil Nadu to provide various services and information to farmers in the state. This portal has several features that can help farmers in Tamil Nadu, such as providing them with real-time weather updates, market prices of crops, agricultural news, and information about government schemes and subsidies. Linking the Patta (land ownership documents) with the GRAINS portal can further benefit the farmers in Tamil Nadu in several ways.The Tamil Nadu land records portal of Patta Chitta online portal allows the citizens to view, update and download the land records documents online in Tamil Nadu. In addition to various land records services, the Pattc Chitta portal allows a user to view the government excluded land details online. Follow the mentioned procedure to view Government excluded land details on TN Patta Chitta Portal online. Step 1: Go to the Tamil Nadu Land Records online portal at eservices.tn.gov.in/eservicesnew/home.html. Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Government Excluded Land Details to View option. Step 3: A new window will be opened. On this window, fill in the details like District, Circle, Village, Survey Number, Clause no and authentication value. Step 4: Once you fill in the details, click on the Submit button. The details of Government excluded land details on TN Patta Chitta Portal will be displayed on the screen. How to Change Name in Tamil Nadu Patta Chitta? There is no online process available to change names in TN Patta Chitta Online. You must follow the below mentioned steps to complete the name change process in an offline mode. Step 1: Go to the Taluk or Village Administration Office in your respective locality and take the Patta Transfer form. Step 2: Fill the required details in the form and submit the duly signed application in the office. Along with the modifications, it will take between 15 and 30 days to issue the new Patta.

List of districts in Tamil Nadu where Patta Chitta, Adangal is available

In Tamil Nadu, land records are available for 27 of the 32 districts.

1. Ariyalur

2. Coimbatore

4. Dharmapuri

5. Dindigul

6. Erode

7. Kancheepuram

9. Karur

10. Krishnagiri

12. Nagapattinam

13. Namakkal

14. Nilgiris

15. Perambalur

16. Pudukottai

17. Ramanathapuram

18. Salem

19. Sivagangai

20. Thanjavur

21. Thoothukudi

22. Tirunelveli

23. Tiruppur

24. Tiruvannamalai

25. Vellore

26. Villupuram

27. Virudhunagar

Why TN Patta Chitta is Important in Tamil Nadu? In Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Land records are commonly referred to as Patta Chitta. Check out why TN patta chitta is important. Ownership Check: With TN Patta Chitta, property buyers can perform With TN Patta Chitta, property buyers can perform title search and check the ownership rights of property owners before making a purchase. Tamil Nadu Land records help them prevent unauthorised deals or fraudulent transactions. Transparency: TN Patta Chitta is a government document. Tamil Nadu Land records does not need any additional verification to be used to perform any property-related activities. Saves Time: Having a TN Patta Chitta document can help save your time as you get all your property-related information on one document. This saves you from visiting multiple portals to gather the required records. Image Format: TN Patta Chitta is created and provided in an image format. This helps property owners view all their land-related details (Tamil Nadu Land records) in one go. Easy Loan Saction: Banks approve home loan applications easily if TN Patta Chitta document (Tamil Nadu Land records) is provided with all the other required documents.

If citizens face any difficulty in getting the Patta Chitta or Land records details in Tamil Nadu, they can contact the land and survey department at the following address-

Commissionerate of Survey and Settlement

No.1, Survey House, Kamarajar Salai, Chepauk, Chennai-600005

Phone: 044-28591662

Patta Chitta @ Tamil Nadu Land Records - Latest News 2023

New Portal for Name Transfers in Patta Chitta without visiting CSC becomes Popular; over 4 lakh Pattas issued



Aug 1, 2023: The Tamil Nadu government recently launched a new portal to transfer names in Pattas without visiting the



For the name transfer, it takes over 15 days to change the name in the land records. The Sub registrars across Tamil Nadu have been sensitized to the new procedure, and the rules are being followed. The Tamil Nadu government recently launched a new portal to transfer names in Pattas without visiting the Common Service Centres (CSCs) , and it has proven to be highly useful for the common citizens. The citizens can apply for the mutation of the name transfer in Patta Chitta at https://tamilnilam.tn.gov.in/citizen/.Since the launch of the portal, over 4 lakh pattas have been issued to the beneficiaries. Under automatic name transfer, if the seller is the patta holder, the full plot is being sold, and the document limits match with the land records, the case will be earmarked for automatic mutation.For the name transfer, it takes over 15 days to change the name in the land records. The Sub registrars across Tamil Nadu have been sensitized to the new procedure, and the rules are being followed.

Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to grant Layout Permission Online

July 20: According to a positive update, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is all set to grant the building and layout permission online. The CMDA has already integrated its software with municipal bodies like Greater Chennai Corporation and other local municipal bodies under Chennai Metropolitan Area. In this relation, the builders and layout developers have urged the CMDA to set a deadline for issuance for layout approval. They have also urged the CMDA to train the architects on the software specifications. In addition to the introduction of online layout approval, the CMDA is in the advanced stages of integrating its software with the registration department. Once the integration is done, the gift deeds of link roads and OSR roads will be done with ease. The CMDA will also integrate the software with the Survey and Settlement Department of Tamil Nadu. After this integration, a copy of the approved layout will be available on the revenue sub sub-division map. This will help the citizens in getting their Patta easily.

Bottom Line on Patta Chitta in Tamil Nadu

To sum up, Patta Chitta is a critical land records document that contains of all your land-related details such as type of property, patta number, district, village, taluka, title information, survey number, and much more. We hope the post helps you find out how you can get one for your property. In case you still face any issue in retrieving one for yourself, you can always contact the provided help and support desk.
Union Government advances the Deadline to implement PMAY, To be completed by December 2023



October 31, 2023: In a recent development, the Union Government has advanced the Deadline for the implementation of housing for all under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAYG). According to a booklet released by the Ministry of Rural Development, the Deadline for the completion of the Housing for All initiative is now December 2023. The earlier Deadline to complete the initiative was March 2024. In view of the impending general elections, the Deadline has been advanced. Until September 2023, over 24.5 million houses had been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The target under the PMAY Housing for all initiative was to build over 29.5 Million houses. A large chunk of the remaining houses being built under the Housing for All mission are at various stages of construction. The Rural Development Ministry has asked the state governments to speed up the construction of the houses. The Housing for All initiative was started in November 2016. About PMAY Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin, or PMAYG, is a flagship affordable rural housing scheme. Under this, monetary assistance is provided to the economically weaker sections of society to construct a home. PMAY Gramin or Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana



To avail the benefits of PMAYG, the applicants must be on the PMAYG list prepared by the local authorities and Gram Panchayat.Houses built under PMAY Gramin will have such unique features as catastrophe-resistant and low-cost, and the socio-cultural and geo-climate considerations will be taken into account.As a part of PMAY Gramin or Rural, a total of four crore residences are aimed to be constructed all over India by 2024. PMAY Gramin has now been extended to 2024, and the target has been revised to 2.95 crore pucca houses. The Socio-Economic Caste Census of 2011 will be the basis for selecting beneficiaries. PMAY Gramin: Key Facts In a recent development, the Union Government has advanced the Deadline for the implementation of housing for all under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAYG). According to a booklet released by the Ministry of Rural Development, the Deadline for the completion of the Housing for All initiative is now December 2023.Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin, or PMAYG, is a flagship affordable rural housing scheme. Under this, monetary assistance is provided to the economically weaker sections of society to construct a home. PMAY Gramin orGramin (PMAYG) was formerly known as Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY). In order to achieve the goals of the scheme "Housing for All" by 2022, this affordable housing scheme was introduced. PMAY Gramin, or PMAYG, has now been extended up to the year 2024. PMAY Gramin seeks to ensure affordable houses to the beneficiaries, including basic facilities.To avail the benefits of PMAYG, the applicants must be on the PMAYG list prepared by the local authorities and Gram Panchayat.Houses built under PMAY Gramin will have such unique features as catastrophe-resistant and low-cost, and the socio-cultural and geo-climate considerations will be taken into account.As a part of PMAY Gramin or Rural, a total of four crore residences are aimed to be constructed all over India by 2024. PMAY Gramin has now been extended to 2024, and the target has been revised to 2.95 crore pucca houses. The Socio-Economic Caste Census of 2011 will be the basis for selecting beneficiaries. Following are key facts about PMAY Gramin: Particulars Details Name of the scheme Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Aim of the scheme Deliver 1.95 crore pucca houses Last date to avail the scheme December 31, 2024 PMAY Gramin Eligibility Homeless Families

Families with a kutcha home with a Kutcha roof and wall

A household without a literate adult above 25 Years

Homes without an adult male between the ages of 16-59

Houses without any able-bodied adults and disabled adults

Landless labourers who receive their income from casual labour

Members of SCs/STS/ etc Contact details of PMAY Gramin Toll-Free Helpline Numbers of PM Awas yojana 2022 1800-11-6446

1800-11-8111 Email Addresses for PM Awas yojana 2022 support-pmayg[at]gov[dot]in

helpdesk-pfms[at]gov[dot]in

Under PMAY Gramin, residential unit costs will be shared between Central and State governments. Financial help will be distributed in plain areas in a ratio of 60:40 and in North East and hilly states at 90:10. As financial assistance in all plain regions, a total of Rs 1.2 lakh and Rs 1.3 lakh in hilly areas will be provided for housing construction. The unit size has been increased from 20 sq m to 25 sq m with a specific





PMAY Gramin House Completion Status across Financial Years PMAYG Eligibility Requirements Under PMAY Gramin, residential unit costs will be shared between Central and State governments. Financial help will be distributed in plain areas in a ratio of 60:40 and in North East and hilly states at 90:10. As financial assistance in all plain regions, a total of Rs 1.2 lakh and Rs 1.3 lakh in hilly areas will be provided for housing construction. The unit size has been increased from 20 sq m to 25 sq m with a specific kitchen area . The progress of PMAY Gramin or PMAYG can be summarised through the following graph.PMAY Gramin House Completion Status across Financial Years To avail of the benefits under the PMAY Gramin or Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin or PMAYG, the applicant must fulfil the following criteria- Homeless Families

Families with a kutcha home with a Kutcha roof and wall

A household without a literate adult above 25 Years

Homes without an adult male between the ages of 16-59

Houses without any able-bodied adults and disabled adults

Landless labourers who receive their income from casual labour

Members of SCs/STS/ etc You Might Also Like PMAY Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2023: Affordable Housing Scheme for All | Latest Updates and Details Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAYG) 2023: Eligibility, News & How to Apply@pmayg.nic.in PMAY Urban 2023: Schemes, How to Apply, Check Eligibility & Latest Updates PMAY or Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Eligibility Criteria 2023 PMAY List 2023: Check Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana List PDF (PMAY Gramin, PMAY Urban) PMAY Subsidy Track 2023: How to Check PMAY Subsidy Status Online? PMAY Urban List 2023: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban Beneficiary List @ pmayuclap.gov.in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) CLSS Eligibility Criteria What are cases in which beneficiaries are excluded from PMAYG List? There are some factors that, if not complied with, may lead to the exclusion of the beneficiaries from the PMAY Gramin list or PMAYG list. These key factors for PMAY Gramin are as follows- If a person has a motorised vehicle, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and an agricultural equipment

The person has a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) with a limit equal to or greater than Rs 50,000

Any household which has at least one member in the government service and earns more than Rs 10,000 per month

If a person pays property tax, has a refrigerator or landline phone connection Latest PMAY Gramin List September 2023 The Union Government has released the latest progress report (PMAY List) of the PMAY Gramin or Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Progress report (as on September 2023). The report clearly displays that Uttar Pradesh (UP) has emerged as a clear winner in terms of completion of sanctioned targets (at a 97 per cent completion rate). West Bengal stood a close second at a 93 per cent completion rate. The detailed report of the PMAY List is as follows. PMAYG List against the target financial year SNo State Name MoRD Target Registered Completed % of Completion against MoRD Target Fund Transferred Total 27171918 27280598 20505692 75.47 270439.69 1 Arunachal Pradesh 41596 36138 9055 21.77 129.22 2 Assam 2084070 1565554 679287 32.59 13754.58 3 Bihar 3862734 4207979 3238932 83.85 42030.75 4 Chhattisgarh 1097150 1218292 827265 75.4 10810.47 5 Goa 1707 271 139 8.14 2.36 6 Gujarat 449167 575515 396148 88.2 4632.04 7 Haryana 30789 31959 21312 69.22 331.97 8 Himachal Pradesh 15483 15502 10888 70.32 185.7 9 Jammu And Kashmir 201633 234400 102759 50.96 1809.93 10 Jharkhand 1603268 1625056 1335546 83.3 18737.39 11 Kerala 42212 36713 23670 56.07 364.63 12 Madhya Pradesh 3789400 4421479 2958506 78.07 41534.99 13 Maharashtra 1505983 1485639 880321 58.45 11938.99 14 Manipur 46166 52694 16963 36.74 296.75 15 Meghalaya 81677 66088 33772 41.35 577.04 16 Mizoram 20518 18656 6145 29.95 127.4 17 Nagaland 24775 28286 5222 21.08 92.46 18 Odisha 2695837 1849675 1705501 63.26 22029.83 19 Punjab 41117 60836 24050 58.49 354.29 20 Rajasthan 1733959 1771074 1446111 83.4 18372.87 21 Sikkim 1409 1383 1085 77 15.16 22 Tamil Nadu 817439 813792 448453 54.86 6064.61 23 Tripura 282238 328457 181441 64.29 2729.73 24 Uttar Pradesh 2615951 2925874 2586977 98.89 31328.35 25 Uttarakhand 29052 71490 27236 93.75 360.74 26 West Bengal 3482359 3469069 3385128 97.21 41693.77 27 Andaman And Nicobar 1337 1576 1165 87.14 11.3 28 Dadra And Nagar Haveli 6763 5615 2735 40.44 94.8 29 Daman And Diu 68 48 13 19.12 0.16 30 Lakshadweep 53 56 44 83.02 0.6 31 Puducherry 0 0 0 0 0 32 Andhra Pradesh 256270 190569 46719 18.23 12.52 33 Karnataka 307746 168706 101675 33.04 0 34 Telangana 0 0 0 0 0 35 Ladakh 1992 2157 1429 71.74 14.29 Total 27171918 27280598 20505692 75.47 270439.69

PMAY Gramin List or PMAY G Beneficiary List @ rhreporting.nic.in

How to Check PMAY Gramin List or PMAY List Using a Registered Phone Number

You can check the PMAY list of beneficiaries at https://rhreporting.nic.in/ using your registered number by entering your number in the field provided and clicking on Submit. You can also find the corresponding information if your name is on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin or PMAY Gramin lists.

How to Check PMAY Gramin Beneficiary List or PMAY List without a Phone Number?

Here are the steps that beneficiaries listed in PMAY Gramin or PMAY G can follow in case they do not have a registered phone number.



Step 1: Go to the link https://rhreporting.nic.in/ and click the 'advanced search' option.

Step 2: Next, they must provide details such as the State, District, Block, Panchayat, etc. They can provide any of these to fetch the required details.

Name

Father/husband name

BPL account number

Sanction letter

Step 3: Click on 'Search' to see if the name appears on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin list or the PMAY Gramin list after your information has been filled in.

What is Pahal under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin?

In order to promote sustainable construction and encourage the designers to be a part of the Housing for All mission, the Government of India has introduced the PAHAL campaign for PMAYG.





To address the critical question of the construction of quality houses on a sustainable basis on such a large scale, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, initiated a study of housing typologies for each state.





Housing prototypes have been developed for each housing zone within a state based on climatic conditions, disaster risk factors, local materials and traditional skills. The current compendium of recommended type designs and technologies for an initial set of 11 states is a milestone in this journey.





Advanced construction technologies that have been identified in these State-specific studies include locally available materials and prevailing rural construction skill sets. These technologies, therefore can be put to use right away at the village level with materials sourced from not too far. The technologies identified are sustainable, which ensures the potential for long-term availability of the materials. They are durable and designed to withstand the climatic variations and natural hazards exposed to the specific housing zone.

PMAY Gramin List: Documents Required to Apply for PMAY Gramin Scheme

Here are the steps that you can follow to view the Pradhan PMAY-G beneficiary list or PMAY List.Step 1: New list of beneficiaries under the PMAY scheme (PMAY List) can be accessed through the link: rhreporting.nic.in/netiay/Benificiary.aspx

Step 2: Choose any of the options stating IAY/PMAYG Beneficiary or Advanced SearchStep 3: Details or PMAY List will be displayed on the screen if the name is included in the PMAY Rural beneficiary list (PMAY List).

If you do not find your name in the PMAY Gramin list or PMAY List, you can go ahead and add it by applying for the same in just a few clicks. You need to provide a few major documents when applying for the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana.

Aadhar Card

SBM Gramin (Swachh Bharat Mission) registration number

MGNREGA registered beneficiary job card number

A consent letter for using Aadhar on behalf of the beneficiary

Bank account number and other required banking details of the beneficiary

PMAY Gramin List: Change in the Framework for the release of Central Funds

In a recent development, the Ministry of Rural Development has approved changes in the framework of releasing the first installment under PMAY Gramin or PMAYG. The proposed changes are as follows-





Old Regime of Fund Allocation under PMAY Gramin New Regime of Fund Allocation under PMAY Gramin The 1st installment would be 50% of the central share of the total financial allocation for a particular State/UT. The 1st installment for the State/ UT as a whole is to be released at the beginning of the financial year to the States / UTS that have availed the 2nd installment or have submitted a complete proposal thereof in the previous financial year, subject to fulfilment of specific conditions, If any. (i) At the onset of the FY, the Annual Financial allocation (including 2% administrative Fund) would be decided for each State/UT on the basis of the previous year's performances, pending houses for completion and utilization of available funds. The Empowered Committee would approve this Annual action Plan (AAP).

(ii) The 1st installment amounting to 50% of the Annual Financial allocation or the fund allocation against the targets allocated till the current FY to the State/UT whichever is smaller, shall be released subject to fulfilment of specific conditions, if any.

(iii) The funds pending for release against the targets allocated under PMAY Gramin during the current as well as the previous financial year(s) would be adjusted against the Annual Financial Allocation irrespective of the year (s) in which targets are allocated subject to fulfillment of specific conditions, if any, prescribed at the time of previous releases. PMAY Gramin Mobile Application: AWAAS Application for Android and iOS The PMAY Gramin scheme was launched to provide affordable housing to the economically weaker sections of society across India. The Ministry of Rural Development is the nodal agency for implementing and monitoring the Scheme. As the ministry releases regular updates and beneficiary lists (PMAY List), tracking the details using a website becomes cumbersome. To provide hassle-free access to the updates regarding PMAY Gramin, the ministry has rolled out a PMAY Gramin mobile application. The mobile application is available for both Android and iOS platforms.



Also Read: Best Banks for PMAY Home Loan

How to Download PMAY Gramin Mobile App? As many fraudulent applications are present on the Play Store and App Store with a similar name, It is suggested that you download the mobile application from the official website only. As many fraudulent applications are present on the Play Store and App Store with a similar name, It is suggested that you download the mobile application from the official website only. Here is the step-by-step procedure to download the PMAY Gramin Mobile Application (PMAYG App). Step 1: Go to the official website of PMAY Gramin @https://pmayg.nic.in/netiay/home.aspx Step 2: According to the mobile platform used, click on the Android Play Store or iOS App Store icon on the homepage. Step 3: If you choose the Android application icon, you will be redirected to the webpage of the Android Application. You can directly go to the App store or Play store to download the mobile applications as required.



Also Read: IAY-Indira Awas Yojana: Erstwhile Housing Scheme Renamed as PMAY





If you have any queries with respect to the PMAY Gramin list, you can contact the concerned authorities on the following toll-free number or email ID. The contact details are as below: Toll-Free Number- 1800116446

Email- support-pmayg@gov.in Jharkhand State Govt. Urges Central Govt. to Approve 8 Lakh PMAY Houses June 08, 2023: Jharkhand Government has requested the Central Government to approve PMAY Gramin Houses for 8 lakh beneficiaries in the state. The Rural Development Department of Jharkhand prepared a list of over 10 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana beneficiaries and sent the same to the Central Government for approval. Only 2 lakh beneficiaries from the list were approved. The department has urged the central government to approve the houses for these remaining PMAYG beneficiaries. As per the reports, the Central Government has not approved any PMAY house for Jharkhand Government in FY 2022-23 and 2023-24. The reason stated by the government was that out of 2 lakh PMAY houses approved by the Central Government initially, the construction work for 1 lakh houses was still pending. Jharkhand State Government was directed to complete the construction work of these houses first. Despite the construction work of these remaining 1 lakh PMAY houses is still in progress, Jharkhand CM, Hemant Soren has requested the Central Government to approve the remaining 8 lakh houses so that these beneficiaries get their houses completed on time. The Bottom Line on PMAY Gramin List 2023-24
Deadline to implement Housing for All under PMAYG advanced to December 2023



October 25, 2023: In an important decision, the Union Government has changed the deadline for the Housing for All mission under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin. The new deadline to provide affordable houses in rural areas of India is now December 2023. The Union government has advanced the deadline for PMAYG by three months. The earlier deadline for the Housing for All mission under the PMAYG was March 2024. The PMAYG is the flagship affordable housing scheme of the Union Government.



According to the Ministry of Rural Development, until September 30, 2023, around 24.5 Million homes were built under the PMAYG. The target under the scheme was to build 29.5 Million houses. PMAY (Gramin)

The remaining houses are at various stages of construction, and the ministry is hopeful of completing the house construction by December 2023. Thescheme was launched in November 2016. J&K administration Sanctions 4524 houses under PMAYG, Subsidy released for beneficiaries October 31, 2023: According to a recent move, the J&K government has sanctioned over 4524 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAYG) for Bandipora in the last four years. The district has witnessed a significant increase in the beneficiaries under PMAYG in recent times. The state government has made an all-out effort to increase the availability of affordable houses to the residents. Out of the total beneficiaries, over 4158 have received the first instalment, amounting to Rs 21 crore, 1868 beneficiaries have received the second instalment of Rs 10 crore, and over 972 beneficiaries have received the third instalment of Rs 4 Crore. The J&K administration is making all efforts to increase awareness about the PMAYG scheme and the application process. The state government wishes to complete the formalities by December 2023. Also Read: Web Story on PMAY-G

PMAY Gramin 2023: Key Facts Here are key facts about PMAY Gramin: Particulars Details Name of the scheme Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Beneficiaries Families under low-income group and below the poverty line Aim of the scheme Deliver 1.95 crore pucca houses Last date to avail the scheme December 31, 2024 Where to apply for PMAYG Official website of PMAY-G@https://pmayg.nic.in/ Mobile application for PMAYG Name of the mobile app is Awaas Contact details of PMAYG Toll-Free Helpline Numbers of PM awas yojana 1800-11-6446

1800-11-8111 Email Addresses for PM awas yojana support-pmayg[at]gov[dot]in

helpdesk-pfms[at]gov[dot]in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Overview Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAYG) is an initiative by the Government of India to provide affordable housing to the rural poor. Originally launched in 1985 as Indira Awaas Yojana, the PMAY-G scheme was revamped and relaunched in 2016 by the current government as part of its Housing for All by 2022 initiative. PMAYG mission has now been extended upto 2024. This move will benefit lakhs of village dwellers. In its new avatar, PMAYG seeks to provide pucca houses, with all the basic amenities, including water, sanitation and electricity, to all the eligible rural households in two phases. In its second phase now, this scheme aimed to deliver 1.95 crore pucca houses across rural India between 2019 and 2022. This scheme has been extended up to 2024, and the target has been revised to 2.95 crore pucca houses. If you are looking to apply online, heres everything you need to know Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana. To boost the Housing for All mission, in the Union Budget 2022-23, the Union government has recommended that over 80 lakh affordable houses be constructed and delivered by 2023. In addition to this, the government has also recommended an allocation of Rs 48,000 crore for the stalled projects under the affordable housing schemes across the country. It will enable the timely delivery of under-construction projects.



PMAY Gramin Progress

(Source: https://pmayg.nic.in/netiay/home.aspx) PMAY Gramin Subsidy Scheme (Source: https://pmayg.nic.in/netiay/home.aspx) The following benefits are available under the PMAY Gramin scheme. Home loan Interest Subsidy at 3 per cent

Loans of Upto Rs 70,000 from a financial institution

Subsidy component for the maximum principal amount of Rs 2 Lakh

The maximum subsidy for the EMI payable is Rs 38,359 Let's see the benefits of PMAYG followed by eligibility criteria, beneficiary list, and the documents required to apply online for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAYG).

Source: pib.gov

PMAY Gramin 2023: Key Objectives & Benefits

PMAY Gramin, or PM Awaas Yojana 2023, is the flagship scheme of the government of India. PM Awas Yojana 2023 is targeted towards providing affordable housing to the rural citizens of India. The scheme details can be availed at the official website of PMAYG (Pmayg nic in 2022). The following are the key features and benefits of this scheme:

2. Monetary assistance of upto Rs 1.3 Lakhs: Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (PMAYG) or pm awas yojana 2022 offers assistance of Rs 1.2 Lakhs for building houses in the plain areas and Rs 1.3 Lakhs in hilly areas, North-East states, and certain other areas.

3. Centre-state cost sharing: The cost of building the houses will be shared between the Central and State governments in the ratio of 60:40. However, in certain states including North-East states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, J&K, this ratio would be 90:10.

4. Extra assistance for toilets: Each beneficiary will also get mandatory assistance of Rs 12,000 for the construction of toilets through Swach Bharat Mission or any other scheme.



5. Employment benefits: Apart from the housing assistance, PMAYG 2021-22 scheme or pm awas yojana 2022 also provides the beneficiaries with 90-95 days of employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.



6. Housing unit size: The houses built under PMAYG or pm awas yojana 2022 are required to have a minimum area of 25 sq.m



7. Special borrowing facility: The beneficiaries are also given the option to avail of a



8. Housing typologies: The beneficiaries also get choices of house design typologies based on topography, climate, culture, and other housing practices. Each beneficiary will also get mandatory assistance of Rs 12,000 for the construction of toilets through Swach Bharat Mission or any other scheme.Apart from the housing assistance, PMAYG 2021-22 scheme or pm awas yojana 2022 also provides the beneficiaries with 90-95 days of employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.The houses built under PMAYG or pm awas yojana 2022 are required to have a minimum area of 25 sq.mThe beneficiaries are also given the option to avail of a home loan of upto Rs 70,000 from any authorized financial institution.The beneficiaries also get choices of house design typologies based on topography, climate, culture, and other housing practices.

Apply for Home Loan on Magicbricks

PMAY Gramin Eligibility 2022-23 (PM Awas Yojana 2022)

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAYG) scheme or pm awas yojana 2022 seeks to build 2.95 crore pucca houses in rural India by March 2022 in 2 phases: 1 crore houses in Phase 1 (2016-17 to 2018-19) and 1.95 crore houses in Phase 2 (2019-20 to 2021-22). The PMAY-G scheme has now been extended upto 2024.

The government has set the following guidelines for the identification and selection of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (PMAYG) scheme 2022-23 (pm awas yojana 2022):

You or your family should not own a pucca house anywhere in the country.

Families with one or two rooms with kutcha

Families belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Minority sections of the society

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit must be lower than Rs 50,000

No family member must be in a government job or earn more than Rs 10,000 per month

The family should comprise a spouse and unmarried children.

The applicant or their family members must not be professional taxpayers

The applicant should not own a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, or four-wheeler. Your household should not have any member serving as a government employee. Your household should not own a refrigerator or a landline.

How to know the Fund Transfer Order or FTO summary report? (pmayg nic in report)

The Fund Transfer Order (FTO) in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Regime lets the users and authorities track the fund transfer order using the FTO number (pmayg nic in report) . A detailed FTO report can display the FTO numbers generated, signed and verified in all the states of India (pmayg nic in report) . To get the FTO report (pmayg nic in report) online, follow the mentioned steps-

A dedicated website for PMAYG has been rolled out by the government of India.

Step 1: Go to the official website of rural housing reporting @https://rhreporting.nic.in/netiay/EFMSReport/FTOTransactionSummary.aspx

Step 2: You will have two options to view the pmayg nic in report or FTO report viz

Generated Financial Year

Sanctioned Financial Year

Step 3: Choose any one of the mentioned options.(pmayg nic in report)

Step 4: Select the Financial year from the drop-down menu. The state-wise FTO report will be displayed on the screen. (pmayg nic in report)

This report (pmayg nic in report) will contain fields such as FTO generated, verified, signed, and pending.

This report is categorized state-wise. As soon as you click on the name of the state, the list of districts with the same parameters will be displayed. If you click on the District name, the list will be displayed block-wise.

How do I verify and download the PMAY beneficiary 2022 details? (pmayg.nic.in 2022 report)

The eligible applicants of the PMAYG 2022 scheme can verify and download the PMAY report 2022 from the official PM Awas Yojana 2022 portal (Pmayg nic in 2022). Follow the mentioned steps to the pmay nic in report 2022 online.

Step 1: Go to the official website of the PMAY portal (pmay gov in).

Step 2: On the homepage, click the Report option under the Awaassoft tab.

Step 3: You will be redirected to the following reporting website https://rhreporting.nic.in/netiay/newreport.aspx

Step 4: Under the Social Audit Reports option, click the Beneficiary Details for Verification option.

Step 5: On the next window, choose the State and year on the left-hand side.

Step 6: Enter the Captcha Code and click on the Submit button. The PMAY beneficiary report 2022-23 (pmayg nic in report) will be displayed on the screen. You can also download the PMAY 2022 report in pdf format.

Beneficiaries under PMAY Gramin Scheme 2022-23 @ pmay g nic.in

Among all the eligible households, priority will be given to those who are most deprived. This priority will be decided on the basis of certain socio-economic parameters as listed below:

Households with no adult members between the age of 16 to 59 years.

Households that have no literate adult member above 25 years of age.

Households are headed by a female, with no adult member between the age of 16 to 59 years.

Households that have a disabled member and have no able-bodied adult.

Any landless household that earns most of its income from manual casual labour.

How to see the Map View of PMAY Gramin progress online?

The completion rate of the PMAY (Pmayg nic in 2022) targets of each state of India can also be seen in map view format. To view the map view of the PMAY progress, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Go to the official website of PMAYG and click on this link https://pmayg.nic.in/netiay/mapview_home/. (pmay g nic.in 2022)

Step 2: Zoom on a particular state and see the percentage of completion of housing targets.

Step 3: You can also see the states earmarked in different colours. The colouring is in accordance with the level of completion of targets.

Does Gram Sabha verify PMAY Gramin Priority List?

Once the priority list is generated, it is made available to the Gram Sabha for verification of the facts on the basis of which a household has been identified as eligible. If the Gram Sabha finds out the facts provided were wrong, it has the authority to remove the name of that household from the list.



Documents required to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (Rural)

You will need the following documents to apply for the PMAY Gramin scheme:

Identity proof such as Aadhar card

Bank account details

Swachh Bharat Mission registration number

Job card number (as registered under MGNREGA)

Consent to use Aadhar information

An affidavit stating that you (or your family members) do not own a pucca house

How to apply for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin @ pmay g nic.in?

Though the beneficiaries are automatically selected by the government on the basis of Socio-Economic Caste Census of 2011 (SECC), you can still add beneficiaries / register for the PAMYG scheme in the following steps:

Visit the official website of PMAY-G@https://pmayg.nic.in/ (pmay g nic.in 2022)

Fill in the required details.

Enter your Aadhar card number and click on Search button to find the beneficiary name.

Once you find the name, click on Select to Register.

Verify your auto-filled details and add the remaining details.

Proceed by providing your consent form, bank account details, MGNREGA number, and Swachh Bharat Mission number.

Your registration number will be generated.

How to find your name in PMAY Gramin Beneficiary List?

The government releases an annual list of beneficiaries on the basis of SECC 2011 data. To check your name in the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana Gramin list, take the following steps:

Visit the PMAY Gramin beneficiary list website (pmay g nic in).

Enter your registration number.

Click on Submit to view the status.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin has been one of the government's most important rural development schemes. If you are looking to get a house under this scheme and if you are eligible, keep track of the annual beneficiary list.

How to Check the PMAY Gramin Application Status 2023?



PMAY Gramin Application Status PMAY Gramin Application Status



PMAY Gramin Application Tracking (pmay g nic.in )

How to Edit PMAY Gramin 2022 Details After Application Submission?

How to search beneficiary status using the registration number?

The PMAYG subsidy status can be checked online in the following steps-Step 1: Login to the official website of PMAYG @https://pmayg.nic.in/netiay/home.aspxon (pmay g nic.in 2022)

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the 'Awaasoft' TabStep 3: Under this tab, Click on the 'FTO Tracking' option.Step 4: Enter the FTO number or PFMS Id and Captcha Code. Click on the submit button.The status will be displayed on the screen of PM awas yojana.Here are the steps that you can follow to edit your details after submitting the PMAY-G application.Step 1: Go to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana website (pmay g nic.in).Step 2: Enter yourdetails or application reference number to fetch the application details.Step 3: Click the 'Edit' button on the screen.Step 4: You can go ahead and edit your details in the next window.

If a user has applied for the subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G), he/she will have a registration number. You can check the status of your subsidy using the registration number only. In fact, this facility can be used to check the beneficiary status of applicants of the erstwhile Indira Awas Yojana (IAY). Follow the mentioned steps to check the status using the registration number only.

Step 1: Go to the official website of PMAYG (Pmayg nic in 2022).

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Stakeholders tab.

Step 3: Click on the IAY/PMAYG Beneficiary under this.

Step 4: A new window will be opened.

Step 5: Enter the registration Number in the provided field and click the Submit button. The status will be displayed on the screen.



Checkout: How to use your PF money to buy a new house?

How to get the AwaasPlus family member details online?

The PMAYG website allows users to get the details of Awaasplus family members online. To check the Awaasplus family member details, follow the mentioned steps.

Step 1: Go to the official website of PMAYG (Pmayg nic in 2022).

Step 2: On the homepage, click the Stakeholder tab.

Step 3: Under this, choose Awaasplus Family Member Details.

Step 4: On the next window, choose the concerned state and enter the 9-digit unique Awaasplus ID.

Step 5: Click on the Get Family Member Details' button. The details will be displayed on the screen.

How to get SECC family member details on the PMAY Gramin portal?

Similar to getting the Awaasplus details online, an applicant of PMAYG can also check the family member details in accordance with the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC). Follow the steps mentioned to check the SECC details on the PMAYG portal.

Step 1: Go to the official website of PMAYG (Pmayg nic in 2022).

Step 2: On the homepage, click the Stakeholder tab.

Step 3: Under this, choose SECC Family Member Details.

Step 4: On the next window, choose the state and enter the 7-digit unique PMAY ID.

Step 5: Click on the Get Family Member Details' button. The details will be displayed on the screen.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAYG): Performance Numbers

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAYG) is targeted towards providing houses to the poor and Economically weaker sections of society. With monetary assistance in the form of home loan interest subsidy, the Central government has endeavoured to achieve the goal of 'Housing for All by the year 2022. If data collated by the Union government is referred to, out of the total target of PMAYG, SC/ST communities formed around 60 per cent of the total target. Over 25 per cent of the targeted group belonged to the others category. Over 15 per cent belonged to the minority category.

In addition to this, over 95 per cent of the houses allocated are completed, and the amount is released. Around 5 per cent of the houses are under construction, but the amount under PMAYG is released.

Category PMAYG Numbers (As on August 2022) MoRD Target for PMAYG 2,71,85,815 Registered Houses 2,70,33,765 Sanctioned Houses 2,44,78,811 Completed Houses 1,96,06,249

'Awaas' Mobile Application (App) for Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana Gramin

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin has made tremendous progress towards providing affordable houses in rural areas. In addition to the providence of affordable houses, the Union government has also rolled out a state-of-the-art mobile application called 'Awaas'. You can check the status of the PMAY scheme implementation and also check the subsidy status using this app.



Activities such as inspection login, beneficiary login, FTO tracking, beneficiary search and uploading of current house status can be performed using the Awaas app. The Awaas mobile app has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Features and Benefits of the PMAY 'Awaas' Mobile Application (PM Awas yojana 2023) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, or PM Awas yojana 2023, is being implemented across India, and the progress of the yojana can be tracked using a state-of-the-art mobile application. Here are a few major features and benefits that make the PMAYG Awaas mobile app more useful for users. Quick Registration: The mobile app users can register on the mobile app by providing their basic details such as name, email address, mobile number, residential address, etc. Once done, they can log in to the mobile app by simply entering their registered mobile number and the one-time password sent to it.

Real-Time Updates: Awaas mobile application has an excellent feature of getting updated in real-time. The mobile app is linked with the official PMAY portal (Pmayg nic in 2022) and gives users access to the updated PMAYG list 2022 and related details. Users can either visit the portal or open the mobile app to view their PMAY application status/progress.

Simple Navigation: The mobile app has simple and easy-to-use navigation options. App users can find almost all the major sections on the homepage of the mobile application. With the mobile app, users can have all the major PMAY-related services at their fingertips. They can navigate to the suitable section and get the required information quickly.

Data Safety & Security: The mobile app has two access views depending upon the registration rights of the users. For example, PMAYG (PM Awas yojana 2023) applicants can only access their own data, whereas the designated house inspectors can access multiple stages of the project with extended access benefits. How to raise a complaint through the PMAY Gramin website (pmay g nic.in)? The Union government has enabled a public complaint registration mechanism. It is called the Centralized Public Grievance Redress And Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). If any citizen faces difficulty accessing the citizen-centric services, he/she can write to the Government using CPGRAMS.



To access the link to CPGRAMS, go to the PMAY Gramin website and click on the 'Public Grievances Tab'. This will take you to the CPGRAMS portal. You can lodge a complaint and also check the status after some time.

What is PAHAL under PMAYG (PM Awas Yojana 2023) ? The Union government has enabled a public complaint registration mechanism. It is called the Centralized Public Grievance Redress And Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). If any citizen faces difficulty accessing the citizen-centric services, he/she can write to the Government using CPGRAMS.To access the link to CPGRAMS, go to the PMAY Gramin website and click on the 'Public Grievances Tab'. This will take you to the CPGRAMS portal. You can lodge a complaint and also check the status after some time. PAHAL is an acronym for Prakriti Hunar Lokvidya. An in-depth study conducted in the 18 states of India has helped develop 130 zone-specific comfortable, affordable, green and multi-hazard safe designs for the PMAYG (Pmayg nic in 2022). A number of region-specific technologies have been developed based on local materials and traditional construction practices, which are less costly and more environmentally friendly than brick, cement, and steel-intensive systemsty PMAY Gramin Penalty Clause The Union Ministry of Rural Development has introduced a set of penalties that the state governments need to pay in case of delays in sanctioning houses falling under the PMAY Gramin Yojana. Here are the six penalty clauses that state governments must pay based on the circular the Ministry released in September. Particulars Amount of Penalty First Month of Delay in sanction of a house from the date of issue Rs.10 Per House Per Month For each subsequent month of delay in sanction of a house after the first month of delay Rs.20 Per House Per Month First Instalment is due to the beneficiary for over seven days from the date of the sanction. Rs.10 Per House Per Week Note: No penalties will be applied if no central funds are available with the State. PMAY Gramin Credit Guarantee Scheme The Central Government has recently introduced the Credit Guarantee Scheme to help beneficiaries facing issues with the construction of their houses falling under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Scheme. The government has decided to provide additional financial help (in the form of a loan) of Rs.70,000 per beneficiary registered under PMAYG. The scheme also involves self-help groups that may be guarantors for beneficiaries who want to avail of this easy loan. More News on PMAY Gramin 250 Flats under PMAY Gramin Ready in Varanasi, Possession by August 15, 2023 June 12, 2023: The Varanasi Development Authority has completed the construction of 250 PMAY Gramin flats in Kurhua Village. As per the Vice President of the Authority, the process for getting electricity for these homes is in progress as of now, along with some other final touches. All the remaining work on these homes is expected to be completed by July 15, after which the possession will be given to the beneficiaries by August 15. The beneficiaries will thus be able to celebrate Independence Day in their new homes. Around 2618 people applied for housing under the scheme in Varanasi. Many applications were rejected after failing to pass the eligibility criteria, and selected beneficiaries will receive houses via a lucky draw. Possession under Phase-1 has been given for 608 houses constructed by Shree Sai Baba Infra Project Private Limited, Dasepur. If you want to give any suggestions or have any issues with the performance of the PMAY-G website (pmay g nic in), you can always contact the support team using the following details to get your queries addressed. Toll-Free Helpline Numbers of PM Awas yojana 2022 1800-11-6446

1800-11-8111 Email Addresses for PM Awas yojana 2022

support-pmayg[at]gov[dot]in

helpdesk-pfms[at]gov[dot]in The state-wise lists of contact numbers and email addresses are available on the official website of PMAY Gramin (Pmayg nic in 2022). To Download Awaas Mobile App for Android, Click To Download Awaas Mobile App for Android, Click Here



Summing up PMAY Gramin The PMAY-Gramin is a scheme for affordable housing for the poor and homeless in rural areas. It was launched in 2016 by the current government as part of its Housing for All by 2022 initiative. However the PMAYG mission has now been extended upto 2024. This scheme aims to benefit lakhs of village dwellers, by providing them with pucca houses, that have all the basic amenities such as electricity, water and sanitation. The scheme is to be implemented in two phases and is expected to be completed in 2024. More News on PMAY Gramin Maharashtra Housing Development Corporation to build over 36,000 houses in Tier 2 cities of Maharashtra



October 19, 2023: According to a recent update, Maharashtra Housing Development Corporation will construct 36,000 small houses in the Tier 2 cities of Maharashtra. The small houses to be constructed will be built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).The Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to be covered under the scheme include Solapur, Nagpur, Satara, and Titwala under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The area of the houses will be between 300 sq ft to 600 sq ft. The Maharashtra Housing Development Corporation will target Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low-Income Groups (LIGs), and Middle-income Groups (MIGs).The first lot of 500 houses for the EWS and LIG categories will be sold through an online lottery. In addition to this, over 2200 houses are being built in the Titwala area. The prices of the flats under the PMAY scheme will be between Rs 9 lakh to Rs 17 lakh.



Over 70% of the landless applicants in Odisha were denied PMAY-G allotment: CAG Report October 10, 2023: According to a recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the state of Odisha has surrendered over 5.27 lakh houses under the PMAYG or Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin. The houses under the PMAYG were surrendered due to the non-availability of eligible candidates. Out of 57,932 landless beneficiaries (as of March 2021), 40,608 (70%) beneficiaries could not be provided houses, as no homestead lands were made available to them for construction of PMAY-G houses, said the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its latest audit of local bodies. The audit report was tabled in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. Under the audit conducted by the CAG, 8 districts of Odisha were covered. The period considered was 2016-17 to 2020-21. J&K administration hands over land documents to landless citizens under PMAYG



October 4, 2023: According to a recent update, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has handed over the land documents to landless people under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin. The land less beneficiaries were selected by the state administration.



According to the Lt Governor of J&k, the state government has handed over approximately 5 marlas of land to landless people of the state. The beneficiaries did not have land parcels but were otherwise eligible under PMAY.

The providence of land to the landless people will ensure social justice and will let people focus on employment as the requirement of home is being fulfilled by the state.



The PMAYG scheme is aimed at providing affordable houses to the economically weaker sections of the society in rural areas of the country. The PMAYG scheme has ensured that people belonging to the EWS and LIG categories get their own homes at affordable costs.



Chhattisgarh Government launches a Rural housing Scheme for Poor, People Left out of PMAYG to be included



September 26, 2023: In a recent development, the Chhattisgarh government has launched a rural housing scheme for the economically weaker sections of society. Under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana, over 47,000 poor people in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh will get affordable houses. Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas NYAY Yojana will provide assistance for the construction of houses to eligible beneficiaries. The government will bear 100 percent of the amount required for its housing scheme implementation. The left-out families on the permanent waiting list for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin will benefit from the new initiative. The Chhattisgarh government failed to contribute its share of money to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and it could not be implemented as planned. The state government sought the lack of funds as the reason.According to the highly placed officials, the state government will conduct a Socio-economic survey. The state government had conducted a survey in which 10,76,545 families were found to live in Kutcha houses. The Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana will cover poor families who are not eligible as per the Census 2011. Such citizens will get houses under the present scheme. PM Narendra Modi to Launch the Biggest Housing Project of Maharashtra in Solapur in October 2023, To Allot over 30,000 Houses under PMAY September 23, 2023: In an encouraging development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to launch the biggest housing project in Maharashtra under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Solapur. The inauguration of this ambitious project will be in October 2023. Built for the economically weaker sections of society, the housing project is in Rainagar, Solapur. The housing project under PMAYG is spread across 100 acres. Under this project, over 15,000 houses are already built and finished. Each housing unit under this project has an area of 300 sq ft. Each unit will cost Rs 6 lakh to the beneficiaries. To be eligible for the housing scheme, the beneficiaries must have an annual income below Rs 3 Lakh. The housing project is being developed by Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority or MHADA. The list of beneficiaries includes unorganized workers, textile workers, beedi workers, construction workers, rag pickers and textile workers. Chhattisgarh Government sanctions PMAY Gramin Houses to 6,99,436 beneficiaries



September 4, 2023: In a recent development, the Chhattisgarh government has sanctioned houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin to over 6,99 436 beneficiaries. Till now, these candidates have been on a permanent waitlist and have yet to get the benefit of the PMAY Gramin scheme.



According to the official communication from the state government, "In order to provide pucca houses to the homeless and the families having kutcha houses, the cabinet decided to approve houses to 6,99,439 eligible families listed in the permanent wait list (PWL) under PMAY (Rural)". The state government had recently written a letter to the Union government to allocate targets of houses for the beneficiaries under PMAY (Rural). As per the data shared by the government, 18,75,585 beneficiaries were listed in the PWL for rural areas under the PMAY based on the survey of SECC-2011.



Under the scheme, the landless domicile people of J&K will get 5 Marlas of land under PMAYG. These beneficiaries are featured in the permanent waitlist of PMAYG after a survey conducted by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.





More on PMAY PMAY PMAY Urban

PMAY Apply Online

PMAY Eligibility Documents for PMAY PMAY Benefits Track PMAY Application Claim PMAY Subsidy PMAY CLSS PMAY CLSS Eligibility PMAY Subsidy Status PMAY List PMAY Gramin List PMAY Urban List PMAY Subsidy Calculator PMAY Eligibility Calculator PMAY Home Loan EMI Calculator NGDRS

To Download Awaas Mobile App for iOS, Click
Avail 40% Rebate on Pune Property Tax by November 15 October 26, 2023: Pune Municipal Corporation has issued a reminder to the residents of Pune that the last date to avail of a rebate on property tax is November 15, 2023. To avail of the rebate, the residents will have to fill out the PT-3 form and submit the same. In case the residents fail to submit the required documents, the discount will be cancelled. The discount is available only on self-occupied properties. To avail of the 40% rebate on property tax, the residents will also have to submit requisite documents. The documents required include: Letter of nomination from the society that the property in question is being self-occupied.

Copy of property tax bill

Proof of residence and ID proof, such as voter ID card / driving license/passport/ration card, etc.

Filling out the form PT-3 is a must. The PT-3 forms are available online at the Pune Property Tax website. In addition, these forms can be submitted offline at the Head office of the Municipal Corporation, Regional Office, Peth Inspector, Divisional Inspector, Civic Facility Center, etc. Reward System for Diligent Property Tax Payers in PMC October 25, 2023: The Maharashtra state government is planning to reward diligent property taxpayers. The news was announced on Saturday, i.e. October 21, 2023. Based on the announcement, the government will be offering rewards worth up to Rs 1 Crore. Initially, the scheme was launched by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in March 2023. The scheme will now be replicated across the state. Under the PMC scheme, taxpayers who paid their property tax before August 2, 2023, are eligible for the rewards this year. The PMC has planned rewards, such as laptops, mobile phones, four-wheelers, and two-wheelers, as part of the reward scheme. The selection of the winners will be done via the lottery system. The aim behind launching the reward scheme is to encourage more and more people to pay their property tax dues on time. Considering, property tax collection is one of the major sources for civic bodies to collect revenue after the abolition of Local Body Tax and Octroi. Pune Municipal Corporation to Auction Properties of Defaulter PMC Property Taxpayers Sep 23, 2023: Pune Municipal Corporation has decided to auction properties of property owners who have not paid their outstanding PMC property taxes for years. The authority issued numerous notifications to these property owners and urged them to clear their property tax dues on time. About 400 properties with non-payment of property taxes have been seized by the Pune Municipal Corporation. As per the municipal corporation officials, these property owners ve a collective PMC property tax due amount of around Rs.8,000 crore pending. Properties to be auctioned include various commercial properties, industries, hospitals, IT parks, mobile tower owners, etc. Department officials have confirmed that these property owners have remained non-compliant on clearing their dues despite multiple Pune property tax payment reminders sent to them.

About PMC Property Tax

Pune is a rapidly expanding city close to the metropolis of Mumbai. If you own a property in Pune, you will need to pay the PMC property tax. Know how to pay your property tax and check your PMC property tax bill easily online. Pune is an important real estate location, thanks to its proximity to the megacity. It is an industrial as well as educational hub. The city provides one of the best infrastructural planning. It is also coming up as a smart city. All these make owning property here a lucrative option. Planning to buy property in Pune? Find out the step-by-step method of PMC property tax payment online, as well tax rebates, offline payment and more.

PMC Property Tax Overview

PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation) was established in February 1950. It has displayed able administration in the city for over 70 years. It takes care of infrastructure, electricity, water management and other facilities. It has collected property tax from both commercial and residential properties. There are more than 6 lakh properties under its jurisdiction. The population under PMC is about 3.4 million. It covers an approximate area of 331.26 sq. km. If you are a property owner of a shop, go-down, office space, factory or your home, you must pay PMC property tax. This revenue is used for developmental work in Pune city.

Also read: Best places to buy plots in Pune

How to Check PMC Property Tax Bill Online

Your first concern should be checking your PMC property tax bill. Your bill tells you how much is the pending PMC property tax.

Your 1st step is to visit the PMC property tax website - propertytax.punecorporation.org. This extensive page has all property and tax-related options.

The webpage for PMC property tax payment

As soon as you get to the page, select the option of Tax Bill. You will reach the bill details page.

Fill in the details in each box of the bill details page and click on Submit. You will see the bill amount on the screen.

Submit the accurate details to check the PMC property tax bill

Pune Property Tax Calculation

Many citizens prefer to pay off the taxes early or for six months together. In such a case, you may want to calculate your PMC property tax without waiting for the bill. Property tax is a computation of the tax rate multiplied by the capital value of the property. The following are the factors on which the capital value of the property depends:

Building type

Age factor

Floor factor

Usage

Base value

Built-up area

The PMC website offers an online calculator which can calculate your PMC property tax in seconds.

You must visit the official PMC property tax website, https://propertytax.punecorporation.org

Select the option of Tax Calculator. This will take you to the calculator page.

Avail the free online tax calculator to know your PMC property tax bill

Fill in the details such as peth name, carpet area, construction type and year etc. Click on the Submit button.

Pune Property Tax: Online Payment

PMC offers easy and smooth methods of checking the PMC property tax bill and payment options. Online payment of PMC property tax also offers you a 2% rebate. There are two ways to go about it till you reach the property tax details page.

Option 1: You can visit the property tax website https://propertytax.punecorporation.org and select the online payment option.

Select the NEFT/RTGS or Online option and you would be directed to the property tax details page.

Option 2: Visit the home page of PMCs government portal https://www.pmc.gov.in/en/ptax

Visit the homepage of the PMC portal to pay your PMC property tax

Select the dropdown menu of Online Services from the top and click on Pay Property Tax. This will direct you to the property tax details page.

You must enter property type, peth, section and account number before submitting.

Check the property owners details as shown on the page.

You can type in the amount that you want to pay. Verify the mobile number and mail ID. Also, select the mode of PMC property tax payment.

You can decide how much amount of your PMC property tax you want to pay

PMC Property Tax: Offline Payment

To pay PMC property tax offline, you need to physically go to one of the centres that accept tax payments. You can pay offline via cash, demand draft and cheques. Some of the centres that you can visit are as follows.

There are ward offices of Pune Municipal Corporation.

PMC has set up PMC property tax payment kiosks.

PMC has authorised some branches of Bank of Maharashtra, Cosmos Bank, HDFC and ICICI banks.

PMC has also put up citizens facilitation centres.

Rebates on PMC Property Tax

You are entitled to a 2% rebate if you pay your PMC property tax online.

If you pay the total annual tax by end of May, you can avail some rebates. You are entitled to a 10% rebate if the rateable value is less than (up to) INR 25000. And get a 5% rebate if the value is above INR 25000.

For individuals maintaining no dues, there is an additional accidental insurance cover of 5 lakh.

Your residential property is entitled to a 5% discount if it has any one of the solar, vermiculture or rainwater harvesting projects installed. In case the society has two of these projects, there is a 10% discount on municipal tax.

Properties that are used for public, worship or religious purposes are exempt from tax payments. Properties that are registered as charitable trusts/institutions also do not need to pay PMC property taxes.

Owners of residential properties avail a 40% tax concession if they have 40% disabilities.

Also, women, ex-servicemen, freedom fighters and their families can receive a 50% rebate on their PMC property tax.

PMC Property Tax: Points to Remember

Payment through internet banking does not cost any additional charge. But payment through cash cards, debit and credit cards cost additional charges over the payment amount.

PMC charges a 2% fine for late payment each month.

After payment of PMC property tax, ensure that the updated record is reflected in the system.

PMC has started geo-tagging properties using Geographic Information System technology.

Another name for Pune Municipal Corporation is Pune Mahanagar Palika.

Besides PMC property tax payments, the website offers services such as getting NOC, title transfer and application forms.

Easy online payment of PMC property tax is possible through multiple options. Choose from NEFT/RTGS, net banking, other cashless payment options and even, mobile payment.

The time for PMC property tax payments is divided into two halves of a year. For the 1st half, pay by 31st May and pay by 31st December for the 2nd half.

PMC often comes out with an amnesty scheme to accommodate late payments of PMC property taxes.

The PMC property tax has collected more than Rs. 1845 crore for the financial year 2022-23.

How to Get in Touch with Pune Property Tax Department?

There are multiple ways to contact the help and support team of the Pune Property Tax department.

Phone: You can contact the Pune Property Tax department by calling the toll-free helpline number 1800 1030 222.

Email: You can also contact PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation) by sending an email to info@punecorporation.org.

Fax: You can send important documents to the team at 020 25501104.

Post: You can also contact the team offline by visiting the office located in Shivajinagar, Pune. The address for the PMC office is PMC Building, Near Mangla Theatre, Shivajinagar, Pune - 411 005, Maharashtra, India.

Also read: Circle Rates in Pune

Summing up PMC Property Tax

PMC is the administrative body authorised to collect PMC property tax for any residential, commercial or institutional property in the city of Pune. The payment of PMC property tax has been made easy by offering both online and offline methods. There are multiple options for an online payment of Pune property tax. For offline payment, PMC has set up various places and centres where you can make your payment. PMC also offers different types of rebates to encourage tax payment. Paying within the due date is beneficial since it gets you a 2% rebate.

Other News on PMC Property Tax

Pune Municipal Corporation Announces Results of PMC Property Tax Lucky Draw Aug 23, 2023: Pune Municipal Corporation organised a lottery for taxpayers paying their PMC property taxes on time. The authority has announced the results of the lottery with 45 winners in total. Out of these 45 winners, 15 participants have won mobile phones, 15 participants have won an E-Bike, 10 participants have won laptops, and 5 participants have won a petrol car. This is for the first time that the municipal corporation has taken such initiative to encourage taxpayers to clear their Pune property tax dues. The lucky draw for the lottery was conducted online in the presence of Chandrakant Patil, Guardian Minister of Pune. Other major officials including Vikas Dhakane, Vikram Kumar, and Kunal Khemnar (Pune Municipal Commissioner) with other additional commissioners were present at the occasion. Projects Implementing Green Initiatives Gets Concession on Pune Property Tax



August 16, 2023: For the last three years, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been offering property tax concession to developers or housing societies that implement green initiatives, vermicomposting, solar and rainwater harvesting- plants. The number of such societies has risen in the last few years. Until a few years back, 74,360 societies and individuals received tax concessions; this year, the number has increased to 111,069.



To reduce the impact of climate change, such an initiative was taken. Scientists have suggested various measures for sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The environment officer of the PMC said, "The civic body has come up with the idea of incentivisation for citizens so that they are encouraged to implement such green projects. Hence, we have provided concessions to the citizens regarding property tax. Those implementing one project are given a 5% concession, while those implementing more than two such projects are given a 10% tax benefit." : For the last three years, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been offering property tax concession to developers or housing societies that implement green initiatives, vermicomposting, solar and rainwater harvesting- plants. The number of such societies has risen in the last few years. Until a few years back, 74,360 societies and individuals received tax concessions; this year, the number has increased to 111,069.To reduce the impact of climate change, such an initiative was taken. Scientists have suggested various measures for sustainable development goals (SDGs).The environment officer of the PMC said, "The civic body has come up with the idea of incentivisation for citizens so that they are encouraged to implement such green projects. Hence, we have provided concessions to the citizens regarding property tax. Those implementing one project are given a 5% concession, while those implementing more than two such projects are given a 10% tax benefit."

Assembly Passes Bill to Continue Providing 40% Discount on Pune Property Tax for Self-Occupied Residential Properties Aug 07, 2023: Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly has allowed PMC to continue providing 40 per cent concession on Pune Property Tax amount applicable to residential properties that are occupied by their owners in the city. Additionally, for the rented properties, the Pune Municipal Corporation will continue to offer 15 per cent rebate on property tax amounts. The bill for the same was passed in the assembly last week. The discount scheme resolution was passed by the General Assembly in 1970 and it has been applicable since then. The authority took this initiative to help residents save money to repair damages caused to their properties due to flooding in the Mutha river. However, it was discontinued by the Maharashtra State Government in 2019 stating in response to the objections raised by the Audit Department. Pune Municipal Corporation has urged the owners of self-occupied residential properties to pay their taxes and submit relevant documents to prove their occupancy to avail of the 40 per cent discount on Pune property tax payments. Pune Municipal Corporation Sends Over 10 Lakh Property Tax Bills Using Whatsapp Chatbot

July 14, 2023: In a positive and tech-enabled development, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started sending property tax bills using the Whatsapp chatbot. Since the beginning of this fiscal year, the Pune Municipal Corporation has sent over 10 lakh property tax bills using the whatsapp chatbot.

The chatbot allows the users to get information about services such as property tax dues, water bill, hoarding charges, etc. The citizens of Pune can access this service by sending a whatsapp message to 8888251001.

The chatbot service has become instantly popular with the citizens of Pune as it saves both time and money. The facilities available round the clock. The facility has improved the connection with the users. For the corporation, it has reduced the hassle of sending the property tax bills physically. The citizens are no longer required to make a queue at the corporation office.

PMC Collaborates with MSEDCL to Identify Commercial Property Tax Defaulters

June 19, 2023: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to collaborate with the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to identify commercial property tax defaulters. As per the plan, MSEDCL will provide the Pune Property Tax Department with the list of consumers who use their residential properties for commercial purposes based on their power usage and PMC will initiate an inquiry against them.

The PMC property tax rates for residential and commercial properties are different. The idea for initiating the entire process is to identify the commercial taxpayers and have them pay the property tax as per the commercial property tax rates. In case these taxpayers refuse to pay the difference or the total due of commercial property tax, the Pune Municipal Corporation Authority may impose a threefold tax and take legal action against the default property taxpayers.

Pay the Regular Amount to get PMC Property Tax Discount

June 12, 2023: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has urged the citizens to pay regular PMC property tax to avail 40 per cent discount. To remove the arrears from the bill, a property owner must pay financial year tax and submit PT-3 with proof of self-occupied property. The PT-3 form has to be submitted to the nearest tax office or ward office of PMC.

PMC started issuing PMC property tax bills three weeks ago, but the citizens needed clarification about the amount of property tax to be paid. Complaints about overstated bills were also registered, and the civic body informed that confusion was created due to revised calculations, software updates and re-issuance of property bills.

The decision to offer a 40 per cent rebate on property tax came in April 2023. Also, a 5 per cent concession in the annual rent against the existing 10 per cent was restored for self-occupied residential properties in PMC.

PMC To Impose 3X PMC Property Tax from Illegal Commercial Property



June 9, 2023: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will impose three times more PMC property tax for the illegal use of residential property for commercial purposes. The authority believes that by doing so, people will be discouraged from doing so. Also, the revenue of PMC will increase.

12,04,453 properties are registered with the Pune Municipal Corporation, many of which use residential properties for commercial purposes. Instances have been found where people have been using residential complexes illegally for commercial purposes, like canteens, and small offices, without permission from the authority.

The Commissioner and Administrator of PMC stated that this higher tax rate would be forced within the legal framework. The implementation of this new taxation policy aims to discourage the illegal commercial use of residential properties and ensure compliance with regulations. By penalizing offenders, the Pune Municipal Corporation intends to safeguard its revenue and maintain the integrity of residential areas.


PMAY Eligibility: All About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Eligibility Criteria

Under the PMAY scheme, potential homeowners can avail of subsidy on interest paid on home loans to either build, buy, renovate or make any kind of extensions.





Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme

PMAY Eligibility under CLSS However, if you want to avail the benefits of the, check out the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana eligibility or PMAY eligibility criteria before you apply for PMAY 2022-23. Credit linked Subsidy Scheme under PMAY offers interest subsidy on the home loan. For a loan of 20 years at the rate of 10% annual interest, the following savings will be applicable. PMAY Eligibility under CLSS Or Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme Beneficiary Category Annual Income of the beneficiary Carpet area of the dwelling Unit Reduction under Monthly EMI Overall Savings (in Rs) EWS Up to 3 lakh 30 Sq m Rs 2500 More than Rs 6 lakh LIG 3-6 lakh 60 Sq m Rs 2500 More than Rs 6 lakh MIG-1 6-12 lakh Up to 160 Sq m Rs 2250 More than Rs 5.4 lakh MIG-2 12-18 lakh Up to 200 Sq m Rs 2200 More than Rs 5.3 lakh

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Eligibility Criteria 2022-23



PMAY, or Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, is the flagship housing scheme of the Indian Government. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, or PMAY, was rolled out to provide affordable housing options to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aims to achieve the target of 'Housing for All' by the year 2024. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was rolled out for both Urban and Rural areas.



The eligibility criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana are as follows- 1. PMAY is available for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), LIG (Low Income Group), MIG-I (Middle Income Group I), and MIG-II (Middle Income Group-II) sections of the society. 2. The subsidy is provided on loans provided by both housing finance organisations and banks. National Housing Bank (NHB) and Housing & Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) are the two central agencies that disburse the loans. 3. The category the applicant belongs to, and the annual income of the applicant decide the amount of subsidy provided. 4. The subsidies are available for owning, renovating, and even constructing additional rooms, including bathrooms, kitchens etc. 5. A beneficiary of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Can be a husband, wife, and unmarried daughters/sons

Should not own a pucca house, which means the house should not be in his/her name or any other member of the family across India

Who's an adult earning member is treated as a separate household irrespective of his/her marital status

Guidelines you must follow while applying for PMAY online

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Eligibility Criteria On the basis of Income

The flagship affordable housing scheme launched by the union government, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), is a credit-linked subsidy scheme (CLSS) that aims at providing housing for all by 2022.

PMAY eligibility criteria varies for every income category. Remember, if your household income is more than Rs 18 lakh then you cannot apply for the PMAY scheme.

EWS- Economically Weaker Sections

LIG- Lower Income Group

MIG-I- Middle Income Group I

MIG-II- Middle Income Group II

How to apply for the PMAY scheme online?

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Eligibility Criteria 2023 for EWS & LIG

As PMAY is aimed at the provision of affordable houses to the economically weaker sections of society, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana's eligibility is very specific. Stringent Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana eligibility helps in protecting the rights of the poor citizens of India who are in the real need of affordable houses. Buying one's own home can be quite expensive, especially in India. But with the Pradhan Mantri Aways Yojna Scheme, EWS and LIG categories can now plan to buy one.





The applicant is required to have an annual income of upto Rs. 3 lakhs (EWS) and upto Rs. 6 lakhs (LIG)

A maximum subsidy of up to Rs. 2.67 lakhs is allowed to the applicant.

The interest subsidy is provided for a tenure of 20 years at a rate of 6.5%

The subsidy is applicable only for a loan of upto Rs. 6 lakhs, beyond which non-subsidised rates will be applicable.

The home loan rate and EMI get considerably reduced, considering the subsidy is credited in advance to the beneficiary's loan account.

On July 13, 2023, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, informed that the government of India had increased the income criteria for the economically weaker section (EWS) seeking affordable houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna. The decision to increase the income criteria is only for the Mumbai Metropolitan region. Now, the income criteria is increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakh for EWS applicants.

The Deputy Chief Minister said in a tweet on 12th July 2023 thanking the Central Government, Thank you PM, Narendra Modi & Hon Union Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri ji for enhancing EWS income criteria from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakh for AHP vertical under #PMAY for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) on Maharashtra Government's request. This will help lakhs of citizens of MMR.

Apply for the PMAY Scheme

Before you apply for PMAY, you must keep the following pointers in mind.

To apply for the flagship PMAY scheme-

An Aadhaar card is mandatory.

An applicant should not have availed of any financial assistance either from the Central or State Govt. of India under any housing scheme.

The property must be co-owned by a female member of the family.

As per the 2011 census, the location of the property should fall under permitted towns and their nearby planning areas.





Type Purpose of loan Household Income (Rs) Subsidy Interest Max. Loan Tenure Max. Interest Subsidy Amount Women Ownership EWS & LIG Construction/ Extension/ Purchase Up to Rs 3 lakh (EWS) Up to Rs. 6 lakh (LIG) 6.50% 20 years R. 2.67 lakh Yes

What are cases in which beneficiaries are excluded from Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or PMAYG? There are some factors which, if not complied with, may lead to the exclusion of the beneficiaries from the PMAY Gramin list or PMAYG list. These key Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana eligibility factors for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or PMAY are as follows- If a person has a motorized vehicle, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and an agricultural equipment

The person has a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) with a limit equal to or greater than Rs 50,000

Any household which has at least one member in the government service and earns more than Rs 10,000 per month

If a person pays property tax, has a refrigerator or landline phone connection Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Eligibility 2023 for MIG-I & MIG-II Type Purpose of loan Household Income Subsidy Interest Max. Loan Tenure Max. Interest Subsidy Amount Women Ownership MIG-I Construction/ Purchase Rs 6-12 lakh 4.00% 20 years Rs. 2.35 lakh No MIG-II Construction/ Purchase Rs 12-18 lakh 3.00% 20 years Rs. 2.30 lakh No
On Saturday, September 9, NATO's North Shore large-scale exercises started near the coasts of Latvia and Estonia in the Baltic Sea. They involve 13 countries of the North Atlantic Alliance and Sweden, 3,000 people, up to 30 ships and 15 aircraft. They are practicing the withdrawal of allied troops in the Baltic Sea and landing in the event of war.

ADVERTISIMENT

Experts believe that these exercises will be "a timely show of force for Russia," which is constantly escalating relations with Western countries. This is reported by the ERR Estonian edition.

"The large-scale North Shore exercises to protect the Baltic Sea began on Saturday. According to security expert Kalev Stoicescu, this is a timely show of force for Russia," the publication writes.

"We have an opportunity to protect the Baltic Sea. We see what Russia is doing in the Black Sea with the ports of Odesa and all grain exports as if the Black Sea belongs to it entirely. However, we will not allow Russia to dominate here as well," Stoicescu said.

ADVERTISIMENT

Fourteen nations are taking part in the German-organized exercise. There are countries from the Baltic Sea area, including Sweden, as well as the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Air, sea and land forces are involved with about 3,000 people in total, as well as up to 30 ships and 15 aircraft. The 200-meter Mesa Verde US landing craft, which can take on board about 800 marines, is taking part in the exercise.

The exercise, which will last two weeks, will focus on repelling a potential Russian attack and counterattacks. In particular, attention will be paid to amphibious operations and land strikes from the sea. In addition, the exercise will focus on defending the sea routes across the Baltic Sea, which are critical for Estonia and Finland.

ADVERTISIMENT

The defense of the Baltic Sea waters is being practiced for real for the first time. This was said by the Lieutenant Commander of the Navy's Mine Warfare command Ott Laanemets, who previously participated in the exercise.

"First of all, you need to break through the Baltic Sea. First you need to win an air battle, then a surface battle and then a mine battle. Finally, you need to get something on the ground," Laanemets described the intent of the exercise.

ADVERTISIMENT

He noted the participation of Finland and Sweden in North Shore.

"The Finnish and Swedish navies are specialists in coastal combat precisely in the geographical conditions of these two countries in the Archipelago Sea. There are not so many such competencies in NATO," Laanemets said.

Earlier it became known that the United States, Romania and Ukraine will hold military exercises in the Black Sea and the Danube Delta. Ukrainian servicemen will take part in Sea Breeze 23.3, which will be held from September 11 to 15.

Military personnel from Bulgaria, France, Great Britain and Turkey will also be involved in the exercise.

The main goal of Sea Breeze 23.3 is to develop operational and tactical compatibility between the participating countries in the field of countering explosive objects, sea mines in particular, to ensure freedom of navigation.

ADVERTISIMENT
RERA Bihar or Real Estate Regulatory Authority of Bihar is the nodal agency for the regulation, development, and registration of real estate projects in the State of Bihar. After the rollout of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, Government of Bihar constituted RERA Bihar authority in April 2017.





Latest News: Bihar RERA

Bihar RERA releases a handbook for Homebuyers, To make them aware of RERA provisions





4 August 2023: In an enabling move, the RERA Bihar or Real Estate Regulatory Authority Bihar or RERA Bihar, has released a handbook for homebuyers. The newly released handbook is aimed at making homebuyers aware of the provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The authority wants the homebuyers to know the provisions, rules and regulations in detail so that they can make an informed decision.





The home buyers handbook contains useful information like which projects are registered with RERA, which projects need to be registered, mandatory documents to be uploaded by the promoter of a project etc.





The guide enumerates the rights and duties of the allottees. The guide also provides a roadmap to the aggrieved homebuyers on the actions to be taken in cases of fraud or complaints. A dedicated annexure in the handbook also enumerates the obligations of the promoters.

RERA Bihar: Real Estate Regulatory Authority of Bihar

RERA Bihar was enacted on the lines of the real estate regulatory law of the Union government viz Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Bihar RERA works as an overseer and controller of the real estate development activities in Bihar. The Bihar RERA is ensuring accountability, transparency, and timely execution of real estate projects in Bihar. Moreover, the citizens can seamlessly file a complaint with RERA Bihar, if they feel cheated or misguided by a real estate developer.





Also Read: RERA Rajasthan





The key responsibilities of RERA Bihar are as follows.
COVID-19 and Revocation of OC Cannot be Used as an Excuse to deny Compensation: GOA RERA





December 2022: In a recent development, the GOA RERA has given a judgement that the COVID-19 pandemic and the revocation of Occupancy Certificate (OC) cannot be used as an excuse to avoid paying compensation to shop or flat owners. The GOA RERA has given the judgement in response to various cases of delays in giving compensation to the aggrieved homebuyers.



The RERA Act aims to safeguard the interest of real estate developers, agents and homebuyers. The Goa RERA Act was implemented on November 24, 2017. Every agent or promoter whose property is more than 500 sq meters and has more than eight units in all phases has to get the property registered as per RERA Act. .

To make tasks easier for everyone, the government launched an online portal of RERA Goa in 2018. In todays blog we discuss features, services offered, registration, fees, required documents and filing complaints with RERA Goa.

In India, Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016, also known as RERA Act, was introduced in 2016. The government of India passed an order that all the states should follow the RERA Act 2016 to boost the real estate sector of their states. Like other states, Goa also implemented RERA Act; in Goa, it is called RERA Goa.

Functions of RERA Goa

The objectives of RERA Goa are as follows:-

All information about the project or a property should be in the general public. The RERA Goa Act closely monitors this.

It ensures that a single authority rules all the projects and real estate agents.

To boost the real estate sector and regulate the same.

For complaints and grievances, establish an Appellate Tribunal filed with the authority.

Services offered by Goa RERA

A person can avail the benefit of the following services on the website of Goa RERA:-

Real estate registration for promoter and agent

Registration of a complaint by a homebuyer, promoter or an agent

Agents registration withdrawal

Promoters registration withdrawal

File a complaint

Check complaint list

Registration Process of RERA Goa for Promoter

All the promoters must register their projects with RERA Goa when they start the new project or even for an ongoing project. The RERA registration also increases the authenticity and acts as a certification for builders. A promoter has to perform the following steps for registration:-

Step 1: Visit the RERA Goa official websiteRera Goa

Step 2: Click on the Project Registration icon, the first icon and it will open a new registration webpage.

Step 3: Now, provide an Email address and click on Generate OTP. Do remember to read a note.

Step 4: On the registration form choose the Promoter Type. Whether it is Individual/Societies/Companies/Partnership Firm or etc.

Step 5: Enter the OTP (One Time Password) and click Next. Now, a promoter will be redirected to the registration form.

Step 6: Fill in all the required details and upload the required documents. Once all this is done, you have to pay a registration fee. After all this registration of the project will be confirmed.

Registration Process of RERA Goa for Agent

Registration for real estate agents is mandatory for Goa agents under RERA Act Goa. Agents will have to perform the following steps:-

Step 1: Visit RERA Goa official website.

Step 2: On the homepage click on Agent Registration

Step 3: Enter the Email Id and click Generate OTP for email verification.

Step 4: Now, choose the type of Agent- Individual or Societies/Companies/Partnership Firm/Government Bodies/Limited Liability Partnership/Trust.

Step 5: Enter the OTP received on the mail address.

Step 6: Fill in all the details of the applicant and upload the scanned copies of required documents. Once it is done, an agent will be taken to the payment gateway, there they will have to pay a registration fee. After that registration will be completed.

Documents Requirement for RERA Goa

An agent and promoter will have to submit the following documents to register themselves under RERA Goa Act.

Type of Applicant Documents Promoter PAN card

Title deed

Encumbrances details of land

Balance sheet of previous years- audited

Last three years Income Tax Returns

A declaration, declaring that all allottes will be treated equally during allotment of property.

Details about existing project- project status, carpet area and total built up area

Area allotted for parking Agent PAN card

Agents passport size photos and Board of Directors

Venture details- name, venture type, address

Business address proof

Last three years Income Tax Returns

Particulars of registration, particularly by laws in addition to MOU

All other legal documents

Note: (All the documents should be scanned copies)

Registration Fees of Goa RERA

While registering, an agent and promoter have to pay a fee. The fee for agents is Rs 10,000, and for promoters, it is Rs 1,00,000. If done online, the payment can be made using a debit/credit card or NEFT/RTGS. Otherwise, Cheque and Demand Draft is acceptable.

How to Register a Complaint with RERA Goa

The complainant needs to register the complaint on the Goa RERA website to register a complaint with RERA Goa. Visit the website and click on the Complaint Registration icon to file a complaint. Now, a complainant will be redirected to a Complaint Registration Form, where all the details and supporting documents are required. In the end, pay the complaint registration fee using a demand draft. The scanned copy of a demand draft is uploaded on the website and then click on Submit.

Process to Withdraw Agent Registration on Goa RERA

If an agent wishes to withdraw from RERA Goa, the following steps need to be followed:

Step 1: Visit the official website of RERA Goa

Step 2: Click on Other Links from the menu bar tab.

Step 3: Click on the Withdrawal option, select Agent Registration, and enter the email Id for verification purposes.

Step 4: Click on Generate OTP

Step 5: Enter the OTP and click on the Search icon

Step 6: Now, select the agent whose registration form you want to withdraw and then the process will be finished.

Also read: RERA registration for real estate agents

How to Withdraw Project Registration on RERA Goa

If one wishes to withdraw ones project from RERA Goa, the following steps need to be followed:

Step 1: Visit the official website of RERA Goa

Step 2: Click on Other Links from the menu bar tab.

Step 3: Click on the Withdrawal option, select Promoter Registration, and enter the email Id for verification purposes.

Step 4: Click on Generate OTP

Step 5: Enter the OTP and click on the Search icon

Step 6: Now, select the project whose registration form you want to withdraw and then the process is completed.

How to Check Complaint List Filed under Goa RERA Act

If a potential buyer wants to buy a property in Goa, then it is advised that they should check if that property is RERA registered or not. A buyer can view the RERA Goa registered agents and promoters list if any default has been made by them, by following the given steps:-

Step 1: Visit the home page of RERA Goa

Step 2: From the menu bar select Defaulters

Step 3: Click List of Complaints

Step 4: On a new webpage a complaint list will be displayed, against whom the complaints have been filed. Also, it has an order list with that.

Address: SPACES, Plot No. 40, Block 101, 1st Floor, EDC, Patto Plaza. Panaji  Goa Contact number: 0832-2437655 E-mail ID: rerasupport@goaelectronics.co.in

Conclusion:

The RERA Goa online portal was launched in 2018, and since then, there has been a boost in the real estate market due to the regulation of the RERA Act Goa. Various services like project registration, complaint registration, withdrawal and much more are offered. To avail of any of the services, visit the Goa RERA official website.
RERA Karnataka, or the Real Estate Regulatory Authority of Karnataka, is the nodal agency for the regulation, development, and registration of real estate projects in the State of Karnataka. After the commencement of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, the Government of Karnataka established the RERA Karnataka authority in May 2017.

RERA Karnataka was enacted on the lines of the real estate regulatory law of the Union government viz Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Karnataka RERA plays the role of an overseer and controller of the real estate development activities in Karnataka.The Karnataka RERA ensures transparency, accountability, and on-time execution of real estate projects in Karnataka. Moreover, the citizens of Karnataka can effortlessly file a complaint with RERA Karnataka, if they feel cheated or misguided by a real estate developer or do not get the promised services.Also Read: RERA Rajasthan

In the last 18 months, around 22 complaints were filed to Karnataka RERA, after which the authority ruled in their favour.

The project stalled for the last seven years is Hanging Gardens Apartment Complex. The project is located in Naggawara near Hebbal. A total of 122 flats are in the society, and the developer has only completed less than 50% of the work. The possession year for the same was 2016.

August 8, 2023 : Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA) has announced a decision to sell unsold flats stalled by builders. The real estate authority has also mandated that flat owners of cooperative societies should take control which has been unfinished for the last seven years. K-RERA had given Hanging Gardens Apartment 18 months to finish the project. However, the developer should have done so. The RERA authority of Karnataka has identified another developer who is ready to fund the project.

Step 2: Click on the Registration tab on the homepage and click on Project Registration

Step 1: (rera karnataka login) Go to the official website of RERA Karnataka, i.e., https://rera.karnataka.gov.in/ (rera karnataka login)

RERA Karnataka is the nodal agency for the registration of commercial and residential projects of area 500 sq m or more. The real estate developers or promoters can apply for new project registration with RERA Karnataka in the below-mentioned steps (rera registration Karnataka).

RERA Karnataka ensures that the realty development in Karnataka is not unregulated, and homebuyers get the assured amenities and features within the given schedule

The Appellate Tribunal of RERA Karnataka hears appeals from the orders, directions, or instructions of the Karnataka RERA

Any homebuyer aggrieved by the direction/decision/order by RERA Karnataka Authority or by an adjudicating officer of Karnataka RERA may file an appeal before the Appellate Tribunal of RERA Karnataka.

Verification of project details disclosures of real estate projects by real estate group promoters and developers

Complaints redressal and resolution of queries of homebuyers and developers

The Karnataka RERA is responsible for providing the requisite approvals. It is governed by Karnataka Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017.

Step 4: Press the I Agree tab and the following window will open.

The Karnataka RERA (karnataka rera portal) needs you to read all the instructions before proceeding to register the project. Once you read all the documents, a Right Tick will appear in the boxes, and an I Agree button will appear.

Step 3: Once you click on the Project Registration, the following window will be opened.

Step 5: Fill in the Email id and Enterprise Type and click on Next.

Step 6: Once you click on the Next button, you will be redirected to the following window.

Details to be Provided

Promoter Details

Project Details

Upload Documents

Make online Payment And click on Submit.

Step 7: Fill in the following details

Step 8: Download the acknowledgement after payment.

Documents and Certificates Required for Project Registration on RERA Karnataka.

Duly Notarized Affidavit for 3(1) Violation

JD Declaration cum affidavit

Duly filled FORM-B

A bank affidavit to open a bank account in the name of the project after RERA Registration for active and New real estate Project (Individual Promoter)

Bank Affidavit to open a bank account in the name of the project after RERA Registration for Completed Project (Individual Promoter).

Karnataka RERA provides an online interface to submit all the documents required for new project registration online. The following documents are required for online project registration with Karnataka RERA.

Apart from the mentioned documents, the following certificates are required for project completion under RERA Karnataka.

Form-5 Architect's Certificate for Project Completion (Residential/Group Housing, Commercial and Mixed Development).

Form-6 Engineer's Certificate for Project Completion (Plotted Development)

Form-6 Engineer's Certificate for Project Completion (Residential/Group Housing, Commercial and Mixed Development). Form-4 Chartered Accountant Certificate for Project Completion

An Affidavit for concerned project completion

RERA Karnataka: Real Estate Agent Registration.

RERA Karnataka is the nodal agency for the registration of Real estate agents (rera online registration Karnataka). It assigns the real estate agents a unique registration id so that they can legitimately be involved in real estate transactions across Karnataka. Real estate agents who want to register with the RERA Karnataka are required to pay Rs 25,000 as a registration fee.

Prospective real estate agents in Karnataka can apply for new registration with RERA Karnataka in the following steps-

Step 1: (rera karnataka login) Go to the official website (rera karnataka website) of RERA Karnataka, i.e., https://rera.karnataka.gov.in/

Karnataka RERA Website



Step 2: Click on the Registration tab on the homepage and click on the Agent Registration option

Agent Registration Tab on RERA Karnataka Website

Step 3: Once you click on the Agent Registration option, the following window will open.

Agent Registration Form

Step 4: Fill in the details such as Agent Type and Email id and click Next.

Step 5: Once you click on the Next button, you will be redirected to the following screen.

Details to be Provided

Step 6: Fill in the details such as Applicant Details (Name, Address, PAN Card number, etc.) and Upload Documents.

Step 7: Upload the following Affidavit for Agent registration

RERA Karnataka Agent Affidavit

Step 8: Preview Agent registration and make payment.

Karnataka RERA: Duties of a Real Estate Agent

Karnataka RERA endeavours to uphold integrity and transparency in the real estate sector, and it expects the real estate agents to perform the following duties.

(a) He/she will not facilitate the sale/purchase of any building, land, or apartment in a real estate project or otherwise, being sold by the promoter in any planning area, which is not registered with the RERA Karnataka authority.

(b) He/she will maintain such books of account, records and documents as may be prescribed.

(c) He/she will not involve in any unfair trade practices related to real estate, like

Misrepresent that the services are of a particular standard or grade.

Falsely represents that the promoter or himself has approval or affiliation, which such promoter or himself does not have.

Make misleading representation concerning the services not provided.

Permitting the publication of any advertisement/proliferation of services/amenities not intended to be offered in a real estate project

(d) He/she will facilitate the possession of all the information and documents, as the allottee is entitled to, at the time of property booking

(e) He/she will discharge other functions as may be expected.

RERA Karnataka: Project Registration Charges

RERA Karnataka is the nodal agency for the registration of a new real estate project in Karnataka. The RERA authority has fixed charges for the registration of every project type, such as plotted development, group housing project and mixed development projects, among others.

Project registration Charges by RERA Karnataka Project Type Details Fee Plotted Development Residential plots Rs 5 per sq m (Upper limit Rs 5 lakh) Group Housing Projects If the area of the real estate project is less than or equivalent to 1000 sq m Rs 5 per sq m If the area of the real estate project is more than 1000 sq m Rs 10 per sq m Mixed Development Project If the area of the real estate project is less than or equivalent to 1000 sq m Rs 10 per sq m If the area of the real estate project is more than 1000 sq m Rs 15 per sq m Commercial Real Estate Projects If the area of the real estate project is less than or equivalent to 1000 sq m Rs 20 per sq m If the area of the real estate project is more than 1000 sq m Rs 25 per sq m Late Fees Charged by RERA Karnataka In case of residential project registration (up to 1000 sq m) Rs 5 lakh For all Residential, commercial, and mixed project registration more than 1000 sq m Rs 7 lakh

How to Check Compliance of Real Estate Project on @rera.karnataka.gov.in

Step 1: (rera karnataka login) Log in to the official website of the Karnataka RERA (https://rera.karnataka.gov.in/home)

Step 2: Click on Project Status in the services tab (rera karnataka website).

RERA Karnataka Services Tab

Step 3: Click on Application Approved to get the list of projects

Type the name of the project, promoter name, application number and Registration number in the search tab

Step 4: Download the detailed information about the project such as scheduled completion date, locality etc.

How to Check whether Real Estate Agent is Registered with RERA Karnataka?

Step 1: (rera karnataka login) Go to the RERA Karnataka website (https://rera.karnataka.gov.in/home)

Step 2: Select the registration Menu on the home page (rera Karnataka website) and click on Agent status.

Agent Status Option on RERA Karnataka Website

Step 3: It will redirect you to the following window

Agent Details Page

Step 4: In the search tab, type at least one of the following details viz the agent Name, company name, application number or registration number and click search.

The details of the real estate agent will be displayed on the screen.

How to Register a Complaint on Karnataka RERA Website @ rera.karnataka.gov.in?

In state RERA authorities, Karnataka RERA is among the most active RERA bodies after the passage of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

For the convenience of homebuyers, the Karnataka RERA has launched an online mechanism to register and file complaints (rera karnataka complaints).

If you are a homebuyer and the real estate developer is delaying the project without valid reasons or doing anything which is not in compliance with the RERA Act, you can easily file a complaint on the Karnataka RERA website (https://rera.karnataka.gov.in/home). You can file a complaint with Karnataka RERA in the following steps.

Step 1: Login to the official website (rera karnataka login) and click on Registration and select Complaint Registration (rera karnataka complaints).

Complaint Registration Option on Karnataka RERA Website

Step 2: Once you click on the Complaint registration tab, you will be redirected to the following screen.

Complaints Login Form

Step 3: After login (rera karnataka login), enter your personal information such as complaint details, respondent details, supporting documents and relief sought from RERA

To register a complaint with RERA Karnataka (karnataka rera portal), pay Rs 1,000 through the online payment mechanism

After submitting the complaint to RERA Karnataka, you will receive an acknowledgement number for future reference

It must be specified that the complaint filed by you will be resolved within 60 days from the date of filing by RERA Karnataka.

According to the information available (as on 14th December 2021) on the official website of Karnataka RERA (karnataka rera portal), over 4,546 projects have been approved, over 3004 agents have applied for the registration and has received 6100 complaints so far.

Karnataka RERA: Face penalty or submit your quarterly updates on time

Conclusively, RERA Karnataka is a robust and efficient mechanism to ensure accountability, fair practices, and transparency in the real estate sector of Karnataka. Any homebuyer who has a complaint against a builder can approach Karnataka RERA and file a complaint.

Other News on Karnataka RERA

Karnataka RERA Passes Order For Builders Regarding Title Transfer of Common Area

July 31, 2023: Karnataka RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority ) has asked the builder to transfer the title of the common area to the homeowners/allottees. This has been a significant issue in Karnataka, where builders misused resources.

The order was issued was a bench which RERA Chairman H C Kishore Chandra headed. He was hearing a case against the Signature Crest residential project that Signature Dwelling Private Limited developed. The Signature Crest Project is in Gonighattapura village in Sarjapur hobli.

A convener of Karnataka Home Buyers Forum said, Its a landmark order in the history of RERA Karnataka, where the promoter is asked to transfer common areas to the association of allottees, which the Karnataka Home Buyers Forum has been stressing for very long. The home buyers need to form a registered association of allottees under the competent authority to take the transfer of common areas to their association. We can use this verdict as a reference point when home buyers fight future cases.

Homebuyers Not Authorised to Claim Interest on Refunded Amount After Signing Cancellation Deed, Says Karnataka RERA

July 27, 2023: Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has clarified that once the cancellation deed of a property gets signed, the homebuyer cannot claim any interest on the delayed refund amount.

The authority explained that signing the cancellation deed after receiving the refund of the principal amount is a form of full and final settlement between both the parties, i.e., the developer and homebuyer. As per the reports, no amount in the form of interest can be claimed by homebuyers once the full and final settlement has been done.

In the cancellation deed, they agree that all the liabilities and rights related to the concerned property have been settled. And once such a document gets signed by the homebuyer, they no longer hold rights to claim interest on the principal amount as per Section 31 of the RERA Act.



RERA Karnataka: Homebuyers who accepts possession without OC will not be eligible for compensation

July 3, 2023: In an order released on June 23, Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (KRERA) said that those homebuyers who have accepted possession without obtaining the Occupancy Certificate (OC) are not entitled for the compensation in case of a delayed possession. The order was passed in a case pertaining to a residential project in Bengaluru. The KRERA suggests the homebuyers to be aware as the matter of Occupancy Certificate is still contentious in the state of Karnataka with numerous forums passing orders on this issue.

In another order by Karnataka RERA in May, KRERA said that just by doing the execution of the sales deed and by giving out the possession to the homebuyers does not mean that the project is complete, unless and until the Completion Certificate (CC) and Occupancy Certificate (OC) are obtained.As per the reports, several homebuyers in Bengaluru have moved in without obtaining the Occupancy Certificate due to financial constraints.

Karnataka is considering amending law to prevent site registration without RERA permission.

June 21, 2023: The Karnataka government is mulling a proposal to amend the law to prevent site registration without the K-RERA permission. The Housing Minister said he reviewed the functioning of Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority and noticed that the builders/developers of new layouts have been selling plot land without the authority's permission. And some of the layouts had been built on disputed land. In order to avoid this, the government is planning to amend the law which will prevent any registration of plots without the RERA permission. Although the matter is yet to be discussed with the Revenue Department.

The Minister further stated that strict action will be taken if the developer or promoter harasses the property buyers by not giving the possession of the apartment/plot within the deadline that has been mentioned in the agreement.
Kerala RERA Makes QR Code Mandatory for Real Estate Projects



August 25, 2023: The RERA authority of Kerala has made use of the QR (quick response) code for real estate projects mandatory from September 1. All the promoters will have to display QR codes on project advertisements and promotions to assist home buyers. A QR code should have information like physical and financial progress, approved plans and the latest progress.



QR Code will be available in the certificate download section on the promoter website. RERA Kerala QR Code should be published to be legible and detectable with the application. The QR code should be displayed next to the registration number and website address.

However, the advertisement and brochure currently mention only the website address, project details, and RERA registration number.

About RERA Kerala According to the officials from CREDAI, the homebuyers who had put their home-buying plans on hold due to the pandemic have come forward, and they are interested in purchasing a home now. However, the new project registrations would have been higher if the construction material prices had not increased. The industry expects support from the government and wishes that the Union government would reduce GST, reduce stamp duty charges and provide incentives to a resurgent real estate industry of Kerala.

RERA Kerala is a regulatory authority established under Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016. RERA in Kerala was imposed in 2018, and an official online portal was launched in early 2020. The regulatory body aims to provide a safe and accountable real estate sector for developers, agents and home buyers.

In the past 4-5 years, the property market of Kerala had been the worst-performing. A drop of 40%-50% was recorded. Most NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) from Kerala usually invested in property but the investment from NRIs started declining. There were multiple reasons behind the property sector crash, one of which was the unregulated realty sector, especially for consumers. However, since RERA Kerala is in place, the property sector is growing at its pace again.

This blog covers the RERA registration process for Kerala, how to search for RERA Kerala registered properties, fees, and documents required. We will also tell you how to file a complaint with RERA Kerala.

Kerala RERA: Vision & Objectives

Here are the vision and objectives of Kerala RERA:

Protect the interest of allottees

Provide accountability to all the people in the real estate sector

Ensure transparency through fair play and minimising delays and fraud

Rules and regulations are imposed for both buyer and promoter

Establish fast track dispute resolution process

Be a point of parity between the allottee and allotter

Ensure better governance to establish investor confidence

Also read: Fair value of land in Kerala

RERA Kerala: How to Search RERA Kerala Registered Projects?

We advise investing in a property registered under RERA Kerala to avoid project delays or fraud. To make things easier, the Kerala RERA website enlists the projects. To check the registered projects, one must follow the given below steps:-

Step 1: Visit RERA Kerala's official website.

RERA Kerala Online Portal

Step 2: From the menu bar, click on Older Registrations and then click Project Registrations

Registrations Section on RERA Kerala

Step 3: You will be taken to another page that has a list of all projects registered under RERA Kerala. It has all the details like name, RERA registration number, project address etc. For further details, you can also download the project certificate.

Registered Projects on RERA Kerala

Kerala RERA: How to Search RERA Kerala Registered Agents?

Before you head to invest in property, you should investigate whether the agent is registered. The search will help you in the long term; all in all, make a stress-free investment. Here is how you can search RERA Kerala registered agents:-

Step 1: Go to the official RERA Kerala portal.

Step 2: From the menu bar, click on Older Registration

Step 3: Now, select Agents Registration

Step 4: A new page opens up, with all the information about registered agents like agent address, type of agent, and contact number. Also, you can download RERA Kerala certificates for any further information.

RERA Kerala: How to Register with RERA Kerala as a Promoter

RERA Kerala registration services are not offered online in Kerala. So, to register the project, a promoter will have to fill out the physical application form and submit it to RERA regulators. All a promoter has to do is, download the application form, fill it out, attach the required documents and post it on the postal address. Here are the steps a promoter has to follow:-

Download the requisite form Form A or Form A-1

Format of Form A

Form A-1

Enter the details in the application form like:-

Details of the promoters

Project details

Cost of the project

Declaration

Registration fee for a project

Permits and approvals

Attach a copy of all the documents and send the application form and documents to a postal address-TC 25/1379, CRA D-112, near the Pentecostal Church Plamoodu on Charachira Road, Thiruvananthapuram-695003.

Once the application form and documents are evaluated and approved, a RERA project certificate and number are provided.

RERA Kerala: How to Register with RERA Kerala as an Agent

An agent has to fill out Form G, i.e. the RERA Kerala application form for agents. A form is readily available for download at the RERA Kerala website; download it from the Downloads section. Now, fill the Form G, attach a copy of all the required documents, and send it to the above-mentioned postal address. After receiving the documents, the authority will conduct an evaluation process, and once it is done, the agent will receive the RERA registration number.

Kerala RERA: Document Checklist of Kerala RERA

Promoters and agents have to keep the following documents ready in order to do project registration:-

Documents for Promoters

A copy of a PAN Card

The balance sheet of last financial year- audited by CA

Last three years' Income Tax Return (ITR)

Open parking area in the real estate project

A copy of a title deed- a clear title of the promoter to the land should be specified

All the details of encumbrances on which the development is proposed. It must have all the details like title, dues, interest, litigation etc.

A self-declaration stating all the allottees will have the same rights, and no discrimination will be done.

Details of all existing projects- status of the project, total area, built area, carpet area etc.

Also read: E-Rekha - Online Kerala Land Records

Documents for Agents

PAN card copy

Address proof of agent/partners/directors

Address proof of office from where business is conducted

Registration certificate, only if a firm or a company

Passport-size photographs of agents, directors or partners

Last three years' Income Tax Returns

What are the Advantages of Registering as an Agent under RERA Kerala?

When you register under RERA Kerala as a real estate agent, you get to take benefit from the following:

Legal Compliance : Registration as an agent ensures compliance with the guidelines & regulations specified by RERA Kerala, which helps avoid legal penalties or repercussions.

Trust and Credibility: When registered with RERA, an agent can establish a trust and credibility factor in the eyes of stakeholders and homebuyers, which helps promote their reputation in the real estate market.

Interest Protection : RERA Kerala is a reliable platform for agents and homebuyers to resolve disputes or grievances fairly and amicably whilst protecting each others rights.

Information Access: As a registered agent, you can access valuable resources and information provided by RERA Kerala, including the latest updates on industry trends, market insights, and regulations, which helps you stay updated and make better decisions.

RERA Kerala: Fees and Charges

While registering on RERA Kerala, a real estate agent has to pay Rs 25,000 as registration fees and other than that, a fee of Rs 2,50,000 is levied.

RERA Kerala: How to File a Complaint with Kerala RERA

Any person can register a complaint with RERA Kerala, whether a home buyer, agent or promoter. Complaints can be filed for any violation, fraud or infringement of RERA rules. You can not file complaints online because there is no such provision offered. However, it can be done offline. A complainant has to fill out the physical complaint form for an offline complaint. To know how the form has to be filled, read the manner of filing complaints. Complaints are filed as per Section 31 of the RERA Act, 2016, and Form M is filled for the same. If the complaint is to the Adjudicating Officer, Form N is filled. Remember to prepare three copies of the complaint because the complaint is sent to the involved parties. With every complaint, a complaint fee of Rs 1000 is submitted in Demand Demand. A complaint can be transmitted through post or visit the office of RERA Kerala.

You can check a list of complaints on the RERA Kerala website by selecting Legal from the menu bar and choosing List of Complaints. You can check the list on a new page by clicking on the PDF.

Note: A complainant needs to file an attested Vakalat if any legal help is being taken from a lawyer.

Address: Swaraj Bhavan, 5th Floor, Nanthancode, Kowdiar PO, Thiruvananthapuram 695003

Contact number: 9497680600

Email: info.rera@kerala.gov.in

RERA Kerala: The Bottom Line

The regulatory authority, RERA Kerala, aims to provide a real estate sector that works transparently and efficiently. It is also a redressal mechanism for real estate agents, developers and homebuyers. An online portal of Kerala RERA was launched in 2020; a person can search for which all projects or agents registered. In addition, a complaint can be filed if there is any complaint related to the state's real estate sector. All in all, visit RERA Kerala website@rera.kerala.gov.in/ for any information related to the real estate market.

Other News on K RERA

Kerala RERA requests Government to Block Sale of Plots Not Registered with the Authority

May 2023: In a new development that might affect the sale of plots in Kerala, the Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority has requested the government to Block the sale of residential plots which are not registered with Kerala real estate regulatory authority or KRERA. The authority has return to the chief secretary for issuing a directive to the registration department in this regard. At present development projects With 500 square metre of land or Those with 8 or more apartments must be registered with the Kerala real estate regulatory authority. Many real estate developers skip the rule stating that their projects do not meet both the criterias however kerala real estate regulatory authority has issued a clarification in this regard Stating that each of the criteria is this stand alone and Developers will be penalized if they do not follow the norms.

Kerala RERA Launches New and Revamped Website

May 2023: Upgrading its existing web presence, the Kerala Real Estate regulatory Authority or K-RERA has launched its revamped website. The Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority or K RERA website will benefit both developers and homebuyers alike. In the new format of the K-RERA website, the K-RERA website has incorporated features like the Geographical Information System (GIS) system. The GIS will help the authority in identifying the projects in a remote manner. Key features such as the property Exploration tool will immensely benefit the homebuyers and authorities as it will allow the property buyers to explore options across the state.




Latest News on RERA MP

MP RERA is functioning in Full Swing in Ratlam, Numerous Projects registered



May 31, 2023: In a recently held workshop in Ratlam, the Madhya Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority or MP RERA explained the work, structure, powers and penal powers of RERA. Lauding the efforts of the Ratlam administration, the MP RERA officials stated that over 104 projects are registered with RERA in the Ratlam district. Out of these projects, 49 projects have been issued the Completion Certificate. There are five projects in Ratlam where the construction work is complete, but the completion certificate is yet to be issued. Nine projects are yet to be completed, and there is no information about eight projects.



In some cases, the project deadlines had expired, and the MP RERA issued a fresh deadline for the completion. The progress of the real estate market in Ratlam is remarkable, as there were only 18 registered projects in Ratlam in 2017-18.



MP RERA and CREDAI Must resolve the Issues related to CA Certificates: Appellate Tribunal



May 2023: In an important move, the Madhya Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority Appellate Tribunal has banned the quarterly CA certificates submitted by the MP Real Estate Regulatory Authority. The Confederation of Real Estate Developers of Association of India (CREDAI) had complained to the appellate tribunal about this.



The tribunal has suggested that both CREDAI and RERA must work towards rectifying errors in the CA certificates. According to the judgement given by the appellate tribunal, there are anomalies in the forms available on the website of RERA. Owing to the erroneous forms, many real estate developers have been penalized.



In Form 2-C, which is said to be a CA certificate, it is mentioned that the amount receivable from the allottee should be apportionment of 70 and 30 per cent under Section 4(2)(l)(d) of the Act, which creates hardship and further submitted that in so many cases promoters have been penalized on that basis.

RERA MP: An Overview The Real Estate Regulatory Authority of Madhya Pradesh (RERA MP) was established to ensure assurance, equal treatment, and transparency across all transactions happening in the real estate sector. Over the years, MP RERA has been implementing the rules and regulations of the RERA Act with utmost diligence and efficiency.



The MP RERA act aims to establish the objectives such as setting up a mechanism for fast-track resolution of disputes, accountability on builders, promotion of good governance, establishing a platform for information shared by builders, and execution of proper regulations wherever required, among other things.

The RERA MP website offers services such as a download section for downloading various forms and schedules and a complaint section where one can file a complaint against the builder. In addition, builders and agents can register their projects and themselves at the RERA MP website, respectively.

Let's see how these services can be availed by the different parties in detail.

RERA MP: How to Get Registration Number in MP?

Real estate developers need to register the projects on the MP RERA website by following the below steps.

Step 1: Go to the RERA Madhya Pradesh website and create a RERA MP login. Then click on the 'Registrations' tab. Once you click on the Registrations tab, click on 'Project Registration.' : Go to theand create a RERA MP login. Then click on the 'Registrations' tab. Once you click on the Registrations tab, click on 'Project Registration.'

Step 2: After clicking on Project Registration, another window will appear, and it will have a list of instructions for adding or registering a project through the MP RERA web application. Read through the instructions carefully and click on the 'Proceed' button.



After clicking on Project Registration, another window will appear, and it will have a list of instructions for adding or registering a project through the MP RERA web application. Read through the instructions carefully and click on the 'Proceed' button.

Step 3: When you click on the Proceed button, the Project Registration form will open up in front of you. Just fill in the required details and save the form.





Once you save the form, you will be then guided to review it and take a printout of the form. Lastly, you can submit the application for consideration and approval. When you click on the Proceed button, the Project Registration form will open up in front of you. Just fill in the required details and save the form.Once you save the form, you will be then guided to review it and take a printout of the form. Lastly, you can submit the application for consideration and approval.

RERA MP: Documents Required for MP RERA Registration?

For 'New Project Registration' under RERA MP, the following documents are required at the time of the online filing of the application.

Passport size Photograph of Promoter(s). In the case of a company, photos of all the members, directors, and chairman are to be attached in the particulars section.

Authenticated copy of the Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card of the Promoter(s). In the case of firm Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card of all the members, directors, chairman to be attached in the particulars section

If the applicant is a company/firm, the Authenticated copy of the PAN Card of the firm/ company is also required.

Balance sheet, profit and loss statement, income tax returns, and auditor report for past 3 financial years

Layout plan, sanctioned plan, specifications of the project proposed, and the approved project details by a competent authority

Demarcation of land with location details, including the boundaries, longitude, latitude, and the end-points of the respective project.

Declaration through Form B along with a duly signed Affidavit signed by the Promoter. Form B can also be signed by a person who is authorized by the Promoter. The declaration states that it will not discriminate against allottees at the time of allotment.

There are several other documents as well that are required at the time of online application. In addition to these, certain documents are required to be submitted in the form of a hard copy to the authority. These include:

1.Khasra (Form B1) - Xerox copy



2. Affidavit for New Project - Original copy



3. Affidavit cum Declaration (Form-B) - Original copy OR any other Affidavits produced in an application.



4. Sanction Layout Plan from TNCP in A3 size paper.



5. Sanction Building Plan from Competent Authority in A3 size paper.

Fees and cost of RERA MP registration

The registration fees for the projects are segregated under two categories, New Projects, and Ongoing Projects.

Charges for New Projects

The registration fee for new projects can be calculated as per the below-mentioned formulas for various types of projects.

Type of Project Formula to Calculate Fee Plotted Residential Project Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) x 10 x Total plotted land area in Square Meters (Sq M) Constructed Residential Project (Carpet Area of construction, i.e., residential units plus all common facilities in Sq M x 10) + (Carpet area of all commercial units in Sq M x 20)

Charges for Ongoing Projects

The registration fee for ongoing projects can be calculated as per the below-mentioned formulas for various types of projects.

Type of Project Formula to Calculate Fee Plotted Residential Project Area of total plotted land in Sq M x FAR x 40 Constructed Residential Project (Carpet Area of Construction of residential units plus all common facilities in Sq M x 40) + (Carpet area of all commercial units in Sq M x 40)

Why should real estate agents register with RERA MP?

The real estate agents are the facilitators between the property buyers and the builders/developers. With the regulatory authority mandating the builders to register their projects with RERA MP, it is advisable for real estate agents also to get themselves registered with RERA MP. The sole reason to get registration is to enable these agents to be involved in the buy and sale of MP RERA registered projects. As agents who are not registered with RERA Madhya Pradesh cannot facilitate buy and sale of Madhya Pradesh RERA projects.

How can an agent register with RERA MP @ rera.mp.gov.in?

Real estate agents can follow the steps shared below and register themselves with RERA.

Step 1: The agent first has to create a RERA MP login on the Madhya Pradesh RERA website. Once that is done, click on the 'Registrations' tab and from there select the 'Agent Registration' section. The agent first has to create a RERA MP login on the. Once that is done, click on the 'Registrations' tab and from there select the 'Agent Registration' section.

Step 2: Once you click on the Agent Registration section, a new page will open, and it will have several instructions that the agents need to follow at the time of registration.



Once you click on the Agent Registration section, a new page will open, and it will have several instructions that the agents need to follow at the time of registration.

Documents required by agents for RERA MP registration

Documents needed during registration of agents for Madhya Pradesh RERA.

Passport size photographs

Copy of Aadhar card

Copy of PAN card

Past 3 years Income Tax Returns

Copy of address proof of business

Other documents

What is the fee for registering with RERA MP for agents?

The fee for agents for registration with RERA MP is 10,000 rupees in case of an individual and 50,000 in case it's a company.

RERA MP - How to Check Registered Projects?

It is always advisable for buyers to purchase or invest in a project which is RERA MP registered. This helps buyers, especially in cases wherever issues are arising with the property. Also, by investing in RERA MP registered projects, buyers get proper updates on the progress of the projects.

This leads to a major concern about how to check RERA registered projects in MP. For this, all a buyer needs to do is follow the simple steps shared below.

Step1: Visit the RERA MP website and click on the 'Projects' tab. From there, click on 'Registered Projects.' This will further open a drop-down list indicating completed, ongoing, extended, withdrawn, suspended, lapsed, and revoked projects.



Visit the RERA MP website and click on the 'Projects' tab. From there, click on 'Registered Projects.' This will further open a drop-down list indicating completed, ongoing, extended, withdrawn, suspended, lapsed, and revoked projects.

Step 2: For instance, you want to search about an ongoing project, then click on the ongoing project tab. This will open a list of projects with the RERA MP projects and are in the construction stage.



In addition, it also shows a search bar where one can type the name of the project and select the name of the district from the drop-down list and click on search. In the same manner, the projects can be searched across different lists.



For instance, you want to search about an ongoing project, then click on the ongoing project tab. This will open a list of projects with the RERA MP projects and are in the construction stage.In addition, it also shows a search bar where one can type the name of the project and select the name of the district from the drop-down list and click on search. In the same manner, the projects can be searched across different lists.

How do you file a complaint with RERA MP?

Property buyers can file a complaint against the builder/developer in case there is a dispute on the property. The complaint can also be filed by a person in case there is a delay from the builder and is causing a financial loss to the property buyer.

In case a project is not registered with RERA, the complaint can still be filed with RERA MP. However, the case won't be as strong as it would have been if the property was registered with RERA MP.

To file a complaint with the authority, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Visit the RERA MP website and click on the 'Complaint' tab and select the 'File Complaint' tab.



Visit the RERA MP website and click on the 'Complaint' tab and select the 'File Complaint' tab.



Step 2: When you click on the File Complaint tab, a page will open which has certain instructions. Read those instructions carefully and click on proceed. This will open the RERA MP Complaint Registration page. From there, select Form M or N and fill in the required information to file a complaint against either the builder or the real estate agent.

Form M is filled in case a complaint has to be filed under section 31 of the RERA Act. In case the person filing the complaint is seeking to claim compensation under sections 12,14,18 or 19 of the RERA Act the fill the Form N.





Fill in all the information along with the document required and the fees for filing the complaint, and then click on Submit. A message will reflect if you have successfully submitted the complaint or not. If not, then the process has to be repeated.

Escrow Accounts Under RERA MP The state government of MP has passed a law that builders must maintain an escrow account under the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) MP. The provision is provided to the builders to control the diversion of funds. Under the policy, all builders will have to keep separate accounts until the recovery is complete on the money invested in a project. Also, the RERA MP has made it clear that 70 per cent of the money collected by the builder needs to be maintained in escrow accounts. The amount spent on the purchase of land and construction is excluded from this. Wrapping Up on RERA MP

To conclude, the regulatory authority, i.e., Madhya Pradesh RERA, has been diligently implementing RERA Act regulations and supporting property buyers with timely resolution of issues, and enabling builders to deliver projects with good services along with timely delivery of projects. Filing a complaint with the MP RERA website is an easy task.
What is RGRHCL?

The government of Karnataka founded the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL) with a motive to provide affordable housing to poor and economically weaker sections of society. It envisages utilising state and central government schemes to achieve this feat.



It was conceptualized as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the Karnataka government.



Also read: Karnataka Housing Board Schemes

How to apply for Chief Minister Multi Storey Bangalore Housing Project- 2 BHK housing scheme 2023?

The state government has rolled out the Chief Minister Multi Storey Bangalore Housing Project or 2 BHK housing scheme 2023 for the eligible citizens. The scheme is available for both rural and urban applicants. To apply for the 2 BHK scheme, follow the mentioned steps-





Step 1: Go to the https://ashraya.karnataka.gov.in/cm_onelakh_2bhk/index_2BHK.aspx link.

Step 2: Select Assembly Constituency and Area from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Enter the Town, ward, address and Pin number.

Step 4: Enter Aadhar number and name on the Aadhar number.

Step 5: Click on the Continue button. Fill in the details on the forthcoming pages and apply for the 2 BHK scheme.

Details of flats available under 2 BHK scheme 2023 Details of flats available under 2 BHK Scheme Total Flats Total Flats selected Flats available Fields P.Ja/P.P normal Minorities Total P.Ja/P.P normal Minorities Total P.Ja/P.P normal Minorities Total Dasarahalli 54 67 14 135 8 66 5 79 46 1 9 56 Yeshwantpur 712 890 178 1780 15 70 2 87 697 820 176 1693 Anacle 426 531 106 1063 56 76 14 146 370 455 92 917 Krishnarajapuram 64 80 16 160 64 80 15 159 0 0 1 1 Total 1256 1568 314 3138 143 292 36 471 1113 1276 278 2667

How to Log in to the RGRHCL Portal?

The RGRHCL is an organization of the Karnataka government constituted with an aim to provide affordable housing units to the economically weaker sections of society. To avail of the services of RGRHCL, you will have to log into the RGRHCL portal (RGRHCL Login). To perform RGRHCL Login, follow the mentioned steps-

Step 1: Go to the official website of RGRHCL login - https://ashraya.karnataka.gov.in

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Login button given on top right

Step 3: You will be redirected to a new window. https://ashraya.karnataka.gov.in/Static/Login_New.aspx

Step 4: In this window, from the drop-down list, select the District.

Step 5: Once you select the district on this window, the Rgrhcl login window will appear. https://ashraya.karnataka.gov.in/Zone12

Step 6: Enter the Rgrhcl login Id and Password.

Step 7: Enter the captcha code.

Step 8: Click on the Submit button for Rgrhcl login.

What is Ashraya under RGRHCL?

Ashraya is the online web portal of Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL). Its primary objective is to streamline the application process of this scheme. Key features of RGRHCL are:

Apply for New Schemes under RGRHCL

Check the RGRHCL beneficiary status (RGRHCL Status) and beneficiary list through this portal.

Details about the eligibility and conditions for various schemes

Particulars of active schemes like availability of land and number of constructed or allotted houses.

RGRHCL Housing Schemes

The Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL) rolls out affordable housing schemes for the residents of Karnataka from time to time. Some of the popular housing schemes floated by Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL) are:



1. Chief Ministers Multistorey Bangalore Housing Programme

2. Devraj URS Housing Scheme

3. Basava Housing Scheme

4. Dr B R Ambedkar Niwas Yojana

5. Ashraya Yojana by RGRHCL

The above-mentioned housing schemes by Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL) have different eligibility criteria. Let us have a deeper look at the features of the housing schemes by RGRHCL.

1. CM's Multi Storey Bangalore Housing Scheme under RGRHCL The Chief Minister of Karnataka has recently announced a One BHK Scheme for the residents of Bangalore under RGRHCL Housing Schemes. Under this, the eligible candidates will provide affordable One BHK dwellings. The selection of allottees will be made via a public lottery. The applicants of the One BHK scheme will have two options. They can choose to have a flat in their constituency or outside their present constituency. The eligible applicants can apply through the official website of the RGRHCL (RGRHCL Status).



The applicants must provide details such as the Father's Name/Spouse's Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Marital Status, working Mobile Number, Religion, and Category. The applicants will be provided with a facility to pay online for the One BHK Housing Scheme in Bangalore. Features of the Multi Storey Banglore Housing Scheme The government of Karnataka (GoK) has taken a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of economically weaker section (EWS) families in Bangalore. They plan to construct 1,00,000 multi-storied houses with varying heights of G+3 to G+14. These houses will have a carpet area of 30.44 square metres and cost Rs. 6.00 lakh per unit.

The layout will include basic amenities such as roads, RCC drains, water supply, overhead tanks, UGD, and electrification.

The project will be spread across 1014 acres of land handed over to RGRHCL by GoK.

An in-house web application has been developed to facilitate the allotment process, and a computerised lottery system is proposed.

Banker meetings have been conducted to finalise loan facilitation, applicants' KYC documents, and the online payment gateway system integration to collect application fees. How to book a flat under Chief Minister's 1 Lakh Multi Storey Bangalore by RGRHCL? The RGRHCL continuously endeavours to provide affordable housing solutions to the economically weaker sections of society. Applicants who have made advance payment under Chief Minister's 1 Lakh Multi Storey Bangalore Housing Scheme can also book their flat online. To book a flat in the scheme, follow the mentioned steps- Step 1: Go to the official website of RGRHCL. Step 2: On the homepage, click on the flat booking option. Step 3: A new window will be opened. Step 4: Enter your application number and click on the continue button. Step 5: In this step, you will be taken to a window where you can select the flat as per your choice and availability. Multi Storey Bangalore Housing Scheme Selection Procedure Here are a few simple steps of the Multi Storey Bangalore Housing Scheme selection process. Lottery System: If the number of eligible applicants is more than the number of houses available in villages covered under the Multi Storey Bangalore Housing Scheme program, the potential beneficiaries will be selected through a lottery program carried out by the Ashraya Committees or Gram Sabha. The authorities have been instructed to video-record the entire lottery session.

GPS Verification: Next, the authorised panchayat development officers will take the selected beneficiaries through GPS verification to verify the vacant sites, as it is essential for each beneficiary to own a site based on the terms of the scheme.

Details/Documents Upload: Once the GPS verification is done, authorities must upload the verified beneficiaries names and other details on the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation portal.

Commissioner Approval: Also, they need to get approval from the Commissioner by digitally signing their GPS verification documents.

District Administration Approval: The list of beneficiaries needs to be sent to the District Administration Team for approval. This can also be done online by getting digital signatures on the documents.

Final Approval: Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Ltd will approve the final list. The authorities need to send the list of beneficiaries to the RGRHCL for their approval.

Notification/SMS of Approval: Once the corporation approves the list, an SMS will be sent to authorised implementing officers and beneficiaries to inform them that the application has been approved. The rejected applications' reasons will also be shared with beneficiaries via SMS (RGRHCL Status).

2. Devraj URS Scheme by RGRHCL

The Devaraj URS housing scheme by RGRHCL assists in house construction for a special category of people. The intended beneficiaries of the Devraj URS Scheme by RGRHCL include-

Disabled people Leprosy-cured households HIV positive citizens Nomadic tribes People affected by riots and exploitation Sanitation workers Free bonded labourers Widows Transgenders etc.

The Karnataka government aims to help people from the mentioned categories get a house. The State government provides up to 80 per cent of the construction material to the applicants availing the benefit of the Devraj URS Scheme by RGRHCL.





3. RGRHCL Basava Vasati Housing Scheme

Under the Basava Vasathi Yojana by RGRHCL, affordable houses are provided to Karnataka's eligible poor and homeless beneficiaries. To apply for Basava Vasathi Yojana, the applicant's annual income from all sources should be below Rs 32,000 per annum. To be eligible for the scheme, the applicant must not hold any plot, house, or land parcel in any part of the country. Summarily-

Basav Vasathi Yojana Eligibility

To avail of the benefits of Basav Vasati Yojana, the beneficiary must fulfil the following conditions-

He/She should be a resident of Karnataka.

The annual household income should not be more than Rs 32,000

The State government of Karnataka helps the economically weaker sections of the society under the Basava Vasathi Yojana by providing up to 85 per cent of the construction material.

Application procedure for Basava Vasathi Yojana

The application for Basav Vasathi Yojana can be made online. The following steps are involved in the process-



Step 1: The applicant needs to visit the official website of RGRHCL, i.e., https://ashraya.karnataka.gov.in/



Step 2: Click on the Online Application link.



Step 3: Fill out the form with the required details.



Step 4: Upload the required documents online and click on the Submit button.

4. Dr B R Ambedkar Niwas Yojana by RGRHCL

The B R Ambedkar Niwas Yojana is designed to help people from the reserved categories. The scheme aims to provide affordable houses to people from Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribe (SCs/STs) communities. Under the B R Ambedkar Niwas Yojana, the State government provides a subsidy of Rs 1.75 lakh to build or buy a home. However, the applicants must meet the guidelines laid down by the RGRHCL (RGRHCL Status).

5. Ashraya Yojana by RGRHCL

RGRHCL Ashraya Yojana is an integrated scheme to identify and rehabilitate poor families in Karnataka. The Ashraya Yojana by the RGRHCL was launched in 2002. The Kudambashree scheme followed it and rolled out to identify people left out of the purview of decentralised poverty alleviation programmes by the Karnataka government (RGRHCL Status).

In a unique initiative under the scheme, the Gram Panchayat was entrusted with devising customised micro-projects for each village household. Contributions from Gram Panchayat, block and district panchayat, and Central and State government funds envisaged the financing of the Ashraya Yojana by the RGRHCL.



Documents required for RGRHCL Ashraya Yojana

The applicants of the Ashraya Yojana are required to submit the following documents to the authorities.

Aadhar Card

Address Proof

Age Proof

Income Proof

Passport size photo

How do I check the RGRHCL beneficiary status on Ashraya portal?

Here's how you can check the RGRHCL Ashraya Yojana beneficiary status (RGRHCL Status): -



Step 1: Go to the Ashraya Portal (https://ashraya.karnataka.gov.in)





RGRHCL Homepage



Step 2: Click on Beneficiary Information on the front tab. (RGRHCL beneficiary status)





RGRHCL Beneficiary Status



Step 3: Select District, enter F Number and click Submit. The beneficiary information or RGRHCL beneficiary status will be displayed on the screen, and you can check the RGRHCL beneficiary status on the Ashraya portal.



How do you check grant status on the RGRHCL Ashraya Portal? (RGRHCL Status)

In addition to the RGRHCL beneficiary Status (RGRHCL Status) check, you can also check the official RGRHCL Ashraya Portal to learn about the grant release by RGRHCL. Follow the given steps-

Step 1: Go to the Ashraya Portal (https://ashraya.karnataka.gov.in/Index_Kan.aspx)

Step 2: Find the Grant release details based on the area of your residence (Rural/Urban)

Step 3: Select the Year, and week, enter the Reference Number and click on View, and the details will be visible on the screen.

How to Check GPS Photo Click Status Report on the RGRHCL Portal

Checking the GPS photo click status report requires you to follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official RGRHCL portal (ashraya.karnataka.gov.in)

Step 2: Choose the Reports option from the main menu

Select the GPS Photo Click Status Report option

Step 3: From the list of options, click on GPS Photo Click Status Report

Step 4: On the Photo Click Status Report page, you must choose either of these options:

Rural

Urban/City

Step 5: You can now view, export or print the list of districts along with their GPS photo click status.

View the Photo Click Status report of your district

How to Check Target Utilization Detail on the RGRHCL Portal

As a citizen of Karnataka, you can now access the target utilisation details via the RGRHCL portal. Heres what you need to do:

Step 1: Visit the official RGRHCL portal (ashraya.karnataka.gov.in)

Step 2: Choose the Reports option from the main menu

Step 3: From the list of options, click on Target Details

Choose the Target Details option on the RGRHCL reports page

Step 4: On the Photo Click Status Report page, you must choose either of these options:

Rural

Urban/City

Step 5: Now select the scheme's name and choose the year from the available options.

Choose your district type, scheme and year

Step 6: You can now view, export or print the target utilisation list.

Eligibility for RGRHCL Housing Scheme

Certain eligibility criteria exist to avail of the benefits under the RGRHCL housing scheme. These are as follows-

The applicant must either be a woman (Whose marriage is not on the cards), an ex-soldier, a widow, a physically challenged person, or a senior citizen.

The scheme is directed towards the economically weaker sections of society, so the applicant's annual household income must be below Rs 32,000 per annum.

The applicant must not own a house/land in any part of the country or state.

People living in huts and homeless are eligible for the scheme.

However, people with agricultural holdings can apply for the scheme.

The applicant must not draw benefits from any other similar scheme.

What is the ideal time to apply for the RGRHCL application?

The Gram Panchayat revises the list annually, and this exercise is completed in January every year. This makes it the ideal time to apply for the RGRHCL Housing Scheme.

How to check the land availability status on RGRHCL?

To check the status of land availability on the RGRHCL portal (RGRHCL Status), click on the Reports tab on the front tab.





RGRHCL Land Availability Information (RGRHCL Status)

And select Rural/Urban below Land Availability Information. The information on land available will be displayed district-wise. This information can also be downloaded in Excel format.

Flood Victims Granted Houses under the RGRHCL Housing Scheme

Kodagu, a Karnataka district, was hit by floods in 2018 and 2019. Triggered by heavy rains, the flood caused excessive damage and landslides, with 30% of the land surface getting washed away.

To compensate for the loss, the Government declared granting houses to the flood victims under the RGRHCL Housing Scheme. In 2021, 162 flood-affected families received houses under this scheme. Out of this, 140 were given to families in the Galibeedu village, while 22 houses were given to families in the Biligere village. These houses were constructed using pre-cast construct, an M-20 Grade design and a covered area of 425 sq ft. Each earthquake-resistant home has two bedrooms, one kitchen and a living room/hall.





What are the objectives of RGRHCL?

The key objectives of RGRHCL can be summarised below.

To provide affordable yet durable houses to the poor, the RGRHCL promotes using eco-friendly and cost-effective building technologies in the rural areas of Karnataka. The State government has also established specialized Nirmithi Kendras for expert assistance and guidance and plans to establish more Nirmithi Kendras for this purpose. The RGRHCL portal allows users to check the RGRHCL beneficiary status (RGRHCL Status) online.

The RGRHCL also aims to ensure that affordable houses are available to the needy promptly and hassle-free. It aims to bring transparency and efficiency in management in the concerned system.



Features and Benefits of RGRHCL

The benefits and features of RGRHCL are as follows:

The government developed the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Ltd in 2000.

The scheme aims to cater to the housing needs of the state's economically and socially weaker sections.

RGRHCL, a special-purpose vehicle, effectively implements state and central housing schemes.

The housing scheme was launched to promote efficiency and transparency in management.

New yet cost-effective building technologies are/will be introduced via this scheme.

The scheme also improves the overall standard of living of Karnataka citizens.

Video on RGRHCL - Basava Vasathi Yojana 2023

Get the details of the Basava Vasathi Yojanan under RGRHCL in this video.





(Source : YouTube - RK Kembhavi)

Find below the contact details of RGRHCL (Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited). You can use these details to contact the help and support team if you need further assistance.

Office Address: Kaveri Bhavan, 9th Floor, C&F Block, KS G Road, Bangalore - 560009

Helpline Numbers: 91-080-22106888, 91-080-23118888

Fax Number: 91-080-22247317

Email Address: rgrhcl@nic.in

Bottom Line: RGRHCL Housing Schemes

Conclusively, RGRHCL aims to facilitate affordable housing availability to the economically weaker section of Karnataka. Various housing schemes announced by Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL) in Karnataka have facilitated affordable housing for poor people.




Aadhaar Card Copies Will No Longer Be Needed for Property Registration in Gujarat, Only Last Four Digits are Sufficient September 23, 2023: The Inspector General of Registration and Superintendent of Stamps in Gujarat has issued a new rule. Now, property registration in Gujarat will require only the last four digits of the Aadhar card. The announcement was made on Wednesday, i.e. September 21, 2023. The information was made available that the Aadhaar card will not be a part of the property documents. However, the parties registering the property and the witnesses will have to submit copies of their Aadhaar card at the office of the sub-registrar. By removing a copy of the Aadhaar card from the list of property documents, the administration is trying to curb the misuse of the Aadhaar-enabled payment system. Owing to this, all sub-registrar offices have been advised not to collect and ensure that Aadhar Card copies are not included in the property registration documents. 5 Major Districts of Gujarat Account for 81% of the Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in the State September 5, 2023: The five major districts of Gujarat collectively generate 81% of revenue for Stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat. The five significant districts are Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Suraj, Vadodara, and Gandhinagar. These five districts have recorded the highest stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat for new and resale transactions. Ahmedabad district alone accounts for around 38% of the total stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat. Based on the data shared by the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI), Ahmedabad has accounted for property registrations worth Rs 5.54 Lakh Crores between April 2017 and March 2023. While Rajkot and Surat closely followed Ahmedabad with registrations worth Rs 1.41 and Rs 1.40 Lakh Crores, respectively. These five districts have shown significant growth due to the amazing infrastructure development carried out in these districts. Further, industrial growth is creating numerous employment opportunities. It is further leading to the migration of the population near these five districts and fuelling the demand for residential properties in the districts.

Supridentend of Stamp Duty in Gujarat Indicates Registration of More than 6,000 Old Jantri Sale Deeds to End by August 15 August 8, 2023: The last date for registering sale deeds with old Jantri dates is around the corner. The new Jantri rates were applicable in Gujarat from April 15, 2023. But people were given around four months of time to register their sale deeds, who purchased stamps before April 15. The last date of registration with old Jantri rates is August 15, 2023. The President of CREDAI stated that the decision of the government to give an extension of 120 days or four months to register the sale deed of the property who paid the stamp duty till April 15 brought a huge relief to the homebuyers. Due to the decision of the extension given, the Stamp Duty in Gujarat department collected revenue of around Rs 14,318 Crores. The amount includes registration charges as well. This amount is 34% higher than the Rs 10616 Crores collected as stamp duty and registration charges for the year before. Seeing how the deadline is approaching fast, several people are getting their property sale deeds registered. On average 6000 sale deed registrations are being recorded daily. It is expected that these transactions of registration will continue till the last date. The Superintendent of Stamp Duty in Gujrat indicated that a significant number of registrations are being made based on the new Jantri Rates.

Stamp Duty in Gujarat Paying the stamp duty and registration charges while registering property is an essential part of the registration process and it protects the property from legal hurdles in the future. While purchasing a property in Gujarat, it is essential to pay stamp duty in Gujarat in 2022 and good to be aware of all the legal guidelines that control the property market. Stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat is one of the important steps to be factored in a while registering a property. in Gujarat The stamp duty and registration charges must be paid by the buyer at the time of property registration. Stamp duty in Gujarat is a tax that is imposed by the state government. It varies from one state to another.



Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Gujarat 2023

Stamp duty in Gujarat is levied by the State government for registering a property in Government records.



Stamp Duty in Gujarat The basic rate of stamp duty 3.5% Surcharge @40% on basic rate 1.4% Total stamp duty charges 4.9%



Also Read: National Generic Documents Registration System

Registration Charges in Gujarat in 2023



The Gujarat state government levies 1% of the market price of the property or the transaction value whichever is higher as the registration charges. Following registration charges are levied in Gujarat-





Gender Registration Charges in Gujarat Male 1% Female 0 (No registration fee) Joint buyer (male and female) 1% Joint buyer (female and female) 0 (No registration fee)



Registration Charges in Gujarat

The waiver in registration charges for women in Gujarat is provided to empower women and encourage people to register properties in the name of a female family member.



Besides this, the homebuyer must pay some additional charges for property registration in Gujarat, which includes:

Rs 10 as folio fees or at the rate as per revisions by the government

Rs 50 per copy as index fee

Advocate fee



Also Read: How to file a complaint with RERA Gujarat?

How to Calculate the Market Value and E-Payment of Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Gujarat in 2023?







The property valuation in Gujarat can easily be done using the Garvi portal.

Step 1: Login to Garvi portal at https://garvi.gujarat.gov.in/







Inspector General of Registration (Garvi) Website

Step 2: On the home page click on Jantri and click on Market Value. Enter all the details to calculate the market value of the property.



Select Jantri to Evaluate Market Value of the Property











Property Construction Details Page





Step 4: The calculated stamp duty and registration charges will be displayed on the new page. Once you verify the charges proceed to the payment of stamp duty and registration charges on the Cyber Treasury Portal.





Step 5: Once the payment is successful, an e-challan will be generated. Once the e-payment of stamp duty and registration charges are successful, the buyer can book an online slot for registration on Garvi Portal.



Also Read: AnyROR: Check Gujarat Land Records

Once the payment is successful, an e-challan will be generated. Once the e-payment of stamp duty and registration charges are successful, the buyer can book an online slot for registration on Garvi Portal.Also Read:

How to Calculate Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Gujarat in 2023?

Stamp duty in Gujarat forms an important and binding part of a property transaction process in Gujarat. To calculate stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat, follow the below mentioned steps. (Stamp duty calculator Gujarat)

Step 1: Login to a dedicated portal called Garvi at https://garvi.gujarat.gov.in/





Inspector General of Registration (Garvi) Website









Fee Calculators on Garvi Online Portal

Step 3: To calculate the stamp duty rates in Gujarat in 2022, click on the Stamp Duty Calculator button and to calculate the Registration charges in Gujarat, click on Registration Fee Calculator tab. Once you click on the stamp duty tab, the following window will be opened.





Stamp Duty Calculator on Garvi Portal

Step 4: Select the Article from the drop-down list and click on the Calculate Stamp Duty button. The charges will be displayed on the screen. (Stamp duty calculator Gujarat)



Also Read: Gujarat Bhu Naksha (Land Map)

How to Calculate Stamp Duty in Gujarat in 2023? (With an Example)

To have a clear understanding of the stamp duty calculation in Gujarat, lets us take an example. There are two properties in Gujarat worth Rs 30 lakh, bought by a man and a woman, named Jignesh and Anandi, respectively.





The total cost of property in Gujarat will be calculated in the following manner.





Stamp duty charges payable by Jignesh = 30,00,000 x 4.9/100 = Rs 1,47,000





Registration fee = 30,00,000 x 1/100 = Rs 30,000





Hence, total cost of the property for Jignesh = Rs 30,00,000 + Rs 1,47,000 + Rs 30,000 = Rs 31,77,000



Stamp duty payable by Anandi = 30,00,000 * 4.9/100 = Rs 1,47,000





Being a woman, Anandi is exempt from the payment of registration fee in Gujarat.





Hence, total cost of the property for Anandi is = Rs 30,00,000 + Rs 1,47,000 = Rs 31,47,000





Key Documents Required for Property Registration in Gujarat in 2023

The Gujarat registration Act mandates that a property which is not registered will be illegal and will not be admissible in a court of law. The following documents are required for registration of property in Gujarat.

Clear Proofs of ownership rights (Title Deed etc)

Input Sheet- Document containing the details of both the parties with signatures

Identity proofs of the buyer and the seller

Address Proofs

Application form no 1: if the document comes under Sector 32 A of the Gujarat Stamps Act, 1958

Power of Attorney Document in original (if applicable) How to Pay Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Gujarat Property buyers can pay stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat using both online and offline modes.



Pay Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Gujarat Offline Franking Centres: When purchasing a property, buyers can visit the nearest bank or franking centre to pay their stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat. Stamp Papers: They can also contact the authorised stamp sellers and purchase stamp papers to pay their stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat. Pay Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Gujarat Online E-Stamping: Property buyers can use an online payment method called e-stamping to pay their stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat. Keep reading to know more about e-stamping in Gujarat. Things to Remember Before you Pay the Stamp Duty in Gujarat Here is a list of essential pointers you must remember before paying the stamp duty in Gujarat. The stamp paper should be in the name of the person who performs the transaction.

All the stamp duty applicable assets must be stamped before registration or the next working from the date of execution.

If a propertys deed is executed outside the specified territory, it can be stamped within three months.

The date on which the stamp paper was issued should not be more than six months from the transaction date. Not Paying Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Gujarat As per the Indian Stamp Act 1899 and Registration Act 1908, payment of stamp duty in Gujarat and every city across the nation is mandatory. Not paying these charges would mean that your propertys registration is invalid. It will also result in penalties of 2% per month and up to 200% of the deficit amount. E-Stamping in Gujarat Click here to obtain the list of stamps selling vendors in Gujarat.



People can easily obtain e-stamping certificates by visiting the taluka headquarters in any district and it is legal.to obtain the list of stamps selling vendors in Gujarat. Summing Up on Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Gujarat

Conclusively, payment of stamp duty in Gujarat is essential to get the sale/purchase registered in the government records. Non-payment of stamp duty in Gujarat may lead to property disputes and legal tussles at a later stage. February 2023: Gujarat likely to reduce stamp duty through Finance Bill



After a significant revision in the Jantri rates, the Gujarat government is likely to reduce the stamp duty and registration fee. The revised Jantri rates will be applicable from April 15. Meanwhile, the Gujarat government is actively considering a proposal to reduce stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat.The Gujarat government is likely to introduce the finance bill with revised stamp duty and registration charges in the Budget session at the end of February 2023. An expert committee headed by former Finance Secretary Hansmukh Adhia has also recommended a reduction in the stamp duty to boost housing demand. Apply Online for Stamp Duty Assessment in Gujarat Janaury 2023: The State Government charges stamp duty on allotment letters, share certificates of housing co-operative societies, and possession letters on all the societies built after 1982 across the state of Gujarat. This led to a huge crowd of applicants to the stamps and revenue department, deputy collector to be precise. Owing to this, the state made the stamp assessment online. Applicants who wish to apply for the same can do so at ircms(dot) gujarat(dot) gov(dot) in. An order was released highlighting that the amendments in article 20 of schedule I of the Gujarat Co-operative Societies Act 1961 and Gujarat Stamps Act 1958 led to the application of stamp duty on different types of documents. Post the order, residential units that are part of the old societies will have to apply for stamp duty assessment on allotment letters and other documents. New Electronic Policy to Provide Stamp Duty Rebates In a recent development, the Gujarat government has rolled out a new Electronic Policy to boost employment opportunities in the electronics manufacturing sector. Under the new policy, investors will also be eligible for a range of rebates in stamp duty and registration charges payment. The new Gujarat Electronics Policy 2022-28 has been designed to place Gujarat at the forefront of Electronic manufacturing and provide ample job opportunities. Eligible investors will be allowed up to 100 percent rebate and discount in payment of stamp duty and registration fee to the Gujarat government. In addition to this, the eligible investors will be provided exemption from paying electricity duty as the state government will also provide tariff rebates to the investors. No Stamp Duty on Property Transfer within Family As per the recent important judgement of the Gujarat High Court, the revenue authorities cannot levy stamp duty in Gujarat on property transactions where the owner transfers the share of their property to one of the family members. Based on the circular of the judgement released, the rights of ancestral property rights can be relinquished and the property can be transferred on Rs.300 stamp paper. There will be no Stamp Duty in Gujarat levied on such transactions. However, the property will not be considered ancestral property if the initial buyer is alive at the time of transfer.

Provide the details of the parties such as Name, flat number, and details of identity proof. Click on the next button to make payment.Click on the Calculator tab on the home page. The following window will be opened.
Latest News on Stamp Duty in Haryana and Property Registration



e-Appointment slots doubled for seamless property registration





September 23, 2023: The Haryana government announced the expansion of e-appointment services across all tehsils and sub-tehsils on September 22, 2023. This expansion aims to enhance public convenience and reduce the time involved in the property registration process in Haryana. Under the decision, the number of available e-appointments in the State will increase to 200 from the earlier 100. Similarly, Tatkal e-appointments have risen to 50 from earlier 10 (except in Gurgaon).





The property registration volume in Gurgaon has grown significantly over time. Considering the rising numbers, e-appointments have increased to 300 from 100, and Tatkal online appointments have been increased to 60 from 10.





As per media sources, the government of Haryana is targeting to reduce the challenges residents face during property transfer, ensuring a more efficient and seamless process. To increase awareness regarding the recent decision, all deputy commissioners in the State will communicate this directive to respective Sub-Registrars and Joint Sub-Registrars.

A physical copy of this notice will also be displayed on notice boards in all Tehsils.

3,163 Property Registrations Done on Previously Recorded Lal Dora Land

August 28, 2023: Based on the confirmation from the CM of Haryana, Manhor Lal Khattar, the properties that cannot be registered earlier as they were associated with Lal Dora land are now registered.

Around 3,613 properties have been registered, which were earlier under the category of Lal Dora. In addition, around 25.17 Lakh properties now have property cards across 6260 villages.

Previously, the buyers and sellers of Lal Dora land were not able to get their property registration done. All this led to an increase in disputes on land registration. With the properties being free from Lal Dora and the possibility of digital property registration, it is expected that the disputes will be settled and the revenue from property registration will improve.

Under the Lal Dora, the land area which demarcates the livable area in the village from that nearby agricultural land. Earlier, the Lal Dora land bank was not authorized for living and sale. However, in 2019, on Good Governance Day, a campaign related to free Lal Dora land began.

On Saturday, August 26, they announced that the entire state was free from Lal Dora land. Based on this, properties can now be registered for Lal Dora land at the set property registration charges and stamp duty in Haryana.

Property Registration and Stamp Duty in Haryana

To become a legal owner of property in Haryana, whether a new or transferred property, it is mandatory to register it with the Haryana government. The registration process involves document submission and payment of stamp duty and registration charges. The stamp duty in Haryana varies for different transactions; the costs differ for Sale Deeds and Mortgage Deed. This article covers everything about stamp duty in Haryana, like the documents required for registration, the online registration process, and much more.

Factors Considered While Calculating Stamp Duty in Haryana

The following factors are considered while calculating stamp duty in Haryana:-

Gender of the owner: In Haryana, stamp duty charges for females are less when compared to males. The state government provides rebates to females on stamp duty in Haryana. This initiative is taken to promote women home buyers.

Location of property: In urban areas, the stamp duty is higher, whereas it is less in rural areas. The prices for the property will be higher in urban and posh areas.

Property Type: Stamp duty in Haryana is different for every property, residential, commercial and industrial.

Amenities: A property offering high-end amenities will levy more stamp duty charges.

Stamp Duty in Haryana 2022

Following are the stamp duty charges in Haryana for various documents :

Documents Urban Area Rural Area Gift Deed 5% 3% Sale or Conveyance Deed 7% 5% Exchange Deed 8% of the property value or market value, whichever is greater 6% of the property value or market value, whichever is greater Loan Agreement Rs 100 Rs 100 Partnership Deed Rs 22.50 Rs 22.50 General Power of Attorney Rs 300 Rs 300 Special Power of Attorney Rs 100 Rs 100 Source: Jamabandi Jamabandi

Stamp duty charges in urban areas are higher in Haryana; for example, the charges are higher for Gurgaon and less for Tigaon. Also, to promote women homebuyers, the Haryana government has kept stamp duty charges less for females. There is a difference of 2% between male and female stamp duty charges.

Jurisdiction Male Female Joint Urban Area 7% 5% 6% Rural Area 5% 3% 4%

Registration Charges in Haryana 2023

Earlier, Rs 15,000 was levied as registration charges. In 2018 the state government revised the registration charges up to Rs 50,000. These new charges are levied on documents like gift deeds, sale deeds, lease deeds, exchange deeds, partition deeds, collaboration agreements, mortgage deeds, settlement deeds, and sale certificates.

Property value Registration charge Up to Rs 50,000 Rs 100 Rs 50,001 to Rs 5 lakhs Rs 1,000 Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs Rs 5,000 Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs Rs 10,000 Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs Rs 12,500 Rs 25 lakhs Rs 15,000 Rs 25 lakh- Rs 40 lakh Rs 20,000 Rs 40 lakh- Rs 50 lakh Rs 25,000 Rs 50 lakh-Rs 60 lakh Rs 30,000 Rs 60 lakh-Rs 70 lakh Rs 35,000 Rs 70 lakh-Rs 80 lakh Rs 40,000 Rs 80 lakh-Rs 90 lakh Rs 45,000 Rs 90 lakh and above Rs 50,000

Documents Required for Property Registration

To register a property, documents are required to become a legal owner of the property-few. Remember, while registering the property, all the papers except wills should be submitted to the sub-registrar office within four months of the date of execution as per Section 23 of the Registration Act, 1908.

Sale deed

Identity proof of seller and buyer- PAN Card, Ration Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License

Address proof of seller and buyer

Society from No-objection certificate (NOC)

Identity proof of two witnesses

Map of building or plan

Digital photograph of property layout

Ownership proof- Copy of assessment of Mutation or original sale deed.

Also read: How to Register on HRERA?

How to Calculate Stamp Duty in Haryana

The stamp duty is calculated based on the circle rate of the locality where the property is situated. Generally, the property is registered at the circle rate value or higher than the circle rate. The property buyer can check the stamp duty on the Jamabandi Haryana website.

Check Circle Rate in Faridabad



To calculate the stamp duty, you must go to property registration and click Stamp Duty Calculator. Now, enter the Transactional Value, and click one option between Within MC or Outside MC. Select Gender and click on Calculate.

Calculate stamp duty in Haryana online

Once you have calculated the stamp duty to be paid, you must obtain a stamp paper. A stamp paper can be bought physically by going to the sub-registrars office or using a franking method. Also, you can get the e-stamp paper on the e-stamp platform.

All you need to do is visit the e-stamp platform and register on the website. After that, payment can be made online or offline.

How to Pay Stamp Duty in Haryana Online

To pay stamp duty and registration charges in Haryana online, one has to visit Haryanas eGTRAS (Online Government Receipts Accounting System) platform. This online platform allows buyers to make tax/non-tax revenue manually and online.

Note: To get e-stamps, one must register to the e-GRAS portal.

Pay Stamp duty in Haryana Offline

You can pay stamp duty in Haryana offline too. Firstly, buy stamp papers from the treasury office. You can easily buy stamp papers for more than Rs 10,000. The stamp paper amount must be submitted to the State Bank of India (SBI) under the head 0030-Stamp and Registration. Once this is done, you must submit the stamp paper to the sub-registrars office.

How to Book a Slot for Property Registration in Haryana

A homebuyer should book a slot for registration on the Jamabandi website post the e-stamping. The procedure to book a slot is as follows:

Also read: How to check Harayna Land Records on Jamabandi

On the Jamabandi website click on Property Registration and select Check Deed Appointment Availability.

Book online slot for property registration in Haryana

Enter the details such as District, Tehsil, and For Next (N) Days. Click on search to check on availability.

Enter the district and tehsil to book a slot for property registration in Haryana

The buyer, the seller, and two witnesses should go to the sub-registrar office to complete the registration process on the day the slot is booked.

Procedure for Registering a Property Deed

To register the property deed in Haryana, follow the below-given steps:-

Step 1: Go to the official website of Jamabandi. Now, click Deed Templates to download the templates under the Property Registration Menu Bar

Step 2: Once you have downloaded the deed template as per your requirement, fill in all details in the deed.







Format of sale deed in Haryana

Step 3: Visit the Sub Registrar's office on the selected date and time. The registration clerk will forward the deed to the Sub-Registrar.

Step 4: When the sub-registrar marks the deed, the data will be fetched, and the deed will be fetched into the HARIS- it is a land record integrated system.

Step 5: During the registration process in HARIS. The officer will update all the details of the seller and buyer, e-stamp paper details, and transaction fees. After that, a real-time photograph will be captured.



Also read: Step 6: The Sub-registrar officer will regularize the deed by getting the Biometrics of the buyer and seller. Then the land registry will be printed on paper, and it is provided to both parties. Also, the Tehsil office uploaded it on the Jamabandi website.Also read: Bhu Naksha Haryana

Stamp duty in Haryana: Tax Benefits

In Haryana a home buyer can claim a deduction on stamp duty and registration charges for up to Rs 1.5 lakh. The deduction on stamp duty can be claimed under section 80C of the Income Tax Act 1961. Also, note that the deductions can be claimed only if a home buyer is buying a new property, it can not be claimed for properties resold.

Tips for Stamp Duty in Haryana

Before paying the stamp duty, you should keep the following factors in mind:-

A registered property should be stamped before or within the next working day of registration. If a property is outside the territory, it can be stamped within three months.

Execution of property means when the buyer and seller have signed on the property papers for the transaction.

A stamp paper should have the name of all the parties involved in the transaction.

A stamp paper should not be older than six months from the transaction date.

Also, you can pay the stamp duty in Haryana via adhesive stamps. At the execution time, the adhesive stamp is removed so as not to be reused.

What if there is Delay in Stamp Duty Payment?

According to Section 23 of the Registration Act 1908, a heavy penalty will be imposed if stamp duty in Haryana is not paid on time. The charges can be up to 10 times the registration fees. All the documents in the state, except Will, should be registered within four months from the date of execution.

Rs 644.1 Crore Pending Stamp Duty in Haryana

June 9, 2023: Haryana, in total, has an arrear of Rs 644.1 crore. Among all the municipal corporations across the state, the Gurgaon civic body has the most amount of stamp duty pending at Rs 245.2 crore, followed by Sonipat and Panchkula at Rs 78.4 crore and Rs 50.3 crore, respectively. After these are Manesar and Faridabad, with a pending stamp duty amount of Rs 43.8 crore and Rs 31.2 crore. The pending amount is for 2021-22 and 2022-23.

The urban bodies have directed municipalities to recover these dues, make a new stamp duty assessment report, and submit it.

Delay in disbursal affects how the civic bodies operate as stamp duty is a significant source of income for them. The department has thus issued a letter to all the state municipalities and deputy commissioners requesting an all-out effort from them in collecting dues from other departments like the revenue and disaster management.

Haryana Government Lost Rs 3.5 Crore in the Sale Deed Registry Fraud

May, 2023: A plot in Daulatabad (Gurgaon) was allegedly converted illegally from "industrial" land to "agricultural" land, according to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). In official records, the site was listed as "licenced for development of residential colonies." Due to this illegal conduct, Gurgaon has lost at least 3.5 crore rupees in stamp duty.





The owner of the property, a Gurugram Tehsildar, as well as four other people, have been detained by ACB in this matter. MCG and its readers are evading zonal taxation. According to the bureau, the Tehsildar is believed to have modified the nature of the land by manually registering the plot. As a result, the authorities registered the property for 56 lakh rupees rather than 4 crore. Compared to industrial property, Gurgaon's stamp duty on agricultural property is lower. The ACB officers took the Tehsildar's personal account book, and it contained information on the bribe money. The cost of changing the plot type is Rs. 70 lakh.

GMDA to Apply 1% Duty Fee on Property Transfers to Fund SPR Redevelopment Project

April 2023: GMDA, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, has planned to impose a 1 per cent fee on property transfers. Once implemented, the authority will impose these transfer charges for the next three years to fund its Southern Peripheral Road Redevelopment Project. The fee will apply to immovable properties located within a 14 km stretch of the SPR from NH-8 to Ghata Village near Kherki Daula.

Once the charges apply, both property buyers and sellers would need to pay 1 per cent of the property's purchase value to the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority at the time of registration. The duty charges will be applied to gift, sale, and exchange transactions of properties.

One of the GMDA officials said, The different modes of funding for this project have been proposed to the government and imposing a 1% user fee is one of the ways to collect the money. The fund collected from this will be utilised specifically for SPR redevelopment and the duty will be charged for three years only.

Conclusion to Stamp Duty in Haryana

Now we know the importance of property registration and paying the stamp duty in Haryana. Paying stamp duty is made mandatory under a provision of the Indian Stamp Duty Act 1899. The stamp duty in Haryana ranges between 5%-8%; the charges vary based on documents like Sale or Conveyance Deed, Exchange Deeds, Loan Agreements, Partnership Deeds and Gift Deed. The registration charges in Haryana are up to Rs 50,000, depending on the property's price. Now buy an e-stamp conveniently at the e-GRAS platform. If you are uncomfortable with the online method, you can also purchase stamp paper and pay charges offline.
Stamp duty in Rajasthan is controlled by the Rajasthan Stamps Act 1908. This act was enacted to consolidate several acts prevailing before this and provide a consolidated mechanism for stamp duty charges in Rajasthan. According to Section 10 of the Act, Stamp duty in Rajasthan can be paid using adhesive stamps, impressed stamps and a franking machine. If we talk about the property Sale Deed, the stamp duty changes can be summarized as follows-

6% of the market value of the separated share or shares

Order of land use change under the Rajasthan Urban Areas (change of land use) Rules, 2010 or any otland-usevant rules

A gift in favour of the wife, if executed up to March 31, 2023

A gift in favour of the widow by her mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter

A gift in favour of the widow by her deceased husbands mother, father, brother, or sister

Gift deed regarding residential flat or house executed by any person private, in favour of the wife of the martyr, if the wife of the martyr is not alive, then in favour of either minor daughter or minor son, and if the martyr was unmarried, then in favour of either father or mother.

6% of the total value or market value of the property, whichever is higher

6% of the total value or market value of the property, whichever is higher

6% of the total value or market value of the property, whichever is higher

6% of the total value or market value of the property, whichever is higher

For a contract for the selling of a residential unit was signed between the developer and the purchaser.

Stamp Duty in Rajasthan for Different Transactions In addition to the property registration, the stamp duty is also levied on the registration of lease deeds, Transfer deeds, loan agreements, Apprenticeship deeds and adoption deeds, among others.

If you wish to download the official document or stamp duty in Rajasthan pdf, click here. Search for Properties in Jaipur

In Rajasthan, registration charges (if applicable) will be charged at 1%.



Checkout: Properties in Jodhpur

Stamp duty in Rajasthan is also applicable on lease deeds of different kinds. The stamp duty in Rajasthan on lease deeds varies by the duration of the lease.

Above 30 years and perpetual (In case of disability of 40% and above)

Condition Stamp duty applicable after rebate When given for consideration and authorising the attorney to sell any immovable property 6% When given for consideration and authorising the attorney to sell any immovable property (Female SC/ST/BPL) 4% When given for consideration and authorising the attorney to sell any immovable property (Female other than SC/ST/BPL) 5% When given for consideration and authorising the attorney to sell any immovable property (In case of disability of 40% and above) 5% When power of attorney is given without consideration to sell immovable property to  the father, mother, brother, sister, wife, husband, son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter of the executant Rs 2,000

Payment of Stamp Duty in Rajasthan

Power of Attorney is an instrument which allows a third person to sell a property, execute formalities and present on behalf of the original owner in property and other matters. Stamp duty in Rajasthan is also levied on PoA, and it differs based on authorisation rights given to the person.

Payment of stamp duty in Rajasthan can be made offline and online.

Online Payment of Stamp Duty in Rajasthan

One can also deposit the stamp duty and registration charges in Rajasthan online. To pay the stamp duty in Rajasthan online, one has to log on to https://epanjiyan.nic.in/ and pay the charges using the payment gateway of the selected bank. The stamp duty charges in Rajasthan can be paid using the net banking and Credit/Debit card facility offered by various banks.

Offline Payment of Stamp duty in Rajasthan

A user can deposit the stamp duty and registration charges in Rajasthan offline. Payment of stamp duty in Rajasthan can be made by physically going to the sub-registrars office and completing the required formalities. However, the user must make sure to have all the documents handy.

How to Calculate Stamp Duty in Rajasthan?

Here is how calculation of stamp duty charges are done in Rajasthan:-

Particulars Calculation Transaction value of house Rs 50 lakh Stamp duty (7.20% of Rs 50 lakh) Rs 3.60 lakh Registration charges (1% of Rs 20 lakh) Rs 50,000 Total amount to be paid Rs 4,10,000

Essential Documents for Paying Stamp Duty in Rajasthan

Example: Mr Suresh buys a flat worth Rs 50 lakh in Jodhpur, apart from market value of the property, he will have to pay stamp duty and registration charges in Rajasthan:-Remember: In Rajasthan labour cess is also charged which is 20% of stamp duty rates.

To pay stamp duty in Rajasthan, you must submit a list of required documents. The documents include

Mortgaged propertys reconveyance

Transfer instruments

Partition Deed

Gift Deed

Deed of Exchange

License Agreement

Power of Attorney

Tenancy Agreement

Lease Deeds

Penalties Related to Stamp Duty in Rajasthan in Case of Delay

One has to pay stamp duty in Rajasthan within 30 days of the property transaction. In case there is a delay in the payment of stamp duty of your property in Rajasthan, youll have to pay a penalty of 2% monthly, which can reach up to 200% of the stamp duty deficit.

Non-Payment of Stamp Duty in Rajasthan

Not paying stamp duty and registration charges in Rajasthan will result in payment of 8-20% of your stamp duty as a penalty. In some cases, it can also land you in jail.

How Does Stamp Duty in Rajasthan Affect Real Estate According to a report published in March 2023, the sale of plots was on the rise in Jaipur, Rajasthan. In some areas like Jagatpura, the rise went as high as 70 per cent due to low stamp duty in Rajasthan. Real estate experts believed that the prevailing stamp duty structure might be the reason behind a surge in plotted development in Jaipur, Rajasthan, as levies on plots are much less than flats, and people prefer to invest in plots. The stamp duty, fees and tax component on flats is about 23% of the cost, whereas the same for a plot is about 3%. That is a major reason why the sales of plots are witnessing rapid growth.

Since the stamp duty is 6% for men in Rajasthan, while the stamp rate for women is 5%, it is one of the reasons why more men are buying property on their wife's behalf in Rajasthan. For instance, if Vimesh Bishnoi buys Rs 10 lakhs, the immovable stamp duty amounts to Rs 60,000. For a wife buyer, just Rs 50,000 will have to be paid. In the case of higher properties, the difference will increase. The additional Rajasthan stamp duty is 30%.

To get more information or if you have feedback then visit the given address or contact the following number:-

Registration & Stamps Department

Inspector General, Registration & Stamps, Panjiyan Bhawan, Lohagal-Janana Hospital Road (Sikar Road), Ajmer-305001 (Rajasthan)

Phone number: +91 - 145 - 2971201

Fax number: +91 - 145 - 2971202

E-Mail:igrs@rajasthan.gov.in

Summing Up: Stamp Duty in Rajasthan

Conclusively, stamp duty in Rajasthan is an essential fee levied by the State government. If a homebuyer does not pay the stamp duty in Rajasthan after the change of ownership, the property transaction will not be registered in the government records. The non-payment of stamp duty and registration charges in Rajasthan might lead to property disputes at a later stage.
Latest News: Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu

GPS-Enabled Photo Documents Will Be Mandatory from October 1, 2023 for Land Registration in Tamil Nadus Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)

September 25, 2023: From October 1, 2023, the Department of Registration has made Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled photo documents compulsory for land and property registration in Tamil Nadus Trichy area.

The department has made it mandatory that people submit coloured photos of the land fetched from GPS enabled devices. These photographs are an addition to the existing documents that are being submitted. To get the photos either the buyer or the seller can physically visit the land to get the images.

The aim behind introducing the scheme is to reduce the registration of fake documents. It will also help in reducing fraudulent property transactions. In addition, the Department of Registration also introduced a new rule sometime back where a scanned copy of the photograph of the advocate or document writer is to be attached along with their license number on the document. This will help in certifying that the documents and the draft have been duly verified.

Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu Will be 9% of the Property Value

August 7, 2023: The government of Tamil Nadu has announced that the flat registration will now be charged at a uniform rate of 9% of the property value. It means that the buyer will now pay 50% more as property registration charges.

For completed construction properties, the stamp duty and registration fee will be charged at 9%. In the last three years, this is the third hike in the fees by the registration department, including the increase in the guideline value and other services such as construction agreements and power of attorney.

As per the old practice, the property registration was charged in two parts, i.e. separate charges for undivided share (UDS) of land, and the other part was the construction agreement.

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) has requested the government to roll back the hikes as they will hamper the growth of the real estate sector. These hikes are likely to discourage potential buyers from investing in property.

Govt. Increases Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu for Several Services

July 10, 2023: The Government of Tamil Nadu has revised several stamp duty and registration charges for several of its services. The change has been implemented on 20 such services. The change in these registration fees is done under section 78 of the Registration Act 1908. Earlier, these changes were made 20 years back. The changes in fees for 20 services include safe custody of documents, making and providing copies of documents, and searching for registers.





Due to this, the development and redevelopment of property may become pricer. The registration fee charged for or transfer of power of attorney to non-family members is Rs 10,000 flat. However, it has now been changed by 1% of the property market. The fees for transferring the power of attorney have been increased due to several issues arising in land-grabbing cases.



The charges for private attendance by the sub-registrars at home for VIP, the elderly and other people who cannot visit the office has also been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000. The registration fees for the release of documents, family settlement, and partition of property have increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000. Lastly, the fee for receipt of documents for a mortgage has shot up from Rs 20 to Rs 200.

All About Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu

Stamp duty and registration charges play a significant role in property registration. It is a charge you must pay when buying the property. The state government imposes the stamp duty and registration charges at the property transaction. This value varies from one state to another. Similarly, if you have bought a property in Tamil Nadu, you will have to pay stamp duty according to the Tamil Nadu Stamp Duty Act. This southern state is one of India's states with the highest stamp duty and registration charges. So, property buyers in Tamil Nadu should be ready to pay a notable amount while registering the property. Generally, around 1% of the property value is paid as a registration charge. However, in Tamil Nadu, it is 4% of property value.

What is the Tamil Nadu Stamp Duty Act?

According to the Indian Stamps Act, 1899 and Tamil Nadu Stamp Act, 2019, a homebuyer has to pay stamp duty and registration charges whenever a property transaction is involved. In case of partition, lease, sale and resale of the property, stamp duty is paid.



Also Read: Properties in Chennai

Factors Affecting Stamp Duty in Tamil Nadu

The stamp duty charges are decided by considering the factors like property value, number of floors, type of property, location of the property, the intent of usage, and age of the property.

Stamp Duty in Tamil Nadu 2023 and Registration Charges for Various Documents

The stamp duty and registration charges vary for different documents and are as follows 

Document Category Stamp Duty Registration Charges Gift 5% of the market value of property 2% on the market value of property Exchange 5% on the market value of the greater value 2% on the market value of the greater value property Conveyance/ Sale 5% of the market 4% on the properties market value Simple Mortgage 1% on the loan amount that is subjected to a maximum of Rs 40,000 1% on the loan amount that is subjected to a maximum of Rs 10,000 Mortgage with possession 4% on the loan amount 1% on the loan amount that is subjected to a maximum of Rs 2,00,000 Sale Agreement Rs 20 1% on the Advance money (If possession is given, than 1% on the total amount is considered) Agreement relating to building construction 1% of the value of construction or the consideration specified in the agreement whichever is higher 1% of the value of construction or the consideration specified in the agreement whichever is higher Cancellation Rs 50 Rs 50 Partition among family members 1% of the market value subject to a maximum of Rs 25,000 for each share 1% subject to a maximum of Rs 4,000 for each share Non-family members partition For separated shares, around 4% of the market value of the property is considered For separated shares, 1% of the market value of the property is considered General Power of Attorney (POA) to sell immovable property Rs 100 Rs 10,000 General POA to sell immovable property (power is given to family members) Rs 100 Rs 1,000 General POA to sell a movable property for other purposes Rs 100 Rs 50 General POA given for consideration 4% on consideration 1% on consideration or Rs 10,000, whichever is higher Partnership deed where the capital is within Rs 500 Rs 50 1% of the capital invested Partnership deed in other cases Rs 300 1% of the capital invested

Source: Registration Department, TN

Let us understand with an example how stamp duty and registration charges are calculated:-

A home buyer has bought a property worth Rs 30 lakh, on which he has to pay 7% stamp duty and 4% registration charges. A buyer will have to pay 11% (7% stamp duty and 4% registration charges) of Rs 30 lakh, which is Rs 3,30,000 as stamp duty and registration charges.



Checkout: Properties in Coimbatore



Registration of Settlement Deed in Tamil Nadu

Registering a settlement deed in Tamil Nadu is mandatory in the case of immovable property. Once the document is registered then only it will be valid. To register a settlement deed in Tamil Nadu, you need an original title document (and Patta), encumbrance certificate, identity proof and Aadhaar proof of the parties. You will also have to pay the registration charges and stamp duty on the same. Stamp duty is 1% of the propertys market value, a maximum Rs 25,000, and registration fees are 1% of the property value and a maximum of Rs 4000.

Stamp Duty and Registration Charges for Women In Tamil Nadu, there is no concession provided on stamp duty and registration charges for women property owners. The charges are the same for men, women, and joint owners. Stamp duty charges are 7% of property market value, and registration charges are 4% of property value. A property buyer must pay 11% of property value as charges while registering their property.



Find Out: Properties in Madurai Stamp Duty Tamil Nadu Payment Offline Process You can pay stamp duty charges in Tamil Nadu by visiting the sub-registrars office in the city. They must fill out an application form and pay for a stamp duty certificate. They can make the payment using cash, cheque, demand draft, NEFT, RTGS or debit or credit card.



Stamp paper can be bought from a treasury or using a franking method. Franking is a method used to stamp documents. When a document is stamped, it indicates that the document is legal. You might have to pay the franking charges to get the document stamped.

How to Pay Stamp Duty Online in Tamil Nadu

Also, you can pay stamp duty and registration charges in Tamil Nadu online. This process can be done using an e-stamping facility provided by Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), a central record-keeping agency (CRA). It is an agency that the government of India appoints to issue e-stamp certificates.

Here are the steps which you will have to perform the following steps:-

Step 1: Visit the official website of SHCIL website



Pay stamp duty online in Tamil Nadu





Step 2: Click e-stamp services

Step 3: Select Tamil Nadu from the drop-down menu

Step 4: Now, fill out the application form and click on the Download tab

Step 5: A buyer has to take this form to the nearest SHCIL branch of any city in Tamil Nadu

Step 6: At the branch, payment can be made using NEFT, RTGS, Cheque, Cash, Demand Draft or account-to-account transfer.

How to Calculate Stamp Duty and Registration Charges as per Stamp Duty Act Tamil Nadu?

Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu are to be paid by property buyers at the time of their newly-bought property registration. The charges are calculated based on the guidance value of the property and can impact its overall cost.

Let us go through an example of how the Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu are calculated according to Stamp Duty Act Tamil Nadu and affect the overall price of the property.

For example, Kamal purchased a residential unit with a guidance value of Rs. 50 Lakh. Here are two charges he must pay to register this property.

Stamp Duty Charges: Stamp Duty in Tamil Nadu is 7 per cent of the guidance value, which will be Rs.3,50,000 for this property.

Registration Charges: Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu are 4 per cent of the guidance value, so will be Rs.2,00,000.

The final cost of the property will be - Guidance Value + (Stamp Duty Charges + Registration Charges), which is Rs.55,50,000.

Properties in Salem

What are the Tax Benefits Available for Paying Stamp Duty Charges in Tamil Nadu?

Home Buying is a financially intensive decision. Stamp duty and registration charges put an additional burden on the homebuyer. To reduce this additional burden, the Government has mandated that the maximum tax levied on the stamp duty and registration charges payment will be restricted to Rs 1,50,000 only. It can be claimed by Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and individuals.

Moreover, it is better to consult the state tax authorities before paying the stamp duty and registration charges in Tamilnadu. Impact of Increase in Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu Recently, the Tamil Nadu government passed an order to revise the stamp duty charges for property registration. Instead of a flat fee, it is now 1% of the property's market value. Additionally, registration charges for construction agreements have increased from 1% to 3% since July 10th. This sudden change has created a significant financial burden for home buyers, who now have to pay an additional amount from their funds. Even leading banks aren't prepared to immediately support the increased registration charges. Consequently, property registrations have been delayed, affecting both under-construction and ready-to-occupy projects. The Vice President of CREDAI National South Zone, S Sridharan, stated that reducing the charges to a nominal level will ease the financial strain on home buyers, promote the redevelopment of apartments and attract new home buyers to invest in properties. The increase in charges will particularly affect first-time home buyers and their purchasing power. For instance, an average middle-class family buying an apartment worth Rs 50 lakh will now be required to pay an additional R s. 1 lakh. This increased cost will influence the decision-making process for prospective home buyers. Real estate associations are thus proposing revisiting the existing order on stamp duty charges and registration fees in Tamil Nadu. They have also called for a thorough review of the current fee structure, considering the concerns raised by industry stakeholders, ensuring alignment with current market conditions and fair valuation, among other demands. Documents Required to Pay Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu Find below the list of documents you need to submit at the time of property registration and stamp duty and registration charges in Tamil Nadu payment. Identity proof of both the property owner

Identity proof of all the witnesses

PAN Card of the property owner

Two passport-sized photographs of the property owner

No Objection Certificate

Stamp Duty Receipt

Power of Attorney

Sale deed

Municipal Tax Bills Important Things About Tamil Nadu Stamp Paper Here are important things you need to keep in mind while registering property in Tamil Nadu:- In Tamil Nadu, stamp duty is obtained for validating the registration agreement of a property.

It acts as a legal document for property ownership.

This document can be used in court for legal issues.

It is mandatory to pay stamp duty in Tamil Nadu. Otherwise, you cannot claim property ownership.

You need to get Non-Judicial Stamp paper from the court, treasury

There is no provision for e-stamp paper in Tamil Nadu When to Pay Stamp Duty in Tamil Nadu? Once a property is bought in Tamil Nadu, the stamp duty amount should be paid within four months of execution. As per the Tamil Nadu Stamp Duty Act, the time for the property registration in Tamil Nadu is as follows:- 25% of registration charge in up to one week

75% of registration charge between one week to one month

100% of registration charge between one month to four months Find below the contact details of the Department of Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu. Email Address: estamping@stockholding.com

Registered Office Address: 301, Center Point, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Parel, Mumbai- 400 012

e-Stamping Operations Office Address: SHCIL House, Plot No. P-51 T.T.C Industrial Area, MIDC, Mahape, Navi Mumbai - 400 710.

Summing Up: Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu

According to the Indian Stamp Duty Act 1899 and Tamil Nadu Stamp Act 2019, a person must pay stamp duty and registration charges when a property transaction is involved. In Tamil Nadu, these charges are the highest; stamp duty charges go up to 7% and registration charges are 4%. The government is providing an online facility for e-stamping in Tamil Nadu, meaning a buyer can pay the charges online using the website of SHCIL.
Slovakia's new populist Prime Minister Robert Fico said Thursday that his government was stopping military aid to Ukraine, in the first Western reversal of the kind.
Stamp Duty in UP is an essential part of a property transaction in UP. Whenever a property changes hands, the State government must pay the requisite stamp duty in UP and applicable registration charges. The payment of stamp duty in UP ensures that the property transaction is duly registered in government records.









The stamp duty and registration charges in UP vary from other states. Generally, around 5-7 % of the propertys market value is charged as stamp duty, and around 1% of the propertys market value is imposed as a registration charge across states of India. While registering property in Uttar Pradesh, paying the stamp duty and registration charges in UP levied by the Uttar Pradesh state government is mandatory. Payment of stamp duty in UP ensures that the property is legally registered. In UP, it is mandatory to register any transaction involving an immovable property that exceeds Rs 100 in the sub-registrar office under Section 17 of the Uttar Pradesh Registration Act 1908.Thein UP vary from other states. Generally, around 5-7 % of the propertysis charged as stamp duty, and around 1% of the propertys market value is imposed as a registration charge across states of India.

Yogi Reduces Stamp Duty in UP for Property Transfer to Blood Relatives, Pay Only Rs. 5000 August 4, 2023: In a recent cabinet meeting, the Yogi government approved a proposal to exempt citizens from paying significant stamp duty in UP in blood-related matters. The exemption will apply to deeds like gift deeds, partition letters, and family arrangements/memorandums of agreement which are executed to distribute family properties among family members. Under the new decision, citizens will only have to pay a stamp duty of Rs 5,000. The move comes after a similar provision expired in December last year and will allow citizens to avoid paying stamp duty up to 7%of the propertys value. The cabinet meeting also approved the proposal to provide exemption until further orders, with some amendments. The Stamp and Registration Department will issue a notification to announce the exemption on deeds related to the transfer of immovable properties. Reducing stamp duty is expected to lower disputes in family property matters and increase employment opportunities.

Rates of Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in UP in 2023

The stamp duty charges in UP are levied by the circle rates decided by the administration. Circle rates are those rates below which a property cannot be registered. These rates are also called Ready Reckoner Rates in some states. Each locality has fixed circle rates that the government imposes. The property should be registered at a value equal to or above the circle rate. The stamp duty and registration charges imposed by the UP government are:

Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in UP in 2023 Gender Stamp Duty in UP Registration Charges in UP Male 7% 1% Female 6% 1% Joint (Male + Female) 6.5% 1% Joint (Female + Female) 6% 1% Joint (Male + Male) 7% 1% Source: IGRSUP Source: IGRSUP

Note: The 1% reduction in stamp duty charges offered for a woman in UP is applicable only up to Rs 10 lakhs of the total value of property transaction.

Also Read: IGRS UP

Legal and Illegal Stamp Duty in UP There are two types of stamp duty in UP- legal and illegal stamp duty. Here is a differentiation between the two:- Legal stamp duty: It is a stamp duty charged as court fees because the fees are assessed to appellants in court.

Illegal stamp duty: Stamp duty paid on property agreement or registration is considered illegal because it is a one-time price. Most states' revenue comes from sale deeds and transfer taxes. Stamp Duty in UP for Different Deeds in 2023 In addition to property registration, the State government of Uttar Pradesh levies stamp duty on registering different kinds of deeds. Some of the popular deeds and applicable stamp charges in UP are- Stamp Duty on Various Deeds Deed Document Stamp Duty Charges in UP Gift deed Rs 60-125 Will Deed Rs 200 Exchange deed 3% of the Transaction Value Lease deed Rs 200 Agreement Deed Rs 10 Adoption deed Rs 100 Divorce Deed Rs 50 Bond Rs 200 Affidavit Rs 10 Notary Document Rs 10 Special Power of Attorney (SPA) Rs 100 General Power of Attorney (GPA) Rs 10-100



How to Pay Stamp Duty Online in UP

The UP government has implemented a technology-backed digital system to ensure a seamless property registration process. The homebuyer must upload all the property-related documents online and pay the applicable stamp duty. The sub-registrar verifies the documents and issues the stamped certificate.

The stamp duty in UP can be paid online by following the below-mentioned procedure 



Pay stamp duty in UP on Stamp and Registration Department portal Pay stamp duty in UP on Stamp and Registration Department portal

Step 2: Click on the Apply button under the property registration on the left.



Click on apply to pay stamp duty in UP



Step 3: Create an application number by selecting the New Registration option.

Register to pay stamp duty in UP







Step 4: The system will be redirected to a form. Enter the details such as city, area, unit size of the property, etc.

Fill application form to register and pay stamp duty in UP





Step 5: Pay the applicable stamp duty charges in UP in this step.

Once the documents are uploaded, and the stamp duty in UP is paid, the documents uploaded will be verified by the Sub Registrar Officer and the registration document will be generated. The applicant can download the registration document.

How to apply for stamp duty withdrawal in UP

The IGRSUP portal permits a user to withdraw the deposited stamp duty. A user can apply online for stamp duty payback on the IGRSUP portal (igrsup gov in). Here is the detailed method to apply online for withdrawal of stamp duty on IGRSUP portal.



Step 1: Visit the official IGRSUP portal (IGRSUP login) at Step 1: Visit the official IGRSUP portalat https://igrsup.gov.in/igrsup/defaultAction.action

Step 2: After IGRSUP Login, hit the Stamp Vaapsi Hetu Aavedan button (Withdrawal of stamp duty on IGRSUP) tab. The following screen will be displayed.



Withdraw stamp duty in UP

Stamp refund on IGRSUP

Step 1: If you are a first-time user and applying for stamp duty refund on IGRSUP, click on the New Register button.



Register on the IGRS UP portal to withdraw stamp duty in UP

Step 2: The following window will pop up.

Enter details to withdraw stamp duty in UP





Step 3: Fill in the details such as Mobile Number, Password, District and Captcha Code and Click on the Sign in button. You can now apply for the stamp duty refund in UP.

Step 4: If you have already registered on the portal, you have to click on the Pre-register tab.



Click on Pre Register if you have already registered

Step 5: Now, you will have to fill in some details such as Application Id, Captcha Code and password, and the stamp duty refund status in UP will be displayed on the computer screen

This way, the stamp duty refund in UP can be applied on the IGRSUP website. This stamp duty refund facility has enabled the online application for stamp duty refunds and saves precious time for the general public. It has also ensured transparency and efficiency in the refund system of IGRSUP.

Also Read: Circle Rate in Noida Factors Determining Stamp Duty in Uttar Pradesh Multiple factors help determine the stamp duty in Uttar Pradesh. The most significant factors include Buyer's Gender and Age : State governments usually offer a special discount to senior citizens on stamp duty. Even women receive a concession on these charges. For instance, women in Uttar Pradesh pay 6% stamp duty for a property costing Rs 10 lakh or less.

Property's Location : Charges for stamp duty in UP also vary according to the property's location. For example, if the property is situated in a municipal area, it will have more stamp duty than those outside.

Type of a Property: Stamp duty in UP is also applied according to the property type. For example, more stamp duty is applied to a flat or apartment than an independent house. Is Stamp Duty in UP Mandatory? Paying stamp duty in UP is mandatory if the property price exceeds Rs 100. One should pay stamp duty and registration fee on the property price to get the property registered in the government's land records. It is important to get your property registered under Section 30(2) Registration Act of 1908. If a property is not registered as per the government rules, then a person has no legal right to sell the property. Also, it will lead to non-compliance with the law and attract penalties.

For any grievance or if you need further information, you can contact on the following address:-

Office Address: Stamps and Registration Department, 2nd Floor, Vishwas complex, Vishwas Khand -3, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, 226010.

Inspector General Registration, Stamp Commissioner office is in Prayagraj. The address is Revenue Council Building, Civil Lines Prayagraj.

Contact number:05222308697, Fax05222308697

Summing up Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in UP

Conclusively, the stamp duty in UP is a mandatory charge and must be deposited as soon as the property is sold. The payment of stamp duty and registration charges in UP ensures proper property registration in Government records. It negates the chances of a legal or Title dispute at a later stage.





Other News on Stamp Duty in UP
Kolkata Extends Relief on Stamp Duty and Property Registration till June 30, 2024 September 30, 2023: In a recent circular issued by the state finance department on September 29, 2023, the state government of Kolkata has decided to extend the relief on stamp duty and registration charges. The remission on the Stamp duty at 2% and a 10% cut in circle rates is still available for the citizens to benefit from. The date of extension for the rebate on stamp duty is June 30, 2024. It is the sixth time the government is extending the relief in stamp duty and property registration charges in Kolkata. Post the extension, the President of CREDAI, West Bengal, stated that it was much needed and would help revive the real estate sector in the state. A real estate consultancy mentioned in their report that after the extension was announced in 2021, around 1,02,723 apartments were registered. The remission in Stamp duty was first introduced in October 2021 by the state government. Due to the economic slowdown, the state government has been extending the rebate since then. West Bengal State Government Increases Rebate on Stamp Duty and Circle Rates February 2023: The state government of West Bengal has increased a 10 per cent rebate on circle rates and a 2 per cent rebate on stamp duty and registration charges. The announcement was made by one of the ministers of the finance department, Chandrima Bhattacharya while she was presenting Budget 2023-24. The changes have been made for up to September 2023. The increased rebate was valid till 31st March 2023 earlier. Chandrima Bhattacharya said in her statement, Our government has allowed an exemption of 2% rebate on stamp duty and 10% rebate on circle rate of land/property which is valid till March 31, 2023. In the interest of the home buyers, I propose to extend the 2% rebate on Stamp Duty and 10% rebate on circle rate of land/property for another 6 months up to September 30, 2023.

With the current rebate in West bengal stamp duty, it will be easier for the homebuyers to buy their own homes. As West Bengal stamp duty forms a significant part of the house cost, the extension of rebate in West Bengal stamp duty will enable a significant cost saving for the homebuyers.

West Bengal stamp duty and registration fee should be paid while purchasing a property in the state. The registration fees and stamp duty in West Bengal are paid by the buyer. To help citizens, the government of West Bengal has made the payment of West Bengal stamp duty and registration fees online. The citizens of West Bengal can use the WB Registration Portal to pay the stamp duty and registration charges in West Bengal.

What are the Current Stamp Duty in West Bengal?

Under Section 3 of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, the State Government collects West Bengal Stamp Duty on property. West Bengal stamp duty charge is a type of tax that the buyer of the property has to pay to the government. Further, there is no concession on stamp duty and registration charges in West Bengal 2021 given to female property buyers in West Bengal. The rates are the same as what is offered to men.

The stamp duty at the time of property purchase must be on time and in one go so as to avoid any penalty associated with it. In case there is a default, the penalty for non-payment of stamp duty can be between 2% to a maximum of 200% of the remaining amount of the West Bengal stamp duty.

The West Bengal stamp duty is chargeable on all types of instruments pertaining to immovable property. However, it is not applicable on transfer by Will instrument, i.e. when the immovable property is transferred through Will. An instrument is any document through which the liability or right of the property is transferred. For almost all types of property sale and transfer through various instruments, payment of stamp duty is a must. However, it is only in the case where the property is bought by the government department no payment will be made towards the West Bengal stamp duty.

One can pay the West Bengal stamp duty through various modes, other than online. The payment for the stamp duty can be made through cash, demand draft, cheque, RTGS, and by pay order.

Recently, around October, a rebate was given on the stamp duty and registration charges in West Bengal 2021. A rebate of 2% was given to those properties, where the registration was complete between July 9, 2021, to October 30, 2021. In addition to the reduction in West Bengal stamp duty charges, there was a reduction of 10% on the circle rates as well. This gave a huge boost to the real estate transaction in the West Bengal area.

Area-wise, West Bengal Stamp Duty Rates The following table highlights the West Bengal stamp duty rates across different areas. Area of the Property Property Value less than Rupees 25 Lakh Property Value More than Rupees 40 Lakh Stamp Duty in case of the Females Registration Rates Howrah 4% 5% Same 1% Kolkatta 4% 5% Same 1% Siliguri 4% 5% Same 1% Durgapur 4% 5% Same 1% Kharagpur 4% 5% Same 1%

What are the Rates of Registration and Stamp Duty Charges in West Bengal 2023?

Following are the West Bengal stamp duty and registration charges:

Property Location Stamp duty for property Rupees 25 lakh and below Stamp duty for the property above Rupees 25 lakh Registration fee Corporation (Kolkata/Howrah) area 6% 7% 1% Municipal Corporation Area 6% 7% 1% Areas that do not fall under the above two 5% 6% 1%

Also read: Online Property Registration Details

Step 3: Once all the details are enetered, click on the Display button. The applicable stamp duty will be displayed on the screen. How to Pay Stamp Duty and Registration Charges Online?

To pay the West Bengal stamp duty and registration charges, you need to visit the Government Receipt Portal System, i.e. GRIPS portal and follow the instructions.



Pay Stamp Duty Online in West Bengal

: Visit and log in to theportal and click on Payment of Taxes & Non-Taxes Revenue.

Step 2: Select these details from the dropdown to pay the West Bengal stamp duty charges  Directorate of Registration and Stamp Revenue and Payment of Stamp Duty and Registration fee. Input personal information such as Name, Address, and Phone Number. Enter the Query year and Query number, which is mentioned on the e-assessment slip

Step 3: Cross-check if the information provided is right and click on Online Payment. Now, download the e-challan with GRN (Government Reference Number) and BRN (Bank Reference Number) for future reference.

West Bengal Stamp Duty and Registration Charges Under Certain Clauses:

The following table shows the West Bengal stamp duty charges under certain clauses for different values of the property.

Clauses Stamp Duty Charges Based on Market Value Registration Fee Below Rupees 30 lakhs Rupees 30 lakh - Rupees60 lakh Rupees60 lakh - Rupees 1 Cr Rupees1 Cr - Rupees1.5 Cr Rupees1.5 Cr - Rupees3 Cr Above Rupees3 Cr (a) Sale of immovable property 5000 7000 10,000 20,000 40,000 75,000 Clause (a) charge is Rs.7 and for (b) it is NIL (b) Power of Attorney- giving authority to the builder to construct or sell property

How to Get a Refund of Stamp Duty and Registration Charges Paid?

In case of cancellation of transaction, the buyer can take a refund of the West Bengal Stamp duty paid. However, it can only happen if the property document is not processed in the sub-register office for registration. Then the buyer can apply for a refund of stamp duty and registration charges.

To get the refund, the buyer can follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: Vist the page - WB Registration Portal. Click on e-Payment and refund. Once you click on it, a pop up will open.





Stanp Duty Payment Refund Status

Step 2: On the pop-up, select the option of Application of Refund of e-payment.

Step 3: Once you select the option, another page like below will open. On this screen, the buyer will have to enter the details to show how much payment will be refunded.





Application for Refund in West Bengal



In addition to the refund application form for the West Bengal stamp duty, the following documents will be needed at the time of generating the request for the refund process.

Originally executed document

Valuation report copy

Documents to prove cancellation of registration

A blank cheque that is cancelled

Copy of the e-challan of deposit

Also, it is mandatory that the buyer should apply for a refund within three months of paying the stamp duty and registration charges by submitting all the above-mentioned documents.

Grievance Redressal in Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in West Bengal

Grievance Redressal on West Bengal Stamp Duty Portal Grievance Redressal on West Bengal Stamp Duty Portal

In the case of any grievance, the buyer of the property can file a complaint at the WB registration website. Along with filing a complaint, one can also check the status of the complaint filed previously.

To file a complaint, click on Submission of Complaint / Suggestion, and a form will appear on the screen. The person filing the complaint need to fill in the details and click on submit. Once done, you can note the complaint number and can check the status of the complaint filed at a laterstage.





Stamp Duty and Registration Charges West Bengal - Factors Influencing It

The stamp duty and registration charges in West Bengal are dependent on certain factors, such as:

Value of the property: The value of the property influences the total amount of the stamp duty charged.

Property location: The stamp duty percentage varies in the case of urban and rural areas.

Type of the property: The property type, i.e. residential or commercial, will also influence the stamp duty and property registration charges in West Bengal.

Owners age factor: At the time of registration of the property, the stamp duty and registration charges for senior citizens is lesser than others.

Property status: Stamp duty charges in the case of newly constructed properties are relatively higher than old properties.

Things to Remember Before Stamp Duty in West Bengal Payment

When you pay stamp duty and registration fee in West Bengal, keep the following details in mind:-

All the assets of property should be stamped before the property registration or on the next working day. If the parties sign the deed outside the territory then it should be stamped within 3 months.

Within 6 months from the date of transaction, the stamp paper must be issued

To pay stamp duty you can use adhesive stamps, which are removed later by the authority to avoid fraud.

The stamps should be issued in the name of both the buyer and seller.

In case of any query or complaint regarding stamp duty West Bengal and registration charges you can contact on the following details:-

Office address: Fortuna Tower, 9th Floor, 23A N.S.Road, Kolkata-700001

Email address: igrcsr.igr-wb@nic.in, aigrg.igr-wb@nic.in

Final Words on Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in West Bengal 2022

Towards the end, the West Bengal stamp duty is the tax paid to the state government in the case of immovable property transfer from one person to another. The right or the liability on the property is not just limited to transfer but also on extension, extinguished, and recorded. The only case where the West Bengal stamp duty is not applicable is where the property transfer happens through Will.

Also, one can use the West Bengal stamp duty calculator and pay the stamp duty and registration charges in West Bengal 2021 online through the Directorate of Registration and Stamp Revenue website. In the case of the properties that are purchased by the government department, no West Bengal stamp duty has to be paid on them. Also, in case of grievance redressal related to West Bengal stamp duty and charges, the buyer can file a complaint on the WB registration website.

IGRSUP - Property Registration in UP
April 2023: The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) integrates its planning permission software with Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). The move will enable building homes faster as the building permits will seamlessly link with plan permission. With this integration, the builder will just have to get the nod from CMDA's planning department. After this, they can just apply for the building permit online with permission. Through the interlinking of the software, the GCC officials can check relevant documents along with the approved plans. The online application can also be tracked by individuals online. Earlier, the process was much more cumbersome. One has to physically visit the corporation office to apply for building permission after getting the nod from planning. The entire process used to take around eight months, and several times documents used to get misplaced, resulting in delays. With the launch of the integrated process, It will take around 40 days if all the documents are in place.

Chennai Development Body Links It's Portal With Greater Chennai Corporation to Make Building Approval Process Fast and Efficient

About TNREGINET

Tnreginet  A one-stop online portal created exclusively for the citizens of Tamil Nadu to apply for guideline value in Tamil Nadu, to simplify different registration processes and help avail the services provided by the government.

What is Tnreginet (Tamil Nadu Registration Department)?

Tnreginet or the Inspector General of Registration (IGRS), or TNREGINET, is a new web portal launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nadu Registration Department) to help its citizens with various registration processes. The registration of marriage, land, birth, death, chit fund, company, etc., which typically involves the tedious task of approaching different government offices, is now highly simplified.

With Tnreginet, you can quickly complete the aforementioned registrations from anywhere with just a few clicks. The portal also lets you find the Tnreginet guideline value Tamil Nadu, apply for an Encumbrance Certificate (Tnreginet EC), find detailed information on the registration and stamp duty charges for different categories, and check the status of different documents/services in Tamil Nadu State.



Check Out: Properties in Chennai

What is Guideline Value in Tamil Nadu?

According to government records (Tamil Nadu Registration Department), guideline value refers to the estimated market value of the land. A guideline value ideally reflects the actual market value of a property. However, in many cases, it stands at a lower value than the actual market value and, at times, is higher than the market value.

The Tamil Nadu government fixes the TN guideline values for every area in the state. For well-developed residential areas, guideline values are based on the streets. For properties/lands that have not been formed into streets, the guideline value is fixed based based on survey number of each property.



Checkout: Properties in Coimbatore



How to apply for an Encumbrance certificate on tnreginet?

The Tnreginet portal allows a user to apply for an Encumbrance Certificate online. An encumbrance certificate describes the historical and present loan or mortgages on a property. A citizen can apply for an Encumbrance Certificate online on the Tnreginet portal. Follow the mentioned steps to apply for an Encumbrance Certificate on Tnreginet (tnreginet ec) online.





Step 1: Go to the official website of Tnreginet (Tamil Nadu Registration Department).

Step 2: Log in using the registered username and password. If you are an unregistered user, click on the register button to register as a user and proceed for the login process.

Step 3: Go to the Encumbrance Certificate section and click on apply online.

Step 4: Once you are on the online window, fill in the property details and apply for ec on tnreginet.



Also Read: Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu 2022

How to calculate Guideline Value Online in Tamil Nadu@ https://tnreginet.gov.in/? (TNreginet Guideline Value) ?

Tnreginet (tnreginet guideline value) in Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nadu Registration Department) helps you find the guideline value online in a few simple steps. The steps to find Tnreginet guideline value for a property are listed below:

1. Visit the Tnreginet portal (https://tnreginet.gov.in/) or the Tamil Nadu Registration Department website (tnreginet gov in). It includes a Guideline Value option on the homepage menu bar.

TNreginet Homepage (tnreginet gov in)

2. When you click the Guideline Value option, it displays a list of all the available guidelines starting from 2002.

TNreginet Guideline Value and Property Valuation

3. Choosing your desired guideline will redirect you to the Guideline Value & Property Valuation page. Fill in the necessary details and click the Search button.

TNREGINET Guideline Value Details Window

4. Your search result is displayed with the TNreginet Guideline value portal (tnreginet gov in) and guideline value in Tamil Nadu for every street based on the zone and registration details selected.

TNreginet Guideline value

How do I Register on Tnreginet?

Find Out: Properties in Erode

If you wish to avail the services offered by the Tnreginet portal online (tnreginet gov in), registering yourself on the portal is a must (Tamil Nadu Registration Department). Upon registration, you can log in and either apply for a document, find the Tnreginet guideline value Tamil Nadu, view your certificate online or use other services. The following steps will guide you through the online registration process on Tnreginet:

1. Go to the Tnreginet web portal (tnreginet gov in).





TNReginet Homepage

2. On the homepage, you will find the Registration option. It is displayed as a dropdown list with two options: User Registration and Marriage Registration.

TNREGINET Guideline Value User Registration



TNREGINET Guideline Value User Registration

3. Click User Registration. The Create your account page is displayed, where you must fill in important details such as the username, user type, password, security question, personal details, etc.





4. Once you enter all the details, including your preferred ID proof document type and ID number, enter the captcha code and wait for the One-Time Password (OTP).





5. Check the OTP sent on your mobile number and registered email address.





6. Enter the OTP in the given field and click Complete Registration. Your application is submitted, and the registration procedure is completed.





How to view Encumbrance Certificate on Tnreginet portal?

If you have already applied for the Encumbrance Certificate (Tnreginet EC) and wish to view your certificate online, all you need to do is go to the TNreginet Guideline value portal (tnreginet gov in) and follow a few simple steps:

1. (Tamil Nadu Registration Department)Visit the Tnreginet website (tnreginet gov in). On the homepage, there is an E-Services option on the menu bar.





TNREGINET Homepage (tnreginet gov in)

2. Click the E-Services option, an Encumbrance Certificate>> View EC dropdown is displayed.

TNREGINET Encumbrance Certificate Homepage

3. Click View EC. The Search Encumbrance Certificate screen is displayed.

TNREGINET Encumbrance Certificate Details Homepage

4. Enter all the details like the Zone, District, EC Start Date, Survey Details, etc. and click the Add button.

5. Enter the captcha and click Search. Your Encumbrance Certificate is displayed.

6. The status and updates related to your Encumbrance Certificate are also displayed.

What are the Services Provided by Tnreginet Portal?

The Tnreginet portal (tnreginet gov in) offers an array of services in one place to the people of Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nadu Registration Department). These services include:

Applying for an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) online

Registering for marriage, birth, death, land, marriage, firm and chit fund

Searching for guideline value Tamil Nadu

Applying for society certification

Registering documents online

Checking the online status of the Encumbrance Certificate (Tnreginet EC)

Viewing the Encumbrance Certificate (Tnreginet EC online)

Calculating building value

Finding the property registered in Tamil Nadu

TNREGINET EC Search Fees

Type of search Fees E.C. Application Fee Re.1/- Search Fee for the one year Rs.30/- Search fee for every additional year Rs. 10/- Additional fees for the computerized period (from 1987) Rs.100/-

How to Apply for Documents on Tnreginet Online?

Registered users can apply for documents online on the Tnreginet website (tnreginet gov in) of Tamil Nadu Registration Department. Follow the steps given below to apply for or create a new document:

1. Go to the Tnreginet web portal and log in with your credentials.

TNREGINET Guideline Value Homepage

2. Then scroll down to the Application creation option and click Create the document option.



TNREGINET Guideline Value Homepage TNREGINET Guideline Value Homepage

3. Enter all the necessary details on the resulting application form and upload relevant documents (if any).

4. Once you review the entered information, click the Submit button.

5. Your document is now created. Save the document and keep a printout with you.

How to Check Document Status on Tnreginet?

With the help of the Tnreginet Guideline value portal (tnreginet gov in) by Tamil Nadu Registration Department, you can easily check the status of the application of your documents. The following listed steps will guide you through the procedure:

1. Visit the Tnreginet website (tnreginet gov in). Log in with your credentials. You will find the Know Your Application Status option on the homepage. Under this option, click My Documents.

TNREGINET Guideline Value Homepage

2. On the resulting page, fill in your details, such as the Registration Number, Pending Number and Temporary Deed Number.

3. Once the details are entered, click Search. Your document status is displayed.

How to Check My Jurisdiction on Tnreginet (tnreginet gov in)?

To find reliable information about your jurisdiction, visit the Tnreginet website (tnreginet gov in) and follow these simple steps:



2. From the options displayed in the dropdown list, go to Portal Utility Services and click Know Your Jurisdiction.

3. On the next page, enter your street name or village name and hit the Search button.

4. This will display the details related to your jurisdiction, such as the district name, zone, name of the Sub Registrars Office (SRO), and the Sub Registrars email address.



Find Out: 1. On the Tnreginet homepage, scroll to the More option in the Menu bar and click on it.2. From the options displayed in the dropdown list, go to Portal Utility Services and click Know Your Jurisdiction.3. On the next page, enter your street name or village name and hit the Search button.4. This will display the details related to your jurisdiction, such as the district name, zone, name of the Sub Registrars Office (SRO), and the Sub Registrars email address.Find Out: Properties in Cuddalore

How to Calculate Building Value on Tnreginet?

Apart from finding the Tnreginet guideline value Tamil Nadu, Tnreginet portal (tnreginet gov in) also lets you calculate the value of a building in just a few clicks. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Visit the Tnreginet portal (tnreginet gov in). Scroll down the homepage and click the Calculate Building Value option.

2. The PWD Calculator screen is displayed, where you need to enter building details such as the building type, region, age of the building, calculation period, floor information, garage information, etc.



What is the Importance of TNREGINET Guideline Value in Tamil Nadu? 3. Once the details are filled in, click the Submit button. The calculated building value based on the information provided is displayed. Guideline value is an essential factor to consider when buying land in Tamil Nadu. It also plays a vital role during property registration after the purchase. This is because it is the minimum and best value at which a property can be sold or purchased. It will ensure you get a minimum assured value on selling your property in Tamil Nadu. Tnreginet guideline value Tamil Nadu primarily aids the registering officer in detecting any undervaluation of land to avoid registration charges. In case the guidance value of a property is higher than the market value, it is recommended that such cases are brought to the notice of the Deputy Inspector General of Registration, the District Registrar and the Inspector General of Registrations in Tamil Nadu so that the incongruity can be corrected. Guideline value helps eliminate any scams and corruption related to land deals. It also helps people gain proper knowledge about land prices so they can rate their properties accordingly. It ensures that no property is registered below the fixed TN guideline value. How to Make an Online Payment on the TNREGINET? The Tamil Nadu government has made earnest efforts to provide an online payment mechanism. In line with this, the STAR online payment programme has been made available to the general public across Tamil Nadu. Under this facility, the users can make an online payment via the empanelled banks net banking services. Those users who do not have access to the Net banking facility can also avail of the offline facility to pay the registration and other charges. The Tamil Nadu government has made earnest efforts to provide an online payment mechanism. In line with this, the STAR online payment programme has been made available to the general public across Tamil Nadu. Under this facility, the users can make an online payment via the empanelled banks net banking services. Those users who do not have access to the Net banking facility can also avail of the offline facility to pay the registration and other charges. The banks selected for the online payment mechanism on TNREGINET are- Indian Overseas bank, Indian Bank, IDBI Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Central bank of India, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India. The online payment on the TNREGINET portal can be made via the following modes viz- Netbanking

Debit/Credit Card

UPI Payment

In RTGS/NEFT mode, Chelan can be generated and paid at any bank branch other than Bharat Bank. After making the payment, go to the Registrar's website and get the acknowledgement.

Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu





Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Tamil Nadu Document classification Stamp Duty Charges Registration fee 1. Sales Document / Purchase Document ( Sales / Purchase ) 7% of market value 4% of market value 2. Donation document 7% of market value 4% of market value 3. Transaction 7% of maximum property value 4% of maximum property value 4. Compensation mortgage 1% (for loan amount) Maximum Rs40,000 / - 1% (for loan amount) Maximum Rs10,000 / - 5. Mortgage (Independent) 4% (for loan amount) 1% (for loan amount) up to a maximum of Rs.2,00,000 / - 6. Selling agreement Rs.20 1% (upfront) 1% of the transaction amount if the sale agreement is independent 7.Building contract agreement 1% for the contract amount or for the amount specified in the document 1% for the contract amount or for the amount specified in the document 8. Cancellation document Rs.50 Rs.50 Partition Documents i) Between family members 1% of market value for each component (maximum Rs. 25,000 / -) 1% of market value per component (maximum Rs. 4,000 / -) ii) Among non- family members 4% of the market value of the split component 1% of the market value of the split component 09. Document of public authority. i) Sale of public power Rs. 100 Rs.10,000 ii) For sale of public power (per family member) Rs. 100 Rs.1,000 iii) For purposes other than the sale of public power Rs. 100 Rs.50 iv) Public Authority (with transfer amount) 4% per transaction 1% of the transfer amount or Rs.10,000 / - whichever is higher will be charged. 10. Handing over of title documents Maximum Rs. 30,000 / - for 0.5% loan amount Maximum Rs. 6,000 / - for 1% loan amount Release Deed i) Between family members 1% of market value (maximum Rs. 25,000 / -) 1% of market value (maximum Rs. 4,000 / -) The nature of the document Stamp solution Registration fee. ii) Among family non-persons 7% of market value 1% of market value Leasing Within 30 years 1% for an additional lease amount Maximum Rs.20000 / - for 1% lease amount Within 99 years 4% for an additional lease amount Maximum Rs.20000 / - for 1% lease amount Over 99 years 7% for an additional lease amount Maximum Rs.20000 / - for 1% lease amount 11. Document of trust (in the absence of immovable property) Rs. 180 1% Corpus Fund In addition to the TNREGINET guideline value, the TNreginet Guideline value portal (tnreginet gov in) describes the stamp duty and registration charges in Tamilnadu. The applicable charges are as follows-

How to Check Birth & Death Certificate and Marriage Documents on the Tnreginet Portal?

The Tnreginet Portal also allows you to check your wedding document or Birth and Death certificate. Here are the steps you need to follow:





Step 1: First, visit the home page of the Tnreginet website (tnreginet gov in).

Step 2: Click on the Electronic Services option on the Main Menu.

Step 3: Choose the "Search" option from the drop-down menu, and choose Birth and Death.

Step 4: A new page will open with the Birth and Death Details Search form.

Step 5: If you wish to search Birth Certificate, choose Birth in the circular, Search Type option. And if you wish to search Death Certificate, choose Death in the circular Search Type option. (Check the below image for reference)

Step 6: The Birth Details form on the Tnreginet Portal will require you to fill out the following information:

Certificate no

Child Name

Gender

Date of Birth

Father's Name

Mother's Name

Enter Code

Find Out: Properties in Thanjavur Checkout: Property Valuation Services on Magicbricks



Step 7: The Death Details on the Tnreginet Portal will require you to fill out the following information:

Death details

Certificate no

Name of the person

Gender *

Date of Death

Place of death

Name of Father/Husband

Mother's name

Enter Code

How to Check the Marriage Document on Tnreginet Portal?

Step 1: Go to the Tnreginet website's home page (tnreginet gov in).

Step 2: Click on the Electronic Services option on the Main Menu.

Step 3: Choose the Search option from the drop-down menu, and choose Wedding.

Step 4: A new page will appear, asking you to select an option from the Marriage Classification drop-down. (Check the image below for reference)

Wedding Document Search form on tnreginet gov in

Step 5: Let's say you select Hindu marriage. After making that selection, choose the search type - Record Wise or Name Wise

Step 6: The Record Wise option will require you to enter the following details:

Office of the Registrar *

Registration Number

Year (YYYY) *

Step 7: The Name Wise option will require you to enter the following details:

Husband Name *

Spouse Name *

Date of Birth of Husband

Date of Birth of Spouse

Enter Code

Name-Wise Weddig Document Search form on tnreginet gov in

How to search for a stamp dealer in IGR Tamil Nadu?

You can follow the below mentioned steps to search for the dealers on Inspector General of Registration (IGR) Tamil Nadu:

Visit the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) official portal.

Click on Electronic Services from the menu bar on the top.

A drop down menu will appear, click on Search and then Dealer

In the next step a new page will open.



Process to search for the Stamp Dealer.

Lastly, fill in all the details and click Search. Now you will get all the details.

Find below the contact details of the Tnreginet Guideline Value Tamil Nadu helpline to help find answers to your queries.

Helpline Number: 044-24640160

Email Address: helpdesk@tnreginet.net

Here are the contact details in case you want to file a complaint.

Helpline Numbers: 9498452110 / 9498452120 / 9498452130

Timings: From 10:00 AM to 05:45 PM

Working Days: From Monday to Friday

December 2022: Unified Services Centres to Open Across Tamil Nadu

In a recent development, the Tamilnadu government has sanctioned a proposal by the Tamil Nadu Registrations Department for setting up Unified Service Centres (USCs) across the State. The USCs will be opened in key cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore. Once these centres are opened, various online services of the registration department such as application for Encumbrance Certificate and marriage registration will be available offline. At present, many people approach lawyers and document writers to avail of the services related to the registration department. After the inauguration of these centres, common citizens will be able to get these services at these stores.

The Bottom Line

TNreginet Guideline value portal (tnreginet gov in) has greatly enhanced and simplified the registration procedures in Tamil Nadu. Citizens can apply for documents, view the document status and also find the Tnreginet guideline value Tamil Nadu based on the value revisions right from 2002 till date. It is now possible to apply for and access important certificates/documents online at any point of time, from anywhere. In addition to accessibility, transparency in services has also increased, making the portal highly reliable for the people of Tamil Nadu.
UP RERA: An Overview

The Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016, abbreviated as RERA, is an act that regulates the real estate market of India. The Act was passed in Parliament in 2016 and came into force on May 1, 2016. However, RERA Act 2016 has subsets of every state's RERA authority. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh has a real estate regulatory body known as UP RERA. The body, RERA UP, came into existence on October 27, 2016, and aims to protect the interest of home buyers and boost real estate investments in Uttar Pradesh.

This blog gives you the low down on UP RERA project details, UP RERA registration process, RERA UP charges, documents and more.

Salient Features of UP RERA

UP RERA benefits home buyers, real estate agents, and promoters. The following are the features of UP RERA:-

The Act aims to regulate the Real Estate Regulatory Authority and promote the real estate sector.

It ensures transparency in real estate projects.

A speedy dispute resolution mechanism is established to protect the interests of home buyers.

A buyer can check all the information regarding a builder or a promoter.

The State Real Estate Regulatory Authority should be approached in case of discrepancies.

The authority governs both residential and commercial property transactions.

All developers and real estate agents must register with the RERA UP. They must provide information like project plan, layout, government approvals, land title status, sub-contractors, etc.

In the case of rule violation, the appellate tribunal penalizes with a penalty of up to three years of jail or both.

A home buyer will not suffer if the project is delayed; in this case, the developer is liable to pay the same EMI paid by the consumer.

It is mandatory for every project measuring more than 500 sq meters or eight apartments to register with the UP RERA.

UP-RERA to start physical hearings from May 1

How to Check Registered Projects on UP RERA?

It is advised to check the registered projects on the UP RERA website to avoid discrepancies in future. You can easily do it by visiting the official UP RERA website. Once on the website, click on the Registered Project from the Important links. A new page will open up, where you will be asked to fill in details like Project Name, Registration Number, and Promoter and then enter Captcha. Now, click on Search and View Details to check the project details. You can also choose to download the project summary or other information.

Give the screenshots for the above process.

UP RERA - View Projects Page

UP RERA - Project Information Page

How to Check Registered Promoters or Agents on UP RERA?

To check registered Promoters or Agents, go to the UP RERA website and visit Important links on the home page. If you wish to check Promoters, click on Registered Promoters; click on Registered Agents to check the agent's list. Then fill in the required details like Promoter/Agent Name, District, Tehsil, etc. Then click on Search. Information related to agents or promoters will be displayed on the screen.

How to Check the Defaulter Project list on UP RERA?

To check the defaulter project list on UP RERA, you must go to the RERA UP website and then go to Important Links. Then click on Deregistered Projects; now you can see a list of Deregistered projects with project registration number, project name, project location details, promoter's name and photo.

UP RERA - De-Registered Projects Page

How to Register a Project under UP RERA

To register as a Promoter, perform the following steps:-

Step 1: Visit the official UP RERA website

UP RERA - Official Website Homepage

Step 2: Click on Registrations from the menu bar and click on Promoter from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Enter the mobile number and OTP you will receive on your mobile phone. Then click on Verify.

Step 4: A new web page for promoters registration will open up. On that page, enter details like name, contact information, address, PAN and Aadhaar card, etc. Once a promoter is registered, then a project can be registered.

UP RERA - Promoters Registration Page

Step 5: Go back to the home page, click on Registrations, and then Project. Now, you will be redirected to a new login page. Select a User Type, Username, Password, Enter Captcha, and click on Log in.

Login Form on the UP RERA official website

Step 6: Now, a form will open up, enter all the required details, pay the registration charges online, and the registration will be completed.

Read More: RERA registration process - How to apply and get RERA number

How to Register as an Agent under RERA UP

To register as an agent with UP RERA, follow the below-given steps:-

Step 1: Visit the UP RERA website, go to Registrations, and click on Agent.

Step 2: Enter all the required information, including Aadhar number, address proof, personal details, bank details etc.

Step 3: Then click on Save and Pay. The payment page will open; make the payment online using a credit card/debit card/NEFT/RTGS or UPI method.

Also read: How to become a RERA real estate agent

UP RERA Portal - Agent Registration Page

UP RERA: Details Required By Builder Under RERA UP

A builder will require a set of details while registering a property under RERA. The information that will be required are-

The total number of apartments that needs to be registered

Apartment type

Carpet area of the apartment

In case any addition or major changes are done then one needs to submit a consent form from the affected people

The developer will be required to quarterly update the RERA website with details like pending approvals, available inventory and more

Timeline of the project completion

Ensure the ads do not have any false commitments

UP RERA Fees and Charges

Following are the UP RERA registration charges for agents:

Agent Registration fee Renewal fee Individual Rs.25,000 Rs.5,000 Other than Individual Rs.2,50,000 Rs.50,000

Registration fees for Promoters

Project type Area Up to 1,000 Sq. m. More than 1,000 Sq. m. Residential project Rs.10 per Sq. m. Rs.500 per 100 Sq. m. Commercial project Rs.20 per Sq. m. Rs.1,000 per 100 Sq. m. Other Charges in UP RERA

A few other charges will have to be paid per your requirements. These could be filing a complaint, withdrawing of application or an appeal. Following are the charges for the same:

Particulars Fees Any appeal under subsection (1) under Section 44 Rs.1,000 Complaint against anyone Rs.1,000 Withdrawal of application for registration Rs.50,000 or up to 10% of the registration fee, whichever is higher.

Documents Required for Registration Under UP RERA

A promoter will have to submit scanned copies of the following documents to register a project under RERA UP:-

PAN Card

Previous year's Balance sheet

Last three years' Income Tax Returns

Project Plan copy

Number of parking areas in the project

The title deed of the promoter or land

Encumbrance Certificate of the project or land on which the project is built

Collaboration agreement or joint agreement

UP-RERA to hold National Lok Adalat on July 10 for home buyers

Offline Process To File a Complaint Under UP RERA

If a property buyer or anyone wishes to file a complaint against a developer or real estate agent, it can be filed in RERA under the Section 31 of Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. An applicant can also file a complaint through complaint form M and form N. The complaint must be prescribed in a certain format. After the complaint is registered, it will be resolved in 90 days.

Document List for Agent in RERA UP

A promoter will have to submit the following documents to register a project under RERA UP:-

PAN Card

Real estate agent details- Name, registered address, enterprise type etc

Registration particulars

Memorandum of Association.

Articles of Association.

Last three years ITR

Address proof of business entity.

How to Register Complaint on RERA UP Website

UP-RERA disposes of nearly 80 cases in the first National Lok Adalat

RERA UP President Claims to Deliver Flats to 7K Home Buyers of 14 Projects Soon

If you face any discrepancy as a home buyer, agent or promoter, you can file a complaint on the RERA UP website. Visit the official website, click on Complaints from the menu bar, and click the tab against whom you wish to complain.

UP RERA President Rajive Kumar has claimed that UP RERA is devoted to ensuring that the builders do not get away and deliver flats to homebuyers as quickly as possible.

In an interview with the IANS new agency, Rajive Kumar shared that more than 3,300 realty projects have been registered under RERA UP. In addition, more than 5,500 real estate agents are also under UP RERA.

UP RERA has registered around 2,057 ongoing and 1,247 new projects. Ongoing projects include housing projects that were registered on 1st May 2017. Of these, 1070 projects are in the 8 NCR districts like Noida, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Hapur. 987 housing projects are registered in other remaining districts of UP, out of which 399 are in the Lucknow district.

New housing projects are projects that were registered after 1st May 2017. Of the 1,247 new housing projects, 1783 are in non-NCR districts, while 464 are in NCR. In the past year, 139 new housing projects in non-NCR regions and 74 new housing projects were registered in NCR.

Rajive Kumar professed that the realty sector is growing rapidly in districts outside NCR, particularly Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Varanasi. As for NCR regions, it is observed that new project registrations have increased more than expected after COVID-19.

Out of the 783 new housing projects in UPs non-NCR areas, 679 housing projects are in Lucknow (280), Kanpur Nagar (47), Varanasi (52), Bareilly (52), Mathura-Vrindavan (31), Prayagraj (50), Moradabad (18), Agra (59), Gorakhpur (23), Jhansi (38), and Barabanki (29).

As for the 2,057 ongoing RERA registered projects, nearly 65% of the projects, i.e. 1,300, are completed.

The RERA UP President also acknowledged that a few housing projects are no longer viable. He further explained that these cases could be solved via NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal).



UP RERA Contact Details

Head office:

Naveen Bhavan, Rajya Niyojan Sansthan, Kala Kankar House, Old Hyderabad,

Lucknow  226007

Regional Office:

H - 169, Chitvan State Rd, Estate Sector, Block H, Gamma II,

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201308

Contact number: 0522-2781452 (Lucknow), 0120-2326111 (Greater Noida)

Email ID: contactuprera@up-rera.in

Latest News on UP RERA

UP RERA Warns Promoter About Fraudulent Ads September 27, 2023: Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has warned against a promoter, Sarvottam World, for misleading and fraudulent advertising. The real estate authority has also warned investors and buyers against the project. Sarvottam uses RERA registration numbers UPRERAPRJ10825, UPRERAPRJ10851 and UPRERAPRJ11033, belonging to another developer. These registration numbers are registered with Uttam Steel and Associates and Ansal Hi-Tech Township. This act is punishable under the RERA Act 2016; the authorities will take appropriate action against the promoter. In a statement, UP RERA mentioned that a project named 'Megapolis/ Sarvottam Megapolis' in a township named NEWOIDA is being advertised by a promoter 'Sarvottam World' and being broadcast and publicised on all platforms of media - newspapers, radio, digital, etc. "In this regard, we have to inform and warn real estate stakeholders that the advertisement is completely misleading and fraudulent. As per the description presented in the advertisement, there is no such project registered with RERA," said Secretary of UP RERA.

UP RERA Directs Promoters to Provide Details of Person Responsible for Correspondance September 26, 2023: Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has directed promoters to submit the details- name, designation, mobile number, e-mail ID, residential address, and office address of a person authorised for correspondence. This will ensure that there is no interruption in correspondence with promoters. Lately, the authority found that the contact numbers of some of the promoters were inaccessible at the time of project registration. Some cases were also received in which either no one picks up the mobile number provided or a suitable response is not received during the conversation; we have come to know through various means that the mobile numbers provided by some promoters at the time of project registration are non-functional/not in use and are switched off, said UP RERA. In a statement, UP RERA stated that the promoter must ensure that somebody is there to receive calls and provide appropriate/ suitable answers to the callers whose contact number is either the promoter himself or his representative. UP RERA Issues Notice Against Developers for Noncompliance September 25, 2023: UP RERA has issued a notice against developers who have violated section 11 of the RERA Act 2016. Four promoter projects have received notice- M3M The Cullinan, being developed by Lavish Buildmart; Irish Pearls, being developed by Irish Infrastructure; Saya Piazza, being developed by RGB Infra; and Saya Status, being developed by Saya Cementation. According to the RERA Act 2016, Section 11, displaying the RERA registration number and website URL on the advertisements is mandatory. Noncompliance with Section 11 of the RERA Act will result in a penalty of up to 5 per cent of the total project cost. The print advertisement released by M3M The Cullinan should have mentioned the UPRERA website, www.up-rera.in and RERA registration number prominently. Apart from this, the advertisements on social media of Irish Pearls, Saya Piazza and Saya Status did not mention the RERA registration number and the website, UPRERA said in a statement. UP RERA Urges Banks to Offer Funds to Delayed Home Projects



September 04, 2023: Uttar Pradesh RERA will ask banks to fund the delayed home projects. The funds will be offered for the projects which are situated in Noida and Greater Noida. The decision was taken after witnessing banks were reluctant to loan the project developers. Banks refrained from offering loans because of the uncertainty of recovering their money.



In Noida and Greater Noida, there are as many as 18 delayed projects, which comprise 10,000 flats that are being constructed under the rehabilitation clause of the Uttar Pradesh Rera Act. Out of 18, 15 projects are co-jointly developed by promoters and the Association of Allottees (AOA), and three are with AOA for construction and delivery.

This provision is allowed under Section 8 of the RERA Act. The section says that RERA can de-register an uncompleted project and invite other buyers' associations to take over the project and deliver it when a developer is not in a position to deliver the project due to lack of funds.



Conclusion to RERA UP

The RERA UP Act came into force on October 27, 2016. The RERA UP aims to safeguard the interests of homebuyers and regulate the state's real estate sector. The state government has also launched an online portal to make things easy for all the parties involved in the market. UP RERA website can be used for registration as a promoter or agent, filing a complaint, or even checking the defaulter list.
Latest News on RERA

Supreme Court Sends Notices to States and UTs Over Lack of RERA





August 17, 2023: The Supreme Court has issued notices to several states and a Union Territory for not establishing the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in their respective regions.





The chief secretaries of Nagaland, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Ladakh have been asked to respond to the lack of RERA establishment.





Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir chief secretaries have been ordered to file their responses on the current situation.





The states have only passed interim orders to notify RERA. The court has asked for affidavits from the concerned chief secretaries, indicating the progress made with regard to the implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, within 60 days of the order. The matter has been relisted for January next year.





As per a recent chart, 32 States/Union Territories have set up Real Estate Regulatory Authority, while 28 States/Union Territories have set up Real Estate Appellate Tribunals.

Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) - An Overview RERA or Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 was a significant step in the direction of regulation of the unorganised real estate sector of India. The RERA Act works as a guardian of the homebuyers rights who have been victimised by fraudulent builders and misleading claims.

RERA) to regulate the real estate sector in the state, such as UP Rera, Rera Gujarat, Rera Karnataka, Rera Rajasthan and Rera Maharashtra, among others.



Barring a few, almost all states of India have established State Real Estate Regulatory Authorities () to regulate the real estate sector in the state, such as, Rera Karnataka,and Rera Maharashtra, among others.

RERA Delhi

Also read:

What is RERA?

RERA's full form is Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. RERA was formulated to regulate India's hitherto unorganised and unregulated real estate sector. In the absence of an efficient regulator, the incidents of tussle and disputes between homebuyers and developers were on the rise.

RERA Act of 2016 was implemented to address the concerns and grievances of real estate developers, homebuyers, realty agents, and other real estate sector stakeholders. After the implementation of the RERA Act, Rera approved projects are preferred by the homebuyers.



TheAct of 2016 was implemented to address the concerns and grievances of real estate developers, homebuyers,, and other real estate sector stakeholders. After the implementation of the RERA Act,projects are preferred by the homebuyers.

All real estate projects of more than 500 sq m must be registered with respective RERA authorities. In addition to this, every such builder has to inform the homebuyer of the progress of construction, abide by the timelines and follow the rules as stated in the RERA Act.





RERA Act PDF from here.





Downloadfrom SC says RERA is retroactive. What does it mean?

Benefits of the RERA Act, 2016

The RERA Act has brought some benefits from the day it was implemented, lets have a look:

RERA has improved the transparency and accountability in India's real estate sector. As it is mandatory for real estate developers to register with the state RERA before they start a project, the instances of misleading claims have been minimised. RERA Act protects the rights of both homebuyers and real estate developers. RERA Act has mandated the establishment of state-wise regulatory bodies which keep an eye on real estate development in every state and union territory. This has reduced the delays in project completions and prevented misleading information from homebuyers. RERA safeguards the interest of homebuyers by imposing penalties on defaulting developers for delaying projects or not abiding by the Act.

However, developers may ask for an extension over the project delivery timelines and penalty norms under section 5 of the RERA Act under two circumstances:

If there is a delay in the project delivery due to natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, etc. The developer can state the reason to justify the delay and pay the penalty (if any). If there is a shortage of supply of raw material, shortage of labour, etc. then, the developer can justify that he is at no fault. However, the developer has to inform the RERA Authority in writing. However, the delay should not be for more than one year.



RERA vs Consumer Court: SC allows home buyers to approach Consumer Courts

RERA Jharkhand Also Read:

RERA- Benefits for the Homebuyers

The RERA Act broadly safeguards the home buyers interest. lets have a look at the key benefits of RERA-

With the implementation of the RERA Act, the developers have to disclose the project details on the official website of RERA and are to be updated regularly to assure buyers trust.

The consumer/home buyer will pay for the flats on the Carpet Area and not the Super built-up Area.

The real estate developer will have to transfer around 70% of project funds in a separate escrow account, which he can use for construction purposes only.

For any delay in the construction of a project, the developer has to pay 2% to the homebuyer.

Post the delivery of a project; the developer has to provide free-of-cost services for construction defects to homebuyers for up to the first five years.

The developer has to resolve the concerns of homebuyers within 120 days.

The developer cannot make alterations to the approved building plan without the consent of at least 1/3rd of the total homebuyers in a project.

As per the RERA Act, the developer cant collect more than 10% as advance from homebuyers.

In case of any discrepancy in the title deed, the Act gives the right to the homebuyer to ask for compensation from the developer.

Projects that are spread across an area of 500 sq. m or more than eight apartments have to be registered with RERA.

It is mandatory for every developer to channelise 70% of the money received to an escrow account.

Only one model sale agreement will be made between the builder and the homebuyer.

RERA Benefits Read more on

How can real estate developers register their projects under RERA?

For registering their real estate project, real estate developer/builder must submit an application to the concerned State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in the manner and form, within such time and coupled with requisite fee payment as specified by the Authority. The developer must include the following documents with the project registration application with RERA.

Succinct details of the developer's company/enterprise, with the name, type (company, partnership, or a proprietorship) with a registered address, as well as the name and photo of the promoter /developer.

Details of the projects launched by the concerned developer within the last five years and the present status of the project. Details of any cases or due payments by the developer.

An authenticated/attested copy of the commencement certificate (CC) and mandatory approvals from the competent Authority for the realty project.

If the developer wants to complete the project in phases, the attested/authenticated copy of the afore-mentioned requirements from the competent Authority for each project phase, separately.

Building layout plan, final sanctioned plan, and details/specifications of a specific phase or the proposed project, duly authorized by the competent Authority.

Information about the development work to be completed in the project.

Details about the exact project location, demarcation of land to be used for the project with clear boundaries, with longitude and latitude of the project's endpoints.

Completed Proforma of the sale agreement, conveyance deed, and allotment letter to be signed by the homebuyers.

The number, configuration, and carpet area of the flats/apartments for sale in the concerned project, accompanied by terrace areas, veranda, or balcony areas, if any, are included with the apartment for sale.

Specifications of the area and number of garages for sale in the proposed project.

Name and address proofs of the people concerned with the project's construction, such as contractors, architects, structural engineers, real estate agents, etc.

RERA Impact on Real Estate Agents



Read more on

The developer must include a declaration backed by an affidavit signed by him/her or by any authorized person. The affidavit includes the following six heads-

Title: The developer has a legal Title to the land over which the project is proposed to be developed. If the land is under the ownership of another person, then valid and lawful documents for such title must be submitted.

The concerned land must be free from all encumbrances, or, if any encumbrances exist, then the details and quantum of the same, with title, rights, interest, or name of the parties involved.

The estimated period of project or phase completion.

The real estate developer/promoter shall deposit 70 per cent of the amount given by the homebuyers for the project in a dedicated escrow account, which must be held in a scheduled bank. The builder can only use funds from this account to cover the project's construction costs. A certification by an architect or a practising chartered accountant stating that the withdrawal must be attached.

The developer will appoint a practising chartered accountant (CA) to audit the bank accounts after the end of every financial year.

The developer will take all the pending approvals from the competent authorities in a timely manner. The developer of the concerned project has attached all the documents as required by the RERA Act.

Also Read: RERA Rajasthan

Information Required By a Builder under RERA A builder will need the following details while registering a property under RERA:- Number of apartments to be registered

Type of apartments

The carpet area of all the apartments

For any major addition or allocation one needs to submit a consent form from affected people

A builder will have to quarterly update the RERA website with details like unsold inventory, pending approvals or more

Time frame of project completion

Advertisement should not have any false commitments

No arbitrary cancellation of units How to File a Complaint Under RERA? A complaint against a builder, promoter, or real estate agent can be filed in RERA under Section 31 of Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Or the complaint can also be done with an adjudicating officer. An applicant can file a complaint form- Form M and Form N. However, the form should be prescribed in a particular format. A complaint will be registered and the complaint will be resolved in 90 days time.

What happens if the builder delays possession, as per RERA?

Under Section 18 of the RERA Act, if the possession of the property is delayed on the part of the promoter, a consumer can terminate the agreement and request for refund. The promoter must return the entire amount paid by the consumer with interest. The Section 18 also allows a consumer to continue with the project and claim compensation from the developer for every month of delay until the possession of property.

The rate of interest payable by the developer and the format of such complaint are specified under the RERA Rules that vary from state to state. Consumers can file a complaint against the developer in case of delay in possession under Section 31 of the Act. According to Section 31, any aggrieved person may file a complaint with the regulatory authority for violations of the said act. The complaint can be filed by homebuyer as well as Association of Allottees.

RERA Website and Implementation

The RERA Act has now been successfully implemented in more than 27 Indian states and six union territories like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Assam, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Tripura, Puducherry, Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.





Here is the list of respective state RERA website.





Sr. No. State/Union Territories RERA Website link 1 Andaman and Nicobar RERA http://www.tnrera.in/ 2 Andhra Pradesh RERA https://www.rera.ap.gov.in 3 Bihar RERA https://rera.bihar.gov.in/ 4 Chandigarh RERA http://rera.chbonline.in/ 5 Chhattisgarh RERA https://rera.cgstate.gov.in/ 6 Dadra & Nagar Haveli RERA https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in/ 7 Daman & Diu RERA https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in/ 8 Delhi RERA https://rera.delhi.gov.in/ 9 Goa RERA https://rera.goa.gov.in/reraApp/ 10 Gujarat RERA https://gujrera.gujarat.gov.in/ 11 Haryana RERA https://haryanarera.gov.in/ 12 Himachal Pradesh RERA http://www.hprera.in 13 Jharkhand RERA http://rera.jharkhand.gov.in/ 14 Karnataka RERA https://rera.karnataka.gov.in/ 15 Kerala RERA https://rera.kerala.gov.in/ 16 Madhya Pradesh RERA http://www.rera.mp.gov.in/ 17 Maharashtra RERA https://maharera.mahaonline.gov.in/ 18 Mizoram RERA http://udpamizoram.nic.in/RERA.html 19 Odisha RERA http://rera.odisha.gov.in/ 20 Puducherry RERA http://prera.py.gov.in/ 21 Punjab RERA https://rera.punjab.gov.in/ 22 Rajasthan RERA http://rera.rajasthan.gov.in/ 23 Tamil Nadu RERA http://www.tnrera.in/ 24 Telangana RERA http://rera.telangana.gov.in/ 25 Tripura RERA https://rera.tripura.gov.in/ 26 Uttarakhand RERA http://www.uhuda.org.in/ 27 Uttar Pradesh RERA http://www.up-rera.in

What is an escrow account under RERA?

According to the RERA Act, around 70 per cent of the total amount taken from homebuyers must be kept in an Escrow Account. An escrow account is a bank account which serves as a shock bearer in case of any default by the real estate developer.





As only 30 per cent of the money taken from homebuyers can be utilised for construction purposes, the remaining money is safe in the escrow account and remains under the supervision of RERA. The concept of an Escrow account was devised considering the incidents where the developers would take money from the homebuyers and use the entire amount for construction purposes.





In case the project was stuck or stalled, the entire amount deposited by the homebuyers was lost. The facility of escrow accounts has saved the hard-earned money of homebuyers from fraudulent developers.

What are the changes proposed regarding the super built-up area in RERA Act?

According to the RERA Act, the promoters of real estate projects will charge homebuyers only for the carpet area. This is in contrast with the earlier practice of charging for the super-built-up area. For the uninitiated, the Super built-up area includes the common areas such as reception staircase, lobbies and lift shafts, etc. On the other hand, the carpet area is the net usable area of the house.

What does the RERA Act say about building plan alteration by the developer?

RERA Act was brought to check the fraudulent and malpractices by some real estate developers. The RERA Act bars real estate developers from making any changes to the building plan unilaterally. RERA act restricts the developers from making any changes to the sanctioned building plan of an apartment, building, or common areas, without the written consent of over 2/3rd of the allottees of the project.

What are the Penalties under RERA?

The RERA Act prescribes penalties for not abiding by the laws for promoters or builders. Heres a list of penalties a builder/developer can get if a homebuyer files a complaint against him:



Developers will have to pay 10% of the projects estimated cost if they do not register under the respective RERA. Also, they will be charged 5% of the projects estimated cost if they are found guilty of providing any false information about the project.

If a developer is found violating any law under the RERA Act, there will be imprisonment for up to 3 years or 10% of the projects estimated cost.

Real estate agents are liable to pay Rs.10,000 per day or up to 5% of the cost of the project if they are found doing construction or sales on their project without a valid RERA registration.

Any severe non-compliance with RERA will impose a penalty of up to 5% of the projects value on developers.

In case any builder shows non-compliance with the decision of the Appellate Tribunal, he/she could face a penalty of imprisonment for up to 1 year, or 10% of the projects cost, or both.

The homebuyers must be extra vigilant before filing a complaint because if the charges imposed on the developer were found baseless or false, the homebuyer would have to pay a penalty of up to 5% of the projects value. Also, non-compliance with the Appellate Tribunal will cost a homebuyer 10% of the projects cost or up to one year of imprisonment.

What are the challenges in front of RERA?

RERA is indeed a remarkable step taken in real estate and has shown results in the recent past. The RERA Act has enhanced the transparency in the real estate sector thus, providing a safe environment for investors and homebuyers by removing the non-registered players from the market. Despite this, there are several challenges and shortcomings in the RERA Act viz-





Absence of rules regarding project approvals- Despite talking in detail about the duties and rights of homebuyers and real estate developers, the RERA Act is silent on the issue of delay in necessary approvals due to clearance from government authorities. In general, all government approvals take up to two years from the date of application. The act does not hold government authorities accountable for the delay.





No Single Window Mechanism- real estate project developers face the daunting task of taking individual clearance from each government department, and it adds up to the overall project delivery timeline. The presence of a single-window mechanism would have expedited the project completion manifold.





Lack of clarity regarding state-specific content- The absence of clarity on certain matters of RERA is ambiguous. For instance, the RERA authorities of Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh have not released a standard format for certification by engineers, auditors and chartered accountants.





Tedious Registration Process- No uniformity in state RERA makes the registration process very tedious. For example, the presence of two RERAs or an alternate authority, such as the West Bengal Housing Industry Regulatory Authority (WB-HIRA) makes the registration of projects and real estate agents confusing and tedious.





Lack of Technical Knowledge- The online and technology-backed registration process might come in handy for metropolitan developers, but it creates a problem for developers and builders from non-metro and Tier 2 and 3 cities. RERA must start an outreach program for developers education and try to start the registration process in local languages.

After RERA Registration, Residential Projects are Getting Completed at a Faster Rate According to Anarock Research, residential projects which were registered under RERA Act are getting completed at a faster rate. For projects launched in the second of 2017 and the first of 2018, 86% of residential projects were successfully completed. Despite facing issues like supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine War and the COVID-19 pandemic, the completion has been done.



Chennai has the highest completion rate, nearly 90%, and Kolkata stands at the last position with a 70% completion rate. The lag in Kolkata completion could be because RERA in West Bengal was not enforced till 2023.



Housing Project Completion Trends In Top 7 Cities City Total Projects Launched in H2 2017 and 2018 Total Housing Projects Completed as on date Percent Share Completed Bengaluru 172 147 85% Chennai 119 107 90% Hyderabad 110 81 74% Kolkata 83 58 70% MMR 679 602 89% NCR 86 64 74% Pune 393 350 89% Grand Total 1,642 1,409 86% - The online and technology-backed registration process might come in handy for metropolitan developers, but it creates a problem for developers and builders from non-metro and Tier 2 and 3 cities. RERA must start an outreach program for developers education and try to start the registration process in local languages.According to Anarock Research, residential projects which were registered under RERA Act are getting completed at a faster rate. For projects launched in the second of 2017 and the first of 2018, 86% of residential projects were successfully completed. Despite facing issues like supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine War and the COVID-19 pandemic, the completion has been done.Chennai has the highest completion rate, nearly 90%, and Kolkata stands at the last position with a 70% completion rate. The lag in Kolkata completion could be because RERA in West Bengal was not enforced till 2023. Source: ANAROCK Research Summing Up: What is RERA?
Most states in India have introduced online portals to help residents easily find their property-related details. The users need to register on these portals to make the best use of services like property valuation, stamp duty calculation, ownership verification, and much more.

The state government of Maharashtra has introduced an online portal named IGR Maharashtra. The portal helps citizens of Maharashtra access their property-related information in just a few clicks. IGR Maharashtra has a wide range of features and benefits such as land records details, stamp duty calculation and payment, stamp duty refund, etc.

In this post, we will help you learn how you can calculate and pay your stamp duty charges using this amazing portal. We will also help you learn how you can check the ready reckoner rates of a specific piece of property in Maharashtra. Go through the post and learn to use the portal best.

What is IGR Maharashtra?

IGR Maharashtra is the office of the Inspector General of Registration and Stamps in Maharashtra. IGR Maharashtra is responsible for services such as registration of property documents, payment of stamp duty, valuation of property, property tax computation, calculation of stamp duty amount, payment of stamp duty and registration fees, stamp duty refund and marriage registration etc.

To provide the mentioned services to the citizens, the Department of Registration & Stamps, Government of Maharashtra, has its website for the Inspector General of registration and Stamps (IGRS). IGR Maharashtra offers various property-related documents and registration services online. IGR Maharashtra (igr maharashtra gov in) has minimized the need to visit the Sub-registrar office services related to document registration. The link for this website is igrmaharashtra.gov.in.



Lets have a look at some of the key services which can be availed via the IGR Maharashtra Website-

Also Read: Stamp Duty in Maharashtra

Latest News on IGR Maharashtra

IGR Maharashtra to review all property registrations done from 2020-22



July 10: In an important decision, the Maharashtra Inspector General of Stamps of IGR Maharashtra has decided to review all property registrations during 2020 to 2022. The decision to review the registration comes against the backdrop of several complaints of rules violations during the mentioned period.



According to the highly placed officials of the office of the IGR, a high level committee has been formed to check the property registrations at all the 519 registration offices across the state. The committee will look into the matters of violations of Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016 (RERA) and Maharashtra Prevention of Fragmentation And Consolidation of Holdings Act, 1947.



RERA registration is mandatory for all the real estate developers interested in developing a project on 500 sq m or more area. All the documents registered during this period will be reviewed and a detailed report will be submitted to the government.



Maharashtra Introduces Online Building Plan management System, Enable Non-agricultural Use of land



June 2023: In an enabling decision, the Maharashtra Government has introduced a Building Plan Management System (BPMS). This system will improve the efficiency and will reduce time taken for the building plan approval. Using this online system, non-agricultural land use certificates and construction or development permissions will be issued online.



According to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, prior permission of the district collector is necessary for the usage of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes and making specific changes in the non-agricultural land. The permissions at present are grated on the basis of various conditions. After the introduction of the state government, the competent authority will be able to grant the permission for use of agricultural land for non-academic purposes.



The decision will benefit landowners, end-users and builders as it will save a significant amount of time and will reduce complexities.



IGR Maharashtra: How to Calculate Stamp Duty in Maharashtra?

Stamp Duty is a tax payable on registering a legal document with the Government. Stamp Duty is applicable on various documents, including property sale agreements, leave and license (rental) agreements, gift deeds, and mortgage deeds, among others.

Stamp Duty in Maharashtra applies at 3% to 6% of the total consideration value mentioned in the sale document. This rate differs as per the document type, area, and many other factors.

IGR Maharashtra allows a user to calculate the stamp duty charges online. The exact stamp duty applicable can be calculated using the Stamp Duty Calculator option on the IGR Maharashtra website (igr maharashtra gov in). A user can easily enter the document's details and get an estimate of the applicable Stamp Duty. Follow the step-by-step method to calculate the stamp duty charges online.

Step 1: Visit the official website of IGR Maharashtra at igr maharashtra gov in

Step 2: On the home page, click on the Stamp Duty Calculator tab.

Online Services on IGR Maharashtra (igr maharashtra gov in)

Step 3: As soon as you click on the tab, you will be redirected to the following link igrmahhelpline.gov.in/stamp-duty-calculator.php







Homepage of IGR Maharashtra (igr maharashtra gov in)

Step 4: Select the type of document to be registered. If it is a sale deed, click on the Sale Deed option.

Step 5: In this step, select the concerned region from Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, Cantonment or Gram Panchayat (Whichever is applicable).





Sale Deed on IGR Maharashtra

Step 6: If you select the Municipal Corporation option, you will be asked to choose the concerned Municipal Corporation.

Step 7: Once you have selected the corporation, you must fill in the Consideration amount and Market value.

Sale Deed Calculation on IGR Maharashtra (igr maharashtra gov in)

Step 8: Click on the Calculate button. The desired stamp duty details will be displayed on the screen.

Also Read: Bhu Naksha Maharashtra: View Land Map Online

IGR Maharashtra: How to Search the Property Registration Details?

The details of any property registered in Maharashtra can be found using the free search tool of the IGR Maharashtra website. Under this, details of all properties registered from 1985 in Mumbai city and suburban limits can be procured. For areas other than Mumbai, details are available only from 2002. However, for some selected areas other than Mumbai, details are also available for 1985 to 2002.

Basic details such as property number and year of registration are required for searching property registration data on IGR Maharashtra. The facility to search a property based on the name of the property holder is also provided, but this is a paid service. To search for a property, follow the step-by-step process-

Step 1: Visit the official website of IGR Maharashtra at igr maharashtra gov in

E Search of Property Registration Details on IGR Maharashtra

Step 2: On the home page, click on the E-search and select the free process option. The system will be redirected to https://freesearchigrservice.maharashtra.gov.in/Login.aspx





e-Search Window on IGR Maharashtra e-Search Window on IGR Maharashtra

Step 3: If you are not a registered user, create an account and register using the login Id and password.

Step 4: Once you are logged in, select the relevant area of the property from the three options- Mumbai, Urban areas other than Mumbai, and the rest of Maharashtra.

Step 5: Enter the relevant details of the property- viz., year of registration, district name, tehsil name, village name, and property no. (One can enter the survey no., plot no., or CTS no., etc., in case the exact property no. is not available, and then select the relevant property from the list populated below)

Step 6: Select the relevant property from the list. Click on the Index II option. A PDF file mentioning the registration details will be downloaded.

Also read: 7/12 Utara Mahabhulekh

IGR Maharashtra: Payment of Stamp Duty and Registration Fees

Once the stamp duty has been calculated as in the steps mentioned above, it can be paid online through the Government Receipt Accounting System (GRAS) available on the IGR Maharashtra website (igr maharashtra gov in). Additionally, the applicable registration fees can also be paid through IGR Maharashtra. The user can use online as well as offline payment methods. Follow the below-mentioned procedure to pay stamp duty and registration charges online.

Step 1: Visit the link gras.mahakosh.gov.in/igr/nextpage.php

GRAS System for IGR Maharashtra

Step 2: Click on the Inspector General of Registration tab on the homepage. You will be redirected to the following screen.

GRAS system for IGR Maharashtra

Step 3: Click on Pay without registration (If you are an unregistered user). You will be redirected to the screen where you will have to fill in the details.

Step 4: Select the required payment to be made:

Only stamp duty

Only registration fees

Both stamp duty and registration fees together

Step 5: Select the relevant district of the property, the sub-registrar office under whose jurisdiction the property falls, and the document type.

Step 6: Enter the stamp duty amount as calculated above. If the registration fee option is also selected, then the user needs to enter the registration fee. The registration fee is 1% of the consideration value mentioned in the document (Maximum Rs 30,000)

Step 7: Enter the relevant details of the property and both the parties (buyer as well as a seller).

Consolidated Stamp Duty form for IGR Maharashtra

Step 8: Select the mode of payment. The user can use online payment methods such as Credit/ Debit cards and internet banking. Users unfamiliar with online payment options can generate a challan through this portal and make the required payment at selected bank branches in cash or cheque.

Step 9: Click on the Proceed button.

Also Read: Your Guide to Executing a Registered Rent Agreement in Maharashtra

IGR Maharashtra: How to Apply for Stamp Duty Refund?

The IGR Maharashtra allows a user to file for a stamp duty refund seamlessly and online. Follow the step-by-step method to apply for the stamp duty refund on IGR Maharashtra.

Step 1: Step 1: Visit the official website of IGR Maharashtra at igr maharashtra gov in

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Stamp Duty Refund tab.

Stamp Duty Refund Window on IGR Maharashtra

Step 3: As soon as you click on the button, you will be redirected to the following page.

Refund Module of IGR Maharashtra

Step 4: Enter the refund token number and password and click the View Status button.

Step 5: The details of the refund status will be displayed on the screen.

Also Read: Maharashtra Electricity Bill Payment

IGR Maharashtra: How to Check Ready Reckoner Rates online?

The IGR Maharashtra (igr maharashtra gov in) allows users to check the latest ready reckoner rates online. The Maharashtra Government decides ready reckoner rates. The ready Reckoner rates are those below which a property transaction cannot occur in a specified area. The state exchequer periodically revises these rates. Here is the step-by-step method to check the ready reckoner rates online on IGR Maharashtra.

Step 1: Log in to the official website of IGR Maharashtra at igr maharashtra gov in



Step 2: Click on the E-ASR and Process tab.

Check Ready Reckoner Rates on IGR Maharashtra

Step 3: The system will be redirected to the following screen.

Annual Statement of Rates on IGR Maharashtra

Step 4: On this map, you can select the concerned district for which you wish to know the Ready Reckoner Rates.

Step 5: As soon as you select a district from the given map, the following window will be displayed.

Annual Statement of Rates of Tehsil on IGR Maharashtra

Step 6: Select the District, Taluka and Village and the Assessment Type, Assessment Range, and rates will be displayed on the screen.

Stamp Duty and Registration Charges in Maharashtra: Required Documents

To register a property in Maharashtra, you require furnishing the following documents with the application:

Aadhaar Card

Passport Size photos of the buyer and seller

Original sale deed, verified copy

Municipal tax bill copy

Construction completion certificate

A copy of the latest property register card

Standardization of Land records by IGR Maharashtra

In a recent development, the Revenue department of the Maharashtra government has succeeded in standardizing the land records system of the state. The Department has successfully brought uniformity in making land records error-free. This feat was achieved by bringing uniformity in the land records terminology. Bringing uniformity in the terminology used in the land records management system was necessary as different terms are used in different regions of the state.





In the pre-Independence period, different regions of Maharashtra were controlled by separate authorities, which had their own land record systems and ways of managing land records. The terms used for describing land ownership, joint ownership and categorising land use were significantly different.





Since independence, the revenue administrations across the state have faced huge problems in terms of maintaining the land records, change of ownership and changing the category of the land as each region was using its own set of words. It increased the legal complications as well.









Document Handling Charges on IGR Maharashtra Gov In Out of the 2.54 crore 7/12 extracts (land title document) of land records in Maharashtra, the correction is left only in 46,000 7/12 Utara documents. At the same time, the problem has been fixed in the remaining documents. The land records department has made earnest efforts to digitise land records and make them available to the common citizens. When using the IGR Maharashtra portal, citizens often have to pay document handling charges. Here are a few points to remember regarding this feature: Visit the official IGR Maharashtra website

Look for the Document Handling Charges link on the homepage under the Online Services tab.

Read the instructions to proceed with the payment.

The DHC (Document Handling Charges) services let citizens make online payments to the Sub-registrars office. The portal only allows paying for document handling and not for any other charges, such as stamp duty and registration charges in Maharashtra.

The fee for document handling via the IGR Maharashtra portal is INR 20 per page.

Applicants must select the fee per service like e-filing, registration, etc. and agree with the terms and conditions.

Citizens may or may not make payment via the PDE (Public Data Entry) number.

To make the payment, it is vital to enter relevant details like SRO, district, article, document title, and mobile number.

Only after successfully entering the details can the user make the online payment.

After the payment, the user will receive a receipt with a transaction ID for the citizens use.

IGR Maharashtra: Other Services

IGR Maharashtra portal provides a range of services. Some services other than those mentioned above can also be availed online through the website of IGR Maharashtra (igr maharashtra gov in). These include:

IGR Maharastra to Utilize Blockchain technology in property Registration May 2023: In a recent update, the Maharashtra government has decided to use the blockchain technology for property registration in Maharashtra. The registration department of Maharashtra is in the final stages of adoption of blockchain technology. With the adoption of the Blockchain technology, the registration department will ensure that there are no duplicates of original online documents in Maharashtra. According to the higher officials, using the blockchain technology, the registration department will store the e-registration data across the state. Once the functionality is ready, the department will be able to share the data with the relevant stakeholders. The stakeholders will include property buyers, government authorities and financial institutions involved in funding the purchase. According to the government, the blockchain technology will help in resolution of various issues and would save a lot of time. In addition to this, the blockchain technology will also promote transparency in property transactions.

April 2023: Receipts of Vacant Land Tax Payment are mandatory for Asset Registration in Maharashtra In order to plug the irregularities in the property registration process, the state government of Maharashtra has made the registration process stringent in Maharashtra. The state government has made it mandatory to submit the receipts of payment of Vacant Land Tax (VLT) for the registration of assets in Maharashtra. The receipts will also be mandatory for the incorporation of the Title owner in the land records.



The new regulation will also help the state government in collecting more funds as land owners are not paying vacant land taxes on time at present. Urban civic bodies have been asking the government to share the details of property owners just after registration so that they can collect the vacant land tax.

Find below the IGR Maharashtra contact details that you can use to get in touch with the help and support desk of the authority in case you have any queries.

Office Address: Office of the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps, Ground Floor, Opposite Vidhan Bhavan (Council Hall), New Administrative Building, Pune 411001, Maharashtra, India.

Phone Number: 020-26124012, 8888007777

Email Addresses:

To register a complaint: complaint@igrmaharashtra.gov.in

To share your feedback: feedback@igrmaharashtra.gov.in

To give portal enhancement suggestions: idea@igrmaharashtra.gov.in

The Bottom Line

Conclusively, the IGR Maharashtra portal has played an excellent role in streamlining the online providence of citizen-centric services. The citizens can easily access services such as stamp duty payment, stamp duty refund, challan search, refund status, ready reckoner rates and property search online on the IGR Maharashtra portal(igr maharashtra gov in). Moreover, the IGR Maharashtra web portal has contributed immensely towards a transparent and efficient delivery of services in a digital mode.
Philippine companies should be prepared to adopt artificial intelligence in their businesses as its development and application accelerated rapidly in the past few years, according to Asia School of Business chief executive and president Sanjay Sarma.

Sarma said in an interview with reporters AI was developing at an unprecedented pace and would be everywhere soon. Companies that would not be able to take advantage of this technology would be left behind by competition, he said.

Im telling you. Its not 10 years. Its one or two years. The reason is that for these transforming technologies, there are now lots of companies working. And theres millions, hundreds of millions of dollars being spent on it, Sarma said.

He said while older and successfully-adopted technologies such as automated teller machines took about 15 years to be widely accepted, people no longer have the luxury of time with AI.

Sarma confirmed that AI could eliminate jobs for many people.

In the Philippines, AI is going to replace jobs. So, lets accept that. And the Philippines should become the country that leads the world in how to use AI in call centers. It will put some people out of work, but at least you define the rules of how it works, said Sarma.

Sarma said workers in local industries such as business process outsourcing, retail and food should upgrade their skills to do the things that technology could not.

You cant be at this level, you have to go up, because the attack comes from below. Its like a tiger, you know, its chasing you, you climb a tree, the tiger learns to climb the first 10 feet, well, you have to climb higher, he said.

Sarma, who is also a professor of mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management is a leading authority in AI, Internet of Things and education.

ASB was established in 2015 by Bank Negara Malaysia in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management. It aims to be a premier business school that develops transformative and principled leaders who will contribute to the advancement of the emerging world, particularly in Asia.
ACEN Corp. plans to increase its renewable energy investments in Australia to Au$6 billion in three years for an additional 3 gigawatts (GW) of capacity.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Philippine company now has Au$2-billion investment in Australia.

They have a large presence in New England region, in Tasmania, as well as investment coming in Western Australia in the Pilbara, Albanese said.

They expect that investment to increase to Au$6 billion in three yearsa substantial investment in Australian renewables, putting online something like 3 GW of additional capacity in the Australian energy market. A significant company which is making a difference and wants to make more of a difference, he said.

Albanese concluded a bilateral visit to the Philippines on Sept. 8, the first Australian leader to do so in 20 years.

He briefly met with ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia at the sidelines of the Australia-Philippine strategic partnership signing ceremony at Malacanang Palace.

Francia reiterated to Albanese the companys commitment to expanding in Australia.

ACEN fully supports Australias energy transition, and the company is gearing up to triple its Australia investments in the next three years, Francia said.

ACEN is a significant participant in the Australian electricity market with over 1,000 MW of solar capacity in operations and under construction in New South Wales.

ACEN appreciates the governments efforts to augment the much-needed transmission capacity to enable the growth of renewables. Our projects are particularly reliant on the Central West Orana renewable energy zone and the Marinus link transmission projects, among others, Francia said.

The Albanese administration is rolling out the Au$20-billion Rewiring the Nation Plan to upgrade and modernize the electricity grid and enable significant growth in renewables capacity.

The bilateral meeting was highlighted by the signing of a strategic partnership with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The new strategic partnership establishes an enduring framework for closer cooperation with the Philippines, one of Australias key partners in Southeast Asia, based on a strong alignment of strategic interests.

It is in line with Australias Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which the Prime Minister launched in his recent visit to Jakarta.

The strategy encompasses mutual trade and investment opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture and food, education and skills, resources and the clean energy transition.
Planning to enjoy visa-free travel to Taiwan? Savor that mouthwatering xiao long bao, stroll through vibrant night markets, and explore its beautiful ancient temples while keeping your loved ones up to date with GoRoam Taiwan.

As a leader in transforming mobile roaming services, Globe infuses convenience and affordability into wanderlust-driven adventures. The expanded GoRoam offering is the perfect digital companion to your Taiwan escapades, offering competitively priced data packages nearly at par with local SIM rates.

You can avail of the Taiwan-exclusive GoRoam package for just P550, which comes with 2.4GB of data valid for 30 days. No need to swap SIMs  keep your home contact number and let your Taiwan story unfold seamlessly.

Weve been listening, we understand the travelers desire for unhampered connection at rates close to what theyd find in the country they are visiting, said Coco Domingo, Vice President of Postpaid and International Business at Globe. Our vision is to redefine roaming by putting customer convenience at the forefront. GoRoam Taiwan is another exciting chapter in our journey.

But the globe-trotting does not stop at Taiwan. GoRoam has got you covered in other popular Asian destinations. Get GoRoam Thailand with 15GB of data at P500, usable for 8 days when you go to Thailand. If you want to explore Hong Kong, stay connected with GoRoam Hong Kongs 3GB of data for P600, good for five days. Access the GlobeOne app to register for these offers at never-before-seen roaming rates.

To learn more about Globe Roaming, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/international/roaming.html .
Families in southern Brazil on Saturday began to bury victims of a cyclone that left at least 41 dead and affected some 150,000 people, many of whom lost their homes or faced isolation from landslides that washed away roads and bridges.

In the cemetery of Mucum, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, mourners wept and hugged one another as loved ones were buried.

Pallbearers carried caskets through mud and puddles left by the storm.

The heavy rains and strong winds that hit the area last week tore away stone slabs weighing several tons and opened up tombs, some of which were flooded with mud. A jawbone lay uncovered on the ground.

Fabiano Bolnr, a 48-year-old policeman, lost his aunt, uncle and cousin. He said his cousin escaped flooding but returned to try to save his parents.

All three were buried Saturday.

They had already been through several floods, they had even moved to a house on higher ground. But unfortunately the waters came back and this time they took them away, he told AFP.

Mucum was hit harder by floods and landslides than any other municipality in Rio Grande do Sul. The cyclone, the worst natural disaster in the states history, left 41 people dead and 46 missing.

Relatives of nine victims had to go to the neighboring town of Vespasiano Correa to say their last goodbyes in an emotional ceremony in the municipal gymnasium.

I thought the worst was over, but I think this is really the worst moment, the moment of farewell and collective farewell, the mayor of Mucum, Mateus Trojan, told AFP.

 Pontiff offers prayers 

On the main street of Mucum, piles of red brick and wood were all that was left of houses that once stood. Mounds of corrugated metal roofing, splintered lumber, broken furniture, sodden clothing and wet mattresses were strewn along muddy roads.

Amid a search for the missing, access to the city was restricted. Of the 46 people still missing, 30 were from Mucum.

Elsewhere in the city, men on tractors or aboard heavy machinery moved debris. Groups of women carried food to volunteers and rescue workers.

At the cemetery, floral bouquets brightened the grim scene, sitting on muddy sidewalks as bereaved families gathered to place caskets of loved ones in burial niches.

Pope Francis on Saturday expressed his solidarity with the affected communities, according to a telegram in Portuguese from the Vatican secretary of states office.

The pontiff offers prayers for the eternal rest of the fatal victims as well as prayers for the homeless families, wishing that the reconstruction of the affected localities may take place quickly and efficiently.

The cyclone, which affected 88 localities in Rio Grande do Sul, caused economic losses of more than 1.3 billion reais (US$270 million), according to the National Confederation of Municipalities.
Berlin, GermanyWestern allies kicked off a major naval exercise in the Baltic Sea on Saturday amid rising tensions with Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

About 3,200 soldiers from 14 countries are taking part in the German-led Northern Coasts 23 exercise, the German navy said in a statement.

The exercise will involve 30 ships, submarines, up to 19 aircraft and various landing units, it said.

Russias war of aggression against Ukraine has radically altered the security situation in the Baltic Sea, said NATO spokesperson Dylan White.

Exercises like these send a clear message that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of allied territory.

Other countries taking part include Italy, France, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the United States.

It is the first time the German navy has been charged with planning and conducting a maneuver of such magnitude, said Rear Admiral Stephan Haisch, director of the maneuver.

The Northern Coasts series was launched by the German navy in 2007. Responsibility for the exercise alternates annually between Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

This year, for the first time, a realistic scenario is being practiced within the framework of alliance defense, according to the German navy.

The exercise will take place off the coasts and on the territory of Latvia and Estonia.

Incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have multiplied over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea during Russias offensive in Ukraine. AFP

Moscow said in May that it had intercepted four US strategic bombers above the Baltic Sea in two separate incidents in the space of one week.

Russia regularly holds naval drills in the Baltic Sea, often in response to NATO exercises in the area.

It last held drills in the area in early August.

The Russian navy has played a key role in Moscows assault on Ukraine by pummeling the Western-backed country with ship- and submarine-launched cruise missiles, among other weapons. AFP
KYIV, UkraineRussia attacked Ukraine with 32 drones overnight into Sunday, Kyiv military chiefs said, most of them aimed around the capital.

Air defenses shot down 25 of them, they added, without accounting for the other seven.

The aerial assault comes at a time when national leaders are ramping up calls for extra Western support to repel the Russian invasion.

The militarys general staff said the occupiers attacked Ukraine with 32 kamikaze drones of which 25 were destroyed by Ukrainian air defense forces.

The Russian occupiers directed most of the attack UAVs to the Kyiv region, they said.

Drones entered the capital in groups and from different directions, Sergiy Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, wrote on Telegram.

Debris fell in several districts, damaging an apartment in a multi-story building, as well as road surfaces and power lines, he added, saying one person was injured.

Russia systematically targeted Ukrainian cities early in the invasion launched last year, but massive strikes have become less frequent as Moscows stockpiles dwindle and Ukraine bolsters its air defences.

Last month, Kyiv destroyed more than 20 drones and missiles in what it called the most powerful strike on the capital since spring.

Speeches by several senior Ukrainian officials released Saturday drew a picture of a country at war held back by allies who had failed to grasp the scale and urgency of the crisis.

Newly appointed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov called for more military equipment.

We are grateful for all the support provided We need more heavy weapons, Umerov said in his speech.

But he added: We need them today. We need them now.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the slow delivery of Western weapons was hampering the counteroffensive against Russian positions in the east and south of the country.

Deputy Intelligence Chief Vadym Skibitsky estimated Saturday that Russia has more than 420,000 soldiers in the east and south of Ukraine, including Crimea.

Skibitsky also said Russia had for a month been actively launching attacks from Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.

Drones deployed in Crimea are used against our ports of Izmail and Reni used as alternative export hubs, particularly since the expiry of the deal allowing grain exports on the Black Sea.

Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in the east and south of the country in June but has come up against fierce resistance from entrenched Russian forces.

Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory were mainly aimed at military targets.

All (the targets) are enterprises of the military-industrial complex, said Budanov.

This is the difference that distinguishes us from Russians.

Attacks on Russian territory, which were rare at the beginning of the offensive, have intensified in recent months, with Kyiv increasingly claiming responsibility for them.

Russian authorities have reported civilian casualties from some Ukrainian attacks.

Ukrainian leaders also deplored the lack of progress on setting up an international tribunal to try Russias leaders, and on the transfer of frozen Russian assets.

Unfortunately, we are in a kind of deadlock on both, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.

He said the G7 group favored a hybrid tribunal based on Ukrainian legislation.

But this would not allow for the immunity of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin or Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to be stripped  an unacceptable option for Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials are arguing for an international court resembling the post-World War II Nuremberg tribunal.

There has been insufficient progress too, on the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine for use in the countrys reconstruction, Kuleba added.

After a year and a half, Im still hearing from Europe and America: we are working on it, said Kuleba, who addressed a conference in Kyiv Friday, but whose comments were only released on Saturday.

There is a lack of will to come to a conclusion. So we have to change that.

Since Moscows invasion in February 2022, Western sanctions have led to the freezing of some 300 billion euros ($320 billion) of Central Bank of Russia foreign exchange reserves around the world. AFP
SPRINGFIELD  When it comes to fundraising for the mayoral election, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno is far outpacing his competition.

The citys longest serving mayor has raised about $150,000 this year alone. City Councilor Justin Hurst has raised the second-most donations this year, around $90,000, in his bid to unseat Sarno.

The five candidates  Sarno, Hurst, City Council President Jesse Lederman, state Rep. Orlando Ramos, D-Springfield, and mental health counselor David Ciampi  will face off Tuesday to narrow the field to two candidates ahead of the November election.

Candidates file regular state reports documenting their campaign donations. How much have the candidates raised and who were their top donors?

Domenic Sarno

Springfield incumbent mayor Domenic J. Sarno meets with the editorial board of The Republican newspaper. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)

As of Sept. 1, Sarno had about $87,000 on hand.

Since he was most recently sworn to office in early 2020, Sarno has raised $446,000, the majority of which he amassed over the past two years. In just 2023, Sarnos campaign raised $154,000. That came after he raised $146,000 in December of last year, breaking a monthly record his campaign set in 2021.

Fundraising is the worst part of campaigning, however it is necessary in order to get your message out to the public, Sarno said in a statement Thursday. I am very thankful and humbled that our campaign has received financial support from all segments of our community.

Per state rules, individuals can only donate $1,000 each year to a candidate.

Over the past several years since Sarnos last bid for re-election, top donors to his campaign include totals of $3,000 from Mark Keroack, CEO of Baystate Health, several thousand from an executive at USA Hauling, and $4,000 from the owner of Universal Electric, an electrical contracting company.

Other notable sums include various owners and executives at Peter Pan Bus Lines, who donated a total of $8,600 over the past several years, while owners and an executive at Pioneer Valley Hotel Group have donated more than $3,000.

Three administrators at the Springfield Parking Authority donated a total of $8,250 over the past several years.

Sarnos current chief of staff donated $1,000. Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl C. Clapprood has given $500 total, while former Springfield mayor and retired judge Mary Hurley donated $1,500 over the last two years.

Justin Hurst

Springfield mayoral candidate Justin Hurst meets with the editorial board of The Republican newspaper. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 8/10/2023

The city councilor announced his mayoral campaign last fall. After Sarno, hes raised the most money this year: around $90,000 across more than 650 donations. Last year, he reported raising $47,000.

Im proud of the support weve received, he said. But more importantly, Im proud of the actual work thats been done by all of the volunteers  that speaks louder than the money that comes in.

He had about $1,000 on hand as of Sept. 1.

Over the last two years, his top donors include $2,000 from real estate agent Daniel Hannoush, $2,000 from Jonathan Lemay, vice president of A Plus HVAC, and $2,000 from relator Migdalia Khatib.

He also has support from fellow City Councilor Tracye Whitfield, who donated $1,250. In the last two years, Hurst raised about $10,000 from donors who listed their employer as the city of Springfield or its public schools.

Jesse Lederman

Springfield mayoral candidate Jesse Lederman meets with the editorial board of The Republican newspaper. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 8/10/2023

City Council President Lederman has raised $69,000 this year and $26,000 last year.

Ive said from the beginning of this campaign, its not a race to see who can raise more money, he said. Money doesnt win elections, principals and ideas win elections. His goal, he said, was to raise enough money to compete. We certainly have done that, he said.

Lederman noted donations from unions, like the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1459 and the Massachusetts Nurses PAC. City Council Vice President Melvin Edwards also donated more than $500 to Lederman this year.

His funds also include a $7,000 candidate loan to himself.

As of Sept. 1, he had about $4,000 on hand.

Orlando Ramos

Massachusetts State Representative Orlando Ramos, a candidate for Springfield mayor, talks to the editorial board of The Republican newspaper. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 8/14/2023

Ramos raised about $37,000 this year and $27,000 last year. The current state representative announced in February he was running for mayor, and he already had $50,000 on hand from his successful campaign for the statehouse, which he said gave him a head start.

I didnt have to focus on fundraising; $50,000 was a good starting point for me, he said. I wanted to spend all of my time and energy meeting voters.

Since announcing his mayoral run, his top donors this year include $1,000 from Anthony Soto, the superintendent of Holyoke Public Schools, and $1,000 from Jennifer Collins, the CEO of Sunrise Behavioral Health. Ramos also has several donations from unions, including several carpenters unions and the Massachusetts AFLCIO.

As of last week, the most recent reporting deadline, Ramos had $17,600 on hand.

Ramos raised questions about some who have contributed to Sarnos campaign.

I am concerned with some of the people who have contributed to the mayors campaign, he said. People who have contributed to his war chest have benefited from decisions made by the mayor.

Ramos pointed to sizeable donations from the owners of the building the city rents for a police shooting range.

David Ciampi

Springfield mayoral candidate David F. Ciampi meets with the editorial board of The Republican newspaper. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)

As of Sept. 1, Ciampi had around $260 in his campaign account. Since last fall, the psychotherapist and counselor has raised around $33,500. The vast majority of those funds, all but around $600, came from himself as candidate loans.

His campaign did not reply to a request for comment.
A Massachusetts State Trooper was responding to a report of a domestic incident in Hancock when the officer shot and killed a man in a Berkshire County home on Saturday morning, according to a statement from Berkshire County District Attorney spokeswoman Julia Sabourin.

At 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, police went to a residence on Richmond Road in Hancock. Sabourins statement reads that the officer encountered a man with a weapon.

Initial investigations indicate that when the officer arrived an individual armed with a weapon approached and would not back down following requests to stop resulting in the officer discharging his weapon, the statement read.

Police performed CPR on the man and the county ambulance was called, but the man was pronounced dead before being taken to the hospital, according to the statement.

Pittsfield police came to the home shortly after the shooting and assisted in resuscitation efforts, the statement read. The District Attorneys Office and the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the office are investigating along with other specialized units of the State Police and the investigation is in its early stages, according to the statement.

Read more: Seekonk police officer identified as woman killed in Somerset motorcycle crash

Reached Sunday, Sabourin said there was no update regarding the investigation or the identity of the man who was killed.

Hancock, a town that had just over 750 residents as of the 2020 U.S. Census, does not have its own police force, according to the statement.
New York State Police said two Massachusetts residents in their 70s were using a crosswalk on U.S. Highway 20 in New Lebanon, N.Y., on Saturday evening when they were killed by a Massachusetts driver.

Read more: Seekonk police officer identified as woman killed in Somerset motorcycle crash

Police identified Gary J. Sheldon, 74, and Patricia Peck, 77, both of Clarksburg, Mass., as the two pedestrians killed in the crash in a statement on Sunday. The statement also identified the driver of the vehicle they said struck them as Erica C. Florin, 36, of Lee, Mass.

Both Sheldon and Peck were pronounced dead at the site of the crash, despite attempted life saving measures by responding emergency medical service personnel, according to the statement.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. The New York State Police Troop K, reached Sunday, did not have information on whether charges have been filed.
Loved ones are mourning the loss of 33-year-old Massachusetts man who was killed by a fallen tree while camping with his fiance in Vermont as strong thunderstorms swept through New England this weekend.

Long live Joshua Przybycien, his cousin Adam Przybycien wrote on Facebook. I love you man. It still [doesnt] feel real and it wont for a long time. You were one of a kind and loved by all. Rest in paradise.

Read More: Services set for Jaden McDaniels who died in Cambridge motorcycle crash

Przybyciens fiance, Kathryn Workman, called law enforcement about an incident in which Przybycien was seriously injured, according to a statement from Vermont State Police. This happened around 1 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8 along Somerset Road in Somerset, Vermont, officials said.

First responders found Przybycien, of Palmer, dead under a large tree that had fallen at the campsite. Detectives learned the tree had fallen on him and his fiance while foul weather passed overhead shortly after midnight Friday, Vermont State Police detailed in their statement.

Read More: Seekonk police officer identified as woman killed in Somerset motorcycle crash

My heart is so sad our universe lost an amazing, one of a kind, soul, Lezette Bowler wrote on Facebook. [Joshs] knowledge was profound, just being in his presence lighted up your soul. Family reunions will never be the same. Everyones life you every touched will forever be changed.

Joshua was the kindest, deepest soul, Amanda Chase wrote on Facebook. My mind is flooded with memories of summers as a kid. The dirtiest bare feet. Trampoline for hours. All of the fields of wildflowers, all of the animals, all of the best memories...Youll be missed beyond measure.

Przybyciens death was not considered suspicious and authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Sgt. Steven Gelder from the Vermont State Police barracks in New Haven, Vermont at (802) 388-4919.
A Seekonk patrolwoman on Sunday was identified as a victim in an early Saturday fatal motorcycle crash in Somerset.

In a post to Facebook, Seekonk Police Chief David Enos announced that Patrolwoman Kourtny DeForitis died in the crash.

Read more: Woman and man killed in motorcycle crash on Route 103 in Somerset

DeForitis was a passenger on a motorcycle and was off-duty when the motorcycle crashed early Saturday morning, Enos wrote, adding that DeForitis served with the Seekonk Police Department for just under three years.

She has been assigned to the Patrol Division and was outstanding in her various roles as a community outreach officer, Enos wrote. Kourtny had a particular fondness for the youth of Seekonk and could be found playfully interacting with them in the schools and at community events, usually with a bright smile on her face and a contagious laugh.

DeForitis was one of two people killed in the crash  a man who was driving, who has yet to be identified, was also killed, according to police.

Police in Somerset were alerted to the crash around 1:15 a.m. on Saturday at a rotary on Route 103. When officers arrived, they found the motorcycle as well as the two victims lying in the roadway, Somerset Police Chief Todd Costa said in a statement.

An initial investigation by police suggested the motorcycle entered the rotary in the wrong direction and collided with the vehicle, the chief noted in the statement.

The man, who is believed to have been the driver of the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the crash scene. The woman, later identified as DeForitis, was taken by Somerset EMS to a local hospital, where she later died, according to the statement.

Somerset police are investigating the fatal crash with help from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Section and detectives assigned to the Bristol District Attorneys Office.
A funeral service has been scheduled for a 16-year-old from Cambridge who died days after he was injured in a motorcycle-involved crash in August.

A memorial for Jaden McDaniels will be held at Archangels Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept 12, according to a Facebook post from the Massachusetts Ethiopian Support Association (MESA).

The funeral will be followed by a burial at Cambridge City Cemetery at 12:30 p.m., and a reception at the church at 1:30 p.m., the post said.

McDaniels died at the hospital from injuries he got in the crash on Aug. 28, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and the Cambridge Police Department said.

Around 8:47 p.m., there was a crash involving a motorcycle and a Toyota RAV4 at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Putnam Avenue. Another teenager had been driving the motorcycle, police said.

Officials said the Toyota RAV4 was turning left onto Pleasant Street when the motorcycle driver, who was driving at a high rate of speed, drove through a stop sign and crashed into the RAV4.

Both the driver of the motorcycle and McDaniels were taken to Beth Israel Hospital after first aid efforts were made on-scene by residents, Cambridge Fire, EMTs and police officers.

The driver of the motorcycle had non-life threatening injuries. Officials said there have been no charges filed.

Damon Smith, principal of Cambridge Ridge Latin School (CRLS), sent a letter to the community on Thursday regarding McDaniels death, according to an article from Cambridge Day.

Read More: Seekonk police officer identified as woman killed in Somerset motorcycle crash

He had strong relationships with many students and staff in our community and we will miss him dearly, Smith said. Our school community extends our deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing and is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorneys Office, Cambridge Police and the Massachusetts State Police Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Section.
The report came into the Marlborough Police Department around 8:30 p.m. last Saturday: a group of perhaps 15 to 20 people, clad in black sweatshirts and masks, were assembled outside a local hotel.

The group had moved on by the time police officers arrived at the Extended Stay America hotel that night, Sept. 2. But an investigation in the days following indicated it had been members of a regional neo-Nazi organization, drawn to Marlborough to protest immigrant families sheltered in hotels there by the state, Sgt. Zachary Attaway, a spokesperson for the Marlborough Police, said.

We have some migrants being housed in some of our local hotels, he said. I think thats what drew them to one of the hotels.

Social media activity by one prominent neo-Nazi chapter supports that conclusion.

On Gab, a social network with a distinct far-right-wing membership, the neo-Nazi organization NSC-131 posted images of its members rallying outside hotels in Marlborough and Woburn in the last week-and-a-half. The images show a group of men, their identities obscured by masks, holding a banner that reads Invaders Go Home.

The social media posts are captioned with diatribes against the growing numbers of immigrants who have sought shelter in Massachusetts and government officials who have labored to accommodate them.

Attaway said protests such as these present a difficult puzzle for local police, who strive to keep their residents safe, but who also must balance the First Amendment rights of a group to peacefully assemble.

Its definitely a tough situation, he said.

If the group is trespassing on private property, police can order them to leave. And if there is any threat to public safety, we have to act, Attaway said. But if a group has broken no laws, officers will keep a watchful eye on the protest and be ready to step in if necessary.

Read more: Woburn preps to shelter up to 100 migrant families in hotel

Even if the message might not seem peaceful, as long as theyre not inciting any violence, wed try to be present and have a heavy police presence to make sure we keep the peace and public safety stays in order, Attaway said.

NSC-131 has tested other local and state officials before.

The group has protested outside events featuring drag queens and at the New England Holocaust Memorial in Boston. Earlier this year, two NSC-131 members were charged with civil rights violations in New Hampshire after the group hung a Keep New England White banner from a highway overpass. The case is under review by a judge after he initially dismissed the charges as an unconstitutional infringement on the defendants right to express their views.

Along with the white supremacist organization Patriot Front, NSC-131 is one of the most active extremist groups in New England, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

The ADL classifies NSC-131 as a neo-Nazi organization. The NSC is short for National Socialist Club, while 131 is alphanumeric code for the letters A-C-A, standing for Anti-Communist Action.

Peggy Shukur, the ADLs deputy regional director for New England, said earlier this year that white supremacist groups simultaneously attempt to intimidate their targets and lure others into ranks.

While their message and often their faces are often intentionally disguised, their goal is to inspire and incite people to act, she said.

NSC-131s recent activity is tied to the recent influx of migrants seeking shelter in Massachusetts, where a right-to-shelter law requires the state to house families with children and pregnant women who are homeless.

The growing number of arrivals  more than 6,000 families, according to state officials  prompted Gov. Maura Healey last month to declare a state of emergency and activate 250 National Guard members to bolster the states strained shelter system.

Like Marlborough, Woburn is one of a number of communities grappling with the arrival of families in need of help. Last month, Woburn Mayor Scott Galvin announced that state officials had placed dozens of homeless migrant families in Woburn hotels, and that the numbers could grow.

Assimilating the new arrivals will be challenging but we are prepared to support the Governor and comply with State law during this time of crisis, Galvin said in a statement. As Woburn residents have always done, we will help the new members of our community adjust, feel welcomed, thrive, and become productive residents in our great City.

In posts on Gab, NSC-131 claimed to have rallied in late August outside three Woburn hotels serving as migrant shelters. The group said political leaders who have worked to assist migrants and the hotels that have housed them will be opposed wherever and whenever possible.
To the Editor of The Republican:

In Massachusetts, where voters in 2016 legalized marijuana, past offenders for simple possession of marijuana still have a criminal record. It is now time for the Legislature, not the governor through the pardon process as some have proposed, to remedy the situation.

Despite the change in the law, past marijuana convictions can shadow former defendants by appearing on background checks, blocking access to certain employment opportunities; leasing apartments with federal subsidies; complicating child custody matters in the Probate Court; or even acceptance to a college.
When Achill fisherman Darren Kilbane discovered a Canadian mini-boat washed ashore on an Achill beach it sparked new ties between Achill and the Newfoundland school from where it was launched.

Last week, those new ties culminated in the Canadian students and their teacher who worked on the scientific experiment for their school visiting Achill, with the intention of relaunching 'Raven Kaster' to continue its journey in the north Atlantic.

The Raven Kaster was launched on the Grand Banks off Newfoundland on Canada's east coast on November 11, 2018 as part of an oceanographic experiment involving the School of Ocean Technology at the Marine Institute in Newfoundland and Frank Roberts Junior High in Conception Bay South.

Having survived giant waves and two storms in the Atlantic, Raven Kaster's journey across the ocean ended after 102 days when it washed ashore on Dookinella beach in February 2019. It was picked up by local fisherman Darren Kilbane and after the initial excitement, Raven Kaster was forgotten about until it was put on display in the Achill Experience Aquarium.

When Caragh McGinty of Achill Experience posted the boat on social media it was picked up on the other side of the Atlantic and links were forged between Frank Roberts Junior High and Colaiste Pobail Acla in Achill.

Last week, Thomas Shepard, the technology teacher in Frank Roberts Junior High and Stephanie Evans and Kaithlyn Grundy, two students who worked on the initial experiment, visited Achill to see where the Raven Kaster washed ashore.

It has been an incredible experience and I cannot get over the welcome we had here, Thomas told The Mayo News. I knew about Ireland but I did not know about the regions and nothing about Achill Island. To come from an island [in Canada] and for Raven Kaster to land on an island is pretty cool.

We didn't know where it would go because November in the north Atlantic is not friendly. Some others launched around that time ended up in France or Spain or the Azores. When we launched it at Grand Banks it went straight across and was heading towards the south of Ireland when Storm Eric diverted it north, he explained.



Dream come true

Stephanie and Kaithlyn, who are now University students, recalled tracking the boat's progress in Tech class when it suddenly came to a stop on Dookinella beach. Both said that it was a dream come true to visit Achill and see where the boat came ashore.

It was definitely fun and we never thought we could come this far, said Kaitlyn. When we launched the boat we lost contact with it for so long and all of a sudden it was here again. I was always interested in science and even though what I am studying has nothing to do with the ocean, this project has allowed me to hold onto that part of science that I really enjoyed studying.

Raven Kaster has since been repaired and following fundraising on both sides of the Atlantic, it has been upgraded to include sensors to measure air and water temperature as well as a camera. Karen Lavelle, the geography teacher in Colaiste Pobail Acla, said it was exciting to meet her Canadian counterparts and the experience will live with her pupils for a long time.

It was great to be involved in the project and regenerate that kind of excitement from 2018 when it washed in originally and for the kids to get involved in it. It is a great thing for them to get involved in.

It is brilliant to have the team from Frank Roberts here. We have been in contact for the last year and a half through video calls but to have them here and show them where it washed in on Dookinella beach is fantastic.

The plan is to liaise with the Marine Institute in Ireland to launch the boat off Ireland and track where the current brings it. Letters from students in Achill will be placed in it and it is hoped that whoever finds it when it goes ashore will make contact with the Achill students.

The Irish Ambassador to Canada, Eamon McKee, also visited Achill to welcome the Canadian visitors and explained that there are deep cultural links between Ireland and Newfoundland. Gifts including the flag of Newfoundland were presented to the Achill contingent and Thomas hopes that the simple science experiment will result in greater ties between Achill and Newfoundland.

This thing has grown legs and it is so interesting and has brought so many people together. Newfoundland has a very strong Irish culture and this boat has allowed us to reconnect that bond with Ireland.

- Pictured at the relaunch of the Raven Kaster Project last week were, back, from left: Carragh Ginty (Achill Experience), Thomas Sheppard (teacher, Conception Bay South, Newfoundland), Eamonn McKee (Ambassador of Ireland to Canada), Karen Lavelle (Depity Principal, Colaiste Pobail Acala) and Elaine Connaghan (Achill Experience). Front row, from left: Ria O'Toole Kilbane (student, Colaiste Pobail Acala), Kaitlyn Grandy and Stephanie Evans, Raven Kaster project, Newfoundland.
A man in his 40s has been arrested in relation to a fatal road traffic collision which occurred in Tallaght, Dublin on Friday morning.

The collision involving a car and a pedestrian occurred shortly before 11am at the junction of Fortunestown Way and Cheeverstown Road. The pedestrian, a female in her 80s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her body was removed to the City Morgue at Whitehall for post mortem.

The car, which initially failed to remain at the scene, was identified and recovered by Gardai and will be subject to a technical examination.

The man arrested today under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 is currently being detained in a Garda Station in the South Dublin area.

Gardai are continuing to appeal to anyone with information or who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

"Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), and who were travelling on Fortunestown Way or Cheeverstown Road, yesterday morning between 10:30am and 11:15am, is asked to make this footage available to Gardai," a spokesperson said.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station."
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 10, 2023

A federal appeals panel ruled Friday that the White House and other federal officials likely violated the First Amendment by pressuring social-media platforms to suppress posts about matters including vaccines and COVID-19.

The judges also issued an injunction that prohibits officials in the White House, Surgeon General's office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Centers for Disease Control from attempting to coerce or significantly encourage a platforms content-moderation decisions.

But the panel lifted some other restrictions that had been included in a broader injunction issued in July by U.S. District court Judge Terry Doughty in Monroe, Louisiana.

Friday's order, issued by a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, came in a lawsuit brought by attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri, and several individuals who said their posts relating to COVID-19 policies and vaccines were suppressed.

advertisement advertisement

Among other allegations, they said the government violated the First Amendment by pressuring social platforms "to censor disfavored speakers and viewpoints by using threats of adverse government action."

Doughty sided with the plaintiffs, writing that the government's effort to prevent the spread of some social media posts regarding COVID-19, vaccines and other matters depicts an almost dystopian scenario.

He wrote: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a period perhaps best characterized by widespread doubt and uncertainty, the United States Government seems to have assumed a role similar to an Orwellian 'Ministry of Truth.'

The Biden administration appealed the injunction to the 5th Circuit, arguing Doughty's order was so broad that it could be interpreted as prohibiting virtually any government communication directed at social-media platforms regarding content moderation.

The appellate panel largely agreed with Doughty that federal officials went too far in attempting to control content on social media platforms.

On multiple occasions, the officials coerced the platforms into direct action via urgent, uncompromising demands to moderate content, the judges wrote in a 74-page decision. The officials threatened -- both expressly and implicitly -- to retaliate against inaction. Officials threw out the prospect of legal reforms and enforcement actions while subtly insinuating it would be in the platforms best interests to comply.

At the same time, judges said the original injunction was was so vague and sweeping that it could have prohibited government officials from engaging in lawful activity.

For instance, one provision of the original injunction would have prohibited officials from urging, encouraging, pressuring, or inducing in any manner social-media companies to change their guidelines for removing, deleting, suppressing, or reducing content containing protected free speech.

The appellate judges wrote: 'Urging, encouraging, pressuring' or even 'inducing' action does not violate the Constitution unless and until such conduct crosses the line into coercion or significant encouragement.

Doughty's original injunction was temporarily blocked by the 5th Circuit in July.

The new injunction won't take effect until at least September 18, to give the Biden administration time to decide whether to ask the Supreme Court to intervene.
by Tanya Gazdik , September 10, 2023

Mazda North American Operations has selected Optimal as its first search agency of record.

The addition of the company to the automakers agency roster highlights Mazdas commitment to being at the forefront of digital excellence, through leveraging Optimal's expertise in direct response, search and performance marketing. Optimal will play a pivotal role in maximizing Mazda's digital presence and driving their business forward, according to the automaker.

The agency and automaker declined to reveal spending, but said that Mazda has gained significant efficiency via SEM, decreasing cost-per-engaged-visitor by a third.

Mazda began working with Optimal in February 2023 with paid and organic search and digital public relations for all Mazda North American Operations lines. The agency took over management of all digital media for CX-50 beginning in June.

advertisement advertisement

Growing out of the recent search partnership, Optimal also has been selected as MNAOs performance marketing AOR for its CX-50 vehicle campaign.

Were excited to work closely with Optimals performance digital media experts to develop a dynamic, innovative go-to-market approach, said Brad Audet, CMO, Mazda North American Operations, in a statement. Optimals focus on data-driven insights to fuel real-time optimization will help us drive meaningful long-term growth.

Optimal aims to inspire audience action with a data-driven, strategic and dynamic approach. The agency uses proprietary data, technology and media solutions to deliver results for brands, companies and causes.

The agency will help maximize Mazda's digital presence, says George S. Rogers, Optimal's executive chairman.

"In today's digital landscape, we are witnessing a shift where innovative brands are refocusing their efforts on performance marketing to drive tangible results quickly," Rogers says.
Reset Travel, a premium annual industry event, returns to London on November 3 and will take place at London Hilton on Park Lane.

Reset Travel is a premium annual event for owners, investors and academics with content focussed on initiatives that will have an immediate impact on making travel and hospitality more sustainable, said a statement.

This years event has again drawn a standout speaker roster who will share insights and case studies through keynotes and interactive panel sessions. Talks are designed to inform delegates and provide a framework for action.

International speakers at the summit include:

 Edmund Bartlett, Tourism Minister for Jamaica

 Dr Taleb Rifai, former Secretary General, United Nations World Tourism Organisation

 Dr Abdullah Al Nuami, UAEs former Minister of Climate Change and Environment

They will be joined by noted sustainable travel and hospitality experts from the UK including:

 Danny Pecorelli, MD of Exclusive Hotels - the UKs first certified B Corp hotel brand

 Professors and Academics from Surrey Universitys Institute of Sustainability

The presentations will highlight actions, demonstrable results and how the speakers organisations are transforming their business models to bring positive impacts on nature, people and the planet while also having equitable outcomes on their bottom lines.

The event coincides with the start of World Travel Market. In person tickets can be booked at https://tlcharmony.com/reset2023/

Nicki Page, founder of Reset Travel comments: Reset Travel is action and output focused as it is imperative for our industry to make verified changes in how we reduce the negative impacts we are having on the world. Changes that will be good for people, the planet and business prosperity."

Danny Pecorelli adds: Im delighted to be sharing our latest Impact Report which shows the positive outputs weve achieved since joining the B Corp movement two years ago. Communicating and inspiring others is an important role in being a B Corp and I hope Reset Travel will encourage more companies in our sector to embrace the challenges of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Recent research by SalvaNatura demonstrates the strong consumer demand for sustainable business practices: 62% of respondents stating that sustainability is vital to the future of tourism, 88% recommending sustainable travel and 71% of tourists saying theyd pay more to lower their carbon footprint.

Reset Travel is run and managed by TLC Harmony in Tourism and Development whose mission is to ensure tourism has a net positive impact for climate, biodiversity and local communities. The annual summit was launched in 2021 and was inspired through the support and guidance of the University of Wales Harmony Institute whose patron in King Charles III and His Majestys international call to RESET business to be in harmony with nature. - TradeArabia News Service
BANYUWANGI, Indonesia (AP)  Thousands of soldiers from the United States, Indonesia, Australia and other allied forces demonstrated their armor capabilities on Sunday in combat drills on the Indonesian island of Java at a time of increased Chinese aggression in the region.

President Joe Biden's administration has been strengthening an arc of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to reassure allies alarmed by Beijings increasingly provocative actions in the disputed South China Sea, which has become a battleground for U.S-Chinese rivalries.

During the drills, Australian forces deployed five M1A1 Abrams battle tanks and the Indonesian military, deployed two Leopard-2 tanks for the two-week combat exercises in Banyuwangi, a coastal district in East Java province which began Sept. 1. It will include live-fire drills.

It was the first time Australia deployed battle tanks outside its territory since the Vietnam war.

The Garuda Shield drills have been held annually between American and Indonesian soldiers since 2009. Last year's participants Australia, Japan and Singapore  joined again Sunday and the list expanded to include the United Kingdom and France bringing the total number of troops taking part in the drills to 5,000.

China sees the expanded drills as a threat, accusing the U.S. of building an Indo-Pacific alliance similar to NATO to limit Chinas growing military and diplomatic influence in the region.

Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans, Commanding General of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division, told The Associated Press in an interview Saturday that the introduction of armor capability in the large-scale drills would give the allied forces and defense partners a chance to test their weaponry in combat training as they finetune their military readiness.

Garuda Shield is being held in several places, including in waters around Natuna at the southern portion of the South China Sea.

Indonesia and China enjoy generally positive ties, but Jakarta has expressed concern about what it sees as Chinese encroachment on its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. The edge of the exclusive economic zone overlaps with Beijings unilaterally declared nine-dash line demarking its claims there.

Increased activities by Chinese coast guard vessels and fishing boats in the area have unnerved Jakarta, prompting Indonesias navy to conduct a large drill in July 2020 in waters around Natuna.

Evans refused to comment on Chinas long-standing opposition to U.S.-led military drills in Asia.

Asked whether there are plans by the U.S. military to carry out joint naval patrols with allies like Japan and the Philippines in or near contested waters, Evans said that it is important that we maintain a continuous engagement with our regional partners and allies from a military perspective, because, that, again, enhances our overall readiness.

I think it continues to show a sign of our commitment to regional partners and allies, said Evans, who is also Senior Commander of U.S. Army Hawaii.

Combat exercises between U.S. forces and their regional allies and defense partners remains critically important, as it has been since we began this operation in 2006, he said in response to a question on the urgency of conducting such exercises now.

U.S. allies recognize the strategic importance and the opportunity to participate in the multinational exercises, which aim to enhance military professionalism aside from bolstering combat readiness and sharpening the ability of allied forces to operate together, Evans said.

Australia, along with all of our regional partners and allies, continues to contribute to really three things that we focus on during operation pathways, in this case, Garuda Shield, Evans said, Those three things are partnerships, the refinement of our overall military readiness and interoperability.

Meanwhile, Rear Adm. Julius Widjojono, the spokesperson for the Indonesian military, said the field training exercises aim to boost combat preparedness and hone the battle instincts of soldiers from participant nations, including overcoming enemy assaults while carrying out patrols.

Brunei, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Korea, and East Timor sent observers to the combined joint multilateral exercise.
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP)  Niger's new military leaders accused France of amassing forces for a possible military intervention in the country following the coup in July. French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that he would only take action at the demand of deposed Nigerien leader Mohamed Bazoum.

Niger's junta spokesman, Maj. Amadou Abdramane, said that France is also considering collaborating in such an intervention with the Economic Community of West African States, a regional bloc known as ECOWAS.

France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS countries as part of preparations for an aggression against Niger, Abdramane said late Saturday in a statement broadcast on state television.

Macron said he wouldn't directly respond to the junta's claim when asked about it after the Group of 20 summit.

"If we redeploy anything, it will only be at the demand of Bazoum and in coordination with him, not with those people who are holding a president hostage," he said.

Macron, however, added that France fully supports the position of ECOWAS, which has said it's considering a military intervention as an option to reinstate Bazoum as president.

Since toppling Bazoum, the junta in Niger, a former French colony, has leveraged anti-French sentiment among the population  asking the French ambassador and troops to leave  to shore up its support in resistance to regional and international pressure to reinstate the president. The country had been a strategic partner of France and the West in the fight against growing jihadi violence in the conflict-ridden Sahel region, the arid expanse below the Sahara Desert.

The junta spokesman said that France has deployed military aircraft and armored vehicles in countries like Ivory Coast, Senegal and Benin for such an aggression, a claim that The Associated Press couldn't independently verify.

This is why the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland and the transitional government launch a solemn appeal to the great people of Niger to be vigilant and never to demobilize until the inevitable departure of French troops from our territory, he said.

French military spokesperson Col. Pierre Gaudilliere, meanwhile, said Thursday that there is now a little less than its 1,500 troops in Niger who had been working with Nigerien security forces to beat back the jihadi violence.

All French activities have been suspended since the coup, therefore, declarations that have been made (earlier by the French) are about exploring what were going to do with these capabilities, Gaudilliere said.

___

Angela Charlton contributed to this report from Paris.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Michael White had only recently arrived in a grim Iranian jail when a curious fellow prisoner, an English-speaking Iranian, approached him in the courtyard for a conversation.

The American did not reveal much at first, but it was the beginning of an unlikely friendship between White, a Navy veteran imprisoned on spying charges he says were unfounded, and Mahdi Vatankhah, a young Iranian political activist whose positions on social issues had drawn his government's ire.

As the men connected behind bars over a shared interest in politics and human rights, they developed a bond that proved vital for both.

Vatankhah, while in custody and after his release, helped White by providing White's mother with crucial, firsthand accounts about her son's status in prison and by passing along letters White had written while he was locked up. Once freed, White did not forget. He pushed successfully this year for Vatankhahs admission to the United States, allowing the men to be reunited last spring inside a Los Angeles airport, something neither could have envisioned when they first met in prison years earlier.

He risked his life to get the information out for me when I was in the prison in Iran. He really, really did, White said in an interview alongside Vatankhah. I told him I would do everything I could in my power to get him here because I felt, one, that would be for his safety in his own life. And I also felt he could get a great contributing member of society here.

This year, White received permission for Vatankhah to live temporarily in the U.S. under a government program known as humanitarian parole, which allows people in for urgent humanitarian reasons or if there is a significant public benefit.

Vatankhah told AP he had dreamed about coming to the U.S. ever since he could remember. When he landed, It was like the best moment of my life. My whole life changed.

White, 50, a Southern California native who spent 13 years in the Navy, was arrested in Iran in 2018 after traveling to the country to pursue a romantic relationship with a woman he met online. He was jailed on various charges, including espionage accusations that he calls bogus, as well as allegations of insulting Iran's supreme leader.

He endured what he says was torture and sexual abuse, an ordeal he documented in a handwritten diary that he secretly maintained behind bars, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in what the U.S. government has said was a wrongful detention.

Vatankhah, now 24, said he had been in and out of prison since he was a teenager because of his involvement in left-leaning causes and vocal criticism of the Iranian government, including through protests, social media posts and university newspaper pieces. He met White in 2018 after one such arrest when Vatankhah faced accusations of spreading propaganda against Tehran's government.

Though Vatankhah was later released, he was arrested again, this time winding up in the same cell as White in Iran's Mashhad prison.

During the course of their friendship, Vatankhah helped White navigate his imprisonment and better understand the judicial system, functioning as an interpreter to help him communicate with guards and inmates. In early 2020, while Vatankhah was out on furlough, he also became a vital conduit to the outside world for White.

Using contact information White had given him, Vatankhah got in touch with Jonathan Franks, a consultant in the U.S. for families of American hostages and detainees who was working on Whites case and later helped spearhead the humanitarian parole process for Vatankhah. He also spoke with White's mother and smuggled out White's letters.

The detailed information about White, his status and his health  he suffered from cancer and COVID-19 in prison  came at a crucial time, providing a proof-of-life of sorts at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran due to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who led the expeditionary Quds Force of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

White was released in a June 2020 prisoner swap, exchanged for an American-Iranian physician imprisoned in the U.S. for violating American sanctions laws. Vatankhah, released the same year, made his way to Turkey.

White argued in his March application on Vatankhah's behalf that his friend met the criteria for humanitarian parole because, despite having relocated to Turkey, he was continuing to face harassment on account of his political viewpoints. Vatankhah wrote in his own petition that the situation was unsafe for him in Turkey. He noted that Turkish police had raided his home and that he remained at risk of deportation to Iran.

Paris Etemadi Scott, a California lawyer who has worked with White and Vatankhah and filed the humanitarian parole application on the Iranian's behalf, said Vatankhah's assistance to an American  a veteran, no less  enhanced the legitimacy and urgency of his petition because it added to the potential that Vatankhah could face imminent harm.

While many applicants do not have significant supporting documentation, Mahdi had this amazing amount of evidence to show that he was in fact incarcerated over and over again, she said.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it does not discuss individual humanitarian parole cases. A State Department spokesman said in a statement that the office of the department's special presidential envoy for hostage affairs had worked hard to secure White's release in 2020, and after learning of Vatankhah's case, worked hand-in-hand with multiple partners in the U.S. government to secure the parole.

Vatankhah is now living in San Diego, where White is from. Vatankhah said his humanitarian parole is good for one year, but he already has applied for asylum, which would allow him to remain in the U.S. He's obtained a work permit and has found work as a caregiver.

He's also enjoying freedom to share his political views freely without fear of retribution.

I like to express my ideas here where I can. I can continue to use my freedom to talk against the Iranian regime."
How to use the mindat.org media viewer

Click/touch this help panel to close it.

Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. Here is a quick guide to some of the options available to you. Different controls are available depending on the type of media being shown (photo, video, animation, 3d image)

Controls - all media types

Zoom in and out of media using your mousewheel or with a two-finger 'resize' action on a touch device.

Use the mouse or your finger to drag the image or the view area of the image around the screen.

< and > at the left and right hand side of the screen move forwards and backwards for the other images associated with the media you selected. Usually this is used for previous/next photo in a gallery, in an article or in search results. Keyboard shortcuts: use shift + the left and right arrow keys.

< and > in the bottom center are used for switching between the photos of the same specimen. Keyboard shortcuts: use the left and right arrow keys.

> in the bottom center, raises the information box giving details and further options for the media, < at the top of this box then hides it. Keyboard shortcuts: use the up and down arrow keys.

? opens this help window. Keyboard shortcuts: use the H key or the ? key.

Other keyboard shortcuts:

1 Fit image to screen 2 Fill screen with image 5 Display at full resolution < Make background darker > Make background lighter space Hide/dim titles and buttons

Scalebar

If the field of view (FOV) is specified for the photo, the scalebar appears in the left bottom corner of the viewer. The scalebar is draggable and resizeable. Drag the right edge to resize it. Double click will reset the scalebar to it's default size and position. If the scalebar is in default position, double click will make it circular.

Controls - Video

Video files have a standard set of video controls: - Reset to start, - Skip back, - Play, - Pause, - Skip forwards. Keyboard shortcuts: You can stop/start video play with the P key.

Controls - Animation (Spin Rotation)

Animation (usually 360 degree spin rotations) have their own controls: - enable spin mode. Note that while images are loading this option will not be available but will be automatically activated when the animation has loaded. Once active you can spin the image/change the animation by moving your mouse or finger on the image left/right or by pressing the [ or ] keys.

The button switches to move mode so that you can use your mouse/fingers to move the image around the screen as with other media types.

The button, or the P key will start playing the animation directly, you can interrupt this by using the mouse or finger on the image to regain manual movement control.

Controls - 3D Stereoscopic images

If a stereoscopic 3D image is opened in the viewer, the 3D button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "3D settings" menu. The 3D images can be viewed in several ways:

- without any special equipment using cross-eyed or parallel-eyed method

- with stereoscope

- with anaglyph glasses.

- on a suitable 3D TV or monitor (passive 3D system)

For details about 3D refer to: Mindat manuals: Mindat Media Viewer: 3D

To enable/disable 3D stereo display of a compatible stereo pair image press the 3 key. If the left/right images are reversed on your display (this often happens in full-screen mode) press the 4 key to reverse them.

Controls - photo comparison mode

If a photo with activated comparison mode is opened in the viewer, the button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "Comparison mode settings" menu.

Several layouts are supported: slider and side by-side comparison with up to 6 photos shown synchronously on the screen. On each of the compared photos a view selector is placed, e.g.: Longwave UV . It shows the name of currently selected view and allows to select a view for each placeholder.

Summary of all keyboard shortcuts
Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg recently spoke to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times regarding the clubs progress in its search for a new stadium and rumors earlier in the year of bids from outside investors to buy the team, with Sternberg providing clarity regarding both matters.

Perhaps most importantly, Sternberg noted that the Rays are willing to cover the costs of more than half of a proposed domed stadium in St. Petersburg, with the project estimated to cost $1.2 billion in total. The comments give fans a window into what the Rays total commitment might look like if a deal is worked out for the first time while providing an update on the negotiations, which Sternberg says he is highly optimistic about. Topkin notes that a deal could get done before the end of the year.

Such a deal would seemingly leave the Rays owing over $600MM for the stadium, which Topkin notes would open in 2028, the year following the expiration of Tampas lease at Tropicana Field. Sternberg says that the club has been seeking investors to raise the necessary funds in exchange for a stake in the team. Topkin adds that those discussions have been the catalyst for inquiries regarding the possibility of a sale of th entire team, and Sternberg has not shut those offers down entirely.

Regarding the possibility of selling the team, Sternberg told Topkin that he doesnt intend on selling and expects to remain the clubs principal owner. That said, Sternberg expressed a willingness to listen to offers, saying that when youre talking about people raising potentially hundreds of millions of dollars, theyre going, Well, maybe we can buy the whole damn thing. So they take a run at you. Sternberg likened his approach to inquiries regarding the team to that of his front office regarding the clubs players, saying that if you want to make an offer, I always listen but adding that no deal is in the works despite the club receiving plenty of offers over the years.

Sternberg added that he has no intentions of moving the team, though he did simultaneously indicate that without a new stadium agreement the Rays would likely be on the move, explaining that he would sell the team if the club fails to reach a new stadium agreement in the Tampa Bay area and that he would expect a hypothetical new owner to explore relocation for the team following the expiration of the clubs current lease in 2027. Fortunately for Rays fans, that eventuality seems unlikely to come to fruition as things stand. Sternberg describes the negotiations with St. Petersburg as moving along at a very nice pace and says that he feel[s] pretty good about where the talks are at with just under four months left in the year.

Along with the As, who seem all but certain to relocate to Las Vegas in the coming years, the Rays stadium situation has been perhaps the biggest roadblock to an expansion effort by MLB. Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated as recently as last year that he would love to see the league expand to 32 teams, though hes previously noted that the league wont considering expanding beyond its current 30 teams until stadium issues in both Oakland and Tampa are resolved.

With the timeline for expansion uncertain and fees exceeding $2 billion being floated as a possibility, its hardly a surprise that potential ownership groups would also have interest in purchasing and relocating the Rays. Topkin notes that a Nashville-based investor explored buying the Rays this past summer with a potential price tag of $1.85 billion. Massive as that figure is, it would still be less expensive than the aforementioned rumored expansion fees, lending credence to Sternbergs suggestion that potential buyers have interest in exploring relocation for the franchise.
EMMET COUNTY, MICH. -- Four stout glass bottles with secret messages inside are bobbing their way around the Great Lakes right now  and the finders who eventually discover them will be awarded a stay at one of Michigans most remote lighthouses.

The bottles were dropped into the Mackinac Straits over Labor Day weekend from White Shoal Light, the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes, as part of the lighthouses Message in a Bottle Contest.

Since the offshore lighthouse first began offering overnight guest stays a few years ago, its become known for hosting creative, adventurous contests, such as 2019s Isolation Challenge. This latest contest was part of a special celebration commemorating the offshore lighthouses 113th anniversary.

Four descendents of White Shoals longest-running lightkeeper, George Keller, played a key role in the Labor Day weekend celebrations: Each wrote a personal message to tuck into one of the bottles, along with a note about the prize for an overnight stay, before sending the bottles out onto the freshwater seas.

The ceremonial gesture was meant to echo another message in a bottle moment from the lighthouses history. While stranded in the lighthouse with no heat during the deadly Armistice Day Blizzard of November 1940, Keller and a fellow keeper had scribbled the storms harrowing details on the back of a calendar page, slipped the note into a bottle, and tossed it off into the fury outside, perhaps to provide testimony to the historic storm if they didnt survive.

They did in fact survive, as did that message in a bottle, which was discovered a few weeks later by a pair of fishermen near Gros Cap, Mich., west of St. Ignace.

We made the connection with bringing these four family members together that it would be really cool to commemorate that story, said Jill Ore, head lighthouse keeper for White Shoal.

Conditions for the bottle drop were considerably more pleasant this time around: Clear skies prevailed as the four bottles were sent on their way, each containing an offer for a free three-night stay in one of the lighthouses guest quarters, with no expiration date for redeeming the prize.

Organizers from White Shoal Light Historical Preservation Society said theyre encouraging people to walk the Great Lakes beaches this fall and keep an eye out for these treasures.

These bottles could possibly end up in Canada or even down the Detroit River, depending on wind and currents, White Shoal co-owner Brent Tompkins said. We hope everyone has fun with this and that the bottles are all eventually found.

More information on the contest is at White Shoal Lights Facebook page.

MORE ON MLIVE:

Why you should keep your hummingbird feeders filled this fall

You can vacation in a vintage Sears cottage at this Northern Michigan state park
ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan was supposed to be just one stop on Carl Cohens journey.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Florida, he traveled the country for his education to such places as Miami, Illinois and Los Angeles. Later in his life, he would traverse remote islands in Scandinavia, Britain, Crete and Japan.

Ann Arbor, however, was the most constant setting in his life. He stepped on campus in 1955 with the thought it would be a stepping stone in his academic career, his daughter Jackie Cohen said.

He spent the next 62 years at the universitys Residential College, however, in one of the longest tenures in university history, leaving behind a legacy that valued education, his students and free expression.

He died Aug. 26 at age 92, his family confirmed. He was preceded in death by his first wife Muriel Milkove and is survived by his two children Jackie and Noah Cohen, as well as his nephews and nieces Matthew, David, Miriam and Ron.

He thought of education as a gift, his daughter said. It is something he thought he was very fortunate to have, so he, sometimes intensely, thought others should value it, too.

He was an ebullient, generous and gracious person, his niece Miriam Graf said. He made you feel like the center of the universe.

Read more: University of Michigan professor touched lives of hundreds through magic of theater

Cohen was born April 30, 1931 and left New York City at age 12 to move to Miami. His parents and teachers made education fun in his formative years, promising him candy for solving math problems, his daughter said.

He sharpened his mind with things like astronomy and chess, Graf said, but his favorite avenue for learning was through conversation.

Education is about speaking and writing and thinking clearly, Graf remembered Cohen saying. You should be able to think and have an opinion.

After graduating from high school in 1947 at age 16, he won a Coca-Cola Scholarship to attend University of Miami. He studied philosophy all throughout his academic career, earning a masters degree at University of Illinois in 1952 and a doctorate at University of California-Los Angeles in 1955.

University of Michigan was supposed to be a place to explore for a few years before returning to Los Angeles, his daughter said. He instead fell in love with the states natural beauty, as well as the campus community.

He would always tell us the state motto: If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you, she said.

Cohen became engrained in the university, founding the Medical Schools Program in Human Values in Medicine and serving as chairman of the Faculty Senate. One of his lasting contributions was helping establish the Residential College in 1967 as a place where faculty and students could collaborate more closely, Graf said.

He thought it could be a place where students and faculty could get to know each other very well, Graf said. He liked how it made learning feel more grounded.

Over the next six decades, he invested in his students and valued clear communication to them, both his daughter and Graf said. He also loved debate, Graf said.

If you have a good argument, then your ideas have merit, she remembered him saying.

Cohen published 10 books on philosophy, political systems and the discussion of political ideas. His textbook Introduction to Logic is his most widely used book in classrooms across the world, his family said.

He was a key figure in the fight to end affirmative action at the Ann Arbor university. He wrote multiple books on the issue and helped plaintiffs against the university in the 2003 Grutter vs. Bollinger U.S. Supreme Court case, his family said.

He felt the university was wrong on this issue, his daughter said.

Read more: Despite SCOTUS affirmative action ban, University of Michigan still seeks diversity

Cohen did not shy away from controversial opinions, Graf said, such as allowing neo-Nazis to march in Skokie, Illinois in the late 1970s. As a practicing Jew, he abhorred the neo-Nazis racist and anti-Semitic ideology, but he was adamant in valuing free speech, Graf said.

If they can be silenced, they can silence us in the future, she remembered Cohen saying.

Cohen used education as a way to love his children and his students, his daughter said.

He got a lot of joy in passing his knowledge to others, she said.

He prided himself on his incredible and effusive recommendations he would write for his students, Graf said, and he would share the particularly well-written ones with his family.

After suffering a stroke in 2017, Cohen retired. In his last days, he received numerous letters and emails from former students and fellow faculty thanking him for his mentorship.

Isnt it wonderful to be a teacher, he told his family.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

Read more from The Ann Arbor News:

Alex Rodriguez joins list of famous parents whose kids are attending the University of Michigan

University of Michigan exploring unarmed non-police force after union talks

Figuring things out on my own: 7K University of Michigan students moving into dorms
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Ann Arbor Township will bring legal action against a sand and gravel mine whose operations have sucked nearby drinking water wells dry.

Its very clear that were in an emergency situation, that we have to do something about this, township Trustee Rodney Smith said at a special township board meeting Wednesday, Sept. 6.

After consulting the township attorneys opinion in closed session, the board voted unanimously to authorize legal action to seek redress for violations of the Vella Pit mines conditional use permit, development agreement and township ordinances.

The mine on Earhart Road, operational for decades just outside Ann Arbor, was purchased by Mid Michigan Materials in 2020, and the company expanded its operations under a permit issued by the township that year.

But in late spring of 2023, officials began to hear of water levels in nearby residents wells plummeting significantly or going dry altogether, township Supervisor Diane OConnell said Wednesday. The incidents have led residents worried their own taps may run dry to organize against the mine, and sparked concern from state legislators.

State environmental regulators say theres no question the mine pumping millions of gallons of water from its pit to facilitate resource extraction is what dried nearby wells, though its not yet known how far the effects extend or if other factors could be at play.

Read more: A new gravel mine operator moved in. Then, these Ann Arbor-area residents wells ran dry

Township leaders said Wednesday the mine changed its extraction game plan without warning.

Mid Michigan Materials previously assured officials it wouldnt alter water drainage patterns nearby and planned to retain water on-site in a closed loop system, township Clerk Rena Basch said.

Then, instead, it began to pump the water to lower the groundwater level, discharging it into nearby wetlands running into Massey Lake and the Fleming Creek watershed under a state permit.

Its had serious consequences going forward, and I dont think we have any other option than to take immediate legal action to halt these violations and try to return to a situation where theyre in compliance, said Trustee Michael Moran of the operations.

Its very distressing to me and disturbing that these conditions which we so carefully worked out were not just violated, but ignored and hidden from us, he said.

Mid Michigan Materials spokesperson John Sellek said the company wasnt notified of the Wednesday township meeting or officially informed of any new township action.

The Vella facility has been essential to making Washtenaw work for 67 years and will continue to be for years to come. We take pride in working with our partner communities and making every effort to be in full compliance at all times. When we make a mistake we fix it fast because we care about our neighbors, he said.

The company has paid to replace or repair every affected well it is aware of and has agreed to continue to do so, should there be more affected by its operations, Sellek said.

We will work closely and transparently with any regulatory body, as always, he said.

The Wednesday township vote comes just over two weeks after company leaders publicly outlined efforts to investigate the hydrogeology of the area at a township meeting packed with aggrieved residents.

Read more: Township will consult attorneys over potential violations for Ann Arbor-area mine that dried wells

At the gathering, township Trustee John Allison confronted Mid Michigan Materials with records showing it had told the township it would not dewater the site or lower the groundwater table.

On Wednesday, Allison outlined what he said were at least 13 violations of the mines zoning permit, development agreement and township ordinances.

Many dealt with the mines alleged modification of its plans and failure to prevent negative impacts on surrounding properties and the environment.

A discharge pipe currently releasing water off the property after a settling process isnt shown on the approved site plan, he said, adding the mines actions constituted a major unauthorized change to its permit.

Mid Michigan Materials is already on notice about issues at the site, Basch said.

Soil erosion specialists with the townships engineering firm visited the mine and discovered erosion stemming from berms at the north of the site and have issued a citation, she said.

The engineers planned to return to evaluate a fix to the problems, like putting up required silt fences, Basch added.

Officials are still hearing about additional wells with issues and trying to gather information to understand the characteristics of the aquifer and evaluate exactly whats happening with the wells, OConnell said.

Township leaders declined to take more lengthy steps to bring the mine into compliance, like negotiating a change to its permit or issue a violation under the development agreement, saying time was of the essence.

As of Friday morning, Sept. 8, MLive/The Ann Arbor News was not aware of any court filing related to the township vote.

Mid Michigan Materials has been unable to assure the township future operations wouldnt continue to affect wells, Basch said Wednesday.

This isnt over, the clerk said. This emergency is just beginning.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.

More from The Ann Arbor News:

Ann Arbor seeks public input on $2.5M repair of West Park bandshell

New event aims to connect University of Michigan with downtown Ann Arbor

Washtenaw County farmstead could turn new page with historic protections in place

Racial disparities plague Washtenaw County criminal legal system. New report has 65 solutions
MARSHALL, MI -- An early morning house fire killed two men and two pet dogs Friday morning, according to the Marshall Fire Department.

Early in the morning of Friday, Sep. 8, Marshall police and fire crews responded to a 9-1-1 call in the 100 block of North Fountain Street in Marshall.

The caller was unable to communicate to the nature of the emergency during their initial report, fire officials said. Police arrived at the scene to find a house engulfed in flames.

Efforts were made by police and fire to find and rescue the occupants of the home, though the intensity of the fire and smoke made these efforts unsuccessful, officials said.

Rescue crews eventually recovered two men -- ages 39 and 23 -- who ultimately died from injuries suffered in the fire, officials said. Two pet dogs were also found dead from the fire.

This incident is still under investigation. The names of deceased have not yet been released.

Police and fire crews were assisted at the scene by Calhoun County Central Dispatch, the Calhoun County Sheriffs Department, Michigan State Police, the Marengo and Marshall township fire departments and the Marshall Ambulance.

More on MLive:

I-94 ramp closure planned as construction continues near Jackson

1 boy dead, another injured in overnight Wyoming shooting

Man, 53, seriously injured in Wyoming shooting

Why you may see low-flying helicopters this fall in Michigan
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI  Authorities are searching for two suspects who they believe were a part of a breaking and entering incident early Sunday morning.

Michigan State Police said the break-in happened around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at a residence in the 63000 block of Brick Chapel Road in St. Joseph Countys Constantine Township.
Happy Sunday!  If you got the Aerosmith reference in the headline, thank you.

If you didnt, you can still enjoy this rundown of the week in Michigan politics  lawmakers first week back from summer break.

(From left) State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, Planned Parenthood of Michigan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sarah Wallett and Paula Thornton Greear, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Michigan, speak as part of a roundtable dealing with abortion care in Michigan at the state Capitol Building on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 (MLive | Jordyn Hermani).

Democrats plan to repeal several abortion restrictions this fall  but with one notable omission.

Whats happening: Theyre addressing targeted regulations of abortion providers (a.k.a. TRAP laws). Among the proposed changes, lawmakers want to:

Drop Michigans 24-hour waiting period

Delete facility standards like procedure room size and hallway width

Lift a ban on private insurance coverage for abortions

 A right is not truly a right if it isnt accessible to everybody in the state, Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, told reporters Wednesday.

However: Democrats will not pursue undoing Michigans parental consent law for minors seeking abortions.

 The goal is to do as much of this work as we possibly can, and we didnt want to include anything that would have prohibited the rest of the package from getting through at this point in time, said Sen. Sarah Anthony.

Instead, there will be a broader and continuing conversation around that idea.

 Notable stat: Following Novembers passage of Proposal 3, Michigan saw a 66% uptick in out-of-state abortion patients.

Housing advocates hold a "Rent Is Too Damn High" rally outside the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 5, 2023. (Ben Orner | MLive.com)Ben Orner | MLive.com

That was the rallying cry for hundreds of people protesting outside the Capitol on Monday.

 Housing advocates and tenant rights groups called for legal reforms as rents increase.

Average Michigan rent has risen 22% in three years, and some speakers complained of $100+ hikes in one year. in three years, and some speakers complained of $100+ hikes in one year.

 Many people dont want to buy a house, rally co-organizer Jonathan Evans told MLive, and they can live a happy, fulfilling life renting, but not when theyre being constantly overcharged.

Answers are coming in the form of 15-20 bills that Rep. Emily Dievendorf, D-Lansing, told MLive she hopes to move through the legislature this fall. Among the topics:

Clarifying tenants rights to organize

Requiring landlords pay for relocating tenants with red-tagged buildings

Establishing standard criteria for what is a safe and livable dwelling

FILE: A Ford F-150 Lightning vehicle is parked outside the Michigan Capitol during an industry event in Lansing, Mich., on May 9, 2023.Ben Orner | MLive.com

Lawmakers on Thursday transferred another $120 million so Ford can build its electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, set to open in a few years.

 This money is part of the $1.7 billion state incentive package Ford was already awarded.

Thursdays $120 million will go to the city of Marshall to support land acquisition and engineering.

 Status report: Construction is underway on the 950-acre site, known as BlueOval.

Its located southwest of the I-69/I-94 interchange between Jackson and Battle Creek.

Expect 2,500 jobs created by this plant when production begins in 2026.

 More in autos: A UAW strike is looming, but how did we get here

FILE: Former Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., speaks at the Vision '24 conference' on March 18, 2023, in North Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, File)AP

Former Howell-area congressman Mike Rogers is running for the Republican nomination for Michigans open U.S. Senate seat in 2024.

 His resume: Four years in Lansing, 14 years in Congress and four years chairing the powerful House Intelligence Committee.

Rogers left Congress in 2014.

 I thought I put politics behind me, but like you, I know somethings broken, Rogers said in his video announcement Wednesday. America under Joe Biden and his cronies is going in the wrong direction.

Helping him: Hes the most well-known Republican in the race right now and the most politically experienced.

And helping him among moderate voters at least, Rogers doesnt believe Donald Trump won the 2020 election.

On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin is considered the frontrunner against candidates with no national political experience.

 More on 2024: GOP attorney launches bid to flip Grand Rapids congressional district from blue to red

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tours the FANUC manufacturing company in Japan on Sept. 6, 2023, during an economic development mission. (Provided photo)Office of the Governor

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer returns next week from Japan, her fourth overseas economic development mission this year.

 Her seven-day trip began Wednesday to secure investments, supply chains and well-paying jobs in automotives, mobility and advanced manufacturing.

 Michigan has a powerful story to tell as we compete to bring jobs and investment home, Whitmer said in a statement. As a hub of high-tech innovation, we are embarking on an economic mission alongside business leaders to bring Michigans story to East Asia in the coming days.

 Previous trips this year to Norway and France, for example, snagged for Michigan hundreds of engineering and clean energy manufacturing jobs.

 More from the guv: Japanese auto supplier to invest $63M in Battle Creeks largest employer

5 more stories from MLive:

 GOP education board members plan to sue Whitmer over new department

 Whitmer taps former lottery head, judge to lead Michigan Department of Natural Resources

 MSU bans concealed weapons on university property

 See each Michigan schools 2023 M-STEP scores

 Ann Arbor to erect statue honoring LGBTQ official who made national history
More than 100 new construction-related road closures are on tap this week as Michigan moves into mid-September.

The Department of Transportations construction schedule features at least 124 road, lane and ramp closures beginning between Monday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 16. That doesnt include projects like shoulder work that wont reduce traffic.
DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera wont be in the starting lineup when the Detroit Tigers wrap up a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park.

Cabrera had originally been slated to play, but manager A.J. Hinch said hes dealing with a sore knee that first emerged during his four-hit game on Sept. 2 at Chicago.

How to Watch the Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers: Channel, Stream

The Tigers hope to have him back in the lineup on Tuesday after a multi-day rest, including Mondays team off-day.

I talked to Miguel when he got here today and we agreed that with a day off (Saturday), a day off today, and an off-day tomorrow, well target Tuesday as the next time hes going to be available, Hinch said. Hopefully that soreness gets out there so he can finish strong.

After Sunday, there are nine home games remaining in Cabreras final season.

The full lineup is below. In addition to Cabrera, catcher Jake Rogers; outfielder Akil Baddoo; and infielders Tyler Nevin and Zack Short will be available off the bench

Going for the series win. pic.twitter.com/wsqP9QQafg  Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 10, 2023

On the mound, right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long will be making his Major League debut for Tigers.

Hell face White Sox right-hander Jesse Scholtens (1-7, 4.38 ERA), a 29-year-old rookie who spent most of his career in the San Diego Padres minor-league system. He signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox this winter and has pitched mainly out of the bullpen this year before becoming a regular rotation member in August.

Gipson-Long, 25, went to high school in suburban Atlanta and played college ball at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. He was drafted in the sixth round in 2019 by the Twins.

His debut comes 13 months after the Tigers acquired him from the Minnesota Twins for reliever Michael Fulmer.

Tigers vs. White Sox: Odds, picks and predictions
10.09.2023 LISTEN

Popular Ghanaian female Musician, Wendy Shay today was involved in a car accident on the Kwabenya highway in Accra on Sunday, September 10.0

The accident occurred midnight when her Jeep Wrangler collided with a tipper truck.

Wendy Shay tried to swerve the truck, but her car veered off and crashed into a gutter.

The impact of the crash caused significant damage to the celebrated songstress car, but she could walk away with only minor injuries.

She was taken to the hospital for a checkup and was later discharged.

An eyewitness who saw the accident said that Wendy Shay complained of headache.
08.09.2023 LISTEN

Charles Owusu, the former Head of Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission has expressed unwavering confidence in the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) ability to secure victory in next years elections despite the current internal party disputes.

As the NPP gears up for its presidential election to select a flagbearer, the party has already witnessed the withdrawal of one of its prominent candidates, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen.

Alan Kyerematen announced his decision to exit the race earlier this week, citing concerns of intimidation, violence, and alleged bias in the NPP's super delegates' election process.

In a statement, Kyerematen emphasized, "After having carefully analyzed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during, and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favor of one particular aspirant."

He also lamented the unprecedented level of intimidation and violence reported during the elections.

While some critics argue that these challenges, coupled with Ghana's economic hardship under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, might benefit the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections, Charles Owusu holds a different perspective.

Mr Owusu firmly believes that the NPP's current internal issues will not significantly impact their electoral prospects.

"If the elections are held today, the NPP will still retain power," he declared with confidence during an interview on Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show.

However, he issued a warning to the party, urging it to resolve every internal conflict promptly to avoid a repeat of the 2008 election outcome.

He reminded the NPP of the consequences of disunity within the party, emphasizing that their defeat in the 2008 elections was, in part, attributed to complacency and internal conflicts.

Mr Owusu stressed that the preparations for the 2024 elections should begin now and urged the NPP to prioritize unity within their ranks.

"The 2024 election starts now. If NPP is not united, there is no way their dream that they want to break the eight, can break that eight. But if they are united, I believe that they will be able to achieve their heart's desire," Owusu emphasized.
Morocco's deadliest earthquake in decades has killed over 1,000 people, authorities said Saturday, causing widespread damage and sending terrified residents and tourists scrambling to safety in the middle of the night.

The 6.8-magnitude quake struck a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) Friday, the US Geological Survey reported.

Strong tremors were also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira.

"I was nearly asleep when I heard the doors and the shutters banging," said Ghannou Najem, a Casablanca resident in her 80s who was visiting Marrakesh when the quake hit.

"I went outside in a panic. I thought I was going to die alone."

It is the strongest-ever quake to hit the North African kingdom, and one expert described it as the region's "biggest in more than 120 years".

Deadly quake in Morocco. By Valentin RAKOVSKY, Sophie RAMIS (AFP)

"Where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough... so many collapse, resulting in high casualties," said Bill McGuire, professor emeritus at Britain's University College London.

Updated interior ministry figures on Saturday showed the quake killed at least 1,037 people, the vast majority in Al-Haouz, the epicentre, and Taroudant provinces.

Another 1,204 people were injured, including 721 in a critical condition, the ministry said.

The ministry also recorded deaths in Ouarzazate, Chichaoua, Azilal and Youssoufia provinces, as well as in Marrakesh, Agadir and the Casablanca area.

'Unbearable' screams

Faisal Badour, an engineer, said he felt the quake three times in his building in Marrakesh.

"There are families who are still sleeping outside because we were so scared of the force of this earthquake," he said. "The screaming and crying was unbearable."

In Moulay Brahim village, in the mountains of Al-Haouz province near the quake's epicentre, rescuers were searching for survivors in the rubble of collapsed houses, AFP correspondents reported.

A powerful earthquake killed hundreds and left parts of Marrakesh's old city in ruins. By FADEL SENNA (AFP)

On a nearby hill, residents began digging graves for the victims, the correspondents said.

Frenchman Michael Bizet, 43, who owns three traditional riad houses in Marrakesh's old town, told AFP that he was in bed when the quake struck.

"I thought my bed was going to fly away. I went out into the street half-naked and immediately went to see my riads. It was total chaos, a real catastrophe, madness," he said.

Footage on social media showed part of a minaret collapsed on Jemaa el-Fna square in the historic city.

An AFP correspondent saw hundreds of people flocking to the square to spend the night for fear of aftershocks, some with blankets while others slept on the ground.

Mimi Theobold, 25, a tourist from England, said she was with friends on a restaurant terrace when the tables began shaking and plates went flying.

Houda Outassaf, a local resident, said she was "still in shock" after feeling the earth shake beneath her feet -- and losing relatives.

"I have at least 10 members of my family who died... I can hardly believe it, as I was with them no more than two days ago," she said.

An AFP correspondent saw hundreds of people flocking to Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakesh to spend the night for fear of aftershocks. By Fadel SENNA (AFP)

The interior ministry said authorities have "mobilised all the necessary resources to intervene and help the affected areas".

The regional blood transfusion centre in Marrakesh called on residents to donate blood for those injured.

The army has set up a field hospital in Moulay Brahim and deployed "significant human and logistical resources" to support search and rescue efforts in Al-Haouz, state news agency MAP said.

Significant damage likely

"We heard screams at the time of the tremor," a resident of Essaouira, 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Marrakesh, told AFP. "Pieces of facades have fallen."

The USGS PAGER system, which provides preliminary assessments on the impact of earthquakes, issued a "red alert" for economic losses, saying extensive damage is probable.

Foreign leaders expressed their condolences and many offered assistance, including Israel with which Morocco normalised relations in 2020.

US President Joe Biden said in a statement he was "deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation".

Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed "deep grief for the victims" and hope that "the Moroccan government and people will be able to overcome the impact of this disaster", according to Beijing's state media.

Pope Francis expressed "his profound solidarity with those who are touched in the flesh and heart by this tragedy".

The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring Algeria, where the Algerian Civil Defence said it had not caused any damage or casualties.

In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco, and in 1960 a magnitude 6.7 quake in Agadir killed more than 12,000.

The 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in Algeria killed 2,500 people and left at least 300,000 homeless in 1980.
On Tuesday, September 5, the Member of Parliament for the Akim Swedru Constituency, Hon. Kennedy Nyarko Osei was joined by the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Stephen Jalulah, along with the District Chief Executive, Hon. Asare Danso, and Nananom, to cut sod for the construction of the 30.1-kilometer feeder roads project from Akim Swedru to Apoli-Beposo in the Birim South District of the Eastern Region.

Hon. Kennedy Nyarko Osei expressed delight that the rehabilitation of the roads was finally being undertaken under his tenure, saying the construction of the road was promised by various political parties and successive governments.

He said his constituency had a high level of inter-rural accessibility and it was pertinent to continuously enhance connectivity to improve mobility to facilitate economic activities and improve the livelihoods of the people.

He said it was also refreshing that the route, which serves as an alternative route to the Akim Swedru enclave were being reshaped.

"It is being constructed by a Ghanaian construction firm, So Good Engineering and Construction Limited, and it is expected to be completed within 24 months," he added.

The Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Stephen Jalulah said; You are very fortunate to have Hon. Kennedy Nyarko Osei as your MP because he is one of the most diligent Members of Parliament. He merits another term to carry on his good job as he works hard to address the majority of the issues that his constituents encounter.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday he was "devastated" by the earthquake in Morocco, which has killed at least 600 people, and offered to help relief efforts.

"We are all devastated after the terrible earthquake in Morocco," Macron said on X, formerly known as Twitter, while onboard a flight to the G20 summit in India. "France stands ready to help with first aid.

Macron was among many other heads of state and government expressing sympathy and proposing aid.

Others included Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, of Morocco's cross-strait neighbour Spain, who expressed his "solidarity and support to the people of Morocco in the wake of this terrible earthquake... Spain is with the victims of this tragedy".

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said "our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake. Our sympathy goes out to all those affected".

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she "learned with grief of the tragic toll" from the quake and pointed to "Italy's willingness to support Morocco in this emergency".

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed sympathy "with the Moroccan people in the face of the terrible earthquake", while top EU diplomat Joseph Borrell said the bloc is ready to provide Morocco "the assistance it wishes".

Swiss President Alain Berset expressed his condolences. The country's foreign ministry said it activated a crisis cell and is evaluating sending aid.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said his country stands by Morocco "in these difficult moments."

Russia, Ukraine

The leaders of both Russia and Ukraine also offered their sympathies.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his "deepest condolences to HM King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the horrible earthquake."

"Ukraine stands in solidarity with Morocco during this tragic time," he said on social media.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed similar sentiments and said, in a message to Morocco's king, "we share the pain and the mourning of the friendly Moroccan people."

(With newswires)
Africa's first ever climate summit, held this week in Nairobi, may appear to be a huge political success for Kenya and the continent  but environmental campaigners are warning the result is ultimately disappointing. Not enough is being done, they say, to ensure African countries are better positioned to face the climate disasters already on their doorstep.

The summit ended with the Nairobi Declaration, a unanimously adopted text that defines the shared position of Africa's 54 countries for future climate summits.

The general message is Africa's intention to become a hub for clean energy and a leader in low-carbon economy-based development.

This declaration will serve as a basis for Africa's common position in the global climate change process, the cover text of the declaration says. No country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action.

Despite big pledges totalling $23 billion  including $4.5 billion from the United Arab Emirates  climate activists worry the summit has been undermined by loosely worded plans for phasing out fossil fuels and by false solutions such as carbon markets.

Push for energy decolonisation

"These concepts are led by Global North interests and are being marketed as African priorities when in reality they will embolden wealthy nations and large corporations to continue polluting Africa," said Greenpeace Africa.

"Any solution that allows business as usual from the fossil fuel industry and that emphasises clean-up instead of closing sources of dirty energy is bound to fail and cause even more havoc on the environment and communities."

NGOs are also pushing the African Union to be bold in discussing decolonising Africa's energy sector.

On the sidelines of the summit, some 500 African civil society organisations calling themselves the Africa People's Climate Assembly launched the Real Africa Climate Summit initiative to highlight what they call the disregarded voices of African people.

To counter the summit's official declaration, the group also issued a People's Declaration.

We see that Africa has been and is still being used as an extraction hub for gas and other fossils to close energy gaps in the Global North," said Thuli Makama, of the campaign group Oil Change International.

Biodiversity hotspots such as deltas in Namibia and Senegal were set to become regions of environmental degradation and human rights violations like the Niger Delta, which was pummeled by oil extraction, he added.

Another major concern was the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) cutting through transboundary protected sites.

Text 'loaded with platitudes'

For all these reasons, the Nairobi Declaration lays the landscape for a disappointing outcome from Cop28, Nnimmo Bassey, founder of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, told other charities after the summit.

The declaration ... barely escaped living up to its billing as a carbon stock exchange jamboree," he said. "It is loaded with platitudes pandering to worn ideas of the carbon market, green growth and so-called land degradation neutrality and other false solutions."

While 60 percent of Africans are small-scale farmers, little was said about supporting them and of enhancing the practice of agroecology, which activists view as a climate solution.

The text also came under fire because it makes no mention of the need for the payment of climate debt, which could be a key source of climate finance.

The Loss and Damage Fund, set up at last year's Cop27 to provide financial assistance to nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, is still yet to be put into place.
Recent tensions in relations between Ankara and Moscow had stoked hopes among Turkey's Western allies of a rupture in the close relationship. But a summit on Monday between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin may have dashed those hopes, as they committed themselves to deepening their cooperation.

Meeting at Russia's Black Sea resort Sochi on Monday, Erdogan failed in his bid to persuade Vladimir Putin to return to the 2022 UN-brokered Ukraine grain export deal as the Russian leader reiterated his stance that key sanctions against Moscow need to be lifted for any resumption of Ukrainian exports.

Putin's rebuttal is a blow to Erdogan, given he was a key architect of the deal along with the United Nations Secretary general Antonio Guterres.

But Erdogan's close relationship with Putin was seen to have cooled of late after he angered Moscow with his support for Ukraine's NATO membership bid.

Bilateral cooperation secured

But the Turkish leader didn't leave the summit empty-handed, with the two leaders committing themselves to wide-ranging cooperation from tourism to energy to foreign aid.

The bilateral deals will dash the hopes of Turkey's Western allies of a rupture in the Erdogan-Putin relationship.

"The Sochi meeting definitely demonstrated that the interaction grew between two sides between Russia and Turkey, and both sides are in certain way indispensable for each other," according to Russia expert Zaur Gasimov at Bonn University in Germany.

"They continue to cooperate. They continue to interact. And a number of chapters in that book of cooperation between Moscow and Ankara grew tremendously since the last two or three years, and the Sochi meeting demonstrated that very clearly," Gasimov added.

At the Sochi meeting, Putin said a deal between Russia, Turkey, and Qatar to supply a million tonnes of grain to six African countries was close to fruition  on Wednesday, Moscow confirmed Turkey's participation in the accord.

Fears of sanction 'loophole'

Under the agreement, Turkey would process the grain into flour, with Putin adding that Turkey would also receive grain for its own market. Experts warn, however, that Russia could use the deal to export stolen Ukrainian grain, breaching international sanctions, putting the spotlight on Ankara's stance of not enforcing Western sanctions against Russia  to which, Turkey says, it is not bound.

"Turkey is very important [to Russia]," said George Voloshin for ACAMS, a financial crime watchdog.

"There are many intermediaries in Turkey that help Russian interests, that help Russia procure goods from the West, including basic goods, as well as very sensitive goods.

"So it's really up to Turkey's government to make sure there's no re-exportation of European, American or UK goods into Russia. And I think there's a lot to do in this respect," added Voloshin.

Since the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia, imports to Turkey from European countries have surged with a corresponding increase in exports from Turkey to Russia, fuelling suspicions companies in Europe are using Turkey to circumvent the sanctions.

Trade and infrastructure investments

Meanwhile, Putin and Erdogan committed themselves to increasing bilateral trade from $70billion to $100billion, including turning Turkey into a regional hub for distributing Russian gas.

The leader's discussions also included Russian companies starting construction of a second nuclear reactor in Turkey. Boosting trade and infrastructure investments are seen as vital for the ailing Turkish economy.

Experts claim the Sochi summit characterized by smiling and relaxed leaders and a commitment to deepen cooperation underlines that despite recent strains between Ankara and Moscow, Erdogan is too important for Putin to lose.

"Putin cannot face losing Erdogan," says Columnist Ilhan Uzgel for the Kisa Dalga, a Turkish news portal. "So they [Moscow] tolerate anything Turkey is doing inside NATO membership. I mean, that is for sure.

"They don't care about what Erdogan is doing in his ties with Western countries and Western institutions," continued Uzgel. "They are more interested in what kind of cooperation they can have with Erdogan, and they cooperate in many, many areas."

At least for now, some analysts say hopes of a diplomatic rupture between Ankara and Moscow are on hold, with Putin focusing more on areas of cooperation than points of difference.
Leaders and diplomats the world over expressed condolences and offered their support for Morocco Saturday after a devastating earthquake struck the mountains southwest of Marrakesh.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake that hit late Friday killed more than 1,000 people and injured more than 1,000 more, many of them critically, according to Moroccan authorities.

Support has poured in from leaders across the world.

Europe

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, of Morocco's cross-strait neighbour Spain, expressed his "solidarity and support to the people of Morocco in the wake of this terrible earthquake... Spain is with the victims of this tragedy".

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said "our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake. Our sympathy goes out to all those affected".

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was "devastated" and said that "France stands ready to help with first aid".

The pope expressed his "profound solidarity" with Morocco after the quake, according to the Vatican.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she "learned with grief of the tragic toll" from the quake, stressing "Italy's willingness to support Morocco in this emergency".

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed sympathy "with the Moroccan people in the face of the terrible earthquake", while top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said the bloc was ready to provide Morocco "the assistance it wishes".

Russia, Ukraine

The leaders of both Russia and Ukraine also offered their sympathies.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his "deepest condolences to HM King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the horrible earthquake".

"Ukraine stands in solidarity with Morocco during this tragic time," he said on social media.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed similar sentiments and said, in a message to Morocco's king, "we share the pain and the mourning of the friendly Moroccan people".

India, Turkey

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is hosting the G20 summit this weekend, said he was "extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered support to "our Moroccan brothers in every way in this difficult hour".

Middle East

Algeria, which broke off diplomatic relations with Morocco in August 2021 at the height of the crisis between the two countries, offered "its sincere condolences to the brotherly Moroccan people for the victims of the earthquake", said its foreign ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "instructed all government bodies and forces to provide any necessary assistance to the people of Morocco, including the preparations for sending an aid delegation to the area", his office said.

It is the latest show of support in the wake of the 2020 Abraham Accords that saw Israel normalise ties with a number of Arab countries, including Morocco.

The president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, said we "stand with the Kingdom of Morocco during this difficult time and wish a speedy recovery ahead to all those affected".

He also ordered an "air bridge to deliver critical relief" to the country, state news agency WAM reported.

Iran expressed its condolences for the "terrible earthquake".

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said he was "ready to provide any form of assistance to deal with the repercussions of the devastating earthquake". King of Jordan Abdullah II urged his government to provide all possible assistance to Morocco.

Africa

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco: "In the face of this adversity, Nigeria will continue to stand in solidarity with Morocco as they recover, rebuild and come out stronger than ever from this unfortunate event."

The head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed his "sincere condolences" to the king, the Moroccan people and the families of the victims.

World bodies

The secretary-general of the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, prayed for "mercy on the victims and a speedy recovery for the injured".

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the quake as "heartbreaking", adding: "We stand ready to support the immediate health needs."

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said he was "deeply saddened by news of the quake, saying "our thoughts are with the thousands of families affected. We stand ready to support."

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said the response to the devastating quake could take years.

burs-jsa/pvh/jj
Mr. Pious Tay, the Tema Metro Health Directorate's Mental Health Coordinator, has stated that engaging in recreational and physical activities can help reduce suicidal thoughts.

Mr. Tay outlined many strategies for preventing suicidal thoughts, saying that focusing one's energy on uncharted territory or leisure activities can help to clear the mind of such thoughts.

The participation of a person in leisure activities, charitable activities, new professional pursuits, or new knowledge pursuits will assist in soothing one's mind, he emphasized, as depression is frequently linked to suicide.

The Tema Metro Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Services has joined forces with the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office to engage in a month of relentless public advocacy to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day always observed on September 10th, every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003.

Speaking on the subject of "Depression," Mr. Tay emphasized that suicides are preventable during an appearance at the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office health project "Your Health: Our Collective Responsibility," which is a major platform for assisting in public education and promoting domestic action to prevent suicides.

The periodic publication "Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility! An effort of the Tema Regional Office of the Ghana News Agency aimed at encouraging health-related communication and creating a forum for the transmission of health information to impact individuals' personal health decisions through better health literacy.

The public health advocacy platform "Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility" was created by the Ghana News Agency's Tema Regional Office to look at the elements of four different health communication strategies: informing, instructing, convincing, and promoting.

Mr. Tay stated that "diversional therapy," in which one's thoughts are redirected into doing new tasks, helps the person. Suicide is typically accompanied by millions of thoughts about a problem that constantly confronts the person.

He emphasized once more the importance of finding a trusted confidant to whom one can physically confide and hold discussions, even though social media platforms may occasionally help a person deal with suicidal thoughts or melancholy.

With continued physical or recreational action and positive thoughts, he emphasized, suicidal ideas get weaker. He said that over time, this exercise diminishes suicidal thoughts and eliminates all negative thoughts.

"Walking, having wholesome conversations, picking up a skill, and participating in community activities can also help in the prevention of suicide or depression," he declared.

The community, parents, siblings, and others should keep an eye out for certain signs in their children, siblings, or the community in order to prevent a person from committing suicide, according to Mr. Tay, who noted that the fight against suicide remained a collective task because every individual is responsible for containing and minimizing the situation.

He recommended everyone focus their energies on creating new things, finding confidants and individuals they can trust, and, most importantly, being approachable and aware of their surroundings.

He said that everyone who seeks mental health counsel has access to mental health services and centers, not just those with mental problems.

The International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) originally created World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), and Tema Metro Health Director Dr. Sally Quartey remarked that this year's awareness-raising is focused on the universal subject "Creating Hope through Action."

Dr. Quartey emphasized that suicide is a big problem in public health that can have a long-lasting effect on individuals, families, and communities.

She also pointed out that suicide can be prevented because it requires initiatives at all societal levels.

She claimed that everyone may help prevent suicide by becoming aware of the warning signs, promoting prevention and resilience, and committed to societal change.
10.09.2023 LISTEN

Dr. Yaa Akyaa Boateng, Family Physician Specialist at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) in Tema, has urged Ghanaian parents to consistently monitor the digital behaviours of adolescents while balancing their need for privacy.

She stated that it is indeed important for parents to strike a balance between their children's privacy and involvement in their digital lives to ensure safety and emotional development in the digital age.

Dr. Boateng stated at the weekly "Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility! A Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office initiative aimed at promoting health-related communication and providing a platform for health information dissemination to influence personal health choices through improved health literacy

The Ghana News Agency's Tema Regional Office developed the public health advocacy platform "Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility" to investigate the components of four health communication approaches: informing, instructing, convincing, and promoting.

Speaking on the topic "Adolescent Health Awareness," Dr. Boateng explained that the World Health Organisation's definition of adolescence, spanning ages ten to 19, underscores the significance of this developmental stage.

She said the period provides individuals with a transition to gaining independence, yet they still rely on the support and guidance of their parents or caregivers, making it crucial for parents to provide a safe and nurturing environment during this transition.

Dr. Boateng added that despite the fact that the world is now heavily influenced by digital devices and online platforms, parents must be keen on monitoring the interactions and time spent in various online spaces by their teens.

Adding to that, monitoring and setting boundaries for teenagers' online activities is important to ensure their safety and responsible use of the internet until they develop the maturity to make informed decisions.

According to Dr. Boateng, monitoring a teenager's online activity can provide valuable insights into the websites they visit and their online behaviour.

"It's a proactive step to help guide and educate them about responsible internet usage. Parents can also block the usage and access to some sites, which can affect their mental well-being," she said.

She advised that parents should set restrictions on internet usage and establish time limits for their teenagers to help manage screen time, ensuring a healthy balance between online and offline activities, and promoting a more structured routine.

"Parents must set ground rules in their homes. Observing that your adolescent child wants more privacy and time alone could be a warning sign of depression, anxiety, smoking, alcohol, or drug usage.

"Even spending too much time alone on the internet poses both mental and physical health challenges for them. You need to pay attention to them," she said.

She encouraged parents to spend quality time with their adolescents, engage them in conversations to know their thoughts on social issues, and involve them in adolescent clubs within their communities.

"Parents must also build trust and open communication where adolescents feel safe sharing their thoughts and concerns with their parents while facilitating their emotional and mental well-being as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.

"It is best to monitor your adolescent child, know them very well, and give them the kind of freedom you want," she noted.
The Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe) has been praised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for launching a persistent national advocacy campaign against the practice with the goal of abolishing it by 2030.

In her remarks, Mrs Ophelia Ankrah, the NCCE Eastern Regional Director, emphasized the importance of collaboration among all parties in order to put a stop to the regrettable practice in the nation.

The creation of the Eastern Regional M-CODe Open Defecation Free Stakeholder Engagement Platform and the Eastern Regional branch of the M-CODe, according to Mrs. Ankrah, was announced at the Koforidua M-CODe Journalists Empowerment Forum.

The training's goal was to hasten the fight against the practice in the area because the country depends on its eradication by 2030.

The NCCE Eastern Regional Director added that the commission will work with other regional stakeholders to make sure that "we all fight against the problem and deal with it holistically" at the regional level.

She emphasized that the fight against open defecation will continually be on their agenda and that the NCCE Regional and District Directors will join in the fight.

"We will work with M-CODe Eastern Regional Branch to upscale the fight; we need to fight on towards attaining open defecation-free status in the region," she declared.

The M-CODe National Convenor, Mr. Francis Ameyibor, noted that the media coalition aims to foster collaboration among media professionals and other stakeholders in order to identify problems and operational gaps and work towards a common objective in the battle against open defecation.

Mr. Ameyibor made notice of the necessity for stakeholders to collaborate with the media in order to end open defecation.

He mentioned that World Vision Ghana is supporting the "M-CODe 2023 Anti-Open Defecation Nationwide Advocacy efforts," which include the journalist empowerment event and launch.

The Eastern Regional Coordination Council (RCC), the Regional Environmental Health Office (REHO), the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Regional SHEP, and the Ghana Education Service were among the stakeholders who took part in the event.

Other organizations include the Ghana Health Service, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Municipal SHEP, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

The group, according to Mr. Ameyibor, must also struggle to preserve and revitalize its activism in order to change the laws and create a society free from open defecation.

The M-CODe National Convenor discussed the public awareness campaign for the 2030 worldwide goal of ending open defecation (OD) and the media's empowerment as key partners in local revitalization.

While Ghana has achieved notable progress in terms of access to safe water, it is disappointing that the same cannot be said about environmental issues, according to Mr. Yaw Atta Arhin, World Vision Ghana's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Technical Specialist.

"Progress towards ending open defecation and ensuring improved sanitation for all continues to be very slow."

Mr. Arhin tasked M-CODe with stepping up its efforts across the nation through creative campaigns, the employment of well-known individuals as open defecation-free ambassadors, and the regular use of conventional and social media.
"Congratulations to all on the fourth filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Our national perseverance against all odds has delivered," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wrote on the occasion on social media platform X on Sunday.

The last filling of the dam's reservoir comes despite strong opposition from the two downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, to Ethiopian unilateral filling and operation of the GERD in the absence of a legally binding agreement.

Head of the Ethiopian negotiating team in the GERD dispute and Ambassador to the US Sileshi Bekele said his country received enough rainfall to complete the filling, according to the ENA.

More talks?



In late August, in the latest round of trilateral negotiations to end the decade-old dispute, Egypt and Sudan failed to move Ethiopia toward signing a legally binding agreement.

In a statement, Egypt said they did not witness any tangible change in the Ethiopian position.

However, the three countries agreed to meet for another round of talks in Addis Ababa in late September.

In mid-July, El-Sisi and Ahmed agreed in a meeting in Egypt to resolve the GERD dispute within four months.

The last round of talks in Cairo was the first since talks sponsored by the African Union collapsed in April 2021.

Addis Ababa started generating electricity from the GERD in 2022.

Egypt has repeatedly maintained that these Ethiopian actions violate international law and the Presidential Statement of the UN Security Council issued in September 2021.

Cairo has repeatedly stressed its support for constructing the GERD as part of Ethiopia's right to development while insisting that this should not be done in a way that harms Egypt's historic right to its fair share of the Nile water, especially as the country faces serious water scarcity.

The country has a water deficit of 120 billion cubic metres, which amounts to 55 percent of its water needs.
ASA Savings and Loans Ltd as part of the companys Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities has made a donation to the Nsawam Government Hospital to improve healthcare delivery.

The donated items include a high-speed computer set and a multi-purpose printer machine.

These IT equipment have been made available to the hospital to help improve healthcare delivery in the era of fast-rising digitalisation.

In addition to the IT equipment, ASA Savings and Loans also donated two large waste bins to improve sanitation and help with the segregation of waste.

Speaking to the media after receiving the items on behalf of the Nsawam Government Hospital, the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, Dr. Kwabena Awuku commended ASA Savings and Loans for the kind gesture and extended the appreciation of management of the hospital to the Savings and Loans company.

He assured that not only will the donated items be put to good use but the hospital will also ensure that they are well taken care of.

Thank you so much ASA Savings and Loans. Nsawam Government Hospital will be forever grateful for this donation that youve made to the institution. On behalf of management, we want to say a very big thank you to the management of ASA Savings and Loans Ltd.

We want to say that these items that you have provided will go a long way to help us take better care of our clients when it comes to IT. As we are all moving towards an e-health-based service this is truly timely and Nsawam Government Hospital is so grateful. We promise that we will take good care of it and ensure that the purpose for which it is intended for will be executed to the latter, Dr. Kwabena Awuku said.

The donation to the Nsawam Government Hospital was led by ASA Savings and Loans Nsawam Area manager Mr. Samir Sani.

He was in the company of the Branch Manager, Mrs. Comfort Tagoe, and the CSR Manager, Richard Nartey.

The companys pledge is to continue undertaking more CSR activities to give back to society and make a change in the communities where it operates.
Niger's coup leaders have accused France of gathering forces, war materials and equipment in several neighbouring West African countries with a view to "military intervention".

Relations with France, Niger's former colonial power, degraded after Paris stood by ousted president Mohamed Bazoum following the July coup.

"France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries as part of preparations for an aggression against Niger, which it is planning in collaboration with this community organisation," Niger's regime spokesman Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane said on Saturday.

The Sahel state is also embroiled in a standoff with the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has threatened to intervene militarily if diplomatic pressure to return Bazoum to office fails.

In his statement, Abdramane said France had deployed military aircraft, helicopters and 40 armoured vehicles to Cote d'Ivoire and Benin.

"Military cargo aircraft have enabled large quantities of war material and equipment to be unloaded in Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire and Benin, to name but a few," he added.

Withdrawal of French forces

On August 3, Niger's coup leaders renounced several military cooperation agreements with France, which has about 1,500 soldiers stationed in the country as part of a wider fight against jihadists.

Supporters of Niger's coup leaders protest against France's military presence in the country. By - (AFP)

Paris, which refuses to recognise the military regime in Niger, does not consider the soldiers who overthrew the president as party to those cooperation deals.

The military regime meanwhile maintains France's forces are now "illegally" stationed in Niger.

On Tuesday, a Paris defence ministry source told AFP that the French army was in talks with the military regime over withdrawing "elements" of its presence in Niger, confirming comments made the previous day by the Niger's regime-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.

Every day for more than a week, thousands of people have gathered in the Nigerien capital Niamey around a military base housing French soldiers to demand their departure.

The United States, which has around 1,100 soldiers in Niger, has begun to relocate its troops "as a precaution" from Niamey to the central city of Agadez, the US Department of Defense said this week.

Tug-of-war

France is engaged in a tug-of-war with Niger, which has also withdrawn the diplomatic immunity of French ambassador Sylvain Itte and ordered police to expel him.

France has refused to recognise Niger's military regime, instead reiterating support for ousted president Mohamed Bazoum. By - (AFP)

France has refused the demand on several occasions, saying the military regime has no legal right to make such an order.

On Monday, however, Zeine said discussions were underway about a "very swift" departure of France's troops, but that his government hoped "to maintain cooperation with a country with which we have shared a great deal".

He also said he was "hopeful" that his country could come to an agreement with ECOWAS after the coup leaders announced a transition period lasting a maximum of three years.

The West African bloc has said it does not want Niger to repeat "the experiences of Mali, Guinea and Burkina", with which it had to haggle over the durations and conditions of transition periods.
The NPP, for quite some time now, has been touting its mantra of we are having the men to rule Ghana. However, this particularly overhyped Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led regime has proven to be a cataclysm in the governance of our country.

By omissions and commissions in the implementation of its policies, this governing NPP Party under President Akufo-Addo has not lived up to the heightened expectations of many Ghanaians on the economic, corruption, social, environmental, and governance fronts.

Before the bowing out of former President Kufuor in 2009, 17 NPP members presented themselves as presidential aspirants, leading to the creation of the Special or Super Delegates Conference and the National Congress in the NPP constitution to choose their Flagbearer.

Despite the reduction in the number of presidential hopefuls in the just-ended 2023 NPP Super Delegates Conference, the ten presidential aspirants in the race were still too much to fathom.

Now, three out of the ten of them, namely Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, and Francis Addai Nimo will be heading to the NPP National Delegates Congress to be elected as Flagbearer, if no more last-minute withdrawals are witnessed in the coming days. This is a clear attempt to pave the way for the establishment candidate, Dr. Bawumia to be the NPP Flagbearer for 2024.

The withdrawals of Alan Cash and Boakye Agyarko from the ongoing presidential race with explosive and worrying concerns of violence and intimidation in the recently organized Special Delegates contest is a bad omen for the NPP party going into the 2024 General elections. With Alan Cash out of the race now, the probability of the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia to be the NPP Flagbearer for 2024 is extremely high.

Although Kennedy Agyapong is surprisingly the first runner-up in the race, I already espoused my reasons why he is not presidential material for Ghana in one of my recent publications. In the unlikely event, that Kennedy Agyapong springs a surprise by getting majority votes from the NPP delegates, Ghanaians will flatly reject him in the upcoming General elections. This does not need any prophetic guidance or pronouncement.

Francis Addai-Nimo who had a tie with the withdrawn Boakye Agyarko will fall off the road, as he is not a convincing presidential material for Ghana.

Looking at the three presidential candidates standing to lead the NPP Party, it is apparent that the NPP has no viable presidential candidate to present to Ghanaians in 2024.

In case Dr. Bawumia gets the nod from the NPP National Delegates Congress in November, he will not be able to match the much-ready, most likable, and highly experienced NDC Flagbearer in the person of former President Mahama in 2024. Here is why.

Firstly, Dr. Bawumia has proven to be the most discredited Economist in Ghana right now owing to his diametrically opposed utterances in opposition then and now in government in the areas of borrowing from the domestic and international markets, the exchange rate of the Ghana Cedi, e-levy, etc. You and I were there to witness Dr. Bawumia's so-called superior economic strategies to ameliorate the economic woes of Ghanaians despite the well-known rigid Guggisbergian economy.

Secondly, Dr. Bawumia has been the Vice president for almost 8 years. He also headed the Economic Management Team (EMT) and yet the economic status of Ghana now is nothing to write home about. Dr. Bawumia has indeed co-produced the economic mess with his boss, President Akufo-Addo that Ghanaians are experiencing now.

Thirdly, Dr. Bawumia is not the right person to consolidate any gains chalked by this Akufo-Addo-led government because there is no such thing to be consolidated in the first place. Rhetorically, how will Dr. Bawumia fight the pervasive corruption under the Akufo-Addo-led government, which he has been part of since 2017 and never exhibited any willingness to fight the canker?

Clearly, the NPP has no convincing presidential candidate for Ghanaians to renew their poorly executed and managed mandate given to them in 2017. The governing NPP Party under President Akufo-Addos regime has done a lot of disservice to Ghanaians and should not be renewed by the right-thinking and discerning Ghanaians going into the General elections next year.

Ghana needs a selfless, dedicated, sympathetic, experienced, and visionary leader to redirect and rebuild the Black Star of Africa after the unsatisfactory show of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led regime and the governing NPP Party.
Several people have died and others still unaccounted for following an Ammonia nitrate explosive disaster that occurred Saturday night at a quarry site operated by some Chinese at Anto-Aboso in the Shama District of the Western Region of Ghana.

Emmanuel Owuewie, the Assemblyman for Anto-Aboso who lives close to the quarry site and witnessed the incident told Citi News that he was sleeping when his ceiling fell on him.

Meanwhile, officers from the Fire Service and other security personnel are currently on the site helping with rescue efforts.

This comes on the back of a similar incident that occurred at Appiate in the same region.

The Appiate explosion happened on January 20, 2022, after a truck carrying explosives owned by Maxam Limited got involved in an accident resulting in the explosion.

The Appiate disaster was one that destroyed a whole community. 14 persons lost their lives while hundreds sustained varying degrees of injury.

A committee was inaugurated to probe the disaster. It subsequently presented its report to the government.

The government later fined Maxam company, which was responsible for transporting the explosives through its subcontractors $6 million.

citinewsroom
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up Sunday a G20 summit that played down deep divisions over the war in Ukraine and climate change, but gave him a moment in the diplomatic spotlight.

G20 leaders have been deeply riven over the Ukraine war since Moscow's invasion last year, with Russian President Vladimir Putin skipping the summit entirely to dodge political opprobrium.

Leaders of the Group of 20, which brings together Russia and China as well as some of Ukraine's most ardent backers, have long struggled to agree on much, in particular about the 18-month-old invasion.

Facing a major diplomatic embarrassment, host India pressed members to agree a common statement on Saturday that denounced the use of force for territorial gain, but shied away from direct criticism of Russia.

Kyiv said the G20 had "nothing to be proud of" but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who stood in for Putin at the meeting, on Sunday claimed a diplomatic win.

"We were able to prevent the West's attempts to 'Ukrainize' the summit agenda," the veteran diplomat said, dubbing the two-day gathering a "success".

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the G20 summit as a diplomatic win. By Handout (RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY / HANDOUT/AFP)

"The text doesn't mention Russia at all."

On Sunday, Modi formally closed the summit by passing on a ceremonial gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose country will take the bloc's presidency in December.

"We cannot let geopolitical issues sequester the G20 agenda of discussions," Lula said, an implicit reference to wrangling over the Ukraine war.

"We have no interest in a divided G20. We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict."

Indian civil servant Amitabh Kant wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the compromise text on Ukraine had involved "over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings (and) 15 drafts".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) has painted the G20 summit in New Delhi as India's diplomatic coming of age. By Evan Vucci (POOL/AFP)

But despite meeting in what the EU's climate monitor says is likely to be the hottest year in human history, the leaders failed to agree to a phase-out of fossil fuels, despite a UN report a day earlier deeming the drawdown "indispensable" to achieving net-zero emissions.

Instead, they backed a target of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, while committing only to a "phasedown" of coal "in line with national circumstances".

G20 members Russia and Saudi Arabia are major oil exporters, while coal consumption is rising in China and India, already the world's biggest consumers of the dirty fuel.

'People's G20'

Modi, who painted the summit as India's diplomatic coming of age and is pushing for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, celebrated the accession of the 55-member African Union to the G20.

Graphic showing the GDP and the population of the G20 countries.. By John SAEKI (AFP)

As the G20, the grouping included 19 countries and the European Union, representing 85 percent of the world GDP, with South Africa its only member state from the continent.

Modi has sought to position New Delhi as a voice for the Global South and the move turned the grouping into a "people's G20".

He also proposed another G20 leaders' meeting in November by video-link, opening up the possibility of Puting joining -- along with China's Xi Jinping, who skipped the summit with the Asian giants at loggerheads over territorial and other issues.

Lula said Putin would be free to attend next year's event in Rio de Janeiro, despite Brazil being a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued a warrant for the Russian leader's arrest for war crimes.

"If I'm the president of Brazil and if he comes to Brazil, there's no way that he will be arrested," he told Indian news network Firstpost on Saturday.

Others came together on the summit sidelines, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holding face-to-face talks with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday following a decade-long rift between the two countries.

World leaders had earlier joined Modi to pay their respects to revered Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, taking off their shoes at the site of his cremation, where normal footwear is forbidden as a mark of respect.

Like Modi, many walked barefoot at the rain-dampened site -- including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron -- while others including US President Joe Biden opted for slippers.

After a rendition of a Hindu devotional hymn, they stood for a moment's silence before leaving wreaths at the marble plinth where an eternal flame commemorates Gandhi's memory.
Many a person may not know the value of what they have until they lose it, then they bite hard their finger in regret, saying, had I known. This has been the usual occurrence in the life of Ghanaians.

In order not to cause the biggest regret in our political Ghanaian life, I shall by this publication invite the NPP delegates going into the NPP flag bearer election on 4 November 2023, to elect a person who has practically demonstrated a proven resolve to get Ghana on to the right tracks to development.

Ghanas foremost problem drawing her development back is the lack of strict enforcement of the laws. Once the obedience of the laws is stringently enforced, official corruption, malfeasance and all other forms of lawlessness and crimes as are visibly taking place in Ghana day in day out will be curtailed, if not become, the thing of the past.

Who among the four contestants, Dr Alhaji Mohamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong (Hon.), Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Mr Addai Nimo, is best suited by his track record to honestly seriously be capable and able to enforce the laws to wane Ghanaians off their infatuation with lawlessness to end their addiction to official corruption, cronyism, malfeasance and commitment of crimes with impunity, the factors militating against the socio-economic advancement of Ghana?

Is it by far not Kennedy Agyapong (Hon.)?

As good as Dr Bawumia is, and concerned about the welfare of Ghana and Ghanaians hence enforcing the digitisation and digitalisation of Ghana, Kennedy is the man with the demonstrable ability to uproot the lawlessness, the root of all Ghanas ills, from the country to put her on a sound footing to development.

Kennedy is honest, patriotic and visionary. He cares about Ghana and Ghanaians and has demonstrated these qualities both in his private and public life time after time.

Who among the four contestants cares about, and fights for the interests of you the NPP delegates, more than Kennedy? Just tell me.

Much as Dr Bawumia and all the other two may care about Ghana, that of Kennedy surpasses all of them.

At this moment of the world facing economic crises and Ghana water bodies, arable and fertile lands and forests come under unprecedented devastation, it only takes a man with the masterplan and clout to put an end to that gargantuan destruction. And, who is such a man among the four?

In my candid opinion, it is nobody other than Kennedy Agyapong.

The NPP delegates and the Ghanaian electorate should not allow themselves to be blinded or fooled by tribalism, petty ignorance and deception to vote otherwise or else, they will regret, only to painfully bite their fingers in had I known, but which is always at last.

Every season and their own problems and solutions. This season calls for a more radical far-sighted person who is honest, pragmatic, patriotic, believer in meritocracy to awarding official positions and speaks for the poor suffering masses and concerned about their welfare, to become not only the flag bearer-cum-presidential-candidate of NPP but the president of Ghana come election 2024.

The person among the four with the spelt out qualities is Kennedy Agyapong (Hon.), that Assin Dompim man coming from a humble background.

NPP delegates, please go into the election with your head but not heart. Think about the future but not only what you can get today, although many a Ghanaian thinks about what they can enjoy today but not tomorrow.

The heart can be idealistic, yet it can also be naive, casting off rational thinking. Your head can anticipate consequences that your heart may miss or minimize. Logical thought and perspective can alert you to unwise risks, protecting you from possible harm. This is why I am advising the NPP delegates and Ghanaian electorate to go into election with their head but not heart.

Let us give the businessman a chance to save Ghana.

I want a team comprising Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Alhaji Mohamudu Bawumia, Dr Kwabena Duffour and IGP Dr George Akuffo Dampare with Kennedy as head to rule Ghana come election 2024.

A word to the wise is enough.
10.09.2023 LISTEN

King Mohammed VI and Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan on Saturday chaired a working session dedicated to examining the situation following the earthquake that occurred Friday, September 8, and caused human and material losses in various regions of the kingdom.

The officials present briefed HM King Mohammed VI on the latest developments in the affected prefectures and provinces, notably in some localities that were inaccessible during the evening and where the situation point and relief intervention were not possible until sunrise.

During the session, the officials informed the High Royal Attention of the measures taken to quickly address this large-scale natural catastrophe.

These emergency measures, subject to instructions and constant follow-up by HM King Mohammed VI, since the first moments that followed the earthquake and witnessed the intervention of the Royal Armed Forces, local authorities, security services and Civil Protection units, as well as the ministries concerned, focused notably on Reinforcing the national blood stock, Suppling drinking water to affected areas, Distributing food kits, tents and blankets to the affected population and Quickly resuming public services

In this regard, it should be recalled that upon the High Instructions of HM King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the Royal Armed Forces urgently deployed significant human and logistical air and land resources, as well as specialized intervention modules based on search and rescue teams and a medical-surgical field hospital.

HM King Mohammed VI has given His Very High Instructions to expeditiously continue field relief efforts, as well as: Immediately set up an inter-ministerial commission in charge of carrying out an emergency rehabilitation and aid programme to reconstruct as soon as possible the destroyed homes in the affected areas.

Also, provide care to people in distress, notably orphans and vulnerable people, provide immediate care to all people who found themselves without shelter following the earthquake, notably in terms of housing, food and other basic needs.

Encourage economic operators for a quick resumption of activities in the areas concerned, open a special bank account at Treasury and Bank Al Maghrib to receive the voluntary solidarity contributions of citizens as well as private and public instructions.

Other measures include ensuring the full mobilization of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, with all its components, to support citizens in affected areas and create reserves and stocks of basic necessities (medicines, tents, beds, foodetc.) in every region of the Kingdom to prepare for any type of disaster.

It was also decided to observe three days of national mourning, with the half-masting of national flags on all public facilities.

His Majesty the King, Commander of the Faithful, also gave His High Instructions to the minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to perform the Absent Prayer (Salat Al Ghaib) in all mosques throughout the Kingdom, for the repose of the victims souls.

The Sovereign also expressed the sincere thanks of the kingdom of Morocco to all brotherly and friendly countries that expressed their solidarity with the Moroccan people on this situation, and many of which expressed their readiness to provide aid in these special circumstances.

This working meeting was attended by Government Head, Aziz Akhannouch, Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit,, Health and Social Protection Minister, Khalid Ait Taleb, as well as Lieutenant General Mohamed Berrid, Inspector General of FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone, Lieutenant General Mohamed Haramou, Commander of the Royal Gendarmerie, Brigadier General Mohamed Elabbar, Inspector of FAR Military Health Service, Brigadier General Mohamed Elabbar, Lieutenant Colonel Ihssane Lotfi, General Director of Civil Protection, Abdellatif Hammouchi, General Director of National Security, Director General of National Territory Surveillance, Mohamed El Azami, coordinator and member of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidaritys Board.

GNA
Authorities in Gabon have dismantled a broad network of international ivory traffickers who smuggled the prized elephant product from Gabon to Cameroon and on to lucrative Asian markets.

The operation involved the Gabonese judicial police and government directorates of forestry and wildlife, with the support of the NGO Conservation Justice.

In early August, police in the province of Moyen-Ogooue arrested a Gabonese man of Cameroonian origin, along with his wife. A search of their vehicle revealed a cache of 19 tusks and four pieces of ivory, weighing a total of 120kg.

For context, 19 tusks mean at least nine elephants had been killed.

The search also led to the confiscation of several rifle cartridges used for shooting big game, nearly 1 million CFA francs (about 1,500 euros) in cash, illicit substances and an expired residence permit belonging to a well-known Cameroonian ivory trafficker, according to Stephan Ekore Eko, an anti-poaching specialist at Gabon's Ministry of Water and Forests.

Using fresh information from the suspect, the investigators were able to track down more traffickers. A total of ten people were arrested in separate locations, and nine of them were charged with involvement in international ivory trafficking, according to Jean Donald Ulrich Mbadinga, a legal expert with Conservation Justice.

From Africa to Asia

He said it took ten days for the operation to unravel the vast network of international ivory traffickers in Gabon.

The ivory is taken from Gabon, is trafficked across the border to Cameroon, and from Cameroon to Nigeria and from Nigeria to the Asian market, he said in a video sent to RFI.

He explained that the network functioned like a pyramid: At the top, there is a leader who resides in Cameroon, and this leader works with collaborators who can be divided into two categories: the poachers' canvassers and the transporters.

Canvassers comb the whole of Gabon in search of villagers who can kill elephants, Mbadinga explained. Then when the ivory is available, transporters to go with the canvassers to collect it. The ivory is then transported to Cameroon, he said.

This type of operation is vital and should be repeated to dismantle the few large ivory trafficking networks that have managed to survive in Gabon, where the political will to protect the environment remains strong, says Luc Mathot, founding director of Conservation Justice.

Hundreds of tusks seized

In Gabon, trafficking in ivory is punishable by up to ten years in prison. But when it comes to international ivory smuggling, the penalty is heavier: offenders can spend up to 20 years behind bars.

Hundreds of traffickers in Gabon have already met such a fate, according to Ekore Eko.

Collaboration between Conservation Justice and the Ministry of Water and Forests has led to the arrest of over 500 ivory traffickers. Eighty percent of them have been condemned to prison terms of up to five years, he said.

This partnership with the Ministry of Water and Forests led to the seizure of 800 ivory tusks weighing in total 3.5 tonnes.

That number of tusks could be an indication that at least 200 elephants had been butchered.

Critically endangered species

Despite the risks, the lucrative market in Asia remains tempting for would-be smugglers.

Prices have fallen since China banned the ivory trade in 2017, prompting prices to drop from 208 US dollars per kilo to about 92 dollars/kg by 2020.

But even at that price, the 120 kg seized in the recent operation would still mean that the traffickers would be getting over 11,000 dollars (10,000 euros) on the black market  no small sum in a region where the majority of the people still live below the poverty line.

Preventing poaching is all the more urgent given that Gabon is the world's largest remaining stronghold of African forest elephants, a species separate from the bush elephants that live on the continent's savannahs.

While both species are at risk, forest elephants are classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of species in peril, having seen their numbers fall by more than 86 percent over roughly 30 years.

Gabon is home to some 95,000 forest elephants, which represent between 60 and 70 percent of the entire global population, according to a 2021 survey conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society and Gabon's National Park Agency.
Using heavy equipment and even their bare hands, rescuers in Morocco on Sunday stepped up efforts to find survivors of a devastating earthquake that killed more than 2,100 people and flattened villages.

The first foreign rescuers flew in to help after the North African country's strongest-ever quake killed at least 2,122 people and injured more than 2,400, many seriously, according to official figures updated late on Sunday.

Friday's 6.8-magnitude quake struck 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of the tourist hub of Marrakesh, wiping out entire villages in the hills of the Atlas mountains.

On Sunday an aftershock of magnitude 4.5 rattled already-traumatised residents in the same region.

Volunteers watch as a digger moves the rubble of collapsed houses in Tafeghaghte. By FADEL SENNA (AFP)

The mountain village of Tafeghaghte, 60 kilometres from Marrakesh, was almost entirely destroyed, an AFP team reported, with very few buildings still standing.

Amid the debris, civilian rescuers and members of Morocco's armed forces searched for survivors and the bodies of the dead.

AFP saw them recover one body from the ruins of a house. Four others were still buried there, residents said.

"Everyone is gone! My heart is broken. I am inconsolable," cried Zahra Benbrik, 62, who said she had lost 18 relatives, with only the body of her brother still trapped.

A donkey is rescued from the rubble of Tafeghaghte. By FADEL SENNA (AFP)

"I want them to hurry and get him out so I can mourn in peace," she said.

Many houses in remote mountain villages were built from mud bricks.

In the village of Amizmiz, near Tafeghaghte, a backhoe dragged away the heaviest pieces of rubble before rescuers dug into the dusty debris with their bare hands to remove a body that appeared to be under a quilt.

The crucial hours

The two villages lie in Al-Haouz province, site of the epicentre, which suffered the most deaths, 1,351, authorities reported.

According to Moroccan public television, "more than 18,000 families have been affected" by the quake in Al-Haouz.

Deadliest earthquakes over last 30 years. By Sylvie HUSSON (AFP)

Citizens on Sunday rushed to hospitals in Marrakesh to donate blood to help the injured.

Spain's defence ministry said an A400 airlifter took off from Zaragoza with 56 rescuers and four search dogs headed for Marrakesh to "help in the search and rescue of survivors".

"We will send whatever is needed because everyone knows that these first hours are key, especially if there are people buried under rubble," Defence Minister Margarita Robles told Spanish public television.

Many residents of the usually bustling tourist hotspot of Marrakesh spent a second night sleeping on the streets, huddled together under blankets and among bags filled with their belongings.

One of them, Fatema Satir, said many stayed outside for fear of their houses collapsing.

The Red Cross warned that it could take years to repair the damage. By FADEL SENNA (AFP)

"There is no help for us," Satir said. "Our houses have been cracked, others destroyed -- like my daughter's house which was wiped out. We are in a chaotic state."

In the city's historic Jemaa el-Fna square, about 20 people were huddled on the ground, wrapped in blankets, while others stayed on the lawn of the nearby town hall, its 12th-century ramparts partially collapsed.

The kingdom declared three days of national mourning, and a prayer for the quake victims was to be held Sunday in all of the kingdom's mosques.

Morocco's interior ministry said on Saturday evening that authorities are "mobilised to speed up rescue operations and evacuate the injured."

In addition to Spain, several countries offered aid.

Tourists drag their suitcases past a damaged building in the old quarter of Marrakesh. By Philippe LOPEZ (AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron said his country has mobilised "all technical and security teams to be able to intervene, when the Moroccan authorities deem it useful."

Macron, along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the heads of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, African Union and European Commission, also pledged, in a joint statement, to "mobilise our technical and financial tools and assistance" to help the people of Morocco.

Long recovery ahead

The United States said it also had search-and-rescue teams ready to deploy, and Pope Francis on Sunday again expressed support for those affected by the disaster.

"I thank the rescuers and all those who are working to alleviate the suffering of the people," he said from the Vatican window above St Peter's Square.

Algeria, which has long had tense relations with neighbouring Morocco, opened its airspace, which had been closed for two years, to flights carrying humanitarian aid and evacuating the injured.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country in 2020 established ties with Morocco, offered to send search-and-rescue teams, declaring that "Israel stands by Morocco in its difficult time".

The Red Cross warned that it could take years to repair the damage.

"It won't be a matter of a week or two... We are counting on a response that will take months, if not years," said Hossam Elsharkawi, its Middle East and North Africa director.

The quake was the deadliest in Morocco since a 1960 earthquake destroyed Agadir and killed more than 12,000 people.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has commissioned two Boundary Class Ships and a multi-purpose oil spillage detector ship for the Western Naval Command and the Ghana Maritime Authority, respectively.

The Boundary Class Ships and the multi-purpose oil spillage detector ships were donated by the United States government to help the two security institutions ensure adequate security and safety for Ghanas territorial waters.

The President, while commending the U.S. government for helping to strengthen Ghanas maritime security, said his government is committed to protecting Ghanas blue economy.

The Western Regional Marine Surveyor of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Engineer Michael Kwaw Nunoo, spoke about the efficiency that the multi-purpose vessel will bring to the work of the Ghana Maritime Authority.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has announced an over 70% upward adjustment of the farm gate price of cocoa beans from GH800 to GH1,308 per bag for the new cocoa season.

According to the President, the increase is the highest in West Africa in the last 15 years.

The President made this announcement at Tepa in the Ashanti Region during the opening of the 2023/2024 cocoa season.

The increase comes after cocoa farmers have in recent times intensified calls for an upward review of cocoa prices to prevent the prevalence of smuggling and the situation where cocoa farmers give out their lands to illegal miners.
Psychologist John Egbeazien Oshodi

10.09.2023 LISTEN

Published on September 9, 2023, in the Daily Post under the title "Dont waste resources to challenge Tinubus victory  Scholar advises Atiku, Obi," this article initiates a thought-provoking discourse prompted by the recent affirmation of President Bola Tinubu's victory by the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, following a contentious election.

Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, a scholar in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Ibadan, has offered invaluable guidance to prominent opposition figures, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

This discourse reignites discussions about the paramount importance of upholding justice, even when confronted with potential challenges and resource limitations, within the dynamic political landscape of Nigeria and the broader context of Africa.

Challenging election results isn't just about resources or excitement; it's about self-defense and safeguarding democratic values. It ensures that political parties and individuals protect their interests, have their voices heard legally, and uphold fairness and justice, no matter the outcome.

The debate over whether to challenge election results or accept them is a complex one, and different individuals and groups may have differing opinions on the matter. Ultimately, the legal system exists to address such disputes and provide a resolution based on the rule of law and the constitution. It is through these mechanisms that justice, fairness, and the democratic process prevail, whether one wins or loses their legal battle.

Encouraging the use of legal remedies is vital to promote justice and fairness within a democratic society. It signifies a dedication to the ethical and moral principles of justice, highlighting that seeking justice through legal avenues is more than just winning a case; it's about standing up for what is right and just. This commitment aligns with the fundamental values of fairness, justice, and the rule of law, providing personal fulfillment to those who champion these principles, irrespective of case outcomes.

Even when the judicial system fails to deliver the desired verdict, pursuing justice through legal means establishes a documented record of perceived injustices or justice.

I respect Professor Albert's perspective, emphasizing the need to consider practicality and resource constraints in legal challenges. However, it's important to recognize that the pursuit of justice often extends beyond individual cases and reflects a larger commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.

Legal battles, despite their resource-intensive nature and occasional lack of desired outcomes, are essential for maintaining democratic integrity. They provide a platform for thorough allegation examination, ensuring accountability and transparency. Moreover, they emphasize the universality of the rule of law, irrespective of social status or influence. Thus, while respecting Professor Albert's perspective, we must also value the role of legal challenges in preserving democratic fairness.

In emerging democracies like Nigeria, individuals and political parties have the right to challenge election outcomes when they have valid reasons. This decision involves considering factors like available evidence and its impact on democracy. It's essential for all parties to make informed, law-abiding, and democratic choices.

Encouraging justice involves addressing self-defense, seeking justice, and emphasizing the natural progression of the legal process. The debate over challenging or accepting election results is complex, with varying opinions. The legal system is designed to resolve such disputes based on the rule of law and constitutional principles, ensuring justice and democracy coexist. Promoting the use of legal remedies is essential for peaceful dispute resolution, trust in democratic institutions, and political engagement. Legal challenges contribute to learning, inform electoral law improvements, and uphold democratic values.

Despite potential flaws or corruption within the legal system, it's crucial to encourage individuals like Atiku, Obi, and Tinubu not to be discouraged from seeking justice, even amid challenges. Pursuing justice upholds democratic principles, ensuring fair treatment and accountability. In African contexts, it acts as a guiding light, leading societies toward fairness, equity, and accountability, fostering trust and progress.

Justice transcends individual personalities and affiliations; it forms the foundation of democracy. Upholding justice guarantees fair and equitable treatment within the bounds of the law.

Promoting engagement with the legal system after an election contributes to the well-being of a democratic society by encouraging peaceful and lawful dispute resolution.

This passage emphasizes the psychological aspect of individuals seeking justice within a potentially flawed or corrupt judicial system. Encouraging justice through the legal system demonstrates a commitment to fundamental democratic principles, including fairness, justice, and the rule of law. Regardless of the outcome, be it a victory or a loss, the legal process ensures the robustness, transparency, and accountability of the democratic process. Individuals must bravely pursue justice, shaping a more equitable future that influences the fate of nations and empowers individuals worldwide. It's vital to consider the principles of self-defense, the quest for justice, and the significance of the legal process. Professor Isaac Albert's advice reflects his perspective, which can vary among individuals. The debate surrounding the challenge of election results is multifaceted, with diverse opinions among individuals and groups. The legal system exists to address such disputes in accordance with the rule of law and the constitution.

In a democratic society, accountability is fundamental as encouraging legal challenges to election results reinforces the idea that those in power are answerable for their actions, promoting fairness and transparency in electoral processes, deterring future misconduct, and legal dispute resolution reduces the potential for conflict, violence, or civil unrest that can result from unaddressed concerns, aligning with Professor Albert's peace and conflict studies background, while also providing insights into electoral process improvements, fostering a continuous learning process and stronger democratic institutions, sustaining political engagement and preventing disengagement or disruptive actions, granting agency and a platform to have their voices heard, validating concerns, acknowledging suffering, and providing a legitimate avenue for resolution, respecting diverse opinions and voices, even in electoral defeat, upholding democratic values, and promoting social cohesion and non-violent dispute resolution, averting social unrest, which all together reflects a commitment to fairness, even if victory is uncertain, fulfilling ethical and moral principles, safeguards interests, ensuring voices are heard through legal means to seek justice.

In democratic societies, justice safeguards freedom and self-protection, challenging election results uphold due process. Discouraging legal avenues erodes trust in the legal system. Transparency, fair elections, and adherence to legal procedures are crucial for African democracy.

This writing underscores the importance of principles, justice, freedom, and due process in challenging election results. Justice demands impartiality, fairness, proper treatment, reasonableness, harm prevention, and remedial actions. Encouragement reflects a commitment to fairness and upholding democratic values.

In African settings, figures like Atiku, Obi, and Tinubu play a vital role in encouraging justice, ensuring fair treatment under the law. Justice is a fundamental right, guiding societies toward fairness, equity, and accountability.

Encouraging justice is a commitment to equality, impartiality, and the rule of law, fostering trust, social cohesion, and lasting progress in African settings, even if victory is uncertain. The pursuit of justice secures rights and contributes to a just and fair society.

The psychological message for all in Africa is clear: Cherish justice, for it is the cornerstone upon which resilient, fair, and harmonious societies are built. Uphold justice, for its pursuit shapes the destiny of nations and empowers individuals to secure their rightful place in the world.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. A former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. Professor Oshodi is highly regarded as an authority on psycho-prescriptive writings concerning African institutional and governance matters. With an impressive body of work that encompasses over forty academic publications and books, as well as over 300 public opinion articles, he emphasizes the values of truth, ethics, and transparency in his work.

[email protected]
Offices and shops in the Central Business District (CBD) in the Greater Accra Region are expected to close down for three days to make way for the final funeral rights of the late Ga Manye, the Paramount Queen of Ga State, HRM Naa Dedei Omaedru III.

From 27th to the 29th of October, we expect shops and offices in the Central Business District to remain closed, said Lady Justice Naa-Yarlay Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the office of the Ga Mantse.

Justice Amoah, who doubles as the Secretary to the Central Funeral Planning Committee of the late Ga Manye, added We also expect them to decorate their business premises with black and red drippings.

The various markets are also to drip all their surroundings in black and red because we are mourning together, its not just the palace, so we are respectfully calling on all to cooperate with us in this time of grief.

Lady Justice Amoah made this known when a delegation from Jospong Group of Companies led by Mrs. Adokarley Okpoti- Paulo, Group Financial Controller for Environmental & Sanitation Group/ Finance Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited signed the book of condolence at the Ga Traditional Council on Friday, September 8, 2023.

The Group presented a box of schnapps, a box of Castle Bridge gin, Bottles of Red Label Whiskey, boxes of soft drinks and mineral water as well as refuse bins and an undisclosed cash donation to support preparations towards the final funeral rights of the late Ga Manye.

Presenting the items, Mrs. Okpoti-Paulo, said the gesture was to console and mourn with the elders for the great loss.

She announced that, Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., a subsidiary of the group will take charge of all the sanitation-related issues regarding the funeral.

Zoomlion will help to keep the surroundings clean during and after the funeral ceremony to ensure that the Ga State is clean at all times, she promised.

Receiving the items, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, commended the Group for the gesture and prayed for long life for the Executive Chairman of the Group.

The final funeral rites of the late Ga Manye, who passed away in December last year, is slated from October 15 to 31st 2023.

The book of condolences was signed and opened by H.E. the president of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo on June 19, 2023.

 Citi Newsroom
Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.
you are here:
Siddharth Upasani is a Special Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He has been covering the Indian economy, economic data, and monetary and fiscal policies for nine years. He tweets at @SiddharthUbiWan. Contact: siddharth.upasani@nw18.com
Parsa Venkateshwar Rao Jr is a New Delhi-based journalist. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day
Salvatore Babones is an associate professor at the University of Sydney and director of the Indian Century Roundtable. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Udita Jhunjhunwala is an independent film critic, lifestyle writer, author and festival curator. She can be found on Twitter @UditaJ and Instagram @Udita_J
Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not be arrested if he attends the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next year, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said.

The Russian president is skipping this year's gathering in New Delhi, avoiding the risk of political opprobrium and criminal detention under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.

Both India and Brazil are members of the ICC, which issued the warrant in March over accusations of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children, a war crime.

The Kremlin insists the warrant against Putin is "void".

Putin has skipped recent international gatherings and sent his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to New Delhi instead.

But Lula, speaking to Indian news network Firstpost on Saturday, said Putin would be invited to next year's event, to be hosted by Brazil.

"We enjoy peace and we like to treat people well. So I believe Putin can go easily to Brazil," he said.

"If I'm the president of Brazil and if he comes to Brazil, there's no way that he will be arrested."

Lula also said that he would attend a BRICS bloc of developing nations summit in Russia next year.

On Saturday, the G20 nations adopted a declaration that avoided condemning Moscow for the war in Ukraine but called on all states to refrain from using force to grab territory.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


An aerial view of the house where actress Marilyn Monroe died is seen on July 26, 2002, in Brentwood, California. (Mel Bouzad/Getty Images/TNS)
Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has been awarded the Airports Service Quality (ASQ) Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Level 3 from Airports Council International (ACI), in recognition of its continued efforts to deliver and maintain an exceptional experience to all travellers and visitors to Bahrain International Airport.

The award was received by Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Head of Customer Experience Salem Almutawa, along with members of BACs Customer Experience department at the ACI Customer Experience Global Summit in Incheon, Korea.

The achievement demonstrates BACs dedication to providing top-notch quality services, placing visitors and travellers at the centre of the operations. BIAs facilities provide a quick and seamless process for passengers departing, arriving and transiting, and is designed to be user-friendly for all customers. The terminal is designed to meet the needs of all types of passengers, be they families, children, the elderly or the differently abled, throughout all phases of their journey, a Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) statement said.

BAC Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah said: We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a global leader in customer experience at BIA, and its been a significant achievement to be progressing our way through the ACI Customer Experience Accreditation program for two years consecutively. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the airport team and all our partners for providing exceptional services, playing a vital role in ensuring an enjoyable experience for all passengers. Since the launch of the new state-of-the-art terminal, we have built a strong reputation of providing the best quality of services, high standards in our facilities as we position the airport as a customer-friendly airport for all. We look forward to continuing our efforts in providing the best services while facilitating and supporting the growth of the aviation industry.

Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General at ACI World, said: Congratulations to Bahrain International Airport on achieving Level 3 in the ACI Customer Experience Accreditation program. Their success reflects their continuous commitment to travellers and the communities that the airport serves. ACI World remains dedicated to providing airports with the right tools, every step of the way, in their journey of adaptation to evolving customer needs.

The award is the second received in a row, having achieved Level 2 ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation in 2022. Additionally, BIA has received the Skytrax 5-star rating for the second consecutive year, in honour of the high standards of its facilities and services. The ranking is the highest mark of quality distinction awarded by Skytrax for an airport.  TradeArabia News Service
Tensions remain high in Zimbabwe following disputed elections last August. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing growing calls to address grievances raised by the main opposition.

Nelson Chamisas Citizens Coalition for Change party has rejected the official results of the presidential vote. While the Electoral Commission declared Mnangagwa the winner, CCC insists the election was rigged in the ruling partys favor.

Chamisa has refused to accept defeat and taken his case for fresh polls to regional leaders. Observers from the Southern African Development Community also noted the vote failed to meet standards, lending support to CCCs claims.

This has put Mnangagwa in an uncomfortable position. As pressure intensifies from fellow SADC members, real engagement with Chamisa appears unavoidable. Some accuse Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema of spearheading efforts for an emergency summit to discuss Zimbabwe.

On the ground, opposition continues pushing for political dialogue and reforms to address alleged irregularities like voter intimidation. Both CCC and a faction linked to former minister Saviour Kasukuwere argue anomalies violated the constitution and marred the elections credibility.

Chamisa asserts outreach to neighbours is gaining traction for his grievances. Without action, his warnings of future disputed outcomes may materialize. The Platform for Concerned Citizens has also organised an online petition signed by over 33,000 Zimbabweans urging SADC intervention.

As dissatisfaction amplifies at home and abroad, Mnangagwa faces a crucial choice on easing political tensions or risking deeper unrest. Compromise may now be needed to resolve post-election disputes and ease Zimbabwes ongoing stability concerns.

Breaking News via Email
In a stunning turn of events, secret behind-the-scenes revelations have emerged, shedding light on President Emmerson Mnangagwas palpable nervousness over the Harare vote during the recent elections in Zimbabwe. According to insiders, Mnangagwa repeatedly checked with officials about the progress of vote counting in Harare, indicating his worry about the outcome.

Harare Metropolitan province, with its approximately 1,578,000 people, holds significant electoral importance with 907,700 registered voters in Harare district and 176,000 in Chitungwiza district.

Additionally, the ruling party, Zanu PF, has faced challenges in securing support in Mutare and other urban areas, which have traditionally been strongholds for the opposition party, previously known as the MDC and now the Citizens Coalition for Change.

On the election day, delays in the opening of polling stations in Harare, caused by late delivery of election materials, fueled frustration among voters. Some individuals were unable to exercise their democratic right to vote, further heightening tensions. It was during this tumultuous period that President Mnangagwas nervousness began to surface.

Sources close to the president disclosed that Mnangagwa displayed signs of anxiety and repeatedly sought updates on the progress of the vote count in Harare. He was particularly concerned about his performance in the capital city and sought reassurance from top officials regarding the accuracy of the information he received.

To assess the situation in various constituencies, Mnangagwa relied on constituency specialists from Forever Associate Zimbabwe (Faz). Led by retired Brigadier-General Walter Tapfumaneyi, Faz, described as a registered private voluntary organization, reportedly has ties to the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO). These specialists provided honest assessments from their respective bases, offering crucial insights that influenced Mnangagwas overall vote percentage.

Vote consolidation took place at Chaminuka Building, serving as the headquarters of the CIO. Mnangagwa received constant updates from polling stations, and military intelligence also conducted its own vote consolidation. It predicted a higher percentage of votes for Mnangagwa compared to the CIOs projections. The presence of the Joint Operations Command, comprising high-ranking officials from various security agencies, further underscores the seriousness attached to the election process.

The revelations surrounding Mnangagwas unease over the Harare vote have sparked speculation and concern throughout Zimbabwe. Critics argue that these behind-the-scenes anxieties point to potential electoral malpractices and a lack of confidence within the ruling party. Such revelations not only question the credibility of the election process but also cast doubt on the long-term stability and legitimacy of the government.

Breaking News via Email
United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, has extended his congratulations to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his victory in the recent presidential election in Zimbabwe.

In a letter addressed to President Mnangagwa, Mr. Guterres expressed his appreciation for the governments efforts to promote womens participation in national governance. The UN Secretary-General also pledged to work closely with the Zimbabwean government to accelerate development, ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and advance gender equality.

In his congratulatory letter, Mr. Guterres commended President Mnangagwa on his re-election as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. He expressed his anticipation for continued cooperation between Zimbabwe and the United Nations in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Co-operation Framework 2022-2026. The framework aims to foster development, inclusive economic growth, gender equality, human rights, and climate action in Zimbabwe.

Mr. Guterres took the opportunity to acknowledge Zimbabwes efforts in enhancing the political participation of women. He encouraged President Mnangagwa to promote gender parity in Cabinet and senior appointments, emphasizing the importance of womens inclusion and empowerment in national governance.

International Leaders Extend Congratulations

Joining a chorus of international leaders, Mr. Guterres became the latest to congratulate President Mnangagwa on his electoral victory. Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Namibian leader Hage Geingob, Botswana President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique, and Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko were among those who sent congratulatory messages to President Mnangagwa and the ruling party, ZANU PF.

These messages of congratulations from world leaders signify their commitment to fostering positive bilateral relationships and cooperation with Zimbabwe. They express hopes for continued collaboration in areas such as economic development, security, stability, and regional integration. The international communitys recognition of President Mnangagwas re-election underscores the importance of constructive engagement and partnerships in advancing Zimbabwes progress.

Breaking News via Email
The Zanu-PF Province of Bulawayo has submitted an application to have Cde Joshua Teke Malinga conferred with national hero status. Malinga passed away on Friday at the age of 79 after battling prostate cancer at his home in Bulawayo. He had most recently served as a special advisor to the President as well as a member of Zanu-PFs Politburo.

Archibold Chiponda, the provincial secretary for information, said a letter requesting national hero status for Malinga was drafted over the weekend and is expected to be sent to party headquarters today. Senior party members in Bulawayo expressed confidence that Malinga will receive this honor due to his lifetime of service to both the nation and Zanu-PF.

Malinga overcame difficulties early in life, becoming paralyzed from polio at age two. He received an education thanks to the support of his brother and late national hero Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu. Malinga went on to have a very successful career in business and public service. He served two terms as Mayor of Bulawayo from 1993 to 1996 and helped beautify the city.

Throughout his life, Malinga advocated passionately for the rights of persons with disabilities both in Zimbabwe and internationally. He served on numerous disability boards and was also president of a United Nations body focused on disability issues. Members of Zanu-PF praised Malinga for his objectivity, bravery in speaking on important issues, and dedication to improving conditions for all Zimbabweans regardless of ability.

Vice President Kembo Mohadi expressed condolences to Malingas family, remembering his commitment to advocating for the disabled. Malinga is survived by his wife, 10 children, and grandchildren. Mourners continue gathering to pay respects to a man who overcame adversity to achieve great things and empower others.

Breaking News via Email
Tensions are high in Zimbabwe following controversial elections. When President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared victorious amid accusations of irregularities, change seemed blocked once more. But the opposition isnt backing down, and now certain SADC members are kicking up dust by lobbying for urgent talks on Zimbabwes disputed vote.

The government isnt happy though  they see outside pressure as meddling. As officials and allies push back on scrutiny, questions emerge over whether the regional bloc has the will to demand answers. With a tradition of non-interference, will SADC stay on the sidelines as dissatisfaction simmers? This episode opens debates around democratic standards and the limits of sovereignty within the organization.

Information minister Nick Mangwana accused one country of pushing a treacherous agenda on behalf of more powerful nations. Not all SADC states support revisiting the issue, he suggested.

There is some treacherous lobbying going on by one SADC member state to have an Extraordinary Summit on Zimbabwe.

The other members are seeing through this and its not going to happen. This agenda being pushed by this member state is not its own. Its doing a hatchet job for some powerful nations, he said.

As a collective organization prioritizing stability, SADC may lack consensus and will to scrutinize the vote further. Its observer missions findings could set an unwelcome precedent of greater involvement in members internal affairs.

The disputed outcome and SADCs internal divisions illustrate the challenges faced. While some push for addressing the irregularities, Zimbabwes government rejects outside involvement in its internal processes. SADCs approach may leave disputed elections with little meaningful follow-up or remedy for aggrieved parties. The situation remains uncertain.

Breaking News via Email
AI and genetic engineering could trigger a super-pandemic, warns AI expert

Mustafa Suleyman, the billionaire co-founder of Google DeepMind AI technology, has warned that a super-pandemic developed through AI and genetic engineering is one of the biggest threats facing the planet. He made the warning in an episode of the "Diary of a CEO" podcast.

According to Suleyman, the ability to engineer a deadly pandemic, such as the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), could potentially become commonplace before the end of this decade.

Suleyman added that in the next five years or so, a regular person could easily download the instruction set for a pandemic thats "more lethal" than anything the world has encountered so far. He warned that this is why the world needs "containment."

AI and genetic engineering could do more harm than good

Technology is evolving quickly and Suleyman added that it is crucial to "limit access to the tools and the know-how to carry out that kind of experimentation," especially since many people are often "experimenting with dangerous materials," he said.

Something dangerous like anthrax can't be bought over the internet, making it hard to freely experiment with. But while it is difficult to turn anthrax into a weapon of mass destruction, it is possible to grow the bacteria in a lab and distribute small quantities piecemeal, even through the mail.

According to Norman Cheville, dean of Iowa State Universitys School of Veterinary Medicine, growing anthrax is easy and you can even grow it overnight.

Until the mid-1990s, the U.S. government didn't keep detailed information on who shared and sold samples of anthrax and other dangerous bacteria. In the mid-1980s, before the Persian Gulf War, the not-for-profit biological supply company American Type Culture Collection sold three strains of anthrax to Iraq. Some say Iraq used the bacteria to create biological weapons.

In 1995, Larry Wayne Harris, a laboratory worker at Ohio State University obtained three vials of bubonic plague from American Type by falsifying university letterhead.

Harris pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He was a member of Aryan Nations, a white supremacist group, and he claimed to have cultivated anthrax by taking samples from a 20-year-old burial site for cattle that had died of the disease.

Congress realized that lab controls were lax and it passed a law in 1996 that strictly limits the interstate shipment of anthrax and other pathogenic strains.

Researchers who plan to work with anthrax must first receive a license from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Shippers must also inform the government when they send an anthrax sample while researchers must acknowledge receipt.

According to Suleyman, in a few years, the very best of these tools could "be capable of creating new synthetic pandemic pathogens," emphasizing the need to "restrict access to those things."

When talking about the future of genetic engineering, Suleyman said the darkest scenario is that people will experiment with synthetic pathogens that could end up "accidentally or intentionally being more transmissible." They can spread faster, or be more lethal.

Suleyman also warned that advanced AI technology is getting cheaper and easier to obtain at an alarming rate because the tech is being made "open." (Related: EXTREME SCENARIOS: Artificial intelligence could revolutionize tech sector forever  or wipe out the human race.)

This means anyone can get their hands on the technology and people can use it to help them cheat on their exams or develop a virus that could paralyze the world.

Suleyman also highlighted the need for an international treaty with "America's perceived enemies such as Russia and China." Such a treaty could help limit the use of advanced AI and genetic manipulation (genetic modification/genetic engineering).

Go to Cyborg.news for more information about the risks and dangers of AI.

Watch the video below as Paul McGuire talks about how AI is taking over everything.

This video is from the PAUL McGUIRE channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Big Tech, globalist elites join forces in secret meeting to talk about artificial intelligence.

Century-old writings by Nikola Tesla predict development of artificial intelligence.

Apple starts to embrace artificial intelligence, installs AI-powered features in iPhones.

Sources include:

DailyStar.co.uk

LATimes.com

Brighteon.com
Electricity prices in Italy surge 30% IN A WEEK as another winter without cheap Russian gas approaches

Within just one week from Aug. 21 to 27, Italy experienced a nearly 30 percent increase in the cost of electricity , pushing prices up to 138 euros ($147) per megawatt-hour (MWh) as another winter without cheap and bountiful Russian natural gas approaches.

That was the second straight week Italy saw a rapid surge in electricity prices. In the week from Aug. 14 to 20, prices rose by more than 10 percent over the previous week to nearly 106 euros ($114) per MWh, based on national average rates listed on the Italian Power Exchange, the main company that organizes the country's energy market.

According to the estimates of Nomisma Energia, an energy think tank, Italian households are now facing the possibility of another seven to 10 percent spike in their electricity bills by Oct. 1 because of rising natural gas prices and Italy's position as one of the most natural gas-dependent countries in the European Union.

"Half of Italy's electricity production is made with gas," warned Davide Tabarelli, president of Nomisma Energia. "If prices remain at these levels, it is inevitable that they will be reflected in an increase in future electricity bills."

Tabarelli also warned about the grim projections for the upcoming winter, indicating that international gas prices could be 40 percent higher than the current rates, potentially resulting in a 20 percent hike in gas tariffs.

The surge in energy costs in the EU is not only limited to Italy. Estonia witnessed an astonishing 93 percent spike in its average wholesale electricity price, at one point going as high as 153.39 euros ($164) per MWh over the past week. In Latvia and Lithuania, costs surged by 23 percent to 142.58 euros ($153) per MWh.

Even France, historically a net power exporter to the EU, had to rely heavily on electricity imports from neighboring nations due to maintenance-related shutdowns of many of its nuclear power plants.

Ban on Russian oil responsible for the energy price hikes in the EU

These escalating energy prices can be traced back to the decision of the EU in 2022 to restrict Russian oil and gas imports and completely ban coal supplies as part of its sanctions policy over Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. (Related: New Energy Market Order: Russia, China, Iran sign over a dozen new trade agreements  mostly concerning energy.)

Last year, the EU implemented sanctions on Russian oil exports, including a ban on seaborne crude oil exports and price caps on Russian crude oil at $60 per barrel. Further restrictions and price caps were imposed on higher-value Russian refined oil products.

In response to sanctions, Russia reduced oil output by 500,000 barrels per day starting in March. Moreover, Moscow stopped selling oil to buyers who cling to a Western-imposed price ceiling of $60 a barrel. As a result, Russia's oil trade revenues increased by $1.7 billion in April, reaching $15 billion, with nearly 80 percent of crude shipments going to China and India in April.

The ban, which was originally intended to lower the demand for Russian oil and coal, has "continued to flow at close to pre-war volumes" in May, as per Gavin Thompson, the vice chairman of energy in the Asia Pacific at Wood Mackenzie.

This move, which was supposed to empower the EU, left the continent grappling with supply shortages and forced some member states to take unusual measures to secure their energy needs, especially during the winter season.

Visit EnergySupply.news for more news related to electricity shortage.

Watch the below video that talks about Europe's mandatory reduction of electricity use.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Russian oil exports surge despite Western sanctions, Moscows output cut.

Renewables NOT ENOUGH to cover Europe's energy needs.

Europe has spent hundreds of billions in energy subsidies to shield citizens from EU-caused energy crisis.

Sources include:

RT.com 1

AzerNews.az

ANSA.it

RT.com 2

RT.com 3

Brighteon.com
Greenwald exposes fraudulent WaPo disinformation study, David Frum, and ADL propaganda to silence dissent

Journalist Glenn Greenwald has once again dissected a load of establishment propaganda disguised as legitimate reporting - this time shredding a new, and fraudulent,from the Washington Post. And of course, Greenwald has receipts.

(Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com)

The study, which was sponsored by the European Union 'with an Omidyar-funded group' accuses Twitter (X) of facilitating "pro-Russia propaganda" by failing to censor more.

The Washington Posts latest disinformation study  sponsored by the EU with an Omidyar-funded group that accuses Twitter of failing to censor "Russian propaganda"  is another in a long line of fraudulent attempts to justify censorship with pro-censorship demands. Looking at pic.twitter.com/2B63fpnPwB  System Update (@SystemUpdate_) September 7, 2023

"The EU-led study insisted that Elon Musks new Twitter policies, and those of other Big Tech platforms, help spread Russian propaganda  by which they mean that Musk's reduction of political censorship on the site, and the "failure" of Big Tech generally to censor upon command, is "dangerous,"" according to Greenwald.

The EU-led study insisted that Elon Musks new Twitter policies, and those of other Big Tech platforms, help spread Russian propaganda  by which they mean that Musk's reduction of political censorship on the site, and the "failure" of Big Tech generally to censor upon command, pic.twitter.com/pkQhqgM212  System Update (@SystemUpdate_) September 7, 2023

Greenwald then opines on the hypocrisy of people who "constantly march under the banner of saving democracy and pro-democracy and saving the West from authoritarianism when in reality their central project is to eliminate free speech in the digital age."

.@ggreenwald Propaganda, that word, is like terrorism. It means whatever the wielders of the term wanted to mean, same with hate speech, same with disinformation. pic.twitter.com/DPPmUWh62L  System Update (@SystemUpdate_) September 7, 2023

.@ggreenwald Simply by opposing the U.S. war in Ukraine, or questioning the false claims of the United States and its media about the war, you will be counted as a pro-Russian propagandist who should be censored from the Internet under EU law because you have quote, ideological pic.twitter.com/8PYGMRNiyr  System Update (@SystemUpdate_) September 7, 2023

On Friday, Greenwald also shredded neocons, including David Frum, who called anti-war conservatives 'unpatriotic.'

Frum also peddled the lie that Elon Musk 'turned off Starlink to thwart a Ukrainian military operation' last fall - when in fact, Musk refused to activate it for offensive purposes. Nothing was 'turned off.'

The strategy of neocons, of the US Security State, and of US corporate media has been the same for decades: Anyone who questions let alone opposes US war policies is declared traitorous, on the other side, an apologist or supporter for whoever they want to treat as their enemy. pic.twitter.com/YEcbj4OT4y  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) September 8, 2023

Watch Greenwald's entire episode of "System Update" below:

Greenwald also opined on propaganda from the ADL, which he argues shouldn't have the power to influence ad revenues in the pursuit of censoring whatever the left doesn't like.

He notes that 'After Brexit and Trump, the neoliberal establishment in the West was genuinely traumatized,' and concluded 'it's too dangerous to allow the internet to be free. It leads to outcomes we can't control. And the *mainstream* left fully agrees.'

I can't stress this enough: After Brexit and Trump, the neoliberal establishment in the West was genuinely traumatized. Their main conclusion: it's too dangerous to allow the internet to be free. It leads to outcomes we can't control. And the *mainstream* left fully agrees.  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) September 8, 2023

Greenwald then circles back to the fraudulent WaPo study.

WashPost trumpeted a flagrantly fraudulent study - commissioned by EU, from an Omidyar-funded group of Hillary allies - claiming free speech online facilitates Russian propaganda. They're admitting their main concern: 2024 elections. They need censorship to control outcomes.? pic.twitter.com/ZAYO696MJB  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) September 8, 2023

Meanwhile, Elon Musk asks "Where is all this pro-Russia propaganda?"

Where is all this pro-Russia propaganda? We dont see it.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 8, 2023

Read more at: ZeroHedge.com
Homeless people INVADE city of Casper, Wyoming, taking over vacant motel

Wyoming's second largest city Casper has been besieged by a growing number of homeless people , who have damaged a local motel and dumped human waste in the downtown area.

Casper Mayor Bruce Knell pressed the panic button during an interview with local news media Cowboy State Daily published on Aug. 31. According to him, the city's homeless population had topped about 200 people and had created a "mess" whenever they roam the city's parks and streets.

"It's like nothing I've ever seen. It's third-world country stuff happening in Casper, Wyoming," said Knell. "They destroyed everything. It's horrible."

The hardest hit was the city's vacant Econo Lodge motel, which had been closed due to flooding. Homeless people took over the hotel, causing millions in destruction. Photos of the motel rooms published by the outlet show trash, towels and bed sheets littered across the floors.

The city subsequently condemned the motel, and the bank that owned the property had to board it up to prevent homeless people from entering. "It was inhabitable, and it was unsafe," the mayor said, adding that other homeless people have moved into abandoned properties with no electricity or running water.

According to Knell, some of the homeless people occupy parks and bike paths while others choose to sleep in their cars. Many of them loiter in the city's downtown area, however, leaving behind about 500 pounds of human feces that city staffers cleaned up.

"In desperate times, people do desperate things. Unfortunately, we're the ones left having to deal with it," the mayor remarked, adding the homeless population was responsible for some of the city's crimes.

"We know very well we cannot litigate our way or arrest our way out of the problem, but our police need some teeth to start dealing with the squatting. They're just causing so many problems."

Not just in Casper: Number of homeless people in U.S. is growing

Homelessness is not just an acute problem in Casper, but the whole United States. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than half a million people sleep in shelters and unsheltered places not meant for human habitation  such as cars and encampments  on any given night.

More than 300,000 men, women and children in the U.S. stay in homeless shelters. An additional 200,000 or so spend each night unsheltered, whether on the street or in other locations.

Families with children represent 30 percent of America's homeless population, and an additional six percent are adults under the age of 25. About 20 percent of homeless people in the U.S. are considered "chronically homeless," 60 percent of whom have no shelter at all.

While California accounts for a mere 12 percent of the nation's population, it is home to a whopping 28 percent of homeless Americans and an astronomical 47 percent of unsheltered homeless people. Despite throwing $17 billion at homelessness since 2018, the problem has continued to grow. (Related: Homelessness in California's state capital has risen by almost 70% since 2019)

California's approach has been disjointed and scattershot under more than a decade of complete Democratic control of state government, with Gov. Gavin Newsom blasting fellow Democrats as being "as dumb as they want to be" when it comes to homelessness.

With the gargantuan sum to combat homelessness, the state could, theoretically, have just paid the rent for every unhoused person in California for those four years. But even if the Golden State wants to pay rent for every homeless person, there just isn't enough affordable housing to go around.

Visit HomelessAgenda.com for more stories on homelessness in the United States.

Watch this video about the explosion of homelessness in America.

This video is from the EARTH SHAKING NEWS channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Homelessness in the U.S. reaches RECORD HIGH amid worsening economic downturn post-pandemic.

Poll shows 86% of Americans believe homelessness is a major problem in the U.S.

Number of homeless people in Los Angeles County surges to more than 75,000.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

OnlineDegrees.UNR.edu

Edition.CNN.com

Brighteon.com
MURDERERS are receiving lighter prison sentences than Proud Boys rioters caught at January 6 insurrection

The self-proclaimed ringleader of the January 6 "insurrection" has received a sentence of 22 years in prison , even though he was nowhere near the U.S. Capitol during the false flag event and was never deemed guilty by a jury of ever having committed any crime that day.

Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of Proud Boys, received a jail sentence that is two years longer than the average sentence for first-degree murder, all because he tweeted out support for the "riot" all the way from Baltimore.

Tarrio's extremely lengthy prison sentence actually came as a result of him accepting a plea deal through a mechanism known as "trial penalty," which PJ Media's Rick Moran describes as "manifestly and grossly unfair."

The way it works is prosecutors will dangle a lighter prison sentence before a defendant in exchange for the defendant agreeing not to go to trial by a jury of his peers, as is all defendants' constitutional right.

"Most January 6 defendants received far lighter sentences of a few months to a few years," Moran explains. "That's because they accepted lighter sentences in exchange for their guilty plea."

"The Proud Boys chose to go to trial. The choice to be tried by a jury of your peers is frowned upon by prosecutors. It's a lot of work to prepare for a trial and the outcome is a lot less certain. So prosecutors dangle light sentences in front of defendants to discourage them from going to trial."

(Related: Fact checks determined that the January 6 "insurrection" was nothing more than a government-staged false flag event to entrap Trump supporters.)

The "trial penalty" option has fully corrupted the American justice system

Plea deals are nothing new in the American justice system, but they are, in all reality, a miscarriage of justice. And in this case, Tarrio's life is basically over because of it  though he could have gotten as many as 33 years in prison had he gone to trial and lost.

"[Prosecutors] got a really long sentence by asking for something really absurd," commented C.J. Ciaramella on "Reason Roundtable" about how prosecutors used the 33-year prison sentence threat to get Tarrio to agree to 22 years instead.

"In cases where January 6 defendants did plead guilty, expressed remorse, the judges were much more likely to go easy on them."

In defense of the trial penalty option, many prosecutors argue that it helps to clear out an otherwise clogged system full of cases that are backlogged for many years. On the other hand, trial penalty perverts true justice and turns the entire justice system into bargaining table like at a casino.

"The problem with this system is that it gives us a cockeyed view of 'justice,'" Moran says.

"In fact, it disconnects the idea of 'justice' from the criminal court system. In Tarrio's case, the prosecutors asked for 33 years. Does that mean that justice wasn't served because Tarrio 'only' got 22 years?"

According to the American Bar Association, average sentences for federal felony convictions are seven years longer for defendants who go to trial compared to defendants who accept a plea deal.

To further coerce defendants into accepting a plea deal, some prosecutors will tack on as many additional charges as possible, many of them completely bogus, as a scare tactic.

"The end result is that those convicted at trial go to prison for longer than even prosecutors think is necessary," Reason reports about the matter.

Following Tarrio's sentencing, FBI Director Christopher Wray celebrated, stating that the disturbing outcome "demonstrates that those who attempted to undermine the workings of American democracy will be held criminally accountable."

In today's America, up is down, black is white, and injustice has become "justice." Learn more at Chaos.news.

Sources for this article include:

PJMedia.com

NaturalNews.com
Actor Jon Voight exposes Bidens corrupt mob of an administration as having already plunged America into a war against all of us

Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight warned the public a year ahead of the 2024 presidential elections of the Democrats' apparent demolition operations against former President Donald Trump, launching the entire nation into "a war against all of us."

"The administration is a corrupt mob. This is a horror," Voight said in a video he shared on his X, formerly Twitter, account. "What are we to do. This is now a war, a war against all of us. The Biden administration is a corrupt mob and the [former President Barack] Obama administration fuels the cycle."

He further alerted that the current administration's corrupt behavior against Trump "is the most disgusting scheme" to try and keep the former president down. According to him, the system the liberals are operating allows criminals to steal from department stores, and all the government says is to watch and not do anything.

"[They say] it is ok to sit and allow these monsters to destroy hard-working designers and retailers, my God," he exasperatedly said on the video. "My fellow Americans this is a civil war, and this is the time we must stand for truths. If we don't see this, you, your children, your grandchildren, sisters, and brothers will all pay the price for this default. (Related: Sarah Palin warns of SECOND CIVIL WAR if political persecution of Donald Trump continues.)

He advised the people not to beg and steal, but to allow God's truths to be upon the people, adding, "Let us not hide our pride but allow God's greatest truths to show the way. We must stand up for truths we lost, stand up for the gift that was given to all, the freedom that the American dream stood for. If we allow deceit against President Trump and allow this lie to win, we will all regret this."

The National Medal of Arts awardee also said that his only wish is for the public to find the truth that Trump is a man who wants to save America and dreams of the country's freedom.

He urged for people not to allow the manipulation of big government to destroy "this land, our purpose, our love our light." The "National Treasure" and "Transformers" star also reminded us that "we are a nation that has been free and now our freedom is being taken away with lies and greed. Stand up now for the only truths that can save us."

The August 29 post of the prominent artist got reposted 13,600 plus times and liked by almost 40,000 X users. Lots of them also commented on the said tweet, with one user posting a photo of Obama hiding inside Biden's mask face. It simply implied that the latter's government was actually a "puppet" administration and that the former president was the one who was actually running the country. It was captioned: "If this surprises you, then, you haven't been paying attention."

Another one replied to the thread: "This is a 1776 moment. If we let it pass by, we may never get America back."

Most of the other comments showed appreciation and support for Voight's message. Other users are also encouraging the people to stand up against the corruption and deep state to start "fixing" the "land of the free."

Trump gets charged for multiple cases also committed by Democrats

The actor's sentiment is founded on the reports and analysis of the recent course of events. Democrats have long made their highest priority to prevent Trump from being reinstalled as president. During the 2020 election, there were significant undue influences on the election that probably gave the White House to Joe Biden.

In a seemingly well-planned move to take down Trump in time for the upcoming presidential polls, ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi orchestrated two failed impeach-and-remove campaigns against the former POTUS, and after he left office, Democrat prosecutors have assembled multiple cases against him.

They include business counts that would be misdemeanors except prosecutors say they somehow became felonies and claims about his possession of documents from his presidency. Meanwhile, both Former Vice President Mike Pence and Biden were also confirmed to have retained similar classified documents. But no charges have been filed against them.

In other cases, Trump made statements that offended leftists during the January 6 events in Washington, and that he tried to question the election results in Georgia. Both of those cases focus on what many consider his First Amendment-protected speech. The Georgia case claims that it was illegal for Trump and his supporters to make telephone calls and hold meetings regarding the possible failings of the election, despite the fact that many Democrats have also challenged election results including Georgia's own Stacy Abrams.

Visit Trump.news for more news related to the ongoing legal battles the former president is fighting.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

WND.com
Roman concrete's self-healing feature allowed ancient constructions to remain standing for more than two thousand years.

All of Europe is still affected by the legacy of the former Roman Empire. Thanks to a unique type of concrete that has shown to be far more durable than its modern version, aqueducts, bathhouses, and seawalls constructed more than 2000 years ago remain standing today. The quicklime that was used in the mix is thought to have given the compound its self-healing qualities, which, according to scholars, is the reason Roman concrete has remained so resilient.

What is in Roman Concrete?

Although the Romans did not create concrete, they were the first to use it extensively. By 200 BCE, the bulk of their construction projects utilized concrete. The components of Roman concrete were water, a white powder called slaked lime, and tiny rock fragments known as tephra produced in volcanic eruptions.

In order to create modern concrete, a combination of water, Portland cement-a silicate material formed of limestone and clay or other materials-and extra particles are used. Due to the materials' widespread availability and low cost, Portland cement is the most commonly used component in modern concrete, making it a sensible building material.

Does Roman Concrete Have Self-Healing Properties?

Limestone, volcanic debris, and water make up the substance. Architects and historians have conjectured for years that the volcanic material makes it strong, and it is. However, it does not explain how the substance can cure itself.

What the researchers discovered was that the self-healing capacities might just be a coincidental chemical manipulation. The secret is likely the limestone in the concrete.

When the ancient Romans created mortar, they burned the lime to transform it into "quicklime"-a highly reactive chemical relative of limestone. Additionally, because water was added to the quicklime while mixing, the chemical foundation that resulted from that heat could subsequently be used to strengthen the concrete.

Later, as microscopic cracks begin to appear, the quicklime prevents them from enlarging. When it rains, lime reacts with the rainwater to recrystallize as different types of calcium carbonate, which swiftly fills the fissure or interacts with the volcanic ash to "heal" or rebind the material.

In the past, scientists have attempted to explain why Roman concrete is so durable. For instance, in 2017, scientists discovered that seawater interacts with the components of concrete to produce new, harder minerals, at least for structures that were exposed to the ocean.

Also Read: LionGlass: Green Option for Durable Building Material with 50% Less Carbon Emissions

Roman Concrete For Modern Buildings

Roman concrete, while durable over time and resistant to water erosion, offers lower compressive strength than contemporary Portland cement concrete. This unique Roman concrete blend might find niche applications in certain construction scenarios but is unlikely to become the standard matrix. Today, it's not commonly used due to its initial weakness in handling modern demands.

Although it gains strength as it ages and weathers seawater, its youthful state lacks the required compressive strength for modern applications, making it unsuitable for widespread use.

Related Article: Platinum with Fatigue Damage Mends Itself in 40 Minutes When Suspended in Vacuum
Due to Hurricane Lee's projected five-day stay in the US at Category 3, experts caution that coastal erosion may occur.

Category 3 Hurricane Lee

Although Hurricane Lee has been downgraded to a Category 3, forecasters believe it could strengthen over the weekend and into next week. Prior to that, .Hurricane Lee blasted into a potent Category 5 storm within 24 hours as it raced across the wide Atlantic Ocean.

11AM AST Sep 9: @NOAA_HurrHunter & @53rdWRS find #Lee maintaining strength this morning. Hazardous beach conditions are expected around the western Atlantic through next week. Visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for the latest information pic.twitter.com/xXiy8NY8Ux  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2023

Although it may be a severe storm for not less than the next five days, it is still too early to predict whether it will have any effects on the US Atlantic coast. The center warned that the next week could "worsen" the potentially hazardous surf and rip currents that are anticipated for Sunday and Monday.

At its closest point to the northern Leeward Islands, Lee was about 400 miles east-northeast of them as of Saturday, with winds that might reach 115 mph.

Forecasters predict that the hurricane will pass north of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the northern Leeward Islands, but the British and US Virgin Islands, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda may experience life-threatening surf and rip conditions as a result of the hurricane.

Hazardous Conditions

According to the Hurricane Center, Lee is now heading toward the west-northwest at a pace of about 12 mph. This motion is anticipated to last through early next week before drastically slowing down later tonight and on Sunday. Through the following week, dangerous beach conditions are anticipated to develop in the western Atlantic.

The storm will similarly affect Caribbean islands as it slowly progresses west-northwest into the Atlantic. According to forecasters, Lee is anticipated to pass "well to the north" of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the northern Leeward Islands.

Swells, Coastal Erosion, and Flooding

The Lesser Antilles are being affected by Hurricane Lee's surges, the storm center warned Friday night. This weekend's swells could bring dangerous surf and rip conditions.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, the National Weather Service reported that 6 to 10-foot waves were expected to breach on Sunday. Next week, larger waves were anticipated on beaches facing east and north.

The company warned of the possibility of coastal flooding and beach erosion on their social media accounts.

Also Read: Severe Thunderstorms Could End Prolonged Heat, Fall-Like Conditions Might Finally Arrive in Midwest US

Hurricanes

Warm ocean, moist air, and light upper-level winds are the ideal conditions for hurricanes to intensify up to Category 5 strength.

David Zierden, Florida's state climatologist, reports that sea-surface temperatures over the area of the Atlantic Ocean that Lee is moving through are a startling 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above average after rising to "far above record levels" this summer.

Over the past ten years, reaching Category 5 strength has become more frequent. Lee is the eighth Category 5 hurricane to hit since 2016, which means that 20% of the most intense hurricanes ever recorded in NOAA's hurricane database have occurred in the previous seven years. Hurricane Lee has since been downgraded to Category 3.

Related Article: Death Valley Closed as Hilary Aftermath Left Extensive Damages, Turning Driest Park Into Wet Fragile Landscape
At least two individuals were killed following the heaviest rains that deluged Hongkong in the past days.

The extreme weather also wounded a hundred of individuals and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents from their homes.

Weather forecast

According to the Hongkong Observatory, a rough of low pressure is bringing showers to the coast of Guangdong and the northern part of the South China Sea.

Weather forecasters said that cloudy with showers and a few squally thunderstorms are expected. Squally showers are those that are accompanied by brief but sudden strong or gale force winds.

Meanwhile, it is also forecasted that showers would be heavy at times while the maximum temperature will be around 28 degrees.

On the other hand, moderate to fresh southeasterly winds are also expected, with occasionally strong offshore and on high ground at first.

Showers are seen to ease off and the weather will improve slightly in the next couple of days. However, the weather will be unsettled in the latter part of this week.

Meteorologists said that the broad trough of low pressure is expected to bring unsettled weather to the coastal areas of southern China in the later part of this week.

Read Also: Hongkong Battered With Torrential Rains In 140 Years Forcing School Shutdowns, Flooded Streets

Effects of heavy rains

Due to the bad weather, authorities in Hongkong and the mainland city of Shenzhen were forced to shutdown schools and required nonessential workers to stay and work from their homes.

TheHongkong's Labor Department (LD) also reminded employers and contractors that they should adopt the necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures that will protect the safety of their employees, especially when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

The department stressed that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work, like electric arc welding work, or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms.

They should also should refer to the "Code of Practice in times of Typhoons and Rainstorms" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the department.

Meanwhile, most of the bus operations in Hongkong were also suspended.

Data showed that more than 11,000 individuals were evacuated in the mainland, including those from the water-logged areas in Meizhou, a city that is located in Guangdong province.

Further, operations of trains as well as the flights were suspended in Guangdong as several landslides also blocked the roads.

The Government of the Hongkong Special Administrative Region said members of the public are advised to report any street flooding that comes to their notice to the Drainage Services Department by calling the 24-hour drainage hotline on 2300 1110.

The offices under the Development Bureau (DEVB) are advised to continue carry out relief work and follow up with every effort on the impacts brought by the extreme conditions, with the aim to enable the community to resume normal operations at the soonest possible time.

To further ensure public safety, the DEVB also directed relevant departments to launch special inspections exercise to identify slopes, trees and structures with potential risk after the torrential rains.

So far, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) already received 60 confirmed cases of flooding, all of which have been eliminated and the affected areas reopened.

Authorities will continue to inspect and clean up drainage and river channels to ensure smooth operation of drainage systems.

To recall, Hongkong's weather bureau issued its highest "black" rainstorm warning early on Friday as more than 200mm (7.9ins) of rain was recorded across the main island, the Kowloon district and the northeastern part of the city's New Territories.

Read Also: Typhoon Doksuri to Bring Heavy Rain to Philippines Before Moving to Taiwan, China, Hongkong

Related Video:
The death toll in the powerful earthquake in Morocco has already climbed to over 2,000.

With this, search and rescue authorities continue their operations in a bid to save more lives from the collapsed houses after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake jolted the country.

Authorities noted that more than 2,012 people were killed while 2,059 others were injured.

Devastation

Many people are left homeless due to the earthquake, which has been considered as the country's deadliest earthquake in more than 60 years.

Due to the extensive damage of the quake, King Mohammed VI already directed the country's military to mobilize the specialized search and rescue teams and to establish a surgical field hospital for the victims.

The quake had caused major destruction in the historic buildings that were located in Marrakesh, which was the nearest city to the epicenter.

Most of the fatalities that were recorded were those in the mountainous areas to the south, specifically in the provinces of Al-Haouz and Taroudant.

Government authorities have led the response efforts including search and rescue and medical support.

Information from the World Health Organization said that more than 300,000 civilians in Marrakesh and its outskirts as having been affected by the earthquake.

Many victims are trapped in the rubbles of their homes while hospitals in the city are receiving an influx of injured people.

The World Bank already expressed sympathies to the victims of Morocco earthquake, which have caused a tragic loss of life, injuries, and damages in the areas south of Marrakech.

"We have relayed our profoundest condolences to the Kingdom at the highest levels and offered our full support to the country in the wake of this catastrophe. Our sole focus at this stage is on the Moroccan people and the authorities who are dealing with this tragedy," the World Bank said.

Many countries also vowed to help for the recovery of Morocco.

Due to the massive devastation, the government of Morocco already declared three days of mourning. The Palace said national flags will be flown at half-mast.

Read Also: Scorching Heat Wave in Morocco: Country Recorded Its Highest Temperature Ever of 50.4 Degrees Celsius

Quake detection

The US Geological Survey spotted the epicenter of the earthquake in the Moroccan High Atlas mountain range, about 46 miles southeast of Marrakech.

At 11:11 pm local time of September 8, the US Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center detected the relatively shallow earthquake, having a depth of about ~26 km, or 16 miles, near the town of Oukaimedene.

The said rural area, which is about 75 km (50 miles) southwest of Marrakech, houses many residences that are vulnerable to shaking.

Due to the shallow depth of the event and its proximity to high population centers, many of the buildings in the area have experienced severe shaking that later resulted in catastrophic failure.

Authorities already reported one major aftershock of magnitude 4.9, which occurred 20 minutes after the main shock.

Officials also said that weak shaking have been reported in neighboring countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Algeria.

Experts warned that it is likely that smaller aftershocks in the region below the USGS NEIC's detection will be experienced and that reporting thresholds will continue to be felt by the public for the next weeks to come.

To recall, it was in 1960 when the magnitude 5.8 Agadir earthquake killed 12,000 to 15,000 people in coastal western Morocco.

The USGS said that earthquakes in the magnitude 6 range are more common in the northern part of Morocco near the Mediterranean Sea.

This is where a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck in February 2004 and a magnitude 6.3 in January 2016.

Experts said that the earthquake was the result of oblique reverse faulting on a roughly east-west or northwest-southeast oriented fault, possibly the North Atlas fault which is a range front reverse fault that roughly matches the faulting mechanism of the earthquake.

Related Article: Around 2,000 Earthquake Swarms Struck the Azores Islands in Portugal Since March 19

Related Video:
Sorry, something doesn't look right.

Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support.
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Indias G20 Presidency is a landmark in many ways  from Delhi Declaration to induction of African Union as a permanent member to a significant move forward in clean energy, food safety and announcement of India-Middle East-Europe connectivity corridor

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Saturday had key bilateral meetings with three heads of governments on the sidelines of G20 summit meetings. These included British PM Rishi Sunak, his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni and Japan PM Fumio Kishida. Modi and Sunak are reported to have discussed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which are nearing conclusion. The two leaders had a productive conversation about the UK-India FTA. PM Sunak reiterated UKs ambition to deliver a landmark trade deal, which benefits businesses and workers in both countries and grows our trade in both goods and services. They agreed that negotiating teams would continue to work at pace towards an FTA, said a British High Commission spokesperson.

It was great to have met Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment. India and UK will keep working for a prosperous and sustainable planet, said PM Modi.

PM Modi holds bilateral meetings on the sidelines of G20

Summit with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak

India and Japan are partners in Quad and PM Kishida has come to India for a second time this year. The two leaders held bilateral talks on Saturday. Held productive talks with PM Kishida. We took stock of India-Japan bilateral ties and the ground covered during Indias G20 Presidency and Japans G7 Presidency. We are eager to enhance cooperation in connectivity, commerce and other sectors, said PM Modi.

The PM also had a bilateral meeting with Italian PM Meloni. I had an excellent discussion with PM Meloni. Our talks covered various sectors including trade, defence, emerging technologies and much more. India and Italy will continue to work together for global prosperity, he said.

On Friday, Modi had three bilateral meetings beginning with Mauritian PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Bangladeshs PM Sheikh Hasina and US President Joe Biden. Modi is expected to have close to 15 bilateral meetings before the conclusion of the Summit on Sunday, which includes a working lunch with French President, Emmanuel Macron.

THE DELHI DECLARATION

UKRAINE WAR: Said Use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. Reiterated national positions and resolutions adopted at the UNSC and the UNGA and underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety

TERRORISM: Condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism, or in the name of religion or belief

RELIGION: Deplored all acts of religious hatred against persons without prejudice to domestic legal frameworks, including against religious symbols and holy books

GLOBAL ECONOMY: Called for a strong, sustainable and inclusive growth as an answer to uneven recovery the world has seen from the pandemic-infused plunder

CROSSBORDER PAYMENTS: Resolved to promote faster, cheaper, more transparent & inclusive cross-border payments as envisaged in the G20 Roadmap for Enhancing Cross-border Payments

CLIMATE: Agreed to accelerate clean, sustainable, just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions for sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth

CLIMATE FINANCE: To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, developing countries will require approximately $4 trillion annually by 2030

AGRICULTURE: Committed to facilitating open, fair, predictable and rules-based trade in agriculture, food and fertilisers and not impose export curbs in line with WTO rules

GENDER: Committed to closing gender gaps, promoting full, equal, effective womens participation in the economy as decision-makers

CORRUPTION: Reaffirmed commitment to zero tolerance for corruption; reaffirmed support to enhance efforts to seize, confiscate and return criminal proceeds to victims and states

SKILLS: Committed to addressing skill gaps, promoting decent work and ensuring inclusive social protection policies for all to effectively addressing global skills for sustainable and inclusive economic development

CRYPTO ASSETS: Endorsed the Financial Stability Boards recommendations on regulation, supervision and oversight of crypto assets to mitigate risks associated with such an ecosystem.

EDUCATION: Recognized importance of investment in supporting human capital, and foundational learning -- literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional skills as the primary building block for education and employment

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Indias G20 Presidency is a landmark in many ways  from Delhi Declaration to induction of African Union as a permanent member to a significant move forward in clean energy, food safety and announcement of India-Middle East-Europe connectivity corridor Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Saturday had key bilateral meetings with three heads of governments on the sidelines of G20 summit meetings. These included British PM Rishi Sunak, his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni and Japan PM Fumio Kishida. Modi and Sunak are reported to have discussed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which are nearing conclusion. The two leaders had a productive conversation about the UK-India FTA. PM Sunak reiterated UKs ambition to deliver a landmark trade deal, which benefits businesses and workers in both countries and grows our trade in both goods and services. They agreed that negotiating teams would continue to work at pace towards an FTA, said a British High Commission spokesperson. It was great to have met Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment. India and UK will keep working for a prosperous and sustainable planet, said PM Modi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); PM Modi holds bilateral meetings on the sidelines of G20 Summit with his British counterpart Rishi SunakIndia and Japan are partners in Quad and PM Kishida has come to India for a second time this year. The two leaders held bilateral talks on Saturday. Held productive talks with PM Kishida. We took stock of India-Japan bilateral ties and the ground covered during Indias G20 Presidency and Japans G7 Presidency. We are eager to enhance cooperation in connectivity, commerce and other sectors, said PM Modi. The PM also had a bilateral meeting with Italian PM Meloni. I had an excellent discussion with PM Meloni. Our talks covered various sectors including trade, defence, emerging technologies and much more. India and Italy will continue to work together for global prosperity, he said. On Friday, Modi had three bilateral meetings beginning with Mauritian PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Bangladeshs PM Sheikh Hasina and US President Joe Biden. Modi is expected to have close to 15 bilateral meetings before the conclusion of the Summit on Sunday, which includes a working lunch with French President, Emmanuel Macron. THE DELHI DECLARATION UKRAINE WAR: Said Use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. Reiterated national positions and resolutions adopted at the UNSC and the UNGA and underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety TERRORISM: Condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism, or in the name of religion or belief RELIGION: Deplored all acts of religious hatred against persons without prejudice to domestic legal frameworks, including against religious symbols and holy books GLOBAL ECONOMY: Called for a strong, sustainable and inclusive growth as an answer to uneven recovery the world has seen from the pandemic-infused plunder CROSSBORDER PAYMENTS: Resolved to promote faster, cheaper, more transparent & inclusive cross-border payments as envisaged in the G20 Roadmap for Enhancing Cross-border Payments CLIMATE: Agreed to accelerate clean, sustainable, just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions for sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth CLIMATE FINANCE: To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, developing countries will require approximately $4 trillion annually by 2030 AGRICULTURE: Committed to facilitating open, fair, predictable and rules-based trade in agriculture, food and fertilisers and not impose export curbs in line with WTO rules GENDER: Committed to closing gender gaps, promoting full, equal, effective womens participation in the economy as decision-makers CORRUPTION: Reaffirmed commitment to zero tolerance for corruption; reaffirmed support to enhance efforts to seize, confiscate and return criminal proceeds to victims and states SKILLS: Committed to addressing skill gaps, promoting decent work and ensuring inclusive social protection policies for all to effectively addressing global skills for sustainable and inclusive economic development CRYPTO ASSETS: Endorsed the Financial Stability Boards recommendations on regulation, supervision and oversight of crypto assets to mitigate risks associated with such an ecosystem. EDUCATION: Recognized importance of investment in supporting human capital, and foundational learning -- literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional skills as the primary building block for education and employment Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

KOLKATA: A woman from West Bengal, presumed dead for more than 15 years, has been found alive and happily married in Rajasthan, and she will soon be reunited with her family, thanks to the efforts of an amateur radio club here.

Secretary of West Bengal Radio Club, Ambarish Nag Biswas, said he recently received a call from a person, claiming to be a journalist, who narrated about a woman wanting to speak to her father.

"This person, confused after receiving the phone call from the woman, did not know what to do, and sought help from the radio club," Biswas said.

Its members swung into action and managed to speak to the woman over phone, and traced her location in Rajasthan, he said.

"The woman was a teenager when she reportedly got lost, and now she is around 27 years old," Biswas said.

"We contacted all our members with the description of the village the woman Najmunar Khatun (now Rupa Mondal) had given to the journalist along with her father's name, and finally we were able to locate her family in the North 24 Parganas district's Minakhan area," he said.

The radio club's members then sent the woman's picture to her family members, and connected her with them through video call.

"My daughter now lives in Patona village in Rajasthan's Karauli district, and is married to a Hindu man. She is now the mother of three children," her father Zakir Tarafdar told PTI over phone.

Tarafdar said his family has no problem over the fact that she got married to a Hindu man.

"I am happy that my daughter is alive and has a family. We will visit her in a couple of days and are making arrangements for the trip," he said.

It is not clear how she went missing during her second visit to New Delhi, while working there, her father said.

"I cannot say whether my daughter was a victim of trafficking," Tarafdar said.

The radio club's members in West Bengal also got in touch with its counterparts in Rajasthan, and sought help from the local Mahabirji police station to find out more about the woman and her husband.

The woman's husband, Yogesh Kumar Naharwal, told PTI that he had found her sobbing at Nizamuddin Railway Station in New Delhi around 12 years ago, and she could not provide any information from where she hailed.

Later, she accompanied him to Rajasthan.

"My mother and I have taken good care of her. I married her on my mother's insistence. We have three children now. I am a simple man, and have a small piece of land where I grow crops. I am a contractor, too," Naharwal said.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

KOLKATA: A woman from West Bengal, presumed dead for more than 15 years, has been found alive and happily married in Rajasthan, and she will soon be reunited with her family, thanks to the efforts of an amateur radio club here. Secretary of West Bengal Radio Club, Ambarish Nag Biswas, said he recently received a call from a person, claiming to be a journalist, who narrated about a woman wanting to speak to her father. "This person, confused after receiving the phone call from the woman, did not know what to do, and sought help from the radio club," Biswas said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Its members swung into action and managed to speak to the woman over phone, and traced her location in Rajasthan, he said. "The woman was a teenager when she reportedly got lost, and now she is around 27 years old," Biswas said. "We contacted all our members with the description of the village the woman Najmunar Khatun (now Rupa Mondal) had given to the journalist along with her father's name, and finally we were able to locate her family in the North 24 Parganas district's Minakhan area," he said. The radio club's members then sent the woman's picture to her family members, and connected her with them through video call. "My daughter now lives in Patona village in Rajasthan's Karauli district, and is married to a Hindu man. She is now the mother of three children," her father Zakir Tarafdar told PTI over phone. Tarafdar said his family has no problem over the fact that she got married to a Hindu man. "I am happy that my daughter is alive and has a family. We will visit her in a couple of days and are making arrangements for the trip," he said. It is not clear how she went missing during her second visit to New Delhi, while working there, her father said. "I cannot say whether my daughter was a victim of trafficking," Tarafdar said. The radio club's members in West Bengal also got in touch with its counterparts in Rajasthan, and sought help from the local Mahabirji police station to find out more about the woman and her husband. The woman's husband, Yogesh Kumar Naharwal, told PTI that he had found her sobbing at Nizamuddin Railway Station in New Delhi around 12 years ago, and she could not provide any information from where she hailed. Later, she accompanied him to Rajasthan. "My mother and I have taken good care of her. I married her on my mother's insistence. We have three children now. I am a simple man, and have a small piece of land where I grow crops. I am a contractor, too," Naharwal said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

PUNE: A convict serving death sentence in a 2016 case of rape and murder of a minor girl at Kopardi in Maharashtra was found hanging in his cell at the Yerwada Central Jail in Pune on Sunday morning, police said.

Initial findings suggest it to be a case of death by suicide, they said, adding the convict, identified as Jitendra Babulal Shinde (32), was undergoing psychiatric treatment.

According to the police, a prison guard found Shinde hanging in his cell and alerted the other guards.

The prisoner was taken for a medical examination where he was declared dead, an official from Yerawada police station said.

In 2017, a sessions court in Ahmednagar district sentenced three men, including Shinde, to death for the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Kopardi village of the district in 2016.

The victim, who belonged to the Maratha community, was found murdered after being raped on July 13, 2016 in Kopardi village.

The accused had inflicted injuries all over her body and broken her limbs before throttling her, police earlier said.

The incident had triggered widespread protests from the Maratha community, who took out marches across the state over it.

The other two convicts in the case are Santosh Gorakh Bhawal and Nitin Gopinath Bhailume.

(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7))

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

PUNE: A convict serving death sentence in a 2016 case of rape and murder of a minor girl at Kopardi in Maharashtra was found hanging in his cell at the Yerwada Central Jail in Pune on Sunday morning, police said. Initial findings suggest it to be a case of death by suicide, they said, adding the convict, identified as Jitendra Babulal Shinde (32), was undergoing psychiatric treatment. According to the police, a prison guard found Shinde hanging in his cell and alerted the other guards.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The prisoner was taken for a medical examination where he was declared dead, an official from Yerawada police station said. In 2017, a sessions court in Ahmednagar district sentenced three men, including Shinde, to death for the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Kopardi village of the district in 2016. The victim, who belonged to the Maratha community, was found murdered after being raped on July 13, 2016 in Kopardi village. The accused had inflicted injuries all over her body and broken her limbs before throttling her, police earlier said. The incident had triggered widespread protests from the Maratha community, who took out marches across the state over it. The other two convicts in the case are Santosh Gorakh Bhawal and Nitin Gopinath Bhailume. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 (available 24x7)) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government will apprise the Centre about Fridays unwanted actions of central security forces in the Tengnoupal district in which three persons were killed and several others injured.

A decision on this was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on Saturday evening.

The Cabinet condemned the unwanted actions of the Central security forces to civilians. The Cabinet also resolved to apprise about the incident to the Centre, a Manipur government statement said.

Manipur Police earlier stated the security forces had used minimum force.

In a calibrated response in self-defence and to control the unruly mob, security forces used minimum force to disperse the mob that led to injuries to a few persons who were part of the mob (and) out of which two reportedly died, police had said in a statement on Friday evening.

One more person reportedly succumbed to injuries the next day.

Narrating the incident, the police said a gunbattle had erupted that morning between security forces and some armed miscreants who attempted to resort to arson and violence in the village.

Following this incident, crowds of thousands of people attempted to move towards Pallel. However, security forces jointly attempted to stop the mob to ensure peace and stability...Being blocked by security forces, some armed miscreants from within the mob fired at security forces resulting in gunshot injuries to an Army officer, the police statement said.

The injured officer was evacuated to a military hospital by helicopter. Three police personnel were also injured while the crowd was being dispersed.

Meanwhile, after the meeting of the cabinet, minister Dr Sapam Ranjan said the cabinet approved the permanent housing scheme for the displaced persons whose houses were burnt down or damaged in the violence that broke out on May 3.

According to police reports, altogether 4,806 houses were burned down or destroyed across the state, he said.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government will apprise the Centre about Fridays unwanted actions of central security forces in the Tengnoupal district in which three persons were killed and several others injured. A decision on this was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on Saturday evening. The Cabinet condemned the unwanted actions of the Central security forces to civilians. The Cabinet also resolved to apprise about the incident to the Centre, a Manipur government statement said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Manipur Police earlier stated the security forces had used minimum force. In a calibrated response in self-defence and to control the unruly mob, security forces used minimum force to disperse the mob that led to injuries to a few persons who were part of the mob (and) out of which two reportedly died, police had said in a statement on Friday evening. One more person reportedly succumbed to injuries the next day. Narrating the incident, the police said a gunbattle had erupted that morning between security forces and some armed miscreants who attempted to resort to arson and violence in the village. Following this incident, crowds of thousands of people attempted to move towards Pallel. However, security forces jointly attempted to stop the mob to ensure peace and stability...Being blocked by security forces, some armed miscreants from within the mob fired at security forces resulting in gunshot injuries to an Army officer, the police statement said. The injured officer was evacuated to a military hospital by helicopter. Three police personnel were also injured while the crowd was being dispersed. Meanwhile, after the meeting of the cabinet, minister Dr Sapam Ranjan said the cabinet approved the permanent housing scheme for the displaced persons whose houses were burnt down or damaged in the violence that broke out on May 3. According to police reports, altogether 4,806 houses were burned down or destroyed across the state, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

LAHORE: An overloaded speeding bus carrying Christian pilgrims for a religious gathering overturned while taking a turn in Pakistan's Punjab province on Sunday, killing at least six people and injuring 50 others.

The accident took place in Sheikhupura, some 50 km from Lahore.

According to rescue officials, the bus was carrying Christian pilgrims to the religious gathering at the National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad when it overturned while taking a turn at Khanka Dogran, Shiekhupura.

Police and rescue officials reached the spot and shifted the injured to the hospital.

They said that six passengers died on the spot while the condition of five is stated to be critical.

The officials said the bus carrying 60 passengers was overloaded.

They said that the driver lost control of the speeding vehicle while negotiating a turn.

Punjab's caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief over the loss of life in the accident and directed health authorities to provide the best treatment to the injured.

The National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad has been the site of an annual pilgrimage for the feast of the Nativity of Mary since 1949.

Mariamabad is also known as the 'City of Mary.'

Road accidents are common in Pakistan and claim numerous lives on a daily basis.

In August, 18 people were killed and 16 others injured when a passenger bus caught fire in Pakistan's Punjab province after colliding with a pick-up van carrying a fuel tank.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

LAHORE: An overloaded speeding bus carrying Christian pilgrims for a religious gathering overturned while taking a turn in Pakistan's Punjab province on Sunday, killing at least six people and injuring 50 others. The accident took place in Sheikhupura, some 50 km from Lahore. According to rescue officials, the bus was carrying Christian pilgrims to the religious gathering at the National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad when it overturned while taking a turn at Khanka Dogran, Shiekhupura.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Police and rescue officials reached the spot and shifted the injured to the hospital. They said that six passengers died on the spot while the condition of five is stated to be critical. The officials said the bus carrying 60 passengers was overloaded. They said that the driver lost control of the speeding vehicle while negotiating a turn. Punjab's caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief over the loss of life in the accident and directed health authorities to provide the best treatment to the injured. The National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad has been the site of an annual pilgrimage for the feast of the Nativity of Mary since 1949. Mariamabad is also known as the 'City of Mary.' Road accidents are common in Pakistan and claim numerous lives on a daily basis. In August, 18 people were killed and 16 others injured when a passenger bus caught fire in Pakistan's Punjab province after colliding with a pick-up van carrying a fuel tank. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on the environment at the G20 Summit as "sheer hypocrisy", and claimed his "global talk" is completely at odds with the "local walk".

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi government of comprehensively dismantling India's environmental protections and snatching away the rights of the most vulnerable communities dependent on forests.

"The PM's statements at the G20 and other summits globally are sheer hypocrisy. While destroying protections for India's forests and biodiversity, and diluting the rights of Adivasis and forest-dwelling communities, he talks of environment, climate action and equity."

"The 'Global Talk' is completely at odds from the 'Local Walk'," Ramesh said in a statement.

He said during a Doordarshan chat with students in 2014, the prime minister had said, "The climate has not changed, we have changed."

"The self-styled Vishwaguru has come a long way in hypocrisy. The prime minister has used the G20 Summit to make big, empty statements about the importance of the environment," he alleged.

READ STORIES RELATED TO G20 SUMMIT HERE

G20 countries on Saturday said they will aim to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and expedite efforts to phase down coal power in line with national circumstances but did not commit to a phase-out of all polluting fossil fuels, including oil and gas.

The Congress leader claimed that at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Meet, the prime minister said, "We have consistently been at the forefront in taking action on biodiversity conservation, protection, restoration, and enrichment. Protecting and caring for Mother Earth is our fundamental responsibility."

Ramesh said the prime minister stated, "Climate action must follow 'antyodaya', we must ensure the rise and development of the last person in society."

However, "The truth is the Modi Government is comprehensively dismantling India's environmental protections and snatching away the rights of the most vulnerable communities dependent on forests," Ramesh alleged.

He further claimed that in contrast to the PM's claims of biodiversity conservation, the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act of 2023 is a "massive dilution" of the original 2002 law.

"The 2023 Act does away with any criminal offence provisions, allowing those who destroy biodiversity and engage in biopiracy to get away scot-free. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), formerly an independent body with the powers to act as a check and balance, has been completely put under the control of the Environment Ministry," the Congress leader said.

TNIE EDITORIAL | New forest act needs uniform interpretation

Rather than having courts enforce fines, the new Act puts government officers in charge of penalties, he claimed.

"Through various exemptions from benefit-sharing provisions, the law disadvantages those with traditional knowledge of biodiversity in favour of those who exploit it commercially. The Act enables the Modi Government to continue the reckless destruction of biodiversity across India," Ramesh alleged.

Further, he said the claims of emphasising equity are shown to be "completely hollow" by the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of 2023.

"This Act will be disastrous for the Adivasi and other forest-dwelling communities in India, as it undermines the Forest Rights Act of 2006. It does away with provisions for the consent of local communities and requirements for forest clearance in vast areas," the Congress chief Whip in Rajya Sabha said.

Ramesh, who is also the chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, said the National Commission on Scheduled Tribes raised objections to this in 2022.

Tribal communities in the Northeast are particularly vulnerable, as this Act will strip protections from forests within 100 km of the nation's borders, he claimed.

Despite being under NDA rule, Mizoram has passed a resolution in the Assembly opposing the Act and Nagaland is soon expected to do the same, he noted.

"The new law removes protections for up to 25 per cent of India's forest cover, in violation of the 1996 TN Godavarman Supreme Court judgment. It is only paving the way for the Modi government to exploit forests and hand them over to a select few crony capitalist friends," Ramesh claimed.

EXPLAINER | Why amendments to Forest Conservation Act raised heat?

He also cited several other instances alleging that the dismantling of environmental protections doesn't stop there.

He claimed that as per a report from the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, the Modi Government used the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic to pass 39 amendments to rules under the Environment Protection Act.

"Illegal and regressive changes were made to relax environmental protections --- pollution control measures were removed, penalties for violations were lowered, criminal prosecutions were stripped, and public notice requirements were waived," the Congress leader claimed.

"The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court has now been swallowed up by the Modi Government. The CEC has been operating since 2002 under the control of the SC, to report to the Court on enforcement of its environmental decisions and make recommendations for environmental protection. This crucial body is now entirely to be filled, controlled, and funded by the Environment Ministry, making it unable to check the environmental destruction ordered by the government," he also claimed.

Ramesh also alleged that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been consistently weakened since 2014 and vacancies have been left open for years, reaching 70 per cent overall in 2018 and leading to the shutdown of the Chennai NGT bench.

The Madras HC had to step in in 2019 and instruct the Union Government to fill vacancies.

Bureaucrats, rather than scientific experts, are being appointed to key posts, he claimed.

"The reason for these actions is obvious --- the PM's cronies have set their eyes on exploiting India's rich and biodiverse forests. They want to clear the Northeast's rich biodiverse forests to set up palm oil plantations and deforest Central India's hills and forests, including those considered sacred by Adivasi communities, to commence mining," Ramesh claimed.

READ MORE | Forest Conservation Act amendments: More teeth to hack our green cover

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on the environment at the G20 Summit as "sheer hypocrisy", and claimed his "global talk" is completely at odds with the "local walk". Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi government of comprehensively dismantling India's environmental protections and snatching away the rights of the most vulnerable communities dependent on forests. "The PM's statements at the G20 and other summits globally are sheer hypocrisy. While destroying protections for India's forests and biodiversity, and diluting the rights of Adivasis and forest-dwelling communities, he talks of environment, climate action and equity."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "The 'Global Talk' is completely at odds from the 'Local Walk'," Ramesh said in a statement. He said during a Doordarshan chat with students in 2014, the prime minister had said, "The climate has not changed, we have changed." "The self-styled Vishwaguru has come a long way in hypocrisy. The prime minister has used the G20 Summit to make big, empty statements about the importance of the environment," he alleged. READ STORIES RELATED TO G20 SUMMIT HERE G20 countries on Saturday said they will aim to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and expedite efforts to phase down coal power in line with national circumstances but did not commit to a phase-out of all polluting fossil fuels, including oil and gas. The Congress leader claimed that at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Meet, the prime minister said, "We have consistently been at the forefront in taking action on biodiversity conservation, protection, restoration, and enrichment. Protecting and caring for Mother Earth is our fundamental responsibility." Ramesh said the prime minister stated, "Climate action must follow 'antyodaya', we must ensure the rise and development of the last person in society." However, "The truth is the Modi Government is comprehensively dismantling India's environmental protections and snatching away the rights of the most vulnerable communities dependent on forests," Ramesh alleged. He further claimed that in contrast to the PM's claims of biodiversity conservation, the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act of 2023 is a "massive dilution" of the original 2002 law. "The 2023 Act does away with any criminal offence provisions, allowing those who destroy biodiversity and engage in biopiracy to get away scot-free. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), formerly an independent body with the powers to act as a check and balance, has been completely put under the control of the Environment Ministry," the Congress leader said. TNIE EDITORIAL | New forest act needs uniform interpretation Rather than having courts enforce fines, the new Act puts government officers in charge of penalties, he claimed. "Through various exemptions from benefit-sharing provisions, the law disadvantages those with traditional knowledge of biodiversity in favour of those who exploit it commercially. The Act enables the Modi Government to continue the reckless destruction of biodiversity across India," Ramesh alleged. Further, he said the claims of emphasising equity are shown to be "completely hollow" by the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of 2023. "This Act will be disastrous for the Adivasi and other forest-dwelling communities in India, as it undermines the Forest Rights Act of 2006. It does away with provisions for the consent of local communities and requirements for forest clearance in vast areas," the Congress chief Whip in Rajya Sabha said. Ramesh, who is also the chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, said the National Commission on Scheduled Tribes raised objections to this in 2022. Tribal communities in the Northeast are particularly vulnerable, as this Act will strip protections from forests within 100 km of the nation's borders, he claimed. Despite being under NDA rule, Mizoram has passed a resolution in the Assembly opposing the Act and Nagaland is soon expected to do the same, he noted. "The new law removes protections for up to 25 per cent of India's forest cover, in violation of the 1996 TN Godavarman Supreme Court judgment. It is only paving the way for the Modi government to exploit forests and hand them over to a select few crony capitalist friends," Ramesh claimed. EXPLAINER | Why amendments to Forest Conservation Act raised heat? He also cited several other instances alleging that the dismantling of environmental protections doesn't stop there. He claimed that as per a report from the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, the Modi Government used the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic to pass 39 amendments to rules under the Environment Protection Act. "Illegal and regressive changes were made to relax environmental protections --- pollution control measures were removed, penalties for violations were lowered, criminal prosecutions were stripped, and public notice requirements were waived," the Congress leader claimed. "The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court has now been swallowed up by the Modi Government. The CEC has been operating since 2002 under the control of the SC, to report to the Court on enforcement of its environmental decisions and make recommendations for environmental protection. This crucial body is now entirely to be filled, controlled, and funded by the Environment Ministry, making it unable to check the environmental destruction ordered by the government," he also claimed. Ramesh also alleged that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been consistently weakened since 2014 and vacancies have been left open for years, reaching 70 per cent overall in 2018 and leading to the shutdown of the Chennai NGT bench. The Madras HC had to step in in 2019 and instruct the Union Government to fill vacancies. Bureaucrats, rather than scientific experts, are being appointed to key posts, he claimed. "The reason for these actions is obvious --- the PM's cronies have set their eyes on exploiting India's rich and biodiverse forests. They want to clear the Northeast's rich biodiverse forests to set up palm oil plantations and deforest Central India's hills and forests, including those considered sacred by Adivasi communities, to commence mining," Ramesh claimed. READ MORE | Forest Conservation Act amendments: More teeth to hack our green cover Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

THANE: At least seven workers were killed and another injured when the construction lift in a 40-storey building, which is under construction, collapsed on Sunday evening in Balkum area in Thane city of Maharashtra, officials said.

The deceased labourers have been identified as Mahendra Choupal (32), Rupesh Kumar Das (21), Harun Sheikh (47), Mithlesh Vishwakarma (35), Kari Das (38), Navin Vishwakarma and Sunil Kumar (21).

A case has been registered against the contractor under Indian Penal Code sections 304(2) (rash and negligent act), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), senior police inspector Uttam Sonawane from Kapurbawdi police station told PTI.

The construction lift in the 40-storey building located in the Balkum area off the Ghodbunder Road here collapsed on Sunday evening.

It was a construction lift and not the regular elevator, Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said.

"The workers had finished water-proofing work and entered the lift at the 40th floor when the lift came crashing down at around 7. 30 p.m. and landed in P3 (three levels underground in the parking area)," he said.

Prima facie, one of the supporting cables of the construction lift snapped, leading to the incident, the official said. A team of the regional disaster management cell and fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and pulled out the workers from the basement parking.

It was not yet clear how the lift cable malfunctioned, Tadvi said.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

THANE: At least seven workers were killed and another injured when the construction lift in a 40-storey building, which is under construction, collapsed on Sunday evening in Balkum area in Thane city of Maharashtra, officials said. The deceased labourers have been identified as Mahendra Choupal (32), Rupesh Kumar Das (21), Harun Sheikh (47), Mithlesh Vishwakarma (35), Kari Das (38), Navin Vishwakarma and Sunil Kumar (21). A case has been registered against the contractor under Indian Penal Code sections 304(2) (rash and negligent act), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), senior police inspector Uttam Sonawane from Kapurbawdi police station told PTI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The construction lift in the 40-storey building located in the Balkum area off the Ghodbunder Road here collapsed on Sunday evening. It was a construction lift and not the regular elevator, Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said. "The workers had finished water-proofing work and entered the lift at the 40th floor when the lift came crashing down at around 7. 30 p.m. and landed in P3 (three levels underground in the parking area)," he said. Prima facie, one of the supporting cables of the construction lift snapped, leading to the incident, the official said. A team of the regional disaster management cell and fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and pulled out the workers from the basement parking. It was not yet clear how the lift cable malfunctioned, Tadvi said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Neena Gopal By

As US President Joe Biden departed from New Delhi after the conclusion of the G20 summitwidely acclaimed as host Indias indisputable moment in the sunthe fact that he headed for Vietnam, the only country that had given China a bloody nose, was a message to Beijing that the world would no longer dance to Emperor Xi Jinpings tune.

Reinforcing the anti-China slant to the conclave was the announcement of the inclusion of the 55-nation African Union in the powerful G20, the urgent need for multilateral development banks to shore up emerging economies, and the proposal to build the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC).

It was an unmistakable message to China that its brute aggression exemplified by its duplicitous debt diplomacy, its grey zone militarisation in the creation of a string of artificial islands in the South China Sea, and its steady militarisation on Indias land borders would no longer go unchallenged. Nor would its attempt to replace the United States in its old stomping ground, the Middle East, where Washington had been impolitic in ceding ground to Beijing.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who represented his country in the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, may have been shunned by most leaders, barring the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, over Russias continued attacks on Ukraine, but it was the signal to Beijing which stood out at this G20.

Indeed, the corridor may have been only one among many deals that India pulled off with great aplomb, but this, like much else about the G20 presidency, underscores Indias transformation from a passive observer to an active driver of the arc of anti-Chinese nations that can no longer sit on the fence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with his outreach to Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippinesall deeply upset with Chinas new map and with whom he has shored up strategic and quasi-military tieshas shifted India from the sidelines to the centre stage of the geopolitical churn against China.

Largely provoked by Beijings militarisation across the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) despite repeated attempts to arrive at a consensus on disengagement, the move to look beyond allies Japan and Australia and instead give teeth to its Act East policy through alliances with smaller Asian nations is a definite break from the past. Much to the absent Chinese President Xi Jinpings discomfort, India, clearly, at the prodding of Washington, is today the emerging challenger to Chinas writ.

The unexpected signing off on a Delhi Declaration on the first day of the G20 summit in Delhi by all members, including China and Russia, as the communique cleverly skirted the prickly issue of Russian ingress into Ukraine, was the first signal that India had grown into the role of trusted facilitator, acceptable to leaders of the developed and the developing nations. And with the induction of the African Union, India has been accepted as the new voice of the Global South.

The leeway given to India over not alienating its long-time legacy partner Russia was an interesting insight into how Delhi is viewed within the group. More so, as insiders indicate, the Russian delegation was open to a UN-backed Black Sea Grain initiative, allowing Ukraine to move grain to Turkiye and countries in need.

But the corridor, designed to run circles around Chinas hugely unpopular Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which pushed debt-ridden countries in South Asia like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and several African nations to the brink of economic collapse, was the far bigger signal of Chinas misreading of the global mood.

Two years in the making, the recreation of the centuries-old trade route on the Spice Routeadding spice to Indias ballast as it emerges as a counterbalance to Chinapoints to growing alarm in the West and the Middle East over Chinas move to co-opt nuclear Iran, an Afghanistan run by a rogue militia, and Saudi Arabia into an Arab-Central Asian extension of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Pakistan, propped up financially by China, is in economic distress, unable to fund and arm terror groups which were once used to keep India off-balance. Pakistan will fret as key backers Saudi Arabia and the Emirates build stronger economic, trade and tech ties with India, and as Islamabad readies to hand over Karachi port to the UAE. More so as Chinas proposed development of the strategic Balochistan port of Gwadar at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz in the Arabian Gulf is at a standstill, as is the China-Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) project after repeated attacks on Chinese workers.

The corridor, once up and running, will run circles around Chinas own corridor. The IMEE-EC was crafted last year by the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, alongside his National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed, and the Indian and US NSAs, Ajit Doval and Jake Sullivan, at multiple meetings in Dubai, and in May this year in the Saudi city of Jeddah under the benign eye of the Saudi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The corridor will see a rail bridge connecting Vietnam to Myanmar, Bangladesh and India as the first leg.

Mumbai and the UAEs critically positioned port of Fujairah, which hosted US frigates during the first Gulf War, will form the next leg, a critical sea link. At the same time, the overland linkage across the Saudi desertwhere the legendary Lawrence of Arabia attacked the first rail line built by the Ottomanswill connect to the Israeli port of Haifa, in lands once traversed by spice merchants to destinations in Italy, Germany and France.

Clearly, while speculation about Xis absence from the G20 has been put down to a major purge of the Peoples Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party, his reluctance to share the stage with Prime Minister Modi at the G20 in Delhi may not have been entirely misplaced after all.

Neena Gopal

Foreign policy analyst and author

(neenagopal@gmail.com)

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

As US President Joe Biden departed from New Delhi after the conclusion of the G20 summitwidely acclaimed as host Indias indisputable moment in the sunthe fact that he headed for Vietnam, the only country that had given China a bloody nose, was a message to Beijing that the world would no longer dance to Emperor Xi Jinpings tune. Reinforcing the anti-China slant to the conclave was the announcement of the inclusion of the 55-nation African Union in the powerful G20, the urgent need for multilateral development banks to shore up emerging economies, and the proposal to build the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC). It was an unmistakable message to China that its brute aggression exemplified by its duplicitous debt diplomacy, its grey zone militarisation in the creation of a string of artificial islands in the South China Sea, and its steady militarisation on Indias land borders would no longer go unchallenged. Nor would its attempt to replace the United States in its old stomping ground, the Middle East, where Washington had been impolitic in ceding ground to Beijing.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who represented his country in the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, may have been shunned by most leaders, barring the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, over Russias continued attacks on Ukraine, but it was the signal to Beijing which stood out at this G20. Indeed, the corridor may have been only one among many deals that India pulled off with great aplomb, but this, like much else about the G20 presidency, underscores Indias transformation from a passive observer to an active driver of the arc of anti-Chinese nations that can no longer sit on the fence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with his outreach to Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippinesall deeply upset with Chinas new map and with whom he has shored up strategic and quasi-military tieshas shifted India from the sidelines to the centre stage of the geopolitical churn against China. Largely provoked by Beijings militarisation across the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) despite repeated attempts to arrive at a consensus on disengagement, the move to look beyond allies Japan and Australia and instead give teeth to its Act East policy through alliances with smaller Asian nations is a definite break from the past. Much to the absent Chinese President Xi Jinpings discomfort, India, clearly, at the prodding of Washington, is today the emerging challenger to Chinas writ. The unexpected signing off on a Delhi Declaration on the first day of the G20 summit in Delhi by all members, including China and Russia, as the communique cleverly skirted the prickly issue of Russian ingress into Ukraine, was the first signal that India had grown into the role of trusted facilitator, acceptable to leaders of the developed and the developing nations. And with the induction of the African Union, India has been accepted as the new voice of the Global South. The leeway given to India over not alienating its long-time legacy partner Russia was an interesting insight into how Delhi is viewed within the group. More so, as insiders indicate, the Russian delegation was open to a UN-backed Black Sea Grain initiative, allowing Ukraine to move grain to Turkiye and countries in need. But the corridor, designed to run circles around Chinas hugely unpopular Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which pushed debt-ridden countries in South Asia like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and several African nations to the brink of economic collapse, was the far bigger signal of Chinas misreading of the global mood. Two years in the making, the recreation of the centuries-old trade route on the Spice Routeadding spice to Indias ballast as it emerges as a counterbalance to Chinapoints to growing alarm in the West and the Middle East over Chinas move to co-opt nuclear Iran, an Afghanistan run by a rogue militia, and Saudi Arabia into an Arab-Central Asian extension of the Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan, propped up financially by China, is in economic distress, unable to fund and arm terror groups which were once used to keep India off-balance. Pakistan will fret as key backers Saudi Arabia and the Emirates build stronger economic, trade and tech ties with India, and as Islamabad readies to hand over Karachi port to the UAE. More so as Chinas proposed development of the strategic Balochistan port of Gwadar at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz in the Arabian Gulf is at a standstill, as is the China-Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) project after repeated attacks on Chinese workers. The corridor, once up and running, will run circles around Chinas own corridor. The IMEE-EC was crafted last year by the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, alongside his National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed, and the Indian and US NSAs, Ajit Doval and Jake Sullivan, at multiple meetings in Dubai, and in May this year in the Saudi city of Jeddah under the benign eye of the Saudi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The corridor will see a rail bridge connecting Vietnam to Myanmar, Bangladesh and India as the first leg. Mumbai and the UAEs critically positioned port of Fujairah, which hosted US frigates during the first Gulf War, will form the next leg, a critical sea link. At the same time, the overland linkage across the Saudi desertwhere the legendary Lawrence of Arabia attacked the first rail line built by the Ottomanswill connect to the Israeli port of Haifa, in lands once traversed by spice merchants to destinations in Italy, Germany and France. Clearly, while speculation about Xis absence from the G20 has been put down to a major purge of the Peoples Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party, his reluctance to share the stage with Prime Minister Modi at the G20 in Delhi may not have been entirely misplaced after all. Neena Gopal Foreign policy analyst and author (neenagopal@gmail.com) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police have officially announced that the death of a 15-year-old boy at Poovachal near Kattakada on August 30, which was initially thought to be a road accident, was murder.

Adishekhar, a Class X student, was killed after being mowed down by an electric car driven by his distant relative Priyaranjan. The initial assessment was that it was a case of negligent driving.

However, CCTV visuals revealed the boy was deliberately mowed down by Priyaranjan.

On the basis of this evidence, the police have now confirmed that it was a case of cold-blooded murder.

Kattakada DySP N Shibu told the media that the family members of the deceased teen had expressed doubts over the death.

"There is a witness account of Priyaranjan being told not to urinate near a temple in the locality by the boy. It was in vengeance that he ran over the boy. The subsequent phone calls he made and the act of going absconding further cemented our doubts. Now we have booked a case of murder against Priyaranjan, " the DySP said.

Adishekhar was riding a bicycle with his friend in front of his house when he was killed. CCTV visuals show the accused in his car speeding towards the boy as he mounts his bicycle. The driver of the car then rams into the boy on the bicycle and runs over him.

The teenager was brought dead to the hospital.

One of the relatives of the boy said that Priyaranjan had parked his car across the road to pose a hurdle in taking the boy to the hospital. Later, Priyaranjan moved his car from the spot and discarded it near Peyad.

Priyaranjan works in a Gulf country and was visiting Kerala to celebrate the Onam festival.

The DySP said they have started a manhunt for the accused Priyaranjan and are checking whether he had any criminal antecedents.

"We have found that he has no criminal cases against him in our sub-division limit. Whether he has any cases in other limits, we are checking," he added.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police have officially announced that the death of a 15-year-old boy at Poovachal near Kattakada on August 30, which was initially thought to be a road accident, was murder. Adishekhar, a Class X student, was killed after being mowed down by an electric car driven by his distant relative Priyaranjan. The initial assessment was that it was a case of negligent driving. However, CCTV visuals revealed the boy was deliberately mowed down by Priyaranjan.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On the basis of this evidence, the police have now confirmed that it was a case of cold-blooded murder. Kattakada DySP N Shibu told the media that the family members of the deceased teen had expressed doubts over the death. "There is a witness account of Priyaranjan being told not to urinate near a temple in the locality by the boy. It was in vengeance that he ran over the boy. The subsequent phone calls he made and the act of going absconding further cemented our doubts. Now we have booked a case of murder against Priyaranjan, " the DySP said. Adishekhar was riding a bicycle with his friend in front of his house when he was killed. CCTV visuals show the accused in his car speeding towards the boy as he mounts his bicycle. The driver of the car then rams into the boy on the bicycle and runs over him. The teenager was brought dead to the hospital. One of the relatives of the boy said that Priyaranjan had parked his car across the road to pose a hurdle in taking the boy to the hospital. Later, Priyaranjan moved his car from the spot and discarded it near Peyad. Priyaranjan works in a Gulf country and was visiting Kerala to celebrate the Onam festival. The DySP said they have started a manhunt for the accused Priyaranjan and are checking whether he had any criminal antecedents. "We have found that he has no criminal cases against him in our sub-division limit. Whether he has any cases in other limits, we are checking," he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as Maldives held a crucial Presidential election that could well make ripples over the geopolitical landscape, Maldivian nationals in India cast their votes from the state capital on Saturday. Arrangements for voting were made at the office of the Consulate General of the Republic of Maldives at Kumarapuram in Thiruvananthapuram.

Of the total 417 people registered to cast votes in India, 277 turned up recording a polling percentage of about 65 per cent. The voting that began at 8.30 AM was over by 4.30 PM. The counting too would be carried out at the Consulate office here.

There are many Maldivian citizens in the state, with most of them staying here on long-term visa. Many of us have come here for long-term treatment and for our childrens education. Maldivian nationals living in other parts of the country, including Kochi and Bengaluru have come here to cast their votes, said Mohammed, one of the voters.

As many as eight candidates including incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih are contesting. The election is being perceived widely as a referendum on which country - India or China - will wield more influence on Maldives. Mohamed Solih, considered to be a leader with a pro-India stance, is facing a stiff fight from Mohamed Muiz.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as Maldives held a crucial Presidential election that could well make ripples over the geopolitical landscape, Maldivian nationals in India cast their votes from the state capital on Saturday. Arrangements for voting were made at the office of the Consulate General of the Republic of Maldives at Kumarapuram in Thiruvananthapuram. Of the total 417 people registered to cast votes in India, 277 turned up recording a polling percentage of about 65 per cent. The voting that began at 8.30 AM was over by 4.30 PM. The counting too would be carried out at the Consulate office here. There are many Maldivian citizens in the state, with most of them staying here on long-term visa. Many of us have come here for long-term treatment and for our childrens education. Maldivian nationals living in other parts of the country, including Kochi and Bengaluru have come here to cast their votes, said Mohammed, one of the voters. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As many as eight candidates including incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih are contesting. The election is being perceived widely as a referendum on which country - India or China - will wield more influence on Maldives. Mohamed Solih, considered to be a leader with a pro-India stance, is facing a stiff fight from Mohamed Muiz. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Express News Service By

GUWAHATI: A ruling BJP MLA in Manipur has asked the states 10 Kuki-Zo legislators to quit and contest from another state if they are not serious about working for peace and focused only on separate administration demand. Rajkumar Imo Singh, the BJP MLA, asked how these elected representatives, seven of them from his party, could find a solution to the ongoing turmoil in Manipur by talking to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga.

These so-called legislators seem to be attending office in another state. Are they all serious to bring a peaceful solution in our state? And how will that be possible by discussing with another state leader who has a different agenda? Singh wrote on X, previously Twitter.

The Kuki-Zo legislators had a closed-door meeting with the Mizoram CM in Aizawl on Wednesday. Leaders of some Kuki-Zo civil society organisations also attended it. Singh said if these legislators continue to stick to their demand and are not serious in bringing about peace, he would urge them to resign from the Manipur Assembly.

it is morally not correct to remain in public office, take salary from the state and talk about division and separation from the state, Singh said, adding that it is better to have legislators in these constituencies from other tribal communities who are willing to work unitedly for the states progress. The Kuki-Zo lawmakers raised the demand of separate administration after Manipur was virtually partitioned on ethnic lines in the wake of the violence.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

GUWAHATI: A ruling BJP MLA in Manipur has asked the states 10 Kuki-Zo legislators to quit and contest from another state if they are not serious about working for peace and focused only on separate administration demand. Rajkumar Imo Singh, the BJP MLA, asked how these elected representatives, seven of them from his party, could find a solution to the ongoing turmoil in Manipur by talking to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga. These so-called legislators seem to be attending office in another state. Are they all serious to bring a peaceful solution in our state? And how will that be possible by discussing with another state leader who has a different agenda? Singh wrote on X, previously Twitter. The Kuki-Zo legislators had a closed-door meeting with the Mizoram CM in Aizawl on Wednesday. Leaders of some Kuki-Zo civil society organisations also attended it. Singh said if these legislators continue to stick to their demand and are not serious in bringing about peace, he would urge them to resign from the Manipur Assembly. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); it is morally not correct to remain in public office, take salary from the state and talk about division and separation from the state, Singh said, adding that it is better to have legislators in these constituencies from other tribal communities who are willing to work unitedly for the states progress. The Kuki-Zo lawmakers raised the demand of separate administration after Manipur was virtually partitioned on ethnic lines in the wake of the violence. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Sudhir Suryawanshi By

MUMBAI: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) veteran Sharad Pawar on Saturday said in the petitions filed with the Election Commission of India (ECI), he has claimed that there were no factions within his party except just a few mischievous individuals defecting from the NCP for their personal ambitions.

Sharad Pawar was apparently referring to his nephew Ajit Pawar, who with over 30 MLAs and one Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha member joined hands with the BJP and became a part of the NDA. Ajit Pawar was appointed as Deputy Chief Minister while eight NCP MLAs were inducted as state ministers.

It also led to the fight for national presidents post of NCP as both Sharad and Ajit Pawar called themselves the real head. We have established the recurring contradictory stands of Ajit Pawar and how he has, without any legal or material basis, made a claim before the ECI, the Sharad Pawar faction said.

We have communicated to the ECI that there exists no dispute within the party and that except for a few mischievous individuals, who for their personal ambitions, have defected from the party, it said.

Sources said Sharad is not willing to change his stand and will keep it the same. The party has already filed the disqualification petitions before Assembly Speaker. We learned a lot from the split in Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Ajit will have to prove how he was elected as national president of NCP and the legal basis for it, a senior NCP leader said.

Ajit Pawar and others who sided with him have been expelled from the party. We are confident that the verdict of the ECI will be from our side, the leader added.Rajya Sabha member Praful Patel, who has sided with Ajit Pawar, said Sharad Pawars nephew has the support of large number of MLAs and the district president of the party. In a democracy, the numbers matter, so our is the real NCP. We will prove our stand, he added. Ajit Pawar has filed a petition with the ECI claiming that he has a large support of the NCP legislators and that the election symbol belongs to his faction.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

MUMBAI: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) veteran Sharad Pawar on Saturday said in the petitions filed with the Election Commission of India (ECI), he has claimed that there were no factions within his party except just a few mischievous individuals defecting from the NCP for their personal ambitions. Sharad Pawar was apparently referring to his nephew Ajit Pawar, who with over 30 MLAs and one Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha member joined hands with the BJP and became a part of the NDA. Ajit Pawar was appointed as Deputy Chief Minister while eight NCP MLAs were inducted as state ministers. It also led to the fight for national presidents post of NCP as both Sharad and Ajit Pawar called themselves the real head. We have established the recurring contradictory stands of Ajit Pawar and how he has, without any legal or material basis, made a claim before the ECI, the Sharad Pawar faction said. We have communicated to the ECI that there exists no dispute within the party and that except for a few mischievous individuals, who for their personal ambitions, have defected from the party, it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sources said Sharad is not willing to change his stand and will keep it the same. The party has already filed the disqualification petitions before Assembly Speaker. We learned a lot from the split in Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Ajit will have to prove how he was elected as national president of NCP and the legal basis for it, a senior NCP leader said. Ajit Pawar and others who sided with him have been expelled from the party. We are confident that the verdict of the ECI will be from our side, the leader added.Rajya Sabha member Praful Patel, who has sided with Ajit Pawar, said Sharad Pawars nephew has the support of large number of MLAs and the district president of the party. In a democracy, the numbers matter, so our is the real NCP. We will prove our stand, he added. Ajit Pawar has filed a petition with the ECI claiming that he has a large support of the NCP legislators and that the election symbol belongs to his faction. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ramashankar By

PATNA: Mohammad Riyaz Maroof alias Bablu, said to be state secretary of a banned outfit  Popular Front of India (PFI)  was arrested from Bihars East Champaran district on Saturday. He had been involved in anti-national activities across the country.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team conducted a raid at the suspected hideout of Riyaz at Subhash Chowk under Chakia police station in East Champaran district and took him into custody. He is being interrogated by senior police officials at an undisclosed location.

Superintendent of Police, East Champaran, Kantesh Kumar Mishra said on Saturday that the district police had been on the lookout for Riyaz for a long.

He said Riyaz is stated to be one of the main operatives of PFI. He had served as state secretary of the banned outfit. His interrogation will provide some more vital information about the banned organisation, the SP said. Riyazs name had surfaced during the interrogation of PFI activists arrested earlier from Naya Tola locality under Phulwarisharif police station in the state capital.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

PATNA: Mohammad Riyaz Maroof alias Bablu, said to be state secretary of a banned outfit  Popular Front of India (PFI)  was arrested from Bihars East Champaran district on Saturday. He had been involved in anti-national activities across the country. Acting on a tip-off, a police team conducted a raid at the suspected hideout of Riyaz at Subhash Chowk under Chakia police station in East Champaran district and took him into custody. He is being interrogated by senior police officials at an undisclosed location. Superintendent of Police, East Champaran, Kantesh Kumar Mishra said on Saturday that the district police had been on the lookout for Riyaz for a long.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said Riyaz is stated to be one of the main operatives of PFI. He had served as state secretary of the banned outfit. His interrogation will provide some more vital information about the banned organisation, the SP said. Riyazs name had surfaced during the interrogation of PFI activists arrested earlier from Naya Tola locality under Phulwarisharif police station in the state capital. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

NEW DELHI: It was a red letter day for the African Union (AU) as Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally declared its inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 group. It is an honour to welcome the African Union to the G20 fold. India believes in a collaborative future and this step further solidifies our collective commitment to global progress. Here is to a brighter future for the Global South, Modi said.

Modi had in June mooted the idea of including the AU in the G20. Until now, the only African country in grouping was South Africa. It was in 2022 that the then AU President, Macky Sall (President of Senegal), expressed his desire for the union to be a part of the Group of 20. Modi had then guaranteed that it would be done.

Sall, who had met Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg last month, thanked Modi for fulfilling his guarantee.

Modi embraced the incumbent AU President, Azali Assoumani, and invited him to take his seat. Assoumani is the President of Comoros. The G20 has just ratified, through the voice of Prime Minister Modi, the admission of the AU into its fold. On behalf of the African continent, I sincerely thank all the member countries of the G20 for this historic admission, Assoumani said.

AU is a grouping of 55 countries. Many African leaders had argued that Europe is represented by five countries as well as the European Union (EU), and the African Union merits similar representation. We are delighted that the G20 has accepted the AU as a member, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: It was a red letter day for the African Union (AU) as Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally declared its inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 group. It is an honour to welcome the African Union to the G20 fold. India believes in a collaborative future and this step further solidifies our collective commitment to global progress. Here is to a brighter future for the Global South, Modi said. Modi had in June mooted the idea of including the AU in the G20. Until now, the only African country in grouping was South Africa. It was in 2022 that the then AU President, Macky Sall (President of Senegal), expressed his desire for the union to be a part of the Group of 20. Modi had then guaranteed that it would be done. Sall, who had met Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg last month, thanked Modi for fulfilling his guarantee.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Modi embraced the incumbent AU President, Azali Assoumani, and invited him to take his seat. Assoumani is the President of Comoros. The G20 has just ratified, through the voice of Prime Minister Modi, the admission of the AU into its fold. On behalf of the African continent, I sincerely thank all the member countries of the G20 for this historic admission, Assoumani said. AU is a grouping of 55 countries. Many African leaders had argued that Europe is represented by five countries as well as the European Union (EU), and the African Union merits similar representation. We are delighted that the G20 has accepted the AU as a member, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

WAD MADANI: At least 40 people were killed and dozens injured Sunday in air strikes in the south of Sudan's capital Khartoum, local activists said, as the war nears the end of its fifth month.

The revised toll means the Sunday morning raid was one of the deadliest single attacks in the war that erupted in April between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

"At about 7:15 am (0515 GMT), military aircraft bombarded the Qouro market area," said the local resistance committee, one of many groups that used to organise pro-democracy protests and now provides assistance during the war.

"The number of victims of the Quoro market massacre" had risen to 40 by the afternoon, the committee said, revising its previous toll of 30 killed.

The committee said more deaths were expected, as casualties continued to pour into the nearby Bashair hospital.

The hospital had issued an "urgent appeal" for all medical professionals in the area to come and help treat the "increasing number of injured people arriving".

Nearly 7,500 people have been killed in the war that erupted on April 15, according to a conservative estimate from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

The real death toll is presumed to be much higher, with many of those wounded and killed never reaching hospitals or morgues.

Access to many areas has been cut off completely and the warring sides have not declared their losses.

Nearly five months in, neither side has been able to seize a decisive advantage.

The armed forces control the skies over Khartoum, while RSF fighters continue to dominate the city's streets.

The army has been accused of repeated indiscriminate shelling of the residential areas where the paramilitaries have embedded themselves, including by evicting families and taking over homes.

Over 2.8 million people have fled the Sudanese capital, whose pre-war population was around five million.

Those who cannot or refuse to leave Khartoum remain trapped by air strikes, artillery fire and street battles, forced to ration precious water and electricity.

In addition to the capital, the fighting has been mainly been concentrated in the western region of Darfur, where violence linked to the RSF and its allies has prompted the International Criminal Court to open a new investigation into alleged war crimes.

A total of over five million people have been forced to flee their homes, according to the United Nations, one million of them across borders.

In the early months of the war, multiple truces brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia were systematically violated before the two mediators adjourned talks in June.

Recent moves by Burhan, including trips to Egypt, South Sudan and Qatar, signalled a potential return to diplomacy, though both he and Daglo continue to trade hostile statements.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

WAD MADANI: At least 40 people were killed and dozens injured Sunday in air strikes in the south of Sudan's capital Khartoum, local activists said, as the war nears the end of its fifth month. The revised toll means the Sunday morning raid was one of the deadliest single attacks in the war that erupted in April between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. "At about 7:15 am (0515 GMT), military aircraft bombarded the Qouro market area," said the local resistance committee, one of many groups that used to organise pro-democracy protests and now provides assistance during the war.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "The number of victims of the Quoro market massacre" had risen to 40 by the afternoon, the committee said, revising its previous toll of 30 killed. The committee said more deaths were expected, as casualties continued to pour into the nearby Bashair hospital. The hospital had issued an "urgent appeal" for all medical professionals in the area to come and help treat the "increasing number of injured people arriving". Nearly 7,500 people have been killed in the war that erupted on April 15, according to a conservative estimate from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project. The real death toll is presumed to be much higher, with many of those wounded and killed never reaching hospitals or morgues. Access to many areas has been cut off completely and the warring sides have not declared their losses. Nearly five months in, neither side has been able to seize a decisive advantage. The armed forces control the skies over Khartoum, while RSF fighters continue to dominate the city's streets. The army has been accused of repeated indiscriminate shelling of the residential areas where the paramilitaries have embedded themselves, including by evicting families and taking over homes. Over 2.8 million people have fled the Sudanese capital, whose pre-war population was around five million. Those who cannot or refuse to leave Khartoum remain trapped by air strikes, artillery fire and street battles, forced to ration precious water and electricity. In addition to the capital, the fighting has been mainly been concentrated in the western region of Darfur, where violence linked to the RSF and its allies has prompted the International Criminal Court to open a new investigation into alleged war crimes. A total of over five million people have been forced to flee their homes, according to the United Nations, one million of them across borders. In the early months of the war, multiple truces brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia were systematically violated before the two mediators adjourned talks in June. Recent moves by Burhan, including trips to Egypt, South Sudan and Qatar, signalled a potential return to diplomacy, though both he and Daglo continue to trade hostile statements. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Designer Ulla Johnson.

Fashion was not in her plans (she actually studied psychology and gender studies), but when she graduated in 2000, Ulla Johnson decided to do something with the artisanal fabrics that she collected from her trips with her parents, both archaeologists. Twenty years later, with a consolidated brand with more than 200 points of sale worldwide, she is still doing it. The basis of our business is the communities of artisans, with whom we work to develop our collections; we usually work with women from Peru, Uruguay, Pakistan, India or Kenya. During the pandemic, which made it difficult for us to access certain countries, we found embroiderers and crochet artisans in Brooklyn, and we added them to the rest of the suppliers, she explains.

Johnson has always believed in craftsmanship and sustainability (not just environmental, but also regarding human rights), even when no one was talking about it yet. When, at the beginning of the century, Barneys took an interest in her collection and began to sell it, getting other temples of luxury  both physical and digital  to notice her, the designer decided to slow down the pace of her expansion in order to become a mother and, during that break, think about where she wanted to take her business.

Floral print silk dress by Ulla Johnson.

She did not take part in fashion shows until 2014, when her brand was already famous globally; in other words, when she could really afford it. Now theres more interest in handmade things and its wonderful, but for me fashion only makes sense when it has an emotional value for the person who wears it and, as far as I am concerned, as a designer, I can provide that if the material is handmade and if in the process I can add value and support the communities that make it, she says. That is why, as she found artisans from different continents (she usually travels to meet them and work with them twice a year), she decided to raise her prices, which now range between $500 and $1,000: Its whats fair if you want to pay the artisans well, she explains. A few months ago, she launched a service on her website where her customers can sell used pieces from previous collections at lower prices, and we have a customer service that helps clients find specific garments.

In fact, Ulla Johnson likes to say that she designs future heirlooms, that is, emotionally charged garments meant to be passed on to future generations. That is why she does not want to get her firm involved with external investors or conglomerates, preferring to grow at a slow pace instead. And, at a time when other American brands are looking for a place in Paris or Milan, to do everything in New York, from her studio in Soho to her presentations, usually carried out in unusual sites, from Roosevelt Island to the Brooklyn Museum: I dont know what will happen in the future, she explains, but I was born here, and I built my business here. New York is what inspires me, and I think the city has a lot to do with what I do. Never say never, but for now I dont see myself expanding or moving my business.

Draped silk dress dyed with the Japanese shibori technique.

That, of course, does not mean that the brand does not have medium-term plans. In the last five years, Ulla Johnson has expanded her business line due to the demand of my customers, she says. Now she not only designs those bohemian-style garments that made her famous: she also creates shoes, bags, jewelry and, starting this season, party dresses. Our buyers asked for it, because the desire to dress up has returned  although, actually, what is really happening is that there is no longer a sense of being overdressed or underdressed. I myself am surprised when I decide to dress up to spend the day with my family, she reflects.

Strappy dress with knitted details.

That sums up Ulla Johnsons creative process, a mix between what her customers want and what she herself would wear (in fact, her website includes a section dedicated to her wardrobe): I wear my clothes every day and I design thinking about how this or that garment makes me feel. Its my way of being honest with my clients, believing that if its easy for me to wear, it will also be for them, she explains. Everything I do, from the shape to the print, the zippers, or the pockets (I even put pockets in the party pieces that are shown on the runway) is designed to make you feel good and comfortable. I am not interested in what is only pretty but not real. I dont want to overwhelm the consumer.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
By AFP

TAFEGHAGHTE: Moroccans on Sunday mourned the victims of a devastating earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people as rescue teams raced to find survivors trapped under the rubble of flattened villages.

The strongest-ever quake recorded in the North African country has killed at least 2,012 people and injured over 2,000, many seriously, according to the latest official figures.

Friday's 6.8-magnitude quake struck 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of the tourist hub of Marrakesh, wiping out entire villages in the hills of the Atlas mountain range.

"I've lost everything," said Lahcen, a resident of the mountain village of Moulay Brahim, whose wife and four children were among those killed.

Rescue workers recovered the bodies of Lahcen's three daughters from the rubble of their home, but had not yet found the remains of his wife and son.

"I can't do anything about it now, I just want to get away from the world and mourn," he said.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Morocco has soared to more than 2,000.

King Mohammed VI declared three days of national mourning and ordered shelter, food and other help for survivors.

Many people are spending a second night out in the open.#moroccoearthquake pic.twitter.com/tUtMQJjB35  BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) September 9, 2023

Troops and emergency services have scrambled to reach remote mountain villages where victims were still feared trapped under the rubble of houses, many of which were constructed from mud bricks.

Al-Haouz province, site of the epicentre, suffered the most deaths with 1,293, followed by Taroudant province where 452 lives were lost, authorities reported.

Citizens on Sunday rushed to hospitals in Marrakesh to donate blood to help the many injured.

Families sit outside their destroyed homes after an earthquake in Moulay Brahim village, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP)

'Everyone lost family'

Bouchra, another resident of Moulay Brahim, dried her tears with her scarf as she watched men wielding pickaxes to dig graves for the victims.

"My cousin's grandchildren are dead," she said. "I saw the devastation of the earthquake live and I'm still shaking. It's like a ball of fire that swallowed up everything in its path.

"Everyone here has lost family, whether in our village or elsewhere in the region."

Many residents of the usually bustling tourist hotspot of Marrakesh spent a second night sleeping out on the streets, huddled together under blankets and among bags filled with their belongings.

Fatema Satir, a Marrakesh resident, said many were sleeping in the street for fear of their houses collapsing.

"Look where all these people are sleeping," said Satir. "There is no help for us. Our houses have been cracked, others destroyed -- like my daughter's house which was wiped out. We are in a chaotic state."

In the city's historic Jemaa el-Fna square, about 20 people were huddled on the ground, wrapped in blankets, while others were staying on the lawn of the nearby town hall, with its 12th century ramparts partially collapsed.

"We spent the night outside the old town, in a safe place," said Maria, a Spanish tourist.

Residents flee their homes after an earthquake in Moulay Brahim village, near the epicenter of the earthquake, outside Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP)

The kingdom declared three days of national mourning while countries including France, Israel, Italy, Spain and the United States have offered aid.

US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer said: "We've got search and rescue teams ready to deploy... We are also ready to release funds at the right time."

Spain meanwhile said it would send search and rescue teams and other aid after it received a formal request for help from Rabat.

Algeria, which has long had rocky relations with neighbouring Morocco, opened its airspace, which had been closed for two years, to flights carrying humanitarian aid and evacuating the injured.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country in recent years established ties with Morocco, offered to send search-and-rescue teams, declaring that "Israel stands by Morocco in its difficult time".

'Under the debris'

The Red Cross warned that it could take years to repair the damage.

"It won't be a matter of a week or two... We are counting on a response that will take months, if not years," said Hossam Elsharkawi, its Middle East and North Africa director.

The village of Tafeghaghte, 60 kilometres (37 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, was almost entirely destroyed by the quake, an AFP team reported, with very few buildings still standing.

"Three of my grandchildren and their mother are dead," said 72-year-old Omar Benhanna. "They're still under the debris. It wasn't so long ago that we were playing together."

Residents buried around 70 victims on Saturday, cries and screams punctuating the funeral rites.

In the evening, television channels broadcast aerial images showing entire villages of clay houses in the Al-Haouz region completely destroyed.

"The public authorities are still mobilised to speed up rescue operations and evacuate the injured," the interior ministry said.

The tremor was also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Agadir, where many panicked residents rushed onto the streets in the middle of the night.

The quake was the deadliest in Morocco since a 1960 tremor destroyed Agadir, a disaster in which more than 12,000 people died.

People comfort each other while digging graves for victims of the earthquake, in Ouargane village, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP)

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

TAFEGHAGHTE: Moroccans on Sunday mourned the victims of a devastating earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people as rescue teams raced to find survivors trapped under the rubble of flattened villages. The strongest-ever quake recorded in the North African country has killed at least 2,012 people and injured over 2,000, many seriously, according to the latest official figures. Friday's 6.8-magnitude quake struck 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of the tourist hub of Marrakesh, wiping out entire villages in the hills of the Atlas mountain range.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "I've lost everything," said Lahcen, a resident of the mountain village of Moulay Brahim, whose wife and four children were among those killed. Rescue workers recovered the bodies of Lahcen's three daughters from the rubble of their home, but had not yet found the remains of his wife and son. "I can't do anything about it now, I just want to get away from the world and mourn," he said. The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Morocco has soared to more than 2,000. King Mohammed VI declared three days of national mourning and ordered shelter, food and other help for survivors. Many people are spending a second night out in the open.#moroccoearthquake pic.twitter.com/tUtMQJjB35  BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) September 9, 2023 Troops and emergency services have scrambled to reach remote mountain villages where victims were still feared trapped under the rubble of houses, many of which were constructed from mud bricks. Al-Haouz province, site of the epicentre, suffered the most deaths with 1,293, followed by Taroudant province where 452 lives were lost, authorities reported. Citizens on Sunday rushed to hospitals in Marrakesh to donate blood to help the many injured. Families sit outside their destroyed homes after an earthquake in Moulay Brahim village, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP) 'Everyone lost family' Bouchra, another resident of Moulay Brahim, dried her tears with her scarf as she watched men wielding pickaxes to dig graves for the victims. "My cousin's grandchildren are dead," she said. "I saw the devastation of the earthquake live and I'm still shaking. It's like a ball of fire that swallowed up everything in its path. "Everyone here has lost family, whether in our village or elsewhere in the region." Many residents of the usually bustling tourist hotspot of Marrakesh spent a second night sleeping out on the streets, huddled together under blankets and among bags filled with their belongings. Fatema Satir, a Marrakesh resident, said many were sleeping in the street for fear of their houses collapsing. "Look where all these people are sleeping," said Satir. "There is no help for us. Our houses have been cracked, others destroyed -- like my daughter's house which was wiped out. We are in a chaotic state." In the city's historic Jemaa el-Fna square, about 20 people were huddled on the ground, wrapped in blankets, while others were staying on the lawn of the nearby town hall, with its 12th century ramparts partially collapsed. "We spent the night outside the old town, in a safe place," said Maria, a Spanish tourist. Residents flee their homes after an earthquake in Moulay Brahim village, near the epicenter of the earthquake, outside Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP) The kingdom declared three days of national mourning while countries including France, Israel, Italy, Spain and the United States have offered aid. US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer said: "We've got search and rescue teams ready to deploy... We are also ready to release funds at the right time." Spain meanwhile said it would send search and rescue teams and other aid after it received a formal request for help from Rabat. Algeria, which has long had rocky relations with neighbouring Morocco, opened its airspace, which had been closed for two years, to flights carrying humanitarian aid and evacuating the injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country in recent years established ties with Morocco, offered to send search-and-rescue teams, declaring that "Israel stands by Morocco in its difficult time". 'Under the debris' The Red Cross warned that it could take years to repair the damage. "It won't be a matter of a week or two... We are counting on a response that will take months, if not years," said Hossam Elsharkawi, its Middle East and North Africa director. The village of Tafeghaghte, 60 kilometres (37 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, was almost entirely destroyed by the quake, an AFP team reported, with very few buildings still standing. "Three of my grandchildren and their mother are dead," said 72-year-old Omar Benhanna. "They're still under the debris. It wasn't so long ago that we were playing together." Residents buried around 70 victims on Saturday, cries and screams punctuating the funeral rites. In the evening, television channels broadcast aerial images showing entire villages of clay houses in the Al-Haouz region completely destroyed. "The public authorities are still mobilised to speed up rescue operations and evacuate the injured," the interior ministry said. The tremor was also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Agadir, where many panicked residents rushed onto the streets in the middle of the night. The quake was the deadliest in Morocco since a 1960 tremor destroyed Agadir, a disaster in which more than 12,000 people died. People comfort each other while digging graves for victims of the earthquake, in Ouargane village, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

ROME: Italy has not yet decided whether to quit China's Belt and Road investment plan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Sunday, but doing so would not damage bilateral relations.

"We have yet to make a decision," Meloni told a press conference at the close of the G20 summit in New Delhi, a day after meeting for talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Should Rome decide to quit, it "would not compromise relations" with China, Meloni said.

Critics say the Belt and Road plan is a Trojan horse to increase China's influence and Meloni is under pressure to exit, but hopes to do so without inflaming tensions.

The deal automatically renews in March 2024 unless Italy opts out by the end of this year.

Meloni said the government was "evaluating the merits" of being part of the trillion-dollar investment scheme, which debt-ridden Italy joined in 2019.

It is the only one of the group of leading developed democracies to have signed up.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said earlier this month that the Belt and Road initiative "has not produced the results we were hoping for".

READ STORIES RELATED TO G20 SUMMIT HER

The Italian PM is tipped to travel to Beijing for a state visit in the next few months, or at the start of next year, but would not be drawn on a possible date.

"It makes more sense to go to China when we have more elements about our bilateral cooperation and how to develop it," she said.

Meloni's meeting with Li, their first face-to-face, came as a broad alliance of states at the G20 unveiled ambitious plans to create a modern-day Spice Route linking Europe, the Middle East and India, which signatories hope will offer a counterbalance to lavish Chinese infrastructure spending.

Some analysts expect Meloni to pull out of Belt and Road while boosting other existing Italy-China accords.

The meeting with Li Saturday "confirmed the common intention to consolidate and deepen the dialogue between Rome and Beijing on the main bilateral and international issues," Meloni's office said in a statement.

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of a global strategic partnership between the two countries which "will constitute the beacon for the advancement of friendship and collaboration," it said.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

ROME: Italy has not yet decided whether to quit China's Belt and Road investment plan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Sunday, but doing so would not damage bilateral relations. "We have yet to make a decision," Meloni told a press conference at the close of the G20 summit in New Delhi, a day after meeting for talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Should Rome decide to quit, it "would not compromise relations" with China, Meloni said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Critics say the Belt and Road plan is a Trojan horse to increase China's influence and Meloni is under pressure to exit, but hopes to do so without inflaming tensions. The deal automatically renews in March 2024 unless Italy opts out by the end of this year. Meloni said the government was "evaluating the merits" of being part of the trillion-dollar investment scheme, which debt-ridden Italy joined in 2019. It is the only one of the group of leading developed democracies to have signed up. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said earlier this month that the Belt and Road initiative "has not produced the results we were hoping for". READ STORIES RELATED TO G20 SUMMIT HER The Italian PM is tipped to travel to Beijing for a state visit in the next few months, or at the start of next year, but would not be drawn on a possible date. "It makes more sense to go to China when we have more elements about our bilateral cooperation and how to develop it," she said. Meloni's meeting with Li, their first face-to-face, came as a broad alliance of states at the G20 unveiled ambitious plans to create a modern-day Spice Route linking Europe, the Middle East and India, which signatories hope will offer a counterbalance to lavish Chinese infrastructure spending. Some analysts expect Meloni to pull out of Belt and Road while boosting other existing Italy-China accords. The meeting with Li Saturday "confirmed the common intention to consolidate and deepen the dialogue between Rome and Beijing on the main bilateral and international issues," Meloni's office said in a statement. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of a global strategic partnership between the two countries which "will constitute the beacon for the advancement of friendship and collaboration," it said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

NEW DELHI: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that he would hold talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as tensions mount between Armenia and Ankara's ally Azerbaijan.

Turkey has already condemned the election of a new president in Azerbaijan's separatist Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh on Saturday.

Lawmakers in Nagorno-Karabakh's parliament elected the head of the security council in the separatist government, Samvel Shahramanyan, by 22 votes to one.

Turkey has previously said it "does not recognise this illegitimate election which constitutes a violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

READ STORIES RELATED TO G20 SUMMIT HERE

Speaking after the close of the G20 summit in New Delhi, Erdogan said: "I will have a telephone conversation, probably tomorrow, with Mr Pashinyan. What has been done in Karabakh is not appropriate. We cannot accept this".

Armenia and Azerbaijan have traded accusations of cross-border attacks in recent months, and Armenia has warned of the risk of a fresh conflict, saying Azerbaijan was massing troops on the countries' shared border and near Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan's Armenian-populated enclave was at the centre of two wars between the Caucasus neighbours.

Six weeks of fighting in autumn 2020 ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that saw Armenia cede swathes of territory it had controlled for decades.

Tensions have risen again, with Yerevan accusing Baku of creating a humanitarian crisis by blocking traffic through the Lachin corridor -- the only road linking Armenia to Armenian-populated Karabakh.

The two sides have been unable to reach a lasting peace settlement despite mediation efforts by the European Union, the United States and Russia.

Next week, Armenia will host joint military drills with US forces, the latest sign of the ex-Soviet republic's drift from its traditional ally Russia.

READ HERE | Death by starvation: Residents of disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region face genocide

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that he would hold talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as tensions mount between Armenia and Ankara's ally Azerbaijan. Turkey has already condemned the election of a new president in Azerbaijan's separatist Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh on Saturday. Lawmakers in Nagorno-Karabakh's parliament elected the head of the security council in the separatist government, Samvel Shahramanyan, by 22 votes to one.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Turkey has previously said it "does not recognise this illegitimate election which constitutes a violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity." READ STORIES RELATED TO G20 SUMMIT HERE Speaking after the close of the G20 summit in New Delhi, Erdogan said: "I will have a telephone conversation, probably tomorrow, with Mr Pashinyan. What has been done in Karabakh is not appropriate. We cannot accept this". Armenia and Azerbaijan have traded accusations of cross-border attacks in recent months, and Armenia has warned of the risk of a fresh conflict, saying Azerbaijan was massing troops on the countries' shared border and near Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan's Armenian-populated enclave was at the centre of two wars between the Caucasus neighbours. Six weeks of fighting in autumn 2020 ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that saw Armenia cede swathes of territory it had controlled for decades. Tensions have risen again, with Yerevan accusing Baku of creating a humanitarian crisis by blocking traffic through the Lachin corridor -- the only road linking Armenia to Armenian-populated Karabakh. The two sides have been unable to reach a lasting peace settlement despite mediation efforts by the European Union, the United States and Russia. Next week, Armenia will host joint military drills with US forces, the latest sign of the ex-Soviet republic's drift from its traditional ally Russia. READ HERE | Death by starvation: Residents of disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region face genocide Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
New Delhi, Sep 9

T he G20 leaders on Saturday committed to adopt, build and maintain Global Digital Public Infrastructure and also agreed to foster a wholesome and safe Digital ecosystem, and a resilient Global Digital Economy.

In the Delhi declaration, the G20 leaders said, "Technology can enable rapid transformations for bridging the existing digital divides and accelerate progress for inclusive and sustainable development."

"Digital public infrastructure (DPI), as an evolving concept and as a set of shared digital systems, built and leveraged by both the public and private sectors, based on secure and resilient infrastructure, and can be built on open standards and specifications, as well as open source software can enable delivery of services at societal-scale," it said.

It said that in our voluntary efforts to make digital public infrastructure interoperable, we recognize the importance of data free flow with trust and cross-border data flows while respecting applicable legal frameworks. We also reaffirm the role of Data for Development.

"We recognize that safe, secure, trusted, accountable and inclusive digital public infrastructure, respectful of human rights, personal data, privacy and intellectual property rights can foster resilience, and enable service delivery and innovation. To this end, we welcome the G20 Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure, a voluntary and suggested framework for the development, deployment and governance of DPI."

It also said that it welcomes India's plan to build and maintain a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), a virtual repository of DPI, voluntarily shared by G20 members and beyond and take note of the Indian Presidency's proposal of the One Future Alliance (OFA), a voluntary initiative aimed to build capacity, and provide technical assistance and adequate funding support for implementing DPI in LMICs.

Talking about building safety, security, resilience and trust in the digital economy, the G20 leaders in Delhi Declaration said "An enabling, inclusive, open, fair, non-discriminatory and secure digital economy is increasingly important for all countries and stakeholders while respecting applicable legal frameworks. We will share our approaches and good practices to build a safe, secure and resilient digital economy. To this extent, we welcome the non-binding G20 High-level Principles to Support Businesses in Building Safety, Security, Resilience, and Trust in the Digital Economy and also welcome the G20 Toolkit on Cyber Education and Cyber Awareness of Children and Youth."

Talking about Fostering Digital Ecosystems, the Delhi Declaration said "We resolve to deploy all available digital tools and technologies and spare no effort in fostering safe and resilient digital ecosystems, and ensuring that every citizen on our planet is financially included. To support this, we commit to promote responsible, sustainable and inclusive use of digital technology by farmers and an ecosystem of Agri-Tech start-ups and MSMEs. Welcome the establishment of the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) within a WHO-managed framework to build a comprehensive digital health ecosystem in compliance with respective data protection regulations."

"And will leverage digital technologies for the protection and promotion of culture and cultural heritage and adopt digital frameworks for the development of cultural and creative sectors and industries," it added.

In a major breakthrough, the New Delhi Leaders' Summit Declaration was adopted on Saturday after consensus was reached among member states during the G20 Summit.

G20 Delhi Declaration welcomes India's plan to build, maintain Global Digital Public Infrastructure

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 9

P rime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and reaffirmed their commitment to boost India-Japan cooperation in connectivity and commerce.

They further agreed to strengthen people-to-people linkages.

Taking to his social media platform 'X', PM Modi tweeted, "Prime Ministers @narendramodi and @kishida230 met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further bolster India-Japan cooperation in key sectors like connectivity and commerce. They also agreed to boost people-to-people linkages."

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the G20 summit being hosted under India's presidency this year.

The meeting was held at the G20 summit venue, Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan.

Kishida arrived in the national capital yesterday to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit.

At the G20 summit in India, Kishida plans to show Japan's stance of proactively contributing to various global issues, based on the results of the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May, Japanese media reported.

"The agenda in India will include global food security, which has been affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as development, digital transformation and other international issues," according to NHK.

The cooperation between India and Japan continues to deepen over time as the two nations share historical linkages with exchanges between the two countries being traced to the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced in Japan.

As both nations deal with the challenges provided by an aggressive China in the Asian region, India's political ties to Japan have grown significantly over the past few decades.

In the lead-up to both the G20 and G7 summits, the visit of Japanese PM Kishida to India in March bolstered further commitment between the two countries to work together for the realisation of a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific".

Moreover, Japan is India's 13th-largest trading partner, whereas India is Japan's 18th-largest. With Japan's private sector investment in India steadily increasing, it is among the top five foreign investors in India.

This is the first time that the G20 Summit is taking place under India's presidency. Formed in 1999, the G20 was set up to maintain global financial stability by incorporating middle-income countries.

A G20 Leaders' declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the G20 Summit, stating Leaders' commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings. The next G20 presidency is going to be taken over by Brazil in 2024, followed by South Africa in 2025.

PM Modi, PM Kishida reaffirms commitment to boost India-Japan cooperation in connectivity, commerce

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Let us do whatever we can for development of Global South: PM Modi on AU's inclusion in G20

New Delhi, September 9

F ollowing the inclusion of the African Union in the G20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his delight and called on the members to do whatever possible for the development of the Global South.

Taking to his official social media 'X', PM Modi tweeted, "India is elated to welcome @_AfricanUnion as a permanent member of the G20. Together, let us foster global unity and progress. Let us also do whatever we can for the development of the Global South."

The African Union has been made a permanent member of the Group of 20 countries on Saturday.

In his opening remarks at the 18th G20 Leaders' Summit, PM Modi invited the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member.

"With everyone's approval, I request the AU head to take his seat as a permanent G20 member," Modi said in his address.

Earlier today, the Nigerian president congratulated the African Union on becoming a permanent member of the G20.

He further said that we look forward to further advancing our aspirations on the global stage using the G20 platform.

"Congratulations to the @_AfricanUnion on becoming a permanent member of the #G20. As a continent, we look forward to further advancing our aspirations on the global stage using the G20 platform. Pic Indian PM @narendramodi and African Union Chairperson @PR_AZALI President Azali Assoumani of Comoros at the G20 Summit in Dehli, India #G20India, the Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tweeted.

Following the African Union'sThe inclusion, the South African President's spokesperson lauded the Group of Twenty's decision to add the African Union as a permanent member of the bloc, saying, "We are grateful to India's leadership in this regard".

In his opening statement at the G20 Summit being hosted under India's presidency, PM Modi spoke of global challenges and said 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' can be the torch bearer to address these.

"India's G20 presidency has become a symbol of inclusion, of 'sabka saath' both inside and outside the country. This has become People's G20 in India. Crores of Indians are connected to this. In more than 60 cities of the country, more than 200 meetings have taken place. With the sense of 'Sabka Saath', India had proposed that the African Union be granted permanent membership of G20. I believe that all of us agree to this proposal," he said.

Adding the African Union as a member of G20 was among India's key aims to achieve during the ongoing G20 summit. The move to include the African Union into the G20 grouping was proposed by PM Modi earlier this June.

"Before we start the proceedings of G20, I want to express my condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time," PM Modi said in his inaugural address.

Chairperson of AU Assoumani arrived in the national capital on Friday. He was received by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways, Raosaheb Danve at the New Delhi airport.

In June 2023, Prime Minister Modi said that he had written to G20 counterparts to provide the African Union with full membership at this G20 Summit.PM Modi had proposed that the AU, a bloc of 55 countries from the African continent that was launched in 2002, be given full membership at their request.

Let us do whatever we can for development of Global South: PM Modi on AU's inclusion in G20

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 9

I n a landmark development, the African Union was made a full member of the Group of Twenty under India's presidency of the G20.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his inaugural address of the first session of the Global Leaders' Summit, announced that the African Union has been made a full member of the G20 on Saturday.

"Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South," wrote PM Modi on X.

In his opening remarks at the 18th G20 Leaders' Summit, PM Modi invited the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member.

"With everyone's approval, I request the AU head to take his seat as a permanent G20 member," Modi said in his address.

Following PM Modi's announcement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accosted the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union, Azali Assoumani as he took his seat among world leaders.

Adding the African Union as a member of G20 was among India's key aims to achieve during the ongoing G20 summit. African Union is a continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa.

The move to include the African Union in the G20 grouping was proposed by PM Modi earlier this June.

"Before we start the proceedings of G20, I want to express my condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time," PM Modi said in his inaugural address.

In June 2023, Prime Minister Modi said that he had written to G20 counterparts to provide the African Union with full membership at this G20 Summit. PM Modi had proposed that AU be given full membership on their request.

In a recent editorial that has been published in newspapers, PM Modi wrote "The voice of Global South Summit, which witnessed participation from 125 countries, was one of the foremost initiatives under our Presidency. It was an important exercise to gather inputs and ideas from the Global South. Further, our Presidency has not only seen the largest-ever participation from African countries but has also pushed for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20."

Prior to the first session of the G20 Leaders' Summit, PM Modi welcomed the global leaders at the G20 venue, Pragati Maidan's Bharat Mandapam. It was an occasion of all hugs and handshakes.

Later, PM Modi addressed the inauguration of the first G20 Leaders' session, where he welcomed AU to join G20.

"Before we start the proceedings of G20, I want to express my condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time, PM Modi said in his inaugural address.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the international community to transform the global trust deficit into one of trust and reliance. He stressed that it is time for the world to move together.

In his address at Session-1 on 'One Earth' during the G20 Summit being hosted under India's Presidency, PM Modi said, "Following the COVID pandemic, the world faced a new challenge of trust deficit and unfortunately, the wars have further deepened this. But we must remember that if we can defeat a pandemic like COVID, we can also win over the challenge of this trust deficit. Today, as the President of the G20, India calls upon the entire world to transform this global trust deficit into trust and confidence. This is the time for all of us to move together."

He further said, "In this time, the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' can be the torch bearer for us. Be it the divide between North and South, the distance between East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we will have to find a solid solid solution to this for future generations."

PM Modi also invited the head of the African Union to take his seat as a member of the G20 as the first session of the Summit started in Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan. Following this President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union, Azali Assoumani took his seat as the Union and became a permanent member of the G20.

Before the start of the proceedings of the G20 Summit, PM Modi offered condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. PM Modi said, "We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time."

Before the G20 Summit commenced, PM Modi welcomed world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UK PM Rishi Sunak, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

As the leaders arrived one by one, they were greeted by PM Modi, in the backdrop showcased the Konark Wheel from Odisha. The Konark wheel was built during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I. The wheel with 24 spokes has been adapted into India's national flag embodying India's ancient wisdom, advanced civilisation, and architectural excellence.

The rotating motion of the Konark Wheel, symbolizes time, Kalachakra as well as progress and continuous change. It serves as a powerful symbol of the wheel of democracy that reflects the resilience of democratic ideals, and commitment to progress in society.

The theme of this year's G20 Summit, which is taking place under India's presidency is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "One Earth ? One Family ? One Future." Notably, India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year.

G20 Summit: African Union becomes full member, will strengthen voice of Global South

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
U.S. President Joe Biden visits Raj Ghat memorial with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and other G20 leaders, on Sept. 10, 2023, in New Delhi.

G20 leaders paid their respects to Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi as their summit came to a close Sunday, a day after the group added a new member and reached agreement on a range of issues but softened language on Russias war in Ukraine.

The Group of 20 rich and developing nations welcomed the African Union as a member  part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis drive to uplift the Global South. And host India was also able to get the disparate group to sign off on a final statement despite pointed disagreements among powerful members, mostly centered on the European conflict.

India also unveiled an ambitious plan with the United States, the European Union and others to build a rail and shipping corridor linking it with the Middle East and Europe in a bid to strengthen economic growth and political cooperation.

With those major agenda items taken care of, the leaders shook hands Sunday and posed for photos with Modi at the Rajghat memorial site in New Delhi. Each received a shawl made of khadi, a handspun fabric that was promoted by Gandhi during Indias independence movement against the British.

Some leaders  including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and last years G20 host President Joko Widodo of Indonesia  walked to the memorial barefoot in a customary show of respect. U.S. President Joe Biden and others wore slippers as they walked over wet ground spotted with puddles from heavy rain.

The leaders stood before wreaths placed around the memorial, which features an eternal flame and was draped with orange and yellow marigold garlands.

The one reserved for Modi identified him as prime minister of Bharat  an ancient Sanskrit name championed by his Hindu nationalist supporters that shot to prominence as the summit approached.

Earlier in the day, Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy separately took time to visit and offer prayers at the Akshardham Temple, one of Delhis most prominent Hindu houses of worship.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took over the G20 rotating presidency at the summits end. He hopes to rebuild Brazils standing after a period of international isolation under far-right former leader Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazil, home to the majority of the Amazon rainforest, will likely use its presidency to advocate for increased funds for environmental preservation, said Laerte Apolinario Junior, a professor of international relations at the Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo.

Lula has sought to move beyond the disputes over Ukraine, telling Indian news site Firstpost that the G20 wasnt the appropriate forum to discuss the war.

Brazil has proposed mediating in the conflict, but those efforts have largely been rebuffed, and its refusal to arm Ukraine has sparked criticism from Western countries.

Latin Americas biggest democracy is also scheduled to assume the presidency of the BRICS group  composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  and host the UNs climate conference in 2025.

In the months leading up to the leaders summit in New Delhi, India had been unable to find agreement on the wording about Ukraine, with Russia and China objecting even to language that they had agreed to at the 2022 G20 summit in Bali.

This years final statement, released a day before the formal close of the summit, highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine, but did not mention Russias invasion directly.

Western leaders  who have pushed for a stronger rebuke of Russias actions in past G20 meetings  still called the consensus a success, and praised Indias nimble balancing act.

Oleg Nikolenko, spokesman for Ukraines foreign ministry, said his government was grateful to the countries that tried to include strong wording, but that the G20 has nothing to be proud of, suggesting among other things that the war in Ukraine, should have been referred to as the war against Ukraine.

Though the Ukraine wording was not as strong as many Western leaders wanted, it could help bolster the Wests position in the long run, said a senior EU official who only spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to talk frankly about the discussions.

Thats because Russia, China and all the developing countries in the group  including some that have been less critical of Russia  had signed off on every line, making it clear that Russia is the cause of this war and Russia is the one that is prolonging it, the official said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters it was significant that Russia had signed on to the agreement that mentioned the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a news conference that thanks to the Global South defending its legitimate interests, it was possible to prevent the success of the Wests attempt to again Ukrainize the entire agenda to the detriment of discussing the urgent problems of developing countries.

Lavrov added that the Ukrainian crisis is mentioned (in the final G20 declaration), but exclusively in the context of the need to resolve all conflicts that exist in the world.

India had made directing more attention to addressing the needs of the developing world a focus of the summit, and organizers worked hard to keep it from being dominated by the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed last years G20 summit in Bali by video and stole the show with an in-person appearance at the gathering of leaders of the G7 rich democracies  all of whom are members of the G20  in Hiroshima earlier this year. Modi made a point of not inviting Zelenskyy to participate in this years event.

Also at the summit, India launched a global biofuel alliance with 19 countries, including the U.S. and Brazil. The fuels, made from agricultural produce or organic waste, have gained popularity in recent decades as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

The G20 includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the U.S. and the EU. Spain holds a permanent guest seat.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping opted not to come this year, ensuring no tough face-to-face conversations with their American and European counterparts.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
New Delhi, September 9

E xternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said the New Delhi Declaration adopted by G20 leaders focuses on promoting strong sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth and seeks to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals .

The Leaders of the member countries committed to enhancing G20 cooperation and partnerships to address challenges being faced in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was launched by a UN Summit in New York on 25-27 September 2015 and is aimed at ending poverty in all its forms. The UN 2030 Agenda envisages "a world of universal respect for human rights and human dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality and non-discrimination".

The Agenda's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and their 169 targets, aim at eradicating poverty in all forms and "seek to realize the human rights of all and achieve gender equality".

"The declaration the leaders have agreed on today focuses on promoting strong sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth. It seeks to accelerate progress on SDGs and has come up with an action plan accordingly," the EAM said during a press briefing by the G20 Presidency on Saturday.

At the start of the G20 second session, the Summit adopted the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

The EAM said the declaration "envisages a green development pact for a sustainable future, it endorses high-level principles on lifestyle for sustainable development, voluntary principles of hydrogen, the Chennai principles for a sustainable resilient blue economy and the Deccan principles on food security and nutrition among others..."

The EAM emphasized that the G20 has recognized the need for a post-pandemic world order that differs from the one before it. He highlighted that the G20 has played a significant role in preparing India to engage with the world effectively.

Meanwhile, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said "The key achievements include, we have achieved a green development pact...every single country has come together to focus on green development pact which has financing, which has a focus on global greenhouse gas emission by 43 per cent by 2030, which has a doubling provision of adapting finance by 2025, which has a global biofuel alliance..."

The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration agreed to leverage the G20's convening power and its collective resolve to fully and effectively implement the 2030 Agenda and accelerate progress toward the SDGs, in a timely manner, to shape the world we want to see for our future generations.

The G20 leaders through the declaration, committed to accelerate progress on SDGs by taking collective action for effective and timely implementation of the G20 2023 Action Plan to Accelerate Progress on the SDGs, including its High-Level Principles.

"We will ensure that no one is left behind. We commend the efforts of the Indian Presidency to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. To this end, we recognise the role of digital transformation, AI, data advances, and the need to address digital divides. We endorse the G20 Principles on Harnessing Data for Development and welcome the decision to launch Data for Development Capacity Building Initiative, and other existing initiatives," the declaration read.

"We reaffirm our commitment towards the mobilisation of affordable, adequate and accessible financing from all sources to support developing countries in their domestic efforts to address bottlenecks for implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. We call upon developed countries to fully deliver on their respective ODA commitments that complement and encourage development financing from all other sources, including public and private, domestic and international, in a timely manner, and contribute to addressing the financing needs of developing countries."

The declaration highlighted the crucial role of tourism and culture as a means for sustainable socio-economic development and economic prosperity and took note of the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as one of the vehicles for achieving the SDGs.

The G20 leaders committed to enhancing G20 cooperation and partnerships to address challenges being faced in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. "We welcome ongoing efforts at the UN, including the Secretary General's efforts to address the SDG financing gap through an SDG stimulus, and will provide full support to the United Nations 2023 SDG Summit, the United Nations Summit of the Future, and other relevant processes," the declaration read.

The G20 leaders reiterated their commitment to take action to scale up sustainable finance. In line with the G20 Sustainable Finance Roadmap, "we welcome the analytical framework for SDG-aligned finance and voluntary recommendations for scaling up adoption of social impact investment instruments and improving nature-related data and reporting, informed by the stocktaking analyses, considering country circumstances."

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said consensus has been built on the New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration and announced its adoption.

The Prime Minister, who is chairing the G20 sessions, congratulated the Sherpas and ministers who had worked towards forging the consensus.

"I have received good news. Due to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration. My proposal is to adopt this leadership declaration. I announce to adopt this declaration. On this occasion, I congratulate my Sherpa, ministers, who worked hard for it and made it possible," he said.

India is hosting the two-day-long G20 Leaders Summit at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan in the national capital.

This is the first time that the G20 Summit is taking place under India's presidency. Formed in 1999, the G20 was setup to maintain global financial stability by incorporating middle-income countries.

India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country. The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies.

G20 New Delhi Declaration seeks to accelerate progress on SDGs: EAM Jaishankar

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 9

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi and the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, Prime Minister Modi's office said in a statement.

"During the meeting, the leaders acknowledged the constructive dialogue of the two countries throughout the year on their priorities for their respective G-20 and G-7 Presidencies, particularly in bringing the concerns and aspirations of the Global South to the fore," the PMO statement added.

"Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership," the PMO statement added.

The PMO statement further added that the leaders held discussions on various facets of the India-Japan bilateral partnership, including infrastructure development, technological collaboration, investments, and energy.

PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with Japanese counterpart Kishida; leaders reaffirm commitment to deepen ties

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 9

A fter Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of world leaders, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India Hardeep Singh Puri has said that it is a moment for celebration and rejoicing, adding that India has set a target of achieving 20 percent biofuels blending by 2025.

"I can tell you as someone who has been associated with the ethanol and biofuels story for something like a decade and a half, today is a historic day. A moment for celebration and rejoicing, because the Global Biofuels Alliance, has just been announced by the Prime Minister, who along with other world leaders, including two of the world's major biofuel producers-the United States and Brazil and others who are consuming and producing countries of biofuels. 19 countries in all and 12 international organisations have got together to form the International Biofuels Alliance," he said.

The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under India's G20 Presidency.

Hardeep Singh Puri further elaborated about the targets India had for biofuels and said that upto 2014, we had only 1.5 percent of biofuels blending in our fuels.

"Up to 2014, with all the efforts, we had only 1.5 percent of biofuels blending in our fuels. Today, I can tell you with a great sense of satisfaction and pride that E20 blended fuel is being marketed in over 4000 retail points in India. We had a target of 10 percent of biofuel blending, which we wanted to achieve by November 2022. It's an open fact that we were able to achieve the target five months before the decided date. We had a target of 20 percent biofuels blending by 2030, thanks to the decisive steps taken by the Modi government, we were able to bring that target date from 2030 to 2025," Hardeep Singh Puri said.

"I am very happy to inform you that 12 percent blending is already been done and we are already producing 560 crore litres of ethanol which are available for acquisitions, and marketing," Hardeep Singh Puri added.

Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries.

This Alliance will be aimed at facilitating cooperation and intensifying the use of sustainable biofuels, including in the transportation sector. It will place emphasis on strengthening markets, facilitating global biofuels trade, developing concrete policy lesson-sharing and providing technical support for national biofuels programs worldwide.

"From now on, there is a lot of work to be done in terms of international cooperation between the consuming countries and the producing ones. As the leaders said, we wanted to triple the amount of biofuels in our fuel mix by 2030. Biofuels have a great contribution to make in the journey to sustainability, on the environment front and in countries like India, on the agricultural front too," Hardeep Singh Puri added.

GBA will be a competent organisation that will set technical standards for Sustainable Aviation Fuel business in collaboration with relevant industry bodies.

The alliance will have a three-category membership structure bringing together member countries, partner organisations and industries.

Nineteen countries agreed to stand with India as initiating members of the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Moment of celebration and rejoicing: Hardeep Singh Puri on Global Biofuels Alliance

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

I ndia's G20 Presidency has walked the talk, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday, noting that India's concerns of Global South and emphasis on human-centric globalisation have found a resonance and recognition.

"We assumed the presidency at a challenging time of geo-political tensions...Today I can confidently state that the Indian G-20 Presidency has walked the talk," she said at a joint press conference after the G20 declaration was adopted on the first day of two-day summit.

In the declaration, the G20 countries said they re-emphasise the importance of addressing debt vulnerabilities in low and middleincome countries in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner.

"We continue to stand by all the commitments made in the Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the DSSI, including those in the second and final paragraphs, as agreed on November 13, 2020, and step up the implementation of the Common Framework in a predictable, timely, orderly and coordinated manner. To this end, we call for continued discussion on policy-related issues linked to the implementation of the Common Framework for making appropriate recommendations. We welcome the recent agreement between the Government of Zambia and the official creditor committee on debt treatment and look forward to a swift resolution," the declaration said.

"We welcome the formation of the official creditor committee for Ghana and look forward to an agreement on a debt treatment as soon as possible. We also call for a swift conclusion of the debt treatment for Ethiopia. Beyond the Common Framework, we welcome all efforts for timely resolution of the debt situation of Sri Lanka, including the formation of the official 22 Zero Draft creditor committee, and we call for the resolution as soon as possible," it added.

The G20 countries welcomed the efforts of private sector lenders who have already contributed data to the joint Institute of International Finance /OECD Data Repository Portal and continue to encourage others to also contribute on a voluntary basis.

"We encourage the efforts of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable participants to strengthen communication and foster a common understanding among key stakeholders, both within and outside the Common Framework, for facilitating effective debt treatments. We welcome joint efforts by all stakeholders, including private creditors, to continue working towards enhancing debt transparency. We note the results of the voluntary stocktaking exercise of data sharing with International Financial Institutions," the declaration said.

India's G20 Presidency has walked the talk: Nirmala Sitharaman

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

P rime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Singapore counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, on Saturday and discussed bilateral relations between the two nations.

"Lovely to interact with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"India and Singapore will continue to deepen our bilateral relations for the betterment of our people," PM Modi said.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrived in New Delhi on Friday to participate in the upcoming G20 Summit which is being held on September 9 and 10.

Prime Minister Loong was received by L Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting of India.

This is the first time that the G20 Summit is taking place under India's presidency. The event will be graced by many global leaders and delegates. Extensive preparations and arrangements have been made for the summit, with the intention of showcasing both India's soft power as well as modern face.

A G20 Leaders' declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the G20 Summit, stating Leaders' commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings.

Earlier this year, India and Singapore linked their respective online payment systems -- Unified Payments Interface of India and PayNow of Singapore -- for seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries.

The virtual launch function was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong. The linkage of these two payment systems of both countries would enable residents of both countries to the faster and more cost-efficient transfer of cross-border remittances.

People in both countries will be able to send money in real-time via QR-code-based or simply by entering mobile numbers linked to the bank account.

This collaboration will also help the Indian diaspora in Singapore, especially migrant workers and students through instantaneous and low-cost transfer of money from Singapore to India and vice-versa.

G20: PM Modi interacts with Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, discusses bilateral ties

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

A ustralian Prime Minister who is in Delhi to attend the G20 Summit taking place under India's presidency on Saturday termed the G20 Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "successful".

He stated that the New Delhi Summit was followed by a good bilateral discussion between the two leaders.

In a post on X, the Australian Prime Minister informed about holding discussions with PM Modi about concluding the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between Australia and India.

"A successful G20 meeting hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today followed by a good bilateral discussion about concluding the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between Australia and India," Albanese wrote on X.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in New Delhi to participate in the G20 Summit on Friday.

Earlier in May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a three-nation visit when he also visited Australia. Australian PM said that PM Modi's visit to Australia has strengthened the relationship between the two countries.

"This is a relationship we need to invest in. Our strong partnership with India will deliver benefits for Australia in trade, investment and business and in regional security and stability," Anthony Albanese said.

Underscoring the value Australia gives to India, Albanese said that he met PM Modi six times. He also stated that Australia is a better place because of the contributions of the Indian-Australian community and he wanted to see more connections between the two countries.

Meanwhile, on Twitter, Albanese said that Australia and India are working more closely together to boost renewable energy in both our countries.

After concluding his visit, PM Modi thanked his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese for the hospitality during his Sydney visit, one which will "boost the friendship between Australia and India," and noted that the two leaders will keep working towards a "vibrant India-Australia friendship," which is also in the "interest of global good."

This is the first time that the G20 Summit is being hosted by India. Extensive preparations have been made to portray India's traditions and strengths.

During the presidency, India has focused on various issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access.

By leveraging its presidency, India is fostering collaborative solutions that benefit its own population and contribute to the broader global well-being.

Australian PM Albanese calls G20 meet successful, clicks selfie with PM Modi at Summit

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 9

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit here.

This is Sunak's first visit to India since becoming the Prime Minister in October last year, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Saturday.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) after the meeting, Modi said, "Great to have met PM Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi. We discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment."

The PMO said that Prime Minister Modi conveyed his appreciation for UK's support during India's G20 Presidency, marked by high-level participation at various G20 meetings and events.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the progress in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation as per the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as the Roadmap 2030, particularly in economy, defence and security, technology, green technology and climate change, health and mobility sectors.

Both leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of importance and mutual interest, the PMO added.

According to the PMO, both leaders also reviewed the progress of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and expressed hope that the remaining issues could be addressed at the earliest so that a balanced, mutually beneficial and forward looking FTA can be reached soon.

Modi also invited Sunak for a bilateral visit at an early and mutually convenient date for a more detailed discussion.

Sunak accepted the invitation and congratulated Modi for a successful G20 Summit, the PMO said.

Modi, Sunak discuss ways to deepen trade linkages, boost investment

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 9

A day before attending the G20 Summit, the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was seen walking on the streets of the national capital along with wife Akshata Murthy on Friday night.

In the photographs, the couple was seen walking along in the backdrop of the presence of security personnel and guards.

Sunak on Friday held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence and then went for a late night walk along with his wife.

Sunak had also visited the British Council of India on Friday afternoon after arriving in India.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Sunak wrote "Before meeting the world leaders of today I've been meeting with the world leaders of tomorrow. It's been fantastic to visit students and staff here at British Council of India - a reflection of the living bridge that exists between the UK and India."

Sunak along with his wife Murthy arrived at the Palam airstrip on Friday for the G20 Leaders' Summit beginning on Saturday and was received by Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis and senior diplomats.

After landing in Delhi, Sunak in a post on X said "I've landed in Delhi ahead of the #G20 summit. I am meeting world leaders to address some of the challenges that impact every one of us. Only together can we get the job done."

Rishi Sunak strolls on Delhi streets with wife Akshata Murthy

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 9

T he G20 leaders in the Delhi Declaration on Saturday welcomed the inclusion of African Union as a permanent member of the G20 saying that Africa plays an important role in the global economy and it will significantly contribute to addressing the global challenges of our time.

In the Delhi Declaration, the G20 leader said "We welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and strongly believe that inclusion of the African Union into the G20 will significantly contribute to addressing the global challenges of our time."

It also said that we commend the efforts of all G20 members which paved the way for accession of the African Union as a permanent member during India's Presidency of the G20.

Asserting that Africa plays an important role in the global economy, it said "We commit to strengthen our ties with and support the African Union realise the aspirations under Agenda 2063. We also reiterate strong support to Africa, including through the G20 Compact with Africa and G20 Initiative on supporting industrialization in Africa and LDCs.

"We are supportive of further discussing the deepening of cooperation between the G20 and other regional partners," it said.

"Reaffirm our commitment to support migrants, including migrant workers and refugees in our efforts towards a more inclusive world, in line with national policies, legislations and circumstances, ensuring full respect for the human rights and their fundamental freedoms regardless of their migration status."

"We also recognise the importance of preventing irregular migration flows and the smuggling of migrants, as part of a comprehensive approach for safe, orderly and regular migration while responding to humanitarian needs and the root causes of displacement. We support strengthening cooperation between countries of origin, transit and destination. We will continue the dialogue on migration and forced displacement during future Presidencies," the declaration read.

It further said that we note the UNGA Resolution A/RES/77/318, particularly its commitment to promote respect for religious and cultural diversity, dialogue and tolerance.

"We also emphasize that freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion or expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to freedom of association are interdependent, inter-related and mutually reinforcing and stress the role that these rights can play in the fight against all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. In this regard, we strongly deplore all acts of religious hatred against persons, as well as those of a symbolic nature without prejudice to domestic legal frameworks, including against religious symbols and holy books," it read.

"We will continue to integrate the perspectives of the developing countries into the G20 agendas and appreciate the G20 members' initiatives in this regard," it added.

Earlier in the day, as the African Union on Saturday became a permanent member of the G20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt welcome to African Union's president Azali Assoumani, who is also president of Comoros.

"Advancing a more inclusive G20 that echoes the aspirations of the Global South! PM @narendramodi extends a heartfelt welcome to President African Union and the President of Comoros Azali Assoumani," Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Thrilled to have the African Union as a permanent member. A milestone for the G20 family indeed," he further said in the post.

Earlier in the opening session of the summit, Modi had welcomed the African Union, a continental body of 55 member states, as a permanent member of the G20 grouping, amid thunderous applause.

African Union chair and Comoros President Azali Assoumani then took his seat among world leaders at the invitation of foreign affairs minister S Jaishankar.

G20 Delhi Declaration welcomes inclusion of African Union as a permanent member

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 9

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held two separate bilateral meetings with Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in the national capital.

During the meeting, with the Prime Minister of Japan, the leaders acknowledged the constructive dialogue of the two countries throughout the year on their priorities for their respective G20 and G7 Presidencies, particularly in bringing the concerns and aspirations of the Global South to the fore, the Prime Minister's Office said on Saturday.

According to the PMO, the leaders held discussions on various facets of the India-Japan bilateral partnership, including on infrastructure development, technological collaboration, investments and energy.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

PM Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi.

This is the second visit of Prime Minister Meloni to India following her State visit in March 2023, during which bilateral relations were raised to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Modi appreciated Italy's support for India's G20 Presidency and Italy's joining of the Global Biofuel Alliance and the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the completion of 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

They also took stock of the progress in diverse areas of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership, and agreed to bolster cooperation in areas like defence and new and emerging technologies.

They noted the need for G7 and G20 to work in consonance for the greater global good, the official added.

PM Modi holds bilateral meetings with his Japanese & Italian counterparts

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Paris, Sep 9

T he European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on Saturday raised concern over the "noticeable increase in signals of SARS-CoV-2 transmission" in European countries.

The agency said the rise in cases deviates from previously very low levels, and blamed large gatherings and increased travel for the increase in the number of cases.

The ECDC said as per data from 24 countries there has been a rise in 14-day case rate, although the magnitude of the observed increase is far lower than previous epidemic peaks.

Countries reporting age-specific data show increased case rates in people ages 65 and older, a group known to be at higher risk for severe disease.

Meanwhile, test positivity was up in 12 of 19 reporting countries. Hospitalisation and intensive care unit admission levels were stable, but a few countries reported a rise in death rates from Covid, especially among older people.

In total, 135 deaths were reported by 18 countries.

"SARS-CoV-2 continues to acquire mutations that enable its circulation at unpredictable times throughout the year. Recent transmission increases have coincided with the emergence of Omicron sub-lineages, particularly the XBB.1.5-like variants," the ECDC said in its latest epidemiological report.

"While global case detections of BA.2.86 are limited, low-level community transmission is suspected in multiple countries. BA.2.86 is highly divergent from currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains, raising concerns of increased re-infections if it outcompetes existing variants," it added.

In addition, there have been reports of waning levels of immunological protection against infection, although severe disease remains well protected against in the general population.

"Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that infection with one of the emerging variants is associated with more severe disease or a reduction in vaccine effectiveness when compared to other currently circulating variants," ECDC Director Andrea Ammon said in the report.

"However, older individuals and those with underlying health conditions remain at an increased risk of severe disease if infected, so autumn vaccination programmes should prioritise protecting individuals at risk of severe disease, such as those aged over 60 years and other vulnerable groups," she added.

The ECDC emphasised the need for vaccination amid the high-risk groups and also called countries for increasing surveillance against Covid.

European CDC raises concern over rising Covid cases, calls for vax

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Washington, Set 9

C hina made an unsuccessful attempt to oppose the US from hosting the G20 summit in 2026 in America as its voice was not carried at the New Delhi summit and it only helped to widen the chasm of distrust between the US and China, media reports said.

China opposed plans for the US to host G20 in 2026, officials said, adding Beijing unsuccessfully sought to delete reference to America's presidency from this year's declaration.

US media reports said that China opposed publicised its plans for the US to host G20 in 2026 on twitter, on Facebook and LinkedIn, on all the social media platforms it could grab at the New Delhi summit.

China used its diplomatic meetings at New Delhi to challenge the planned US presidency of the G20 in 2026, officials not willing to be identified claimed.

Chinese officials exploited diplomatic meetings at the G20 summit in New Delhi this week to block US assuming the rotating chairmanship of the group of leading economies, the officials said, adding, however the attempt ultimately failed.

As China attempted to block the US, the dispute over who will host the G20 in 2026 saw Sino-American strong differences on many global issues inflamed at the G20 meetings.

This also predominantly included Russia's war against Ukraine and the global efforts to combat climate change which had unleashed unprecedented floods and heat across several countries last year.

The rotating G20 presidency is usually bereft of any controversies and involves agenda prioritisation for the group's discussions that year, media reports said.

Chairing ministerial meetings and hosting the leaders' summit, is typically an noncontroversial process that follows a loose schedule, media reports said.

The reports said that the Chinese diplomats called for this year's G20 summit declaration to delete a reference to the expected US presidency in 2026, according to people concerned with the drafting of the Delhi Declaration of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

Western countries, including the UK, opposed the Chinese move, and the phrase was included in the final version adopted by leaders, the report said.

"We look forward to meeting again in Brazil in 2024 and in South Africa in 2025, as well as in the United States in 2026 at the beginning of the next cycle," the joint statement said.

A spokesperson for China was not immediately available for comment on whether it was objecting to the US chairing the G20.

Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser, told reporters on Saturday:

"On the issue of China, all I can say is that the communique is done, the reference to the United States as the host of 2026 is part of it, and China has agreed that, all of the G20 members have agreed that and we're gratified by that."

Officials said that China's stance had shocked diplomats from other countries thus exposing the deep mistrust between the two superpowers.

The Chinese arguments against the US were "not G20-related issues", one of the officials said on condition of anonymity.

It must be noted that the G20 has no permanent secretariat. Brazil will assume the presidency next year followed by South Africa in 2025. After 2025 each of the member countries would have ended up hosting a summit. Then a new cycle begins, media reports said.

The first G20 was held in Washington in 2008. The US demonstrated strongly its commitment to the G20 grouping thus pitching for its presidency in 2026. Of late, the G20 grouping has been roiled by the geopolitical divisions created by Russia's invasion and war against Ukraine.

"We look forward, ourselves, to hosting the G20 in 2026. And even without Russia's active participation and the tensions the war has created, I still see the G20 as highly effective," Janet Yellen, the US Treasury Secretary said.

Chinese president Xi Jinping skipped the G20 summit in New Delhi, the first time any Chinese leader has done so. Beijing has insisted on taking a positive approach to the grouping. On whether China's objections on issues such as Ukraine and climate change held up a joint statement from the G20 at any point, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Beijing was ready to cooperate with other parties under the principle of "consensus building", the media reports said.

The G20 is the apex body for international economic co-operation. China attaches high importance to and actively participates in G20 activities.

China fails to block US from assuming G20 presidency in 2026

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Older persons may not be aware that they have glaucoma: Study

Washington DC, September 10

R ecognising that you have glaucoma might be challenging. According to a study, more than 5 per cent of people over the age of 70 had glaucoma, and 50 per cent of those people were unaware of their illness.

A common eye condition called glaucoma damages the optic nerve and subsequently the field of vision. Glaucoma can, in its most severe forms, result in blindness.

Lena Havstam Johansson, a PhD candidate at the University of Gothenburg and a specialised nurse at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, conducted the study. According to the study, 4.8 per cent of the 560 study participants who had their eyes evaluated by eye doctors developed glaucoma.

"Of those who were diagnosed with glaucoma via the study, 15 people - or 2.7pc of all participants - were unaware that they had the disease before being examined," says Lena Havstam Johansson.

"So half of those who turned out to have glaucoma were diagnosed because they took part in the study."

For those who were newly diagnosed, the discovery of the disease meant they could start treatment with daily eye drops that lower the pressure in the eye and slow down the damage to the optic nerve.

Compared to people without the disease those with glaucoma had similar levels of physical activity and did not smoke more, or drink more alcohol. They rated their overall quality of life as being just as good as others, they were not more tired or more depressed.

"This was a positive surprise and was a finding that I hope can bring comfort to many people who have been diagnosed with glaucoma. It's hard to live with a disease that gradually impairs vision, but life can still be good in many ways."

By contrast, people with glaucoma reported that their vision-related quality of life was poorer.

"It's harder to climb stairs, see curbs in the evening, and notice things in your peripheral vision. This means that people with glaucoma may avoid visiting others or going to restaurants or parties, and instead stay at home. They lose their independence, and may feel frustrated about it."

The research was carried out as part of the H70 study, examining the health of older people, which has been conducted at the University of Gothenburg for fifty years.

The H70 study continuously invites all 70-year-olds born in a certain year in Gothenburg to attend several comprehensive physical and cognitive examinations. The 1,203 70-year-olds included in the glaucoma study were born in 1944.

For these studies, almost everyone answered written questions about their eye health and the presence of glaucoma in their family. Eye specialists at Sahlgrenska University Hospital also examined 560 of the participants.

The research confirms that there are hereditary factors behind the disease, as those diagnosed with glaucoma were more likely to have a close relative with the same diagnosis.

The results also confirm that glaucoma involves higher eye pressure, although they also show that the majority of those who were newly diagnosed still had normal eye pressure.

During the early stages of the disease, the healthy eye can compensate for the loss of vision, meaning that many people believe their vision is as good as before. These studies confirm that glaucoma often does not initially involve a loss of visual acuity, which may make it harder to detect the disease.

The results have been published in two articles in the journal Acta Ophthalmologica.

Older persons may not be aware that they have glaucoma: Study

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

U nited Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a record climate aid commitment as the G20 Summit in India nears its commencement, said the British High Commission in India.

The UK will provide USD 2 billion to the Green Climate Fund which is the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change, which was established by 194 countries following the Copenhagen Accord at COP15.

"Uplift makes a significant contribution towards the UK's pledge to spend 11.6bn Pounds on international climate finance, cementing our global climate leadership. UK continues to show global climate leadership, having cut emissions faster than any other G7 country," said a release by the British High Commission.

This is the UK's biggest single financial contribution to helping the world's most vulnerable people adapt to and mitigate the impact of climate change.

The GCF is the largest global fund dedicated to supporting developing countries to reduce global emissions and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change.

Today's pledge represents a 12.7 per cent increase on the UK's previous contribution to the GCF for the period of 2020-2023, which was itself a doubling of our initial funding to establish the fund in 2014, the release added.

At the G20 Summit UK PM Sunak has called on leaders to work together ahead of the COP28 Summit this December to both reduce their countries' own carbon emissions and support vulnerable economies to deal with the consequences of climate change.

Addressing G20 leaders, Sunak said, "The UK is stepping up and delivering on our climate commitments, both by decarbonising our own economy and supporting the world's most vulnerable to deal with the impact of climate change."

"This is the kind of leadership that the world rightly expects from G20 countries. And this government will continue to lead by example in making the UK, and the world, more prosperous and secure," he added.

The UK has led international efforts to help developing countries tackle climate change, including by pledging to spend 11.6 billion pounds on international climate finance between 2021 and 2026.

This announcement marks a "major contribution towards this commitment and follows the Prime Minister's announcement at COP27 that the UK would triple our funding for climate adaptation," according to the release.

Alongside this uplift in the UK's contribution to the GCF, which is expected to again make the country one of the largest donors to the fund, the UK Government will continue to stress the importance of the GCF delivering results with even greater speed, demonstrating value for money in all of its activities. This includes asking the GCF to further improve its delivery for those countries most vulnerable to climate change, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, said the release.

Sunak began the last day of the G20 Summit with a visit to Akshardham temple accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty. From the temple, he reached Rajghat, where along with other G20 leaders, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

G20: UK PM Rishi Sunak announces USD 2bn Green Climate Fund

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
US Prez Biden departs for Vietnam after attending G20 Summit

New Delhi, Sep 10

U S President Joe Biden on Sunday departed from Delhi to Vietnam after concluding the G20 summit.

Biden had arrived on the evening of September 8 to attend the G20 Summit in the national capital. He held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same day, where both the nations agreed to co-operate in the sectors like telecom, space, renewable energy, defence and education.

Biden along with Modi also announced the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday. A total of 19 countries and 12 international organisations have so far agreed to join the alliance, including both G20 members and non-member countries.

India, Brazil and the US are the founding members of the alliance. Apart from this, Biden was also present during the announcement of the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor.

The first-of-its-kind economic corridor will be a historic initiative on cooperation on connectivity and infrastructure involving India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany, and the US.

US Prez Biden departs for Vietnam after attending G20 Summit

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 10

T he inclusion of African Union in the G20 forum and adoption of Delhi Declaration is a huge achievement, chief coordinator of India's G20 presidency Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Sunday.

"The African Union became a permanent member of the forum, and the New Delhi Declaration was adopted consensually, this is a huge achievement for us," he said while speaking to reporters.

"Given the fact that we were able to adopt the New Delhi Declaration by consensus within the first half of our first day's session despite the strong polarisation within the G20 on geopolitical issues is nothing short of the word 'extraordinary'," Shringla added further.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday had announced during the second session of the G20 summit, the adoption of the Delhi Declaration. The final outcome document doesn't mention Russia anywhere and refers to Ukraine conflict as "war in Ukraine"

in a major departure from last year's Bali Declaration, which had condemned the "war against Ukraine".

African Union inclusion, Delhi Declaration adoption huge G20 Summit achievements: Shringla

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Mumbai, September 10

A ctor and dancer Nora Fatehi on Sunday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he expressed grief and offered support to her hometown, Morocco, following the deadly earthquake that struck the country.

Taking to Instagram, Nora shared a picture of PM Modi's tweet on her stories and wrote, "Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for this big support! You were one of the first countries to raise awareness and extend a helping hand! The Moroccan people are very thankful and grateful! Jai Hind."

More than 2,000 people have been killed so far after a deadly earthquake jolted Morocco in the late evening hours on Friday, according to Al Jazeera.

After the magnitude 6.8 earthquake, which claimed the lives of more than 2,012 people and injured 2,059 others while also leaving many homeless, authorities on Saturday proclaimed three days of national mourning in the country.

Nora also offered her condolences to those affected by the Morocco earthquake.

She wrote on her Instagram stories, "The news today of the earthquake in Morocco is extremely devastating! I'm just seeing the impact it has left on so many cities and many lives have been lost. My heart goes out to everyone right now! I'm praying for everyone's safety! This is so scary. I thank God that our friends and families are safe! My condolences to anyone who has lost a loved one! Allayhfdkom ya Rab."

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the quake.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, "Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time."

The earthquake took place at 034101 at a depth of 18.5 km. The magnitude of the earthquake caused pulses to travel from Sidi Ifni in the south to Rabat in the north and beyond.

The epicentre was noted at 72 kilometres west of Marrakesh, a major economic centre.

According to Al Jazeera, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Department says it has placed two hundred and sixty-five members of medical, relief, and search and rescue agencies on alert, in case it receives a distress call from Morocco.

Nora Fatehi hails PM Modi for extending support to Morocco following massive earthquake

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 10

T he UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy shared a bewitching moment under the umbrella during their visit to Akshardham temple on Sunday, leaving all in awe of them.

In a viral picture of Sunak and his wife, the couple can be seen sharing an umbrella, braving the rain. Rishi is seen donning a white formal shirt paired with royal blue colour pants.

While Akshata wears an olive green floral printed kurta with pinkish red palazzos and matching dupatta. The two are seen walking closely under the umbrella, barefooted.

The picture shows Rishi holding the umbrella for his better half, while the two indulge in some talk. The picture is a reminder of the famous Bollywood song "Pyaar Hua Iqrar Hua"

from the 1955 movie 'Shree 420'. The film stars Nargis and Raj Kapoor in the lead, and the song is sung by late Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey.

Sunak married Akshata, the daughter of Infosys Founder N.R. Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty in 2009.

During their visit to the temple early this morning, the couple performed 'abhishek' (ritual involving the pouring of water) on the idol of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, and offered prayers for world peace, progress and harmony. The UK Prime Minister said, "My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning."

Later, Sunak visited Rajghat here along with other dignitaries and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi. On Saturday, the British Prime Minister took part in the G20 Summit here at the Bharat Mandapam and also attended the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.

Rishi Sunak, wife Akshata's 'Pyaar Hua Iqrar Hua' moment in Delhi rain

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit here and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

"As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty to see how faster progress can be achieved on these," PM Modi said.

"I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual session. I hope you all will connect in the virtual session. With this, I declare the conclusion of the G20 Summit," he added.

Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said.

Earlier Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva handed over saplings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Session 3 of the G20 Summit.

While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India.

India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year at the G20 Summit in Bali and will continue to hold it till the end of November.

The New Delhi Declaration was adopted by G20 leaders on Saturday, the first day of the Summit.

The G20 leaders visited Rajghat on Sunday morning to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

PM Modi announces conclusion of G20 Summit, proposes virtual review session in November

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

B razilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in conducting the G20 Summit and set forth three priorities under his country's presidency of the grouping.

These, the Brazil President said includes social inclusion and the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development and reform of global governance institutions.

At the closing session of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, "All these priorities are part of the Brazilian presidency motto which says 'Building a fair world and a sustainable planet'. Two task forces will be created - Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and the Global Mobilisation against Climate Change."

He made the remarks after PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 Presidency to him. The Brazilian President said that the world needs to redouble its efforts to achieve the goal of ending world hunger by 2030.

"We need to redouble our efforts to achieve the goal of ending world hunger by 2030. Otherwise, we will be facing the biggest multilateral failure in recent years, Acting to fight climate change requires political will and determination of the rulers as well as resources and technology transfer. We want greater participation of the emerging economies in the decision-making process of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the unbearable foreign debts of the poor countries needs to be addressed," he added.

The Brazilian President said that people today are living in a world where wealth is more concentrated in which millions of human beings still go hungry and where sustainable development is always threatened.

"...We are living in a world where wealth is more concentrated in which millions of human beings still go hungry, where sustainable development is always threatened, in which government institutions still reflect the reality of middle of the last century. We will only be able to face all these problems if we address the issue of inequality - inequality of income, of access to healthcare, education, food, gender and race and also of representation is at the origin of these anomalies," Lula da Silva said.

He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an "efficient leading" of India's G20 Presidency and praised him for the work carried out in preparing the G20 Summit.

Lula also expressed gratitude to India for its efforts of giving voice of the topics of interest to emerging economies. "I thank India for its efforts for giving voice of the topics of interest to emerging economies. I would also like to give my salute to our friend, the representative of the African Union, who is a member of the G20," the Brazilian President said.

Lula da Silva stated that he was emotionally touched when he went to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He said that Gandhi has great meaning in his political life. Brazilian President and other world leaders early today paid a visit to Rajghat and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

"I was emotionally touched when we went to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi...Gandhi has great meaning in my political life...He is a role model I have followed for many decades...Brazil will take chair to try to do something like India," he said.

Earlier, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 Presidency to Brazil President at the G20 summit here.

"I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said minutes before the New Delhi G20 Summit concluded.

Earlier, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva handed over saplings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Session 3 of the G20 Summit.

While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India and hold the G20 Summit in its capital Rio de Janeiro. India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year at the G20 Summit in Indonesia's Bali and will continue to hold it till the end of November.

Brazilian Presidency of G20 has 3 priorities: Lula da Silva

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Simone de Beauvoir once said: Never forget that a political, economic or religious crisis will be enough for womens rights to be questioned again. These rights are never to be taken for granted; you must remain vigilant throughout your life. It was an omen. Such a situation occurred in June 2022, when the United States Supreme Court repealed the right to abortion in the country, 50 years after it was encoded into law. The repeal of Roe v. Wade proved that changes in political or judicial power could put past victories into jeopardy. It dealt a blow to the decades of struggle; however, it failed to stem the tide throughout the Western Hemisphere. In Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, the justice systems have recently decriminalized the interruption of a pregnancy at the federal level. These rulings have emerged as beacons of hope in the defense of womens reproductive rights in the Americas.

Behind the latest Latin American victory (Mexico), there was no luck  only an ambitious legal strategy that has been in the works for years. Its now or never, thought the lawyers belonging to GIRE (Grupo de Informacion en Reproduccion Elegid), just before they began to file dozens of cases, in an attempt to modify the criminal codes in the majority of Mexicos 32 states. The plan began after September 7, 2021. That day, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) ruled that it was unconstitutional to put a woman in jail for having an abortion. Then-president of the court Arturo Zaldivar called the ruling a new route towards freedom, dignity, and respect and a great step in the historic fight for equality.

The precedent was so strong that GIRE  a feminist organization  decided to take advantage of it, to change the future of millions of women. The first step had been achieved: women could no longer be imprisoned for getting abortions. Judges had the obligation to dismiss their cases, but women could still be criminalized, persecuted and stigmatized in other ways. The ideal path would have been for the local state legislatures to voluntarily decide to change their legislation. However, two years after the ruling, only 11 states had eliminated the crime of abortion. And, even in those states, access to abortion was very limited. For example, in the state of Sinaloa, if women arrived at a state medical center to terminate their pregnancy, but were users of federal health services or social security programs, they were sent to facilities run by said institutions, where abortion was still prohibited.

Female protestors confront police in Mexico City, during a march for womens rights. Nayeli Cruz

This is how the calculations and variables began. In which states were there going to be the most obstacles? And which states should be tackled first? Based on these questions, the lawyers from GIRE prepared their strategy. And, this past week, the results could finally be seen. The first victory was winning protection for abortion rights in Aguascalientes  one of the most conservative states in the country. Then, the Supreme Court unanimously determined that the articles that regulated abortion in the federal criminal code should be repealed and that federal health institutions were obliged to care for women who wanted to terminate their pregnancies, without medical personnel being criminalized. Until just a few days ago, they could have faced five years of suspension from practice for providing abortion services.

After this ruling, Rebeca Ramos  the director of GIRE recalls that her phone began to overflow with messages. She was being congratulated after 20 years of legal battles. What follows now is that abortion in the remaining 21 states be decriminalized, through protections, she explains to EL PAIS. The most important thing is the provision of services and conditions: if a woman decides to have an abortion, they can do it safely at home, [or if a woman] needs to go to a hospital, theyll take good care of her there. This must happen throughout the country. She quickly clarifies: This isnt a simple task.

The latest achievements in Mexico have gone hand-in-hand with the judiciary. Its a bittersweet feeling, Ramos reflects. On the one hand, its sad to see that the state congresses made reforms to hinder rights, when youd expect that your representatives and the secular state would offer protections. But, at the same time, Im very satisfied that there are different powers and counterweights. My little lawyer heart says, How nice that the law has been used as a tool to promote rights, she laughs.

The court has also been a great ally in Colombia, where, last year  in a pioneering international ruling  abortion was decriminalized during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. This happened on February 21. By the 22nd, the organization that had promoted the norm had a new job: to protect it. When the ruling came out, the anti-rights groups filed more than 30 requests for annulment, explains Dr. Ana Cristina Gonzalez, from the NGO Causa Justa. Even now, after the ruling of the Constitutional Court has been reaffirmed, we cannot let our guard down.

The right to abortion has become a fight of attrition. Feminist organizations push to achieve progress and, when they achieve it, they have to close ranks to defend it. We already had a judicial decision from 2006 that had created three legal grounds [for allowing abortion], but we had to fight to protect that decision for 15 years, Dr. Gonzalez notes. She recalls that, even after the courts ruled in their favor, conservative groups promoted a citizens referendum, to reject the right to terminate a pregnancy.

A protestor paints a slogan on a wall in Bogota, during a march in favor of abortion. Gladys Serrano

But the expert in bioethics is optimistic: Opinion surveys from 2017 to date have shown that public opinion is increasingly in favor of this being a decision for women. 92% of people are against forced motherhood, and no more than 2% of people want the Church and the state to get involved in these personal decisions. Therein lies the movements success, according to the pioneer from Causa Justa: [Weve won] by changing peoples hearts and minds: that is, advancing social decriminalization.

Despite the shadow of the repeal of Roe v. Wade, Ana Cristina Gonzalez believes that the last four decades have been about the consolidation of rights. Were in a movement thats moving forward  all such movements generate resistance. There are structures that are still very rigid within our society, which resist the advancement of womens rights, because they challenge the state at all levels. And were demanding what I consider to be the cultural battle of this century: the reproductive freedom of women, to decide what we do with our bodies.

In Latin America, there are still countries where a woman cannot have an abortion even if she has been raped, her life is in danger, or the fetus has malformations. There is a total ban in place in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Suriname, and Jamaica. In Panama, women have to go through a multidisciplinary commission to be granted an abortion. In Guatemala, Peru, Costa Rica and Venezuela, an abortion can only be performed if there is a clear risk to the life of the pregnant woman. There is no country in the region that fully recognizes the will of women as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Even in Argentina  a country that legalized abortion in the first 14 weeks of a pregnancy in 2020  attacks against womens rights have been virulent.

Javier Milei won the Argentine presidential primaries in August. And, a few days later, after announcing a multitude of proposals against science, against the repudiation of the last Argentine military dictatorship (1976-1983) and against state protections, he also had one for women: calling for a plebiscite to repeal abortion.

I think that just the threat is an attempt to try to tame us, says Argentine activist Luciana Peker, who doesnt believe that this battle will be easy for the far-right. The political process in Argentina  to legalize abortion through Congress  was very profound. It touched the entire democratic structure, it put a million people on the streets. It was a process that got to the core of democracy, the journalist explains.

Now comes this sexist response, because, evidently, the right to abortion is the greatest achievement of women, and it bothers the extreme-right of Trump, Bolsonaro, Vox [in Spain] and Milei. Its a right that represents the possibility of the future, of progress. In a collapsed world, its the political symbol that shows how were better off now than before, and that we can still be better. That bothers them a lot, Peker affirms.

The Argentine journalist and activist concludes: The right to abortion is the most important political construction that has been made in Latin America. Its the only unified policy that exists in the entire region. And we women have made it so.

Hundreds of women raise their green handkerchiefs during a pro-choice rally in Argentina in 2020. RONALDO SCHEMIDT (AFP)

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
New Delhi, September 10

R ussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday described the New Delhi G20 Summit as "a milestone" and said the active role of the Indian presidency "has genuinely consolidated" the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history.

Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the G20 Summit here, Lavrov said a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest.

"It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone... I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners - Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests," he said.

"I think that a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest. It is one of the decent purposes and we are already on track. In our turn, we will continue strengthening these positive trends including during Brazil's presidency next year and in 2025 during South Africa's presidency," he added.

Lavrov also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal to hold a virtual G20 session in November towards the end of India's G20 presidency to review the proposals made at the New Delhi Summit.

"While closing today's session, PM Modi said that he would convene another G20 Summit via video conferencing in late November. It will be another opportunity for us to review the implementation of the agreements that we have reached today," Lavrov said.

The Russian leader accused the Western countries of not fulfilling their promise about funds to deal with climate change.

"The West also had long ago promised even 100 billion US dollars per year to counter the negative consequences of climate change, but nothing on that has been done. The declaration also mentions the tasks that need to be done in accordance with the long-standing promises in order to ensure a balance of interest in the global economy," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva."

The G20 declaration was adopted on Saturday, the first day of the Summit.

G20 Summit has been a milestonehealthy solution found in declaration: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

W orld Bank President Ajay Banga on Sunday said that India in its G20 presidency has set a path for the world and lauded that the G20 declaration was anonymously adopted by all G20 nations.

"I consider the fact that there was a declaration, a tribute to the fact that the G20 leadership found a way to give and take and negotiate and find a right way to agree and set a path for the world. The world is watching, the G20 has got the developed world and the developing countries," Banga said.

While speaking to ANI, Banga emphasised that challenges will always exist but India had shown the way by working out a consensus.

He added, "80% of the world's GDP was sitting in the room. If they would not agree that would not give a good message. I actually compliment India, its leadership and the G 20 leaders for being able to make sure that a terrific declaration comes out. There will always be challenges."

"No 20 countries will agree on everything. People will have to look after their national interests. But I am optimistic by the mood I saw in that room" he added.

Earlier on Saturday the G20 Delhi Declaration was adopted. It called on nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability.

The declaration envisages a green development pact for a sustainable future, it endorses high level principles on lifestyle for sustainable development, voluntary principles of hydrogen, the Chennai principles for a sustainable resilient blue economy and the Deccan principles on food security and nutrition among others

The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that all 83 paras of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100 per cent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. For the first time, the declaration contained no footnote or Chair's Summary.

The G20 meeting on Saturday also saw the African Union being inducted as the new permanent member of G20 thereby offering developing nations a greater say in global decision-making

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday also launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio, President of Argentina, Alberto Fern?ndez and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni.

Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries.

Another major takeaway from the summit, was the announcement launch of a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor by India, the US, Saudi Arabia and the European Union.

India's G20 presidency set path for world: World Bank President Ajay Banga

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

U K Prime Minister Rishi Sunak concluded his two-day long visit to India as he departed on Sunday after attending a successful G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi.

"As UK Prime minister departs from India. Congratulations to the G20 presidency, the G20 summit, which has been ambitious, inclusive, determined and action-oriented. A huge thank you to all of those involved. To our Indian hosts, who once again have shown atiti Devo Bhava," British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said today.

Sunak who arrived in the national capital on Friday, accompanied by wife Akshata Murty earlier today offered prayers at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple before paying his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Earlier on Friday, Sunak had in an interaction with ANI called himself "a proud Hindu" and said he wished to visit the Mandir during his stay in the capital.

In a significant announcement, the UK PM also announced a USD 2 billion to the UN-backed Green Climate Fund - the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change.

The UK will contribute USD 2 billion to the Green Climate Fund, which was established by 194 countries following the Copenhagen Accord at COP15, which was established by 194 countries following the Copenhagen Accord at COP15. The GCF is the largest global fund dedicated to supporting developing countries to reduce global emissions and helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change.

"Today's pledge represents a 12.7 per cent increase on the UK's previous contribution to the GCF for the period of 2020-2023, which was itself a doubling of our initial funding to establish the fund in 2014," according to a statement.

During the G20 Summit, the UK PM has called on leaders to work together ahead of the COP28 Summit this December to both reduce their countries' own carbon emissions and support vulnerable economies to deal with the consequences of climate change.

The UK has led international efforts to help developing countries tackle climate change, including by pledging to spend 11.6 billion pounds on international climate finance between 2021 and 2026.

This announcement marks a "major contribution towards this commitment and follows the Prime Minister's announcement at COP27 that the UK would triple our funding for climate adaptation," according to a statement.

"The UK is stepping up and delivering on our climate commitments, both by decarbonising our own economy and supporting the world's most vulnerable to deal with the impact of climate change," Sunak said in his address to G20 leaders.

The Group of 20 nations had on Saturday adopted a declaration that included reiterating its commitment to scale up sustainable finance to help developing countries reduce their carbon footprints.

British PM Rishi Sunak emplanes for UK after productive G20 Summit in India

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Sunak thanks PM Modi for historic G20 Summit, says bit busy but successful summit

New Delhi, Sep 10

U K Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a historic G20 Summit, and before leaving India, said from global food security to international partnerships, it has been a busy but successful summit.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Sunak said "Stronger together. Stronger united. Thank you Narendra Modi for a historic G20 and the Indian people for such a warm welcome. From global food security to international partnerships, it's been a busy but successful summit."

British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said, "Congratulations to the G20 and Amitabh Kant. Thank you to Rishi Sunak and (Akshata) Murty for the visit. A G20 Summit of ambition, inclusion and action G20 India G20 Bharat."

Earlier in the day, Sunak announced $2 billion fund for Green Climate Fund -- the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change.

Sunak also visited Akshardham temple along with his wife Akshata Murthy and then also visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. The world leaders observed one minute silence and laid a wreath at Rajghat.

Sunak had arrived in Delhi on Friday.

Sunak thanks PM Modi for historic G20 Summit, says bit busy but successful summit

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 10

A s the Delhi G20 leaders summit called for the immediate revival of the Black Sea grain initiative to ensure that developing and least developed countries, particularly those in Africa, don't suffer, Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday said that any initiative to isolate Russia is bound to fail.

Addressing reporters after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the culmination of the G20 summit, he said "We believe that any initiative that isolates Russia is bound to fail. Its success is a very little possibility. We believe that any step that may escalate the tensions in the Black Sea should be avoided. In order to support the global food security, food supply security, we are going to bring together the Food Supply Security Study Group, both Russia, Ukraine, as well as the United Nations, and with our stakeholders coming from the international community, we are going to have continuous talks."

Following an earlier-than-anticipated arrival of a consensus, the Delhi Declaration, adopted at the summit, said that the G20 called for the "full, timely and effective implementation" of the MoU between Russia and the UN on promoting Russian food products and fertilisers to world markets and the Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from Ukrainian Ports, or the Black Sea Initiative.

"In this context, emphasising the importance of sustaining food and energy security, we called for the cessation of military destruction or other attacks on relevant infrastructure," it said.

On July 17, Russia had said that it would be revoking its involvement in the agreement that allowed grain to be moved from Ukraine to Africa and Asia to tackle the food crisis caused by the war, which pushed up prices to eye-watering levels.

Russia had said that it will honour the deal after "the part of the Black Sea deal related to Russia is implemented".

Meanwhile Erdogan thanked India, saying "I thank India for a gracious and very successful term of presidency. I would like to thank PM Modi for the gracious hospitality that was shown to me, my spouse and my entire Turkish delegation. This year, our theme was one world, one family and one future. And within the first session of the summit, we had talked about the environmental challenges that our planet currently encounters. Climate change, the loss of biological diversity and especially there is the dimension of extensive pollution is a trio of challenges which we can feel even more profoundly now."

"India is among our greatest trade partners in Asia and there is huge potential to this partnership," he added.

On the proposed India-UAE-Europe economic corridor, Erdogan said "Regarding the corridor, as far as our work regarding the corridor is concerned, first of all, the Gulf countries are included in it. Iraq is also part of it. And opening up a corridor through Turkey would mean the following taking up the Gulf and opening it up all the way into Europe and tying it all the way into Europe.

"Now, regarding such a corridor, particularly United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Turkey are acting sensitively and in a fast manner. We hope to be able to implement this project. We're working on it, and as we speak, our ministers of foreign relations and ministers of transportation work together. And we will try and work to be able to implement this in the coming couple of months."

"Met President @RTErdogan. We talked about ways to further cement trade and infrastructure linkages between India and Turkiye. @trpresidency," Modi posted on X after meeting Erdogan.

Any effort to isolate Russia is bound to fail, says Turkish President Erdogan

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

F ollowing the working lunch meeting with the French President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that they would take India-France relations to newer heights of progress.

PM Modi took to his social media 'X', and tweeted, "A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress."

https//twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1700809335604146588?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Macron arrived in New Delhi a day ago to attend the two-day-long G20 Summit hosted by India under its Presidency.

Macron is due to hold bilateral meetings over the two-day summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva among others.

According to the French President's office Macron leaves for Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon.

A statement from Macron's office said, "The G20 Summit will enable France's Head of State to continue his ongoing dialogue with his counterparts from every continent, so as to combat the risks of fragmentation of the world. It will also be an opportunity to make progress in implementing joint responses to the major global challenges that can only be tackled effectively through multilateral action peace and stability, poverty alleviation, protection of climate and our planet, food security, and digital regulation."

It further said, "The Summit will also provide an opportunity to follow up on the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact held in Paris last June. This led to the establishment of the Paris Agenda for People and the Planet, providing a framework for collective action to ensure that no country has to choose between fighting poverty and protecting the planet."

Prior to his departure, Macron is likely to hold a press conference at the venue on Sunday afternoon, according to the Embassy of France in India. He will depart for Bangladesh for a bilateral visit on Sunday afternoon.

PM Modi, French President Macron give assurances to take India-France relations to newer heights

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

P rime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed "unwavering faith" in Brazil for leading the Group of Twenty presidency with dedication, vision and has also assured "all possible cooperation" to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

India has passed the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazil on Sunday.

"India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial," wrote PM Modi on X. "I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said minutes before the New Delhi G20 Summit concluded.

Earlier Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Lula da Silva handed over saplings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Session 3 of the G20 Summit.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in conducting the G20 Summit and set forth three priorities under his country's presidency of the grouping. These, the Brazil President said includes social inclusion and the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development and reform of global governance institutions.

At the closing session of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, "All these priorities are part of the Brazilian presidency motto which says 'Building a fair world and a sustainable planet'. Two task forces will be created - Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and the Global Mobilisation against Climate Change."

His remarks came after PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to him. The Brazilian President said that the world needs to redouble its efforts to achieve the goal of ending world hunger by 2030.

"Shared my thoughts during Session 3 of the G20 Summit. This Session focussed on the theme of 'One Future.' Emphasized on the need of the hour being to look beyond the idea of a Global Village and make the vision of Global Family a reality," posted PM Modi on X after the closing ceremony.

While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India.

India has "unwavering faith" in Brazil for upcoming G20 presidency: PM Modi

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

L eaving the Belt and Road Initiative also known as Silk Road does not compromise relations with China, but the decision still has to be taken, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said on Sunday, the Italian media, Corriere della Sera daily reported.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, the Italian PM met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and shared her plan to pull out of the BRI, as per the Italian media report.

In the press conference on the last day of the G20 Summit, Meloni turned to talk about the conversation she had with the head of the Chinese government.

"A cordial and constructive dialogue on how we can deepen our bilateral partnership... I intend to keep my commitment to visit China... It makes more sense to go to China when we have more information on our bilateral cooperation and how to develop it," Meloni said at the conference.

"Leaving the Silk Road does not compromise relations, but the decision still has to be taken," the prime minister assured.

"The Italian government was invited to the Belt and Road Forum, but yesterday we didn't talk about it," with the Chinese prime minister., Meloni said at the conference.

Earlier, Corriere della Sera daily reported that the prime minister has communicated to her counterpart her intention to exit the strategic project for Beijing. However, Li Qiang made one last attempt to provoke a rethink on the part of the Italian authorities.

It is pertinent to mention that Italy was the only G7 nation to sign up for the BRI, a global trade and infrastructure plan modelled on the old Silk Road that linked imperial China and the West.

At the conference, PM Meloni also talked about Africa and said that the country was central to the work of the G20 "We also consider this to be our success. "Africa will also be one of the central issues that we will bring to the G7 next year," she added according to Italian media.

The Italian PM, who arrived in India on Friday, held a bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Notably, this is the second visit of Prime Minister Meloni to India following her State visit in March 2023, during which bilateral relations were raised to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the completion of 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. They also took stock of the progress in diverse areas of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership and agreed to bolster cooperation in areas like defence and new and emerging technologies. They noted the need for G7 and G20 to work in consonance for the greater global good.

Leaving Silk Road does not compromise its relations with China: Italian PM hints quitting China's BRI

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Comoros is vital to India's SAGAR Vision': PM Modi after African Union's inclusion in G20

New Delhi, September 10

F ollowing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move to include the African Union in G20, he said that Comoros is vital to India's SAGAR Vision and the deliberations have included ways to boost cooperation in areas like shipping and trade.

PM Modi on Sunday held a meeting with Azali Assoumani, the President of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union, and congratulated him for joining the G20 family.

Taking to his social media 'X', PM Modi tweeted, "Had a very fruitful meeting with @PR_AZALI. Congratulated him once again on @_AfricanUnion joining the G20 family. Comoros is vital to India's SAGAR Vision. Our deliberations included ways to enhance cooperation in areas like shipping, trade and more."

Earlier on Saturday, African Union Chairperson Assoumani expressed gratitude to all the G20 member countries for the historical inclusion of AU in the G20 family.

He further stressed that the G20 has ratified through the voice of PM Modi.

Assoumani took to his social media 'X', and tweeted, "The G20 has just ratified, through the voice of the Prime Minister of India, @narendramodi, the admission of the @_AfricanUnion into its fold. On behalf of the African continent, I sincerely thank all the member countries of the @g20org for this historic admission."

Earlier in the day, PM Modi called the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 a "significant stride" towards a more inclusive global dialogue. PM Modi stated that India looks forward to collaborative efforts that benefit the entire world.

PM Modi made the statement regarding the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 in a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. He made the statement in response to Kenyan President William Ruto's statement on the inclusion of the African Union in the G20.

The statement of leaders comes after the African Union was made a full member of the Group of Twenty under India's presidency. In the first session of 'One Earth' of the G20 on Saturday, PM Modi announced that the African Union has been made a full member of the G20.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Indeed, the inclusion of the @_AfricanUnion in the G20 is a significant stride towards a more inclusive global dialogue. We look forward to collaborative efforts that benefit not only our respective continents but also the entire world."

In another post shared on X, PM Modi stated that the inclusion of the African Union in the G2O underscores its pivotal role in global progress.

In his opening remarks at the 18th G20 Leaders' Summit, PM Modi invited the African Union, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member.

"With everyone's approval, I request the AU head to take his seat as a permanent G20 member," Modi said in his address.

African Union is a continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. The move to include the African Union in the G20 grouping was proposed by PM Modi earlier this June.

Comoros is vital to India's SAGAR Vision': PM Modi after African Union's inclusion in G20

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
We are always there to prevent violence, push back against hatred: Justin Trudeau on Khalistan extremism

New Delhi, September 10

C anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he had many conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of Khalistan extremism and "foreign interference", and Ottawa will always defend freedom of expression, and at the same time will always be there to prevent violence.

He further emphasized that the "actions of the few" do not represent the entire community or Canada.

When asked about if the issues of Khalistan extremism and "foreign interference" did come up during discussions with PM Modi during the G20 Summit, he said, "Both the issues came up. Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues. Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred".

"I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada. The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference," he added.

Notably, multiple incidents of Khalistan extremism have been reported in Canada over the past few years.

In June this year, a tableau parade was organised in Canada celebrating the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi, which drew severe criticism from New Delhi. In March this year, Khalistan supporters held a protest outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot.

Multiple temples have also been vandalised in Canada by pro-Khalistani protestors, with anti-India graffitis.

Earlier in July, India also raised concerns over threats to its diplomats in posters being circulated in Canada with information on a pro-Khalistan rally to be held on July 8. The posters contained threats to the Indian Ambassador to Canada and the consulate general in Toronto.

The posters purportedly circulated by Sikh extremists have named Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma and the Consulate General of India, Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava accusing them of playing a role in the June killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

We are always there to prevent violence, push back against hatred: Justin Trudeau on Khalistan extremism

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2023 - 20:09 | All, World, Japan

The Group of 20 leaders ended their two-day summit on Sunday, with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressing that he has secured the understanding of other nations on the safety of the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.

While China has claimed the water discharge into the sea will harm the maritime environment and human health, Kishida said at a press conference after the conclusion of the summit in New Delhi that Tokyo will make efforts to build "stable" relations with Beijing.

Kishida, however, added Japan will continue urging China to swiftly lift a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports, which was quickly imposed after the beginning of the water release in late August, asking Beijing to take "responsible" actions.

The G-20 summit came amid deepening divisions among member countries over Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The crisis has disrupted energy and food security worldwide and destabilized global economic conditions since February 2022.

There had been concern that the G-20 leaders would fail to finalize a declaration during the summit, diplomatic sources said, but they managed to adopt it on Saturday by agreeing to avoid condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

If the G-20 had fallen short of producing a joint statement, it would have been the first time since its inaugural summit in 2008.

As India, the chair of the G-20 this year, has been eager to maintain amicable ties with Russia due to its reliance on Moscow for military supplies and energy resources, there was speculation that New Delhi was reluctant to craft a declaration, the sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his closing speech on Sunday that India has been willing to hold a virtual session by the end of November when the South Asian nation hands over the presidency of the G-20 to Brazil.

In 2023, the G-20 did not hammer out joint statements at several ministerial gatherings under India's presidency.

At the latest G-20 summit, meanwhile, the leaders approved the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member, as India has placed emphasis on consolidating relations with emerging and developing economies in the "Global South."

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the G-20 meeting, while leaders such as Kishida, who hosted the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima in May, and U.S. President Joe Biden participated.

As for the Fukushima discharge, China has criticized Japan for disposing of "nuclear-contaminated water" into the Pacific Ocean from the power plant, which suffered meltdowns following a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.

Since late August, there has been a noticeable increase in Japan in incidents involving nuisance phone calls that appeared to originate from China.

A Japanese government official quoted Kishida as saying at a session of the G-20 summit on Saturday, "A certain country has been engaging in unconventional actions," a comment seemingly directed at China.

Along with the G-7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States plus the European Union -- the G-20 includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey.

Related coverage:

Japan, India leaders agree to expand cooperation in several fields

G-20 refrains from condemning Russia's war in Ukraine amid split
New Delhi, September 10

W hile several invited Congress leaders, including sitting chief ministers, skipped the G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in the national capital, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu attended the event on Saturday evening.

The dinner was hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam, which is also the main venue for the 18th G20 Leaders' Summit.

Barring Sukhu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, several leaders representing the Opposition bloc -- Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance -- stayed away from the dinner in proest against Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge not being included in the list of invitees.

According to an official release from the Himachal government, CM Sukhu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the dinner and held a brief discussion on issues pertaining to the state.

Further, according to sources, Sukhu briefed Prime Minister Modi on the damage to life, property and public infrastructure caused by the monsoon fury and mudslides in the state and urged him to declare the calamity as a 'national disaster'.

"In the last two months, due to heavy rains, landslides and floods in the state, more than 400 people have lost their lives and more than 13 thousand houses have been damaged, due to which thousands of families have become homeless. Due to this natural disaster, the state has suffered a loss of more than Rs 12 thousand crores," CM Sukhu was quoted in the government release as telling PM Modi.

After listening to the CM's briefing of the state's situation, PM Modi told Sukhu that his demand would be considered.

"The state needs an economic package from the Centre to recover from this disaster. On the lines of the disasters in Bhuj and Kedarnath, Himachal should also be given a special relief package," the CM was quoted in the release as telling PM Modi.

US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other countries' Presidents, Prime Ministers, representatives of 19 invited countries, representatives of various international organizations including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Health Organization, Union Cabinet Ministers and Chief Ministers of various states, besides other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

G20: Himachal CM Sukhu meets PM Modi on sidelines of G20 dinner, seeks rain package

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi and discussed ways to strengthen trade relations, infrastructure connections.

"We talked with the President @RTErdogan about ways to strengthen trade relations and infrastructure connections between India and Turkey," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on 'X' formerly Twitter on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Turkish President on Sunday said India is Turkey's greatest trade partner in South Asia and the two countries have great potential in the field of economy.

"India is our greatest trade partner in South Asia. And we have great potential to enjoy primarily in the field of economy and many others..." the Turkish President said at a press conference on Sunday.

The Turkish President then thanked India for "a gracious and very successful term of the presidency".

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the hospitality shown to him, his wife and the entire Turkish delegation.

"I would like to thank PM Modi for the gracious hospitality that was shown to me, my spouse and my entire Turkish delegation," he said.

He further said: "This year, our theme was one world, one family and one future. And within the first session of the summit, we talked about the environmental challenges that our planet currently encounters. Climate change, the loss of biological diversity and especially there is the dimension of extensive pollution is a trio of challenges which we can feel even more profoundly now..."

The Turkish President further said that any initiative that isolates Russia is bound to fail.

"Its success is a very little possibility. We believe that any step that may escalate the tensions in the Black Sea should be avoided... In order to support global food security and food supply security, we are going to bring together the Food Supply Security Study Group, both Russia, and Ukraine, as well as the United Nations, and with our stakeholders coming from the international community, we are going to have continuous talks..." he said.

Erdogan on Friday arrived in New Delhi for the G20 Summit. He was accompanied by his wife, the first lady of Turkey Emine Erdogan.

He was received by Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit in New Delhi and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

"As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty to see how faster progress can be achieved on these," PM Modi said.

"I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual session. I hope you all will connect in the virtual session. With this, I declare the conclusion of the G20 Summit," he added.

Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"I congratulate the Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said.

PM Modi, President Erdogan discuss ways to strengthen India-Turkey trade relations, infrastructure connections

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Los Angeles, Sep 10

A ctor Timothee Chalamet and reality TV star Kylie Jenner went ahead for an intimate outing at l New York Fashion Week, having an exclusive dinner at the event as the two continue to drive forward their romance.

In a video shared on social media, the 'Dune' (27) actor and the 'Kardashians' star (26) , were seen all dressed up in matching in black outfits, and were smiling as they looked up at Ackermann as the French designer gave a speech during the candlelit dinner.

Their latest outing comes only four days after Jenner and Chalamet, debuted their romance at Beyonce's third 'Renaissance' tour stop in Los Angeles, back in September 4, as reported by Page Six.

In the video captured by fashion designer Gaia Repossi, Chalamet and Jenner were seen in close proximity to Ackermann, the celebrated fashion designer who was celebrating his collaboration with Augustinus Bader.

During the sold-out show, which happened to land on the Grammy winner's 42nd birthday, the star couple packed on the PDA while spending time in the star-filled VIP section at SoFi Stadium.

The pair was even seen sharing a passionate kiss, as they tightly held each other, quite content with being seen and ignoring on-lookers. Chalamet also grabbed Jenner's butt before she turned back around to enjoy the concert.

The couple apparently had no shame about their make-out session as they were surrounded by several stars, including Justin and Hailey Bieber, and Jenner's sisters Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian.

The pair has been romantically linked since at least April. Later that month, it was revealed that Jenner and Chalamet were keeping their relationship 'fun' and 'casual', as they were trying to determine where they should take their relationship next.

For his part, Timothee Chalamet is geared up to star in the now delayed 'Dune Part 2' and the fantasy film 'Wonka'.

Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner seen getting intimate at NYFW

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
PM Modi conveys India's strong concerns on anti-India activities in Canada to Trudeau

New Delhi, Sep 10

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed India's strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada, to his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.

During his meeting with the Canadian prime minister after the conclusion of the G20 summit, Modi told Trudeau that these elements are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship, a statement issued by the External Affairs said.

"The nexus of such forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats," the statement quoted him as saying.

Modi at the same time highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties, the statement said.

Modi also mentioned that a relationship based on mutual respect and trust is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship.

PM Modi conveys India's strong concerns on anti-India activities in Canada to Trudeau

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 10

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held high level meeting with the Korean and Brazilian President as well as with the German Chancellor.

After meeting the Brazilian President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva, Modi said "Excellent meeting with the President. Ties between India and Brazil are very strong. We talked about ways to boost trade and cooperation in agriculture, technology and more. I also conveyed my best wishes for Brazil's upcoming G20 Presidency."

In another bilateral meeting, Modi met with the Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol.

After the meeting Modi said "Reviewing the complete spectrum of bilateral relations, we agreed to further boost commercial and cultural ties between India and the Republic of Korea."

PM Modi also had a bilateral meeting with the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

After the meeting Modi said "Very good meeting with Olaf Scholz in Delhi. Thanked him for enriching the G20 Summit with his views. Also discussed how India and Germany can continue working together in clean energy, innovation and work towards a better planet."

Brazilian President on Sunday said that his country will look to carry the torch of G20 forward.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the G20 Delhi leaders summit, the Brazilian President, who took over the presidency of the grouping on behalf of his country from India, said "The Brazilian presidency of the G20 has three priorities - first, social inclusion and fighting against hunger. Second, energy transition and sustainable development in its three aspects and third, the reform of global governance institutions."

He said that the Gandhian principles hold a lot of significance in his political career.

Earlier, Modi while handing over the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to the Brazilian President, expressed hope that he will carry forward the common agenda of G20.

India's G20 presidency is valid till November this year.

PM Modi meets Brazil, Korean Presidents and German Chancellor

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 10

C anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to India for the G20 Summit 2023 hit a snag on Sunday when his official plane experienced a technical issue at Delhi airport.

Airport sources said Trudeau's plane CF001 encountered a technical problem shortly before its scheduled departure.

The Canadian delegation, including Trudeau and his son Xavier, will remain in India until the issue is resolved by the engineering team on the ground, said the sources.

The unexpected delay has led to adjustments in the Canadian delegation's travel plans.

Originally slated to depart on Sunday, they will now extend their stay in India until the aircraft is deemed fit for travel.

Trudeau arrived in India on Friday evening to participate in the G20 Summit, which was hosted by India this year.

During his visit, he engaged in a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a range of important issues, strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Technical snag delays Canadian PM Trudeau's departure from Delhi

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

P rime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated their commitment to strengthen defence cooperation through partnership in the design and expansion of production in India and called for early finalisation of the Defence Industrial Roadmap.

On Sunday, both leaders had a bilateral meeting over lunch during the G-20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi.

According to the joint statement, India and France "reiterated their commitment to strengthen the defence cooperation through partnership in design, development, testing and manufacture of advanced defence technologies and platforms, and expand production in India, including for third countries in Indo-Pacific and beyond. In this context, they also called for early finalisation of the Defence Industrial Roadmap."

"Acknowledging the strength of the India-France partnership, founded in deep trust, shared values, belief in sovereignty and strategic autonomy, a resolute commitment to international law and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, an abiding faith in multilateralism and a mutualpursuit of a stable multi-polar world, both leaders emphasized the need to expand their collaboration to address regional and global challenges. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to collectively serve as a force of good, carrying the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' i.e. 'one earth, one family, one future', during tumultuous times reshaping the global order," the joint statement read.

With the 'Horizon 2047' Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap and other outcomes during PM Modi's visit serving as recent points of reference, the two leaders discussed overall progress and next steps on the implementation of the new and ambitious goals for cooperation in areas of defence, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts.

Both the leaders also carried forward their discussions on India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa, including in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability and industrial projects.

Both the leaders underlined their role of providers of solutions for the Indo-Pacific through their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

"Laying emphasis on areas such as digital, science, technological innovation, education, culture, health and environment cooperation, both leaders called for the strengthening of institutional linkages in these domains, on the model of the Indo-French Campus for the Indo-Pacific. They also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cultural exchanges and working together in the development of museums," the statement read.

Macron congratulated PM Modi on the success of Mission Chandrayaan 3. The two leaders recalled six decades of India-France Space cooperation and reviewed the progress since the holding of the first Strategic Space Dialogue in June 2023.

President Macron and PM Modi acknowledged the strong India-France civil nuclear ties, good progress in the discussion for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project and welcomed the continuing engagement of both sides to expand bilateral cooperation to establish a partnership for co-developing SMR and AMR technologies as well as the forthcoming signature of a dedicated declaration of intent. France reiterated its steadfast and unwavering support for India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

PM Modi, Macron call for early finalisation of Defence Industrial Roadmap

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

P rime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who came to India to attend the 18th G20 Summit.

In a post shared on social media X, PM Modi said that the meeting was "extensive."

"The deliberations with @President_KR Yoon Suk Yeol were extensive. Reviewing the complete spectrum of bilateral relations, we agreed to further boost commercial and cultural ties between India and the Republic of Korea," PM Modi said in a tweet.

Notably, India and South Korea celebrated the 50 anniversary of diplomatic relations.

On Friday, Yoon arrived in India along with his wife and attended the three sessions of the G20 Summit at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. On the second day of the Summit, the South Korean President visited the Rajghat memorial with other world leaders.

Earlier, on Saturday, a picture of India and South Korean friendship was seen in New Delhi as an ambient advertising campaign titled '50 Years of friendship and Trust to the Shining Future of Korea and India' caught everyone's attention.

In anticipation of President Yoon Suk Yeol's participation in the India G20 Summit beginning on September 9 and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and India, the Office of the Overseas Public Relations Secretary organized an ambient advertising campaign titled "50 Years of friendship and trust, to the shining future of Korea and India', according to a statement issued by Korean Embassy.

This promotion campaign, emphasizing the longstanding friendship and trust between the two nations, was installed in two locations in New Delhi on Wednesday last during the presidential visit.

The campaign features the commemorative slogan for the 50th anniversary of Korea-India diplomatic relations "50 years of friendship and trust, to the shining future of Korea and India" It carries a message of moving toward a bright future based on the 50 years of friendship and trust between both countries Ambient advertising leverages the characteristics of specific locations or environments for advertising.

The campaign utilized the architectural and environmental features of the South Korean Embassy in India's main entrance and exterior walls, as well as the exterior walls and rooftop of the Korean Cultural Center India.

After completing its presidency, India passed the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazil on Sunday.

"India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial," wrote PM Modi on X. "I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said minutes before the New Delhi G20 Summit concluded.

PM Modi holds 'extensive' meeting with South Korean President

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, September 10

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi and discussed ways to boost trade and cooperation in agriculture, technology.

"Excellent meeting with President @LulaOficial. Ties between India and Brazil are very strong. We talked about ways to boost trade and cooperation in agriculture, technology and more. I also conveyed my best wishes for Brazil's upcoming G20 Presidency," PM Modi wrote on 'X' formerly Twitter on Sunday.

Meanwhile, PM Modi has expressed "unwavering faith" in Brazil for leading the Group of Twenty presidency with dedication, and vision and has also assured "all possible cooperation" to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

India has passed the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazil on Sunday.

"India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, and vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial," wrote PM Modi on X.

"I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said minutes before the New Delhi G20 Summit concluded.

"Earlier Lula da Silva handed over saplings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Session 3 of the G20 Summit.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in conducting the G20 Summit and set forth three priorities under his country's presidency of the grouping. These, the Brazil President said include social inclusion and the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development and reform of global governance institutions.

At the closing session of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, "All these priorities are part of the Brazilian presidency motto which says 'Building a fair world and a sustainable planet'. Two task forces will be created - Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and the Global Mobilisation against Climate Change."

His remarks came after PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to him. The Brazilian President said that the world needs to redouble its efforts to achieve the goal of ending world hunger by 2030.

"Shared my thoughts during Session 3 of the G20 Summit. This Session focussed on the theme of 'One Future.' Emphasized the need of the hour being to look beyond the idea of a Global Village and make the vision of Global Family a reality," posted PM Modi on X after the closing ceremony.

While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India.

PM Modi, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva discuss ways to boost India-Brazil trade, cooperation in agriculture, technology

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Janhvi Kapoor wraps up 'Ulajh', says it is intertwined with her real life

Mumbai, September 10

A ctor Janhvi Kapoor has finished shooting for 'Ulajh', which also stars Roshan Mathew and Gulshan Devaiah.

On Sunday, she took to Instagram and penned a lengthy note, expressing gratitude to 'Ulajh' team for giving her memorable memories for a lifetime.

"It's a wrap... still having dreams of the world we tried to create. Each film has been a lesson, and it's story deeply and coincidently intertwined with things happening in my life. And through Suhanas journey, and the journey of making this film- my biggest learning has been to allow yourself to love what you do, to identify if you're doing it for the right reasons, to let go of baggage and external pressures and opinions. To get off a hamster wheel that leads to nowhere and let yourself walk to your own pace, as long as you believe in where you're going," she wrote.

"@iamsuds you have made me believe in myself in a way that I didn't even know I needed. You made me feel heard, and seen and made me want to fight battles that I never knew I had a right to even be a part of. To see you smile in the face of each obstacle and embrace each challenge with enthusiasm is beyond inspiring. @shredevdube I am so grateful that I was baring my soul to a lense that was being held by you, I felt protected, inspired and sooo much love. You made each moment feel intimate and bigger than any of us at the same time.

"Everything about this journey has been so healing, and that's only because of our amazing team!!! I hope you guys feel as passionately as we did, about what we've tried so hard to create @jungleepictures @uzmakhaniman @ishwerthakur7 @rivieralynn @hrishidoeshair @roshan.matthew @gulshandevaiah78," she added.

Janhvi also shared several images from the sets of 'Ulajh'.

Directed by National Award winner Sudhanshu Saria, 'Ulajh' is touted to be a patriotic thriller film.

Janhvi Kapoor wraps up 'Ulajh', says it is intertwined with her real life

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
By Eric Peters, KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2023 - 07:57 | All, World

The head of Myanmar's delegation to the United Nations has called for further actions to stop "military atrocities" by the military-led government in his homeland, in response to ASEAN's condemnation of the junta following its summit earlier this month.

"To be very frank, it does still not meet our expectations," Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said in a recent interview with Kyodo News, referring to the latest statement on Myanmar by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Kyaw Moe Tun was appointed as Myanmar's ambassador to the world body in New York about three months before the military seized power in the Southeast Asian country on Feb. 1, 2021, and has remained in his position despite the junta's efforts to dismiss him.

Naypyitaw notified the United Nations of a plan to replace him shortly after the coup. But for the past two years, the U.N. General Assembly has allowed Kyaw Moe Tun to continue attending meetings on his country's behalf while deferring the decision on whether to accredit the representative of Myanmar's junta.

Kyaw Moe Tun claims to represent the Southeast Asian country in constant consultation with the shadow civilian leadership, the National Unity Government.

"We thought that the member states of ASEAN could take strong and unified actions against the military...but it just hasn't happened yet," he said, citing the humanitarian situation in his country.

The 10-member bloc's statement asserted there has been "a lack of substantial progress" on implementing the five-point consensus peace plan agreed between Myanmar's military-led government and other ASEAN countries in 2021, and condemned acts of violence by the military.

At the summit, member countries agreed that the current, previous and incoming chairs of the ASEAN framework will work closely to deal with the Myanmar junta. Kyaw Moe Tun commended the move, as it will provide "continuity" in addressing the Myanmar issue.

The envoy, who has criticized the junta's acts of violence and suppression against the people of Myanmar, has been nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. He was included by Henrik Urdal, chief of the Norway-based Peace Research Institute, on an unofficial shortlist of five top candidates for the award.

"We want the international community to help us in a concrete and effective way," Kyaw Moe Tun said. "Make sure that no one (is) left behind. Make sure that those who are in need receive assistance."

The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution in December 2022 requesting the release of "all arbitrarily detained prisoners" and calling for an end to "all forms of violence" in Myanmar.

Kyaw Moe Tun said he is asking the Security Council to impose sanctions on the sale of arms and jet fuel to the junta, block its sources of funding and create an accountability mechanism to provide justice for those who have perished at the hands of Myanmar's military.

"We, the international community, in particular the Security Council, cannot stop the military for their atrocities, cannot stop (them) committing massacres against the people," he said.

Kyaw Moe Tun has not spoken at the annual general debate session involving world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly. When asked whether he intended to deliver an address at the upcoming session scheduled for later this month, he said he has yet to make a decision.

With attention shifting to other crises, including the war in Ukraine, Kyaw Moe Tun urged the world not to lose sight of the people of Myanmar, saying the "intensity of the suffering" in his country has been as severe as in Ukraine.

Related coverage:

ASEAN leaders condemn Myanmar junta for continued violence

Myanmar junta pardons deposed leader Suu Kyi on 5 offenses

Myanmar junta extends state of emergency, delays polls
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun, with gusty winds developing this afternoon. High 38F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low near 25F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2023 - 21:05 | All, Japan, World

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed Sunday with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol that their countries will continue to work together to deepen bilateral relations, the government said.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, Kishida also told Yoon that Tokyo supports Seoul's efforts to play a role as the chair of trilateral talks, including China, according to the Japanese government.

The last time Kishida and Yoon met was in August on the fringes of a three-way summit with U.S. President Joe Biden near Washington. The Japanese and South Korean leaders have held six bilateral talks in as many months, the government said.

The latest summit between Kishida and Yoon took place amid expectations that senior diplomats from Japan, South Korea and China plan to hold talks in Seoul, possibly on Sept. 25.

South Korea, which has served as chair of the trilateral framework since 2020, has been seeking to host a three-way summit by the end of this year in an apparent bid to maintain high-level dialogue among the three Asian nations.

But it remains uncertain whether such a summit can be held, as ties between Tokyo and Beijing have been deteriorating over Japan's release of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea that began on Aug. 24.

China has lambasted Japan for discharging "nuclear-contaminated water" into the Pacific Ocean from the plant, which suffered meltdowns in the wake of a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, imposing a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports.

Japan-South Korea relations, meanwhile, have been improving after Seoul proposed in March a solution to a long-standing wartime labor compensation dispute. In May, Yoon visited Japan to participate as a guest in the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima.
In a move to provide a better and seamless air travel expirence to the future flyers, the Bengaluru airport authorities decided to shift all the international flight operations from T1 to T2, starting from September 12 at 10:45 am.

As per the details shared by the Kempegowda International Airport, all the passengers who are set to board their international flight on September 12, will have to reach Terminal 2 as all the flights will depart and arrive at T2.

Heres What Bengaluru Airport Authority Says

While confirming the news, Bengaluru airport says that the decision has been taken after careful evaluation and consideration of various factors, including regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and passenger convenience. The authorities further stated that BLR Airport is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all passengers, and will be taking all necessary measures to facilitate a smooth relocation of international operations to the new facility in close coordination with its Airline partners.

Renovation at Terminal 1

Amid this, the BLR airport authorities also released the help numbers, allowing the passenger to reach out to the ground staff if they find assistance in the related matter. It also has been reported that once all flight operations shift to Terminal 2, the concerned authorities will start renovating Terminal 1 as it is not in good condition right now.

Bengaluru International Airport Ltd., MD and CEO said that all the scheduled international will depart from T2 only, starting from above mentioned date. While Terminal 1 will be used for domestic flight service only.

Meanwhile, ever since the Bengaluru airport came into force, it has witnessed a sudden spike in the number of flyers in the past few years. Currently, it is considered one of the busiest airports in India, followed by Delhi Airport and Mumbai Airport.
A mutual fund is a type of investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors and uses that money to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. These funds are managed by professional investment managers or fund managers. Mutual funds are a popular way for individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets without directly buying and managing individual securities.

Also Read: Investing SOS: Missed Mutual Fund SIP? Must Read What Happens After That

Who Manages Mutual Funds?

Mutual fund investments in India are managed by Asset Management Companies (AMCs). AMCs are financial institutions that are licensed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise money from investors and invest it in securities such as stocks, bonds, and money market instruments.

SEBI is the regulatory body that oversees and regulates the securities and capital markets in the country.

Investors in mutual funds entrust their money to these AMCs, which in turn manage the investments on their behalf. The AMC charges a fee, known as an expense ratio, for managing the fund, and this fee is deducted from the funds assets.

The AMCs create and manage mutual fund schemes on behalf of investors. Each mutual fund scheme is typically structured around a specific investment objective, such as equity, debt, hybrid, or thematic funds, and they are managed by professional fund managers employed by the AMC.

Who Handles Mutual Funds In AMCs?

AMCs in India typically have a team of fund managers who manage mutual fund investments on behalf of investors. The fund managers make investment decisions for the various mutual fund schemes offered by the AMC. The role of the fund manager is crucial in determining the performance of the mutual fund schemes.

Fund managers in AMCs are experienced professionals with expertise in specific asset classes. They conduct research, analyse market conditions, and select appropriate securities to achieve the investment objectives and strategies of each mutual fund scheme.

Investors & Fund Managers

Investors rely on the expertise and decision-making skills of the fund managers when they invest in mutual funds. The performance of the fund manager and their ability to generate returns in line with the funds stated objectives are important factors that influence investors choices.

Its important to note that the specific fund manager(s) responsible for a mutual fund scheme may change over time. Investors should review the fund managers track record and the funds historical performance before making investment decisions.

Its important for investors to research and choose mutual funds managed by reputable AMCs with a track record of performance and adherence to regulatory guidelines. Additionally, they should consider their own financial goals and risk tolerance when selecting mutual funds to invest in.

Readers must note that mutual fund investments are subject to market risks and they must read the scheme information document and statement of additional information carefully before investing. These documents provide detailed information about the mutual fund scheme, including its objectives, strategies, fees, and other important terms and conditions.
Sebi on Thursday disposed of adjudication proceedings against state-owned LIC with respect to alleged violations of mutual fund norms.

The case pertained to the insurers shareholding in IDBI Mutual Fund.

In a 12-page order, Sebi said the alleged violation on part of LIC is to be viewed in the context of the efforts taken by it to complete the merger of IDBI Mutual Fund with LIC Mutual Fund, and disposed of the adjudication proceedings.

Also Read: Sebi Working On AI Tool To Curb Misselling By Mutual Funds

The regulator had conducted an examination in the matter of alleged non-compliance of MF (Mutual Fund) regulations by LIC with a focus to ascertain if there was any violation of the rules.

During the course of examination, the regulator observed that IDBI Bank is the sponsor of IDBI Mutual Fund and directly holds 66.67 per cent and 33.33 per cent equity stake through IDBI Capital Markets & Securities in IDBI AMC, respectively.

Also, IDBI Bank holds 100 per cent stake in IDBI MF Trustee Company Ltd.

Thereafter, Sebi issued a show cause notice to LIC on May 31, 2023 for the alleged violations.

It was further observed that LIC acquired majority stake of 51 per cent in IDBI Bank on January 21, 2019 by way of preferential allotment of equity shares.

Pursuant to this, since LIC held more than 10 per cent of the shareholding and had voting rights in the AMC and the trustee company of IDBI MF, it was allegedly in violation of MF rules.

As per Sebi, the norms prohibit holding of 10 per cent or more of the shareholding or voting rights in an Asset Management Company (AMC) or the trustee company of any other mutual fund by a sponsor of a mutual fund, its associate or group company including the AMC of the fund.

I note that the noticee (LIC) with the intention to comply with the provisions had made an application to Sebi within the stipulated time, i.e. on December 5, 2019, but since necessary regulatory approvals could not be obtained, the noticee had to explore other available options wherein it had opted for the acquisition of schemes of IDBI Mutual Fund by LIC Mutual Fund.

Further, I also note that there are various correspondence exchanged between Sebi and the noticee wherein the noticee had sought extension of time to complete the process of merger and file necessary compliance reports, Sebis Adjudicating Officer Biju S said in the order.

Sebi had granted time till August 14, 2023 to comply with the process of the merger of IDBI Mutual Fund with LIC Mutual Fund.

The regulator said it was kept informed of the developments on the IDBI MF-LIC MF merger by LIC on regular intervals.

Also, Sebi had granted no objection for the merger of schemes of IDBI MF with LIC MF and had advised the noticee to submit the compliance report within three months.

Besides, LIC had submitted the compliance report to the regulator within the stipulated time.

Hence, the alleged violation on part of LIC is to be viewed in the context of the efforts taken by the noticee to complete the merger of IDBI Mutual Fund with LIC Mutual Fund, Sebi said in the order.

In view of the above observations, the adjudication proceedings initiated against the noticee vide show cause notice dated May 31, 2023 is disposed of without imposition of any monetary penalty, it added.
The registration process for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2023 will conclude on September 13 at 5 PM. This year, IIM Lucknow is hosting the CAT examination. Interested candidates have the last chance to register for CAT through the official website of the Indian Institute of Management at iimcat.ac.in.

The CAT 2023 is scheduled for November 26 this year and will be conducted in 155 cities. It will consist of three sessions, with a total duration of 120 minutes, and will be conducted as a computer-based test (CBT). Admit cards for the exam can be downloaded between October 25 to November 26 and the results of the examination are expected to be announced in the second week of January of the following year.

CAT 2023: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for candidates seeking admission to the CAT 2023 entrance exam are as follows:

1. Candidates must possess a bachelors degree with a minimum of 50 per cent marks or an equivalent CGPA.

2. Candidates belonging to reserved categories must attain a minimum of 45 per cent.

3. Students in the final year of their bachelors degree are eligible to apply for CAT 2023. However, if selected, they will be granted provisional admission only upon submitting the necessary certificates from their university or institutions principal or registrar.

CAT 2023: Steps to Register

To complete the registration process, candidates can follow the steps mentioned below :

Step 1: Navigate to iimcat.ac.in, the official website of IIM CAT.

Step 2: Locate and click on the link that mentions New Candidate Registration for CAT 2023 on the homepage.

Step 3: Enter the required details, like the candidates name, date of birth, email address, country, and mobile number, and submit.

Step 4: Now, use the login credentials and fill in the application form.

Step 5: Enter all the personal and educational details and then upload the scanned copies, including the photograph and signature.

Step 6: Before submitting the application form, pay the required registration fee.

Step 7: Submit the CAT registration form and download the confirmation page for your reference.

CAT 2023: Registration Fee

According to the official notification, candidates looking to complete their CAT application are required to make an online payment. The application fee has been set at Rs 2,400 for general category candidates and Rs 1,200 for those belonging to reserved categories.

Candidates are required to possess a valid email address and mobile number for the registration process for the management entrance exam. These details must be entered into the registration link along with other required information.
From UPSC Civil Services to SSC recruitment exams, from college admissions to group discussions, general knowledge questions mark a significant part of almost every exam. For candidates preparing to crack an exam or those who need to get their news in a compact form, News18 offers a weekly column  GK Capsule. While we provide you a weekly news wrap, to get more information on a specific topic or an exam, reach out at @news18dotcom.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is all set to conduct the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023 on September 15, 16, 17, 23 and 24. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for the Civil Services Examination. It is one of the most reputed exams in the country. Through the Civil Services Examination, the Commission recruits eligible officers under three categories  All India Services (AIS), Group A Civil Services, and Group B Civil Services. To pass this exam, candidates must have a basic comprehension of general knowledge and current events. Clearing such crucial assessments will be difficult without appropriate preparation.

To help candidates prepare for their exam, we have compiled a summary of this weeks important news events:

UK to Return Chhatrapati Shivajis Wagh Nakh

Maharashtras Cultural Affairs and Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar is all set to visit London later this month to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the renowned Victoria and Albert Museum after the United Kingdom concerned authorities decided to return the wagh nakh used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to assassinate Bijapur sultanate general. The wagh nakh is a knife styled like tiger claws that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to assassinate Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan in the year 1659. If everything goes as planned, the artefact could be returned this year.

G20 Summit 2023

During the G20 Summit weekend of September 9 to September 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold more than 15 bilateral talks with visiting international leaders. On September 8, PM Modi will meet United States President Joe Biden, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In addition to the G20 conference, PM Modi will meet with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on September 9. Apart from talks with leaders of Canada, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, the European Union, Brazil, and Nigeria, the Prime Minister will attend a working lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron on September 10.

ISROs Aditya L1 Mission Advances with Third Earth-Bound Manoeuvre

By executing its third earth-bound manoeuvre on September 10th, the Aditya L1 spacecraftthe first mission of ISRO for solar explorationachieved a critical milestone. On September 3 and 5, the first two earth-bound manoeuvres were successfully completed. On September 15, the spacecraft will perform its last earth-bound orbital manoeuvre before entering its transfer orbit and travelling to Lagrange point L1. On September 2, Aditya-L1 was successfully launched by ISROs PSLV-C57 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marking the start of this journey. As stated by the space agency shortly after launch, the spacecraft is expected to arrive in its intended orbit at Lagrange point L1 around 127 days after launch.

Delhi Court to Hear Defamation Case Against Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot

On September 14, a Delhi court will hear a criminal defamation charge brought by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Harjeet Singh Jaspal set the subject for hearing after noting that Gehlot, who appeared in court via video conference, had received all of the documents he had requested in connection with the case.

India Reduced Financial Inclusion Targets from 47 Years to 6 With Digital Payments

As per a G20 policy statement issued by the World Bank, without Digital Payment Infrastructure (DPI) such as Jan Dhan Bank accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile phones (the JAM trinity), India would have taken 47 years to attain the 80 per cent financial inclusion rate that the country has achieved in just six years. According to the World Bank document, the total value of UPI transactions in Indias previous fiscal year was approximately 50 per cent of the countrys nominal GDP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the launch of India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, an ambitious project aimed at fostering economic growth and countering Chinas Belt and Road Initiative.

The new economic corridor was jointly announced by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The corridor will have an eastern corridor connecting India to the Gulf region and a northern corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe. It would also include a railway and ship-rail transit network and road transport routes.

What is the IMEC Project About

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will consist of two separate corridors  East Corridor connecting India to Middle East and Northern Corridor connecting West Asia or Middle East to Europe.

It will include a rail line which upon completion will provide a reliable and cost effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement the existing multi-modal transport routes enhancing transshipment of goods and services between South East Asia through India to West Asia or Middle East Europe.

The participating nations also plan to enable the laying of cable for electricity and digital connectivity along the railway route, as well as pipe for clean hydrogen export.

This corridor will secure regional supply chains, increase trade accessibility, improve trade facilitation, and support an increased emphasis on environmental social, and government impacts.

The objective of development cooperation is that it would stand out as symbols of alternate approach, cement our relationship with key actors in the region and beyond, and provide our industry and business new opportunities to plug into international trade and logistics corridors.

There have not been any details on the projects cost or financing. However, Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman mentioned a figure of $20 billion during the announcement.

How India Benefits

India was looking for deeper connectivity with the regions to the north-west of the subcontinent like the Middle East and Europe, but there were obstructions due to the presence of Pakistan in north-west that refused overland access. Moreover, India was struggling for credible connectivity through Iran to the Europe and Middle East.

India is expected to gain significantly as it places the country firmly on the route of trade flows from South East Asia to the Gulf, West Asia and Europe, giving us significant strategic and economic advantage, besides creating huge opportunities in the logistics and transportation sector.

Top government sources have said that the economic corridor will be a zero-commitment project for India as the government has ensured during negotiations that India gets maximum out of the project so that we connect to the world without much investment.

According to sources, connectivity with countries of the region remains a key priority for India and is deep rooted in Indian civilizational history. India has always stood to invest, cooperate and build connectivity as part of One Earth, One Family, One Future.

Where Did the Idea Came from

The idea of ship and rail connectivity between India and Middle East and US came during a meeting of the National Security Advisors of US, Saudi, UAE and India in Saudi Arabia earlier in May. However, the idea that was still in its rudimentary stage acquired traction much faster.

Finally, the presence of all the key actors in New Delhi for the G20 summit, including the European Union, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the US, provided India with the opportunity to formally pursue the ambitious project.

Though there is no timeline for the project, but the corridor would provide a physical and ideological alternative to Chinas own nation-spanning infrastructure program. It could also be seen as Bidens attempt to strengthen the G20 group to counter the dominance of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.

For the US, the project is the key to the Middle East where he is losing ground in an area where it was the kingpin and counter Chinas emergence in the region. China after brokering peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia has tried to promote itself as a bringer of peace in the region and Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative lays special focus on the region.
More than 2,000 people have been killed as Moroccos deadliest earthquake in decades destroyed houses and roads in the tourist city of Marrakesh.

The strong tremors were also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira, where it caused widespread damage and sent terrified residents and tourists scrambling to safety in the middle of the night on Friday.

In the mountain village of Tafeghaghte, which was near the quakes epicentre, there were no buildings left standing while the traditional clay bricks used by the regions Berber inhabitants proved no match for the rare quake.

But why was the earthquake so devastating and the reason why Morocco was ill-prepared for a tremor like the latest one. News18 explains.

Why Was the Earthquake Devastating

The epicentre of the 6.8-magnitude quake was in a mountainous area 72 kilometres southwest of the tourist city of Marrakesh, the US Geological Survey reported.

The epicentre was roughly 18.5 km below the Earths surface, according to USGS, while Moroccos own seismic agency pegged the depth at 11 km.

It was a shallow earthquake, which according to experts, are more dangerous as the closer you get to the surface, the greater the effect of the rupture.

According to reports, in case of deeper earthquakes, the seismic waves have to travel a longer distance before reaching to the surface. During this delay the tremors lose energy to the surroundings. While in case of shallow quakes, the seismic waves are able to bring more energy to the surface and cause more damage.

Eyewitnesses said that the earthquake was strong and for a longer period.

We felt a huge shake like it was doomsday, Ayoub Toudite, a resident, said. Ten seconds and everything was gone.

Pure panic and chaos gripped Moroccans as a 6.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Morocco last night:pic.twitter.com/WNIfyY1tfB Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) September 9, 2023

Others, like 19-year-old student Abdelfattah El Akari, said the quake felt much longer, as if more than a minute. The ground moved and homes cracked, he said.

Strongest-ever Earthquake

Earthquakes are also not very common in North Africa where seismicity rates are comparatively low along the northern margin of the continent.

However, the latest earthquake was the strongest-ever to hit the North African kingdom and an expert described it as the regions biggest in more than 120 years. The epicentre of the quake was not in the most active area of Morocco.

Due to the unlikely of the tremors in the region, people were not prepared for one. People in the poor rural community about 45 kilometres northeast of the quake epicentre lived in homes made of clay brick and cinder block, many of which are no longer standing or safe to inhabit.

Was it similar to Turkey quake?

The massive February earthquake in Turkey had horizontal movement, because the country is shifting to the West, moving towards Greece. There was a horizontal sliding of the tectonic plates.

But in Morocco, there was a convergence between Africa and Eurasia or Iberia, the Spanish part, and overlapping faults, Philippe Vernant, a specialist in active tectonics at the University of Montpellier, told AFP.

World Leaders Express Grief

World leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden and others express their condolences over the tragedy and offered support.

PM Modi offered all possible assistance to Morocco, on Saturday and said, Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.

US President Joe Biden said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation. Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed deep grief for the victims and hope that the Moroccan government and people will be able to overcome the impact of this disaster.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was devastated and said that France stands ready to help with first aid. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed sympathy with the Moroccan people in the face of the terrible earthquake.
Amid the growing Sanatan Dharma row, MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and father of Udhayanidhi, attended the G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.

While defending his son Udhayanidhi over his remark on Sanatan Dharma, Stalin had on Thursday said Union ministers were using the issue to divert attention from issues such as Manipur ethnic clashes.

Stalin shook hands with US President Joe Biden while was posing for pictures with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Interestingly, Stalin was the lone CM from South India at yesterdays gala G20 dinner. While Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy was abroad, Keralas Pinarayi Vijayan, Karnatakas Siddaramaiah, and Telanganas K Chandrashekar Rao had turned down the invitations for yesterdays gala dinner.

But thats not all. At least three Congress chief ministers rejected the invite. Siddaramaiah, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot refused to attend the high-profile event.

While Gehlot and Baghel both blamed lack of permissions to travel by air, the home ministry rubbished the claims. The BJP said the actual reason of their absence is rather bizarre  not inviting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Siddaramaiah has in fact made it clear that it is wrong.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram had earlier said, I cannot imagine any other democratic countrys government not inviting the recognised Leader of Opposition to a state dinner for world leaders. This can happen only in countries where there is no democracy or Opposition. I hope India, that is Bharat, has not reached a stage where democracy and the Opposition will cease to exist.

However, BJP sources cite the example of BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda who was also not invited for the G20 event.

But Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was not convinced. He too said not inviting Kharge to the dinner was equal to BJP not valuing 60% of Indias population, an argument BJP laughed off.

However, with rain ravaging Himachal Pradesh  a state that is in dire need of central assistance  Congress Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chose to break ranks with his colleagues and attended the event. Interestingly, PM Modi has put some special photos on his Instagram account from last night where a photo of him embracing Sukhu finds place.

This August, Sukhu praised Nadda for at least inquiring about the state of affairs in Himachal Pradesh after it was battered by continuous rain. At least Nadda ji was gracious enough to inquire about the damage suffered, but the state leadership here is only out to score brownie points to get political mileage, he said.
The G20 Summit Leaders Declaration, adopted on Saturday, has avoided mentioning the Russia-Ukraine war and made a general call to all states to follow the principle of respecting each others territorial integrity and sovereignty, in what is largely seen as a climbdown by the Western powers on the conflict.

India managed to hammer out an unexpected consensus among the G20 countries on the contentious issue through a series of hectic negotiations with emerging economies such as Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia playing a leading role in reaching the breakthrough.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the text of the declaration was the result of painstaking work put in for months by four Indian Foreign Services diplomats who were part of Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kants team.

Abhay Thakur

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Abhay Thakur is the G20 deputy, or Sous Sherpa, to Amitabh Kant. According to The Indian Express report, Thakur, who has served as Indias envoy to Mauritius and Nigeria, is fluent in Russian. He has also reportedly handled Nepal and Bhutan in the MEA.

K Nagraj Naidu

Joint Secretary K Nagraj Naidu was reportedly one of the lead negotiators on parts of the declaration that referred to the situation in Ukraine. Fluent in Chinese, Naidu served as the Chef de Cabinet to the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid.

When Shahids tenure ended in September 2022, he had described Naidu in his closing remarks as a truly outstanding diplomat, a steady hand in crisis, committed and hardworking.

An IFS of 1998 batch, Naidu has served in four separate stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. He has handled the MEAs Economic Diplomacy division and headed the Europe West Division where he was in charge of ties with major G7 countries the IE report said.

Eenam Gambhir

Joint Secretary G20 and 2005 batch IFS officer Eenam Gambhir, the lone woman on the team, is no stranger to making headlines.

In September 2016, as then First Secretary in the Indian Mission to the UN, Gambhir had delivered Indias Right of Reply to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs UN General Assembly address.

The world has not yet forgotten that the trail of that dastardly attack led all the way to Abbottabad in Pakistan. The land of Taxila, one of the greatest learning centres of ancient times, is now host to the Ivy League of terrorism. It attracts aspirants and apprentices from all over the world. The effect of its toxic curriculum are felt across the globe, she had said in the rousing speech.

A few days later, Gambhir had again delivered the Right of Reply when Islamabads then UN envoy Maleeha Lodhi responded to then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swarajs address to the UN General Debate.

Then again in 2017, it was Gambhir who took on Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, saying in Indias Right of Reply that nn its short history, Pakistan has become a geography synonymous with terror. The quest for a land of pure has actually produced the land of pure terror. Pakistan is now Terroristan Its current state can be gauged from the fact that Hafiz Mohammed Saeed, a leader of the United Nations designated terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, is now sought to be legitimised as a leader of a political party.

Ashish Sinha

Like Gambhir, Ashish Sinha too is a 2005 batch IFS officer and is reportedly fluent in Spanish. Having served in Madrid, Kathmandu, New York and Nairobi, Sinha has reportedly been negotiating for India over the last seven years in multilateral settings.

200 Hours of Non-Stop Negotiations

G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant revealed on Sunday that it took over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations to deliver a consensus on the G20 declaration. The team of diplomats, including Eenam Gambhir and K Nagraj Naidu, held 300 bilateral meetings and circulated 15 drafts with their counterparts on the contentious Ukraine conflict to drive home a consensus that was clinched on the first day of the G20 Leaders Summit.

The most complex part of the entire G20 was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This was done over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings, 15 drafts, Kant said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The most complex part of the entire #G20 was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This was done over 200 hours of non -stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings, 15 drafts. In this, I was greatly assisted by two brilliant officers  @NagNaidu08 & @eenamg pic.twitter.com/l8bOEFPP37 Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) September 10, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that the Leaders Declaration had been adopted on the first day of the weekend G20 summit in New Delhi.

On the back of the hard work of all the teams, we have received consensus on the G20 Leaders Summit Declaration. I announce the adoption of this declaration, Modi told the leaders, including US President Joe Biden and heads of government and state from across the world.

The consensus came as a surprise as G20 is deeply divided over the war in Ukraine, with Western nations earlier pushing for strong condemnation of Russia in the Leaders Declaration, while others demanded a focus on broader economic issues.

We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability, the declaration said.

We welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible, the statement added.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the declaration demonstrated a clear position on Russias invasion of Ukraine by saying that the territorial integrity of countries cannot be called into question with violence.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the declaration had very strong language about Russias illegal war in Ukraine. I think that is a good and strong outcome.

With agency inputs
Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the G20 summit, showcases a unique international project  Culture Corridor  G20 Digital Museum. The culture corridor represents and celebrates the shared heritage of G20 members and invitee countries. It incorporates iconic and notable cultural objects and heritage of the G20 members and 9 invitee countries.

This culture corridor serves as a powerful platform for promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions, for knowledge sharing, inclusivity and equality, and for fostering a sense of shared identity.

This project is based on Indias G20 theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the Culture Working Groups (CWG) hallmark campaign Culture Unites All. This corridor was unveiled on September 9, 2023.

The country-wise details of cultural objects and heritage of the G20 members and 9 invitee countries:

INDIA: Ashtadhyayi

This is a manuscript of the Ashtadhyayi, an iconic grammar treatise composed in the 5th-6th century BCE by the celebrated grammarian Panini. This text, through eight chapters and 4,000 sutras, captures the science of Vedic phonetics and grammar. The grammar in Ashtadhyayi has been likened to the Turing machine, an idealised mathematical model that reduces the logical structure of any computing device to its essentials.

By allowing elements of earlier rules to recur subsequently, Panini anticipated the idea of computer programs by over 2,500 years. Historian A.L. Basham underlined the texts significance in the following words: Paninis grammar is one of the greatest intellectual achievements of any ancient civilisation, and the most detailed and scientific grammar composed before the 19th century in any part of the world.

The #G20 Summit in India presents Bharat Mandapam exhibitions, including the 'Culture Corridor  G20 Digital Museum.' Delegates access UPI One World with Rs 2000 prefunded wallets. RBI showcases revolutionary financial technologies.#G20SummitDelhi @g20org @G20_Bharat pic.twitter.com/tTgHUdfxk2 SansadTV (@sansad_tv) September 8, 2023

INDONESIA: Batik sarong textiles

Batik attire holds sacred significance in Javanese culture, crafted by applying melted wax onto fabric. The term Batik denotes the connection of dots on a wide cloth. While metal monotype is largely used for applying wax through the block-printing method, delicate Batik can be produced by employing the canting, a pen-like tool used for printing intricate motifs.

Beyond attire, Batik historically influenced courtly affairs and has subsequently diffused through Indonesias social fabric, leaving behind its exclusive association with Java. The display on top portrays waves of progress, while the one in the middle reflects contemporary Jakarta design, free from conventions.

The lower piece hails from Papua, Indonesias eastern-most province, showcasing regional distinctiveness. To revitalise Batik and promote it to the younger generations, the government of Indonesia has introduced Batik Day on 2nd October. In 2009, Batik was announced as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

BRAZIL: Model of the National Parliament Palace of Brazil

Brasilias iconic National Parliament Palace stands as a cornerstone, anchoring the Monumental Axis and neighboring ministries. It commands a vertex within the Praca dos Tres Poderes alongside the Presidents Palace and Federal Supreme Court. The Parliament complex features a broad main structure supporting the domes of the Federal Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

Two 28-storey office towers  one for each branch  are located between the domes. Celebrated Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer envisioned this masterpiece, marking his indelible contribution to Brasilias architectural landscape. Beyond aesthetics, the design eloquently embodies Brazils democratic spirit, making it the heart of the nations governance.

ARGENTINA: Poncho

The poncho is a rectangular cloth with a central head opening, first discovered in the San Juan province around 1,100 CE. Its functions range from protection against inclement weather to identity markers. The poncho on display is a creation of master-craftsman Graciela Salvatierra, who has woven it on the Criollo loom.

It reflects the traditions of her hometown, Londres, Catamarca province, where artisans use black carob-tree and walnut-shell to dye ponchos. The woven parts are symmetrically sewn and embroidered post-weaving. The fringe, in this case, is an extension of the weave. This poncho encapsulates a blend of history, technique, and community artistry, giving it enduring cultural significance for Argentinians.

A Symphony of Cultural UnityDuring the #G20India Summit, a unique international project  Culture Corridor  G20 Digital Museum has been curated at Bharat Mandapam, which will represent and celebrate the shared heritage of G20 members and invitee countries through iconic and pic.twitter.com/8iBATCXWFP  Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) September 8, 2023

AUSTRALIA: Yiapuapu at Djarrakpi

This painting by master artist Narritjin Maymuru, completed in 1963, is synonymous with the rich cultural tradition and folklore of the Yolu people.

Yolu, an aggregation of aboriginal Australian people, inhabit north-eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. The painting captures the story of birth, death and renewal with vivid elements and bold motifs to engage the viewer.

CANADA: Sea Monster Transformation Mask

Master carver Calvin Hunt crafted the Sea Monster Transformation Mask for his debut solo exhibit, YUXAN KISO (These are Our Treasures). This masks narrative harks back to an origin tale wherein an underwater monster safeguarded a Kwakwakawakw village from deluge. Calvins distinct touch is evident in the masks proportions, modern design, and intricate detailing.

As Hereditary Chief of Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, he is acclaimed for designing monumental sculptures, totem poles, expansive masks, house posts, and canoes. An inductee of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, Calvin received the BC Creative Achievement Award for Aboriginal Art in 2009. The mask resonates with ancient traditions and reflects the stellar aboriginal heritage of Canada.

CHINA: Fahua lidded jar with lotus pond design

This rare fahua ware is a precious creation from the Qing emperors official kiln. Originating in the Yuan dynasty, the fahua technique involves intricate raised designs filled with ground-colored enamels before kiln firing, which is similar to the cloisonne technique. This piece reveals finer detailing than predecessors, using famille rose (powdery colours) enamels for added intricacy.

The design features vibrant green leaves and lotus motifs that infuse the scene with vitality. The yingluo (beaded chains) motif on the shoulder, symbolising immeasurable light, reflects awareness of a necklace that arrived with Buddhism from ancient India. This classically elegant jar emanates a refreshing aura due to meticulous craftsmanship.

VIDEO | "It is an exhibition of Digital India journey which aims to demonstrate the various milestones and projects of Digital India with the help of cycling," says Abhishek Singh, CEO of Digital India Corporation, on a stall installed at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of #G20Summit. pic.twitter.com/Brji9sjsCs Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 8, 2023

EUROPEAN UNION: Marie Skodowska-Curie (1867-1934)

This bronze statue was crafted by Berlin-based artist Anna Franzika Schwarzback as homage to eminent scientist Marie Curie. Recipient of two Nobel Prizes in her lifetime, Curie wielded science amid global strife, exemplified by her monumental work with the Petites Curies that saved numerous lives during the First World War.

A Polish-born French citizen, Curie inspired several generations of scientists with her stellar body of work. Moreover, her scientific breakthroughs empowered women to pursue science in larger numbers, promoting a spirit of innovation that is deeply valued by the European Union.

This statue, which has been exhibited in the main hall of Berlaymont in Brussels, captures Marie Curies unwavering commitment towards scientific pursuits. This sculpture is a tribute by the artist to Marie Skodowska-Curie and to all women in science.

FRANCE: Auxerre vase with blue background and decoration of butterflies and trefoils

This 1912 Auxerre vase from Manufacture de Sevres is crafted from new porcelain, innovated in 1875 for vibrant colours to compete with East Asian porcelain. With Sevres blue and gold detailing, it exemplifies the manufacturers expertise.

Designed by Alexandre Sandier, it is named after a small French town- Auxerre. This vase was deposited with the French Consulate in Geneva for promoting French culture for several years and has been recently returned to be exhibited at the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi.

GERMANY: VW Beetle miniature models

This miniature replica of the Volkswagen Old Beetle stands as an emblem of Germanys engineering prowess. It is a tribute to automotive innovation in Germany, which is home to iconic brands like Volkswagen and BMW.

Affectionately known as the Bug or Kafer in German, the Old Beetle made a rollicking mid-20th-century debut with its distinct design, affordability, and reliability. Representing a shift in mobility, it left an enduring mark on family memories across the world. This 1:18 scale diecast model is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, faithfully mirroring every curve and detail of the original. It serves as a symbol of innovation, a journey through time, and a nostalgic reflection of a bygone era.

ITALY: Belvedere Apollo

This bronze statuette crafted by Renaissance sculptor Jacopo Bonacolsi, depicts Apollo Belvedere. It is inspired by a Roman marble sculpture uncovered during the 15th century in central Italy. Once housed in the Vatican Palace and now within the Vatican Museum, it epitomizes the ideal of beauty from the Renaissance period through to the 18th century.

For several centuries, artists drew inspiration from this ideal portrayal of human body. The small size of Apollo reflects Bonacolsis endeavor to capture an intimate yearning for universal harmony, of which Apollo is considered the patron deity. The hallmark of Renaissance art is returning to antiquity and evoking universal harmony.

JAPAN: Nendoroid Hatsune Miku: Korin Kimono Version and Kosode (Garment with small wrist openings)

The Nendoroid Hatsune Miku figurine emerged from the Korin Kimono Restoration Project. Crypton Future Media INCs Hatsune Miku software turns melodies and lyrics into her voice, giving her immense global popularity. Beyond mascot duty, she stars in music and merchandise, even concerts.

This figurine is clad in a 300-year-old Korin Kimono that was designated as an important cultural property by the Japanese government in 1971. Tokyo National Museum and National Center for Cultural Properties launched the Korin Kimono Restoration in 2020, backed by a fundraiser that has yielded 16 million yen. Nendoroid Hatsune Mikus wide appeal is undeniable, bridging cultural heritage and modern fandom.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA: The Artisan-Crafted Hat, Gat and Headpiece, Jokduri

Korea, hailed as the land of hats, boasts an array of traditional headwear. The Gat refers to a black hat worn by men during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Rooted in ancient times and having undergone variations over time, the Gat has historically functioned as a marker of social status. The Jokduri is a formal womens headdress, with the extent of decoration varying depending on the context plain for rites, gem-encrusted black silk for weddings and so on.

The Jokduri embodies the dignity of Korean culture by gracefully integrating grace with splendor. Traditional Korean attire-including the Gat and Jokduri has acquired unprecedented global recognition through films and drama series. Korean pop culture has been taking noteworthy efforts to reimagine traditional techniques in modern idioms.

MEXICO: Sculpture of Duality: Quetzalcoatl (feathered serpent god) and Tlaltecuhtli (goddess of the earth)

This is a remarkable representation of two pivotal figures from Aztec mythology  Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent God, and Tlaltecuhtli, the earth Goddess. According to an ancient legend, the earth was created when the Gods brought down Goddess Tlaltecuhtli from heaven. Tlaltecuhtlis destructive tendencies led to divine punishment, as her body was torn apart to form the earth and the sky.

The intricate designs on the sculpture reveal the unknown artists exceptional skill, capturing the essence of creation. One side of the sculpture reveals Tlaltecuhtli, while the other depicts Quetzalcoatl, adorned with symbolic motifs reflecting growth and promise. The sculpture exemplifies the rich mythological heritage of the Aztec civilization.

RUSSIA: Traditional Khakass womens Dress, vest And Pogo

This is a traditional Khakass womans attire adorned with a pogo  a hemispherical embellishment on the wedding breastplate. Pogo features beads, buttons, pearls, and cowry shells, symbolizing fertility and prosperity in Khakass culture. Archaeological findings from the ancient Khakass region trace back the use of breastplate to the Bronze Age.

During the Middle Ages, Ymai, the goddess of fertility, gained reverence. Pogos symbol is interwoven with Khakass marriage rituals. The goddess image gracing the pogo is believed to bless unions and safeguard families. This female breastplate showcases Khakassias artistic and technological progress, reflecting cultural depth and the legacy of goddess-inspired customs.

SAUDI ARABIA: Tayma Stele with Aramaic Inscription

This 6th-century BCE Tayma Stele bears a ten-line Aramaic inscription and a striking religious tableau. It recounts the appointment of a priest in the temple of the god Salm, also mandating other temples to offer a harvest of twenty one palm trees to the same deity.

Tayma, situated about 264 kilometers Southeast of Tabuk, is a historic oasis renowned for abundant archaeological sites spanning prehistoric and Madinian eras. Relics from the 6th century BCE and early Islamic times, including inscriptions and artefacts, have been found in this region. Landmarks like the Great Wall, Al-Hamra Palace, Haddaj Well, Al-Ablaq Palace, and Al-Bujaidi Palace dot this historic landscape.

SOUTH AFRICA: A cast of Australopithecus Africanus (Mrs. Ples)

Australopithecus Africanus, known as Mrs. Ples, is one of the earliest hominins to be recorded in archaeological annals. Dr. Robert Broom discovered this specimen in 1947, and subsequently it was dated to over 2.5 million years ago.

The specimens prominence lies in its skull, with potential links to a juvenile skeleton nearby. In South Africa, Australopithecus encompasses the species of Australopithecus prometheus (Little Foot), Australopithecus Africanus (Mrs. Ples and Taung Child), Paranthropus Robustus, and Australopithecus Sediba (Karabo).

This dense paleontological heritage solidifies Africas position as the cradle of humanity. The words of esteemed paleoanthropologist Prof. Phillip Valentine Tobias encapsulate it: Africa gave the world humanity.

TURKIYE: Gobekli Tepe Stele

This is a modern glass replica of a T-shaped limestone pillar that supported some monumental megalithic structures in Upper Mesopotamia. These structures were built by communities that were negotiating the momentous Neolithic transition- from hunting-gathering to agricultural production.

The innovative designs embedded on the T-pillars attest to the presence of specialised craftsmen in this region. Adorned with totemic art  wild boars, vultures, geese  that is similar to the imagery found in other sites, these pillars reflect vibrant networks of socio-cultural exchange. Artefacts from sites like Gobekli Tepe are housed in the Sanlurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museums.

UNITED KINGDOM: Full-size colour reproduction of the entire original document, Magna Carta

The Magna Carta or the Great Charter is one of the most celebrated documents in the history of the United Kingdom. Although its original composition in 1215 had political undertones, the Magna Carta radically reconfigured the relationship between the king and his subjects, by establishing the rule of law.

The 1225 version of the Magna Carta- issued by Henry III- became its definitive version. It initially contained 63 clauses, and three persist in English law. One defends the liberties of the English church, another confirms the liberties of London and other towns, and the third, most significantly, gives all free men the right to justice and a free trial. Though many of its clauses are obsolete, the Magna Cartas enduring significance lies in its symbolic role  laying the groundwork for democracy in England.

USA: Tyranny of Mirrors

The Tyranny of Mirrors is a notable piece from the Codex series, initiated by New-York-based conceptual artist Sanford Biggers. Over the past two decades, this series has used antique quilts to spark cross-cultural conversations in the realm of contemporary art. In this painting, Biggers employs three-dimensional cubes that appear in motion, creating the illusion of tumbling blocks.

This is theorised as a metaphor for safe escape routes on the Underground Railroad, potentially enabling people to evade pursuers. This reflects the artists recognition of the strategic significance of quilts as signposts on the Underground Railroad, imbued with messages to guide people towards freedom. A diverse spectrum of references can be discerned in Biggers works, including jazz, astronomy, Buddhism, sacred geometry, mythology, and symbolism, among many others. His work, therefore, embodies beauty, precision, and open-ended contemplation, seamlessly weaving a tapestry of cultural elements from around the world.

BANGLADESH: Bust of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920-1975), also known as the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, was born on March 17, 1920, in Tungipara village, Faridpur district. The third child of Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Sayera Khatun, his parents fondly called him Khoka. He married Begum Fazilatunnesa at 18 and completed studies at Calcutta Islamia College. An unwavering advocate for Bengali interests, he founded the Awami League and championed the sixpoint movement in 1966. Arrested in the Agartala conspiracy case, he emerged stronger, triggering a mass uprising in 1969.

Dubbed Bangabandhu (Friend of the Bengalis), he led East Pakistans movement for autonomy. His historic March 7, 1971 speech marked a turning point, as he demanded emancipation and independence. Amid brutal crackdowns and refugee crises, he spearheaded Bangladeshs struggle for freedom. In 1972, he became the nations first President. Tragically, he was assassinated on August 15, 1975.

EGYPT: The Golden Mask and modern ceremonial chair of King Tutankhamun

King Tutankhamun became one of the most iconic figures in Egyptian history after the discovery of his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. The mask on display shows Tutankhamun resembling Osiris, the God of the afterlife. It was intended to protect the face and head of the mummy through a magic formula engraved on the back.

The golden throne, which was discovered in his tomb, shows both the king and the queen under the rays of the solar disk, decked in elaborate headdress and jewellery. This reflects the extravagance of royal life, as well as the pre-eminence of the sun god in the Egyptian pantheon. It also signifies the assumption of divine authority by the King. The mask and the throne reveal the stellar artistic and technical achievements of ancient Egyptians in the New Kingdom.

MAURITIUS: Ravann

Ravann is the core instrument in traditional Mauritian Sega. Sega is one of the major musical genres of Mauritius. It is historically intertwined with slavery, allowing oppressed individuals to convey their dehumanising experiences through collective expression. Crafted from wood, aloe leaf cords, tamarind berry glue, and goats skin, it embodies generations of Mauritian knowledge traditions. Its round shape features a heated, circular wooden piece called tour, that produces pulsating, captivating beats.

The Ravanns music acts as a unifying element, bridging diverse backgrounds and anchoring itself in Mauritius cultural legacy. Recognised on UNESCOs Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Ravann symbolises community resilience, thriving intergenerational heritage, and the enduring power of music.

NETHERLANDS: Zig-Zag Chair

This zig-zag chair was conceived by the renowned Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld (1888-1964). It embodies his pursuit of simplicity and accessibility, devoid of unnecessary adornments. Constructed from only four wooden planks, the chair impeccably merges form, function, and construction. Rietveld belonged to the Dutch De Stijl movement, advocating minimal colors to produce compelling, uncomplicated designs.

This ethos endures in modern Dutch design, recognized for its minimalist, innovative, and unconventional nature. Rooted in sustainability and an audacious sense of humor, Dutch design never fails to captivate the imagination. The iconic zig-zag chair exemplifies some transcendent principles that characterise the Dutch aesthetic tradition.

NIGERIA: Head of Queen Idia and Male Head from Ife

The Bronze Head of Queen Idia is a medieval Benin artifact, portraying Queen Idia, who supported her sons ascent to the Benin throne (1504-1550) through unwavering efforts.

The Ife Bronze Head, part of eighteen sculptures discovered in 1938 at Ife, challenges Western views on African art with its lifelike form, possibly depicting a Yoruba king from the 13th-14th century CE. The Ife Head was taken to the British museum a year after its finding.

OMAN: Soft stone box with narrative decoration

Featured here is a vessel in soft stone that was discovered last year in Wilayat Daba in Musandam Governorate in Oman. Soft stone, with its low index of hardiness, can be moulded easily into vessels. Dating to the time of Iron Age, this container could have formed a node in the larger trade network encompassing Southeast Asia, Southeast Arabia and the Gulf.

The container reflects the craftsmanship of Omani potters and artists who creatively integrated various motifs, patterns and designs inspired by daily life, folktales and mythology.

SINGAPORE: Different packagings of NEWater and NEWbrew

This display maps NEWaters impressive odyssey, propelling Singapores endeavours towards water sustainability. A 1974 pilot plant pioneered the transformation of wastewater into potable water. However, expenses and unproven reliability led authorities to explore the option of reclaiming drinking water using membrane technology.

In 2002, this high-grade water was named NEWater, and thereafter it became woven into Singapores social fabric. It earned the 2008 Global Water Award for Environmental Contribution of the Year. In 2018, NEWBrew, a craft beer brewed from NEWater was introduced. These innovations spotlight NEWaters role in Singapores water sustainability, serving as a global model. Furthermore, this Water Reclamation Plant and the National Environment Agencys Integrated Waste management facility will harness potential energy recovery from the water-energy-waste nexus.

ALSO READ | From Culture Corridor to Crafts Bazar: Unique Experiences for G20 Delegates at Bharat Mandapam

SPAIN: Abanicos (Hand Fans)

Spains G20 Digital Museum Culture Corridor contribution is the Disenar el aire (Designing Air) exhibit. It presents the iconic Spanish fan heritage, spotlighting exclusive designs by 16 acclaimed creators. This display reimagines traditional fans with innovative shapes and textures. Pioneering the fusion of design, craftsmanship, and fashion, it revitalises this ancient accessory through modern materials and technology.

Spanish fans, functional and artistic since the 16th century, had regional production centers including Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Malaga, and Seville. The fan symbolised Spanish femininity and the bourgeois culture in the Romantic era. In the 20th century, the fan transcended spaces and social classes. Since World War I, Valencia has led the global fan production. The Aldaia Fan Museum (MUPA) has collaborated in this initiative to revitalise Spanish fan design by uniting history with innovation.

UAE: Replica of a Horse Gold Bridle

This is a horse bridle from Mleiha in Sharjha Emirates, dating to the 1st-2nd century CE. It offers the earliest evidence of horses in Southeast Arabia, in the form of skeletal remains and a pictorial representation. Gold trappings were buried alongside camels, underlining the prosperity of this region.

Decorative circular discs, affixed with bronze rings, hint at foreign origins. These trappings, echoing affluence, illuminate robust economic exchanges and cultural ties among civilisations. The Golden Bridle and Trappings mirror UAEs contribution as a melting pot of various cultures since ancient times.
By Tomoyuki Tachikawa, KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2023 - 10:05 | All, Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet reshuffle, planned after attending ASEAN-related and Group of 20 summits, may be aimed at obtaining solid support from conservatives within his Liberal Democratic Party, analysts said.

Kishida is expected to revamp his Cabinet next Wednesday, at a time when China has lambasted Japan's discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, further straining their already fragile ties.

While trying to freshen up the image of his government to shore up his popularity, Kishida, known as a dovish moderate, has become eager to bolster his political foundation by offering key Cabinet posts to conservative LDP lawmakers who are known for their anti-China views.

If Kishida can enjoy backing from conservatives, who have traditionally put more emphasis on relations with the United States than on those with Communist-led China, he might be confident in calling a snap election later this year, sources close to him said.

"Kishida does not have strong leadership ability, but he has managed to maintain a balance in the allocation of posts and policy orientation to avoid criticism within the ruling party," said Shiro Sakaiya, a professor in Japanese politics at the University of Tokyo.

Other analysts said Kishida is likely to attempt to tap more hawkish lawmakers who are critical of China as Cabinet members.

On Aug. 24, Japan started releasing the treated water from the Fukushima nuclear complex despite harsh opposition from China. Immediately after the beginning of the discharge, Beijing retaliated by imposing a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports.

In China, anti-Japan sentiment has been on the rise since the water release. Over the past weeks, there has been a flood of nuisance phone calls that appeared to originate from China, along with online appeals to boycott Japanese products.

Japanese schools in China have experienced harassment, including incidents of stones and eggs being thrown onto their grounds. Despite Kishida's desire to mend ties with the neighboring country, anti-China sentiment has instead been mounting in Japan.

In November last year, Kishida agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping to seek "constructive and stable" bilateral relations at their meeting in Bangkok, the first face-to-face Sino-Japanese summit since December 2019.

During a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations-related and G-20 summits, Kishida, who embarked on a one-week trip to Indonesia and India from Tuesday, conveyed assurances to other leaders about the safety of the water discharge.

But he apparently failed to gain concessions on the issue from Premier Li Qiang, who participated in the gatherings as a representative of China.

Japan has criticized China's seafood ban, while Beijing has insisted the disposal of "nuclear-contaminated water" from the plant, which suffered meltdowns after the devastating March 2011 earthquake and ensuing tsunami, would harm the marine environment and human health.

Such a situation is reminiscent of the past, dating back to September 2012 when tensions between Tokyo and Beijing erupted after the Japanese government of then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda brought the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea under state control.

The group of uninhabited islets, called Diaoyu in Chinese, is administrated by Japan but claimed by China. The decision by Noda, predecessor of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, sparked anti-Japanese protests across China.

Following Tokyo's purchase of the Senkakus, a large number of Chinese people burned Japanese flags. Many Japanese living in China were forced to refrain from speaking their language in public.

In December 2012, Abe, known as a hawkish politician who pursued close ties with the United States, staged a comeback as Japan's premier. He adopted a hard-line approach against China, garnering support from conservative lawmakers within the ruling party.

With an eye on challenging China's expanding regional influence, Abe advocated a vision of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" to get closer to other democracies such as the United States and India, said Yoshihide Soeya, a professor emeritus of political science at Keio University in Tokyo.

Even after stepping down in 2020, Abe, who once was also prime minister for one year from 2006, became the head of the biggest faction within the LDP, retaining clout over the political arena until he was fatally shot during an election campaign speech in 2022.

Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, took a "tough posture" against China, which was "welcomed" by the Japanese electorate, an LDP lawmaker said.

Recently, Kishida has also concentrated on deepening security cooperation with the United States to counter China's military assertiveness while striving to improve relations with South Korea to tackle missile and nuclear weapon threats from North Korea.

In August, Kishida held a trilateral summit with U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The meeting took place at the U.S. presidential retreat of Camp David near Washington, with the three leaders pitching their rapport.

Kishida is certain to take a firmer position against China while strengthening Japan's ties with the United States and its other allies, believing that the move can be employed with the same political strategy as Abe, the lawmaker said.

Other pundits echoed the view, saying Kishida might try to utilize the envisioned Cabinet reshuffle as a window of opportunity to increase support from conservative lawmakers and voters before dissolving the House of Representatives in the near future.

Kishida, who took office in October 2021, has explored the best timing to win a general election to consolidate his political base, as he has been keen to be re-elected as LDP leader. The next LDP presidential race is scheduled in September 2024.

Japan's escalating tensions with China over the treated water being released from the Fukushima plant will probably give a boost to support for Kishida at home, given the growing backlash against Beijing's aggressive behavior, the pundits said.

Skepticism, however, is rife about whether the Cabinet reshuffle will help the Kishida government to regain popularity, with opposition parties bashing his lackluster policies.

If Kishida "fundamentally reflects on and reconsiders the policies of his administration, I have expectations" for the Cabinet reshuffle, said Akira Koike, head of the secretariat of the Japanese Communist Party, adding, "Otherwise, I do not have much hope."

Approval ratings for Kishida's Cabinet have continued to slip against a backdrop of the Fukushima water discharge and a spate of registration errors and other administrative troubles over the "My Number" national identification card system.

Related coverage:

Japan PM Kishida plans to reshuffle Cabinet on Sept. 13

Toshimitsu Motegi,Taro Aso likely to be retained in LDP executive reshuffle
Hailing Indias presidency of the G20 Summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva termed the Delhi declaration a victory for the organisers. The Brazilian President also expressed disappointment over his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping not attending the summit in New Delhi and said the geopolitical issues should not have hijacked the discussions.

In an exclusive interview with Firstposts Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Lula Da Silva said he will take lessons from India and implement them in Brazil next year.

Brazil assumed the presidency of the bloc of emerging and developed economies from India on Sunday. The next summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.

I am not aware of the litigation that happened between India and China. I am not aware of the conflict between the two countries. If I were the Chinese President, I would not have skipped the G20 meeting in India. It is very important to participate in this forum to have direct contact with leaders and have bilateral meetings to discuss the interests of your country. I regret the Chinese president did not come, he said.

Hailing the Delhi declaration, President Lula said that Indias agenda was comprehensive, and it has shown a new way to the world.

The Delhi Declaration is a win for the organisers- India. The G20 arrangements in New Delhi are very good, we will take lessons and implement them in Brazil next year, the Brazilian president said.

The G20 bloc was divided on the war in Ukraine and a consensus on the New Delhi Declaration could be reached only after diluting the references to the conflict. The G20 declaration stopped short of criticising Russia and only denounced the use of force for territorial gain.

India is a country that is rising.I am very optimistic with the growth of India.  Lula da SilvaPresident of Brazil pic.twitter.com/jjmQvggDE6  BJP (@BJP4India) September 10, 2023

He further said that he will go to Russia for the BRICS summit next year and also invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the G20 summit in Brazil next year. Theres no way hell be arrested in my country, he added.

Later today, while addressing the closing ceremony of the G20 Summit in Delhi, Lula said the bloc was not interested in a divided G20 and the challenges of the day could be faced only through joint action.

Geopolitical issues should not hijack the discussions at G20, Lula da Silva said after assuming the presidency of the bloc. We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict, he said soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the G20 presidency to him.

The path that will take us from New Delhi to Rio de Janeiro will require lot of dedication and commitment from everyone, Lula said.

He said the Brazilian presidency will hold G20 meetings in cities in each of the five regions of the South American country.
Was Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau snubbed in India, where he arrived for the G20 summit in New Delhi?

ALSO READ | PM Modis Tough Talk on Khalistanis, Justin Trudeaus Interference Claims | A Low for India-Canada Ties

The Canadian media and X, previously Twitter, were abuzz with such claims. Heres why.

NO BILATERAL MEETING: ANTI-INDIA ACTIVITIES OF EXTREMIST ELEMENTS IN CANADA CONCERNING, PM MODI TELLS TRUDEAU

As Trudeau headed to India for G20, addressing the media in Singapore, he had said he would raise the issue of foreign interference" in internal affairs with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India has maintained that there has been no interference and that it has only raised concerns over Khalistani extremism being fostered in Canada. In the recent past, the Indian Mission has been threatened with death and targeted in several pro-Khalistan rallies in Canada.

However, there was no formal bilateral meeting between Modi and Trudeau.

ALSO READ | What is a Demarche that the Indian Govt Has Issued to Canada Over Pro-Khalistani Activities?

Instead, Modi and Trudeau engaged in pull-aside talks. The decision was taken amid Indias concerns over growing Khalistan extremism in Canada. The Khalistan issue will come up in the talks. A pull aside is an informal meeting, a step down from a bilateral meeting, which can happen even in hallways.

According to sources, Trudeau has not been participating much in multi-lateral meetings and has not been given much coverage.

The statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs after their meeting stated: Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister on the success of Indias G20 Presidency. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties. He conveyed our strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship. The nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats. Prime Minister also mentioned that a relationship based on mutual respect and trust is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship."



NO POST WELCOMING TRUDEAU ON ARRIVAL

While Modi, through his account on X, posted messages welcoming US president Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, among others, there was no post welcoming Trudeau.

Welcome @RishiSunak! Looking forward to a fruitful Summit where we can work together for a better planet. https://t.co/xYYq9a9E0m Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2023

Happy to have welcomed @POTUS @JoeBiden to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Our meeting was very productive. We were able to discuss numerous topics which will further economic and people-to-people linkages between India and USA. The friendship between our nations will continue to play a pic.twitter.com/Yg1tz9kGwQ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2023

CANADAs UNEXPECTED PAUSE ON TRADE TREATY

On September 1, days ahead of the visit, Canada unexpectedly said it had paused talks on a proposed trade treaty with India, just three months after the two nations said they aimed to seal an initial agreement this year. Canada and India have been talking off and on since 2010 about a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. The talks were formally relaunched last year.

Trade negotiations are long, complex processes. And weve paused to take stock of where we are," Reuters quoted a government official telling reporters ahead of the New Delhi trip.

ALSO READ | Pro-Khalistani Groups Protest Outside Indian Missions in London, Canada; Controversial Posters Displayed

Indias envoy to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, had told the Canadian Press that Ottawa had sought a pause within the last month", but had not explained why.

India and Canada said in May they aimed to seal an initial agreement this year to increase trade and expand investment while setting out a mechanism to deal with disputes.

Inputs from Agencies
Vijayawada ACB court on Sunday sent Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief N Chandrababu Naidu to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with the alleged skill development scam. The court further reserved an order on the plea seeking house arrest of the TDP chief.

The order on house arrest will be pronounced by the ACB court tomorrow. A judge had earlier dismissed Naidus bail plea calling the non-bailable section as untenable.

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the Skill Development Corporation scam on Saturday.

Naidu will be taken to the SIT office in Vijayawada first and moved to Rajahmundry jail early Monday morning. Section 144 has been imposed in Mangalagiri and Rajahmundry till September 12.

Naidus legal team is likely to move to the High Court challenging the ACB courts order alleging illegal arrest.

Earlier today, the legal team said a copy of the judgment copy is awaited and if allowed today then they will move for his bail in the ACB court today itself.

Reacting to the judgement, YSRCP General Secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said this 14-day remand for Chandrababu Naidu is proof that the CID produced clinching evidence in the Skill Development Scam.

The TDP chief will have to face due procedure as per law. This is routine for anyone who is accused of a crime related to corruption. Had Naidu, his son Lokesh and his politically adopted son Pawan Kalyan not done so much drama, the issue would not have become so sensational. However, we are sure that given the strength of the evidence, all charges will be proved in due course, he added.

While talking to CNN-News18 ahead of the judgement, the TDP chiefs legal team claimed that there was no non-bailable warrant against N Chandrababu Naidu. The arrest was illegal, his team further alleged.

Several cases have been registered against Naidu under sections 120(b), 166, 167, 418, 420, 465, 468, 201, and 109, along with 34 and 37 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 have also been invoked against him.

TDP Calls for State-wide Bandh Tomorrow

TDP has called for a statewide bandh on September 11 to protest against the arrest of party chief N Chandrababu Naidu in connection with a misappropriation of government funds case.

The Telugu Desam Party has called for a statewide bandh tomorrow, Monday (September 11) in protest against the illegal arrest of Nara Chandrababu Naidu, atrocities on the party cadre, and vengeful politics, a press release from the party said.
A 20-year-old man was thrashed and stabbed to death allegedly by a group of juveniles in south Delhis Sangam Vihar area, police said on Sunday. Police have apprehended eight minors in connection with the incident.

The victim was identified as Dilshad, a resident of Sangam Vihar. He was killed over an argument that took place a year ago which resulted in personal enmities between the two parties, police said.

Police said the CCTV footage of the incident helped them track all the accused. In the footage that has surfaced on social media, the juveniles can be seen overpowering the victim and beating him up brutally when he tries to escape.

They also stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the spot as onlookers watched the man being murdered. We had received a PCR call on Saturday around 7.30 pm that some people attacked and stabbed a man near Tughlakabad extension in Sangam Vihar area. A police team was rushed to the crime scene and hospital, a senior police officer said.

Police said the victim was on a ventilator support with multiple stab injuries on the chest and other body parts. He was later admitted to the Safdarjung hospital and was declared unfit for statement. Initially our teams registered an FIR and started an investigation into the matter. On Sunday, the victim died during treatment, the officer added.

During investigation, the crime team inspected the CCTV footage and with the help of local sources they identified all the accused. We apprehended eight accused who are minors. During their interrogation, we came to know that an altercation followed by a fight had taken place near Jat Dharamshala about a year ago between the accused and the victim, which led to his murder. We have recovered the knife used in the murder, the officer said.
As he concluded the historic G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reinterred the need for the expansion of UN Security Council and reforms in global institutions to reflect the worlds new realities.

This comes as Modi handed over the customary gavel of the G20 chair to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, marking the ceremonial transfer.

Modi extended full support to Brazil and expressed confidence that its presidency will take forward the shared goals of the G20 bloc.

Echoing the same remarks, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also said the UN Security Council needs new developing countries as permanent and non-permanent members to regain political strength and greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund(IMF).

PM Modis Concluding Remarks at G20 Summit

As he spoke in his concluding speech, PM Modi proposed a virtual session of the G20 around the end of November to take stock of the suggestions nd decisions made by leaders here.

The prime minister declared the summit closed, and cited a Sanskrit shloka to pray for hope and peace in the entire world.

Productive discussions at the G20 Summit for a better planet pic.twitter.com/rNSOOHpB5L Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

Ukraine-Russia factor

During the course of the two-day summit, India achieved 100 per cent consensus on developmental and geo-political issues in the New Delhi Declaration, which avoided mentioning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and made a general call to all states to follow the principle of respecting each others territorial integrity and sovereignty.

One Future Summit

G20 on Sunday saw its third and final session One Future and addressing it, PM Modi said it is necessary the global bodies should reflect the new realities to lead the world towards a better future.

In order to take the world towards a better future, it is necessary that the global systems are according to the present realities. Today, the United Nations Security Council is also an example of this, Modi said.

When the UN was established, the world was completely different from what it is today. At that time there were 51 founding members in the UN. Today the number of countries included in the UN is around 200, Modi added.

Despite this, the number of permanent members in the UNSC remains the same. The world has since changed a lot in every aspect. Be it transport, communication, health and education, every sector has been transformed. These new realities should reflect in our new global structure.

The UNSC has five permanent membersthe US, China, France, Britain and Russia.

Pitching for reforms, Modi said this was why a historic initiative was made on Saturday by granting the 55-nation African Union(AU) permanent membership of the G20.

World Leaders Hail PM Modis Leadership at Summit

Amid this, world leaders hailed PM Modi for his decisive leadership and for championing the voice of the Global South.

US President Joe Biden said the New Delhi summit has proven that the grouping can still drive solutions to its most pressing issues.

Taking to X (formally Twitter), Biden made these remarks in Vietnam after he and several other G20 leaders paid homage at Mahatma Gandhis memorial Rajghat in the morning.

At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues, Biden said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters that the G20 Summit under Indias presidency was a breakthrough conclave in many ways as its outcomes showed a path to the world to move forward on a range of challenges and demonstrated the strength and importance of the Global South.

After a luncheon meeting with Prime Minister Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron said considering the current fragmented environment, India has done well as G20 president.

A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress. pic.twitter.com/JDugC3995N Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

India did its best to send across a message of unity and peace to the world while Russia was still waging its aggression against Ukraine, he told reporters.

Macron also said a vast majority of G20 countries condemned the Russian invasion but G20 should not get stuck because of one issue.

Uma excelente reuniao com o Presidente @LulaOficial. Os lacos entre a India e o Brasil estao muito fortes. Falamos sobre formas de estimular o comercio e a cooperacao na agricultura, tecnologia e muito mais. Tambem transmiti os meus melhores votos para a proxima presidencia do pic.twitter.com/YTxwaz690Q Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that at the summit the leaders have successfully engaged in a new interaction between the North and the South.

Under Indias leadership, we have demonstrated that we can come together, at a time when it really matters, a source quoted British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as saying at one of the summit meetings.

During the summit, while Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hailed PM Modi for providing great leadership of the G20, Lavrov called for strengthening G20 cooperation based on the foundation created by the Indian presidency, sources said.

Turkiye President Erdogan hoped that the summit will be a blessing for the only world we have.

Leaders Praise Inclusion of African Union(AU)

Several leaders praised the prime minister for championing the voice of the Global South and hailed, in a unanimous voice, the key decision to make the African Union(AU) a member of the G20 grouping, according to sources. The AU being granted permanent membership was a milestone for Indias presidency.

Hailing Modi, President Biden was quoted as saying, The African Union is a critical partner. You (Modi) are bringing us together, keeping us together, reminding us that we have the capacity to tackle challenges together. At his press briefing, Lavrov said India played an important role in preventing the West from taking forward their approach on many issues, including Ukraine.

It was an honor to visit the Raj Ghat Memorial today, and lay a wreath with my fellow G20 leaders.Mahatma Gandhis message of non-violence, respect, and truth matters today more than ever  may it continue to inspire the world and be the basis of the bond between our countries. pic.twitter.com/GVL3kOUTKC  President Biden (@POTUS) September 10, 2023

It is a breakthrough summit in many ways. It provides us a way forward to move ahead in many issues. Lavrov also noted that the Delhi summit provided a direction towards fairness in global governance and global finance as well.

I want to express my gratitude to India for preventing attempts to politicise the G20, he said, adding the West will not be able to remain a hegemony as we see new centres of power coming up in the world.

During the G20 sessions an bilateral meetings, several leaders also lauded Prime Minister Modis efforts to tackle climate change and extended support to his initiatives, sources said.

Addressing the closing ceremony, President Lula said geopolitical issues should not hijack the discussions at G2O and that the bloc was not interested in a divided G20 and the challenges of the day could be faced only through joint action.

We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict. The next summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in November 2024.

With Agency Inputs
The lavish G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday at Delhis Bharat Mandapam got top leaders of the world and India under the same roof as countrys time-honoured tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava with the best of our cuisine was offered to the guests.

From US President Joe Biden to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to Indias chief ministers and other prominent figures, G20 dinner guests enjoyed a grand spread that promoted Indias millets and more of countrys diverse culinary tradition.

G20 Summit LIVE Updates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared moments from the G20 dinner, in which he was seen with Joe Biden, Japans Fumio Kishida among other leaders and with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after a long time.

Nitish Kumars JDU and BJP were allies in Bihar before the former parted ways and formed a new government in the state with RJD, Congress and some other parties.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

More pictures from the G20 dinner surfaced on Monday, showing candid moments between the top leaders. See below:

The delicacies served to the guests included dishes made from Shree Anna (millets)  considered as super foods  and Kashmiri Kahwa, according to the dinners menu which reflected Indias diverse culinary tradition.

In a post on microblogging platform X, President Murmu said it was a pleasure to host the heads of delegations of the G20 nations, guest countries and international organisations at the magnificent Bharat Mandapam for the G20 Summit gala dinner.

ALSO READ: Kashmiri Kahwa to Kerala Red Rice: G20 Leaders Relish Indian Food With Music At Dinner Hosted by Prez

Experiencing our time-honoured tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava, I am sure that our distinguished guests are enjoying the best of Indian culture, cuisine and hospitality during their stay with us, as we work together for a better future, she said and shared pictures with some G20 guests.

It was a pleasure to host the Heads of delegations of G20 nations, Guest countries and International Organisations at the magnificent Bharat Mandapam for the G20 Summit Gala Dinner. pic.twitter.com/QKPdHVS6LU President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 9, 2023

President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi welcomed the world leaders and other guests before the start of the dinner from the reception dais, whose backdrop showcased the ruins of the Nalanda University in Bihar besides Indias G20 presidency theme  Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam  One Earth, One Family, One Future.

The ruins of the Nalanda university, one of the oldest educational institutions of the world, is a UNESCO world heritage site.

President Murmu and PM Modi received Biden and exchanged greetings briefly on the dais. They also interacted with Sunak, who was accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty.

Thank you for the kind words. It is an honor to host the G20 summit. Our efforts are a testament to the collective spirit of unity and progress. https://t.co/K862dDbvFd Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2023

Many guests posted pictures from the G20 dinner, thanking PM Modi and President Murmu for the invite.

What Was On The Menu

The all-vegetarian dinner menu showcased medley of traditions, customs and climate that makes Bharat diverse in many ways. Taste connects us. We celebrate Sharad Ritu, the autumn season of abundance in this menu. It showcases the wealth of ingredients across Bharat, expressing our rich culinary heritage in a modern mosaic dedicated to the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam  One Earth, One Family, One Future, read the menu paper of the dinner.

To give the taste of millets grown across India a few dishes in the menu included different types of millets, namely: Foxtail millet (in Paatram), Little millet (in Vanavarnam) and Barnyard millet (in Madhurima).

-Starter: Paatram A breath of fresh air  Foxtail millet leaf crisps topped with a yoghurt sphere and spiced chutney.

PHOTOS | Menu of the G20 special dinner being hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Bharat Mandapam.#G20India2023 #G20SummitDelhi #G20India pic.twitter.com/gBrWoolJ2D Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 9, 2023

-Main course: Vanavarnam Strength from the soil  jackfruit galette served with glazed forest mushrooms, little millet crisps and curry leaf tossed Kerala red rice.

-Indian breads: Mumbai Pao (onion seed flavoured soft bun) and Bakarkhani (cardamom-flavoured sweet flat bread).

-Dessert: Madhurima Pot of gold (cardamom-scented barnyard millet pudding, fig-peach compote and ambemohar rice crisps).

-Beverages: Kashmiri Kahwa, filter coffee and Darjeeling tea.

Nearly 300 guests, including heads of states and those invited by the Indian government, attended the dinner.
A driver in US President Joe Bidens convoy was reportedly detained in New Delhi on Saturday for negligent driving. Reports stated that he was later freed after questioning.

A report in India Today quoted sources as saying that the incident happened after one of the cars from the American Presidents convoy entered the Taj Hotel, where the President of the UAE, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was staying, as the G20 Summit is underway.

The driver was reportedly not aware of the protocol. During questioning, he said that he was supposed to arrive at the ITC Maurya, where Biden was staying, at 9.30 am.

The driver, however, arrived at the Taj as he had to drop a businessman, whom he had picked up from the Lodhi Estate area, at the Taj, the India Today report stated, adding that the security officers at the spot had flashed a message as the car bore several stickers.

Biden Leaves for Vietnam

Joe Biden left for Vietnam after he and several other G20 leaders paid homage at Mahatma Gandhis memorial Rajghat in New Delhi on Sunday morning.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | US President Joe Biden departs from Delhi to Vietnam, after concluding the G20 Summit, earlier visuals. pic.twitter.com/gsAG0m5GwX ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

On his first visit to India as the US President, Biden arrived in the national capital on Friday to attend the two-day G20 summit and held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the same day.

In their over 50-minute talks, Modi and Biden vowed to deepen and diversify the bilateral major defence partnership while welcoming forward movement in Indias procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines. Biden also participated in key sessions of the G20 Summit on Saturday.

The US President flew to a Vietnam thats looking to dramatically ramp up trade with the United States  a sign of how competition with China is reshaping relationships across Asia.

The president has made it a point of pride that Vietnam is elevating the United States to the status of being a comprehensive strategic partner. Other countries that Vietnam has extended this designation to include China and Russia.

With Chinas own economic slowdown and Chinese President Xi Jinpings consolidation of political power, Biden sees an opportunity to bring more nations  including Vietnam and Cambodia  into Americas orbit.

(With inputs from PTI & Reuters)
As the G20 Summit came to a close, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could not leave New Delhi at his scheduled time, as his plane suffered from a technical snag on Sunday evening.

Due to this, the Canadian delegation might stay in India till the engineering team on ground rectifies the issue, the Delhi Airport officials told news agency ANI.

Trudeau was in Delhi to attend the two-day G20 Summit, which saw three sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with the announcement of New Delhi Declaration, and the launch of India- Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor.

While in the national capital, Trudeau met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the Summit, and congratulated him on the success of Indias G2O Presidency.

Prime Minister highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties. PM Modi also conveyed strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.

They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship, a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats, it added.

Prime Minister also mentioned that a relationship based on mutual respect and trust is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship.
As the historic G20 Summit came to an end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over the customary gavel of the G20 chair to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, marking the ceremonial transfer.

The current host also proposed a virtual summit by November to take stock of initiatives taken during the Indian Presidency.

Prime Minister Modi extended full support to Brazil and expressed confidence that its presidency will take forward the shared goals of the G20 bloc.

India passes the gavel to Brazil.We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial pic.twitter.com/twaN577XZv  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity, Modi said.

Lets see the process of G20 Presidency getting transferred

Brazil will formally assume the G20 Presidency on December 1 this year.

The presidency will be transferred on the night of November 30, when the passwords of all domain and sites would be handed over to Brazil.

Post this, Brazil will be responsible for controlling websites, social media platforms and all domains of the G20.

Apart from this, the Indian government is planning a P20 ( Parliament 20) on October 14 and 15 tentatively in the New Parliament Building where delegates from G20 countries will participate. This is to showcase parliamentary democracy of India.

India will also have a virtual session which PM Modi has announced on Saturday, and it is planning to create a digital archive of the entire summit.

The next Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.

What did Brazil say?

Addressing the closing ceremony of the G20 Summit here, Lula said the bloc was not interested in a divided G20 and the challenges of the day could be faced only through joint action.

We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict, he said soon after Prime Minister Modi passed on the gavel to him.
A convict serving death sentence in a 2016 case of rape and murder of a minor girl at Kopardi in Maharashtra was found hanging in his cell at the Yerwada Central Jail in Pune on Sunday morning, police said.

Initial findings suggest it to be a case of suicide, they said, adding the convict, identified as Jitendra Babulal Shinde (32), was undergoing psychiatric treatment.

The man appeared to have used towel strips to hang himself from an iron bar above the door of his cell in the jail, a police official said.

According to the police, a prison guard found Shinde hanging in his cell and alerted the other guards.

The prisoner was taken for a medical examination where he was declared dead, an official from Yerawada police station said.

In 2017, a sessions court in Ahmednagar district sentenced three men, including Shinde, to death for the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Kopardi village of the district in 2016.

The victim, who belonged to the Maratha community, was found murdered after being raped on July 13, 2016 in Kopardi village.

The accused had inflicted injuries all over her body and broken her limbs before throttling her, police earlier said.

The incident had triggered widespread protests from the Maratha community, who took out marches across the state over it.

The other two convicts in the case are Santosh Gorakh Bhawal and Nitin Gopinath Bhailume.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2023 - 22:30 | All, Japan, World

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

----------

Japan PM secures understanding on Fukushima water at G-20 summit

NEW DELHI - The Group of 20 leaders ended their two-day summit on Sunday, with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressing that he has secured the understanding of other nations on the safety of the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.

While China has claimed the water discharge into the sea will harm the maritime environment and human health, Kishida said at a press conference after the conclusion of the summit in New Delhi that Tokyo will make efforts to build "stable" relations with Beijing.

----------

Japan open Rugby World Cup campaign with 42-12 win over Chile

TOULOUSE, France - Japan opened their Rugby World Cup campaign with a 42-12 win over debutants Chile in front of a packed house at Stadium de Toulouse on Sunday.

Playing under a blazing afternoon sun, the Brave Blossoms put aside the pre-match loss of captain Kazuki Himeno with a calf injury to grind out the win.

----------

FOCUS: Japan PM Kishida may seek conservative support by reshuffling Cabinet

NEW DELHI - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet reshuffle, planned after attending ASEAN-related and Group of 20 summits, may be aimed at obtaining solid support from conservatives within his Liberal Democratic Party, analysts said.

Kishida is expected to revamp his Cabinet next Wednesday, at a time when China has lambasted Japan's discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, further straining their already fragile ties.

----------

Japan's Ryusuke Hamaguchi wins runner-up Grand Jury Prize at Venice

VENICE - Oscar-winning Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi's "Evil Does Not Exist" won the runner-up Grand Jury Prize award on Saturday at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.

With his latest feat, he follows in the footsteps of renowned director Akira Kurosawa, who also bagged awards at all of the top three prestigious film festivals in Venice, Berlin and Cannes, as well as at the Oscars in the United States.

----------

Kishida, Yoon agree to keep working to expand bilateral ties

NEW DELHI - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed Sunday with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol that their countries will continue to work together to deepen bilateral relations, the government said.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, Kishida also told Yoon that Tokyo hopes Seoul will play a role this year as the chair of trilateral talks, including China, according to the Japanese government.

----------

Morocco quake death toll rises to over 2,000

MARRAKECH, Morocco - The death toll from Friday's magnitude 6.8 quake in Morocco has reached 2,012 with another 2,059 injured, the country's Interior Ministry said.

Of the injured, 1,404 were seriously hurt, the government said Saturday, as military personnel and ambulance staff continued rescue operations in the central part of the North African country.

----------

Myanmar envoy to U.N. calls for more pressure on homeland's junta

NEW YORK - The head of Myanmar's delegation to the United Nations has called for further actions to stop "military atrocities" by the military-led government in his homeland, in response to ASEAN's condemnation of the junta following its summit earlier this month.

"To be very frank, it does still not meet our expectations," Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said in a recent interview with Kyodo News, referring to the latest statement on Myanmar by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

----------

Japan foreign minister makes unannounced Ukraine visit, vows support

KYIV - Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi made an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Saturday, vowing to bolster support for the Eastern European nation's efforts to defend against the ongoing Russian invasion as well as its recovery.

It is the first Ukraine visit by Japan's top diplomat since Moscow launched the war in February 2022. All other Group of Seven member nations had sent their foreign ministers to Ukraine since the invasion, making Japan the last to do so.

----------

Sumo: Hoshoryu makes winning start as ozeki at Autumn meet

TOKYO - Newly promoted Hoshoryu won his first bout as an ozeki Sunday at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, where the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament got under way in the absence of sole yokozuna Terunofuji

Hoshoryu was too strong for No. 2 maegashira Abi, but it was not plain sailing for the other ozeki on the opening day, with Takakeisho suffering an upset loss to No. 1 Hokutofuji and Kirishima winning a difficult encounter against komusubi Tobizaru.

----------

Video: Paddleout marks one month since Maui wildfire disaster
Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked tough in his meeting with Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday, telling him in clear terms that continuing anti-India activities in Canada are an issue of strong concern".

ALSO READ | Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Snubbed in India? No G20 Bilateral Meet, Just A Pull Aside. Heres Why

This came after India virtually gave a cold shoulder to Trudeau during the G20 Summit, following repeated provocative incidents in Canada by Khalistani elements, while Canada continued to maintain that it would protect the right of peaceful protests" in its country by the Indian diaspora.

Trudeau only got a pull-aside meet with PM Modi, while many of the other countries had detailed bilateral meetings.

The Canadian PM later upped the ante saying he raised the issue of interference of India in Canadas affairs" with PM Modi during their pull-aside meet.

SHOULD BE A CONCERN FOR CANADA AS WELL: INDIAS STATEMENT

The Indian statement said Modi conveyed Indias strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship," Indias statement said.

ALSO READ | What is a Demarche that the Indian Govt Has Issued to Canada Over Pro-Khalistani Activities?

It added that the nexus of such forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well" and both the countries must cooperate in dealing with such threats.

Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors. pic.twitter.com/iP9fsILWac Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

ACTIONS OF A FEW DO NOT REPRESENT THE COMMUNITY: TRUDEAUS STATEMENT

However, this does not seem to have made Trudeau see sense as he later told the international media that he had discussed the rule of law with Modi on the issue of Khalistani protests and also the issue of interference of India in Canadas affairs". Trudeau confirmed that both the issues came up.

Canada will always defend freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful protests. That is extremely important. We are always there to prevent violence and push back hatred. Actions of a few do not represent the entire community to Canada," the Canada PM said.

ALSO READ | Pro-Khalistani Groups Protest Outside Indian Missions in London, Canada; Controversial Posters Displayed

What would further anger India was Trudeaus statement to the media that he also raised the issue of Indias interference in Canadian affairs as pointed out by intelligence agencies of Canada. We did talk about foreign interference. Diaspora Canadians make up a huge proportion of our country and they should be able to express themselves and make their choices without interference from any of the foreign countries," Trudeau said. These claims of Canada are in reference to the killing of certain Khalistani elements in Canada which are being linked to India.



FALSE, MOTIVATED CLAIMS: INDIAN GOVT SOURCES

Indian government sources described these claims of Canada as false" and motivated" and said Canada should instead work on stopping anti-India" activities from its soil.

ALSO READ | No Place For: Canadian Envoy Appalled as Khalistani Parade Shows Indira Gandhis Assassination

PM Modi posted no welcome note on X for Trudeau and the latter also skipped one of the multi-lateral events. Trudeau was also missing from the stage during some key announcements during the G20 summit in Delhi.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his businesswoman-wife Akshata Murty have been setting couple goals since they landed in New Delhi on Friday for the G20 Summit. After their viral tie-fixing picture, the couples photos from Sundays Akshardham Temple visit are receiving appreciation.

Welcomed at the temple in traditional Hindu manner, Sunak and Murty were seen doing aarti at the temple. They also performed abhishek (ritual pouring of water) on the murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, and offered prayers for world peace, progress and harmony.

My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being. This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also portrays Indias values, culture and contributions to the world, Sunak said in a statement.

As soon as the pictures were shared on social media, netizens couldnt help but comment WOW with heart-shaped eyes and hug emojis. Best photos of this G20 summit. UK PM is proud of his religion, an X (formerly known as Twitter) user posted.

One X user went ahead and quoted a dialogue from the popular Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. London mein rehne se, wahan padhne likhne se, main apne sanskaar nahi bhuli aur yeh tum mat bhulna  Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [2023], he wrote.

The Hindi dialogue roughly translates to: I did not forget my culture and traditions despite staying and studying in London. And you must note it.

Some even used the opportunity to attack Tamil Nadu CMs son Udhayanidhi Stalin over his eradicate Sanatan Dharam comment. The world is accepting the power of Sanatan Dharma today, while corrupt leaders in India, like Udhayanidhi Stalin, are trying to end it, another person posted on X.

Another user went aww over Sunak and Murty holding an umbrella amid the rain at Akshardham. Delhi witnessed heavy downpour early in the morning when the UK PM was on his way to the temple.

Besides Indians, swamis at Akshardham too praised Rishi Sunak. Brahmavihari Swami, the senior swami of the sanstha said, Despite the inclement weather conditions, the Prime Minister dedicated almost one hour to partake in the act of darshan and prayer at the temple.

He added that the UKs relationship with India is built on a bond of friendship and fostered by cultural exchanges as well as a vibrant Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom.

Another Viral Photo of Rishi Sunak & Akshara Murty

A photo of Sunak and Murty, giving a glimpse into their personal life, went viral on Friday. A picture that captured a candid moment between the couple showed the First Lady of the United Kingdom fixing her husbands tie before deboarding the plane.

The arrival pictures of the couple showed Sunak wearing a black suit with an orange tie, while Akshata Murty wore a plain white shirt along with a colourful, floral skirt.

Sasural a Gaye sirwelcome to India, a user posted on Instagram with a heart emoji. Welcome damaad ji (son-in-law), another netizen said. Others commented, Welcome to Bharat.

Sunaks parents, both of Indian origin, came to the United Kingdom from east Africa. His grandparents are reportedly from Punjab. UKs first lady, Akshata Murty is the daughter of Indias billionaire Narayana Murthy. The couple got married in 2009.

ALSO READ | My Daughter Made Her Husband PM: Sudha Murty on Rishi Sunaks Quick Accession to Power

Earlier this year, Sunaks mother-in-law, Sudha Murty, credited her daughter for the UK PMs meteoric ascent to power. In a video circulating online, Sudha Murthy was heard saying that Akshata made her husband a Prime Minister
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 each year. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, its prevention, and providing support to those affected by it. Every year, over 800,000 people die by suicide. There are many signs that someone may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. These signs include talking about suicide, feeling hopeless or worthless, withdrawing from friends and family, and making changes in their behaviour, such as giving away possessions.

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF STRUGGLE

Recognizing signs of struggle in individuals can be crucial for suicide prevention. Here are some important inputs and signs to consider on World Suicide Prevention Day:

1. CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR

Social Withdrawal: Someone who used to be outgoing and suddenly becomes isolated or withdraws from friends and family.

Drastic Mood Swings: Frequent and extreme shifts in mood, such as going from very sad to extremely calm or happy.

2. VERBAL CLUES

Expressions of Hopelessness: Statements like I cant go on or I wish I were dead.

Talking About Suicide: Direct or indirect mentions of suicide, death, or a desire to end their life.

3. BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES

Increased Risk-Taking: Engaging in reckless behavior, substance abuse, or dangerous activities.

Giving Away Possessions: A sudden desire to give away belongings or settle affairs.

4. EMOTIONAL SIGNS

Overwhelming Sadness: Prolonged and intense sadness or despair.

Irritability: Becoming easily agitated, angry, or irritable, often without apparent reason.

5. CHANGES IN ROUTINE

Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleep.

Appetite Changes: Significant weight gain or loss due to changes in eating habits.

6. ISOLATION

Withdrawal from Relationships: Avoiding friends, family, and social activities.

Lack of Interest: Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies or activities.

7. EXPRESSIONS OF FEELING TRAPPED

Feeling Stuck: Saying they feel trapped in their life circumstances or that theres no way out.

8. MAKING FINAL ARRANGEMENTS

Sudden Planning: Planning for their funeral, writing a will, or making other end-of-life arrangements.

9. SELF-HARM

Self-Destructive Behaviour: Engaging in self-harming behaviours, such as cutting or burning.

10. GIVING WARNING SIGNS

Reaching Out: Sometimes, individuals may reach out to others, seeking help or expressing their distress.

Additionally, many people who are struggling may not explicitly express their feelings. Therefore, its crucial to maintain open and empathetic communication with friends, family, and colleagues and to take any signs of distress seriously.

If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, please seek professional help or contact emergency services immediately.

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY: 10 FACTS

Approximately 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year, making it a leading cause of death. Suicide rates are highest among those aged 15-29. For every completed suicide, there may be 25 or more attempted suicides. Mental health disorders, substance abuse, and a history of self-harm are risk factors for suicide. Many suicides are impulsive acts, and timely intervention can prevent them. Talking openly about suicide and providing a non-judgmental space for discussion can be crucial. Access to lethal means (e.g., firearms) increases the risk of suicide. LGBTQ+ individuals may be at higher risk of suicidal ideation and attempts due to discrimination and stigma. Effective suicide prevention strategies include community awareness, mental health services, and crisis helplines. Preventing suicide is everyones responsibility, and we can all play a role in supporting those in need.

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY 2023 THEME

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Creating Hope Through Action is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023. As per the WHO, this theme serves as a compelling rallying cry and serves as a reminder that there exists an alternative to suicide. It underscores the idea that our actions can promote hope and bolster prevention efforts.

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY HISTORY

World Suicide Prevention Day was first observed in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The goal was to raise awareness about suicide as a global public health issue and to promote suicide prevention efforts worldwide.

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY SIGNIFICANCE

Raise AwarenessIt helps to create awareness about the prevalence of suicide and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Promote PreventionIt encourages governments, organizations, and communities to develop and implement suicide prevention strategies and programs. Destigmatize Mental HealthIt contributes to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and seeking help for mental health concerns. Provide SupportIt offers support and resources to individuals who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY: QUOTES

1. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.  Nelson Mandela

2. Never underestimate the pain of a person because, in all honesty, everyone is struggling. Some people are just better at hiding it than others.  Will Smith

3. When you feel like giving up, just remember the reason why you held on for so long.  Unknown

4. Your life is worth living, and its worth fighting for.  Unknown

5. You dont have to be positive all the time. Its perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared, or anxious. Having feelings doesnt make you a negative person. It makes you human.  Lori Deschene

6. Your life matters. Your feelings matter. Your voice matters. You matter.  Unknown

7. The darkest hour has only sixty minutes.  Morris Mandel

8. You are not alone, and people do care about you. Please reach out if youre struggling.  Unknown

9. Hold on to what is good, even if its a handful of earth.  Hopi Prayer

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are numerous resources available for those in crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis helpline immediately.
As the historic G20 Summit came to an end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over the customary gavel of the G20 chair to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Soon after, the entire nation rejoiced and congratulated PM Narendra Modi for successfully executing the Indian presidency at the summit. Joining the bandwagon, actor Anil Kapoor also extended his best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Sunday, Anil Kapoor reshared a G20 Summit video posted by Narendra Modi and penned, Indias leadership at the G20 Summit has been a tremendous success and Id like to congratulate Hble PM @narendramodi ji for his tireless efforts in pursuit of a brighter future for people worldwide! #ProudIndian .

India's leadership at the G20 Summit has been a tremendous success and I'd like to congratulate H'ble PM @narendramodi ji for his tireless efforts in pursuit of a brighter future for people worldwide! #ProudIndian  https://t.co/E5whbsntok Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) September 10, 2023

Earlier in the day, Shah Rukh Khan had also extended his congratulatory message to Narendra Modi, Congratulations to Hon. PM @narendramodi ji for the success of Indias G20 Presidency and for fostering unity between nations for a better future for the people of the world. It has brought in a sense of honour and pride into the hearts of every Indian. Sir, under your leadership, we will prosper not in isolation but in Oneness. One Earth, One Family, One Future, he wrote.

While the world leaders gathered in Delhi to deliberate upon pressing economic and other issues facing the world, the Bharat Mandapam, situated in the national capitals Pragati Maidan hosted leaders including Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron and other in the G20 Summit. The Group of Twenty, or the G20, is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, made up of 19 countries and the European union, representing the worlds major developed and emerging economies. The G20 Was formed in 1999.

The G20 which started out in 1999 as a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors. Following the global financial crisis in 2008, the urgent need for a meeting of the G20 at the leaders level emerged. The G20 is now attended by finance ministers and heads of government representing the members. The EU is represented by a rotating council presidency and European central bank.
The announcement of Don 3 with Ranveer Singh in the lead received a mixed reaction from fans. While some were happy about the franchises return, others thought Shah Rukh Khan should still play the stylish criminal being chased by police from 11 countries. This also led to speculations about the leading lady of the film. While it is rumoured that Kiara Advani might be essaying that part, lack of an official announcement has kept the fans waiting with their bated breaths. Amid this, Sobhita Dhulipala who recently enthralled everyone with Made In Heaven Season 2 and The Night Manager expressed her keenness to feature in the much-awaited sequel.

In an interview with the news agency PTI, Sobhita Dhulipala explained why she will be a perfect fit for Romas role. She stated, I would be thrilled to (be part of Don 3). After Made in Heaven 2 came out, there were so many people who were like, Tara is feisty and Taras energy is like Romas vibe. So, that comparison was flattering, I love the films. Priyanka was amazing as Roma. Just the prospect that people thought this was a well-suited thing was amazing. I would love to audition for it (Don 3).

Meanwhile, Ranveer Singhs Don 3 announcement teaser led to some criticism for Shah Rukh Khan and the creators of the movie, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. Farhan talked about it in a BBC interview, and Ritesh shared his thoughts in an exclusive chat with indianexpress.com.

During a conversation about the importance of choosing the right actors for their films, on being asked about the criticism they sometimes receive before a project is even released, as seen in the case of Don 3. Ritesh brushed off the impact of such criticism and said, Its nothing. We will answer that when we come to Don 3. When you see the trailer, you tell me if that guy lives up to what the character [demands in the film]. Now, its our job to make sure it happens.

Ritesh Sidhwani also talked about how casting differs between movies and online shows. When web series first started in India, the focus was on choosing the best actors for the roles. But in the last two years, with many famous Bollywood actors moving to online platforms, has the way they pick actors changed? Sidhwani said that from the beginning, they believed in choosing actors who fit the roles rather than going after big-name stars. He mentioned that writing a script with a specific actor in mind can be a problem because if the project doesnt happen, it can be discouraging for the writer. However, he highlighted that with OTT platforms, you have the freedom to cast the right person for a role without being tied to a particular star or image.

As per reports, Farhan Akhtar will dive into Don 3 once he finishes other pending projects. Don 3 is expected to go on floors by the end of 2024 and will eye a 2025 release date.
Janhvi Kapoor is basking under the success of her recently released film Bawaal. The film was loved by fans a lot. Well, today she shared a series of photos along with an emotional note on her social handle as she completed the shoot of her next film titled Ulajh. Produced by Junglee Pictures, the film will be helmed by National award-winner Sudhanshu Saria.

In a long note, she mentioned how the story of the film coincidently intertwined with things happening in her life. Its a wrap..still having dreams of the world we tried to create. Each film has been a lesson, and its story deeply and coincidently intertwined with things happening in my life. And through Suhanas journey, and the journey of making this film- my biggest learning has been to allow yourself to love what you do, to identify if youre doing it for the right reasons, to let go of baggage and external pressures and opinions. To get off a hamster wheel that leads to nowhere and let yourself walk to your own pace, as long as you believe in where youre going, the note read.

Take a look at the photos and full note here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor)

Sharing her excitement for the project, Janhvi Kapoor has expressed, When I was approached with the script of Ulajh, it instantly attracted me because as an actor, I am constantly looking for scripts that make me break out of my comfort zone and portraying a character based in the celebrated world of the Indian Foreign Services was just that. Just as the name of the film suggests, my character and the story, have so many layers, emotions, and parameters, which are challenging and exciting at the same time. I am thrilled for the audience to see me in this new role envisioned by Sudhanshu, who has such a fresh approach towards dealing with this genre. I am also looking forward to work with such talented co-actors and a development studio like Junglee Pictures for the first time.

Sources close to the production house shared that Ulajh follows the journey of a young IFS officer, belonging to a prominent family of patriots, who gets embroiled in a dangerous personal conspiracy while far from her home turf, at a career-defining post.
Punjabi actress Sonam Bajwa leaves no chance of setting the internet on fire with her looks. Today, also on Sunday she was seen oozing hotness in her recent Instagram post. She was showcasing her sizzling and glamorous side. Dressed in a stunning black bodycon outfit, Sonam Bajwa left her fans mesmerized. Bigg Boss OTT contestant Abhishek Malhan, better known as fukra insaan, also praised her in the comment section.

In the photos, which she shared on her Instagram handle, we can see Sonam dressed in a black colour bodycon outfit. She has applied shimmer-based makeup with nude lipstick. Her hair are left open. She is sitting on the ground and posing for the camera. In no time the photos were seen going viral. Abhishek Malhan commented, Tum mere sath Tum mere. Fans were also seen dropping comments. One of them wrote, Defination of beautyyyy.

Take a look at the photos here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonam Bajwa (@sonambajwa)

Sonam participated in the Femina Miss India contest in 2012. She started her acting career in 2013 with the Punjabi film Best Of Luck. She played the leading female role in the 2014 film Punjab 1984 and won the PTC Punjabi Film Awards for Best Actress in 2020 for Ardab Mutiyaran. She has also appeared in the Tamil romantic comedy Kappal in 2014.

The actress had joined Akshay Kumar, Disha Patani, Mouni Roy, and Nora Fatehi for The Entertainers tour in the US. Next, she was featured in Carry On Jatta 3 with Gippy Grewal. The film was directed by Smeep Kang and produced by Humble Motion Pictures. It was a sequel to the Carry On Jatta 2 and also starred Gurpreet Ghuggi, Binnu Dhillon, Nasir Chinyoti, Jaswinder Bhalla among others.

Talking about Abhishek Malhan, Several reports claim that Abhishek Malhan is likely to host the second season of the reality show Lock Upp. Reportedly, he might replace Karan Kundrra as the Jailer in the show. However, no confirmation has been given by the makers of the show or Abhishek yet. His popularity multiplied after his recent stint in Bigg Boss OTT 2.
After dating each other secretly and then tying the sacred knot, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani have come a lot way. The lovebirds now dont shy away from expressing their love for each other in public, and dish out major couple goals. Having said that, they were recently captured going out and about town. Several photos and videos from their night out has gone viral.

For the night, Kiara and Sidharth twinned in white. While Kiara kept it comfy in a white tank top teamed with denims, her husband looked uber cool in a white T shirt with track pants. Kiara completed her look with a no make-up look, and a free hairdo. Both donned their brightest smiles, and held each others hand while the shutterbugs captured them.

Have a look at the video:

Kiara Advani married Sidharth Malhotra on February 7 this year in the presence of their close friends and family members in Rajasthan. They fell in love with each other while shooting for their hit film Shershaah. The couple later hosted a mega star-studded reception later in Mumbai.

Later, in an interview with News18 Showsha, Kiara opened up on life post her wedding and how it has made her appreciate her mother more than ever. For the first time, Im running a home. I used to live in my parents home. My mum did it all and weve so much respect and value for her right now. But its lovely and a beautiful phase. Im very, very happy, she said.

Recently, their film Shershaah won big at the National Film Awards. The film, which is based on the life of late Captain Vikram Batra, has been honoured with the Special Jury Award in the Features Film category.

On the work front, Sidharth Malhotra will be next seen in Yodha with Disha Patani and Raashii Khanna. He will also be making his OTT debut with Rohit Shettys Indian Police Force which would be streaming on Prime Video. Sidharth was last seen in Mission Majnu alongside Rashmika Mandanna.

Kiara on the other hand, will share the screen space with Ram Charan in Game Changer. Besides this, Kiara is also likely to be seen in Don 3 with Ranveer Singh. Kiara was last seen in Satyaprem Ki Katha with Kartik Aaryan.
A few days ago, many disturbing videos started pouring in from the Gilgit-Baltistan region, part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). There was a slew of mothers who were forced to sell their children to meet the household expenses and a bunch of youth who were indulging in violent protests against the Pakistani state. There was also a video from a rally where people were shouting open the road to Kargil so that we can go to India. All these videos had one common theme, people of Pak-occupied Kashmir are frustrated with the government and do not see any future in that country.

These people are rightly placed in protesting against Pakistan even if by violent means. At a time when the entire country is battling serious economic turmoil, these people are suffering at a much bigger scale than an average Pakistani. While a sense of dystopia has dawned upon PoK, on the other hand, in complete contrast to this situation is the Indian side of Kashmir. A sense of optimism has now replaced the earlier tense environment that used to prevail in the valley. As per the people of Kashmir, it is no longer a region infested with terrorism and militancy but an engine of Indias economic growth and geopolitical ascendency. This is an unthinkable change that has been made possible by the repeal of Article 370 from Kashmir.

In 2019, when the Modi government ended the special status of Kashmir in order to make it a part of the mainstream, it faced a lot of flak from various quarters. The sceptics had termed it as a draconian move that would end the privileges that Kashmiris had enjoyed to date. Before the repeal of Article 370, Kashmir had a separate constitution, a state flag and considerable autonomy in internal administration. It also provisioned that no non-Kashmiri person would be able to acquire land in the region. However, what the naysayers were considering as privileges had long become an albatross around the neck of the Kashmiris. Even as the rest of India was courting globalisation and receiving considerable investment from across the globe, Kashmir was stuck in a time-wrap with aazadi calls, stone-pelting and participation in the funeral of terrorists being the only pastime for the youth to avail.

In my own experience with brilliant young scholars from Kashmir, I often noticed how they looked at shiny infrastructure in New Delhi with a twinkle in their eyes. They wanted similar benefits for their home region but the special status became an obstacle instead of an enabler. Pointing to this, Home Minister Amit Shah has often reminded us that Article 370 was supposed to be only a temporary provision in the Constitution. The fact that it was stretched for many decades thereafter reflects poorly on the previous governments.

Interestingly, repealing 370 was one of the first decisions that Shah had taken a few months after becoming the Home Minister of India after the 2019 elections. At that time, he was heavily criticised for taking the special rights of the Kashmiri people away. Some people had even gone to the extent of accusing the government of orchestrating a forced displacement of the Kashmiris. They opined that Kashmir would no longer retain its original character as people from other states would be settled in the region. But just 4 years later, the turn-around in the Kashmir story has proven how wrong they were.

From a place known for terror attacks and frequent disruptions, Kashmir has emerged as a favoured tourist destination. So much so that Julia Morley, chairperson and CEO of Miss World Organisation, was in town recently to announce her plans to make Kashmir the host of the next edition of Miss World pageant in December 2023. There was a time when the only events that were organised in Kashmir were related to Islamist propaganda against the Indian state but today, Kashmir is finally finding a place on the world map for all the right reasons.

The locals credit Kashmirs preference as a tourism destination to G20. According to them, the hosting of key G20 meeting in the region has sparked a flurry of inquiries and interest in the tourism sector. The big message that has gone out is that Kashmir is no longer unsafe. It is now open for business where everyone is equally welcome. The infrastructure push by the Modi government in Kashmir has been nothing short of a miracle for the regions economy. It includes a Rs 100 crore tunnel project at Panthyal in Ramban district which has given a new lease of life to the apple industry, by giving it a safer route for commute in a landslide-prone region.

Also important is the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link which was originally conceived in 2002 but will be completed only in 2025. Once completed, it will elevate Indias image globally for creating infrastructure in some of the highest regions in the world. Then there are other projects in the pipeline that include the electrification of villages, construction of higher education institutions, housing projects and development of tourism facilities such as the Baramulla-Kupwara-Leh Himalayan circuit. It is said that every per cent of real GDP spent on infrastructure has the potential to deliver even more than twice the amount of growth in an economy. It is then anyones guess what Kashmirs economy will look like in the days to follow.

The early signs of economic resurgence have already started to show. Kashmir has not only become a preferred tourism destination but also a preferred investment destination. According to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, more than 80,000 crore worth of investment proposals have been received by Kashmir with investments worth Rs 25000 crore already being implemented on ground. Interestingly, the first international investment that Kashmir has received is from Dubai-based Emaar group. It is quite ironic that gulf countries which once saw Kashmir from the prism of pan-Islamism are now looking at it as an investment destination. The credit for this turn-around in Kashmirs image goes to the vision of PM Modi as well as the firm resolve of Home Minister Shah who despite many tactics by the militant-intellectual complex did not budge.

It looks like the testing times are now over for ordinary Kashmiris. As videos from Kashmir keep on lighting our timelines on X (formerly known as Twitter), with sounds of musical concerts, glimpses of business exhibitions and ground-breaking ceremonies of new projects, we must not forget the first crucial step that made it all possible  the repeal of Article 370.

The author is a PhD from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. She writes on Indias foreign policy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
As dusk dawns on the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi, Bharat, a new dawn of the first G21 Summit emerges from the soil of Bharat. The swan song over a year, since the gavel of G20 was taken over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi; representing 140 crore citizens, has been through nearly 220 meetings hosted in 60 cities in Bharat and all have been celebrated with moments of culture, cuisine and consensus; with penultimate Y20 and B20 shaping the final contours of the Delhi Declaration.

The G20 Presidency of Bharat has been truly curated with a larger participation of people and all continents of the world, and while it started with taking suggestions from the African continent, it led to the inclusion of the African Union as the 21st member of the G20 Comity of Nations; the most powerful platform of global economy and trade.

The G20 Bharat sojourn constituted the Sherpa Track, which had 13 working groups and four initiatives, the Finance Track which deliberated upon global macroeconomic issues through its meetings of finance ministers and Central bank governors, their deputies and various working group meetings and the engagement groups like B20, Civil20, Science20, Parliament20, Startup20 etc; comprising non-government participants from each G20 member, provide recommendations to the G20 leaders and contribute towards the policy-making process.

Backstage, there have been nearly all Ministries that provided due inputs and took on responsibilities to conduct various events across Bharat with due support of host states. The year gone by has been an exhilarating and energised time of engagements, persuasions and inspirations with successes galore and not many setbacks at all. The clarion call for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has enthused new hope and vigour post-pandemic and its associated retarders that impinged economic activity and affected normalised living.

Seven Wonders of Diplomacy: Key Takeaways from G20-G21 Summit

Bridging Global Trust Deficit

With the resurgence in the Cold War between NATO and Russia with the belligerence of China on display, the global economic slowdown and the disruption of life during the pandemic and its aftermath, the world has been turning more protectionist and a trust deficit has developed into some lasting fissures in the global order. The innate ability of Team Modi, with Sherpas Amitabh Kant and Dr S Jaishankar leading the Persuasion Mission, the task was herculean but one would have considered it done, since its inception; given the growing clout of Bharat as a trustworthy partner of the world, reliance on the nation increasing with the faith of Global South bestowed upon it and the fact that China Plus One is a reality and Bharat stands to gain exponentially with investments, manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare and more and in turn, it being a friend of many across the globe.

Broadening Collective Approach for Global Development

Through the Delhi Declaration, G21 tends to develop a focused global approach towards facets of food security, energy security, and climate change mitigation by promoting Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE) and conserving biodiversity, forests and oceans, poverty and inequality including building countermeasures for future health emergencies, developmental goals with intent to accelerate 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, scale up global adaptive financing for accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a Green Development Pact which includes Global Biofuels Alliance and more. Such a broad-based One Earth, One Family, One Future approach will foster an environment for policy directives, investments, partnerships, collaborations, and skill development.

Surge in Leadership of Bharat

Human-centric agenda put forth by Bharat has been the geopolitical showstopper of the New Delhi Leadership Declaration of September 9, 2023. Bharats leadership, with a proven track record in leadership of the International Solar Alliance, brought in the Green Development Pact and its visionary outlook laid down the scope for strengthening Multilateral Development Banks and they getting better and bigger with enhanced representation of the developing countries, while it addresses the global debt vulnerabilities.

Bharat brought in the need for a digital services transformation, sustainable inclusive growth, closing the gender gap and ensuring bringing in perspectives of developing countries in summits ahead. African Union joining the G20 as an essential member marked the geopolitical strength of Bharat, which has been heralding the need for its inclusion and has shaped its entry into the G20 during its Presidency with great vigour and diplomatic efforts.

New Horizons of Global Trade, Investments and Partnership

As the world awakens to the harsh realities of supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War; both imposed by man, the focus of the Declaration emphasises on facilitating investments including Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) towards sustainable business models. There is much to learn from developed countries and to be gained by developing countries including the African Union. Adoption of G20 Generic Framework for Mapping Global Value Chains (GVC) to help members identify risks and build resilience, high-level principles on digitalization of trade documents, Jaipur call for action for enhancing MSMEs access to information to promote the integration of MSMEs into international trade, strengthening national statistical data, extending the coverage of the ILO and OECD skills for jobs databases to G20 countries, Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP), which provides an action-oriented and forward-looking roadmap for rapidly accelerating the financial inclusion of individuals and MSMEs, particularly vulnerable and underserved groups in the G20 countries and beyond, curbing financial corruption with due support to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and operationaliSation of the GlobE Network with actions in line with Article 16 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and much more that promote and mitigate risks in trade and investments.

One should expect an acceleration in global investments in developing countries in sectors of SDGs, food security, renewable energy sector, poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, climate action, digital infrastructure, gender and social equality and more. Bharat and Africa will gain the most and opportunities for Bharat to partner and collaborate with Africa will increase too.

Global Focus on Climate Change and Energy Transition

The eyecatcher moment of the summit was the focus on the Green Development Pact, as G21 pledged to urgently accelerate actions to address environmental crises and challenges including climate change, in pursuit of the objective of UNFCCC. G21 does acknowledge the need for a sustainable progressive lifestyle-based energy transition and that demands investments. Adhering to the Paris Agreement, working on pledges for 2030 climate action targets, mainstreaming LiFE, implementing clean, sustainable, just, affordable & inclusive energy transitions, voluntary action plan on doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030, facilitating access to low-cost financing for developing countries for existing as well as new and emerging clean and sustainable energy technologies and for supporting the energy transitions, recognising the importance of sustainable biofuels in zero and low- emission development strategies, and setting up of a Global Biofuels Alliance were key highlights of the deliberations.

Also, countries that opt to use civil nuclear energy will collaborate voluntarily and on mutually agreed terms, in research, innovation, development & deployment of civil nuclear technologies including advanced and Small Modular Reactors. Leaders did acknowledge the role of grid interconnections, resilient energy infrastructure and regional/cross-border power systems integration where applicable, in enhancing energy security, fostering economic growth and facilitating universal energy access for all.

The core belief was on conserving, protecting, sustainably using and restoring ecosystems. Ending plastic pollution, financing cities of tomorrow, reducing disaster risk and building resilient infrastructure were thoughts that leaders noted for action. The overall impact of the Green Development Pact will be noticeable and globally phenomenal and Bharat will emerge as both an enabler and a market for many initiatives in the domain of a sustainable world. The Global Biofuels Alliance will bring in better technologies, collaborations, partnerships, skill development & jobs, research & development, standardisation and more to Bharat as it will also lead this alliance making its position clearer as the Global Leader in the Green Energy Revolution which Bharat itself has truly embarked upon and inspires the world; with many gains for rural economies across the world; especially Asia and Africa.

Special Invitees are Friends of Bharat

Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and the UAE (in alphabetical order), are friends with whom Bharat has forged good relations under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and by having their presence at the G20 Summit, Bharat is signalling their importance to the world as well.

In addition to the regular international organisations (UN, IMF, WB, WHO, WTO, ILO, FSB and OECD) and Chairs of Regional Organisations (AU, AUDA-NEPAD and ASEAN), Bharat, as G20 Presidency, invited ISA, CDRI and ADB as Guest Independent Observers, showcasing the need for more inclusivity. The multipolarity and regional polarity of the world is creating many multilateral organisations and stitching countries bilaterally as well. By including many financial organisations, Bharat has truly endeavoured to make finance reach the need and in that, Bharat will also be a bigger beneficiary.

Bharat brushes BRI Aside to Bridge the World

Multimodal transport took another global dimension as Bharat, with the support of Middle Eastern countries and Europe, and impetus from the US and other developed countries of G20, embarked on creating the Indo-Middle East-Europe Mega Economic Corridor, which will connect Bharat to the Middle East through sea (both sea-lanes and under-sea rail and maybe road someday) and then to Europe through railways. This announcement itself rings a bell of isolation for China and pulling out of a few signatories from BRI implies that the world is rallying back Bharat and supporting it as a trustworthy and equitable partner in sustainable economic development and growth across the world. The Economic Corridor will also enhance bilateral ties of Bharat with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and the US and amongst them too. This Global Economic Bridge will facilitate a rail link, electricity cable, hydrogen pipeline, high-speed data cable and more.

Three Strikes of the Gavel that Define the Bharat Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Summit

Strike One: One Earth

On September 9, 2023, in his inaugural address of the G20 Summit, Chairperson PM Narendra Modi embraced the Global South by welcoming Azali Assoumani, Chairperson of the African Union to the high table, while introducing the African Union as the 21st Member; thereby making the Summit a G21 Summit; as one got reminded of a 21-gun salute to the world.

Arriving in New Delhi on September 8, 2023, Assoumani had said, Id like to thank him (PM Modi) for accepting our membership. If the African Union becomes a full member of the G20, it would be because of Bharats role. This is an honour for us. and lo behold, the gavel struck at the inaugural address by PM Modi was a welcome to the world for the African Union. G20 accounts for 80 per cent of the Gross World Product (GWP), 75 per cent of international trade, two-thirds of the global population, and 60 per cent of the worlds land area and with the inclusion of the African Union (with 55 countries), will add $3 trillion and 1.5 billion population to drive the global good.

Strike Two: One Family

Delhi Declaration, much anticipated and much doubted in some circles across the globe due to the absence of Presidents Putin and Xi Jinping, was passed with optimism and collective support of all members, a day early, and was welcomed by the world at large. PM Modis words  I have received good news. Due to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders Summit Declaration. My proposal is to adopt this leadership declaration. I announce to adopt this declaration. On this occasion, I congratulate my Sherpa, ministers, who worked hard for it and made it possible, ushered in much joy and praise and this marks Bharat being accepted as a leader in the world and dare I say, this could well be a Nobel Prize act for Prime Minister Modi.

Strike Three: One Future

That last gong of the gavel on September 10, 2023, did not mark the end of Bharats Presidency of the G20 but it marked the hope associated with the G21 it has been able to shape and implement during its decisive presidency. The world got closer today. The sweet promising aftertaste of the New Delhi Leaders Declaration and the gala dinner hosted by the President, seemed to linger as leaders reaffirmed their commitments towards collective participation to usher sustainable global development with deeper and long-term commitments and resolve, as partners, collaborators and a global team.

Gains for Bharat at the Bharat Mandapam

G20 Presidency of Bharat marked the start of Amrit Kaal; a progressive march towards a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive and developed society; distinguished by a human-centric approach at its core and the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam meant to realign, reinitiate and reignite the world towards collective approach to usher on peace through prosperity.

Our Bharat, through its Vishwa Mitra endeavours since Vaccine Diplomacy and standing up for Global South, has been bestowed with the mantle and responsibility of Vishwa Guru and that must be a matter of pride for each citizen and diaspora. The trust of the world in Bharat has enhanced due to our promises, actions and enabling others.

Our digital surge, prudent economic growth, Aatmanirbhar Bharat endeavour for growing manufacturing, commitments towards sustainable climate goals and achieving targets even during the pandemic period, geopolitical stance and ability to forge strategic partnerships with both the US and Russia (only nation to do so) while retaining its national interests and Bharat being both a large emerging economy and market with human capital to sustain growth for next few decades are some noticeable parameters that the world looks at Bharat with reverence and wants to partner with.

The bilateral boost for Bharat has been phenomenal with encouraging developments with Canada, Comoros, Turkiye, the UAE, South Korea, the EU, Brazil, Nigeria, Mauritius, Bangladesh, the US, the UK, Japan, Germany, Italy, and France during this Summit.

One could broadly list the following gains made by Bharat during its Presidency of G20:

Bharat emerged as a consensus-driven and trustworthy global leader. Investment magnet in which global financial institutions believe in and much share of global financing into energy transition, infrastructure etc. will come in. Accepted global growth enabler of the world; replacing China as the preferred destination for both manufacturing and global market. Access to the Middle East, West Asia, and Europe through Partnership for Global Infrastructure Initiative (PGII) by the G7 Nations, will boost trade, partnerships, and development along those routes and negate the BRI of China and in a sense, reduce Chinese influence in the world. Allows an opportunity to enhance investments in Africa and take off China as a factor economically there. Interests of developed countries especially the US and the UK in Africa will enable the growth of Bharat there too, as many mineral reserves will be accessible for mutual benefit with African countries. Enhances scope for bilateral ties with many countries including those that attended as Special Invitees and countries of the African Union and Middle East. Bharat retains good relations with Russia while building global consensus. Brings Bangladesh closer as it might reduce distrust of the US in the current dispensation in Bangladesh and wean away that country from China; something that benefits Bharat and the world at large as well. Builds a buffer in crises for Bharat as many countries will tend to support it when its chips are down due to health or, disaster crises in future. Positions Team Modi as a much-loved and inspiring government for the people of Bharat; a workforce of billions committed to national interests & pride. Galvanizes the citizens and diaspora to excel and create more opportunities through people-to-people connect globally. Brings focus upon Bharat from global organisations, agencies and institutions with deeper and long-term commitments & strategic partnerships.

It has been a truly global summit which has been dominated by a consensus of world leaders and celebrated with the culture and cuisine of Bharat.

Bharat has taken strides of leadership while accepting more responsibilities and roleplay in an emerging multilateral world order; where its growth inspires that of the world and especially developing nations.

Bharat has truly arrived on the world stage as a leader!

Colonel Rohit Dev, a 2nd Generation Army Officer, is an Adjunct Professor at the Rashtriya Raksha University, a Geo-political Analyst and a Primetime TV personality. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2023 - 21:36 | All, World

The death toll from Friday's magnitude 6.8 quake in Morocco has reached 2,012, with another 2,059 injured, the country's Interior Ministry said.

Of the injured, 1,404 were seriously hurt, the government said Saturday, as military personnel and ambulance staff continued rescue operations in the central part of the North African country.

More than 300,000 people in Marrakech and its outskirts in central Morocco have been affected by the earthquake, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Many people trapped inside collapsed homes have been rescued, but search efforts will likely face difficulties with roads blocked by debris.

"Some of the worst-affected areas are quite remote and mountainous, therefore hard to reach," the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement.

The organization called for international support, saying months to years of assistance will be required.

The powerful quake occurred on Friday night, with the epicenter south of Marrakech, a popular tourist area with historic buildings.

Morocco's royal family on Saturday declared a three-day mourning period and ordered flags at all government buildings be flown at half-staff.

Among Japanese in Morocco affected by the quake, Hikaru Iwama, a 43-year-old resident of Marrakech, told Kyodo News via telephone that a crack had appeared in the wall at the hotel she runs.

Iwama said many people took refuge on the streets even hours after the shaking subsided. "Perhaps they don't want to go back inside for fear of aftershocks," she said.
Of late, the moniker Global South resonated in these parts of the world with Bharat pushing for thrust on developing and least developed countries hitherto grouped as G-77. Security analysts in particular were not very gung-ho about having this group as the biggest focus of the Indian G20 Presidency given that the block had China with extreme and expansionist plans.

But, if the G20 New Delhi declaration adopted by global leaders on Friday ahead of schedule is any indication, Bharats Presidium ambitions, strategy and thrust seem to have worked around a very fine balance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and tenacity carried the day contrary to Western analysts summation that the New Delhi leaders summit was a wash out and there would be no declaration. They pointed to a deep divide between Western leaders and China, Russia standing their ground on the Ukraine War. Bharat and Modi seem to have achieved virtually the impossible with a hundred per cent consensus on an 83-paragraph-long declaration that was approved by presidents and prime ministers. And, PM Modi hit the gavel signalling a fruitful deal of healing, harmony and hope.

This proved many Western analysts wrong as they seem to have underestimated Bharats leadership, Modis affable nature and posturing at G20 that accounts for 85 per cent of economic output and 75 per cent of world trade. Several commentators had seen the latest declaration as a climb down for the Western powers giving Russia leeway or letting it off easily on Ukraine. That may not be the case.

The US and Europe may have taken a tactical one step backwards while consenting to the declaration including key lines on war in Ukraine. In fact, the New Delhi declaration is an extension of what was clinched at Bali in November last year. Finding ground to clinch a declaration and keep the G20 relevant and kicking could be one interpretation. Not having a declaration was perhaps not an option or in the best interest of the global economies that are dangerously struggling to stay afloat in the aftermath of Covid-19.

The declaration demonstrates Bharats heft to move world powers. The personal bonding that Prime Minister Modi established with world leaders seems to have worked wonders in taking forward an ambitious economic and development agenda thats inclusive and ambitious.

Western powers seem to have not lost the message after the last-minute pull-out of Chinese President Xi Jinping from the New Delhi summit. In fact, this led to acerbic comments from US President Joe Biden that Beijing had the option of being a spoilsport.

The world community especially Western Europe and the US could not have ignored finalising a roadmap to pressing issues like poverty alleviation, transition to green energy, restructuring debt of several poor countries that have become bankrupt and digital public infrastructure and crypto currencies etc.

Bharat stood like a solid rock in balancing countries, groups and blocs aspirations, especially the G7 and BRICS, Russia and China which led to the virtual pulling apart of the G20 summit. And lets not forget that China got a taste of its own medicine with the announcement of Bharat, Middle East, Europe rail and roads spread economic corridor that includes the United States. India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany and Italy heads standing together to announce this huge infrastructure-driven economic project. It rivals the now-jinxed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China that pushed several developing countries into bankruptcy under unsustainable debt burdens. The project envisages establishing rail, road and under-sea data connectivity lines from Mumbai to Western Europe running through shipping lines to Europe. This direct challenge to China comes at a time when BRIs tenth anniversary is being celebrated by Beijing. Interestingly enough, the stakeholders in Bharat, the Middle East and the EU economic corridor will come up with a roadmap for the project in 60 days along with funding plans. Apart from the China angle, Bharat may not have to depend on yet another uneasy neighbour, Pakistan, to establish over-land and under-sea linkages with Europe.

In the melee of Ukraine war-centric conversation, the induction of the 55-member African Union into G20 may have gone off very lightly. But, its significance is too huge to ignore. Bharat playing a key role in bringing the African Union on board the coveted club is something to write home about.

This is the first time that G20 got into expansion mode after its formation in 1999. Most importantly, the African Union will be a full permanent member of the G20 and equals the status enjoyed exclusively by the 27-member European Union block till now. African Unions induction into G20 also explains India voicing the Global South moniker in recent times.

Yet another interesting outcome is the setting up of a bio-fuels alliance on the lines of the International Solar Alliance which provides a sharper focus on energy consumption transition, especially in transport services and households globally. The 19-countries group is expected to push for a shift in environment-friendly alternatives and environment-friendly fuels in an effort to decarbonise economic expansion happening globally.

G20 Presidency, tactical positioning, hard play in diplomacy, and soft showcasing of Bharats cultural, civilisational and philosophical connect with humanity apart from hard gains made from the leaders summit will ring in for long.

The author is Director & Chief Executive, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a New Delhi based non-partisan think tank. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The G20 summit in Bharat has been the most successful in the organisations history. The Delhi Declaration of G20 is the most ambitious document adopted by all member nations with a cent-percent consensus. With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, Bharat has doubled the work from previous presidencies. In many ways, Bharat has set an example for upcoming G20 presidents  all of whom will now hope to build on the work done during Indias presidency. To call Bharats G20 presidency an unparalleled success might just be an understatement. Bharat has effectively brought two blocs engaged in an indirect war with each other  US-Europe and Russia  on the same page. Add Chinas support for Russia and its anti-West stance, and you will realise the magnitude of what Bharat has just achieved is no joke. How India achieved this would be a story for the history books. But that is beside the point.

Today, I must highlight how all of this has happened under the leadership of a man who was not very long ago accused of having neither knowledge of foreign affairs nor experience in international relations. There was a concerted campaign both before and after 2014 which sought to portray Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a man who would hurt Indias foreign policy with his lack of experience in the field. However, he has proven all the naysayers wrong. Allow me to elucidate.

Indian diplomacy and foreign policy is today at its strongest. There has been no other time in independent Bharats history that the world has respected us more and recognised our nations potential to play a transformative role internationally.

Indias vision of human-centric development has found several takers and these are the biggest names on the global stage. A look at the G20s Delhi Declaration shows how the biggest economies of the world have committed themselves to human-centric development and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). The digital public infrastructure pitch, disaster resilient infrastructure push and of course, climate protection measures show that India has brought the big powers together to combat some of the biggest challenges facing humanity  whether they be economic, those related to disasters or climate change.

Today, Chinas debt-trap initiatives are openly being challenged. The biggest takeaway? India is doing this with the Saudis, Emiratis and Europeans  all of whom are seen as powers that either have significant Chinese interests or have exceptional ties with Beijing. The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor will have a transformative impact on not just intercontinental trade, but it will also bridge the gap between Europe and the Indian subcontinent. This is an unprecedented win.

Today, India has also emerged as a power that is bringing long-lost friends together. Ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States have been tense for quite some time now. However, on the first day of the G20 Summit, when the mega corridor was launched, Joe Biden was seen heartily shaking hands with Saudi Arabias Prime Minister and crown prince, Mohammad Bin Salman. Facilitating this handshake was Bharats Prime Minister, Narendra Modi  the same man accused of not knowing how to handle international relations.

Today, when India puts its foot down, the biggest powers of the world fall in line. The biggest victory for Bharat has been the consensus reached on Ukraine. Remember, the Delhi Declaration is much more toned down than the one issued in Bali last year. India is understood to have given an ultimatum to all G20 members. PM Modi himself conveyed to Bharats G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, that the final draft of the declaration was perfect  one that addressed the concerns of all nations. With this mandate, Amitabh Kant told the sherpas of all G20 nations that the final draft of the declaration, including the paragraphs on Ukraine, will undergo no further changes. All the sherpas were told that if they have a problem with the declaration, their leaders can personally speak to PM Modi. Amitabh Kant described this as him pulling the weight of the prime minister to his advantage. Evidently, his approach worked.

Today, India is seen as the leader of the Global South. The African Unions entry into G20 epitomises this leadership. One cannot state enough how important this is. India has effectively staged a power coup in Africa, and the effect of this will be seen across multinational forums  especially the United Nations. Remember, this is at a time when Indias push for the UNSC reforms is gathering steam. African nations make up 28 per cent of the United Nations. You may now draw your own conclusions.

Today, nobody cares about Xi Jinpings absence. It has become clear that the Chinese president skipped the summit to save face. Imagine attending it and seeing the whole of G20 firmly standing with India and taking solid steps to counter CPEC. China is no longer the international player it once was. It is a power in decline. This is Bharats time to shine.

Today, Indian diplomacy is showing its beast mode. And this is coming from a government that was not not supposed to know the I and R of international relations. Indians were told by a host of parties now in the Opposition that if Modi were to come to power, the countrys foreign policy and relations with international partners would be in the doldrums. This G20 summits success is a resounding answer to the political pessimists whose opposition is not driven by issues of merit, but rather by an unfathomable disliking of a man and his government. Unfortunately for them, Bharat has today cemented its position as a mature world power, one that has the capability to manoeuvre through the tensest of geopolitical waters and still deliver decisive results.

When nations aspire to host similar summits, they will take the example of how Bharat pulled off a mightily successful G20 show with rather great ease.
First and foremost, India has emerged as the strongest voice of the Global South. Among its abiding legacies, the most significant one is the inclusion of the African Union as the new permanent member of the G20 (now G21). That PM Modi ensured it during Indias Presidency shows Indias commitment towards the entire African continent, with which India has had historic ties. Most importantly, in terms of geopolitics, this will be remembered as a watershed moment in global inclusivity and carries enough reason to wean African nations away from Chinas ulterior influence.

Secondly, the comprehensive rail and shipping connectivity network announced, linking the US, India, Saudi Arabia, Gulf and Arab states, and the European Union is a massive project that will see world powers collaborate over an extended period. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE EC) is going to fundamentally transform the world. It is the greatest connectivity project ever in history, surpassing the likes of the Suez Canal in impact.

If one were to examine some of the salient points of IMEE EC:

Two separate corridors  the East corridor connecting India to West Asia and the Northern corridor connecting West Asia to Europe. The corridor will include a rail link which will provide a multi-modal, cross-border ship-to-rail transport link connecting South East Asia with Europe through India. The corridor link will also include an electricity cable and hydrogen pipeline, high-speed data cable. The IMEE EC will ensure that unsustainable debt is not created (in stark contrast to the BRI of China). The corridor will also be a green transport hub and create millions of jobs. The all-pervasive benefits and advantages contained in the project and the US goodwill and support for it render Chinas fledging BRI as obsolete. Only similarly obsolete entities can continue to be in awe of China while being dismissive of the vast strides made by India through this global Gatishakti masterplan.

Thirdly, the Ukraine-Russia situation had been among the most contentious issues, but the Delhi Declaration was adopted with both China and Russia in total agreement. PM Modis leadership has bridged the trust deficit that had risen in recent years among member nations, leading to the most robust cooperation ever between G20 member countries.

Lastly, PM Modi announced the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance to boost the use of cleaner fuels. It was affirmed that this alliance will accelerate global efforts to meet net zero emission targets, by facilitating trade in biofuels, derived from various sources, including plant and animal waste. After the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuel Alliance is one of Indias most impactful interventions for a better future for the world. It raises the sustainable development quotient and increases the stake for participating nations.

Most importantly, India, universally acknowledged as the mother of democracy, has truly democratised the G20 under PM Modi. On one hand, PM Modi consciously made it a decentralized movement with over 250 events in 60 cities, involving the common citizen as much as possible, on the other hand, the inclusion of the African Union (with 55 member states) has given an important international forum, long denied to the Global South.

It is without doubt that Indias G20 Presidency has been among the most successful presidencies, raising the expectations from the succeeding nations manifold.

While the achievements of India have been spoken about a lot, the G20 summit has also exposed the fault lines between the ruling NDA and the Congress-led I.N.D.I.A completely. Let it be remembered forever that while India was giving final shape to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE EC), Rahul Gandhi was in Brussels, heaping lavish praise upon Chinas BRI, which apart from entangling nations in its vicious debt-trap diplomacy, is guilty of impinging upon Indias sovereignty by transgressing into PoK. While the Indian diplomatic efforts led by our G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, have been lauded by Congressmen like former PM Manmohan Singh and Shashi Tharoor, Rahul Gandhi continues to bask in his notoriety continuing with his smear India campaign on foreign soil.

The writer is the National Spokesperson of BJP. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Brazil will officially assume the G20 presidency on Dec 1, 2023. Throughout its presidency, Brazil will host ministerial-level summits in all five of its regions, concluding with the final summit in Rio de Janeiro on Nov 18 and 19, 2024. (Illustration: News18)
Andhra Pradesh police on Saturday blocked a convoy of vehicles belonging to Janasena party president Pawan Kalyan in NTR district twice, forcing him to get off of his vehicle and walk towards Mangalagiri in Vijayawada, a party leader said.

Kalyan condemned Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidus arrest at Nandyala, earlier today. He was on his way to Vijayawada to support the former CM.

Chandrababu Naidu was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the Skill Development Corporation scam early Saturday morning.

The former CM was taken by road to Vijayawada following the arrest. He is being interrogated by the Andhra Pradesh CID in the alleged Skill Development scam.

The AP police blocked Kalyans convoy near Jaggayyapeta after he crossed the Telangana-AP border via road, the party leader said, adding that he was stopped for the second time at Anumanchipalli.

After crossing Jaggayyapeta, Kalyan has been stranded by AP police, said the Janasena leader. The party leaders and cadres are protesting the blockade, he added.

Another Jansena leader Nadendla Manohar posted a video on X wherein Kalyan was heard saying looks like we need a visa and passport to enter Andhra Pradesh at this juncture.

After the second blockade, Kalyan got out of his vehicle and decided to walk to Mangalagiri.

TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu was arrested at around 6 am in the morning following a high-voltage drama at midnight.

Before police took him in custody, Naidu took to X (formally Twitter), and wrote, For the past 45 years, I have selflessly served Telugu people. I am prepared to sacrifice my life to safeguard the interests of Telugu people. No force on earth can stop me from serving Telugu people, my #AndhraPradesh and my motherland.

Several cases have been registered against the TDP chief under sections 120(b), 166, 167, 418, 420, 465, 468, 201, and 109, along with 34 and 37 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 have also been invoked against him.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday claimed that the BJP government is working more for the welfare of the Muslims than any Congress government had done previously. He claimed that the Congress viewed the Muslims only as a vote bank but the saffron party was working to free them, especially the women, from exploitation.

Some people say that we are anti-Muslim. But I think that by stopping polygamy, (triple) talaq, child marriage  we are working more for the Muslims than any Congress government ever did, Sarma said, speaking at the concluding day of a two-day national executive meet of BJPs Mahila Morcha. He said the Assam government will bring a law to prohibit polygamy by December, while another round of intensified crackdown on child marriage will be launched within a few days.

More than 5,000 offenders were arrested in the first round of operation against child marriage in February this year and it was kept on hold till the completion of the G20 summit, he added. Sarma maintained that many Islamic countries have ended bad practices but when our country takes any such step, (Congress leaders) Rahul and Sonia Gandhi call it a step against the minority.

He asserted all these measures are to stop the exploitation of women, especially of a category, who are married off at nine years, become mothers by 12 years and then are forced to accept their husbands marrying more than once. Referring to Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalins recent comments on Sanatan Dharma, Sarma maintained that Hinduism does not endorse casteism and the last symbols of casteism are also being done away with.

He questioned Stalin for not calling for wiping out another religion which discriminates against women, allowing the men to marry multiple times. I told him: dont speak about wiping off Hinduism, Islam, Christianity but end casteism in Hinduism and polygamy, (triple) talaq in Islam, Sarma added.

The BJP leader said the Narendra Modi-led government is focused on women-led development and women are given top leadership positions across the government on the basis of their efficiency. We believe that the nari shakti (womens power) is with the BJPI exhort our Mahila Morcha workers to further ensure that the women reap benefits of all schemes meant for them, Sarma added.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) will celebrate National Integration Day on September 17, the day the erstwhile Hyderabad State under Nizam rule merged with the Indian Union in 1948, party leader and Telangana Minister K T Rama Rao said on Sunday.

BRS working president Rama Rao also asked party cadres to take part in the National Integration Day celebrations in large numbers and celebrate the event in a grand manner across the state, a party release said.

BRS President and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao will take part in the celebrations in Hyderabad, he said.

The ministers will take part and hoist the tricolour in the celebrations to be organised by the state government on a grand scale in all the District headquarters, Rama Rao said.

People of Telangana would celebrate September 17 as National Integration Day, he said and called upon the party ranks to organise the celebrations in their respective places.

In the 10 years since its formation, Telangana has been riding on the twin horses of development and welfare, Rama Rao, also known as KTR said.

Telangana has emerged as a role model for other states in the country by undertaking innovative development. Unable to digest this, some political parties have been slinging mud on the government, he said and alleged that they are even conspiring against the celebration of National Integration Day.

People should be wary of forces that were seeking to mingle religion into everything and cause a rift in society, Rama Rao said.

September 17, the day the then princely state of Hyderabad merged with the Indian Union in 1948, is interpreted differently by different parties in Telangana.

The Union Government and different political parties have planned to organise events in Hyderabad to celebrate the day.

The BRS government had declared the day last year as National Integration Day.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had participated in the official celebration of the Hyderabad Liberation Day held by the Centre in Hyderabad last year and he is expected to attend the event in the Telangana capital this year as well.

Describing September 17, 1948 as Liberation Day, the BJP has been fighting for its official celebration by government for about two decades now.

The Congress had earlier said the party will hold a mega rally near Hyderabad on September 17, where it will announce five guarantees for Telangana ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections.

The AIMIM Party said it will be organising a bike rally and public meeting on the occasion of National Integration Day on September 17.

Union Tourism Minister and BJP president in Telangana G Kishan Reddy on Saturday hit out at the Congress and BRS for not officially celebrating September 17 during their tenure in office allegedly under the influence of AIMIM.
After Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel said he cannot attend the G20 dinner on Saturday due to air restrictions around Delhi, the Centre refuted this claim and clarified that the movement is not prohibited to governors and CMs.

This comes as Bhaghel claimed he wont be attending the Presidents Gala dinner as there were no non-scheduled flights going in and out of the national capital, according to reports.

Bhai, no flying zone ho gaya hai ab toh. Kaise jayenge (Delhi has become a no-fly zone now. How do I go?), Hindustan Times quoted him as saying.

MHA has clarified to the State that while a high tech security air cover has been deployed for G20 Leaders Summit at Delhi on 8-11 September 2023, movement of Governors and State Chief Ministers on their State aircrafts are allowed. (2/2) Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 9, 2023

Responding to this, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) took to X (formally Twitter) and said that In a news report, Chief Minister Chhattisgarh has expressed his inability to participate in G20 Dinner at Leaders Summit at Delhi on 9 Sept 2023 due to air restrictions in and around Delhi.

MHA has clarified to the State that while a high tech security air cover has been deployed for G20 Leaders Summit at Delhi on 8-11 September 2023, movement of Governors and State Chief Ministers on their State aircrafts are allowed, MHA added.

Apart from Bhagel, MHA also responded to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlots claim that his helicopter was stopped to go from Udaipur to Sikar for a program, which had to be cancelled due to this.

Taking to X, Gehlot said, Today there was a programme to go to Sangliya Peeth, Sikar, as part of the death anniversary programme of Baba Shri Khinwadas Ji Maharaj, but due to the G-20 meeting, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, did not give permission to go to Sikar by helicopter from Udaipur due to which today I am not able to reach Sangliya Peeth.

No request from CM Rajasthan has been denied. While all scheduled flights of commercial Aircrafts and movement of Governors and State Chief Ministers on their State aircrafts are allowed, private chartered flights require specific MHA approval. (2/2) Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 9, 2023

No request from CM Rajasthan has been denied, the MHA said in its response.

While all scheduled flights of commercial Aircrafts and movement of Governors and State Chief Ministers on their State aircrafts are allowed, private chartered flights require specific MHA approval, it said.
Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar on Sunday expressed confidence that he along with BJPs Dara Singh Chauhan, who lost the Ghosi bypoll recently, will be made ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government.

Chauhan, who resigned from the Samajwadi Party and joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in July, lost the bypoll to the SPs Sudhakar Singh by a margin of 42,759 votes on Friday.

The SBSP chief, a prominent OBC leader in eastern Uttar Pradesh, was a key campaigner for Chauhan in Ghosi under Mau district which has a substantial Rajbhar caste vote.

Asked to react to opposition leaders speculating that he and Chauhan will not be made ministers after the bypoll result, Rajbhar said, Why not? We will become ministers.

These opposition people are not out maliks (heads). We are in the NDA and the maliks of NDA are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and party chief J P Nadda, Rajbhar said.

The SBSP chief said the opposition parties should be patient and wait for a few days. They should take care of their hearts as they might get a heart attack soon, he added.

After the SBSPs return to the NDA in July, Rajbhar had hinted that he and Chauhan may be inducted into Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths cabinet.

When asked if the defeat in the bypoll will have a bearing on the SBSP-BJP ties, Rajbhar said, We will be with the NDA. Our alliance is for the Lok Sabha polls and not the bypoll.

Those who are making these statements (SBSPs ouster from NDA) are ignorant. After the 2024 general election results, they (SP) will fall flat on the ground, he added.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday paid a visit to Delhis Akshardham temple amid tight security. Before the start of the second day of the G20 Summit, the Indian-origin British PM, along with his wife Akshata Murthy, offered prayers at the famous Hindu temple in the national capital.

When Sunak and his convoy arrived at 6.45 am in the morning, they were greeted by senior leaders from Akshardham Mandir, who relayed a special message on behalf of Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of the temple. During his visit, the British PM was given an overview of Swaminarayan Akshardham  a 100-acre spiritual and cultural complex that portrays the traditions and ancient architecture of India and promotes the timeless Hindu spiritual messages of faith, devotion and harmony.

Inside the main mandir, Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the sacred images and admired the art and architecture. The first couple of UK also performed abhishek (ritual pouring of water) on the murti of Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, and offered prayers for world peace, progress and harmony, according to an official release.

Sharing his impressions of his visit, the UK Prime Minister said: We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being. This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also portrays Indias values, culture and contributions to the world. We see today in Britain these very same values and culture through the positive contributions the British Indian community makes to our country, he added.

A day earlier, the Delhi Police said that elaborate security arrangements had been put in view of Sunaks visit to the Akshardham. Sunak is in India to attend the two-day G20 Summit. Police officials said security has been tightened in and around the temple. On Saturday, a senior police officer said pickets were placed in the area and checking is being done due to the ongoing G20 Summit. Adequate security personnel will be deployed for the UK prime ministers visit, he added.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment. Earlier on Friday, Sunak expressed his hope that he would find time to visit a temple in India during his stay for the G20 Summit.

I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis, Sunak told news agency ANI.

In the past, high-profile visitors from the United Kingdom including members of the Royal family have visited the famous Hindu temple. In 2013, then Prince Charles, who is now King, visited Akshardham.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 10, 2023 - 08:07 | All, Japan, World

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed Saturday with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi that their countries will expand cooperation in several fields, such as space and state-of-the-art technologies, according to the government.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, Kishida welcomed India's recent achievement of a successful Moon landing with its Chandrayaan-3 lunar exploration mission, the Japanese government said.

Kishida, who hosted the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima in May, appreciated Modi's participation in the gathering as an invited guest. He pledged close collaboration with India to ensure the success of the two-day Group of 20 summit taking place in New Delhi through Sunday.

With Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and China's increasing military assertiveness in mind, Kishida and Modi confirmed the importance of maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

On Saturday, Kishida also met separately with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for bilateral talks.

Kishida explained to the two leaders about Japan's release of treated radioactive water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, which began on Aug. 24, the government said.

Rutte expressed support for Japan's efforts on the issue, while Albanese praised its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency in discharging the treated water, it added.

As for the release, China has criticized the disposal of "nuclear-contaminated water" from the plant, which suffered meltdowns after the devastating March 2011 earthquake and ensuing tsunami, for harming the marine environment and human health.

Related coverage:

G-20 refrains from condemning Russia's war in Ukraine amid split
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised India for the success it achieved after deploying Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI). India has achieved remarkable success in rolling out its Digital Public Infrastructures. They can be a real booster to emerging economies, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Leyen said DPIs can be a real booster to emerging economies.

Leyen also said that she supports the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We heard the Prime Minister, and we very much support his initiative. The possibilities are huge and the trick is to build public digital infrastructure that is interoperable, open to all and trusted, Leyen further added.

A World Bank report released last month revealed that India has achieved financial inclusion targets within a duration of six years which otherwise would have taken at least 47 long years, with the help of DPI.

In just six years, it (the India stack) has achieved a remarkable 80% financial inclusion rate  a feat that would have taken nearly five decades without a DPI approach. Implementation of DPIs such as Aadhaar, along with the Jan Dhan bank accounts and mobile phones, is considered to have played a critical role in moving ownership of transaction accounts from approximately one-fourth of adults in 2008 to over 80 percent now, the report says.

Leyen also discussed the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and said that even though it offers tremendous benefits, it also brings certain risks. She highlighted that people who are makers of AI are also asking political leaders to regulate use of the rapidly changing technology.

AI has risks but also offers tremendous opportunities. The crucial question is how to harness a rapidly changing technology. It is telling that even the makers and inventors of AI are calling on political leaders to regulate, Leyen said.

One thing seems clear: the future will be digital. We want to facilitate innovation while building trust. But we need more. What the world does now will shape our future, she said.

Leyen said Europe and its partners must develop a new global framework for AI risks which will help the world defend against systemic societal risks and foster investments in safe and responsible AI systems.

Speaking on Ukraine, Leyen said that no nation expressed displeasure for not inviting Ukraine to the New Delhi G20 Summit and also refrained from comparing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE EC) with Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. The two global leaders discussed issues including rising Khalistani extremism in Canada, Indian economic state and more.

Met PM Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors, PM Modi wrote on his X account.

Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors. pic.twitter.com/iP9fsILWac Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2023

On the issue of growing Khalistani extremism in Canada, which led to a number of violent encounters in recent times, Trudeau said that he discussed the issue with the Indian PM and assured him that the action of the few does not represent Canada.

Earlier on Sunday, several G20 leaders, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the leaders at rain-drenched Rajghat.

He welcomed the dignitaries with an angvastram or stole having in the background an image of Gandhis Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, which was his home from 1917 to 1930 and served as one of the main centres of Indias freedom struggle.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over the customary gavel of the G20 chair to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, marking the ceremonial transfer.

The current host also proposed a virtual summit by November to take stock of initiatives taken during the Indian Presidency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over the customary gavel of the G20 chair to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, marking the ceremonial transfer.

The current host also proposed a virtual summit by November to take stock of initiatives taken during the Indian Presidency.
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan has described the G20 declaration agreed in New Delhi on Saturday as a significant milestone for Indias chairmanship and a vote of confidence that the G20 can come together to address a pressing range of issues. Sullivan said the joint statement had several consequential paragraphs on the war in Ukraine.

The G20 statement includes a set of consequential paragraphs on the war in Ukraine, he told reporters, according to Voice of America (VoA). And from our perspective, it does a very good job of standing up for the principle that states cannot use force to seek territorial acquisition.

The consensus came as the group of leaders differed over the Ukraine conflict, with Western nations earlier pushing for condemnation of Russia in the Leaders Declaration, while other countries demanded a focus on broader issues. But India managed to hammer out a consensus among the member countries on the contentious issue through a series of hectic negotiations with emerging economies.

The G20 leaders declaration avoided mentioning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and made a call to all states to follow the principle of respecting each others territorial integrity and sovereignty. Indias G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant said the most complex part of the entire G20 was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras. On social media platform X, he said this was achieved over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings, and 15 drafts.

When asked about the difference of language on the Ukraine conflict with last years G20, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismissed the comparison between the Bali Declaration and the one signed in New Delhi. The situation was different. Many things have happened since then. And in fact If you see in the geo-political segment of the leaders declaration, there are, in total, eight paragraphs, seven of which actually focus on the Ukraine issue, the minister said during a media briefing.

I think one should not have a theological view of this. I think the New Delhi Declaration responds to the situation and concerns as it is today, just as the Bali Declaration did in a situation which was there a year ago, he said. The New Delhi G20 Declaration refers only to the war in Ukraine and noted with deep concern the immense human suffering and the adverse impact of wars and conflicts around the world.

In reference to the Ukraine conflict, it also has a line that there were different views and assessments of the situation. Asked about this line, Jaishankar said it was only right to record what was the reality. On the phrase about having different viewpoints and assessments, I think we are being transparent. It is a fact, this (Ukraine conflict) is today a very polarising issue, he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that India did well as a G20 President and sent across a message of unity and peace to the world on Sunday after attending the third and final session of the G20 Summit. He also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the end of the third session of the G20 Summit.

Following the bilateral meeting both leaders called for the early finalisation of the defence industrial roadmap in a joint statement.

Macron, however, condemned Russias role in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War but lauded Indias diplomatic leadership given the current fragmented global environment.

Speaking on India-France ties and the strategic partnership between both nations, Macron said that the Paris-New Delhi relationship is not limited to bilateral engagement and that the two countries have to work towards resisting the fragmentation of the world.

Reflecting on Indo-French defence ties, Macron did not give specific details but said additional contracts and procurements will follow in months and years to come.

A very productive lunch meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress, PM Modi said in a post on X after their meeting.

Macron also backed the G20 Summits New Delhi Leaders Declaration and said that G20 is not a forum for political discussions when quizzed on whether the paragraphs relating to the Ukraine crisis in the G20 Declaration are a sort of a climbdown by the West.

The New Delhi Leaders Declaration did not condemn any party directly for the Ukraine conflict but urged for a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine while taking part in restoring peace in the region and to refrain from the threat, or use of force, to seek territorial acquisition.

The French president said the vast majority of G20 countries condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine but the G20 should not get stuck because of one issue.

Macron highlighted that the Summit Declaration talked about the need to uphold principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. The French President also backed reforms in international institutions to reflect the current reality of the world.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni privately hinted to Chinese Premier Li Qiang that Italy plans to exit from Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), news agency Bloomberg reported. It is worth noting that Italy is one of the signatory countries in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE EC) memorandum of understanding signed on Saturday during the first day of the G20 Summit.

ALSO READ | Wicked Scheme: Italian Defence Minister Laments Nation Joining Xis BRI Project

A separate report by Bloomberg from earlier this year said Rome intends to pull out of the initiative but Meloni was caught in a dilemma on how to deliver the message to Beijing while reducing the chances of a retaliation from Xi Jinping.

It is a sensitive issue for Italy because the Chinese ambassador to Italy earlier this year warned that there would be negative consequences for Italy if it withdrew from the agreement. She also plans to visit China in the coming months.

Moreover, the BRI investment pact between Beijing and Rome has also tested the Italy-US bilateral relationship.

The Bloomberg report said that Italy PM Meloni and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met on Saturday on the sidelines of the 2023 New Delhi G20 Summit where the former told Chinas Li that Italy is planning to withdraw from the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative is a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping as the nation looks to expand its influence across the planet and bring Europe, West Asia, Africa and East Asia under its sphere of influence. However, there are instances where countries  like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who are burdened with Chinese loans which they took to develop their infrastructure  have fallen into the so-called Chinese debt trap.

Italy, however, outlined that it looks to maintain friendly relations with Beijing, the Bloomberg report said. Italy signed up for the pact in 2019.

Meloni has been waiting for the opportune moment to pull out of the BRI deal amid rumblings from current and former ministers regarding the disadvantages the deal may have in store for Italy.

The deal aims to bolster infrastructure of middle and lower income nations but it has also pushed several nations into debt.

Meloni has been taking her time on deciding how to best broach the matter with China and let them know Romes decision to exit from the so-called infrastructure pact and Italy fears a trade retaliation due to its possible departure.
The massive earthquake that hit Morocco Friday night has so far killed at least 2,012 people and injured another 2,000, the interior ministry has said. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck in a mountainous area, 72 kilometres southwest of the tourist city of Marrakesh.

More than half of the people died in the province of Al-Haouz, the epicentre of the earthquake. As many as 452 were recorded dead in Taroudant province, the second worst-hit area. The authorities were still mobilising to step up rescue operations and evacuate the injured. Following the deadliest quake in the country in decades, three days of national mourning have been declared, as the troops scramble to reach remote mountain villages where victims are still feared trapped.

Though the powerful earthquake killed over 2,000 people in the North African country, it didnt hit the most active seismological region, said one French expert. But aftershocks can be expected, he warned.

Was the Morocco quake a surprise?

Morocco is one of those countries where the question is not whether there will be earthquakes. The Agadir earthquake (magnitude 5.7 in 1960) destroyed the entire city and killed almost 15,000 people, and more recently there was the Al Hoecima earthquake (magnitude 6.4 in 2004), further out on the Mediterranean," Philippe Vernant  a specialist in active tectonics, particularly in Morocco, at the University of Montpellier told AFP.

Looking further back in history, there were earthquakes in the 18th century, probably around magnitude 7 in the Fez region. The epicentre of the recent quake is not in the most active area of Morocco. But there are the High Atlas mountains This type of earthquake is what leads to the rise of the High Atlas range," he added.

Was the Morocco quake similar to the one in Turkey in February?

In Turkey, we had horizontal movement, because Turkey is shifting to the West, moving towards Greece. There was a horizontal sliding of the (tectonic) plates," Vernant said.

Here, were seeing more of a convergence between Africa and Eurasia or Iberia, the Spanish part, and overlapping faults But we are still dealing with plate boundaries," he added.

What explains the violence of the Morocco quake?

We need to see what magnitude the earthquake will be. Were talking about 6.8 or 6.9, which is quite strong. This corresponds roughly to an average displacement on the fault line of around one metre in a few seconds, over several kilometres," the French expert said.

Obviously, this shakes the region enormously. Then theres the depth: at first it was estimated to be at around 25-30 kilometres, but it seems to be going back up, closer to 10 kilometres. The closer you get to the surface, the greater the effect of the rupture," he said.

Should we expect aftershocks in Morocco?

Aftershocks are bound to occur. Even if they are less strong, they can lead to the collapse of buildings already weakened by the earthquake.

Traditionally, we tend to say that aftershocks diminish in intensity But in Turkey, one earthquake triggered another. The first tear can lead to the rupture of another fault through a cascade effect, which is why there is sometimes a risk of a stronger earthquake after the first one," the French expert said.

Is it possible to predict this kind of event?

Unfortunately, we cant predict anything. We try to estimate recurrence periods according to the different magnitudes of the earthquakes, but then the behaviour can be chaotic, with two strong earthquakes over a short period and then nothing for a very long time," he said.

(With agency inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called an end to the G20 Summit in New Delhi by passing on a ceremonial gavel to Brazil, which will take the blocs presidency from India. I want to congratulate Brazils president and my friend Lula da Silva, and hand over the presidencys gavel to him, PM Modi said at the closing ceremony of the G20 Summit.

India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency, PM Modi wrote on social media platform X.

Indias G20 presidency concluded a day after reaching a consensus on the New Delhi Leaders Declaration, which included paragraphs on the Ukraine conflict. Several nations commended India for brokering a consensus among the member states on some contentious issues through a series of discussions that included, 200 hours of negotiations, 300 bilateral meets, and 15 drafts.

Reminding the leaders that India has the responsibility of the G20 presidency till November, PM Modi proposed to hold a virtual session at the end of November to review the topics decided in the Delhi summit. I hope you all will connect in the virtual session. With this, I declare the conclusion of the G20 Summit, he added.

Brazil, which presides over the Group of 20 nations, will now have 21 members. The group has now effectively become G21, following the entry of the African Union into the bloc on Saturday. This move has been welcomed by several countries in the region, further expanding a group that already represents 85 percent of the worlds GDP.

Taking over the reins of the grouping, the Brazilian President Lula da Silva said geopolitical issues should not derail G20 discussions. In an implicit reference to diplomatic wrangling over the Ukraine war, he said, We cannot let geopolitical issues sequester the G20 agenda of discussions. Lula said the world has no interest in a divided G20 but in peace and cooperation instead.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Saturday that Russian leader Vladimir Putin would not be arrested in Brazil if he attends the Group of 20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro next year.

Interviewed on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Delhi by news show Firstpost, Lula said Putin would be invited to next years event, adding that he himself planned to attend a BRICS bloc of developing nations meeting due in Russia before the Rio meeting.

I believe that Putin can go easily to Brazil, Lula said. What I can say to you is that if Im president of Brazil, and he comes to Brazil, theres no way he will be arrested.

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March, accusing him of the war crime of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. Russia has denied its forces have engaged in war crimes, or forcibly taken Ukrainian children.

I believe that Putin can go easily to Brazil, Lula said. What I can say to you is that if Im president of Brazil, and he comes to Brazil, theres no way he will be arrested.

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March, accusing him of the war crime of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. Russia has denied its forces have engaged in war crimes, or forcibly taken Ukrainian children.
Russia praised the G20 Summit Declaration for its stance on the war in Ukraine and said that the blocs leaders acted in the interest of conflict resolution. The G20 Summit entered its second day on Sunday.

The New Delhis Leaders Declaration mentions Ukraine four times and reiterates that todays era is not an era of war. The language used in the joint statement does not criticise any party and urges all parties to actively participate in restoring peace in the region and to refrain from the threat, or use of force, to seek territorial acquisition.

Unlike the Bali Declaration following the 2022 G20 Summit in Indonesia, which condemned Russia for its role in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, the New Delhi Leaders Declaration at the 2023 G20 Summit India urges for a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine.

Russia says it is conducting a special military operation in its neighbouring country.

Russian G20 sherpa told Russian news agency Interfax that despite difficult negotiations on the Ukraine issue, the outcome reflected balance. There were very difficult negotiations on the Ukraine issue; first of all, the collective position of the BRICS countries and partners worked, everything was reflected in a balanced form, Lukash said. BRICs groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and these nations held a summit last month in South Africas capital Johannesburg.

The US also praised Indias leadership and its role as G20 President highlighting that it reflected in the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration. TS national security adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan termed the joint statement as a significant milestone for Indias chairmanship and a vote of confidence that the G20 can come together to address a pressing range of issues. He outlined that the joint statement consisted of several consequential paragraphs on the situation in Ukraine.

Russias G20 Sherpa Lukash also told Interfax that it was one of the most difficult G20 summits in the almost twenty-year history of the forum and said due to difference on positions in key issues like climate change and the transition to low-carbon energy systems it took almost 20 days to agree on the declaration.

The Western countries led by the G7 and the EU wanted the joint declaration to use language which condemns Russia but the New Delhi Leaders Declaration used war in Ukraine and not war against Ukraine unlike the 2022 G20 Bali Declaration.

This was not only due to some disagreements on the Ukraine subject, but also due to differences in positions on all key issues, primarily the issues of climate change and the transition to low-carbon energy systems, Lukash said.

Last year in Indonesia, the G20 referred to a United Nations resolution that strongly condemned aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, unlike this years statement which took a more measured tone.

However, an EU official told news agency Reuters that Ukraine was the only contentious issue but praised Indias strong leadership during the negotiation. The official added that Brazil and South Africa also played a crucial role.

G20 India Sherpa Amitabh Kant on Saturday emphasised that India during its G20 Presidency achieved 100 percent consensus. Ukraine was mentioned four times in the 37 pages document.

The New Delhi Leaders Declaration has 83 paras in all and all 83 paras have 100 percent consensus among all countries, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said. All countries have unanimously agreed to the New Delhi Leaders Declaration and is a complete statement with 100% unanimity, he further added.

The G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration in its language conveys a clear message that the G20 is not a platform to resolve geopolitical and security issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the nexus between Khalistani separatists and organised crime and drug syndicates and human trafficking rackets should be of concern for the Canadian government as well.

ALSO READ | Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Snubbed in India? No G20 Bilateral Meet, Just A Pull Aside. Heres Why

He conveyed Indias strong concerns about the continuous anti-India activities perpetrated by Khalistani separatist groups in Canada.

Prime Minister Modi pointed out that in recent years Khalistani separatists have used Canadian soil to promote secessionism, the ministry of external affairs said in a press release. PM Modi told Trudeau that these Khalistani extremists have in recent times incited violence against Indian diplomats, damaged diplomatic premises and threatened the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship.

Earlier in July, India summoned the Canadian envoy and issued a demarche over the increasing activities by pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. The action was taken after the separatists, who are known to have connections with Pakistans secret services, released some posters with names of certain Indian diplomats.

The nexus of such forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats, the Prime Minister told his Canadian counterpart, according to the press release.

At least half a dozen cases have been reported from Canada where Khalistani separatists have vandalised temples in the nation by spraying anti-India graffiti and threatening to harm worshippers who visit those places and in certain cases these separatist groups have also attacked Canadian Indians, members of the Indian community and Sikhs who do not subscribe to their ideology.

PM Modi said that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties. A relationship based on mutual respect and trust is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship, the Prime Minister said, according to the press release.

Khalistani separatists earlier this March attacked the Indian High Commission in London and vandalised the premises and also disrespected the tricolour. They threatened the staffers inside the high commission premises. They also carried out attacks on the Indian consulate in San Francisco.

Both leaders met on the sidelines on the final day of the G20 Summit. Trudeau congratulated the Prime Minister on the success of Indias G20 Presidency, the press release said.
A Chinese doctor checks up on a local patient in the Akuse community in the Eastern Region, Ghana, Sept. 8, 2023. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

ACCRA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The 12th Chinese medical team dispatched to Ghana on Friday kicked off a three-day free clinical service for more than 100 Ghanaian workers, and residents of a low-income community in Ghana's Eastern Region.

The beneficiaries include local employees of Sinohydro, a Chinese state-owned company, and low-income residents in the Akuse community who have been struggling to pay their medical bills.

According to Du Yushan, chief of the Chinese medical team, the three-day free clinical service was the seventh free outreach program by the team since their arrival in March.

"We have been here almost half a year and see many Ghanaians who need better health care but do not get it. So our medical team aims to do our best and take full advantage of our experience and expertise to offer quality service to the country," Du said.

Starting in the afternoon, the temporary clinic was soon crowded with local patients queuing up for consultations. Chinese doctors offered free medical checkups and treatment for malaria, and later donated a batch of medications to locals.

Benjamin Annim, a Ghanaian worker with the Chinese company, lauded the Chinese medical team and the company for reaching out to help locals.

"They brought us the free health screening and helped the workers know about their health status and take action if necessary. They think about our health, and we are grateful." Annim said. 

A Chinese doctor checks up on a local patient in the Akuse community in the Eastern Region, Ghana, Sept. 8, 2023. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)
Five former Metropolitan Police officers have pleaded guilty to sending grossly offensive racist messages on WhatsApp against British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and late Queen Elizabeth II, among others, between 2020 and 2022. All five officers retired from the police force between 2001 and 2015.

According to court reports, the charges against them were heard at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Thursday, when it emerged that the messages involved jibes against Indian-origin politicians such as Prime Minister Sunak and former Home Secretary Priti Patel and also the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle.

According to the charges, some messages shared in the WhatsApp chat group also referenced other senior royals, such as Prince William and his wife Kate and politicians, such as Pakistani-origin former health secretary Sajid Javid.

The racist and discriminatory content of these messages is absolutely appalling and, given the defendants once served as police officers, we recognise that this case may further damage confidence in policing, said Commander James Harman, who leads the Met Polices Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command.

Colleagues across the Met will be disgusted to know that these men once served in the force and will be pleased to see the outcome today [September 7]. I hope this case also demonstrates our commitment to take all allegations of criminality and misconduct seriously, investigate those reports thoroughly and where we have evidence of discrimination and abuse to bring criminal charges against individuals wherever we can, he said.

Scotland Yard said the officers involved served in various parts of the Met Police throughout their careers and had all spent time in the Diplomatic Protection Group, now known as the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.

Peter Booth, 66, of Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, pleaded guilty to four counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met Police in April 2001. Robert Lewis, 62, of Camberley, Surrey, pleaded guilty to eight counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met Police in May 2015.

Anthony Elsom, 67, of Bournemouth, Dorset, pleaded guilty to three counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met Police in May 2012. Alan Hall, 65, of Stowmarket, Suffolk, pleaded guilty to three counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met Police in June 2015.

Trevor Lewton, 65, of Swansea, has been charged with one count of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in August 2009. A sixth former Met Police officer, Michael Chadwell, 62, has pleaded not guilty to one count of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages and is expected to stand trial. The sentences in the case will be handed out at a later date.

The charges under Section 127 (1) of the UKs Communications Act 2003 followed a BBC investigation in October last year that prompted a probe by the Met Polices Directorate of Professional Standards.
Afghanistan, the most notorious for the global opiate trade, now faces a daunting challenge, both for itself and the wider region, due to a recent surge in illegal methamphetamine production and trafficking. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, which released a report on Sunday, highlighted this emerging threat, indicating that the Taliban-ruled country has rapidly transformed into a major regional hub for methamphetamine production.

The country is also a major opium producer and heroin source, even though the Taliban declared war on narcotics after they seized power in 2021. The UN report said meth in Afghanistan is mostly made from legally available substances or extracted from the ephedra plant, which grows in the wild.

Seizures inside and outside Afghanistan point to a sharp increase in methamphetamine manufacture in Afghanistan in the last few years. An analysis of significant individual drug seizures shows that an increasing amount of methamphetamine seized in neighbouring countries reportedly originated in Afghanistan, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in a report. The UN report suggests that drug traffickers may be capturing an increasing share of the methamphetamine market in Afghanistan and the wider region.

Methamphetamine trafficking is expanding at a staggering pace.Across Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, there was nearly a twelvefold surge in seizures, from 2.5 tons in 2017 to 29.7 tons in 2021. Learn more: https://t.co/jncAB0MXgt pic.twitter.com/Lu8je7FUCF  UNODC Afghanistan (@UNODC_COAFG) September 10, 2023

The Drug Problem

Last November, a UN report said that opium cultivation since the Taliban takeover increased by 32 percent over the previous year, and that opium prices rose following authorities announcement of a cultivation ban in April 2022. Farmers income from opium sales tripled from USD 425 million in 2021 to USD 1.4 billion in 2022.

The report also said that the illicit drug market thrived as the countrys economy sharply contracted, making people open to illegal cultivation and trafficking for their survival.

Afghans are dealing with severe economic hardship and the continued consequences of decades of war and natural disasters. The downturn, along with the pause of international financing that propped up the economy of the Ashraf Ghani government, is driving people into poverty, and addiction.

What Data Says

Seizure data from 2017 to 2021 shows a staggering increase in methamphetamine production and trafficking in Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Methamphetamine seizures have surged from a mere 2.5 tons in 2017 to a staggering 29.7 tons in 2021. This growth indicates that the landlocked country is not only a transit route for illicit drugs but also a significant producer of methamphetamine.

Within Afghanistan itself, the rise is even more dramatic. Annual seizures of methamphetamine in the country skyrocketed from less than 100 kg in 2019 to nearly 2,700 kg in 2021, pointing to a considerable increase in production capacity. The government had previously reported methamphetamine production across various provinces, with precursor chemicals primarily sourced from neighboring countries.

Ephedra  a Key Ingredient for Meth

Methamphetamine production relies heavily on ephedra, a plant that grows in remote and often inaccessible areas. To produce a single kilogram of pure methamphetamine, an estimated 200 kg of dried harvested ephedra is needed. Considering that approximately half of the plants weight consists of water, the equivalent amount of freshly collected ephedra may reach 437 kg.

As per the UNODC report, the estimated ephedra required to manufacture the 29.7 tons of methamphetamine seized in and around Afghanistan in 2021 could range from 6,500 to 11,700 metric tons, depending on purity. This amount surpasses the total opium production of Afghanistan in 2022, which was estimated at 6,200 tons.

Challenges in Ephedra Harvesting

Harvesting ephedra is a labor-intensive process, with harvesters collecting between 25-45 kg of ephedra per day. It may take between 9.7 and 17.5 labour-days to collect enough ephedra for a single kilogram of pure methamphetamine. To meet the quantity of seized methamphetamine, an estimated 202,000 to 363,000 labour-days would be needed.

According to the UN report, satellite imagery and field observations suggest that approximately 34 hectares of ephedra-rich land are required to source enough raw ephedra for a kilogram of methamphetamine under non-ideal conditions and a short three to four-month harvest period. Assuming purity ranges of 50 to 90 percent, between 507,000 and 913,000 hectares would be needed to manufacture the seized methamphetamine, greatly exceeding the area under cultivation of opium poppy in its peak year of 2017.

Ephedrine as an Alternative

While ephedra appears cost-effective in the short term, it has limitations due to its remote growth locations, limited harvest periods, and low plant density. An alternative method involves the use of bulk ephedrines, which are often diverted from the legal market. These chemicals can be directly synthesised into methamphetamine with fewer steps, and their higher purity requires significantly less input material.

Estimates suggest that between 414-745 metric tons of cold medications would have been needed to produce the seized methamphetamine, assuming purity ranges between 50-90 percent. This far exceeds the 13 metric tons of annual legitimate requirements for ephedrine/pseudoephedrine reported by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries in 2022. The diversion of such vast quantities of cold medications in the region is improbable.

The UN report stated that bulk ephedrines are produced and traded in large quantities within the region, making them a more accessible choice for methamphetamine production. In 2022, over 100 metric tons of bulk industrial-grade ephedrines were reported in annual legitimate requirements for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.

Regional Cooperation is Key

To counter the increasing use of diverted cold medications and industrial-grade precursors in methamphetamine manufacture, the UN report argues that regional coordination and cooperation are crucial. It states that policies targeting the diversion and smuggling of chemical precursors can help reduce the illegal supply of methamphetamine. In the report, the UN body laid emphasis on reviewing regulations concerning cold medication formulations that may identify steps to reduce the availability of these inputs for methamphetamine production.

The agency also called for enhancing understanding of the primary inputs used in illegal methamphetamine production in the country through regular mapping, chemical signature analysis of seizures and licit flows, and monitoring ephedra plant harvesting and trading. Greater regional cooperation and policy efforts to combat the diversion and smuggling of chemical precursors are critical steps in curbing the illegal methamphetamine trade emerging from Afghanistan, it added.
Sixty years after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the memoir of a Secret Service agent who was there may change a key part of the narrative, reports the New York Times . The memoir is by Paul Landis, now 88, whose account challenges the idea that a single bullet killed JFK and then wounded Texas Gov. John B. Connally. Skeptics have long derided that theory as the "magic bullet." As Peter Baker of the Times explains, the Warren Commission settled on this theory in part because the bullet was found on the hospital stretcher on which Connally was believed to have been carried, and it was assumed it had exited his body as he was being moved around. But Landis, for the first time, asserts that he actually found that same bullet in the back seat of the the presidential limo, where JFK had been sitting.

In The Final Witness, out next month, Landis writes that he spotted the bullet after JFK's motorcade arrived at the hospital and the president had been removed from the limo. "This was all going on so quickly," he tells Baker. "And I was just afraid thatit was a piece of evidence, that I realized right away. Very important. And I didn't want it to disappear or get lost. So it was, 'Paul, you've got to make a decision,' and I grabbed it.'" He says he brought the bullet inside the hospital and placed it on JFK's stretcher next to the president. He now assumes it shifted onto Connally's stretcher when the two stretchers were pushed together in the chaos and commotion.

The significance? "If what he says is true, which I tend to believe, it is likely to reopen the question of a second shooter, if not even more," says James Robenalt, a lawyer who has written multiple books on the assassination. Landis' account suggests a separate bullet struck Connally, and Robenalt is among those who argue that Lee Harvey Oswald would not have been able to reload that fast. Landis left the Secret Service soon after the killing and says he didn't realize until 2014 that his memory differed with the official account. Read the full story, which notes that aspects of the new account are at odds with Landis' own written statements after the shooting. And another agent at the sceneClint Hill, who famously climbed onto the back of the limois skeptical. (Read more JFK assassination stories.)
A dragon boat race was held in the northern Israeli port city of Akko on Friday, with hundreds of paddlers from 17 teams nationwide competing in the Mediterranean Sea.
An escaped murderer on the run for more than a week in southeast Pennsylvania has been spotted with what police called "a changed appearance," per the AP . Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement on Sunday that Danelo Cavalcante was seen overnight near Phoenixville in northern Chester County. Cavalcante is now clean-shaven and wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, black baseball cap, green prison pants, and white shoes, the statement said. Cavalcante was operating a 2020 White Ford Transit van bearing Pennsylvania registration ZST-8818, police said on X (formerly known as Twitter). The van has a refrigeration unit on the top.

Cavalcante, 34, escaped from the Chester County Prison while awaiting transfer to state prison on Aug. 31 after being sentenced to life for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in 2021. (He escaped by "crab walking" up a wall.) Prosecutors say he wanted to stop her from telling police that he's wanted in a killing in his home country of Brazil. Phoenixville is about 13 miles northeast of the prison. Authorities have described Cavalcante as extremely dangerous. Police are asking anyone with information to call 911. Officials on Friday announced the firing of the prison tower guard on duty at the time of Cavalcante's escape, which went undetected for more than an hour until guards took a headcount.

(Read more prison escape stories.)
In an unprecedented move, the Vatican on Sunday beatified a Polish family of ninea married couple and their small childrenwho were executed by the Nazis during World War II for sheltering Jews. During a ceremonious Mass in the village of Markowa, in southeastern Poland, papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read out the Latin formula of the beatification of the Ulma family signed last month by Pope Francis. In his homily, Semeraro noted that for their "gesture of hospitality and care, of mercy," the Ulmas "paid the highest price of martyrdom," the AP reports. It is the first time that an entire family has been beatified.

A contemporary painting representing Jozef and a pregnant Wiktoria Ulma with their children was revealed near the altar. A procession brought relics taken from their grave to the altar. At the Vatican, speaking to a crowd in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis said the Ulmas "represented a ray of light in the darkness" of the war and should be a model for everyone in "doing good and in the service of those in need." The pope then joined in applauding the family. Those gathered in Markowa watched Francis' address on giant screens placed by the altar. Last year, Francis pronounced the Catholic Ulma family martyrs for the faith.

The Ulmas were killed at home by German Nazi troops and Nazi-controlled local police in the small hours of March 24, 1944, together with the eight Jews they were hiding at their home, after they were apparently betrayed. Jozef Ulma, 44, was a farmer, Catholic activist and amateur photographer who documented family and village life. He lived with his 31-year-old wife, Wiktoria; their daughters Stanislawa, 7; Barbara, 6; Maria, 18 months; and sons Wladyslaw, 5; Franciszek, 3; and Antoni, 2. Killed with them were 70-year-old Saul Goldman and his sons Baruch, Mechel, Joachim and Mojzesz, along with Golda Grunfeld, and her sister Lea Didner with her little daughter Reszla, according to Poland's state Institute of National Remembrance, which has meticulously documented the Ulmas' story, per the AP.

story continues below

The orders were given by Lt. Eilert Dieken, head of the regional Nazi military police. After the war he served in the police in Germany. Only one subordinate, Josef Kokott, was convicted in Poland in the killings, dying in prison in 1980. The suspected betrayer was Wlodzimierz Les, a member of the Nazi-controlled local police; Poland's wartime resistance sentenced him to death and executed him in September 1944. Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, as well as Poland's chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich, attended the celebration in Markowa, and thousands of pilgrims came from across Poland to take part. Poland was the first country invaded by Nazi Germany, on Sept. 1, 1939. Some 6 million of its citizens were killed during the war, half of them Jews.

(Read more beatification stories.)
President Biden arrived Sunday in Vietnam to seal a "comprehensive strategic partnership," while insisting his attempts to strengthen US relations with China's neighbors are not coming at the expense of Beijing's Communist government. "I don't want to contain China," Biden said during a news conference in Hanoi, Politico reports. "We're not trying to hurt China." The president was fresh from a G20 summit in India, another nation that borders China and is of strategic importance in countering its increasing aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, per the New York Times .

Over the past five months, per CNN, Biden has hosted the Philippines' president at the White House, thrown India's prime minister a state dinner, and hosted Japanese and South Korean leaders at Camp David. Each diplomatic effort has produced evidence of closer ties with the US. Administration officials said the agreement to be signed in Hanoi elevates the US to the ranks of Vietnam's closest partners, one of which is China. "It marks a new period of fundamental reorientation between the United States and Vietnam," which at the same time is under pressure from China, a senior official said.

"The United States is a Pacific nation, and we're not going anywhere," Biden said in the news conference Sunday, which seemed intended to put China on notice, per the Times. China has accused the US of Cold War-like strategies in steps such as restricting certain investments there. Biden answered that Sunday. "We think too much in Cold War terms," the president told reporters. "I am sincere about getting the relationship right." He plans to announce moves on Monday to help Vietnam ease its reliance on Russian arms, a US official said. (Read more President Biden stories.)
Sorry!

This content is not available in your region
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Top leaders from the U.S. Army Sustainment Command, its seven Army Field Support Brigades, ASC-Army Reserve Element, 279th Army Field Support Brigade, and LOGCAP Support Brigade gather in front of ASCs headquarters building Aug. 24 during the Senior Leaders Forum at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois from Aug. 21  25. The SLF was an opportunity to bring together key ASC leaders and ASC headquarters staff to refine and improve planning efforts, share best practices, execute the commands Corps Logistics Support Element and Division Logistics Support Element missions, and build team cohesion across the command. (Photo by Jon Connor)
Army Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, assistant adjutant general for the State of Hawaii and dual commander of Joint Task Force 5-0, speaks with sailors assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 as they prepare to conduct search and survey operations in Lahaina Harbor on the island of Maui, Hawaii, Aug. 27, 2023.
BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The name "Bai Peilan" stands out on the list of winners of the inaugural Orchid Awards, its classical Chinese quality contrasting with the names of other foreigners honored for fostering cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

Bai Peilan is the Chinese name of Mexican academic Flora Botton Beja, a professor at the Center for Asian and African Studies at EI Colegio de Mexico. The Chinese character "lan" in her name stands for orchid in English. In traditional Chinese culture, the orchid symbolizes elegance, nobility and friendship.

Now in her 90s, Botton was honored with the outstanding achievement award at the Orchid Awards on Friday, recognizing her decades of dedication to studying and introducing China to not only Mexico, but to all Spanish-speaking countries.

Born in Greece, Botton moved to Mexico with her family at the age of 15, where she embarked on a remarkable journey that ultimately tied her destiny to that of China. Botton is now revered as one of the founding figures in the field of sinology in Mexico. For her, what started out as a suitable academic arrangement eventually blossomed into a profound love affair with China.

As one of the first academics in Mexico to focus on China in the 1960s, Botton chose to delve into the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture, reflecting her belief that "knowing about the past is necessary to understand the present."

Botton first traveled to China in 1975, and she later worked at the Mexican Embassy in China, actively engaging in cultural exchange efforts.

After her diplomatic tenure, she continued promoting cultural exchanges between China and Mexico through translation, teaching and writing. She translated Chinese classics into Spanish, such as "Mencius," "Xunzi," and "Mozi," as well as Tang Dynasty stories, enriching the understanding of Chinese culture among Spanish-speaking readers.

Throughout her teaching career, Botton's classroom was a hub of knowledge, from which she imparted Chinese philosophy and history to her students. She also dealt with modern and contemporary China, conducting research on society, family and women.

Navigating seamlessly between two distinct cultures, Botton has concluded that Mexico and China share traditional values of family ties and solidarity, as well as respect for the elderly and for regional cultures.

Botton has revisited China multiple times over the past four decades, and has been astonished by the achievements the country has made in every area. Today, cultural exchanges between Mexico and China are flourishing, she said, noting that young Mexicans now have more opportunities to explore the distant land of China through avenues like Chinese-manufactured products and technology.

"My students are attracted to the Chinese Studies program because of China's economic success and its importance as a world power," she added.

Botton has worked tirelessly to introduce China to the world through her writing. Her Spanish-language works, including one on the history of China, have been instrumental in building a solid bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Mexico.

When asked what the greatest motivation is that fuels her writing, Botton's answer is simple yet profound. "I love China," she said. "It has been my life's work." 
TUNIS, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia announced Saturday that a rescue team has left for quake-hit Morocco to provide search and rescue (SAR) efforts.

The team is made up of more than 50 professional rescue experts and medical workers. Equipped with thermal monitoring devices and a drone to detect victims under the rubble, the team will work with local Moroccan rescue agencies during its operations, the official TAP news agency reported.

The TAP added that Tunisia will also help deploy a field hospital immediatelly to contribute to SAR operations.

The Tunisian Presidency said Saturday in a statement that the country will support Morocco with all the capabilities it has.

The statement confirmed that Tunisia will dispatch urgent aid and civil protection teams to help with SAR operations, as well as a delegation from the Tunisian Red Crescent to participate in the relief operations.

On Friday night, a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, claiming more than 1,300 lives. 




Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has described the return of Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the country as a testament to his strength and resilience in serving the people of the state.





While hailing the governor for his ability to overcome adversity and resume his duties immediately, Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, at the weekend, stated that Akeredolus return signposts proof of Gods faithfulness.





According to him, the hopes of the people of the state were fulfilled when the news of the governors return was heard.





The return of their beloved governor has brought immense joy and gratitude to the people of Ondo State, who have eagerly awaited his arrival.





We are delighted to see you back in good health, and your unwavering commitment to the well-being and progress of Ondo State has been a tremendous inspiration to us all.





Your invaluable leadership and dedication to the people of Ondo State fill us with hope for the continued development and prosperity of our state under your guidance.





As you officially resume your duties, we pray that our state witnesses even greater development under your watch.





After concluding a three-month medical leave in Germany, Governor Akeredolu arrived in the country last week Thursday.





On Friday, he met with his cabinet members, legislators, and various political groups in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.




The Anambra lady identified as Chinyere Awuda, whose corpse was found near an abandoned swimming pool on the premises of a popular hotel in Awka, has been buried in Awuda, Nnobi community, in the Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.





The 30-year-old victim, a graduate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who died on July 15 after she was allegedly beaten to death at a hotel, was buried on Saturday amid tears.





Awuda was accused of picking up money being sprayed during a birthday party and beaten to death by a mob.





Her burial was attended by her former schoolmates, friends, and family members, who described her as a cool-headed and lovable fellow.





The parents of the deceased, Mr and Mrs Awuda, who could not hold back their tears, lamented the death of their daughter, saying their sadness was that their daughter died an undeserved death.





They said, She was our fifth child. The news of her sudden death came to us as a rude shock. We never expected that her promising life with a bright future would be cut short in such a manner.





We heard that she was beaten to death by a group of boys and her corpse was found near an abandoned swimming pool in the hotel where she went with her friends to celebrate someones birthday.





Although the police said autopsy proved she drowned, we believe she was killed as they have refused to release the CCTV footage of the incident. What can we do? We have left vengeance to God.





Also in a teary voice, the elder brother of the deceased, Ekene, lamented that both the police and the hotel management did not show any empathy to the family.




The Ogun State Government has begun demolishing a building owned by Mrs Olufunke Daniel, wife of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.





The five-storey building, named Datkem Plaza, is situated at Folagbade Street, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.





Our correspondent learnt that the structure, approved by the state government in 2009, is scheduled for commissioning by the end of September.





It was gathered that the demolition began in the early hours of Sunday under the supervision of some government officials and security agents.





It was learnt that the Ogun State Government had given a demolition notice about three days ago.





In a statement by the contractor, Engr Olusegun Lawal, it was said that the government gave lack of enough parking space, inadequate muster point and inadequate airspace as the reasons for the demolition.





According to Lawal, the building, worth N1 billion, has no single structural defects and all relevant and necessary government approvals have been obtained.





Former Governor Daniel, the current Senator representing Ogun East, has visited the site for an on-the-spot assessment.





Contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lekan Adeniran, said the State Government would soon issue a statement about the incident.




The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, has condemned the gruesome murder and beheading of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada in Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim.





Arase described the killing as wicked, saying the murder of the gallant officer who fought till the end to save the Odumude community will not in any way extinguish the indomitable fighting spirit of the police against social disorders.





In a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations of the commission, Arase promised that the Commission will do everything within its constitutional powers to support and encourage the police to ensure that the criminals are apprehended and brought to justice.





We will stand with the police to also ensure that there is no repeat of this barbaric act and will also encourage a proactive intelligence gathering and sharing so as to always arrest this kind of ambush, he noted.





He commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Polycarp Emeka Nwonyi, and the family of the slain officer on the unfortunate development.




Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving juicy ministerial portfolios to the South East.





He noted that the President showed the kind gesture despite recording low votes in the region during the last presidential election.





He said that assigning the minister of works to the region was huge.





In politics, you dont get what you deserve but what you bargain for with votes, he said.





Soludo said that given the totality of votes we[South East] contributed and looking at the ministerial portfolios, the region may not have the basis to begin to demand juicy portfolios.





He said, however, that the president graciously gave us one of our finest and best, one of the few engineers who pioneered concrete pavement as current standard for road construction.
The immigrant crisis landed on New Jersey for the first time last week  at least politically  and it didnt exactly bring out the best in us, notably the state officials from both parties whose message was as welcoming as the slam of a door and the clack of a lock.

Gov. Murphys initial reaction was the most dispiriting example. When it was first reported by Bloomberg that the Department of Homeland Security planned to bus some of the 60,000 asylum-seekers in Manhattan to Atlantic City Airport, he had little to offer but a flat no way in response to what has become a humanitarian catastrophe.
Authorities are asking for the publics help finding a driver who struck two teens riding a motorized scooter on the New Jersey Turnpike last week.

Shortly before 1 a.m. on Thursday, a 16-year-old boy was driving a motorized scooter with an 18-year-old female passenger in the left northbound lane of the Turnpike in Ridgefield Park. Near milepost 117, a vehicle then struck the scooter and fled the scene, New Jersey State Police said in a statement on social media.

Police said the vehicle may have been a white Ford Transit van.

The teens, both of Union City, both sustained serious injuries, police said in a statement. Officials did not release any further information on their condition.

Police are asking anyone with information on the crash to contact New Jersey State Police at 732-441-4500 ext. 1430. Tips can be anonymous.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is airing its debut season premiere on Sunday, Sep. 10 at 9 p.m. You can watch it live as it airs on Philo (free trial).

In the premiere, Daryl Dixon (played by Norman Reedus) will arrive in France. His arrival there will set off a terrible, bloody chain of events involving a religious movement and a young boy in danger. In exchange for agreeing to defend the boy, Daryl will seek help returning to America.

The series also stars Clemence Poesy, Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, Laika Blanc Francard, Anne Charrier, Romain Levi, and Adam Nagaitis.

Heres the information youll need to watch a free live stream of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon online without cable.

How to watch The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon without cable

If youre a cord-cutter or dont have cable, you can live stream The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon on any one of the following streaming platforms:

Philo (free trial)

Sling TV (half off first month)

When is The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon on?

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon begins its first season run on AMC at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Sep. 10. It will be preceded by an airing of Furious 7 at 6 p.m.

What channel is AMC?

You can use the channel finder on your providers website to locate it: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish.

How to watch The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon online on-demand

If you missed The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon or want to binge watch other AMC content online, look for it on the following streaming platforms:

Philo (free trial)

Sling TV (half off first month)

What is The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon about?

According to the official AMC description of the series: A strange new world awaits Daryl Dixon.

Heres a look at a behind-the-scenes preview of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, focusing on actor Norman Reedus and the work that is put in to make the show happen, courtesy of the its official YouTube channel:

Related stories about streaming TV services

The best streaming services for animated TV in 2023

What is Sling TV and how does it work? Price, channels, live streaming info

The best streaming services for live TV in 2023: Prices, features, free trials

The best VPNs of 2023, according to reviews

What is Philo? Price, TV channels, how to get a free trial

How to watch Yellowstone, the hottest show on TV right now

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com.
Warren County officials held a memorial Sunday for county residents who died in the 9/11 attacks in New York City.

The ceremony was at the Warren County Emergency Services and 9/11 Memorial at 1500 Route 57 in Franklin Township, according to a news release. It was held in part to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the memorial erected between the Warren County Technical School and Warren County Community College.

The ceremony honored those who died terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as Warren County emergency service workers who died in the line of duty. Terrorist flew planes into the World Trade Center, killing more than 2,700 people when the towers collapsed.

Warren County residents who died that day include:

Greenwich Township resident Deepa K. Pakkala, who was in the North Tower

Knowlton Township resident Bruce A. Reynolds, a Port Authority patrolman and Knowlton Township firefighter. He was in the South Tower

Hackettstown resident Bruce E. Simmons, who was in the South Tower

Belvidere resident Robert C. Miller Jr., who was in the South Tower

Firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical service personnel from across Warren County participated in the memorial.

Warren County Commissioners Director Lori Ciesla was the keynote speaker. Deputy Director James R. Kern III and Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski were slated to participate.

Scroll through the photos above for some views of the event.

Lehighvalleylive.com has an online list of events planned for Monday, Sept. 11.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.
NEW YORK  Its no consolation for how miserable this season has been within the Yankees starting staff  or how sloppily the team played in Saturdays 9-2 loss to the Brewers  but Michael King continues to look every bit like a pitcher that can help in the rotation next season.

King tied his career-high with nine strikeouts on Saturday. He gave up four hits and walked one, allowing two runs to score on what shouldve been a double to right field  multiple misplays on defense turned it into a Little League home run.

Factoring in his five innings of work on Saturday, King has a 1.08 ERA in his last four outings, pitching every five days in the rotation.

Another strong start, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after the loss. He continues to very much look the part as he continues to get build up more and more.

BUY YANKEES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

Kings season-high in pitches before his start against the Nationals on Aug. 24 was 44. He threw 50 on that day and has added just about 10 pitches to that in total each start since, throwing 79 on Saturday. Last time out, King twirled five innings of one-run ball against the Astros in Houston, earning the first win (as a starter) of his MLB career.

The Yankees wont need to check with the right-hander to see if he wants to stay in this role heading into next season. He hasnt shied away from exhibiting that interest over the years, reiterating as much on Saturday night. What the Yankees need to decide is whether theyre willing to subtract Kings value as a multi-inning weapon in relief and use him as a full-time starter.

With the way the Yankees staff stands as of now, theres one spot to fill. Ace Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt will be coming off great seasons while Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes will be in search of bounce-back campaigns (and trying to stay healthy).

King could occupy that No. 5 spot. He should at least have a chance to earn it in spring training, certainly if he keeps churning out these results the rest of the way. Its a win-win scenario in that sense. If he stumbles as a starter or another arm beats him out, King can return to the bullpen, where hes been dominant for the last three seasons.

Its incredible seeing what Kinger has done these past couple of weeks, getting thrown into the rotation, Aaron Judge said. Weve seen what he can do when you put him out there for one or two innings in a big spot bases loaded, a big jam, hes just cool, calm and collected out there. And youre seeing the same thing as a starter. Hes going out there, hes commanding the zone, commanding all his pitches, and to be able to get some length out of him, thats gonna be a big weapon for us down the stretch.

As King continues to make his adjustment back to starting, keep an eye on how he performs when facing a lineup for the third time. Its something he hasnt had a chance to do yet, related to his pitch count.

There was a taste of that on Saturday, though. King retired Sal Frelick and William Contreras to end the fifth inning, the top two hitters in Milwaukees lineup. The right-hander struck both out on changeups, a pitch he hadnt thrown to either of them over the first two times he faced them.

Its little things like that where I feel like Ive developed as a pitcher to be able to command a pitch that I havent thrown to these guys, and still be able to execute in that third time through, King said.

NOTABLE

-- Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed after the loss that Luis Severino will miss the rest of the season with a high-grade strain in his left oblique. Severino left Fridays game with an injury and was placed on the injured list on Saturday morning.

Earlier in the afternoon, Boone mentioned right-handers Randy Vasquez and Jhony Brito as the two main candidates to replace Severino in the starting staff. Those two arms could be in contention for a starting spot next year as well, although its telling that the Yankees have rolled with King rather than one of those two on a full-time basis.

-- Saturdays game was tied in the seventh inning at 2-2. Jonathan Loaisiga gave up three runs in the eighth inning. Matt Krook and Ron Marinaccio gave up four more in the ninth. Yankees relievers have allowed 13 runs in their last two games after allowing just three in their previous 24 innings.

LOOKING AHEAD

Sunday: Yankees vs. Brewers, 1:35 p.m., YES. RHP Gerrit Cole (13-4, 2.90) vs. RHP Corbin Burnes (9-8, 3.63)

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Max Goodman may be reached at mgoodman@njadvancemedia.com.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the third session of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

NEW DELHI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The world is undergoing a difficult period of complex and volatile development, and as the difficulties intensify, there is an increasing need to strengthen confidence and enhance expectations for the future, take a long-term view and actively respond to difficulties and challenges, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday.

Throughout the history of human civilization, in good times and bad, the yearning for a better future has always been the beacon that leads mankind forward, Li said at the third session of the 18th Group of 20 (G20) Summit.

Li said that the issue of this stage of the meeting is "One Future."

"Only by doing a good job in the present can we have a good future," Li said.

The G20 members should play an exemplary role, start with specific matters and strive to do well in the present, Li said.

Noting that the most urgent issue at present is development, Li pointed out that the G20 members should place the issue of development at the center of macro-policy coordination.

Li stressed the need to establish more practical cooperation mechanisms, take concrete actions, and support developing countries in better addressing development challenges such as poverty reduction, fundraising, climate change, food and energy security.

He also stressed the need to practice true multilateralism, build global development partnerships, and create a safe and stable international environment for common development.

Leaders at the meeting said that the G20 should demonstrate responsibility, promote international cooperation, foster inclusive, sustainable and people-centered development, and ensure that the application of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence enhances human well-being.

The summit adopted G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

On Sunday morning, Li and other leaders at the meeting offered floral tributes to the Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other leaders at the 18th G20 Summit offer floral tributes to the Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi, India, Sept. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
The Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, seen here in a 2009 photo, has been rocked by a string of scandals involving alleged self-dealing by prison employees. Two longtime employees resigned recently after an investigation found they had been collecting money for firearms training done while on the clock using public assets. (AP file photo/Judi Bottoni)
Michael Karam drives by palm trees that look sicker by the mile.

Some of the treasured palms still tower over Gentillys boulevards, but their spiked crowns have turned droopy and brown. Karam, the New Orleans parks director, has little doubt theyll soon look like the scabbed-over stumps he finds later on the drive.

How do you prevent this? We dont have an answer, he said.

A fatal disease is quickly spreading among the palms of south Louisiana, and theres no cure in sight. Called lethal bronzing, the disease first appeared in Louisiana in 2013 and has been detected in at least six parishes: Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge and Iberia.
HONG KONG, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The geologists at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have received a set of precious research samples, the lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-5 mission.

"I was very excited when I learned that we could get the lunar samples to Hong Kong," Qian Yuqi, a postdoctoral fellow from the university's Department of Earth Sciences, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

On Aug. 7, the HKU announced that its geologists team obtained approval from the China National Space Administration's Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center to study the lunar soil samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 lunar probe in 2020. This marked the first time that a Hong Kong research team has secured lunar soil samples.

At the press briefing held earlier by the HKU, Qian, who took the lead in applying for the lunar samples, described obtaining lunar soil as a dream that came true for his team and the space science community in Hong Kong.

"I knew this was an opportunity we could not miss for the further development of lunar science at HKU and of even planetary science throughout Hong Kong," he said.

The lunar soil had been to Hong Kong two years ago. It was put on public display at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and received a warm response. It is believed the return of the lunar soil will further promote the development of scientific research in Hong Kong.

Packing in transparent containers, the dark-colored soil samples, in the form of powder and particles, totaling 822.6 mg, will provide scientists with research data to unveil the mystery of the moon.

In Hong Kong, there are not many academicians engaging in lunar science research. Qian joined the HKU after completing his doctorate degree at the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) in December last year, and became the first person in the HKU specializing in the study of the moon.

Qian has long been engaged in the research of deep space exploration, lunar exploration and fields related. During his doctoral study, his team successfully applied for the first batch of lunar soil samples collected by Chang'e-5.

The young scientist stressed that many scientific problems can be solved only when the lunar soil is studied. For instance, scientists can better understand the remote sensing data when comparing them with actual lunar samples.

When the sixth batch of lunar research samples was open for application earlier this year, Qian, with the support of Joseph Michalski, associate professor of HKU's Department of Earth Sciences, formed a team including experts specializing in tectonic processes and the evolution of the Earth's lithosphere, volcanic hazards, evolution of old continents, crustal growth and tectonic evolution, and some other relevant fields.

The competition for lunar soil application was fierce. When the results of the application were announced in June, with HKU being one of the units approved to borrow lunar soil for research purposes, Qian was overjoyed. He believed that in addition to a strong team of scientists, HKU's advanced equipment is also one of the reasons it stands out.

Using state-of-the-art instruments, the HKU geologists will analyze the lunar samples, which will offer valuable insights into the moon's geological and thermal history, its connection to the formation and evolution of planetary bodies in the solar system.

In December 2020, China's lunar exploration mission successfully conducted its first lunar surface sampling. The Chang'e-5 probe adopted two methods of sampling, one was drilling underground, and the other was using a robotic arm to do surface sample collections. The surface sampling system was developed by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"A total of 1,731 grams of lunar soil were collected, of which about 1,500 grams were picked up by the robotic arm, which is a very important part of Chang'e-5," Qian said, adding that this demonstrated the strength of Hong Kong scientists in deep space exploration and the country's support for Hong Kong's scientific research.

Both Qian and Michalski believed that the establishment of a space research community among Hong Kong universities can lay a foundation for future cooperation and exploration, and better serve the deep space exploration study. 
The shortage of dentists we have across North Devon is not something new, when I moved to North Devon I spent 18 months travelling back and forth to Somerset to see my former dentist as I could not find a local dentist with an opening.

Following the covid-19 pandemic, the problem has been worsening, and rarely does a week go by without dentistry being at the top of my casework folder.

In an effort to tackle the problem I have engaged with ministers, worked with our Integrated Care Board and spoken with local dentistry providers. Unfortunately, the issue is complex, and rooted in other areas of my work such as the lack of affordable housing in the region. The Government has brought in a number of changes to dental contracts and the recruitment of overseas dentists which will improve the availability of dental services in the long term, but North Devon needs more dentists now.

This is why I have launched a parliamentary petition to show the Government how urgent the lack of dentists is in North Devon, and that concrete steps need to be taken to bring more dentists here in the short term. The petition is:

To the House of Commons.

The petition of residents of the constituency of North Devon,

Declares that the sustained lack of dental provision in North Devon has led to a critical reduction in health outcomes; notes that access to dental services has worsened since the pandemic and despite ongoing work from government ministers, the NHS, the County Council and Integrated Care Board the situation continues to get worse, not better; further declares that to ensure that the people of North Devons health is not negatively affected any further concrete steps need to be taken now to bring more dental provision to our constituency.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to assist with emergency dental provision in North Devon.

By signing this petition, it will demonstrate to Westminster that particular attention is needed in North Devon and the situation cannot be overlooked any longer. The petition can either be signed in person or online, the online petition can be found at https://www.change.org/DentistsinNorthDevon. If you would like your signature to be part of the physical presentation in parliament then please contact my office at selaine.saxby.mp@parliament.uk for a physical copy.

I know that the situation is particularly acute when it comes to orthodontists, and I have received a number of emails from parents who have told me about the difficulties they are having finding someone to care for their childrens braces. I have written to the Minister for Primary Care and Public Health, Neil OBrien about the chronic lack of Orthodontic services and have urged him to look closely at how we can secure specific funding for rural dental services. I have spoken with My Dentist who working hard to find an orthodontist to join their Barnstaple team which is a welcome step.

The first ever surgery I held when I became an MP was on the dentistry and now that parliament has returned I want to assure everyone who has written to me that it will continue to be the top of my priority list.
Children stand by a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

RABAT, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Morocco on Saturday declared three days of national mourning after a devastating earthquake jolted the kingdom late Friday night.

Flags will fly at half-mast on all public facilities during the national mourning, according to a statement released by the Royal Office after Moroccan King Mohammed VI chaired a meeting on the disaster.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday.

Morocco has not experienced a disaster of this magnitude since 2004 when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the port city of Al Hoceima, killing around 630 people.

The Moroccan state TV said the majority of casualties in the earthquake were from the remote and inaccessible mountainous regions near the epicenter, with damaged roads further hindering rescue efforts.

Rescuers have been sent to the quake-hit areas to search for survivors, local media reported. TV footage showed rescuers digging through rubbles and debris in an effort to save survivors.

The earthquake was felt in many cities across Morocco, including the capital Rabat and Casablanca. Numerous houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh, local media reported.

Rows of buildings were leveled to the ground in Imlil, a small village in the High Atlas mountains about 60 km south of Marrakesh, video footage showed.

The earthquake damaged many buildings in the old city of Marrakesh, the nearest big city to the epicenter, and many residents had to spend the night in the open space for fear of potential aftershocks, said Zhang Kai, an overseas Chinese living in Marrakesh.

Xinhua correspondents at Ouarzazate, about 190 km southeast of Marrakesh, saw residents taking shelter in an open space after the earthquake.

"There have been earthquakes before, but none of them were as strong as this one," said a resident who requires anonymity.

On the way from Ouarzazate to the epicenter, rocks and rubbles from the mountains and buildings were seen scattered along the road.

COUNTRIES OFFER SOLIDARITY, AID

The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) announced on Saturday that it would provide the Moroccan Red Crescent with 200,000 U.S. dollars in cash as emergency humanitarian assistance to assist in its rescue operations.

The RCSC said it would keep abreast of the relief needs in Morocco and pledged to offer assistance to the best of its ability.

Arab countries and organizations, including the Arab League (AL), Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Tunisia, Algeria, Lebanon and Libya, on Saturday sent condolences to Morocco over the devastating earthquake. They have expressed solidarity with Morocco and pledged support for its rescue and relief efforts.

Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, secretary-general of the Cairo-based AL, said he hoped Morocco would quickly overcome the crisis.

Other countries that have offered condolences or assistance include Iran, Turkiye, Israel, France, Germany, the U.S., etc. 

Rescuers work near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A rescuer works near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Rescuers carry the body of a victim near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Children take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Rescuers carry the body of a victim near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows a temporary shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Rescuers carry the body of a victim near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A child takes shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A resident takes shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Tents are erected at a temporary shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Children take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A resident takes shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows a temporary shelter in an open space at Azrou Village near the epicenter in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

Residents take shelter in an open space near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A man cleans his damaged house after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco, Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

People clean their damaged house after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco, Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Sept. 9, 2023 shows damaged buildings after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Sept. 9, 2023 shows a damaged house after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man walks among the rubble of a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man searches for his belongings among the rubble of damaged buildings after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco,Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man walks among the rubble of a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man walks among the rubble of a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man walks among the rubble of a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A woman cleans her damaged house after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco, Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

This photo shows damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents pass by damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows a damaged building near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows a damaged building near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A resident inspects a damaged building near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows a damaged building near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A cat walks along damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A resident inspects damaged building near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents pass by damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows damaged building near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A resident inspects damaged building near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A resident bursts into tears near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents pass by damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

This photo shows damaged building near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Residents pass by damaged buildings near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

A resident inspects damaged building near the epicenter at Amizmiz Village in Morocco, Sept. 10, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
As the country basks in some surprise September sunshine, Dogs Trust Ilfracombe has issued a reminder to dog owners that there is no safe amount of time to leave dogs alone in a car during the hot weather  even a few minutes could prove to be fatal.

With summer finally arriving in the UK, the nations largest dog welfare charity is warning owners that the temperature inside a car could rise to dangerously high levels in just a few minutes, leading to any dogs inside the car suffering with heatstroke. In some cases, heatstroke can lead to the death of the dog.

Heatstroke can affect any type of dog, but certain breeds and types of dogs are at increased risk, including brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, as well as older dogs, overweight dogs and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting and / or diarrhoea and collapsing.

If you see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises that members of the public call 999.

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust, said: We have all been taken by surprise by this glorious late summer weather, but while the sunshine might be great for us, hot weather can cause problems for our canine friends.

Dogs cant regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken, especially when exercising or travelling in the car. In this weather, there is no safe amount of time to leave your dog alone in the car, even if you leave the window open.

The good news is that steps can be taken to prevent our dogs suffering such as only walking dogs in the coolest parts of the day, reducing their exercise, ensuring dogs have access to somewhere cool and shady to lay down and making sure they always have access to fresh water.

And of course, never leave your dog alone in a hot car, not even for a short amount of time.

If you do suspect your dog has heatstroke, start cooling them and call your vet immediately as it is vital they receive the care they need as soon as possible.

Its not just leaving your dog in a hot car that could result in heatstroke in dogs. Exercising dogs in any weather can cause heatstroke in dogs. Dogs Trust has additionally issued the following advice to support dog owners during this period of hot weather:

Avoid walking or doing activities either indoors or outdoors with your dog at the hottest times of the day, so early morning or later in the evening is often best.

Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog and make sure they have access to fresh water at home at all times.

Tarmac can get very hot in the sun  check it with your hand before letting your dog walk on it so they dont burn their paws. If you cannot avoid taking your dog out in the car on a hot day, even if travelling a short distance, avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day.

Never leave your dog in a vehicle on a warm day. Not even with the window open. (Leaving your pet alone in a vehicle or tied up outside can also put them at greater risk of being stolen.)

Use a cooling mat or wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for your pet to lie on if they wish.

Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.

Dont let your pet get sunburnt - use pet-safe sun cream.

Know the early signs of heatstroke which include panting, difficulty breathing, tiredness, less keen to play, drooling and vomiting, and take immediate action.

If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your nearest vet immediately. They can advise if your dog is suffering from heatstroke and what to do. While you contact your vet, here are some things you can do to help cool your dog down:

move the dog to a shaded and cool area

place them in the breeze of a fan, or in an air-conditioned room

offer them drinking water

start cooling them down by soaking their body with tap water, avoiding their face

lie them on a cold wet towel or cooling mat, but dont place a towel over them as this can raise their temperature.

To find out more about how to keep your dog safe this summer, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/summer-weather
CHANGCHUN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Walking into a factory operated by Hongxiang Seed Industry in northeast China's Jilin Province, one finds a busy scene set to the loud music of the machines roasting, threshing and screening corns to produce seeds.

"We are building new production lines, and our annual processing capacity could grow from 30 million kg to more than 50 million kg," said He Wei, the company's general manager.

Back in 2012, Hongxiang only had two corn varieties. With the support of the local government, it began cooperating on breeding with research institutes and it now has more than 100 corn varieties, which are gaining popularity across the country.

Once the heartland of the nation's heavy industry, northeast China has long been afflicted by industrial overcapacity, shrinking resources and an outflow of talent. But the development of its seed industry is a microcosm of the revitalization and high-quality development in the region, including the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning.

During the first half of this year, the overall economic performance of the three provinces was remarkable. Jilin's GDP growth rate hit 7.7 percent over the period, ranking fourth in the country, and Liaoning's stood at 5.6 percent, which was higher than the national average.

The economic growth of northeast China between January and June this year was the result of the upgrading of traditional manufacturing and the strong development momentum in the emerging manufacturing sector, said Zhao Xinyu, deputy director of the China Center for Public Sector Economy Research at Jilin University.

At a smart factory owned by China's leading automaker FAW Group Co., Ltd., over 100 automated guided vehicles shuttle back and forth, while vision-guided robots apply silicone sealants to car windows, just as might be seen in a sci-fi movie.

An unlikely scene in the past, this is now a common sight at the FAW Jiefang J7 complete-vehicle smart factory in Changchun City, the capital of Jilin Province.

At FAW's final assembly factory, an intelligent digital platform can detect problems in any equipment to which it is connected, reducing labor and improving efficiency.

"It is not only a manufacturing factory but also a digital platform," said Xiu Junyi, deputy general manager of the Hongqi manufacturing center, adding that through big data technology, every detail in the factory can be "moved" to its digital twin factory, which will provide support for R&D and innovation.

In Heilongjiang, high-tech manufacturing has seen rapid development, thanks to a focus on innovation and new technologies.

The added value of the high-tech manufacturing industry in Heilongjiang grew by 24.6 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2023, according to the provincial statistics bureau.

Harbin Electric Corporation, for example, now uses a range of high-tech automatic equipment, including robotic laminating workstations, welding workstations and industrial manipulators.

"Our robotic lamination workstation can replace the heavy, repetitive workloads of five to six people, and it only requires one person to operate it," said Wei Fangkai, deputy manager of the corporation's intelligent manufacturing process department.

"These pieces of equipment have improved the efficiency and quality of our products while reducing production costs," Wei said.

Northeast China has a solid industrial and scientific research foundation, and is now shifting from traditional and modern industrialization to new industrialization. Li Zheng, dean of the School of Economics at Liaoning University, thinks new breakthroughs will be made in the comprehensive revitalization of northeast China during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

"Meanwhile, northeast China is continuously optimizing its institutions, mechanisms and business environment, which will stimulate further the vitality of market entities and the potential for social creation," Li added. 
A Valparaiso parent has urged Valparaiso Community Schools since early this year to provide parents with information on safe firearm storage, but the school district claims that would preempt a state law enacted in July.

Emilie Hunt is a parent of two children attending Valparaiso schools. For the last six years, she has been advocating for gun violence prevention and giving presentations on firearm safety throughout Northwest Indiana.

Hunt says she became involved after noticing more news stories about mass shootings and unintentional shootings involving children.

According to the CDC, 2,542 children died last year due to firearms. In Northwest Indiana, four children have died in incidents involving a firearm since July 2022. Most recently, a 5-year-old Gary boy died after reportedly getting ahold of a handgun.

Hunt started asking VCS about distributing safe firearm storage material after lockdowns at Valparaiso High School in January that were caused by threats made to the school.

Superintendent Jim McCall told The Times the school district relies on the Valparaiso police and fire departments, as well as the Porter County Sheriff's Department, to provide public service announcements relating to safety.

Hunt says by that point, those agencies were aware of the materials, since she had provided the information to them.

According to Porter County police Sgt. Benjamin McFalls, some of the material provided had statistics with conflicting information when he did his own research online. McFalls says he is careful with what information is shared by the sheriff's office.

Throughout the next several months, Hunt followed up with the school district, during which time she received a handful of responses from McCall and none from school board members.

In May, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed into law House Bill 1177, which provides firearm training for Indiana teachers. In addition, it mandates the Indiana Department of Education work with state police on creating firearm safety materials and provide school districts with those materials to distribute to parents starting next year.

McCall says since the state law directs those state agencies to develop educational material regarding safe gun storage, VCS would not supersede them in creating and distributing that information unless local law enforcement created their own material. He says it would help avoid mixed messaging.

Hunt says she disagrees with McCall's rationale.

According to an IDOE spokesperson, HB 1177 does not prohibit schools from distributing their own firearm safety materials.

Hunt says that when she was not getting responses from the school board, she submitted a firearm safety resolution to the Valparaiso City Council. After the the resolution was initially not included on the June 26 agenda. The council voted against adding it.

Hunt is currently running for an at-large council seat.

She says she won't stop urging VCS to distribute firearm safety material until it happens.

"As a parent, I receive reminders about internet safety, railroad safety and DARE materials.," Hunt said. "But for some reason, a simple reminder on safe firearm storage is too much. That doesn't make sense."

Hunt will be providing a presentation on firearm safety at the Michigan City Public Library on Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by the League of Women Voters of LaPorte County.

Close Respite House gave Zach Howisen accountability and balance in his life. "It's a safe place for someone to land at who really wants to change their life," he said. A mural on one of the walls in the gym inside Respite House reads, "Before come'n to respite ... we all had pieces missing." Respite House Director Nika Briney has watched Zach Howisen's confidence skyrocket since walking through the recovery center's doors in 2020. "When I first met him he was incredibly insecure, he's so confident now," Briney said. Each resident at Respite House has daily chores to complete around the house. Director Nika Briney said it's a great way to teach residents accountability. A sign in the kitchen of Respite House reads "be a nice human." Respite House was founded by Mitch and Lita Peters to provide a halfway house for men seeking recovery in Valparaiso in 2009. Painted canvases inside of Respite House read "hope" and "recover." Assistant Director Zach Howisen said his favorite group activity to participate in while being a resident was art therapy. Respite House Respite House was founded by Mitch and Lita Peters in Valparaiso in 2009. The halfway house gives men in recovery the opportunity to have a different chance at a different life, Mitch Peters said. Respite House gave Zach Howisen accountability and balance in his life. "It's a safe place for someone to land at who really wants to change their life," he said. A mural on one of the walls in the gym inside Respite House reads, "Before come'n to respite ... we all had pieces missing." Respite House Director Nika Briney has watched Zach Howisen's confidence skyrocket since walking through the recovery center's doors in 2020. "When I first met him he was incredibly insecure, he's so confident now," Briney said. Each resident at Respite House has daily chores to complete around the house. Director Nika Briney said it's a great way to teach residents accountability. A sign in the kitchen of Respite House reads "be a nice human." Respite House was founded by Mitch and Lita Peters to provide a halfway house for men seeking recovery in Valparaiso in 2009. Painted canvases inside of Respite House read "hope" and "recover." Assistant Director Zach Howisen said his favorite group activity to participate in while being a resident was art therapy.
Methodist Hospitals earned an A grade for social responsibility.

The Lown Institute, a nonpartisan think tank that aims to improve health care and promote social responsbility, ranked Methodist among the best in the country at serving its patients and the community at large.

We are gratified that our efforts to bring cost-efficient and high-value care to our diverse community with an equally diverse staff have been recognized by the Lown Institute, said Methodist Hospitals President and CEO Matt Doyle.

The health care system with hospitals in Gary and Merrillville received an A grade on the 2023-24 Lown Institute Hospitals Index. It was singled out for recognition among more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide for its excellence in value of care, health equity and patient outcomes.

Methodists Hospitals, which is celebrating its 100th year this year, ranked among the top 10 nationally and No. 7 out of 96 Indiana hospitals in the social responsibility metric. It ranked 1st in the state and the top 10 nationally on racial inclusivity.

It also got A grades in inclusivity, health equity, cost efficiency and value of care.

When communities have access to socially responsible healthcare, our nation grows stronger, said Vikas Saini, president of the Lown Institute. Thats why its so important to hold up these high-performing hospitals as examples for others to follow.

For more information, visit www.LownHospitalsIndex.org.
First Reformed Church in South Holland is marking 175 years of history that includes members operating a stop on the Underground Railroad and inspiring a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Congregants of the church at 15924 South Park Ave. gathered Saturday for a barbecue celebrating the milestone.

First Reformed Church started in 1848 with 14 charter families and was initially known as Low Prairie Reformed Church, the Dutch Reformed Church or sometimes just the Reformed Church.

Rev. W. C. Wust served as the first pastor back when South Holland was still known as Low Prairie, which was home to Dutch and American settlers.

First Reformed Church has occupied the same site since its founding, but is now on its fourth building, which was built in 1951 after the previous building shifted too much after having been built on a dry creek bed.

"There's been a lot of interesting history," pastor James Oord said. "It started as a church of farmers, Dutch immigrants who formed a small community in what's now the south suburbs. We serve the south suburbs and the South Side of Chicago and change with the community. It was founded by people fresh off the boat. They were immigrants who cleared down when wolves were still living in the area. They lived harmoniously with a lot on their plate while a handful of families decided to start a church."

Church members Jan and Aagle Ton took part in the Underground Railroad, using a wagon with a false bottom and a boat to smuggle runaway slaves across the Calumet River to assist them on their journey to freedom.

"They could have said, 'not my country, not my problem,'" he said. "So much was on their plate. But their farm was a station where freedom seekers could stay. It was a safe place for the night. The church was so close-knit they had to be aware of it and supporting them. They believed in radical empathy. They were in a new country helping formerly enslaved people who were freedom seekers. As the pastor looking at our history, I think that's in the DNA of this congregation. Chicago kept growing and swallowing farmland until this became part of the Chicago sprawl. We want to bring that same empathy as changes go on around this church."

A memorial on the church campus was installed in 2011 by a Boy Scout to pay tribute to its role in the Underground Railroad. Pedestrians often pause there to reflect.

"It's a spot people come to for reflection. They sit on the bench and ponder," he said. "We made it accessible for our community. It's a landmark that's inviting. People may not know the full story behind it. It's a really great touchpoint for our community."

People also often jog through the campus or stop to take pictures, especially when the leaves turn red in the fall.

"It's a beautiful building that's been kept up," he said. "It's got really beautifully stained glass that was designed and installed by two artisans, Giannini and Hilgart, who did work for Frank Lloyd Wright houses. It's a classic church reminiscent of a European church from the old days. One of the things I love about the sanctuary is it's not big and drafty and imposing like so many churches. It has wood tones and is very light and very welcoming. It's a classic traditional church in a way we can be proud of. It's kind of a landmark for our community."

In 1924, the church was featured in Edna Ferber's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "So Big," which is considered her masterwork. It follows Selina Peake DeJong, who comes to South Holland to be a teacher and ends up running a family farm.

"It's a very interesting character that's a retelling of what South Holland was like when it was predominantly a Dutch Community. It changed details but captured the feeling and how it can feel to come from the outside to a loving community that can be difficult to break in. Our church has always been known as friendly and welcoming. It's welcomed outsiders. It's a very interesting book we just had a book club discussion about. When it came out in 1924, it caused a bit of a stir in South Holland."

First Reformed Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1948. The congregation marked the occasion with four candles celebrating its values, such as its dedication to mission work and commitment to the truth of God's words and the story of the Gospels of God's good creation hurt by human sin but restored by God's grace, Oord said.

First Reformed Church has maintained a loyal congregation that shares core religious values of seeing the gospel preached and the word of God celebrated, Oord said.

"They also have a deep connection with place, with this region and these neighborhoods," he said. "It's part of our religious and spiritual values. It's part of the 175-year heritage that we care about grace and the community. We have a deep commitment to the area."

The church has a long history of being involved in local government, counting village board members among its ranks over the years.

"We've been involved in the village in big and small ways," he said. "We've been involved through our service ministries. We partner closely with the Chicagoland Prison Outreach. We have a deep concern for this place, for the neighboring community. There's a real care."

The congregation once exceeded 1,000 members and is no longer that large but it's a close-knit community that's friendly and welcoming to new faces, Oord said. It meets for worship at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday and has Bible studies and sometimes midweek services.

Its ministries include a clothing closet it opens to the community twice a month, a food pantry and day care.

"It's full of life with 80 or 90 kids singing, laughing and learning," he said. "We do have a variety of Bible studies and a group called Oasis for sixth- through 12th-grade kids from local churches in the neighborhood where they can learn and study the Bible and also just socialize and engage in fellowship."

South Holland has long been a community of churches. More than 30 churches are active in the village.

"Most of the pastors are part of the ministerial association that meets once a month for fellowship and to work on projects together," he said. "The village government sends representatives. South Holland has the water towers with the 'Faith Family Future' slogan on them. The churches here have a great history and a legacy of being involved with the local community."

First Reformed Church has worked to stay relevant by having a multigenerational, multiethnic congregation. It has a blended worship style in which a traditional hymn might be played on the old pipe organ and followed with a song from the Black church tradition and then a contemporary song with a praise team with guitars.

"The heritage of our church is empathy, compassion and caring for people who are not like us," he said. "We have good soil to grow here. We've been around 175 years and with God's blessing we'll be around another 175 years."
More and more colleges and universities are offering courses in what you might call How to Live, writes the New York Times columnist David Brooks approvingly in the most recent issue of the Atlantic.

Yale has one called Life Worth Living. Notre Dame has one called God and the Good Life ... An honors program in this vein at Valparaiso University, in Indiana, involves not just conducting formal debates on ideas gleaned from the Great Books, but putting on a musical production based on their themes.

While one might expect Yale and Notre Dame to top Brooks list, its nice for those of us who teach at Valparaiso University (VU) to hear what we have known for some time: that the honors program referred to by Brooks, Christ College (CC), is a regional gem in liberal-arts education at a time when many visionless educational leaders are pulling the plug on crucial offerings in the humanities  history, literature, philosophy  vital for American democracy and human flourishing.

Brooks article does not mention that Christ College is now over 50 years old, making it among the oldest and most distinctive honors colleges in the nation. Call it Lutheran reticence to toot ones own horn perhaps (VU has a Lutheran heritage), but since moving here to teach eight years ago and despite VUs struggles in others areas, Ive been consistently impressed with Christ College and regretful that it is not better promoted and known.

As Brooks indicates, each year the Colleges first-year cohort must write, musically score, direct, and put on a musical drama  essentially on their own with minimal faculty supervision. While some students moan and groan about the assignment, and though the quality is not always Broadway-ready, the task enables students to bond with one another like no other activity I know of in higher education. Invariably, students develop new skills, gain confidence, established new friends, and often report as graduating seniors that this was the most memorable part of their college experience.

But thats not all.

CC first-year students also participate in spring-semester Oxford-style debates, in which they argue in front of a live audience about various contested moral matters in our public life. This sharpens their research skills, ups their public speaking game, and expands their horizons of interests and knowledge.

All students complete a rigorous Great Books curriculum, as Brooks indicates  one that has capitulated neither to the left nor the right in the culture-wars scuffles of our age. The curriculum includes many essential works of Western civilization  Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Luther, Kant  but also works of Confucian and Taoist philosophy as well as writings by African-American and female authors. Above all, students must write, revise, write, revise ... until theyve become seasoned stylists or at least greatly improved.

Astoundingly, in age when many universities rely on cheap adjunct labor to balance budgets, nearly every Christ College faculty is a tenured faculty member devoted to excellence in undergraduate education. These dedicated souls, semester after semester, encounter undergraduates face to face in small, mostly discussion-style classes. Direct access to seasoned profs is advertised by many schools, but rarely does the reality match the rhetoric. Not so at VUs Christ College.

Equally astoundingly, given their teaching duties, many CC faculty are accomplished scholars, writing books with titles such as Desire and the Ascetic Ideal: Buddhism and Hinduism in the Works of T. S. Eliot (University of Virginia Press), Kyoto Revisited: Heritage Tourism in Contemporary Japan (University of Hawaii Press), Twice-Divided Nation: National Memory, Transatlantic News, and American Literature in the Civil War Era (University of Virginia Press), and Paul and the Good Life: Transformation and Citizenship in the Commonwealth of God (Baylor University Press, 2020). Two CC profs recently held distinguished research posts at Yale and Cambridge University.

As one might imagine, alumni loyalty to Christ College is deep and wide. The College superintends no less than seventeen alumni reading groups, located in cities as far away as Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Washington DC. Graduation is no barrier if former students want to maintain ties with one another and with the world of books and ideas.

Not least, as its name implies, Christ College maintains a vital connection to VUs religious heritage, interpreting it neither in a narrow fundamentalist way nor in a way the encourages estrangement from its religious roots  a route taken by so many schools. Rigorous inquiry, worship, and service to others are joined at the hip. As O. P. Kretzmann, former president of VU and founder of Christ College, once put it: in all areas of the work of the college there should be a fusion of high intelligence and high religion ... It is in this particular emphasis that Christ College ought to make its greatest and most singular contribution.

Kretzmanns words from the 1960s held true then. They still do.
Audrey Coburn downed a shot of bourbon whiskey, looked around the room and chuckled with a shrug.

I was hoping for more people to celebrate my death, she said.

Coburn, who turns 90 this month, didnt want to miss own funeral and wake, prompting her two nieces to host one last Sunday. A couple dozen friends joined her at StoryPoint, a senior living community in Chesterton.

A handwritten card from the young daughter of the facilitys executive director adorned Coburns table. Colored in rainbow colors and heavenly clouds, it summed up the festive affair: Happy living wake.

Youre having a wake while youre awake, one older woman joked.

Im so glad to have this wake early, Coburn told guests. This was wonderful.

Coburns life has been wonderful. And very interesting.

She taught music in Gary, owned a bowling alley in Chesterton, and traveled the country on scooters and bicycles.

She exemplifies the best of us, said Judy Kroeger, a fellow resident at the senior living community.

There, Coburn is affectionately known as the Mayor of StoryPoint.

Though very ill, she continues to inspire us to continue living, Kroeger said.

One of Coburns relatives referred to her as a Renaissance woman.

The best compliment ever, Kroeger said.

Coburn is a diehard, blue-bleeding fan of the Chicago Cubs.

Her balcony flag alerts us to wins and losses, Kroeger said.

Coburn has lived in Chesterton since 1967, later owning and operating Gateway Lanes, a six-lane bowling establishment. She ran it for 26 years, by herself, learning how to do everything to keep it in business, from renting shoes to working on pin-catching machines.

Along the way, Coburn became a member of the Chesterton Womens Bowling Association, later becoming the first woman in Indiana to bowl higher than an 800 series. She rolled 814 in 1985. Three years later, she hurt her right hand on a bowling alley machine, forcing her to bowl left-handed. She eventually bowled a 200 game and 500 series with her opposite hand, a rare feat for anyone.

While operating Gateway Lanes, she befriended a widower who frequently visited for casual conversation.

He was lonely, grumpy and needed companionship, Coburn recalled.

The man, Miro Stary, was founder of Anchor Industrial Supply, Inc. in Gary, launched in 1956.

I just sort of adopted him, Coburn said.

Stary ordered a bowling ball from Coburn and asked for the cheapest one. She figured he lived on a limited income. She was wrong.

One day, Stary asked Coburn if she would be interested, after his death, in living in a home he purchased in town.

I said, sure. I didnt have any place to go and I had no money, Coburn said.

Stary later got seriously ill and died in 1997. He was 82.

I inherited everything he had, and he had quite a bit of money, Coburn said. Thats how I was able to retire. Otherwise Id probably still be working.

The money she inherited also paid her living arrangements at StoryPoint, an upscale complex just off Indiana 49.

I cant thank him enough for everything, Coburn said.

Last Sunday, Coburn dressed in black and planned to hold a bouquet of daisies for her living wake.

You know, to push up daisies, she said. I was hoping to lie in a coffin, but I didnt think it would be allowed at StoryPoint.

A friend of hers died recently, prompting the idea of celebrating Coburns life rather than someday mourning her death.

She wants to hear what people might say about her before she dies, Kroeger said. Many residents here have dropped off without ever having an opportunity to tell their story.

Last month, Coburn had to be hospitalized for a serious health ailment and several transfusions. Her condition worsened. Her family broached the idea of hospice care.

And then I got well, so Im back here doing my thing again, Coburn said with a laugh.

She has no family members in this Region. Her nieces live in Michigan and Ohio. Last Sunday, her living wake was a perfect game. (Watch a video and view more photos at the online version of this column.)

Memory eternal to Audrey and may her soul rest with the blessed one, one of her friends told guests during a bourbon whiskey toast.

Cheers! everyone said.

Audrey! Audrey! they cheered.

Coburn glanced around and told me, If they dont want to see me dead, thats a good thing, I guess.
Dri Buono Patel already had her wedding jewelry  diamond cluster earrings, to complement her satin off-the-shoulder gown  picked out for months, but just weeks before the ceremony, she fell in love with pearls. When she saw a pair of drop earrings featuring South Sea pearls, she decided to change her entire jewelry look on the spot.

I was given a pearl necklace in my childhood, and Ive always been attracted to their simple elegance, Ms. Patel, 27, said. The pearls gave that timeless, traditional vibe.

For her wedding on June 23, in Moorestown, N.J., Ms. Patel, a clinical engineering services manager, rented pearl earrings from Verstolo, a designer based in New York that offers fine jewelry rentals.

Last fall, the company received more inquiries than usual from brides interested in pearls. The requests became so frequent that the brand decided to release a pearl collection in May, said Lauren Grunstein, the vice president for sales and marketing at Verstolo. Since then, rentals have been booked out months in advance, Ms. Grunstein said, all the way into 2024. The items range in price from $300 to $695 for a three-day rental and are valued at $11,000 to $22,000.
After several years, Ms. Allen became a nurse by graduating from a city program, and before returning to the pediatric hospital in her freshly earned nurses whites and cape, she worked briefly in Sea Views adult wards.

The most striking ornamental aspect of these pavilions was the six-foot-high terra-cotta frieze running around each building beneath its eaves. Here, against a backdrop of golden tiles, could be found polychrome images of doctors, seashells, garlands, red crosses and white nurses. Although New York and New Jersey had terra-cotta companies capable of fine work, like the ornament on the Woolworth Building, Mr. Almirall commissioned Sea Views ceramics from the De Porceleyne Fles company in Delft, Holland. The terra-cotta images were created using the sectile technique introduced at the 1900 Worlds Fair in Paris. This method allowed for a curvilinear tile shape that followed the contours of the caregivers and children depicted in the images, said Christine Jetten, a Dutch ceramicist who has done restoration work for the manufacturer of the Sea View ornaments.

In 1998, the Friends of Terra Cotta initiated a campaign urging the city landmarks commission to promote the preservation of these rare tiles. But the effort, though backed by more than 30 preservation groups and individuals, failed. (Three mural sections were removed by city workers and are now displayed in the nursing-care facility that replaced four of the pavilions in 1973.)

In June, New York City Health + Hospitals agreed to allow the New York City Fire Department to occupy the old Sea View staff house for 40 years. The department will invest $20 million to renovate the building into classroom training space for employees.

A city landmarks commission spokeswoman said that the agency cares deeply about the adaptive reuse and preservation of the buildings in the historic district that includes Sea View, and works in partnership with other city agencies in an advisory manner to further those goals.
Search and rescue efforts intensified on Saturday in Morocco after a powerful earthquake killed at least 1,000 people and injured hundreds more overnight, with national authorities deploying the military to hard-hit areas and foreign partners promising aid.

But it remained unclear how quickly emergency teams would be able to reach the victims and prevent more deaths. Many of the areas affected by the quake are remote mountain villages that are not easily accessible, and a statement on Saturday evening from the office of King Mohammed VI did not clarify whether the country would formally request foreign assistance to allow outside rescue teams to intervene.

The king ordered the countrys armed forces to deploy aircraft, helicopters and troops to help with the rescue efforts, according to a statement from the government. Local television showed images of trucks crammed with soldiers driving toward the devastated areas, in the High Atlas Mountains, in the southwest of the country.

Authorities said that about half of the victims were in the Haouz region, a rural area with many mud-brick houses and little earthquake-resistant infrastructure.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech when inspecting the 78th Group Army, Sept. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

HARBIN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensively enhancing the troops' combat readiness during an inspection of a group army headquartered in the country's northeast.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when inspecting the 78th Group Army on Friday.

Xi met with representatives of the group army and had photos taken with them. He praised the military and armed police forces for their prompt and brave participation in the disaster relief work when floods struck the country's northern and northeastern regions.

Xi urged efforts to improve the level of combat preparedness, strengthen the training of key and difficult subjects, and build new combat capabilities.

Xi also stressed the importance of strengthening Party building, maintaining a high level of integrity and unity of the armed forces, and ensuring the military stays stable and secure.

Zhang Youxia and other senior military officers were present during the inspection. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with representatives of the 78th Group Army during an inspection of the group army, Sept. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
The precise size of the quake was not yet clear. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated its magnitude at 6.8, but the Moroccan geological institute put it at 7.2. That would make it more than twice as large, according to the logarithmic scale on which earthquakes are measured. The U.S. agency said local estimates can often be more accurate, but initial readings of magnitude are measured automatically and need to be reviewed by seismologists.

The contours of the damage were also still taking shape on Saturday. But it was clear that the scope of the catastrophe was extensive, with the rural provinces outside of Marrakesh the hardest hit. According to early breakdowns of casualties by provinces, the death toll was especially heavy in the rural Haouz region southeast of Marrakesh, which includes parts of the High Atlas Mountains.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement that more than 300,000 civilians in Marrakesh and its outskirts had been affected by the earthquake. Many families are trapped under the rubble of their homes, and damage to parts of Marrakeshs Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site have also been reported, the statement said.

Moroccan architects say the area near the epicenter has many earthen houses that are not built to withstand an earthquake of this strength. Omar Farkhani, the former president of the Moroccan National Order of Architects, said that in such areas, the residents are often too poor to pay architects and end up building their houses themselves or with the help of low-skilled workers.
She was not alone. But in the late 1960s, the architect Edward Vason Jones began to bedazzle the State Departments eighth floor with cornices, columns, coffers and gilding. Paintings, furnishings and decorative objects representing the period from 1740 to 1840 filled the rooms, eventually growing into a collection of more than 5,000 museum-quality items. The rarities included Francis Scott Keys chairs, Dolley Madisons coffee cup and the table on which the Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War was signed in 1783.

In the 1980s, it was the seventh floors turn. Allan Greenberg, the architect who gave its conference rooms and office suites their glamorous neo-Classical-style makeovers, recalled that the original spaces had been aptly described as out of a Sears, Roebuck catalog. He brought the total number of Cinderella-ed rooms to 42. And as before, every art piece, every gold flake, every carpet thread was donated or paid for by private funders.

An opulent new book called Americas Collection: The Art & Architecture of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the U.S. Department of State (Rizzoli/Electa) tells this story in pictures of frumpy interiors turned into glittering set pieces. More substantively, it relates how classical design was marshaled to communicate the Enlightenment principles that shaped a young country and continued to lend it authority on a global stage.

The rooms, which have been closed for renovations and updating, preserving their antique character, as the State Department building itself is re-roofed, will reopen Sept. 26. Members of the public can explore the rooms online in a self-guided virtual tour.
The letters from Kutcher and Kunis sought to portray Masterson as someone who was critical of drug use. Kutcher said he attributed not falling into the typical Hollywood life of drugs directly to Danny. Kunis said that Danny played a pivotal role in guiding me away from such destructive paths.

Those statements appeared to be responding to specific allegations in the case.

Prosecutors had accused Masterson of drugging and then raping three women at his home in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles between 2001 and 2003. (The jury deadlocked on the charge that Masterson had raped a third woman.)

In the video statement, Kutcher said that he and Kunis were aware of the pain that has been caused by the letters. Kunis added, Our heart goes out to every single person whos ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape.

The couple said in the video on Instagram that Mastersons family had asked them to write the letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years, so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing.

Tony Ortega, one of the journalists who published the letters on his Substack, The Underground Bunker, wrote that these letter writers were probably aware that Judge Olmedo could really only choose between 15 to life and 30 to life.

They knew they were not trying to convince her to let Danny walk out of prison, he added. Another Substack, Legal Affairs and Trials with Meghann Cuniff, also published the letters.
Rescuers in Morocco are racing to dig survivors out of rubble after the countrys worst earthquake in a century flattened homes and buildings, killing at least 2,000 people.

The magnitude-6.8 quake struck in the mountains south of Marrakesh, an ancient city that is a popular tourist destination. Buildings crumbled and caked its cobblestone streets with mounds of red dust from the walled old city.

The quake particularly devastated communities in the Atlas Mountains, where the full extent of the damage is still unknown. Debris has blocked some of the regions roads, making it difficult for rescue crews to reach remote communities. The quake also knocked out power and cell service in some areas.

The death toll is expected to rise: Most homes there are made of mud bricks, a traditional construction method that is vulnerable to earthquakes and heavy rains.
A race to reach survivors of the Morocco quake

Rescuers in Morocco struggled to reach remote areas in the mountains outside Marrakesh yesterday after the worst earthquake to hit the area in a century flattened homes across central and southern parts of the country on Friday. At least 2,122 people were killed and more than 2,421 were injured in the disaster, Moroccan state television reported.

The extent of the damage and the number of casualties from the magnitude-6.8 earthquake were unclear because the hardest-hit communities were in the High Atlas Mountains, where debris blocked access to the few roads, and where phone service and electricity were knocked out. The U.S. Geological Survey said that a 3.9-magnitude earthquake, almost certainly an aftershock, struck the area just before 9 a.m. yesterday.

In Marrakesh, residents tried to locate survivors under piles of rubble from the buildings that had crumbled around them. In the rural areas outside the city, people climbed through the canyons formed by collapsed homes to retrieve bodies. And in some remote areas, residents sifted through mountains of debris with their bare hands in search of survivors. People in isolated villages and the city set up camps outside, either because their homes were uninhabitable or because they feared aftershocks.

The next few days will be critical: After four or five days, the possibility of survival dwindles. Damaged buildings present an extremely dangerous environment for those trying to help, said Caroline Holt, a senior official at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Times Insider explains who we are and what we do and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together.

In January, Marisa Shuman, a computer science teacher at the Young Womens Leadership School of the Bronx, invited me to spend a few days embedded in her classroom.

Her school, a public middle and high school for girls, specializes in math, science and technology. And she thought I might be interested in a lesson she had just prepared on ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that can manufacture book reports and social studies essays.

As a reporter who has spent years chronicling how tech companies and their tools are reshaping public schools, I jumped at the chance.

At the time, ChatGPT was beginning to blow up in schools and on college campuses. Tech executives had started promoting familiarity with A.I. tools as a crucial skill for students.
Mr. Suleyman wants governments to regulate A.I. and appoint cabinet-level tech ministers, and says the United States should use its dominance in advanced chips to enforce global standards. He has also called for the creation of a governance regime modeled on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to make the work of private companies in A.I. more transparent.

Such agreements may be difficult to achieve at a time of growing global tensions, but they are timely as lawmakers unveil proposals about how A.I. should be overseen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate leader, will meet top tech executives, including Elon Musk and Satya Nadella, the C.E.O. of Microsoft, this week to discuss regulations.

Mr. Suleyman spoke to DealBook about his book, which was released last week. This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Why write a book  a very analogue approach  to outline your ideas?

It is a form of radical accountability. I want to be able to look back in a decade and see if my predictions were correct. And doing that on the record is intellectually very honest and healthy, rather than doing it in a series of tweets, blog posts and op-eds.

Why do you describe the book as a love letter to the nation-state?

Its a wake-up call to policymakers, politicians and citizens. We have invented a system of noncommercial checks and balances which holds centralized power accountable in the public interest. That system has evolved over many years away from monarchy, dictatorship and authoritarianism toward free and open liberal democracy. It means that we can do sensible taxation and redistribution to prevent inequality. This is the best tool we have, so we should stick with it and keep trying to defend it.
Americans with H.I.V. are achieving the once unthinkable: a steady march into older age. But beginning around age 50, many people living with the virus face a host of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to social isolation and cognitive decline.

And so the medical research community, which some three decades ago developed lifesaving drugs to keep the virus at bay, is now hunting for new ways to keep people with H.I.V. healthier in their later years.

A recent study, for example, showed that a statin drug significantly lowered the risk of heart attacks and strokes among middle-aged and older adults with H.I.V., and may reveal biological insights into why this group tends to age faster than others. And a crop of academic hospitals have established specialized clinics for older people with the virus, offering medical experts as well as social workers, substance abuse counselors, psychologists and nutritionists.

I have been unbelievably impressed at how care for the older H.I.V. population has really exploded, said Dr. Nathan Goldstein, who heads one such clinic at Mount Sinai in New York City. I get emails every day about new models, new grant funding. People are paying so much attention to this. More than two dozen H.I.V. and aging experts also expressed optimism, in contrast to the more grim perspective many held a decade ago.
In Word Through The Times, we trace how one word or phrase has changed throughout the history of the newspaper.

On Sept. 14, 1998, the reporter Amy Harmon covered a disturbance at her workplace: A group calling for the release of Kevin Mitnick, the imprisoned computer criminal, commandeered The New York Times site, she wrote. It was the first time that hackers have penetrated the Web site of a major news organization. (The website was secured later that day.)

The origin of the word hacking as it relates to interfering with data or a computer is often traced to M.I.T. in the mid-1950s. As the legend goes, students used the term to refer to pranks that involved meddling with technology and showed the cleverness of the prankster. Minutes from a meeting of the schools Tech Model Railroad Club in 1955 included the word: A student requested that anyone working or hacking on the electrical system turn the power off to avoid fuse blowing. (Hackers, a 1984 book by Steven Levy, credits the club with shaping modern hacker culture.) The word hacker, or one who is good at computer programming quickly, was later added to The Jargon File, a dictionary of programming slang.

But hack has a far less thrilling origin story. According to Websters New World Dictionary, hack, when used as a verb, means to give harsh, dry coughs or to make rough or irregular cuts. In 1964, a Times article covering an art exhibit described one sculptor as a real lively hacker of stone. (The exhibitions catalog also described him as a strong and tender troll.)

Today, the word hacking generally has a negative connotation, just as hackers generally have a bad reputation. (The Timess stylebook notes that a hacker originally referred to any skilled manipulator of software. It now connotes mischievous, malicious or illegal manipulation.) But some can see the benefit of so-called white-hat hacking. In 2017, the technology reporter Kevin Roose pondered the topic in a Times article on ethical hacking: What if the problem we face is not too many bad hackers, he wrote, but too few good ones?
Drew: Coriolanus, simply put, is a queer classic, capable of putting Cocteau and Genet to shame with its violent and homoerotic imagery. Throughout the play the Roman warrior Coriolanus is alternately drawn toward and repelled by his military rival Aufidius. Freud would have a field day with the way the relationship combines Eros and Thanatos  not to mention all the talk of fisting and penetrating. In this memorable speech, Aufidius confesses his own obsession. He dreams of Coriolanus nightly, and the two are locked in mortal combat, a fight to the death, mutually assured destruction. Read it again, however, and every phrase has a double meaning.

OBJECTIFICATION

Even now, now, very now, an old black ram Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise!

 Iago, Othello, Act 1, Scene 1

I taught this play every summer for almost 20 years to first-generation American high school students. Many of their families came from Vietnam, the Dominican Republic and Africa. Iagos racism is like the xenophobia of Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby  an expression of white fear and superiority spoken by an individual, yet met by silence or agreement. My students learned that Shakespeares 17th-century Italy held some of the same societal evils as their 21st century. I learned from them the courage, intellect and resilience required to succeed in a racist society.  Alden Mauck, 66, Newton, Mass.

Drew: In the very same scene, a few lines later, Iago coins a famous phrase when he tells Brabantio that your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs. The phrase has an obvious bawdy context and has entered the modern parlance as such. When seen in context, however, its racist overtones are unmistakable  and risible. As elsewhere, Shakespeare works through a principle of juxtaposition, with two meanings forming a compound that is difficult to break down into its constituent elements. In this case, Iagos imagery is disgustingly vivid, testimony to the ugly thoughts that racism can breed in the mind.

CRUDITY

Katherine: If I be waspish, best beware my sting. Petruchio: My remedy is then to pluck it out. Katherine: Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies. Petruchio: Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail. Katherine: In his tongue. Petruchio: Whose tongue? Katherine: Yours, if you talk of tales, and so farewell. Petruchio: What, with my tongue in your tail?

 The Taming of the Shrew, Act 2, Scene 1

I blushed when reading these for the first time. Its a perfect mix of puns, a battle of wits and some sexual comedy; an ideal passage for convincing people that Shakespeare is not stuffy or boring. Its exhilarating, and it makes my heart race. For literature to have such a powerful and immediate impact on the body of the reader is incredibly rare.  Rachel D. Smith, 19, New York City

Drew: Here we see how Shakespeare uses rhythms and interlocking wordplay to sublimely, disturbingly smutty effect. This passage is not just about sex; the aural and theatrical experience is synecdochic of the thing itself. And that sex is of a certain kind, driven by the imp of the perverse, smacking of dominance and submission and climaxing with a sudden, rude surprise. Petruchio is toxic masculinity to a T; what makes the passage (and the play) troubling is that Katherine seems to respond to his negative energy by playing along. Not to mention the reference to cunnilingus.

By my life, this is my ladys hand! These be her very cs, her us, and her ts, and thus she makes her great Ps.

 Malvolio, Twelfth Night, Act 2, Scene 5
BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over a meeting on promoting the full revitalization of northeast China in the new era.

The meeting was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, on Sept. 7. Xi delivered an important speech.

He stressed that to revitalize northeast China on the new journey of the new era, it is imperative to implement the arrangement made at the 20th CPC National Congress for new breakthroughs in the full revitalization of northeast China, fully, faithfully and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, firmly grasp the important mission of northeast China in safeguarding the five major securities (political, economic, military, cultural and social securities) of the country, and firmly grasp the primary task of promoting high-quality development and the strategic task of building new development paradigm.

It is also important to coordinate development and security, adopt goal-oriented and problem-oriented approaches, and consolidate strengths and make up for deficiencies.

He called for more support and stimulating endogenous motivating power, and emphasized the need to blaze a new path for high-quality and sustainable development with tenacity, more courage and concrete actions, so as to write a new chapter for the full revitalization of northeast China.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Zheng Shanjie, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, Hao Peng, secretary of the CPC Committee of Liaoning Province, Jing Junhai, secretary of the CPC Committee of Jilin Province, Xu Qin, secretary of the CPC Committee of Heilongjiang Province, and Sun Shaocheng, secretary of the CPC Committee of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region delivered speeches about the work on promoting the full revitalization of northeast China, and put forward opinions and suggestions.

Having listened to their speeches, Xi delivered an important speech. He stressed that since the symposium was held on further promoting the revitalization of northeast China in September 2018 in Shenyang, the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning, as well as the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region have made new progress and achievements in this regard.

The region's role as a "ballast" to secure national food security has been further cemented, the foundation of its industrial security continuously consolidated, its role of energy security protection continuously strengthened, its function as ecological security barrier constantly strengthened, its ability to safeguard national defense steadily improved, and reform and opening-up in the region has taken on a new look.

Xi noted that with its rich resources, solid industrial foundation and unique advantages in geographic location, northeast China has enormous potential for development.

Currently, the full revitalization of northeast China is embracing new major opportunities: Efforts to build self-reliance and strength in science and technology at higher levels will help the region turn its strengths in science, education and industries into growth advantages; the building of a new development pattern further highlights the region's significant strategic position; to promote Chinese modernization, northeast China's role as a strategic pillar needs to be bolstered. On the new journey of building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation, northeast China will regain its vitality and make new achievements.

Xi stressed the importance to promote industrial innovation with sci-tech innovation, and accelerate the development of a modern industrial system with the characteristics and advantages of northeast China.

In the course of fully revitalizing the region, it is a must to develop the real economy, encourage sci-tech innovation, and promote the upgrading of its industries. While focusing on independent innovation, which holds the key to development, the region must consolidate what it has achieved, boost further development, extend its industrial chain, and increase its added value.

Efforts should be made to accelerate the transformation of the traditional manufacturing industry in terms of digital, internet and intelligent technologies, and extend the industrial chain upstream and downstream, so as to form a complete industrial chain and industrial cluster.

Northeast China should actively align itself with national strategic needs, integrate and optimize innovation resources in science and education, and increase investment in research and development, so as to have more key and core technologies.

While building more industrial parks, the region needs to deepen pairing-off cooperation, and facilitate the application of scientific research outcomes. It is necessary to foster strategic emerging industries including new energy, new materials, advanced manufacturing and electronic information, and nurture industries of the future, in a bid to create new productivity boosters and new growth impetus.

The region should speed up the development of clean energy such as wind, photovoltaic and nuclear power, and establish energy bases integrating wind, photovoltaic, fossil and nuclear power as well as energy storage.

It is also urgent to intensify the conservation and utilization of ecological resources, and make full use of the region's advantages in ecological environment and biological resources, so as to develop modern biology, big data and other emerging industries with characteristics, and boost the development of the ice and snow economy and the marine economy.

It's vital to further the reform of state-owned enterprises (SOE), implement special actions for their revitalization, improve their core competitiveness, promote the flow of state-owned capital to important industries and key areas, in a bid to strengthen their strategic supporting role.

It is also important to innovate the cooperation model between central SOEs and local governments, and promote such integrated development to better drive the growth of local economy. It is imperative to support, encourage and guide the healthy development of the private economy, implement more preferential policies for small and medium-sized enterprises, and create a good environment for the common development of enterprises of various types of ownership.

Xi noted that we should prioritize the development of modern agriculture and accelerate the modernization of agriculture and rural areas. Northeast China should serve as a "ballast" in ensuring national food security, he stressed, urging the region to prioritize food security and improve its comprehensive grain production capacity, so as to ensure sufficient grain production and supply in normal times, and enough surplus to provide in extreme cases.

It is imperative to increase investment, take the lead in building normal farmland into high standard one, and expand the scope of black soil conservation. Besides, supporting projects such as river-lake connectivity and the upgrading of large irrigation areas are also necessary, and the vitalization of the seed industry also needs to be promoted.

All these measures are aimed at cultivating modern and high-quality farmland with high and stable yields regardless of drought or flood. We need to practice a "Greater Food" approach, develop and utilize various resources in northeast China rationally, and actively develop modern ecological aquaculture, to build agriculture into a big industry, in which the planting of food crops, cash crops, and feed crops are planned together, and agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishing are developed together.

It is necessary to promote the initial and deep processing of agricultural products, extend the industrial chain, enhance the value chain, expand the space for agricultural development, and raise agricultural efficiency and farmers' income.

Xi further stressed the need to accelerate the construction of a modern infrastructure system and enhance the level of opening up and cooperation domestically and internationally. Northeast China is an important gateway for the country's northward opening up, and its strategic position and role in strengthening regional cooperation in northeast Asia and the interplay between domestic and international flows are increasingly prominent.

It is imperative for the region to be more conscious of its role as a frontier and of opening up, strengthen its ties with coastal areas in east China and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and integrate itself more deeply into the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to play a bigger role in boosting the domestic flow of the economy and connecting the domestic and international markets.

It is also imperative to systematically arrange the construction of modern infrastructure system in northeast China, speed up feasibility study and the building of oil and gas pipelines, high-speed railway and rail networks, new power grids and power delivery channels and the new generation of mobile communication and data networks, and further efforts to dovetail with major national strategies such as the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the large-scale development of the western region of China, so as to ensure that northeast China can be better integrated into the unified national market.

Institutional opening-up covering rules, regulations, management and standards should also be steadily expanded. Ports of entry should also see their capability of customs clearance improved and relevant procedures simplified.

Xi noted that the overall population quality should be improved so that the revitalization of northeast China on all fronts can be sustained by the high-quality development of the population. Greater efforts must be made to develop childcare services that can benefit all to alleviate the burden of giving birth, raising and educating children on households and keep the birth rate and population within an appropriate range.

Efforts should be intensified to develop basic education and increase support for northeast China to run and operate more higher education institutions, so as to ensure that all the people especially young people are better educated and improve the population quality. The region should also optimize the industrial environment for innovation, strengthen the development and application of human resources.

We will provide more supportive policies for the region's talent revitalization, and create more platforms for people to start businesses and engage in innovation, to support the region to retain its existing workforce while introducing new talent.

We should also speed up efforts to plan and arrange the construction of infrastructure such as transportation, communication, energy and water conservancy in border areas, and build more public service facilities in villages in border areas so as to promote rural revitalization in all respects, Xi said.

He added that it's imperative to retain the existing population while at the same time encouraging the development of industries with distinctive features such as border trade, border tourism and agricultural product processing.

More support will be given to building new education institutes providing vocational courses in border cities, and efforts will be made to enhance industrial loading capacity of counties and small townships and their capabilities to increase population. Stronger supportive policies for assisting the protection of border areas will be implemented.

Xi called for efforts to further improve the political landscape and create a sound business environment. The unyielding spirit of northeast united army against Japanese aggression, the dedication of the "iron man" in Daqing oilfield and the enterprising spirit of Beidahuang pioneers should be carried forward.

Party members, officials should be guided in having a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, and motivated to be engaged in undertakings with enthusiasm. The work to improve conduct and build integrity within the Party should be strengthened to make Party members not have the audacity, opportunity and desire to become corrupt.

It is imperative to strictly implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct, urge Party members, officials, especially leading officials, to keep clean and honest in conducting political affairs and performing their duties. They are required to emancipate their minds, change traditional views, enhance market awareness, gain a stronger sense of service, and overcome pointless formalities and bureaucratism.

It is crucial to develop a cordial and clean relationship between government and businesses across the board. Party members and officials need to provide support to private enterprises, taking the initiative to tackle the difficulties they face while keeping themselves clean and honest. They need to be adept at using law-based mentality and means to resolve problems, defuse tensions, and coordinate relations.

In addition, it is vital to build integrity and credibility among the public, strengthen intellectual property right protection, combat and root out organized crime on regular basis so as to create a stable, transparent, regular, and predictable business environment under the rule of law.

No effort should be spared to defuse local debt risks, speed up the risk management of small and medium-sized financial institutions, and strengthen financial supervision mechanism so as to create a sound financial environment.

Work should be strengthened to send officials from northeast China on secondment to departments of the CPC Central Committee and the central government, as well as to the southeast coastal region, and the other way round, so as to optimize the structure of official ranks, and improve their competence. It is important to manage officials in a strict manner, but they must be given enough care for their all-round development.

In terms of officials' conduct, three distinctions should be made, namely the distinction between errors due to lack of experience and illegal actions, errors from trials and actions in defiance of laws and regulations, and negligence resulting from the pursuit of development and the illegal actions for personal gains.

The mechanism to motivate and protect officials who are active to perform their duties should be optimized to create an environment, in which those competent are promoted, those mediocre are demoted, and those incompetent are dismissed.

Xi Jinping noted that strengthening the Party leadership and Party building is the guarantee to ensure the revitalization of northeast China in an all-around way. A good job must be done to establish connection between the first and the second round of theoretical study program, and implement the targets and measures of the CPC Central Committee.

It is imperative to deepen the theoretical study, enhance cohesion and forge the Party's soul with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and keep the thoughts and actions of the Party members and officials aligned with the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans so as to boost their confidence and morale.

Fact-finding must be prioritized to strengthen the capability of Party members and officials, especially leading officials, to make decisions in a well-planned way, solve practical problems, and better implement plans and arrangements.

Focusing on promoting high-quality development, Party members and officials must be guided to fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, implement the people-centered philosophy of development, and open new ground for development with a sound and pragmatic attitude.

Efforts must be made to intensify inspections and follow-up rectifications and urge Party members and officials to face up to and correct problems related to Party consciousness, Party conduct, and Party discipline to boost people's confidence in development with fresh and healthy custom and practices.

Xi stressed that since the flood season came, some areas in northeast China have been affected by severe flooding and waterlogging. The CPC Central Committee has made comprehensive arrangements for flood relief and post-flood reconstruction.

Provincial Party committees and governments in the three provinces in northeast China (Heilongjiang Province, Jilin Province, and Liaoning Province) and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region should strictly implement the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans, make solid efforts on restoration and reconstruction, ensure those affected have a warm home in winter and students in flood-stricken areas return to school, and restore production and life order there as soon as possible.

The region must stay on high alert for the autumn flood and make full preparations for disaster rescue and relief.

Ding Xuexiang said in his speech that under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we should implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the gist of General Secretary Xi's speech, and firmly grasp the mission of the times, work to both pursue development and safeguard security, and make further breakthrough for full revitalization of northeast China so as to better serve the country's overall development.

Work should be done to implement the innovation-driven development strategy, step up efforts to build the region into a hub of innovation, promote greater synergy between industry, academia, research, and application, and advance high-quality development with high-level innovation.

It is necessary to comprehensively deepen reform, create a better business environment, remain steadfast in expanding institutional opening up, and stimulate endogenous vitality. We should adhere to the people-centered philosophy of development and make solid efforts to well handle every single affair related to people's well-being to make people feel more fulfilled, happier, and securer.

Li Ganjie, He Lifeng, Mu Hong, and Jiang Xinzhi attended the meeting. Also present were leading officials of relevant central Party and government departments, leading officials of relevant local government departments and those in charge from relevant enterprises. 
This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email transcripts@nytimes.com with any questions.

So you may have heard about girl dinner, hot girl walks, girl rotting. Instead of being yet another sign of antifeminist, self-infantilization, Id argue that associating these activities with the idea of girlhood is a way of expressing a yearning for freedom that we have been longing for in the midst of a mounting backlash against our rights.

I was literally standing at my counter, hairs a mess, eating cheese and grapes, and I was like, I cannot be the only person that does this.

 made a video where she basically pulled a bunch of things out of her fridge, said she was having them for dinner, and said 

Now, these, honestly, often looked like fancy charcuterie boards, but there was also a big component of people that were showing off kind of weird, odd collections of food.

When we havent been hot girl walking, we have been girl rotting or laying in our beds and doing nothing for hours and hours on end. Weve also been doing things outside with our other girlies.

Weve been having our hot girl dinners, as I mentioned. Weve been going out on hot girl walks, something that the creator, Mia Lind, has described as a miles-long walk in which you think about only three things  the things youre grateful for. Your goals and how you want to achieve them, and how hot you are. And thats it. No men, no boys, no parents telling you what you need to do, no taking care of your families, and nothing about your kids. Its just about you.

And of course, the trend is already passe. Like as internet things go, it lived and died in the span of a week. But it feeds into an overarching trend that Ive noticed over the past couple of years among young millennials and my fellow Zoomers, which is a tendency, for those of us who are women, to refer to ourselves as girls when were engaging in activities that dont involve the male gaze.

And the only constraints for what seemed to make these things qualify as a girl dinner was that they were the kinds of foods that women were eating alone. There was no labor involved in what they were consuming. And there sure as hell was no cleanup. It sort of sparked this interesting thought process for me in that we have a lot of women that when theyre consuming something that they havent had to work over and theyre not producing for other people, they associate it with this idea of being a girl, not being a woman.

 and reconnecting with the sort of girlhood associations of that toy. If boys are invited, theyre largely as accessories to a experience thats focused on feminine life.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

For much of my adult life, Ive heard women chafing against the idea of being called a girl. I think that a lot of second and third wave feminists would look at this sort of collection of trends and see a group of people that are using a word that has long been used to diminish their power and accomplishments in nearly every arena of their lives.

But I think theres a huge difference when someone is calling you a girl and when youre calling yourself a girl or your behavior girl-like. Ultimately, the idea that you are out having your girl dinner and you are creating it for yourself is very different than a man in a boardroom saying, Girl, sit down. The men are talking here. Theyre not the same thing.

Now, Ive been doing hot girl walks since like June 22, which is around the time that the Supreme Court ripped away our right to abortion here in the United States. I started thinking of them as sanity walks around this time. It was a way for me to feel sort of back in control of my body when I was basically told that my body belonged to the state and the men who controlled the state. And the more I thought about the Dobbs decision, the more I realized that this was the first time that I and other members of my generation had experienced firsthand a backslide in womens rights.

This was perhaps the moment when we realized that womanhood wasnt all we were told it was when we were kids. And when cultural constraints about what is a woman and what womanhood should be restrain us, those legal freedoms are not guaranteed. And that, of course, is where this idea of girl comes in. The trick of a hot girl walk and girl dinner and hot girl summer and even girl rotting in our beds is that these things happen outside the influence of the male gaze. And therefore, they happen outside of a mans expectations of what you should be.

Youre not cleaning up after someone. Youre not doing emotional labor. Youre not keeping a child alive. Youre not suppressing your thoughts or feelings to make someone else feel comfortable or wrestling with expectations about how youre supposed to dress or look or talk or listen. Its purely about what you want. Girlhood was the first time and perhaps the only time when we could exist outside of what the patriarchy expects from us.

Our lives then were wide open. We thought that we could become anything. And we hadnt yet realized that inevitable heart wrenching conclusion that all women eventually come to, and our generation is still coming to, which is, were not going to be the first generation thats allowed to have it all.

But if the feminist movement of the young, whatever wave were on at this point, is predicated on a bunch of people who are choosing the escape of being a girl over the hard labor of being a woman, the constraint around womanhood is not going to change. You have to exist as a woman in the world and push against the boundary that has been defined for you by other people and carve out your own space in the world if were going to ensure that that boundary is less constraining for our children and our grandchildren.

And so, for us to only be escaping and having our girl dinners and girl walks, were wasting time that we could be using to conspire against the men. And so this is what I would propose in response to this. You should go out on your hot girl walk, and you should certainly think about the things youre grateful for and how hot you are.

But when youre thinking about your goals and how youre going to achieve them, one of those goals should be how you can make being a woman more bearable for you and the other women around you. You should be conspiring to create a world that means that we dont need any sort of escape. And all you need to be is the woman that you are.
The city has done an admirable job of finding, in short order, shelter for the more than 100,000 asylum seekers who have arrived since spring of last year. Currently, the city is housing about 60,000 in some 200 sites, which has forced it to take over more than 140 hotels. According to the Mayors Office, the cost to taxpayers, at $383 a night, is running into billions of dollars a year. New Yorks mayor, Eric Adams, has been pleading for months, to little avail, for federal support to deal with a flood of asylum seekers.

New York is hardly alone. Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, Denver and other cities are also experiencing an influx of asylum seekers who have no housing and no means of legally earning money. Meanwhile, the federal government is failing to provide the resources necessary to hear asylum cases in anything approaching an expeditious fashion. It can take six or seven years for an applicants case to be resolved.

Think about it: We have a system that essentially allows an unlimited number of people to cross our borders, forbids them to work, offers them free housing and grants them seven years of residency before ruling on whether they can legally stay. It would be hard to devise a more backward and self-defeating system.

We are a nation of immigrants because we are a land of opportunity. To deny immigrants the opportunity to work  and force them to rely on public handouts  is as anti-American as anything I can think of. It is harmful not only to the refugees but also to our country, especially at a time when so many businesses are facing labor shortages.

Critics who have latched onto Mr. Adamss recent comments that the crisis will destroy the city seem more concerned with his words  spoken in understandable frustration with Washington  than with the problem itself. Solving the crisis will not be easy, especially with a divided Congress. But ignoring it will only make it worse while elevating the political fortunes of xenophobes and eroding public support for immigration reform.
When my first child was a few months old, a man shouted at me while I stood in the snow with my sleeping baby slung over my shoulder, partially covered by a worn blanket. We lived in upstate New York, it was winter, and she had fallen asleep on me during a rare outing. As I impatiently waited for my husband to fetch our car, I must have looked disheveled there on the side of the road, trying to hold my baby up and keep her warm. What kind of mother are you? the man yelled out his car window. My arms went numb and hot.

When I was pregnant, strangers touched my stomach and lectured me on my purchases at the grocery store, so I was familiar with public expressions of ownership over my maternal body. A mothers body apparently belonged to vague patriarchal laws I couldnt always identify and therefore needed to be taught, many of which rested on the assumption that a lack of autonomy was simply part of motherhood.

In most cases, the question posed by the man in the car was easily answered. I was the kind of mother who constantly accidentally transgressed the moving goal posts of good parenting. In a strange twist of logic, I only felt full authority over my body when I did something wrong. Even at home alone with my baby, I felt stuck in the snow with a man pointing at me, moralizing my behavior. I breastfed my first child for many years, both as penance for the imperfections in my moods, which I was told could irreparably damage her, and because of cultural pressure and advice. But I also nursed so long because I found it, most hours of the day, intensely pleasurable.

Breastfeeding was an intimate bond I shared with my baby, a tie that bound us, a time when the man in the car fell away. Soon, however, this sense of belonging to my baby left me isolated. I seemed to belong nowhere else. I lost friends. I gave up professional ambitions, not because I wanted to but because I wanted to do right by my child, or I didnt feel like I had any other options. Many mothers told me to let it be, to give in. This period would go so fast.
Musks invocation of free speech is nothing new for him. He has called himself a free speech absolutist, and when he agreed to buy Twitter in 2022, he loftily declared that free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated. After the platforms previous moderation troubles  which the former Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey openly acknowledged  there was at least some reason to hope that Musks purchase would result in a platform moderated in a manner broadly in accordance with First Amendment principles.

But thats not what happened. Not at all. Instead of creating a platform for free speech, Musk created a platform for Musks speech  or, more precisely, Musks power. First, he has demonstrated that hes perfectly willing to take action against people or entities that challenge him or challenge X. As my friends at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (where I used to serve as president) have detailed, he has used his authority to suspend accounts, to throttle (or limit the traffic of) competitors and reportedly to boost his own voice.

Second, rather than create a free marketplace of ideas, Musk uses X as a marketplace where you can pay to privilege your thoughts. Under the pay-to-play system, the people who fork over a monthly fee to join Xs premium service have their reach substantially extended, including by being granted prioritized rankings in conversations and search. And because Musk has centered himself in the platforms public image, a disproportionate number of these premium accounts seem to share Musks trollish right-wing persona and create the unmistakable sense that X is becoming dominated by far-right voices that often revel in cruelty, bigotry and misinformation.

Finally, we cant neglect the power of Musks own voice to distort the debate. As Berlinski details in her newsletter, when he calls attention to other accounts by liking, responding or retweeting, he makes them famous, immediately. It directs a human tidal wave of attention  some 140 million Elon Musk fans  to their accounts.

Taken together, all of these factors mean that Twitter isnt so much a free speech paradise as the generalissimos playpen, and the generalissimos values shape everything about the place.
People unfamiliar with the idea of a racial map may have been surprised by Black responses to Jason Aldeans country song Try That in a Small Town, which became a hit this summer. The song describes stomping on the flag, disrespecting the police and armed robbery. If you try those things in a small town, the song goes, See how far you make it down the road / Around here, we take care of our own. Later in the song Mr. Aldean warns that hes got a gun and that small towns are full of good ol boys, raised up right / If youre looking for a fight.

The suggestion that this song could be deeply problematic received the expected condemnation from certain quarters as another example of woke cancel culture. But the songs story of good ol boys taking the law into their own hands stirs up a particular history for me and many Black listeners. I wonder how often vigilante groups were formed to protect Black Southerners from harm rather than inflict it upon them.

Aldean strongly disagreed that there were any racial undertones to his song. After all, the song doesnt mention African Americans or race at all. According to Mr. Aldean, it is simply about the traditional values of small-town America. Some people think this set of values is drifting away in a rapidly changing country.

Where can African Americans find this lost golden age? Do we discover it during the first centuries of the Republic when slavery was the law of the land? Do we fast forward to the Red Summer, Jim Crow laws and strange fruit hanging from poplar trees?

The small-town song, in the end, is about a return to a glorious past that existed only for some. It is a fresh creation cobbled together from a mishmash of half-truths and long-cherished myths. It is a 1950s with a booming economy and picket fences but no whites-only water fountains. It leaves out the rampant racism, tosses aside rural and urban poverty and focuses on manners without examining the threat of violence lingering underneath the surface.
But guess who hasnt shied away from calling out corruption in Ukraine? Ukrainians. No one knows better what an existential threat corruption can be, sapping the public trust and the legitimacy of the state. Ukrainians consider corruption the countrys second-most-serious problem, behind only the Russian invasion, according to a poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology this year. They know that they must root out money laundering and the influence of oligarchs as a condition of joining the European Union. Since the war started, the percentage of Ukrainians who say they are willing to stand up for their rights when they interact with bureaucrats doubled  from 26 percent in 2021 to 52 percent this year. That raises hopes that Ukrainians are starting to resist corruption with the same can-do spirit that repelled the Russian invasion.

Yuriy Nikolov, a founder of the online news platform Nashi Groshi (Our Money), broke stories about the Ukrainian Defense Ministry paying huge markups for supplies  46 cents for eggs that should have cost five cents, $86 for winter coats that were worth just $29. A week ago, President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed his defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, who, although not personally implicated, had been tarnished by the scandal.

Another Ukrainian platform, Bihus, exposes expensive cars and luxury vacations purchased by politicians since the invasion. It took aim at Bohdan Torokhtiy, a lawmaker whose wife, Alina Levchenko, documented high-end stays at resorts and villas across Europe and the Middle East on Instagram in the early days of the Russian invasion while other Ukrainians were fending off the attack. It also reported that she had been hired as an adviser to an executive at Antonov, a state-owned aircraft company, despite having no experience in the industry. She didnt reply to my request for comment on social media. Her Instagram account has since become private.

Ukrainian lawmakers are pushing back against the scrutiny. For more than a year, Ukrainian watchdog groups and the international agencies that fund them have been encouraging the government to reinstate wealth declarations by politicians, a requirement that was suspended in the early days of the invasion. Last week, lawmakers in Kyiv passed a bill that would reinstate the obligation to declare but keep the information closed to the public for a year or longer. In less than 24 hours, more than 83,000 people signed a petition asking Mr. Zelensky to veto the bill. Many Ukrainians are unhappy with this decision of the Parliament, Andrii Borovyk, the executive director of Transparency International Ukraine, told me. Attention is very big.

Vitalii Shabunin, the chairman of the board of the nonprofit Anti-Corruption Action Center in Kyiv, wrote a scathing column about the decision in Ukrainian Pravda, an online newspaper based in Kyiv. Access to declarations has helped expose top corrupt people, he wrote. Now lawmakers want to keep the war fortunes of officials a secret and absolve themselves of crime.
As a boy of 8, Pari Dukovic would pick up his camera, a gift from his father, and explore his native Istanbul. He learned to station himself on the street corners, hoping for just the right light to show off the city at its most shimmering. Soon enough, he was turning his lens on people.

I was looking at an unchoreographed scenario, Mr. Dukovic said, anticipating what would happen and reacting quickly to capture the person who entered the stage.

We were chatting on Zoom, he from his studio near Hudson Yards in Manhattan. He wore a jauntily striped T-shirt, his self-described uniform, which popped against the white seamless backdrop covering much of the floor-to-ceiling wall books of behind him.

Mr. Dukovic, 39, moved to the United States in the early 2000s to pursue an undergraduate degree in art history and photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduation, he decamped for New York, fascinated by the citys multiplicity of subcultures, which he documented as a freelance photographer in deliberately grainy images.
In the summer, the desert surrounding the Salton Sea in California seems to glow from the glare of the unrelenting sun. The temperature can climb to 110 degrees and higher, and layers of dust coat car tires and the legs of people braving the heat.

For most of the day, the sky stays a constant blue, the horizon punctuated by the orderly fronds of date palm trees grown on nearby farms. Almost 10 miles from the southeastern banks of the Salton Sea, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Palm Springs, another mark appears on the landscape, this one unruly and vivid: the rainbow hill of Salvation Mountain.

A large white cross sits on top of the sculpture, and, just underneath, among stripes of blue and swaths of green, the words GOD IS LOVE are spelled out in red and pink sculpted letters. Old, brightly colored paint cans line the perimeter, and scattered near the base of the hill are a few vehicles, nearly all of which have been painted with messages about Jesus and the Bible. The hill, made mostly of clay from the surrounding desert and donated paint, is 50 feet high and 150 feet wide.

Every year, thousands of tourists come to see Salvation Mountain, the sculpture that Leonard Knight spent the last decades of his life building by hand. They arrive by car and by bus, sometimes traveling across oceans to see Mr. Knights work.
President Biden cemented a new strategic relationship with Vietnam on Sunday, bringing two historical foes closer than they have ever been and putting the ghosts of the past behind them out of shared worry over Chinas mounting ambitions in the region.

During a landmark visit to Hanoi by the American president, Vietnams Communist Party leadership formally raised the countrys ties to the United States to the highest level in Hanois diplomatic hierarchy, equivalent to those it has with Russia and China. Mr. Biden said the breakthrough was the beginning of even a greater era of cooperation a half-century after American troops withdrew.

Today, we can trace a 50-year arc of progress in the relationship between our nations, from conflict to normalization, Mr. Biden said at a news conference after a meeting with Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. This is a new elevated status that will be a force for prosperity and security in one of the most consequential regions in the world.

While neither he nor Mr. Trong directly cited China in their public remarks, it was an important subtext for the move as Mr. Biden works to establish a network of partnerships in the region to counter aggressive action by Beijing. In recent months, he has expanded cooperation with Australia, India and the Philippines and brought the leaders of Japan and South Korea together at Camp David to seal a three-way alliance that has eluded Washington in the past.
Congress is poised this week to dive into an epic fight over spending, as the Senate for the first time in years puts appropriations bills on the floor for debate and Speaker Kevin McCarthy tries to find his way out of a complex funding tangle that could ultimately threaten his leadership post.

With less than three weeks remaining before government funding runs out on Sept. 30, Congress has not cleared any of its 12 annual appropriations bills, though there has been more progress than in the recent past. Given the rapidly approaching deadline, leaders of both the House and the Senate agree that a temporary stopgap funding measure will be needed to avert a government shutdown beginning Oct. 1. But that usually routine legislation is facing major obstacles in the Republican-led House, making its path to President Bidens desk unusually fraught.

Members of the Houses far-right Freedom Caucus are pledging to oppose even a temporary measure if it does not cut funding substantially or include new border controls and restrictions on prosecuting former President Donald J. Trump. At the same time, senators of both parties want the stopgap bill to include billions of dollars in new assistance to Ukraine, a demand that House Republicans are resisting. House Democrats want nothing to do with any of the Republican bills, which have also been loaded with conservative social policy riders that have little chance of enactment.

Honestly, its a pretty big mess, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader, recently told an audience in his home state.
NEW DELHI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday that China and Britain should properly handle disagreements, respect each other's core interests and major concerns.

Li made the remarks when meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 summit. 
The virus could be an important wedge issue for Mr. DeSantis, who at times has struggled to provide voters with a clear case for why he would be a better president than Mr. Trump, the Republican front-runner. But there are questions about whether a pandemic that many Americans see as long over will resonate with the electorate in 2024.

Now, a recent resurgence of Covid-19 cases is giving Mr. DeSantis a chance to press the argument. In response to the uptick, a small number of schools, universities and hospitals have told students, patients and employees to wear masks again. Mr. DeSantis and other Republicans have seized on that as evidence that the Covid-19 debate, which they frame as a civil rights battle, is far from over.

Mr. DeSantis emphasized that point during his swing through Iowa on Saturday. When you have people going back to restrictions and mandates, this shows that this issue has not died, he told reporters outside the coffee shop in Grundy Center. This shows that if we dont bring accountability with my administration, they are going to keep trying to do this.

Since returning to the campaign trail after Hurricane Idalia, which hit Florida last month, Mr. DeSantis has seemingly made the virus his No. 1 issue. He has appeared repeatedly this past week on Fox News and other conservative media outlets lauding his pandemic policies, and has done interviews with local news media outlets in Iowa and New Hampshire. He even held a news conference in Jacksonville  in his role as governor  to promote the way he handled the virus.

I can tell you here in Florida, we did not and we will not allow the dystopian visions of paranoid hypochondriacs to control our health policies, let alone our state, Mr. DeSantis said on Thursday at the event in Jacksonville, which, in the absence of formal policy announcements, had the feel of a campaign rally.
With debris and fallen rock blocking roads to Moroccan villages hit hardest by an earthquake, many residents began burying their dead and foraging for scarce supplies on Sunday as they waited for government aid.

That wait may be lengthy.

The most powerful quake to hit the region in a century spared neither city apartment dwellers nor those living in the mud-brick homes of the High Atlas Mountains, but many in the remote and rugged areas of Morocco have been left almost entirely to fend for themselves.

Survivors, faced with widespread electricity and telephone blackouts, said they were running low on food and water. Some bodies were being buried before they could be washed as Muslim rituals require.
Ten months with no communication with his family. Three hundred days in solitary confinement. A cell thats fully lit around the clock.

These are some of conditions faced by Johan Floderus, a European Union official from Sweden who was arrested in Iran in April last year and has been held hostage since, his family revealed on Sunday.

Last week The New York Times was the first to report on his incarceration at Tehrans infamous Evin prison, after E.U. and Swedish authorities kept it under wraps for more than 500 days.
Ukraines military said on Sunday that it had foiled a large Russian drone attack overnight on the capital, Kyiv, the latest barrage in a campaign intended partly to destroy military and energy infrastructure but also apparently aimed at terrorizing and demoralizing the local population.

The military said it shot down 26 of the 33 drones launched at the capital. The fate of the other seven drones was unclear. Blast waves and falling debris wounded four people and damaged dozens of houses and residential buildings, according to local military authorities. The reports have not been independently verified.

Drones entered the capital in groups and from different directions, Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyivs military administration, said as he thanked the troops staffing the capitals air-defense systems, which have proved increasingly effective at downing most of the Russian drones and missiles targeting Kyiv.

Since beginning its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than 18 months ago, Russia has regularly unleashed large-scale barrages of missiles, rockets and drones on Kyiv. Last week, the region experienced one of the most significant barrages in months, with a combination of cruise missiles and drones fired at the capital. Ukrainian officials said that two people had been killed by falling debris.
Russian authorities have failed so far to send a directive to their soldiers and the military command informing them that torture and such types of detentions and interrogations are not acceptable, she said. They deny they do it, but show me the military directive where torture is prohibited.

Moscow had failed to respond even to her recent offer to visit and report on the conditions of Russian prisoners of war held in Ukraine, she added. An Australian lawyer and academic, Ms. Edwards said she had twice been obliged to postpone visits to Ukraine for security reasons, but the buildup of evidence had made a visit in person imperative.

Last week she made public details of four individuals who had told her they were tortured while detained under Russian occupation in the region of Izium in northeastern Ukraine last year. Ukraine has opened 103,000 general cases for prosecution related to the conflict, she said.

Of hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia and released in exchanges, Ukrainian officials have said 90 percent suffered torture, including sexual violence, she said.

The scale is neither random nor incidental, she said.

Former prisoners of war held by Russia suffered a dangerous level of weight loss from starvation during their detention, she said. One former prisoner told her he had lost 40 kilograms  almost 90 pounds  during incarceration, and his hair had turned gray. Some described fellow prisoners dying in custody from beatings or poor conditions.
Helen Burness was working from home on Monday when the email arrived. In less than 24 hours, her 9-year-old daughter was set to return to school after the long summer break.

The email was from the principal. The school had been forced to shut, the official wrote apologetically, because of concerns about unsafe concrete in its buildings.

Ms. Burnesss daughter, Marigold, has a rare chromosomal disorder and attends a specialist speech and language school for children with complex learning needs. She had been both nervous and excited about starting the new school year, and her parents had spent weeks helping her prepare.

Ms. Burnesss heart sank as she realized she would have to tell Marigold that the plan had changed  with no idea when the issue might be resolved.
PLANS to refurbish a protected structure in Tullamore and to construct a three storey block of apartments in the curtilage of the same structure is being met with fierce opposition in one area of Tullamore.

The proposal by Cayenne Holdings would see the partial rear demolition of the former Moorhill House on the Clara Road to make way for a three bedroom house. The proposed apartments will consist of 24 one-bedroom units in a single and three storey block. The site also contains a number of chalets which were originally built as holiday homes.

There has been a strong backlash from residents living along the Clara Road who argue that the planned apartments are out of character with the rest of the residences and will change the ambience of the neighbourhood.

A large number of objections have been lodged with Offaly County Council. One submission said, ''Offaly County Council speak about historical buildings and try to save them, what about Moorhill? The beautiful trees as we all know will go, due to the foundations being laid. This is just awful and sad to see these trees, years old, being cut down for a modern development.''

''Will the council be happy when the town is full of densely populated housing estates and apartment blocks and the knock on effect that this high density building will have in years to come?''

Another said, ''We chose to save, build and buy a once off property and worked hard for same. The Clara road was always known as a tranquil area and this can be observed with the amount of people taking a walk along the road every single day. Our road is becoming very unsafe, due to traffic and the number of motorised scooters using the footpaths.''

''There has been absolutely no consultation from the developers, which to me indicates the total lack of respect that they have for the residents of Clara Road,'' professed one resident.'' This is going to affect all our our lives and this modern building is totally out of character with the site that it is being built on.''

One submission said, ''As Tullamore has a history of 'rising from the ashes like the Phoenix, it would be much more appropriate to concentrate on the restoration of Moorhill to bring it to its former majesty. The proposed development is more in keeping with a streetscape, and if not well maintained to a high standard could very quickly become an eyesore. If this happens it will negatively impact the neighbourhood and negatively impact the first impression of Tullamore for strangers visiting the town for the first time.''

One resident welcomed what they termed the ''culturally sensitive re-development of Moorhill House in a manner synonymous with its former prestige.'' However, they went on, ''to that end we feel that the development of the site with a small number of bungalow style dwellings, perhaps replicating the courtyard area and outbuilding as highlighted on the 1890s OSI (Ordnance Survey Ireland) map, would be at harmony with the existing Georgian building.''

Another said that ''the planning and design statement ignores the presence of the chalet holiday homes.

Meanwhile, Offaly County Council has placed the application 'on hold' while it seeks further information from the developer.

The local planning authority, says it ''has concerns regarding the existing houses on the landholding'' which form part of the ''historical planning permissions and the current proposal could therefore facilitate unauthorised developments on the landholding.''

It noted that these houses were granted as holiday cottages and the houses no longer appear to be in use for such purposes. The council also observed that no car parking for such units is evident in the proposed site layout plan and the applicant is requested to clarify if the lack of car parking for the existing houses is contrary to the requirements of the historic planning permissions on this site.

In addition it says that the proposal could result in the intensification of an existing dangerous entrance if the applicant does not have land ownership consent to amend the entrance.

Furthermore the local authority points out that the application provides ''no usable public open space for the existing dwelling houses on the landholding'' and the applicant is requested to address this issue.

The proposal involves the creation of 24 apartments and a 3 bed house in addition to the existing nine houses which forms part of the historic landholding of this site. In terms of the Development Management Standard the current County Development Plan, fifty car parking spaces are required, the local authority states.

In addition the council is seeking a separate site layout plan, showing the existing and proposed site boundary treatment, a green infrastructure master plan, a residential efficiency and climate change adaptation design statement, and a revised proposal meeting the construction and demolition waste management plan.

In addition it is asking for a report from a qualified arborist, providing details of their qualifications and experience, indicating which trees along the front boundary are to be removed due to sight light requirements and which trees are to be retained

Furthermore a separate schedule for each separate apartment unit is required.

Finally the local authority specifies that Moorhill House is a protected structure and stresses that the applicant should pay special regard and provide sufficient information in relation to retention, repair, restoration and replacement of any area of the building.

It remarks that a brief Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment has been provided by the developer containing what it says is ''a few external photographs and one page of internal photographs.'' It continues, ''the document does not appear to consider the existing rear extension may have formed part of the original house.''

No date has been given for a decision on the application as it remains 'on hold.'
Almost all of Ireland is covered by a Thunderstorm Warning for Sunday as the heat wave is set to break with a bang.

Met Eireann has issued two Thunderstorm Warnings for Sunday with the first set to come into place at 6am. Both warning are in place until midnight.

A Status Yellow Thunderstorm Warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford comes into effect at 6am and remains in place until midnight. It warns that localised thunderstorms will be slow-moving and will bring heavy downpours giving frequent lightning and surface water-flooding.

A second Status Yellow Thunderstorm warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly and Westmeath comes into effect at noon and also runs until midnight. It also warns that localised thunderstorms will be slow-moving and will bring heavy downpours giving frequent lightning and surface water-flooding.

The UK Met Office has also issued a Thunderstorm Warning for Northern Ireland.

The only counties to escape the Thunderstorm Warnings are Donegal, Sligo and Mayo.

The Met Eireann weather forecast for Sunday states that it will be humid with warm sunny spells. Scattered slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms will bring a risk of localised spot flooding. Highest temperatures of 20 to 24 degrees in light variable winds.

Status Yellow Thunderstorm Warnings issued



Tomorrow Thunderstorms will affect most of the country.



Warning timings will vary, please see the warnings section of https://t.co/e0QpncNkig for details for your area. pic.twitter.com/sDjqHCyrWD  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) September 9, 2023

Monday will see an end to the high temperatures as the heat wave ends with a bang.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, Monday will be a cloudy day with outbreaks of rain spreading southeastwards across the country. The rain will clear from the west and northwest by late evening, with fresher conditions and scattered showers following. Noticeably cooler with highest temperatures of 16 to 19 degrees in light northwesterly winds.

Temperatures look set to be in the mid teens for the early part of next week.
PYONGYANG, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong led a party and government delegation to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to attend the commemorative events for its 75th founding anniversary and visit the country from Friday to Sunday upon invitation.

During the visit, Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, met with Liu, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

The two sides exchanged in-depth views on China-DPRK relations and bilateral exchanges and cooperation in specific areas.

Conveying the cordial greetings of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to Kim, Liu extended warm congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the DPRK's founding, made positive comments on the DPRK's construction achievements, and wished the DPRK a prosperous future and its people a happy life with the country's socialist cause flourishing and its development path getting wider.

China prizes the traditional China-DPRK friendship and is willing to push for the continuous consolidation and development of bilateral relations, Liu said.

Agriculture and health care are important undertakings for people's livelihood, Liu said, adding that China is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the DPRK in these areas to benefit their people.

Kim asked Liu to convey his cordial greetings to Xi, and welcomed the Chinese delegation led by Liu to attend the commemorative events for the DPRK's 75th founding anniversary and visit the country.

The arrival of the Chinese delegation added luster to the DPRK's National Day celebration and is of great significance, Kim said, adding that the DPRK is deeply grateful

The DPRK is willing to further develop friendly and cooperative relations with China and enhance the well-being of their people, Kim said.

He expressed the hope that the cause of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics will continue to make new and greater achievements and believes that the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation will surely be realized.

During the visit, Liu also met with Kim Tok Hun, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, attended a series of activities for the 75th founding anniversary of the DPRK, visited the China-DPRK Friendship Tower, paid homage to the cemetery for martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteers in Anju, and visited the China-DPRK Friendship Thaekam Farm. 
AAP, Cong Attack Centre Over Waterlogging Clips At Bharat Mandapam; PIB Calls It 'Exaggerated

India

oi-Prakash KL

Video clippings of water-logging at Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the G20 Summit in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan, went viral on social media on Sunday, triggering strong reactions from the AAP and Congress.

A clip of the water-logging at the main area of Bharat Mandapam was doing also rounds on social media where the staff was seen using machines to clear out the water.

Tagging lieutenant governor VK Saxena, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj tweeted, "Resp @LtGovDelhi saab, This is very serious. Even after ur 50+ inspections, if the very main area around Mandapam is submerged in water, then heads must roll. I as Minister of Delhi don't have control over this Central Govt area, else would have assisted u sir."

Resp @LtGovDelhi saab,

This is very serious. Even after ur 50+ inspections, if the very main area around Mandapam is submerged in water, then heads must roll. I as Minister of Delhi dont have control over this Central Govt area, else would have assisted u sir. pic.twitter.com/hn0dSBSA78  Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) September 10, 2023

Congress too slammed the Centre over the issue and highlighted that Rs 2700 crore was spent to build Bharat Mandapam to host the world leaders at the G20 Summit.

Pradeep Singh Kharola, the Chairman and Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), responsible for the facility, mentioned that there was some water accumulation in front of Hall 5 as a result of early morning rain.

"Multiple machines and manpower were deployed simultaneously. Water (was) drained out and cleaned immediately," Hindustan Times quoted Kharola as saying.

On the other hand, PIB's Fact Check handle said there was a video which claimed that there is "waterlogging at venue of #G20Summit".

A video claims that there is waterlogging at venue of #G20Summit #PIBFactCheck:



This claim is exaggerated and misleading



Minor water logging in open area was swiftly cleared as pumps were pressed into action after overnight rains



No water logging at venue presently pic.twitter.com/JiWzWx1riZ  PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) September 10, 2023

"This claim is exaggerated and misleading. Minor water logging in open area was swiftly cleared as pumps were pressed into action after overnight rains. No water logging at venue presently," it said.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 16:19 [IST]
'Actions Of Few Don't Represent Entire Community': Canada PM Trudeau On Khalistan Extremism

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the issue of pro-Khalistani protests in Canada during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized Canada's commitment to defending freedom of expression, conscience, and peaceful protest while actively working to prevent violence and combat hatred. Speaking at a briefing on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, he underscored the importance of these values to Canada.

Trudeau also made it clear that the actions of a few individuals do not represent the entire Khalistani community or Canada as a whole. He recognized India as an incredibly important global economy and a crucial partner for Canada in addressing challenges like climate change and promoting growth and prosperity for their citizens.

The meeting between Trudeau and PM Modi took place during the G20 Summit, and they discussed a wide range of issues related to India-Canada relations across various sectors.

Sources indicate that PM Modi raised concerns about the increasing activities of Khalistani groups during bilateral discussions with leaders of the United Kingdom and Canada. He reiterated his commitment to addressing issues directly impacting India's national security.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Khalistan extremism and "foreign interference", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, "Both the issues came up. Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues... Canada will always defend freedom of expression, pic.twitter.com/sRYsCoEvY0  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in his remarks ahead of the G20 Summit, addressed India's concerns about pro-Khalistani elements in the UK. He emphasized that no form of extremism is acceptable in the UK and that the government is actively working to counter and disrupt violent and divisive ideologies. Sunak reaffirmed the UK's cooperation with the Indian government in tackling the threat from pro-Khalistan extremism and stressed that lawful protests should not turn violent or threatening.

'Delhi Banega Khalistan': Sikhs For Justice Defaces 5 Metro Stations Ahead Of G20 Summit [PICS]

Despite continuous concerns raised by India regarding the safety of Hindu temples in Canada, there have been multiple incidents of temple vandalism this year. In August, an incident involved Khalistani extremists allegedly placing posters related to "bogus Khalistani referendums" on the door of Surrey Mandir in British Columbia. The posters featured a picture of designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, who was killed earlier in the year.

Earlier incidents of temple vandalization in Canada include the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Windsor in April, the defacing of the Ram Mandir in Mississauga in February, and the defacement of a Hindu temple in Brampton in January. The Indian Consulate in Toronto condemned these acts and urged Canadian authorities to investigate and take prompt action against those responsible.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 20:49 [IST]
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's Shocking Claim: 'All NCP MLAs wanted to join Mahayuti'

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar claimed that most NCP MLAs had expressed their desire to join the Mahayuti government. This was during the period when Uddhav Thackerays Maha Vikas Aghadi government was on its way out.

India

-Krishna Kripa

The political landscape in Maharashtra experienced a significant shift when the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, which included the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Congress and Shiv Sena, collapsed in June last year. This event was triggered by Eknath Shinde's rebellion that began on June 21 and culminated with him assuming office as Chief Minister with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on June 30.

NCP MLAs' Appeal to Sharad Pawar

During this period of turmoil, according to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, almost all NCP MLAs had written a letter to party chief Sharad Pawar. In their correspondence, they requested him to join hands with the Mahayuti NDA government by extending support to BJP. This revelation was made public by Ajit Pawar at a rally in Kolhapur.

"When the Uddhav Thackeray's government was about to collapse, almost all NCP MLAs had written a letter to the party chief Sharad Pawar asking him to join the Mahayuti government by supporting the BJP," he stated. Further asserting his claims authenticity, he said if his statement is proven wrong then he would retire from active politics immediately but if it turns out true then those spreading falsehoods should retire instead.

Ajit Pawar Joins Shinde Government

It is noteworthy that Ajit Pawar himself joined hands with Eknath Shinde along with eight other MLAs on July 2nd of this year. He voiced concern over increasing criticism towards them stating "Just about anybody is now standing up and speaking against us." However, he also acknowledged that such expression of dissent is part and parcel of any democratic system thereby showing respect towards the same.

In conclusion, these developments highlight the complex and dynamic nature of politics in Maharashtra. The collapse of Thackerays government marked a significant shift in power dynamics that saw Eknath Shinde ascend to the position of Chief Minister with BJP's support. Amidst this upheaval, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's revelation about NCP MLAs' appeal to Sharad Pawar for aligning with Mahayuti NDA government adds another layer to this intricate political narrative. As the dust settles on these events, it remains to be seen how these revelations will shape Maharashtra's political future.
4 Dead, Around 80 Injured After Several Bogies Of North-East Express Derails In Bihar's Buxar

Amid Uproar Over 'Sanatana Dharma', Bihar Minister Claims Prophet Was 'Maryada Purushottam'

India

oi-Prakash KL

Amid the controversy around the 'Sanatana Dharma', Bihar Minister has triggered a controversy after calling Prophet Muhammad the 'Maryada Purushottam'.

Speaking at an event in Nalanda's Hilsa sub-division at Baba Abhaynath Dham premises on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Bihar Education Minister Chandrashekhar said, "Evilness was increasing in the world, honesty was ending, numbers of cheaters and evil persons had increased... to bring honesty in the region of central Asia, the god had sent Maryada Purusotam Mohammad Saheb on the earth."

"Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram was not pleased with the caste structure. So he took a pair berry of Mata Sabri and ate to give the message that castes do not matter. I am painfully saying that we are not endorsing the conduct that Lord Ram has shown," the IANS quoted Chandrashekhar as saying.

Crores of Hindus respectfully call Lord Rama 'Maryada Purushottam'. As a result, the minister's comments have sparked a row.

Pr0phet M0hammed is Maryada Purshotam. He was sent to end Dishonesty and Evilness on earth.



lsIam came to remove Evilness



Says --RJD's Bihar Education minister Prof Chandrashekhar during Janmashtami Cerebration.



He's the same who said Manusmriti and Ramcharitmanas should be pic.twitter.com/IObbzoAq5c  Dr. Vedika (@vishkanyaaaa) September 9, 2023

Meanwhile, BJP OBC Morcha National General Secretary Nikhil Anand has slammed the Bihar Education Minister's comment, accusing him of trying to demean the sanctity of Lord Krishna during a Janmashtami programme.

"Whatever the Education Minister Chandrashekhar is commenting against Hindu-Sanatan Dharma and using derogatory language for Lord Sri Ram and Lord Sri Krishna, it reflects the mentality of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Chandrashekhar's statement during the Janmashtami programme will trigger controversy...," Anand said.

"These days, the opposition alliance has started a campaign across the country on how to insult Hindu Sanatan Dharma and appease their vote bank by making pro-Islamic and pro-Pakistan notions. By questioning the very existence of Lord Sri Krishna, Chandrashekhar has insulted the Hindu Sanatan Dharma as well as the Yadav community," he claimed.

"Chandrashekhar's controversial statement is an integral part of RJD's politics. If Chandrashekhar is so averse to Hindu Sanatan Dharma and cannot see the existence of Lord Sri Krishna in comparison to the existence of Mohammed Saheb, then he should wear a 'Maulana' cap, offer Namaz, get circumcised and go to Pakistan," Anand added.

The issue comes at a time when there has been an uproar over Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's comments where he compared 'Sanatana Dharma' to Dengue, Malaria and Corona.
Ex-Maharashtra Minister Quits Shiv Sena, Claims to Block Bhujbal's Party Return

Baban Gholap, former Maharashtra minister and deputy leader of the Shiv Sena UBT has resigned from his post. He also claimed that he had prevented NCPs Chhagan Bhujbal from rejoining their party a year ago.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Former Maharashtra minister Baban Gholap made a surprising revelation on Sunday, September 10, that he has stepped down from his position as the deputy leader of the Shiv Sena UBT. His resignation comes amidst claims that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) member Chhagan Bhujbal had intentions to rejoin their party a year ago. However, according to Gholap, he was instrumental in preventing this move.

Gholap's Role in Thwarting Bhujbal's Return

Baban Gholap is a seasoned politician who has represented Nashik Road-Deolali assembly constituency for five consecutive terms. He shared that during his visit to Delhi last year, Milind Narvekar of Shiv Sena informed him about Bhujbal's plans to return to the party fold. This news prompted Gholap to take immediate action and meet with then-Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.

Bhujbal's Political Journey

Chhagan Bhujbal is currently serving as a minister in Eknath Shinde's cabinet and has had an interesting political journey so far. He began his career with Shiv Sena and remained associated with them for over two decades before shifting allegiances. In 1991, he left Shiv Sena to join the Congress party and later became part of NCP founded by Sharad Pawar.

The Conversation With Uddhav Thackeray

In his meeting with Uddhav Thackeray, Gholap expressed concerns regarding Bhujbals potential return due to past conflicts within the party involving late supremo Balasaheb Thackeray among others. "I asked Uddhavji how a person who troubled late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, arrested him, filed cases against me, Raj Thackeray and many others can join the party. He has troubled all of us, Shiv Sainiks. If he joins the party, where will we go," Gholap told reporters while recalling his conversation with Thackeray.

Following this intervention by Gholap, Uddhav Thackeray was reportedly persuaded to reconsider Bhujbal's re-entry into the party. The ex-MLA claimed that after their discussion, Thackeray decided against welcoming Bhujbal back into Shiv Sena.

Conclusion

The political landscape in Maharashtra continues to be dynamic and unpredictable with these latest revelations from Baban Gholap. His resignation as deputy leader of Shiv Sena UBT and the claims about thwarting Chhagan Bhujbal's return signify a shift in internal politics within the party. As these developments unfold further, it remains to be seen how they will impact future alliances and power dynamics within Maharashtras political scenario.
Bengaluru Bandh: Cabs, Private Buses Off Road Today, Govt on Alert; Traffic Advisory Issued

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The daily commute of numerous Bengaluru residents will face disruptions on Monday as a consensus remains elusive between the Transport Department and the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association regarding the latter's call for a Bengaluru bandh (strike). Autorickshaws, taxis, airport cabs, and private buses have opted not to ply the roads, leaving commuters reliant on public transport like the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Namma Metro.

The bandh's impact extends to private school vans and buses, causing concern among parents regarding their children's transportation to and from school. While the government has not officially declared a holiday, some private schools have chosen to do so, with a few opting for online classes exclusively on Monday. Additionally, Maharani Cluster University has postponed its Monday exams due to the strike.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has taken steps to minimise public inconvenience, directing BMTC to operate an extra 500 schedules (4,000 trips) from major bus stations. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that those requiring transportation to hospitals, offices, airports, and railway stations encounter no issues and assured that arrangements have been made accordingly.

BMTC has also announced that these additional trips will cover routes from bus stations such as Kempegowda bus stand, K.R. Market, and Shivajinagar to various destinations. The BMTC officers and staff, along with Sarathi patrol forces, will be deployed at key roads, bus stations, and junctions in the city to monitor traffic. Additional trips will be organized in response to demand.

In light of the unavailability of airport taxis on Monday, BMTC will run an extra 100 trips to the airport, with the police on alert to prevent any untoward incidents.

Bengaluru Bandh On Sep 11: Will Schools, Namma Metro Be Closed? Will Cabs Be Available?

The Bengaluru traffic police have issued a traffic advisory in response to the call for a 'Bengaluru Bandh' by the Karnataka State Private Vehicles Owner Association. The advisory aims to help the public plan their travel accordingly.

In accordance with the advisory, the police urge the public to avoid traveling on KG Road, Sheshadri Road, GT Road, and the roads surrounding Freedom Park and Majestic Bus Stand.

Instead, commuters are encouraged to consider the following alternative routes:

For vehicles heading from RR Junction to Khodays Circle: Divert towards Krishna Flour Mill and continue towards Malleshwaram.

For vehicles traveling from Goodshed Road: Proceed towards G T Road via Sangolli Rayanna Circle, leading to Okalipuram, and further towards Sujatha Theatre.

For vehicles approaching from Ananda Rao Circle: Navigate towards the Old JDS Office Road and reach Sheshadripuram Road.

For vehicles arriving from Mysuru Bank Circle: Head towards Palace Road, which leads to the Maharani Junction underpass, and then proceed towards Basaveshwara Circle.

These alternative routes should help commuters navigate the city more smoothly during the specified period.

S. Nataraj Sharma, president of the federation, expressed apologies to the public for the inconvenience caused but placed the responsibility squarely on the State government. He emphasized that unless their demands are met, autorickshaws in Bengaluru will display black flags on their vehicles as a sign of protest starting Tuesday. He also noted that if negotiations with the government fail, the protest will escalate to the State level.

C.N. Srinivasan of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union (ARDU) stated that all autorickshaw drivers, except a pro-government group, will support the strike.

The federation, comprising 32 transport unions, has presented 28 demands to the State government. Despite multiple rounds of talks, including a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the federation members claim that no results have been achieved.

Transport Minister Reddy suggested that there might be political motives behind the bandh call, pointing out the federation's absence from the meeting chaired by the CM. He emphasized that some demands would require around Rs 5,000 crore to fulfill and that further concessions could not be made beyond what was already offered.
It Is "Extremely Important" For Canada And Its Allies To Engage With India: Canada PM Justin Trudeau

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's Plane Suffers Technical Snag, Delegation To Stay In India

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's flight encountered a technical issue while attempting to depart from Delhi on Sunday. The Canadian delegation, which had come to the national capital to participate in the G20 Summit, will remain in India until the ground engineering team rectifies the problem, according to an airport official cited by the ANI news agency.

Justin Trudeau arrived in Delhi on September 8, just ahead of the G20 Summit, accompanied by his son Xavier.

During his visit, Trudeau had a sideline meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the issue of Khalistani extremism in Canada was among the key topics discussed. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated that PM Modi expressed "strong concerns about the ongoing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada."

'Actions Of Few Don't Represent Entire Community': Canada PM Trudeau On Khalistan Extremism

In a press briefing following the meeting, Trudeau stated, "We are always committed to preventing violence and countering hatred." However, he emphasized that Canada would "always uphold freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and the right to peaceful protest."

Trudeau also described India as an "important partner for Canada" in addressing issues related to climate change and promoting economic growth and prosperity for their citizens. He added, "There is always much work to be done, and we will continue to do it," underscoring their commitment to collaboration.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 22:24 [IST]
TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu Arrested and Sent to Jail in Corruption Case

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu was arrested and sent to Central Prison in Rajamahendravaram after being charged with a multi-crore corruption case. The court allowed home-cooked food, medication and special accommodation due to his Z-plus security status.

India

-Krishna Kripa

In the early hours of Monday, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu was taken to Central Prison in Rajamahendravaram, AP, following his arrest in a multi-crore corruption case. The former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was sent to judicial custody for 14 days by a court in Vijayawada.

Arrest and Detainment

Naidu reached the prison after a nearly 200-km journey from Vijayawada to Rajamahendravaram in East Godavari district. According to East Godavari district Superintendent of Police P Jagadish, he entered the prison around 1:20 am. Following his detainment, home-cooked food, medication and special room were among the amenities granted by the court during his judicial custody.

The 73-year-old politician has been provided with separate accommodation inside the jail due to an alleged threat to his life as he is a Z-plus category security protectee. His son and TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh accompanied him up until the prison gates before departing.

The Corruption Case

Naidu's arrest came on Saturday following a pre-dawn operation at Nandyala as part of an investigation into what is commonly referred to as Skill Development Corporation scam case. This case involves allegations of corruption running into crores.

According to details from the detention order issued by the judge presiding over this matter, there are grounds that substantiate belief in accusations levelled against Naidu. It was also noted that due process required more than just 24 hours for completion of investigations into such serious charges involving high-profile political figures like Naidu.

Implications for TDP Leadership

This development comes as a significant blow to the TDP leadership, particularly since Naidu is a central figure in the party. His absence from active politics for two weeks could potentially impact the party's operations and strategies. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold over the coming days and what it might mean for future of TDP.

In conclusion, N Chandrababu Naidus arrest marks another chapter in India's ongoing struggle with political corruption. As one of Andhra Pradesh's most prominent politicians, his case serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public office. While his supporters stand by him during these trying times, critics argue that this instance underscores a broader systemic issue within Indian politics.
Did Xi Jinping Skip G20 Summit In India For This Reason? China Think Tank's Commentary Gives Hint

India

oi-Prakash KL

A Chinese think tank affiliated with the country's top spy agency on Saturday accused India of trying to take advantage of its role as the host of the G20 Summit to promote its own agenda and harm China's interests.

The commentary from the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, which is under the Ministry of State Security, comes on the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders Declaration, a significant victory for India's G20 presidency that came amid increasing tensions and divergent views over the Ukraine conflict.

It has to be noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping has skipped the event and sent the Chinese Premier Li Qiang to attend the G20 Summit in India.

The think tank believes that India brought geopolitical "private goods" onto the global stage, which it said would not only help the country to fulfil its responsibility as the host of G20 and create further problems.

This point might be a reference to India holding G20 meetings in disputed territories -- one in Arunachal Pradesh that China also claims, and another in Kashmir, contested by Pakistan, Reuters reported citing the commentary of China Institute of Contemporary International Relations.

"In addition to causing diplomatic turmoil and public opinion turmoil, India's actions in hosting meetings in disputed territories have also 'stole the spotlight', sabotaging the cooperative atmosphere of the G20 meeting and hindering the achievement of substantive results." the think tank said in a commentary published on its WeChat account.

The latest commentary might indicate why the Chinese President the event in India.

The Chinese side has not given a proper reason as to why the Chinese President has given a miss to the G20 Summit in Delhi. It is interesting to note that this is for the first time he has skipped the G20 event.

This movie left America 'disappointed' while India said his absence is not unusual.

The report also notes that the two neighbouring Asian nations have been actively seeking solutions to alleviate the ongoing military tensions along their extensive border. However, New Delhi has characterized the situation as fragile and dangerous. Furthermore, since 2020, New Delhi has intensified its scrutiny of Chinese enterprises and financial investments.

It accuses India of using the issue of debt restructuring to attack China, and has frequently cooperated with the United States and the West in hyping the "debt trap" theory, when Beijing has offered loans to poorer countries to build needed infrastructure likes ports or roads.

The think tank additionally asserted that India has been leveraging the matter of debt restructuring as a means to criticize China. It has consistently collaborated with the United States and Western nations in promoting the "debt trap" theory, especially when Beijing extends loans to less affluent countries for vital infrastructure projects such as ports or roads.

India's move could "further create differences and rifts, hinder the international community from reaching consensus and substantive results, and will ultimately cause damage to its own international image and global development interests", the think tank claims.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 10:22 [IST]
LHASA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region has achieved overall carbon neutrality, said Yan Jinhai, head of the regional government, during a forum opened Sunday on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ecosystem.

The Namjagbarwa forum on the building of a national ecological civilization highland in Tibet kicked off Sunday in the region's Nyingchi City. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Yan said Tibet is able to make greater contributions to China's dual carbon targets.

Currently, the carbon sink of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ecosystem amounts to 162 million tonnes per year, accounting for 8 to 16 percent of China's total ecosystem carbon sink, according to the experts attending the forum.

Based on data, combined with the findings of China's second scientific research survey on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the annual carbon sink of Tibet's ecosystem in recent years reached around 47.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, with its annual carbon emission totaling about 11.5 million tonnes, indicating that the region has actually been in a state of carbon neutrality, the experts explained.

More than 120 government officials, experts and scholars including famous academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering are at the two-day forum.

China has made remarkable progress in promoting the green and low-carbon energy, with proportion of clean energy sources increasing, according to a white paper released by the State Council Information Office earlier this year.

From 2012 to 2021, China planted 64 million hectares of trees, carried out desertification prevention and control over 18.53 million hectares of land, and added or restored more than 800,000 hectares of wetland, data from the paper titled "China's Green Development in the New Era" showed.

During the period, renewable energy also played a more significant role in the country's energy mix and its green industries continued to grow. In 2021, the output value of China's energy conservation and environmental protection industries exceeded 8 trillion yuan (about 1.1 trillion U.S. dollars), said the paper.

China has announced that it will peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. 
Congress warns its leaders and workers not to get complacent in the last few hours

Ex-RSS Members Establish Janhit Party to Contest in Upcoming MP Elections

'Janhit Party', a new political outfit has been announced by former RSS volunteers. The party aims to push existing political parties to improve governance ahead of the year-end polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party is yet-to-be-registered but is expected to draw votes from disgruntled BJP supporters.

India

-Krishna Kripa

The political landscape of Madhya Pradesh is set for a new entrant as a group of former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers announced their decision to form a new political outfit, the Janhit Party. This announcement comes ahead of the year-end polls in Madhya Pradesh and is expected to bring about significant changes in the local political dynamics.

Forming The Janhit Party

The founders of the party believe that existing political parties have deviated from democratic values. "We have formed the Janhit Party as all political parties culture is against the basic values of democracy. All have failed," said Abhay Jain, former RSS pracharak, while addressing reporters after a meeting with his ex-colleagues at Misrod, near state capital Bhopal.

Potential Impact on BJP's Vote Bank

Jain also indicated that their yet-to-be-registered party could potentially affect the vote bank of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He stated that it might appear outwardly that their party will eat into BJPs votes but clarified that they were not present during 2018 MP elections when BJP lost its votes to Congress. He further added that people are dissatisfied with how BJP government has been functioning in Madhya Pradesh.

A New Preference for Voters

Jain believes that those who are unhappy with BJP but still possess a Hindu mindset would prefer them over other parties. In his words, "What will happen when we appear on the political stage? Those who are unhappy with the BJP but have a Hindu mindset will prefer us." He argued further by saying if BJP loses five votes due to their presence, these won't necessarily go to Congress according to 'political arithmetic'.

Mounting Pressure on Existing Parties

One of the major objectives behind forming the Janhit Party is to mount pressure on existing political parties to improve governance. Jain firmly believes that their move will push other parties to step up and deliver better governance in order to retain their voter base.

In conclusion, the formation of the Janhit Party by former RSS volunteers could be a game-changer in Madhya Pradesh politics. The partys emphasis on democratic values and improved governance might appeal to voters who are dissatisfied with current political options. However, it remains to be seen how this new entrant will fare in the upcoming polls against established political heavyweights like BJP and Congress.
Overnight Efforts by Delhi Teams to Prevent Waterlogging During G20 Summit Amid Rains

During the recent rains in Delhi, teams from PWD and NDMC worked throughout the night to ensure there was no waterlogging on roads used for VVIP movement during the G20 summit. Over 1,000 workers and Quick Reaction Teams were deployed for this task.

India

-Krishna Kripa

In the wake of heavy rains that battered Delhi on Saturday, teams from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) worked tirelessly overnight to prevent waterlogging on roads earmarked for VVIP movement during the G20 Summit. The two-day event, which concluded on Sunday under India's presidency of this influential bloc, saw a flurry of activities and visits by global leaders.

Unprecedented Preparations Amidst Unfavorable Weather

The relentless downpour posed significant challenges to maintaining smooth functioning of traffic and preventing potential disruptions during this high-profile international event. However, according to NDMC vice chairman Satish Upadhyay, more than 1,000 dedicated NDMC workers and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) were mobilized throughout Saturday night to ensure key roads designated for use by Heads of States remained clear for their convoys. Between 1 am and 3 am in particular, these teams worked intensively to keep these routes free from obstructions.

G20 Leaders' Visit Amidst Inclement Weather

Despite the inclement weather conditions, various programmes involving G20 leaders went ahead as scheduled. Among other engagements, they visited Rajghat  Mahatma Gandhi's memorial  paying homage to India's iconic freedom fighter. Notably, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak along with his wife Akshata Murty made a visit to the renowned Akshardham temple in Delhi.

Complaints Received During G20 Summit

The Disaster Management Centre received a total of 70 complaints related to minor waterlogging and malfunctioning road lights among others due to heavy rainfall. Of these complaints lodged over Saturday night and Sunday morning until 11 am; 26 were registered on Saturday night while the remaining 44 poured in by Sunday morning. These issues were promptly addressed, ensuring minimal disruption to the G20 Summit proceedings.

In conclusion, the overnight efforts of PWD and NDMC teams played a crucial role in preventing any major waterlogging incidents on VVIP routes during the G20 Summit amidst heavy rains. Their prompt response to complaints ensured minor issues like waterlogging and malfunctioning road lights did not escalate into significant disruptions. The successful conduct of the summit under India's presidency despite unfavorable weather conditions is commendable and reflects well on India's crisis management capabilities.
Russia, Western Powers Find Common Ground at G20 Summit Amidst Ukraine Crisis

India

-Krishna Kripa

The G20 Summit, held under India's presidency in New Delhi, became a platform for Russia and Western powers to assert their respective stances on the Ukraine crisis. The summit concluded with a declaration that was agreed upon by consensus but notably refrained from condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. This development provided both parties an opportunity to claim vindication of their positions.

Macron Asserts Russia's Isolation

In the aftermath of the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron stated at a media briefing that the G20 leaders' declaration confirmed Russia's isolation due to its attack on Ukraine. He underscored the blocs commitment towards achieving just and lasting peace in war-ravaged Ukraine. His remarks were seen as an attempt to underline Western unity against Moscow's actions in Eastern Europe.

Lavrov Claims Victory for Developing Countries

Conversely, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov interpreted the lack of direct condemnation as evidence that attempts by Western nations to 'Ukrainize' G20 had failed. He attributed this largely to efforts made by developing countries within the group. Lavrov also praised India for fostering agreement on text relating to the Ukrainian conflict within the leaders' declaration.

G20 Leaders Adopt New Delhi Declaration

The G20 leaders adopted what is now known as 'The New Delhi Declaration' unanimously last Saturday without mentioning Russias invasion of Ukraine specifically. This move has been widely viewed as a climbdown by Western powers who have been vocal critics of Moscows actions in Ukraine.

Praise for India's Presidency

Lavrov lauded India's presidency of G20 which he claimed resulted in clear guidelines being established towards ensuring balance between various interests within global economy. Both Russia and Western powers commended Indias role in building consensus around such a contentious issue as the Ukraine conflict.

In conclusion, the G20 summit under Indias presidency was a significant event that allowed Russia and Western powers to assert their respective positions on the Ukraine crisis. The New Delhi Declaration, adopted by consensus without condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has been interpreted differently by both parties. While Macron sees it as an affirmation of Russia's isolation, Lavrov views it as a victory for developing countries against attempts to 'Ukrainize' G20. Amidst these contrasting interpretations, India received praise from all sides for its role in facilitating agreement on such a contentious issue.
Russia Hails G20 Outcome: West Fails to Dominate Agenda with Ukraine Issues

The efforts of Western powers to dominate the agenda of the G20 summit with issues surrounding the Ukraine conflict were thwarted by consolidated efforts from member nations of the Global South. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised this outcome and specifically lauded Indias role as president in achieving it.

India

-Krishna Kripa

The recent G20 Summit, held under India's presidency, has been hailed as a "breakthrough in many ways" by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He commended the collective efforts made by member nations from the Global South that resulted in thwarting Western powers' attempts to Ukrainise the agenda of the summit. The leaders of the bloc unveiled a declaration which notably did not condemn Moscow for its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Global South Resists Western Pressure

Lavrov expressed surprise at the outcome, stating they were prepared to defend their wording of the text but found it unnecessary due to unexpected support from countries in the Global South. "The Global South is no longer willing to be lectured," he noted, referencing what is officially known as 'the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration'. This statement reflects a shift in global dynamics and power balance within international forums such as G20.

Indias Role In Navigating Contentious Issues

India played an instrumental role in navigating through contentious issues and building consensus among G20 countries on matters related to Ukraine conflict. This was achieved through rigorous negotiations with emerging economies like Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa who also played key roles in reaching an agreement on this declaration. Lavrov acknowledged India's significant contribution towards preventing Western powers from pushing forward their approach on various critical issues including Ukraine.

G20 Members Unified Stance Against Western Influence

The unified stance taken by members of Global South against undue influence exerted by western powers represents a significant development within international diplomacy. It reveals an increasing assertiveness among these nations who are unwilling to succumb under pressure or accept dictated terms unconditionally. Their consolidated efforts have successfully countered attempts aimed at imposing specific narratives or agendas onto global platforms such as G20.

A Path Forward Amidst Challenges

Lavrov praised the outcomes of the G20 summit, stating that it has shown a path forward for the world to address a multitude of challenges. This suggests that despite disagreements and conflicts, there is potential for cooperation and collaboration among nations on shared concerns and issues. The ability to reach consensus on contentious topics such as Ukraine conflict demonstrates the capacity of international forums like G20 in facilitating dialogue and negotiations among diverse stakeholders.

In conclusion, this recent development at the G20 Summit signifies an important shift in global dynamics with emerging economies from Global South increasingly asserting their influence within international platforms. It highlights India's diplomatic acumen in managing sensitive issues and achieving consensus amidst differing viewpoints. Furthermore, it underscores the potential of collective efforts by member nations towards addressing complex global challenges through constructive dialogue and negotiation rather than succumbing to pressures or unilateral impositions.
'India reforming out of conviction, not compulsion': PM at UP Global Investors Summit 2023

In A First In US, Hindu-Americans To Hold Summit Tomorrow

In Delhi, US President Joe Biden Performs Holy Communion With Goa Priest Before The G20 Summit

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

President of the United States Joe Biden performed a Holy Communion service in India prior to the G20 Summit. Father Nicholas Dias the Secretary for Liturgy Commission for the Delhi Archdiocese organised the Holy prayers at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi.

Fr Nicholas Dias who hails from Goa in a brief conversation with the Indian Express told that a few days back he received a mail from the US Embassy stating that the US President has requested for a Communion Service in India before the G20 Summit.

Responding to the mail, he arranged the Communion Service at the ITC Maurya at 9 AM on Saturday. President Biden performed the prayers with the Goa priest and his US delegation.

Father Dias further said that the US President wanted to organise a special prayer before the summit to pray for the participants as well as for the success of the Summit and for the global issues.

"President Biden was clear that he wanted to begin his two-day G20 engagements at Bharat Mandapam with the Holy Eucharist and a prayer. Together, we prayed for the participants as well as for the success of the Summit and for the global issues that were to be discussed," Fr Dias was quoted saying to Indian Express.

For the last few days, White House officials were continuously ensuring that President Biden's request for a prayer service could be fulfilled before the Summit began.

What is Holy Communion?

Communion is a sacred worship for God, where devotees remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross by commemorating the Lord's death through prayer and meditation.

Fr Dias also gifted a packet of Bebinca (a Goan-Portuguese delicacy) to the US President while President Biden handed over a souvenir to Dias - the President's Seal No 261.

President Jo Biden came to India on a two-day visit to attend the G20 Summit. India's biggest even is taking place in Bharat Mandapam, an international-exhibition convention centre in Pragati Maidan.

New Delhi is decked up with arrangements and strict protocols as the safety measures to ensure the security of the global leaders and VVIP guests.
Japanese PM: Russia-Ukraine Conflict Shakes G20 Cooperation, Global Economy

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida states that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is shaking the foundation of cooperation at the G20. He highlights its impact on world economy through factors like rising food and energy prices. The statement was made in context to Indias presidency declaration at the recent G20 summit.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a recent media briefing, expressed his concerns over the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the G20 cooperation. He stressed that such aggressive actions are threatening the very essence of collaboration among nations at this global platform. The statement came on September 10th, during his visit to New Delhi.

Kishida's Take on G20 Leaders' Declaration

The Japanese leader acknowledged the significance of the G20 leaders' declaration which was unveiled under India's presidency. He termed it as a truly meaningful achievement. The declaration emphasized respect for territorial integrity of all states - an aspect that has been violated by Russia in its aggression against Ukraine.

According to Kishida, all members of G20 have underscored the need for a just and durable peace in Ukraine. This collective stand reflects their shared understanding of international law and commitment towards upholding it.

Russian Aggression: Impacting Global Economy

Kishida also drew attention to how Russias aggression is causing significant disruptions to the world economy through factors like protracted rise in food and energy prices. Amidst already complex crises worldwide, he noted that these developments further underscored why collaboration at platforms such as G20 is becoming increasingly important today.

G20s Stand Against War

The declaration issued at last year's Bali summit had deplored Russian aggression against Ukraine in strongest terms while most members strongly condemned war practices. It signifies G20's unanimous rejection of any form of aggression or conflict that undermines peace and stability globally.

G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration: A Focus on Wars & Conflicts

The recently released 'G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration', however, only refers to war in Ukraine but expresses deep concern over the immense human suffering and adverse impacts of wars and conflicts around the world. The declaration, therefore, serves a dual purpose: it not only highlights the current crisis in Ukraine but also underscores the broader implications of war on humanity.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Kishida's statements underscore Japans commitment to international peace and cooperation. His remarks also highlight how vital global platforms like G20 are for fostering dialogue and collaboration among nations to address pressing issues such as territorial disputes and economic crises. As the world continues to grapple with complex challenges, it is hoped that these platforms will facilitate constructive engagement towards achieving durable solutions.
PM Modi's Visit to International Media Centre Post-G20: An Interaction with Global Journalists

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the International Media Centre at Bharat Mandapam following his participation in the G20 summit. He interacted with local and international journalists, visited artisan stalls and explored a Digital India Experience Zone.

India

-Krishna Kripa

On Sunday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a visit to the International Media Centre at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the G20 Summit. This came after he held bilateral meetings with various world leaders following the conclusion of the summit. His presence in the media centre was greeted with enthusiasm by those present.

A Warm Reception for PM Modi

The prime minister's arrival at the media center sparked a flurry of activity as journalists from both India and abroad vied to capture images of him. As he walked through the cavernous hall on the ground floor of the International Media Centre (IMC), his entrance was met with cheers from those gathered there. The IMC had been impressively decorated for this occasion; G20 logos were prominently displayed across large decorative panels in line with theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- One Earth. One Family. One Future."

PM Modis Interaction at Crafts Bazaar and Digital India Experience Zone

Beyond his visit to IMC, Prime Minister Modi also took time to explore some stalls at Crafts Bazaar set up in Hall No.3 within Bharat Mandapam complex where he interacted directly with artisans showcasing their work. In addition, he visited Digital India Experience Zone established within same complex.

G20 Summit: A Global Gathering

The two-day summit saw participation from top world leaders including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni among others.

Journalists hailing from countries as varied as Italy and Singapore or Germany and Turkiye converged in Delhi for this global event which underscores its significance on international stage.

Conclusion

The G20 Summit, held in New Delhi this year, provided a platform for world leaders to discuss and address pressing global issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the International Media Centre and his interaction with journalists from around the world not only added a personal touch but also highlighted Indias commitment towards fostering international cooperation. His engagement at the Crafts Bazaar and Digital India Experience Zone further underscored his support for local artisans and digital innovation respectively.

As host of such an important international event, India has once again demonstrated its capability to facilitate dialogue on global challenges among top world leaders. It is hoped that outcomes from these discussions will lead towards more collaborative solutions for our shared future.
SSC MTS Result 2023 to Be Released Soon @ssc.nic.in; Check How to Download Scorecard Online

Rajasthan Staff Selection Board Announced REET Results, Details Inside

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

The results for Rajasthan Eligibility Examination For Teachers (REET) level 2 has been announced. The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSC or RSMSSB) has declared the results of the REET students.

Candidates who have applied for level 2 or upper primary (Class 6 to 8) teaching positions for Hindi, Punjabi and Sindhi can check their results on rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in.

Reportedly, the board has published roll numbers of selected candidates along with category-wise cut-off marks.

Following is the process to check the results of RSMSSB REET level 2

1. Go to rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in.

2. Open the results tab.

3. Now, open the subject-wise result document.

4. Check your result using roll number.

The Hindi exam was held in the evening shift on February 26, Punjabi was held in the evening shift on February 28 and the Sindhi paper took place in the morning shift on March 1.

According to the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board a total of 2450 candidates under various categories have been recommended under 3176 vacancies of Hindi.

The board further said a total of 178 candidates for Punjabi, and one candidate for Sindhi has been recommended,.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 18:02 [IST]
Rishi Sunak And Akshata Murty Set Couple Goals During Trip To India

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, businesswoman Akshata Murty, have been captivating observers with their public appearances in New Delhi during the G20 Summit. Following their viral photo of Sunak's tie-fixing moment, the couple's images from their visit to the Akshardham Temple on Sunday have garnered praise.

At the temple, Sunak and Murty were warmly welcomed in the traditional Hindu manner. They were seen participating in the 'aarti' ceremony and performing 'abhishek' (ritual pouring of water) on the murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj. Their prayers were offered for world peace, progress, and harmony.

Sunak expressed his admiration for the temple, stating, "My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being. This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also portrays India's values, culture, and contributions to the world."

The photos of their visit generated enthusiastic responses on social media, with many users expressing their admiration with heart-shaped eyes and hug emojis. One user commented, "Best photos of this G20 summit. UK PM is proud of his religion."

Another user quoted a popular Bollywood dialogue from the movie 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,' saying, "London mein rehne se, wahan padhne likhne se, main apne sanskaar nahi bhuli aur yeh tum mat bhulna - Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [2023]." The dialogue roughly translates to: "I did not forget my culture and traditions despite staying and studying in London. And you must note it."

UK PM Rishi Sunak Walks Barefoot In Akshardham Temple

Some users took the opportunity to criticize Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, over his comment about "eradicating Sanatan Dharma." One person stated, "The world is accepting the power of 'Sanatan Dharma' today, while corrupt leaders in India, like Udhayanidhi Stalin, are trying to end it."

Others admired Sunak and Murty for sharing an umbrella in the rain during their visit to Akshardham, as Delhi experienced heavy rainfall that morning.

Swamis at Akshardham praised Rishi Sunak for dedicating nearly an hour to darshan and prayer despite adverse weather conditions. Brahmavihari Swami, the senior swami of the sanstha, highlighted the strong bond of friendship between the UK and India, fostered by cultural exchanges and a vibrant Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom.

In addition to their public appearances, a candid photo of Sunak and Murty went viral on Friday, capturing the First Lady of the United Kingdom adjusting her husband's tie before disembarking from the plane. This glimpse into their personal life resonated with social media users, who welcomed the couple to India with warm messages.

Rishi Sunak's parents are of Indian origin, with grandparents reportedly from Punjab, and Akshata Murty is the daughter of Indian billionaire Narayana Murthy. The couple married in 2009. Earlier this year, Sudha Murty, Sunak's mother-in-law, credited her daughter for his rapid rise to power, suggesting that Akshata "made her husband a Prime Minister" in a widely circulated video.
'Swasti Astu Vishwa': PM Modi Calls For Peace In Closing G20 Speech Amid Ukraine War

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded the G20 Summit on Sunday by offering a prayer for peace, "Swasti Astu Vishwa," as he passed on the G20 presidency gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This slogan, roughly translating to "may there be peace in the world," was a significant element of the New Delhi Leaders' Summit Declaration, which had been adopted on the previous day and was seen as a notable achievement of the G20 Summit.

Despite disagreements among G20 negotiators on the Ukraine issue, the G20 leaders managed to come together and unanimously adopt the Delhi Declaration. This declaration emphasized the importance of avoiding war in today's world.

In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Modi declared the end of the G20 Summit and expressed hope for a joyful future based on the principles of "One Earth, One Family, and One Future."

Prime Minister Modi, recognising India's responsibility as the G20 presidency holder until November 2023, proposed a virtual session to review the proposals and suggestions put forth during the Summit. He urged all participants to connect during this virtual session in November.

Brazil's Assumption of G20 Presidency:

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Brazilian President Lula on Brazil's upcoming presidency of the G20 in 2024. President Lula, after assuming the G20 presidency, commended Prime Minister Modi for his efficient leadership during the Summit and emphasized the importance of global equality.

Will Give New Direction To Connectivity, Sustainable development: PM Modi On India-Middle East-Europe Corridor

Lula highlighted the need to address various forms of inequality, including income, access to healthcare, education, food, gender, race, and representation. He advocated for the inclusion of new developing countries as permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council to enhance its political strength.

Symbolic Ceremony and 'One Future' Session:

In a symbolic ceremony, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, representing the previous and next G20 presidencies respectively, presented saplings to the current G20 chairperson. This ceremony took place at the beginning of the 'One Future' session of the G20 Summit.

During the 'One Future' session, Prime Minister Modi called for reforms in global organizations like the United Nations to better reflect the new realities of the world. He emphasized the need for immediate and effective decisions regarding the expansion of the mandates of multilateral development banks.

Throughout the summit, various activities, including paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and a tree-planting ceremony at the G20 venue (Bharat Mandapam), were carried out by the G20 leaders and delegation heads.

On the first day of the historic G20 Summit, India achieved a significant diplomatic success by obtaining a consensus declaration, despite major differences regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Modi also announced the admission of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. India, as the G20 presidency holder, emphasized the theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' for this year's summit.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 16:21 [IST]
XIAMEN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The 10th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum was held Saturday in Xiamen, a pivotal city along the Maritime Silk Road. With over 400 participants from both domestic and international backgrounds, the event aimed to foster collaborative endeavors and expand the horizons of China-Central Asia cooperation.

The forum is regarded as a tangible step towards implementing the agreements established by the heads of state during the China-Central Asia Summit in May, which heralded a new era of relations between China and the Central Asian nations.

Since its inception in 2012, the forum has consistently expanded the scope of China-Central Asia cooperation, evolving into a crucial platform for fostering regional friendship and promoting mutually beneficial, win-win outcomes.

On Saturday, an innovative new energy bus took center stage in the China-Central Asia cooperation exhibition area, attracting a continuous stream of guests and merchants eager to experience this cutting-edge vehicle. The bus is a new product from Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd., a prominent bus manufacturer in China.

Thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the company has successfully exported more than 1,000 buses to Central Asian countries over the past decade. In March, a total of 200 Golden Dragon BRT buses left Xiamen for Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, marking China's inaugural export of 18-meter-long BRT buses to Uzbekistan.

"The green industry holds immense market potential in Central Asian countries," said Liu Zhijun, chairman of the company. He further noted that the company's next objective is to align the market interests with Central Asian nations in the realms of new energy and other sectors, aiming to support local sustainable development and boost mutually beneficial outcomes.

Collectively capitalizing on the prospects offered by green and digital advancements, and advancing the high-quality development of Belt and Road cooperation, has emerged as a shared consensus among the participants of this forum.

"The Silk Road, an ancient trade route that connected our civilizations, once acted as the bridge for cultural and economic exchanges," said Solehzoda Ashurboy, first deputy minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan. "Today, as we stand at the crossroads of a new era, we are reminded of this shared history and look forward to forging a path that is equally significant and enduring."

With BRI, China and Central Asian countries have achieved full connectivity, fostering a deepening cooperation that continually yields significant results, thereby effectively enhancing regional economic and social development. During this forum, many participants expressed their aspirations to further strengthen this interconnection, ushering in fresh opportunities and prospects for China-Central Asia collaboration.

Fang Qiuchen, president of the China International Contractors Association, said that the increasingly seamless land and sea connectivity serves as a catalyst for expanding industrial cooperation between the two sides.

He believes that the ongoing efforts to enhance international transport facilitation and gradually refine the connectivity mechanisms and systems will inject vitality into bilateral industrial cooperation and pave the way for mutually beneficial outcomes. 
Indian Woman Who Went To Pakistan And Converted To Islam To Return Home To Meet Kids

How Pakistanis Are Reacting To India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Project?

International

oi-Prakash KL

Plans for an ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor were unveiled on Saturday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that India does not limit connectivity to regional borders and believes that it can play a key role in strengthening mutual trust.

Prime Minister Modi, at the launch event of the 'Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment' and 'India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor' during the G20 Summit, said today "we all have reached an important and historic partnership".

He said in the times to come, it will become an effective medium for economic integration of India, the Middle East and Europe. "It will give a new direction to connectivity and sustainable development of the entire world," the Prime Minister said.

The new economic corridor, which many see as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, was jointly announced on Saturday by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

So, how have Pakistanis have reacted to the lastest development?

Many Pakistanis are not happy with their government for failing to take the country on the developmental path.

Slamming his own country, a user said, "Only benefit means every country have foreign policy except Pakistan Power is very important at this time,"

"As a Paki, I can't help but feel a deep sense of shame today. Our nation deserves better leadership, accountability, and a brighter future. It's time for change and a renewed commitment to the values that truly represent us," second user said on X (formerly known as Twitter) wrote. .

"High time we get our house in order and set our priorities straight. Wishful thinking and petty politics will get us nowhere. Perhaps reassessing and questioning our limitations might bring about the change our Country needs," the third user posted on X.

Another netizen said, "Rich Arab Muslims leaders of Saudi, UAE, & Qatar are building relations based on economic reality.

They have now realized that Muslim Ummah is not a viable concept. Hence they are building economic corridors to be connecting bridge between rising India & powerful European markets.

Pakistan had this chance for decades, & squandered it for petty corruption by elites in Army, Judiciary, Politicians, & bureaucracy. Short sighted minions siphoned billions to waste on their own luxuries. Well done MBS under the guidance of @KingSalman."

Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, ignoring Pakistan, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday. He skipped the Islamabad visit to participate in the G20 Summit despite being a close ally of Pakistan.
Italy 'Privately Signals' To China It Wants to Exit Belt and Road Initiative: Report

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has privately conveyed to Chinese Premier Li Qiang that Italy is in the process of withdrawing from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure project launched by China in 2013.

The BRI agreement was signed by Italy and China in 2019, making Italy the first G7 country to join the initiative. However, the Italian government has come under increasing criticism for the deal, with some officials calling it an "improvised and regrettable" decision.

In July 2023, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said that the BRI had "failed to meet Italian expectations" and that the government was "reviewing" its participation in the initiative.

Rumors of Italy reconsidering its participation in the BRI and seeking an exit have been circulating since the latter part of 2023. However, during the prestigious 18th Group of 20 (G20) Summit held in India's Delhi, Italy's PM Meloni signaled to China that they intend to terminate the agreement, which has been putting Italy's relationship with the United States to the test, as reported by Bloomberg.

'Swasti Astu Vishwa': PM Modi Calls For Peace In Closing G20 Speech Amid Ukraine War

According to Bloomberg's sources familiar with the matter, PM Meloni informed Li that Italy plans to withdraw from Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road Initiative while still aiming to maintain friendly relations with Beijing.

Italy officially joined the BRI in 2019. Meloni has announced her intention to visit China in the coming months, acknowledging that this issue is sensitive, especially in light of China's ambassador to Italy's warning of "negative consequences" if Italy were to withdraw from the agreement.

Notably, Italy's decision to join the BRI made it the only major Western country to take such a step. The BRI initiative is designed to revitalize the historic Silk Road by connecting China to Asia, Europe, and other regions through substantial infrastructure investments. Critics view it as a means for China to expand its geopolitical and economic influence.

Italy's Defence Minister had previously criticized the decision to join the "new" Silk Road, stating that it had significantly boosted China's exports to Italy without reciprocating the same benefits for Italian exports to China.

Meloni reiterated in July her perspective that it is a "paradox" for Italy to be part of the BRI, given that it is not the G7 country with the highest trade volume with China. She emphasized that it is possible to maintain positive relations with Beijing without being part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 17:38 [IST]
A year ago, Russia stopped supplying gas to the EU through the Nord Stream pipeline to hurt the bloc for its overwhelming support for Ukraine. The weaponization of its gas supplies has ended up hurting Moscow more.
Ukraine has condemned the lack of progress in creating a court to prosecute Russian leaders. Meanwhile, several blasts were heard across Kyiv in the early hours of Sunday. Follow DW for the latest.
Many of Sunday's front pages feature the earthquake in Morocco and the recapture of Daniel Khalife.
As they flood in, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi will be waging his pointless battle to deport whoever stepped forward and documented themselves.
Joey King, widely known for her role in the film Kissing Booth, recently tied the knot with her longtime partner Steven Piet in Spain. Actress Kaitlyn Dever, her best friend, shared enchanting wedding snapshots from Spain on Instagram, accompanied by the caption "Joey & Steven!!!!!".

Their journey began when Joey King and Steven Piet crossed paths on the set of Hulu's series 'The Act', quickly forming a deep connection. In February 2022, during their three-year anniversary trip to Joshua Tree, Piet proposed to King. Despite the cold and windy weather, which the director described as "perfectly imperfect," the moment remained unforgettable.

For this special occasion, King graced the event in an elegant white gown featuring a striking strapless neckline adorned with large fabric flower-petal paillettes, while the groom donned a stylish white tuxedo.
Kottayam: The funeral of Palathinkal George Isaac (95), who passed away on Friday, will be held at 2.30 pm at the CSI Holy Trinity cemetery on CMS College Road here on Sunday.



The managing partner of Malabar Coast Products and former chairman of Gandhi Peace Foundation, Kottayam, he was the first Rhodes scholar from Kerala.

His brilliant academic track record, unique business skills and enviable contacts made him a spectacular personality.

Born to P V Isaac, the then imperial entomologist at the Agricultural Institute, and Sucy on February 16, 1928, George Isaac's maternal grandfather, Rao Sahib Rev. John Kurian was also famous as an eminent engineer in the erstwhile Travancore.

The areas of his studies spread out from political science to philosophy and economics and had degrees in all these subjects. He was an alumnus of St. Stephens College, Delhi, Madras Christian College, Chennai and the famous Balliol College, Oxford, UK. At Balliol, he studied with the Rhodes Scholarship, a rare academic honour and opportunity a talented student gets to carry on his studies at the University of Oxford.

He was a member of the rowing team there and the vibes of those dynamic days can be traced from the propeller of his Balliol days that has been kept there.

Though his overseas life and his first marriage with Cecilia, from Sweden, helped him earn a cosmopolitan stature, he returned to India with his academic skills, life experiences and a broad world of contacts and friendships.

He once recounted an interesting episode about his contacts with Daniel Patrick Moynihan, an ex-senator of the US and former ambassador to India.

During his India visit, Moynihan landed at Kottayam with all the security as well as diplomatic status. But the police officials who were in charge of his security detail were in panic when he lost all contact with the foreign dignitary.

Finally, the police found the diplomat laughing and chatting with George Isaac, who was his college mate and roommate in Britain.

George Isaac started his career as a teacher at the Madras Christian College. He later worked with the Kolkota-based Kilburn & Co. and the Stockholm-based Scandinavian Bank in Sweden. He had also worked in the Metal Box company in London.

Later he joined as the Managing Partner of Malabar Coast Products, an enterprise launched by his mother Sucy. He took an active interest in the effective marketing of their food products and the famous tagline Emperor of the world of taste was one of the most recognisable branding exercises of its time.

He even had a patent for the processing of tinned fruits at that time.

George Isaac had also served as a member of the Central Fruit Products Advisory Committee.

Mary Roy, who had fought legally for her share of her fathers property, was her sister and his brother George was respondent in the case.

In 1986, the Supreme Court upheld Mary Roys claims and gave a landmark judgement regarding Christian succession laws. However, all the enmity among the family members was resolved later and now they keep very warm and intimate relations. After Mary Roys death, the residence adjacent to the school run by her was handed over to George Isaac. He was planning to move there with his wife.

The famous writer and social critic Arundhati Roy is his niece. She immortalised him as the 'pickle baron Uncle Chacko of Paradise Pickles' in her debut novel 'God of Small Things'. George Isaac was a fatherly figure to me and he taught me to think horizontally and vertically to see the realities. He read whatever I wrote and kept it alive in his memory. Even in our last meeting, when he was suffering from poor eyesight and hearing problems, he kept on asking me about the developments in the world, Arundhati Roy said about her late uncle.

George Isaac was the founder and president of the Kerala Small Industries Association and had also served as the president of the Rotary Club, Kottayam. He is survived by his wife Sucy George (Thandasseril, Koothattukulam) and children, Markose George Isaac (Dubai), Christina Isaac (UK), Iric Philipson, Yohan Philipson, Lads Philipson (all three in Sweden), and daughterinlaw Simi Markose (Dubai).
Marrakech: Morocco's deadly earthquake hit near Marrakech, a city beloved of Moroccans and foreign tourists for its medieval mosques, palaces and seminaries richly adorned with vivid mosaic tiling amid a labyrinth of rose-hued alleyways.



The extent of damage to Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was not yet clear on Saturday morning though most of the main historic sites in the old city appeared largely unscathed.

However footage shared online, but not verified by Reuters, showed cracks and fallen rubble at a small section of the medieval walls and a collapsed minaret.

The shaking was bad enough to drive most residents from their houses when it struck soon after 11 p.m. (2200 GMT) and many slept outside, fearful of aftershocks in a city where many of the old houses are made from stone and mud brick.

Standing outside the city hospital, Karim El Baridi said his uncle was being treated for broken ribs after leaping out of an upper story for fear his building would collapse. "He was scared and jumped," Baridi said.

At the Jemaa al-Fna Square, Marrakech's grand centrepiece overlooked by the medieval Kotoubia mosque and a haunt of street entertainers, market stalls and snake charmers, the most precious heritage appeared intact.

People line up for blood donation following a powerful earthquake, in the historic city of Marrakech, in Morocco, September 9, 2023. Photo: Reuters/Abdelhak Balhaki

The towering minaret of the Kotoubia, which is kept carefully maintained due to its prized status, looked unharmed but the minaret of a less well-known mosque in another part of the expansive square had collapsed, smashing some cars with rubble.

Standing in front of a pile of rubble elsewhere in the old city, with elegant archways rising up behind it, Marrakech resident Miloud Skrout said the damage had blocked alleyways making it hard to help trapped residents.

"Everything is God's will but we sustained great harm... there is no way to enter houses and my parents are ill at home," he said.

Some houses also fell in the tightly packed old city, though residents told Reuters that these appeared to be mostly uninhabited.

A general view of damage in the historic city of Marrakech, following a powerful earthquake in Morocco, September 9, 2023. Reuters/Abdelhak Balhaki

Residents were using their hands to remove the rubble, one local said.

Winston Churchill, Britain's World War Two leader, enjoyed painting views of Marrakech and is said to have called it the best place on earth to spend an afternoon.

The World Bank and IMF are due to hold their annual meetings in the city from Oct. 9, and it was not yet clear if this plan would be affected by the quake.

Tourists in the city

Although the high tourism season has finished, many foreigners are still in the city, drawn by architectural glories that have attracted visitors for centuries.

At the hospital, where most badly injured people had been brought in from the mountains, visible to the south beyond the crenulated city walls, some tourists had joined the locals to donate blood.

"We need every drop of blood," said Mahmoud Abghach, the head of a blood donation centre where about 200 people were queuing.

"We are glad to see foreign tourists join to give blood following this painful event," he added.
A Republican political novice wrote an entire book on a subject that he's not understood, not qualified to discuss, or in a position to have empirical knowledge about. And a Republican Florida governor has staked a large part of this 2024 presidential campaign on targeting something that he also knows very little about. Enter the recently discovered (by white Republicans) African-American term "woke." Of course, anything that can be used as an oblique attack, to look tough to the Republican base, and to tip-toe around the bovine political albatross around their collective necks, also called Donald John Trump, is fair game from the cowardly pack of political weasels. So, I feel that its time not to defend so-called "wokeness" (it needs no defense) but to provide an education on the subject to stupid Republicans.

Let's start with one Vivek Ramaswamy, 37, who launched his dark-horse White House bid during a late February appearance on the Fox News channel - where else? - the home of GOP propaganda. An Indian-American biotech entrepreneur with zero previous political experience, he was a regular fixture on former and now totally disgraced Fox host, the banal Tucker Carlson's daily program. The Harvard and Yale graduate argues that the United States is in the midst of a national identity crisis driven by a decline in faith, patriotism and meritocracy.

He is the author of "Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam." His major "claim to fame" is that following Trump's federal indictment over his alleged mishandling of classified documents, Mr. Ramaswamy bombastically vowed that, if elected U.S. president, he would pardon Mr. Trump of any crimes and criticized the rest of the GOP field for not following his lead.

To Mr. Ramaswamy: For your edification, "Woke" is a term that originated within African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has since gained widespread usage in mainstream culture. Specifically, Sir, it refers to a state of heightened awareness and consciousness regarding social and political issues, particularly those related to systemic oppression, discrimination, and social injustice. I'll have you know that for us as Black People, being "woke" implies being knowledgeable about and actively engaged in addressing these issues.

To you and Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis: Like your stupid misreading and adulterating of Critical Race Theory (CRT), the term "woke" has evolved to encompass a broader understanding of social justice and is often associated with progressive ideologies. It emphasizes the recognition of marginalized groups' experiences, the critical examination of power structures, and the pursuit of equality and fairness in society. Therefore, Sirs, "woke" involves actively challenging and dismantling systems of oppression, advocating for marginalized communities, and seeking to create positive social change.

Now, I know you two guys just LOVE to quote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an American civil right champion, and you could even remember and regurgitate a few lines from his copious speeches. But did you know that for Black Americans, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s fought for racial equality, desegregation, and the end of discriminatory laws and practices was a "woke" event? Yes Sirs, activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X are often seen as exemplifying a "woke" mindset through their tireless efforts to combat racial injustice. So, now you know.

And yes, I know that you two hate feminism. But if you had half a brain in your heads, you would know that it encompasses various movements and ideologies that aim to achieve gender equality. Today, "woke" feminists critically analyze and challenge patriarchal structures, advocate for reproductive rights (I know you BOTH want to control women's bodies), fight against gender-based violence, and work to address issues such as the gender wage gap and intersectionality. But all of that is lost on you Republicans who as indigenous Americans correctly characterized you as having a penchant for "speaking with a forked tongue." Like Donald John Trump you both have an adversarial relationship with truth.

Performance politics - you both suck at it - and just plain stupidity is one thing. Banking on the collective idiocy of the Republican Party's base is quite another. The non-debate over "wokeness" is your slick, arrogant suborning of a term that has only positive connotations, and shoving it into the putrid cesspool of your opportunistic politicking is just so totally reprehensible. The thing is that I know you know better. But you choose to pander, obfuscate, and confuse this issue for your own partisan political purposes. See, you CANNOT directly attack Donald Trump lest you face a serious backlash from his MAGA hordes. So, what do you do? You attack something that cannot hit back, an idea, a belief rooted in Black and African-American culture. But you cannot - repeat cannot - bring yourselves to attack white supremacy and other forms of oppression. What unadulterated hypocrisy!

Vivek, you should know better: you really do not have a place in the GOP. They're tolerating you to give the public veneer of "color." You're a prop, a useful backdrop to an otherwise all-white party (You Tim Scott and Nickki Haley). Sadly, you have drunk deeply of the Donald Trump Kool Aid and have drunkenly hitched your political fortunes to his brand of rancid politics. Ron DeSantis is another matter entirely. He's weak, political opportunism personified, and believes that by attacking vulnerable communities is the way to score points with Trump's base that he badly needs to win the GOP primary. If he gets to be POTUS he's going to be worse than Donald Trump.

Here's my parting two cents about being "woke." It is not a destination but a journey. It requires ongoing commitment, self-reflection, and action to effect meaningful change and address social inequalities.
TRIPOLI, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Foreign Ministry on Saturday welcomed the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the Group of Twenty (G20) at this year's G20 Summit.

In a statement, the ministry said the AU's membership in the G20 would "effectively help express the aspirations of the African peoples and contribute to addressing international challenges and concerns."

The G20 members agreed Saturday to accept the African Union (AU) as a new member in an effort to give a greater voice and more representation to developing countries.

The agreement was reached at the inaugural session of the two-day G20 summit held in New Delhi during the weekend.

The G20's approval is a response to a widespread call that China first explicitly made, to grant the continental body full membership and "increase the representation and voice of developing countries in global governance." 
Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) September 10, 2023: At this time, fans of the English Catholic novelist J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973) are commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his death.

In the present essay, I would like to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the death of the American Jesuit Renaissance specialist and cultural historian and pioneering media ecology theorist Walter J. Ong (1912-2003; Ph.D. in English, Harvard University, 1955) - by first reviewing the sweep of his life and work, and then by highlighting his significant contribution in the important subsection "Procedures: Understanding and Asymmetric Opposition" in his 1981 book Fighting for Life: Contest, Sexuality [Gender], and Consciousness (Cornell University Press, pp. 29-34), the published version of his 1979 Messenger Lectures at Cornell University.

Ong was born in 1912 - before the First World War (1914-1918 - the year in which Walter Jr. turned six years old) and America's entry into WWI, before the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia and the rise of communism as an economic system threatening American capitalism, before the rise of literary modernism, followed by the rise of the New Criticism in literary studies - and before much else that emerged in Western culture as young Walter Jackson Ong, Jr., was growing up and then going to college and then entering the Jesuit order in 1935 - thus signaling the priority of his religious commitment to Catholicism in his life.

In 1922, two of the most celebrated masterpieces of literary modernism were published: (1) T. S. Eliot's poem The Waste Land and (2) James Joyce's novel Ulysses. Eliot was also a prodigious literary critic who contributed to the New Criticism - even though he was not an academic.

Because Ong had entered the Jesuit order in 1935, he devoted the subsequent years of his young life to his lengthy Jesuit formation - finally being ordained a Jesuit priest in 1946 - the year in which Ong turned thirty-four.

The year before, President Harry Truman brought the Second World War (1939-1945) to a tragic conclusion by dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki - the tragic event commemorated in this summer's blockbuster film Oppenheimer.

After Ong was ordained a priest in 1946, he completed a final year of his Jesuit formation, known in Jesuit parlance as tertianship (a third year of novitiate-like living) -- before he proceeded to undertake doctoral studies in English at Harvard University.

At that time, the New Criticism was in the ascendancy in literary studies in the English-speaking world - and Yale's English Department was a stronghold of New Criticism in the United States. In general, New Critics tended to favor literary modernism.

When young Ong was working on his 1941 Master's degree in English at Saint Louis University, he studied under the young Canadian, and recent Catholic convert, Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980), fresh from his studies under F. R. Leavis (1895-1978) and I. A. Richards (1893-1979) at Cambridge University - two prominent figures in the rise of New Criticism in literary studies. Both Leavis and Richards had published important essays on the posthumously published (in the 1920s) poems of the Victorian Jesuit poet and classicist Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889), and young McLuhan at Saint Louis University brought Hopkins' poetry to the attention of young Walter Ong.

In addition, young McLuhan was working on his Cambridge University doctoral dissertation as he taught English at Saint Louis University, and in connection with his own research for it, he called young Walter Ong's attention to Harvard's Americanist Perry Miller's massively researched 1939 book The New England Mind: The Seventeenth Century (Harvard University Press).

In 1943, young Ong had published the article "The Meaning of the New Criticism" in the journal Modern Schoolman (Saint Louis University), volume 20, number 4 (May 1943): pp. 192-209.

In any event, when young Ong chose not to pursue doctoral studies in English at Yale University, he was, in effect, distancing himself a bit from the New Criticism that was in ascendancy in literary studies in the United States.

Yale's literary critics Cleanth Brooks (1906-1994) and Robert Penn Warren (1905-1989) co-authored the textbook Understanding Poetry (1938) that was widely used in English departments in the United States to teach the New Criticism to undergraduates - as it went through subsequent revisions in subsequent editions. When I took Ong's course on Practical Criticism: Poetry in the fall semester of 1964 at Saint Louis University, a later edition of Brooks and Warren's book Understanding Poetry was one of the two required textbooks in the course. Incidentally, Ong also assigned us to read Eliot's book Of Poetry and Poets (1957).

At Harvard's Department of English, the Americanist Perry Miller (1905-1963) served as the director of Ong's doctoral dissertation on the French Renaissance logician and educational reformer and Protestant martyr Peter Ramus (1515-1572). In Perry Miller's massively researched 1939 book The New England Mind: The Seventeenth Century, mentioned above, he had done his best to explain Ramus' work (for specific page references to Ramus, see the "Index" [p. 528]). However, Miller also sensed the limitations of his own presentation of Ramus' thought, and so he called for someone else to undertake a more thorough study of Ramus' work. About a decade later, Ong stepped forward to undertake that project.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
The Commission on Judicial Conduct of the State of Washington has dismissed a case against retired Clark County District Judge Darvin Zimmerman due to his poor health, the commission announced Friday.

A YouTube livestream captured Zimmerman making derogatory remarks about a 21-year-old Black man shot and killed by Clark County Sheriffs deputies in 2020. The livestream had been set up to record a court hearing that day, and it continued to broadcast even after the hearing ended  apparently without Zimmermans knowledge.

Zimmerman made the remarks in March 2021, apologized, announced he would take time off from the bench and then retired. He was 70 and earned $190,116 annually.

On Friday, the judicial conduct commission said it had dismissed its case against Zimmerman in part because there is very little likelihood that Respondent will return to judicial service due to an undisclosed medical condition.

The dismissal order notes, however, that the commission may resume its case if Zimmermans health recovers and he seeks reemployment as a judge.

Zimmerman had called Kevin Peterson Jr., whom deputies shot and killed in October 2020 after Peterson ran from a drug sting with a .40-caliber Glock 23 semiautomatic handgun, dumb and the Black guy they are trying to make an angel out of.

Zimmermans son was then a sergeant with the Clark County Sheriffs Office. The son was involved with the Peterson case but wasnt one of the three deputies who fired on Peterson 34 times, hitting him four times.

He could have been a shooter and then they would be marching out at his house with signs saying, Youre a murderer and all that bullshit, the judge said.

An attorney for Peterson familys, Mark Lindquist, called the judges remarks deeply disturbing.

Kevin Peterson Sr.s son was shot and killed, Lindquist told The Oregonian/OregonLive in 2021. Imagine his pain. The judge apparently cannot. His lack of empathy for a grieving father, his lack of a sense of shared humanity, is part of the problem.

 Beth Slovic; bslovic@oregonian.com; 503-221-8551

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
When former chairman of the Portland chapter of the American Indian Movement Art McConville died in February 2022, it was unclear who would carry on the tradition he started at Cathedral Park. For a moment, it felt like the blessing of the Willamettes water may have died with him.

But one of his final requests was to pass along the responsibility to his niece, Farrell Lucei-Bryant. On Saturday, Lucei-Bryant, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, brought blessings and prayers back to the Willamettes shores for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

I was pretty shocked, Lucei-Bryant said. Im doing my best to follow through, and making sure that Im honoring his legacy. Im going to go forward with it the best way I know how, with an open heart and open mind.

The event is put on by the Portland Harbor Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization advocating for the restoration of the Willamette River. It featured ceremonial singing, drumming, dancing and prayer from Native American, Mayan, Mexica-Azteca and Purepecha  indigenous people in the northwestern region of Michoacan, Mexico  cultural groups.

Lucei-Bryant said the turnout was surprising, and that it was inspiring to see so many people gathering for the same cause. Dozens came by throughout the day.

Its heartwarming, Lucei-Bryant said. The amount of people who are willing to give their time to heal the water with prayer, song and dance. Its good to see that people have the same belief and understanding that water is important  without water, we have nothing.

The ceremony aims to help heal the water, long polluted by industrialization in Portland, and the wildlife that lives in it. The event received some funding from the city of Portland through grants, according to Cassie Cohen, executive director of the Portland Harbor Community Coalition.

Cohen said the organization has been bringing together Indigenous communities and people of color impacted by water pollution and the lasting damage it causes for ten years. McConville was a close friend to Cohen, she said, and hosting this gathering was an important step in honoring him.

We had planted a seed with Ferrell and her family, and we talked about Arts wishes, Cohen said. We followed up, and said it was time to explore this. It was kind of a last minute plan, but it really came together.

In Indigenous and Native American cultures, water holds great significance and represents life and good health. The degrading water quality in the Willamette and around the world is something these groups are advocating to change.

Malin Jimenez, an Indigenous Maya from Guatemala and a community representative for the harbor coalition, emphasized the need to bring attention to the climate crisis.

We pray for the water to be healed, for our environment to improve, and we pray as individuals to heal as well, Jimenez said. Where Im from, water is life.

Throughout the day, each cultural group performed a ceremonial dance to bless the Willamette, hoping to set a good example for future generations. By midday, the rattle of Aztec anklets rang across the park along with the steady beat of drums. Afterwards, Purepecha dancers formed a line wielding large fish nets to perform the Dance of the Whitefish

Lucei-Bryants son, James Hance-Lucei, sang and played drums with his eight-year-old brother. Hance-Lucei, 23, recently started learning how to play and sing his tribes songs. Its been an honor to dive deeper into his culture, he said.

To be here in support of my mom, my immediate family and my ancestors and my grandfather Art to honor the water and share our prayers and make a difference is important, Hance-Lucei said. Having an upbringing being Indigenous, we hold on to our culture and way of life through resilience.

Hance-Lucei felt the pressure of honoring McConvilles legacy along with his mother, but said that once he arrived he felt a strong sense of belonging.

When my mom was telling me about it, I knew she was nervous, and we never expected to be given this kind of leadership role, he said. We both had the jitters, but as soon as we got here that all went away because everyone has such strong spirits here.

Hance-Lucei echoed the sentiments of his family members and cultural groups advocating for improved water health, and said that the future of the next generations rests on the shoulders of people today.

To quote Michael Jackson, If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change, he said. You cant expect the water to change itself. We all have to take a look at ourselves and see what we can do.

 Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Daniel DeMelo

DeMelo (formerly Daniel Vogel) is chair of the Joint Office of Homeless Services Community Budget Advisory Committee and chair of the Multnomah County Central Community Budget Advisory Committee. He lives in Portland.

Last October, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners selected me and four others to join a new budget advisory committee for the Joint Office of Homeless Services, the entity that coordinates the areas homelessness response on behalf of Portland and Multnomah County. Selected as the committees chair, I anticipated learning more about our crisis and reporting back to the public on the Joint Offices advancements.

Unfortunately, despite intensive efforts by myself and the rest of my committee, I cannot vouch for the effectiveness or accountability of the Joint Office. Although county code states that budget advisory committees must be provided technical and clerical support so we may fulfill our mandate to actively participate in county budget development and review, give advice on policy considerations, and participate in operational and strategic planning, county officials have obstructed our efforts throughout the past year.

Our committee has repeatedly informed the board of commissioners that we do not have the data to state with confidence whether the Joint Offices $279 million budget, approved in June, will result in any real change in the number of people living on our streets. The little data that we do have confirms what many in Portland have witnessed firsthand: in spite of the Joint Offices budget almost tripling in a short span of five years, our housing and homelessness crises have only deepened.

Our committee ran into problems from the very start. After County Auditor Jennifer McGuirk helpfully identified datasets I should request from the county, it took months to get access to even basic spending data. Despite our repeated requests for additional committee members, our five volunteers must do the work that county code requires of seven. After committing to answering a carefully-crafted list of questions we sent, the Joint Office answered only a handful with brief, curt sentences, three weeks beyond their self-imposed deadline.

We asked about the countys cost per shelter bed and received only a vague estimate: $55-$70 per night for a traditional shelter bed. We spent hours seeking information to support its decision to allocate $75 for each use of a hygiene station, a service ranging from hand-washing to showers. When we questioned which landlords and property management companies were the top recipients of rental assistance vouchers, the county remained silent.

Perhaps the most telling answer came when we asked whether the budget, if devoted solely to sheltering, could accommodate every person presently unsheltered. The county responded curtly: This type of analysis has not been conducted by JOHS.

However, in scrutinizing Joint Office documents, we later found an internal note attached to our question, asking: Should we describe the bottleneck? i.e., people staying in shelter if we only invest in shelter? That the county dishonestly brushed off our direct inquiry casts doubt on its commitment to public engagement. In doing so, it arrogantly undermines every Portlanders resolve to end our homelessness crisis, highlighting an urgent need for transparency and accountability.

Even as news stories earlier this year highlighted the offices underspending of homeless services tax dollars, the office refused to answer our questions. Despite language in the county code that suggests otherwise, the Joint Office insisted our committee focus only on their budget plans and ignore actual spending. And in June, Joint Office staff stopped providing updates on Joint Office work and stated they would not assist us in our upcoming meetings, citing a letter from Chair Jessica Vega Pederson that dryly asserts our committee reached the conclusion of this cycles engagement process.

Despite repeated formal requests our committee has not had the opportunity to meet with Chair Vega Pederson or any representative from her office. If the chair actually intends to dissolve our committee, I challenge Vega Pederson to take the board vote required by the county charter.

Nevertheless, I am proud that our volunteer committee has been accountable to both our planned meeting schedule and the law. Weve taken on the duty to post public notices, record our sessions and gather in small rooms at county libraries and at the Bybee Lakes Hope Center.

As Multnomah County deliberates on deploying over $100 million in unexpected and unspent revenue to tackle our homelessness crisis, our committee remains largely in the dark. Only Commissioners Sharon Meieran and Julia Brim-Edwards have taken the time to confer with our committee.

If Multnomah County will not follow its own laws concerning community input and cannot provide transparent answers about its expenditures, it will continue to lose public faith. We are hopeful that the appointment of new director Dan Field will change the Joint Offices culture of noncooperation, but we have yet to see progress under his first few months of leadership. The county must act swiftly to resolve this crisis, or voters will rightly reconsider funding this debacle.

At this time, I cannot confidently say Multnomah County is spending our money as effectively as possible. Like most Portlanders, I am confident that we can do better.

Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email:


Fire crews fighting the nearly 86,000-acre wildfire burning at the border of Oregon and California reported vehicle malfunctions Friday following a fuel-mix up, officials said.

Firefighters working on the south side of the Smith River Complex fire noticed issues with firetrucks and off-road vehicles midday Friday. Officials determined that fuel tenders  used to get fuel to vehicles in remote areas  were mistakenly filled with gasoline instead of diesel, or vice versa, the day before, officials said.

The fuel issues forced fire crews in the area to stop working from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, but officials said there were no negative consequences to fire operations.

Fire officials said 42 out of 700 vehicles received the wrong fuel.

Firefighters stranded by the vehicle malfunctions were shuttled to campsites and stayed overnight.

The mistaken fuel was pumped into 55-gallon drums and returned to the fuel provider for disposal, officials said.

The Smith River Complex is 20% contained, and is burning in the Six Rivers and Rogue River-Siskiyou National forests.

 Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to 2023 Pujiang Innovation Forum which opened Sunday in Shanghai.

Xi noted in the letter that unprecedented changes in the world have accelerated their evolution, and a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is gaining momentum. Scientific and technological innovation is an important force for mankind to jointly address risks and challenges and promote peace and development. 
New York, US (PANA) - The UN has welcomed the adoption on Saturday of the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, describing it as an example of effective leadership at a time of great divisions in the world
Photo: (Photo : SETH HERALD / Getty Images)

In a startling move that's echoing across Alabama, the closure of the Oasis Family Birthing Center in Birmingham is causing ripples of concern among expectant mothers seeking alternative maternal care options.

Oasis - A Haven for Maternal Care in Alabama

For a plethora of pregnant women in Alabama, the Oasis Family Birthing Center wasn't just another facility; it symbolized hope, safety, and a step away from the conventional.

Providing a nurturing environment for those with low-risk pregnancies, this center marked its unique identity by keeping cesarean sections and epidurals at bay.

Pregnant women found solace in the hands of trained midwives, and the choice of innovative procedures like the inflatable aqua birthing pool.

For many, especially in the Black community, the Oasis Family Birthing Center presented an environment where they felt truly seen and heard.

Alabama's Regulation Ripples and Their Wider Impact

But, in a twist of events, this haven for maternal care in Alabama came under the scrutiny of the state's Department of Public Health in March.

Citing operational concerns, the department indicated that the Oasis Family Birthing Center had been functioning more as a hospital without the required permissions, as per information from legal representatives.

The closure, or the "de facto ban" on standalone birthing centers like Oasis, has triggered a larger debate about maternal care access and quality in Alabama, a state already in the limelight for its concerning maternal mortality rates.

With over a third of its counties devoid of proper maternal care facilities, birthing centers like Oasis filled a crucial gap.

The impending legal battles and new licensing stipulations put many birthing centers in a precarious situation, questioning their very existence and operations.

Alabama's new maternal care regulations don't just touch upon how these birthing centers are staffed, but also dictate their geographical placements.

With a requirement to be positioned within a 30-minute drive from hospitals equipped with all necessities, many birthing centers, including the Oasis Family Birthing Center, find themselves grappling with the new reality.

Read Also: Supreme Court Tackles Medication Abortion Pill Access: Biden Administration Steps In

What Lies Ahead for Pregnant Women in Alabama?

For pregnant women in Alabama who had envisioned their childbirth at places like the Oasis Family Birthing Center, the future looks uncertain.

Amidst a climate of increasing regulations, the underlying sentiment is one of being disempowered from making deeply personal choices.

Yet, it's not merely about alternative birthing options. It's about the quality of maternal care, especially for marginalized communities in Alabama.

Oasis and similar birthing centers extended beyond medical services.

They offered an ambiance of respect, trust, and empowerment. Dr. Heather Skanes of the Oasis Family Birthing Center aspired to make her facility a place where all women, especially those of color, felt catered to with genuine care and understanding.

Now, with the Oasis Family Birthing Center facing these unprecedented challenges, other expectant mothers in Alabama might feel the aftershocks.

The stringent regulations impose significant shifts, including changes in staffing, potential infrastructure overhauls, and even the very feasibility of running such birthing centers in Alabama.

Pregnant women who were once filled with anticipation for a birthing experience at Oasis now find themselves navigating a maze of limited maternal care options in Alabama. The state's backdrop of rigorous abortion laws only magnifies the situation, pressing on the urgency of holistic maternal care facilities.

Amidst this birthing battle, one thing is crystal clear: the journey for improved maternal care in Alabama is far from over, and the voices of pregnant women seeking authentic birthing experiences will continue to resonate.

Related Article: Minnesota Schools Face Police Withdrawal Over New Restraint Law Controversy
Liu Cixin (4th row, C) poses for photos with children during a science fiction cultural week event in Yangquan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Hao)

TAIYUAN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Beijing-based editor Bi Yumin traveled 400 km by train to a mountainous small city, only to meet her idol Liu Cixin.

In a week's stay in Yangquan, north China's Shanxi Province, she went to the newly-built Liu Cixin Studio in the downtown area, visited the Niangziguan Power Plant where Liu used to work as an engineer, and paid a visit to a gymnasium in the early morning, hoping to make an encounter with him.

"I heard from locals that Liu had a habit of running here in the morning, so I tried my luck here," Bi said with a smile.

Yangquan, an old industrial base in the Taihang Mountains, was little known to the outside world until Liu from the small city won the Hugo Award for his sci-fi saga the "Three-Body" trilogy.

Now, the Niangziguan Power Plant, which has been shut down in a move to cut emissions, has become "a resort" for sci-fi fans.

The plant's outer wall, stretching about 1,000 meters, is painted with the stunning scenes of "Three-Body" and "The Wandering Earth," another novel written by Liu that was adapted into movies. Residents and tourists passing by would slow down their cars or pause to look at these imaginative wall paintings.

"The sci-fi elements that Liu brings here have revived this power plant in another way," said Shuai Xuefeng, a former plant worker who still lives in the dormitory of the power plant.

Since 1999, when Liu started his creation, he has published seven novels and some 40 short stories, with his works translated into dozens of languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese and Korean.

Luo Xiangdong, an executive of the provincial writers' association, said Liu had built a vast universe with his works, and the movie and TV drama adaptations of his works have, to a large extent, ignited the sci-fi craze among young people and promoted the development of Chinese sci-fi movies and TV dramas.

In a cultural park in the urban area of Yangquan, a sci-fi cultural week was held last month, where many experts and scholars, including Liu, gathered to discuss the present and future of science fiction literature.

The event also included sci-fi literature and fine arts contests, drawing contestants from across China to send their works. Many of the contestants are youths.

Kou Miaoqi, the first prize winner of the sci-fi literature competition, said that she has always loved writing, but this is the first time that she has written a sci-fi work -- a 15,000-character piece called "A Guide to Facing the Sea."

"The contest has given me much confidence, and I hope I can make some achievement in the field of science fiction in the future," said the 34-year-old.

"Science fiction has the power that enables readers, especially young readers, to have a strong interest in nature, the universe and the relationships among man, nature and the universe, igniting their passion for exploring a new world," Liu Cixin told Xinhua. 

This photo taken on Aug. 17, 2023 shows the Niangziguan Power Plant, where Chinese science fiction writer Liu Cixin used to work as an engineer, in Yangquan, north China's Shanxi Province. (Xinhua/Wang Hao)

Visitors view science fiction artworks at a cultural park in Yangquan, north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Hao)
ca. 300 BC  Many Jews migrate from Palestine, settling in Egypt and in Asia Minor. 167 BC  beginning of the Maccabaean revolt in Palestine

31 BC  Egypt comes under Roman rule; Queen Cleopatra VII commits suicide after Octavians [Augustus Caesars] army defeats her forces. She is the last pharaoh, and Egypt now comes under direct Roman control

33 AD  Christianity comes to Egypt and, by the fourth century AD, has largely displaced Egyptian religion.

70 AD  Roman siege and capture of Jerusalem 570 AD  Muhammad born at Mecca, in the Arabian Peninsula 610 AD  Muhammads first revelation; beginning of the Quran

632 AD  death of Muhammad

641-642  The Arab conquest of Egypt. The nations gradual Islamization begins, very slowly.

969  Cairo is founded (somewhat to the north of ancient Memphis) as the capital of Egypt under the Fatimid dynasty.

1250-1517  Mamluk rule

ca. 1299  beginning of the Ottoman Turkish Empire in Anatolia (modern Turkey) 1453  Constantinople falls to the Ottoman Turkish Empire

1517  Egypt is conquered by the Ottoman Empire and absorbed into it.

1798  Napoleon Bonapartes forces invade, but they are repelled by the British and the Turks in 1801.

1805  The Albanian-born Ottoman commander Muhammad Ali establishes a dynasty that rules until 1952, although still nominally part of the Ottoman Empire. Typically reckoned as beginning of modern Egyptian history.

1859-69  The Suez Canal is built, but it and other infrastructure projects nearly bankrupt Egypt and lead to a gradual British takeover.

1882  British troops defeat the Egyptian army at the Battle of Tell al-Kabir and take full control of the country.

1914  Egypt formally becomes a British protectorate.

1917  Arthur Balfour, Foreign Minister of Great Britain, sends a letter to Lord Rothschild in which he declares the British governments approval of the Zionist goal of building a Jewish national home in Palestine (the so-called Balfour Declaration).

1922  Fuad I becomes king and Egypt gains independence, although British influence remains significant until the mid-1950s.

1924  Mustafa Kemal Ataturk abolishes the Caliphate as part of his reforms in Turkey/

1928  The Muslim Brotherhood is founded by Hassan al-Banna, who is killed in 1949.

1948  Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Syria attack the new state of Israel. The poor performance of the Egyptian army increases King Farouks unpopularity.

1949  The Committee of the Free Officers Movement is formed to overthrow Egypts corrupt monarchy.

1952 July  Coup by the Free Officers Movement. Farouk abdicates in favour of his infant son Ahmed Fuad II, who does not long remain as king.

1953 June  Coup leader Muhammad Naguib becomes president as Egypt is declared a republic.

1954  Fellow coup leader Gamal Abdel Nasser becomes prime minister and, in 1956, president, ruling unchallenged until his sudden death in 1970.

1954  The Evacuation Treaty is signed. British forces, who began a gradual withdrawal under a 1936 treaty, finally leave Egypt.

1955  Prime Minister Nasser reorients Egypt away from the West towards neutrality and buys arms from Communist Czechoslovakia to re-equip army after Western powers refuse to do so on terms acceptable to Egypt.

1956 July  Having just assumed the Egyptian presidency, Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal in order to fund the Aswan High Dam, after Britain and US withdraw financing.

1956 October-November  Invasion of Egypt by Britain, France, and Israel over nationalization of Suez Canal fails through US opposition, greatly enhancing President Nassers standing at home and abroad.

1958  President Nasser steps up campaign to promote pan-Arab unity, most visible signs of which were brief unitary state (United Arab Republic, 1958-1961) including Syria. He also supports friendly elements in Lebanese and North Yemen conflicts, but to little lasting effect.

1961-1966  President Nasser adopts socialist policies, including nationalization of industry and an ambitious welfare program, combined with repression of Muslim Brotherhood and leftist opponents, in an unsuccessful attempt to boost the economy and the popularity of his government.

1967 May  Egypt expels UN buffer forces from Sinai and closes the Straits of Tiran to Israeli ships, then signs defense pact with Jordan. Israel interprets this as preparation for war.

1967 June  Israeli preemptive attack (beginning Six-Day War) defeats Egypt, Jordan and Syria, leaving Israel in control of Sinai up to the Suez Canal and of Egyptian-occupied Gaza (along with the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, formerly controlled by Syria and Jordan). A so-called Emergency Law largely suspends civil rights in Egypt. It remains in force (with a brief break in the early 1980s) until 2012.

1970 September  Nasser dies suddenly and unexpectedly, having never recovered his leading role among Arab states after the 1967 defeat, and is succeeded by Vice-President Anwar al-Sadat.

1971  The Aswan High Dam is completed, with Soviet funding, and has a huge impact on irrigation, agriculture and industry in Egypt.

1972  President Sadat expels Soviet advisers and reorients Egypt towards the West, while launching an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to open the economy to market forces and foreign investment.

1973 October  Egypt and Syria go to war with Israel to reclaim land lost in 1967. Egypt begins negotiations for the return of Sinai after the war.

1975 June  The Suez Canal is re-opened for the first time since 1967 war.

1977 January  Bread riots break out in major Egyptian cities against an end to subsidies on basic foodstuffs that was undertaken under agreement with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

1977 October  President Sadat visits Israel, beginning the process that leads to the 1979 peace treaty, the return of the occupied Sinai Peninsula, and Egypts suspension from the Arab League until 1989. Egypt becomes a major beneficiary of US financial aid.

1978  The Camp David Accords

1981 October  President Sadat is assassinated by Islamist extremists one month after a clampdown on private press and opposition groups in wake of anti-government riots. Succeeded by Vice-President Hosni Mubarak.

1981  President Mubarak reimposes State of Emergency, which restricts political activity, freedom of expression and assembly.

1991  Egypt joins an allied coalition to expel Iraqi troops from Kuwait, and benefits in return from major multilateral loans and debt relief, allowing government to launch another attempt at liberalizing the Egyptian economy.

2006  The so-called Arab Spring

2011 February  President Mubarak steps down and hands power over to the army council. He goes on trial in August, charged with ordering the killing of demonstrators.

2012 June  Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi narrowly wins the presidential election.

2012 December  Islamist-dominated constituent assembly approves draft constitution that boosts the role of Islam and restricts freedom of speech and assembly. A popular referendum approves it, prompting extensive protests by secular opposition leaders, Christians, and womens groups.

2013 January  More than 50 people are killed during days of violent street protests. Army chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi warns that political strife is pushing the state to the brink of collapse.

2013 June  President Morsi appoints Islamist allies as regional leaders in 13 of Egypts 27 governorships, including a member of a former Islamist armed group linked to a massacre of tourists in Luxor in 1997. Protests force the Luxor governor out.

2013 July  The Egyptian army overthrows President Morsi amid mass demonstrations calling on him to resign.

2013 August  Hundreds are killed as security forces storm pro-Morsi protest camps in Cairo. Some 40 Coptic churches are destroyed in a wave of Islamist attacks.

2013 December  The government declares the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group after a bomb blast in Mansoura that kills twelve.

2014 January  A new constitution bans parties based on religion.

2014 May  Former army chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi wins election as president.

2018 April  President al-Sisi is re-elected in a landslide (but also with no genuine opposition).

2019 April 2019  Egypts parliament extends the length of presidential terms from four years to six years. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is granted permission to run for a third term in 2024.

2020  The so-called Abraham Accords
The living way is like a well:

You can constantly use it, and yet it never dries up.

It is the eternal boundlessness;

Birthing the infinite worlds.

It is hidden from sight and yet always present.

I have no idea who gave it birth.

It is older than God.

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 4

(my paraphrsase)

There are elements that we can discern as religious-like in some animal behaviors. Of course, there is nothing to suggest non-human animals believe in God or gods, or many of the other things one associates with religions, like praying, or worshiping. But they do do things that we associate with human religions.

For instance, many animals engage in ritual behaviors. Jane Goodall, as an example, observes how chimpanzees appear to dance when they come upon waterfalls and do something similar at the beginning of rainstorms. Many animals also appear to observe funeral rites. I watched a video clip of elephants doing what certainly looked like a ritual of mourning for one of their own.

One could say animals may not be religious, but some sure look to be spiritual.

For humans we see archeological evidences of similar behaviors as far back as maybe a hundred thousand years, with grave sites that include what are called grave goods such as tools and ornaments. And how in many places there is evidence that corpses were covered in flowers. This is true with both our main line of evolution and our closest cousins the Neanderthals. As an aside and as regards the other great interbreeding human population with our main line, the Denisovans. We just havent, so far, found much physical evidence of their cultures. But there is no compelling reason to assume they or the as yet unnamed but genetically identified fourth group of early interbreeding humans, did not also share these behaviors.

These spiritual if not quite yet religious behaviors can reasonably be assumed to be common to us all.

While theres no evidence of belief in some idea of a supreme being before the rise of religions as we generally understand the term, there are strong suggestions of spiritualities as pretty basic to who we are as humans. By this I mean there seems to be some common sense among humans of mystery and connections that extend beyond our awareness of that harsh phenomenon of our being alive and knowing we will die.

It seems we can learn some very important things looking at hunter gatherer religious views. The nineteenth century anthropologist, Edward Tylor coined the term animism to address his observations. Specifically he noticed how hunter gatherer cultures pretty much across the globe everything is seen as animated. Everything possesses a spirit or spirit. Professor Tyler, the first professor of Anthropology at Oxford, thought animism was a confusion between animals and plants and inanimate things. He felt this weak sense of categories was an obviously mistaken view, but one common, it appears, to all early humans. And, as he saw it, this confusion of categories would also be a building block of later organized religions.

However, the term has been worked and reworked in the years following based upon further research as well as noting hidden biases in interpretation among those early Western ethnographers. Contemporary Anthropologist Nurit Bird-David speaks for a shift in interpretation, suggesting instead how animism is a relational epistemology. Epistemology is a five-dollar word meaning how we know things. So, an expensive term, but worth it. It calls us to notice such things as how we know things.

Specifically, animism is an approach to life that is centered in our relationships. It is a world filled with subjects rather than objects. Everything is relational. And it carries hints of some sense of radical interdependence. Here I believe we find the heart of the spiritual impulse. The animist approach of relationship is really rich.

With agriculture religious institutions began to emerge. Here we find, as with other agriculturally based cultures, the emergence of gods. Gods are nonhuman entities that have power, and with whom we humans interact. And from there, well

Im a fan of Gore Vidals historical novels. History as gossip. Of these my favorite is Creation. The novel opens with an aged Persian ambassador to Athens incensed as he hears Herodotus lecture on the Persian wars and decide to provide his own reminiscences of recent history, much of which he witnessed at first hand.

The putative author of these memoirs is the grandson of the prophet Zoroaster. Thanks to this privileged position, he found himself everywhere that counted in this amazing age. From when the story begins where he watches his young stonemason Socrates building a wall that keeps falling down, back to his time with the Buddha who would look right through him when they were talking, always preferring to gaze into the middle distance over making eye contact, to his time with what is obviously Vidals favorite character, Confucius. But as this is Vidal even this hero of mind and spirit has a face like a horse and a bad case of halitosis. Thats pure Gore Vidal and history as gossip.

This book is Vidals treatment of the Axial Age. That term, Axial Age comes from the philosopher Karl Jaspers 1949 study, Origin and Goal of History. Most of us, if weve heard the term Axial Age, can actually thank the independent scholar Karen Armstrong who made much of it in her History of God and then went on to a detailed reflection in the Great Transformation. It is Jaspers, Armstrongs, and truthfully, many scholars and philosophers and theologians view that there was a period roughly between the eighth and second centuries before our common era, where the world changed. Here the religions from the dawn of agriculture were distilled in a half dozen parts of the world, each in its own way offering insights into our human condition as communities and individuals. A fair amount of it crowd control. But not all of it.

In a time of darkness and violence at various places around the globe ranging from the Greek philosophers of the Mediterranean basin, into the Near East were various prophets began to proclaim visions of justice, to India where Mahavira and Gautama Siddhartha taught and to China where Confucius and Laotzu proclaimed new visions of life, what would become the world religions, or at least their ancestors most all emerged.

Armstrong presents a fascinating thesis. She says an ethical spirituality emerged in this Age. Articulated in many different ways, nonetheless containing some tangible commonalities. Among the most important was that summation of morality first articulated by the guy with bad breath, writing five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, Do not do unto others as you would not have them do unto you. In Great Transformation Armstrong elaborates on her vision of that common thread she perceives, a sort of ethical mysticism.

That said there are real problems with this whole thesis of the Axial Age, which is seen as a profound advancement, an evolutionary leap over what was before. I feel some hesitation about how we know this. The textual data about what was going on before isnt particularly helpful.

Mostly we get details of sacrificial practices, from which we derive a lot of suppositions, but little certainty about what they actually thought and felt. Although one thing we do get is that those so-called primal religions that in much of the world would soon be swept away tended to be pretty tolerant of each other.

Which just isnt true for the Near Eastern religions such as Zoroastrianism, or the proto-religion, which would over time birth Judaism, Christianity and Islam. These were all religions that were pretty adamant they had a finger on the one true way, and so the adherents of these religions, as we know, have not tended to play well with others. That and the holding up of images of war and violence as sacred have had dire consequences for many people. Theres been lots of blood flowing from that particular Axial Age thesis, lots. And frankly not something I see as an advancement of the human condition.

The second difficulty is working up a realistic timeline. This whole Axial Age is one slippery concept. Christianity actually births two hundred years after most scholars would end the period, and Islam nearly seven centuries after that. With over three and a half billion adherents between them, thats over half of humanity not actually heirs to this era. In addition contemporary scholarship seems to relentlessly push the life of the prophet Zoroaster ever earlier than had originally been thought. And Laotzu, if there ever was a Laotzu, I mean how many people name their child old man, turns out not to be a contemporary of Confucius, but a much later figure.

Vidal can get away with his timeline, hes just writing a novel. But for a historical religious investigation, well, its stuck with the moving and mutable target called history. And history isnt particularly kind to the idea of an Axial Age. Theres something there, but how much is very much an open question.

But, most important, much is made of the assertion that in this Axial Age, there was a shift in perspective from animisms of several sorts to a realization of the importance of the individual. To be clear the shape of the human mind finds its origins much, much earlier. The little bands Anthropologists call Homo sapiens sapiens who arose in Africa and some of whom left to populate much of the world, living long before the rise of the Axial Age cultures were fully human. And by definition, these humans were fully capable of knowing their individuality as well as their radical dependence upon each other.

And at the same time were creatures of culture. We live and breathe and take our being within our cultures. Were dependent upon our cultures in ways we almost never know. They protect us, and in some ways, they imprison us. And our religions are intimately bound up as part of this project.

That said, with hesitation and qualifications, we appear to be at the dawn of a new shift. Something as great as the dawn of animism. Something as great as the dawn of religions. Something as profound as the Axial age.

It is happening around the globe, but mostly within the confines of the Global North. Most definitions acknowledge north is a placeholder as the countries range from almost all European countries, Israel, Cyprus, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. We also see aspects of it in perhaps all the mega cities of the world. And that is the collapsing of institutional religions. Whether a resetting or an actual collapse is not clear. And it isnt happening evenly across the Global North. It began hard in Europe and is quickly happening in Japan, Canada, and the United States.

Some major disruption of the place of religions.

It is going in a number of ways, but the people I find most interesting are the spiritual but not religious.

Is something new emerging? A sense of the sacred disconnected from the major religious project for all of history, social cohesion? Maybe, not so much a return, but a going forward toward a new animism, a new universalism.

Its hard to say. Those hesitations. Those qualifications.

At its worst, well, it can be pretty bad. As the Unitarian Universalist theologian James Luther Adams once observed, Nothing sells like egoism wrapped in idealism. At its best I see hearts turning toward mutual subjectivity, a broad and heartful universalism.

Im feeling we may even be at the dawn of something wonderful. In the midst of the hard times, of climate change and natural disaster, at the edge of major population shifts, at a time when democracies are considering surrendering to autocrats around the globe, a seed is sprouting.

And I am hopeful.
President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has asserted that it is when the NPP government is in power that the country makes significant discoveries of oil.



I think my fellow Ghanaians should note that that when the NPP government is in office we make significant discoveries of oil, he stressed.



The President was speaking at the commemorative luncheon of the first oil from the Jubilee South East Area of the Western Region.



The Jubilee South-East Area, which is part of the Jubilee Field, is a joint venture that has received a $1 billion investment from its partners.



It is expected to add 30,000 barrels of oil per day to the Jubilee Field oil production by the end of this year.



The partners interests are as follows:



Tullow Oil: 38.978 per cent



Kosmos Energy: 24.077 per cent,



Kosmos Energy Ghana Investments: 14.534 per cent



Ghana National Petroleum Corporation: 13.641 per cent



Petro SA: 2.725 per cent and



Jubilee Oil Holdings Limited: 6.045 per cent.



Prior to addressing the luncheon to commemorate the first flow of the oil, the president visited the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah to turn on the valve to signify the first oil from the Jubilee South East Area.



The President said Today is another opportunity to celebrate the achievement and strides our nation has made since oil was discovered in commercial quantities under the first NPP government led by President John Agyekum Kufuor.



He remarked, todays event is a testament of what strategic partnerships and collaborations can do and I am excited about this landmark event under the NPP government again after 15 years of TEN discovery.



The President therefore commended the Jubilee Partners for another remarkable feat in the oil and gas sector.



He noted that the oil and gas sector was crucial to the growth of the energy sector and to secure the future energy needs of the country.



The President also recalled the energys sector contribution to the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) and stressed the need for more synergies in a bid to move, sustain and prosper the country.



He said the Government was determined to further invest in the energy sector to reshape the economy, create jobs and ensure community development.



He pointed out that the countrys natural gas would be strategically harnessed to ensure sustainable electricity for businesses, households and commercial purposes.



The President was happy that the investor community was flourishing in relevant laws within the countrys oil and gas sector adding, Our doors are opened for conversations for continual support, growth and shared prosperity.



He reminded the partners about the amendment of the Local Content Law, LI 2204 which dictates channel participation and strategic alliance.



We believe in equipping institutions of training to strategically transfer technology and knowledge to the locals to aid in full participation of Ghanaians in the upstream petroleum sector.



The President also referred to the Paris agreement on Energy Transition and how the country was preparing through plans and programmes bearing in mind climate change adaptability factors to transform the sector.



We will protect investment in the sector in view of the transition, he indicated

Source: dailyguidenetwork.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
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, said that he was once a security guard but a good education and can-do attitude was the reason he became Nigerias president.



President Tinubu urged Nigerians living in India not to be despondent assuring that Nigeria is ready to accommodate all.



Tinubu said this in an interaction with Nigerians on Thursday evening in India which was contained in a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity.



Tinubu currently in India for the G-20 Summit advised Nigerian students in the Asian country to consider their education as a priority.



He said, Good education brought me here and I am happy to stand before you here as the President of Nigeria. I started small. I was a security guard. I was a tutor in school. I was a brilliant student. I joined Deloitte and was trained by one of the biggest accounting firms in the world, because of my education.



When I joined them, I asked them, Do you have branches in Nigeria and they said, We have a lot of clients that will take you if you want to go home. Thats how I got to Exxon Mobil and was a very successful accountant, auditor-general, and treasurer until I joined politics with a can-do attitude.



You can also do it; do not be despondent in any way. Nigeria is ready to accommodate all. It does not matter which part of Nigeria you are from.



Tinubu urged Nigerians to use Nigerias diversity and unique culture to advance prosperity for the benefit of all the citizens.



We are here to present a new future to you. A future of a country that is so rich, endowed, and highly populated. Very dynamic, and unique in its culture, tradition, and ethnicity. That is what will make our prosperity possible if only we can make use of our diversity for prosperity, he said.

Source: vanguardngr









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
Offices and shops in the Central Business District in the Greater Accra Region are expected to remain shut for three days to make way for the final funeral rites of the late Ga Many (the Paramount Queen of Ga State), Naa Dedei Omaedru III.



"From 27th to the 29th of October, we expect shops and offices in the Central Business District to remain closed," said Naa-Yarlay Adjei Amoah, the Chief of Staff at the office of the Ga Mantse.



Naa-Yarlay Adjei Amoah, who doubles as the Secretary of the Central Funeral Planning Committee of the late Ga Many, added "We also expect them to decorate their business premises with black and red drapings".



The various markets are also to drape all their surroundings in black and red because "we are mourning together, it's not just the palace so we are respectfully calling on all to cooperate with us in this time of grief."



Naa-Yarlay Adjei Amoah made this known when a delegation from Jospong Group of Companies led by Mrs. Adokarley Okpoti-Paulo, Group Financial Controller for Environmental and Sanitation Group/ Finance Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited signed the book of condolence at the Ga Traditional Council on Friday September 8, 2023.



The Group presented an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, cartons of mineral water as well as refuse bins and an undisclosed cash donation to support preparations towards the final funeral rites of the late Ga Many.



Presenting the items, Mrs. Okpoti-Paulo, said the gesture was to console and mourn with the elders for the great loss.



She announced that Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., a subsidiary of the group will take charge of all the sanitation-related issues regarding the funeral.



"Zoomlion will help to keep the surroundings clean during and after the funeral ceremony to ensure that the Ga State is clean at all times," she promised.



Receiving the items, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, commended the Group for the gesture and prayed for a long life for the Executive Chairman of the Group.



The final funeral rites of the late Ga Many, who passed away in December last year, is slated from October 15-31, 2023.



The book of condolences was signed by President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo on June 19, 2023.

Source: Peacefmonline.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
It was an unexpected turn of events at the Nana Agyemang Prempeh Park in Tepa last Saturday when hundreds of enthusiastic cocoa farmers interrupted the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo during his address at the official opening of the 2023/24 cocoa season



As soon as the President announced the 63% hike in the producer price of cocoa, which is the record highest in the last 15 years, it was greeted with rapturous excitement from the crowd, with hundreds of farmers suddenly swarming the podium amidst singing and dancing, forcing the President to suspend his speech for several minutes to respond to the cheers and praises from the over joyous farmers.



Not even several pleas from the Master of Ceremony (MC) to the farmers to allow the President complete his speech were heeded by the jubilant farmers who continued to demonstrate their gratitude to the President, the Minister for Food and Agriculture and Management of Ghana Cocoa Board for the extraordinarily life-changing moment of their lives.



The newly announced cocoa producer price of GH  20,943.00 Ghana cedis per tonne, which was set by the Cocoa Producer Price Committee, made of industry experts and farmer representatives, signifies a substantial increase of 63% over the previous price of GH 12,800 per tonne. This translates into GH  1,308.00 Ghana cedis per bag or its equivalent of 64kg.



The quantum increase is in line with the constant objectives of Government and COCOBOD to ensure better compensation for the hard work and dedication of cocoa farmers, who have been grappling with numerous challenges.



The excitement by the cocoa farmers was re-echoed by the National President of the Cocoa, Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, who commended Government and Management of Cocobod, for responding to the cries and concerns of Ghanaian cocoa farmers for a substantial increase in producer price this season.



The Presidents promise to cocoa farmers



Apart from giving farmers a fair and remunerative share for their efforts, The President reiterated that government will continue to support farmers in diverse ways to improve production and their well-being.



Government, through COCOBOD will continue to adopt innovations aimed at improving the welfare of the Ghanaian farmer through the implementation of productivity enhancement programmes and remunerative producer pricing The President noted.



He therefore expressed optimism that the programmes implemented by COCOBOD will enable the country to attain a significant level of self-reliance, promote industrialization and provide adequate cushion against the adverse effects of price shocks, adding We will not relent on our promise to creating positive and permanent changes in the cocoa and agricultural sector of our economy



Agric Minister declares war on smuggling



On his part, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, gave a firm assurance about governments resolve to deal with smuggling which is one of the biggest cankers plaguing the countrys cocoa industry.



He said pragmatic steps had been put in place to drastically deal with individuals and groups perpetuating the heinous act which denies the country and farmers the reward for their toils and sweats.



The sad part of this unfortunate situation is that individuals who are engaged in this nefarious act of smuggling are neither farmers nor staff of Cocobod, but rather private merchants who regrettably contribute nothing to the countrys production capacity. But I want to assure you that we are now ready as a country to deal with this menace of smuggling should it raise its ugly head again. Hon. Bryan Acheampong further pledged.



COCOBOD CEs appeal to farmers



The Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board, in a statement, urged cocoa farmers to continue to adopt the numerous productivity enhancement programmes, particularly pruning and hand pollination, being rolled out by COCOBOD to boost productivity and improve their incomes.

He reiterated COCOBODs commitment to the welfare of farmers, including offering them a fair pricing consistent with global trends.







Source: Peacefmonline.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
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has served notice to coup plotters that they will not receive its backing because it is ready to protect the constitution it signed into action.



We the opposition pride ourselves as the architects of the democratic stability we are enjoying and we are ready to protect it and no adventure will get our cooperation, the Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, said at the swearing-in of appointees of the National Executive Committee in Accra yesterday.



Reacting to the happenings in the sub-region, Mr Nketiah said the situation was not pleasant.



Our luck is that though opposition groups will always collaborate with the military adventurers to stage a coup, in Ghana the situation is different because we will not support it, he stated.



The new appointees included a 30-member Council of Elders, a 26-member Political Committee and a three-member Disciplinary Committee.



Advantage

Mr Nketiah, fondly called General Mosquito, said as a result of the NDCs will to protect the constitution, the government had taken advantage of it to do worse things than what anybody could think of.



So let us rise up and speak out to save this democracy.



The youth are the most frustrated lot in the country.



They dont have jobs and at least they should be content with the opportunity to change government and install the government they like but what are we seeing?



The opportunity for them to register and participate in the voting process is being blocked, he said.



Once again, the machinations happening are all geared towards limiting them access and the right to participate in the democratic exercise, he said.



The NDC Chairman said if the government refused to do what the people had put them there to do, then they had every right to revolt against the government and bring another one.



Let us pray we dont get there, he added.



He said the youth should be given the opportunity to participate in the process to change governments peacefully because no one could predict what they could do.



He therefore called on civil society organisations, opinion leaders and faith-based organisations to bring pressure to bear on the government to protect the right of the youth to cast their ballot to determine who they want.



If you block a peaceful avenue of change, you will invite a violent avenue of change and we dont want to get there.



The happenings in the sub-region ought to be a wake-up call for all of us.



The challenges are daunting.



Somehow, I believe God is a Ghanaian and I believe we shall overcome.



But before we can do that, patriots must arise, act and speak with courage and say the unpleasant things that ought to be said, and take the unpleasant actions that ought to be taken so that we can prevent worse things from happening, he added.



Touching on the countrys democracy, Mr Nketiah said Ghana had never come this low in terms of its democratic practice where as a country it was unable to service its debts.



We have never come this low where corruption in government has become like an American buffet  eat all you can for $10.



The Chairman of the NDC said during such crisis periods, what helped to stabilise the situation was the freedom to demonstrate because, when people are frustrated and they get the opportunity to vent their feelings, it helps to prevent explosion. Unfortunately, this right too has been trampled upon.

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
District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie South District, Clement Opoku Gyamfi has expressed disgust over Bugri Naabu's action towards COP Alex Mensah and Supt. George Asare who had called on him to have a conversation in confidentiality about the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.



The two senior Police officers are before a Parliamentary Committee answering questions in connection with an audio tape about them scheming to oust the IGP.



During the parliamentary probe, Bugri Naabu, a leading member of the governing New Patriotic Party, admitted to secretly recording the officers during their meeting with him in his office.



The officers, who were unaware of the recording, freely raised serious concerns about the IGP and hoped he is removed from office.



Addressing the matter during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" discussion show, Hon. Clement Opoku Gyamfi condemned Bugri Naabu's secret recording in no uncertain terms.



To him, what Bugri Naabu did is a contravention of Ghana's constitution and also noted the secret recording is an offence.



He urged Ghanaians not to replicate the behavior of Bugri Naabu.



"The recording in the first place is wrong. We shouldn't entertain it...Recording someone is an offence. It's not something we should encourage because you have breached the person's right to privacy", he blasted the NPP guru.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/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.

Featured Video
Atik Mohammed has urged the Police officers in connection with an audio tape recording regarding the Inspector General of Police to commence a legal action against Bugri Naabu, a former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.



The tape, which was secretly recorded by Bugri Naabu who they had met in his office and discussed the IGP, is a subject matter before a Parliamentary Committee.



COP Alex Mensah and Supt. George Asare have been summoned before the Committee probing the audio tape on which they accuse the IGP of wrongdoings and want him removed from office.



In view of this, the officers together with Supt. Mr. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi have been interdicted by the Ghana Police Service.



According to a statement from the Service, "the action was to make way for disciplinary proceedings into their conduct in line with Police Service regulations".



Speaking during Peace FM's Thursday edition of "Kokrokoo", Atik Mohammed insisted that the officers should send the NPP bigwig to court for invading their privacy which is a contravention of the 1992 constitution.



"They must sue Bugri Naabu", he interjected.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/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.

Featured Video
Tanzanian authorities have banned popular rapper Emmanuel Elibariki, known as Nay wa Mitego, from performing in the country over his new song that criticises the government.



The rapper was questioned on Wednesday by police for hours in Dar es Salaam and later freed on bail over accusations of incitement, his lawyer, Jebra Kambole, told the BBC.



The song Amkeni, Swahili for Wake Up, is highly critical of the leadership in the country and includes a line that appears to accuse the president of nurturing thieves and failing to deliver on her promises.



It also criticises the governments deal with a company from the United Arab Emirates to develop and run Tanzanias port operations.



The lawyer told the BBC that the artist is facing accusations of incitement by both the countrys arts regulator, Basata, and the police.



"Basata have complaints saying that the song seems to have provocative words, but not only that, they have banned the song and have forbidden him from performing in Tanzania, Mr Kambole said.



The lawyer said they had explained to the police why the song is not inciting saying it speaks about corruption, abuse of power and the port among others.



The song does not incite people, its meant to show the shortcomings of the administration and the goal of the song was to correct people, he said.



It is not the first time that the artist is in trouble with the authorities - he has been arrested and released several times in the past because of his songs criticising various national issues.

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
BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The recently concluded 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) attracted enterprises from Middle East countries. Many of them focus on China's high-tech industries to seek cooperation for technological upgrades and transformation back home.

In trade promotion activities during the fair, diplomatic envoys and enterprises from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle East countries introduced to visitors their preferential policies for foreign investment, business conditions, and industrial trends.

"Many enterprises are interested in cooperating with China, and we also hope to deepen trade exchanges between the two countries, improve the business and investment environment, and promote more cooperation between the two sides in the future," said Mohammed Al Ajlan, chairman of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council.

The council currently has more than 330 Saudi member companies, covering energy, infrastructure, finance, the chemical industry, medical equipment, construction materials, information technology, and many other fields.

Oil and gas resources have long been the main source of income for Middle East countries. In recent years, these countries have introduced economic transformation plans to promote the transformation from an energy-dependent economic structure to a diversified economy.

Non-oil industries such as manufacturing, digital economy, biomedicine, new materials, and tourism are key areas of transformation. Some Chinese high-tech companies are working closely with Middle East countries to realize such transformation.

For example, Huawei Cloud, Tencent Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud have all cooperated with telecom service providers in the Middle East to conduct business.

In 2022, Alibaba Group, Saudi Telecom Company, and other enterprises established a cloud computing company to provide advanced data storage services and solutions for Saudi Arabia.

Huawei is also stepping up its cloud computing and smart infrastructure investments in Saudi Arabia. Huawei's cloud node in Riyadh was launched recently and will become the core node of Huawei Cloud services in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, providing secure and reliable cloud services.

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company from the United Arab Emirates told Xinhua that in the past decade, the company has expanded its business in China and will continue to increase market investment in the future. It hopes to have more cooperation with China in satellite communication.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation completed a satellite assembly, integration, and test (AIT) center project in Egypt this June. It is China's first spacecraft development infrastructure export project for satellite AIT, making Egypt the first African country to have satellite AIT capabilities in the Middle East.

According to Amir Ghorbanali, director of China Iran Trade Promotion Center, Iran and China have been cooperating well in the energy sector. He hopes the two countries will expand cooperation to more fields, such as high-tech industries and the food industry in the future.

"China's digital trade is developing rapidly, and we look forward to meeting more Chinese partners. We can sell more high-quality Iranian products to China through e-commerce platforms to further promote trade cooperation between the two countries," he added.

Jiang Liqin, head of clients and markets of KPMG China, said the new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation in the world, especially the rapid development of China's science and technology, provide potential cooperation opportunities for countries, including Gulf countries, to seek high-tech industrial transformation.

KPMG China published a report during the fair, introducing the need for industrial upgrade and transformation in Middle Eastern countries.

"China's breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, big data, e-commerce, and new energy are all important reasons for attracting foreign investment," he added. 
Democratic Rep. Jared Solomon, of Philadelphia, will officially kick off his campaign for attorney general of Pennsylvania at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

He plans to hold the event at the Max Myers Recreation Center in Philadelphia, his office says.

Solomon is serving in his fourth term representing the 202nd House District.

The present attorney general, Michelle Henry, has told lawmakers she would not run in 2024. She was nominated by Gov. Josh Shapiro in early January to fill his spot and confirmed by the state Senate in early March.

Among those who have said they plan to run for the position include Democrats Eugene DePasquale, Joe Khan and Keir Bradford-Grey, and Republican Dave Sunday.
By SAM METZ and MOSAAB ELSHAMY, The Associated Press

MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP)  A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco, sending people racing from their beds into the streets and toppling buildings in mountainous villages and ancient cities not built to withstand such force. More than 2,000 people were killed, and the toll was expected to rise as rescuers struggled Saturday to reach hard-hit remote areas.

The magnitude 6.8 quake, the biggest to hit the North African country in 120 years, sent people fleeing their homes in terror and disbelief late Friday. One man said dishes and wall hangings began raining down, and people were knocked off their feet. The quake brought down walls made from stone and masonry, covering whole communities with rubble.

The devastation gripped each town along the High Atlas steep and winding switchbacks in similar ways: homes folding in on themselves and mothers and fathers crying as boys and helmet-clad police carried the dead through the streets.

Remote villages like those in the drought-stricken Ouargane Valley were largely cut off from the world when they lost electricity and cellphone service. By midday, people were outside mourning neighbors, surveying the damage on their camera phones and telling one another May God save us.

A damaged hotel that was affected by an earthquake in Moulay Brahim village, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)AP

Hamid Idsalah, a 72-year-old mountain guide, said he and many others remained alive but had little future to look forward to. That was true in the short-term  with remnants of his kitchen reduced to dust  and in the long-term  where he and many others lack the financial means to rebound.

I cant reconstruct my home. I dont know what Ill do. Still, Im alive, so Ill wait, he said as he walked through the desert oasis town overlooking red rock hills, packs of goats and a glistening salt lake. I feel heartsick.

In historic Marrakech, people could be seen on state TV clustering in the streets , afraid to go back inside buildings that might still be unstable. The citys famous Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century, was damaged, but the extent was not immediately clear. Its 69-meter (226-foot) minaret is known as the roof of Marrakech. Moroccans also posted videos showing damage to parts of the famous red walls that surround the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At least 2,012 people died in the quake, mostly in Marrakech and five provinces near the epicenter, Moroccos Interior Ministry reported Saturday night. At least 2,059 more people were injured  1,404 critically  the ministry said.

The problem is that where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough to cope with strong ground shaking, so many collapse, resulting in high casualties, said Bill McGuire, professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London.

In a sign of the huge scale of the disaster, Moroccos King Mohammed VI ordered the armed forces to mobilize specialized search and rescue teams and a surgical field hospital, according to a statement from the military.

People dig a grave to bury bodies of victims of the earthquake, in Ouargane village, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)AP

The epicenter of Fridays tremor was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, roughly 70 kilometers (44 miles) south of Marrakech. Al Haouz is known for scenic villages and valleys tucked in the High Atlas Mountains.

Police, emergency vehicles and people fleeing in shared taxis spent hours traversing unpaved roads through the High Atlas in stop-and-go traffic, often exiting their cars to help clear giant boulders from routes known to be rugged and difficult long before Fridays earthquake. In Ijjoukak, a village in the area surrounding Toubkal, North Africas tallest peak, residents estimated nearly 200 buildings had been leveled.

Couch cushions, electric cords and grapes were strewn in giant piles of rubble alongside dead sheep, houseplants and doors wedged between boulders. Relatives from the town and those who had driven from major cities cried while they wondered who to call as they reckoned with the aftermath and a lack of food and water.

It felt like a bomb went off, 34-year-old Mohamed Messi said.

A man stands next to a damaged hotel after the earthquake in Moulay Brahim village, near the epicentre of the earthquake, outside Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)AP

Morocco will observe three days of national mourning with flags at half-staff on all public facilities, the official news agency MAP reported.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11:11 p.m. (22:11 GMT), with shaking that lasted several seconds. The U.S. agency reported a magnitude 4.9 aftershock hit 19 minutes later. The collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates occurred at a relatively shallow depth, which makes a quake more dangerous.

Earthquakes are relatively rare in North Africa. Lahcen Mhanni, Head of the Seismic Monitoring and Warning Department at the National Institute of Geophysics, told 2M TV that the earthquake was the strongest ever recorded in the region.
JERSEY SHORE  Fire destroyed a tour bus that was heading westbound on Interstate 80 in eastern Clinton County on Sunday morning, but none of the 10 people on board was injured.

The bus was about a mile west of the Jersey Shore interchange when the blaze was discovered just before 9:30 a.m., Sugar Valley Fire Chief Chris Miller said.

The dispatch was for smoke in the bus but when he arrived the vehicle was fully involved, he said.

The bus was destroyed but Sugar Valley firefighters and those from Nippenose Valley in Lycoming County saved the trailer, the chief said.

The fire, which appears to have started in the ceiling at the rear of the bus, was knocked down quickly but the westbound lanes of I-80 were closed for a time, he said.

The occupants of the bus with the exception of the driver walked about a mile to a truck stop at the Jersey Shore interchange before Miller said he was able to get any information from them.

The bus that was configured like one a celebrity would use was owned by a Tennessee company, he said.

The state trooper who investigated the incident did not post a news release before ending his shift.

More:

Pa. airman killed in World War II welcomed home, buried with military honors

Homicide charge filed in 2016 daylight street shooting of Dauphin County native
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that there will be traffic restrictions on North George Street and Interstate 83 for work associated with the North George Street/Exit 22 Improvement Project in York County.

Weather permitting, there will be lane restrictions for milling and paving on North George Street from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday evening/Monday morning through Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning. This work will be performed from I-83 to Woodland View Drive.

Milling and paving operations will then move to northbound I-83 between Exit 22 (Route 181/N. George Street) and Exit 24 (Route 238/Emigsville). Lane restrictions will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the nights of Wednesday, Sept. 13, through Thursday, Sept. 28. The lane restrictions will allow the northbound I-83 shoulder and new on-ramp from N. George Street to northbound I-83 to be milled and paved.

The work is part of a $12,358,000 project to relocate the existing on-ramp from North George Street to northbound I-83 and includes the construction of a sound wall along the ramp.

The southbound I-83 off-ramp to North George Street will be closed for milling and paving the nights of Tuesday, Sept. 19, through Thursday, Sept. 21. A detour will be in place. Motorists traveling south on I-83 should exit at Exit 24 (Route 238/Emigsville), turn right on Route 238 (Church Road), turn left on North Susquehanna Trail (Route 4005), then left on Lightner Road (Route 4046) and proceed to North George Street.

Travelers are reminded to be alert for these operations, to obey work zone signs, and to use caution when driving through work zones for their safety, as well as for the safety of the road crews.

This work is part of a $12,358,000 project to relocate the existing on-ramp from North George Street to northbound I-83 and includes the construction of a sound wall along the ramp, a press release said.

The anticipated improvements include removing the existing ramp from North George Street to northbound I-83 and relocating it across from Skyview Drive, installing a new traffic signal at North George Street and Skyview Drive, installing a traffic signal at the intersection of North George Street and the northbound I-83 off ramp, resurfacing North George Street from the I-83 overpass to just north of Skyview Drive, resurfacing I-83 from North George Street to the Locust Lane overpass, and other miscellaneous construction activities.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at PennDOT District 8.
UPDATE: 2 more men die in drug overdoses in Harrisburg, bringing weekend toll to 6

Three men and one woman died in Harrisburg Saturday and were among 18 people who overdosed on drugs believed to have contained fentanyl, police said.

The other overdose victims were still alive as of Saturday night. The victims who died were in their early 40s to early 60s, said Police Capt. Terry Wealand, and all of them lived within a mile of each other on North Second Street downtown.

Wealand and Mayor Wanda Williams held a news conference Saturday night to update residents on the series of overdoses as well as an ongoing manhunt after a neighborhood shooting.

Police announced they were searching for Shawn Jason, 47, who lived in the 1800 block of North Street, in connection with an afternoon shooting that injured 3 of his neighbors, including a 4-year-old girl.

Jason slipped away and was last seen walking east on Primrose Street behind his home before police sealed a perimeter around his home for a tactical operation.

He is wanted for attempted homicide, burglary and other charges, Wealand said.

Police were looking for Shawn T. Jason, 47, in connection with a shooting that injured three of his neighbors.

The shooting stemmed from an argument between the suspect and his neighbors, Weland said. Jason then is accused of kicking in his neighbors door and shooting the woman and child. The shooting injured a man, a woman and the child. The victims are expected to survive.

Police would not say if Jason fled with the rifle he used in the shooting that littered the street with shell casings. Officers staked out his home for 5 hours Saturday before entering his home and finding it empty.

Neighbors said the argument started over someone trying to reserve a parking space along the street with a trash can.

Police also provided new details on the series of overdoses that caused police to issue a warning Saturday morning.

Harrisburg, were in a crisis, Williams said, to open the news conference. We were inundated with a lethal batch of drugs.

She implored anyone considering drug use to be incredibly careful knowing there are drugs laced with powerful fentanyl likely still circulating in the city.

We do not want to see any more danger, any more deaths to the residents of Harrisburg, she said.

Police were called to the first fatal overdose at 12:23 a.m. Saturday at an apartment in the 1600 block of North Second Street, where they found three adults overdosing.

A man died and two women survived the overdoses. The women are expected to survive, Wealand said.

At 9 a.m., police were called to the retirement community, Harmony Tower Apartments in the 300 block of North 2nd street on a welfare check. When police arrived, they found one woman and two men dead from suspected overdoses, Wealand said.

The victims who died lived within one mile of one another. More than a dozen other overdoses occurred throughout the city within 12 hours starting Friday night, officials said.

Earlier on Saturday, county officials said they tested evidence at the scenes of the overdoses and determined fentanyl was present in crack cocaine and synthetic drugs that users likely werent expecting.

Police would not say how many dealers may be involved in selling the fentanyl-laced drugs or what progress theyve made in the investigation, since its ongoing.

County officials distributed Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, across the city on Saturday. Police said a limited quantity of Narcan would be available to residents in the lobby of police headquarters at 123 Walnut Street.

Just follow the directions at the reception window, Wealand said, noting that there would be a limited quantity available for a limited time. But he would not say how many would be given away.

Police advised people to call 911 if they believe they or an associate is experiencing an overdose.

Anyone with information on the recent increase in overdoses may contact the Harrisburg Police Bureau, at 717-558-6900. Tips and information can also be submitted via the CrimeWatch website.

Individuals seeking to enter treatment or access services can call Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services 24 hours a day at 717-635-2254.

READ MORE: Police announce 2 more confirmed sightings of escaped murderer in Pennsylvania
By Mireille Rebeiz

In September 2022, young Mahsa Amini was killed by the morality police in Iran. The 22-year-old Kurdish woman was severely beaten for allegedly improperly wearing the veil and violating the strict dress code. She died in a hospital, and her death sparked massive protests across the country.

The regimes response was brutal. Some protesters disappeared, others were illegally detained and tortured. Many were sentenced to death without fair trial, and there were reports of sexual violence against children.

Despite the danger, Iranian women were seen burning their veils and cutting their hair off to protest the regimes oppression, violation of womens rights, and economic instability.

These protests brought Iranians together, and people of different backgrounds went down the streets to support the movement of Women, Life, Freedom, a slogan that puts women at the center of life, liberty, and dignity.

The practice of cutting off hair is significant within Iran. It defies conservative Islam that dictates veiling and modesty. It goes against traditional beauty standards imposed by patriarchy and according to which women ought to have long hair to be distinguished from men and to be feminine. Additionally, an old Persian tradition considers cutting hair off a sign of mourning.

The international community joined the movement and expressed its support to Iranian women. Swedish politician Abir Al-Sahlani cut her hair during a European Parliament debate. In its 117th session, the U.S. Congress introduced a bill called the Mahsa Amini Human Rights and Security Accountability Act (or MAHSA Act) meant to put sanctions on the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the ongoing human rights abuses.

Celebrities like Juliette Binoche and Marion Cotillard took to social media and posted videos in which they cut their hair off.

In December 2022, Time magazine dedicated its cover to the women of Iran and called them heroes of the year.

Under pressure and in a theatrical move, the Iranian regime announced its suspension of the morality police.

However, on the grounds, this international display of support did not go far. Despite the outcry and the documented human rights violations, the Islamic Republic of Iran was elected as one of the vice-presidents of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which will be held in New York on September 18-26, 2023.

Oil production in Iran spiked. Despite the U.S. sanctions, Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania imported shipments of crude oil from Iran, and Iranian oil exports reached new highs in November  December of 2022 and have been strong throughout 2023.

Iran openly and very publicly continued supporting terrorist organizations in the Middle East such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq. Iranian intelligence and security forces intensified their crackdown on protesters. Recently, they arrested Mahsa Aminis uncle as the family is getting ready to commemorate her death anniversary on September 16.

The morality police was recently reinstated, and the regime implemented harsher measures against protesters. A religious court required a woman who refused to wear the veil to attend counseling for her anti-social personality disorder. Another woman was forced to work in a morgue and wash corpses for burial. The goal is to break these womens spirits and send a threatening message to anyone attempting to defy the regime.

Today, unveiled women are harassed, denied service, and access to education and healthcare. They are monitored and targeted by the regime and its sympathizers who have eyes everywhere.

While the worlds initial response to Mahsa Aminis death was admirable, the support quickly dwindled. Today, it is almost non-existent.

It is true that many have shown Iranian women their support and cut off their hair in solidarity. However, what Iranian women need is action and not just empty words and a few strands of cut hair.

Real change will not happen unless States and governments consider womens rights a priority, one that goes before oil production and international investments.

So, call or write your representatives and ask them to take real action to support Iranian womens acts of bravery and womens rights in general.

For the world would be a very dark place without Women, Life, Freedom.

Mireille Rebeiz, Ph.D, is Associate Professor, Dickinson College.
By William Lambers

When we hear about the Farm Bill we think of Congress negotiating in Washington D.C. on this major legislation that impacts agriculture. But think of the Farm Bill in a different way. Imagine a small child in war-torn Yemen suffering from malnutrition, wasting away because there is not enough food. The family does not have any hope except for the help of a humanitarian relief agency.

The starving childs family is given a box with a nutritious peanut paste called PlumpyNut. This small child, near the brink of death, starts to eat this food and is saved. Slowly the child begins to regain health. This life-saving food aid is made possible by the Farm Bill.

Picture a family in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who have been forced from their homes because of conflict. They have lost everything. In a displaced persons camp they receive rations from the UN World Food Program. This food sustains them in the hardest of times. This is more life-saving food aid made possible by the Farm Bill.

Think of the child in Haiti, a land torn by violence and instability, being able to go to school and receive a free lunch from the World Food Program. That lunch is their only real meal of the day. This life-changing aid is made possible by the Farm Bill.

The Farm Bill supports global hunger relief. What happens on the Farm Bill impacts lives everywhere. The Farm Bill can help determine whether nations will have stability and peace.

The upcoming Farm Bill is critical legislation where Democrats and Republicans need to work together. The current Farm Bill is set to expire Sept. 30. The new Farm Bill must reauthorize key aid programs like Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole global school lunch initiative.

Food is the essential ingredient to peace and stability for any nation. That is why President Dwight Eisenhower, when speaking of global food aid, urged people to put their hearts and minds into this effort.

That is what Congress should do and craft a Farm Bill that will fight global hunger and encourage peace.The Congress must realize that hunger emergencies are becoming more frequent and severe. Drought in the Horn of Africa and conflicts in Yemen, Sudan, D.R. Congo and other nations is worsening hunger. The war in Ukraine has placed great strain on a major food source for the world.

The World Food Program is facing funding shortages for many of its relief operations.

The U.S. and the international community are going to have to step up the response to hunger or famine will potentially occur in some nations. Catholic Relief Services is asking citizens to urge Congress to prioritize timely passage of the 2023 Farm Bill and to reauthorize existing international programs that address immediate hunger needs and support long-term solutions.

We can each encourage Democrats and Republicans to work together and continue and strengthen our tradition of fighting hunger around the world.

William Lambers is an author who partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book Ending World Hunger.
A water taxi leaves Peachland for Penticton. The taxi is just one of the ways people are getting around the Aug. 28 rock slide that has closed Highway 97 between Peachland and Summerland.
An aerial view near Bakhmut, the site of fierce battles with the Russian forces in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. Several aid organizations in Ukraine are reporting that a volunteer Canadian aid worker was killed Saturday morning by a Russian attack. In an Instagram post, humanitarian group Road to Relief says Anthony Tonko Ihnat was killed while travelling in a vehicle with three other volunteers with the organization. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Libkos
LIMA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- One worker died and two others were injured in southeastern Peru on early Saturday morning when a cargo train derailed due to a landslide.

The company PeruRail explained in a statement that the train derailed on the Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu route in Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, after a landslide hit the southeast track.

The deceased was identified as the train manager, and the two injured were crew members, currently receiving medical attention in a local clinic, said the statement.

"According to the concessionaire, all our train services and bimodal service (bus and train) are suspended until noon today," PeruRail added.

"Train operation between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu will resume only after the railway line is confirmed to be in good condition, so as to guarantee railway safety," said Ferrocarril Transandino S.A., the concessionaire of Peru's south and southeast railroad.

The affected railroad is the main fast-access route for tourists going to Aguas Calientes, the closest access point to the "Lost City of the Incas" Machu Picchu, which receives about 4,000 visitors daily. 
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

If Sec. of State Blinken warned that if Speaker Kevin McCarthy removes Ukraine aid from the government spending bill, he will be acting against the national interest.

Blinken said when asked about McCarthy removing Ukraine aid, I think its very clear to us and to many in Congress that this additional assistance is something that Ukraine needs in this moment to continue to carry out the counteroffensive, to regain its territory, as well as to strengthen its defense, its military going forward. Its not only the right thing to do, its the smart and necessary thing to do in our own interests, because as weve said from day one, if we allow this Russian aggression to go forward with impunity, its not just Ukrainians who are suffering, its virtually everyone around the world who relies on the principles that are at the heart of the UN Charter, including that one big country cant simply trample on the borders of another, invade it, and try to take it over. If we allow that to go forward with impunity, if we dont stand up against that, then its open season everywhere around the world.

Video:

Sec. of State Blinken suggests Kevin McCarthy will be acting against the national interest if he removes Ukraine aid from the spending bill, "It's not only the right thing to do, it's the smart and necessary thing to do in our own interest." pic.twitter.com/wfTcQ2dp7a  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) September 10, 2023

If it is a bad idea that could harm the national interest, then it is something that the MAGA caucus in the House will push McCarthy to do. The reason why McCarthy is moving on taking Ukraine aid out of the government funding bill is that Trumps followers in the House, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, are supporting Putin in the war, and removing aid to Ukraine helps Putin.

Even if the House removes the aid and the Senate restores it, the government will still shut down at the end of the month, and there will be no new aid package to Ukraine going out.

Blinken was correct. It is in the national interest to defend democracy and stop authoritarians from invading neighboring democracies.

Kevin McCarthy has positioned himself as acting against US national interests, which perfectly sums up where the Republican Party is under Donald Trump.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) said that Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) is illegally abusing his power to help Donald Trump and it needs to stop now.

Goldman said on MSNBCs Inside with Jen Psaki when asked about Fani Williss letter to Jim Jordan:

I thought was very powerful and very correct. She pointed out now that this is yet another investigation where House Republicans are using the authority of their majority in Congress to intervene and obstruct an ongoing, criminal prosecution. And she was right to say that it is one thing if it were a federal prosecution, which, of course, Jim Jordan and House Republicans are also trying to do with the special counsel Jack Smith, but it is altogether a wholly different thing when the federal government is trying to intervene in a state prosecution.

And I thought she did a very good job of laying out why this is an abuse of power, an abuse of authority by the House Republicans, to do the bidding of Donald Trump purely to use their power to defend Donald Trump as Jim Jordan said, to framing up the 2024 election it is a gross abuse of power, it is far outside their jurisdiction, it is against the law based on recent Supreme Court decisions and it really needs to stop.

Video:

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) on Jim Jordan's efforts to obstruct Fani Willis' Trump investigation, "It is a gross abuse of power. It is far outside their jurisdiction, it is against the law based on recent Supreme Court decisions and it really needs to stop." pic.twitter.com/jP2U4sPTcm  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) September 10, 2023

What Jim Jordan is doing is illegal, but it would be tricky to charge him because he is meddling in a criminal investigation while using his position as the chair of a House committee. Jordan could be criminally charged, but the case would be a sticky and long legal fight that frankly might not be worth having at this time. DA Willis is already prosecuting a RICO conspiracy that was allegedly led by the former president, so coming after Jordan might accomplish nothing but add to the MAGA narrative that the prosecutions are politically motivated.

The good news is that, as Rep. Goldman pointed out, Jordan doesnt have the power to do much of anything. He can make a big show and send lots of letters, but the House has no jurisdiction over a state investigation, so the odds of Jordan being able to stop Willis are zero.

Jim Jordan is abusing his power, and the best way to stop him is to return Democrats to the House majority.
WARRENVILLE  The groundbreaking ceremony Friday for the $59-million Warren Mill Lofts project also was a reunion for some of the former employees of Warren Mill, a textile factory that closed for good in 1982.

Piedmont Private Equity LLC and Camden Management Partners, both based in Georgia, have teamed up to transform Warren Mill and its 11.11-acre site at 512 Trestle Pass into an apartment community.

Former Warren Mill plant manager Arthur Tommy McElveen Jr., 83, is pleased that people soon will be living in his one-time workplace.

Im glad to see them use it for something and not let it go to wrack and ruin like it was doing, just sitting there deteriorating, he said.

Annie Weeks, 94, who worked in the weaving and cloth rooms at Warren Mill, expressed a similar opinion about the future of the defunct factory, which she believes is looking a lot better than it used to.

The weeds that once grew on the Warren Mill land have been cleared away and debris has been removed in preparation for the renovation and new construction.

Im glad theyre doing something with it. I couldnt stand the mess that was here, Weeks said.

Then she reminisced about her time at Warren Mill.

Weeks was an employee for around 15 years. She first got a job there when she was 23.

I came here from Germany, and I wanted to make money to go back home and visit, she said. On my husbands salary, I couldnt do that.

Weeks thought the environment at the mill would be nasty, but discovered that it was much cleaner than she had imagined.

I didnt mind working there, Weeks said.

The Warren Mill Lofts community will have 205 apartment homes with one, two or three bedrooms. There will be 139 renovated units and 66 newly constructed units.

Plans also call for amenities such as a swimming pool, a clubhouse and lounge, and a fitness center that will be resort-style, said Camden Management Partners President John Gumpert.

Walter M. Hall III, managing partner for Piedmont Private Equity, described the apartments as technically workforce housing.

The rent for one-bedroom units will be about $1,200 a month, and for two bedrooms it will be a little bit more than that, he said.

They should be affordable for a schoolteacher or a firefighter or a nurse, Hall added. Thats our goal, anyway, to create residential options for those kinds of people. They dont have to be wealthy to live here.

Hall expects the first Warren Mill Lofts units to be available for rent by August of next year. The entire project is scheduled to be completed in November 2024.

It just feels right that were bringing back a vestige of the textile industry here that is long gone, Hall said. Its a fantastic project, and its going to mean a lot to this part of Aiken County. It will stabilize property values, and new businesses will come here. It will create lots of jobs.

Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker described the Warren Mill Lofts project as the biggest investment in the [S.C. Highway] 421 corridor in history and said that it would be a good spur for additional economic development in the area.

Warren Mill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a four-story, 190,677-square-foot brick structure.

It was built in the 1890s and more was added to it later.

Charles Warren operated the factory as a cotton mill.

The Graniteville Company eventually acquired Warren Mill, which was producing heavyweight denim when it shut down 41 years ago.

Warren Mill Invesco LLC purchased Warren Mill for $1.6 million in September 2021 from Warren Mill LLC. At the time, Reggie Barner, a former CEO of the Aiken Housing Authority, was the registered agent for Warren Mill LLC.

In May of this year, there was a change in Warren Mills ownership from Warren Mill Invesco to Warren Mill Lofts LLC that involved no money, according to Aiken County land records.

Barner wanted to convert much of the mill into apartments, and hes happy that Piedmont Private Equity and Camden Management Partners are carrying out his vision.

Im sure many of you thought it would never happen, but today is a testament to [the power of] faith, Barner told the groundbreaking ceremony's approximately 100 attendees.

Owner equity, a construction loan from the Churchill Stateside Group and federal and South Carolina historic tax credits are providing the funding for the Warren Mill Lofts project.

Walters told the Aiken Standard that Piedmont Private Equity and Camden Management Partners are working together on a project at the Vaucluse Mill that will be very much like the one at Warren Mill.

The groundbreaking [at the Vaucluse Mill] will be in the first quarter of 2024, he said.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. Much cooler. High 68F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 37F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
URUMQI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Kazak ethnic group of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region that once led a nomadic life in the pastoral areas of Suoerbasitao has now discovered newfound fortune through modern pursuits like camping, photography and livestreaming.

Muxtar, a herder from Suoerbasitao, located about 100 km from the regional capital Urumqi, has been welcoming guests since 2017, offering accommodation to visitors in his two cabins and three yurts, alongside serving traditional Kazak dishes like barbecue and milk tea.

"July is the busiest month. We receive 20 groups of guests a day and have a team of 11 people, including our relatives, dedicated to serving our visitors," Muxtar said.

During the summer vacation, Muxtar received assistance from his 13-year-old nephew, Bahbalkan Timurhali. The young boy, who currently resides in nearby Changji City, said that he feels rejuvenated every time he is in Suoerbasitao. "I really like living in the yurt in the pasture."

The pastoral landscape of the region also houses intriguing tales of people like Ahli, a herder with a passion for photography. Five years ago, he formed a photography team comprising 70 people, all of whom are herders. They have taken over 10,000 photos of cattle, sheep, and people with their mobile phones, documenting the nomadic life.

Tan Chengjun, a supervisor of the photography team and a member of the Photojournalist Society of China said: "For herders and me, photography means happiness!"

"Life in the pastoral areas can sometimes be monotonous, but guiding herders to capture the beauty of their surroundings with mobile phones can enhance their spiritual experiences," said Tan. Reminiscing about an online photography competition, he said herders were so enthusiastic that they went to the extent of requesting friends and acquaintances to vote for their entries.

Nurxashi Habil, a 47-year-old herder, not only enjoys photography but also shares videos on the internet, with most of her videos capturing the everyday life of the picturesque pastoral landscape.

She has over 100,000 followers on the video-sharing app Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. From late April to mid-October, it is the peak season for Nurxashi Habil to welcome guests on the lush grasslands. During this period, she is also quite busy posting new social media content.

Nurxashi Habil's online presence has a magnetic pull on tourists, drawing them to her yurts. She shared an example, saying, "A woman came here to experience nomadic life after watching my livestream."

Nurxashi Habil operates 13 yurts for guest accommodations and employs up to five herders to assist with her business. She compensates them with a daily wage of 100 yuan (about 13.9 U.S. dollars) each. 
Another community meeting took place Tuesday, Oct. 24, in St. Stephen about the progress of Berkeley County's Brownfield Assessment Grant. The Environmental Protection Agency defines a brownfield as a property where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the pr Read moreThe phases of revitalization in Berkeley County
There are plenty of reasons for the double-digit increases in auto insurance rates seen in South Carolina and elsewhere in the U.S., but that doesn't make paying the bills any easier.

Having coverage is both a prudent financial decision and a legal requirement, but there are several ways to keep the expense as low as possible.

The peak COVID-19 pandemic years gave vehicle owners a little break from rates that typically go up year after year and had increased by 33 percent from 2013 through 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For the next four years, premiums stayed in a narrow range, but this year they took off again. According to the BLS, rates in July were 18 percent higher than a year earlier, and a Washington Post report claimed rates in South Carolina were up by 47 percent.

"I think the methodology might be questionable," said Russ Dubisky, executive director of the industry-funded SC Insurance Association, referring to the newspaper article.

It's hard to disagree, because the idea that auto insurance rates increased 47 percent in South Carolina while falling 24 percent in Georgia seems more than odd. But Dubisky said rates probably did increase in the Palmetto State by a percentage in the upper teens, and that's still a lot.

Depending on what you drive, which company insures your ride and the coverage carried you may or may not have seen a huge premium increase.
CAMDEN  Camden officials say their city has drawn more commercial investment over the past five years than in more than 25 years prior.

For four decades, South Carolinas oldest inland city was shrinking, according to U.S. Census data, hitting an estimated low point of about 6,800 people some time after 2000.

"No one was really moving into Camden for a long time," said city Councilman Jeffrey Graham, who also works as a Realtor.

But in the past 15 years, Kershaw County's largest town has reversed its fortune, with the population returning to 1980s levels  roughly 750 people shy of its 1970s peak of more than 8,500, census data shows.

With more rooftops rising, the city turned its attention to bringing in more businesses to serve its growing population base, as well as those living outside the city limits and in neighboring towns.

The home of the Carolina Cup steeplechase horse racing has used tax and fee rebates, as well as infrastructure updates, to prompt new development and redevelopment of its downtown core, Interstate 20 interchange and a pair of long-vacant shopping centers.

"There is a newfound sense of pride in our community," said Kat Spadacenta, who manages the citys Main Street Program encouraging downtown development.

Draw for investors

Even those not native to Camden who have moved to the Midlands town from outside the Palmetto State have begun investing, realizing the potential of a smaller, more rural city on the outskirts of South Carolina's Capital City metro area.

In 2015, the Camden City Council passed an incentives program meant to encourage development in set corridors by waiving certain fees for developers. That has resulted in roughly 10 projects in the time since, said city Planning and Development Director Shawn Putnam.

In an effort to draw Interstate 20 travelers into town, Camden added lighting and planted trees, making it the only lit interchange between Florence and Columbia and giving visitors the sense that it was a safe place to stop, Putnam said.
The program was called Clinical Pastoral Education and was the hospital-based internship required to begin a career in health care chaplaincy. Each morning, the interns went onto the wards to support patients in need of spiritual care. Read moreNorris Burkes: Pregnant with the truth
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High near 75F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. Low 46F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
In Mississippi, Dave Dennis  one of the architects of Freedom Summer  drove around in a Ford station wagon. It was the main vehicle used by members of the Congress of Racial Equality, or CORE, so it wasnt uncommon for its project director to lend the car to others.

It was discovered, burned, in a thicket of trees off Highway 21 near the Bogue Chitto River in Neshoba County. Earlier, on the night of June 21, 1964, three CORE operatives  James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman  were murdered by white supremacists. The two White men were killed instantly. Chaney, a Black activist, was tortured before he was shot and likely buried in an earthen dam while still alive.

Dennis has never recovered from this loss. It happened on his watch. He likely would have been with his colleagues  and one of the victims  that night investigating the latest church burning, except he fell ill and reluctantly remained at home.

But Dennis forged on, for what else could a social justice warrior do?

That persistence was acknowledged Sept. 7 by the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation, which honored Dennis with its Danielle Hope Watson Commitment to Justice Award at a fundraising banquet.

Past recipients of the award include judges Richard Fields, Ernest Finney Jr., Alex Sanders and Bernard Fielding, former S.C. Chief Justice Jean Toal, former state legislators Lucille Whipper and McKinley Washington Jr., educator-activist Millicent Brown, former College of Charleston President Ted Stern, the Rev. Nelson B. Rivers III, former YWCA of Greater Charleston director Christine Jackson and attorney Armand Derfner.

At the dinner reception in downtown Charleston, several people paid tribute to Dennis, including his son Dave Dennis Jr., colleagues at The Algebra Project and attorney Bakari Sellers, whose father, Cleveland, also was among the leaders of Freedom Summer.

Dennis Jr., an author and freelance journalist, said that American history has not favored the Black family, yet his father, in addition to his civil rights work, succeeded as a family man. This represents its own kind of social justice victory, for now a son can advance the cause, now a grandson can benefit from his grandfathers hard work, Dennis Jr. said.
As dusk fell the Saturday before Halloween, a coven of witches donning conical black hats and dark-colored clothing passed out candy to children during their annual event, which focuses on bringing the community together while supporting a good cause. Read moreCoven of friendly, neighborhood witches parade through Park Circle for a good cause
Our society is facing many challenges, but one that seems to lie just beneath the surface is a decline in empathy. We don't understand one another. We just aren't able (as the saying goes) to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. We can't see what motivates others, what makes them tick. As sy Read moreStevens: We need more empathy, and reading more can help
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

NEW DELHI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China and Britain should jointly oppose mixing trade and economic cooperation with politics and security, promote the building of an open world economy and uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday.

China and Britain are both advocates, practitioners and beneficiaries of free trade, said Li when meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 summit. 
The S.C. Supreme Courts long-awaited opinion explaining why it ordered convicted murderer Jeroid Price back to prison should be required reading for all judges, and indeed all public officials. It is the work of an aggressively pro-open-government court that says essentially: Were considering not just individual opaque actions but the cumulative effect of secret government, and if were going to err, its going to be on the side of the public access to courts mandated by the state constitution, the federal Constitution and state law.

The courts decision to overturn now-retired Circuit Judge Casey Mannings secret order releasing Mr. Price just 19 years into a 35-year sentence turned not on criminal law per se but on the breathtaking secrecy surrounding that order.

Some judges have become too comfortable closing our courtrooms to the public. Doing so is almost always unconstitutional and illegal, the justices reminded us over and over in the 36-page opinion released Wednesday. Doing so, they demonstrated, can invalidate an order and subject a judge to withering public criticism the likes of which we rarely see from the court.

Associate Justice John Few wrote for the courts 3-2 majority that Judge Manning made no attempt to determine whether the law permitted any portion of the proceedings to be closed to the public and committed multiple errors of law and acted outside his authority. Even the error that didnt directly involve secrecy contributed to it: releasing Mr. Price without the required written request from the solicitor, which would have provided a paper trail that did not exist.

As to Judge Manning's attempt to seal the ORDER REDUCING SENTENCE, we begin by making clear that even if there were lawful authority to seal a portion of the record here, and even if there were a sufficient factual basis to support sealing a portion of the record here, the order itself should never have been sealed, Justice Few wrote. To illustrate the importance of this point, sealing the order made it impossible for the clerk to comply with state law that provides Every clerk of court shall report the disposition of each case in the Court of General Sessions to the State Law Enforcement Division within five days of disposition.
In two new public service announcements airing on TVs across South Carolina, the message is clear: If you cannot care for your own newborn baby, there's another option.

The 30-second spots, produced by the state Department of Public Services, aim to raise awareness about Daniel's Law, which allows a parent to legally and anonymously give up an infant less than 60 days old at designated safe havens like hospitals, fire houses, police stations or staffed houses of worship.

The ads were in the works long before South Carolina's restrictive new abortion law took effect, but also come at a time when abortion-rights advocates expect the state's birth rate to increase  including among those who say they aren't emotionally, financially or secure enough to become parents.

Both commercials open with the same scene of a woman holding a baby carrier as she walks toward a fire station. Both ads show an emotional moment of surrender when she hands a delicate newborn baby over to the care of an EMS worker and a firefighter.

"What happens if a parent safely surrenders their newborn baby?" a female narrator asks in the public service announcement that makes clear legal abandonment is "a safe option that's not intended to punish anyone."

The segments have nearly identical scripts that describe the basics of the law and where a baby can be relinquished.

The videos also end with the same plea: "We urge any parent in crisis to ask for help and give your child a chance at a healthy, happy life."

The Palmetto State is seeing a record number of mothers who are choosing this rare but entirely legal choice. In the span of 10 days, from Aug. 28 to Sept. 6, three different infants were legally abandoned under the state's safe haven law:
Perhaps the most important case now wending its way through the federal courts is State of Missouri v. Biden. In that case, the states of Missouri and Louisiana, along with individuals including Jay Bhattacharya and Jim Hoft, allege that various federal agencies violated their First Amendment rights by leaning on social media platforms to censor their speech. Yesterday, in a 3-0 decision, a panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court decision in plaintiffs favor as to the White House, the FBI, the Centers for Disease Control and the Surgeon General, finding that those agencies improperly coerced social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, in violation of the Constitution. Scott wrote about the decision here.

The decision, which I think is impressively well-reasoned, is embedded below. I encourage you to read it; you probably can skip the lengthy discussion of standing. The starting point is that the Constitution constrains government, not private parties. So the question is, when does conduct undertaken by a private party (a social media platform) become state action for purposes of the First Amendment?

The opinion poses the question this way:

The government cannot abridge free speech. U.S. Const. amend. I. A private party, on the other hand, bears no such burden-it is not ordinarily constrained by the First Amendment. Manhattan Cmty. Access Corp. v. Halleck, 139 S. Ct. 1921, 1930 (2019). That changes, though, when a private party is coerced or significantly encouraged by the government to such a degree that its choice-which if made by the government would be unconstitutional, Norwood v. Harrison, 413 U.S. 455, 465 (1973)-must in law be deemed to be that of the State. Blum v. Yaretsky, 457 U.S. 991, 1004 (1982); Barnes v. Lehman, 861 F.2d 1383, 138536 (5th Cir. 1988).9 This is known as the close nexus test.10 Under that test, we begin[] by identifying the specific conduct of which the plaintiff complains. Am. Mfrs. Mut. Ins. Co. v. Sullivan, 526 U.S. 40, 51 (1999) (quoting Blum, 457 U.S. at 1004 (Faithful adherence to the state action requirement . . . requires careful attention to the gravamen of the plaintiffs complaint.)). Then, we ask whether the government sufficiently induced that act. Not just any coaxing will do, though. After all, the government can speak for itself, which includes the right to advocate and defend its own policies. Southworth, 529 U.S. at 229; see also Walker, 576 U.S. at 207. But, on one hand there is persuasion, and on the other there is coercion and significant encouragement-two distinct means of satisfying the close nexus test. See Louisiana Div. Sons of Confederate Veterans v. City of Natchitoches, 821 F. Appx 317, 320 (5th Cir. 2020) (per curiam) (Responding agreeably to a request and being all but forced by the coercive power of a governmental official are different categories of responses . . .). Where we draw that line, though, is the question before us today.

The courts analysis is detailed, exhaustive, and, I think, fair. The great thing about this lawsuit is that the plaintiffs lawyers have done an excellent job of creating a factual record. They have the goods on the Biden administration. The communications that passed between government agencies, including the White House, and tech companies are damning. This case is obviously destined for the Supreme Court, but I am confident that the plaintiffs lawyersI would credit them by name if I knew who has been doing the heavy liftinghave generated a record that will sustain a positive result. And for the moment, at least, we have a Supreme Court that believes in the Constitution and in free speech.

One last comment: The emails between government officials and employees of companies like Facebook and Twitter make depressing reading. I am sure that most, if not all, of these tech employees would describe themselves as independent free-thinkers. Perhaps as rebels, even radicals. And yet, when the Biden administration turned on the heat, they were toadies. The alacrity with which they jumped to do the governments bidding can only remind one of compliant citizens of regimes in the 1930s that undertook to destroy civil rights and met with little opposition. This is perhaps due to the fact that they are products of our unbelievably bad education system, but that is a topic for another day.

Here is the opinion:
The Biden administration has released a guidance to federal agencies that calls on them to include Indigenous Knowledge in decision making:

Today, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) jointly released new government-wide guidance and an accompanying implementation memorandum for Federal Agencies on recognizing and including Indigenous Knowledge in Federal research, policy, and decision making.

You may wonder, what the Hell is Indigenous Knowledge? Obviously, there is no such thing. There is just knowledge. Just as there is only science. Not Indigenous Science.

The White House press release sheds a little light on what they are talking about, but not much:

Indigenous Knowledge is a body of observations, oral and written knowledge, innovations, practices, and beliefs developed by Tribes and Indigenous Peoples through interaction and experience with the environment. The Biden-Harris Administration has formally recognized Indigenous Knowledge as one of the many important bodies of knowledge that contributes to the scientific, technical, social, and economic advancements of the United States and our collective understanding of the natural world.

If you are looking for specific instances of Indigenous Knowledge that is somehow different from anyone elses knowledge, and that have contributed to scientific advancements, you wont find them in the White House statement. But I think this offers a clue:

To develop the guidance, OSTP and CEQ led a working group of more than 25 Federal departments and agencies. The White House engaged more than a thousand individuals, organizations, and Tribal Nations on elevating Indigenous Knowledge in Federal decision making. Engagement included Nation-to-Nation Consultation, meetings, and input from more than 100 Federally recognized Tribes, public listening sessions, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Roundtables, a Native and Indigenous Youth Roundtable, conference outreach, and dozens of individual meetings with others with experience and expertise on Indigenous Knowledge. In summer 2022, a draft of the guidance was released to Tribal Nations for consultation. Input from that consultation has shaped the final guidance.

Most of the people involved in this boondoggle are reliable supporters of the Democratic Party, and some are getting paid. Indigenous Knowledge includes the understanding that being politically connected can generate rivers of cash, especially in a Democratic administration.

The Daily Caller has more, including a call to respect knowledge provided by spirits, and a suggestion that the Maui wildfire disaster may have been contributed to by deference to Indigenous Knowledge.
In a perfect world, voters would be required to show up on Election Day to cast their ballots. Unfortunately, the pandemic handed Democrats a golden opportunity to implement mail-in voting and its close cousins, early voting and ballot harvesting, on an unprecedented scale. As dangerous and unpalatable as these activities may be, they are here to stay.

By Election Day, Democratic candidates, who have been getting out the vote for weeks, are often way ahead of their Republican rivals, who start the day with a serious vote deficit.

The Messengers Kristin Tate highlighted just how pervasive  and pivotal  the use of mail-in voting was in the 2020 election in a recent article.

In 2020, only about a third of Americans voted at a physical polling location on Election Day.  The expansion of Election Day to Election Month brought out a number of lower-propensity, and arguably lower-information, voters who cast their ballots by the millions. Young people increased their voting share sharply in the last election. In some states, the changes were even more dramatic. Between 2016 and 2020, New Jersey saw its share of mail ballots increase from just 7% to an astounding 86%. The partisan lean should be no more surprising. Among voters in Pennsylvania who voted by mail, 76% went for Joe Biden. In Maryland, it was 81%. In the crucial state of Georgia, Trump received just 34% of the mail-in ballots. The 2020 trampling of precedent under the guise of an emergency was especially pronounced in critical states such as Pennsylvania, where officials were ordered to count mail-in ballots that arrived within three days after the election toward the final result  even those that did not have a postmark. The move undoubtedly had a massive impact on the swing states outcome.

Regrettable as it is, mail-in voting is here to stay. This means that if Republicans ever plan to win another election, we need to hop on the bandwagon  fast. We must master vote-by-mail and the other techniques that have worked so well for Democrats in the past few election cycles, or we will continue to lose otherwise winnable races.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who won reelection by nearly 20 points last year, showed us just how its done. In April 2022, the governor signed Senate Bill 524, Election Administration, into law. This legislation was aimed at strengthening election integrity in the state.

Provisions of the bill included requiring voter rolls to be annually reviewed and updated, strengthening ID requirements, establishing the Office of Election Crimes and Security to investigate election law violations, and increasing penalties for violations of election laws.

At the bill-signing ceremony, DeSantis reminded reporters of the debacle that had occurred in the state following the 2000 presidential election. He then explained the steps his administration has taken to ensure secure elections.

Twenty years ago, nobody thought Florida was a prime example of how to conduct elections, but we have become a national leader by running the most secure elections in the country. We need to do more to ensure our elections remain secure. We have ended ballot harvesting, stopped drop boxes and the mass mailing of ballots, and banned Zuckerbucks, and this bill will give us more resources to make sure bad actors are held accountable.

Ive certainly been wrong before, but I am firmly convinced that, if not for the introduction of nearly universal mail-in voting in 2020, early voting, and the widespread use of ballot harvesting, former President Donald Trump would have won reelection.

Republicans should have been better prepared to thwart the Democrats chicanery in 2020. Perhaps they underestimated the length to which the party would go to win.

Three years later, we know that Democrats will do anything to remain in power.

We must do better. America cant survive another five years of Democratic rule.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-10 20:31:35

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 466 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2023 / Center Mass Universe team is pleased to inform the community about the further development, a captivating musical duo hailing from the enchanting deserts of Arizona, is orchestrating a musical revolution that defies the conventional boundaries of categorization. Comprising the exceptionally talented frontman and founder of Center Mass Universe, Todd Krasovetz, renowned for his wildly successful career as an artist, with notable contributions to NASA, Apollo 11, and military art, brings his creativity to the forefront, helping launch Center Mass Universe into the spotlight. Alongside musician Uros Brosic from Slovenia, this dynamic duo is poised to redefine the very essence of contemporary music with their remarkable fusion of rock and dance beats.Center Mass Universe's music has earned high praise. Music critic Kara Greskovic, renowned for her expertise in Nashville, Tennessee, had this to say about Center Mass Universe's music: "It's so cool and unique - I can really see your music being used in possible sync opportunities, such as movies and video games and television shows. There is a huge market for this style of music." However, what truly sets the Center Mass Universe apart? The duo provides with a glimpse into their creative process, stating, "We aim to transcend boundaries through musical portals, traversing multiple dimensions and spaces where time ceases to exist." It's an artistic journey that transcends music's confines and takes listeners on an extraordinary voyage.At the core of Center Mass Universe's debut lies their captivating track, "Running Water." This musical masterpiece delves into the translucent attributes of water, elegantly capturing the fluid patterns and movements within its music. Center Mass Universe accomplishes this feat through a masterful blend of natural and electronic instruments, crafting a mesmerizing composition that boldly defies traditional genre classifications. "Running Water" is not just a song; it's a sonic experience.About Center Mass UniverseCenter Mass Universe, formed by the talented duo Uros Brosic and Todd Krasovetz, pushes the boundaries of music by seamlessly blending rock and dance beats. Their music resonates with those in search of a one-of-a-kind sonic experience that defies conventions and invites listeners into a realm where music knows no bounds.To experience the unique sounds of Center Mass Universe, users can tune in on Spotify: Listen on SpotifyFor more insights into their artistry, visit their official website: Center Mass Universe Official WebsiteAlbum Art by Todd KrasovetzCritic Song ReviewsGalamatica: https://dancing-about-architecture.com/galamatica-center-mass-universe-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/ Water Running: https://dancing-about-architecture.com/water-running-center-mass-universe-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/ Rogue Star: https://dancing-about-architecture.com/rogue-star-center-mass-universe-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/ Center Mass Universe: https://dancing-about-architecture.com/center-mass-universe-center-mass-universe-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/ Social Handles:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CenterMassUniverse-CENTE-kb7cr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centermassuniverse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centermassuniverse/ Contact Info:Company: Center Mass UniverseName: Todd KrasovetzEmail: inquiry@ centermassuniverse.com SOURCE: Center Mass Universe
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-10 11:53:37

Press Information

Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited









+91 7580990088

email

www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com



Published by

Parmeet Singh

7580990088

e-mail

https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/







# 694 Words

+91 7580990088Parmeet Singh7580990088

The global surgical tumor ablation market report is a comprehensive report that provides a detailed analysis of the current status and future trends of the surgical tumor ablation market worldwide. This report provides valuable information to industry stakeholders by offering an in-depth perspective on market dynamics, competitive landscape, growth opportunities, and key challenges faced by industry participants.From the perspective of market dynamics, this report explores the factors driving the growth of the surgical tumor ablation market. This includes the increasing demand for surgical tumor ablation products due to changes in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the demand for more efficient and sustainable solutions. Additionally, government regulations and initiatives to promote the adoption of surgical tumor ablation products also contribute to market growth. On the other hand, this report identifies and analyzes factors that may hinder market growth, such as economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and intense competition in the market.Request for Sample Report:The competitive landscape section of the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the leading companies operating in the surgical tumor ablation market. It introduces the major companies, their business strategy, product portfolio, recent trends, and financial performance. This analysis provides valuable insights for market stakeholders to understand the intensity of competition in the market and gain an insightful view of the strategies adopted by major market players to maintain their position.Some of the major companies in the Surgical Tumor Ablation market are as follows: AngioDynamics, Boston Scientific Corporation, EDAP TMS, Galil Medical, HealthTronics, Medtronic, Medtronic, Misonix, NeuWave Medical, SonaCare MedicalBy segmenting the market, the report provides a detailed understanding of each segment by analyzing market size, growth potential, and key trends within each segment. Through this detailed analysis, industry participants can identify profitable opportunities, develop strategies tailored to specific customer segments, and allocate resources effectively.Market Segmentation:Type: Radiofrequency Ablation, Microwave Ablation, Cryoablation, OthersApplication: Liver Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, OthersIdentifying growth opportunities is crucial for companies operating in the surgical tumor ablation market. This report focuses on highlighting these opportunities by analyzing emerging technologies, market trends, and changing customer needs that have the potential to shape the future of the market. By identifying untapped market segments, geographies with high growth potential, and innovative product development strategies, this report supports stakeholders in harnessing these opportunities and leading business growth.In addition, this report addresses the key challenges faced by industry participants. It provides insightful information on challenges such as intense market competition, price pressure, regulatory compliance, and technological confusion. By understanding these challenges, companies can develop effective mitigation strategies and adapt to a constantly changing market environment. This enables them to ensure sustainable growth.The regional analysis section of the global surgical tumor ablation market report thoroughly evaluates the market in various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. This section provides valuable information on market size, growth potential, and key market trends specific to each region.Market by Regions:North AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.FranceItalySpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaJapanRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaGCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaThis report provides a comprehensive assessment of the surgical tumor ablation market in these specific regions, enabling stakeholders to understand regional differences, market potential, and growth prospects. This provides valuable insights that help make informed decisions related to market entry, expansion strategies, and resource allocation. Additionally, understanding the regulatory landscape and market dynamics in each region is useful for companies to comply with regulatory requirements and adjust their business strategies to fit specific markets.Overall, the global surgical tumor ablation market report strives to provide comprehensive and practical information to industry stakeholders. By offering a deep understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, growth opportunities, and potential risks, this report plays a valuable role as a tool for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Through this information, they are able to make informed business decisions and execute successful strategies in the dynamic and evolving surgical tumor ablation market.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-11 00:02:36

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 471 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

The mining industry in Australia is a significant contributor to the country's economy, attracting a diverse workforce from across the nation.PERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2023 / With the rapid growth in mining operations, the demand for skilled professionals has outpaced the availability of qualified FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) chefs, creating an industry-wide challenge that hinders efficient operations.rigger jobs, chef jobs, mining chef jobs, fifo chef jobs perth Technology-driven staffing agency Techforce specializes in the resource and mining sectors and is dedicated to tackling the persistent FIFO chef shortage in Australia's mining industry. Leveraging its expertise and extensive network, Techforce aims to bridge the gap between mining companies and talented culinary professionals, revolutionizing the recruitment landscape for mining chef jobs.Recognizing the importance of having well-equipped culinary teams onsite, Techforce has employed a strategic approach to tackle this chef shortage head-on. Through their recruitment processes, Techforce facilitates seamless connections between mining companies seeking chef talent and experienced culinary experts seeking FIFO opportunities.Techforce has adopted a comprehensive screening process to identify skilled and experienced chefs who possess the necessary qualifications and certifications. By streamlining the hiring process, they ensure mining companies have access to a pool of pre-vetted, competent chefs who can readily adapt to the unique challenges posed by FIFO arrangements.Techforce's innovative solution focuses on making FIFO chef jobs Perth-wide more attractive to potential candidates. By offering competitive remuneration packages, flexible work schedules and opportunities for career growth, the platform aims to enhance the overall appeal of FIFO positions within the culinary community.Techforce understands the critical role skilled chefs play in maintaining the wellbeing and satisfaction of mining site personnel and their goal is to address the chef shortage. This is done by facilitating mutually beneficial connections between mining companies and talented culinary professionals, ultimately contributing to the success of Australia's mining industry.In addition to mitigating the chef shortage, Techforce empowers mining companies to create sustainable staffing solutions, ensuring their culinary teams remain resilient during periods of fluctuating demand.As Techforce continues to gain momentum in its mission to address the FIFO chef shortage, the company remains dedicated to upholding its reputation as a trusted staffing partner in the mining sector. The platform's user-friendly interface, coupled with its commitment to sourcing top-tier talent, has positioned Techforce as a trailblazer in revolutionizing the recruitment process for all types of positions including chef jobs and rigger jobs in mining regions across Australia.To explore current opportunities, visit https://www.techforce.com.au/jobseekers About TechforceTechforce is a renowned recruitment and workforce management company with a mission to empower individuals to succeed in the rapidly evolving job market. With a strong focus on the mining industry, Techforce offers innovative solutions that bridge the gap between job seekers and employers.Contact InformationTechforce Personnel Marketing Manager recruitment@ techforce.com.au (08) 6363 7040SOURCE: Techforce
Experts in mining, manufacturing and other non-oil sectors of the Nigerian economy are calling for increased focus on sectors outside the energy industry as a key pivot of growth at a time when the country is struggling to restore crude production to pre-pandemic levels.

The stakeholders made the recommendation in Lagos at the 2023 National Policy Dialogue on Non-oil Exports, a roundtable that drew professionals from the private sector, the public sector, the media and regulatory agencies.

The think tank deliberated on a raft of barriers confronting the non-oil sector ranging from regulatory hurdles, logistic bottlenecks and port congestion to multiple taxation and corruption, and prescribed solutions which it hopes to present to the government for adoption.

We are hopeful that the government will partner with us in implementing all the things that will make our exports competitive, said Ahmad Rabiu, the president of the Network of Practising Non-oil Exporters Association of Nigeria.

It is only when we churn out high-quality products at competitive prices in time that we will be able to compete with smaller countries around us in Africa, in Asia and in the rest of the world, he added.

Aisha Abubakar, an erstwhile minister of state for industry, trade and investment, while giving her keynote address emphasised the urgency to ramp up non-oil exports as foreign exchange earnings face perennial pressure from the devaluation of the naira.

READ ALSO:

The export for survival slogan of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council is clear on the need for Nigeria to implement its export development strategy as a matter of urgency, she said.

Indeed, there is no better time than now to qualitatively find solutions to challenges that are plaguing Nigerias non-oil sector from both the demand and the supply side and to create an enabling environment for the non-oil sector to thrive.

Mrs Abubakar said Africas largest economy is still dominated by informal businesses that need to be formalised and transformed to measure up to the demands of international trade, adding that the task of non-oil export development does not rest on the government alone.

Nigerias non-oil exports grew by roughly 40 per cent in 2022, reaching a record $4.8 billion, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. That translates to only one-tenth of the countrys export earnings, with oil contributing the rest.

A panel session at the dialogue advocated the need for watchdog agencies to concentrate on their core regulatory functions rather than get distracted by revenue generation, which is the mandate of the agencies they are overseeing.

The dialogue was facilitated by Talking Trade & Investment Global Canada and FemiBoyede Consulting with PREMIUM TIMES, Business Day and Dataphyte as media partners.

Many of us turn regulatory responsibilities to revenue responsibilities. It is a hindrance to trade, said Dere Nnadi, who represented the acting comptroller general of the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi.

Those with regulatory functions should face regulatory functions. People are jumping into acts that are not found in their legal framework, he added

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


One of Nigerias fastest-rising stars, Rema, has achieved a remarkable milestone with his hit single Calm Down, featuring Selena Gomez, reaching one billion streams on Spotify.

This is the first African artiste-led track to join the Billions Club on Spotify.

The Selena Gomez-assisted remix was released in August 2022 taking the world by storm.

According to data from Spotifys Afrobeats: Journey to a Billion Streams project, Rema ranks among the platforms top 10 most streamed Afrobeats artistes.

So, it is no surprise that the song has reached this milestone in over a year.

The achievement highlights Remas growing influence in the music industry and stresses the power of cross-cultural musical fusion in todays interconnected world.

Its a blessing. Its not just a big win for me, my team and my family; its also a big one for the culture. I feel thrilled, and Im proud of the fans for returning to the song and putting people on the song. Shout out to the DJs and everyone who made this possible, said Rema in a statement on Sunday.

Calm Down quickly became a worldwide favourite because of its catchy mix of Afrobeats rhythms, blended with afro-fusion melodies, Remas unique and soulful singing and the unexpected addition of Selena Gomez on an Afrobeats song.

The song production was made with modern and traditional elements, showing how African music is changing and growing.

The billion-stream milestone on Spotify is no small feat, as it signifies the popularity of Calm Down and Remas ability to create music that transcends borders and resonates with a diverse audience.

Feat

His unique sound has propelled him to the forefront of the global music stage, with the song having its highest streams from the USA, India, Mexico, Brazil and the UK.

The songs infectious chorus and relatable lyrics have made it a go-to track for dancefloors and personal playlists, with data showing that Calm Down has been added to over a million Spotify playlists.

This milestone is remarkable for Rema, marking a pivotal moment for this talented artist and the Afrobeats community. The genre is making a significant impact and gaining substantial influence on the global music stage. We are excited to continue supporting it at Spotify, said Victor Okpala, Spotifys Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa.

He added that this moment symbolises the power of music to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.

 It serves as a beacon for aspiring artists to create authentic, boundary-pushing music that resonates with audiences worldwide.

With this milestone, Rema cements his place as a true music trailblazer and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in his career, he noted.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with European Council President Charles Michel on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

NEW DELHI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Lying at the opposite ends of Eurasia, there is no geopolitical conflict between China and Europe, let alone a fundamental conflict of interests, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday.

China is ready to work with Europe to promote the sound and steady development of the bilateral relationship, Li said when meeting with European Council President Charles Michel on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

As China and Europe are two major forces, markets and civilizations in the world, China-Europe relations bear on global stability and prosperity of the Eurasian continent, Li said.

He added that China hopes to see a prosperous and stable Europe, and is ready to work with the European side to stay committed to their partnership, further strengthen dialogue and exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and properly handle sensitive issues, to promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations and inject stability and positive energy into this turbulent world.

Li pointed out that both sides should strengthen strategic guidance. As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, the Chinese premier said he looks forward to co-chairing the new round of China-EU summit with Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

China's development is an opportunity, not a risk, for Europe, and both sides should continue to open up and cooperate for mutual benefit, the premier said.

No matter now or in the future, Li pledged that China is and will remain a trustworthy friend and partner of Europe. China stands ready to work with Europe to enhance dialogue and negotiation, discuss establishing relevant mechanisms to promote the reliability and stability of China-Europe economic and trade relations, he said, welcoming more European businesses to invest and operate in China.

Michel, for his part, said that the EU is willing to be a sincere, credible and constructive friend and partner of China.

A prosperous China is good for the EU and the wider world, and the EU has no intention to contain China's development, Michel said. The EU adheres to the one-China principle and stands ready to work with China to host a successful EU-China summit, deepen dialogue and cooperation in various fields, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change, public health, security and stability. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with European Council President Charles Michel on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
The Nigerian government has said it will digitalise the countrys healthcare system to achieve better health outcomes.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, while speaking at a press briefing on the ministrys agenda for the sector, said digitalising the health system will help facilitate accurate data to improve activities in the sector.

Mr Alausa said the health system requires accurate and valid data that can be trusted locally and internationally.

We need to begin to make sure that the data we collect are accurate, and they are validated, they can be trusted, internationally, and locally and can be used to deliver care to our people, he said.

And then once you have validated data that you can trust, you can begin to see the indices where you are getting better, where you are doing well, and where you are not doing well. Then you can recheck your interventions to improve those outcomes.

He said as part of the digitalisation process, the government will roll out a national electronic medical record where all primary health centres (PHC) and hospitals can be on the same platform.

Then as we move into the future, we will encourage each state government to use the same platform, the minister added.

Improving healthcare

Speaking at the briefing, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said there is a lot of potential for improvement for Nigerian citizens to be healthier.

Mr Pate said there are many issues in the health sector including leadership problems which can be addressed when everybody works together to achieve a particular goal.

We are blessed to have about 400,000 health workers who are working under difficult circumstances to deliver quality health services to the people. We appreciate them, but there is a lot more we can do in the health sector, he said.

We will do this togetherthe federal government, state government, MDAs, as well as the private sector.

He said the government will also strengthen the regulatory capacity of health institutions like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Mr Pate said the ministry will also ensure health security to prevent and contain disease outbreaks.

Research funding

Mr Pate noted that the ministry would be working to rejig the research institutions in the country.

He said there are lots of professors in the country who lack adequate funding and resources to support their work.

We will unleash our clinical research. We will put more money into research which will make us more dependent on our pharmaceuticals, he said.

READ ALSO:

Mr Alausa, the junior minister, said the health system will become well regulated and research institutes will work together.

We have a lot of research institutions but everybody is working independently. We will rejig our research institutions, make them work collaboratively, and get them to do what they are meant to do, he said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Atinuke Akinbade is a smallholder farmer. She is into crop production in Oyo State, south-west Nigeria. She started farming, mainly cassava, 15 years ago after an unsuccessful trading career.

Ms Akinbade is the coordinator of the Smallholder Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON), Oyo State chapter. She farms and processes cassava and in this episode, she shares her experience with PREMIUM TIMES.

PT: Can you put us through your journey in agriculture?

Mrs Akinbade: I was into buying and selling different commodities but I didnt get maximum output so I decided to try farming. I started 15 years ago and my major intention was to help improve food production in the country. I chose farming because I knew I had the capacity to grow in the sector; I knew I would be fulfilled as a person. More so, farming is quite lucrative.

PT: You are into crop production. Which of the crops do you grow?

Mrs Akinbade: I grow Cassava and maize and I also process garri  cassava flakes.

PT: As a farmer involved in crop production, you need land to cultivate. How have you been able to get farmland for production and what is the size of the land?

Mrs Akinbade: It is not a new thing that land is difficult to get especially for women. For me, I use my parents land for farming, this is because of the size of the land and also how fertile it is. Although I have access to land on my husbands side, they are pretty small for the kind of cultivation Im into.

PT: Are there cooperatives or farmers associations that you belong to; because they help farmers access some benefits from either government or other organizations?

Mrs Akinbade: Yes, I belong to a cooperative society.

PT: How does it work, how do the women benefit from it?

Mrs Akinbade: We just started it. We divide ourselves into 10 groups and we loan ourselves money from the group. When any member needs money, she can approach the group, and get assistance, then pay back with little interest.

PT: How does the association fund itself to give out loans to members?

Mrs Akinbade: We have various ways of funding ourselves: we have contributions, dues and loans from other cooperatives.

PT: What are the challenges you face as a woman farmer?

Mrs Akinbade: The major challenge I face is climate change. It is difficult to manage because I am a smallholder farmer. The major impact of climate change is on my output, change in rain patterns and dry season is also another issue. I cannot practice irrigation because I dont have the resources to construct the irrigation system.

PT: You have complained about climate change, have you gotten any special training or support for farmers in Oyo State?

Mrs Akinbade: The only training we received was on land management and control. It has helped improve our knowledge of land and how to address issues of the environment. It was not really about climate change.

PT: How do you deal with insecurities?

Mrs Akinbade: The governor is doing a great job regarding insecurity, especially for farmers. He helps the farmers to deal with insecurity, so we have less worry on that part.

PT: What kind of tools do you use on your farm? Do you use machines on your farm?

Mrs Akinbade: No, I dont use machines. I use crude tools.

PT: How do you manage labour on your farm?

Mrs Akinbade: We employ workers to work on the farm (Cotonou boys) and we pay N25 per ridge. So if the person works on 200 ridges, he makes N5,000.

PT: What type of seed do you use, how do you plant it and where do you get it from?

Mrs Akinbade: We get the seeds from the market, not improved seeds.

PT: What kind of support do you need as a woman farmer?

Mrs Akinbade: For me and other women farmers, we need grants or loans to buy good seeds better than the ones in the market. We just need access to improved seeds and grants.

PT: Have you, through the association or privately, benefitted from any government support?

Mrs Akinbade: Aside from the training on land management by the state government, the federal government gave them four bottles of chemicals for pests in the year 2021. It was an effort on their part but it was slightly significant. But we added our own for farming that year.

PT: You are into garri processing, do you have a machine for it?

Mrs Akinbade: No we are managing with someone. We buy fuel and we pay a small amount. We are supposed to pay N7,000 but we pay N5,000.

PT: How many bags of garri do you produce from your farm every month or every six months?

Ms Akinbade: It ranges from 15 to 40 bags every month

PT: How many times do you process garri from your farm?

Mrs Akinbade: I process garri every six months with cassava harvested from my farm but I produce every month, I dont wait till every six months; I collect from other farmers too.

PT: Do you have any market for your garri, how do you sell it?

Mrs Akinbade: Some people come to buy while the young members of the cooperative group take bags of garri to the market to sell.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


At least 2,122 people have died and 2,421 injured in the earthquake that hit six cities in Morocco on Friday, Aljazeera is reporting.

Fridays quake is the deadliest the North African country has experienced in 60 years, leaving scores homeless.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the 6.8 magnitude earthquake near Oukaimedene, Morocco, occurred due to oblique-reverse faulting at shallow depth within the Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range, roughly 75 km southeast of Marrakech.

State authorities announced three days of national mourning.

Marrakeshs old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is reportedly badly affected. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCOs director general, in a post on the social networking platform X said, a mission from @UNESCO went this afternoon to the medina of #Marrakech . Our Organization will support the Moroccan authorities to inventory the damage in the areas of #patrimoine & #education , make the buildings safe & prepare for reconstruction.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) noted that it may take months if not years to respond to the effect of the quake fully.

World leaders including Nigerias President Bola Tinubu have extended sympathy to Morocco.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State says his administration has secured a private sector investment of $15 million for the Ayip Eku Oil Palm Estate in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Otu said this when he spoke in Calabar at a media briefing on Friday to mark his 100 days in office.

He said his administration plans to leverage the states comparative advantage in agriculture to provide the needed employment opportunities and also to guarantee food security.

The governor said that in addition to the oil palm investment, the government had also developed a six-year N30 billion agriculture guarantee fund for rice, maize, fisheries and livestock farmers.

He said that 100 hectares of cassava would be cultivated within the next year while the government had commenced planting 3.5 million hybrid oil palm seedlings in 13 locations across the state.

In order to ascertain with precision, the soil texture for specific crops in the different zones of the state, the government has commenced the state-wide digital soil fertility mapping.

This is to ensure that all we are doing will translate to greater yields of different crops.

Continuing, the governor said, In agric-related human capital development, the state has sponsored its indigenes to participate in a cassava-bio value chain conference in Asaba-Delta for the subsequent establishment of a cassava-biofuel factory in the state, as well as a workshop on sustainable oil palm economy, he said.

Similarly, 50 starter-rice growers have been given free rice seedlings, fertiliser and pesticides, while 30 starter-livestock farmers have been assisted with day-old chicks and feeds.

The objective is to leverage the multiplier effect of agriculture on employment and growth of the states Gross Domestic Product, he said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will inaugurate the resurfacing and rehabilitation of 135 roads on 11 September as parts of efforts to improve road infrastructure in the territory.

The Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Ogunleye explained that the projects, which would be implemented within Garki, Wuse, Gwarimpa and Maitama Districts, would also include remedial work of major bridges.

The inauguration ceremony, which will take place along the Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Garki II, Abuja, will be the first major infrastructural development project of the minister.

The minister has expressed his determination to ensure a rapid infrastructural development of the nations capital, he said.

Mr Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, assumed duty as FCT Minister three weeks ago.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Office of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has denied any plan by the minister, Nyesom Wike, to invite the nations anti-graft agencies to investigate his predecessor, Muhammad Bello.

The Director of Press in the FCT, Anthony Ogunleye, made the rebuttal in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Ogunleye said that the rebuttal was in response to a claim by an online media platform that Mr Wike plans to invite EFCC and ICPC to investigate Bello.

He said that the false media publication alleged that Mr Bello would be investigated for alleged irregularities in the award of contracts and other matters.

We categorically and unequivocally state that these reports are entirely baseless and without any merit whatsoever.

The FCT minister, during his routine inspections of various projects within the FCT, has indeed expressed concerns and frustrations regarding irregularities observed in the procurement and execution of certain projects, amongst other observations.

READ ALSO:

However, at no point did he contemplate or authorize any action by anyone within or outside the FCT Administration to invite the EFCC or ICPC to investigate the former FCT minister in connection with these or any other matters.

The online story in question is nothing more than a product of the imagination of its authors and is clearly designed to mischievously sow discord and confusion among the general public, the director said.

Mr Ogunleye said that the FCT Administration viewed such misinformation with great concern and urged the public to exercise caution when in contact with the unfounded reports.

He added that the FCT minister remained focused on his responsibilities to ensure the efficient and transparent administration of the Federal Capital Territory.

Any actions or decisions taken by the FCTA in this regard will be communicated through official channels and in accordance with due process.

We, hereby, advise the public to disregard the story in its entirety, as it is nothing but a deliberate attempt to spread fake news and create unnecessary tensions.

Wike remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the discharge of his duties and remains committed to building the FCT of our collective dreams, Mr Ogunleye said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured Nigerians that the current administration will continue to develop policies that promote national values and orientation among the citizens.

Mr Idris disclosed this at a grand reception organised by the Niger State Government to honour political gladiators from the state, on Saturday, September 9.

He urged state governments to support the Federal Government in the project of reorienting Nigerians, without which, he said, there cannot be meaningful development.

The Minister said the ongoing disbursement of palliatives across the states will be a continuous exercise until the hardship being experienced by citizens as a result of fuel subsidy removal is addressed.

He said the Federal Government is conscious of the peoples needs, and the 8-point agenda was designed and implemented to address the leading socio-economic challenges and create jobs for the youth.

In his remarks, the Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, congratulated those who secured political positions at both the federal and state levels and urged them to be good ambassadors of the state.

He lauded the Federal Governments plans to ameliorate the suffering of the citizens, promising that the state governors would play their part in ensuring that the palliatives reach those for whom they were intended.

The Governor noted that Niger State provides opportunities for agriculture with its mass arable land, saying it can play a huge role in the Federal Governments desire for more prosperity for Nigerians.

The event was well attended by Nigerites across political parties. including heads of traditional institutions in the state.

Meanwhile, the Minister paid courtesy visits to two former heads of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

At the home of the two statesmen, the Minister said visits to elders are part of our cultural heritage, and the fatherly role that they provided for this country over the years will continue to be appreciated. He informed them of the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to return Nigeria to its path of glory.

Mr Abdulsalami congratulated President Tinubus administration for clocking 100 days in office and the Minister, on his appointment.

The information portfolio is a tough job, having to market the image of government at a difficult time. I do not, however, doubt your capabilities, considering your media background, Im sure you will do well.

The government faced a very difficult situation and inherited many challenges with the economy, fuel subsidies, and security. Nigerians, as a people want changes to happen quickly. So, my message to them is they should join hands with the government to overcome these challenges.

The Minister, while responding to questions from the media, indicated that elder statesmen are always known to preach peace and unity, and they have commended Mr President for his efforts in ensuring that there is peace and stability in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is always talking about using our diversity for prosperity, and that is the message the elder statesmen also echoed here.

Nigeria is a very diverse country, and we should use that diversity positively for the progress and development of our dear nation.

The Minister has since returned to Abuja.

Suleiman Haruna

Deputy Director, Press

Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation

September 10, 2023

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The police in Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, said they have arraigned 33 suspected cultists for various crimes in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Ikenga, a deputy superintendent of police, said the suspects were charged with membership of unlawful cult groups, illegal possession and use of hard drugs and other psychotropic substances.

The police spokesperson did not mention the court where the suspects were arraigned. He did not also state when they were arraigned.

He said the arraignment followed the new crackdown on criminals in Anambra State which was ordered by the commissioner of police in the state.

Several suspects are still being held in custody and investigation into various murders committed by suspected cultists (are) still ongoing, he added.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Aderemi Adeoye, has reiterated that there will be no sacred cow in the offensive against cultists in the state, Mr Ikenga said.

Mr Adeoye vowed that the police in the state would not compromise the ongoing investigation into the cases and that anybody indicted would be prosecuted according to the law.

There have been frequent cult-related attacks in Anambra for a while now, especially in Awka.

In July, for instance, suspected cultists beheaded a member of a rival cult leader in Eke Awka Market in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

Earlier in January, at least five people were killed in separate cult-related attacks in Okpuno Community, Awka South and Obosi Community in Idemili North Local Government Areas of the state.

Also, suspected cultists killed six persons in November 2022 in another cult clash in Awka.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Saturday, said insurgency inflicted damages in the North-east to the tune of $9 billion with Borno State alone accounting for $6.8 billion.

Mr Shettima also called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to expand the scope of its interventions in the region to cover more road projects regardless of their status.

The vice president stated this in Maiduguri at the official flag-off ceremony for the distribution of palliatives in the North-east region and the groundbreaking for the Jere Bowl road project.

The event also coincided with the 8th meeting of the North East Governors Forum.

I want to urge the NEDC board to expand the scope of its intervention to cover more road projects across the northeast region, including the Gombe-Bauchi, Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu and Gujiba-Biu roads, among many others.

Though these roads are regarded as Trunk A roads, they will eventually be used by Nigerians, particularly the people of the northeast, Mr Shettima said.

The vice president commended the NEDC board for its prudent management of resources and applauded the support of political leaders, including legislators from the North-east region for standing firm with the commission.

While tracing the history of crisis in the zone, Mr Shettima decried the impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on the North-east, noting that it has inflicted damages in the North-east to the tune of 9 billion dollars. Borno alone has damages worth 6.8 billion dollars.

There are similar destructions across Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba. If North-east of Nigeria was to be treated as a nation, we are poorer than Chad, Afghanistan, Niger, the VP added.

Mr Shettima commended the efforts of governors across the region for uniting the people despite their socio-political differences.

He said, The North-east is a kaleidoscope of colours made up of different people from different socio-political backgrounds. But I want to commend our governors for coalescing these units into a single force irrespective of the differences in political and other backgrounds.

The vice president had earlier performed the official groundbreaking for the construction of the 22.5km Jere Bowl road network project, covering Jere and Mafa LGAs in Borno State, undertaken by the NEDC.

On the distribution of palliatives worth N15 billion to beneficiaries in 110 LGAs and 18 Senatorial districts across the North-east region, the vice president reiterated the commitment of the federal government to the welfare of the people.

Items to be distributed to beneficiaries across the zone include mats, a variety of clothing materials for women and children, blankets, rice and vegetable oil, among others.

Speaking earlier at the event, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, called on the NEDC to be more determined in the discharge of its responsibilities and urged the commission to focus more attention on supporting agriculture, especially irrigation farming in the North-east.

He said as part of efforts to improve the fortunes of the region, the North East Governors Forum will collectively checkmate the activities of illegal miners as well as engage actively with the federal government with the view to exploiting mineral resources in the region for the benefit of the people.

He also commended security agencies for the progress made in the ongoing fight against insurgency and urged them to intensify efforts to eliminate the remnants of fighters hiding in enclaves in parts of the region.

On his part, the NEDC MD/CEO, Mohammed Alkali, welcomed the vice president, governors and other dignitaries to the event, disclosing that the first phase of construction of the Jere Bowl road network was among other infrastructure projects undertaken by the commission across the region.

He disclosed that while the commission has commended the full implementation of the North East Master Plan, it will simultaneously key into the present administrations transport initiative by partnering with the states to deploy affordable and energy efficient electric and CNG-fuelled vehicles.

Indeed, we will factor our activities with the Renewed Hope Agenda Initiative for agricultural value chain, food security, energy, industrialisation and human capital development that can be synchronised with our schemes, programmes and projects.

Also present at the event were governors of Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Yobe, Mai Mala Buni; Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri and Deputy governors of Taraba, Karim Iliyasu and Gombe, Manassah Jatau, and members of the National Assembly, among others.

Olusola Abiola

Director Information

Office of the Vice President

9th September 2023

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The State Security Service (SSS) has arrested the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in charge of Financial System Stability, Aisha Ahmad, Nigerias state television, NTA, reports.

Ms Ahmad was reportedly arrested over her alleged fraudulent acquisition of shares in Polaris Bank, Titan Bank/Union Bank.

The CBN Deputy Governor is currently being interrogated on how $300 million to complete the acquisition of Union Bank was raised by Titan Bank, NTA reported on its X handle.

READ ALSO:

Details of the arrest are still sketchy. Neither the CBN nor the SSS have spoken officially about the arrest which was first reported late Saturday.

PREMIUM TIMES will produce updates of the arrest in subsequent reports.

Ms Ahmeds former boss at the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, is still in SSS custody, over two months after he was arrested.

Mr Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was first charged with possession of a firearm but was later charged with N6.9 billion fraud.

Details later

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


NEW YORK, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Saturday to declare the Lunar New Year a public school holiday across the state.

The legislation requires all public schools to close for the Lunar New Year holiday to allow hundreds of thousands of students of Asian descent to celebrate the festival.

"By designating Lunar New Year as an official school holiday, we are taking an important step in recognizing the importance of New York's AAPI community and the rich diversity that makes New York so great," Hochul said in a statement, referring to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

"It is not just a day off from school - it is an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate their own or different cultures and traditions," she added.

In 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the Lunar New Year as an official public school holiday in New York City.

Earlier this year, the state Senate approved a measure that would allow students at university campuses to observe Lunar New Year without being penalized.

The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for Chinese and Asians around the world. The next Lunar New Year will fall on Feb. 10, 2024. 
President Joe Biden of the US became a momentary photographer for Nigerias Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the G20 summit in India.

The American leader took a photo of Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, as well as some staff of the WTO.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala shared the photo as well as others on her X account.

READ ALSO:

At the G20 leaders Summit. Some great moments with President Joe Biden @POTUS and also with @JakeSullivan46 National Security Advisor, discussing @WTO reform especially reform of the Dispute Settlement System. President Biden surprised us by taking a photo of me, my staff and @JakeSullivan46, she wrote.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that one of the key decisions at the G20 summit was the acceptance of the African Union (AU) as a member of the group.

See the photos shared by Mrs Okonjo-Iweala below.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A controversy has ensued over a copy of the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) circulating online with its pages bearing the inscription of President Bola Tinubus legal team.

Phrank Shaibu, a media aide to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, raised questions on the matter in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Shaibu said the court must explain to Nigerians and the world why the header of Tinubu Presidential Legal Team was on CTC copies of its judgment, feeding rife perception among the supporters of opposition candidates that the court was biased in favour of President Bola Tinubu.

Although, without giving any evidence, Mr Shaibu also reechoed speculations that spread online for weeks that some legal experts within the All Progressives Congress (APC) contributed to the drafting of the judgement.

But Babatunde Ogala, the coordinator of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team (TPLP)  the umbrella body of the battery of lawyers that defended Mr Tinubus election victory at the PEPC  has dismissed widespread concerns about the controversial copy of the judgement as unfounded insinuations.

A certified true copy of the judgement with the marking, Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, appearing on the top right corner of its 798 pages surfaced online on Saturday, days after the court delivered the verdict in an over-12-hour-long proceeding on Wednesday.

The five-member court unanimously dismissed all three petitions challenging Mr Tinubus victory in the 25 February election in its Wednesday judgement.

Two of the petitions were filed by the leading opposition candidates  Atiku and the Labour Partys Peter Obi.

They have both rejected the judgement and vowed to challenge it at the Supreme Court.

After causing needless delay in availing the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and his legal team Certified True Copies of its judgment, the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) must explain to Nigerians and the world ambiguities around why copies of the judgement bear the header of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, Mr Shaibu wrote Saturday.

Shaibus queries

Mr Shaibu queried why Mr Tinubus legal team was able to receive a copy of the judgement ahead of Atikus team which first made a request for it in open court immediately after the panel of five justices finished reading the verdict late Wednesday night.

The curiosity is more confounding based on the fact that the lead counsel to Atiku and the PDP had pleaded in the open court to have express receipt of the judgment, to which Justice Haruna Tsammani agreed to and promised to make the document available the following day, which was Thursday.

Nigerians want to know why the PEPC confers special privileges to the Tinubu Legal Team by making them have a first custody of copies of the PEPC judgment, even though it was more urgent for the Petitioners who needed the document in order to cause an appeal to the Supreme Court within 14 days including weekends, he wrote.

He added that it took the lead counsel for Atiku and the PDP to write a second letter to the court, following an earlier one sent on Thursday, before the petitioners could get the judgement on Friday, hours after, he said, Mr Tinubus team already had custody of it.

He suggested, although without providing proof, that the delay in releasing the judgement to the petitioners could only have been caused by the need to remove the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team header on the copy allegedly issued earlier by the court and was already circulating in the public.

Moreover, we have it on good authority that when the PEPC was informed that the CTC copies of the judgment given to the Respondents were already circulating in the public domain with the header of TPLT on it, a further delay was necessitated by the need for it to undertake a laundry of the documents by removing the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team header before handing over same to the lawyers of Atiku.

Whereas the legal team of the PDP and Atiku have statutory 14 days to prepare its appeal to the Supreme Court, the PEPC had erased 2 days out of that 14 days, no thanks to the PEPC whose Chairman, Justice Tsamani had promised to make available the CTC copy of the judgment to Atiku a day after its judgement was rendered, which ought to have been on Thursday, Mr Shaibu said.

He suggested that unfolding developments after the courts ruling elicit suspicions about whether or not the Tinubu Legal Team provided clerical services to the PEPC.

Otherwise, how and when did the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team creep into a document that was supposed to be the official document of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Mr Shaibu added.

He also suggested, although no proof was provided, that the Tinubu legal teams header on the viral copy of the judgement meant that, except for a valid explanation, the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team is the originator of the document.

The allegation of an external person writing the judgement for the panel of judges came up before the judgement was delivered on Wednesday.

The speculation was rife on the internet in the weeks preceding the verdict, but no evidence was given to back it up.

The immediate-past Minister of Works and former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, who is a senior advocate, had to deny online speculations that he was drafting the then yet-to-be-delivered verdict for the panel.

Mr Shaibu wondered again on Saturday whether the controversial copy of the judgement in circulation implied that the Tinubu Legal Team is deemed to be accorded special privileges?

He also recalled that in the course of delivering its judgement, the PEPC had spoken of the petition it was ruling upon in a vexatious and denigrating language as if it was a crime to bring a case of electoral banditry before the court.

The PEPC must, on its honour if indeed it still has any, clarify why the court chose to put the header of the Tinubu Legal Team on a CTC copy of its judgment document, while the only emblem that should have been on the document is the stamp of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, he said.

He added that Nigerians and the world are earnestly waiting for answers to the posers he had raised as the legal challenge shifts to the Supreme Court.

Mr Shaibu, who doubled down on the claim of widespread fraud during the disputed election, which he referred to as the electoral banditry of February 25, said Atiku decided to appeal to the Supreme Court against Wednesdays verdict as our last-ditch effort to salvage our country and deepen our democracy.

Against the background of the decimation of nearly all of the institutions of state including the Independent National Electoral Commission which dragged us into this quagmire, our intent is to ensure that the judiciary, the last hope of the common man, does not go to the dogs, he said.

Tinubus legal team reacts

Meanwhile, Mr Ogala, a SAN, who coordinates Mr Tinubus legal team, called the marking an innocuous watermark in a statement on Saturday. Mr Shaibu insisted that the inscription was not a watermark but a header signifying the bearers authorship of the document.

Mr Ogala said his team applied and paid the necessary fees for a certified true copy of the judgement just like the petitioners.

He said representatives of his team were at the courts registry in Abuja at the same time as PDPs lawyers to receive the certified true copy of the judgement, and that, contrary to Mr Shaibus claim, the opposition partys lawyers received the first copy released by the court.

He maintained that the copies of the judgement released by the courts registry did not have his teams inscription.

On collecting our own copy, we immediately scanned and water-marked with the inscription  Tinubu Presidential Legal Team (TPLT) before circulating the scanned soft copies to the lawyers in our team.

The certified true copies issued to us and other parties in the petitions by the registry do not contain the said inscription and any insinuation to the contrary is untrue.

Counsel to the petitioners will also appreciate the fact that the insinuations being circulated in some quarters are untrue, unkind, unfair, and unfortunate, as they have the same certified copies of the judgment as we have, he stated.

He also described the issues made out of the copy of the judgement as mischievous necessitating the need for him to issue a clarification.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Jigawa State, has declared the outcome of the House of Representatives election of the Birnin Kudu/Buji Federal constituency as inconclusive.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adamu Yakubu, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the winner of the poll. He scored 39,998 votes.

Mr Yakubu defeated the APC candidate Magaji Dau, who scored 36,735. Mr Dau challenged the outcome of the election at the tribunal.

On Saturday, the election petition tribunal said the election ought to have been declared inconclusive at the first instance because the margin of cancelled votes outnumbered the winning votes.

The chairperson of the tribunal, A. Okeke, ruled that INEC did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, in declaring the result.

INEC did not follow regulations and guidelines, and the manual for Election officials for the 2023 election in conducting the election, and the noncompliance substantially affected the outcome of the election, Mrs Okeke said.

The judge then ordered a re-run election on eight polling units both in Birnin Kudu and Buji local government areas within 90 days.

PREMIUM TIMES understood that the number of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) collected for the eight polling units was 6, 351 and the APC candidate, Mr Dau was trailing behind with 1,926 votes.

Below are the details of polling units where the rerun election will be conducted

1, Registration Area- Birnin Kudu

Polling Unit  Gidan Mai

Number of registered voters  619

Numbers of PVCs collected  601

2. Registration Area, Birnin Kudu

Polling unit  Kiyako PS

Number of Registered voters  1,140

Number of PVCs collected  1,137

3. Registration Area  Sundimina

Polling unit  Gambara

Number of registered voters  803

Number of PVCs collected  799

4. Registration Area  Sundimina

Polling unit  Kwatai Gidan Jatau

Number of registered voters  772

Number of PVCs collected  772

5. Registration Area  Surko

Poling unit  Chagu  Chagu

Number of registered voters  754

Number of PVCs collected  754

6. Registration Area- Kawaya

Polling unit  Kawaya PS

Number of registered voters  947

Number of PVCs collected  930

7. Registration Area  Surko

Polling unit  Badingu

Number of registered voters  814

Number of PVCs collected  814

8. Registration Area Kiyako

Polling units  Kulumi

Number of registered voters  549

Number of PVCs collected  544

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Ogun State government early Sunday morning started the demolition of a five-storey building, DATKEM Plaza, owned by Olufunke Daniel, the wife of a former governor of the state, Gbenga Daniel.

Mr Daniel, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) like Governor Dapo Abiidun, is the senator representing Ogun East district.

Our correspondent who visited the site observed that parts of the building had been demolished.

Neighbours, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES, said workers believed to be agents of the state government began the demolition exercise around 3 a.m. on Sunday.

A resident, Kamorudeen Alaran, said the exercise was undertaken under police protection.

We couldnt sleep. I saw police vehicles so I went back inside. They didnt leave until after 5 a.m. this morning.

Government responsible for demolition  Developer

In a press statement issued later on Sunday, the Project Manager and Developer of the project, Olusegun Lawal, said the state government carried out the demolition.

He said the government gave the owner of the property only a three days notice.

Mr Lawal said the government listed its reason for ordering the removal of the property as inadequate parking space, muster point and airspace.

There is no single structural defect on the building and all relevant and necessary government approvals were obtained.

Reasons adduced by the Government are: 1. Not enough parking space (front of Building is Folagbade str. Sided by two (2) undeveloped streets which are being prepared to be tarred to support parking while the empty piece of land at the back is being negotiated for lease to complement car parking, Mr Lawal added.

Inadequate Muster Point: Muster point is any space outside the building where people can gather in case of fire or emergency. There is ample space around the building that can be used as Muster Point.

Inadequate Airspace. This is a new one. But there is enough airspace as there is no single adjoining building around the four sides of the building.

There is also no concrete fence but only metal grills to ensure proper airflow. It must be noted that there are other buildings within the vicinity that do not even come close in terms of compliance on safety matters.

Demolition started at 3 a.m. Sunday 10 September, 2023 and it is ongoing as we prepare this preliminary report. Building cost is around N1b.

According to Mr Lawal, the third floor of the building houses the Ogun East Senatorial Office of the former governor.

Mr Daniel visited the site on Sunday morning.

The former governor and Mr Abiodun have political differences. Despite both standing for election this year as APC candidates, the governor accused his predecessor of working against his reelection.

They are both from the Ogun East Senatorial District. Mr Daniel won his own senatorial election but Mr Abiodun won in only two of the districts nine local government areas in the governorship election.

Mr Abioduns main opponent in that election, Ladi Adebutu of the PDP, is from the same town, Iperu Remo, as the governor.

Reactions to demolition

Meanwhile, videos and pictures of the partially demolished building have been greeted with outrage on social media.

Also, a governorship aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, in an open letter, urged President Bola Tinubu to call Governor Abiodun to order.

 President Bola Tinubu, you are enabling Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, We keep reporting him but what we see is that the more we report him, the more you pamper him with access to you, It was funny how he made the trip to India coming on the hills of the allegation of a chairman of local government around interference with local government funds, will Ogun now feel safer under President Buhari, a Daura man and unsafe under a Yoruba man?

If no one will tell you, I will, your body language is making us feel very unsafe in Ogun State, first Dapo Abiodun got his thugs to attack me in the premises of a court, and then he shamefully removed Wale Adedayo based on a serious allegation of diversion of local government funds, now a sitting Senator has to deal with this.

 President Bola Tinubu is this the type of thing you stand for, or am I dreaming, The likes of Dapo Abiodun who are profiting from a democratic struggle that took so many lives cannot be allowed to rubbish what is ideal behaviour and conduct in democracy. Mr President in our Yoruba language Dundu Dapo Abiodun nlata Ju. (Dapo Abioduns actions are getting extremely overbearing). The powers and privileges of a governor cannot and should not be so total that a president will be unable to save the people, Mr Showunmi wrote in the letter.

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Lekan Adeniran, said the state government would be issuing a statement on the development.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has assented to a bill creating 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The bill was presented to the governor for assent by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Oladiji Olamide, at a brief ceremony.

A statement by the governors spokesperson, Richard Olatunde, on Saturday, said the Deputy Speaker, Abayomi Akinruntan; Majority Leader, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; and the Parliamentary Secretary, Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju; were at the ceremony.

The governor assented to the creation of the new councils despite sections of the state describing it as unfair.

Akoko communities have complained that they were not given their due number of local governments, while Ese-Odo communities said a part of their territory was ceded to another local government area.

Groups in Akure also alleged that Akure South and Akure North local government areas were shortchanged in the process.

The 33 LCDAs emerged from the states 18 local government areas listed in the Nigerian constitution.

The bill for the creation of the LCDAs was passed by the House shortly after it was presented by the executive arm in July.

The governors spokesperson, Mr Olatunde, described the establishment of the LCDAs as a substantial step towards fulfilling Mr Akeredolus campaign promises and addressing the aspirations of the people for enhanced grassroots development.

He said the governor remains dedicated to delivering impactful projects and initiatives for the development of the state.

On Friday, the governor formally resumed duty after writing to inform the House of Assembly of his return.

The signing of the bill was his first duty since he returned from a three-month medical leave in Germany.

When he began his leave in June, he wrote the lawmakers to officially transfer power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as acting governor.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kano has voided the election of Yusuf Datti, the member of the House of Representatives representing Kura/ Madobi/ Garun-Malam federal constituency.

Mr Datti is a member of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP).

The tribunal ruled that Mr Datti failed to comply with the guidelines of the Electoral Act 2022.

The tribunal found that Mr Datti, a staffer of the Bayero University, Kano did not resign from his appointment at the university, 30 days before the election as mandated by the Electoral Act, 2022.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Musa Kwankwaso, who came second, was, therefore, declared the winner of the poll.

On Sunday, the chairperson of the tribunal, Ngozi Azinge, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to set aside the certificate of return earlier issued to Mr Datti and declared Mr Kwankwaso as the winner of the election.

Electoral rules and regulations are crucial in maintaining the integrity of our democratic process. Failure to adhere to these rules can have serious consequences, Mr Azinge said while delivering the verdict.

In his response to the tribunal judgement, Mr Kwankwaso expressed gratitude and commitment to serve his people.

I appreciate the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the will of the people prevails. I am ready to fulfil my responsibilities as the elected representative for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam constituency, the elated Mr Kwankwaso, who is a former commissioner for rural development in Kano, said.

Meanwhile, the tribunal also affirmed the election of Sani Bala of the APC representing Kunchi Tsanyawa federal constituency.

The candidate of the NNPP, Abdullahi Muhammad, challenged Mr Bala unsuccessfully at the tribunal.

Mrs Azinge ruled that the three witnesses presented by the petitioner at the tribunal lacked cognitive values.

We found contradictory and discrepancies in the testimonies of PW1, PW2 and PW 3 respectively.

It is the duty of the petitioner not only to show but to demonstrate to the tribunal that the respondent didnt score the majority of the votes cast during the election.

This petition is hereby dismissed for lacking in merit, the judge ruled.

With Sundays ruling, the NNPP has now lost two seats in the House of Representatives to the opposition APC in Kano.

In August, the elections petition tribunal nullified the election of the member representing Tarauni Federal Constituency, Mukhtar Yarima.

The election of Mr Yerima, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP) was annulled over certificate forgery.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Hafizu Kawu, challenged the election of Mr Yerima at the tribunal for allegedly forging his primary school certificate.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Gunmen killed a woman in the early hours of Sunday in the Mile 6 area of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

The gunmen also abducted a police officers wife and his daughter.

This is one amongst the several cases of kidnapping in Jalingo, the state capital in a space of two weeks.

Penultimate Friday, gunmen kidnapped over 14 persons at Mayo Dassa, another suburb of Jalingo, but they have since been released unhurt.

The Sunday incident was confirmed by the spokesperson of the states Police Command, Usman Abdullahi.

He said that a serving policeman with the Rivers State Command was shot and his wife, and daughter were taken away.

The woman was shot during the incident and was subsequently confirmed dead at the hospital.

The kidnappers came and scaled through the fence and kidnapped one police officer attached to Rivers State Command by the name Gamaliel.

And in the process kidnapped his wife and daughter. They shot him and a woman in the house. The woman was confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Centre Jalingo. The Command is working to make sure they are being rescued unhurt.

He said the command was working to ensure the victims were released.

Some residents of the area who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES said that the kidnappers in large numbers invaded the area around 2 a.m.

Mazong Ishaya told PREMIUM TIMES that the kidnappers were heavily armed.

He, however, said their target was a clergyman living in the neighbourhood but since they couldnt find him they decided to go into the policemans house.

He said the kidnappers came from the mountains bordering the neighbourhood that has been serving as an operation based for the kidnappers without the authorities acting to flush them.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Nigerias Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Ishaq Salako, has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is targeting to provide 30 million green jobs to Nigerians in its Energy Transition Plans.

The Minister, who represented Mr Tinubu at the just concluded Africa Climate Summit in Kenya, disclosed this on Wednesday while interacting with journalists on the sidelines of the event.

More importantly, we are doing initiative to transit from the use of firewood and coal to the use of Natural gas and more environmentally friendly sources of energy and we target to address about 30 million Nigerians in doing that, he said.

The Minister said the government will ensure that everyone is carried along to ensure energy equity so that Nigerians irrespective of their social economic class are carried along in the plans.

Africa Climate Summit

Between 4 to 6 September, African leaders met in Kenya to advance conversation on how Africa can achieve green growth and sustainable climate financing to curtail the devastating effect of climate change.

The three-day extensive deliberation concluded with the African leaders adopting the Nairobi Declaration and a $23 billion climate commitment to promote green growth, adaptation and mitigation efforts across Africa.

During the Presidential Day of the Summit, Mr Salako delivered Nigerias commitments on behalf of Mr Tinubu to African leaders and global delegates at the summit.

In his speech, he told the leaders that Africas most populous country would require $17.7 billion annually to achieve its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) unconditional pledges by 2030.

the unconditional target in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) requires $17.7 billion in investments annually, the minister, who represented Mr Tinubu, said.

Asked if he thinks Nigeria would benefit from the $23 billion commitment at the summit, the Minister said Nigeria would likely have its fair share of the funds when disbursed.

You know Nigeria is the giant of Africa. If you deny Nigeria of anything, you are denying 20 per cent of the black population in the world, he said.

Mr Salako said there was no way anything would come to Africa and Nigeria would not have its fair share of it, adding that negotiations on how to access the funds are still ongoing.

Green jobs

He said a core component of Mr Tinubus agenda is job creation and the government is willing to leverage the clean energy component to create green jobs.

The minister said the removal of fuel subsidy as announced by Mr Tinubu is not an economic decision, but a survival decision.

From the declaration, the whole of Africa has agreed that subsidising fossil fuel is not what we should continue to encourage. What we need to do is to see how we can transition from using such climate-hazardous sources of energy to more friendly sources, Mr Salako said.

If you look at our data, between May and June when the president announced the removal of subsidy, our consumption of fossil fuel dropped by almost 28 per cent.

This, Mr Salako said, if quantified, would show that the country has reduced the emissions affecting the climate in Nigeria.

He said the development has made the government consider more environmentally friendly sources of energy, which is why it is considering compressed natural Gas as an alternative source of clean energy in the country.

Rationale

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES at the summit, Director General of the Nigeria Council on Climate Change, Salisu Dahiru, said that government officials came to the summit to see how to attract more investment into the country.

We are making these moves in two major areas. The first is looking at opportunities to attract investment inflow for capital projects, he said. Adding that a large chunk of the efforts is coming in anticipation of what will be coming under Article (6)the Internationally transferred mitigation options of the Paris Agreement.

He noted that it would provide opportunities for carbon trading and many project developers across the globe are looking at Africa, particularly Nigeria as an opportunity hub for investment.

Mr Dahiru said the government is also taking another bold step with the climate change legislation which only three countries including Nigeria have done across the continent.

The legislation has given comfort to investors, practitioners and project developers to emerge in Nigeria and Africa.

At the Summit, the NCCC boss said Nigeria is looking inwards to raise capital for investment that would earn carbon credits.

Climate Change Legislation

A Professor and the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abubakar Sulaiman, emphasised the need for effective climate legislation across countries in Africa.

I think with this summit, people will go back home and perhaps get their parliamentarians seated to look at the critical areas of oversight and critical areas of poor representation and even go back to their various constituencies to embark on advocacy on how to preserve their environment, he said in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES.

Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE)

Another Nigerian delegate at the summit and Nigerias National ACE Focal Point for the United Nations, Saadatu Madaki, highlighted critical efforts being made by the Nigerian government to promote and upscale climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in the country.

She listed the clean cooking stoves initiative, the Energy Transition Programme (ETP), Green bonds and the rural community engagement programme among several others as a part of Climate empowerment initiatives being adopted in the country.

Although she said the government faced some challenges, she called for a need for more engagement and financial investment from the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

The ACE is a term adopted by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to denote work under Article 6 of the Convention and Article 12 of the Paris Agreement.

The goal of the ACE is to empower all members of society to engage in climate action, through education and public awareness, training, public participation and access to information, and international cooperation on these issues.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The police in Rivers State, South-south Nigeria, have arrested six suspects over their alleged involvement in the killing of a divisional police officer (DPO) in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the DPO, Bako Angbashim, was ambushed and beheaded by gunmen on Friday night while he was returning from an operation alongside some police operatives.

The incident happened in Odumude, a community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.

The late DPO, who headed the Ahoada Division of the Nigeria Police in the state, was a superintendent of police.

How the suspects were arrested

Mrs Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police, said the six suspects were arrested during an operation in the community on Saturday.

The police spokesperson said the operation was conducted to recover the body of the slain DPO and also as part of their on-the-spot-assessment of the community.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Emeka Nwonyi, led other operatives in the operation, she said.

Among the items seized were a locally crafted pistol and various charms. These suspects and the confiscated items are currently under police custody and are undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Port Harcourt, she said.

New DPO

Mrs Iringe-Koko said a new DPO, Richard Zuokumor, also a superintendent of police, has been assigned to the division.

Mr Zuokumor visited the divisional police headquarters, accompanied by some officers from various police units in the state, according to the statement.

The police spokesperson said the new DPO has been tasked to conduct a thorough search of the area, track down all the killers of the late DPO and recover his body.

She said the operation and the ongoing investigation into the killing will go on simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has placed a N100 million bounty on the suspected killer of the DPO.

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, disclosed this on Saturday in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Mr Fubara also announced the indefinite suspension of a traditional ruler in the area, Eze Igbu Akoh II, whom he accused of ceding control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


There should be a collective mass of voices and actions against corruption amongst the adherents of all religions. Bishops and other religious leaders must extricate themselves from corruption and not continue to offer part-time services in the vineyard of corrupt politicians, but continue to serve as the sounding boards of probity and uprightness needed to make the world a better place.

On 27th of August, I sat for five hours in an Anglican Church, watching the pomp and pageantry that accompanied what used to be a solemn ceremony in the days of yore. I wondered what those who originally passed the Bishops in Foreign Countries Act of 1841 would feel about the service at Archbishop Vining Memorial Service. As an extension of indirect rule (the Church system was a part of our colonisation, including of the mind), it was realised that consecrating natives as Bishops of the Anglican Church would be a good buy-in strategy. The British Parliament primarily focused the accommodating and supporting arm on its conquest: ownership and control of the human and material resources of Africa, particularly the lands, that it could grab. It was possible to get an erudite Ajayi Crowther to become a Bishop through that effort. He had been forcefully dragged into the other heinous crime committed against Africans  a dehumanising slavery.

Archbishop Leslie Vining had died at sea on the day I was born. So, in our traditional philosophy, I could be said to be a reincarnation of the first Archbishop of West Africa. At the invitation of my boss, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola, the vice chancellor of Chrisland University, I was sitting in a Cathedral named after Vining in the Lagos West Diocese, as The Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, presided over the consecration of four Bishops-Elect, the presentation of two Archbishops (for the Provinces of Lagos and Kaduna) and the Dean of the Church of Nigeria. The new Bishops are Right Reverend Collins Olufemi Babalola, Bishop Festus Uzorka Nwafili, Bishop Ifedola Senasu Okupevi, and Bishop Ebenezer O. Saiki. The Most Reverend Dr. Michael O. Fape was presented as the Archbishop of the Province of Lagos, while The Most Reverend Dr. Timothy Yahaya, was presented as the Archbishop of Kaduna Province. The Most Reverend Dr Blessing C. Enyindah was also presented as the Dean of the Church of Nigeria. The Primate of the Church of Ghana was also in attendance. Mrs Sanwo-Olu, the wife of the governor of Lagos State was in attendance. The Church, pampering to politicians, gave her an opportunity to say hello and she took a chunk of time to introduce all politicians and their spouses attending the Church service, before delivering a written address from the governor.

I am glad I attended this beautiful ceremony and was enamoured with its fantastic rituals  a word not limited to the Isese practitioners, but through which the Isese people became demonised as part of the mind control strategy of the Church. The Church, in search of adherents, had to create a counter culture that decreed most aspects of the lives of Africans as heathen practices. But it did not stop there. To control the mind is to control the person. Till date, we continue to struggle over who we are. Even advanced minds like that of late Professor Sophie Oluwole found answers for how the Yoruba cosmology is the same with that of the Abrahamic religions over the issues of God and Satan, as well as Heaven and Earth. On the attribution of Satan as Esu in Yoruba, a counter effort is on in Brazil to correct the translation error of Ajayi Crowther in mixing up the two figures, and making them one and the same. The Yorubas of Brazil are pointing to the true Yoruba position that Esu is another deity like Ogun, etc. They definitely know better than the young impressionistic Ajayi Crowther, who could not have been as versed in the Yoruba culture that those in Brazil took with them and which they continue to hand down till date, from generations to generations yet unborn.

There was a sea of Bishops, 161 of them, in their respective signature red cassocks. There was drumming, trumpeting, singing  also in Nigerian languages, and dancing. Even the dancing to drop some naira for the Church, as cheerful givers, was fun. It was a nice pageantry, with so many beautiful women wriggling along with their respective curves in different colourful attires. At least we have now gone beyond the thinking that you must dress like Europeans to come before God. I joined in the dancing, maybe as payback to my friend, Professor Venerable Olufemi Onabajo, who, possessed, danced like kokoro, as the Yoruba would say. He had joined me in the dancing to Isese drum beats after my inaugural at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, on 5 July. Hence my payback.

Most important for me, however, was the sermon by The Most Revd Dr Joseph Akinfenwa, the Bishop of the Ibadan Diocese. He stated that every Church must prioritise soul-winning for Christ. I hasten to note that a retiring Archbishop, in justifying why he must leave with a huge retirement package, did not emphasise the number of souls he had won but rather how much he had expanded the material wealth of the Church, during his term of office. Bishop Akinfenwa delved into the practicalities of life when he pointed to an important role of Bishops and their wives: giving congregants shoulders to lean on and receive succour.

If many are embarrassed by corruption, we would have stamped it out of our society by now. He noted that the man who came to power to slay corruption, so that corruption would not kill Nigeria, was himself given a technical knockout, to the extent that at the end of his eight years in office, corruption was humongous when Nigerians examined the people in the legislature, they screamed as the type of representatives they had there give no hope of countering corruption.

He asked if there was anyone in the Church who was not embarrassed by the level of corruption in Nigeria. I am, but I know that many are not. If many are embarrassed by corruption, we would have stamped it out of our society by now. He noted that the man who came to power to slay corruption, so that corruption would not kill Nigeria, was himself given a technical knockout, to the extent that at the end of his eight years in office, corruption was humongous. He pointed out that we were offered hope from this disastrous situation. But when Nigerians examined the people in the legislature, they screamed as the type of representatives they had there give no hope of countering corruption. The thought of hope also arising from the cabinet of the present administration has resulted in a fainting spells among the people, as they cannot believe that a new government asking for sacrifice would appoint 48 ministers, when a wealthy continent like America has only 15 cabinet members. Definitely, the number is a lot.

However, the comparison with the United States may be faulty though. This is because President Tinubus list contains Ministers of State who are really Assistant Ministers. The equivalents in America are many, given the fact that they have Deputy and Assistant Secretaries of State, who are not counted among the 15. Nonetheless, whatever the number the US has, they are working for a wealthier state, as opposed to our own country that has become deeply pauperised as a result of the colossal thefts of past Ministers and their cohorts. More importantly, though, was the point made by the preacher that 41 out of the 48 Ministers have been recycled from past thefts, and they have cases before different anti-corruption agencies. Nine of the 48 Ministers, as pointed out by the Bishop of Ibadan, are politicians who were past governors with F9 results in solving the problems of Nigerians who were entrusted to them. And this category is worse, with the iberiberism in the Senate arm of the Nigerian legislature, which has become the resting ground for those with politically arranged dormancy of cases before Nigerias anti-corruption agencies.

The erudite preacher wondered why we spend colossal amounts of money on elections that are normally followed by sorrow, wailing and cries, as well as humongous expenditures on judicial processes that of necessity accompany our so-called democracy. Would it not be better to handpick from our past thieving leaders and just move on, Dr Akinfenwa thundered aloud. Definitely, such a bold move being suggested by the preacher would save us from going through the harrowing experiences from the deception that Nigerians are being subjected to  the Big Lie that we are a democratic nation. Elections (I have written severally about) do not constitute democracy. Election is a mode of selection of leaders. Even then, some form of election for popular participation in governance is only one-third of the popular definition of democracy as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. In that one-third, modalities for elections vary from a vote of all in a referendum, to votes among parties that are factions of the same ideological orientation, and competition among those of starkly different ideological orientations, as well as leadership selection within a mass party like the Chinese Communist Party.

The preacher rightly stated that good people must be in the majority with respect to our leadership, if we must move forward. He noted that the four Bishops being consecrated are assuming office during a trying time for our country. As he enjoined them to fast and pray, he equally asked them to constantly speak up constructively against evil in our society. This call resonated with me very much. Our preacher was endorsing what is known as the liberation theology, i.e. the freeing of our minds towards the pursuit of freedom. In such a case signalling the need to ensure that fewer people would be seeking succour leaning on the shoulders of Bishops and their wives. In effect, the logical conclusion is that Nigerians must walk on two legs in the pursuit of a comfortable room in the hereafter: they must seek comfort here on earth by holding our mis-leaders to account.

Enthroning probity should be the way forward for the new Bishops, who should be winning souls for Christ. We must arrest the latter-day normality being bestowed on corruption, including stealing. Boldly calling out thieves, as our fore-fathers did, would reduce the collective ills we are being subjected to. Many Imams are standing up and boldly speaking the truth to power by chastising our thieving mis-leaders.

The Bishops are in a position to do a lot. They should stop behaving like many of their Pentecostal brethren who extort at will and in the process, are accomplices to thefts, even if they pretend not to see that the gifts being brought to Church in the form of air planes/plane rides-cum-holidays abroad, luxurious vehicles like limousines, choicy materials for comfort  including foods and wines etc., are proceeds from crimes against Nigerians. To reject bribes in exchange for an anticipated entry into the Heavenly Kingdom would be helpful in reducing the levels of corruption among Nigerians. If we start targeting thieves and their family members by refusing to conduct their burial services and the marriage of their children, etc., the Church will be helping the transformation of our land away from corruption and thereby enthroning the rule of law, which further curbs corruption.

Enthroning probity should be the way forward for the new Bishops, who should be winning souls for Christ. We must arrest the latter-day normality being bestowed on corruption, including stealing. Boldly calling out thieves, as our fore-fathers did, would reduce the collective ills we are being subjected to. Many Imams are standing up and boldly speaking the truth to power by chastising our thieving mis-leaders. Some Imams are even cursing them for the misery and squalour we are being subjected to. This is unlike the situation in the traditional churches, where the pastors are busy praying for thieves who have been imposed on us by the shifting alliances of thieves that we call political parties in Nigeria. Of course, a good number, like the preacher, Dr Akinfenwa, are speaking up eloquently. I once recounted in a published piece, the brilliant sermon of The Right Reverend Dr Peter Oludipe, the Anglican Bishop of Ijebu diocese, at Imaka, on 26 November, 2022, on this major issue that joins the leadership deficit in our society with unfriendly external dynamics, including the failure of institution-building etc., to hold Nigeria back from progress.

However, there is no doubt that there is yet to emerge, a critical mass of dedicated voices speaking up, as well as acting against corruption, even if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria is, so far, avoiding the word like a plague. More, importantly, is the need for leadership in the larger society, beyond politicians, and including religious leaders, who must lead organised efforts against corruption. We can only overcome if we dare to challenge the current subjugation of our people here on earth. It is worthy to strive for a better life on earth, without hurting the chances of eternal life in Heaven or Al Jannah or even in the reincarnation beliefs of the Isese practitioners.

There should be a collective mass of voices and actions against corruption amongst the adherents of all religions. Bishops and other religious leaders must extricate themselves from corruption and not continue to offer part-time services in the vineyard of corrupt politicians, but continue to serve as the sounding boards of probity and uprightness needed to make the world a better place.

Babafemi A. Badejo, author of a best-seller on politics in Kenya among other books, is a former Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, a UN and an AU consultant and currently a legal practitioner in Nigeria, as well as a professor of Political Science and International Relations at Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

NEW DELHI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday that China and Britain should properly handle disagreements, respect each other's core interests and major concerns.

Both China and Britain are major world economies, closely linked economically, Li said when meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit.

Both sides should strive to bring more benefits to each other and the world with stable and mutually beneficial China-Britain ties, Li said, adding that China is ready to work with Britain to adhere to mutual respect, treat each other as equals, view each other's development objectively, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Britain relations.

The two sides should adhere to open cooperation, safeguard and expand common interests, said the Chinese premier, noting that China and Britain are both advocates, practitioners and beneficiaries of free trade, and the two countries should jointly oppose mixing trade and economic cooperation with politics and security, promote the building of an open world economy, uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and ensure the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains.

The two sides should properly handle differences, uphold the spirit of inclusiveness and mutual learning, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns, Li said.

He said that China welcomes Britain to continue expanding practical cooperation with China and is willing to deepen cooperation with the country in such fields as trade, investment, green development, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and science and technology, so as to jointly support and promote global sustainable development.

For his part, Sunak said that Britain respects China's history and culture and attaches importance to China's significant role in the international system.

Britain, he said, is willing to conduct constructive and candid dialogues with China, strengthen practical cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, and science and technology, properly handle differences, jointly tackle climate change and other global challenges, and build stable and mutually beneficial Britain-China relations.
With 10 serving Justices, the Supreme Court has 11 vacancies waiting to be filled. Politicians have learnt to turn election dispute resolution into auditions for shifting judicial deck chairs. First they rig elections in order to get the opportunity to rig the courts with judges ready to help them to validate rigged elections. That is the legacy of the unspoken antecedents of Awolowo v. Shagari.

When the presidential election petition process began in March, Nigerias Supreme Court comprised 13 Justices. The court had received a bumper injection of seven new Justices in November, 2020, after the conclusion of the disputes arising from the presidential election of the previous year. That was the last set of appointments to the Supreme Court.

Since then, six Justices have retired; another three have died. Indeed, in the period since the commencement of the presidential election petition in March, one Justice of the Supreme Court has died. Another retired three days before the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), bringing the complement down to 11. The Courts second most senior member, Musa Dattijo Muhammad, is due to retire next month on 27 October. If there is an appeal from the judgment of the PEPT, the Supreme Court will notionally have 10 eligible Justices, and that is before recusals or other potential conflicts, not to mention ill-health.

Election petitions have become a huge drain on judicial bandwidth and wellbeing in Nigeria since 1979. In that year, the contest between Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) ended up before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, resulting in a judgment memorably described as a compromise between law and political expediency. At the head of the bench that decided the case was Atanda Fatayi-Williams, at the time the Chief Justice of Nigeria. As famous as this judgment would become, the antecedents arguably proved to be more lasting in their influence on Nigerias politics and institutions.

The relevant part of the story begins on 16 August, 1979, when the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO), headed by Michael Ani, declared Alhaji Shagari as the winning candidate in the election to return Nigeria to civil rule. Three of the five presidential candidates in the contest repudiated the result, setting up what would become an epic election dispute. Obafemi was one of the three.

The Electoral Act of 1979, under which the vote took place, anticipated that there could be a dispute and conferred on the Supreme Court the jurisdiction for resolving disputes from the presidential election. The panel to hear the disputes were to be led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) but the then incumbent, Sir Darnley Alexander, was due to retire on 24 August, 1979, a mere eight days after the announcement of the result and well before the Supreme Court was due to sit on the petition.

Three days before the retirement of Chief Justice Darnley Alexander, on 21 August, 1979, then military Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, an army general, invited Atanda Fatayi-Williams, then a Justice of the Supreme Court, to a meeting at the seat of power in Dodan Barracks, Lagos. At the meeting, Obasanjo offered Fatayi-Williams the office of CJN in succession to Sir Darnley.

Justice Fatayi-Williams, then also a Justice of the Supreme Court, registered a solemn protest on the ground that he saw no reason why I (Udo Udoma) should be given such a high post as the Chief Justice of Nigeria despite the fact that I was an amputee. He felt strongly that the SMC under the leadership of a Yoruba man like himself would not be justified to ignore him who then had no handicap. He then contacted several Yoruba men, including Chief S.L. Edu, to contact General Olusegun Obasanjo as Head of State to plead his case.

In his memoirs, Faces, Cases, and Places published in 1983, Fatayi-Williams claimed that this offer was totally unexpected, and, for the first time in my life, I was at a loss for words, adding that Obasanjo watched my discomfiture with relish and delight.

Some of his peers on the Supreme Court were not so sure. Fatayi-Williams was admitted to the Bar of the Middle Temple in London in 1948, one year after Chukwunweike Idigbe and three years later than Dr Egbert Udo Udoma, both of whom were his peers in the Supreme Court. Fatayi-Williams was from Lagos; Idigbe came from the then Mid-West; while Udo Udoma came from the then South Eastern State. Idigbe became a judge in 1961, before being appointed to the Supreme Court in 1964. His service on the Supreme Court was, however, fractured by the Nigerian Civil War.

Udo Udoma, who also became a judge in 1961, had enjoyed a career as a lawyer, minorities rights activist, campaigner, politician, and federal legislator, before being appointed a judge. Two years later, in 1963, he became Chief Justice of Uganda, with the understanding that upon the end of his tenure in Uganda, he would return to a position on Nigerias Supreme Court. This came to pass in 1968, when General Yakubu Gowon appointed him Justice of the Supreme Court. Atanda Fatayi-Williams arrived the Court in 1969, as junior to Udo Udoma and, strictly speaking, to Idigbe.

In his memoirs, The Eagle in Flight, Udo Udoma recalls that upon the retirement of Chief Justice Adetokunbo Ademola in 1972, the then ruling Supreme Military Council considered five names for appointment to replace him, namely: Professor Taslim Elias, who was then the Attorney-General of the Federation; John Idowu Conrad Taylor, then Chief Justice of Lagos (as the office was then known); Dr George Baptist Ayodola Coker, Justice of the Supreme Court; Rotimi Frederik Alade Williams, a senior lawyer in private practice; and Udo Udoma himself. Fatayi-Williams was notably not in the running. In the event, the military preferred Taslim Elias, who had served them well as Attorney-General.

When a new military regime relieved Elias of the position in July 1975, they settled on Sir Darnley, until then a little known Chief Judge of the South Eastern State, whom Udo Udoma had recommended for that office.

In 2008 and in 2019, judges who sat on controversial presidential election petitions in election years, enjoyed quick judicial elevation from the parties in whose favour they decided. Also in 2019, a Chief Justice was guillotined ostensibly because he could not be trusted to determine presidential election petitions in a predictable way, in the manner that his would be successor could.

In 1979, the stakes in the appointment of the Chief Justice were very high: the presidency of Nigeria could depend on it. Udo Udoma, who had mobility disabilities, writes in his memoirs that, Justice Fatayi-Williams, then also a Justice of the Supreme Court, registered a solemn protest on the ground that he saw no reason why I (Udo Udoma) should be given such a high post as the Chief Justice of Nigeria despite the fact that I was an amputee. He felt strongly that the SMC under the leadership of a Yoruba man like himself would not be justified to ignore him who then had no handicap. He then contacted several Yoruba men, including Chief S.L. Edu, to contact General Olusegun Obasanjo as Head of State to plead his case.

Continuing, Udo Udoma records that these intrigues succeeded and he was preferred to me because, in his representation, he was able to convince General Olusegun Obasanjo that since Alhaji Shehu Shagari as a Hausa-Fulani, was contesting the office of President of Nigeria and had chosen Dr. Ekwueme, an Igbo man, as his running mate as Vice-President, both of whom were likely to win, then the office of Chief Justice of Nigeria ought to be filled by himself, a Yoruba man, especially as Chief Obafemi Awolowo was sure to lose the election.

Chief Awolowo and Olusegun Obasanjo exchanged some testy epistles reproduced in Musikilu Mojeeds The Letterman, in which Awolowo effectively alleged that the appointment of Fatayi-Williams as CJN in 1979 came with an implicit bargain concerning the determination of the election petition of that year. He also suggested that days before the Supreme Court announced the decision on 26 September 1979, Chief Justice Atanda Fatayi-Williams had leaked the decision of the Court to General Obasanjo, who desired to be reassured that he could proceed with the inauguration date of 1 October 1979 as planned. 44 years later, the current incumbent traveled to India with the assurance of a man who knew that the imminent announcement of the PEPT judgment did not threaten his position.

In 2008 and in 2019, judges who sat on controversial presidential election petitions in election years, enjoyed quick judicial elevation from the parties in whose favour they decided. Also in 2019, a Chief Justice was guillotined ostensibly because he could not be trusted to determine presidential election petitions in a predictable way, in the manner that his would be successor could. What seems clear is that since 1979, judicial appointments and decision making in election petitions have enjoyed a relationship underpinned by a whiff of implicit quid pro quo.

With 10 serving Justices, the Supreme Court has 11 vacancies waiting to be filled. Politicians have learnt to turn election dispute resolution into auditions for shifting judicial deck chairs. First they rig elections in order to get the opportunity to rig the courts with judges ready to help them to validate rigged elections. That is the legacy of the unspoken antecedents of Awolowo v. Shagari.

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu.

This is an updated version of an article first published on 14 May, 2023.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A total of 28,000 companies filed their Value Added Tax (VAT) returns to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in July 2023 alone. The Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Mr Muhammad Nami revealed the figure in a recent interview with PREMIUM TIMES.

He said the figure, which is expected to increase in subsequent months, represents an improvement on previous figures filed monthly. He stated that the significant thing is that with the simple pressing of a button, a lot of statistics about tax processes including VAT and other taxes can be ascertained.

Nami credits the successes recorded in the areas of accelerated filing process and increased revenue generation to technology and automation introduced by the FIRS, especially the TaxPro Max platform which enables faster registration, filing and payment of taxes.

According to him, the TaxPro Max portal can be accessed by taxpayers from anywhere including the comfort of their homes and offices. He said it has the following functionalities: Registration, Filing, Assessment, Payment, Issuance of Tax Clearance Certificate and receipts for resident and non-resident taxpayers.

In June 2021, the FIRS introduced its naira-denominated tax administration system, TaxPro Max, as an online platform to ease tax compliance and modernise tax administration in the country. This is in compliance with the provisions of the Finance Act 2020 which empowers the Service to automate tax return filing and payment processes.

As expected, right from the very first year of its deployment, the TaxPro Max system turned out to be a game-changer by contributing to the FIRS ability to successively surpass its yearly targets in revenue collections in 2021, 2022 and the first half of 2023 already.

Commenting on why he introduced the TaxPro Max system, Nami stated: We decided to automate the process when I came in and to automate the process we need in-house technology. We assembled a team of young men and women who are interested in serving Nigeria, who are knowledgeable in ICT in particular software development and they came up with that technology called TaxPro Max.

VAT is a tax payable on the goods and services consumed by an individual or organisation. It is paid by individuals, private or business organisations, government departments and agencies. The target of VAT is consumption of goods and services and unless an item is specifically exempted by law, the consumer is liable to the tax.

Businesses and organisations are required to register with the FIRS before they can collect the VAT tax on behalf of the Government. Subsequently, they are required to file monthly tax returns to the Government through the FIRS.

Nami explained that the 28,000 filing recorded in July exclude those by companies and organisations dealing on basic food items, baby products, books and educational materials, newspapers and magazines, medical and pharmaceutical products plus services among others which are exempts from VAT payment.

He stated that the figure also represents the filings by companies that recorded the threshold of 25 million naira turnover and above during the month adding that companies with annual turnover that is less than that figure are not required to pay VAT.

Also companies that produce basic products such as food and pharmaceutical products are also exempted. Such companies are only required to file and notify the FIRS about their companies performance in other aspects. There are also others that are enjoying tax holidays granted by appropriate authorities.

The FIRS Executive Chairman stated that in 2019, the FIRS as part of the deliberate design of the Federal Government to encourage the growth of small and medium enterprises came up with a law that exempted companies with an annual turnover of N25 million and below from paying VAT. The intention was that since VAT is a progressive tax, it is imperative to give the smaller companies an opportunity to grow before requiring them to pay VAT.

He said that through automation and other systems made possible by the new technology introduced by the FIRS, more companies now file their tax returns easily and voluntarily in many cases.

Since the introduction of the TaxPro Max system, the Nami-led FIRS leadership has been carrying out a series of enlightenment of the public on the process and the increased data requirements to file a complete VAT return.

In April this year, the Service released illustrative videos on YouTube, documented guides and also held a sensitisation event targeted at various stakeholders in the tax revenue sector.

Some aspects of the new technological changes have firmed up while others are in their pilot phases but the total commitment of the management towards their full implementation and adoption by taxpayers is quite evident.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governors of states in Nigerias North-east region have accused traditional rulers and local authorities of collaborating with bandits to terrorise innocent citizens.

Deadly attacks blamed on terrorists locally called bandits have increased in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States with hundreds killed in recent months.

The governors under the aegis of the North-East Governors Forum disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of their eighth meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State on Saturday, 9 September.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that those who attended the meeting were the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe; while the Governors of Gombe and Taraba were represented by their deputies.

In the communique signed by the Forums Chairman and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, the forum promised to deal decisively with any traditional rulers found to be collaborating with bandits.

The Forum is aware that some traditional rulers and other local authorities are conniving with the bandits, giving them shelter and cover to commit crimes within the subregion.

The Forum unanimously resolved to decisively deal with any traditional ruler or community leader that is found to be harbouring or conniving with the bandits, the Forum stated.

They noted that the rising cases of banditry in the six states of the region, particularly in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba states was a result of the aggressive military operations against them in other parts of the country.

While acknowledging the relative success recorded against insurgency, a new dimension of growing banditry is added to worsen the security situation in the subregion. As a result of the concerted efforts of the military to flush out bandits from the other parts of the country, the bandits are now moving towards the North-East.

The case is becoming worse in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba, places hitherto without banditry. The Forum calls on the Federal Government to urgently intervene to address this issue.

It added that the proliferation of legal and illegal mining in the region is becoming a problem, noting that there is a link between mining activities and insecurity, especially the abuse of the mining leases.

The Forum, therefore, calls on the respective Governments to enforce compliance with the provisions of local consent as contained in Nigerias Mining Policy and reiterates its call for strict compliance with the provisions of the Land Use Act.

According to the Forum, climate change and environmental degradation which are major issues affecting the subregion are a source of great concern.

The issue of flooding that has affected the states leading to the destruction of properties and loss of livelihoods is increasing the sufferings of the people. This has been compounded by the silting of our rivers as well as deforestation brought about by the massive charcoal business. There is a need for the Federal Governments intervention in the area of desilting the rivers.

Furthermore, there is the need for effective control on deforestation with stern regulation to local authorities against compromise to granting approvals for such business. The Forum has resolved to key into the Global Initiative of Carbon Credi, the Great Green Wall and other initiatives that will mitigate the devastating impact of climate change in the sub-region, it stated.

The Forum noted with dismay the seeming neglect of road and railway infrastructure especially along the economic corridors that link the North-east zone to the rest of the country.

It stated that the roads from Enugu to Maiduguri are in deplorable State and equally worse is the railway from Enugu up to Maiduguri which has been destroyed,

We called on the Federal Government to look into the situation and consider the reconstruction of these basic infrastructures along the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor because it is a major route for regional trade and very important for integration, peace building and improving national unity.

Furthermore, the communique indicated that the North-East Governors agreed that all the States within the region are to domesticate the Education Law 2022, as recommended by the Northeast Education Council earlier constituted by the Forum.

Other resolutions during the meeting are: The Forum charges the Northeast Development Commission to be more proactive with the issues of development in the sub-region. Its intervention should be well prioritised in the short, medium and long term to take care of the sustainable development needs of the people within the subregion.

The forum resolved to promote subregional commerce among member States. It further agreed to resuscitate the northeast trade fair to be held in Bauchi in January 2024.

The Forum appreciated the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Kashim Shettima for gracing the opening ceremony of the 8th meeting of the NEGF and the Government and People of Borno State for hosting the event.

The Forum resolved to hold the 9th Meeting in Yola, Adamawa State between Friday 3rd  Saturday 4th  November, 2023.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


At least 26 bodies have been recovered while 44 are still missing after a boat capsized in a river in Mokwa

Local Government of Niger State.

The boat mishap was said to have occurred at about 8 a.m. on Sunday, 10 September, between the Jabba and Kainji dams.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that over 100 persons were on board the boat.

The agency added that the victims, who were from Gbajibo, Ekwa, and Yankyade communities, were on the way to their farms located on the other side of the River Niger.

The Public Relations Officer of NSEMA, Ibrahim Husseini, said the agency in collaboration with officials of the Mokwa Local Government

supported by local divers are conducting a search, rescue, and recovery operation at the scene of the incident.

ALSO READ: 15 feared dead in Adamawa boat mishap

So far, 26 corpses have been recovered while over 30 have been rescued as the operation is ongoing. Over 100 persons are said to be on board the boat when the incident occurred.

The Chairperson of Mokwa Local Government, Jibrin Muregi, while confirming the incident, said rescue operations were ongoing.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Kaduna, on Saturday, affirmed the election of Lawal Usman of the Peoples Democratic Party as the senator representing Kaduna Central.

The candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Muhammad Abdullahi, had filed a petition challenging the election of the PDP senator, on four grounds.

Mr Abdullahi questioned the genuineness of Mr Usmans educational qualification and claimed there was overvoting during the election.

Mr Abdullahi also claimed that the PDP candidate was not nominated in accordance with the law and that he was not validly sponsored by his party, the PDP.

However, the three-member panel led by H. Kereng ruled that all the grounds presented by the petitioner failed and were therefore dismissed.

READ ALSO:

Mr Kereng stated that the petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the first respondents NECO results and other school certificates were forged.

He added that the petitioners had also failed to prove that the first respondent was not duly elected by the majority of votes in the February 25 polls.

The APC got 182,035 votes while PDP got 225,066 votes giving a margin of 43,031. The petitioners have failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the respondent didnt get majority votes.

Therefore, this issue is in favour of the first respondent and against the petitioner, he said.

On the issue of non-compliance, the judge also stated that the petitioner could not prove that the nomination of Mr Usman as the candidate of the PDP did not comply with the law.

He added that the issue of sponsorship and nomination of candidates was the responsibility of the political party, not the court.

The elections and return of the first respondent is hereby affirmed. This petition is hereby dismissed, he ruled.

Speaking to journalists after the judgment, an elated personal assistant to the senator, Jalal Falal applauded the tribunal.

 The tribunal was fair and just. We won the election squarely. I call on them to join hands with the senator in order to move the state forward, he said.

An associate of the APC candidate told PREMIUM TIMES that the petitioner will review the judgement and will make their stance known in due course.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Rivers State Government has placed a N100 million bounty on the suspected killer of a divisional police officer (DPO) in the state.

The slain officer, Bako Angbashim, who headed the Ahoada Division of the Nigeria Police, Rivers State, was ambushed and beheaded by some gunmen on Friday while he was returning from an operation alongside some police operatives.

The late DPO was a superintendent of police.

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, who announced the bounty on Saturday in a post on X (formerly Twitter) named a suspect in the killing of the DPO.

Credible intelligence from the security agencies traced the entire incident to one Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and his criminal gang, who have established camps in the locality and are responsible for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State.

As a responsible government, we cannot fold our arms and allow criminals and crimes to rear their ugly heads and thrive in any part of our State, Mr Fubara said.

First, the prime suspects, Mr Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and all members of his criminal gang are hereby declared wanted.

Secondly, a bounty of one hundred million (N100,000,000.00) naira is hereby placed on his head for anyone who gives useful information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution.

Governor Fubara announced the indefinite suspension of a traditional ruler in the area, Eze Igbu Akoh II, whom he accused of ceding control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.

READ ALSO:

He assured residents of the state of their safety and security and said the government would hunt down the suspects and bring them to justice.

On behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, I hereby extend my profound condolences to the family of SP Bako, especially the wife and children and the States Police Command for this irreparable loss.

SP Bako was a fine, brave and dutiful police officer, who gave up his life to keep us safe and secure. He died in active service to his nation and we remember him for his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

The Government of Rivers State will not allow his family to suffer the pains of his sudden and irreplaceable loss alone as we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul, the governor said.

The officers killing was condemned by Kayode Egbetokun, the acting inspector general of police, who has ordered an investigation.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Co-chairs Natasha Koifman and Suzanne Boyd bring together local and international changemakers and artists including Nelly Furtado, Julien Christian Lutz pka Director X, Fefe Dobson, Russell Young, Michael Moebius and more, raising funds for education in Haiti

Download Images here  Credit Getty Images (Photographer: Ryan Emberley)

TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Co-chairs Natasha Koifman and Suzanne Boyd hosted the 15th annual Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) Festival Gala, an intimate event raising $700,000 this evening and $35 million over 15 years for education in Haiti.

The night began with a beautiful performance by Haitian musician and long-time APJ supporter Paul Beaubrun. George Stroumboulopoulos then returned to the stage in his role as emcee for the evening, expressing gratitude for supporters and guests while celebrating APJ's newest board member, Kardinal Offishall.

TORONTO, ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER 09: A general view at the 15th Annual Artists For Peace And Justice Fundraiser During Toronto International Film Festival on September 09, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Ryan Emberley/Getty Images for Artists for Peace and Justice) (CNW Group/Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ))

Natasha Koifman, Canadian and US Board Chair and Festival Gala Co-Host, began by commemorating the 15th anniversary of the APJ gala. She spoke passionately about her commitment to the cause and appreciation for the dedicated supporters in attendance. Opening the night in a grateful and motivational tone, Koifman highlighted the positive change made possible in Haiti thanks to the commitment of the organization's donors. Haitian students face many challenges but have found a safe haven in the school built with APJ's donations. With Haitian graduate William Osias in attendance, Koifman was reminded of a moment she was almost brought to tears, seeing him with his family after eight years at the APJ Academy, knowing this school helped him become who he was meant to be. She highlighted the $35 million dollars raised from the organization to-date and the 28,000 students attending since the academy's opening.

Hig hlights from the evening include:

Nelly Furtado was honoured with the official Artist for Peace and Justice Award for her devoted activism for children's rights and education in developing countries, presented by Lido Pimienta.

was honoured with the official for her devoted activism for children's rights and education in developing countries, presented by Dax Dasilva presented award winning filmmaker, artist and mental wellness advocate, Julien Christian Lutz pka Director X with the prestigious Canadian Changemaker Award for the impact he has made through leading a transformative movement dedicated to raising mindful awareness.

presented award winning filmmaker, artist and mental wellness advocate, with the prestigious for the impact he has made through leading a transformative movement dedicated to raising mindful awareness. Special performances from Haitian musicians Paul Beaubrun and Charmie, Derniere Reve and Kodai Okuno , and APJ Graduate William Osias and his guitarist Henry Madner Mitcheal.

and and , and A live auction led by stars of the hit show Trading up with Mandy Rennehan , Mandy Rennehan and Lauren Ferraro raised over $300,000 .

, raised over Artist Anthony Ricciardi impressed guests with live interactive art on site which will be donated as a commemorative gift to the APJ Academy for the gala's 15th anniversary.

impressed guests with on site which will be donated as a commemorative gift to the APJ Academy for the gala's 15th anniversary. Natasha Koifman and George Stroumboulopoulos led an inspiring moment to "Fund The Need", identifying significant need at the Haitian academy for uniforms and teachers' salaries.

Generous sponsors for this year's event include: Audi, Breitling, La Mer, Oxley Real Estate, NKPR, and Flow Beverage Corp.

For more information on the organization or to make a donation, please visit www.apjnow.org or follow @artistsforpeace on social media.

About Artists for Peace and Justice

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) is a non-profit organization that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty around the world. APJ's immediate goal is to serve the poorest communities in Haiti with programs in education, healthcare, and dignity through the arts. The organization is committed to long-term, sustainable development in direct partnership with the Haitian people. The model is simple: APJ believes in empowering local communities, fostering economic growth, and the power of education to change a nation. To learn more, visit www.apjnow.org or follow @artistsforpeace on Instagram and Twitter.

About NKPR

NKPR was started in 2002 by Natasha Koifman in order to combine two passions: shining a spotlight on stories of substance and supporting causes that are making a difference around the world. Over the past 18 years, NKPR has established itself as a highly regarded full-service public relations, artist management and digital agency with offices in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles, representing over 40 national and international brands and supporting charitable organizations like Artists for Peace and Justice. For more information, visit NKPR on social media @natashankpr or at www.nkpr.net .

SOURCE Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ)
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

NEW DELHI, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday that China and Britain should properly handle disagreements, respect each other's core interests and major concerns.

Both China and Britain are major world economies, closely linked economically, Li said when meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit.

Both sides should strive to bring more benefits to each other and the world with stable and mutually beneficial China-Britain ties, Li said, adding that China is ready to work with Britain to adhere to mutual respect, treat each other as equals, view each other's development objectively, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Britain relations.

The two sides should adhere to open cooperation, safeguard and expand common interests, said the Chinese premier, noting that China and Britain are both advocates, practitioners and beneficiaries of free trade, and the two countries should jointly oppose mixing trade and economic cooperation with politics and security, promote the building of an open world economy, uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and ensure the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains.

The two sides should properly handle differences, uphold the spirit of inclusiveness and mutual learning, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns, Li said.

He said that China welcomes Britain to continue expanding practical cooperation with China and is willing to deepen cooperation with the country in such fields as trade, investment, green development, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and science and technology, so as to jointly support and promote global sustainable development.

For his part, Sunak said that Britain respects China's history and culture and attaches importance to China's significant role in the international system.

Britain, he said, is willing to conduct constructive and candid dialogues with China, strengthen practical cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, and science and technology, properly handle differences, jointly tackle climate change and other global challenges, and build stable and mutually beneficial Britain-China relations. 
RADNOR, Pa., Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Bausch Health Companies Inc. ("Bausch") (NYSE: BHC). The action charges Bausch with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Bausch's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Bausch's investors have suffered significant losses.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR BAUSCH LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/bausch-health-companies-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=bhc&mktm=r

TO VIEW OUR VIDEO, PLEASE CLICK HERE

LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

CLASS PERIOD: AUGUST 6, 2020 THROUGH MAY 3, 2023

CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:

Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at [email protected]

Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.

BAUSCH'S ALLEGED MISCONDUCT

Bausch is a pharmaceutical company known for its majority ownership of Bausch + Lomb Corporation (B+L). In 2016, Bausch was forced to replace its senior management and attempt to rebuild its reputation after it was revealed that it had engaged in one of the most egregious cases of securities fraud in U.S. history. Among other things, Bausch was forced to restate its financial statements, enter into a settlement with the SEC, and settle a class action with investors for a payment of more than $1.1 billion. The class action lawsuit, however, did not resolve all of Bausch's investors' claims as a number of "Opt-Out Plaintiffs", consisting of numerous institutional and professional investors, proceeded with their claims after the settlement. According to the complaint, the potential damages at issue from the Opt-Out Plaintiffs equals approximately $4.2 billion.

The Class Period begins on August 6, 2020, when Bausch announced a plan to spinoff B+L as a separate company in order to reduce Bausch's debt. When the spinoff was announced, Bausch knew they faced substantial risk from the Opt-Out Plaintiffs. Bausch also knew that spinning-off B+L would leave Bausch with significant debt and the loss of the cashflow B+L had historically generated.

On May 5, 2022, B+L effected the spinoff and began trading as an independent company under the ticker "BLCO" on the NYSE. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants repeatedly described the B+L spinoff as an attempt to reduce Bausch's debt and said the spinoff was in the best interest of Bausch shareholders. The spinoff was actually an attempt to shield valuable assets from the Opt-Out Plaintiffs that ultimately operated to the detriment of ordinary Bausch shareholders.

On May 4, 2023, Bausch released its first quarter 2023 financial results, revealing negative earnings, indicating further delay of its B+L spinoff share distribution, which had been originally scheduled for May 2022. Analysts claimed that the probability of a distribution was now less than 50% and unlikely to occur in the near term. Following this news, Bausch's stock price fell $1.51, or 25.3%, to close at $5.89 per share on May 4, 2023.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Bausch investors may, no later than September 25, 2023, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class, through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Bausch investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Bausch, Kelk v. Bausch Health Companies, et al., Case No. 23-cv-03996, is filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey before the Honorable Zahid Nisar Quraishi.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE

WHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?

A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

(484) 270-1453

[email protected]

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
The Global Conference on the 10th Anniversary of the BRI and the Golden Age of China-Central Asia Engagement event is held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday. DONG MING / FOR CHINA DAILY

BEIJING, Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ten years ago at Nazarbayev University in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, President Xi Jinping proposed for the first time building the Silk Road Economic Belt, which later evolved into the Belt and Road Initiative and now stands as a testament to the power of multilateralism.

On Thursday, esteemed guests from various countries and international organizations gathered in Astana for the Global Conference on the 10th Anniversary of the BRI and the Golden Age of China-Central Asia Engagement event.

The conference looked back at the achievements made during the first decade of the BRI, which have further strengthened the bonds of friendship between China and Kazakhstan, and also celebrated the Golden Age of engagement between China and Central Asia.

Erlan Karin, State counselor of Kazakhstan, said in a congratulatory letter that the Belt and Road Initiative has grown to encompass 180 countries and international organizations and has contributed to forming an open, inclusive and balanced regional cooperation system through joint efforts.

"The Republic of Kazakhstan plays a unique role in promoting the BRI," he said. "The coupling of national infrastructure projects and this initiative creates a synergy in transport and logistics systems and paves the way for a new architecture of transcontinental corridors."

Zhang Xiao, China's Ambassador to Kazakhstan, said in his speech that the friendship between China and Kazakhstan is an invaluable treasure for the people of both countries.

Zhang also reviewed the fruitful achievements of China-Kazakhstan cooperation in recent years. A video Thirty Thousand Miles Along the Silk Road was presented, showcasing key moments from the first decade of the BRI.

In the face of recent global challenges, including significant geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, energy dilemmas and environmental crises, the guest speakers examined the role of the BRI in offering solutions and fostering international collaboration.

Vladimir Norov, director of the International Institute of Central Asia and former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, applauded the collaborative achievements between China and Central Asian nations, emphasizing how they have deepened regional interconnectedness.

Djoomart Otorbaev, former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the historical importance of the Silk Road to Central Asia's development and its transition from a landlocked to a land-linked region.

Economic exchanges between China and Central Asia have played a pivotal role in the success of the BRI, not only fostering robust economic growth, but also strengthening diplomatic ties and deepening cultural connections between the two regions. During the "Golden 30 Years"  the period during which China established diplomatic ties with the five Central Asian nations  media from the BRI countries have collaborated extensively, yielding valuable outcomes.

Shi Huangjun, vice-president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) praised Kazakhstan's creativity and efforts in revitalization.

Shi emphasized that the BRI and the China International Import Expo (CIIE) share the goal of improving people's lives. CIIE, which is closely linked to the BRI, fosters trade connectivity and cooperation through activities such as national exhibitions, enterprise showcases and innovation zones. Support from Kazakhstan has been instrumental in making CIIE a "golden gateway" for Kazakh firms entering the Chinese market. He welcomed all nations to use this gateway, strengthen ties with China, and collectively embrace another "Golden 30 Years" for China and Central Asia.

To fortify the ties between China and Kazakhstan, China Daily 21st Century English Education Media inked a memorandum of cooperation with Kazakhstan's DKN world news. This agreement seeks to bolster media exchanges between the two nations, amplifying their collective efforts in promoting stability, prosperity and connectivity across Central Asia.

Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, emphasized that China Daily is committed to bolstering its coverage of Belt and Road achievements, showcasing stories of people along the route and highlighting the global benefits of the initiative, encouraging exchanges and communication, especially among Generation Z. He also expressed optimism that China-Kazakhstan development momentum would continue, fostering stability and progress in the next "Golden 30 Years".

In addition to this, the China International Import Expo Bureau joined forces with the Kazakhstan Trade Policy Development Center, setting the stage for the forthcoming sixth edition of the event. This strategic cooperation aims to capitalize on Kazakhstan's past achievements in trade through its participation in CIIE, laying the groundwork for an even more successful future.

The resounding success of this event, held in the vibrant city of Astana, stands as a symbol of cooperation and unity, serving as a pivotal gateway for the BRI that stretches across Eurasia and beyond. It is poised to further enhance cooperation not only between China and Kazakhstan, but also throughout Central Asia and the rest of the world.

SOURCE China Daily
MONETA, Va., Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The attorneys for Scott Smith (Bill Stanley of the Stanley Law Group and Mike Joynes of Joynes and Gaidies), the father of the Stone Bridge High School student who was sexually assaulted in the girls' restroom (by a boy claiming to be "gender fluid"), and who was subsequently charged with obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct after Mr. Smith attended a Loudoun County School Board meeting on June 22, 2021, today responded to the announcement by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin granting Mr. Smith an "absolute and unconditional pardon" of him from the remaining charge of disorderly conduct, declaring him to be "factually innocent" of all charges. Scott Smith also responded to the actions of the Governor of the Commonwealth.

After being charged with the aforementioned criminal offenses, Scott Smith was convicted of the charges in the Loudoun County General District Court, and promptly appealed his convictions to the Loudoun County Circuit Court and retained Sen. Bill Stanley and Mike Joynes to represent him in his appeal. In pre-trial hearings, Smith's attorneys were successful both in having the Court dismiss the Obstruction of Justice charge and having the Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney, Buta Biberaj recused from further prosecution of Mr. Smith due to her evident bias against him and other parents who challenged the transgender policies enacted by the Loudoun County School Board. The trial on the remaining count of "disorderly conduct" was set to be heard before a jury on September 25th.

Smith's Attorneys Bill Stanley and Mike Joynes stated: "Today, the Governor declared by his absolute pardon what we already knew  that Scott Smith is an innocent man who was wrongfully and unjustly arrested & charged. Because Scott dared to stand up for his daughter, and courageously stood up for all parents of children in the public school system, he was attacked by those who pushed radical school policies over the protection of students, he was vilified by the media, and he was outrageously branded a "domestic terrorist" by those who believed that parents should not have a say in the education of their children. While we did not seek a pardon from Governor Youngkin, and while we were very confident that we would have been able to prove that Scott Smith was innocent of the criminal charges placed against him if the matter had gone to trial, we are nevertheless grateful that the Governor also recognized the wrong done to Scott Smith by the judicial system, and that he has now taken this bold action to right that wrong by this pardon. His declaration that Scott Smith was "factually innocent" of the charges is vindication for Scott Smith, his family, and for all parents who stand up against the government's attempt to enact a radical agenda that is obsessed on teaching their children "what to think," rather than focusing on teaching children the critical lessons they need to learn in order to be successful later in life. We are proud of Scott Smith for standing up to the government's overreach, and believe that this is the right and proper result for Scott and his family.

Regarding the charges against him related to events at the June 22 Loudoun County School Board meeting, Scott Smith, father of the assaulted girl, had previously commented: "As a concerned parent whose daughter's assault was the result of these radical gender policies, I attended the June 22, 2021, School Board meeting. I did not intend to speak and did not sign up to speak at the meeting, but I was very concerned about what the School Board was considering, especially as it pertains to the safety of not only my daughter, but also the children of other parents as well. When the School Board abruptly ended the meeting, I was confronted and taunted by activists supporting the School Board's bathroom policy. Despite being subjected to this unprovoked confrontation and threats made against me and my family, I was unreasonably restrained by law enforcement, completely violating my constitutional rights.

Today, after the issuance of the pardon by Governor Youngkin, Scott Smith made the following statement: "What happened to my daughter was a horrible, but preventable tragedy that she will have to deal with for the rest of her life. And the way the public school system, the School Board, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and SRO Department, and the Commonwealth Attorney's Office handled this situation was abhorrent and completely unacceptable. My family has been living a nightmare that no family in America should have to endure. But rather than sit quietly and take it, I decided to stand up against the government  and for that I was branded a "domestic terrorist" and charged with crimes that I did not commit. I want to thank Governor Youngkin for his declaration that I am innocent, and for his absolute and unconditional pardon. While I was extremely confident in my lawyers' abilities to defend me in court, I am grateful that the Governor recognizes that our justice system has been both weaponized and politicized to the point where my ability to receive a fair trial was in jeopardy. And while this pardon closes one chapter in this ongoing battle, a new chapter has now begun. I will continue to fight for parents and their children who are affected by these misguided and dangerous school policies. My family intends to pursue legal action in the federal courts to hold the Loudoun County public school system accountable for putting its own interests above the safety of both my daughter the families and communities that it was supposed to serve, and I also intend to pursue other legal remedies in order to hold those elected county officials who pursued this malicious prosecution of me accountable for their malfeasance. And, let me be clear. I am not a 'domestic terrorist,' I am just a father who will go to the ends of the earth to protect his daughter. I will not ever give up in that endeavor until my family is both protected and fully vindicated."

For media inquiries or to learn more about The Stanley Law Group's services, please contact:

Colin P. Hendrickson

Public Relations/Marketing

The Stanley Law Group

O: 540/721-6028 ext. 1001

[email protected]

www.vastanleylawgroup.com

About The Stanley Law Group:

The Stanley Law Group is a distinguished Franklin County based law firm known for its comprehensive legal solutions and client-centered approach. With a team of highly skilled and dedicated attorneys, the firm provides expert counsel across a wide range of legal areas, consistently delivering exceptional results for its clients.

Contact: William Stanley Esq.

Phone: (540) 721-6028

Email: [email protected]

To Contact Scott Smith

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE The Stanley Law Group
In 1 year to the day, from 10 to 15 September 2024, France will host WorldSkills Lyon 2024 in Eurexpo, Lyon.

LYON, France, Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- France, the Metropole of Lyon, and the city of Lyon have been selected to host the WorldSkills Competition from 10 to 15 September 2024: 1,500 Competitors coming from 65 countries and regions will compete in 64 skills to demonstrate their excellence and expertise in front of 250,000 visitors.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/9199751-worldskills-lyon-one-year-to-go-skills-competition/

WorldSkills Lyon 2024: One Year To Go before the worlds largest skills competition

WorldSkills Lyon 2024, an unprecedented national and international mobilization around trades, skills, and excellence.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is the result of an exceptional mobilization of skill sectors, training organizations, local authorities, and institutions supporting young people and skills with the aim of highlighting the excellence of the skills, as well as the passion and commitment of young people. It is a real springboard and catalyst for the development of vocational training, in line with the needs of industry.

Max Roche, President of the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Organizing Comittee, said, "Organizing WorldSkills Competition 2024 is an opportunity to show that vocational training routes are routes of excellence. Most of the skills represented are experiencing labour shortages. This event can motivate young people to choose these essential and meaningful skills. This event, which is unique in the world, also serves to prove that these skills, which have always existed, are evolving and know how to be innovative. What is at stake now is to show their reality and to respond to the modern challenges of these skills in terms of employability, attractiveness, and teaching systems"

WorldSkills Lyon 2024: More than a Competition, a key stakeholder in the French landscape for 2023-2024

Much more than a Competition, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is a portfolio of events designed to bring together and inspire actions among skills and vocational training stakeholders, in France and around the world, with our values of openness, generosity, unity and excellence. The French government is fully committed to hosting the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon. The French President has, on a number of occasions, reaffirmed his commitment to vocational training, which he describes as a "national cause".

President Emmanuel Macron even declared, "In September 2024, France and Lyon will host the wonderful WorldSkills Competition, where young people from 65 countries and under the age of 23 will be able to showcase their professional capabilities side by side across 64 skills. We are proud to be doing so, and every year I welcome the young people who win these competitions. And in 2024 we are going to organize it."

Commitment to young people and education: half of the 250,000 visitors will be school students

We want to create an immersive visitor experience for young people at the Competition venue, and to use the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 event to raise awareness among students and teachers from the start of the 2023 academic year, showing that vocational training is a path to excellence and personal fulfilment.

Sustainable development and WorldSkills Lyon 2024: our commitment to a sustainable event

We have developed a demanding and measurable CSR strategy comprising both sustainable and socially responsible objectives in terms of accessibility, inclusion, and a virtuous economy. WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is committed to transparency and fully intends to put its words into action. Our objectives are founded on compliance with recognized standards and certifications, in particular the ISO 20121 certification, the main standard attesting to the sustainability of an event and its management system.

2,500 Volunteers will be recruited and trained for the WorldSkills Competition

WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is also about building a community through an ambitious volunteer programme. 2,500 volunteers will be recruited, with the aim of promoting social inclusion and diversity. In particular, we want to include people who are excluded from the labour market and 20% of minors with their parents. It will also provide greater Lyon with a pool of committed citizens with an awareness of the challenges our region faces.

Isabelle LEJEUNE

Head of Communication and Marketing

media@worldskillslyon2024.com

Anne-Laure TRONC

Press Relation Manager

media@worldskillslyon2024.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2205418/WordSkills_Lyon.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2205419/WordSkills_Lyon_Logo.jpg

SOURCE WorldSkills Lyon 2024
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
New Delhi, Sep 10 : UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is on a visit to India to attend the G20 Summit, on Sunday morning visited the famous Akshardham temple here, amid tight security.

Sunak, who was accompanied by his wife Akshata Murthy, performed 'puja' during his visit to the temple.

The British Prime Minister arrived in India on Friday afternoon. On the first day, he held a bilateral meeting with Prime MInister Narendra Modi at his official residence here.

On Saturday, Sunak attended the G20 Summit here at the Bharat Mandapam and also attended the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.

On Sunday morning, he was at the Rajghat here along with other dignitaries to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

--IANS

std/dpb
New Delhi, Sep 10 : "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States," reads the first clause of the very first article of the Constitution of India.

There are mounting speculations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government is mulling to amend the Constitution or bring in a resolution to make "Bharat" the official name of the country during the special session of Parliament, scheduled for September 18-22.

The speculations were triggered after President Droupadi Murmu's invite to G20 world leaders for an official banquet addressed her as the "President of Bharat" instead of "President of India".

Back in 2015, a plea seeking directions to the Union government to use the name 'Bharat' for all official and unofficial purposes was filed before the Supreme Court by a Maharashtra-based social activist.

The petitioner had said that during the Constituent Assembly debates, significant names like Bharat, Hindustan, Hind, Bharatbhumi, Bharatvarsh, etc. were suggested for our country as the term 'India' was derived during British rule.

A bench comprising of then Chief Justice of India (CJI) H.L. Dattu and Justice Arun Mishra (now retired) decided to examine the matter and sought responses from the Centre and states.

The petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution also demanded that even non-government organisations and corporations should be directed to use 'Bharat' for all official and unofficial purposes.

In response, the Union Home Ministry opposed the plea saying that "there is no change in circumstances to consider any change in Article 1 of the Constitution of India" and pointed out that the Constituent Assembly deliberated extensively upon the issue during the drafting of the Constitution before adopting clauses in the Article unanimously.

In March 2016, the bench headed by then CJI T.S. Thakur trashed the petition remarking that the Supreme Court has no business to either dictate or decide for a citizen what he should call his country.

"If you want to call this country 'Bharat', go right ahead and call it 'Bharat'. If somebody chooses to call this country 'India', let him call it 'India'. We will not interfere," the bench that was also comprising Justice U.U. Lalit had observed, adding that every Indian has the right to choose between calling his country 'Bharat' or 'India'.

"We do not see the present to be a fit case for our interference in the exercise of our power under Article 32 of the Constitution of India. The writ petition is accordingly dismissed," the apex court recorded in its order passed in March 2016.

Earlier in November 2014, the Supreme Court declined to entertain the plea filed by the same petitioner and asked him to first approach the Centre with his representation to replace 'India' with 'Bharat' while granting him liberty to approach the Court again if his representation is rejected or remains unanswered.

The representation sent by him to the Office of the Prime Minister was rejected in February 2015. "The said representation was examined by the Government and the request was not acceded to," then Union Law Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha in August 2015.

The issue was re-agitated in 2020 after one Delhi resident named Namah approached the Supreme Court claiming that the name 'India' was a sign of colonial hangover and does not authentically reflect the cultural heritage of the country.

The plea referred to the Constituent Assembly debates from November 15, 1948, where M. Ananthasayanam Iyengar and Seth Govind Das, while arguing on the draft Article 1 of the Constitution, had batted for the adoption of names "Bharat, Bharat Varsha, Hindustan" instead of "India".

The petition said that the time has come to recognize the country with its original and authentic name, that is, 'Bharat' and do away with the symbol of slavery by using the name 'India'.

Upon hearing, the Supreme Court remarked that it cannot order the government to rename 'India' as 'Bharat', adding that India is already called Bharat in Article 1 of the Constitution.

In its order passed on June 3, 2020, a bench headed by then CJI disposed of the petition ordering that the "petition is directed to be treated as a representation and may be considered by the appropriate Ministries."

Constitutional law expert and Supreme Court senior advocate Jaideep Gupta says that using 'Bharat' in place of 'India' is not a change and is already permissible under Article 1 of the Constitution as clause (1) already reads "India, that is Bharat". As per him, no amendment in the Constitution or resolution by the Parliament is necessary to use the name 'Bharat' for official purposes.

Another expert, former Secretary General of Lok Sabha P.D.T. Achary has a contrary opinion. He says that the name given to the country is 'India' in terms of Article 1 of the Constitution, adding that 'Bharat' cannot be used interchangeably as that would create a "tremendous amount of confusion".

"In the United Nations, the name of our country is 'Republic of India' and not 'Republic of Bharat'. Nowhere in the Constitution, 'Bharat' is used. No article has used this word (except Article 1). Obviously, the Parliament can say that this country will be known as 'Bharat'. The Parliament has the power to do that through a constitutional amendment," he adds.

Referring to Article 52 which provides that "there shall be a President of India", Achary emphasised that the name of the office is 'President of India' and not the 'President of Bharat'. "I think the Constitution needs to be amended to incorporate these changes. Without that you cannot do it," he says.

"The occupant of office under Article 52 officially is 'President of India' not 'President of Bharat', but in Hindi, it is 'Bharat ke Rashtrapati'," he elaborates, continuing that "The Republic of India" is translated in Hindi as "Bharat ka Ganrajya" but cannot be equated as "Republic of Bharat".

"A country can have one official name. It cannot have two names. Otherwise, it will only create confusion at national and international levels," he adds.
Rabat, Sep 10 : The death toll from a strong earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday night has surpassed 2,000, according to country's interior ministry.

"There is destruction everywhere," Eyewitnesses near the High Atlas mountains were quoted as saying by CNN

According to USGS, the temblor was the most deadliest to hit the North African country in decades.

The quake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale hit Morocco's High Atlas mountain range on Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time at a depth of 18.5 km.

The earthquake was felt in many cities across Morocco, including Rabat and Casablanca. Many houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh, local media reported.

Xinhua correspondents at Ouarzazate, about 190 km southeast of Marrakesh, saw residents taking shelter in an open space after the earthquake.

"There have been earthquakes before, but none of them were as strong as this one," said a resident in Ouarzazate who requires anonymity.

The earthquake damaged many buildings in the old city of Marrakesh, the nearest big city to the epicenter, and many residents had to spend the night in the open space for fear of potential aftershocks, said Zhang Kai, an overseas Chinese living in Marrakesh.

Germany President released a statement on Saturday, sending "heartfelt condolences for lives lost."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the G20 summit in New Delhi on Saturday with "heartfelt condolences" to everyone affected by the quake.

Global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, France's Emanuel Macron, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, extended their condolences to Morocco.
New Delhi, Sep 10 : UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is on a visit to India to attend the G20 Summit, on Sunday visited the famous Akshardham temple here, amid tight security.

Sunak, who was accompanied by his wife Akshata Murthy, were warmly welcomed in a traditional Hindu manner symbolising goodwill and friendship on his arrival at the temple earlier this morning.

During his visit, the British Prime Minister was given an overview of Swaminarayan Akshardham -- a 100-acre spiritual and cultural complex that portrays the traditions and ancient architecture of India and promotes the timeless Hindu spiritual messages of faith, devotion and harmony.

PM Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the sacred images and admired the art and architecture.

The couple also performed 'abhishek' (ritual pouring of water) on the idol of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, and offered prayers for world peace, progress and harmony.

Elated on his visit to the temple, the UK Prime Minister said, "My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning."

Later, Sunak visited Rajghat here along with other dignitaries and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

On Saturday, the British Prime Minister took part in the G20 Summit here at the Bharat Mandapam and also attended the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.

--IANSstd/dpb
Kolkata, Sep 10 : For the leader of the opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, the results of the recently concluded bypolls to the Dhupguri Assembly constituency in Jalpaiguri district, has become a tool to allure the sections within Congress and CPI(M) who are disgruntled with their national leaderships on opposition INDIA bloc issue.

According to Adhikari, who has recently started the "No vote to Mamata" campaign, the Dhupguri bypoll results have proved that each anti-Trinamool vote going in favour of the Congress- CPI(M) bloc candidate will give advantage to the state's ruling party. Hence, as per his fresh appeal, those within Congress and CPI(M), who are frustrated with the misrule of Trinamool Congress, should either join BJP directly or support the saffron camp silently from outside.

"The Congress- backed CPI(M) candidate Ishwar Chandra Roy in the bypolls just secured 6.52 per cent of the total votes polled. This pushed him in the distant third position but the division in the anti- Trinamool Congress votes ultimately helped the ruling party. The top leaders of both Congress and CPI(M) are actually misleading their own supporters and dedicated voters, and the latter should come out of this labyrinth," the leader of the opposition said.

He also claimed that the Congress and CPI(M) leadership together has made Roy, a respectable retired teacher, a scapegoat in such misleading exercises.

Even rebel Congress leader and Calcutta High Court counsel Kaustav Bagchi had said something similar in his analysis of the bypolls but in a different note of explanation. "The result of the Dhupguri bypolls is another example that Congress leaders sharing the same dais with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the INDIA bloc meetings had not sent a right signal to the grassroots level party workers or the dedicated voters. I hope that the results become an eye- opener," he said.
TRIPOLI, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Foreign Ministry on Saturday extended condolences to Morocco over the devastating earthquake in the country.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the State of Libya extends its deep condolences to the brotherly people of Morocco over the victims of the earthquake, wishing speedy recovery for those injured," the ministry said in a statement.

Libya also expressed its full sympathy and solidarity with the Moroccan people to overcome the natural disaster, the statement added.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah and the eastern-based House of Representatives also extended their condolences to Morocco over the earthquake, expressing full solidarity with the Moroccan people.

The death toll from a strong earthquake that struck Morocco Friday night has risen to 1,037, said the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday.

The earthquake has also injured at least 1,204 people, according to the latest update from the ministry. 
Washington, Sep 10 : The US conceded space to the host India in the wording of the final Delhi Declaration of G20 on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic skills that virtually represented a coup as the final document came out despite fractures in the group.

The declaration earned the praise of the US.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called the statement a "significant milestone for India's chairmanship and a vote of confidence that the G20 can come together to address a pressing range of issues."

"The G20 statement includes a set of consequential paragraphs on the war in Ukraine. And from our perspective, it does a very good job of standing up for the principle that states cannot use force to seek territorial acquisition," Sullivan told newspersons.

Still, the language differed from last year's G20 declaration, which stated "most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine." So, in a way, it was a diplomatic coup for India as the host country took a softer line than the Bali G20 one by not calling it a war but saying, "All states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition."

US and western nations wanted stronger language to condemn the aggression on Ukraine as they succeeded in the Bali G20 conference. The Russian invasion was described as a war in the declaration then.

The softer tone in the Delhi declaration showed that US and western allies yielded space to India, the host country, to word it differently which still had the same effect but also gave India the leverage with its long term ally Russia, whose leader Vladimir Putin did not attend, balancing its equations with US and Russia at the same time - a feat pilled of by the foreign office officials under foreign minister S Jaishankar along with trusted allies .

Russia, as a member of the G20, would have to agree on any consensus statement on Ukraine. Russia and China had resisted stronger language in a final statement, making any kind of agreement difficult. No G20 summit has concluded without a joint declaration of some type, media reports said.

Leaders gathered here for the annual Group of 20 summit managed to agree on a joint statement laying out shared views on climate change and economic development but showed the fractures within the group by stopping short of explicitly condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, CNN reported .

Diplomats virtually burnt the midnight oil to sort out what sort of language and phraseography the final draft joint statement required in the lead-up to the summit . Anticipating snags, Indian foreign office officials along with its allies managed to play down the Ukraine situation as a war.

The eventual compromise statement amounted to a coup for the summitas host, Prime Minister Modi, but still reflected a position far softer than those the US and its Western allies have adopted individually, CNN reported.

US President Joe Biden's hopes of convincing the world's largest economies to rally behind Ukraine during his two-night stay in India for the summit did not bear fruit in the way he wanted, but he still liked the final wording. He also pressed his case for American investment in the developing world.

Even as the summit was midway through on Saturday, the leaders agreed to the joint declaration acknowledging the situation in Ukraine while not papering over the groupas major divides on the issue.

"All states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition," the declaration read, without explicitly singling out Russia for its invasion. The document also stated opposition to the use of nuclear weapons and highlighted the economic effects of the war in an indirect reference to Putin's threat of using nuclear weapons if NATO allies intervened militarily to help Ukraine.

In a reflection of the deep fractures among the G20 nations, the statement acknowledged "there were different views and assessments of the situation", US media reports noted.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko however criticised the declaration. Kiev was not invited by India to the G20 summit.

"Ukraine is grateful to its partners who tried to include strong wording in the text," he wrote on Facebook. "At the same time, the G20 has nothing to be proud of in the part about Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Obviously, the participation of the Ukrainian side would have allowed the participants to better understand the situation. The principle of 'nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine' remains as key as ever," media reports said.

The absence of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin - US President Biden's arch rivals - provided opportunities for Biden to make a more affirmative case at the summit, White House officials said during the summit.

Biden said Saturday he would have welcomed the presence of his Chinese counterpart at the summit, but that positive outcomes were still possible. "It would be nice to have him here but, no, the summit is going well," Biden said when questioned about the impact of Xi's absence.

Biden hoped to leverage on the two leaders absence at the summit to portray the US as a credible counterweight to Chinaas economic outreach.He announced new plans partnering Europe, the Middle East and Asia to construct a major new transit corridor connecting the regions, thus challenging Beijing's own efforts at expanding global trade with its belt road initiatives.

"India calls upon the world to come together to transform the global trust deficit into one of trust and reliance. This is the time for all of us to move together," Prime Minister Modi said as the gathering got underway.

"Be it the divide between North and South, the distance between the East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we must find a solid solution to this for future generations," he emphasised. It was a message of unity at a markedly fractured moment for the grouping, the US media observed.

While Biden enjoyed success at other summits convincing European leaders and NATO allies to step up their military support for Ukraine and tighten their punishment of Russia, many nations, particularly in the Global South, weren't convinced. They viewed the billions of dollars in Western assistance pouring into Ukraine sceptically, and sought a more balanced relationship with Moscow, CNN said.

Biden's aides claimed the president welcomed the opportunity to make the case for Ukraine, including to audiences that arenat necessarily on the same page. aPart of what makes the G20 an appealing format for the United States is it gives us a chance to interact with and work with and take constructive steps with a wider range of countries, including some, frankly, that we donat see eye to eye with on every issue," US deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told reporters on Saturday.(ends)

(T. N. Ashok can be contacted at ashoktnex@gmail.com)

--IANS

ash/svn
Los Angeles, Sep 10 : Actress Amanda Seyfried reveals that her biggest "beauty fail" was when she blundered in an attempt to shape her eyebrows when she was still at school.

"I egregiously overplucked my eyebrows in high school for them never to return in full," Amandarecalled in an interview with Glamour, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Meanwhile, the 'Mean Girls' star learned how to appreciate beauty in its natural form after a visit to Japan had a lasting impact.

The actress said: "Kyoto left an incredible impression on me. In Japanese culture in general, the people are all about living within nature and trying not to change but thrive surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature."

"Beauty, to me, is just that. Appreciating what we have, who we are, and where we come from - letting nature inform and inspire our journey inside and out of ourselves."

Amanda, 37, also took a swipe at the beauty standards created by social media and Hollywood and would remove "likes" from people's selfies if she had the power to do so.

"Let's turn the camera around at what's in front of us. Selfies can be nice and organic in the right context. Let's keep it special," she added.

Amandais an ambassador for beauty brand Lancome and would willingly use the company's Brow Define pencil for the rest of her life.

The actress explained, "My brows are also just a little bit too blonde to see sometimes. Highlighting and appreciating the features I already have is the key."
Washington, Sep 10 : Hundreds of Hindus in the US state of California gathered to protest against an anti-caste discrimination bill, which they say will further fuel instances of Hinduphobia if signed into law.

The SB 403 bill, which seeks to outlaw caste-based discrimination in the state, was passed in the California Senate last week with an overwhelming 31-5 votes, and now rests with Governor Gavin Newsom for clearance.

Holding banners and placards, Hindus in Califonian city of Sacramento on Saturday urged Newsom to veto the bill, which if signed, will make California the first state in the US to add caste as a protected category in its anti-discrimination laws.

"Governor Newsom you stood with us in 2017 when you supported our community to ensure that Hindus and Indians are not misrepresented in California's textbooks. We ask you to stand with us one more time by vetoing SB 403," said Samir Kalra from advocacy group Hindu American Foundation (HAF).

"We ask you Gavin Newsom to Veto SB403 so history remembers that you said no to discrimination against Indian Americans and said no to racially profiling our community," the HAF, which is planning to file a lawsuit against the bill, wrote on X.

Sharing videos and images from the peaceful protest, US-based Hindu advocacy group, Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), wrote on X: "Gavin Newsom, we hope you see how deeply concerned our community is about this bill and its potential impact on us".

Asserting that the bill seeks to "silence" the Hindus, CoHNA said that SB 403 "is not facially neutral, allows for the targeting and profiling of Hindus and violates our civil rights".

"'Caste' is not neutral like race, religion, gender, ethnicity, ancestry and other categories. And, existing California laws can already address any claims of caste discrimination," CoHNA said, urging Newsom to "stand on the right side of history".

The bill, introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab in March, adds caste as a protected category to an existing law, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which provides that all people in the state of California are entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments.

"We want to ensure organisations and companies do not entrench caste discrimination in their practices or policies, and in order to do that we need to make it plainly clear that discrimination based on caste is against the law," Wahab had said in March 2023.

Just after the the passage in the California State Assembly, its supporters went on a hunger strike asking Newsom to sign it into law as soon as possible.

The office of Governor Newsom told BBC that he would evaluate the bill when it reaches his desk.

Before its passage in Californiaas senate, the bill had cleared the State Assembly late last month with a 55-3 vote, a sign of broad support.
Rabat, Sep 10 : Stating that it is in touch with the community, the Embassy of India in Morocco has said that till now there is no report of any of its nationals getting affected in the earthquake in the North African nation that has killed over 2,000 people.

The earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale hit Morocco's High Atlas mountain range on Friday at 11:11 pm local time at a depth of 18.5 km.

Issuing an advisory in the aftermath of the quake on Saturday, the Embassy of India in Rabat urged its nationals to reach out to them for any assistance.

"...till now, there is no report of any Indian national getting affected due to the earthquake. Embassy is in touch with the community members. They are requested to contact the Embassy of India on +212 661 297 491 for any assistance/guidance," the advisory, posted on X, read.

The advisory also urged all Indian nationals in Morocco to "stay calm and adhere to the advisories/guidelines issued by the local authorities from time to time".

The earthquake was felt in many cities across Morocco, including Rabat and Casablanca. Many houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh, local media reported.

Condoling the loss of lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered assistance to the North African nation as he opened the G20 Summit on Saturday.

"Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones," he said, beginning the G20 address.

"May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time."

According to the External Affairs Ministry, there are about 200-250 Indian nationals located in the city of Casablanca and a few families live in Marrakesh and Tangier.

Most of them are engaged in business or trade activities, or work in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

There are no direct flights between India and Morocco but connections to Casablanca are available via Europe, the UAE and Qatar.
New Delhi: World leaders during the closing session of the G20 Summit 2023 on 'One Future'. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Sep 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday while addressing the concluding session of the G20 Summit on 'One Future' said that there is a need to create a framework for a responsible human-centric Artificial Intelligence governance.

In this regard, India will also give suggestions. He said, "And our efforts will be that in spheres of socio-economic development, global workforce as well as in research and development, the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are available to all nations."

In 2019 the G20 had adopted the principles on AI, which now need to be taken forward, PM Modi said.

"At the same time, global cooperation is also needed for preparing a framework on cyber security," the prime minister said.

He added that new ways of terror funding are being seen through the cyber world, which need to be prevented for the good of all nations.

"The sentiment of 'One Future' will be strengthened only when we will focus on the safety of every nation," Modi said.

"In today's world there are several burning issues which can impact the present and future of all nations.

"One among these issues is that of crypto currency, which has emerged as a new topic for social order, monetary and financial stability.

"We need to develop global standards to regulate crypto currencies, and to do this we have the model of Basel standards on banking regulations before us," the prime minister said.

Modi once again reiterated the need for restructuring the UN Security Council, noting that despite 200 nations being part of the UN, the permanent members of the Security Council have remained static even after almost 80 years of its existence.

"If an organisation doesn't change with time, it loses its relevance. We need to think with open minds as to why new global platforms have emerged and are also successful," Modi said.

The prime minister also called for expansion of the mandate of multilateral development banks (MDBs), for which immediate and effective decisions are needed to be taken.

"In the fast changing world, along with sustainability there is also a need for stability, so let's take a vow to fructify our promises on Green Development Pact, action plan on SDGs, high level principles on anti-corruption, MDBs' reforms as well as digital public infrastructure," the prime minister said.

--IANSans/dpb
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 10 : Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Vadakara constituency K. Muraleedharan has demanded a detailed probe into CBI report which revealed conspiracy against the former Chief Minister late Oomen Chandy in the solar scam case.

He said that this would be discussed in the Congress high level meeting which will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

K. Muraleedharan who is also the former KPCC president said, "The court is considering the CBI report and the details in the report will be made revealed once the report is made public."

Former Kerala home minister and senior leader of the Congress party, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan also demanded a probe into the matter. Thiruvanchoor while speaking to media persons said, "Identity of the people who betrayed Oomen Chandy should be made public as also the CBI report."

The report submitted by the Thiruvananthapuram unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had exonerated Oomen Chandy in the case.

The report points to the role of a few people including a former minister, a controversial middleman and other political leaders connected to the left front.

It may be noted that a woman had complained to the police that Chandy in his capacity as Chief Minister had sexually assaulted her promising to sanction her contracts for solar installations in state.

The CBI report states that the woman who had raised the complaint had drafted four more letters in addition to the original one to implicate political leaders.

The first letter written by the woman while she was in jail did not mention the name of Oomen Chandy or any references on him. The CBI found that the name was later included in the letter.

The CBI report also said that a controversial middle man was behind this and this person had two letters written by the woman complainant.

The CBI could not gather any evidence to support the claim that she was sexually abused at the Cliff house, the official residence of the Chief Minister.

The report which has the statements recorded by the CBI has references to former minister and left front MLA, K.B. Ganesh Kumar, and his close relative Saranya Manoj who is a bus operator.

Meanwhile, Oomen Chandy's son and newly elected incumbent MLA, Chandy Oomen told media persons at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday that everyone believes that a controversy was hatched against his father and that truth would definitely come out one day.
Lucknow, Sep 10 : The Samajwadi Party has won the Ghosi Assembly seat and the BJP has lost it but the biggest loser in this bypoll is the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) president, Om Prakash Rajbhar.

Rajbhar and his over-the-top statements during the campaign are now being blamed for the poor show of the BJP in the bypoll.

Rajbhar, who had claimed that Ghosi was his bastion and he could turn tables in the constituency without any effort, had completely taken over the campaign in the by-election.

Sanjay Nishad, another BJP ally, even advised Rajbhar to exercise restraint while speaking.

According to local BJP leader, Rajbhar antagonised the Yadav community in Ghosi when he declared that the brain of Yadavs begins working only after noon.

He also vowed to send Akhilesh Yadav and Shivpal Yadav 'packing to Etawah'.

"Rajbhar kept repeating this and it was only natural that Yadavs felt insulted. In a similar manner, he targeted other OBC communities on different occasions. Surprisingly, the BJP leaders did not bother to check Rajbhar's venomous speeches and nor did they try to assuage the feelings of voters who believed that what Rajbhar said had the sanction of the BJP.

"After a point, even the party workers either receded into their homes or quietly shifted loyalties to the SP candidate," said a senior party worker, who requested anonymity.

Rajbhar also managed to rub the 90,000 Muslim voters in the constituency the wrong way by claiming that his party MLA Abbas Ansari -- son of Mukhtar Ansari -- was 'forced upon me by Akhilesh Yadav'.

"The voters in Ghosi were apparently disgusted with turncoats -- be it Om Prakash Rajbhar or BJP candidate Dara Singh Chauhan. Rajbhar has moved from BJP to SP and back again to BJP, hurling accusations at both parties.

"Dara Singh Chauhan also left the BJP to join SP and after he won the 2022 Assembly polls in SP, he quit to join the BJP again. Both the leaders have lost their credibility and their hate speeches made things worse," admitted a BJP leader.

A question mark now hangs over the future of Om Prakash Rajbhar who may not get a ministerial position for himself and a seat for his son Arun Rajbhar in the Vidhan Parishad.

"There is no doubt that Rajbhar has done maximum damage to the BJP in Ghosi and it is up to the party leadership to take a call on this," said a senior minister in the Yogi government.
New Delhi, Sep 10 : Calling her co-actor Dulquer Salmaan a "wonderful person", actress Pooja A Gor opened up on sharing screen with him in 'Guns & Gulaabs', and spoke about their bond.

Pooja was recently seen in crime-thriller series 'Guns & Gulaabs', in which she is seen playing officer Arjun's (played by Dulquer) better-half.

'Guns & Gulaabs' is a captivating narrative of firsts, set in the early '90s in the unpredictable and precarious town called Gulaabganj. The series is an ode to Bollywood in the nineties, bringing back the charms of the decade.

The genre-blending series intertwines romance, comedy, action, pulp, thrill, and twists, with young adult themes.

Talking to IANS, Pooja spoke on her on and off screen bond with Dulquer.

"Well we can see the on screen bond of our characters on the show. It's the best way to describe Madhu and Arjun's bond. Off screen, I would say DQ is a wonderful person. Very easy to work with. Such a natural actor. We were on the same page right from the beginning which was great. I am glad I am paired opposite him on the show," she shared.

Created by the ingenious duo Raj & DK, 'Guns & Gulaabs' bears their original comedy signature throughout.

How does Pooja describe the creative vision of Raj & DK?

The 'Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya' actress said: "It was an absolute pleasure to see them at work. Their unique style of storytelling, the characters they build, the worlds they build in every show and the conviction that they have in their script is awe-inspiring."

"They give a lot of freedom to their actors to improvise and give their inputs. What I appreciate the most about them is the novelty of all of their projects," she shared.

Pooja said: "The entire experience on 'Guns & Gulaabs' was spectacular. Directors Raj & DK are as brilliant as they say they are. And so is their team. They made me feel at home."

If she relates to her character Madhu?

The 32-year-old actress said: "Madhu is such a sweet simple woman. She is very relatable. You will find a woman like her everywhere you look around. A woman dedicated to her family."

"The one quality that I would like to imbibe from Madhu was how she never lost heart and knew how to start all over again everytime she had to move to another city," said Pooja.

Pooja also shared a vivid memory from the shoot of the show, saying: "I get nervous before shooting for every new project. And I remember before giving my very first shot for the show which is also the very first scene of mine on the show, I felt my heart pounding as if it was going fall out of my chest."

"Raj sir, who was directing me that day, came to explain the scene, had such a calming energy that it immediately soothed my nerves," she added.

Set against the backdrop of comedic power struggles and revenge plots, the series blends genres as it follows a lovestruck mechanic, a reluctant heir to a ruling gang and an honest officer-turned-agent-of-chaos.

Adding to this, a trio of schoolmates experience the sweet innocence that comes with growing up in a small town, replete with heartbreaks, betrayal, and a world of firsts. The series boasts a dynamic cast, including Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer, Adarsh Gourav, T.J. Bhanu, Gulshan Devaiah and the late Satish Kaushik who is seen in a career-defining performance.

It is streaming on Netflix.
Hyderabad, Sep 10 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday paid tributes to Telangana's revolutionary fighter Chityala Ailamma, popularly known as Chakali Ailamma, on her death anniversary.

Chief Minister KCR described her as a symbol of women power and consciousness of backward sections.

On the occasion of 38th death anniversary of Ailamma, the CM remembered the courage displayed by Ailamma during the Telangana Armed Struggle.

The CM said that Ailamma's fighting spirit against discrimination was embraced during the Telangana movement. The state government is officially organising Ailamma's death and birth anniversary programmes and commemorating the Telangana fighters in a dignified way.

KCR said the state government is implementing welfare and development programmes for all sections and Telangana women are a role model for the country.

BRS MP Ranjith Reddy also paid tributes to Ailamma and recalled her bravery in the Telangana armed struggle. Her fight against discrimination laid the foundation for the Telangana movement, he said, adding that she is a symbol of the Bahujan awakening and a beacon of women's empowerment in the state.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over the gavel to President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi Sep, 10 : Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday said that his country will look forward to carry the torch of G20 forward.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the G20 Delhi leaders summit, da Silva, who took over the presidency of the grouping on behalf of his country from India, said, "The Brazilian presidency of the G20 has three priorities - first, social inclusion and fighting against hunger. Second, energy transition and sustainable development in its three aspects and third, the reform of global governance institutions."

The Brazilian President said Gandhian principles hold a lot of significance in his political career.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while handing over the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to the Brazilian President, expressed hope that he will carry forward the common agenda of G20.

India's G20 presidency is valid till November this year.
This photo shows tree-lined streets with children playing at the refugee camp in Minawao, Far North region, Cameroon, Aug. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Kepseu)

by Arison Tamfu

YAOUNDE, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Luka Isaac Batakwa reminisced about the scary night when he lost his four relatives when gunmen belonging to the terror group Boko Haram raided his village in Nigeria.

He had seen and had enough and made up his mind to flee to neighboring Cameroon. There, he joined thousands of other refugees who had fled to seek sanctuary in Minawao in Cameroon's Far North region, about 64 km east of the Nigerian border.

Batakwa was finally beginning to feel he had found peace when, again, life became unbearable.

"We were looking for shade everywhere, and our houses were blown off by the winds ... During rainy season like this, the wind will come from nowhere with full force to blow off our houses all the time. I (used to go to) the neighboring villages to seek shelter. At times in the daytime, this place was very hot," recalled the 46-year-old man.

The new arrivals accelerated the desertification process in the semi-arid region, ripping up the few surrounding trees for firewood and leaving nothing but sand and rocks.

There is hope now. Since 2018, trees, including neem, acacia and moringa, dot the over 600-hectare landscape of the Minawao refugee camp, where approximately 70,000 Nigerians have sought shelter from violence in their homeland.

The land is sandy, dry and scorched by the searing sun of the African Sahel, but that has not stopped refugees from planting nearly half a million trees, which has turned an extensive area of desert into forest and changed people's lives.

"Now we have enough trees in the camp, our houses are not blown off like before, and we have good air to breathe," Batakwa, now the president of Nigerian refugees in the Minawao camp, told Xinhua standing in front of his mud-walled house roofed with white tarpaulins and surrounded by trees.

Shouck Ali, another refugee, was one of the first to begin planting trees when he arrived at the camp in 2013.

"I decided to plant the trees simply because I know it will give me shade where I can have some fresh air during the dry season because, in my country, where I come from, I have a lot of trees surrounding my house," said Ali, 45, who regularly left the camp in search of firewood, a dangerous and exhausting task. "When I look at the trees and the wind that blows on the trees, I feel at home. So that at least gives me a rest of mind sometimes when I am upset."

Sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and partner organizations, the project, dubbed "Make Minawao Green Again," is working to make a difference for everyone and reverse deforestation both in the camp and surrounding villages, said Kimberly Roberson, head of the UNHCR sub-office in Maroua, capital of Far North region.

"Some of the trees that are planted have roots that have different types of nutrients. And so, the trees not only provide wood, not only provide shade, not only provide shelter and building materials, they also provide food," Roberson said.

Refugees and local communities received training on how to give seedlings the best chance of survival in the harsh environment through a technique called "cocoon technology."

Before now, dwindling sources of energy were a source of tension between the refugees and host communities. Roberson said she knows how important the new trees have enhanced cooperation with the host community.

The project is expanding, and more seedlings are being grown in a tree nursery. Once rooted, they will be transferred to the camp and host communities, and in their own small way, they will help contribute to climate change mitigation.

"While it (the project) won't fight climate change, it helps reduce the impact of climate change on people and their lives. So it's not a huge contributor to the global fight against climate change when we talk about ocean warming and temperature rising, but it certainly brings an awareness and a certain level of returning to the earth," Roberson said.

The project is contributing to the Great Green Wall, an African-led initiative that aims to grow an 8,000-km continent-wide barrier to stop the ongoing desertification of the Sahel, a territory on the border of the Sahara and the Sudanian savanna, environmentalists said.

Batakwa said there is a need to mobilize donors to expand the tree-planting campaign to all the other villages in the zone. 

Refugees work in the tree nursery at the camp in Minawao, Far North region, Cameroon, Aug. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Kepseu)

Kimberly Roberson, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Sub-office in Maroua, answers questions from Xinhua at her office in Maroua, Far North region, Cameroon, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Kepseu)
Mumbai, Sep 10 : Actress Nora Fatehi, who is of Moroccan descent, has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his heartfelt condolences and support to Morocco, following a devastating earthquake that left the nation reeling.

The earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Morocco with a powerful force, brought forth a wave of destruction and despair, but it also highlighted the power of global unity and the significance of extending a helping hand in times of crisis.

The earthquake which was felt in many cities of Morocco including Rabat and Casablanca, has reported the death toll of 2000, till now.

In a heartwarming gesture of solidarity and compassion, Mr Modi extended his condolences and support to the quake hit country.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote: "Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time."

Nora took to Instagram Stories, and shared a message for the PM, which read as : "Thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this big support! You were one of the first countries to raise awareness and extend a helping hand! The Moroccan people are very thankful and grateful! Jai Hind!"

On the work front, Nora will be next seen in a titular role for the first time ever, opposite Vidyut Jammwal and Arjun Rampal in a sports-action film titled 'Crakk'. She also has films such as 'Matka', 'Dancing Dad', and Kunal Kemmu's 'Madgaon Express' in the pipeline.
12 killed in road accident in Ukraine. Image Source: IANS News

Islamabad, Sep 10 : Six people were killed and 50 others were injured after a bus they were travelling in overturned in Pakistan's Punjab province.

The accident occurred in Sheikhpura on Saturday night when the bus carrying Christian pilgrims turned turtle while taking a turn, ARY news reported.

Rescue officials rushed to the spot and shifted injured to hospital.

A case has been registered against the bus driver and conductor.
New Delhi, Sep 10 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday said that a healthy solution has been found in the Delhi Declaration, which was adopted a day earlier at the G20 summit.

"I think that a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest. It is one of the decent purposes and we are already on track. In our turn, we will continue strengthening these positive trends, including during Brazil's presidency next year and in 2025 during South Africa's presidency," Lavrov said.

While closing the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he would convene another G20 summit via video conferencing late November. "It will be another opportunity for us to review the implementation of the agreements that we have reached today," he added further.

The Delhi Declaration does not mention Russia and refers to the Ukraine conflict as "war in Ukraine", a major climbdown from last year's Bali Declaration which had condemned the "war against Ukraine".

Ukraine on Saturday had said that the outcome document was "nothing to be proud of" and criticised it for not mentioning Russia.

On consensus over the Delhi Declaration, the Russian foreign minister said, "When they agreed to that, perhaps it was the voice of their conscience.

"Speaking frankly, we didn't expect that. Let me underline that we cannot isolate that paragraph (on Ukraine and Russia) from the rest of the work on the declaration. The main content of the declaration this year is all about the awakening of the Global South and the consolidation of the Global South that is truly willing for the G20 to work for its main goals."

--IANSans/dpb
New Delhi, Sep 10 : The Fire Wing of CISF Unit BSL Bokaro saved the lives of 21 people, including women, who were trapped in the debris after a residential house collapsed in Bokaro city of Jharkhand CISF officials said on Sunday.

A senior CISF official said that at around 5:10 a.m. on Sunday morning, the Fire Wing of CISF Unit BSL Bokaro received a call about the collapse of a residential building.

The caller reported that a few individuals were trapped in the debris of the building near Lal Chowk in Sector E in Bokaro.

"On receiving the information, CISF Fire Wing personnel promptly arrived at the scene and observed that a residential building had collapsed, with some civilians trapped in the debris. Fire Wing personnel immediately initiated a rescue operation, removing the debris and evacuating the trapped individuals," said the official.

The official said that during the rescue operation, a total of 21 lives, including those of women and children, were saved by CISF Fire Wing personnel.
Patna, Sep 10 : A group of men allegedly shaved the head of a tribal woman in Bihar's Araria district late on Friday night.

The incident occurred in a tribal village which comes under Raniganj police station of the district.

The woman is facing charges of having an illicit relationship with a man of her village. The villagers caught them in a compromising position on Friday night. They overpowered both of them and shaved the head of the woman in torch light.

Some of the attackers made a video of the incident as well and uploaded it on social media. While shaving her head, they were also using abusive words for the victim in Tribal (Santali) language.

Following the incident, some villagers informed the local police about the matter. Accordingly, a team headed by an ASI rank officer of Raniganj police station reached the tribal village and managed to rescue both the victims.

"We rescued them from the tribal village and took them to the police station. They have not given a written complaint against the accused. They were terrified after the incident. We are making efforts to identify the accused," said Sanjay Kumar, SHO of Raniganj police station Araria.
Los Angeles, Sep 10 : Actor Jamie Foxx has made a return to acting after his hospitalisation earlier this year, and now he's said to have been a "ball of energy" on set.

Back in April it was revealed the beloved 55-year-old actor had experienced a "medical complication", with the reason behind his poor health unknown for several weeks, reports aceshowbiz.com.

It then emerged soon after the They Cloned Tyrone actor had been hospitalised, which left fans worried for the star amid the mysterious situation.

A few weeks later in May, Jamie's family then revealed that he was no longer in hospital, with Jamie since sharing a video where he addressed his health woes and cleared up any speculation.

And now, a woman who appeared in Jamie's latest promotional campaign for BetMGM has said the star was a "ball of energy" on set.

Speaking to People, Kristen Radford Thom said that Jamie was "kind and humble and hilarious a" all wrapped up in a ball of energy".

The extra also spoke of how Foxx "opened up" to the cast on set, with him open about his situation without telling them "exactly what happened". She then added: "He was the nicest. He was funny. His improv abilities are unmatched. The entire set was laughing at his jokes. He is talented, in the most natural way."

Last month Jamie addressed his health scare on Instagram.
Kolkata, Sep 10 : Seven persons with narcotics consignment worth over Rs 35 lakh have been nabbed by the special task force (STF), Kolkata Police said on Sunday.

A city police official said that their sleuths were tipped off by sources that a group of people will assemble in front of Aliah University campus in central Kolkata on late Saturday for the purpose of handing over the narcotics consignment.

Accordingly, a team of STF sleuths reached the spot in advance in plain cloth and started monitoring the surroundings.

Soon the seven persons reached the place in two phases, the first group in a four-wheeler and the second group on a motorcycle. The STF sleuths overpowered them and arrested them with the huge consignment of cocaine.

The seven arrested persons have been identified as Abhishek Thakur, Rishi Sagar, Sonti Singh, Rahul Singh, Avinash Kumar, Riki Dutt and Rahul Dutt.

They will be presented at a lower court in Kolkata on Sunday only and the police will seek their custody. A city police official said that these seven persons arrested had been part of a narcotics smuggling racket and interrogations are on to know the whereabouts of their other associates.

City police sources said that the narcotics smuggling rackets have become very active in the city for quite some time and the sleuths of STF as well as the narcotics cell under the Detective Department of the city police had been conducting simultaneously to demolish these rackets.

The cops feel that the latest arrest of the seven persons had been a big catch and will lead to further arrests.
New Delhi, Sep 10 : During the G20 Summit, a breach of protocol occurred when a vehicle from US President Joe Biden's convoy unintentionally entered the premises of Hotel Taj, where the UAE Crown Prince was staying, said sources.

This security lapse, reported on Saturday morning, initially raised significant concerns among the security agencies. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the breach happened because the driver had chosen to accept another customer's request before heading to President Biden's accommodation.

The sources said the driver explained to the police that he had been instructed to arrive at ITC Maurya, where President Biden was residing during the G20 Summit by 9:30 a.m. Having some available time in the morning, he had agreed to transport another passenger to the Taj Hotel by 8 a.m.

A businessman, who happened to be the passenger, was also in the car when security agencies stopped them at the hotel.

The driver admitted to being unfamiliar with the security protocols in place. Consequently, he underwent questioning and was later released. However, as a consequence of the breach, the security agencies removed the driver from Joe Biden's convoy.

During the G20 Summit, Delhi Police implemented a series of traffic restrictions over the weekend, as the city hosted numerous prominent global leaders. The summit served as a platform for extensive discussions and bilateral meetings aimed at addressing some of the world's most critical global challenges.

--IANSatk/dpb
New Delhi, Sep 10 : A day after the G20 Summit adopted the Delhi Declaration, which doesn't mention Russia and in a major departure from last year's Bali Declaration, describes the Ukraine crisis as "war in Ukraine", Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday said that Russia's aggression is shaking the foundation of cooperation at the grouping.

"Today as the world faces compound crisis, collaboration at the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation is becoming increasingly important. Russia's aggression on Ukraine is shaking the very foundation of cooperation at the G20. It could shake the basis of cooperation at the G20, further it is causing an enormous impact to the world economy," Kishida said.

The Japanese prime minister added that throughout the G20 Summit meetings, his country called for immediate withdrawal of troops and durable peace in Ukraine.

"On Russia's aggression on Ukraine, throughout the meetings, Japan had pressed for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops. The realisation of just and durable peace in Ukraine. We underscored our position that Russia's nuclear threat let alone its use of nuclear weapons is absolutely unacceptable. I also highlighted the importance of assistance from the global community to vulnerable populations under conflict," Kishida said.

At the same time he praised India's G20 presidency, saying that "Under the leadership of India as this year's chair, we were able to agree on the G20 Leaders' declaration which is a truly meaningful achievement. Japan has been engaged in the negotiations with the intent to pass on the outcome of the G7 to the G20 and we were able to hand over to the G20 points that were confirmed at the Hiroshima Summit. I look forward to working with other leaders to follow up on the outcomes delivered by the G7 and G20".

Kishida further added that "Over the course of the past five days, I attended ASEAN-related summits in Jakarta and the G20 New Delhi summit. First and foremost, I extend my deep respect and appreciation to President Joko of Indonesia and Prime Minister Modi of India for exercising outstanding leadership as chairs of the summits and to the members of both governments."

--IANSans/dpb
Jammu, Sep 10 : The border security force (BSF) trooper who went missing from duty on Friday in J&K's Poonch district was on Sunday traced in his native village in Bihar.

The trooper was on general duty at Bharani forward post on the line of control (LoC) in Balakote sector of Poonch district.

"He was found in his native village in Bihar on Sunday morning. Police had registered an FIR into this incident on Friday in Poonch district," officials said.
DAKAR, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Senegal's Prime Minister Amadou Ba was designated Saturday as the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition's candidate for next year's presidential election.

The candidacy was announced during a meeting of leaders of the BBY coalition.

The coalition is led by President Macky Sall's Alliance for the Republic party.

Elected president of Senegal in 2012 and re-elected in 2019, Sall announced in July his decision not to seek a third term.

Ba, 62, had served as minister of economy and finance and minister of foreign affairs before being appointed prime minister in 2022. 
- Thackeray: We will not change the countrys name, we will change the PM. Image Source: IANS News

Jalgaon, Sep 10 : Mounting a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party government, Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray said that the ruling coalition at the Centre is 'shaken' by the success of the recent National Opposition parties' conclave in Mumbai last fortnight.

"They are so rattled by the INDIA bloc that they have changed the country's name to Bharat We shall not indulge in such name-change games We will change the ruling party and the nation's Prime Minister in the next (Lok Sabha) elections The BJP will not return to power in the 2024 elections," roared Thackeray, amid a huge round of applause.

However, he said that 'INDIA', 'Bharat' or 'Hindustan' are all our names and we shall use any that we like, and nobody can impose it on us, while addressing a large public rally here this afternoon.

Thackeray pointed out how, during the INDIA conclave in Mumbai (August 31-September 1), the ruling Shiv Sena had triggered a post-banner war labelling his party as 'Shiv Sena Congress'.

"Arre We were with the BJP for 25-30 years and we did not become like them, so how can be become a Congress now?" asked Thackeray, to cheers from the audience.

Training guns on the BJP, Thackeray said that they will go to any lengths to grab power, breaking political parties, grabbing other parties leaders, including his father (the late Balasaheb Thackeray).

"There is talk now that there could be a repeat of the Godhra incident (February 27, 2002) around the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya" warned Thackeray.

Referring to the ongoing Manipur crises, the Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo lamented how women were publicly brutalised and shamed, "but the government at the Centre has said or done nothing".

"Those who choose to keep quiet on such tragic and serious issues have no right to utter the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and such icons," said Thackeray sharply.

He slammed Shinde for having time to travel to New Delhi and click his photos with the G-20 dignitaries, but has no time to go to meet the Maratha leader Manoj Jarange-Patil -- currently on hunger strike in Jalna for 13 days to press for quotas.

Thackeray again compared the police crackdown of September 1 on the protesting Maratha crowds -- terming it as 'Jalna-wala', akin to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (April 13, 1919) of the British regime.

"What are Jarange-Patil's demands At least talk to him, we had gone to meet him Is any official representative of the government still in communication with the Maratha leader or nor? Or is it left to that bearded traitor (ex-Shiv Sena-UBT legislator) Arjun Khotkar" wondered Thackeray.

He called upon the people to throw out the government of traitors, corrupt elements and those who have been making false promises in the next elections and ensure they are not taken for a ride again.

Earlier, Thackeray inaugurated a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in two major junctions of Jalgaon city.
Amsterdam, Sep 11 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a six-day tour to Europe, on Sunday arrived in Netherlands.

The MP from Kerala's Wayanad constituency is scheduled to participate in a programme at Leiden University in Wijnhaven, said Virendra Vashisth, Secretary of Indian Overseas Congress said.

He said that on Monday, Gandhi will be in Norway where he will hold a programme at Oslo University.

Earlier, Gandhi during his visit to France, held an interaction with the students and faculty at Sciences PO University in Paris, France.

During the interaction, he criticised the ruling BJP and RSS, accusing them of trying to stop the expression and participation of lower castes, OBCs , tribals and minority communities.

He also shared his view over the renaming of India into Bharat and said they don't want the history of our country to be known to our future generation.

Earlier this year, the Congress leader had visited United States and United Kingdom.
Amsterdam, Sep 11 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a six-day tour to Europe arrived in Netherlands.

The MP from Kerala's Wayanad constituency is scheduled to participate in a programme at Leiden University in Wijnhaven, said Virendra Vashisth, Secretary of Indian Overseas Congress said.

He said that on Monday, Gandhi will be in Norway where he will hold a programme at Oslo University.

Earlier, Gandhi during his visit to France, held an interaction with the students and faculty at Sciences PO University in Paris, France.

During the interaction, he criticised the ruling BJP and RSS, accusing them of trying to stop the expression and participation of lower castes, OBCs , tribals and minority communities.

He also shared his view over the renaming of India into Bharat and said they don't want the history of our country to be known to our future generation.

Earlier this year, the Congress leader had visited United States and United Kingdom.
'Done with guru shopping, now I don't go to gurus': Maa Anand Sheela. Image Source: IANS News

Vadodara, Sep 10 : As we made our way to Vadodara, we anticipated meeting the bold and enigmatic Maa Anand Sheela, known for her pivotal role in the Rajneesh movement and the Netflix series "Wild Wild Country".

However, what we encountered was a gracious caregiver whose life story has traversed some of the most intriguing landscapes on the planet.

Sheela, 73, now residing in Maisprach, Switzerland, has come full circle by returning to Vadodara, the city where her journey began.

She fondly reminisced: "I wanted to come here before I die. I visited my house but it's in bad condition now."

She is a Gujarati Patel and she even spoke to us in the local language.

She calls herself "close to her roots".

Her journey from a young girl Sheela Patel in Vadodara to becoming the influential figure Maa Anand Sheela who managed Rajneeshpuram, Oregon, was marked by what she refers to as "stupid courage".

Sheela reflected on her transition, saying: "It was stupid courage, not defined courage like this. It helped me in transition. At that time, I didn't think of the future."

Maa Anand Sheela, renowned as the Rajneesh movement's spokesperson from 1981-1985 in Oregon.

She was imprisoned for 1986 conviction of attempted murder and assault tied to the Rajneeshee bioterror attack, she relocated to Maisprach, Switzerland, where she oversaw two nursing homes.

When asked about the current landscape of spiritual gurus in India, Sheela expressed her contentment, stating: "I am done with guru shopping in my life. Now, I don't go to gurus. I have found my diamonds; I don't need anyone else. I have no judgments for others but even most gurus read Bhagwan's teachings!"

"I would want to call myself a criminal but not a spiritual person as spirituality is a very hollow word. Spirituality has become fashionable in the moment. All these meditation apps are doing business, and I don't want to harm it, but they offer only a few minutes of relaxation, nothing else."

Discussing the trend of young people opting for singledom over marriage, Sheela commended their choice, saying: "I call that intelligence! Marriage is for the convenience of society, but life should not always be for convenience. If you like yourself and want freedom, then stay away from relationships and marriage. Learn to be alone."

Her deep affection for Bhagwan (Osho) is evident in her words: "What I feel for Bhagwan has no limits. I look at him, and I melt. The quality of love I felt shines in my work."

Osho once called Sheela, a "criminal", compared her to "prostitute" but Sheela has only love for him.

She said: "Forgive, guilt, or regret are not words I use. They are Christian words, and Christianity teaches us to be guilty and forgive. Bhagwan has cured me!"

Sheela emphasized the fluidity of relationships, stating: "The word 'adultery' doesn't exist. Multiple relationships are healthy. Just take care of sexual precautions. Don't make it a moral issue. The moment you make it a moral issue, you fall into the trap of guilt and forgiveness, and with it comes depression. If you want to be happy in a relationship, don't lose your freedom."

As she looks ahead to her remaining days, Sheela aspires to be constructive and spread positivity without seeking approval, concluding: "Whatever last days I have in my life, I want to be constructive and bring positivity without seeking approvals. I do what I do for my pleasure."
Patna, Sep 10 : The Central government has deemed over 81,595 farmers of Bihar ineligible for the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme due to their good financial condition, an official of the state Agriculture Department said on Sunday.

He added that the state government has been asked to start the process of collecting the funds from beneficiaries through the banks concerned.

The official said that 45,879 farmers were found to be income tax payees and remaining 35,716 were due to other reasons.

"Keeping in view of their financial status, they were not fulfilling the parameters of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme and hence, became ineligible as beneficiaries," Additional Director, Agriculture, Dhananjay Pati Tripathi told IANS.

"The Central government has asked the Agriculture Department to start the proceedings of refund from the farmers who have already taken the financial benefits under this scheme," he said.

A meeting of the state bankers committee was held recently where officials have been asked to initiate the process of refund collection on a priority basis. The lenders have been asked to send notices to the beneficiaries to return the money.

As per the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme which was launched on December 1, 2018, farmers, who are not paying income tax, are eligible for availing the fund to the tune of Rs 6,000 per year.

Some of the farmers have already returned the money to the banks.
Washington, Sep 10 : US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that in addition to the "significant business" done at the just-concluded G20 in India such as the rail-ship economic corridor extending from India to Europe, he was able to raise the "importance of respecting human rights ... the vital role (of) civil society and a free press" in his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a customary trip-ender news conference in Hanoi, the second leg of his tour of India and Vietnam. Biden was peppered with questions about China and President Xi Jinping, who had skipped the G20 meeting, and about Ukraine.

In his opening remarks, Biden thanked Modi's "leadership and his hospitality and hosting the G20".

He went on to speak about a part of the visit that was overshadowed by the G20 meeting a" his bilateral with the Indian leader.

Biden said he and Modi had "substantial discussions about how we're going to continue to strengthen the partnership between India and the United States, building on the Prime Minister's visit to the White House last June".

Biden had hosted Modi in a state visit, with the customary state dinner, which was the first for the Indian Prime Minister.

Biden then went on to say: "As I always do, I raised the importance of respecting human rights and the vital role that civil society and a free press have in building a strong and prosperous country with Mr Modi."

The American President may have been trying to pre-empt an issue that has been regularly asked of him and his officials by the American press. In fact, Prime Minister Modi was asked about it himself in the rare news conference he did with President Biden during his June visit.

US officials have said they have not hesitated to raise these issues with their Indian counterparts but not in the manner of one country lecturing the other but as a shared challenge.

The reference is to efforts by former President Donald Trump and his supporters to subvert the 2020 presidential election and the January 6 insurrection, for which he has been indicted in two separate cases.

About the G20 meetings, the American President said: "This was an important moment for the United States to demonstrate our global leadership and our commitment to solving the challenges that matter most to people around the world to invest in inclusive growth and sustainable development, addressing the climate crisis, strengthening food security and education, advancing global health and health security."

"We showed up ready to work and we showed the world the United States is a partner with a positive vision for our shared future," he added.

Left unsaid was that unlike the US, Chinaas President Xi Jinping and Russiaas President Vladimir Putin did not show up demonstrating their lack of commitment to the G20 platform.

Xi, in fact, had attended the recent meeting of the BRICS in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the group admitted six new members, a move that was supported by China and Russia and not so much by India.

Biden focussed on two of the major achievements of the G20 summit. The first was the launch of the rail-ship economic corridor that starts in India, cutts across West Asia (as the Middle East is called in India) and ends in Europe. It will "open up untold opportunities for transformative economic investment".

"We've also discussed Russia's brutal and illegal war in Ukraine," he said, touching upon the other notable achievement of the summit, a joint declaration. "There was sufficient agreement in the room on the need for justice for just and lasting peace, that upholds the principles of the World Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity."

--IANS

yrj/vd
New Delhi, Sep 10 : A 25-year-old man allegedly stabbed his 65-year-old mother to death in east Delhi when she refused to give him money to buy drugs, police said on Sunday.

A neighbour who tried to save the woman was also attacked.

A senior police officer said that at around 1.35 p.m., an information was received through PCR regarding a stabbing issue.

A police team reached the spot where Rajkumari, 65, a resident of Trilokpuri, was found unconscious with multiple stab injuries on her body. She was immediately taken to LBS hospital where doctors declared her dead. At the same time, one more injured person, who was stabbed on the same spot, was admitted to LBS hospital.

"During enquiry, it revealed that the deceased was a widow and house wife and her son Suraj is an alleged drug addict. He used to demand money for drugs from her mother. Crime team and FSL team visited the spot, exhibits were collected. The statement of a woman witness was recorded. She stated at about 12.30 p.m. on hearing the commotion, she and her husband came on ground floor where the son of Rajkumari was stabbing his mother with a knife. Her husband tried to overpower Suraj but he attacked him and he sustained an injury in the abdomen," said the official.

A case under Sections 302 and 307 of the IPC was registered at PS Mayur Vihar.

Suraj was arrested and the weapon of offence, a knife, was recovered at his instance.
New Delhi, Sep 10 : Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to India for the G20 Summit 2023 hit a snag on Sunday when his official plane experienced a technical issue at Delhi airport.

Airport sources said Trudeau's plane CF001 encountered a technical problem shortly before its scheduled departure.

The Canadian delegation, including Trudeau and his son Xavier, will remain in India until the issue is resolved by the engineering team on the ground, said the sources.

The unexpected delay has led to adjustments in the Canadian delegation's travel plans.

Originally slated to depart on Sunday, they will now extend their stay in India until the aircraft is deemed fit for travel.

Trudeau arrived in India on Friday evening to participate in the G20 Summit, which was hosted by India this year.

During his visit, he engaged in a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a range of important issues, strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
New Delhi, Sep 10 : Indian Coast Guard participated in the 19th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) at Istanbul, TArkiye.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that during the three-day high-level meeting, the heads of coast guards of all member nations participated. A series of vital issues including maritime law enforcement, safety and security of life at sea were discussed in the meeting.

MoD said that the marine environment protection, illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and humans at sea etc were also discussed, and avenues for further cooperation were explored through the framing of agenda.

It said that a four-member ICG delegation led by DG Rakesh Pal, Director General Indian Coast Guard took part in the annual event of the independent forum with 23 members of Coast Guard Agencies and 02 associate members in the form of ReCAAP and UNODC.

The forum resolved to further bolster the maritime cooperation among the Asian Coast Guards.

It said that this multilateral forum is an offshoot of the Japanese initiative to promote cooperation amongst regional Coast Guards, after the capture of the pirated vessel MV Alondra Rainbow by the Indian Coast Guard in Nov 1999.

The Defence Ministry said that the HACGAM primarily focuses on fostering cooperation between the Coast Guards of the member Asian states to ensure and promote safe, secure, and clean seas in the region. The forum comprises four Working Groups to enable a focused and goal-oriented approach towards coordinated response and synergy towards common maritime issues.

Indian Coast Guard is the chair of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Working Group and a proactive member of the other Working Groups which include environmental Protection, Controlling Unlawful Acts at Sea, and Information sharing. The last edition of the HACGAM was held in New Delhi in 2022, the official added.
Thane, Sep 10 : At least 6 workers were killed and one injured critically when a service lift crashed in a building in Maharashtra's Thane on Sunday evening, officials said.

According to the Thane Municipal Corporation and Disaster Management Centre officials, the incident occurred around 5.35 p.m. in the Runwal Irene building in Balkumb area, near Ghodbunder.

The workers were descending in the service lift after completing some waterproofing works on the upper floors and the terrace of the skyrise. Suddenly, midway during the ride down, there was a technical snag, the lift rope snapped and the lift hurtled down at high speed and crashed, killing six workers instantly and injuring one more.

Thane Fire Brigade and Disaster teams have rushed to the spot for rescue and relief operations. They rescued Sunilkumar Das, 21, who is critically hurt and rushed him to a nearby government hospital.

The deceased were identified as Mahendra Chaupal, 32, Rupeshkumar Das, 21, Haroon Sheikh, 47, Mithilesh, 35, Kalidas, 38, while one remains unidentified.
JUBA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Violent clashes that erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan since mid-April have forced 259,451 individuals into South Sudan, the UN humanitarian agency said Sunday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned more people were expected to arrive as the fighting continued.

"Additional resources are needed to deal with the multiple consequences of flooding, including to prevent disease outbreaks," the OCHA said in its latest response report released in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

It said the Joda/Renk border remains the main point of entry for about 97 percent of new arrivals, including returnees, refugees and asylum-seekers.

The OCHA said the flooding in Renk has worsened an existing situation for people and significantly limited physical access to key areas, including the airport, Zero (an informal settlement), Paloich, Melut and beyond.

The UN agency said it has revised its emergency response plan for the Sudan crisis and requires 356 million U.S. dollars from May to December to address people's critical priorities, including onward transport assistance to preferred final destinations, life-saving humanitarian assistance on arrival and during transit, targeting 600,000 individuals.

According to the OCHA, the World Food Program requires 139.4 million dollars to provide life-saving food and nutrition assistance for new arrivals and support the humanitarian response through the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) and the logistics cluster by the end of the year.

On Sept. 6, the UN agencies said that funding shortfalls have forced them to scale down their humanitarian response toward millions of vulnerable people in need of food and other life-saving assistance in South Sudan. The agencies said that dwindling resources amid growing needs have forced humanitarian agencies to prioritize the delivery of vital life-saving support which risks leaving millions behind.

The OCHA also said it has paused the general onward transportation from Joda to Renk town on Sept. 3 due to temporary funding constraints.

Between Sept. 3 and 10, the OCHA said only one minibus specifically dedicated to vulnerable individuals and one vehicle for medical referrals and transportation for those in urgent need of care are available. 
New Delhi, Sep 10 : A 5-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict on Monday on the question if the apex court's earlier judgment, which had struck down immunity given to senior public officials against arrest in corruption cases, will have retrospective application.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a unanimous judgment, authored by Justice Vikram Nath, is expected to be delivered on Monday.

The Constitution Bench, also comprising Justices S.K. Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, Abhay S. Oka. and J.K. Maheshwari, had reserved its verdict in November last year after hearing the parties.

In 2016, a reference was made to a larger bench by a two-judge bench to examine if the judgment of the Supreme Court taking away the immunity given to officers of the level of Joint Secretary and above under Section 6A (1) of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 against arrest in relation to corruption charges will have retrospective application.

Section 6A (1) mandated that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will have to obtain mandatory approval from the Union government to continue any inquiry or investigation, including arrest, against officers of the level of Joint Secretary and above who are booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

In 2014, a 5-judge Constitution Bench had struck down the section for offending the right to equality. The judgment did not explicitly lay down as to whether the decision of the Supreme Court will extend to those cases of corruption which were registered by the CBI against senior officials before the provision granting immunity was struck down.

The judgment will be crucial as Article 20 of the Constitution provides that a person cannot be convicted of any offence except for violation of the law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. In simple terms, it means that if an act is not an offence at the date of its commission, it cannot be an offence at a later date subsequent to its commission.

Also, Article 20 says that a person cannot be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence.
New Delhi, Sep 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met Comoros President and African Union chief Azali Assoumani on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Assoumani thanked Modi for his initiative and efforts in making the African Union a permanent member of the G20. He shared his particular pleasure that this had occured during Indiaas G20 presidency, considering India's role and links with Africa, official sources said.

Assoumani felt this would also give a boost to India-Comoros relations.

He also congratulated the Prime Minister for the success of Indiaas G20 presidency. Modi congratulated the African Union on joining the G20 and highlighted India's efforts to articulate the Voice of Global South and recalled the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India in January 2023.

Both leaders also had an opportunity to discuss their bilateral partnership. They expressed satisfaction at the numerous initiatives underway, and discussed opportunities for cooperation in areas like maritime security, capacity building and development partnership.

Earlier on Sunday, Assoumani, addressing a press conference after the summit, said: "To my great satisfaction, admission of African Union was approved during the G20 summit. Prime Minister Modi and other members endorsed the accession of the African Union to this major economic decision-making body. As we all know that India is the 5th superpower in the world so there is enough room for India in Africa. We also know that India is so powerful that it went to space. So we just need to coordinate. India is a superpower in terms of inhabitance, and now India is ahead of China."

--IANS

ans/vd
Seven arrested in Kolkata with narcotics worth Rs 35L. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Sep 10 : The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested one Harry, a key suspect connected to the murder case of international-level kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambian, a source said.

Ambian was an international kabaddi player from Punjab.

Harry, a sharp-shooter, allegedly played a significant role in the murder.

Harry had been on the run since March 14, 2022, when he allegedly killed Ambian.

"Harry has a close association with gangster Kaushal," the source said.
Vijayawada, Sep 10 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) General Secretary Nara Lokesh on Sunday expressed his anguish over the arrest and judicial remand of his father and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

In an open letter to people, Lokesh said his anger simmered and his blood boiled to see his father being unjustly thrown into remand for a crime he never committed.

He posted the letter on X after a court in Vijayawada sent Naidu to judicial custody for 14 days in an alleged skill development scam.

"I write to you today with a heart heavy with pain and eyes moistened with tears. I've grown up watching my father pour his heart and soul into the betterment of Andhra Pradesh and the Telugu people. He never knew a day of rest, tirelessly striving to transform millions of lives," wrote the TDP leader.

"His politics have always been marked by dignity and honesty, and I've witnessed the deep inspiration he drew from the love and gratitude of those he served. Their heartfelt thanks filled him with pure joy, akin to a child's delight. I, too, drew inspiration from his noble path and followed in his footsteps, leaving a comfortable job in America to return to India. It was a tough decision, but I had faith in our nation, our systems, our foundational principles, and, above all, our Constitution. Yet, today, as I see my father unjustly thrown into remand for a crime he never committed, my anger simmers, and my blood boils.

"Is there no limit to the depths political vendetta will sink? Why must a man of my father's calibre, who has accomplished so much for his country, state, and Telugu people, endure such injustice? Is it because he never stooped to engage in vendetta or destructive politics? Is it because he envisioned growth, welfare, and opportunities for our people long before others?" Lokesh asked.

"Today feels like a betrayal. But, my father is a fighter, and so am I. We will rise with an unstoppable force, guided by unwavering determination for Andhra Pradesh and Telugu people worldwide. I ask you to join me in this battle," the young leader appealed to people.
New Delhi, Sep 10 : Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday criticised the Modi government for not send an invitation to the opposition for any of the G20 events, including the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, noting no other democracy would snub its own parliamentary colleagues on a global stage like this.

"This diplomatic triumph makes it all the more a pity that the government does not bring the same attitude of conciliation and co-operation to bear in its domestic dealings. The failure to invite the Leader of the Opposition (in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge), and indeed any Opposition MP, to any of the G20 events, receptions, dinner etc underscores my point.

"No other democracy would snub its own Parliamentary colleagues on a global stage like this. A pity that the spirit of accommodation that prevailed at G20 is absent within Indian politics," Tharoor wrote on X (formerly Twitter) referring to the G20 Summit while resharing his earlier post, complimenting India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant for achieving consensus on the Delhi Declararation.
People buy panda-themed products at the China Festival 2023 in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 9, 2023. China Festival 2023 kicked off in Yoyogi Park in downtown Tokyo on Saturday to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and to promote people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

TOKYO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China Festival 2023 kicked off in Yoyogi Park in downtown Tokyo on Saturday to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and to promote people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan.

The two-day event is co-sponsored by the Chinese embassy in Japan and the Executive Committee of China Festival 2023, featuring more than 80 booths on site, including China Cultural Center, China National Tourism Office in Tokyo and China Enterprises Association in Japan, with the aim of providing a platform for friendly exchanges between the people of the two countries through cultural display, food tasting, tourism promotion, etc.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao, Japan's ruling coalition party Komeito leader Yamaguchi Natsuo and other guests attended the opening ceremony of the event and delivered speeches.

Fukuda, also the top advisor of the Executive Committee of China Festival 2023, said the China Festival is getting larger and larger and is becoming more and more popular among the people, expressing his hope that through the event everyone could fully experience Chinese culture and pass on the friendship between Japan and China.

Wu said that China Festival is a brand event jointly created by the Chinese embassy in Japan, Japan-China friendship groups and overseas Chinese, which has received wide attention and strong support from all walks of life in both countries over the years and has played a positive role in promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan.

Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Wu said that 45 years ago, the treaty stipulated in law that China and Japan should develop lasting peaceful and friendly relations, establishing timeless and enduring principles and directions for bilateral exchanges.

We welcome more Japanese friends to visit China, have a look, observe the development and changes in contemporary China, and experience the vitality of Chinese society, said the ambassador.

During the event, many Japanese people have experienced China's environmentally friendly electric vehicles and smart home appliances. Meanwhile, actors and artists from China and Japan will present more than 20 unique performances such as erhu and martial arts. 

A band performs at the China Festival 2023 in Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 9, 2023. China Festival 2023 kicked off in Yoyogi Park in downtown Tokyo on Saturday to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and to promote people-to-people exchanges between China and Japan. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
ROME, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- "Poor Things" directed by Yorgos Lanthimos won the Golden Lion for Best Film at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on Saturday evening.

Poor Things, starring Emma Stone, was adapted from a novel of the same name. It brings on screen a female Frankenstein story, depicting the adventurous tale of a young woman brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist.

Among other major Venice awards, the Silver Lion for Best Director went to Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone for his film "Io Capitano."

U.S. actress Cailee Spaeny won the Best Actress award for her performance of Elvis Presley's wife in "Priscilla," and the Best Actor went to Peter Sarsgaard for his role in "Memory."

This year's Venice Film Festival ran from Aug. 30 to Sept. 9 at the Venice Lido island, with 23 films presented in the main competition for the Golden Lion. 
Property details:

Build your own home California City, CA kern county This property is in the vicinity of Mojave (formerly, Mohave) in Kern County, California. Mojave is located 50 miles east of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 2,762 feet. The town is located in the southwestern region of the Mojave Desert, below and east of Oak Creek Pass and the Tehachapi Mountains. There are many properties and ranches all around since is so close to Mojave. Mojave was established in 1876 as a construction camp for Southern Pac...

Price: $ 1,500 Seller State of Residence: California Type: Homesite, Lot Zoning: Residential State/Province: California Location: 928**, Anaheim, California

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby California
RIYADH, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States to establish intercontinental green transit corridors, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The MoU, signed on Friday, provides a framework for developing a protocol for establishing green transit corridors through the kingdom to connect Asia and Europe.

This project aims to facilitate the transit of renewable electricity and clean hydrogen via transmission cables and pipelines, as well as constructing rail linkages, said the report.

It will also help enhance energy security, promote the digital economy, trade and transport of goods, added the report. 
Property details:

This land is a small (2,500sq ft) wooded lot near the Enchanted Valley and is being sold 'as is'. It was purchased 20 years ago and is being sold due to age and failing health. We wished always to build a log cabin and be off the grid, but due to multiple purchases all over the country, this one slipped through without ever being set foot on. It is a diamond in the rough and ready for you to follow your dreams. Hunting, fishing, ski-ing and sitting back enjoying the view of the mountains. The wi...

Price: $ 3,000 Seller State of Residence: Pennsylvania Type: Homesite, Lot Property Address: APN #0341-232-29 Scenic Drive Zip/Postal Code: 92408 Zoning: Residential City: San Bernardino State/Province: California Location: , California

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby California
Jimmy Fallon has apologized to the staff of NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after allegations emerged that he had created a toxic work environment behind the scenes, multiple reports indicated.

ADVERTISEMENT

A report published Thursday in Rolling Stone featured accounts from more than a dozen former and current employees who claimed Fallon's "erratic behavior" had created a toxic workplace.

The current and former employees claimed Fallon would have "outbursts" as well as "good Jimmy days," and "bad Jimmy days."

Employees described "crying rooms" and people making jokes about "wanting to kill themselves."

Shortly after the story broke, Fallon hosted a Zoom meeting in which he apologized, according to Rolling Stone and CNN.

Fallon and Tonight Show producer Chris Miller have refused to comment on the reports.

Rolling Stone reported that Fallon told employees in the Thursday night Zoom meeting that he did not mean "to create that type of atmosphere for the show," and that "It's embarrassing and I feel so bad."

"Sorry if I embarrassed you and your family and friends... I feel so bad I can't even tell you," he reportedly said during the call. "I want the show to be fun. Should be inclusive to everybody."
Ben Higgins / Instagram

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/10/2023



ADVERTISEMENT

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

The Bachelor alum Ben Higgins has opened up about how starring on Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? was a "mistake" that definitely contributed to his breakup with ex-fiancee Lauren Bushnell Ben, 34, selected Lauren, 33, as his winner and the pair got engaged on The Bachelor's 20th season, which aired in March 2016.After The Bachelor wrapped, the pair starred on Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After?, but they announced their split in May 2017 , about six months after the spinoff's finale aired on Freeform."I think doing that show was a mistake for our relationship. It was not a mistake professionally, necessarily, but it was a mistake for our romantic relationship," Ben told The Bachelorette alum Jason Tartick on the Monday, September 4 episode of his "Trading Secrets" podcast.Ben elaborated how his priorities were "misaligned at the time," adding, "I was young and naive. I thought we could get through [it]. So when we broke up, Happily Ever After? stopped... I don't know why I said 'yes' to it."Ben said when he and Lauren filmed that spinoff, they were already "struggling through stuff" as a couple.The "stuff" presumably included how Ben had professed his love to runner-up JoJo Fletcher on The Bachelor before proposing marriage to Lauren at the Final Rose Ceremony. Lauren even told The New York Post's Page Six in May 2022 that she had "hit rock bottom" after The Bachelor."We'd have really great times and then really hard times... There were many reasons why we did not work as a couple, but I think that show was going to be -- I would say impossible for us to have a healthy relationship through it and coming out of it," Ben explained of Happily Ever After?."Because we became working partners. We had no time. Any time that we had privately, away from the cameras, we were exhausted, or I was working."Ben admitted he and Lauren stopped communicating and expressing their true feelings to each other."We weren't sitting down and [asking], like, 'How are you?' The normal stuff that I have now with [my wife Jessica Clarke], like, 'How are you doing? How do you feel about our relationship?' That was gone!" Ben said."It had been gone for months, and so we were in survival mode, at that point."Ben detailed the time commitment Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? required and how it affected his relationship with Lauren."In the midst of stuff that was already hard for us, this show is being filmed at the same time for 10 to 12 hours a day in my 700-square foot house," Ben recalled."Black vans were parked outside of our garage, that was their production studio. There were people in the house at 7AM and leaving at 10PM, like, every day. They would tear down and set up with new lights."Ben, however, accidentally backed into filming a show about his relationship with Lauren. The spinoff was initially supposed to be about the former software salesman running for office in Denver, CO."There was a whole mess behind-the-scenes of what happened there, but the agreement was that they were going to support me in my run for office. Politics looked a lot different back then, and what the two parties stood for looked a lot different back then," Ben explained.Ben shared how he's always wanted to represent a community and its people, but due to legal matters the network had run into -- such as needing to equally represent the opposite party in the political race -- production needed to switch its focus."I was still under contract for a show, and [Freeform] was like, 'We still need to do a show, so you can run for office and film the show on the side, or you can choose to drop out,'" Ben told Jason."And at that point, being in a relationship that was already tumultuous, I couldn't imagine myself doing both of those things. It would've ruined me, and it wouldn't have put myself in a good place to run and represent well."And that's when Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? came about."It was a show, then, about our life and about the things we were trying to figure out," Ben noted."[Filming] was a really good business decision for us because we were not married and we were two separate pieces of talent."Ben revealed on the financial podcast that he had made between $50,000-80,000 for starring on The Bachelor. But he and Lauren were each paid $100,000 for filming Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After?."And then they used our house to film it, so obviously, then there's the rental income for them to film a show in our home," Ben added. "We split [the rental income] up until the very end."Ben recently said on his "The Ben and Ashley I: Almost Famous Podcast" that he and Lauren realized during filming they just weren't right for each other.Ben insisted that while Happily Ever After? portrayed him as coming down with a case of cold feet before his wedding , he was actually just having doubts about whether he and Lauren were truly meant to be.A source close to Lauren told E! News in May 2017 that Ben and Lauren just "wanted different things," and that Ben "would have kept wanting to make it work" and so their split was "really sad."And Ben agreed on his "Almost Famous Podcast" it was "a very mutual" decision to part ways and end their engagement.Ben said he now looks back fondly on "that season of life" and says he's glad they tried."I have no emotion wrapped around my past relationship with Lauren [now]," The Bachelor alum insisted. "You could not get me to cry [now]."Ben married Jessica in November 2021, and Lauren wed Chris in October 2019. Lauren and Chris now share two sons , Dutton and Baker."Personally, I hear her now say that maybe love feels differently for her than it did back on her time on the show. And I go, 'I'm glad! Like, you're married with kids. I'm married [too] and, like, yes, love does feel different,'" Ben confirmed."I'm glad you're in love with your husband more than you liked me -- or if you liked me at all , like, I'm just glad you like him! That's cool!"But Ben confessed Lauren "should've gone home" and quit The Bachelor if she wasn't sure about him or serious about their relationship and future together."That show was really real for me... I invested, personally, a lot of effort into trying to figure out if it was the path that was going to help me find my partner or not," noted Ben, who also had a brief stint on The Bachelor Winter Games.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Burma: Myanmar has recently taken delivery of two Russian Su-30 fighter jets, marking a notable enhancement to its military capabilities. This development, however, has elicited both domestic and international scrutiny, given Myanmar's tumultuous political landscape, human rights concerns, and growing ties with Russia.

The Su-30, a versatile multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation, promises to play a pivotal role in Myanmar's air force modernization efforts.

Myanmar's receipt of two Su-30 fighter jets represents a crucial step in its endeavor to modernize its military assets. These twin-engine, two-seat aircraft are renowned for their versatility, designed for various missions such as air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and air defense.

Also Read: Mexico's Historic Path Towards Its First Female President

Delivered to the Myanmar Air Force base in Nay Pyi Taw, these Su-30s are expected to significantly bolster the country's aerial capabilities.

Myanmar's military has faced challenges in updating its aging fleet in recent years. The acquisition of the Su-30 fighter jets is part of a broader effort to modernize its military infrastructure. Beyond the Su-30s, the country has also ordered six Russian MiG-35 fighter jets, a more advanced addition to its air force.

This military modernization drive has raised concerns in the region and beyond. Myanmar's history of military coups and human rights abuses has fueled apprehensions about how these advanced weapons systems might be employed.

The purchase of the Su-30s underscores the deepening relationship between Myanmar and Russia. The two nations have been strengthening their ties in various domains, with Russia serving as a significant supplier of arms to Myanmar.

While Western countries, including the United States, have imposed sanctions on Myanmar in response to the military coup of February 2021, Russia has declined to join these sanctions, continuing its arms sales to the country.

Also Read: World Leaders At Official Dinner, Lunch: G20 Summit: 'All-Veg' MenuCheck List

This growing alliance has sparked debate over the implications of Myanmar's alignment with Russia. Some argue that it is indicative of a geopolitical shift, raising questions about the impact on regional dynamics and Myanmar's foreign policy.

Myanmar has faced increasing international scrutiny and condemnation for its human rights record. Since the military junta's takeover in February 2021, allegations of widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary detentions, have emerged. This has prompted the United States and other Western nations to impose sanctions on Myanmar's military leadership.

The delivery of advanced weaponry, such as the Su-30 fighter jets, to Myanmar raises ethical and political dilemmas for nations engaging with Myanmar. Russia's refusal to join international sanctions and its arms sales to Myanmar are viewed by many as complicity in the ongoing human rights violations.

The arrival of the Su-30 fighter jets in Myanmar comes at a critical juncture. As the country grapples with political instability and international isolation, the use of these advanced aircraft remains a subject of concern.

While they have the potential to enhance Myanmar's defensive capabilities, they also carry the risk of being deployed to suppress dissent or further intensify violence.

Myanmar's political and security situation is complex, and the introduction of advanced weaponry further complicates the landscape. It is essential for the international community to monitor closely how these assets are utilized to ensure they do not exacerbate the ongoing human rights crisis.

Myanmar's acquisition of Russian Su-30 fighter jets represents a significant development in its ongoing military modernization efforts. However, against the backdrop of the country's political turmoil, human rights concerns, and growing ties with Russia, this move raises critical questions about its implications for regional stability and global geopolitics.

Also Read: History of World First Aid Day

The international community must remain vigilant in monitoring the use of these advanced weapons in Myanmar and continue to address the ongoing human rights abuses.

The delivery of Su-30 fighter jets serves as a stark reminder of the complex web of alliances and interests shaping Myanmar's future, with consequences that extend far beyond its borders.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has dismissed an operational creditor's petition to initiate insolvency proceedings against Wipro Ltd.

Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

A two-member Chennai bench of the appellate tribunal held earlier that there was a pre-existing dispute over the payment between Wipro and the petitioner and observed that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code was not framed for being a "mere recovery legislation for creditors".

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has upheld the order of the NCLT.

Earlier, the Bengaluru Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), on January 16, 2020, dismissed the plea by Tricolite Electrical Industries in the capacity of operational creditor.

The order was challenged by the Delhi-based operational creditor, a manufacturer of 'LT/ HT Electric Panels' before the appellate body NCLAT.

However, the NCLAT also dismissed it after observing, "We are satisfied that a dispute' truly existed for the Respondent Company (Wipro) to have withheld 3 per cent of the total invoice amount."

Under the IBC, the insolvency process against any corporate debtor is generally initiated only in clear cases where a real dispute between the parties as to the debt owed did not exist.

The dispute is related to the supply of goods for a government project implemented by Wipro, where it was awarded the work of design, manufacture, supply and installation of MV Panels.

Pursuant to that, Wipro had placed purchase orders for a total supply worth Rs 13.43 crore.

According to the appellant, it supplied the goods in a timely manner and raised various invoices, for which Wipro made a payment of 97 per cent of the value of the invoices, but 3 per cent of the total value of the invoices, which is a substantial amount, was kept outstanding.

Despite several reminders, it was not paid and did not reply to the Demand Notice issued by it.

Wipro denied the allegations, arguing that there is a pre-existing dispute between the parties, which is reflected in their email.

It has already paid 97 per cent of the amounts due, and the appellant had sought to question the basis and the right of the respondent to levy liquidated damages to the tune of 3 per cent of the contract value.

Agreeing with it, the NCLAT said: "It is the consistent stand of Wipro that 97 per cent of the amount was paid and the balance 3 per cent was kept on hold only on account of evaluating customer satisfaction and it was established that there was a delay of six weeks on behalf of the Appellant Company in executing the job assigned to them on account of which liquidated damages/Penalty of Rs 40,56,539, which is as per the terms of the contract was levied."

"Therefore, this Tribunal is of the considered view that there is a pre-existing dispute, which is not a spurious defence which is a mere bluster," said the NCLAT bench comprising Justice M Venugopal and Shreesha Merla.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a renewed push for expansion of the United Nations Security Council and reforms in all global institutions to reflect world's 'new realities', as the G20 summit drew to a close with the United States, Russia and France praising the meeting outcomes under Indian presidency.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 Summit, in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Marking the ceremonial transfer of the rotational G20 presidency, Prime Minister Modi handed over the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who hailed India for giving voice to topics of interests of emerging economies.

Lula also said the UNSC needs new developing countries as permanent and non-permanent members to regain political strength and greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF.

"In his concluding remarks at the final session of the two-day G20 summit, the prime minister also proposed a virtual session of the G20 around the end of November to take stock of the suggestions and decisions made by the leaders of the major developed and developing countries in New Delhi.

The 55-country African Union was also granted permanent membership on Saturday in a milestone for India's presidency.

"With this(proposal), I declare the G20 summit as closed," Modi said.

Modi, who noted that India's presidency of G20 would officially continue till November 30 and that over two-and-half months were left for its tenure as the head of the grouping, cited a Sanskrit shloka to pray for hope and peace in the entire world.

Official sources, meanwhile, said the text relating to Russia-Ukraine conflict in the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration is a 'convergent consensus' rather than a 'divisive consensus' and it could show a path to resolution of the crisis, a day after a breakthrough on the contentious issue was achieved to help the G20 leaders come out with a 37-page Declaration marking a huge diplomatic win for India.

India achieved '100 per cent' consensus on developmental and geo-political issues in the Declaration, which avoided mentioning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and made a general call to all states to follow the principle of respecting each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

US President Joe Biden said the New Delhi summit has proven that the grouping can still drive solutions to its most pressing issues.

He made the remarks in a post on X as he left for Vietnam after he and several other G20 leaders paid homage at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat in the morning.

"At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this year's Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues," Biden said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the G20 Summit under India's presidency was a 'breakthrough' conclave in many ways as its outcomes showed a path to the world to move forward on a range of challenges and demonstrated the strength and importance of the Global South.

After a luncheon meeting with Prime Minister Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that considering the current fragmented environment, India has done well as G20 president.

Addressing the 'One Future' session at the summit, Modi said it is necessary the global bodies should reflect the 'new realities' to lead the world towards a better future.

"In order to take the world towards a better future, it is necessary that the global systems are according to the present realities. Today, the 'United Nations Security Council' is also an example of this. When the UN was established, the world was completely different from what it is today. At that time there were 51 founding members in the UN. Today the number of countries included in the UN is around 200," Modi said.

"Despite this, the number of permanent members in the UNSC remains the same. The world has since changed a lot in every aspect. Be it transport, communication, health and education, every sector has been transformed. These new realities should reflect in our new global structure."

The UNSC has five permanent members--the US, China, France, Britain and Russia.

Pitching for reforms, he said that is why a historic initiative was made on Saturday by granting the 55-nation African Union(AU) permanent membership of the G20.

"Similarly, we also need to expand the mandate of multilateral development banks. Our decisions in this direction should be immediate and effective," said Modi, who also led G20 leaders in a symbolic tree plantation ceremony at the swanky convention centre Bharat Mandapam to mark the 18th summit of the grouping which was established after the 1999 Asian financial crisis.

Modi described cyber security and crypto currencies as among the burning issues affecting the present and future of the world.

The crypto currency is a new subject for social order, and monetary and financial stability, he said, seeking the development of global standards to regulate it.

Cyber space has emerged as a new source of funding for terrorism and global cooperation and framework are necessary for securing it, he said.

"This is a very important subject for every country's security and prosperity."

"When we take care of the security and sensitivity of every country, then the feeling of 'One Future' will be strengthened," he added.

He said the world needs to go beyond the concept of 'global village' to make 'global family' a reality, calling for a future in which not only the interests of the countries are aligned but also are their the hearts.

At his press briefing, Lavrov said India played an important role in 'preventing the West' from taking forward their approach on many issues, including Ukraine.

"It is a breakthrough summit in many ways. It provides us a way forward to move ahead in many issues."

Lavrov also noted that the Delhi summit provided a direction towards fairness in global governance and global finance as well.

"I want to express my gratitude to India for preventing attempts to politicise the G20," he said, adding the West will not be able to remain a "hegemony" as we see new centres of power coming up in the world.

Addressing the closing ceremony, President Lula said geopolitical issues should not hijack the discussions at G2O and that the bloc was not interested in a 'divided G20' and the challenges of the day could be faced only through joint action.

"We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict," he said. The next summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.

"The path that will take us from New Delhi to Rio de Janeiro will require lot of dedication and commitment from everyone," Lula said.
US President Joe Biden on Sunday said he held "substantial discussions" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on ways to strengthen the Indo-US partnership and thanked him for his leadership and hosting the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden at Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi, September 10, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Biden told reporters in Hanoi in the Vietnamese capital that he also raised the importance of respecting human rights with Prime Minister Modi.

Biden, who arrived in New Delhi on his first visit to India as the US President, held wide-ranging talks with Modi and they vowed to "deepen and diversify" the bilateral major defence partnership while welcoming forward movement in India's procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines.

"I want to once again thank Prime Minister Modi for his leadership and his hospitality and hosting the G20. He and I have had substantial discussions about how we're going to continue to strengthen the partnership between India and the US building on the Prime Minister's visit to the White House last June, Biden said during a press conference in Hanoi.

"As I always do, I raised the importance of respecting human rights and the vital role the civil society and a free press have in building a strong and prosperous country with Modi, he said.

According to the joint statement issued on Friday after Modi and Biden held bilateral talks, "The leaders re-emphasised that the shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, inclusion, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all citizens are critical to the success our countries enjoy and that these values strengthen our relationship."

Biden also talked about the significant business he had done in India during the G20 Summit.

"This was an important moment for the United States to demonstrate our global leadership and our commitment to solving the challenges that matter most to people around the world. Investing in inclusive growth and sustainable development, addressing the climate crisis, strengthening food security and education, advancing global health and health security, he said.

"We showed the world the United States is a partner with a positive vision for our shared future, he added.

On the corridor connecting India to Europe with the Middle East and Israel, he said that are going to open up untold opportunities for transformative economic investment.

He said the "illegal war in Ukraine was also discussed at the summit and there was sufficient agreement on the need for just and lasting peace
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's aircraft is facing technical issues at the Delhi airport due to which his departure has been delayed, according to a source.

IMAGE: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau steps off his aircraft, New Delhi, September 8, 2023. Photograph: ANI

The source said the flight was scheduled to take off at 8 pm on Sunday, and due to technical issues, the departure of the prime minister has been delayed.

Specific details could not be immediately ascertained.

Quoting a statement from Trudeau's office, Canada's CTV News channel said the aircraft was experiencing technical issues.

"Upon our departure for the airport, we were made aware by the Canadian Armed Forces that CFC001 was experiencing technical issues," the channel quoted the statement from the prime minister's office as saying.

"These issues are not fixable overnight, our delegation will be staying in India until alternate arrangements are made," it added.

Trudeau arrived in the national capital on Friday to attend the G20 Summit that concluded on Sunday.
On a difficult mission deputing for Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit, Premier Li Qiang had tough two days in New Delhi endorsing the joint declaration stated to be the biggest success for the host India which successfully navigated through the differences of China and Russia especially over Ukraine.

IMAGE: Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang (right) arrives at Bharat Mandapam for the G-20 Dinner, received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi, September 9, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Li also had a difficult meeting with some of the Western leaders on the sidelines, especially Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has signalled Italy's resolve to quit China's famed Belt and Road Initiative for its failure to bring the expected results to Rome.

Also, India hogged the limelight as the African Union has been admitted as a permanent member of the G20 at the New Delhi summit after a successful diplomatic campaign by India in the run-up to the summit.

China over the years made big inroads in Africa with big-ticket infrastructure investments under President Xi's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative which also drew criticism for its debt sustainability, especially of smaller countries.

On Sunday, Li had a meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who told him of London's concern about China's interference in democracy in the UK following the arrest of a parliamentary researcher for spying.

Li for his part told Sunak that both sides should properly handle differences, uphold the spirit of inclusiveness and mutual learning, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns.

Li urged the United Kingdom to oppose politicising economics and trade, and strive to build an open world economy, the official media here reported.

Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted analysts as saying that India and the US made the best out of the inexplicable absence of Xi, who is the most powerful leader of China after CPC founder Mao Zedong.

The two countries promoted US-led multilateral lending to counter China's infrastructure diplomacy, went on a charm offensive with developing nations and inserted some minimal language into the communique that indirectly condemned Chinese ally Russia over its Ukraine invasion, the Post summed up the outcome of the New Delhi G20 summit.

Both Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the summit.

While there's been a lot of analysis about who is or isn't in Delhi for this summit and why or why not that may be, the United States is focused on the fact that President (Joe) Biden is here and rolling up his sleeves with the other G20 countries and partners to produce real results, said Jon Finer, principal deputy national security adviser on Saturday in New Delhi.

It's incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain why a leader would or would not participate, he told the Post.

Biden spoke of Xi's absence: It would be nice to have him here but the summit is going well.

Besides issuing the joint statement, which was previously speculated to be the most difficult, the assembled leaders announced a memorandum of understanding to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a multinational rail and ports deal linking the three regions.

"This comes as the Biden administration tries to counter Xi's massive signature BRI by touting Washington as an alternative partner and investor for developing countries," the Post report said.

This is a big deal. This is a real big deal, said Biden in announcing the pact, aimed at promoting clean energy and better communities.

As we work to address infrastructure gaps across low- and middle-income countries, we need to maximise the impacts of our investments.

On Saturday, Li had a difficult meeting with Meloni whose government has openly expressed disenchantment with the BRI.

The Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani who visited Beijing on September 5 has spoken critically about the BRI, saying it did not bring the results we expected and many Italian parties were against Italy's participation.

This comes ahead of China's plans to hold the third conference of BRI in Beijing next month. If Italy pulls out, it will be regarded as an embarrassment for Xi's multi-billion-dollar pet project which also drew criticism about its debt sustainability, especially of smaller countries.

Also, much to the disquiet of China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced plans to launch the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor which includes India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and the US.

State-run Global Times on Sunday quoted experts stating that the true purpose of the Biden administration is trying to "isolate China" in the Middle East, a region where Chinese cooperation with the region has constantly gained momentum in recent years.

Zhou Rong, a senior researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times that the US lacks both the genuine intention and the capability to follow through on its pledge to build up the transportation network in the Middle East.

On the concluding day of the G20 summit, while addressing the third session of the G20 summit on Sunday, Li spoke of the need to establish more practical cooperation mechanisms, take concrete actions, and support developing countries in better addressing development challenges such as poverty reduction, fundraising, climate change, food and energy security.

The G20 members should play an exemplary role, start with specific matters and strive to do well in the present, Li said.

Noting that the most urgent issue at present is development, Li pointed out that the G20 members should place the issue of development at the centre of macro-policy coordination.

Li stressed the need to establish more practical cooperation mechanisms, take concrete actions, and support developing countries in better addressing development challenges such as poverty reduction, fundraising, climate change, food and energy security.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the recent rain-led calamity in the state as a 'national disaster' and sought a special relief package.

IMAGE: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 summit in New Delhi. Photograph: @SukhuSukhvinder/X

Sukhu met Modi and discussed various issues related to Himachal Pradesh during the G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.

During his meeting with the prime minister, Sukhu described the gravity of the damage caused by natural disasters during the monsoon, the state government said in a statement.

Sukhu said more than 400 people died in the calamity while over 13,000 houses were damaged, leaving thousands of families homeless, it added.

The Himachal Pradesh chief minister also informed Modi that the state has suffered cumulative losses exceeding Rs 12,000 crore due to the natural disasters.

Himachal Pradesh requires substantial assistance from the Centre to rebuild and chart a path toward recovery, he told the prime minister, according to the statement.

Sukhu also urged the prime minister to release a special relief package for Himachal Pradesh, drawing a parallel to the support provided during the Bhuj and the Kedarnath tragedies.

The prime minister listened intently to Sukhu's concerns and assured him that the demands will be considered sympathetically, the statement claimed.

President Murmu on Saturday hosted a grand dinner for G20 guests at Bharat Mandapam -- the venue for the Summit -- in New Delhi.

Dignitaries including US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his UK and Australian counterparts Rishi Sunak and Anthony Albanese, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, presidents and prime ministers from other countries, representatives of 19 invited nations, dignitaries from international organisations, Union ministers and chief ministers of various states attended the dinner.
An ensemble of musicians, some of whom played sursingar, mohan veena, dilruba and other rare instruments, regaled G20 world leaders during the ceremonial dinner hosted for them by President Droupadi Murmu.

IMAGE: Artists perform during the programme 'Bharat-Vadya-Darshanam', musical journey of India, organised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the ministry of culture at the G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi, September 9, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The gala dinner was hosted at the Bharat Mandapam on the first day of the G20 Summit, which will end on Sunday.

Top world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and several others, have gathered in New Delhi for the G20 Summit.

Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the guests, before the start of the dinner, on a dais with its backdrop depicting the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- in Bihar.

On one side of the backdrop carrying a striking image of the monument, the logo of G20 was depicted. In contrast, the other side carried the theme of the grouping under India's presidency -- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future'.

India's culinary heritage in all its diversity was served on the platter to the world leaders, officials said, adding millet-based dishes were also on the specially-curated menu.

Sources said sweets of varied kinds were offered, including ghewar, the traditional dish consumed during the monsoon season in India.

"At the gala dinner hosted by the President, India showcased its diverse musical heritage to the world. An ensemble of virtuoso instrumentalists bringing different styles of classical and contemporary music performed for world leaders attending the G20 Summit," a senior official said.

The key highlight was a performance by the ensemble Gaandharva Atodyam, which performed the Bharat Vadya Darshanam -- Musical Journey of India.

It was a unique medley featuring an exquisite symphony of rare musical instruments from across the country, including sursingar, mohan veena, jal tarang, jodiya pawa, dhangali, and dilruba among others, showcasing Hindustani, Carnatic, folk and contemporary music, officials said.

The programme was conceptualised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to celebrate the rich tapestry of the country's musical heritage.

The performance will begin with compositions of Vilambit Laya (slow tempo), followed by Madhya Laya (medium fast tempo), ending with a few scores in Druta Laya (fast tempo), they had earlier said.

The musicians will play instruments in traditional attires of the region they belong to, officials had said, adding, that this first-of-its-kind initiative ensemble exemplifies the power of music in celebrating the country's diverse artistic expressions in a truly aesthetic manner.
Russia and the Western powers on Sunday claimed vindication of each other's respective positions on the Ukraine crisis at the G20 Summit a day after the grouping under India's presidency unveiled a declaration with consensus that avoided condemning Moscow for its invasion of the eastern European country.

IMAGE: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the G20 Summit, at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

At a media briefing, French President Emmanuel Macron said the G20 leaders' declaration "confirms" Russia's isolation for its attack on Ukraine and that the bloc is committed to "just and lasting" peace in the war-torn country.

In a separate press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the West failed to "Ukrainise" G20 largely due to the efforts by the developing countries.

However, both Russia and the Western powers complimented India for building consensus on the text relating to the Ukraine conflict in the leaders' declaration.

"The summit was a breakthrough event as it gave clear guidelines for achieving such goals (of ensuring a balance of interests in the global economy)," Lavrov said, hailing India's presidency of the grouping.

The G20 leaders adopted the New Delhi declaration by consensus on Saturday while avoiding mentioning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in what was largely seen as a climbdown by the Western powers on the conflict.

The declaration issued at the G20's Bali summit last November had deplored in the strongest terms the Russian aggression against Ukraine while most members strongly condemned the war.

In his remarks, the Russian foreign minister said the united position of the Global South prevented the West from focusing the G20 summit's agenda on Ukraine.

"Largely thanks to the consolidated position of the Global South on protecting its legitimate interests, Western attempts to focus the agenda on Ukraine to the detriment of discussing the pressing issues the developing world is facing failed," he said.

Lavrov said India has for the first time in the history of the G20 managed to consolidate representatives of the Global South.

He said the G20 developing countries have a "correct picture" of what is going on in Ukraine, alleging that "the Kiev regime destroyed its country's territorial integrity by itself."

In his comments, Macron said the G20 is not a forum for political discussions and that a "vast majority" of countries of the grouping have "condemned" the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"This G20 confirms once again the isolation of Russia. Today, an overwhelming majority of G20 members condemn the war in Ukraine and its impact," Macron said.

As G20 President, India did its best to send across a message of unity and peace to the world while Russia was still waging its aggression against Ukraine, Macron said.

The French President said the declaration referred to the need of upholding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called on all states to refrain from the "threat, or use, of force" to seek territorial acquisition.

He said the G20 is committed to "just and lasting" peace in Ukraine.

In a separate press conference, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Russia's "invasion" of Ukraine is something that is "shaking" the foundation of cooperation at G20.

"Russia's aggression in Ukraine is shaking the very foundation of cooperation at the G20...Further, it is causing enormous impact to the world economy through factors such as protracted rise of food and energy prices," he said.

"Today, as the world faces a complex crisis, collaboration at the G20 as a premier forum for economic cooperation is becoming increasingly important," Kishida said, speaking in Japanese.

"That is having a major impact on the global economy," he said.

The declaration issued at the G20's Bali Summit last November had deplored in the strongest terms the Russian aggression against Ukraine while most members strongly condemned the war.

The New Delhi G20 Declaration refers only to the "war in Ukraine" and noted with "deep concern the immense human suffering and the adverse impact of wars and conflicts around the world."

In reference to the Ukraine conflict, it also has a line that "there were different views and assessments of the situation."

Both Russia and China had agreed to the two paragraphs on the Ukraine conflict in the Bali declaration, but they backtracked from it this year creating difficulties for India.
With India's G20 presidency ensuring several tangible outcomes, world leaders at the two-day summit in New Delhi hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his 'decisive leadership' and for championing the voice of the Global South, sources said on Sunday.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and World Bank President Ajay Banga during the G20 Leaders' Summit, at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The world leaders also hailed India's hospitality and praised Prime Minister Modi for presiding over a successful summit, while noting that the country's message of 'one earth, one family, one future' resonated strongly with all the delegates.

"Under India's leadership, we have demonstrated that we can come together, at a time when it really matters. When you walk around in 'Bharat Mandapam' and see the displays, we can see what PM Modi, the digital initiative and technology can do --delivering service to people in remote corners of our nations," a source quoted British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as saying at one of the meetings.

During the summit, while Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hailed Prime Minister Modi for providing 'great leadership' of the G20, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called for strengthening G20 cooperation based on 'the foundation created by the Indian presidency', sources said.

Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked Prime Minister Modi for his hospitality and hoped that the summit will be a blessing for 'the only world we

have'.

Several leaders also praised the prime minister for 'championing the voice of the Global South' and hailed, in a unanimous voice, the key decision to make the African Union (AU) a member of the G20, according to sources.

Hailing Modi, US President Joe Biden was quoted by a source as saying, "The African Union is a critical partner. You (Modi) are bringing us together, keeping us together, reminding us that we have the capacity to tackle challenges together."

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, said, "Let me congratulate you (Modi) on your wisdom to bring AU to this table."

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thanked Prime Minister Modi for inviting her to the summit and for 'raising the voice of the Global South'.

Praising the G20 theme of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', she said it upholds the value of all lives and the importance of working together for a better future.

President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, also thanked India for its support to their candidacy.

While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded India for its role in getting the AU admitted in the G20, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte thanked the Indian presidency for placing the Global South at the centre of the grouping.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people for their competence in organising this event.

"I was touched emotionally today, when I went to pay homage to dear (Mahatma) Gandhi. In my political life, Gandhi has great meaning. Non-violence is a principle I follow," he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that 'people will remember us for what we accomplish' and Prime Minister Modi, that 'you have gathered us here to discuss on One Future' is very important'.

Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth commended India's leadership for the 'very successful outcome' in G20, and expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this 'exceptional opportunity'.

The Spanish representative attending the summit also commended India for its excellent leadership and hailed the 'positive approach' of Prime Minister Modi.

The Mexican representative praised the 'wonderful arrangement' for G20, while the Oman's representative lauded Indian hospitality.

In a post on X, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF Gita Gopinath, who met Prime Minister Modi at the G20 dinner, said, 'Congratulations Prime Minister @narendramodi on presiding over such a successful @g20org. India's message of 'one earth, one family, one future' resonated strongly with all delegates.'

Speaking with reporters after the summit, World Bank Chief Ajay Banga said, "I compliment India and its leadership as also all G20 leaders for making sure that such a terrific declaration was achieved."
Father Nicholas Dias, secretary for the liturgy commission for the Delhi Archdiocese, has described United States President Joe Biden as a 'very humble' person who expressed that his grandmother was a great influence in his life.

IMAGE: Father Nicholas Dias shows memorabilia gifted by President Joe Biden, in New Delhi on Sunday, September 10, 2023. Photograph: ANI on X

Father Dias met Biden during a 30-minute holy communion service for the US president at a hotel where he was staying in New Delhi on Saturday, ahead of the G20 summit.

Talking to PTI, Fr Dias said their conversation was around faith, Goa and India.

"I mentioned to him about the origin of Christianity in India and recalled that Indian Church is as old as Christianity in the world," said the priest, who hails from Benaulim in Goa.

The Delhi Archdiocese priest prayed for the success of the G20 summit and of both India and the US.

Fr Dias said the US president was 'very humble' and expressed his gratitude for making time for the prayers.

He said Biden told him about the influence of Christianity on him and his closeness to Holy Father Pope Francis.

"We had a quick conversation where he shared how his grandmother was a great influence in his life and in his Catholic upbringing," Fr Dias said.

The priest also shared with him Bebinca, a Goan delicacy which he carried with him.

Before their meeting concluded, Biden handed over a souvenir -- the President's Seal No 261 -- to Fr Dias which he said he will always cherish.

The priest also mentioned to Biden about the relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa and the decennial exposition scheduled to be held next year in the coastal state.

Fr Dias also told President Biden that St Francis Xavier was the inspiration behind his vocation.

"I also told Biden that I was close to two saints -- Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II," said the priest, who has worked in various apostolates for last three decades.

Fr Dias recalled that he was with the then Pope when he released the 'Ecclesia de Asia' document in New Delhi.
From the 13th century Konark temple of Odisha to the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar, the G20 Summit venue in New Delhi has put a spotlight on the rich architectural heritage of India.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes US President Joe Biden at the Bharat Mandapam, during the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

As President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the guests at a ceremonial dinner for various heads of state and other world leaders and their spouses at the Bharat Mandapam venue on Saturday night, a replica of the ancient Nalanda University -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- in Bihar formed the backdrop.

Nalanda University is one of the oldest universities of the world.

While greeting guests, the prime minister was also seen explaining to some of the G20 leaders, including United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, about the importance of the university.

Officials noted that the Nalanda University represents an embrace of diversity, meritocracy, freedom of thought, collective governance, autonomy, and knowledge sharing -- all aligning with the core principles of democracy.

"Nalanda is a living testament to the enduring spirit of India's advanced educational pursuit and its commitment to building a harmonious world community, aligning with India's G20 Presidency theme, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," they said.

And, if Nalanda was the backdrop at the evening reception, India's Konark wheel came in sharp focus in the morning as a a beautiful image of the Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha formed the backdrop when the prime minister greeted G20 leaders before the start of the Summit at the Bharat Mandapam.

Built in the 13th century, the Sun Temple at Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was constructed in the reign of King Narasimhadeva I. The Konark wheel with 24 spokes is also adapted into India's national flag, and it embodies India's ancient wisdom, advanced civilisation, and architectural excellence.

On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the rays of the rising sun, the temple at Konark is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya's chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses, according to the website of UNESCO.

The rotating motion of the Konark Wheel, symbolises time, 'Kalachakra' as well as progress and continuous change. It serves as a powerful symbol of the wheel of democracy that reflects the resilience of democratic ideals, and commitment to progress in society, officials said.

MyGovIndia on Saturday posted on 'X' a video of the welcome greetings offered by Prime Minister Modi to world leaders with a caption 'G20's Iconic Greeting -- Konark's Kaalchakra Takes Centre Stage'.

Bharat Mandapam itself bears artworks in its hallway, including a sculptural installation titled 'Surya Dwar' which also depicts mythical horses of the Sun God.

The Ministry of Culture has celebrated India's cultural heritage as well as those of other G20 member nations and invited countries through a 'Culture Corridor' set up in the hallway skirting the Summit room.

Iconic art objects in physical and digital forms have been displayed in this curated temporary 'art corridor' made especially for the big occasion.

Panini's grammar treatise 'Ashtadhyayi', Rig Veda inscription and digital images of Bhimbhetka cave paintings in Madhya Pradesh, dating back to approximately 30,000 years, have also been displayed as part of this project.

'As India prepares to welcome world leaders for the historic G20Summit, the cultural corridor at #BharatMandapam stands as a testament to global heritage and a celebration of the belief in #VasudhaivaKutumbakam Witness this remarkable display #CultureUnitesAll #G20Summit2023,' the Ministry of Culture posted on 'X' along with a video on Saturday.

In another post in Hindi, the ministry shared various art elements of the complex, including a 27-foot high statue of Nataraja and said, "This Mahamandapam reflects our great cultural and historical legacies".

The iconic statue was made using the ancient lost-wax technique of metal casting that was used for making the famed Chola bronzes.

According to a plaque installed next to the statue, the sculptural art is titled 'Embracing Eternity' -- Siva Nataraja's Dance of Cosmic Creation.

The G20 Summit began at the Bharat Mandapam on Saturday and will conclude on Sunday.

Top world leaders, including United States President Joe Biden, United Kingdom Prime Minister Sunak, Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and several others have gathered in New Delhi for the G20 Summit.
Would he? Wouldn't he?

Joe Biden hadn't shaken Mohammad bin Salman's hand when he visited Saudi Arabia -- a consequence of the deep anger in the US over the Saudi crown prince's alleged but inconclusively proven role in journalist Jamal Khashoggi's brutal execution at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018.

The Biden snub has cost America plenty as MbS has swung his nation -- which he rules in all but title -- towards China.

Middle East watchers speculated if Biden would bite the bullet and greet MbS with a handshake.

Clearly aware of POTUS's reluctance, Narendra D Modi spotted the opportunity when Biden and MbS attended the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

Watch carefully what happens next...

IMAGE: MbS greets Modi as he arrives to attend the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event. Look at the expression on Biden's face. All photographs: Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/Reuters

IMAGE: Modi looks towards Biden as if to say, 'Come on Joe, it's time to mend fences.'

IMAGE: MbS extends a hand as Modi looks to Biden for reciprocation.

IMAGE: Voila! The leader of the free world and the most powerful ruler in the Arab world shake hands, here and below, encouraged by Modi.

IMAGE: Modi and MbS applaud POTUS.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Marking the ceremonial transfer of the G20 presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who hailed India for giving voice to topics of interests of emerging economies.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during G20 Summit in New Delhi. Photograph: @narendramodi/X

At the concluding session, Modi handed over the gavel and offered best wishes to Brazil for the presidency. Brazil officially will take over the mantle of the presidency of the elite grouping on December 1 this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Lula da Silva congratulated Modi and thanked India for its efforts to give voice to the topics of interest to emerging economies.

Lula da Silva also listed social inclusion, the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development as G20 priorities.

He said the UN Security Council needs new developing countries as permanent, non-permanent members to regain political strength.

"We want greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF," he said.
More than 2,000 people have been killed so far after a deadly earthquake jolted Morocco in the late evening hours on Friday.

IMAGE: Rescuers carry a search operation following a powerful earthquake, in Amizmiz, in Morocco. Photograph: Abdelhak Balhaki/Reuters

After the magnitude 6.8 earthquake, which claimed the lives of more than 2,012 people and injured 2,059 others while also leaving many homeless, authorities on Saturday proclaimed three days of national mourning in the country.

According to a statement from the military, King Mohammed VI of Morocco directed the armed forces to deploy specialized search and rescue teams and a surgical field hospital.

Historic structures in Marrakesh, the closest city to the epicentre, were damaged by the earthquake that shook Morocco's High Atlas mountains late on Friday night, but the majority of casualties were recorded in mountainous regions to the south in the Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces, reported Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, the efforts to clear roads for search and rescue operations are underway.

The earthquake took place at 03:41:01 (UTC+05:30) at a depth of 18.5 km. The magnitude of the earthquake caused pulses to travel from Sidi Ifni in the south to Rabat in the north and beyond.

The epicentre was noted at 72 kilometres west of Marrakesh, a major economic centre.

According to Al Jazeera, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Department (AFAD) says it has placed two hundred and sixty-five members of medical, relief, and search and rescue agencies on alert, in case it receives a distress call from Morocco.

It says a thousand tents have been allocated to be transported to Morocco if they receive a request from the authorities in Rabat.

rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief at the loss of lives in an earthquake in Morocco and said India is ready to offer all possible assistance to it in this difficult time.

Modi began his opening remarks at the G20 summit by offering condolences to those affected by the tragedy. "In this difficult hour the entire world community is with Morocco and we are ready to offer them all possible assistance," he said.
G20 leaders, including United States President Joe Biden, Unbited Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat in New Delhi on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the leaders at the rain-drenched Rajghat.

He welcomed the dignitaries with an 'angvastram' or stole having in the background an image of Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, which was his home from 1917 to 1930 and served as one of the main centres of India's freedom struggle.

The prime minister was seen explaining to the leaders the significance of the ashram.

The G20 leaders paid tributes to Gandhi by laying wreaths at his samadhi.

While some leaders, including Modi and Sunak, walked barefoot, others were seen wearing white footwear provided to the visitors at Rajghat.

Later, Modi said in a post on X that at the iconic Rajghat, the G20 family paid homage to Gandhi -- the beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence.

'As diverse nations converge, Gandhi ji's timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global future,' he wrote.

Modi shared a video on X in which the leaders were seen signing on 'peace wall' at the 'Leaders' Lounge'.

'The ideals of Mahatma Gandhi reverberate globally,' he wrote.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the Akshardham temple in New Delhi on Sunday and offered prayers.

IMAGE: UK PM Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visit the Akshardham temple in New Delhi. Photographs: Swaminarayan Akshardham

Ahead of the visit of G20 leaders to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Sunak, who was dressed in trousers and a shirt, and his wife, wearing a kurta with palazzo, reached the temple early morning and were accorded a traditional welcome.

Sunak was then greeted by swamis, as well as senior leaders from the Akshardham Mandir, who relayed a special message on behalf of Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

During his visit, the British prime minister was given an overview of Swaminarayan Akshardham, a 100-acre spiritual and cultural complex that portrays the traditions and ancient architecture of India and promotes the timeless Hindu spiritual messages of faith, devotion and harmony, a statement issued by BAPS said.

Inside the main temple complex, Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the sacred images and admired the art and architecture.

The couple also performed abhishek (ritual pouring of water) on the 'murti' of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, and offered prayers for world peace, progress and harmony, the statement said.

"My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being. This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also portrays India's values, culture and contributions to the world," Sunak was quoted as saying.

"We see today in Britain these very same values and culture through the positive contributions the British Indian community makes to our country," he said.

"I was honoured to have received the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed to me this morning, and I understand that His Holiness is inaugurating another beautiful Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, USA very soon. I would like to send my very best wishes to His Holiness and all the devotees of BAPS ahead of the opening," Sunak said.

Brahmavihari Swami, the senior swami of the sanstha, said it was an honour to welcome the British prime minister to Swaminarayan Akshardham and share Mahant Swami Maharaj's message of peace, unity and public service.

The UK's relationship with India is built on a bond of friendship and fostered by cultural exchanges as well as a vibrant Indian diaspora in the UK, he said.

The British prime minister spent almost one hour at the temple as he performed 'darshan and puja' there.

In an interview to PTI ahead of his India visit, Sunak had said, "I am hugely proud of my Indian roots and my connections to India. As you know, my wife is Indian and being a proud Hindu means I will always have a connection to India and the people of India."

The 43-year-old leader of the Conservative Party was first elected as an MP in 2015. He was made finance minister or chancellor of exchequer in February 2020 by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. In October last year, he became the first Indian-origin British prime minister, scripting history.

His wife Akshata Murty is the daughter of India's billionaire tech czar Narayana Murthy and philanthropist and educator Sudha Murty.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday hailed India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant for the 'Delhi Declaration' consensus, and said it was a "proud moment for India at G20".

IMAGE: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant with joint secretaries Eenam Gambhir and K Nagraj Naidu. Photograph: @amitabhk87/Twitter

Tagging Kant's remarks in an interview on how the consensus was achieved on the paragraphs on Russia-Ukraine, Tharoor said in a post on X, "Well done @amitabhk87!Looks like the IFS lost an ace diplomat when you opted for the IAS!"

"'Negotiated with Russia, China, only last night got final draft,' says India's G20 Sherpa on 'Delhi Declaration' consensus. A proud moment for India at G20!" Tharoor, a former under secretary-general, said in his post late Saturday night.

India on Saturday pulled off a big diplomatic win after the G20 summit adopted a consensus declaration overcoming major differences on the Russia-Ukraine war.

On Sunday, Kant said it took over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations by a team of Indian diplomats to deliver a consensus on the G20 declaration that was adopted at the Leaders' Summit here.

The team of diplomats, including joint secretaries Eenam Gambhir and K Nagraj Naidu, held 300 bilateral meetings and circulated 15 drafts with their counterparts on the contentious Ukraine conflict to drive home a consensus that was clinched on the first day of the G20 Leaders Summit itself.

"The most complex part of the entire G20 was to bring consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This was done over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings and 15 drafts," Kant said.

Kant said he was greatly assisted in the efforts by Naidu and Gambhir.
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday visited the Akshardham temple in New Delhi with his wife Akshata Murty and said it is not only a place of worship but also a landmark that portrays India's values.

IMAGE: United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy offer prayers at Akshardham temple, in New Delhi on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The couple spent 45 minutes at the temple, offering prayers and learning about its architecture and history, according to the temple management.

They reached the temple dedicated to Swaminarayan, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, around 6.45 am and walked barefoot from the reception area to the main temple complex -- a distance of about 150 metres.

Sunak, who was dressed in a crisp white shirt and navy blue trousers, and his wife, who paired a beige kurta with a bright pink dupatta and loose pants, were accorded a traditional welcome at the temple.

Walking around the temple, the British prime minister shared his thoughts with his hosts.

'My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony and becoming a better human being,' the temple authorities quoted Sunak as saying in a statement.

'This is not only a place of worship but a landmark that also portrays India's values, culture and contributions to the world,' he said.

The UK PM said these values and culture are seen in the 'positive contributions the British-Indian community makes to the UK', he added.

A temple management official said the visit of Sunak and his wife is a matter of 'great honour'.

"It rained but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife graciously offered prayers at our temple and it is a matter of great honour for us to have hosted them at this revered temple," the official told PTI.

"Prime Minister Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty walked barefoot in the temple premises even in rainy weather. From the reception area to the main temple complex, there is a distance of about 150 metres and both of them walked barefoot back and forth," he said.

They first offered flower petals (pushparpan) to the golden idol of Swaminarayan ji and then offered aarti, the official said.

"They also offered flower petals to idols of Sita-Ram, Radha-Krishna, Laxmi Narayana and Shiva-Parvati in the temple complex. The UK PM enquired about the architecture of the temple and its history," he said.

Sunak also saw some of the sanctified items that belonged to Swaminarayan ji, such as shoes and a garland, he said.

A senior temple management official told PTI, "Sunak and his wife spent about 45 minutes at the Akshardham temple and offered prayers. They were gifted a marble elephant and a marble peacock besides a special replica of Akshardham."

A trustee of the BAPS Swaminarayan Trust, UK and a volunteer from the Neasden temple in London accompanied Sunak and his wife during their visit, said another temple management official who was part of the reception team.

After the visit, Sunak joined the G20 leaders to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat.

Sunak and other world leaders have gathered in Delhi to attend the two-day G20 Summit that began on Saturday.

In a post on X, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis thanked Sunak and Murty for the visit.
India is an 'extraordinarily important' economy and an 'important partner' of Canada in a range of sectors including fighting climate change and creating economic growth, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sunday.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit, in New Delhi on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo

His comments at a media briefing came shortly after he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

Asked about India's concerns over the increasing activities of the Khalistani elements in Canada, Trudeau said his country will always defend freedom of peaceful protest but at the same time asserted that it will always prevent violence and push back against hatred.

He also said that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada.

"India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner to Canada on everything from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for the citizens," he said.

The Canadian prime minister said both sides will continue to look at expansion of existing cooperation.

In a post on 'X', Modi said he and Trudeau discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.

To a question on Khalistan extremism and 'foreign interference', Trudeau said the issues figured in many conversations he and Prime Minister Modi had.

"Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us," he said.

"At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred. I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada," Trudeau said.

On Sunday, Modi also held bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and discussed issues of mutual interests.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Modi also met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and African Union President Azali Assoumani.

After his meeting with Scholz, Modi said he thanked the German leader for enriching the G20 Summit with his views.

'Also discussed how India and Germany can continue working together in clean energy, innovation and work towards a better planet,' Modi wrote on X.

Scholz said that at the summit the leaders have successfully engaged in a new interaction between the North and the South.

'We will continue to pursue ambitious objectives in tackling climate change and state that the G20 have taken a clear stand against the violent principles of Russia's policy,' the German Chancellor posted on X.

On his meeting with Macron, Prime Minister Modi said they discussed a series of topics.

'A very productive lunch meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress,' Modi said in a post on X.

Both countries share close ties and strategic partnership.

On his meeting with Assoumani, Modi said it was a very fruitful discussion.

"Congratulated him once again on African Union joining the G20 family. Comoros is vital to India's SAGAR Vision. Our deliberations included ways to enhance cooperation in areas like shipping, trade and more," Modi said.

Assoumani is the President of Comoros and chairs the African Union.

On his meeting with South Korean leader Yeol, Modi said the deliberations were extensive.

'Reviewing the complete spectrum of bilateral relations, we agreed to further boost commercial and cultural ties between India and the Republic of Korea,' Modi said on X.

In another post, Modi said he and President Erdogan talked about ways to further cement trade and infrastructure linkages between India and Turkiye.

On Friday, he held bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth.

On Saturday, he held a series of meetings, including with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.
The G20 declaration, which hit snags on the language to describe the Ukraine war, amounted to a 'coup' for host Prime Minister Narendra Modi though the final compromise statement reflected a stand far softer than those the United States and its Western allies have adopted on Russia, the world media said on Sunday.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers his remarks during Session 3 of the G20 Summit, at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo

India managed to hammer out an unexpected consensus among the G20 countries on the contentious issue of Ukraine through a series of hectic negotiations with emerging economies such as Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia playing a leading role in reaching the breakthrough on the first day itself.

Leaders gathered for the two-day annual Group of 20 Summit managed to agree on a 'G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration' laying out shared views on climate change and economic development but showed the fractures within the group by stopping short of explicitly condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Diplomats had been working furiously to draft a final joint statement in the lead-up to the summit but hit snags on language to describe the Ukraine war.

The New York Times said a painstakingly negotiated declaration Saturday evening at the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi omitted any condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine or its brutal conduct of the war, instead lamenting the 'suffering' of the Ukrainian people.

This year there were low expectations that the divided group would reach any sort of consensus with Ukraine, it said.

'The eventual compromise statement amounted to a coup for the summit's host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but still reflected a position far softer (than) those the United States and its Western allies have adopted individually,' CNN commented.

The G20 summit in New Delhi was one of the most complicated in the history of the bloc, Russia's G20 sherpa, Svetlana Lukash, said on Saturday.

"I believe that it was probably one of the most complicated G20 summits in the almost 15-year history of the forum's existence. It took almost 20 days before the summit and five days here on the ground to agree on a declaration," Lukash was quoted as saying by Russia's official Tass news agency.

The NYT also highlighted a project announced during the summit to create a rail and shipping corridor linking India to the Middle East and, eventually, Europe.

The paper said though the project lacked key details, including a time frame or budget, it represented much softer than usual rhetoric about Russia from US President Joe Biden and other Western leaders, who have spent the better part of two years spending billions on arming Ukraine and burning untold domestic political capital building support for the war.

Biden spent most of his time at the summit quietly nurturing his relationship with Narendra Modi, it said.

'Biden, like previous presidents, is trying to bring India closer,' the paper quoted Richard N Haass, a foreign policy veteran and former president of the Council on Foreign Relations, as saying.

"He's having limited success, but that's the nature of the relationship. That's baked into the cake here," Haass said.

India's G20 presidency comes at a moment of contradiction for the country: Its rise to a bigger role on the world stage coincides with increasing divisions at home, the paper said.

The Delhi declaration appears designed to allow both the West and Russia to find positives. But in the process, it has used language that is not as strong in its condemnation of Moscow as it was in Bali last year, BBC said.

Importantly, the declaration specifies 'the war in Ukraine' rather than 'the war against Ukraine'. This choice of words could have increased the likelihood of Russia endorsing the declaration.

Ukraine -- which took part in the Bali summit -- was not invited this year, and its response to the declaration has been critical, it said.

The British public broadcaster also highlighted the Ukrainian foreign ministry's reaction on X, formerly known as Twitter that 'in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of'.

The other big news came when Modi formally invited the African Union (AU) to become a permanent member of the G20.

'Delhi prioritised elevating the voices of these nations as the foundation of its presidency, and in the near future, it is poised to reap the rewards of this strategic choice as it vies with China for influence across Asia and Africa,' it said.

The declaration signifies a major win for India, which holds this year's G20 presidency, The Guardian newspaper said.

It has been a particularly challenging year for the group, which represents the world's largest economies, as Russia and China had proved intransigent in discussions around the Ukraine war, climate and energy, derailing attempts for a consensus in previous ministerial meetings, it said.

Modi wanted to show he could bridge global divides at this G20 in Delhi. The fact he's reached a consensus on the first day of this G20 is proof he can, Sky News said in an article titled 'Modi will count G20 consensus as a win -- but it shows how low the bar for success is'

'Ukraine was always going to be the sticking point. What he's avoided is what would have been an unprecedented failure -- coming out of this summit with no agreement,' it said.

'But be in no doubt, the paragraph on the Ukraine war is a watered-down version of what was agreed in Bali last year,' it said.

'What is perhaps most revealing in the language of this declaration though is the assertion that "G20 is not the place to resolve geopolitical issues". That is an overt acknowledgement of the limitations of this group,' it added.

The softer language showed the deepening fractures among leaders of the world's top economies as the 19-month-long war dragged on in Eastern Europe, The USA Today wrote.

Anthony Albanese hailed the G20 summit for delivering what he described as the harshest international rebuke yet of Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine, even as the leaders' declaration watered down its comments on the conflict and the statement drew praise from Moscow, The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper said.

But the G20's language was softer than last year's statement in Bali, dropping a direct reference to the 'war against Ukraine' and a paragraph that said 'most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine', it said.

While Indian Prime Minister Modi avoided the embarrassment of presiding over the first G20 summit not to issue a joint declaration, the negotiations went on until the last minute after weeks of calls from the US and Europe for the group of the world's largest economies to take a stronger stance on the conflict, it said.

Modi has spent the summit burnishing India's global image and attempting to shift the spotlight of the G20 away from Ukraine and towards trade, infrastructure investment and climate change, it added.

Pakistan's Dawn newspaper in an article 'G20 declaration on Ukraine -- hype or reality?', said, 'The joint declaration didn't condemn Russia and appeared to be of a piece with the recent visit to Kyiv by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken where he failed to air standard western invectives for Moscow or President Vladimir Putin.'

'Instead, Mr Blinken focused on the human trauma of the war and on the task of rebuilding from the rubble ahead,' it said.

'On this particular G20 outing, even the muscular American media accompanying their president were astonished at being kept out of Mr Biden's meeting with Mr Modi. If the joint declaration in Delhi triggers prospects for peace in Europe, part of the credit would be claimed by Mr Modi justifiably,' the paper said.

South African media mostly focused on the African Union becoming a G20 member.

A South African foreign ministry spokesperson welcomed the news report about the G20 agreeing to make the African bloc a member along the lines of the EU.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking to burnish India's credentials as a major power, announced the African Union's membership in the G20 on par with the European Union, News24 said.
Bellows Falls Garage Apartments and project partners are celebrating the completed installation of a 30kW solar photovoltaic array on the rooftop of the building.
Editors note: The contents of this story may be upsetting for some readers.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. High 48F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low around 30F. Winds light and variable.
WEST ARLINGTON  Today is the last day of the year that the "OPEN" message painted by hand on the side of an A-frame sign will be turned to fa
The Phoenix, a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of belonging and connection to create a movement thats changing how we look at substance use disorder and recovery in this country and beyond, will host the second annual Waves of Wellness, a sober surfing event in partnership with Skudin Surf and Surf for All on Sunday, September 10, at Skudin Surf in Long Beach, NY. A limited number of spaces are available to participate at www.thephoenix.org/find-a-class or https://tinyurl.com/2byk6eac. As is the case with all Phoenix programming, Waves of Wellness is free to attend for anyone with 48 hours of continuous sobriety from alcohol and nonprescription drugs. All are welcome to attend, even those who are not surfing.

The event will feature members of The Phoenixs sober active community learning to surf while celebrating National Recovery Month. The surfing community has many members in recovery, including members of the Skudin family. The Skudins started Surf for All to bring surfing to the disabled community and will share their passion for the recovery community by welcoming The Phoenixs members to this special event.
Paris-based leading distribution company ARP Selection has bought a pair of U.S. indie gems from the fall festival circuit, Shane Atkinsons feature debut LaRoy and Sofia Coppolas Priscilla.

LaRoy, a neo-noir Western comedy with Coen brothers influences, just won three major prizes at the Deauville Film Festival, including the Grand Prize, Audience Award and Critics Prize; while Priscilla world premiered at the Venice Film Festival and won best actress for Cailee Spaeny.

More from Variety

Produced by Cannes-based company Adastra Films, the film stars John Magaro as Ray, who decides to kill himself after discovering his wife has been cheating on him. But just before he pulls a trigger, a stranger takes him for a low-rent hitman.

Michele Halberstadt, who presides over ARP Selection with Laurent Petin, praised LaRoy for its wonderful script, pitch-perfect performances and heart. She said she had a coup de coeur for the movie after discovering it at Deauville and fell for its director-driven mise-en-scene, humor and endearing characters. ARP Selection will release the movie in April. The Exchange Films is handling international sales.

Priscilla, a subtle drama exploring the troubled relationship between Priscilla Beaulieu Presley and Elvis, was bought by ARP Selection out of the Venice Film Festival. Halberstadt said she was drawn by the unique way Coppola expressed the feeling of melancholy and golden prisons with an ease and softness. Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, who plays Elvis, were granted a SAG-AFTRA waiver to promote the film amid the strike, and attended the Venice premiere alongside Coppola and Presley. The indie film was greeted with an emotional 7-minute standing ovation and garnered stellar reviews with Varietys Owen Gleiberman describing it as a piercingly authentic inside drama. It was produced by Lorenzo Mieli for Fremantles The Apartment Pictures, Coppola for American Zoetrope and Youree Henley. The film was financed by Fremantle Group.

Story continues

ARP Selection will release the movie on Jan. 3. MUBI acquired all rights worldwide (excluding North America and Italy), and retained the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America, Benelux and Turkey for distribution. The Match Factory is selling the remaining territories. A24 has U.S. rights.

One of Frances rare distributors still buying U.S. indie movies for theaters, ARP Selection was also at Deauville festival with Todd Haynes May December, an Oscar contender starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, and Karim Ainouzs Firebrand starring Jude Law and Alicia Vikander which opened the Normandie-set festival. Both movies competed at this years Cannes.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) and world leaders arrive to pay respect at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 10, 2023.

The G20 wound up on Sunday with leaders visiting a memorial statue to Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, a day after adding 55 new member states via the African Union and coming up with a compromise communique soft on Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the African Union to join the G20 as a permanent member on Saturday in his opening remarks, calling on members to end a global trust deficit.

"It is time for all of us to move together, Modi said.

Despite widespread anticipation that this years summit would be a damp squib, it appeared to have featured some significant pushback on Chinas apparent unwillingness to play ball with the developed world.

Modi announced on Saturday that negotiators had resolved deep differences over the wording on the war in Ukraine, but the phrasing  not invasion by Russia but war in Ukraine  was clearly a bone to Russia and China, whose leaders did not attend.

China and Russia were opposed to any joint statement that censures Russias invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. President Joe Biden skipped the final session of the summit, heading to Vietnam, where a White House official said the two nations would elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, putting it on a par with Beijing and Moscows engagement with Hanoi.

U.S. President Joe Biden leaves for Vietnam after attending the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, India, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. Credit: AP

Modi pronounced the summit a success.

"On the back of the hard work of all the teams, we have received consensus on the G20 Leaders Summit Declaration. I announce the adoption of this declaration," Modi told the G20 leaders in New Delhi.

#G20India has been the MOST ambitious in the history of #G20 presidencies. With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than tripled the substantive work from previous presidencies, said Indias G20 Sherpa representative Amitabh Kant on social media.

Commentators said that it was significant that India appeared to be ready to take a more assertive role in global politics.

Modi ended the summit by passing on the ceremonial gavel to Brazils president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose country takes over the blocs presidency.

Welcome Africa

The announcement of permanent inclusion of the 55-nation African Union (AU) is likely to be a blow for Chinese president Xi Jinping, who did not attend the summit for unknown reasons, and recently heralded the new membership of six countries in the BRICS grouping as historic.

The AUs young population of 1.3 billion is expected to double by 2050, when it will account for a quarter of the global population. Its strategically important to both China, Africas largest trading partner and one of its largest lenders, and Russia, its leading arms provider.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, shares a light moment with African Union Chairman Azali Assoumani upon his arrival at Bharat Mandapam convention center for the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Credit: Pool via Reuters

Meanwhile, in what will likely be seen as a challenge to Xis ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), U.S. President Joe Biden, Modi and allies announced a rail and shipping corridor connecting India with the Middle East and ultimately Europe.

The project will include the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union and other countries in the G20.

Commentators speculate it will enable greater trade and be an ambitious counter to Chinas massive BRI, through which it has sought to invest and lend its way to making its economy better connected with the world.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands next to U.S. President Joe Biden on the first day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 9, 2023. Credit: AP/POOL





The moves on Saturday, which were roundly seen as pushback against China, came against a background of speculation as to why Chinas Xi was not present and calls for Beijing to explain itself.

Its incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain" why its leader would or would not participate, Jon Finer, the U.S. deputy national security adviser, told reporters in Delhi.

He said there was speculation that China is giving up on G20 in favor of groupings like BRICS, where it is dominant.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who attended the summit as a representative of Xi, called on the European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for greater unity and cooperation between the two sides to counter global uncertainties, according to a statement on Sunday from Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Li urged the EU to provide a non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies, as the bloc becomes warier of the risks of engaging China, seeing it as a "systemic rival" since 2019.

Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan.
Crew members of a China Coast Guard ship are seen from the BRP Cabra, a Philippine Coast Guard ship, during an encounter in South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) waters near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, Sept. 8, 2023.

The Chinese ships began to swarm around the BRP Cabra soon after 7 a.m. on Friday, sailing uncomfortably close to and hemming in the Philippine Coast Guard ship as it escorted civilian boats toward Ayungin Shoal, known internationally as the Second Thomas Shoal.

A China Coast Guard ship, with bow number CCG 21616, was the first to arrive on scene some 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) from the shoal located in South China Sea waters within the Philippines exclusive economic zone.

A BenarNews correspondent and other reporters, who were given special permission to travel aboard the Cabra and another coast guard ship for the resupply mission, witnessed the tense moments at sea.

Similar scenes where Chinese ships acted aggressively had played out lately during previous Philippine missions to deliver supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty old navy ship that serves as Manilas military outpost at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

Philippine vessel, you are approaching the waters of China. To avoid miscalculation and misunderstanding, please inform your intention, the China Coast Guard ship radioed to the BRP Cabra at around 6:30 a.m.

The Cabra radioed back, saying it was conducting lawful routine maritime patrol within the Philippines exclusive economic zone in accordance with international and Philippine laws.

Request to stay clear from our passage in accordance with collision regulations, the radio operator said from the Cabras bridge.

About 30 minutes later, at least three other CCG ships and vessels from Chinas maritime militia fleet joined the fray.

The Chinese ships then executed maneuvers to try to impede the civilian boats passage that Philippine Coast Guard officials described as dangerously close.

A CCG vessel, with bow number 21551, repeatedly tried to cut the Cabras path to separate it from one of the supply boats.

After failing to overtake the Cabra from the right side, CCG 21551 then sped up to overtake it from the left side. As the Chinese ship executed this maneuver, it sailed toward the Cabra and then abruptly stopped only three to five meters (9.8 to 16.4 feet) from the Philippine ship, PCG officials said.

During the standoff, at least a dozen more radio exchanges as well as challenges and counter-challenges ensued between the Philippine and Chinese ships.

Your behavior has infringed upon [the] authority, security, and interest of China. I warn you, please leave the area immediately. Any consequences will be borne by you, a voice from CCG 5305, the largest of the China Coast Guard ships present, warned the Cabras crew.

After being separated from their PCG escort ships, as the Chinese ships had intended, the Filipino civilian boats managed to sail on, reach the Sierra Madre, pick up Philippine Navy personnel and deliver food and other supplies.

The coast guard rated the latest mission a success, despite the tense encounter with the Chinese vessels.

The routine RoRe [rotational and resupply] mission was again subjected to dangerous maneuvers, jeopardizing the crew members safety aboard the PCG vessels and Philippine supply boats, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesman on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), said in a statement to media.

This photo taken by a drone shows the Philippine Coast Guard Ship BRP Cabra surrounded by Chinese coast guard and maritime militia ships in South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) waters near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, Sept. 8, 2023. Credit: Handout/Philippine Coast Guard

During Fridays incident, the PCG said it had recorded 10 instances of dangerous maneuvers carried out by four CCG ships and four Chinese maritime militia ships toward the BRP Cabra and another Philippine Coast Guard ship, the BRP Sindangan.

Two Chinese warships from the Peoples Liberation Army Navy were also spotted monitoring the area.

At one point, CCG 5305 blew its horn three times while crossing the bow of BRP Sindangan at a distance of approximately 50 to 60 yards.

The BRP Cabra, for its part, was corralled by five Chinese ships: three maritime militia vessels and a CCG ship in front, and another CCG ship behind.

Overnight journey

The crews of the Cabra and Sindangan, 44-meter-long (144.3-feet-long) coast guard multi-purpose response vessels, and the journalists aboard them had left the Philippine island of Palawan at around 9 a.m. on Thursday.

The coast guard ships were deployed to escort two small supply boats, the Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2, which the Philippine Navy had commissioned for its routine rotational and resupply mission.

The wooden boats were transporting food, supplies, and a new batch of sailors headed to the Sierra Madre, a decrepit World War II-era ship. In 1999, the Philippines deliberately ran it aground in Ayungin Shoal, which lies in the contested Spratly Islands, in response to Chinas occupation of nearby Mischief Reef.

The two Unaizah May boats and the PCG vessels met up near Sabina Shoal late Thursday night, with the two smaller ships sailing between the coast guard ships.

That was the instruction to us, protect the Unaizah May boats, Emmanuel Dangate, the commander of the Cabra, told the reporters aboard his ship.

Emmanuel Dangate, commanding officer of the BRP Cabra, looks out from the ships bridge as Chinese vessels try to cut its path and maneuver close to it in waters near Ayungin Shoal, Sept. 8, 2023. Credit: Camille Elemia/BenarNews

View from the bridge

During Fridays standoff, the atmosphere on the bridge of the Cabra was quiet and sober as the Chinese ships closed in on the PCG ship. Some of the crew were even smiling and joking around.

Dangate, the Cabras skipper, remained calm as he gazed ahead from the bridge and gave orders to his crew.

During this kind of mission, it ignites our patriotism and dedication, the commanding officer told the select group of reporters, who had been allowed to travel to get a rare first-hand view of one of the Philippine resupply missions.

From time to time, he would look through his binoculars and ask brief questions to his team.

Does that ship have an AIS [automatic identification system]? he asked, pointing to a distant vessel that appeared to be a Chinese militia ship.

None, sir, a junior crew member replied. This meant that some of the Chinese vessels were turning off their automatic identification systems so as to conceal their positions and technical information from other vessels in the area.

A Chinese maritime militia ship and a China Coast Guard ship sail near the BRP Cabra, a Philippine Coast Guard ship, in waters near Ayungin Shoal, Sept. 8, 2023. Credit: Camille Elemia/BenarNews

As the standoff unfolded, a P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance plane from the United States Navy, Manilas main defense ally, repeatedly overflew the area during and after the incident. An unidentified Black Hawk helicopter, according to PCG officials, tried to reach the wooden boats. An unidentified white aircraft was also spotted.

The maritime militia vessels and the CCG ships continued to closely guard the PCG vessels for hours as the Philippine ships waited for the supply boats to return from Ayungin Shoal. The Chinese vessels finally dispersed when the Philippine ships set sail at around 3 p.m. on Friday for their return trip to Palawan.

Philippine authorities pointed out that unlike in past resupply missions, China has now deployed its smaller CCG vessels, which are more quick to maneuver to block Philippine vessels.

During the previous resupply mission, on Aug. 22, the two PCG ships were able to escort the civilian boats a bit closer to the shoal despite Chinas moves. But this time, they were able to reach only 10 nautical miles from the shoal, with Tarriela citing the use of smaller and faster CCG vessels as a possible reason.

Noticeable, too, was the more active participation of maritime militia vessels in harassing Philippine vessels during recent resupply missions, officials said.

Chinese maritime militia ships surround the BRP Cabra, a Philippine Coast Guard ship, in waters near Ayungin Shoal, Sept. 8, 2023. Credit: Camille Elemia/BenarNews

A dispute with China over the Spratly chain was at the heart of Manilas decision in 2012 to bring an international lawsuit against Beijing in 2012.

The Philippine case was considered groundbreaking because it no country had previously challenged China in a world court over its territorial claims in the waterway.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in a landmark verdict that invalidated Beijings sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea, an important gateway for global trade.

Beijing, however, has refused to acknowledge the award, citing history by insisting that the islands are part of its territory.

BenarNews is an online news outlet affiliated with Radio Free Asia.
In this article, we discuss 10 best mining ETFs. If you want to skip our discussion on the mining industry, head directly to 5 Best Mining ETFs.

Mining and metals operations are long-term investments. In today's fast-changing environment, companies need to look ahead for sustainable growth. As highlighted by Deloitte, while many mining firms have general ESG goals, specific nature-related targets are rare. Often, ESG is treated separately from core business functions. For example, processes like site selection and mine planning continue as usual. However, nature's impact is expected to affect mining companies directly or through supply chains in the next decade. This impact can create or destroy value in different scenarios. Reflecting these impacts in strategies and valuations is crucial. Developing skills and understanding will help companies protect against threats and make the most of opportunities. Moving forward, mining firms with an integrated approach to nature within their ESG strategy will have an advantage in funding, insurance, talent attraction, and securing permits and social approval.

According to KPMG, with the global economy transitioning toward a carbon-free future, a significant concern is whether mining and metals companies possess the capability to supply the increasing quantities of materials required for products like wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles. These materials are essential for facilitating the shift to a net-zero world. The mining and metals industry, as per a global survey conducted by KPMG International, involving over 400 C-level executives representing diversified mining and metal production activities, ranging from steel to coal to lithium, appears to hold a strong belief in its capacity to meet these increasing demand projections. Optimistic viewpoints outnumbered pessimistic ones by nearly 12 to 1 in the survey results. However, among producers of materials critical to achieving a net-zero future, such as lithium and copper, the ratio slightly decreases to 6 to 1 in favor of optimism. KPMG International interviewed Rohitesh Dhawan, who serves as the President and CEO of the International Council on Mining & Metals, an organization representing a significant portion of the global industry. Dhawan, in his role as a representative of the industry, understands its crucial role in a range of issues during this pivotal period in history. He said:

Story continues

Were entering a new phase that weve never had before. The world is now fully invested in our industry in a way it was not previously. This means that the things that got us here arent the things that will take us to the next phase in our relationship with society. It requires us to engage differently.

As per PwCs findings, mining revenue remained stable at $711 billion in 2022, marking another year of strong financial performance. However, rising costs and economic uncertainties led to a decrease in EBITDA margins from 32% to 29%. According to PwC, the market capitalization of the Top 40 miners tripled from $400 billion in 2003 to $1.2 trillion in 2022. The energy transition's impact is expected to shape the industry for the next couple of decades. Miners will need to navigate the growing influence of governments and new entrants like automobile companies in the sector, while also positioning themselves well for the clean energy shift that relies on resource access. The focus on critical minerals dominated deal activities in 2022 as miners sought to take advantage of the global shift towards clean energy, driven by two key factors; firstly, these minerals' pivotal role in clean energy technologies like batteries, electric vehicles, and solar and wind power; and secondly, their significance in national defense, technologies, and weaponry. Exploration in gold, copper, lithium, and cobalt saw notable growth in 2022. Given the growing demand and limited supply of critical minerals, continued investment in exploration for these minerals is essential for driving the energy transition. Andries Rossouw, PwC Africa Mining Leader, stated:

Looking forward, the next 20 years has the potential to be as positive for the industry as the last 20 years. Demand for critical mineralswhich fuels a growing boom in sustainability requirements like electric vehiclesrequires miners to reinvent and reimagine how they will best support their clients and stakeholders globally. The high-demand era of critical minerals is now. Its full of opportunity; but for those miners who do not reimagine and reinvent their operations by finding the right value-chain partners, they will likely miss out on the opportunity.

In this article, we explore some of the best mining ETFs, which provide investors with access to companies like Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM), and Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ).

Our Methodology

We used an ETF screener and filtered out the best performing mining ETFs based on their 5-year performance. We have also discussed the top holdings of the ETFs to offer better insight to potential investors. These ETFs have amassed significant gains in the past 5 years. The list is ranked in ascending order of the 5-year performance of these mining ETFs as of September 9, 2023.

10 Best Mining ETFs

Pixabay/Public Domain

Best Mining ETFs

10. Global X Gold Explorers ETF (NYSE:GOEX)

5-Year Performance as of September 9: 27.18%

The Global X Gold Explorers ETF (NYSE:GOEX), which is one of the best mining ETFs, aims to reflect the price and yield performance of the Solactive Global Gold Explorers & Developers Total Return Index, prior to accounting for fees and expenses. This ETF grants investors access to a range of companies engaged in exploring gold deposits. It was introduced on November 3, 2010. As of September 8, 2023, the ETF's total assets stand at $34.52 million, with an expense ratio of 0.65%. Its portfolio consists of 51 stocks.

Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) is one of the top holdings of the Global X Gold Explorers ETF (NYSE:GOEX). Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) offers precious and base metal properties in the United States and globally. The company engages in the extraction of silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates. It also handles carbon material containing silver and gold, which it sells to custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors. Additionally, the company deals in dore, a substance containing silver and gold.

According to Insider Monkeys second quarter database, 18 hedge funds were bullish on Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL), compared to 17 funds in the prior quarter. Eric Sprotts Sprott Asset Management held the largest position in the company, with 2.63 million shares valued at $13.56 million.

9. iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (BATS:PICK)

5-Year Performance as of September 9: 29.46%

The iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (BATS:PICK) aims to replicate the performance of the MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold & Silver Investable Market Index. This index tracks global companies primarily engaged in mining, extraction, and production of various metals, excluding gold and silver. Launched on January 31, 2012, the ETF holds approximately $1.43 billion in net assets, with a portfolio containing 267 stocks as of September 9, 2023. The expense ratio is 0.39%.

BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) is the largest holding of the iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (BATS:PICK). BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) functions as a resource company with operations spread worldwide. The company's activities are divided into Copper, Iron Ore, and Coal segments. Its operations include mining copper, silver, zinc, molybdenum, uranium, gold, iron ore, as well as metallurgical and energy coal.

According to Insider Monkeys second quarter database, 23 hedge funds were long BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP), compared to 24 funds in the preceding quarter. Ken Griffins Citadel Investment Group is the largest stakeholder of the company, with approximately 1.8 million shares worth $105.94 million.

Like Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM), and Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ), BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) is one of the best mining stocks to buy.

Here is what Harding Loevner has to say about BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) in its Q1 2021 investor letter:

Our purchase of Australian mining company BHP is an example of a quality company at a moderate valuation that should deliver attractive long-term returns. We believe the market has undervalued its enduring competitive advantage due to its low cost iron and copper mining operations which has allowed the company to deliver consistent profits and cash flows across the inevitable ups and downs of the global metals cycle. While the variability of commodity prices prevents BHP from scoring in the top ranks of measured quality, we are willing to bear some of that uncertainty in return for a more attractive valuation given the companys strong business fundamentals.

8. U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (NYSE:GOAU)

5-Year Performance as of September 9: 46.70%

The U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (NYSE:GOAU), recognized as one of the best mining ETFs, grants investors access to companies involved in the production of precious metals. This involvement can be either active, such as mining or production, or passive, like holding royalties or production streams. The ETF is based on the U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners Index. It was introduced on June 27, 2017. As of September 7, 2023, the fund's net assets total $87.9 million, with an expense ratio of 0.60%. The ETF's portfolio consists of 28 stocks.

Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV) is a prominent holding of the U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (NYSE:GOAU). Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV) functions as a company focused on gold-related royalties and streaming. It operates in Latin America, the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company is divided into two segments  Mining and Energy.

According to Insider Monkeys second quarter database, 23 hedge funds were bullish on Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV), in contrast to the last quarter, when 31 funds had invested in the stock. Jean-Marie Eveillards First Eagle Investment Management is the largest position holder in the company, with 2.2 million shares worth $311.76 million.

Here is what Horizon Kinetics has to say about Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:FNV) in its Q3 2022 investor letter:

Back to basic principles. We dont hold gold in client portfolios, we hold gold royalty companies. The two have surprisingly little in common. The gold royalty company generates very impressive profits even if the gold price never rises, and it earns those profits year after year. Here is a long-term chart of Franco Nevada Corp., the premier gold royalty company vs. gold itself: a comparable gold price today than a decade ago, yet Franco Nevada returned 12.5% annually, matching the S&P 500 return, despite its nearsole source of revenues unchanged. What will Franco Nevadas earnings and share price do if gold rises over the course of a decade?

7. VanEck Steel ETF (NYSE:SLX)

5-Year Performance as of September 9: 50.67%

The VanEck Steel ETF (NYSE:SLX) aims to closely replicate the price and yield performance of the NYSE Arca Steel Index. This index is designed to reflect the overall performance of companies within the steel sector. VanEck Steel ETF (NYSE:SLX) is one of the best mining ETFs. The ETF was introduced on October 10, 2006. As of September 8, 2023, the fund holds net assets totaling $121.50 million, with a portfolio including 26 stocks. Its net expense ratio is 0.56%.

Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is one of the top holdings of the VanEck Steel ETF (NYSE:SLX). Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is involved in the global exploration, mining, and processing of mineral resources. The company's operations are categorized into Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. Additionally, Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) owns and manages open pit and underground mines, and facilities such as refineries, smelters, concentrators, and power stations.

According to Insider Monkeys second quarter database, 29 hedge funds were bullish on Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO), compared to 33 in the previous quarter. Brandon Haleys Holocene Advisors held a significant position in the company, with 869,470 shares worth $55.5 million.

HL International Equity Strategy made the following comment about Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) in its first quarter 2023 investor letter:

In terms of geographical performance, the eurozone emerged as the top-performing region, and our stocks did better still, fueled by the strong performance of Infineon, LOreal, and Schneider Electric. EMs, which lagged the index, were boosted by the improving outlook for semiconductor companies TSMC and Samsung. Mexicos FEMSA also contributed strongly to relative returns. Europe ex EMU was the weakest region primarily due to the underperformance of SE Banken and UK miner Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO). The latter was affected by concerns over softer iron ore pricing in the current year, another reflection of manufacturing weakness in steelmaking giant China.

6. SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (NYSE:XME)

5-Year Performance as of September 9: 51.77%

The SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (NYSE:XME) seeks to deliver investment outcomes that align with the total return performance of the S&P Metals and Mining Select Industry Index. It provides exposure to the metals and mining sector within the S&P Total Market Index, including sub-industries like Aluminum, Coal & Consumable Fuels, Copper, Diversified Metals & Mining, Gold, Precious Metals & Minerals, Silver, and Steel. Launched on June 19, 2006, the fund holds assets under management valued at $1.73 billion as of September 7, 2023. Its portfolio includes 32 stocks, and it features an expense ratio of 0.35%. It is one of the best mining ETFs to monitor.

United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) is one of the top holdings of the SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (NYSE:XME). United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) is a manufacturer and distributor of flat-rolled and tubular steel products, primarily serving markets in North America and Europe. The company's operations are divided into four segments  North American Flat-Rolled, Mini Mill, U. S. Steel Europe, and Tubular Products.

According to Insider Monkeys second quarter database, 33 hedge funds were bullish on United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X), up from 30 in the previous quarter. Paul Marshall and Ian Waces Marshall Wace LLP held the largest position in the company, with 6.13 million shares valued at $153.4 million.

Like Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM), and Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ), United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) is one of the best mining stocks to buy.

Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Mining ETFs.

Suggested articles:

Disclosure: None. 10 Best Mining ETFs is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Welcome to The Azadi Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that unpacks the key issues in Afghanistan. To subscribe for free, click here.



I'm Frud Bezhan, regional desk editor for Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Here's what I've been tracking and what I'm keeping an eye on in the days ahead.

The Key Issue

Several powerful earthquakes and aftershocks have killed at least 2,400 people and injured thousands more in western Afghanistan, with hundreds of others still missing.

Entire villages have been flattened in the past week in the western province of Herat, in the deadliest temblors to hit Afghanistan in around 25 years.

At least 17,000 people have been affected by the earthquakes on October 7 and October 11, according to the United Nations. Many have lost their homes and been forced to sleep out in the open.

Another earthquake was reported on October 13 in the neighboring province of Badghis. There were no immediate reports of casualties and damage.

The UN children's agency UNICEF said that 90 percent of those killed in the earthquakes in Herat were children and women. Many men in Zindah Jan district, the epicenter of the first and deadliest tremor, work in neighboring Iran and send remittances to their families.

Foreign aid agencies said they have sent supplies to the region, including food, medical kits, and tents. But some survivors said they have yet to receive any assistance and have been forced to fend for themselves.

"We have no shelter and no food, Juma Gul, a resident of Zindah Jan, told RFE/RLs Radio Azadi. We have nothing left."

Local charities and volunteers have accused the Taliban of preventing them from independently collecting and distributing aid to survivors of the earthquakes.

Why It's Important: The earthquakes have exacerbated the devastating humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the worlds largest.

An estimated 15 million people -- out of a population of around 40 million -- are going hungry. Another 6 million are on the verge of starvation, according to the UN.

The World Food Program (WFP) has called the recent earthquakes a disaster on top of a disaster. The UN body said it could only afford to support 3 million people due to a massive shortfall in international funding.

Aid agencies have appealed for more funds to deal with the fallout from the deadly earthquakes. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in an October 12 statement called for immediate international support.

What's Next: Many survivors, having lost their homes and possessions, fear the harsh winter months ahead.

The nights are getting very cold, Mohammad Aref, a resident of Zindah Jan, told Radio Azadi. If it continues like this, we will not be able to live in a tent. We need proper shelter.

Abdul Razzaq, a medical worker in Herat, told Radio Azadi that hunger and disease are spreading in communities affected by the earthquakes.

"People have stomach problems, pneumonia, and sore throats. Some people live in tents. Others dont even have tents.

What To Keep An Eye On

The Pakistani authorities have demolished two makeshift settlements housing mostly Afghan refugees and migrants outside the capital, Islamabad.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) said the illegal settlements located on government land were bulldozed on October 11.

The settlements were believed to be decades old and consisted of dozens of houses and farms.

Why It's Important: The demolition of the settlements comes as Islamabad intensifies its crackdown on the estimated 1.7 million undocumented Afghan migrants living in the South Asian country.

Pakistans Interior Ministry announced on October 3 that illegal migrants living without legal status in Pakistan had until November 1 to leave voluntarily or face deportation.

The announcement has triggered an increase in police abuse against Afghans, including harassment, assault, and arbitrary detention, according to Human Rights Watch.

In an October 12 statement, the human rights group urged Pakistan to drop its threat to deport Afghans, saying many were at grave risk of being returned to persecution and other abuse in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you have. You can always reach us at azadi.english@rferl.org.



Until next time,



Frud Bezhan



If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe for free here. It will be sent to your inbox every Friday.
Despite traveling through 13 countries and thousands of kilometers from his home in China years ago, the last words Ersin Erkinuly's mother spoke to him are etched in his memory. He remembers her face as if he said goodbye to her yesterday.

"Son, make sure you eat before you set off on your long journey tomorrow. We will see you now...and your father and I will come home around lunchtime to see you again. Wait for us."

Erkinuly, 25, couldn't continue living in his parents' home because of the oppression and threat of being sent to a Chinese "reeducation camp." But he couldn't stay in his ancestral homeland, Kazakhstan, either, because of the surveillance by Kazakh special services.

So he set off for Europe.

"It seems unbelievable, but it's true," he began the story of his adventures over the phone to RFE/RL from a Warsaw housing complex for refugees. Erkinuly, also known as Yilisen Aierken, was released from a detention center for asylum-seekers in Poland on August 7 after spending six months there due to repeated border violations since he entered the EU. At the refugee complex, he and others are fed and housed and able to communicate freely with human rights organizations, embassies, journalists, and anyone else who might be able to help them.

Escaping Chinese Pressure

Recalling his reasons for leaving home, Erkinuly says it started with the strict religious surveillance of his neighbors during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month when people fast from dawn to dusk. Tight control of Muslims -- mostly Uyghurs, but also ethnic Kazakhs and Kyrgyz -- in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in western China began in 2017.

"Representatives of the village committee arrived at the neighbors' house at 3 o'clock in the morning. I was surprised that they remarked that the neighbors were eating at that time," Erkinuly recalled of his life in China, as if they were unaware of Ramadan.

"Is it impossible to fast during Ramadan?" Erkinuly thought. "China had begun to impose tight restrictions on believers."

Authorities once asked his parents whether they got married according to Muslim customs, whether their children prayed the "namaz," and questioned what places they had visited. A "yes" answer to any of those queries could result in a family being deemed "extremist" and hauled off to the camps.

In 2018, China's oppression of indigenous people in Xinjiang moved into the open. Anyone deemed suspicious, including those who had traveled abroad, was sent to "reeducation camps," where they were taught intensive Chinese, forced to sing patriotic Chinese songs, and shown "propaganda videos" about the country and Chinese Communist Party policies several times daily. Most of them live in cells.

"I used to live in the Nylki district in Xinjiang. When I was about to go to the city of Qulja, I was checked for a long time. I had forgotten my ID card at home, so they contacted the village committee and let me through only after confirming my place of residence. The also asked for my purpose of traveling. I sent them pictures and videos from the places I visited. Anyway, this kind of control became routine. Even if we returned from a trip to nearby places, we were then followed for a week, and if we went far away, for a month. We had to report everything we saw and learned," Erkinuly said.

Many of his friends were placed in the Chinese "reeducation camps."

Chinese controls intensified, though he says his religious knowledge is quite limited.

Tired of the restrictions, Erkinuly decided to leave China. He was eager to fulfill his long-standing dream of seeing his ancestral homeland, Kazakhstan, so he went to the capital of Xinjiang Province, Urumchi, and got a three-year visa.

"All my actions must have seemed suspicious. 'Why are you going there?' [officials] asked again and again. I lied that I would come back in three months and voluntarily go to a 'reeducation camp.'"

His parents reluctantly let him go. He thought that saying goodbye to them would be very difficult. Besides, he was in a hurry to move to Kazakhstan as soon as possible. So, without saying goodbye, he left for Khorgos, a city on the Chinese-Kazakh border, far north of Almaty.

Ancestral Homeland Disappoints

"When I arrived in Sarkand, a town near Almaty, the people who I had agreed to meet did not pick up the phone," Erkinuly said. "So I stayed in a hostel and the owner informed the National Security Committee (KNB) about me, saying I was from China. The committee came the same day."

On his first day in Kazakhstan, he realized he was "not free of surveillance."

"I spent an hour telling [KNB officials] about the political situation in Xinjiang. I told them it was complicated, and they kept in touch with me every day," he said.

"'Where are you? Where are you going? We need to talk some more,' they said. 'I've told you everything. Why do you keep calling?' I asked. They tried reaching me through others. One day the migration office called and asked me to come over. People from China living in Sarkand stopped inviting me to visit them. Then I went to the southeastern city of Taldykorgan. There I stayed for some time with another friend from China. But different people kept calling me. I was scared," Erkinuly continued.

After the persistent calls, he said it felt as though Kazakhstan supported China's policy of putting Muslims in camps. The denial of refugee status to some brothers and sisters of people he knew "was a confirmation of that," Erkinuly said.

After six months he decided to leave Kazakhstan due to the constant pressure. He decided to go to a country that respects human rights and sympathizes with the Uyghurs and others being persecuted in China.

Ukraine War Benefits

Erkinuly bought a ticket for the Almaty-Istanbul-Paris route with the plan to apply for refugee status in France. But he was detained by Turkish border police in Istanbul.

From that moment, Erkinuly began traveling legally and illegally through European countries to try to get to the Schengen zone, which consists of 24 European countries. From Turkey he flew to Serbia and then to Ukraine.

Erkinuly said the border guards in Ukraine asked him where he got his money for the flight, which he says he got from some generous people he met in a hostel in Serbia who knew he was fleeing China and felt sorry for him.

"English-speaking people are very kind," he said, adding that some friends who followed him on social media also helped.

Erkinuly was in Ukraine when Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, and he says he witnessed several explosions. He wanted to get out of Ukraine because of the war, so he bought a ticket back to Turkey, spending the night in the airport.

He says when he awoke the next morning, his passport and plane ticket were missing. Turkish authorities then put Erkinuly on a flight back to Ukraine.

His hope of getting to a Schengen country legally seemed dashed. He decided to try and cross borders illegally, with the hope of getting go to Poland and later Germany.

"There are only a few [guards] on Ukraine's border with Poland and Slovakia," he said. "I was going to escape over the border at night, along a road near a village. I heard wolves and foxes roaming around. It seems they are not afraid of people or cars. I was so scared to be alone in the complete dark. Later, I paid a taxi driver $50 and he drove me a kilometer from the border. But the border guards caught me [when I got closer to the border]."

A Ukrainian court ordered Erkinuly to be deported to China. But he was required to buy a ticket and didn't have enough money, so they placed him in a detention center.

"In the detention center they allowed us to talk on the phone for two hours every day. From there I called representatives of the Ata-Zhurt organization in Kazakhstan [founded by ethnic Kazakhs originally from Xinjiang who moved to Kazakhstan as part of a government program to "repatriate" ethnic Kazakhs from around the world after Kazakhstan gained independence in late 1991]," he said.

"And I told them I was going to be deported to China and that within a year, 'they will take my corpse out of there.' Then I informed organizations in America and Western countries of my situation. Ukraine couldn't deport me then because other countries reached out to me."

Erkinuly believes that by avoiding the deportation to China, he "avoided death."

But his adventure was far from over.

Escaping The War

Last winter, Erkinuly crossed Poland's border with millions of other Ukrainians fleeing in the aftermath of Russia's invasion. He then managed to get to Germany, the country he had long hoped to reach and where, he thought, he could live freely and without pressure.

"There is a law in EU countries that state that the country where you first registered as a refugee has to decide whether to grant you refugee status or not," he said. "The first time I entered Poland I was fingerprinted [and registered]. And my hope [of staying there] was lost when I saw people from Uzbekistan, Chechnya, and Africa waiting seven or eight years for asylum, with some of them being sent back [to their native countries]."

So when Erkinuly requested refugee status in Germany, they wanted to return him to Poland. He left for other countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, and France and managed to work in a cafe and also got jobs cutting vegetables and washing dishes despite not having legal status. He said he usually made about $30-$50 per day.

He said the abundance of refugees in these countries means the police either can't or don't want to check for illegal workers. "That is why I moved easily from one country to another and returned to Germany."

Easily until the day he was on an international bus in Germany and detained by police for "illegal border crossing."

Germany sent Erkinuly to Poland, where his refugee status would be decided. He fled Poland and ended up in Malmo, Sweden, where he was detained and returned to Poland.

'Agreed To Voluntary Return To China'

Erkinuly could still be deported if he loses his appeal. In that case, the original Polish court decision to deport him to China would come into effect. That verdict notes that he is "highly likely to flee abroad again," since he previously sought asylum in Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

The decision also states that Erkinuly "agreed to his voluntary return to China," which he says is untrue.

Polish authorities are purportedly mistrustful of Erkinuly's political views and his version of fleeing China because as he did not express his opinions on social media.

"I was allowed to appeal against the decision of the Migration Department to deny me refugee status within 14 days. I have filed an appeal and it's my last hope. If I am not accepted again I will be sent back to China based on the court decision," Erkinuly said.

He said that "death awaits him" in China, and that he doesn't think his human rights are being protected in Poland and that officials seemed to come up with "various reasons" for refusing his asylum request. Erkinuly is now pinning his hopes on an international human rights organization's support for his cause.

He hasn't spoken to his parents since 2021 and doesn't know if they are in a "political education camp" or not.

Chinese authorities know Erkinuly is seeking asylum, so he has cut off any contact with his relatives. "If they find out that relatives are receiving messages from me it will become a problem for them," he said.

According to the United Nations, since 2017, more than 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other Muslims have been sent to closed institutions in Xinjiang Province by Chinese officials due to their religion and the concern they could harbor separatist or extremist beliefs.

Many observers claim Beijing is pursuing a policy to reduce the number of Muslims, as many women have reported being forcibly sterilized or made to have an abortion while in the camps. Other inmates of the "reeducation camps" said they were raped by guards and subjected to medical experiments.

Many men who have been in the camps reported brutal torture, and unexplained deaths occur often, former inmates have said. Several international rights organizations and Western countries have accused Beijing of "genocide" against Muslims in Xinjiang.

Chinese officials refer to the "reeducation camps" as "vocational training centers" and part of a policy in Xinjiang to "fight extremism." They deny the accusation of mistreatment or abuse.
The United States has condemned a violent anti-Semitic event at an airport in Russia's predominantly Muslim region of Daghestan in which a mob overran the airport and threatened an aircraft arriving from Tel Aviv.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington condemned the incident, adding at a briefing with reporters on October 30 that the storming of the airport "looked like a pogrom to me" in videos of the incident that he had viewed.

"We call on Russian authorities to publicly condemn these violent protests, to hold anyone involved accountable, and to ensure the safety of Israelis and Jews in Russia," Miller said.

The violence occurred on October 29 when dozens of protesters, angry over the situation surrounding the current war between Israel and Hamas militants, broke through doors and barriers at Makhachkala airport, with many of them chanting "Allahu akbar" (God is great) as they stormed the runway after the aircraft arrived.

Riot police and reinforcements, including National Guard units, were subsequently sent to "ensure the safety of arriving passengers, according to the Baza Telegram channel.

Officials said more than 20 people were injured -- two critically -- in the unrest, with 10 of those injured needing hospitalization, while Baza said six police officers were among the casualties.

It was not clear whether any Israeli citizens were on the plane that arrived from Tel Aviv or whether any passengers were among the injured.

The RIA Novosti news agency reported on October 30 that more than 60 people were detained at the airport.

In a statement on October 30, the head of Russia's Federation of Jewish Communities, Rabbi Aleksandr Boroda, said the incident "undermined the basic foundations of our multicultural and multinational state."

"The events of October 29 at the Makhachkala airport, as well as previous incidents...clearly show that the conflict in the Middle East has already affected the lives of people in Russia, and that anti-Israel sentiment has now turned into open aggression toward even Russian Jews," Boroda said.

The incidents Boroda referred to include a suspected arson attack on a Jewish center under construction in the city of Nalchik and reports that crowds gathered in front of two hotels in the Dagestani city of Khasavyurt demanding "refugees from Israel" leave the premises.

Russia's aviation authority closed the airport and said it would remain out of operation until November 6, but later changed its stance and as of late on October 30, air traffic had resumed.

Flights from Israel, however, were being temporarily rerouted to other cities in Russia.

The Investigative Committee, meanwhile, said it had conducted searches of the residences of some of those involved in the unrest.

"Participants in the mass unrest are being interrogated under the relevant criminal case...records from video surveillance cameras have been retrieved," the committee said.

Anti-Jewish protests have broken out in several cities in the region in the face of Israels war with Hamas, rulers of the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry on October 29 demanded that Russia protect Israelis and Jews and to apprehend anyone threatening them.

"Israel expects the Russian authorities to protect all Israeli citizens and all Jews, and to act decisively against the rioters and against incitement to violence against Jews and Israelis," a statement said.

The Kremlin blamed the unrest on "outside interference," and without showing any evidence accused Ukraine of involvement.

Ukraine rejected the accusation, saying that the Russian Foreign Ministry was attempting to "shift responsibility from a sick person to a healthy one." Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko added on Facebook that the events in Makhachkala "reflect deep-rooted anti-Semitism of Russian elites and society."

The United States also rejected the Russian accusation about Ukrainian involvement. "I've seen their comments about blaming Ukraine. They are absurd," Miller said.

Late on October 29, videos and photos from the scene published by RFE/RLs Caucasus.Realities indicated that protesters had stormed onto the Makhachkala runway, attempting to gain entry to the incoming plane.

Some media said the mob gathered at the airport after a Telegram channel said "uninvited guests" would be on the plane and that they should be met in "adult fashion" and forced to go elsewhere.

A local news Telegram channel reported that protesters were attempting to check the identities of arriving passengers, seeking to prevent Jews from leaving the airport, including searching police vehicles.

A protester was seen in one unconfirmed video carried a sign saying, "Child killers have no place in Daghestan."

Daghestani officials accused "enemies of Russia" of instigating the anti-Semitic sentiments after the Coordination Center of Muslims of the North Caucasus called on authorities to prevent refugees from Israel from entering the republic, according to the Caucasian Knot news website.

The Interior Ministry said that, "against the background of the situation in Makhachkala, the identities of all those who take part in the riots will be established, since video surveillance works at the airport."

"We recommend that all persons who have violated the operating procedures of the [airport] to cease the illegal actions and to not interfere with the work of airport employees," a Telegram statement said.

"It is not easy for each of us to stand and watch the inhumane massacre of a civilian population -- the Palestinian people, the government statement said.

"Still, we urge residents of the republic not to succumb to provocations of destructive groups and not to create panic in society."

Anti-Semitic rallies took place over the weekend in other cities of the North Caucasus protesting against Israels military campaign.

The Middle East conflict broke out after Hamas militants stormed Israel on October 7, killing hundreds of people and taking more than 200 hostage. Israel retaliated with a military campaign against Gaza, leading to the deaths of some 8,000 people and the destruction of much of Gaza City.

On October 28, a rally was held in Cherkessk, the capital of the Karachayevo-Cherkessia region, demanding that residents of Israel not be allowed in.

On the night of October 29, residents of Derbent in Daghestan protested after false reports of the settling of refugees from Israel in local hotels.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and RIA Novosti
Since late October 2022, when more than two dozen opposition politicians, activists, and journalists were detained, the Kyrgyz government has been going after perceived opponents and critics. Investigative journalist Bolot Temirov was deported in November; the government blocked RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service websites and froze its bank account from late October 2022 until July this year; and the campaign continues. Between August 28 and September 7, Kyrgyz authorities moved to shut down an independent media outlet, detained a leading opposition member of parliament, and prepared to strip the Constitutional Court of its powers over a previous ruling that supported womens rights. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss these recent moves by the Kyrgyz government to tighten its grip over the country are Erica Marat, an associate professor at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.; and Syinat Sultanalieva, Central Asia researcher for Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Human Rights Watch.
It was the evening of May 23 when Nadezhda first heard rumors in her village in northern Russia that her 23-year-old son-in-law, Artyom Ponomaryov, had been killed fighting in neighboring Ukraine. By the next morning, his death was confirmed.

According to the information that she was given at the local military registration and enlistment office, he was killed on May 14 in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, which has been the site of some of the fiercest battles since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

But while the news of Artyom's fate trickled back to Shipitsyno, their village of roughly 3,500 people in Russia's Arkhangelsk region, his loved ones have still not received his body back from the front and been able to bury him.

Since finding out about his death in late May, Nadezhda and Polina -- Artyom's widow, who married him in July 2022 -- have been searching for his body, relying on family and friend connections, as well as visits to morgues across the country, to try and find out what happened to the young soldier.

"Many people from our village were [given a summons] to go to Ukraine. We weren't the only girls and mothers to see someone off the day Artyom shipped out," Nadezhda told North.Realities, a regional news outlet of RFE/RL's Russian Service.

In the months since learning of Artyom's death, Nadezhda says that she's discovered that his body has been moved from Bakhmut and is likely in one of three large morgues set up for deceased soldiers in western Russia and Russian-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine.

Through the help of a lawyer, she's also learned that Artyom is officially listed as missing, not deceased, which the attorney says could mean that the body has been lost. Until Artyom can be identified, Nadezhda and Polina will be unable to bury him or claim any of the financial compensation given by the Russian state to families.

"I'm not doing what I'm doing because of money. This isn't about payment," Nadezhda said. "The most important thing for me now is to find Artyom and know that he isn't rotting somewhere."

The Search For Artyom

The search for Artyom's body is one example among many of Russian soldiers or those fighting with the now disbanded Wagner mercenary group who were killed in Ukraine and not had their bodies returned to their families.

In other cases, grinding battles in eastern Ukraine, such as in Soledar and Bakhmut, where Artyom was killed, have left many bodies difficult to identify, leading to a massive backlog in being able to deliver them for funerals and in their families receiving financial compensation.

The exact number of casualties from the war is unknown, but U.S. officials said in August that Russia's military casualties were approaching 300,000, of which as many as 120,000 are deaths and up to 180,000 are injuries. The same U.S. officials estimate that close to 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and 100,000 to 120,000 have been wounded in less than two years of fighting.

These growing casualty figures have led the Kremlin's war machine to continue the search for new recruits. In September 2022, it was announced that 300,000 reservists -- billed as a "partial" mobilization -- would be called up, which sparked panic and led to tens of thousands fleeing Russia rather than report to recruiting stations.

Since then, the Russian government has looked to entice men to enlist with benefits and cash bonuses, as well as through a widespread push to issue summons to Russians with past military experience. Russian President Vladimir Putin also signed a bill into law on August 4 that raises the maximum age for mandatory one-year military service for men from 27 to 30, a move believed to lay the groundwork for a potential general mobilization in the future.

Artyom, like many young men from his village, did his mandatory military service out of high school and served in the Russian Army. But he left the service early and returned home. Artyom's father had left his family when he was a teenager and he grew distant from his mother. When he started dating Polina, she says that Nadezhda became like a second mom to him.

The 23-year-old soon received a summons to report to the local recruitment center shortly after the September 2022 mobilization order was announced and he was promptly sent to eastern Ukraine.

Little is known about his exact duties there, but Polina and Nadezhda say that Artyom mostly described having to dig ditches rather than be on the front line in Bakhmut.

Since they learned of his death, the pair have been hunting for information and often joined forces with other families from their home village who are also trying to locate their loved ones' bodies.

It's through this string of Telegram chat groups, family connections, and friends who work as doctors and nurses at hospitals and morgues, that Polina and Nadezhda have been able to shed some light on where Artyom's body might be.

Through that research, they learned that Artyom's body had been moved to a morgue in Luhansk, a city in eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed separatists. From there, they learned that Artyom was supposed to be moved to a military morgue in Rostov-on-Don in southwestern Russia.

Nadezhda says that she spoke with an employee at the Rostov morgue, who was unable to locate Artyom, but did manage to find the body of another soldier from Shipitsyno who was killed on the same date and location as Artyom and he's since been returned to his family and buried.

When Nadezhda presented all her findings to the military registration and enlistment office, she says they "shrugged their shoulders." Frustrated by their lack of assistance, she says that she also went to the local prosecutor's office and filed a statement, but was not encouraged by their response.

"They said 'how do you know all this?' and then that's been all," Nadezhda said. "They say they're working on it, but as far as I understand, they aren't doing anything."

'They Told You To Wait, So Wait'

Nadezhda believes that if someone from Artyom's same unit that was killed at the same time as him on the battlefield was found in Rostov, then his body must also be there.

She says she took note of criticism over the last year leveled at the Russian military by Yevgeny Prigozhin -- the now deceased former Wagner boss who launched a short-lived rebellion in June -- where he said thousands of bodies lay in the Rostov morgue and were not being sent back to relatives because the authorities wanted to hide the scale of their battlefield losses.

Through the help of an attorney, the family has also learned that they have the right to a DNA test, which they pushed to be done at the Rostov morgue. But Nadezhda says the test was carried out incorrectly, noting that she learned that it was sent from the morgue in a paper envelope by regular delivery that cannot be tracked. The family has not learned the outcome of the test or if the results were even shared correctly.

The attorney has filed a legal request on behalf of the family to the military commissariat of the Arkhangelsk region. Polina and Nadezhda were told that they would receive a timely reply once the letter was received, but it arrived on July 20 and there has been no response.

Nadezhda says that she has tried to follow up, but the military registration and enlistment office was not helpful.

"They said rudely: 'They told you to wait, so wait.'"
The annual LGBT Pride parade was held in the Serbian capital for the 11th time on September 9. Organizers said it was the most attended so far. Police cordoned off protesters waving Serbian Orthodox symbols. Unlike previous years, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, who lives in a lesbian relationship, did not take part. President Aleksandar Vucic has declared he will never sign a bill recognizing same-sex couples.
In this piece, we will take a look at the 25 most biodiverse countries in the world. To skip our analysis of global biodiversity, its ecological and economic impacts, as well as some companies that operate within this space, go ahead and see the 5 Most Biodiverse Countries in the World.

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems. It encompasses all living organisms, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest mammals, and the interactions they have with each other and their environments. The term biodiversity is often considered a measure of the health and resilience of ecosystems, and its loss can have far-reaching ecological, economic, and societal consequences. Although sustainability commitments are increasingly prevalent in corporate strategic planning, there remains a significant gap in attention to the critical investment required for the preservation and augmentation of global biodiversity.

As per the World Economic Forum (WEF), over 50% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) relies significantly or to a moderate extent on ecosystem services. These services encompass natural resources, groundwater, and the essential role of pollination in food production. However, biodiversity investment goes beyond sustainability; it also presents a compelling business proposition. In the coming decade, the WEF projects that safeguarding natural ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity could unlock business prospects valued at a staggering $10 trillion yearly while concurrently spawning approximately 400 million fresh employment opportunities. These opportunities span various sectors, including enhancing energy efficiency in construction and implementing circular economy solutions within the automotive, electronics, and textile industries.

See also: 25 Most Environmentally Friendly Companies in the World

Thus, declining ecosystems hold massive financial repercussions for companies. Similar to the asset-price bubble of 2008, this phenomenon eludes straightforward linear understanding. However, once set in motion, its consequences can far surpass the ordinary. Such a scenario holds substantial significance for businesses, affecting them in both the immediate and long-term contexts. As an illustration, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), a body associated with the United Nations, has calculated that the economic worth of food production directly reliant on pollinating insects ranges from $235 billion to $577 billion on a global scale. Additionally, the UNDP states that degrading ecosystem could trigger a downward spiral of approximately $2.7 trillion in global GDP by 2030.

Story continues

Businesses perceived as environmentally conscious often cultivate an image of responsibility, yielding advantages in both public perception and practicality that extend beyond their immediate operations. Nevertheless, prioritizing cost savings through reduced energy consumption takes precedence. In addition to curbing energy use, these forward-thinking organizations allocate resources to R&D, and actively champion social initiatives aimed at fostering eco-friendly products and internal procedures. For instance, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has adhered to a comprehensive ten-point environmental policy over an extended period. The corporation incorporates sustainable fabrics into its vehicles, with an impressive 80% recyclability rate for both the Focus and Escape models. Furthermore, Ford boasts ownership of one of the world's largest green roof. Aside from Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE), Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) have several initiatives that are aimed at marking a positive impact on global biodiversity, either by reducing emissions and cutting back on toxic substances used in manufacturing products.

25 Most Biodiverse Countries in the World

vovan/Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the 25 most biodiverse countries in the world, we made use of the Global Biodiversity Index presented by social research firm 'The Swiftest' which ranks 201 countries based on six ranking factors including the number of bird, amphibian, fish, mammal, reptile, and plant species present in each nation.

Most Biodiverse Countries in the World

25. Panama

Global Biodiversity Index: 170.54

Panama boasts one of the world's greatest levels of natural diversity. Its tropical climate, characterized by elevated temperatures and humidity, provides a nurturing environment for a plethora of plant and animal species. In total, Panama is home to more than 10,462 distinct plant species, encompassing a rich assortment of 1,200 orchid varieties, 678 fern species, and 1,500 tree varieties. Additionally, the country boasts 252 mammal species, 972 native bird species, and 228 diverse amphibian species.

24. Cameroon

Global Biodiversity Index: 172.41

Cameroon is home to approximately 9,000 recognized plant species, and new ones are continuously being discovered by scientists each year. Among these, just over 500 species are exclusive to Cameroon, meaning they exist nowhere else on Earth. This remarkable biodiversity is a result of the diverse range of ecosystems found within the country, encompassing a coastline, savannas, deserts, mountains, and tropical rainforests. Cameroon is often aptly described as a 'miniature Africa' due to this remarkable variety of environments it harbors.

23. Kenya

Global Biodiversity Index: 179.42

Kenya boasts an extensive range of ecological zones and habitats, encompassing lowland and mountain forests, both wooded and open grasslands, semi-arid scrubland, dry woodlands, inland aquatic environments, and coastal and marine ecosystems. Wetlands play a crucial role in Kenya's economy, contributing significantly to agriculture, livestock production, energy generation (via hydroelectric projects), fisheries, and tourism. Despite robust efforts to safeguard Kenya's biodiversity, there are numerous unprotected regions facing rapid degradation due to various threats, resulting in a multitude of conservation challenges.

22. Philippines

Global Biodiversity Index: 186.92

The Philippines is renowned as a mega-diversity country with regards to its remarkable biodiversity. This archipelago of over 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia boasts an astonishing array of species and ecosystems. Numerous islands within the archipelago are thought to exhibit exceptionally high levels of endemism, encompassing a minimum of 25 plant genera and accounting for 50% of the terrestrial wildlife. The nation is a habitat to more than 52,000 documented species, with over half of them existing exclusively within its borders. When considering the area-to-diversity ratio, it's likely that the Philippines contains a greater variety of life forms than any other country on Earth.

21. Argentina

Global Biodiversity Index: 198.74

Given its diverse range of habitats, Argentina naturally boasts abundant biodiversity. The country is home to slightly over 1,000 bird species, a wealth of flora, and numerous hundreds of mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, among them the likes of Jaguars, Orcas, and critically endangered frogs.

20. Thailand

Global Biodiversity Index: 200.77

Situated in the tropical expanse of Southeast Asia, Thailand spans 513,120 square kilometers and is home to a population of approximately 69 million. As an upper-middle-income economy, Thailand is blessed with a diverse ecosystem and abundant biodiversity, which hold significant importance for both local communities and the nation's overall development. Ranking among the most biodiverse countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand reaps substantial benefits from the ecosystems, terrains, and habitats that nurture its exceptional array of biodiversity.

19. South Africa

Global Biodiversity Index: 207.94

South Africa's wealth of topographical features, climatic variations, geological formations, and diverse population offers a broad spectrum of natural and cultural assets. Hence, it comes as no surprise that it is internationally recognized as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, thanks to its extensive range of species, high rate of endemism, and a plethora of diverse ecosystems.

18. Bolivia

Global Biodiversity Index: 209.55

Positioned within the heart of the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot, Bolivia stands out as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It boasts an impressive roster of roughly 13,644 plant species, 799 fungal species, 13,719 insect species, 313 reptile species, 251 amphibian species, and 908 species of freshwater fish.

17. Tanzania

Global Biodiversity Index: 213.10

Tanzania, located in East Africa, is renowned for its expansive wilderness regions. These encompass the Serengeti National Park, a renowned safari destination inhabited by the iconic "big five" (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), as well as Kilimanjaro National Park, which is home to Africa's tallest mountain. Along its coastline, you'll find tropical islands like Zanzibar, infused with Arabic influences, and Mafia, boasting a marine park that shelters whale sharks and vibrant coral reefs.

16. Democratic Republic of Congo

Global Biodiversity Index: 214.43

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holds a paramount position in Africa's biodiversity conservation efforts. Within its borders, the DRC shelters an array of extraordinary endemic species, including the okapi, Grauer's gorilla, bonobo, and Congo peacock. It possesses over half of Africa's tropical forests, with dense woodlands and forests spanning more than half of its vast land area of 2.3 million square kilometers. These ecosystems play a vital role in regulating global climatic patterns.

15. Malaysia

Global Biodiversity Index: 214.71

Malaysia, known for its remarkable biodiversity, ranks among the world's megadiverse nations. In this regard, the country has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the sustainable preservation and management of its rich biodiversity. During the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Malaysia pledged its commitment to ensure that at least 50% of its land would remain under forest tree cover. As of today, Malaysia's forest cover has exceeded this commitment, reaching 54.6%, which corresponds to 18.04 million hectares of its total land area.

14. Vietnam

Global Biodiversity Index: 216.97

Vietnam, located in the eastern part of the Indochina Peninsula, spans over 15 latitudes, covering a distance of 1,650 kilometers. Its extensive marine territory comprises a coastline stretching 3,260 kilometers and is dotted with numerous islands. The country boasts abundant freshwater ecosystems, encompassing over 10 million hectares of wetlands. Vietnam exhibits remarkable biodiversity across its landscapes, featuring a diverse array of fauna, flora, and microorganisms. On the terrestrial front, it has identified more than 13,200 flora species and approximately 10,000 fauna species, along with over 3,000 aquatic species thriving in its inland wetlands. The tropical marine region encompasses over 20 distinctive ecosystems and is home to a staggering 11,000 marine species. Moreover, with 16 crop groups and an impressive array of more than 800 distinct species, Vietnam is globally recognized as a prominent hub for plant breeding.

13. Myanmar

Global Biodiversity Index: 221.77

Myanmar boasts remarkable biodiversity, thanks to its diverse range of ecosystems spanning from sea level to towering mountain peaks. Among these ecosystems, forests are pivotal for environmental stability. However, the country also hosts a wide array of freshwater environments, ranging from swift mountain streams to expansive, slow-moving lowland rivers, along with lakes and non-flowing wetlands. Additionally, Myanmar possesses some of the most extensive and least disturbed coastal and marine ecosystems in mainland Southeast Asia.

The extensive coastline encompasses around half a million hectares of brackish and freshwater swamplands, providing crucial ecological functions and serving as habitats for spawning, nursery, and feeding grounds for economically significant aquatic organisms such as fish, prawns, and other aquatic flora and fauna. In total, Myanmar boasts an impressive biodiversity, including 11,800 vascular plant species (including gymnosperms and angiosperms), 251 mammal species, 1,056 bird species, 279 reptile species, 82 amphibian species, 841 medicinal plants, 96 varieties of bamboo, and numerous tropical crop species.

12. Papua New Guinea

Global Biodiversity Index: 226.57

Papua New Guinea, known for its significant share of the world's biodiversity, boasts a diverse landscape featuring breathtaking highland valleys, expansive grasslands, extensive tropical rainforests, ancient swamplands, and intricate mangrove ecosystems. Within this remarkable setting, the country is a sanctuary for a rich variety of wildlife, including an estimated 150,000 species of insects, 314 species of freshwater fish, over 641 species of amphibians and reptiles, 740 bird species, and 276 mammal species. Among these, notable inhabitants include the Queen Alexandra Birdwing, the world's largest butterfly, the largest species of tree frog, the planet's sole poisonous birds, and 12 of the 14 recognized tree kangaroo species.

11. Venezuela

Global Biodiversity Index: 273.39

Venezuela's remarkable geographic and biological diversity encompasses the Andes Mountains, Amazon Basin, Guiana Shield, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean, securing its position among the most biodiverse countries in the world. This rich tapestry of ecosystems provides habitat to numerous endemic species. The nation's wildlife is equally varied, featuring over 250 mammal species, including elusive cats like pumas and jaguars, as well as howler monkeys, sloths, and the capybara, which holds the title of the world's largest rodent, among other notable species.

10. United States

Global Biodiversity Index: 280.13

The United States stands as a worldwide hub of diversity for numerous organism groups, particularly those dependent on aquatic environments, such as salamanders, freshwater mussels, and freshwater turtles. However, the country, like many others across the globe, is undergoing a biodiversity crisis. While initiatives like the America the Beautiful initiative sets a nationwide goal to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, in line with the global 30 by 30 goal, a recent U.S. wildlife conservation report highlights that 40% of animal species, 34% of plant species, and 40% of ecosystems across the country are currently facing significant risks.

9. Ecuador

Global Biodiversity Index: 291.58

Ecuador stands out on the global stage for its abundant floral diversity, a hidden gem often threatened by human activities. This nation boasts an impressive statistic  it is estimated to harbor more plant species per unit area than any other South American country. Ecuador's natural landscape can be broadly classified into four distinct geographical zones: the coastal region, the mountainous terrain, the lush Amazon rainforest, and the renowned Galapagos Islands. When it comes to conservation efforts, Ecuador is typically categorized into continental Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, although the distribution of such initiatives is not the same across the nation. Within its borders, Ecuador hosts an array of 26 distinct habitat types, each characterized by unique flora patterns dictated by factors like altitude and precipitation levels.

8. India

Global Biodiversity Index: 301.63

From a biogeographical perspective, India occupies a strategic position at the confluence of three distinct realms: the Afro-tropical, Indo-Malayan, and Paleo-Arctic realms. Consequently, India boasts characteristic elements from each of these realms. This fusion of three distinct biogeographical realms endows the country with a wealth of biological diversity, rendering it exceptionally rich and unique. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), India is a megadiverse country that claims 2.4% of the world's land area, yet accounts for 7-8% of all recorded species of flora and fauna.

7. Peru

Global Biodiversity Index: 330.12

Peru, situated in the western region of South America, spans over 1.2 million square kilometers and is divided into three distinct regions: the Coast, Highlands, and Jungle. Its current population surpasses 31.5 million residents. According to the Global Biodiversity Index, Peru ranks among the top ten most biodiverse countries in the world and is home to the second-largest expanse of the Amazon rainforest on the planet. This combination accounts for a staggering 70% of the world's total biodiversity.

6. Australia

Global Biodiversity Index: 337.18

Australia boasts a diverse range of ecosystems owing to its unique geographical positioning, providing a haven for numerous species found nowhere else on the planet. However, the menace of deforestation poses a grave threat to many of these plants and animals. Among the endemic wildlife found here, one can encounter the common ringtail possum, kangaroo, Parma wallaby, Tasmanian devil, galah, gang-gang cockatoo, and the Common wombat.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Biodiverse Countries in the World.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 25 Most Biodiverse Countries in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Horses are welcome, although rare, visitors these days on parts of Del Mars Dog Beach, but there could be more if the city completes a proposed link to the 70-mile Coast to Crest Trail.

The overall trail is about 70 percent finished and will eventually follow the San Dieguito River from its headwaters on Volcan Mountain to its end at Dog Beach. Most of the way it accommodates hikers, cyclists and equestrians.

For now, though, horses are not allowed on the trail anywhere west of Interstate 5. Thats because of a number of challenges, including California Coastal Commission regulations. Also, the trail awaits extensive modifications to two bridges  the coastal railroad trestle and the crossing at Camino del Mar, also known as Coast Highway 101  that will allow the pathway to pass beneath them.

Advertisement

My nightmare scenario is that this 70-mile trail that they have been working on for two decades is finished, and it stops at the railroad trestle in Del Mar, Councilman Dwight Worden said at a council meeting this week.

Worden suggested the city study ways to complete the trail from Interstate 5 to the beach, with or without equestrian access. The council agreed to have the citys San Dieguito Lagoon Committee investigate the possibilities and report their findings to the council for a decision.

The most practical option may be to allow horses on the trail only up to the railroad trestle, with a turnaround at that point, Worden said. Horses still could be allowed at the beach, but only if brought in by trailer, and perhaps with restrictions to certain seasons or times of day to limit contact with other beachgoers and their dogs. A new piece of the trail between the freeway and the railroad tracks was finished last year along the southern edge of the fairgrounds, but only for pedestrians and cyclists.

Del Mar allowed horses on all its beaches until it adopted a municipal code in 1970, later amended in 1987, that limits large animals to the beach north of the mouth of the San Dieguito River, a city report states. To get there, the horses must be brought in by trailer.

People still bring their horses to the beach every few weeks, a lifeguard said.

Ive only seen three this summer so far, senior lifeguard Tyler Grant said Wednesday. We havent had any issues. One horse got stung by a sting ray this summer for the first time ever  but in general its a good experience. Its a cool thing to see them on the beach.

Del Mar has been known for horse racing since its track opened at the fairgrounds in 1937. Through the 1940s and 50s, trainers used a tunnel under the highway to walk the animals to the nearby beach for exercise.

That used to be a regular happening here, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club media director Mac McBride said Wednesday. The trainers would take them and gallop them on the beach up to Solana Beach. There were a whole lot less people on the beach back then.

A big winter storm that flooded the racetrack and filled the tunnel under the highway with sand and debris helped end the thoroughbreds trips from the turf to the surf, McBride said.

One council member suggested Tuesday that, because so much has changed since the city wrote its regulations, it might be time to tighten up the rules for horses. Del Mar gets more two-legged visitors now, and a lot more dogs at Dog Beach, which increases the chances for problems.

Another complication is that the Coastal Commission prohibits horses along the river west of the freeway, Worden said. However, the commission could permit them if the city proposes an adequate plan for issues such as public safety and controlling animal waste.

Two members of the citys lagoon committee spoke at Tuesdays meeting in favor of completing the trail and including horses on it all the way to the beach.

About a dozen horse owners from across San Diego County attended one of their committee meetings four years ago to speak in favor of allowing the animals on the trail and on the beach, said committee member Bill Michalsky.

We all realized the issue of getting under the (railroad) bridge, Michalsky said. But where theres a will, it can be done.

Committee member Alice Brown pointed out Tuesday that the citys official seal includes a horse, And if Im not mistaken, thats a horse on a beach.

The driving force behind the creation of the Coast to Crest Trail is the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority, formed in 1989 by San Diego County and the cities of Del Mar, Escondido, Poway, San Diego, and Solana Beach.

The long trail is the backbone of a system of connected shorter trails within the river park, much of which has been set aside for native habitat preservation.

philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @phildiehl
by Aldi

Jessica Clark, a 37-year-old Nebraska mother and the founder of Gluten Free Supper, knows that sometimes you get what you pay for in the grocery store.

For some reason, manufacturers just cannot get the flavor of cola right, she said. It never tastes anything like Coke or Pepsi. So if you are a soda drinker, you probably will want to spend a bit more for the name brand.

Related: Are These 8 Costco Items With Cult Followings Worth the Hype (and Money)?

Learn: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

Clark might be right that Brand X cola just doesnt cut it. But plenty of other familiar products have cheaper competitors with nearly identical quality, taste and performance. The key is knowing the difference.

Heres when it makes sense to go for lower-priced alternatives to the products that dont deliver on their premium prices.

Generics That Share a Manufacturer With the Pricier Brand

Savvy shoppers know that store brands offer the same products for less than their big-name competitors  but theyre not always as good. One key to identifying generic products that are indistinguishable from their brand-name counterparts is to learn who makes them.

Did you know that most generic/store brands are actually created by the same manufacturer, so they are essentially the same products? said Clark, citing Aldis Millville line of cereals, which are produced by Post. Also, stores like Costco and Trader Joes that have their own products tend to be much higher quality than Walmart store brands  Great Value, for Example  and it really just depends on the manufacturer.

Commodity Pantry Staples

Just like commodities such as copper, natural gas and crude oil, pantry staple commodities are virtually identical to each other regardless of who produces them. But their generic versions are a whole lot cheaper.

When it comes to staples like sugar, salt and flour, brand names rarely offer a significant advantage over generic alternatives, said Sumeet Kumar, NFEC-certified financial education instructor and founder of the personal finance site DollarsRise. The quality of these essential ingredients is often indistinguishable between the two, yet the price difference can be substantial.

Story continues

Products With Long Shelf Lives

As a coffee roaster and owner of Craft Coffee Spot, Marko Lazarevic works with grocery stores sourcing and selling coffee. He follows what he calls the long-lasting vs. short-term principle when choosing between brands and price tags.

For items with a long shelf life, like canned goods, the generic brand will usually do just fine, Lazarevic said. However, for perishable items like coffee, you want to go with a brand.

Much more effort goes into sourcing perishable branded items that usually make them better than private label.

Locally Sourced Seasonal Produce

When you hit the produce aisle, focus not on brand names, but on where the product comes from and the time of year it grows.

Seasonal and locally sourced fruits and vegetables are often better regardless of the brand, Lazarevic said. During their peak season, even cheaper options will offer amazing taste and nutritional value.

Medicine

Those who can afford it are usually willing to pay more for the best medicine, but you dont always have to trade cost for quality.

Brand-name medications and their generic counterparts often have the same ingredients and same effects, said Brad Godwin, senior vice president and head of partnership at Shopkick. Paying a few dollars extra for the name you recognize may only amount to more aesthetic packaging.

Cosmetics

Just like medicine, people are naturally cautious about pinching pennies with cosmetics because inferior ingredients could harm their bodies. But similarly, you can save money without skimping on quality with this notoriously pricey product category.

Makeup is another common item that often has high brand-name prices but generic alternatives with some of the same ingredients, Godwin said. Pretty does not have to hurt your wallet, so dont hesitate to try more budget-friendly options.

Dried Pasta

As a professional chef with over 15 years of experience in Western, Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, Rosie Elliot, owner of Kitchen Appliance Answer, knows a thing or two about pasta. While theres no substitute for the freshly made soft stuff, theres rarely much variation with the packaged and processed hard kind.

Barilla is great, but the store-brand shells and rotini cook up fine for half the cost, Elliot said.

Spices

Sarah Bridenstine, a professional baker and chef who has run Baking Kneads with her husband for six years, says she practically lived in a bakery growing up, as my mom ran one.

She has learned that one crucial category offers plenty of opportunities to save.

During my time at a local bakery, I was constantly surrounded by an array of spices, Bridenstine said. The revelation was that many store-brand spices often stood shoulder to shoulder with their pricier counterparts in terms of aroma and flavor.

Take cinnamon, for instance. A dash of an economical off-brand variety in your apple pie can evoke the same warm, comforting fragrance and taste that a top-shelf brand can. Its all about knowing when and how to use them.

Non-Organics  Sometimes

Buying organic can expose you to fewer chemicals and artificial ingredients while promoting a healthier ecosystem. But, according to WebMD, its not a cut-and-dry classification and organics arent always better or safer than conventionally grown alternatives.

For example, farmers can use potentially harmful fertilizers and pesticides and still earn the organic label as long as theyre not synthetic  and since organics typically cost 20% more, it pays to be sure.

While organics have their merits, they can sometimes pull on our purse strings a tad too hard, Bridenstine said. Its not unusual to find that the quality difference between them and regular items isnt as vast as the price difference suggests.

Bridenstine concurs with WebMD that its all about understanding the terminology on the packaging.

It pays dividends to scrutinize those labels and assess if youre getting true value for your dollar, she said. However, there are exceptions. Some delicacies, like certain olive oils or specialty meats, might merit a higher spend. In these instances, the elevated price can genuinely uplift your culinary creations, making every cent feel well spent.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Times To Avoid Expensive Grocery Items and Buy Cheaper Versions
(Bloomberg) -- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s former chief Daniel Zhang has decided to quit just months after agreeing to lead its cloud division, introducing another layer of uncertainty to Chinas largest e-commerce company just as its navigating a complicated breakup.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Zhang decided to step down as head of Alibabas cloud division, the company said in an internal memo seen by Bloomberg News. The executive assumed that post  regarded as pivotal within the organization  after ceding his dual roles of chief executive officer and chairman to Eddie Wu and Joseph Tsai, respectively. Wu and Tsai, close confidantes of Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, formally took up their positions on Sunday.

Alibabas shares fell as much as 3.5%, their biggest fall in three weeks, as investors pondered the ramifications for the companys ongoing restructuring and its biggest business after e-commerce.

Tsai and Wu are taking over from Zhang just as the Hangzhou-based company navigates a complicated overhaul that will break the Chinese internet leader into several standalone companies in sectors from cloud services to logistics and online shopping. The pair now shoulder the responsibility for turning around a $230 billion corporation thats struggled to regain its footing since Beijings regulatory assault against the internet sector in 2021.

Zhangs departure ends a storied eight-year tenure, during which Alibaba became Chinas largest company and ventured into new arenas such as physical retail, which grew into one of the companys fastest growing businesses. An Alibaba representative confirmed Zhangs departure. The former CEO will now steer a $1 billion technology investment fund on Alibabas behalf.

Story continues

The cloud business leadership change announcement may come as a surprise to the market, Goldman Sachs analysts including Ronald Keung wrote. Investors will be focused on any further clarity/updates from the new management team on Alibaba Groups latest organizational strategies and capital market plans of its respective subsidiaries.

His exit coincides with signs the companys overhaul is proceeding less smoothly than expected. Alibaba is putting a Hong Kong initial public offering of its Freshippo grocery chain on hold for now because it couldnt get the valuation sought, Bloomberg News reported. The cloud division Zhang oversaw is separately seeking to raise as much as 20 billion yuan ($2.7 billion), including from Chinese state enterprises, ahead of its own debut.

Some analysts had expected Zhang to stay and steer the $11 billion cloud business, which provides internet services to companies globally and spearheads research into areas such as artificial intelligence.

His successors are business heavyweights credited with overseeing the technology and strategy that underpinned Chinas erstwhile most valuable corporation, co-founded by Ma, Tsai and Wu in 1999 at the dawn of Chinas internet industry. But around 2020, Alibaba found itself at the heart of Xi Jinpings tech crackdown on the nations most powerful private firms, which obliterated growth across swaths of the industry and nixed once-aggressive expansion plans.

Apart from regulatory uncertainty, Alibaba, a proxy for Chinese consumption, has struggled with geopolitics and a weakening domestic economy. Its also facing stiff competition from other e-commerce platforms such as PDD Holdings Inc. as well as short videos like those from ByteDance Ltd., which increasingly are pushing into online commerce too.

What Bloomberg Intelligence Says

The unexpected departure of Alibabas cloud-unit CEO and chairman Daniel Zhang within two months of his appointment raises the likelihood that the businesss new partners will exert greater influence on strategic cloud decisions in future. Bloomberg reported on Sept. 4 that Alibaba was in talks to raise funds for the cloud unit from state-owned entities in China. Zhang will remain part of Alibabas ecosystem by running the firms newly established $1 billion technology investment fund.

- Catherine Lim and Trini Tan, analysts

Click here for the research.

The new leaderships task is to figure out how to follow through on a landmark restructuring aimed at galvanizing Alibabas separate businesses. With the overhaul, Alibaba has said it wants to operate as a true investment holding company, where individual units can seek funding and list separately.

Yale alumnus Tsai, a deal-maker well-liked among investors, is likely to play a significant role in handling markets and Alibabas most prominent backers. A former lacrosse athlete arguably best-known in America as the owner of the Brooklyn Nets, Tsai understands the business intimately: he was right beside Ma at Alibabas inception in a Hangzhou lakeside apartment.

Wu, who was similarly with Ma from the very beginning, is a lesser-known quantity. The former computer science major is credited with helping develop the companys ad platform and the PayPal-like Alipay, now part of the Ma-backed Ant Group Co. He went on to establish a venture capital firm that manages about a 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) portfolio encompassing autonomous driving and software.

With Zhangs departure, Wu will serve as acting chairman and CEO of the cloud business.

--With assistance from Jeanny Yu.

(Updates with share action in the third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Mopeds are the new point of contention between New Yorkers and New York City-based migrants, according to the New York Daily News.

Following complaints from the community, the New York City Police Department began cracking down on illegal mopeds, and so far, police have hit at least four migrant shelters citywide with raids, according to the report.

Two of the raids resulted in sidewalk brawls and arrests, reports the NYDN, and most recently, on Thursday, six men were apprehended after a scuffle with police at a Brooklyn migrant shelter.

For migrants without a work visa, taking away transportation has made it more difficult to make a living working as food delivery workers on bikes and mopeds.

Local elected officials have pushed for the federal government to accelerate work permits during the migrant crisis, according to the report.

Councilmember Jennifer Gutierrez (D-Brooklyn) also spoke out about the mobility issues the migrants are facing in a statement to the New York Daily News.

This mayor cant have it both ways: saying we care about you and want you to thrive while at the same time targeting migrant shelters in this way, said Gutierrez said, according to the publication. He is fully aware of the role informal jobs play in helping these folks get on their feet and this was so clearly a missed opportunity to educate and communicate regulations and rules on proper vehicle registrations.

BACKLASH

According to NYPD data in 2023, there have been 8,206 seizures, compared to 3,842 during the same timeframe in 2022, a DCPI spokesperson said to the Daily News.

In the raid at the West 70th Street shelter, the four mopeds, motorcycle and scooter the cops sized were all unregistered, according to the NYPD.

Nine bicycles chained to a pole were confiscated because of a local law violation, according to the outlet. Additionally, a 20-year-old woman was arrested after obstructing the seizure of a bike by hitting an officer.

The second raid on Thursday in Brooklyn, was preempted by community complaints.

Data gathered by 311 shows that complaints have risen by approximately 42 since 2022. There was a single complaint on file from June to September of 2022 versus 43 complaints in 2023 for the address of the migrant shelter.

RELATED COVERAGE: Recent Staten Island news

>> Dear Annie: Im the disrespected mom of a mooching son

>> Top 10 most-stolen vehicles: Did your car make the list?

>> QB Gavin Wimsatt, Rutgers offense do their part as Scarlet Knights skate past Temple

>> A school lunch state of mind | Pamelas Food Service Diary
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A 29-year-old off-duty FDNY firefighter was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with assault, police said.

The firefighter, Robert Woods, allegedly got into a fight within the confines of the North Shores 120th Precinct, police said.

Police arrested Woods at 6:04 a.m., according to a written statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

The NYPD could not provide any further information about the incident.

Attorney information for Woods was not immediately available.
The $30 million hole in the Whale Beach cliffside feels large enough to be seen from outer space. But back on Earth, that reno job, currently owned by former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins and property developer husband Jake Wall, is causing the good burghers of Whale Beach no end of grief.

Loading

Wall and Hawkins first bought the block  once owned by Dame Joan Sutherland  for $6.95 million from Museum of Contemporary Art chair Lorraine Tarabay in 2020. They quickly secured council approval for a $3 million knockdown-rebuild, with the new multi-storey mansion to include an infinity pool, gym, yoga studio and basketball court.

By early last year, theyd already found a mystery buyer willing to cough up $30 million for a redeveloped site. But as renovations continue, the constant stream of trucks blocking up the narrow street and parking illegally for hours on end has left plenty of neighbours enraged.

One local had his driveway blocked off for hours a day on several occasions in recent months. Another had his lawn roughed up by the cement mixers that now constantly disrupt the peaceful rhythms of life in the most exclusive corner of Sydneys insular peninsula.
We have a maple tree in our backyard that is one of my favourite living things. It grows just next to our back deck, framing my view of our garden when I sit at our kitchen table, writing. Exactly where Im sitting right now, actually.

Moving house is nothing like a holiday. Credit: ISTOCK

When we moved into our home, 12 years ago, the maple was half the size. Now its taller than our roof. Its branches reach over our lawn, giant arms that feel like theyre saying to the world, Back off, these humans are mine.

I have felt nurtured by this tree. Shaded in summer by its lush green canopy. Guided through the seasons by the clever going and coming of its leaves: when they fall in autumn, an extra doona goes on the bed; when they sprout in spring, the winter coats go to the dry cleaner. Ever present, its like a member of the family. The strong silent one that never complains or make any mess, which puts it just below the dog in order of love.

Its also the reason you might find me spontaneously weeping while doing the dishes, because we have just sold our house. And so, of course, well be leaving our maple behind.
A major redesign of the states maths curriculum will abolish the current three-tiered course structure in years 9 and 10 in favour of a single core unit of work which teachers will top up with additional content to stretch students.

The changes to the maths syllabus, set to be rolled out next year, have prompted some schools to warn students entering year 9 that they require outside tutoring to prepare for higher-level HSC mathematics.

Capable students will still be stretched under the new structure. Credit: Louise Kennerley

The new structure was a bid to abolish the rigid pathways which currently exist in many schools, whereby students are streamed in the early years of high school and may not attempt trickier concepts before entering years 11 and 12, making them feel less prepared to study advanced and extension maths courses in the HSC.

The flexible new Core-Paths structure means students will no longer be locked into rigid pathways from Stage 4 to 6, and teachers can tailor learning to students needs, passions and aspirations, a NSW Education Standards Authority spokeswoman said.
Police are on the hunt for three men seen fleeing a suburb in Sydneys west after another man in his twenties was shot in a public laneway.

Bullet casings, specks of blood and an intact bullet littered the pavement under an underpass in Bidwill, north of Mount Druitt, after the daylight attack about 2pm on Sunday.

The injured man ran about 100 metres to a home on Carlisle Avenue, where occupants raised the alarm and called an ambulance. Other residents nearby also hailed police after hearing three gunshots.

I was hanging my daughters bedsheets out and all of a sudden just heard three shots and ran inside, Bidwill resident Chantelle Willis-Hyek told Nine News.
Key Insights

Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Altria Group's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions

A total of 25 investors have a majority stake in the company with 42% ownership

Using data from analyst forecasts alongside ownership research, one can better assess the future performance of a company

If you want to know who really controls Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 60% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Altria Group.

View our latest analysis for Altria Group

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Altria Group?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

We can see that Altria Group does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Altria Group's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. Altria Group is not owned by hedge funds. Our data shows that The Vanguard Group, Inc. is the largest shareholder with 9.1% of shares outstanding. Capital Research and Management Company is the second largest shareholder owning 8.2% of common stock, and BlackRock, Inc. holds about 6.7% of the company stock.

Story continues

A deeper look at our ownership data shows that the top 25 shareholders collectively hold less than half of the register, suggesting a large group of small holders where no single shareholder has a majority.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Altria Group

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of Altria Group, Inc.. Being so large, we would not expect insiders to own a large proportion of the stock. Collectively, they own US$54m of stock. It is good to see board members owning shares, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 40% stake in Altria Group. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Altria Group that you should be aware of.

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Major gangsters are like politicians. They need more friends than enemies if they are to stay in power.

But while politicians who get the balance wrong are voted out with a superannuation package, the gangsters tend to lose in a more permanent ballot. As was the case with Gavin Capable Preston, who was shot dead in Keilor Village on Saturday while enjoying a coffee with one of his few remaining mates, also wounded in the attack.

Police at the scene in Keilor East where Gavin Preston was shot. Credit: Joe Armao

Years earlier, Preston had been stabbed 20 times in prison and his mate Abbas AJ Maghnie had been shot on the outside, which proved two things: crime is a violent business and neither of these men seemed to learn from their mistakes.

Preston had the first thing you need to become a big player in the underworld: an excellent nickname, Capable  because he was capable of anything.
I dont know what would have come of me if it wasnt for Legacy.

The words are those of war widow Maureen Matthews, but it was a refrain you could hear repeatedly in the South Gippsland town of Korumburra on Sunday.

War widow Maureen Matthews watches members of the Great War Association marching to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Legacy in Korumburra, childhood town of Legacys founder, Lt-General Sir Stanley Savige.

About 30 war widows and a small battalion of those generous men and women known as legatees gathered in the town to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Legacy.

The setting was special: Korumburra is the town where the founder of the organisation, Stan Savige, spent his childhood.
The office of NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has been accused of withholding documents relating to the fatal Tasering of 95-year-old grandmother Clare Nowland.

Three months after revelations emerged NSW Police omitted references to the Tasering in the first statement released publicly, Catleys office has refused to release briefing documents relating to the tragic incident.

Clare Nowland (inset) died a week after allegedly being Tasered by Senior Constable Kristian White.

Nowland, who suffered dementia, was tasered by Senior Constable Kristian White in her Cooma nursing home in the early hours of May 17 after she began walking towards police holding a steak knife.

She died seven days after the incident.
The majority of Victorians support mandatory pre-commitment limits and carded play on all Victorian poker machines which the Andrews government has committed to without announcing when it will introduce the reforms.

A survey by Resolve Political Monitor, conducted exclusively for The Age, revealed 57 per cent of respondents backed the pokies crackdown which will force all Victorian gamblers to set binding limits on daily poker machine losses.

The majority of Victorians back a plan to introduce player cards and mandatory pre-commitments on the states poker machines Credit: Flavio Brancaleone

Only one in 10 oppose the reform which will also require gamblers to use cashless gaming cards when playing the pokies. About one-third of respondents were undecided on whether they supported the changes.

The reform was announced by the Andrews government in July as part of sweeping overhaul of the electronic gambling industry which Premier Daniel Andrews claimed would give Victoria the toughest gambling and anti-money laundering measures in Australia.
Marrakesh: Families in Marrakesh huddled into the early hours of Sunday, spending a second night on the streets as Moroccos deadliest earthquake in more than half a century left many fearing their homes were no longer safe to return to.

Uncertainty gripped many in Marrakesh, some 70 kilometres north-east of the epicentre, as they worried the quake that has killed more than 2000 may have damaged their homes or that an aftershock could destroy them in the coming hours or days.

Across parts of Morocco, people spent the night outdoors on Friday after the earthquake hit the country. By Saturday, the number of people killed had risen to 2012 and another 2059 were injured, according to the Ministry of Interior.

Parts of Marrakeshs historical medina, a popular tourist attraction for Moroccans and foreigners, were damaged in the earthquake. On Saturday, Moroccans and foreigners were walking through the ancient city taking photos of the damage and eating at popular restaurants while others gathered to sleep in the main square.
London: British police have arrested a parliamentary aide who advised two Conservative MPs on China policy, alleging he was spying for Beijing.

He is said to have spent time living in China, according to The Sunday Times, which first reported the story.

Earlier this year, the House of Commons intelligence committee delivered a report saying the Chinese had infiltrated every level of British society. Credit: Bloomberg

The report said there were fears he had been turned into a Chinese mole while living and working in China, and that he had been ordered to return to Britain to infiltrate political circles.

The revelation has sparked a call for staffers working for Australian MPs sitting on the defence and intelligence committees to be vetted by the security agencies.
The Government needs to catch-up with the shift in the business community, where the conversation is no longer about the merits of reporting, but instead revolves around to maximise the benefits of reporting to meet social justice obligations.
Lets talk about electric vehicles, EVs. Electrically powered cars are not a new concept  theyve been around since the earliest days of the automobile. But in the past decade, several factors have combined to make them more competitive with the industry-standard internal combustion engine. Chief among these factors are improving battery technology, with reductions in weight and improvements in power and range, and reduced cost as manufacturers ramp production up to scale. Globally, EV makers are on a path to spend more than $515 billion by 2030, scaling up production and marketing, and introducing new EV models.

The expansion of the EV market is supported by a combination of government subsidies and social pressures, and the effect has been strong. EVs market share in 2022 was 14% globally, having more than tripled since 2020. Putting that into unit numbers, EV sales reached 10.5 million last year, and are expected to hit 27 million by 2026. Its an expansion that is certain to bring powerful investment opportunities along for the ride.

With this in mind, we used the TipRanks database to pinpoint two EV stocks that have earned Strong Buy ratings from Wall Streets pros, and at least one of them may show an upside of up to 100% going into next year. Lets dive in.

Li Auto, Inc. (LI)

Well start with Li Auto, a leader in Chinas EV market. Li was founded in 2015, and started full-scale production in 2019. Currently, the company has several EV models on the market. These include the L9, a six-seat family SUV, the L8, a six-seat premium model SUV, and the L7, a five-seat SUV. The companys vehicles are targeted at the family demographic, and as of this past August, the company has delivered a cumulative total of 208,165 vehicles in 2023.

A look at Lis recent production update shows that the company had a banner month in August  deliveries for each of the L-series vehicles exceeded 10,000, and the companys August deliveries totaled 34,914. Sales and deliveries of the L9 were particularly gratifying for Li, as the model continues to be a top seller in its category and has seen more than 100,000 deliveries since it was introduced in August of last year.

Story continues

Solid deliveries are powering Lis solid financial results. The last quarter reported was 2Q23, which ended before the August delivery report, but the results showed that Li is delivering on the financial end. The companys revenues in Q2 came to $3.95 billion, well above the $3.8 billion forecast  and up by an impressive 228% year-over-year. The bottom line EPS showed an even more impressive beat, coming in at 36 cents per share, or triple Wall Street expectations of $0.12.

Li Auto is covered by Nomura Analyst Joe Ying, who is impressed by the automakers ability to generate sales. He predicts that the company will see further gains in earnings, and writes in his recent note, We expect Li Auto to continue enjoying strong y-y growth ahead within 2023. Meanwhile, its upcoming BEV models staring from 2024F may further enlarge its business scale and help it gain shares, which we believe is the key for all players in the China EV market. We forecast Li Auto to deliver 72% CAGR for auto shipment during FY22-25F, with 68% revenue CAGR We believe market share is the key target for all OEMs in the China market and Li Auto is running ahead of peers, which should help them underpin a long-term business development.

Along with these upbeat comments, Ying gives Li a Buy rating. His price target, set at $54, implies a 41% upside potential for the coming year. (To watch Yings track record, click here)

Li Autos unanimously positive Strong Buy consensus rating, based on 9 positive analyst reviews, shows that Yings bullish view is no outlier. The stocks average price target of $51.81 suggests a 22% one-year increase from the current trading price of $38.4. (See LI stock forecast)

ChargePoint Holdings (CHPT)

Next up, ChargePoint Holdings, is not an EV maker  but it is an EV-related stock, just the sort of company that is primed to directly benefit from a rapid expansion of the EV market. ChargePoint, as its name says, builds and installs the charging infrastructure that EVs depend on. The company offers a wide range of charging stations, to suit the needs of businesses, auto fleet providers, and private vehicle owners.

Since it entered operation in 2007, ChargePoint has become a leader in the charging station market, and has built up a market share of approximately 70%, at least 7x greater than its nearest competition. Across the North American and European markets, ChargePoint has more than 240,000 stations available on its network, and its corporate clients include 76% of the Fortune 500 companies. The company is solidly positioned to see further gains as the EV charging niche expands in the coming years; the EV charging station business is expected to reach $60 billion by 2030, and an impressive $192 billion by 2040.

That said, the stock has been on the receiving end of a severe beating recently, having missed expectations in its latest earnings report, for the second quarter of fiscal 2024. While revenue rose by 39% vs. the same period last year to reach $150.49 million, it missed the consensus estimate by $2.34 million. Likewise, EPS of -$0.35 came in $0.14 below the analysts forecast.

The outlook didnt improve matters, either. FQ3 revenue is anticipated to hit the range between $150 million to $165 million, with annual revenue guidance expected between $605 million to $630 million. Wall Street was looking for quarterly revenue of $182 million and $678 million for the year.

Nevertheless, J.P. Morgan analyst Bill Peterson is keeping the faith, and has an explanation for the disappointing readout.

We believe the near-term financial results are largely being impacted by unfavorable market trends rather than company-specific issues, with the companys competitive position well-intact in our view, Peterson said. For example, we do not believe ChargePoint is losing market share (and may in fact be outperforming the market). We would also note ChargePoint (and its partners/customers) strong win rate with NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) projects thus far, albeit in the early stages. We think the setup into next year is favorable with margin headwinds abating further and based on expectations of continued solid passenger EV sales growth with commercial vehicle growth likely to inflect strongly.

Thus, with utilization trends continuing to increase (likely to unsustainable levels in some instances within the commercial segment) and the likelihood of fleet to inflect meaningfully, we see the potential for revenue growth to accelerate in CY24 relative to CY23 levels, the analyst went on to add.

Looking ahead, Peterson has an Overweight (Buy) rating on CHPT shares, with a $10 price target that implies a gain of 75% on the one-year time frame. (To watch Petersons track record, click here)

Overall, the Streets view of ChargePoint is just as bullish. The stock holds a Strong Buy consensus rating, based on 10 positive Buy reviews against 2 Holds, while the $11.43 average price target suggests a robust 100% gain in store for the next 12 months. (See CHPT stock forecast)

To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
The legislation does not remove the ability to strike, but people expect the Government to act in circumstances where their rights and freedoms are being disproportionately impacted, and thats what we are doing with this Bill.
A woman has been charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in his own home in Cricklewood, west London.
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA)  the part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) tasked with finding and funding technology for the armed forces, police and security services  has called on companies to help find solutions that can help increase the use and effectiveness of facial recognition technologies within UK policing and security.
It is said he elicited or tried to elicit information that could be useful for a terrorist on August 2 2021, and breaching the Official Secrets Act by gathering information that could be useful to an enemy.
I should say while the manhunt was ongoing, that the investigation continued the whole time and of course, as part of being open minded, if anyone did help or support Daniel in his escape, either before, during or after, they will form part of our investigation.
Extra 100 off holidays under 14 nights using a unique TUI discount code

15% off all orders over 100 using this ASOS discount code

5% off all bookings with this Travelodge discount code

20% off everything with The Body Shop discount code

15% of all orders with The Perfume Shop birthday discount - VIP Rewards Members
One of the suspects, a man in his 30s, was detained in Oxfordshire on March 13, while the other, in his 20s, was arrested in Edinburgh, Scotland Yard said. Searches were also carried out in an east London property.
It comes after Mr Modi, who is chairing the G20 sessions in India, made a call ahead of the summit for wealthier countries to offer support for developing nations that are battling against the impact of climate change, which is being experienced in the form of harsher weather conditions and rising sea levels.
There is a rigorous approach that is taken in terms of being provided with passes, but plainly this has got to play through in terms of this investigation, and whatever lessons need to be learned by the parliamentary authorities I am sure will be learned.
Asked whether the parliamentary pass system needed to be made more secure, he said: There is a rigorous approach that is taken in terms of being provided with passes, but plainly this has got to play through in terms of this investigation, and whatever lessons need to be learned by the parliamentary authorities I am sure will be learned.
google legal

The moment that Bill Gates turned from boy wonder geek to ruthless capitalist symbol is easy to pinpoint: it was captured on camera.

The Microsoft co-founder and chief executive, who had become the worlds richest man in 1995, had been the face of a bright new digital era in which millions of households were able to buy their first computer.

But his videotaped deposition, released as part of the US governments landmark monopoly case against Microsoft in 1998, presented him as evasive, rude and superior.

It took years for Gates, who had believed the tape would never be shown to the public, to rebuild his reputation.

It took Microsoft even longer. While the company avoided being broken up in the legal battle, which centred around its dominance of the PC market, the years of litigation have been cited as a key reason why the company missed out on a new generation of technology such as internet search, social media and smartphones.

This week, starting on Tuesday, a courtroom in Washington DC will host the biggest tech monopoly case since the US government came close to breaking up Microsoft a quarter of a century ago. Its subject is Google, one of the companies that took the innovation crown from Gates business.

Bill Gates' reputation took a hit in the late 1990s after a recording of his deposition in a monopoly court case were made public - JESSICA PERSSON/AFP via Getty Images

Why is Google on trial?

Google is being sued by the US Justice Department under the same 19th century law used to go after Microsoft, and is accused of using similar tactics. In this case, prosecutors allege that the company used a web of illegal deals to freeze out competitors to its search engine, cementing its own vice-like grip over the web.

The agency is seeking an order forcing Google to stop its behaviour, but a judge could go as far as a breakup of the company.

Like Microsoft at the turn of the millennium, Google is also reckoning with a changing tide in the tech industry. For the first time in decades, its search engine is under threat, not from a traditional competitor, but from artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT that could replace the cascade of links that Googles search engine offers with concise and precise answers.

Story continues

The US case against Google is the culmination of more than a decade of growing regulatory pressure against the company, which last week celebrated its 25th birthday.

The European Union has repeatedly fined Google billions of euros and ordered it to make changes to its constellation of services, from price comparison to its Android phone software and internet advertising business.

The UKs competition regulator has launched multiple investigations into the company, and forced it to make changes to its web browser.

The US case was first launched almost three years ago under the Trump administration but has been taken forward by Bidens Justice Department. The case gets to the gravitational centre of the companys power: its all-conquering search engine.

How did Google break antitrust laws?

The Justice Department argues that Googles dominance  accounting for nine in 10 search queries in the US  is not the result of having the best search engine, but the consequence of a series of exclusivity agreements signed with phone manufacturers and software makers that made it the primary search engine for almost all consumers and froze out potential rivals.

Its not about the tech anymore, its about the moat they put around themselves, says Colin Hayhurst, who runs the British search engine Mojeek. Its the fact they have these agreements with the other big players.

In particular, the Justice Departments case zeroes in on a deal with Apple to be the iPhone browsers default search engine, a contract believed to be worth up to $15bn (12bn) a year.

According to the complaint, one Apple employee told their Google counterpart: Our vision is that we work as if we are one company.

The regulatory focus on Google's search prevalence on iPhones has drawn in deputies of Apple boss Tim Cook - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Apple has produced more than on million pages of evidence to prosecutors. Three executives, all of whom report directly to chief executive Tim Cook, are scheduled to appear in the witness box after the iPhone maker lost an attempt to block legal demands that they testify. (Apple says it makes Google the main search engine on its phones because it considers it to be the best on the market, not because of the billions that flow the other way as a result.)

Googles top lawyer, Kent Walker, has called the case deeply flawed and says people use its search engine because they choose to, not because theyre forced to, or because they cant find alternatives.

The trial is scheduled to take just over two months, with a string of high-powered decision makers, including Googles chief executive Sundar Pichai, expected to give evidence.

The American governments chances of success are unclear. The courts have been dealt a series of setbacks to efforts to rein in Big Tech. Regulators attempts to block deals such as Microsofts purchase of games company Activision Blizzard and Metas purchase of virtual reality company Within have been overruled.

Last week, a group of US states that had sued Google for breaking monopoly laws with its app store, settled with the company. The terms of the deal were kept private.

Google chief Sundar Pichai is expected to give evidence when the US Justice Department's case goes to court - Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg

Maurice Stucke, a former Justice Department prosecutor and law professor at the University of Tennessee, says the outcome of the case is hard to call.

The problem today is that the courts are a moving target and its very hard to predict how they will rule, he says. There havent been many monopolisation cases brought by the agency, the last really was the Microsoft one.

What happens if Google loses the antitrust trial?

Even if the Justice Departments case ultimately fails, it may not matter. The barrage of evidence and testimony will be its own form of punishment. Gary Reback, one of the government lawyers who took on Microsoft in the Nineties, is fond of saying the trial is the remedy, meaning the public scrutiny itself is punishment enough.

Googles lawyers have attempted to prevent the case from being broadcast over Zoom, which opponents say is an attempt to suppress the amount of attention it receives.

Meanwhile, the distraction of a major court case is also likely to have an impact on day-to-day operations.

Former Microsoft executives say its own battle with the US government meant the company became bureaucratic and slow, with every product update having to go through layers of legal reviews before it would be released to the public.

Googles case comes as its search engine faces a growing threat from AI. The company has declared an internal code red over the rise of ChatGPT. Engineers have warned that the company has no moat against the rise of free, open source models, and many of its AI experts have quit, citing a stuffy culture that impedes innovation.

Even if Google wins its battle with the US government, the encounter may do lasting damage.

Shivaun Raff, the co-founder of the price comparison service Foundem, who has campaigned against Google in Europe for over a decade, says of the US court battle: This is the first step. I believe that theres several arrows in their quiver, but its only just getting started.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
In a statement, Ms Truss said: I want to share the lessons from my experience in government and those international meetings where I was often the only conservative in the room and demonstrate that we have stark choices to make if we wish to avoid a managed decline of the Western architecture that has presided over generations of relative peace and prosperity.
On Saturday, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the UK would continue to support nationals in the region, adding: We stand ready to help our Moroccan friends in whatever way we can.
The attack came on the same day Russia launched nearly three dozen drones at Kyiv with blasts ringing out across the Ukrainian capital and the surrounding region for around two hours and debris falling across several city districts.
Early in the war, broad use of drones by Ukraine inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces and played a significant role in Moscows military setbacks. Russian officials acknowledged they had not paid enough attention to drones before the war and vowed to fill the gap quickly.
If you're looking at a mature business that's past the growth phase, what are some of the underlying trends that pop up? More often than not, we'll see a declining return on capital employed (ROCE) and a declining amount of capital employed. This indicates the company is producing less profit from its investments and its total assets are decreasing. So after glancing at the trends within China Kangda Food (SGX:P74), we weren't too hopeful.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. To calculate this metric for China Kangda Food, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.005 = CN3.1m  (CN1.5b - CN889m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023).

So, China Kangda Food has an ROCE of 0.5%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Food industry average of 12%.

View our latest analysis for China Kangda Food

roce

Historical performance is a great place to start when researching a stock so above you can see the gauge for China Kangda Food's ROCE against it's prior returns. If you're interested in investigating China Kangda Food's past further, check out this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

So How Is China Kangda Food's ROCE Trending?

In terms of China Kangda Food's historical ROCE movements, the trend doesn't inspire confidence. Unfortunately the returns on capital have diminished from the 1.9% that they were earning five years ago. Meanwhile, capital employed in the business has stayed roughly the flat over the period. Companies that exhibit these attributes tend to not be shrinking, but they can be mature and facing pressure on their margins from competition. So because these trends aren't typically conducive to creating a multi-bagger, we wouldn't hold our breath on China Kangda Food becoming one if things continue as they have.

Story continues

On a side note, China Kangda Food's current liabilities are still rather high at 59% of total assets. This can bring about some risks because the company is basically operating with a rather large reliance on its suppliers or other sorts of short-term creditors. Ideally we'd like to see this reduce as that would mean fewer obligations bearing risks.

Our Take On China Kangda Food's ROCE

In summary, it's unfortunate that China Kangda Food is generating lower returns from the same amount of capital. It should come as no surprise then that the stock has fallen 19% over the last three years, so it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. Unless there is a shift to a more positive trajectory in these metrics, we would look elsewhere.

If you want to continue researching China Kangda Food, you might be interested to know about the 3 warning signs that our analysis has discovered.

While China Kangda Food may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Company Logo

Czech Agriculture Tractor Market

Czech Agriculture Tractor Market

Dublin, Aug. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Czech Republic Agriculture Tractor Market - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Czech Republic tractor market is expected to reach 3,835 units by 2028 from 3,326 units in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 2.4%



The Czech Republic tractor market increased by 7.9% in 2022 from 2021. The increase in crop production and tractor sales was due to favorable climate conditions and government support to farmers. The Central Bohemian region witnessed a massive increase in farm mechanization in terms of agricultural and industrial productivity.

The Czech Republic tractor market is highly concentrated, with the top players controlling most of the industry. Domestic and global brands, on the other hand, are equally represented in the industry. The Czech Republic government plans schemes and initiatives to facilitate credit and improve agriculture-related operations, which will contribute to the growth of the overall value chain of the market.

John Deere, Kubota, CNH, and AGCO dominated the Czech Republic tractor market. These brands have adopted several strategies to gain traction in the market. In the Czech Republic, both domestic and international tractor market manufacturers have established dealer networks.

These dealerships offer sales, service, and spare parts, ensuring farmers can access dependable aftersales services and tractor maintenance. The dealer network is important in growing market penetration and providing clients with localized support.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

The Development of Advanced Tractors



Like, other countries, the Czech Republic is also developing advanced tractors. The country has a strong agricultural sector, and the adoption of innovative agriculture technologies has been focused on research and development.

Several Czech companies have been developing smart tractors and associated technology. These firms frequently collaborate with research organizations, universities, and overseas partners to capitalize on automation, data analytics, and robotics knowledge.



Reducing Workforce Boosting Farm Mechanization



The availability of trained farm labor has declined while labor cost has increased. To solve these issues, farmers increasingly look to mechanization to compensate for labor shortages and lower labor expenses. When compared to manual labor, farm mechanization improves efficiency and production.

Story continues

Modern machinery can complete tasks faster, more correctly, and consistently. Mechanization allows Czech farmers to complete farming operations more efficiently, improving yield and lowering the time required for various chores. Precision agricultural technology integration has aided farm mechanization in the country.

Precision location, automated guiding systems, and data-driven decision-making are made possible by technologies such as GPS, sensors, and data analytics. These technologies enable farmers to optimize their operations, avoid overlaps, and maximize resource utilization, resulting in higher efficiency and lower labor requirements.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY HORSEPOWER



Based on the engine power output, the Czech Republic tractor market is segmented as less than 50 HP, 50 HP-100 HP, and above 100 HP.

In 2022, the above 100 HP segment recorded a high market share in the Czech Republic tractor industry. The major factor for the steady growth of the medium-power range of tractors is the increased business turnover among hobby and livestock farmers. Above 100 HP tractors are popular among farmers that own large farmlands.

For Large-scale land, farmers in the South Bohemian region prefer the Above 100 HP range of tractors. These tractors will help farmers to increase their efficiency and enable better production returns.

INSIGHTS BY DRIVE TYPE

Ease of driving and flexibility with light loads and in plain fields are major factors that boost the demand for two-wheel-drive tractors in the Czech Republic tractor market.

Industry players redesign their 2WD tractors with more power and features so farmers can upgrade them per their requirements. The features are fuel efficiency and added comfort for operations in confined spaces. Thus, manufacturers customize their products according to the industry and end-user requirements.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS



The Central Bohemian region dominated the Czech Republic tractor market and led in adopting and penetrating farm mechanization practices. The major Czech Republic regions in Central Bohemian are Kolin, Nymburk, Benesov, Beroun, and Kladno. Kolin is a high-potential market for new tractors and advanced agricultural tools in Central Bohemian.

Further, the size of the Central Bohemian and South Bohemian farms necessitates using stronger, more expensive tractors. In addition, farms in these areas have more potential to get EU funding and produce higher revenue. These elements enable farmers in the abovementioned areas to purchase tractors with superior technological specifications, particularly those with greater power.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 139 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value in 2022 3326 Thousand Units Forecasted Market Value by 2028 3835 Thousand Units Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.4% Regions Covered Czech Republic

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Opportunities & Trends

Development of Advanced Tractors

Increasing Potential for Electric Tractors

Reducing Carbon Emissions in Country

Market Growth Enablers

Assistance to Farmers Through Loans & Subsidies

Use of Alternative Fuel-Based Tractors

Reducing Workforce Boosting Farm Mechanization

Market Restraints

Climate Change Adversely Impacts Agricultural Equipment

Lack of Awareness of Latest Agricultural Equipment Innovations

Competition Landscape

Recent Developments by Top Players

Brand Loyalty

Sales & Exports

Value Chain Analysis

Overview

Raw Material & Component Suppliers

Manufacturers

Dealers/Distributors

Retailers

End-Users

Common Agricultural Policy & Eu Agricultural Expenditure

Technological Advances

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE



Key Company Profiles

John Deere

Kubota

CNH Industrial

AGCO

Other Prominent Vendors

Deutz-Fahr

Yanmar

Iseki

Zetor

JCB

CLAAS

Steyr Traktoren

SALEK

CASE IH

URSUS

New Holland

Fendt

Valtra

SAME

Kioti

Massey Ferguson

Belarus

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/z8og

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment

CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900




Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sept 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sept 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (17) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sept 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (134) Jun 2013 (203) Jul 2013 (292) Aug 2013 (350) Sept 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (347) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (437) Jan 2014 (543) Feb 2014 (473) Mar 2014 (525) Apr 2014 (526) May 2014 (470) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sept 2014 (440) Oct 2014 (471) Nov 2014 (496) Dec 2014 (535) Jan 2015 (535) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (578) Apr 2015 (657) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sept 2015 (922) Oct 2015 (919) Nov 2015 (798) Dec 2015 (789) Jan 2016 (781) Feb 2016 (834) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (864) May 2016 (945) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (880) Aug 2016 (1034) Sept 2016 (966) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (884) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sept 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (808) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sept 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (934) Jul 2019 (949) Aug 2019 (936) Sept 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (848) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (787) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sept 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (811) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sept 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (694) Feb 2022 (654) Mar 2022 (740) Apr 2022 (745) May 2022 (748) Jun 2022 (701) Jul 2022 (704) Aug 2022 (702) Sept 2022 (699) Oct 2022 (737) Nov 2022 (718) Dec 2022 (692) Jan 2023 (662) Feb 2023 (611) Mar 2023 (692) Apr 2023 (652) May 2023 (696) Jun 2023 (701) Jul 2023 (742) Aug 2023 (737) Sept 2023 (732) Oct 2023 (742)
HELPING OUT

The annual AT&T HACEMOS Scholarship Program awarded $1,500-$2,500 scholarships to 14 Hispanic students in the St. Louis area to pursue higher education goals.

MEDICAL RESEARCH GRANTS

The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health awarded Washington University School of Medicine a Specialized Programs of Research Excellence five-year grant to prevent and treat endometrial cancer.

NEW OWNERSHIP

osiah Bridges became managing partner of Big River Aviation, effective June 30, 2023.

OPENING

Presbyterian Childrens Homes and Services opened a Counseling Center and Enrichment Center on property that PCHAS has owned since 1942 at:

1020 PCHAS Way, Farmington, Missouri

For walk-in support services for U.S. veterans in the St. Louis metropolitan area, The Veterans Community Project opened a 6,600-square-foot outreach center at:

1515 North Grand Boulevard

PROJECTS

As part of the STLCC Transformed initiative, St. Louis Community College at Meramec broke ground on both a Financial Services and Enrollment Center, and a Center for Emerging Technology.
Tony Messenger Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

WILDWOOD  Patrick Wood was traveling in Boston with his children. They were driving through one of the citys historic neighborhoods, where many homes have solar energy panels.

That spurred a question from one of the children: Why cant we have solar panels on our new house in Wildwood?

Its a question that has confounded Wood and many fellow residents of this sprawling municipality in west St. Louis County.

Last September, Wood filed for a permit to install solar panels on his roof. In Wildwood, if the panels are to face a street, a permit is required. Wood lives on a corner adjacent to two cul-de-sacs. Nearly every part of his roof faces the street.

Wood was denied his permit. He was hardly alone. In June, I wrote about Tom Downey, who also was denied a permit for solar power. He has filed a federal lawsuit against the city, suggesting its anti-solar policies are violating his personal property rights.

Not long after Downey filed for his permit, Glenn Scott, who lives in the same neighborhood, filed for one also. He, too, was denied. The men are part of a growing group of homeowners who are challenging Wildwood Mayor Jim Bowlin and the city council. At issue is a policy that stops homeowners from improving energy efficiency in their homes and qualifying for tax credits that are meant to encourage the development of solar power.

I never in a million years imagined it would be so difficult to add solar to my house, Scott says.

All three solar projects, and several others in Wildwood, have been in limbo for months, as the planning and zoning department and the city council have debated the issue. Bowlin proposed new regulations that would have  according to the homeowners and solar experts  virtually banned front-facing solar power in the city. The proposed regulations would allow a much more expensive form of solar that in many cases would require replacing entire roofs.

Around the time Downey sued, Bowlin planned to survey Wildwood residents to see what they think. This week, the homeowners got good news.

The city hasnt yet publicized the findings of the survey, but local solar-power advocate Frances Babb obtained it in a Sunshine Law request. Babb lives in nearby Clarkson Valley and has been helping the residents. She and her husband successfully sued their municipality several years ago for the right to install solar. She was a key voice behind a law passed by the Missouri Legislature last year making it illegal for homeowners associations to block residents from installing solar panels.

The survey is clear: Wildwood residents are in favor of street-facing solar. And its not even close.

Wildwood residents support allowing roof-mounted solar panels facing the street at a margin of nearly 2 to 1, says the survey.

In every question asked, in every ward in the city, residents supported solar energy in various forms  even if its on the roof facing the street.

Wood, Scott, Downey and others cheered the results. They hope it prompts Bowlin and his allies on the council to back down.

Rather than acting on a pending ordinance which would effectively ban street facing solar panels, the city should instead remove the conditional use permit process for roof mounted solar panels, Wood said in an email. This would be in better alignment with residents views on solar and with the recently passed state law, which restricts homeowners associations from blocking installation based on aesthetics.

Asked about the survey results, Bowlin told me in an email that he is committed to having regulations that reflect the wishes of our residents.

When I asked if that meant previous denials of front-facing solar projects would be overturned, he said those denials are not inconsistent with the survey results.

Scott sees the survey result as a mandate from residents in a conservative community who believe in personal property rights. He hopes the city council takes a close look at the survey, as well as leaders in other municipalities who may be considering regulations on solar panels. He also hopes the survey can help jumpstart his own project.

Im OK with people making mistakes, Scott says. But lets own it and correct it.
Story originally published Sept. 9 and updated Sept. 11 with new details from court documents.

ST. LOUIS  A 27-year-old man is accused of robbing and killing the owner of a tow truck business who was attempting to repossess a car Thursday in St. Louis' Hamilton Heights neighborhood.

Dwayne Davis was charged with first-degree murder, robbery and two weapons offenses Saturday in the death of Jesse Jones, 44, of Elsberry.

Jones was in the 5900 block of Hamilton Terrace Thursday to repossess a Jeep Cherokee a woman had taken out on a short-term loan from a car dealership, according to court documents.

Jones' sister, Stephanie Jones, said Saturday that the woman was in the middle of moving, and her brother was helping her move belongings out of the Jeep when he was attacked.

"He had a big heart," she said. "He was a big, burly man who you might cross a street when you first saw him, but he would do anything to make someone smile."

St. Louis police were called at about 1 p.m. and found Jones dead with a gunshot wound outside on the residential street.

He was found wearing big, furry slippers in the shape of a bear foot.

"They were lucky he was wearing shoes at all!" his sister said laughing. "He loved being goofy. He loved wearing overalls with no shirt underneath it. He loved tie-dye shirts. That's him."

Police tracked the alleged shooter, Davis, using a GPS device on the Jeep, which was missing from the crime scene. Investigators tracked the vehicle the day after the shooting to Cahokia Heights, where Illinois State Police attempted to stop the vehicle. The Jeep then sped off before crashing on the Poplar Street Bridge, according to court documents.

Police say Davis was spotted exiting the Jeep after the crash before throwing a gun off the bridge.

St. Louis police allege in charging documents that Davis told investigators that the woman who had leased the Jeep called him about the repossession, prompting him to carjack and shoot Jones.

He was denied bond in the case.

Stephanie Jones said Saturday that her brother loved his new wife, Chrysta, whom he married this spring. He enjoyed traveling the country on his motorcycle and reading. He is survived by an adopted adult son and a teenage daughter.

"It is a huge loss for the people he loved and his family. He would drop everything and drive three states just to help us out," she said. "The world is a worse place today without him."
HAZELWOOD  On the night before critics of the Robertson Fire Protection District were put in charge by voters, the districts union-backed board pushed through a new labor contract with an unusually long term.

Now the districts new board is seeking a new labor agreement even as it and the powerful firefighters union are in court, fighting over that contract.

The lawsuit is one of two filed by new district board members challenging contracts that were greenlighted by their predecessors.

The second lawsuit asks a judge to invalidate a three-year contract with former Chief Todd Phillips that the district says included an incredibly generous $350,000 severance payout.

The two cases highlight the fallout from a rare leadership shakeup in one of the regions dozens of fire protection districts, which levy their own property taxes for emergency services and are run by boards whose members are often backed by the firefighters union.

The districts generous salaries  the median compensation for a Robertson employee was over $110,000 in 2021  as well as free health insurance and large stipends provided to board members led to calls for reform 20 years ago following a Post-Dispatch series on fire protection district spending.

But other than at a few boards where critics managed to beat well-resourced, firefighters union-backed candidates, fire districts have continued to operate with little scrutiny.

The recall of all three members of Robertsons board members in November is a notable exception. Robertson drew attention largely because of the impact it has on Hazelwood, a financially strapped city of about 25,000 in north St. Louis County. A nearly 30-year-old agreement required the city to pay millions to the district annually to compensate it for former pieces of fire district territory annexed by the city but still served by Robertson.

Hazelwood officials said the agreements rising cost threatened to bankrupt the city and canceled the contract in 2017. A lawsuit has been pending between the two sides since. But the dynamics have changed completely since November.

Hazelwood officials and residents helped fund a political action committee that spent at least $17,000 to challenge the fire district. Firefighters union-affiliated funds put more than $20,000 into a political action committee that backed the existing board and then tried to pick off one of the new directors in the regular April election.

Ultimately, the Robertson critics won. New Robertson board chair Jennifer Guyton said at a recent board meeting that the district hopes to work out a resolution of the fire districts contract with Hazelwood with a state law change during next years legislative session.

Meanwhile, Guyton and her fellow board members are spearheading negotiations with Local 2665 of the Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri on a new labor contract and doing so publicly. They streamed their first bargaining session live and posted the video of the Aug. 31 meeting on the districts Facebook page.

Shortly after winning their seats, the new board voided the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) their predecessors had approved Nov. 7, the night before the election. In February, Robertson sued and asked a judge to say the contract was invalid, arguing it was voted on and discussed in violation of the Missouri Sunshine Law.

Local 2665 countersued, alleging the district has breached its contract and failed to process grievances.

Robertsons new leadership says the contract approved by the old board is unprecedented because it was for three years rather than a one-year term as past agreements had been.

At the time, thats what the union wanted, former board member Michael Conley said of the longer contract term. We understood their concerns. And the contract really never gave raises or anything, it just solidified everything.

Despite the litigation, the district and union agreed to operate under a short-term contract while they negotiate a new one. John Duffy, a district vice president at Local 2665, said the union told Robertsons new board it was open to negotiating certain provisions.

The litigation over the contract, Duffy said, is basically on hold while the two sides try and work out a deal.

Our hope is at the end of this we can come up with a long-term CBA and the district wont have to spend as much money on lawyers and lawsuits, Duffy said.

Among the provisions the new board is targeting for negotiations is a health insurance plan paid entirely by district taxpayers. Fire employees and their families pay no premiums, co-pays or deductibles, according to the contract, and the coverage extends after they retire until they are eligible for Medicare. The plan had also been available to board members, but the new board has canceled the health insurance benefit for elected board members.

Guyton referred a reporter to the districts lawyer, Paul Martin, who also said the two sides are operating under the status quo while they negotiate.

The parties are equally committed to try and resolve their differences and to accomplish that resolution through a new collective bargaining agreement, Martin said.

Former chiefs contract

The district has no intention, however, of dropping the litigation over former Robertson Chief Phillips contract, Martin said.

That lawsuit seeks to invalidate the contract and accuses the prior board of agreeing a month before the election to a contract with an incredibly generous severance package that could result in a $350,000 payout to Phillips, who served as chief for less than six months. The contract, agreed to in October, was approved without proper notice and recordkeeping under Missouris Sunshine Law, the lawsuit says.

Board members sought to insulate Phillips from the incoming board, so they tried to approve  without public disclosure, knowledge, or scrutiny  an employment contract that would prevent the new board members from firing Phillips, at least not without a steep cost to the districts taxpayers, the district says in its lawsuit.

Phillips had fought the new boards takeover. His daughter sued last year to try and block Guyton and her allies from standing for election. And the union backed him, saying after the new board sacked him in November that his firing was extremely disheartening and dealt a big blow to district firefighters and paramedics.

The contract included a base salary of nearly $122,000 in addition to the severance provisions, though Phillips has not been paid the severance, the district said. His lawyers have denied the allegations in court. They did not respond to a request for comment, nor did Phillips.

Conley, the former board member, said Phillips had taken over as chief in June 2022 after the resignation of former Chief Maynard Howell and didnt have a written contract as chiefs in area fire districts often do.

The contract with Chief Phillips was on advice of our attorney and his to solidify it in writing, Conley said. It was at his request and our attorney, the districts attorney at the time, agreed that it would be a good idea to have a written contract.

The districts attorney at the time, Charles Billings  who serves as general counsel for the Missouri Association of Career Fire Protection Districts and whose firm represents other area districts  no longer represents Robertson.

Erin Heffernan of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
ST. LOUIS  A floating circus that has been making its way down the Mississippi River from Minneapolis offering free performances managed to put on a show Friday and Saturday night despite some waves from City Hall.

A performance Friday from the Flotsam River Circus drew more than 100 onlookers to a stretch of riverbank accessible from Lacledes Landing. The troupe has traveled the river on a makeshift raft since the beginning of August, offering free performances along the way.

Though the show did go on Friday, when officials in St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones office heard about it they apparently took issue with the lack of a permit and the location.

Jason Webley, a Flotsam member, confirmed the group didnt have a permit and admitted they maybe should have explored obtaining one a bit earlier. The other towns along the way (save for its jumping off point in the Twin Cities) are smaller and as the Flotsam crew neared those locales, officials were able to accommodate them. St. Louis, Webley said, is a bigger place, with a larger bureaucracy to navigate on the fly.

Webley said he isnt exactly sure what happened, but he said the group heard from Jones operations director, Nancy Cross, and he heard thirdhand the Horseshoe St. Louis casino in Lacledes Landing was maybe concerned about onlookers parking near the performance.

City Hall and business leaders for years have been desperate to attract more people downtown and better connect the city and its residents with the Mississippi River.

Its interesting in a city thats so built around a river how little the river is part of life, Webley said.

Nick Dunne, a spokesman for the mayor, said in a statement that the city is ready to welcome opportunities to attract visitors to downtown and the riverfront, however, the organizers did not apply for a permit.

Dunne denied the citys involvement was a response to the casino and said the performance's lack of permit was a public safety concern.

They still need the permit no matter the location, he said.

Even so, Webley and the troupe set up about a mile downriver Saturday evening, south of the Arch Grounds near the Mural Mile and under the MacArthur Bridge. They plan to hold another performance at 6 p.m. Sunday evening at the same spot.

Maybe the powers that be are going to look the other way, Webley said. It would be a sad thing if this magical tour was canceled or ended in a showdown with the city.

Those powers did not shut down the performance Saturday. A few St. Louis police officers even helped direct traffic where Chouteau Avenue ended at the river. The show started a little after 6 p.m. as freight trains crossed the bridge overhead. One engineer blared his horn a few times in response to the cheers from the crowd several hundred gathered on the riverbank to watch the show.

I love our new location, Webley shouted to the crowd.

Photos: Flotsam River Circus arrives in St. Louis for its final three-day stop of the season
SANTIAGO, Chile  Yelena Monroy was 3 years old when she was imprisoned for more than a year along with her younger sister and her mother, a socialist activist targeted by the regime of Gen. Augusto Pinochet after he came to power in Chile in a military coup in September 1973.

We were scared, we were crying, recalled Monroy, now a 53-year-old commercial engineer and one of more than 1,000 children and adolescents who were detained in the name of fighting communism and leftist guerrillas during Chiles military dictatorship from 1973 to 1990.

When Pinochet installed himself as leader, the age of majority in Chile was set at 21 years. But being a minor was no protection from the dictatorships crackdown. Children were detained, tortured, killed, and even used as decoys to apprehend their parents.

The trauma of that period has made many of the young victims of the military regime reluctant to speak out, and the process of prosecuting that eras crimes and making reparations generally has made no distinction among victims based on age. So, the child victims of the Pinochet era have not had much visibility, though minors represent nearly 10% of the deaths attributed to the regime.

We dont classify them by age, because they all suffered, Gaby Rivera, president of Chiles Association of Relatives of the Detained-Disappeared, told The Associated Press.

However, the National Commission on Political Imprisonment and Torture figures show that the Pinochet regime detained 1,132 minors under the age of 18. Of these 88 were under 13 and 102 were arrested along with their parents  or were born in prison.

Some 307 children under the age of 18 were killed during that period, according to human rights groups reviews of documentation from the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission. About 3,200 people overall were killed during the dictatorship, or went missing and are believed dead.

Chiles National Stadium, in the countrys capital, became the largest detention center of the military government. That is where they arrested  and beat  Roberto Vasquez Llanten, when he was 17, for being an active militant of the Revolutionary Left Movement.

He had been in hiding since the start of the coup, but was arrested on Jan. 15, 1974. Vasquez Llanten, who is 67 today, spent a year in the Chacabuco Prison Camp in the Atacama desert along with 16 other minors. There was no electricity or hot water, he recalled. There were antipersonnel mines outside the barbed-wire to keep prisoners in line, while guards kept watch from towers.

If minors had political significance, they were detained just like adults. But they also were used as lures to trap and detain their parents.

The Fernandez Montenegro sisters were imprisoned in February 1974 when they were teenagers.

Viviana, 14, and Morelia, 17, were accused of being guerrillas in the Chilean port of Valparaiso where they lived, some 75 miles northwest of the capital. Their mother was arrested and released after 24 hours. The whole family, with the exception of the father, were active communists.

The sisters were first held together in the Silva Palma Navy Barracks, on one of the many inhabited hills of Valparaiso.

I was in a cell, wearing a hoodie, while some guys put electricity cables on my fingers, yelling and screaming profanities and threats," demanding to know where the weapons were, Viviana Fernandez recounted.

The only thing I did was cry and cry ... I felt very afraid, very afraid," she said.

Fernandez, who is 64 today, and Yelena Monroy are members of the Association of Former Minors Victims of Political Imprisonment and Torture, created nine years ago in part to raise awareness about the fate of children and adolescents under the dictatorship.

Fernandez, who is the spokesperson, says the organization has about 100 members, but she thinks there are many more, and that many are still afraid to talk about what happened to them during those years.

Many other minors of that time did not survive to tell their story.

Jose Gregorio Saavedra Gonzalez, a militant of the Revolutionary Left Movement, was executed at the age of 18 by soldiers in Calama, in the north of the country, together with 25 other political prisoners on Oct. 19, 1973. He was one of the disappeared who years later were located  and identified.

They gave us a little bit of a finger in a small box, and a little bit of what I imagine was a small tooth, recalls his sister, Angela Saavedra, who is 81.

Monroy and Fernandez fault the Chilean government for not fully acknowledging past violations of childrens human rights.

We have been totally forgotten by the state, it is very much in debt, Fernandez said.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark  At first, the Norwegian man thought his metal detector reacted to chocolate money buried in the soil. It turned out to be nine pendants, three rings and 10 gold pearls in what was described as the country's gold find of the century.

The rare find was made this summer by 51-year-old Erlend Bore on the southern island of Rennesoey, near the city of Stavanger. Bore bought his first metal detector earlier this year to have a hobby after his doctor ordered him to get out instead of sitting on the couch.

Ole Madsen, director at the Archaeological Museum at the University of Stavanger, said that to find "so much gold at the same time is extremely unusual.

"This is the gold find of the century in Norway, Madsen said.

In August, Bore began walking around the mountainous island with his metal detector. A statement issued by the university said he first found some scrap, but later uncovered something that was "completely unreal  the treasure weighing a little more than 3 ounces.

Under Norwegian law, objects from before 1537, and coins older than 1650, are considered state property and must be handed in.

Associate professor Hakon Reiersen with the museum said the gold pendants  flat, thin, single-sided gold medals called bracteates  date from around A.D. 500, the so-called Migration Period in Norway, which runs between 400 and about 550, when there were widespread migrations in Europe.

The pendants and gold pearls were part of a very showy necklace that had been made by skilled jewelers and was worn by societys most powerful, said Reiersen. He added that in Norway, no similar discovery has been made since the 19th century, and it is also a very unusual discovery in a Scandinavian context.

An expert on such pendants, professor Sigmund Oehrl with the same museum, said that about 1,000 golden bracteates have so far been found in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

He said symbols on the pendants usually show the Norse god Odin healing the sick horse of his son. On the Rennesoey ones, the horses tongue hangs out on the gold pendants, and its slumped posture and twisted legs show that it is injured, Oehrl said.

The horse symbol represented illness and distress, but at the same time hope for healing and new life, he added.

The plan is to exhibit the find at the Archaeological Museum in Stavanger, about 200 miles southwest of Oslo.

How to invest in gold How to invest in gold
Whatever happens with current efforts to get an abortion-rights referendum on Missouris statewide ballot next year, one thing is already clear: The process this state uses to approve such ballot measures is hopelessly inadequate to this era of scorched-Earth partisan politics.

Two sitting statewide Republicans have abused their authority within that system in ways that are so cynical as to preclude even the pretense of good-faith debate. Like it or not, we live in a time in which prominent elected officials are willing to scuttle core conventions of democracy in order to win immediate political fights. They do it openly, and their voters reward them for it.

In such an era, the mechanics of putting a question to the voters should ideally be taken out of the hands of partisans who would shamelessly pervert the whole process and put into the hands of nonpartisan actors.

Government by referendum isnt the best way to do things  voters elect representatives for a reason  but the Missouri Legislature in recent years has moved so far right of even its generally conservative constituents that ballot measures have become a necessity.

On Medicaid expansion, the minimum wage, marijuana and other issues, the voters have repeatedly used ballot measures to press their will, stepping around a Republican legislative majority intent on thwarting it.

Why those same voters keep sending those same lawmakers back to Jefferson City is a complicated question that likely involves the majoritys gerrymander powers and general partisan tribalism among voters today.

In any case, ballot measures have become an important tool to implement the publics policy wishes when the Legislature refuses to. (Which, incidentally, is why the Legislature is currently trying to make it more difficult to pass ballot measures.)

Missouris process for getting a referendum on the statewide ballot involves several elected officials. The state auditor must calculate what the proposed referendum would cost the taxpayers if it passes. The attorney general must certify the auditors report.

And the secretary of state must come up with a written summary of the proposal to go on the ballot  using wording that, according to statutes, must be neither intentionally argumentative nor likely to create prejudice either for or against the proposed measure.

The problems with that system in this era of power politics have been starkly demonstrated in the battle by abortion-rights advocates to roll back Missouris extreme new abortion ban.

Of the three elected officials in the referendum process, only state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has carried out his statutory duties in good faith on this issue. Fitzpatrick, an anti-abortion Republican, delivered an audit concluding that, should a referendum restore abortion rights to Missouri, it would have no fiscal impact on the state budget. Obviously.

But Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who is seeking a full term in that office in next years election, decided that rather than do his duty and certify the audit, he would score some political points on the right with an unprecedented stunt: He rejected the audit, and insisted that the actual cost to taxpayers would be in the multiple billions of dollars, based on lost revenue from unborn future taxpayers.

That would be an utterly baseless auditing standard even if Bailey had the legal authority to impose it  which, as the Missouri Supreme Court unanimously ruled in July, he doesnt.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Jay Ashcrofts ballot language  which, remember, is statutorily required to be unbiased in its wording  would ask whether Missourians support a referendum to allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions.

The abortion-rights petitioners are suing, and Ashcroft will probably lose (would any sentient judge actually deem that wording to be unbiased?). But just by picking that fight, Ashcroft has already managed to stall the process to the disadvantage of the petitioners. As did Bailey. That, clearly, was the point.

This kind of abuse of the process isnt limited to the abortion issue. Ashcroft, who is running for governor next year, has engaged in this kind of mischief before with other ballot measures.

And Bailey is re-using his imaginary-fiscal-issue stunt on a pending gun-control ballot measure, baselessly claiming it will cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars due to increased crime that he says will result from having fewer guns on the street.

All serious data indicates the reverse is true. But this isnt about facts, its about performative politics to woo the Republican base.

Public officials like Bailey and Ashcroft always wear two hats: They are politicians who must take into account how their actions will be received by the voters, but they also have specified statutory duties that are supposed to be unaffected by politics.

Some public officials take that division seriously and carry out their duties in good faith (as Fitzpatrick has). But especially on todays political right, where the cheap allure of populism has largely replaced what used to be principled conservatism, that good faith is too often discarded as inconvenient to the immediate political imperatives of the office-holder.

We like an idea recently promoted by veteran Missouri journalist Phill Brooks in the Missouri Independent: Take the ballot-language duties away from the elected secretary of state and put it in the hands of the Missouri Ethics Commission, an appointed bipartisan panel, which, as Brooks notes, has a long history of dealing with difficult political questions.

While were at it, lets get the attorney general out of that process as well, because the current officeholder has shown such zeal for abusing it.

These are good suggestions that will, of course, never happen under Missouris current political leadership  which, after all, benefits from the corruption of the current system. Missourians of all political stripes should be offended by that corruption, but as lawmakers here demonstrate again and again, the popular will doesnt interest them when it isnt in their own political interest.

In fact, the only plausible way to reform the referendum process today would be  by referendum.

Who knows? Stranger things have happened, and these are strange times.
Regarding the editorial "Missouri lets judges impose death sentences if juries don't. That should change." (Sept. 7): I was a primary drafter of the law allowing this practice. I also was the judge in the Scott McLaughlin death penalty case.

The U.S. Supreme Court requires standards for the death penalty in the form of aggravating circumstances. When a jury unanimously finds one or more aggravating circumstances  such as, the murder was of a police officer or the killing was horrible involving depravity of mind  and the jury then cannot decide, the judge can.

There is no reliable evidence that the death penalty does not deter future murders. There are too many variables to predict future crime, such as, economic conditions and the amount and nature of media coverage. Convicted robbers have stated that they would have killed victims but for the death penalty. We cannot know how many victims' lives have been saved by the death penalty, just like we cannot know how many lives lighthouses have saved. Also, we know the death penalty is a deterrent to convicted murderers killing prison guards or other inmates.

Even if we dont know to what degree the death penalty is a deterrent, we are balancing the life of an innocent victim against the life of a convicted murderer. Here the choice is clear.

Another purpose for the death penalty is that if people dont receive justice in court, they will seek it on the streets. There have been cases where friends or relatives of murder victims and even whole towns have taken justice into their own hands when they havent received it in court. This type of revenge is the primary purpose for effective criminal laws.

Steven Goldman  Chesterfield

Retired St. Louis County Circuit Judge
Potential Eurocell plc (LON:ECEL) shareholders may wish to note that the Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, Derek Mapp, recently bought UK110k worth of stock, paying UK1.10 for each share. That's a very solid buy in our book, and increased their holding by a noteworthy 37%.

View our latest analysis for Eurocell

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Eurocell

In fact, the recent purchase by Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board Derek Mapp was not their only acquisition of Eurocell shares this year. Earlier in the year, they paid UK1.28 per share in a UK128k purchase. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of UK1.11. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels.

Eurocell insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Insider Ownership

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Our information indicates that Eurocell insiders own about UK407k worth of shares. This level of insider ownership is notably low, and not very encouraging.

So What Do The Eurocell Insider Transactions Indicate?

The recent insider purchase is heartening. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. On this analysis the only slight negative we see is the fairly low (overall) insider ownership; their transactions suggest that they are quite positive on Eurocell stock. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Eurocell. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Eurocell you should know about.

Story continues

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
One of the less publicized Ukrainian advantages in their war with Russia is superior battlefield data collection and analysis. This means Ukrainian commanders have a better knowledge of what Russian forces are in or headed for Ukraine, and what they are likely to be doing. To do this Ukraine uses a combination of locally developed tools plus a wide array of Western and Russian sources. Ukraine built an elaborate and effective distributed system that constantly collects all this information and transforms it into a format that Ukrainian forces can use for finding targets, gauging their value, and suggesting what weapon would be most appropriate and effective to destroy or degrade the target. This explains why Ukrainian precision-guided munitions, air strikes and artillery are able to hit so many essential Russian targets.

Ukraine also developed software that continually collects and analyzes online discussions by civilians about military activity and determines which reports are most useful. These are used as part of a data collection system that includes open source videos, satellite photos and radar images as well as overheard Russian radio and cell phone conversations. All this data is organized that military commanders can access to track nearby enemy units and their real-time activity. Ukrainian uses its locally developed Delta battle-management distributed system to organize this information and make it available to any Ukrainian on a remote device like a PC or cell phone because Delta is cloud based and equipped with a robust security system. Delta was certified as NATO compliant and is one of several Ukraine-developed apps that persuaded NATO to back Ukraine against the Russian invaders.

In addition to making it easier for commanders to track themselves and all nearby Ukrainian and Russian units, Delta also provides target information that has enabled long-range weapons to operate so effectively against the Russians. While the enemy also uses UAVs and electronic sensors to track Ukrainian units, the Russians dont have anything like Delta to do this as effectively as the Ukrainians. Before 1991, when Ukraine was still part of the Soviet Union, it produced a disproportionate number of Soviet programmers and software engineers. After independence, Ukrainian software specialists were able to find work in the West or establish app development firms in Ukraine and work for local and foreign clients. Delta was developed for use by Ukrainian forces and exported to friendly countries, a list that did not include Russia.

When the invasion began in 2022, Ukraine already had some apps to make it possible for any Ukrainian with a cell phone to take a picture of Russian activity, especially cruise missiles, and automatically transmit it, along with location data, to a Ukrainian military command center where that information was added to similar reports to provide air defense forces with target information. The attack information also went to civil defense units in cities that were apparently targets. This enabled air raid alarms to be used to get people into shelters quickly.

The software advantage of Ukrainian forces is substantial. This edge was given a boost early in the war when Elon Musk, the developer and owner of the Starlink communications satellite system, provided Ukraine with free access to Starlink. This gave Ukrainian forces a major communications advantage over the Russian invader. Since it was satellite-based, Starlink was difficult, and often impossible, for the Russians to electronically disrupt (jam). Russian military communications are still inferior to what Ukrainian troops have. This is one reason why Russian forces suffer more casualties and, even when they outnumber Ukrainian forces or have superior weapons, are unable to exploit that advantage.
Today marks 10 years since the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the worlds first monoclonal antibody biosimilar infliximab, for all indications of the reference product.

The previous decade has seen transformations in the immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) treatment landscape through continuous innovation, improving patient quality of life whilst delivering cost savings for healthcare systems.

To mark this historic milestone, Celltrion Healthcare is launching a campaign including a global speaker tour across Europe to highlight the decade of innovation and ensure an environment for continued innovation in biosimilars.

INCHEON, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celltrion Healthcare today launches a campaign to celebrate a decade of continuous biosimilar innovation in Europe. The campaign coincides with 10 years since the worlds first monoclonal antibody biosimilar infliximab, Remsima, received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Biosimilars have been pivotal in driving treatment advancements in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thousands of patients in Europe and globally have benefitted from biosimilars since their initial approval, incurring both patient health and economic benefits.1

In the previous decade, there has been an ongoing pursuit to continue improving treatments and maximising patient quality of life. This sustained innovation and evolution of biosimilars has delivered benefits beyond their reference product. The development of new administration methods has ushered in a new era, offering patients a more convenient and accessible treatment options which can be administered at home.

Alongside the wide-ranging patient benefits, biosimilars have delivered savings to economies and healthcare systems across the world. Several analyses have found that use of biosimilars in place of their reference product in Europe could save hundreds of millions of Euros. For instance, the use of infliximab biosimilar had saved approximately 100 million in a year in the United Kingdom alone, according to the announcement made by United Kingdoms National Health Service (NHS).2

Taehun Ha, Senior Vice President and Head of Europe Division at Celltrion Healthcare, said, We are proud to recognise the tremendous impact that biosimilars have had on patients in Europe. Efforts to make high-quality biologics more affordable have paved the way for the widespread adoption of biosimilars across the continent and supported in improving patient outcomes. We at Celltrion remain committed to creating innovative treatments that prioritise the needs of patients and expand their treatment options.

Professor Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet, Head of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) group at the Gastroenterology Department of the University Hospital of Nancy, France, said, Initially, we were intrigued by the arrival of biosimilars, especially with the first pivotal studies focusing solely on rheumatology. However, it became clear biosimilars offered a promising opportunity to reduce healthcare costs and improve the management of multiple diseases. Studies such as PLANETCD and NORSWITCH have added to the extensive evidence of their efficacy and safety, quickly reassuring us, in addition to our real-life experience. Biosimilars made it possible to reduce treatment prices - it was an economic revolution for patients and healthcare systems.

In celebration of a decade of innovation and commitment to IMID treatment landscape, Celltrion is launching an innovative campaign across Europe. The campaign aims to highlight the positive impact of biosimilars to patients and healthcare systems, whilst reflecting on what the future could hold through continued innovation. Activities will include a global speaker tour, presentations by KOLs showcasing the latest clinical data, a report highlighting a decade of innovation and a celebration at United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW) 2023 in Copenhagen.

Notes to Editors:

About the Campaign

This initiative aims to highlight the impact of infliximab biosimilars to patients and healthcare system in Europe over the last decade and spark discussion on the future of biosimilars and what can be achieved through harnessing the power of continued innovation. The campaign coincides with the 10th year since the approval of Remsima in Europe.

About Biosimilars

A biosimilar is a biologic product developed and proven to be biologically identical to a previously approved biologic known as the reference product using the same active substances. Known for its high quality and affordability, the biosimilar has become an innovative medicine for patients with different diseases across the world including Europe.

About Remsima

Remsima is the world's first biosimilar monoclonal antibody developed by Celltrion. Remsima has continued expanding globally since its introduction in Europe in 2013 and has been authorised in over 100 countries worldwide as of January 2023, with a 55% market share in Europe in 2022.3

About Celltrion Healthcare

Celltrion Healthcare is committed to delivering innovative and affordable medications to promote patients access to advanced therapies. Its products are manufactured at state-of-the-art mammalian cell culture facilities, designed and built to comply with the US FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and the EU GMP guidelines. Celltrion Healthcare endeavours to offer high-quality, cost-effective solutions through an extensive global network that spans more than 110 different countries.

Celltrion is committed to delivering affordable biologics and addressing healthcare needs, delivering innovations in treatments for patients with IMID, such as advances in treatment administration that enable people to access at-home treatment, allowing people to have an improved quality of life whilst managing their condition.

For more information, please visit: https://www.celltrionhealthcare.com

References

1 Jahnsen J., Clinical experience with infliximab biosimilar Remsima (CT-P13) in inflammatory bowel disease patients. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2016 May;9(3):322-9. doi: 10.1177/1756283X16636764. Epub 2016 Mar 21. PMID: 27134662; PMCID: PMC4830106.

2 NHS (National Health Service). The NHS saves 324 million in a year by switching to better value medicines. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2018/07/nhs-saves-324-million-year-switching-to-better-value-medicines/

3 Celltrion, Inc. Fourth-Quarter and Full Year 2022 Earnings Release. https://www.celltrion.com/en-us/irs/resultdata

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230909999023/en/

Holly Barber

[email protected]

+44 (0) 7759 301620

Tom Walden

[email protected]

+44 (0) 7423 534197

Source: Celltrion Healthcare
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - September 10, 2023) - The OffshoreCorpTalk Forum has hit a milestone with 250,000 posts and is pleased to announce a new and exciting sponsorship agreement with Emirates Setup. The thriving online community is on a mission to empower company owners, banking professionals, business consultants, tax lawyers, and industry experts worldwide with a platform to gain information and share financial knowledge.





OffshoreCorpTalk



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9716/179901_d2759d6b34439be2_001full.jpg

The OffshoreCorpTalk Forum has managed to reach 250,000 posts in the first week of September. Boosting around 23,000 members, the community forum has organically grown through word-of-mouth. Recognized as one of the largest online communities for offshore professionals, it enables users to manage their finances and explore new business opportunities.

Over the years, the low-profile forum has developed an excellent reputation through word of mouth and recommendations. The new milestone was achieved by the forum with the snowball effect.





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2Lbzmw-rfw

OffshoreCorpTalk has signed up a new partnership deal in the same week. For the past four years, DLS Dubai has been the primary sponsor for this community. The Dubai-based business formation company has helped the platform grow and connect with thousands of potential clients to date. The constant sponsorship renewal underlined a successful collaboration, allowing both the OffshoreCorpTalk forum and DLS Dubai to find new clients. However, since the recent changes in DLS Dubai's model, the sponsorship has temporarily ceased. Once this transition concludes, OffshoreCorpTalk expects to sign a new sponsorship deal with DLS Dubai.

While OffshoreCorpTalk tried to get in touch with the management of DLS Dubai recently with a live interview, it was postponed. This happened due to health issues faced by Fred, a member of the DLS management team. Meanwhile, the forum has yet to be left without a primary sponsor. The OffshoreCorpTalk management has just signed a new partnership with Emirates Setup.

The Founder of OffshoreCorpTalk said, We are thrilled to announce a new sponsorship from Emirates Setup, a leading agency in the company formation industry. We are looking forward to a long-lasting and fruitful collaboration that both parties can benefit from.

Running from Abu Dhabi since 2016, the LLC is a leading agency and an official partner of more Freezones in the Emirates. It offers business formation services, helps with bank accounts, and other company-related solutions. Apart from company-related services, Emirates Setup provides visa services, tax, and VAT accounting services.

About OffshoreCorpTalk

OffshoreCorpTalk is one of the largest forums for offshore company formation, established in 2009. The forum helps banking professionals, company owners, business consultants, tax lawyers, and many other industry experts. The forum is a random discussion board where people come, share opinions, and gain knowledge and financial expertise. The forum is run by Blackwater International Limited, based in the United Kingdom. There is no cost for consumers or businesses to enter and post on this forum and enjoy basic features. The company also provides paid membership and advertising spots.

Website: https://www.offshorecorptalk.com

Peter Larsson

[email protected]

Blackwater International Ltd

London, UK

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179901
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.



Buckle up, supercar enthusiasts, because Dubai Supercars Club is driving innovation to a whole new level with a limited edition NFT membership card drop. This prestigious private club is poised to redefine the luxury car rental experience in Dubai and beyond, offering an unparalleled opportunity for its exclusive 1000 NFT cardholders to experience the thrill of the world's finest supercars with deposit-free rentals.

Revolutionizing Supercar Experiences: Dubai Supercars Club NFT Membership

Dubai has long been synonymous with luxury and opulence, and now, the Dubai Supercars Club is set to elevate the city's reputation as a haven for supercar enthusiasts. The Dubai Supercars Club NFT Membership represents an exclusive gateway to the world of high-performance automotive engineeringa world that was once reserved for the elite.

At the heart of this revolutionary initiative is the NFT membership card. These coveted digital collectibles will be available for purchase through the MetaplayerOne platform. Possessing an NFT membership card bestows upon its holders an array of extraordinary privileges, including:

1. Deposit-Free Supercar Rentals: Perhaps the most enticing benefit, NFT cardholders will enjoy the freedom of deposit-free supercar rentals. This unprecedented perk eliminates the financial barriers that often deter enthusiasts from experiencing the thrill of these powerful machines.

2. Access to a Supercar Fleet: Dubai Supercars Club boasts a meticulously curated fleet of the most sought-after supercars on the planet. From Lamborghinis to Ferraris, each cardholder will have the opportunity to choose from an array of exotic automobiles, ensuring every drive is a unique adventure.

3. Exclusive Driving Experiences: Members will gain access to exclusive supercar events and rallies, providing them with the opportunity to connect with like-minded enthusiasts and share the exhilaration of the open road.

4. Concierge Services: The club offers top-tier concierge services to cater to members' every need, from personalized driving itineraries to preferred reservations at upscale dining establishments.

5. Priority Access: NFT cardholders will receive priority access to the club's fleet, ensuring that they can reserve their dream car for their preferred date and time.

A Paradigm Shift in Supercar Enthusiasm

The fusion of NFT technology with the luxury supercar experience represents a paradigm shift in the world of automotive enthusiasm. By harnessing the power of blockchain and NFTs, Dubai Supercars Club is democratizing access to high-performance vehicles, making it possible for a wider audience to indulge in the thrill of supercar ownership without the typical financial constraints.

This groundbreaking initiative not only offers an exceptional value proposition for supercar enthusiasts but also unlocks new avenues for NFT collectors to diversify their digital portfolios.

Reflecting on this transformative endeavor, Enzo Amur, MP1 Director commented: "The Dubai Supercars Club NFT Membership represents a monumental shift in how we experience and appreciate loyalty to supercars. With the NFT membership card, it is bringing dreams to life, enabling more people to feel the pulse of these incredible vehicles and the excitement of the open road."

Join the Exclusive Club: NFT Drop on MetaPlayerOne

The highly anticipated NFT membership card drop for Dubai Supercars Club will take place exclusively on the MetaPlayerOne platform. MetaPlayerOne is a global Web3 social platform for loyalty NFT communities that is set to redefine social connections in an increasingly decentralized world.

With a limited supply of just 1000 NFT cards, each card is a rare collectible that represents the keys to a world of high-speed thrills and unmatched luxury.

Supercar enthusiasts, collectors, and investors are urged to mark their calendars for the upcoming drop on MetaplayerOne.

About Dubai Supercars Club

Dubai Supercars Club is a prestigious private club dedicated to providing an unmatched supercar experience to enthusiasts around the world. With a commitment to innovation and accessibility, the club offers exclusive NFT membership cards that grant holders the privilege of deposit-free supercar rentals, access to an exceptional fleet, exclusive events, and concierge services.



Contact Info:

Name: Raed Omar Ali

Email: Send Email

Organization: Metaplayerone

Website: https://assets.metaplayerone.app/



Release ID: 89107017

Should you detect any errors, issues, or discrepancies with the content contained within this press release, or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected]. Our expert team will be available to promptly respond and take necessary steps within the next 8 hours to resolve any identified issues or guide you through the removal process. We value the trust placed in us by our readers and remain dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information.
Recent developments now mean Bitcoin NFTs, known as Ordinals, can store data and digital assets directly on Bitcoins chain. Seizing the opportunity to secure the OnChainMonkey assets on the most decentralized and secure blockchain, OnChainMonkey is moving the entire 10,000 collection from Ethereum to Bitcoin.



Metagood, the creators of OnChainMonkey (OCM), are the rst to move a 10,000 NFT collection, OCM Genesis, from Ethereum, the nominal home of smart contracts, to Bitcoins blockchain, the most decentralized and secure blockchain. The OCM DAO voted to nancially subsidize some of the substantial cost of the large migration from Ethereum to Bitcoin.

On 30 August 2023, the OCM team proposed subsidizing the cost of this migration and making it free for all OCM Genesis NFT holders with a Bitcoin Badge. The Bitcoin Badge was rewarded to OCM holders who participated in missions that took about a year to complete.

The DAO proposal will award a subsidy of 350 ETH (approximately USD $570,787 currently) for the migration to Genesis, and reached a quorum of 2,000 votes within 24 hours and nished with over 4,700 votes cast in favor of the proposal. This is the highest number of votes any DAO proposal has received within 24 hours since OCMs DAO was founded in 2021. The proposal had nearly unanimous support, with 99% of voters supporting the migration to Bitcoin.

The vote was not assured and involved an education campaign on Bitcoin Ordinals and the new technical development of Recursive Inscriptions led by the Metagood leadership team, who proposed the migration idea and wrote the DAO proposal.

Importantly, the OCM community subsidy doesn't cover all of the costs of migration, which amount to around $1M. Metagood is covering the rest of the cost for their community of holders.

Our OCM community has conviction in our move to Bitcoin," said Metagood CEO and co-founder and OCM Genesis Collection creator Danny Yang. "We have been involved with Ordinals since the beginning of the year, and the OCM community, in particular, has a great understanding of the potential and benets of the migration to Bitcoin.



"A historical transition is on the horizon as we prepare to migrate our agship collection, OCM Genesis, from Ethereum to Bitcoin. Inscribed in early February in inscription #20219, Genesis represents our rm belief in the promising future that awaits digital artifacts on Bitcoin, said Metagood co-founder and COO Amanda Terry. It is remarkable that the DAO almost unanimously voted for the Ordinals technology that only emerged in February this year.

In truth, part of the vote likely reects the faith in Metagood and OCM co-founder Danny Yang, who has been building on Bitcoin since founding Maicon, his rst Bitcoin company, in 2013 (the largest cryptocurrency company in Taiwan today), and early in building on Ordinals. Yang helped pioneer recursive inscriptions, creating 3D generative art on Bitcoin with the OCM Dimensions collection. The recursive inscription technology gives Bitcoin new powers, previously thought impossible without changing Bitcoins core protocol. Now, complex programs can be stored and run from the Bitcoin blockchain.

Recursion and other features of Ordinals allow for an on-chain kind of NFTs referred to as Digital Artifacts. These are more secure and decentralized NFTs.

A migration of this order of magnitude is a monumental milestone for our OCM Community and a rst- of-its-kind migration and upgrade for a 10K collection," mentioned Danny Yang. "The Genesis collection will have a ton of innovative features to its name and be on Block 9 Satoshis (sats), the rst sats in circulation. They will be in sequential order, matching the sats, and have clear collection provenance on Bitcoin, and provenance going back to their origin on Ethereum.

Yang said further: In the past, other projects have been paid a substantial amount of money to move to another blockchain. We are doing the opposite. We are so convinced in our move that we are spending more than $1M of our own resources to make the move to Bitcoin and in an important and innovative way.

Clearly, OCM DAO members believe in this truly decentralized future for digital assets on Bitcoin.

About OnChainMonkey

OnChainMonkey, created by Metagood, is a pioneering digital art collection. It is the rst NFT prole pic collection created on-chain in a single transaction on Ethereum in 2021. In 2023, OnChainMonkey made history again, becoming the rst 10k collection inscribed on Bitcoin in inscription 20219. The collection of 10,000 generative art NFTs is led by an experienced team, including Danny Yang, who founded Taiwans largest cryptocurrency exchange Maicoin; Amanda Terry, who served as a digital media business development executive at Twitter and NBC; and Bill Tai, a legendary VC who was the rst investor in Zoom and early investor in Canva, Dapper Labs as well as over 20 companies that have become publicly listed. The OnChainMonkey community is building businesses in Web3 and making real world impact. To learn more, visit www.onchainmonkey.com.

About Metagood

Metagood is a leader in blockchain technology and digital assets, setting a new standard for innovation in the crypto industry that blends technology, art, and community. Metagood was recognized in Fast Companys 2022 Best World Changing Ideas Awards for Impact Investing. Metagood strives to build a better future for Web3. Through its innovative NFT collection OnChainMonkey (OCM), Metagood has created value and contributed to important causes. Those causes included funding the successful evacuation of Sharbat Gula (known as Afghan Girl from the iconic 1984 National Geographic cover) and her family from Afghanistan, donations to humanitarian aid in Ukraine, and more. Metagood was founded by veterans with decades of business experience. Its chairman, Bill Tai, a legendary venture capitalist, has been at the forefront of the crypto space since 2010. Danny Yang, the CEO, founded both Maicoin, Taiwan's largest cryptocurrency exchange, and Blockseer, a blockchain technology company providing services to customers like the FBI, US Secret Service, and the DHS. He also founded the Stanford Bitcoin Meetup in 2013. Amanda Terry, the COO, is a former business development executive at Twitter, and NBC and the co-founder of ACTAI Ventures, where she serves as its managing partner. To learn more, visit www.metagood.com.



Contact Info:

Name: Michalina Brokos

Email: Send Email

Organization: Michalina Brokos

Website: http://www.onchainmonkey.com



Release ID: 89107018

If there are any deficiencies, problems, or concerns regarding the information presented in this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we encourage you to notify us without delay at [email protected]. Our diligent team is committed to promptly addressing your concerns within 8 hours and taking necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or facilitate the removal process. Providing accurate and trustworthy information is of utmost importance.
Co-chairs Natasha Koifman and Suzanne Boyd bring together local and international changemakers and artists including Nelly Furtado , Julien Christian Lutz pka Director X, Fefe Dobson , Russell Young, Michael Moebius and more, raising funds for education in Haiti

Download Images here  Credit Getty Images (Photographer: Ryan Emberley )

TORONTO , Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Co-chairs Natasha Koifman and Suzanne Boyd hosted the 15th annual Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) Festival Gala, an intimate event raising $700,000 this evening and $35 million over 15 years for education in Haiti .

The night began with a beautiful performance by Haitian musician and long-time APJ supporter Paul Beaubrun . George Stroumboulopoulos then returned to the stage in his role as emcee for the evening, expressing gratitude for supporters and guests while celebrating APJ's newest board member, Kardinal Offishall.

Natasha Koifman , Canadian and US Board Chair and Festival Gala Co-Host , began by commemorating the 15th anniversary of the APJ gala. She spoke passionately about her commitment to the cause and appreciation for the dedicated supporters in attendance. Opening the night in a grateful and motivational tone, Koifman highlighted the positive change made possible in Haiti thanks to the commitment of the organization's donors. Haitian students face many challenges but have found a safe haven in the school built with APJ's donations. With Haitian graduate William Osias in attendance, Koifman was reminded of a moment she was almost brought to tears, seeing him with his family after eight years at the APJ Academy, knowing this school helped him become who he was meant to be. She highlighted the $35 million dollars raised from the organization to-date and the 28,000 students attending since the academy's opening.

Highlights from the evening include:

Nelly Furtado was honoured with the official Artist for Peace and Justice Award for her devoted activism for children's rights and education in developing countries, presented by Lido Pimienta.

was honoured with the official for her devoted activism for children's rights and education in developing countries, presented by Dax Dasilva presented award winning filmmaker, artist and mental wellness advocate, Julien Christian Lutz pka Director X with the prestigious Canadian Changemaker Award for the impact he has made through leading a transformative movement dedicated to raising mindful awareness.

presented award winning filmmaker, artist and mental wellness advocate, with the prestigious for the impact he has made through leading a transformative movement dedicated to raising mindful awareness. Special performances from Haitian musicians Paul Beaubrun and Charmie, Derniere Reve and Kodai Okuno , and APJ Graduate William Osias and his guitarist Henry Madner Mitcheal.

and and , and A live auction led by stars of the hit show Trading up with Mandy Rennehan , Mandy Rennehan and Lauren Ferraro raised over $300,000 .

, raised over Artist Anthony Ricciardi impressed guests with live interactive art on site which will be donated as a commemorative gift to the APJ Academy for the gala's 15th anniversary.

impressed guests with on site which will be donated as a commemorative gift to the for the gala's 15th anniversary. Natasha Koifman and George Stroumboulopoulos led an inspiring moment to "Fund The Need", identifying significant need at the Haitian academy for uniforms and teachers' salaries.

Generous sponsors for this year's event include: Audi, Breitling, La Mer, Oxley Real Estate, NKPR, and Flow Beverage Corp.

For more information on the organization or to make a donation, please visit www.apjnow.org or follow @artistsforpeace on social media.

About Artists for Peace and Justice

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) is a non-profit organization that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty around the world. APJ's immediate goal is to serve the poorest communities in Haiti with programs in education, healthcare, and dignity through the arts. The organization is committed to long-term, sustainable development in direct partnership with the Haitian people. The model is simple: APJ believes in empowering local communities, fostering economic growth, and the power of education to change a nation. To learn more, visit www.apjnow.org or follow @artistsforpeace on Instagram and Twitter.

About NKPR

NKPR was started in 2002 by Natasha Koifman in order to combine two passions: shining a spotlight on stories of substance and supporting causes that are making a difference around the world. Over the past 18 years, NKPR has established itself as a highly regarded full-service public relations, artist management and digital agency with offices in Toronto , New York and Los Angeles , representing over 40 national and international brands and supporting charitable organizations like Artists for Peace and Justice. For more information, visit NKPR on social media @natashankpr or at www.nkpr.net .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/artists-for-peace-and-justice-gala-celebrates-15-years-of-impact-during-toronto-film-festival-totaling-35-million-raised-with-700-000-this-evening-301922665.html

SOURCE Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ)
MONETA, Va. , Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The attorneys for Scott Smith ( Bill Stanley of the Stanley Law Group and Mike Joynes of Joynes and Gaidies), the father of the Stone Bridge High School student who was sexually assaulted in the girls' restroom (by a boy claiming to be "gender fluid"), and who was subsequently charged with obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct after Mr. Smith attended a Loudoun County School Board meeting on June 22, 2021 , today responded to the announcement by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin granting Mr. Smith an "absolute and unconditional pardon" of him from the remaining charge of disorderly conduct, declaring him to be "factually innocent" of all charges. Scott Smith also responded to the actions of the Governor of the Commonwealth.

After being charged with the aforementioned criminal offenses, Scott Smith was convicted of the charges in the Loudoun County General District Court, and promptly appealed his convictions to the Loudoun County Circuit Court and retained Sen. Bill Stanley and Mike Joynes to represent him in his appeal. In pre-trial hearings, Smith's attorneys were successful both in having the Court dismiss the Obstruction of Justice charge and having the Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney, Buta Biberaj recused from further prosecution of Mr. Smith due to her evident bias against him and other parents who challenged the transgender policies enacted by the Loudoun County School Board. The trial on the remaining count of "disorderly conduct" was set to be heard before a jury on September 25th .

Smith's Attorneys Bill Stanley and Mike Joynes stated: "Today, the Governor declared by his absolute pardon what we already knew  that Scott Smith is an innocent man who was wrongfully and unjustly arrested & charged. Because Scott dared to stand up for his daughter, and courageously stood up for all parents of children in the public school system, he was attacked by those who pushed radical school policies over the protection of students, he was vilified by the media, and he was outrageously branded a "domestic terrorist" by those who believed that parents should not have a say in the education of their children. While we did not seek a pardon from Governor Youngkin, and while we were very confident that we would have been able to prove that Scott Smith was innocent of the criminal charges placed against him if the matter had gone to trial, we are nevertheless grateful that the Governor also recognized the wrong done to Scott Smith by the judicial system, and that he has now taken this bold action to right that wrong by this pardon. His declaration that Scott Smith was "factually innocent" of the charges is vindication for Scott Smith , his family, and for all parents who stand up against the government's attempt to enact a radical agenda that is obsessed on teaching their children "what to think," rather than focusing on teaching children the critical lessons they need to learn in order to be successful later in life. We are proud of Scott Smith for standing up to the government's overreach, and believe that this is the right and proper result for Scott and his family.

Regarding the charges against him related to events at the June 22 Loudoun County School Board meeting, Scott Smith , father of the assaulted girl, had previously commented: "As a concerned parent whose daughter's assault was the result of these radical gender policies, I attended the June 22, 2021 , School Board meeting. I did not intend to speak and did not sign up to speak at the meeting, but I was very concerned about what the School Board was considering, especially as it pertains to the safety of not only my daughter, but also the children of other parents as well. When the School Board abruptly ended the meeting, I was confronted and taunted by activists supporting the School Board's bathroom policy. Despite being subjected to this unprovoked confrontation and threats made against me and my family, I was unreasonably restrained by law enforcement, completely violating my constitutional rights.

Today, after the issuance of the pardon by Governor Youngkin, Scott Smith made the following statement: "What happened to my daughter was a horrible, but preventable tragedy that she will have to deal with for the rest of her life. And the way the public school system, the School Board, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and SRO Department, and the Commonwealth Attorney's Office handled this situation was abhorrent and completely unacceptable. My family has been living a nightmare that no family in America should have to endure. But rather than sit quietly and take it, I decided to stand up against the government  and for that I was branded a "domestic terrorist" and charged with crimes that I did not commit. I want to thank Governor Youngkin for his declaration that I am innocent, and for his absolute and unconditional pardon. While I was extremely confident in my lawyers' abilities to defend me in court, I am grateful that the Governor recognizes that our justice system has been both weaponized and politicized to the point where my ability to receive a fair trial was in jeopardy. And while this pardon closes one chapter in this ongoing battle, a new chapter has now begun. I will continue to fight for parents and their children who are affected by these misguided and dangerous school policies. My family intends to pursue legal action in the federal courts to hold the Loudoun County public school system accountable for putting its own interests above the safety of both my daughter the families and communities that it was supposed to serve, and I also intend to pursue other legal remedies in order to hold those elected county officials who pursued this malicious prosecution of me accountable for their malfeasance. And, let me be clear. I am not a 'domestic terrorist,' I am just a father who will go to the ends of the earth to protect his daughter. I will not ever give up in that endeavor until my family is both protected and fully vindicated."

For media inquiries or to learn more about The Stanley Law Group's services, please contact:

Colin P. Hendrickson

Public Relations/Marketing

The Stanley Law Group

O: 540/721-6028 ext. 1001

[email protected]

www.vastanleylawgroup.com

About The Stanley Law Group:

The Stanley Law Group is a distinguished Franklin County based law firm known for its comprehensive legal solutions and client-centered approach. With a team of highly skilled and dedicated attorneys, the firm provides expert counsel across a wide range of legal areas, consistently delivering exceptional results for its clients.

Contact: William Stanley Esq .

Phone: (540) 721-6028

Email: [email protected]

To Contact Scott Smith

Email: [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-smith-the-father-of-student-attacked-at-a-loudoun-county-high-school-who-was-criminally-charged-after-attending-school-board-meeting-gives-statement-on-governor-youngkins-pardon-301922718.html

SOURCE The Stanley Law Group
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia , Sept. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tanmiah Food Company (TADAWUL: 2281, "Tanmiah" or "The Company") is pleased to announce the signing of the shareholder agreement between its fully owned subsidiary, Desert Hills Veterinary Services Company Limited (DHV) with MHP SE (LSE: MHPC, 'MHP'), the leading international food & agrotech group. This partnership is set to significantly boost food security and self-sufficiency in poultry products in Saudi Arabia .

The signing ceremony was held in Jeddah on 7 September 2023 and was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Tanmiah, His Excellency Sheikh Amr Al-Dabbagh , along with the board members and executive leadership, Saudi Government officials representing ministries, authorities, funds, and centers of excellence and the Ambassador of Ukraine , His Excellency Mr. Anatolii Petrenko . Executive Chair of MHP SE, Dr John Rich , and MENA Managing Director of MHP, Eugene Levterov , represented the Board and MHP at the ceremony.

Building on the foundation laid by the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year, this partnership will see DHV and MHP SE join forces to invest more than SAR 200 million in farming operations with the capacity of more than 1 million parent stock expected to produce approximately 175 million hatching eggs annually, a state-of-the-art hatchery and a poultry feed mill. DHV will hold a 55% stake, while MHP will have a 45% stake in the joint venture.

Zulfiqar Hamadani , CEO of Tanmiah Food Company, remarked, "Our collaboration with MHP signifies more than just a partnership; it represents our commitment to strengthen Saudi Arabia's food security framework. Utilizing our local knowledge combined with global best practices, our portfolio of best-in-class products, services, and solutions demonstrates our commitment to our customers, partners, and the broader objectives of Vision 2030."

Dr John Rich , Executive Chairman of MHP SE, stated, "Deepening our alliance with Tanmiah is a strategic pivot in MHP's global outreach. This partnership is emblematic of our shared vision to integrate international expertise with local insights, ensuring that Saudi Arabia's food security targets are met. Our collective strengths will catalyze transformative advancements in the poultry sector, fostering innovation and setting new benchmarks for excellence. The formation of this joint venture is an important first step. We are committed to a long-term, fruitful relationship that will benefit our organizations, the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region. We will continue pursuing strategic opportunities in the region, seeking to capitalize on our expertise. "

Ahmed Bin Sharaf Osilan, Executive Board Member and Managing Director of Tanmiah Food Company, commented: "Our partnership with MHP is a strategic step to delivering sustainable value to our stakeholders and making significant strides towards Vision 2030. As we are working towards boosting food security and self-reliance in Saudi Arabia , we are building facilities that are critical in the entire poultry ecosystem in Saudi Arabia , increasing non-oil GDP private sector contribution, local employment opportunities, and knowledge transfer."

The signing of the shareholder agreement is a decisive step in establishing the joint venture company after the necessary approvals, including clearance from the General Authority for Competition of Saudi Arabia and other relevant jurisdictions, are secured.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2206282/Tanmiah_sign.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tanmiah-food-company-and-mhp-se-invests-in-poultry-value-chain-to-enhance-food-security-in-saudi-arabia-301922703.html

SOURCE Tanmiah Food Company
By Brenda Goh

SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China's Alibaba Group on Sunday announced that Daniel Zhang will step down from its cloud business, in a surprise move just two months after the company said he would leave his roles as group CEO and chairman to focus on the cloud unit.

Zhang had previously been concurrently serving in three roles, heading the group as well as the cloud intelligence unit. The unit is China's largest cloud provider and is set to be spun off from Alibaba as part of the group's restructuring.

The company announced his decision to depart the unit in an internal letter to staff seen by Reuters. Zhang had been scheduled to hand over the role of group CEO to Eddie Wu on Sunday and the letter said Wu will also take charge of the cloud business after Zhang's departure.

"The board of our company expresses its deepest appreciation to Mr Zhang for his contributions to Alibaba Group over the past 16 years," Alibaba said in a statement that simply announced that Wu would succeed Zhang in his roles at the cloud unit.

The company did not immediately respond to a request to make Zhang available for comment.

The cloud business is a major part of a restructuring the Chinese e-commerce giant announced in March that breaks the company up into six units, each with its own boards and CEOs.

Alibaba said in May it aimed to complete the public listing of its cloud unit within the next 12 months. On Sunday, the company said it would continue to execute the spin-off plan under a separate, to be appointed management team.

Analysts have estimated the cloud unit to be worth $41 billion to $60 billion, but have said the reams of data it oversees could put it in the crosshairs of regulators at home and abroad.

"Daniel has expressed his wish to transition away from his role as chairman and CEO of Cloud Intelligence Group," the company said in the letter that was signed by Joseph Tsai, an Alibaba co-founder who also took over the chairman role from Zhang as planned on Sunday.

"Following careful consideration, the Alibaba board respected and accepted Daniel's decision and appointed Eddie as acting chairman and CEO of Cloud Intelligence Group, effectively immediately."

Zhang will continue to contribute to Alibaba by "channeling his expertise differently," the letter added, saying that Alibaba will invest $1 billion in a technology fund that Zhang would establish. The company has also gave Zhang an "emeritus" title, a first in its history.

"The fund will support Alibaba's strategy of investing for future growth and continuing to develop our technology ecosystem."

Zhang took over as head of Alibaba's cloud unit in December after it suffered an outage that it described as its "longest major-scale failure" for over a decade.

A former accountant, Zhang joined Alibaba in 2007 and is known for being the architect behind the company's annual flagship "Singles Day" shopping festival. He was appointed CEO in 2015 and took on the chairmanship in 2019, succeeding both roles from Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma.

His final years as head of the group saw him manage the tech giant through a tumultuous two years that saw Alibaba heavily targeted by increased regulatory scrutiny.

(Reporting by Brenda Goh; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Sharon Singleton)
By Krishn Kaushik and Aftab Ahmed

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Any initiative to revive the Black Sea grain deal that isolates Russia is not likely to be sustainable, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said in a press briefing after the conclusion of the G20 summit in New Delhi on Sunday.

Russia quit the deal in July, a year after it was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, complaining that its own food and fertiliser exports faced obstacles and insufficient Ukrainian grain was going to countries in need.

Russia, Ukraine and Turkey are going to continue to discuss the grain deal, Erdogan added.

Russia is willing to send free grain to poorer countries, which Turkey favours, he told reporters, adding that Qatar had also agreed

Erdogan said he was not "hopeless" about reviving the grain deal.

The Turkish president also held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the sidelines of the G20 summit regarding efforts to revive the deal, two sources with knowledge of the matter said, without giving further details.

(Reporting by Krishn Kaushik and Aftab Ahmed, Writing by Swati Bhat; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is no fan of unions, but at the moment he might be quietly cheering on Shawn Fain. The United Auto Workers leader shows no signs of backing down from Detroits Big 3 automakers as he pushes "audacious" contract demands. If no deal is struck, about 146,000 UAW workers will likely go on strike on Friday.

That would help Tesla at a time when traditional automakers are pushing more aggressively into electric vehicles.

"If a strike happens then ultimately production and the EV roadmap could be pushed out into 2024 and delays would be on the horizon at this crucial period for GM, Ford, and Stellantis," Wedbush analyst Dan Ives wrote in a research note. Tesla is well situated to benefit from any work stoppage at its rivals, he added.

I think this is going to be the most severe and the most dramatic strike in 50 years, Erik Gordon, a business professor at the University of Michigan, told WNEM. Barclays analyst Dan Levy, meanwhile, called a strike highly likely.

In addition to slowing down the Detroit automakers, a strike would hurt their bottom lines. One against GM, Ford, and Stellantis lasting 10 days would cost them nearly a billion dollars, according to the Anderson Economic Group.

While the Detroit automakers had nearly 2 million vehicles on hand at the end of July, a work stoppage of three weeks or more would quickly drain the excess supply, raising vehicle prices and pushing more sales to non-union brands, analyst Sam Fiorani told the Associated Press.

One of those brands, of course, is Tesla.

Musk has taken a tough stance against organized labor. Tesla workers earn about $45 an hour in wages and benefits, whereas UAW-represented employees at the Detroit Three make about $64 to $67 an hour, according to Reuters. The gap gives Tesla a competitive advantage, as do various manufacturing strategies and not having to share profits with dealers.

In March, a three-judge panel ruled that Musk had unlawfully threatened workers with the loss of stock options if they chose to be represented by a union. In July, a federal appeals court said it would reconsider the ruling.

Story continues

At the heart of the matter was a 2018 tweet in which Musk wrote: Nothing stopping Tesla team at our car plant from voting union. Could do so tmrw if they wanted. But why pay union dues and give up stock options for nothing? Our safety record is 2X better than when plant was UAW & everybody already gets healthcare.

In February, workers at a Tesla factory in Buffalo were fired shortly after launching union organizing efforts. Workers United said the terminations were an illegal form of retaliation. Tesla denied this, writing on its blog it had decided to fire the workers beforehand over poor performance.

Tesla has pressured other automakers this year with dramatic price cuts, often angering its own customers who bought vehicles at higher prices weeks or days before the cutsor who were about to sell a used Tesla that suddenly lost value.

Also worrying Detroits big automakers are EV rivals emerging in China and exporting to Europe and elsewherethough not yet to America. The Chinese are going to be the powerhouse, Ford CEO Jim Farley said at a finance event in May.

Ford executive chairman Bill Ford Jr. added in June, They are not here, but they will come here...and we need to be ready.

Tesla might be more ready than its Detroit rivalsand no strike looms on its horizon.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

More from Fortune:

5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per yearall while working from home

Want more for your money? These 14 savings accounts have rates of 5% APY (and higher)

Buying a house? Here's how much to save

This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home


Raymond Ndong Sima, a former opposition leader, walks after being appointed as prime minister of its transitional government by Gabon's ruling junta, which seized power in a coup, at the presidential palace in Libreville, Gabon September 7, 2023. REUTERS/

(Reuters) - A 24-month transition to elections in Gabon would be "reasonable" after last month's coup, junta-appointed Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima was quoted as saying by French news agency AFP on Sunday.

Army officers seized power on Aug. 30, annulling an election minutes after an announcement that President Ali Bongo had won, which they said was not credible. Bongo, in power since 2009, had succeeded his father Omar Bongo, who ruled for 42 years.

The junta has promised to oversee free and fair elections, but has not given a timetable for organising them.

In the first comments on a possible length of this transition, Ndong Sima told AFP: "It is good to start with a reasonable goal by saying: 'We hope to see the process completed within 24 months so that we can return to elections.'"

(Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Peter Graff)
French President Emmanuel Macron attends a press conference, on the second day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, September 10, 2023. REUTERS/Amit Dave

By Michel Rose

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that the G20, which was founded to solve international economic rather than political issues, was not necessarily the place to expect diplomatic progress on the war in Ukraine.

But he added that G20 leaders' declaration at its weekend meeting was not a diplomatic victory for Russia, which emerged isolated from the summit.

The declaration, adopted on Saturday, avoided condemning Russia for the conflict in Ukraine but highlighted the human suffering the violence had caused, and called on all states to not use force to grab territory.

"This G20 confirms once again the isolation of Russia. Today, an overwhelming majority of G20 members condemn the war in Ukraine and its impact," Macron told a press conference after the closing ceremony of the summit.

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions, and caused economic turmoil across the world.

Moscow, however, terms the action a "special military operation" and denies committing any atrocities.

Russia President Vladimir Putin did not attend the two-day G20 summit in New Delhi, sending Finance Minister Sergei Lavrov to take part in the gathering instead.

Lavrov, at a media briefing earlier on Sunday, said that Russia managed to ensure the agenda of the G20 summit in New Delhi was not overshadowed by the Ukraine conflict, and termed the gathering a "success".

Ukraine said on Saturday the declaration was "nothing to be proud of."

(Reporting by Michel Rose, Writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Kim Coghill)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a celebration event marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the country, which falls on September 9, in North Korea, in this picture released on September 10, 2023. KCNA via REUTERS

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a photo session with participants celebrating the 75th anniversary of the country's founding but stayed away from other events amid reports that he would soon leave for a trip to Russia.

Celebrations on Saturday were packed with dedications of floral baskets to past leaders, banquets, concerts for a visiting Chinese delegation, and a performance by Russian army song and dance ensemble, KCNA news agency reported on Sunday.

KCNA made no mention of Kim other than attending a photo session at the courtyard of the mausoleum that houses the bodies of his father and grandfather, as he praised the people "who put state affairs above their family affairs in good or bad days".

"The patriots are the best assets representing the very might of the country ... as the Workers' Party of Korea is ushering in the era of great transformation unprecedented in the history of the country by relying on such people," he said.

Kim was expected to travel to Russia's far-eastern city of Vladivostok to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss weapons supplies and other military cooperation, likely on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to start on Sunday.

North Korea's state media have been silent about the trip, first reported by the New York Times citing U.S. officials, which South Korea's intelligence agency said was possible. The Kremlin said it had "nothing to say" on the matter.

If he makes the trip, probably by his armoured train, it would be just the second visit to Russia for Kim as he looks to forge deeper ties with an increasingly isolated Moscow when Pyongyang can reap clear benefits from Putin's need for friends.

North Korea and Russia have denied they were in arms negotiations but the United States last week said such talks are actively advancing and warned it would be a mistake for Kim to supply weapons that Putin can use in Ukraine.

North Korea in turn may be looking to fill shortfalls in military resources such as in its development of nuclear weapons that can be delivered by ballistic missiles and nuclear submarines, analysts have said.

North Korea last week launched with great fanfare and attended by Kim what it called its first "tactical nuclear attack submarine," a vessel that appeared to be a modified Soviet-era submarine with 10 launch tube hatches.

South Korea's military said the submarine did not appear ready for normal operations, and that there were signs North Korea was attempting to fabricate or exaggerate its capabilities.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Michael Perry)
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for the SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 mission lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Stations Space Launch Complex 41 on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (United Launch Alliance)

(Tribune News Service)  United Launch Alliance managed what was only its second launch of the year, sending up an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday morning.

The rocket featuring its most powerful configuration with five solid rocket boosters lifted off at 8:47 a.m. from Canaverals Space Launch Complex 41 on a mission for the National Reconnaissance Office and Space Force called SILENTBARKER/NROL-107.

ULAs lone rocket launch in 2023 had been a Delta IV Heavy back in June. Meanwhile, SpaceX with its latest Starlink launch from neighboring SLC 40 on Friday night has managed 63 orbital missions across all its launch complexes including California.

For the Space Coast, the Atlas V launch marked the 48th of the year with all but three coming from SpaceX. Aside from the two now from ULA, Relativity Space managed a launch of its 3D-printed Terran 1 rocket in March. With more than three months to go in the year, the Space Coast is on track to surpass its record 57 launches seen in 2022.

SILENTBARKERs classified mission, which includes multiple payloads, has a primary goal of placing watchdog satellites in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) so that we can understand the intentions of other countries to see what theyre doing in the GEO belts and see if theres any indications of threats or if its just normal operations, said Chris Scolese, director of the NRO on a media call last week. That capability will just allow us to have increased understanding of whats going on there.

The five boosters that combined with the first-stage produce 2.1 million pounds of thrust on liftoff burned for about 90 seconds and fell away from the first stage that continued until the payload fairing was jettisoned about 3 1/2 minutes into flight. More than 66,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen were placed into the rockets first stage and Centaur upper stage.

Centaur, powered by a version of the workhorse Aerojet Rocketdyne RL-10 engine, will take its national security payloads to their destination about 24,000 miles away.

This is the 13th time Atlas V has flown with the five boosters since its debut in 2006, which have included NASAs Juno and New Horizons missions. Its the 98th Atlas V launch overall and 18th and final launch for the NRO.

ULA has just one Delta IV Heavy left to launch slated for liftoff next year and 18 more Atlas V rockets left including seven designated for the Boeing CST-100 Starliner, nine for the Amazon Project Kuiper satellite constellation and two others, all of which are sold.

The replacement for its Atlas V and Delta IV rockets is the new Vulcan Centaur, which could launch before the end of the year, but has faced a series of delays.

ULAs next launch is slated for as early as Sept. 26 with the first of Amazons nine Atlas V missions aiming to put two test satellites into orbit and pave the way for the remaining Atlas V and several dozen Vulcan launches as well as launches on Arianespaces in-development Ariana VI and Blue Origins in-development New Glenn to stick 3,236 satellites into orbit and compete with the likes of SpaceXs Starlink and other satellite internet providers.

Atlas Vs last launch before Sunday had been from California in December 2022, and its last Space Coast launch had been in November 2022.

Its next Atlas V launch for Starliner, which last flew on an uncrewed mission to the International Space Station in May 2022, wont be until at least March 2024 as Boeing fixes issues it found that delayed what would have been its first crewed flight to the ISS earlier this year.

Sundays launch marked ULAs 157th mission since 2006.

2023 Orlando Sentinel.

Visit orlandosentinel.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
NEW YORK (Reuters)  Arm, the chip designer owned by SoftBank Group Corp (9984.T) (SFTBY), is getting close to securing enough investor support to attain the fully diluted valuation of $54.5 billion it was seeking in its initial public offering (IPO) at the top of its indicated range, and is considering asking investors to value it higher, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

Following strong demand from investors, Arm will likely be able to price the IPO at the top or above its $47-to-$51-per-share range when its underwriters close their books on Wednesday on the biggest U.S. stock market debut in two years, the sources said.

Arm is discussing the possibility of raising the price range and seeking a valuation of more than $54.5 billion, in light of the IPO's oversubscription, the sources said. Alternatively, Arm is also considering keeping the price range as is and pricing the IPO above it on Wednesday, which would also lead to a valuation higher than $54.5 billion, the sources added.

Arm will not, however, offer more shares, given that SoftBank wants to retain a 90.6% stake in Arm following the approximately $5 billion IPO, as originally planned, the sources said.

A decision on whether to raise the price range will come in the next two days after some key orders from investors come in on Monday, according to one of the sources.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential deliberations, cautioned that some anticipated investor commitments had not been finalized and the trajectory of the orders could still change.

Arm logo

SoftBank and Arm did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The valuation that Arm has been seeking thus far represents a climb-down from the $64 billion valuation at which SoftBank last month acquired the 25% stake it did not already own in the company from the $100 billion Vision Fund it manages.

Yet even with this lower valuation, SoftBank would fare better than its $40 billion deal to sell Arm to Nvidia Corp, which it abandoned last year amid opposition from antitrust regulators.

Story continues

Arm has already signed up many of its major clients as cornerstone investors in its IPO, including Apple, Nvidia, Alphabet, Advanced Micro Devices, Intel and Samsung Electronics.

Arm launched its IPO marketing efforts last week, seeking to convince investors it has growth ahead of it, beyond the mobile phone market, which it dominates with a 99% share.

Weak mobile demand during a global economic slowdown has caused Arm's revenue to stagnate. Overall sales totaled $2.68 billion in the 12 months to the end of March, compared to $2.7 billion in the prior period.

Arm told potential investors in New York on Thursday that the cloud computing market, of which it has only a 10% share and therefore more room to expand, is expected to grow at an annual rate of 17% through 2025, partly thanks to advances in artificial intelligence. The automotive market, of which it commands 41%, is forecast to expand by 16%, compared with just 6% growth expected for the mobile market.

Arm also told investors its royalty fees, which account for most of its revenue, were accumulating since it started collecting them in the early 1990s. Royalty revenue came in at $1.68 billion at the latest fiscal year, up from $1.56 billion a year before.

An area of scrutiny for investors has been Arm's exposure to China, given geopolitical tensions with the United States that have led to a race to secure chip supplies. Sales in China contributed 24.5% of Arm's $2.68 billion revenue in fiscal 2023.

(Reporting by Echo Wang and Anirban Sen in New YorkEditing by Greg Roumeliotis and Diane Craft)
These demonstrators marched in the streets for months, calling for justice for George Floyd and an end to racism and police brutality. Then in late 2020, the Proud Boys arrived, roaming downtown D.C. looking to fight.

The mostly white men dressed in body armor and helmets, carrying bear spray, brass knuckles, guns and other weapons. Arriving from around the country, they wore black and yellow and logos proudly declaring their affiliation with a far-right group with a history of violence.

Weeks later, on Jan. 6, 2021, members of the Proud Boys were a driving force in the rioting at the U.S. Capitol. Dozens of people who prosecutors say are affiliated with the group have been found guilty of crimes in connection with the attack. Four leaders of the Proud Boys  Henry Enrique Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joe Biggs and Zachary Rehl  have now been convicted of engaging in seditious conspiracy to keep Donald Trump in power by force and sentenced to between 15 and 22 years in prison.

Members of the Proud Boys attend a pro-Trump rally in Washington on Dec. 12, 2020. (Evelyn Hockstein for The Washington Post)

All four men marched on D.C. streets in the weeks before the insurrection. Only Tarrio was convicted of a crime related to those 2020 protests, for burning a Black Lives Matter banner ripped from the facade of a historic Black church. But federal prosecutors argued that having successfully ravaged the streets of D.C. with violence in the fall emboldened the Proud Boys to use force on Jan. 6.

Several demonstrators who encountered Proud Boys members in the weeks before the attack on the Capitol said they are still contending with the impact. Some who oppose incarceration said they are conflicted about the lengths of the sentences the Proud Boys leaders received. Here are their stories from the street brawls in the months leading up to the insurrection.

Afeni Evans

She realized they were surrounded.

Five men in black and yellow clothing walked toward her group of eight, yelling at one of them. Soon, Evans saw at least two dozen more men approaching.

Evans and her fellow racial justice protesters had read the discussions in right-wing chatrooms ahead of pro-Trump rallies in the District: People were claiming violence was patriotic, invoking the American Revolution and calling for a civil war. She saw them openly share how they armed themselves with bear spray and weapons.

On this December night in 2020, after a long day of counterprotesting Trump supporters and protecting the Black Lives Matter Memorial Fence outside the White House, Evans, then 23 years old, was just trying to get home. She had only a helmet for protection. Evans, a 5-1 Black woman, feared for her life.

Afeni Evans at Black Lives Matter Plaza in D.C. in 2021. MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Marvin Joseph ()

The men began to hit her in the back of her helmet, she said. Her ears were ringing. They shoved her. She focused on staying close to the friend by her side. Another racial justice protester was punched in the face. She doesnt remember what exactly the men said but recalls a lot of yelling.

When police arrived at 11:49 p.m. on the 1500 block of K Street NW, they saw a street brawl and attempted to separate the two sides, according to court records. Records show authorities alleged Evans swung her right fist at one of the other men, who was ultimately arrested, and tried to pull officers off another man as police tried to arrest him. Evans said she did not assault anyone.

Police also arrested Evans, and prosecutors charged her with simple assault and resisting arrest. Court records show charges against Evans were dropped after she completed a diversion program.

We were really genuinely scared that we were going to lose our lives that day, said Evans, who lives in the D.C. region. We spent the night in jail for being attacked  for basically being jumped by these people and defending ourselves against them.

Her feelings about the Proud Boys leaders sentencings are complicated.

Evans is an abolitionist  someone who believes prisons should not exist. For that reason, its tough for her to be happy about anyone being incarcerated, even a Proud Boy leader like Tarrio.

I think about the violence and brutality people are exposed to when they are incarcerated, especially for that long, she said of Tarrios 22-year sentence. Not to say he shouldnt be held accountable, because he should be. They all should. But incarceration is brutal.

She thinks true justice would include Americans being honest about the countrys history, atoning for it and working toward eradicating white supremacy. I dont think the ideology that fuels them is going away anytime soon, she said.

Kevin Cramer Jr. leads a chant during a protest march near the Supreme Court in June 2022. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post)

Kevin Cramer Jr.

Every time the Proud Boys came to the District, local organizer Kevin Cramer Jr. said, they came looking for a fight.

One night in late 2020, they surrounded hundreds of racial justice protesters, including Cramer, at Black Lives Matter Plaza with D.C. police standing between the groups.

Although Cramer, who is Black, was never physically assaulted by the Proud Boys, he was terrified by stories he heard from friends and fellow protesters. Violence was so commonplace, he said, that protesters pooled money to pay for hotel rooms near Black Lives Matter Plaza so people would not have to walk home alone at night.

Seeing the Proud Boys in D.C. solidified Cramers determination to fight for racial justice and Black liberation. He co-founded the Palm Collective, a group focused on ending systemic racism, and continues to organize in the D.C. region.

These people didnt care about anybodys life. ... They came here to attack people, Cramer, a 28-year-old Arlington resident, said of the Proud Boys. It was just, you know, wickedness at an all-time high.

He blames D.C. police for allowing these men to menace the city, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

Who allows them to come here three times? Cramer said. Its the police that were working with them, that were allowing them to roam and take over our streets.

In response to these allegations, Paris Lewbel, a D.C. police spokesman, said in a statement that in a challenging and volatile environment, where various groups clashed police went to great lengths to maintain peace and order. Several officers were injured when responding to Proud Boys-related events in 2020, Lewbel said.

D.C. police lieutenant Shane Lamond, a 24-year veteran of the force who was then the departments head of intelligence, was arrested in May on allegations that he leaked information to Tarrio. Lamond pleaded not guilty; his attorney has said Lamond engaged with Tarrio only as part of his work monitoring extremist groups.

About 140 Capitol Police and D.C. officers were injured on Jan. 6, 2021, and authorities have charged about 400 people with assaulting those officers.

Cramer said the Proud Boys leaders sentences do not match the severity of their crimes. He believes they would have been more harshly punished if the rioters and their leaders were all people of color.

It didnt send a message that you threatened the freedom of our country, Cramer said of the sentences. If people were on the Capitol with hijabs, America would have a field day.

Although Cramer has no faith in the criminal justice system, he concedes it is the only tool currently available to hold the Proud Boys accountable. To him, locking them away isnt necessarily justice, but it is a move toward equity: Whats happening to them is the same thing that happens to everybody else in America.

Nee Nee Taylor, co-founder and executive director of Harriets Wildest Dreams, an abolitionist group in the D.C. region. (Astrid Riecken for The Washington Post)

Nee Nee Taylor

Nee Nee Taylor remembers talking with Tarrio at the Black Lives Matter Memorial Fence in late 2020 about his leadership position in the Proud Boys and his identity as an Afro-Cuban man.

Taylor, a longtime D.C. organizer, pointed out the photos dotting the fence of those killed by police, a majority of whom were Black men. He wasnt moved, she said.

He basically said, like, the fence was a joke and encouraged people to tear up the fence, Taylor said. She then recalled him arguing that the Proud Boys could not be a racist organization because he is Black.

When the Proud Boys marched in November and December of 2020, Taylor said, they threw plastic water bottles at crowds of racial justice protesters, including her, and yelled racial slurs. She feared for the young activists in the movement for Black lives, who, she said, were targeted with bear spray. She said she sought to deter hotels from allowing Proud Boys to stay on their premises in a dont host hate campaign. On Jan. 6, 2021, she said, she urged Black people to stay home.

After the insurrection, Taylor helped found Harriets Wildest Dreams, a Black-led mutual aid and community defense organization. She views Tarrios sentencing  the longest sentence yet  as an example of disparities in the criminal justice system. If Tarrio, who was not at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, had been a white man, Taylor believes his sentence would be more in line with those of others convicted of similar crimes.

Still, Taylor said justice is not locking someone in a cell. Instead, she said, it is reparations for the people who were physically and emotionally harmed and a condition that these men are never allowed back into the District.

Taylor said she increased her visits to therapy with sessions focused on processing what happened when the Proud Boys came to the District.

They didnt see us as Americans. They didnt care that Black bodies, lives, were being taken, Taylor said. They didnt understand that we dont deserve to die.

Adam Lawrence

Adam Lawrence, a 38-year-old white anti-fascist activist from Frederick, Md., said he came to the District in fall 2020 to counterprotest the pro-Trump rally and show solidarity with D.C. residents. In November, his group left before dark and only heard about the violence that happened at night. In December, they encountered it much earlier in the day. Just as he was arriving in the city with a few fellow activists, he said they were ambushed; video shows a man punched Lawrence in the back of the head after muttering f---ing Jews.

A scuffle ensued in which Lawrence was pinned to the ground, banging his knee on the sidewalk. Video of the encounter shows the attackers were part of a group wearing Proud Boys colors.

Police arrived quickly and separated the two groups. But Lawrence said he was arrested and sent to jail for 48 hours before being released without charges. A police report listed one of the people Lawrence claims attacked him as the victim  a man Lawrence learned had been arrested in a racially motivated machete attack five years earlier. Lawrence said he filed a complaint with D.C. police, and when he met with them he shared video of the attack, but the men who assaulted him never faced charges. He said that he also warned police the Proud Boys and others were flagrantly broadcasting their intentions for Jan. 6 but that he got no reply.

The D.C. police spokesman said in a statement that the department could not find information related to Lawrences arrest or citizen complaint. A police report Lawrence provided to The Post does not include his name, but lists the other man as the victim of politically motivated violence.

Lawrence had intermittent pain in his knee for a year and struggled with acute stress from the assault. On the day of the Capitol riot, he stayed home from work, stuck to YouTube, watching the attack unfold.

The folks who are being held accountable are getting severe sentences, and that is encouraging, he said. Im not a fan of the prison-industrial complex. But if were going to put anybody in prison, it should be people who are trying to undermine democracy.

But he worries the same laws will be used to punish activists on the left just for being in the area of a protest. About a dozen states passed laws criminalizing various forms of protests after the summer of 2020, according to the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law. Lawrence added that the Proud Boys have not gone away by any stretch, noting that the group has been implicated in violence around LGBTQ+ events and school board meetings in the past two years.

There will be plenty of replacements for people like Enrique Tarrio, he said.

April Goggans

As the Proud Boys came from two different directions on Nov. 14, 2020, April Goggans said, D.C. police accidentally shepherded her and other racial justice protesters straight into the right-wing extremists. Goggans, an organizer with Black Lives Matter DC, said she was getting stepped on and tried to lock arms with protesters beside her for stability. Men were chanting USA! Someone sprayed mace toward her.

Goggans, a 44-year-old resident of the Districts Anacostia neighborhood, recognized the Proud Boys by their colors and logos.

The following month, as Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and other extremist white men with weapons poured into Black Lives Matter Plaza, Goggans took shelter in a room activists booked at a nearby hotel for safety. As a Black woman, these experiences were making her feel as if she were back home in rural Colorado, times 30.

She knew of only one other Black family in her hometown. When, as a middle-schooler, she went to the county fair with her family to show their animals  llamas, sheep, hogs and rabbits  white men wearing camouflage net hats and cowboy boots called them the n-word.

She moved to the District in 2006 to be in a city with more Black people  so she could just exist without feeling under attack.

Upon hearing of the leaders sentencings, Goggans said that locking someone up is punishment but not justice.

More importantly, she said, this country needs to address the root cause of the violence that took place in late 2020 and on Jan. 6, 2021.

Just locking someone up, hiding that person until they can come out, Goggans said, it doesnt fix anything.

Tom Jackman and Spencer S. Hsu contributed to this report.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday distanced his party from his father, former president Asif Ali Zardari's statement backing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold polls after the delimitation of constituencies is completed.

Earlier in the day, PPP Co-chairman Zardari expressed full confidence in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), saying that fresh delimitation under the census 2023 was mandatory.

However, the PPP after a central executive committee (CEC) meeting on August 25 demanded that polls be held within 90 days as obliged by the Constitution.

During a press conference in Badin, PPP chairman Bilawal was asked about the difference in his and Zardari's stance on elections.

At this, Bilawal told the reporter to ask Zardari about what he meant with his statement.

He recalled the PPP's CEC meeting, headed by him and the former president, where the forum considered both opinions regarding the time of elections and all the party's legal experts told the meeting that the Constitution makes it clear that elections have to be conducted within 90 days of the dissolution of assemblies.

I am bound to [follow] President Zardari on our family matters but as far as political matters, Constitution and party policy are concerned, Im bound to [follow] my workers and my partys central executive committees decisions, said Bilawal while taking to the media in Badin.

Today, Zardari came to the defence of the ECP, asserting that a fresh delimitation exercise has become obligatory following the notification of the new census.

Zardari's statement, conveyed by the PPP through its social media accounts, emphasised the electoral authority's mandate to conduct elections in accordance with the Constitution.

Zardari's statement followed calls from various PPP leaders, including party chairman Bilawal, urging the ECP to announce the date for general polls and adhere to the constitutional requirement of holding elections within 90 days.

The party reiterated these demands during its delegation's consultative meeting with members of the ECP.
Sources said the aging criminal is likely to have made the visit home to say goodbye to family and friends ahead of his trial

Armstrong shared pics of himself during June and July

John Gilligans co-conspirator Fat Tony Armstrong spent a month in Ireland over the summer - visiting with family and friends in the expectation he was facing a lengthy jail sentence in Spain for drug trafficking.

A social media account run by the 53-year-old  who was handed an 18-month sentence on Monday over Gilligans failed plot to smuggling cannabis and sleeping pills from Spain to Ireland in parcels of toys and flip-flops  shows he visited Dublin and Belfast in June and July.

Sources said the aging criminal is likely to have made the visit home to say goodbye to family and friends ahead of his trial for offences that carried a maximum sentence of six years and eight months in prison.

These lads, Gilligan, Armstrong and the rest of them, would have been expecting some kind of a jail sentence prior to the plea deal being agreed, a source told the Sunday World.

But as weve seen in the past, although police in Spain are highly effective at dismantling criminal operations, the courts there simply dont seem too inclined to impose heavy sentences on Irish criminals.

The cost of incarcerating individuals for a lengthy period of time may be a factor.

Quite often in these cases, plea deals are offered and taken up by criminals like Gilligan and his associates.

Saying that, Im sure their lawyers did very well for their clients in this.

Tony Armstrong posted this photo on social media

A 22-month suspended sentence and a 14,000 fine for Gilligan as opposed to a possible eight years behind bars is the equivalent of winning the lotto for him.

Theres no doubt hed have had the book thrown at him if hed committed the offences at home in Ireland.

As for the lesser lights in this, Armstrong included, we can only speculate that their pleas were part of the deal that ensured all eight, including Gilligan, would avoid going to prison.

According to Armstrongs social media account, he visited Ireland in June and July of this year.

Gilligans arrest

In comments below a photo he posted on July 22nd, showing him posing with his arm around an unnamed associate, Armstrong told a well-wisher: Ive been in Ireland over a week now.

A relative then counters: Youve been here a month, - before asking Armstrong what he made of Dublin?

Id allegedly get lost, Armstrong joked  in an apparent reference to his lengthy exile in Spain.

Armstrong left Ireland after becoming a suspect in bank raid here more than 20 years ago before setting himself up in the restaurant trade in Torrevieja.

He named his diner Fat Tonys, became something of a minor celebrity on Alicantes social scene, and distributed lighters and cards with the "Fat Tony" logo all across the Costa Blanca town.

The restaurant was located near the Judges Chambers pub which was owned by Geraldine Gilligan.

John Gilligan at court in Torrevieja

After the business failed, Armstrong moved into the transport business.

The 53-year-old hit the headlines again in 2006 when he was arrested by Spanish police following the discovery of the remains of Westies thugs Stephen Coates and Shane Suggs.

He was held in prison on remand for 10 months before securing his release.

No charges were ever filed against him in connection with the killings.

Armstrong, who is originally from Rathvilly Drive in Finglas, remains in contact with at least one former criminal associate in Ireland.

His friends on his social media account include gangland criminal Wayne Bradley.

Bradley was released from prison in 2016 after serving a sentence for conspiring to steal nearly 1 million from a cash in transit van during a raid organised by murdered gang boss Eamonn The Don Dunne.

Other pictures posted by Armstrong on his social media account over the summer show the modest circumstances in which he now resides in Spain.

One image shows the 53-year-old posing in a sleeveless T-shirt with family members while in another he is relaxing on a couch in his home.

Armstrong spoke only briefly when he appeared before the magistrate in the Palacio de Justicia in Torrevieja on Monday to acknowledge he was pleading guilty to charges arising from Gilligans botched smuggling operation.

The international investigation which led to the arrest of Gilligan, Armstrong and their co-conspirators began after police officers carried out surveillance on another Spanish-based drug gang earlier in 2020.

Armstrong shared pics of himself during June and July

Undercover officers secretly watched on as the mob held several meetings with Irish connections who were based in Alicante.

The surveillance operation led police officers to Gilligans doorstep and prompted authorities to launch Operation Godfather, which targeted the notorious criminal and involved gardai and the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA).

They then carried out electronic and physical surveillance on Gilligans crew and established that the gang was sending drugs to Ireland and the UK through the postal service hidden in boxes of kids clothes and toys.

An inspector involved in the investigation told Spanish news outlet La Verdad that the operation led them to believe that Gilligans operation was dedicated to the acquisition of drugs, mainly marijuana, from growers here in the region, to then send it to the United Kingdom through the post office, hidden between boxes of toys.

The drugs were also allegedly smuggled into Ireland via courier deliveries in boxes containing flip-flops and childrens towels.

Police intercepted four postal shipments containing four kilos of marijuana and 15,000 Zopiclone sleeping pills, known as zimmos, before moving in on Gilligan at his Torrevieja duplex in October 2020.

Armed police ordered Gilligan to the ground in the raid and reports at the time of his arrest said he soiled himself during the bust.

Asked to comment as he left the court on Monday, Armstrong declined to do so.
The United States and host India made the most of Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence from the Group of 20 meeting on Saturday in New Delhi, India. They promoted promoting US-led multilateral lending to counter China's infrastructure diplomacy, went on a charm offensive with developing nations and inserted some minimal language into the communique that indirectly condemned Chinese ally Russia over its Ukraine invasion.

The G20, which includes China and Russia and accounts for 85 per cent of global GDP, saw Russian President Vladimir Putin also miss the proceedings at a time when he is at risk of being arrested on war crimes charges.

While there's been "a lot of analysis about who is or isn't in Delhi for this summit and why or why not that may be, the United States is focused on the fact that President Biden is here and rolling up his sleeves with the other G20 countries and partners to produce real results," said Jon Finer, principal deputy national security adviser on Saturday in New Delhi. "It's incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain why a leader would or would not participate."

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

US President Joe Biden spoke later in the day of Xi's absence: "It would be nice to have him here but the summit is going well."

It was not immediate clear why Xi chose to give it a miss, but the Chinese delegation was led by Premier Li Qiang, who urged the group in a conciliatory speech to be inclusive and avoid confrontation.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with Biden at the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance at the G20 summit on Saturday in New Delhi, India. Photo: Reuters alt=Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with Biden at the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance at the G20 summit on Saturday in New Delhi, India. Photo: Reuters>

Story continues

On Saturday, the assembled leaders announced a memorandum of understanding to establish the "India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor", a multinational rail and ports deal linking the three regions. This comes as the Biden administration tries to counter Xi's massive signature Belt and Road Initiative by touting Washington as an alternative partner and investor for developing countries.

"This is a big deal. This is a real big deal," said Biden in announcing the pact, aimed at promoting clean energy and better communities. "As we work to address infrastructure gaps across low- and middle-income countries, we need to maximise the impacts of our investments."

The US added that reforms to the World Bank and other multilateral financing institutions could unlock up to US$200 billion in new lending capacity over the next decade, including a Biden administration pledge to request from Congress a US$25 billion contribution by Washington.

While the US has little hope of competing head to head with the BRI, it has touted its development aid, multilateral financing and the high standards it brings to projects. China's investment in its 148-country BRI was estimated at around US$70 billion in 2022 alone, with a similar amount spent in 2021.

G20 leaders also announced a range of other projects aimed at generating economic growth, including a partnership with the European Union and US to expand the Lobito Corridor, an African infrastructure project channelled through the Zambian port of Lobito, as well as other initiatives covering a range of sectors across different regions.

The Group of 20 economies stopped short of explicitly condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- an outcome that the US and many European members sought -- in a leaders' declaration released by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting divisions among member nations.

India, this year's G20 revolving president, has placed a premium on maintaining solid relations with Moscow, a long-standing source of its military weaponry.

But the fact that the group was able to produce even a watered-down declaration surprised some who expected that the political seams over Ukraine and other contentious issues would be too great to paper over.

Without mentioning Russia by name, the declaration said: "All states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state."

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, left, with Modi and Biden on Saturday. Photo: AP alt=Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, left, with Modi and Biden on Saturday. Photo: AP>

G20 leaders also failed to make much progress on a pledge to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, despite a UN report this week that called for a sharp lessening "indispensable" to achieving net-zero emissions. This year is expected to be the hottest in human history amid a string of disasters made worse by climate change.

Biden spent time in New Delhi meeting with other world leaders without having to compete for attention with Xi or Putin, even as host India - a key member along with Japan and Australia of the Quad grouping -- used its presidency to position itself as the voice of the "Global South", a status China has similarly vied for.

"The ongoing G20 summit in New Delhi is surely setting a stage by which India gets to assert its global prowess," said Farwa Aamer, director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute. "The absence of Xi and Putin should no longer overshadow the forum's potential," she added, citing the initiatives and stronger diplomatic ties it has engendered with developing countries.

To that end, the G20 formally added the 55-member state African Union to its ranks on Saturday. China is the continent's largest trading partner and one of its largest lenders, while Russia is its leading arms provider. The membership comes as Africa increasingly seeks investment and diplomatic ties with global powers beyond the US and its former European colonisers, which has set up a competition for influence.

In addition to G7 member countries Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US, plus the European Union, -- the G20 grouping comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey.

The summit ends Sunday, when Biden travels to Vietnam, which has experienced tension with China over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Agencies contributed reporting

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Amateur researcher uncovered case after finding evidence of a 110-year-old Laois man

This is the first picture of the pensioner charged over the alleged theft of more than 270,000 in benefit payments.

Our exclusive image shows 69-year-old Bergin leaving Portlaoise District Court on Thursday, where she was served with a book of evidence and sent forward to trial in the Circuit Court on 10 counts of alleged theft and five counts of alleged larceny.

An investigation into pension claims, allegedly made by Margaret Bergin, arose after an amateur gerontologist contacted Aras an Uachtarain to enquire about records showing a 110-year-old man was living in Laois.

Margaret Bergin

Detective Garda Peter Crosbie told the court the case began with the amateur gerontologist, who identifies the oldest people in the world, learning of a 110-year-old in Laois.

This male would be Irelands oldest man, he told the court. It is alleged that the researcher decided to contact the Aras as he had suspicions, Det Crosbie explained.

The Aras had a record of a man in Laois who was born on July 2, 1911.

They then contacted the Department of Social Protection, who visited the Fairfield House in Mountrath.

Applying for legal aid on behalf of his client, solicitor Philip Meagher told Judge Andrew Cody that Bergin, who is accused of claiming the payments on behalf of the deceased man between 1993 and 2022, has no savings and is in receipt of a State pension herself.

He added, that given the seriousness of the charges, legal aid for a second counsel was also being sought.

Mr Meagher said his clients home was jointly owned with her husband but clarified that it was just a home and not a farm of any kind.

Dressed in a pink cardigan, black pants and white slip-on shoes, Bergin sat at the rear of the courtroom with an elderly male and a younger associate before approaching the stand when her case was called. She did not speak while her case was being dealt with.

Judge Cody enquired of Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told Judge Cody that the amount alleged to have been stolen was 271,046.

It is a large sum, Judge Cody agreed before granting the legal aid request saying, it qualifies for a senior [counsel] in my view.

Judge Cody then issued Bergin with an alibi warning before remanding her on her own bond of 100 and sending her forward for trial before Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 24.

Bergin, of Fairfield House, Mountrath, had previously appeared before Portlaoise District Court on June 6 when Detective Garda Peter Crosbie outlined the nature of the case against her.

Bergin had been charged with 15 sample charges of theft and larceny relating to a sum of 271,046 of pension claims in the 29 years up to February 25, 2022, the court was told.

Gda Sgt JJ Kirby said the DPP had directed the matter be dealt with on indictment in a higher court.

Representing the accused, Suzanne Dooner BL objected to the evidence being heard in the District Court.

These are all alleged facts. I would ask for it not to be reported on, she said.

Judge Andrew Cody pointed out that the facts were only alleged and the accused was entitled to a presumption of innocence.

He refused to make an order preventing reporting before adjourning the matter to Thursdays hearing.
Shauna Kavanagh was convicted on Friday after attacking a woman at a homeless shelter

Protesters held a demonstration outside Dochas Womens Prison in Dublin on Saturday against a transgender inmate who attacked a woman at a homeless shelter.

Shauna Kavanagh was convicted on Friday after pleading guilty to assault causing harm to the woman at Novas Centre on Rathmines Road, Dublin in April last year.

Dublin District Court heard the 35-year-old hairdresser set upon the victim during a confrontation in the kitchen when the woman accused her of stealing an Easter egg.

Kavanagh also sat on the woman and repeatedly punched her in the head in the assault, leaving her terrified."

Judge Michele Finan gave the accused a three-month suspended sentence.

Shauna Kavanagh outside court previously

The court heard Kavanagh had 15 previous convictions including several for assault, as well as criminal damage and theft.

Kavanagh was previously detained at Limerick Womens Prison before going into custody at Mountjoys Dochas Centre.

Womens Space Ireland founder Jill Nesbitt said Kavanagh residing at the Dochas was in breach of UN regulations, quoting Rule 11 of the UN Mandela Rules which states that men and women shall so far as possible be detained in separate institutions.

Putting men in womens jails is one area which the Taoiseach would probably agree hasnt worked well, she told the Irish Mirror.

He said he doesnt believe violent males should be kept in womens jails.

Yesterday (Friday) we saw yet again that the safety and well-being of vulnerable women  homeless women and women prisoners  have been neglected in order to facilitate men who identify as women.

We havent heard one word yet from Government about how the rights and needs of women are to be protected.

Defence solicitor John Shanley told Dublin District Court last week that Kavanagh had another version of events but pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted she should not have acted in the manner she did.

Kavanagh was very young when her mother was killed, Mr Shanley said. The accused later became homeless.

She did courses in hairdressing, makeup and personal training and got full time work but never had stable accommodation until recently.

She was doing extremely well before she went into custody in Mountjoy's Dochas Centre.

The court heard the accused had also completed an anger management course in custody.
The arson attack was carried out on an innocent familys home to get at James Nellie Walsh

Four innocent people had a lucky escape from the house in the Balgaddy area of Dublin

Four innocent people had a lucky escape from the house in the Balgaddy area of Dublin

Gardai in west Dublin are bracing for a major escalation in the feud between gunman James Nellie Walsh and associates of jailed gangster Peader Keating  after it was confirmed an arson attack was carried out on an innocent familys home to get at Walsh.

The property in the Buirg an Ri cul-de-sac in Balgaddy was set ablaze at 1.30am on Friday, with four occupants inside.

Three members of the family managed to escape but a fourth, a woman in her 50s, had to be rescued by hero gardai after she became trapped in an upstairs bedroom.

James 'Nellie' Walsh

The attack on the property came just days after Walsh posted material on TikTok in which threats were made against Keating.

In the posts, Walsh shared an image of himself with the message: 30 bullets still alive, took six bullets and Im still here - are yous ready?

He posted an image of three men in balaclavas with the message where come for yous rats and another man in a car with the message bang.

He also branded Keating and three other men in his social media post as rats.

Four innocent people had a lucky escape from the house in the Balgaddy area of Dublin

Keating, 42, is serving an 11-year prison sentence in Portlaoise Prison for directing the activities of a criminal gang in a plot to murder Hutch associate James Mago Gately in 2017.

Walsh and Keating are involved in a bitter feud for a number of years that has already claimed four lives and resulted in two attempts on Walshs life in the past 12 months.

Last December, Walsh (36) survived an assassination attempt in a Carlow estate, where he had travelled from Wexford to buy a car.

And six weeks earlier, he also survived a machine-gun attack in Tallaght.

A tracker was placed on the vehicle that Walsh travelled in before the ambush in October at Donomore Crescent, Tallaght, in which multiple rounds were fired.

On both occasions, gardai believe Walsh was most likely set up on behalf of criminals linked to Keating.

Walsh was released from prison last July after serving a 10-year sentence for a botched hit on gang rival Michael Frazer.

Peadar Keating

Frazer was shot in the car park of the Church of the Transfiguration in Clondalkin on March 26, 2014  but managed to seek sanctuary at a Garda station.

During the attack Walsh shot himself in the leg while fleeing the scene.

While in jail, Walsh was also targeted in assaults and attempted knife attacks by his gang rivals  and he is considered one of the most under-threat people in the country.

A senior source stressed yesterday that the family of four whose home was targeted in the arson attack on Friday morning have no involvement whatsoever in criminality.

The occupants of the property are people with no links whatsoever to criminality of any kind, he said.

On the strength of that, it was initially believed that the arsonist targeted the wrong house. But the main line of inquiry now is that this is linked to feud involving Walsh.
Luxembourgish-German actress Vicky Krieps is set to play the late television producer in the film.

The role of Sophie Toscan du Plantier has been cast in Jim Sheridans upcoming film about the Frenchwomans murder in Ireland almost three decades ago.

Luxembourgish-German actress Vicky Krieps is set to play the late television producer in the film, titled Re-creation, with Oscar nominee Sheridan describing her as the perfect choice for the role.

Variety reports that Sheridan, who is best known for making My Left Foot and In the Name of the Father, will co-direct Re-creation after co-directing the five-part documentary series about the case, Murder at the Cottage.

Re-creation is being described as a mix of documentary and drama, with a plot synopsis reading: Fiction to question reality. The filmmakers embark on a journey through facts and lies behind the unsolved murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, giving her back a voice that was abruptly interrupted and helping those grieving find closure.

Speaking about the casting, Sheridan told Variety: "Since our first meeting in Berlin, it was clear to me that Vicky was just the perfect choice for this role.

"She always looks like she has her feet on the ground but with an ethereal quality that allows her spirit to break any obstacles.

Sophie Toscan du Plantier

Sheridan will direct Re-creation alongside David Merriman (Rock Against Homelessness), who added: Sophie will have her place in this film beyond the tabloid headlines that have become her legacy. We feel lucky to have Vicky with us and believe she will bring the truth to this character that she deserves.

Supported by Screen Ireland, the documentary sections of Re-creation will be partly shot in Ireland, while the drama section will be shot on a sound stage in Luxembourg.

Producers are aiming to release the film in cinemas in late 2024.
A Raglan commercial fisher has been fined $14,000 in the Hamilton District Court for illegally trawling in a restricted area.

Warrick Lloyd Harris, 52, is an owner operator and sole skipper of the fishing vessel Joanne.

The veteran commercial fisherman with 25 years experience has been fined and had their boat confiscated after trawling in an area thats protected for Maui dolphins.

He was sentenced on one representative charge under Fisheries (Auckland and Kermadec area commercial fishing) Regulations 1986, for carrying out the trawls, following a successful prosecution by Ministry for Primary Industries.

"Mr Harris fished in an area off the west coast of the North Island which was closed to trawling to protect endangered Maui dolphins," says MPI regional manager, investigations north, Aleshea Allen.

"Those restrictions are in place for a very good reason. Most commercial fishers do the right thing, but our message to those who want to break the rules is clear  we will pursue this offending and put it before the courts."

Fisheries New Zealand digitally monitors all commercial inshore and deep-sea vessels through a digital tracking and reporting system which provides reliable evidence if fishers are trawling in prohibited areas.

"We expect commercial fishers to know where theyre legally able to fish and have the right equipment on board their vessels to alert them if theyve strayed into protected areas.

"Mr Harris has been a commercial fisher for around 25 years and has fished out of Raglan for more than 20 years  he should have known better."

Fisheries analysts uncovered the offending in 2021 by analysing the digital monitoring data. Fishery officers then inspected his fishing records and opened an investigation.

"Maui dolphins are only found in New Zealand waters, they are a taonga and must be protected. We would advise any commercial fishers operating close to these prohibited areas that the risk to these mammals and your reputation is not worth it," she says.

On board cameras are being rolled out across the inshore commercial fleet and have been prioritised on boats posing a higher risk to protected species.

Warrick's fishing vessel Joanne, was forfeited to the Crown.

MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry's 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)
Envirohub has unveiled plans for a Climate Action Festival set to sweep across the Western Bay of Plenty this week in a wave of green enthusiasm.

With an inspiring line-up of renowned speakers, thought-provoking webinars, captivating movies and a delectable array of locally-sourced cuisine, this festival promises to be a pivotal inspirational moment in the ongoing global and local effort to combat climate change.

From September 10-17, the spotlight on climate action will shine in a way thats full of hope and optimism  and anyone can dive in, says festival coordinator Milly McHardie.

We believe that by bringing people together under the banner of climate action, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the Bay of Plenty, says Milly.

There are a collection of events running throughout the week that highlight and celebrate some of the climate action currently taking place in the world, and more specifically in the Bay of Plenty.

Speakers Forum

Waikato University will host a speakers forum from 6pm -9pm on September 15. Rina Te Rehina Walker from Ngapeke Permaculture, Youth Climate Forum & FutureFit ambassador Karlia Taylor and Laura Robichaux from Beca will share information and perspectives. Tickets, which includes vegan canapes, are $5 and are available here

Webinars

Daily webinars with Te Whatu Ora, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council will address the connection between climate change, human health and wellbeing, and how to take part in building a more low-carbon, resilient future.

"Climate Change & Health" is the topic of a webinar being run by Te Whatu Ora from 11.58am - 12.30pm on September 11. Join Vicktoria Blake and Sarah Macfarlane for a lunchtime webinar discussing the connection between climate change and human health and wellbeing. Vicktoria is the Interim Head of Sustainability for Te Whatu Ora and has invited Sarah from the public health service in Canterbury to share her knowledge.

Sarah is experienced in engaging communities on climate issues, aiming to not only reduce the negative impacts of climate change on health, but to enhance community wellbeing through participation in responses. Sarah is particularly interested in climate change as a health and equity issue and believes that human - and non-human - wellbeing depends on the global ecosystem, and that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect populations that have contributed the least to its decline.

'Creating a Resilient, Low-Carbon Tomorrow' is the topic of a webinar being run by WBOPDC, TCC and BOPRC from 12pm - 12.45pm on September 12. This is a free online event and included a 30 minute presentation followed by a 15 minute Q&A time.

The three councils will shoare how your or your business can have a lighter impact on the planet and consider the challenges and opportunities of our changing climate. To reserve your spot for this webinar click here.

A webinar on 'How to communicate your sustainability message' is being held from 12pm - 12.45pm on September 13 with Meg Jones from The Shine Collective sharing her tips and tricks on telling your story to grow your brand.

Movie: 2040

In Waihi and Katikati the movie 2040 by award-winning director and filmmaker Damon Gameau will screen. Damon travels the world in search of new approaches and solutions to climate change, offering an optimistic view.

Damon Gameau embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us to improve our planet and shifted them rapidly into the mainstream. Structured as a visual letter to his four-year-old daughter, Damon blends traditional documentary with dramatised sequences and high-end visual effects to create a vision board of how these solutions could regenerate the world for future generations.

At Waihi Beach, come down to the Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services building for a screening of '2040' from 5pm - 7pm onSeptember 10. Tickets are $5 and include vegan canapes through out the film. Click here for more information and tickets

In Katikati head to The Arts Junction Theatre for a screening of the film '2040' from 6pm - 8pm on September 11. This is a free event, with drinks and popcorn available. Reserve your spot here

Local Eateries

Keen to eat and drink green for the planet? Head to local eateries for a delicious menu that supports climate action, whether it is plant-based, locally-sourced, organic or seasonal.

Participating eateries include Soul Boul and The Nourished Eatery in Tauranga, Squeeze Cafe in Katikati and The Daily in Te Puke.

Dishes included are either plant-based, organic, made with local and/or seasonal ingredients.

What else is happening?

On Tuesday, September 12, Beca will be running a Circular Design Framework workshop for Mount Maunganui College Students. This workshop incorporates CE principles, climate resilience, socioeconomic benefits and a Te Ao Maori perspective.

Envirohub will also have a stall at the Te Puke Sustainability Expo on Sunday, September 17, with information about climate change in the Bay of Plenty as well as free rat traps for the community as part of the Predator Free programme.

Get ready to be inspired, educated and entertained at this intersection of eco-consciousness and community spirit!

The Climate Action Festival is all about celebration, inspiration, and collaboration. Its an opportunity to celebrate those doing their bit to fight climate change while inspiring the rest of the community to do the same with activities and events throughout the week.

For more information, go to: envirohub.org.nz
A front is forecast to move across the east of the North Island early on Tuesday, says a MetService spokesperson.

"There is low confidence that rainfall accumulations will meet warning criteria over eastern Bay of Plenty and the western ranges of Gisborne.



"On Tuesday, over the lower South Island, there is low confidence that westerly gales could become severe."

The MetService says the winds should ease for a time on Wednesday, as a weak ridge of high pressure moves across New Zealand from the west.

"But on Thursday gales are again expected, with low confidence of severe gales first from the northwest then west to southwest.



"On Thursday there is also moderate confidence of significant heavy rain over Fiordland, Westland and the Otago and Canterbury headwaters, easing to low confidence on Friday."

Severe Weather Watch for South Island

Heavy rain is expected for the west of the South Island during Sunday and Monday. Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.



"An active front moves northwards over the South Island during Sunday and Monday," says a MetService spokesperson.

"This brings heavy rain, and Watches and Warnings are in place."

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case changes are made.

Heavy Rain Watch is in place for:

Area: Tasman west of Motueka, the Bryant and Richmond ranges including the Rai Valley

Valid: 9 hours from 6:00am Mon 11 Sep to 3:00pm Mon 11 Sep

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.



Area: Westland north of Otira, and Buller

Valid: 10 hours from 1:00am Mon 11 Sep to 11:00am Mon 11 Sep

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.



Area: Fiordland

Valid: 5 hours from 9:00am Sun 10 Sep to 2:00pm Sun 10 Sep

Forecast: A period of heavy rain is expected, and rainfall accumulations may approach warning criteria, especially about northern Fiordland.



Area: Headwaters of the Otago Lakes and Rivers

Valid: 8 hours from 10:00am Sun 10 Sep to 6:00pm Sun 10 Sep

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria within 15 km east of the main divide.

A Heavy Rain Warning is in place for the headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers about and south of Arthur's Pass. This is valid for 19 hours from 1pm Sunday, September 10 to 8am Monday, September 11.

"Expect 140 to 180 mm of rain about the main divide, and 70 to 110 mm within 15 km further east. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm per hour expected about the divide. Freezing level about 2200 metres."
Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com?

So should Giyani Metals (CVE:EMM) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves.

See our latest analysis for Giyani Metals

Does Giyani Metals Have A Long Cash Runway?

You can calculate a company's cash runway by dividing the amount of cash it has by the rate at which it is spending that cash. As at June 2023, Giyani Metals had cash of CA$7.2m and no debt. Importantly, its cash burn was CA$12m over the trailing twelve months. So it had a cash runway of approximately 7 months from June 2023. That's quite a short cash runway, indicating the company must either reduce its annual cash burn or replenish its cash. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time.

How Is Giyani Metals' Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Because Giyani Metals isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. Over the last year its cash burn actually increased by 18%, which suggests that management are increasing investment in future growth, but not too quickly. However, the company's true cash runway will therefore be shorter than suggested above, if spending continues to increase. While the past is always worth studying, it is the future that matters most of all. So you might want to take a peek at how much the company is expected to grow in the next few years.

Story continues

Can Giyani Metals Raise More Cash Easily?

Since its cash burn is moving in the wrong direction, Giyani Metals shareholders may wish to think ahead to when the company may need to raise more cash. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Giyani Metals has a market capitalisation of CA$42m and burnt through CA$12m last year, which is 30% of the company's market value. That's not insignificant, and if the company had to sell enough shares to fund another year's growth at the current share price, you'd likely witness fairly costly dilution.

Is Giyani Metals' Cash Burn A Worry?

Giyani Metals is not in a great position when it comes to its cash burn situation. While its increasing cash burn wasn't too bad, its cash runway does leave us rather nervous. Considering all the measures mentioned in this report, we reckon that its cash burn is fairly risky, and if we held shares we'd be watching like a hawk for any deterioration. On another note, Giyani Metals has 5 warning signs (and 3 which are a bit concerning) we think you should know about.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription.

Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service.
Washington, D.C.  A Wayne County man pleaded guilty Friday to breaking into the U.S. Capitol with rioters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Scott Columbus, of Wolcott, pleaded guilty in Washington D.C. federal court to violent entry of a Capitol building, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, according to federal court filings.

Columbus traveled to D.C. with his then-girlfriend Renee Fatta, who had heard about the rally President Donald Trump was holding through a right-wing Youtuber, prosecutors said in a criminal complaint.

Columbus and Fatta, of Bridgeport, Madison County, went through the Parliamentarian doors and entered an office that was immediately to their right, prosecutors said. Other rioters were ransacking the office, they said.

Columbus and Fatta left the office quickly and in the hallway were met with a line of Metro police officers in riot gear, prosecutors said.

Police were attempting to push back the crowd that had gathered and peppered sprayed them, according to court documents.

Fatta and Columbus exited shortly after. Outside on the Upper West Terrace, they took a photo together, which Fatta later posted to her Facebook page, prosecutors said.

The Facebook post was shared with the FBI, which led to Columbus arrest in June.

Fatta was also arrested. She pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in July.

Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950.
Varun_HexaGuy BHPian



Join Date: May 2017 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 340 Thanked: 2,072 Times

View My Garage





Re: Tata Hexa XTA : Our new beast in Arizona Blue Sindbad turned one!





It's been an year of togetherness with the big boy and have made a whole lot of memories in such a short span! Sindbad turned one on April 12th 2018. Oh yeah, it took me more than 7-months to give him a name and realise that she's he! Me and Dad have enjoyed every minute spent with Sindbad together over the course of a year and three months. What were you guys thinking or worried about? Worried about taking this mammoth (forgive me Sindbad for calling you a Mammoth!) in bumper to bumper traffic and frequent city runs? Well, Sindbad has proved me wrong (or is it my dad who has accustomed himself to drive the big fella in the nick of the traffic? ). The ease of an Automatic has won over its Huge dimensions and all other odds and we don't dread about the traffic jams anymore. Just crawl in the traffic with the help of the creep function, turn the volume up and listen to some crazy music on the go.



The most obvious question which might've hit your head is, "How is a Tata running without any niggles in the initial days of ownership?" Well, Sindbad has inspired that confidence in me and dad that he'll age well. He has made a woe to age well like the Figo. Well, I don't expect him to age like a Jap since he's loaded with some cutting-edge tech, but I want him to be mechanically fit for the next 5-years atleast! Over the past one year, we've taken him to some of the worse roads where I cannot imagine taking my Italian Lady along. Despite throwing in some of the worse conditions right ahead of him, he just took over them like an hungry adult having a sumptuous breakfast! The ride quality over those roads is nothing short of a carpet ride. But I do feel with the revised tyre pressures, the ride quality has sort of, taken a small hit as it's more harsh at lower speeds and there's increased vertical movement over the potholes and the odds on the road. Apart from this minor complaint, I'm very happy with the Sindbad in this aspect.



We did have a couple of minor niggles which were sorted out with ease by the ASC folks. All the niggles or issues which we've faced over the past one year have been listed down below : Failed driver side puddle lamp on the D-Day last year. Well, this was working while I inspected the car a day before the delivery. Culprit : Fused bulb which was duly replaced when we visited the ASC on some other issue.

Fused bulb which was duly replaced when we visited the ASC on some other issue. Spare key, keyless entry not working. This was observed on the D-Day too. While I was scratching my head at the temple as to why the car wouldn't open despite pressing the unlock button a hundred times, it was then we realised that the key wasn't working. So, dad had pointed this out by calling our ASM who delivered Sindbad to us. Reason : While sorting out the issue during the PDI (refer Page-1), the pairing between the car and that key had lost in that process (I don't know how; experts pitch in your thoughts) and this issue was sorted out within a minute by the workshop manager who locked and unlocked Sindbad using both the keys simultaneously a half a hundred times to pair the spare key with Sindbad. This was done alongside the puddle lamp bulb replacement.

While sorting out the issue during the PDI (refer Page-1), the pairing between the car and that key had lost in that process (I don't know how; experts pitch in your thoughts) and this issue was sorted out within a minute by the workshop manager who locked and unlocked Sindbad using both the keys simultaneously a half a hundred times to pair the spare key with Sindbad. This was done alongside the puddle lamp bulb replacement. Sidewall damaged due to my negligent brother (a.k.a my accomplice in crime). It so happened one day that me and brother were in a mood to take Sindbad out but by that time, dad had already left for the office. Since the office was close by to our home-sweet-home , brother made a quick call to dad that we'll be dropping by in his office to swap the Italian Lady for Sindbad. He obliged (obviously, we were in majority and majority always wins) and we left for dad's office in the Italian Lady. Since my dad's parking lot was pre-occupied by Sindbad, we had to get the big boy out so that he can enjoy his day out with us and Italian Lady could rest for the day. For that, I quickly ran to my dad's cabin, grabbed the keys of the big boy, went downstairs, brother got in the driver's seat of Sindbad and drove him out in style. This is where we committed a mistake which we came to know after driving for half a kilometre. While taking out of the parking lot, my partner in crime oversteered the car which resulted in the rubbing of the rear right tyre against a kerb which caused a sidewall cut. Neither me nor my bhai sahab noticed it and we drove on. It was near a security check, the guard pointed towards something. What was that? In anxiety, we downed the window and then he said, "Saabji, gaadi ke tyre se hawa nikal rahan hain" and we stopped immediately to check out what it was. The unexpected had happened. The sidewall was cut and we decided to drive to a Tyre store which was hardly a kilometre from the place where we stopped. We hurried and reached before the whole tyre was deflated. Then, called and informed dad about this. Both of us heard a mouthful for our carelessness and we truly deserved it. Later, swapped our tyre to the spare and left towards the ASC. The ASC folks gladly welcomed us, saw the tyre and initiated a warranty claim right away without any questions asked! We were ready to pay for it but it ended up in a way completely unexpected! The only catch was there was no stock of the tyres and would take a few day's time as the tyre had to arrive from Chennai and to our bad luck no one had the tyre in stock in Hyderabad. On top of it, we had to leave for our Maiden road-trip in two day's time. After explaining our situation to out friendly manager, Mr.Narender at Malik Cars, Tolichowki, made a quick call to the showroom guys to send a TD car to the ASC ASAP! As soon as the car arrived, both Sindbad and TD car were lifted and they duly gave us the tyre from the TD car! We were like, "Who on Earth was complaining about the Tata's after-sales experience?" We, then left the ASC and once we were back from our road trip, me and my brother went to the ASC to get the new tyre. This was the sweetest ordeal we ever went through! At times it feels like as if this was infact an ordeal? This is by far, the best after sales experience we've ever experienced.

, brother made a quick call to dad that we'll be dropping by in his office to swap the Italian Lady for Sindbad. He obliged (obviously, we were in majority and majority always wins) and we left for dad's office in the Italian Lady. Since my dad's parking lot was pre-occupied by Sindbad, we had to get the big boy out so that he can enjoy his day out with us and Italian Lady could rest for the day. For that, I quickly ran to my dad's cabin, grabbed the keys of the big boy, went downstairs, brother got in the driver's seat of Sindbad and drove him out in style. This is where we committed a mistake which we came to know after driving for half a kilometre. While taking out of the parking lot, my partner in crime oversteered the car which resulted in the rubbing of the rear right tyre against a kerb which caused a sidewall cut. Neither me nor my bhai sahab noticed it and we drove on. It was near a security check, the guard pointed towards something. What was that? In anxiety, we downed the window and then he said, "Saabji, gaadi ke tyre se hawa nikal rahan hain" and we stopped immediately to check out what it was. The unexpected had happened. The sidewall was cut and we decided to drive to a Tyre store which was hardly a kilometre from the place where we stopped. We hurried and reached before the whole tyre was deflated. Then, called and informed dad about this. Both of us heard a mouthful for our carelessness and we truly deserved it. Later, swapped our tyre to the spare and left towards the ASC. The ASC folks gladly welcomed us, saw the tyre and initiated a warranty claim right away without any questions asked! We were ready to pay for it but it ended up in a way completely unexpected! The only catch was there was no stock of the tyres and would take a few day's time as the tyre had to arrive from Chennai and to our bad luck no one had the tyre in stock in Hyderabad. On top of it, we had to leave for our Maiden road-trip in two day's time. After explaining our situation to out friendly manager, Mr.Narender at Malik Cars, Tolichowki, made a quick call to the showroom guys to send a TD car to the ASC ASAP! As soon as the car arrived, both Sindbad and TD car were lifted and they duly gave us the tyre from the TD car! We were like, "Who on Earth was complaining about the Tata's after-sales experience?" We, then left the ASC and once we were back from our road trip, me and my brother went to the ASC to get the new tyre. This was the sweetest ordeal we ever went through! At times it feels like as if this was infact an ordeal? This is by far, the best after sales experience we've ever experienced. Fuel tank lid doesn't lock as the car is locked. Culprit - Failed fuel lid actuator which was replaced a couple of days back.

How will Sindbad age : Well, it's too early to comment on the same. But there are a few owners who've neared or touched the 1-lac kilometre mark in an year of ownership and their feedback is quite reassuring for me atleast! Only time will tell if Sindbad has aged gracefully or not.



How is the Big Boy Holding up? Extremely well, in my opinion. Apart from a couple of fit and finish issues here and there and a couple of minor niggles, he's doing fine.



Why have I bought Sindbad ? Well, many of my acquaintances and close friends have pitched in this question from the day Sindbad entered into our lives. I felt it was a question which I couldn't answer. Maybe this is the right time to answer it. Well, Sindbad does most of the things right for us atleast. Here are a few which he does right for us : Can cruise all-day long keeping all the passengers (even the ones in the third row) comfortable throughout the journey. This is where I love Sindbad the most. He is meant to munch miles in style like no other machine does.

comfortable throughout the journey. This is where I love Sindbad the most. He is meant to munch miles in style like no other machine does. Extremely spacious second and third row of seats. This was something very important as the Ertiga fell short in space with all the three rows occupied. Sindbad, infact has exceeded in this criteria.

Wanted an Automatic for the daily chores. The 6-Speed Torque Converter from Punch Powerglide is perfectly mated to the heart of Sindbad. There's no delay in the shifts. With light foot, the gearbox upshifts at ~1,800 rpm in Drive Mode. With slightly heavy foot, the gearbox, upshifts at ~ 2,300 rpm which is good for those overtakes.

A Good Music System. Well, Sindbad has come a winner in this aspect too The 10-Speaker JBL System is too good and probably is the Best Music System South of 30-lacs. It's just that all the doors and the boot door need a bit of dampening to complete that perfect entry-level In-Car Entertainment System. It's just that I'm worried about the additional weight the big boy will gain in this process. As such, he's on the heavier side, I don't want him to gain more weight!

Seats. A special mention to these seats. They're so good for the Long Drives. We've done almost non-stop stretches during our recent road trip (more on that at a later stage) where we stopped only for our Breakfast or Lunch breaks and the seats are extremely supportive These are, by far the best seats with respect to overall comfort and long-distance touring.

Sheer Road Presence. An Autowaala dare not attempt to squeeze right ahead of Sindbad.

Well, I can complement this big boy all day long for his merits. There are a few demerits which he has to work upon (atleast his latter generations will have a chance to correct these mistakes) : Overweight. Sindbad is on the heavier side and he is infact the heaviest car of the lot. He comes close to the Endeavour and Fortuner in this aspect. This issue has given rise to another issue; low power-to-weight ratios with respect to the Competition. While he is a MPV, I don't expect him to do a 0-100 run in less than 9-secs or something like that but the added weight is certainly not a boon for Sindbad. Even the higher power output of the engine doesn't help this. The additional power is nullified in masking the additional weight IMHO.

Small touchscreen. This is something which I really complaint about. While the Nexon owners do with a bigger Touchscreen with added features, we don't get a bigger touchscreen with added features despite paying double the cost of what Nexon owners pay (No offence to the Nexon owners). This 5-inch touchscreen is out of place in such a huge cabin and the Navimaps suck to be honest. I'm better off with Google maps for most of it. It's not that Google is very reliable (well, this guy got us stranded atleast half a hundred times on the name of "Shortest Route" during our recent Road Trip) but the Navimaps sucks; be it the User interface, dependability, GPS signals and the likes.

Well, I wanted Sindbad to celebrate his 1st Birthday in style. While I was planning for his Birthday gift during his Birthday week, due to some commitments, me and dad couldn't gift him what he deserved.



It was real long since Sindbad crossed the city limits of Hyderabad. So, after a lot of failed attempts, dad finally was convinced for a Road Trip this April. Next up was mom. She wasn't entirely with this idea but she got with the flow eventually. Then, dad and I informed my uncle about this. He was all ears and confirmed his presence right away!



Now that all of them were convinced, we had to set a destination where we'd be driving. Since, we had allotted 10-days for the road trip, we planned to cover as many places as possible. Here's the final list of places which we visited : Day-1 : Hyderabad to Bengaluru via Jogulamba Temple. Total Distance Covered : 610 Kms.

Hyderabad to Bengaluru via Jogulamba Temple. Total Distance Covered : 610 Kms. Day-2 : Bengaluru to Mysuru via Srirangapatna. After sightseeing in Mysuru, left for Ooty the same day. Total distance Covered : 290 Kms.

Bengaluru to Mysuru via Srirangapatna. After sightseeing in Mysuru, left for Ooty the same day. Total distance Covered : 290 Kms. Day-3 : Ooty sightseeing and rest for the day.

Ooty sightseeing and rest for the day. Day-4 : Ooty to Palani. After visiting Palani, we proceeded towards Kodaikanal. Total Distance Covered : 300 Kms.

Ooty to Palani. After visiting Palani, we proceeded towards Kodaikanal. Total Distance Covered : 300 Kms. Day-5 : Kodaikanal Sightseeing.

Kodaikanal Sightseeing. Day-6 : Kodaikanal to Madurai and sightseeing in Madurai. Total Distance Covered : 140 kms.

Kodaikanal to Madurai and sightseeing in Madurai. Total Distance Covered : 140 kms. Day-7 : Madurai to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi. From Dhanushkodi, we headed towards Srirangam and called it a day Total Distance Covered : 447 kms.

Madurai to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi. From Dhanushkodi, we headed towards Srirangam and called it a day Total Distance Covered : 447 kms. Day-8 : Srirangam to Tanjavur. After sightseeing in Tanjavur, we headed towards Chidambaram via Kumbakonam. Total Distance Covered : 174 Kms.

Srirangam to Tanjavur. After sightseeing in Tanjavur, we headed towards Chidambaram via Kumbakonam. Total Distance Covered : 174 Kms. Day-9 : Chidambaram to Bengaluru via Arunachala. Total Distance Covered : 346 Kms.

Chidambaram to Bengaluru via Arunachala. Total Distance Covered : 346 Kms. Day-10 : Bengaluru to Hyderabad. Total Distance Covered : 590 Kms.

Total Trip Distance : 3,177.7 Kilometres (home to home)



In the past one year of driving on the roads of Hyderabad, Sindbad had been a part of few incidents on the road unwanted : Incident-1 : This incident took place while we were returning from our maiden road trip last year (sometime in June). We were paying our toll charges near the Nellore Toll Plaza and while the booth incharge lifted the gate up, a Dzire guy rammed into Sindbad. Going by the sound from the accident, we were sure the rear bumper might've gone. But Sindbad surprised us big time. The Dzire guy who hit us, had a lot of damage. His bumper, bonnet and grill gave up in the incident. Seeing their damage, I was sure the rear bumper would've gone. But no, it only had a small mark from the Dzire.







This incident took place while we were returning from our maiden road trip last year (sometime in June). We were paying our toll charges near the Nellore Toll Plaza and while the booth incharge lifted the gate up, a Dzire guy rammed into Sindbad. Going by the sound from the accident, we were sure the rear bumper might've gone. But Sindbad surprised us big time. The Dzire guy who hit us, had a lot of damage. His bumper, bonnet and grill gave up in the incident. Seeing their damage, I was sure the rear bumper would've gone. But no, it only had a small mark from the Dzire. Incident-2 : This happened sometime in March 2018. This was a very weird incident one could ever be in. It so happened we were caught in a traffic jam. The traffic was moving at a slow pace. There was a Mercedes Benz E350 moving parallel to us in the right lane. All of a sudden, the driver of the Merc stopped. So we also had to stop. Soon, we see a person getting down from the co-driver seat of the Merc. It was all cool till then. Then another guy from the rear seat opens the door and slams it hard. As a result, the front right fender on my Sindbad was dented and we got poorer by another 5,000 bucks. Some pics of the damage and WIP pics of the repair :



The Dented Fender.



The fender after the tinkering job.



The smoked wheel cladding ready for a fresh coat of paint.



Inside the paint booth with all the body parts neatly covered.



Post denting and painting.



There's no paint mismatch between the fender and the rest of the exterior. I've compared the fender's repaint with the bonnet's actual paint.





This happened sometime in March 2018. This was a very weird incident one could ever be in. It so happened we were caught in a traffic jam. The traffic was moving at a slow pace. There was a Mercedes Benz E350 moving parallel to us in the right lane. All of a sudden, the driver of the Merc stopped. So we also had to stop. Soon, we see a person getting down from the co-driver seat of the Merc. It was all cool till then. Then another guy from the rear seat opens the door and slams it hard. As a result, the front right fender on my Sindbad was dented and we got poorer by another 5,000 bucks. Some pics of the damage and WIP pics of the repair : The Dented Fender. The fender after the tinkering job. The smoked wheel cladding ready for a fresh coat of paint. Inside the paint booth with all the body parts neatly covered. Post denting and painting. There's no paint mismatch between the fender and the rest of the exterior. I've compared the fender's repaint with the bonnet's actual paint. Incident-3 : This was more of a recap from the Nellore's incident last year. This time, a taxiwaala rear ended as Dad had applied sudden brakes as the car ahead of us had done the same. Damage to the guy who rear ended us was the same again. Front end of the car was completely gone in the incident. For us though, this time the damage was a bit more but that's something which we can live with.



The scratches on the left side of the cladding and at the end of the rear skid plate.



The scratched up rear bumper.



The scratches on the rear skid plate.

Services Done till-date : First free service at 5,000 kilometres or 3-Months (whichever is earlier). Apart from a usual inspection of the stuff around there's nothing much to do in this service.

Second free service at 10,000 kilometres or 6-months (whichever is earlier). Sindbad had done 6,000-odd kilometres during this service. We got the wheel alignment, balancing and tyre rotation done apart from the usual inspection and an oil change.

First paid service at 20,000 kilometres. Sindbad had done about 9,400 kilometres at the time of the service. All the jobs were done as prescribed in the owner's manual (I'm too lazy now to document all of 'em here!) and the repair job (detailed above) was also taken up during this service.

Kitna Deti Hain ? In city conditions, Sindbad manages to return a fuel efficiency of about 8 to 10 kmpl depending on the conditions. Out on the highways, with the cruise control active, he returns an average of anywhere between 15-17 Kmpl.



Accessories added till date :



Since Sindbad is quite loaded to the brim, we didn't add many accessories to it. These are the only accessories on my Sindbad : Mini 0806 Dashcam : Bought used from fellow BHPian a4anurag. I've been using it for more than 9-months and it's doing it's job well and I'm happy with the purchase.

I've been using it for more than 9-months and it's doing it's job well and I'm happy with the purchase. Coozo 7D Mats (Black) : The 3D mats which I had bought soon after the delivery were sliding off from their position and they needed regular wiping to keep 'em shining. Looked around a lot and finally zeroed onto these. These are doing the job for now and I'm very much satisfied with them. If anybody's interested in purchasing them, then please PM me.

Modifications and Accessories Planned : Blackening of all the chrome bits on the exteriors. After this tweak, the exteriors would look swell.

Addition of an Auto-Dimming Interior Rear View Mirror.

Addition of another Dashcam covering the rear end of the car.

Getting Sindbad detailed from a professional.

Sometime in June when dad was on his vacation to Leh, Sindbad was idle. So, I detailed him and spent close to 3-hrs on detailing him. Here's the end result :



That shine, I just love it!





That mirror finish! I just couldn't stop gleaming at the Big Boy for the next few days. That's me in the pic.



The big boy at the end. The end result was well worth it.



Here are some pics from our recent road trip :



Sindbad all set for his adventure!



At a petrol pump en-route Bengaluru.



Me trying my hands on a DSLR........



Always a poser for the pics!



Now dad joins in as well.



When we swapped our Sindbad for a Baggie



Two competitors in one click.



Sindbad gets a much deserved shower in Madurai.



Sindbad poses on the Pamban Bridge!



As I type this, Sindbad is 1-year, 3-months, 20-days and 14,320 Kilometres Young! Here's hoping that he'll turn only younger by the day.





Till next time,

Ciao It's been an year of togetherness with the big boy and have made a whole lot of memories in such a short span! Sindbad turned one on April 12th 2018. Oh yeah, it took me more than 7-months to give him a name and realise that she's he! Me and Dad have enjoyed every minute spent with Sindbad together over the course of a year and three months. What were you guys thinking or worried about? Worried about taking this mammoth (forgive me Sindbad for calling you a Mammoth!) in bumper to bumper traffic and frequent city runs? Well, Sindbad has proved me wrong (or is it my dad who has accustomed himself to drive the big fella in the nick of the traffic?). The ease of an Automatic has won over itsdimensions and all other odds and we don't dread about the traffic jams anymore. Just crawl in the traffic with the help of the creep function, turn the volume up and listen to some crazy music on the go.The most obvious question which might've hit your head is, "How is a Tata running without any niggles in the initial days of ownership?" Well, Sindbad has inspired that confidence in me and dad that he'll age well. He has made a woe to age well like the Figo. Well, I don't expect him to age like a Jap since he's loaded with some cutting-edge tech, but I want him to be mechanically fit for the next 5-years atleast! Over the past one year, we've taken him to some of the worse roads where I cannot imagine taking my Italian Lady along. Despite throwing in some of the worse conditions right ahead of him, he just took over them like an hungry adult having a sumptuous breakfast! The ride quality over those roads is nothing short of a carpet ride. But I do feel with the revised tyre pressures, the ride quality has sort of, taken a small hit as it's more harsh at lower speeds and there's increased vertical movement over the potholes and the odds on the road. Apart from this minor complaint, I'm very happy with the Sindbad in this aspect.We did have a couple of minor niggles which were sorted out with ease by the ASC folks. All the niggles or issues which we've faced over the past one year have been listed down below :Well, it's too early to comment on the same. But there are a few owners who've neared or touched the 1-lac kilometre mark in an year of ownership and their feedback is quite reassuring for me atleast! Only time will tell if Sindbad has aged gracefully or not.Extremely well, in my opinion. Apart from a couple of fit and finish issues here and there and a couple ofniggles, he's doing fine.Well, many of my acquaintances and close friends have pitched in this question from the day Sindbad entered into our lives. I felt it was a question which I couldn't answer. Maybe this is the right time to answer it. Well, Sindbad does most of the things right for us atleast. Here are a few which he does right for us :Well, I can complement this big boy all day long for his merits. There are a few demerits which he has to work upon (atleast his latter generations will have a chance to correct these mistakes) :Well, I wanted Sindbad to celebrate his 1st Birthday in style. While I was planning for his Birthday gift during his Birthday week, due to some commitments, me and dad couldn't gift him what he deserved.It was real long since Sindbad crossed the city limits of Hyderabad. So, after a lot of failed attempts, dad finally was convinced for a Road Trip this April. Next up was mom. She wasn't entirely with this idea but she got with the flow eventually. Then, dad and I informed my uncle about this. He was all ears and confirmed his presence right away!Now that all of them were convinced, we had to set a destination where we'd be driving. Since, we had allotted 10-days for the road trip, we planned to cover as many places as possible. Here's the final list of places which we visited :3,177.7 Kilometres (home to home)In the past one year of driving on the roads of Hyderabad, Sindbad had been a part of few incidents on the road unwanted :In city conditions, Sindbad manages to return a fuel efficiency of about 8 to 10 kmpl depending on the conditions. Out on the highways, with the cruise control active, he returns an average of anywhere between 15-17 Kmpl.Since Sindbad is quite loaded to the brim, we didn't add many accessories to it. These are the only accessories on my Sindbad :Sometime in June when dad was on his vacation to Leh, Sindbad was idle. So, I detailed him and spent close to 3-hrs on detailing him. Here's the end result :That shine, I just love it!That mirror finish! I just couldn't stop gleaming at the Big Boy for the next few days. That's me in the pic.The big boy at the end. The end result was well worth it.Here are some pics from our recent road trip :Sindbad all set for his adventure!At a petrol pump en-route Bengaluru.Me trying my hands on a DSLR........Always a poser for the pics!Now dad joins in as well.When we swapped our Sindbad for a BaggieTwo competitors in one click.Sindbad gets a much deserved shower in Madurai.Sindbad poses on the Pamban Bridge!As I type this, Sindbad is 1-year, 3-months, 20-days and 14,320 Kilometres Young! Here's hoping that he'll turn only younger by the day.Till next time,Ciao Last edited by Varun_HexaGuy : 2nd August 2018 at 17:22 .
Few names are as well-known in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) as Elon Musk and OpenAI.

Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shed light on Musk's early contributions to the organization, acknowledging Musk's "superpowers" that helped propel OpenAI to where it stands today, despite Musk's reputation as a "jerk."

Musk's Role as a 'Superpower' Contributor

In a revealing In Good Company podcast interview, Altman peeled back the curtain on Musk's role in OpenAI's formative years.

He described Musk as a "talent magnet" and highlighted his "superpowers" that proved invaluable during the organization's initial stages.

Musk's involvement with OpenAI dates back to its founding in 2015, when tech luminaries, including Musk, pledged $1 billion in support.

His contributions extended beyond financial backing, as Musk's knack for attracting talent and attention played a pivotal role in OpenAI's early successes.

Read Also: Elon Musk Shut Down Starlink to Prevent Ukraine from Attacking Russia as per the Isaacson Biography

Musk's Departure and Disagreements with OpenAI

However, as OpenAI evolved, so did the dynamics between Musk and the organization. Semafor tells us that Musk left OpenAI's board of directors in 2018, which sparked disagreements and controversy.

He had proposed taking control of OpenAI, an offer that was ultimately declined, leading to his exit from the organization. Musk's departure also saw him backtrack on a massive promised donation of around $1 billion.

One of Musk's main points of contention was OpenAI's shift from its nonprofit status to a "capped profit" model in 2019. This shift raised questions about the organization's direction and relationship with Microsoft, which had invested heavily in OpenAI.

Sam Altman's Complex View of Musk

Altman's perspective on Musk has been far from one-dimensional. He has alternated between acknowledging Musk's contributions and expressing his reservations.

In a speech in London, Altman praised Musk for demonstrating what is possible in the field, even as he referred to him as a "jerk" in a podcast interview. This duality, in Altman's view, underscores the complexity of their relationship.

OpenAI's Transformation, Microsoft Partnership

OpenAI's journey took a pivotal turn when it announced its transition to a for-profit entity in March 2019.

This strategic move aimed to raise sufficient capital to fund ambitious AI research projects.

In a surprising twist, Altman chose not to take equity in the new for-profit entity, aligning himself with OpenAI's original mission. This decision, while noble, raised eyebrows among potential investors.

OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft brought financial backing and infrastructure expertise. Together, they developed a supercomputer capable of training massive AI models, creating groundbreaking AI systems like ChatGPT and DALL-E, with the latest model, GPT-4, boasting a staggering 1 trillion parameters.

Musk's Reaction to OpenAI's Success

The release of ChatGPT in November 2022 marked a turning point for OpenAI. The fast adoption of the chatbot caused shockwaves through the tech world, forcing Google and a number of industry giants to scurry to catch up.

Musk, however, expressed fury at OpenAI's progress and its perceived transformation into a "closed source, maximum-profit company controlled by Microsoft."

Musk's discontent with OpenAI's direction spilled over onto social media, where he questioned the legality of the organization's shift and its valuation. His tweets added fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding OpenAI's evolution.

Earlier this year, Musk signed an open letter calling for OpenAI to slow down AI advancements.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Elon Musk's X Bank/FinTech Dreams Are Over-US Bank Regulators Reportedly Declare

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
X, owned by Elon Musk, has sued California over its content moderation policy disclosure law. The social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, claims that the legislation violates its First Amendment rights in a lawsuit filed on Friday against California's Attorney General, Robert Bonta.

Social media sites are already required to declare their content moderation standards under California legislation known as Assembly Bill 587 (AB587). Additionally, the California legislation mandates that these online platforms submit to the state biennial reports detailing their efforts to tackle racism, disinformation, hate speech, and other related problems.

Elon Musk Pushes Free Speech on Social Media

The X suit claims AB587 "compels companies to engage in speech against their will" and violates the social media firm's constitutionally protected editorial judgments, as reported for AP News. Additionally, it asserts that businesses are under pressure from the government to delete or demonetize anything that would qualify as constitutionally protected speech.

Elon Musk's $44 billion purchase of Twitter last October deepened his X Corp. participation. Musk, who is well-known for his unwavering support for free speech, then started firing employees in charge of content management and monitoring. He also unbanned accounts that the previous administration had banned, per Reuters.

Following Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, critics have expressed alarm about the surge in hate speech on X Corp's platform, which targets diverse groups, including Jews, black people, homosexual men, and transgender people. The Defamation League and Center for Countering Digital Hate report these increases.

Rob Bonta's office, which is in charge of upholding state laws in California, has declared that it will reply to the complaint within the court's jurisdiction.

Read Also: IBM Unveils New Generative AI Models, Features: Here's What to Know About 'Granite'

Social Media Content Regulation: A Complex Issue

The passage of AB587 by California Governor Gavin Newsom last year was a key step in enhancing social media corporations' openness. After being filed in 2021, the measure was subject to over two years of legal debate and opposition from social media companies.

The bill's author, Jesse Gabriel, defended it, highlighting its non-intrusive character. Assembly Bill 587 "is a pure transparency measure that simply requires companies to be upfront about if and how they are moderating content," as per PC Mag. Gabriel noted that the legislation passed with strong, bipartisan support because it does not require content moderation policies.

The X Corp. case emphasizes the challenges in defining terms like hate speech, false information, and political intervention and asserts that these definitions frequently suffer from political prejudice and lack of public consensus. The business asserts that it is forced to take certain stances by designating these categories.

According to a report from The Verge, X uses community flagging and automated technologies for content control and fact-checking. The business just launched "Community Notes for Videos," allowing "Top Writers" to provide context for possibly deceptive films. However, such actions raise questions about their capacity to spread false information. Meanwhile, social media networks like Reddit and Bluesky have struggled with moderation and fact-checking suppression.

Related Article: Elon Musk's 'Superpowers' Boosted OpenAI Despite Being a 'Jerk,' Reveals CEO Sam Altman

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to Social Security is claiming too early at a much lower benefit.

Americans can boost their chances of not outliving their savings by delaying taking Social Security benefits, which will increase their monthly check substantially for decades.

But even understanding that economic argument gets trumped by more powerful psychological factors, according to a new working paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Instead, many people start claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they possibly can  at age 62.

"They give up money to be able to do that," Suzanne Shu, a professor of marketing at Cornell Universitys Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and one of the co-authors of the paper, told Yahoo Finance. "They front load."

(Photo: Getty Creative)

Psychological explanations for early claiming

Approximately 40% of men and 47% of women claim at age 62, according to the Social Security Administration. Only 3% of men and 4% of women claim at age 70, when they get the most in benefits. Roughly 17%  averaged across men and women  claim at their full retirement age. These levels do shift slightly from year to year, but not by a lot.

While there are "clearly good personal reasons for claiming early, such as poor health or financial constraints due to no other source of retirement income, claiming earlier versus claiming later reflects significant psychological variables," said John W. Payne, the papers other co-author and a professor emeritus of business administration at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and a professor of psychology and neuroscience.

The authors research was conducted over the past decade and consisted of four studies with roughly 4,000 participants in total between the ages of 40 and 62, who have not claimed their benefit yet.

"We wanted to understand what people are thinking about as they're working through the trade-offs of earlier versus later claiming," Shu said.

Story continues

Perhaps the biggest factor in the grab-the-money-ASAP decision is the psychological ownership of ones Social Security benefits, according to the research.

"Many people get fixated on wanting to get the money sooner," Justin Smith, a fee-only certified financial planner with Savant Wealth Management in Phoenix, Ariz., told Yahoo Finance.

Thats exactly what Shu and Payne discovered.

The second psychological factor that results in early claiming is a feeling that if you don't live long enough, the government gets to keep some of your money.

"The more you feel like it's your money that the government has been sitting on, the sooner you want it back," Shu said.

"That your money is waiting for you is not technically true," Shu added. "That is not how our Social Security system works in the US, which uses the money contributed by current workers to pay current beneficiaries. And yet people are looking at the money that they've contributed into Social Security as being held almost like a 401(k) account that they're going to cash out once they retire."

Interestingly, the researchers did not find that people were as stressed about the solvency of Social Security for their reasoning about when to start their checks rolling.

Social Security's reserves are projected to run out in 2033, at which point the program will be able to pay out just 77% of benefits to seniors. That has repercussions for many workers who plan to rely on Social Security for a major portion of their retirement income.

"One reason people dont delay Social Security claiming is that they're worried that the Social Security Administration is going to run out of money, that the trust fund is going to go to zero, and they want their money before that happens," Shu said. While that does have some effect, "it turns out in our research that the psychological explanations are actually more powerful in explaining the people who want to claim earlier versus claim later."

Read more: What is compound interest, and how is it calculated?

(Photo: Getty Creative)

You cant ignore the financial payback of patience

If you have the flexibility to delay benefits, the increase that you get by waiting is formidable. Pushing back tapping your benefits from your full retirement age, or FRA  which ranges in age from 66 to 67  until age 70, you earn delayed retirement credits. Those come to roughly an 8% per year annual increase in your benefit for each year until you hit 70 when the credits stop accruing.

For many Americans, the average monthly benefit is around $2,000. If you live to age 90 or longer, you will be better off by about $128,000 in cumulative payouts by delaying claiming from the earliest date possible (age 62) to the latest age possible (age 70), according to the research report.

If you were born in 1960 or later, youll receive about 70% of your FRA payout when you claim early at age 62, and about 132% if you claim later at age 70.

Other findings: Older respondents say they plan to claim earlier than younger respondents. No doubt as they close in on retirement age somehow the desire to kick off monthly benefits becomes more appealing than when its two decades down the road.

"If you ask someone who is 45, theyll probably say 'I'll delay it because that's a smart thing to do,'" Payne said. "But at 60, if you ask what do you want to do, they're more likely to say, 'Ill want to take it early.'"

And not surprisingly, people with more retirement savings socked away said they plan to wait to claim beyond age 62.

How to reframe the claim early psyche

(Photo: Getty Creative)

To solve the psychological ownership piece, "provide an opportunity to grab a little bit of what people think is theirs early on," Shu said. "And so at 62, provide the option to pull a little bit of money out of the system, but not to actually trigger the full monthly check that Social Security would normally provide if you began claiming."

Another way that doesnt involve major policy gyrations: Reframe the Social Security claiming mindset by asking first what someone would advise someone else, and most people will say they would tell them to delay, Payne said. Then ask them about their own strategy.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has also proposed legislation with Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to address what many see as a stumbling block for waiting to claim  a lack of understanding of how it all works.

The bill would push the Social Security Administration to change the language it uses to describe how benefits change with age. It would also require the agency to send paper statements to more Americans showing them how when they claim affects their benefit amount.

Many people claim early without thinking about how it "might reduce both their lifetime retirement benefits and their spouses survivor benefits," Smith said. A better understanding could help.

"Claiming Social Security right when you retire is a simple approach that fills the cash flow gap," Smith said, "but often leaves money on the table."

Kerry Hannon is a Senior Reporter and Columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a workplace futurist, a career and retirement strategist, and the author of 14 books, including "In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in The New World of Work" and "Never Too Old To Get Rich." Follow her on Twitter @kerryhannon.

Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Beta users of the Gboard keyboard for Android get an exciting update from Google with the announcement of a new "Proofread" function.

This revolutionary application, driven by generative AI, enables users to check text for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes and provides immediate repairs, eliminating the need for external proofreading services.

How Does It Work?

The 'Proofread' option is now a part of the Gboard app's toolbar in its most recent beta version (v13.4). According to 9 to 5 Google, the function analyzes the text and immediately displays a new version that corrects any spelling, grammar, or punctuation issues. If satisfied, users may hit the thumbs-up button to replace their initial wording with the amended version seamlessly. Instead, consumers may touch the thumbs-down button if the revision falls short of their expectations.

Although this feature significantly improves the current autocorrect feature's operation, some users hope that future upgrades may allow the processing to take place locally on the device, lessening dependency on Google's servers.

The precise date of the broad implementation of these functions is yet unknown, according to News18. However, the Gboard 'Proofread' function is currently available to beta users, so it seems that the complete release may not be too far away.

Read Also: #CortisolTok: Debunking Misinformation on TikTok About the Stress Hormone

Additionally, Gboard is developing other generative AI-driven features, such as an AI-powered sticker maker and a "tone" function that lets users rewrite texts in various tones, such as official or casual. However, without app adjustments, these Google Gboard capabilities are not currently accessible.

In related news, Google has unveiled new Google Keep capabilities that let users arrange their notes in a variety of ways to improve organization. Users can use formatting features like bold, underline, italics, and header styles to modify and accentuate their writing.

As Google stated during the I/O 2023 developer conference in August, these innovations are in line with its wider initiatives to incorporate artificial intelligence into its services, as reported by Business Insider last month.

Soon, users of Gboard will have access to cutting-edge tools for proofreading, stickers, and stylus handwriting as the tech juggernaut continues to develop its generative AI technology.

Google's Android Rebranding

Google is revamping the Android brand, according to a recent report by India TV. The rebranding includes capitalizing the letter 'A' in "Android," a move from all lowercase characters. Furthermore, a three-dimensional avatar of the recognizable bug-droid emblem is being created.

This rebranding effort aims to better integrate the Android logo into Google's overarching branding strategy. The letter 'A' is capitalized and designed to match Google's visual brand. The final goal is to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing portrayal of the Google and Android logos that fosters a feeling of coherence.

These changes highlight Google's unwavering dedication to improving user experiences inside its Android platform and related services, with a dual emphasis on both design and performance.

Related Article: Google Unveils New Ad Targeting 'Privacy Sandbox' to Replace Third-Party Cookies

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Versatile Creative Berhad is RM0.57 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Versatile Creative Berhad's RM0.58 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

When compared to theindustry average discount of -20%, Versatile Creative Berhad's competitors seem to be trading at a greater premium to fair value

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Versatile Creative Berhad (KLSE:VERSATL) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Versatile Creative Berhad

The Calculation

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Story continues

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM5.02m RM6.29m RM7.46m RM8.52m RM9.46m RM10.3m RM11.0m RM11.7m RM12.3m RM12.9m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 34.55% Est @ 25.25% Est @ 18.74% Est @ 14.18% Est @ 10.99% Est @ 8.76% Est @ 7.20% Est @ 6.10% Est @ 5.34% Est @ 4.80% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 9.0% RM4.6 RM5.3 RM5.8 RM6.0 RM6.1 RM6.1 RM6.0 RM5.9 RM5.7 RM5.5

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM57m

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.6%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 9.0%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM13m (1 + 3.6%)  (9.0% 3.6%) = RM245m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM245m ( 1 + 9.0%)10= RM104m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM161m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.6, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Versatile Creative Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Versatile Creative Berhad

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Current share price is above our estimate of fair value.

Opportunity

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine VERSATL's earnings prospects.

Threat

No apparent threats visible for VERSATL.

Moving On:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Versatile Creative Berhad, we've put together three pertinent elements you should look at:

Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Versatile Creative Berhad . Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
"Everything Happens Without Our Participation": Russian Scientists Come Closer to Unraveling the Processes of the Origin of Life on Earth

The family restaurant that wants to make birria fashionable in Madrid, that Mexican stew that is eaten in a taco and dipped in the broth

Reunion Island targeted by several bomb threats, "no real threat detected", according to the prefect

iPhone 15: Apple has had a BMW problem for weeks  and still no solution

To comply with the Paris Climate Agreement: Global CO budget smaller than previously assumed, according to study

Self-perception of animals: Roosters may be able to recognize themselves in the mirror

"It Will Lead to New Scientific Discoveries": Russian Physicist on the Use of Neural Networks in Space Research

"A Means of Fighting German "Heavyweights": What Role Did the Soviet IS-2 Tank Play in the Defeat of the Wehrmacht

The female cashier embezzled public funds 7 times in 982 years! Spend more than 290 yuan on beauty and health

The eternal fight for Alberti: Garcia Montero charges against the widow and Anna Caballe calls him a "political commissar"

"More than 100 Japan soldiers killed in battle" National excavation survey begins at the site of the fierce battle of the Battle of Okinawa

24-year-old defendant accused of attempted murder acquitted in the second trial following the first trial Tokyo High Court

A second-hand dealer buys an African mask from a couple for 150 euros... and sold it for 4.2 million

Judgment ordering the use of severe home-visit nursing care for more than 22 hours Chiba District Court

Forget 5-0 against Italy at the World Cup: "They have been re-energized"

World Cup-2034: Australia throws in the towel and paves the way for Saudi Arabia

Rewriting records: Panarin rises to second place on the list of top scorers of the season, Malkin to 40th place in NHL history

Zhengzhou's housing provident fund loans "recognize houses but do not recognize loans", and the sales area of newly built commercial residential buildings has declined for five consecutive months

"We are in the process of emerging from the inflationary crisis," says Bruno Le Maire

The ratio of first-class rice has dropped significantly, the national average is extremely hot, and Niigata is also remarkable.

The Government confirms that it is considering entering the capital of Telefonica

The Tarim Oilfield supplied more than 3400 billion cubic meters of gas to the West-East Gas Pipeline Network

Economy: growth held up modestly in the third quarter, according to INSEE figures

Botin (Santander): "You have to pay taxes, but if you pay too much, people leave"

10 major electric power companies Half-year financial results All companies are in the black due to the decrease in fuel costs for thermal power generation

Beijing Provident Fund Loan will be implemented from November 11 to "recognize the house but not the commercial loan"

Tim Yip: How to show the "beauty of the Orient" on the international stage?

"Carried out computer attacks on the information resources of the Russian Federation": the FSB detained a member of the Ukrainian cyber unit in Kuzbass

Pascal Praud and you - Racial profiling police checks: the tense exchange between an auditor and a commissioner

Here is the successful model that will reduce homelessness in Lulea

A draft resolution on the termination of the powers of deputies Vlasov and Belousov was submitted to the State Duma

The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden says yes to continued drilling in Gallok

RT: In the Sverdlovsk region, tourists who disappeared while rafting on the Vizhay River were found

Altitude record for mammals: mice lived at an altitude of more than 6000 meters in the Andes

What is the curse of the "eighth decade" that Ehud Barak feared and Abu Obeida waved?

Matthew Perry's Estate: His Parents and Five Siblings, the Possible Heirs to His Million-Dollar Fortune

Public campaigns to pay for international companies to pay for their support for Israel

Israeli army rescues kidnapped woman: "We will use the astonishing information she has revealed to us"

Princess Leonor's Swearing-in of the Constitution, live | Madrid dresses up to celebrate the Swearing-in of the Princess with music and giant screens: "It's a historic event"

The resistance sets up ambushes for the occupation and clashes in several axes in Gaza

 Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in London City Equities Limited's (ASX:LCE) instance, it's good news for shareholders.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

Check out our latest analysis for London City Equities

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At London City Equities

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Chairman & COO Peter E. Murray for AU$306k worth of shares, at about AU$0.56 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being AU$0.50). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

London City Equities insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

London City Equities is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Have London City Equities Insiders Traded Recently?

There was only a small bit of insider buying, worth AU$1.4k, in the last three months. Overall, we don't think these recent trades are particularly informative, one way or the other.

Story continues

Insider Ownership

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. London City Equities insiders own about AU$7.8m worth of shares (which is 50% of the company). This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.

So What Do The London City Equities Insider Transactions Indicate?

We note a that there has been a bit of insider buying recently (but no selling). That said, the purchases were not large. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Judging from their transactions, and high insider ownership, London City Equities insiders feel good about the company's future. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 5 warning signs for London City Equities (of which 4 shouldn't be ignored!) you should know about.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
The Arthritis Foundation of Louisiana needs volunteers to serve on its Jingle Bell Run committee.
If I were clever, I would have followed through on an idea I had a handful of years ago and set up an investment fund to put money into the businesses whose CEOs spend most time in Canberra schmoozing politicians. These companies have an outsized knack of securing government grants and competitive favours. I would be rich by now and scrolling gleefully through my share portfolio.

Instead, I spend my time scrolling through reader comments. There, its come to my attention that many readers think the Qantas scandal and others like it are expressions of neoliberalism. When people begin to subscribe to that view, it disguises the real source of structural unfairness, which is those schmoozing CEOs securing their companies an unearned advantage.

Illustration: Andrew Dyson. Credit:

So lets talk about neoliberalism, baby, as a nerd version of Salt-N-Pepa mightve sung. Lets talk about all the good things and the bad things that make up our economy.

Neoliberalism is a political approach that favours free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government spending. Legend has it, we once had something approaching it in Australia, when Bob Hawke and Paul Keating stopped subsidising a bunch of industries, dismantled the protectionist tariff system, deregulated the financial system and floated the dollar.
We see a shot of a featureless brick wall. Van Dyck flings himself from outside the frame. It happens again and again. Time to face the world. Melody collapses with him as Gemma Kneale on cello plays chaotic scales falling away to a kick-drum thud. A Book of Hours is never predictable and the instrumentation is absurd. Theres music for four toothbrushes. There are windup toys that dance and whir. And flautist Tamara Kohler blows around her instrument  huffing and muttering  as much as she blows into it. They run about and swap places and create a texture of busy-ness as the day goes on. Kate Neals score includes gestures such as chin stroking and hair ruffling, which are picked up  albeit faintly  on body microphones. And on the screen, everything dances: vegetables and wine glasses and furnishings. The day comes to an end with a dreamlike replay of all that came before, underlining what an accomplished bit of light-heartedness this show is. Reviewed by Andrew Fuhrmann

THEATRE and MUSIC

The Nervous Atmosphere 

Arts House, until September 17 A lone woman sits staring into middle space. She is surrounded by fluffy white clouds. In her hands, she holds a cello. It is dark, but then: a flash. Another one. Another. Zoe Barrys The Nervous Atmosphere is a meditation on her experience of being struck by lightning three times, combining spoken word, looped live cello performance and stage design work. It is a psychological splintering with an unreliable narrator at its centre: I wonder how much of what I remember is actually true, Barry says at one point. Zoe Barry performs The Nervous Atmosphere. Credit: Sarah Walker Its a fascinating concept, and the cello is an innovative vessel through which to explore it. The range of the instrument is employed, from its drone-like lower register in largely minor-key open strings and double stops to furious frantic notes up the other end.

Barry speaks of the tension needed to play the cello by pulling the bow over the strings in a sustained motion  that when she is nervous, the contact is not as good. Embodying this idea, Barrys bow control is commendable as she demonstrates both the instruments versatility and her own fluctuating sense of self and stability. A few missteps in intonation only add to the feeling of discombobulation. The Nervous Atmosphere is inspired by Zoe Barrys experience of being struck by lightning three times. Credit: Sarah Walker Barry loops both the cello and her recorded voice to create a haunting liminal space in which she ruminates on mortality and philosophy. After the lightning has struck, the voice goes from the recorded space to being spoken out loud in real time. Its a clever and subtle shift, a bodily manifestation of the idea of fusing with the universe after the incidents: What happens when one becomes the other? When nature chooses you, where does one reside? Can one ever come back? Colour-changing LED ropes shoot out of the floor midway through, visually resembling lightning itself. Along with the illuminated clouds, they become a mesmerising forest for the cellist to be viewed through, creating an ethereal, atmospheric space.

The spoken word and performance art elements  particularly a melodramatic shaking hand movement when the lightning strikes  can border on repetitive and trite, and could benefit from a tightening. Variations in vocal dynamics are effective, but there are moments where it feels overacted. The Nervous Atmosphere is at its most affecting when the voice falls away and its just Barry and her cello, with the instrument  in all its voices  asking vulnerable questions about humanity, survival and the very nature of existence itself.

Reviewed by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen THEATRE

Turn, Turn, Turn 

Explosives Factory, until September 23 The earth is dying  what if you could leave and make a new life on a different planet? When Turn, Turn, Turn opens, a couple, Hon (Melanie Audrey) and Tee (Sodi Murphy-Shrives) are planning to do just that. To do so, they have to pretend they are strangers, as per the rules of this travel  but theyre quickly found out when they board the spacecraft and meet its crew, Elk (Eben Rotjer) and Naz (Sarah Hartnell), who have also bent the rules by falling in love. In Turn, Turn, Turn, playwright Keith Gow interrogates topical issues, from climate anxiety to class, privilege and family structures. Credit: Phoebe Anne Taylor

Melbourne playwright Keith Gows latest work is an ambitious queer sci-fi drama. Through the journey to Earth Eight (implying that this journey has happened many times before), and the characters conversations and relationship arcs with one another, Gow interrogates topical issues from climate anxiety to class, privilege and family structures. Much of the action happens within the spaceship, which takes up the entire stage from the cockpit to two armchairs for the passengers, and a curtain separating the sleeping quarters offstage. Renee Palmer is both director and set designer, so the vision marries seamlessly. Eighties-inspired sound design bookends the show, lending an eerie atmosphere. The ideas raised in Turn, Turn, Turn offer compelling visions for the future. Credit: Phoebe Anne Taylor Gows intricate worldbuilding has admirable ideas, but its systems are not adequately explained. We know that Hon, by birthright, has the privilege to freely travel between planets, and that Naz and Elk are only on the ship to work and also have shorter life expectancies  is it an allegory for race, class, both or neither? Mention is frequently made of training (which Hon and Tee have both undertaken) and the juice, but piecing together scant context clues makes up an incomplete picture of what that means.

The idea of eugenics is heavily implied through Hon, who hides that her foot is broken so that the facade of being the perfect specimen can remain  so is the plan for this new world to breed a master race? The relatively brief runtime, as well as the more immediate physical dangers facing the crew, mean that theres no time for specifics or answers. But Gow also offers compelling visions for the future: gender does not seem to factor into this world, and family structures are collective rather than nuclear. Whether the characters have made a truly transgressive choice is not clear  but still, theres hope and possibility in the implication that what lies ahead could be better than whats being left behind.

Reviewed by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen MUSIC

Culture Club | The Greatest Hits Tour 

Rod Laver Arena, September 9 You might have thought it didnt matter that you missed Culture Clubs Greatest Hits tour on Saturday night, but you were wrong  and the packed crowd at Rod Laver Arena knew it. Culture Clubs Boy George performs to a packed Melbourne crowd. Credit: Martin Philbey

Iconic synth-rockers Berlin were supporting, blazing through a set of hits culminating in the classic Take My Breath Away, which of course, did. Terri Nunns magnificent voice, half sweet, half raspy and full of heart is a definitively 80s sound, just like Culture Club. Culture Club is no simple throwback act, however. The bands celebration of diversity of background, sexuality and musical style makes them absolutely contemporary. They were a band uniquely ahead of their time, embracing soul, new-wave, reggae and rock in a glorious synthesis. They did it their way. To quote our maestro, Im Boy George and I created myself  from cardboard and glitter. Surprisingly, they began with The Rolling Stones Sympathy for the Devil, getting fans on their feet from the get-go, followed by classic banger Its a Miracle. Guitarist Roy Hay urged us to throw our hands in the air, but mine already were. Culture Club proved they were no simple throwback act in an electric gig at Rod Laver Arena. Credit: Martin Philbey Boy George is not a wild dancer in the Mick Jagger sense, even though he treats us to a choreographed shuffle in Ill Tumble 4 Ya; tonight is just about top hits played damn well. As George says, we specialise in sad songs that put you in a good mood, and this was in full evidence in Move Away, Miss Me Blind, Time (Clock of the Heart) and the eternally sublime Do You Really Want to Hurt Me.

The northern soul-style stomper Church of the Poison Mind was a particular highlight, incorporating a deviation into Whams similarly soul-inspired Im Your Man in a fitting acknowledgement of that other wonderful 80s George. The encore begins with a massively rocking version of T.Rexs Get It On, after which fans behind me start screaming for Karma Chameleon, which amazed me. Surely they know its definitely getting played? Surely they want to look a little cooler and request a song which isnt the bands massive monster hit? But then I realised, Culture Club fans dont care about looking cool. They want pop and they want it now! And they get it. Karma Chameleon drives the arena wild, everyone dances like an idiot as Boy George had urged us to and then we go out into the cold Melbourne night, marvelling at what joy can be created from cardboard and glitter.

Reviewed by Andrew McClelland OPERA

Maria Stuarda

Athenaeum Theatre, until September 17

Donizetti wasnt one to let the truth get in the way of a good story. His operatic telling of the rivalry between Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I is the result of a German play, translated into Italian, then written up again by a 17-year-old novice librettist. As a consequence, Maria Stuarda is a long way from history. But realism is hardly why we go to the opera, right? Melbourne Opera has revived Suzanne Chaundys 2015 production, this time with internationally renowned Australian soprano Helena Dix in the title role. Eleanor Greenwood and Helena Dix perform as Elisabetta and Maria, two queens who in reality never met. Credit: Robin Halls The opera centres on two matters of fiction  a love triangle between Mary, Elizabeth and the Earl of Leicester, and a confrontation between the two queens, when in reality they never met.

The imagined clash is perfect opera fodder. Mary yells, Vil bastarda at Elizabeth as they spit fiery high notes at each other. Its great. But on the whole, the opera is uneven. The coup de theatre happens too soon, and with the confrontation scene over were left with a long lament for the final act. The compositional category within which all Donizetti operas fall, bel canto, relies on showstopping singing. If youre not super into vocal fireworks, bel canto can be a bit boring. Not so with Helena Dix. Everything this style is about  technique, tone, text  Dix has got it. No note too high, no pianissimo too soft. She traverses the literal ups and downs of this extraordinarily demanding repertoire with apparent ease. Elizabeth here is entirely unsympathetic and her vocal requirements more steely than sweet. Eleanor Greenwood began somewhat uneasily and appeared more comfortable as the night progressed, at her best as she signed Marys death warrant. A former mezzo, its unsurprising her low notes were tremendous. Helena Dix rises to every musical challenge this opera throws her way. Credit: Robin Halls Henry Choo is back as the hapless Leicester after appearing in the 2015 production. He really is superb in this role. His Act I duet with Dix was affecting, their voices complementing each other beautifully.
Perhaps we should reduce the subject load and get back to basics? Focusing purely on maths and English should get our results back on track, right?

This data suggest that education outcomes across the country are not improving; arguably they are becoming more pronounced and less equitable. Whats changed? Is screen time entirely to blame? Is it our teachers? That seems unlikely. By all accounts, teachers have never worked so hard or been under so much pressure to improve student outcomes.

The recently released 2023 NAPLAN results made for sobering reading. One in three Australian school students is not meeting minimum numeracy and literacy expectations and one in 10 will need additional support to catch up. Predictably, high NAPLAN scores correlate closely with socio-economic advantage, indicating that areas of disadvantage have a disproportionate pooling of students who need learning support.

We have progressively seen arts and creative subjects brutally cut from our public school curriculum as budgets get tighter, teaching more focused as biases towards core subjects proliferate. But narrowing the focus of teaching to literacy and numeracy outcomes in our childrens early years is proving to be detrimental to overall learning, and sadly these are lessons that have already been learnt overseas.

An athlete in training undertakes a range of different exercises, not solely focusing on the core mechanics required for their particular event. Cross-training is just as important for our brain as it is for our body. We need variety to grow. Across the fields of neuroscience, education and psychology, studies have provided convincing evidence that music training is unique in its capacity to enhance cognitive functioning and academic performance, particularly in young people.

Loading

However, quality music learning is something that students in socio-economically disadvantaged schools rarely have access to. Private schools and public schools in well-off areas are better resourced, both from within the schools themselves and from their parent population, encouraging a more natural integration of music and other arts-related activities. As a nation that prides itself on the fair go, clearly we have some work to do within our public school system, where equity and access to programs for lower socio-economic students is biting into academic performance and social outcomes.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra has been running its Foundations Program at St Marys North Public, a school comprised of many families with severe socio-economic disadvantage, since 2018. The program, funded by the ACO through philanthropy, involves each student in years 1 to 3 participating in 15 minutes of daily violin and cello practice during school hours, within the classroom. A five-year evaluation report by educator Dr Anita Collins, informed by academics from the University of Sydney, has revealed the dramatic efficacy of this unique program. Participating students have displayed improved cognitive ability, focus, creativity and better learning across all subjects and it has also improved school attendance.
Hopes for an early resolution of the legal dispute between Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto and his exiled MP Moira Deeming faded in the middle of last week, with Pesutto telling ABC radio that attempts at mediation had gone, well, nowhere really.

Deeming provided a statement to the broadcaster later that day saying, well, not much really. But that evening the hardline, ahem, gender-critical Liberal was a little more forthcoming in an online forum hosted by the Australian Jewish Associations President David Adler  someone whose own views on questions of identity have made news of late.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto and MP Moira Deeming. Credit: Darrian Traynor

With many Liberal Party members in attendance along with a man from the Australian Christian Lobby, Deeming appeared to offer her estranged leader an out, while making clear the consequences of him not taking it.

I think its going to be able to be undone, so just watch this space and well see how we go, Deeming told the forum.
A sweeping overhaul of the states mathematics curriculum will be rolled out in all NSW schools from next year as part of a major drive to channel more students into calculus-based advanced and extension HSC courses.

Under structural changes to the year 9 and 10 maths syllabuses, a decade-old three-tiered system will be ditched for a single core unit of work that is designed to give more teenagers the critical foundational skills needed to attempt higher levels of maths later in their schooling.

The revamp comes after a decade of stagnant enrolments in senior school maths, boys consistently outnumbering girls in tougher numeracy subjects, and participation in year 12 physics crashing to a 20-year low.

A major redesign of the states maths syllabus will abolish the current three-tiered course structure in years 9 and 10. Credit: James Brickwood

Exposing more teenagers to challenging maths concepts from year 9 should be welcomed and encouraged, especially as the number of students meeting maths prerequisites for university courses dwindles and as Australia urgently needs to bolster its pipeline of graduates into engineering, science and mathematics degrees.
A Sydney surgeon is on a crusade to unmask how criminal syndicates are making a fortune on Sydney streets while unravelling decades of progress against lung cancer and heart disease.

Prominent vascular surgeon John Croziers growing concern prompted him this year to hang back with his patients at Liverpool Hospital to find out what was happening. He discovered the patients open secret  they were hooked on cheap black-market tobacco.

Vascular surgeon John Crozier has begun mapping the citys black-market tobacco trade, saying it has undone 50 years of public health policy. Several shops in Liverpool, where he works, freely sell illegal tobacco. Credit: Janie Barrett

Crozier began compiling a comprehensive spreadsheet mapping where and when his patients bought their illegal cigarettes. Trade is booming across Sydney, with police revealing major courier companies have been infiltrated by trusted insiders who distributed the illegal smokes.

Many [of my patients] are fully aware the cigarettes or vapes theyre buying are illegal, Crozier said.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Just a few years after a barefoot Indigenous boy Victor Hookey was photographed walking hand in hand with his white friend Mark Anthony down a Chippendale lane  a photo that would become a symbol of the hopes raised by the 1967 referendum  he was snatched from his parents kitchen and sent to a boys home. Victor, the 14th of 19 children, had been watching his mother, Ramona, cook dinner. His father Samuel was at work. The door of their rundown Newtown terrace was open, as always, to let the children drift in and out. But that day, there was a heavy tread in the hallway. Ramona watched in shock as three people came in. They just walked straight in and grabbed us, Hookey remembers. [Mum] went off her head. I never knew the reason. She couldnt do anything about it. They grabbed me first, and put me in the car. Im trying to unlock it, but you couldnt. Then they got my brother Robert. George ran. They got him a few months later. Victor was just 10 years old. The iconic photo by George Lipman, which ran on the front page of The Sydney Morning Herald two days before the 1967 referendum vote under the headline  Racial discrimination - whats that?  has hung in exhibitions, featured on posters, and is now drawing renewed attention as the country prepares for another vote, this time to add an Indigenous voice to the constitution. The fate of Anthony remains a mystery, despite myriad attempts by journalists and historians to track him down. But Hookey, now 63, is ready to tell his story. For him, the words that ran below the photograph  To these two Australians, Saturdays referendum on Aborigines will not mean much  were prescient. The referendum failed to stop his life from being marked by the hardships and tragedies shared by so many First Australians of his generation. This photo was taken on the days before the 1967 referendum and ran on the front page of The Sydney Morning Herald under the headline, Racial discrimination  whats that? Credit: George Lipman The forced separation from his family. A traumatic adolescence under the yoke of authoritarian priests, which paved the way for periods in jail. And the premature death of his daughter, after a series of errors by hospital staff and carers. Yet throughout all this, Hookey kept his sense of humour. As he walks down the lane and through his old inner-city neighbourhood, which is vastly wealthier but still recognisable, he jokes with passersby in the midday sun.

Advertisement

If Hookey intended to vote in the Voice referendum  he doesnt  he would vote no. Hes no fan of politicians, and feels the debate is dividing the country and his people. He cant see how an advisory body to parliament would change anything. Its not enough. We all bleed the same, he said. What we need is a treaty. Victor Hookey now lives near Blacktown, in western Sydney, with his partner of 43 years, Robyn. He vividly remembers that day in late May 1967, when Lipman went looking for an image that would capture the hopes pinned on the looming referendum, which proposed the removal of clauses in the constitution that had set Aboriginal people apart from other Australians. Lipman went to Chippendale, then known for its poverty, where Hookey, Mark and Marks brother were playing in Edward Lane, near The Settlement  a community centre thats still there  after school. Hookey was barefoot; not because he did not have shoes, but because his stiff, state-issued pair hurt. The friends often raised eyebrows. Loading Everyone froze when they saw me and him playing together, he remembers. It was just out of the ordinary for them all. At Erskineville Public School, Hookey says, black and white were kept apart. We didnt understand what all the fuss was about. Who cared? We didnt. Thats what hurt us the most. We ended up finding out about it. As Hookey remembers it, Lipman  who is in his late 80s, now  spotted the boys walking hand in hand, and asked if he could take a photograph. We looked at each other - is he for real? he remembers. After he took the photo, he gave us 20 pounds each. That was a lot of money for us. In the version Lipmans family remembers, he gave them ice-cream. Hookey recalls a carefree childhood. He is proud of his father  a great man  who worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and of his mother, who ran a tight ship. She was a proud Indigenous woman. She took care of us, all 19 of us. We named our daughter after my mum. Never saw them argue or anything. His parents were together for 45 years.

Advertisement

But everything changed after his forced removal from their home in Georgina Street, Newtown. He and his brother were sent to Boys Town at Engadine, which was set up to correct troubled boys by the Salesians of Don Bosco, a Catholic order of priests and brothers. That was a hell of a place, Hookey says. [The priest] used to bash all of us with a big piece of plastic. Big dormitories; beds lined in a row. He was moved between boys homes and orphanages until he was old enough to leave them. Throughout, he maintained contact with his family. Loading But in the late 1970s, when he wasnt quite 17 years old, Hookey began his first stint in jail. He remembers being sent to the notoriously freezing Goulburn prison for a failed attempt, with four friends (one of whom gave them up) at stealing $45,000 from the post office as the cash bag was carried to the bank. We got the bag off him, took off home, he says. Twelve hours later, the coppers came and grabbed us. He doesnt want to reveal much more. Ive got a bit of a criminal history for defending myself, he says. Now, Im getting older, Im trying to forget my past, but its on my record for the rest of my [life]. The path from mid-20th century boys homes to prison was a well-trodden one, as multiple government inquiries have heard. As one, in Victoria, was told 10 years ago, the boys who ran away from homes and ended up in prison [say] prison was much better than the boys homes. Hookey agrees.

Advertisement

He met Robyn Hickey 43 years ago at a pub in Botany, when his sister spotted a woman alone and encouraged him to talk to her. Shes a Walgett girl, but shes my girl now. Thomas TJ Hickey, the 17-year-old Aboriginal boy who died after he was thrown from his bike and impaled on a fence while being followed by police, was her cousin, he says. They were living on Redferns Eveleigh Street, home to the once-famous Block, when authorities began moving residents to other areas. Their family was among the first to move to the citys west. They have nine children and 21 grandchildren, with another on the way. Their first great-granddaughter will arrive soon, too. But they lost one of their daughters, Shona  Hookey sobs as he remembers her  in horrific circumstances 10 years ago. Victor Hookey and his partner of more than 40 years, Robyn Hickey. Credit: Nick Moir Shona Hookey suffered from an intellectual disability so severe she was unable to speak, and had a history of epilepsy and stroke. She lived in a government-run group home. But when she was 29, she died from an undiagnosed twisted bowel, which a coroner found was the conclusion to a cluster of mistakes and failures. Her carers failed to call an ambulance quickly enough. The emergency department was crowded, and Shona was left on an ambulance trolley for two hours without pain relief or fluids. Her condition was incorrectly diagnosed. Several witnesses say they heard the doctor suggest that Shonas disability meant she should receive a lesser standard of care and treatment than would be given to normal patients, the coroner said (accusations denied by the doctor). Our daughter died because of their neglect  thats what it was, Hookey says. The family was given just $50,000 in compensation. Thats been playing on my mind for the past 10 years. Victor Hookey revisits the lane where the 1967 photo was taken. Credit: James Brickwood

Advertisement
Morocco mourns quake victims as death toll climbs to over 2,000

Xinhua) 09:42, September 10, 2023

Children stand by a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

RABAT, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Morocco on Saturday declared three days of national mourning after a devastating earthquake jolted the kingdom late Friday night.

Flags will fly at half-mast on all public facilities during the national mourning, according to a statement released by the Royal Office after Moroccan King Mohammed VI chaired a meeting on the disaster.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday.

Morocco has not experienced a disaster of this magnitude since 2004 when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the port city of Al Hoceima, killing around 630 people.

The Moroccan state TV said the majority of casualties in the earthquake were from the remote and inaccessible mountainous regions near the epicenter, with damaged roads further hindering rescue efforts.

Rescuers have been sent to the quake-hit areas to search for survivors, local media reported. TV footage showed rescuers digging through rubbles and debris in an effort to save survivors.

The earthquake was felt in many cities across Morocco, including the capital Rabat and Casablanca. Numerous houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh, local media reported.

Rows of buildings were leveled to the ground in Imlil, a small village in the High Atlas mountains about 60 km south of Marrakesh, video footage showed.

The earthquake damaged many buildings in the old city of Marrakesh, the nearest big city to the epicenter, and many residents had to spend the night in the open space for fear of potential aftershocks, said Zhang Kai, an overseas Chinese living in Marrakesh.

Xinhua correspondents at Ouarzazate, about 190 km southeast of Marrakesh, saw residents taking shelter in an open space after the earthquake.

"There have been earthquakes before, but none of them were as strong as this one," said a resident who requires anonymity.

On the way from Ouarzazate to the epicenter, rocks and rubbles from the mountains and buildings were seen scattered along the road.

COUNTRIES OFFER SOLIDARITY, AID

The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) announced on Saturday that it would provide the Moroccan Red Crescent with 200,000 U.S. dollars in cash as emergency humanitarian assistance to assist in its rescue operations.

The RCSC said it would keep abreast of the relief needs in Morocco and pledged to offer assistance to the best of its ability.

Arab countries and organizations, including the Arab League (AL), Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Tunisia, Algeria, Lebanon and Libya, on Saturday sent condolences to Morocco over the devastating earthquake. They have expressed solidarity with Morocco and pledged support for its rescue and relief efforts.

Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, secretary-general of the Cairo-based AL, said he hoped Morocco would quickly overcome the crisis.

Other countries that have offered condolences or assistance include Iran, Trkiye, Israel, France, Germany, the U.S., etc.

A man cleans his damaged house after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco, Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

People clean their damaged house after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco, Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Sept. 9, 2023 shows damaged buildings after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Sept. 9, 2023 shows a damaged house after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man walks among the rubble of a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man searches for his belongings among the rubble of damaged buildings after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco,Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man walks among the rubble of a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man walks among the rubble of a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A man walks among the rubble of a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

A woman cleans her damaged house after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco, Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chaolan)
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. Sometimes these stories can cloud the minds of investors, leading them to invest with their emotions rather than on the merit of good company fundamentals. A loss-making company is yet to prove itself with profit, and eventually the inflow of external capital may dry up.

In contrast to all that, many investors prefer to focus on companies like Krones (ETR:KRN), which has not only revenues, but also profits. Even if this company is fairly valued by the market, investors would agree that generating consistent profits will continue to provide Krones with the means to add long-term value to shareholders.

See our latest analysis for Krones

How Fast Is Krones Growing Its Earnings Per Share?

Over the last three years, Krones has grown earnings per share (EPS) at as impressive rate from a relatively low point, resulting in a three year percentage growth rate that isn't particularly indicative of expected future performance. So it would be better to isolate the growth rate over the last year for our analysis. Krones' EPS skyrocketed from 5.30 to 7.13, in just one year; a result that's bound to bring a smile to shareholders. That's a fantastic gain of 34%.

Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. EBIT margins for Krones remained fairly unchanged over the last year, however the company should be pleased to report its revenue growth for the period of 16% to 4.6b. That's a real positive.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart.

Story continues

In investing, as in life, the future matters more than the past. So why not check out this free interactive visualization of Krones' forecast profits?

Are Krones Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Many consider high insider ownership to be a strong sign of alignment between the leaders of a company and the ordinary shareholders. So we're pleased to report that Krones insiders own a meaningful share of the business. In fact, they own 37% of the shares, making insiders a very influential shareholder group. Those who are comforted by solid insider ownership like this should be happy, as it implies that those running the business are genuinely motivated to create shareholder value. At the current share price, that insider holding is worth a staggering 1.1b. That means they have plenty of their own capital riding on the performance of the business!

While it's always good to see some strong conviction in the company from insiders through heavy investment, it's also important for shareholders to ask if management compensation policies are reasonable. Well, based on the CEO pay, you'd argue that they are indeed. For companies with market capitalisations between 1.9b and 6.0b, like Krones, the median CEO pay is around 2.5m.

Krones offered total compensation worth 2.2m to its CEO in the year to December 2022. That comes in below the average for similar sized companies and seems pretty reasonable. CEO remuneration levels are not the most important metric for investors, but when the pay is modest, that does support enhanced alignment between the CEO and the ordinary shareholders. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making.

Should You Add Krones To Your Watchlist?

You can't deny that Krones has grown its earnings per share at a very impressive rate. That's attractive. If you still have your doubts, remember too that company insiders have a considerable investment aligning themselves with the shareholders and CEO pay is quite modest compared to similarly sized companiess. This may only be a fast rundown, but the key takeaway is that Krones is worth keeping an eye on. Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Krones that you should be aware of.

Although Krones certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, then this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying, could be exactly what you're looking for.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
When Sabrine Maghnie learnt her brother had been critically shot in the same kerbside attack that ended the life and criminal career of standover man Gavin Preston, her first instinct was to rush to his hospital bed. Instead, she was ordered by her mother to stay well away.

Understanding what this means could hold a clue for homicide detectives working to identify the masked assailant who on Saturday killed Preston and wounded Abbas Junior Maghnie, known as AJ, as the pair were chatting over coffee and orange juice at a Keilor cafe.

A still from CCTV footage shows a killer dressed in black approaching Gavin Preston before he is shot at a cafe.

Sabrine Maghnie, one of five children of slain underworld enforcer Nabil Maghnie, is at the centre of a bitter rift within one of Melbournes most prominent crime families. A cause of it appears to be her star-crossed love affair with a member of the Marrogis, a rival criminal clan.

Her lover, Jesse Marrogi, enraged Preston, a trusted criminal confidant to her late father, to the point that Preston threatened upon his release from prison to not only beat Marrogi senseless but rape him.
Property developer Mirvac has won the bid to develop a landmark $2 to $3 billion commercial and residential precinct at the eastern gateway to Melbournes CBD.

But the design and timing of the controversial project known as Treasury Square remains in doubt due to post-pandemic economic conditions and the complexity of the site, including building above busy rail lines.

The Treasury Square site is located on the southern side of Flinders Street next to the rail corridor, and spans the area between Exhibition and Flinders streets, and Wellington Parade South. Credit: Joe Armao

In 2019, the state government triggered a race among developers, and an outcry from East Melbourne residents, when it announced its plan to sell vacant VicTrack land in the south-east corner of the city to help pay for transport projects.

An indicative design of the site, which was released to the market in 2020, showed three monolithic glass-clad towers of about 20 storeys.
In 1974, when Anthony Schulz was six years old, his father Werner bought him an instrument at a North Melbourne music shop.

Instead of a recorder or a ukulele, Werner purchased a piano accordion  a shiny new model, made in Italy.

Anthony Schulz, centre, with Accordion Society of Australia Victoria Orchestra members Louis and Victoria Wu. Credit: Chris Hopkins

Not a conventional choice of instrument, but a natural one for Werner, who grew up in Germany singing folk songs featuring the instrument. Schulzs mother is from Ireland, another great accordion country, says Schulz.

Schulz reckons he was the only child at his school in the Dandenong Ranges, in Melbournes east, to play the accordion, which was the size of his torso as a child, but he loved it from the start.
The public board responsible for promoting the Formula 1 grand prix and next months Moto GP at Phillip Island is facing an exodus of directors following the Victorian governments decision not to renew the term of outgoing chairman Paul Little.

There has been no government announcement on who will replace Little, the chairman who along with former chief executive Andrew Westacott helped re-establish the two international motorsport weekends on Melbournes major events calendar after the disruptions of the COVID years.

In with the new? Former Australian Grand Prix chief executive Andrew Westacott, Martin Pakula and outgoing grand prix chair Paul Little. Credit: Simon Schluter

Little, a self-made logistics, aviation and property billionaire and philanthropist, formally leaves the organisation on Saturday after four years in the role, without any word on his permanent replacement.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation board was last week asked by the state government to nominate one of its remaining directors to serve as a stop-gap chairman for at least a month and potentially longer.
Education experts and advocates fighting the decline of play-based learning for young children in West Australian schools have been given a glimmer of hope that change could be around the corner.

Early Childhood Australia WA has been advocating for a state strategy for play-based learning since 2014, arguing there is too much emphasis on formal assessments and children spend too much time sitting at their desks.

Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton. Credit: Hamish Hastie

The initiative gained widespread community support, including backing from the Commissioner of Children and Young People, more than 10,000 West Australians, and over 150 associations and organisations.

New Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton told the Early Childhood Australia WA state conference at the start of the month she was committed to advocating for play in schools and for a government-led WA Play Strategy.
A farmer had a lucky escape when a camouflage-clad gunman with a swastika armband shot at his ute while fleeing a West Australian town after killing a workmate.

Rob Linto says he spotted Lachlan Bowles, who was armed and on foot, about two hours after the 25-year-old killed Terry Czernowski in the Wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin on Thursday.

Im just dawdling along, not even in top gear in the ute on this gravel road and I see a bloke there, he told The West Australian newspaper on Friday.

I didnt think much of it but then I saw him stop ... he had a gun pointed at me as Im coming towards him.
Kurnai elder Aunty Cheryl Drayton is on a mission to make clear to her local community in the Victorian electorate of Monash that she will be voting No in the Voice referendum and that they should do the same.

Drayton is not affiliated with the No campaign, nor is she a member of a political party. But she is fiercely opposed to the Voice, unconvinced by the arguments of Yes advocates that it will empower grassroots communities when there is little detail about how it will operate.

Aunty Cherly Drayton plans to vote No in the Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum. Credit: Chris Hopkins

While theres no meat on the bone of how this is going to work, I cant see how any normal person with a brain could vote for it, Drayton, 71, said.

One person persuaded by Drayton is Monash MP Russell Broadbent. The veteran Liberal MP had long been an outspoken supporter of the Voice, and even contributed to a book published earlier this year in which he argued a rejection of the proposal would impoverish the country.
The NSW governments plans to allow third-party contributors to spend up to $226,000 in every electorate  10 times the previous cap  has been criticised by the Coalition and the Greens, who say it could have an insidious impact on democracy.

The proposed Electoral Funding Amendment Bill  lifting the cap for third-party contributors such as unions, GetUp! or the gambling lobby from $24,700 to $225,900  has raised fears it could spark American-style political spending in the state.

Unions NSW, led by secretary Mark Morey, has argued that the election spending cap impinged on its rights. Credit: James Brickwood

In January, the High Court handed down a unanimous decision in favour of the argument made by Unions NSW that the previous $24,700 cap impinged on implied freedom of political communication as laid out in the nations Constitution.

The proposed figure is set at 75 per cent of the $301,200 candidates in NSW can spend in by-elections and general elections. The High Courts decision means there is currently no cap in place.
Special Olympics Truck Convoy Route. The Convoy will take place September 16 from 10 AM to approximately 11:30 AM.
Some of the losses seen by insiders who purchased AU$1.0m worth of QuickFee Limited (ASX:QFE) shares over the past year were recovered after the stock increased by 21% over the past week. However, total losses seen by insiders are still AU$498k since the time of purchase.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

Check out our latest analysis for QuickFee

QuickFee Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when insider Kenneth Gray bought AU$591k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.37 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being AU$0.063). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

QuickFee insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. Their average price was about AU$0.12. I'd consider this a positive as it suggests insiders see value at around the current price. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Insider Ownership Of QuickFee

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. It appears that QuickFee insiders own 31% of the company, worth about AU$5.4m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

Story continues

So What Does This Data Suggest About QuickFee Insiders?

The fact that there have been no QuickFee insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. Insiders own shares in QuickFee and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. For example, QuickFee has 5 warning signs (and 2 which are concerning) we think you should know about.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
404

Something's wrong here

Sorry. We can't find the page you're looking for.

RETURN HOME
Governance mechanism, customer-centricity can help in fintech ecosystem sustainable growth





Business Bureau

Sustainable growth of the fintech ecosystem can be achieved by putting in place a governance mechanism and focusing on customer-centricity, a senior RBI official said recently. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das had recently asked fintech companies to form a self regulatory organisation and improve governance standards. What is needed for the sustainable development and growth of the fintech ecosystem is the right thrust on customer-centricity and better governance standards. These can be achieved by balancing the needs of tomorrow with the wants of today, Ajay Chaudhary, an Executive Director who heads the fintech department at the Reserve Bank of India, said. He was addressing the final day of the three-day global fintech summit here. Noting that fintech companies have vastly improved the efficiency of service delivery and customer experience, he said that what is needed is more focus on these matters which can be better achieved through the above points.

Underlining the need for incremental and gradual regulation in the sector, Chaudhary said that it could be rule-based, outcome-based or even need-based regulation but the first step towards such a regulated existence is starting with a supervisory framework which could be in the form of a self-regulatory organisation or SRO. At the summit, the RBI Governor had said he expected the industry to have an SRO at the earliest and latest by the next edition of the summit.

Responding to the demand and suggestion on Thursday, Naveen Surya, co-chairman of the Fintech Convergence Council, said that there will be an SRO by the time the next edition of the fintech summit is held. Further, Chaudhary said regulation can wait a bit longer but what is needed more urgently is better governance standards and a mechanism focused on customer centricity, data privacy and data protection, among others.
Chief Justice Ravi Malimath releases MP Bar Council Times magazine





Staff Reporter

Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court Ravi Malimath on Saturday released Madhya Pradesh Bar Council Times magazine. On the occasion, Vice President, Madhya Pradesh State Bar Council, R K Saini along with Chairman, Secretary and Chief Editor of the magazine, Radhelal Gupta apprised the Chief Justice with detailed information about the magazine. They stated that it is distributed among various legal authorities in India, including all the judges of the Supreme Court, Chief Justices of India, High Court judges, District and Sessions Judges of Madhya Pradesh, members of the Bar Council of India, all Bar Associations in Madhya Pradesh, District and Tehsil advocates associations and new advocates for a period of two years.

The magazine is distributed throughout the country, with about 15,000 copies are sent. This edition of the magazine primarily focuses on providing information about judges of Madhya Pradesh High Court who have achieved distinction of becoming Chief Justices of India, judges of Supreme Court and judges of other states. It includes articles, main circulars and notifications on important legal topics, along with inclusion of members of Madhya Pradesh Judicial Services, members of MP State Bar Council and information about year-wise amounts allocated for families of deceased advocates until 2022, financial medical assistance provided to advocates and the amount provided to new advocates under the Chief Ministers Advocate Welfare Scheme 2012. The magazine has compiled all this information in about 150 pages.
Chip War Between US, China





By PRABIR PURKAYASTHA

THE chip wars between the US and China show no sign of abating as the US tries to stop the flow of advanced chips  sub 7 nm chips, graphical processor units (GPUs), 5G chipsets  and the lithographic machines that manufacture such chips. The US had started with sanctions that made it impossible for Huawei to manufacture its top-of-the-range processors at the heart of the 5G mobile phones. The US had then progressively widened the sanctions to advanced chip manufacturing lithographic machines and high-end computing processors, the GPUs from Nvidia. These GPUs power the new generative artificial intelligence (AI) thrust and the large language models like ChatGPT. Nvidia has emerged as the global heavyweight in the electronics manufacturing sector with its GPUs, a market capitalisation of 1.2 trillion dollars, and the world's 6th largest company by market cap. The recent news of Huawei releasing its Mate 60 Pro mobile phones, which it claims are satellite compatible, has shocked the US industry. Various tech experts have examined the phone, including from Bloomberg, and say, Huawei Technologies Co. and Chinas top chipmaker have built an advanced 7-nanometer processor to power its latest smartphone, a sign Beijing is making early progress in a nationwide push to circumvent US efforts to contain its ascent. The chipset is Huaweis first higher-end processor since US sanctions were imposed and said the chipset it contains was manufactured by the Shanghai company Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC).

There is now enough evidence produced by Bloomberg and other independent analysts that these claims are valid. In that case, it shows again that technology denial regimes do not work. The Semiconductor Industry Association and Boston Consulting Group had argued this in their 2021 Report, Strengthening the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain in an Uncertain Era. They had said that de-linking from the Chinese market would lead to China developing its indigenous manufacturing base and deny the US companies the large surplus they currently make from the Chinese market. It was also the same warning that Nvidias chief had delivered only a few months back, If (China) cant buy from . . . the United States, theyll just build it themselves. That technology denial does not work for large countries is the lesson India had taught the US and the western countries after its 1974 Pokhran nuclear test when the US and its allies had imposed draconian technology sanctions on India. They denied India a range of technologies, including nuclear, electronics, rockets and advanced metallurgy. These sanctions failed to deter Indias indigenous technology development. The only area where we failed to replace western technologies was chip manufacturing, which was more of a self-goal.

Our flagship indigenous chip manufacturing plant, the Semiconductor Complex Ltd (SCL) in Mohali, was destroyed in 1989 by a mysterious fire, possibly a sabotage. We failed to rebuild this plant in the mistaken notion that only software matters, hardware chips can easily be bought from the international market. We have known since last year that SMIC had successfully manufactured 7-nanometer (nm) chips for a bitcoin miner using its existing 28-nm ASML lithographic machines. These machines use the older DUV process, not yet under sanctions, and not the latest Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) lithography process, which is under sanctions. Without the EUV machines, any chipset below 7 nm may be difficult, if not impossible, to manufacture at scale. But with 7 nm technology, Huaweis latest Kirin processors seem to have matched the latest iPhone speeds; if Bloomberg and other US tech websites are to be believed. If this was not bad enough, Liu Qingfeng, the founder of HKUST Xunfei, an AI company, stated in Chinese Entrepreneurs Forum 2023 that Huawei has developed an AI GPU that matches the capabilities of Nvidias A100 GPU. The US technology denial regime had banned the export of the latest version of A100 and the even more powerful H100 GPU chips to China.

Even some West Asian countries (reportedly Saudi Arabia and UAE) have come under the ban on the suspicion that China may be using them to defeat US sanctions on GPUs. HKUST Xunfei and Huawei jointly announced that they will create AI platforms powered by Huawei processors, and the Chinese AI companies will no longer be limited by the denial of A100 or H100 GPU processors. The fear of the chip manufacturing companies for quite some time has been that China is the biggest market for their products. Whether it is Nvidia, Apple, Intel, Qualcomm, or others, if the Chinese market is closed to them, this is a huge loss. The US administration believed that China would not be able to work around the chip bans and would either succumb to the US and sue for mercy, or be relegated to being no longer a peer technology competitor. This belief was the basis of the sanctions regime that the US has built. And temporarily, it did hit companies like Huawei hard and posed an impending threat to the entire hi-tech sector in China. The Chinese response of independent product development was foreseen by the Semiconductor Industry Association and Boston Consulting Group in their 2021 Report, Strengthening the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain in an Uncertain Era. If the US and China decouple, the US loses its biggest market and, therefore, will lose the innovation edge it currently enjoys from the surplus in their China trade. Forcing China through sanctions to invest in innovation means that China may have a temporary setback but end in a long-term gain, as it is the worlds biggest market.

The US and its allies still have a trump card in ASML, the company that builds the most complex and hi-tech machine in the world: the lithographic machines that create intricate patterns on silicon using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light. As of now, the Chinese company that is building lithographic machines, Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment, has yet to launch its 28 nm machine. According to reports, it plans to launch these machines in the market by the end of this year. If it indeed succeeds  and it is still a question mark  then SMIC, which currently uses the older 28 nm lithographic ASML machines, may not be hit by the proposed US ban on sales of even these machines to China. Most experts believe that going below 7 nm may not be possible with 28 nm lithographic machines. The question remains: How critical are sub-7 nm chips? Can more advanced packaging, using a combination of chips  chiplets  and not such high-density chips, provide China an alternate route? These are questions for the future. And once a country as large as India and China make up their minds to develop technology on their own, they have the resources, both human and financial, to do so. De-linking, or as US now calls it, de-risking  de-linking by another name  does not work, not for large economies and not for any length of time.




Staff Reporter

Federation of Madhya Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vice-President, Himanshu Khare will attend week-long international symposium on use of new techniques in industry and production to be organised in Germany.

The international symposium would be organised by Bavaria Commercial Ministry, Germany. Total 18 selected industrialists from India will attend the symposium. The visit is being organised under the auspices of Association of Indian MSME.

Himanshu Khare informed that the event would be organised at Business University Munich while several rounds of meetings with directors of plastic, polymer, automobile, energy, e-vehicles, chemical solutions, water technology etc based industries include Faber Castell, Volkawagen, BMW and others. During the meetings, discussions will be held for mutual business and several other business issues. Besides this, the office-bearers and members of business and industry organisations wished to Himanshu Khare for successful Germany visit.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor announced





NEW DELHI,

INDIA along with the US and several major economies on Saturday announced an ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasising on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations while promoting connectivity initiatives. In his remarks at the event, Modi also stressed on promoting financial viability rather than debt-burden as well as on following all environmental guidelines in connectivity projects and said India does not limit connectivity to regional borders as it believes that connectivity can play a key role in strengthening mutual trust. The initiative will consist of two separate corridors -- East Corridor connecting India to West Asia/Middle East and Northern Corridor connecting West Asia or Middle East to Europe. It will include a rail line which upon completion will provide a reliable and cost effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement the existing multi-modal transport routes enhancing transshipment of goods and services between South East Asia through India to West Asia or Middle East Europe. Along the railway route, participants intend to enable the laying of cable for electricity and digital connectivity, as well as pipe for clean hydrogen export. This corridor will secure regional supply chains, increase trade accessibility, improve trade facilitation, and support an increased emphasis on environmental social, and Government impacts. The launch of the initiative was hailed as historic by leaders of all participating nations, including the co-chairs Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. Besides Modi and Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the event.

I am happy to co-chair this event with my friend President Biden, Modi said and added that an important and historic partnership had been achieved with this corrider. He said that in the times to come, it will become an effective medium for economic integration of India, the Middle East and Europe. It will give a new sustainable direction to connectivity and development in the entire world. At the launch, Modi also said strong connectivity and infrastructure are fundamental basis for the development of human civilisation and India has always laid strong emphasis on this in its development journey. We are laying a strong foundation for a developed India, he said. Through PGII (Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment), we can play a key role in reducing the infrastructure gap in Global South countries, Modi said. India does not limit connectivity into regional borders. It has been Indias priority to increase connectivity with all regions. We believe that connectivity between various countries is not only a source of increasing trade but also for strengthening mutual trust, he said. It is important to keep in mind certain aspects while promoting connectivity initiatives such as adhering to international norms and rules, he said. Modi stressed on respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations while promoting such initiatives. With such a major step on connectivity, we are sowing the seeds for future growth, he said. Later, in a post on X, Modi said, Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents.

Modi and US President Joe Biden called for accelerating investments to scale high-quality infrastructure projects and the development of economic corridors through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). Biden said he was proud to announce that they have finalised a historic agreement for the new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. As key part of this corridor, we are investing in ships and rails, that extends from India to Europe connected by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel. It will make it far easier to trade. I want to thank sponsors and particularly Prime Minister Modi and (Saudi Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman, he said. Asserting that this is a big deal, Biden said the partnership was focused on building a sustainable, resilient infrastructure, making quality infrastructure investments, and creating a better future. We need to maximise the impacts of our investments. Thats why a few months ago, I announced that the United States will work with our partners to invest in economic corridors, he said. That means were focusing on regional infrastructure projects that deliver results across multiple countries and multiple sectors, he said.

This is a game changing regional investment, Biden said, adding that the US continues to make big investments in infrastructure around the world including in India. The Saudi Crown Prince said he looks forward to the integration of the economic corridor. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the agreement on the corridor, saying this is nothing but historic. It will be the most direct connection to date between India, the Arabian Gulf and Europe with a rail link that will make trade between India and Europe 40 per cent faster, she said. French President Emmanuel Macron said it is about having a first global green trade route as hydrogen is also part of this project. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, We have to ensure that we implement it successfully and Germany is committed to contribute in that regard. The launch of the new corridor is a milestone in strengthening global integration, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said. She thanked Modi, Biden and all others who made this possible. This will scale up our economic growth. Italy is ready to play a decisive role in this initiative and we want to contribute in building bridges between the Mediterrarnian and Indo Pacific, Meloni said.
MG Astor Blackstorm launched at Nangia Cars





Business Bureau

MG Motor India, a British automobile brand with a 100-year-old legacy, on Saturday launched the Blackstorm edition of the MG Astor - Indias most advanced SUV in its class. With the Blackstorm edition, MG India offers its customers yet another stylish option to choose from the popular MG Astor range. It offers a captivating appeal to customers who are looking for a bold, sophisticated, and stylish SUV. The Astor Blackstorm limited edition comes with a panoramic skyroof, an all-black honeycomb pattern grille, black alloy wheels with red front brake callipers, black finish headlamps, glossy black door garnish and black finish roof rails that amp up the overall look of Astor Blackstorm.

The SUV has the Blackstorm emblem on its front fenders on both sides. The interior of the model commands aesthetic appeal with a Tuxedo black upholstery with red stitching, Sangria red-themed AC vents, an all-black floor console, steering wheel and doors with red stitches.

The Astor Blackstorm also comes with JBL speakers. As the whole country preps up for the upcoming festive season, we at MG Motor India, want to ensure that our customers feel extra special with the Astors latest limited edition  Blackstorm. It has a premium finish with a bold and distinctive design that is sure to win our customers heart as they look to upgrade their existing vehicles with tech-enabled cars that are not only futuristic but also delivers a superior driving experience. Astor is the first car to get a personal AI assistant in the companys global portfolio. The Autonomous Level 2 MG Astor is powered by mid-range radars and a multi-purpose camera that can realise a series of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Astor Smart Blackstorm variant with 1.5L MT and interior colour black will be priced at Rs 14,47,800 (ex-showroom Nagpur), while the CVT variant with black interior colour will be priced at Rs 15,76,800 (ex-showroom Nagpur).

For more information, interested may contact MG Nagpur (Nangia Cars Pvt Ltd), opposite Nangia Speciality Hospital, Hingna, MIDC (Phone number: 7775022000).
Whether or not Ripple violated securities law in making XRP available to retail investors by putting it on crypto exchanges is absolutely a question that needs appeals court intervention, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) argued Friday.

The SEC filed a response to a Ripple memo which argued the opposite as part of its ongoing case against the crypto company closely affiliated with the XRP cryptocurrency. While Ripple argued last week that the SEC hadn't made a sufficient argument to warrant an appeal, Friday's filing pushed back forcefully.

"The Defendants themselves say that the issues have industry-wide significance and are of special consequence," the filing said.

The SEC signaled its intent to appeal Judge Analisa Torres' ruling in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York last month, asking the judge for permission soon after. The judge allowed the SEC to make its case, giving Ripple a September 1 deadline to present its opposition. Friday's filing is a response to Ripples opposition memo.

Judge Torres ruled in July that Ripple violated federal securities law in how it sold XRP to institutional investors, but that it had not done so with retail investors. Another judge in the same court, Judge Jed Rakoff, disagreed with the judgment when he ruled on a different case, also brought by the SEC. The regulator pointed to this in its first memo and Friday's filing as part of its bid to convince Torres to allow the so-called interlocutory appeal, allowing an appellate court to take up some legal questions while the case is still progressing in the original court.

"'[Judge Rakoff] did reject this Courts legal conclusion that the existence of 'blind' trading platform-based transactions precludes the application of Howey, as a matter of law, under virtually identical facts (sales of the crypto asset by the issuer to investors on a platform in blind bid/ask transactions)," the filing said.

Story continues

Should Judge Torres grant the SEC's motion, it will need to present its case before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Getting the legal disputes settled by the appellate court now could speed up the resolution of the case in the long term, the SEC contended.

Read More: Ripple, Crypto Industry Score Partial Win in SEC Court Fight Over XRP
Modi, Sunak review progress of FTA negotiations





NEW DELHI/LONDON,

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Saturday reviewed the progress of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and expressed hope that the remaining issues could be ironed out at the earliest so that a balanced, mutually beneficial and forward-looking trade deal is concluded soon. During his bilateral meeting with Sunak, Modi conveyed his appreciation for the UKs support during Indias G20 Presidency, marked by high-level participation at various G20 meetings and events, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

This is the 43-year-old British Indian leaders first visit to India since becoming Prime Minister in October 2022. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the progress in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation as per the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as the Roadmap 2030, particularly in economy, defence and security, technology, green technology and climate change, health and mobility sectors, it said. Both leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of importance and mutual interest. Earlier, a readout from 10 Downing Street of the meeting said that cooperation in the field of defence technology, innovation and some consular issues were among the topics on the agenda of the meeting.
One year extension in special recruitment drive for backlog/carry forward posts





Staff Reporter

Mukhyamantri Antyodaya Awas Yojana will now be known as Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Awas Yojana. This will be encompass the homeless eligible families of all categories. Whenever there is a rise in the cost of housing construction unit under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Rural, the unit cost will also be increased under this scheme. This decision was taken by the State Cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The meeting was held at the Chief Ministers residence Samatva Bhawan. Two-fold hike in monthly honorarium of cooks: The Cabinet has decided to increase the current monthly honorarium of cooks engaged in the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana, operated under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, from the current monthly honorarium of Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 per month which will benefit 2,10,000 cooks. For this, in addition to the amount already allocated, Rs 294.32 crore has been approved for the remaining period of the current financial year 2023-24 and Rs 714.79 crore per year from the financial year 2024-25. Extension of special recruitment drive for backlog/carry forward posts:

The time limit of the special recruitment drive to fill the backlog/carry forward posts of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes and persons with disabilities has been extended by one year from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Approval of hike in monthly honorarium of guest teachers: The Cabinet has approved doubling of the monthly honorarium given to guest teachers. The honorarium currently received by Class-1 has been increased from Rs 9,000 to Rs 18,000, the honorarium of Class-2 has been increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 14,000 and the honorarium of Class-3 has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. Decision to implement MP Mob Lynching Victim Compensation Scheme 2023: The Cabinet has decided to implement Mob Lynching Victim Compensation Scheme 2023 Madhya Pradesh for relief and rehabilitation of the victims of mob lynching and their dependents in the State. Under this scheme, the crime of mob lynching involves causing harm to any person or persons by a mob of five or more persons on grounds of religion, caste, sex, place of birth, language, food habits, sexual orientation, political affiliation, ethnicity or other such ground or grounds or involves any act or series of acts of violence intended to cause injury. Under the scheme, a provision has been made to provide compensation to the victims of mob lynching. Approval to provide Ladli Bahnas Rs 450 for cooking gas:
PM urges world leaders to end global trust deficit amid Ukraine war





NEW DELHI,

GLOBAL trust deficit caused by the COVID pandemic and deepened by the Ukraine war should be turned into confidence in each other, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday while addressing the G20 leaders and announced the inclusion of the African Union in the bloc, in the first expansion of the grouping since its inception in 1999. Asserting that Indias G20 Presidency has become a symbol of inclusion both inside and outside the country, the Prime Minister said it is time for all of us to walk together for global good. Modi began his opening remarks at the G20 summit by offering condolences to those affected by the tragedy. In this difficult hour the entire world community is with Morocco and we are ready to offer them all possible assistance, he said. The G20 Leaders Summit is being attended by US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva among others. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are not attending the summit.

The country name in front of the Prime Minister was Bharat. Welcoming the 55-nation African Union into the G20, Modi said the move will make the group more inclusive and echo the aspirations of the Global South. Making a strong pitch for the welfare of all (sabka vikas), the Prime Minister said there was a need to move together towards concrete and long-lasting solutions to challenges such as uncertainty in the global economy, the North-South divide, the gap between West and East, management of food, fuel and fertilisers, terrorism and cyber security, and health, energy, water security. Following the COVID pandemic, the world faced a new crisis of trust deficit and unfortunately, the wars have further deepened this, he said while addressing the gathering at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre here. But we must remember that if we can defeat a pandemic like COVID, we can also win over the challenge of this trust deficit.

Today, as the president of the G20, India calls upon the entire world to turn this global trust deficit into trust and confidence, Modi said. This is a time when age-old challenges are calling for new solutions from us. And therefore, with a human-centric approach, we have to move forward to fulfil our responsibilities, Modi said. Modis remarks came amid deep divisions among the G20 leaders over the Ukraine war, which has forced diplomats to work overtime to reach the elusive consensus for the joint declaration to be issued at the end of the Summit.
President hosts grand dinner for G20 guests





NEW DELHI,

PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu on Saturday hosted a grand dinner for G20 guests at Bharat Mandapam -- the venue for the Summit -- here, with the menu offering dishes made from millets and Kashmiri Kahwa. President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed G20 leaders and other guests, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, before the start of the dinner from the reception dais, whose backdrop showcased the ruins of the Nalanda University in Bihar besides Indias G20 presidency theme -- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future. Nalanda university ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site, was one of the oldest educational institutes of the world. President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi received Biden and exchanged greetings briefly at the dais. They also interacted briefly with Sunak, who was accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty. The delicacies served to the dignitaries included dishes made from Shree Anna (millets) -- considered as super foods -- and Kashmiri Kahwa, according to the dinners menu which reflected Indias diverse culinary tradition. A medley of traditions, customs and climate, Bharat is diverse in many ways. Taste connects us. We celebrate Sharad Ritu, the autumn season of abundance in this menu. It showcases the wealth of ingredients across Bharat, expressing our rich culinary heritage in a modern mosaic dedicated to the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future, according to the menu paper of the dinner.

To give the taste of millets grown across India to our esteemed guests, we have included a few dishes in the menu today, which use different types of millets, namely: Foxtail millet (in Paatram), Little millet (in Vanavarnam) and Barnyard millet (in Madhurima), reads another page of the menu. Paatram A breath of fresh air -- Foxtail millet leaf crisps topped with a yoghurt sphere and spiced chutney -- was part of the starter. In main course, Vanavarnam Strength from the soil -- jackfruit galette served with glazed forest mushrooms, little millet crisp and curry leaf tossed Kerala red rice, was served, according to the menu. Indian breads -- Mumbai Pao (onion seed flavoured soft bun) and Bakarkhani (cardamom-flavoured sweet flat bread) were also on the special dinners menu. Madhurima Pot of gold (cardamom scented barnyard millet pudding, fig-peach compote and ambemohar rice crisps) was served as dessert. Kashmiri Kahwa, filter coffee and Darjeeling tea were among the beverages served to the guests. Nearly 300 guests, including heads of States and those invited by the Indian Government, attended the dinner. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director and Chairman Kristalina Georgieva, dressed in Indian attire Salwar Kurta, World Bank President Ajay Banga along with his wife Ritu Banga, and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were among the first to arrive at the newly built convention for the dinner. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yoko Kishida, who was wearing a saree, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese along with his spouse and Mauritian PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and his wife, were among other dignitaries welcomed by Murmu and Modi. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his wife, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were also received by the two leaders.

The Prime Minister was also seen explaining to some of the G20 leaders, including Biden, Sunak and his wife Akshata, Macron and Albanese, about the Nalanda university. Bharat Mandapam -- the newly built international convention and exhibition centre -- and its verdant lawns dazzled at night with colourful illumination while its gurgling fountains and the Nataraja statue placed on front of the state-of-the-art building created a pretty picture. In a significant milestone under Indias G20 presidency, the 55-member African Union on Saturday became a new permanent member of the grouping of the largest economies of the world. It is the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999. All member countries of the G20 accepted Prime Minister Modis proposal to bring the key bloc of the Global South to the high table of the worlds top economies.
DePree Hardware and LaHuis Dry Goods and Groceries, c1890.

Many Zeelanders remember DePree Hardware. This is the story of the family who started it.

William DePree was born in 1852. His parents were not only among the original three groups to emigrate in 1847 from the Netherlands to Zeeland, but also, his father, Jan, financially supported other travelers. In the newly formed Zeeland Township, Jan also served on the township board and as director to the poor.

In 1865, he was one of the carpenters who replaced First Reformed Churchs log building with a frame one. In addition, he was a member of the Reformed Church of Americas local governing body, Classis Zeeland. Yet, in 1863, in response to the Schism of 1857, in which the Christian Reformed Church broke from the Reformed Church, Jan joined the Scottish Presbyterian Church, returning again to the Reformed Church when the Presbyterian Congregation disbanded in 1874.

(Jacob Den Herder then purchased the vacated church building and moved it to 111 E. Main, where it housed his bank before becoming a warehouse for Albert Lahuis dry goods business.)

Meanwhile, in 1877, William married Maria Catalina Moerdyk. He worked for Bolks and Bro, a store that sold hardware and stoves. In 1878, William purchased Bolks and Bro with his brother, Cornelius, and renamed it DePree and Bro.

When Cornelius died in 1881, William partnered with P. Henry DePree, a younger brother. In 1898, the DePrees purchased a half-interest in A.G. Van Hess furniture and undertaking business. (E.J. Pruim, a relative of the DePrees, purchased the other half-interest and managed the store.)

In 1889, Jacob Den Herder, William DePree, and LaHuis contracted with the Veneklasens Zeeland Brick Company to build three connected buildings outfitted with plate glass windows, the first in Zeeland. In 1899, P. Henry built his magnificent Victorian house, "The Painted Lady, on the corner of Maple Street and Central Avenue.

In 1900, John H. DePree, son of William, began working at DePree and Bro. In 1903, William and P. Henry became charter members of Second Reformed Church. William served as elder, P. Henry as deacon. In 1904, Zeeland residents elected P. Henry as village president. In 1907, he served as Zeelands first mayor.

Story continues

P. Henry DePrees Painted Lady on Maple and Central in Zeeland.

In 1908, William, John, P. Henry and E.J. Pruim incorporated their business as William DePree Co. and contracted with the Veneklasens again to construct a new building at 110 E. Main Street. In 1911, E.J. Pruim sold his share to open a music store, likely at 150 E. Main Street.

At the same time, the DePrees opened a branch store in Holland at 20 E. Eighth Street. Then, in 1914, P. Henry exchanged his share in the Zeeland business for ownership of the Holland business.

P. Henry also joined Edward DePree, his brother Con DePree, Gerrit Diekema, and Charles M. McLean to form DePree Laboratories.

Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage

Unfortunately, in 1924, fire destroyed the DePree's store in Zeeland. In 1926, workers completed the Daylight Store, modeled after a post office John H. had seen in St. Louis, with a dome covered roof, windows on all sides, and a balcony on the second floor.

DePree Hardware c1957-1958.

William DePree died in 1929, then the second oldest hardware dealer in Michigan. After his death, his second son, James C. DePree, joined the business. (Another DePree, John D.  having worked for William DePree and Co. as a tinsmith  went into business with George De Jonge to open a furniture store, which later became Quality Furniture at 209 E. Main in Zeeland.)

Teermans purchased the DePree building in Holland in 1951. In 1963, A.C. Vanden Bosch, R. Den Herder, Nelson Van Koevering, and Randall Dekker purchased the Zeeland store and renamed it DePrees Inc.

In 1965, DePrees leased the building next door, formerly occupied by Bon Ton, and used it for their hardware and paint business. In 1980, the Daylight Store became home to Brummels Home Furnishings.

For many years, William DePree and DePrees Inc. made Christmas special. There would be a very large, real Christmas tree in the middle of the store, reaching from the main floor to the ceiling. In the basement, there would be a train layout with tunnels and trees.

There was also a Christmas fishing pond, in which kids would fish for bagged presents. But what I remember most was the snow girl in the igloo.

Information from this article comes from Adrian Van Koeverings "Legends of the Dutch," Randall Dekkers "Main Street Memoir," The Zeelander and The Zeeland Record.

 Steve VanderVeen is a resident of Holland. His book, "The Holland Area's First Entrepreneurs," is coming soon. You may reach him at skvveen@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland History: The many faces of the DePrees
Photo: From Objects of Permanence, Center for Puerto Rican Studies Library & Archives, Hunter College, CUNY

Here are some suggestions for upcoming events that are on our radar:

Objects of Permanence, a special installation curated by Mellany Sanchez at Abrons Arts Center, in collaboration with the Tenement Museum and presented during New York Fashion Week, spotlights the rich histories of the Puerto Rican and other migrant community labor forces in New York Citys garment industry, from 12:45-6:15pm through Sept. 14th.

The life and impact of the renowned artisanal cheesemaker and pioneering advocate of the American farmstead movement, Anne Saxelby, will be celebrated at the second annual benefit for the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund (ASLF) at Chelsea Market on Wednesday, September 13, from 6  10 pm.

In honor of the 136th anniversary of the first high holiday service at the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Museum at Eldridge Street is offering a special anniversary building tour on Monday, September 18th at 1pm.

The Seward Park Library is reopening on Monday, Sept. 11 and is gearing up to host a series of eighteen online lectures on Hegels Phenomenology of Spirit (1806), to assist both the reader and the merely curious alike in understanding the work in context, gradually working through the text little by little. The series begins Thursday, November 2nd.

Find more local events on our calendar and submit your own HERE.
Photo: Trying to beat the heat  Essex and Grand streets, September 6, 2023.

In the news this past week:

An 88 year-old woman was killed after being hit by the driver of an Access-a-Ride van. Ngan Yung was crossing the street at Allen Street and Canal Street Friday morning when it happened. The driver was charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. [Daily News]

A new rule from the National Labor Relations Board could result in a new push for unionization of the Lower East Side Trader Joes location. [The Chief]

A new 11-story residential building is set to go up at 125 Chrystie St., near East Houston Street. [Crains]

The intersection of Ludlow and Rivington streets is officially co-named by the city as Beadtie Boys Square. [Gothamist]

Lower East Side-based performance artist Jade Kuriki-Olivos exhibition at the New Museum, will certainly grab attention this fall, when she transforms the museum lobby into a 24/7 surveillance operation tracking her experience as a transgender woman. [The New York Times]

An exhibition tells the story of the Lower East Sides role in establishing New York City as a fashion capital, and the immigrant and migrant communities that worked in the garment industry, including the many Puerto Ricans who arrived in the neighborhood after World War II. [NY1]

Ray Zhou, part of the team behind the much-talked-about bar, Double Chicken Plese, has opened Chinato, a cocktaail bar and restaurant on the corner of Ludlow and Stanton streets. [Time Out]
BANGKOK, Sept. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloud-native architectures have become the main standard for application development at enterprises worldwide. Cloud-native architectures improve the development, scalability and maintainability of software applications, enabling the applications to be deployed instantly in hybrid multicloud environments.

Huawei Cloud, a leading cloud service provider in the global market, joined the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) to hold the Cloud Native Tech Summit Thailand 2023 in Thailand under the theme "Great minds discuss cloud native", with an aim of providing updates on the latest trends in cloud architectures and related services that will help enterprises develop applications and AI that are more practical and capable of responding to their needs than ever before.

Huawei Cloud Continues to Grow, Thailand Still Seen as Very Important Market

Huawei Cloud has continued to grow in recent years and saw remarkably rapid growth in 2023. It currently has more than 300 Thai partners, making Thailand one of Huawei Cloud's most important markets. Huawei Cloud's strategies for the future are as follows:

Celine Cao, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Cloud Thailand

Prioritizing its local strategy in Thailand by being the first global cloud service provider with a data center in Thailand. Continuing to launch new services in Thailand, including database, AI and other services, enabling Thailand to utilize Huawei's latest innovations as soon as they are made available. There have been many interesting use cases around the world; for example, the Pangu AI Model has been introduced in Thailand. Building a Cloud Ecosystem in Thailand by providing support to Thai developers as much as possible.

At the global level, Huawei Cloud wishes to grow together with the ecosystem, which is why it has partnered with the CNCF to jointly push for the development of new technologies. Software developers in Thailand can build on those technologies and further develop them in the future.

Story continues

Surasak Wanichwatphibun, Chief Technology Officer of Huawei Cloud Thailand

Huawei Cloud: Regionless and Flexible Computing, the Cloud Architecture of the Future

Notably at the seminar, Huawei Cloud unveiled Huawei Cloud Overall Unified Cloud Architecture, a new architecture for future cloud services that fully supports Cloud Native Application. Huawei Cloud has also bolstered its Global Cloud Resource Orchestration & Scheduling (GOS), a cloud resource management automation solution that eliminates regional management issues. The Global Application and Database makes applications easier to use worldwide, allowing for reading and writing data from any region and improving usage efficiency. Cross-border network connectivity will be enhanced since the best route can be selected, helping reduce latency, minimize data corruption and lower network costs on the cloud.

How Will Thai Businesses Truly Adopt Cloud Native Infrastructure?

Chatchawun Jongudomsombut, Senior Solutions Architect of Huawei Cloud Thailand

The growth of the CNCF is nothing short of remarkable. The Cloud Native has seen a massive uptick in growth and momentum. In 2022 alone, 157 projects were adopted for usage, with 187,000 contributors actively involved. Today, the Cloud Native has become the industry standard with Cloud Native adoption soaring to an impressive 80%. By 2025, a near-universal adoption of the Cloud Native is expected to reach almost 100% and container technology adoption is expected to surge significantly in 2024.

Currently, Huawei Cloud has joined the CNCF in a bid to consistently innovate new technology for the cloud. This will elevate the Huawei Cloud user experience for software developers.

Cloud Native Database: Cloud Native Database: A New Data Management Solution for Large-Scale Cloud Native Application

Another highlight at the seminar is a Cloud Native Database from Huawei Cloud called GaussDB Series.

GaussDB will help elevate Huawei Cloud to its peak optimization. While RSS/DSS services primarily focus on performance and cost-effectiveness, GaussDB is geared towards the support of global, large-scale Cloud Native Applications. This has prompted international banks to consider adopting GaussDB to replace the existing commercial database.

Huawei Cloud Pangu Model: The Real-World Application of AI from Huawei Cloud

Huawei Cloud also touted Huawei Cloud Pangu Model, an AI service designed to support operations in the business sector. Its readiness for deployment is one of the key advantages that sets it apart from other AI models. It offers Industry-Specific Model and Scenario-based Model, which are proven in real-world applications. Data storage and Deploy Model can be used either on-premises and the cloud. The AI Model can be tuned and programmed to precisely meet the needs of businesses.

Infinitas and iApp Share Huawei Cloud Service Experience

Infinitas has shared its experience of utilizing multicloud for the development of financial applications for banks, with Huawei Cloud being one of the chosen cloud systems. The company's journey towards becoming the Cloud Native within multicloud environments presented some unique challenges.

To overcome these challenges, Infinitas maintained a continuous flow of knowledge exchange among teams and provided training sessions. Afterall, utilizing Cloud technology effectively requires understanding the technology, its conditions, and associated costs, Infinitas added.

iApp and the Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneur Association of Thailand (AIEAT) have also shared their insights into AI utilization in Thailand. They mentioned significant developments, exemplified by projects like OpenThaiGPT, enabling Thai businesses to leverage native AI models. Furthermore, they highlighted the emergence of generative AI-powered chatbots for automated stock news analysis in the modern era. Additionally, AI is being employed to generate summaries for stock and investment news, benefiting fund managers.

Both Infinitas and iApp have had positive experiences with Huawei Cloud. They have found the service reliable, collaborative efforts fruitful, and employee training effective. Also, Huawei Cloud's presence of a data center in Thailand has significantly improved the responsiveness of their cloud utilization. Furthermore, they have noted that the pricing structure is more cost-effective compared to other public cloud services.

For further information, please contact Huawei Cloud's partners or visit Huawei Cloud's official website: https://www.huaweicloud.com/intl/th-th/

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/summary-of-cloud-native-tech-summit-thailand-2023-the-future-of-cloud-architecture-and-responding-to-the-needs-of-software-developers-in-the-future-301922691.html

SOURCE Huawei Cloud Thailand
The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed that his administration will not rest on its oars until the menace of smuggling is significantly suppressed in Nigeria.

The CGC spoke on Thursday in Kaduna when he visited the Federal Operations Unit Zone B as part of his official working tours to the Customs Formations in the country.

While addressing the officers at the FOU Zone B Auditorium, the Ag. CGC charged them to exacerbate the business of smugglers through intensifying border patrol and confiscation of unlawful items that will lead to the success of generating revenue for the Nigerian government.

I urge you to double your efforts in frustrating the businesses of unpatriotic citizens who venture into smuggling activities within the edges of Federal Operations Unit Zone B, he stated.

The Ag. CGC also commended the role of the officers and men of the Service at the Zone in maintaining their stand, assuring that the Service will not turn blind eyes on any officer who exhibits courage in the cause of his work.

While I commend the officers who engineer good seizures in this Zone, I also wish to charge you all to be more steadfast in discharging your duties with the provisions of the law to suppress the smuggling of unlawful substances.

Speaking, the Comptroller Federal Operations Unit Zone B, Comptroller Musa Ibrahim Jalo, briefed the Ag. CGC on the level of his Unit's successes in generating revenue.

He told the CGC that the milestones attained by the Unit were possible due to his new tactics of engaging community members and stakeholders in the Unit, and that has led us to seize foreign rice, petroleum products, marijuana amongst other items - through intelligence gathering.

According to him, the Customs-Community relationship in the Unit is already paying good results, as they have recently recovered N2,500,636,150 in revenue, which he said was achieved due to the commitment of the officers at the Unit.

On a separate occasion, the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs had also visited Kaduna Area Command, where he addressed the cross-section of officers and men.

The CGC's speech revolved around tasking the officers to pay attention to serving Nigeria as excellent Customs Officers and also to be determined to pass their promotion examinations, as it will be based on performance - not favouritism.

He said that the Service has renewed its strategy for assessing officers who performed excellently in service, emphasizing that the era of making contact with officers who are ahead of you by rank to assist you pass your examinations has passed.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, is set to depart Nigeria tonight to the United Arab Emirates, where he is expected to join President Bola Tinubu and other government functionaries in a bid to resolve the Emirates Airline flight suspension to Nigeria, visa ban and other diplomatic issues.

Following the diplomatic rows between Nigeria and the UAE, the Emirates' airlines suspended its flight operations into the country and placed a visa ban on Nigerians.

In 2009, the UAE established its embassy in Nigeria. In December 2020, a memorandum of understanding was executed between Nigeria and the UAE to provide a platform for both countries to engage bilaterally.

Recall that in February 2021, the Federal Government of Nigeria stopped the UAE national carrier, Emirates airline from subjecting Nigerian travelers to additional rapid antigen test, as against its stipulated negative PCR test at the Lagos and Abuja airports before departure.

Emirates airline shut down flights to and from Nigeria owing to the disagreement between the airline and the Nigerian Aviation Authorities on the propriety of subjecting passengers travelling from Nigeria to emergency COVID-19 protocols.

Flights resumed subsequently, after an interface between the airline and the Ministry of Aviation. However, Emirates airline continued conducting test for passengers before departure from Nigeria, a development the Federal Government frowned at and suspended the airline from flying to and from Nigeria.

Following this development, there have been allegations that some legal resident Nigerians living in UAE lost their jobs on account of the refusal of the authorities to renew their work permit, which offends the letter of bilateral agreements both nations are signatories to. Amidst speculations that the actions of the UAE authorities are attempts aimed at putting the Nigerian Government under pressure to accept their conditions of service for their national airline that may have lost revenue from the Nigeria route, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development will be meeting with President Tinubu and other government functionaries at the UAE to resolve the Emirates airline flight suspension and Visa ban issues affecting Nigerians.
Acting Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, following his tour to the Kaduna Area Command, paid a sightseeing visit to Customs Primary School, Barnawa, to assess the condition of the facility.

Speaking to the School's Assistant Headmaster, Adeshina Fatai, the Customs boss vowed to address both the short, medium and long-term needs of the school to create a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.

According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service, under his leadership, is viewing the problem at a superficial level and that we'll do the best we can to raise the spirit of this school to educate the wards of the residents properly. We have enough to chew to ensure that we renovate the school because we all love our children to have a better knowledge.

Meanwhile, to deepen community understanding and appreciation of Customs operations and their impact on fortifying the country through curbing the menace of smuggling as well as revenue generation, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi also met with representatives of business stakeholders on Thursday in Kaduna.

Addressing stakeholders at Kaduna Area Command, he stated, The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to appreciate your harmonious alliance, which, in return, will redound to your partnership and compliance to Customs rules.

It is because we have a good relationship that you agreed to come and sit down with us here  whereas if the alliance is not good, you will just stay at the back of your fence and begin to talk down on us that there is no point to meet those people who don't value us, he added.

He, however, continued to applaud them over their honourable service to the operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service in Kaduna, I want to appreciate you for the service that you have rendered in Kaduna and to the entire structure of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He assured them that the Service would soon reward them, emphasizing that without stakeholders, the Nigeria Customs Service wouldn't have existed, "We respect and take you all with high esteem as our partners.

I am therefore extending a new hand of collaboration with you to work together so that we will always address your challenges because we recognize you as contributors in transforming the country through strengthening its security.

The Customs Boss, who assured them that the Nigeria Customs Service will always grant them listening ears, also said President Bola Ahmad Tinubu's administration is ready to boost their businesses. He said, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu's government is a pro-business administration.

The Ag. CGC expressed the need to progress across the Service formations, a strategy aimed at strengthening relationships with stakeholders as a proactive measure to tackle the smuggling of prohibited items into Nigeria.

The Ag. CGC, however, seized the opportunity to congratulate the Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone B, Obi Ekwealo, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, which coincides with his statutory retirement from active service, I wish to, on behalf of all of us, congratulate you on your birthday and inform you that the whole Customs family are extremely proud of you.

Corroborating to the CGC's speech, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone B Assistant Comptroller General, Obi Ekwaelo, congratulated the Ag. CGC on his well-deserved appointment by President Ahmad Bola Tinubu, saying that the appointment has come at a time the Service is poised to transforming itself into the leading organ of revenue generation, trade facilitation and suppression of economic subversive activities.

The ACG said, Zone B, Sir, as you are aware, covers the largest enforcement area of the country with a landmass of 214,395 square kilometres, a border of 1,495km with Niger Republic while its border with Benin Republic spans 809km.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has stated that it may be difficult to completely end medical tourism in Nigeria.

Pate, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday after his three-day briefing session with departments and agencies under the ministry, said that 400,000 health workers in Nigeria are insufficient to cater to the healthcare needs of Nigerians.

According to Pate, the 400,000 workforce comprises community health workers, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physicians, lab scientists, technicians, and auxiliaries working in the Nigerian healthcare system.

They are not enough if you think that this number can take care of 220 million people. Our doctor-to-population ratio is lower than what the World Health Organisation expects.

So theres still room to produce more. In fact, to produce excess because globally, theres a shortage of health manpower, there is almost a shortage of 18 million people.

In developed countries where they are ageing, they are retiring, so they need more people to provide services.

So if we think about it, we can produce for our own needs, and if some leave, then they go and earn resources and they come back with some experience, he said.

Speaking further on medical tourism, Pate said that the trend was not peculiar to Nigeria.

According to him, it is prevalent in almost all countries of the world, whether developed or developing, as people leave the U.S. to East Asia to have surgical procedures because it is more affordable there.

He said: However, what seems to be an issue is using public financing to fund it and missing the opportunity to keep some of the resources used in engaging in medical tourism back in the country.

When I mentioned unlocking the healthcare value-chain, it includes mobilising private capital to invest in the physical infrastructure and the human resources so that some of the services that people go to India for, we will have them here.

We have begun discussing mechanisms or models where well go on that path as part of expanding the value chain so that its not necessarily publicly financed.

So if you want to have plastic surgery, theres no need to use government money to pay for your plastic surgery but if we have a facility that will do that here for you, we will keep your dollars here and employ a few attendants here to do the procedure for you, he noted.

The minister added that because people had options as to where they would seek healthcare, medical tourism might not be completely eradicated.

Pate, however, said at the meeting organised by the ministry to chart a blueprint for Nigerias healthcare system, that he cannot undervalue the contribution of health workers that we have in the country.

We have to acknowledge them, celebrate them, make life easier for them even as we train more or re-train the ones that we have even as we work to resolve their issues.

We really value the Nigerian health workforce and will continue to support and develop that going forward, the Health Minister said.

He said that if infrastructure was improved, and people were treated with respect, some of the health practitioners that have left would come back to serve the country.

Pate also assured that the Federal Government would use the opportunity of human capital, private sector capital, and innovation to provide services that people could use in the country.

On getting financing from development partners for the sector, Pate said that the team had met with some of the partners to give them the direction Nigeria needed their support.

According to him, the bulk of the health budget in Nigeria is from the government at different levels, while a smaller portion is what the development partners bring to the table.

Lets get to a point whereby we have a programme, and the governments budget is put on the table, and you are contributing to that, and theres transparency on both sides.

Government needs to know more about how the external parties deploy their resources, just as it also needs to open up a little bit more on what is coming from its own side, he said.
Reports are indicating that no fewer than twenty-four people have died in a boat mishap that happened on Sunday morning.

It was learnt that the tragic incident struck in Gbajibo, a Community in the Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State.

It was further learnt that an uncertain number of people are still missing in the incident involving local farmers.

A source in the community was quoted as saying that the victims were from Gbajibo, Ekwa and Yankeiade, all in Mokwa LGA.

The Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi, confirmed the incident, saying 21 corpses had so far been recovered by local divers.

He added that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims.

Officials of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, however, told journalists that they were collecting data to know the number of people involved but confirmed the incident.

The total number of passengers on board the boat could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.
Anambra State Police Command has secured conviction of the two robbers arrested on the second Niger Bridge weeks ago.

Speaking via a press release, the PPRO, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said that the robbers who were arrested with two daggers and five sim cards removed from phones of their victims pleaded guilty when arraigned in court.

"In compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, detectives worked on the sim cards and traced two of the victims one of whom is a lawyer.

"Victims cooperated with investigation and evidence gathered was presented before the court.

"Both accused persons were sentenced to 5 years jail term each on each of the first two counts and 3 years imprisonment for the third count.

"The sentences which are without option of fine are to run concurrently.

"The convicts have been remanded to Onitsha Correctional Centre to serve their jail terms", it stated.

The Commissioner of Police has advised youths to learn lesson from this conviction and shun crime inorder not to jeopardise their future.
It looks like Irish Continental Group plc (LON:ICGC) is about to go ex-dividend in the next three days. The ex-dividend date is one business day before the record date, which is the cut-off date for shareholders to be present on the company's books to be eligible for a dividend payment. It is important to be aware of the ex-dividend date because any trade on the stock needs to have been settled on or before the record date. Therefore, if you purchase Irish Continental Group's shares on or after the 14th of September, you won't be eligible to receive the dividend, when it is paid on the 6th of October.

The company's upcoming dividend is 0.049 a share, following on from the last 12 months, when the company distributed a total of 0.19 per share to shareholders. Looking at the last 12 months of distributions, Irish Continental Group has a trailing yield of approximately 4.1% on its current stock price of 3.93. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! That's why we should always check whether the dividend payments appear sustainable, and if the company is growing.

Check out our latest analysis for Irish Continental Group

If a company pays out more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. Fortunately Irish Continental Group's payout ratio is modest, at just 42% of profit. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. It distributed 49% of its free cash flow as dividends, a comfortable payout level for most companies.

It's positive to see that Irish Continental Group's dividend is covered by both profits and cash flow, since this is generally a sign that the dividend is sustainable, and a lower payout ratio usually suggests a greater margin of safety before the dividend gets cut.

Story continues

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Companies with falling earnings are riskier for dividend shareholders. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. With that in mind, we're discomforted by Irish Continental Group's 5.0% per annum decline in earnings in the past five years. Such a sharp decline casts doubt on the future sustainability of the dividend.

Many investors will assess a company's dividend performance by evaluating how much the dividend payments have changed over time. Irish Continental Group has delivered an average of 6.6% per year annual increase in its dividend, based on the past 10 years of dividend payments.

The Bottom Line

From a dividend perspective, should investors buy or avoid Irish Continental Group? Earnings per share are down meaningfully, although at least the company is paying out a low and conservative percentage of both its earnings and cash flow. It's definitely not great to see earnings falling, but at least there may be some buffer before the dividend needs to be cut. All things considered, we are not particularly enthused about Irish Continental Group from a dividend perspective.

In light of that, while Irish Continental Group has an appealing dividend, it's worth knowing the risks involved with this stock. For example, Irish Continental Group has 3 warning signs (and 1 which is significant) we think you should know about.

Generally, we wouldn't recommend just buying the first dividend stock you see. Here's a curated list of interesting stocks that are strong dividend payers.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Blacklist all mafia-like kamnans, says Anutin

BANGKOK: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday (Sept 8) he has assigned his deputy, Chada Thaiset, and all provincial governors to gather information on and blacklist local leaders found to be involved in mafia-style gangs.

crimecorruptiondeathpoliceviolenceSafety

By Bangkok Post

Sunday 10 September 2023 12:00 PM

Police take Praween Chankhlai, a former kamnan or subdistrict head in Nakhon Pathom, to the Criminal Court, where judges yesterday (Sept 9) ordered him detained for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a highway police officer at a dinner party in his home on Wednesday night. Photo: Bangkok Post

He was responding to a fresh violent incident in which a highway patrol officer was gunned down and another injured at a dinner party at the home of a highly influential local leader in Nakhon Pathoms Muang district late on Wednesday night, which was attended by at least 25 other police officers, reports the Bangkok Post.

The murdered officer was Pol Maj Siwakorn Saibua, chief of Highway Police Station 1 of the Highway Police Sub-division 2. Pol Lt Col Wasin Wanpee, the deputy commander of the Highway Police Sub-division 2, was seriously injured.

Thananchai Manmak, who was wanted on a court warrant for allegedly shooting Pol Maj Siwakorn and injuring Pol Lt Col Wasin, was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire with police in Tha Rua district, Kanchanaburi province, early Friday morning.

Praween Chankhlai, alias Kamnan Nok, the local leader and host of the fateful dinner party, turned himself in to Nakhon Pathom police on Thursday afternoon, shortly after an arrest warrant was issued. The Criminal Court yesterday approved a police request to detain him.

Police have also sought court approval to issue arrest warrants for four officers who were at the party, after evidence showed that the gun used in the killing belonged to a policeman, said a highly placed source.

A witness who lived in Mr Praweens house reportedly confessed that he took the gun used by the shooter and buried it near the reservoir of a waterworks agency in Muang district.

Police took the worker to the spot yesterday, where they found the gun wrapped in a piece of tablecloth fabric from the dinner party. Forensic officers will examine the weapon.

The investigation team said the gun had been acquired by an officer in Nakhon Pathom under a police welfare gun scheme. Last month, the officer sold the gun to Kamnan Nok, who reportedly gave it to Thananchai.

Eyewitnesses told investigators that the shooting took place after a request by Mr Praween for the transfer of his nephew, who is a policeman, was rebuffed, said Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau.

Bad local leaders

The screening and blacklisting of local leaders who have a history of involvement in mafia-style gangs is now very much necessary, said Anutin.

This kind of person should no longer be active in society nor allowed to continue hurting and killing people, he said.

The Nakhon Pathom tragedy is a perfect example of why bad local leaders must be blacklisted for public safety, said Anutin.

Anutin also ordered tougher regulations to control those allowed to own or carry guns, saying that being allowed to own a gun does not permit the owner to carry it around in public whenever he wants.

There are many restrictions that gun licence owners must follow, he said.

Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas ordered the transfer of the 25 police officers seen at the Nakhon Pathom party to inactive posts at the Royal Thai Police Operation Centre while a fact-finding committee looked into why they were there.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau also launched a separate fact-finding probe to find out why the gunman wasnt apprehended at the scene where a high number of police officers were present.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, meanwhile, vowed to ensure justice for the highway police officer who was killed, saying it was absolutely shocking to learn that the officer was shot dead because he refused to cooperate in an attempt by gangsters to interfere with a local police reshuffle.

As for a suggestion that the tragedy might have something to do with bribe payments linked with lobbying for a promotion in the police reshuffle, Mr Srettha said that Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the deputy national police chief, is already questioning all the police officers who were at the Nakhon Pathom dinner party.
Digital handout not covered by loans

BANGKOK: The Finance Ministry will not issue an emergency loan decree to support the governments B10,000 digital currency handout, with funding likely to come from the state budget and borrowing from state-owned financial institutions, says Deputy Finance Minister Kritsada Chinavicharana.

economics

By Bangkok Post

Sunday 10 September 2023 03:00 PM

The central bank initially proposed the use of digital baht or Central Bank Digital Currency for the handout, though the form of which is yet to be finalised. Photo: Bangkok Post

He said funding for the project would come from the fiscal 2024 budget, with a decrease in funding for certain programmes, and through borrowing from state-owned financial institutions under Section 28 of the State Fiscal and Financial Discipline Act of 2018.

Section 28 allows the government to order state-owned financial institutions to fund projects that improve the publics quality of life or rehabilitate the economy.

The government sets a budget to repay these financial institutions every year, reports the Bangkok Post.

The Financial and Fiscal Policy Committee set a ceiling rate for these state banks to fund state projects under Section 28 at 32% of the governments annual total expenditure.

As of June, the remaining amount that could be borrowed was B18 billion in fiscal 2023.

However, Mr Kritsada said in fiscal 2024, the Finance Ministry expects budget spending under Section 28 of around B100bn.

Part of the budget would come from the repayment of loans to state-owned financial institutions, as well as the unused budget from some discontinued projects under Section 28.

Furthermore, he said an estimated increase in the price of agricultural products will mean less use of subsidies under Section 28, resulting in a higher credit limit in addition to the remaining credit of B18bn for this fiscal year.

The government is in talks with the Bank of Thailand and other relevant agencies regarding the form of the handout.

The regulator initially proposed digital baht or Central Bank Digital Currency, the form of which is yet to be finalised.

Mr Kritsada said implementation of the digital handout scheme will not affect the central banks monetary policy.

He said the project should contribute to GDP growth in 2024, with the extent of the contribution dependent on the economic multiplier effect, which is currently being studied.

GDP is projected to grow by 2.8% this year, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council.

Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers Association, said after a meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking on Thursday (Sept 7) the private sector is waiting for the governments announcement on the B10,000 digital handout scheme.

The Pheu Thai-led coalition government plans to distribute a one-time cash transfer using blockchain technology, but some pundits favour using the existing Paotang mobile app.

Krungthai Bank (KTB), the countrys largest state-owned commercial bank, developed the Paotang app to support cash handout and stimulus policies for the former government, which were used widely during the pandemic.

Mr Payong said KTB is also awaiting an announcement on the scheme and had no comment on the issue.

The Bank of Thailand is also waiting for further details about the handout scheme and other key financial policies before commenting on safety and compliance issues, as well as making an economic forecast for 2024.
Two advisors discuss an upcoming conference.

Attending wealth management and investment conferences can be a great opportunity to network and get up to speed on the latest industry trends and news. If you have limited time in your schedule, you may need to pick and choose which ones you attend. Knowing which financial advisor conferences are on the horizon can help you decide where to spend your time.

Ready to grow your client base? Let SmartAdvisor bring quality leads to you.

Upcoming Investment Conferences 2023

Even though 2023 is more than halfway over, there are still a number of conferences scheduled for the remainder of the year. Here are some of the most notable events if you're looking for conferences to attend.

FPA NexGen Gathering 2023

Dates: August 22-24, 2023

Location: Denver, Colorado

Cost: $550 to $750

The FPA NexGen Gathering is designed for financial planners who are entering the field or have less than eight years of experience in the industry. Attendees can earn CFP continuing education credits while connecting with other members of the next generation of planners.

ECHELON Deals & Dealmakers Summit

Dates: August 29-30, 2023

Location: Laguna Niguel, California

Cost: TBD

The ECHELON Deals & Dealmakers Summit is set to feature talks around success planning, as well as mergers and acquisitions. You might consider this conference if you're interested in learning how to shape your exit strategy or acquiring another advisory firm.

Future Proof

Dates: September 10-13, 2023

Location: Huntington Beach, California

Cost: $745

Future Proof is an outdoor festival featuring live music, food trucks and exhibitors from different financial service industry backgrounds. While it's not your typical investment conference, Future Proof brings together thousands of advisors, asset managers and other experts in sharing ideas about the future of wealth.

Finovate Fall

Dates: September 11-12, 2023

Location: New York, New York

Cost: $2,998

If you're specifically interested in exploring the possibilities of tech in your advisory business, you might consider heading to Finovate Fall. With more than 70 cutting-edge technologies on display, it offers more live fintech demos than any other conference.

Story continues

Carson Excell

Dates: September 12-14, 2023

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Cost: $999 to $1,999

Carson Excell features noteworthy speakers and workshop sessions for advisors who are interested in how to scale from practice to business. Attendees can learn strategies for growing and marketing their firms.

FPA Annual Conference

Dates: September 27-29, 2023

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Cost: $1,149 to $1,349

The FPA Annual Conference is one of the largest financial advisor conferences in the world and it attracts a wide variety of industry leaders and financial professionals. This event is geared toward advisors of all different backgrounds and experience levels who are interested in networking and learning.

Women In Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) National Conference

Dates: October 4-6, 2023

Location: San Diego, California

Cost: $780 to $1,050

The Women In Insurance & Financial Services National Conference brings together women in the insurance industry, as well as those who specialize in financial planning and financial advisory services. Each day features numerous breakout sessions that target specific areas of interest along with guest speakers and evening meetups.

NAPFA Fall National Conference

Dates: October 18-21, 2023,

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Cost: TBD

NAPFA's Fall National Conference is designed for fee-only financial advisors who are interested in growing their knowledge base. Areas of focus include estate planning, practice management and tax planning, among others.

60th Annual NAEPC Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Conference

Dates: November 12-16, 2023

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Cost: TBD

The NAEPC Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Conference welcomes estate planning professionals and estate planning council members. This year's list of topics includes cross-border wealth planning, estate planning for high-net-worth clients and ESG investing.

Barron's Women Summit

Dates: November 29-December 1

Location: Palm Beach, Florida

Cost: TBD

The Barron's Women Summit hosts women in the wealth management industry and is one of the final conferences scheduled for 2023. Some of the topics to be covered this year include challenges in the wealth management industry, ideas for growth and strategies for improving outcomes.

Note: Investment conferences typically pause for the month of December to allow for the holidays, resuming in January.

Upcoming Investment Conferences 2024

A CFA and her boss prepare to attend a conference

While the 2024 conference schedule is still in the making, there are some notable events in the works for the first half of the year. Here are some of the conferences you may want to bookmark for the spring and early summer.

Note that information about fees, daily events and guest speakers may still be forthcoming for some of these conferences.

Is Attending a Financial Advisor Conference Worth It?

Conferences can bring together financial professionals from different backgrounds, which can be a great chance to make new connections. Networking can be time well-spent if the connections that you're making are able to contribute to your business growth in some way, such as generating new leads through referrals.

Aside from networking, conferences can help you to expand your knowledge as an advisor if you're attending workshops, seminars or lectures. You can then take what you've learned and implement it in your business, which can help fuel new growth.

When deciding which conferences to attend, it helps to consider its purpose. A simple way to whittle down the list of conferences you might attend is to look at who they're for. If you're a fee-based financial advisor, for instance, it probably wouldn't make sense to go to a conference that's marketed specifically to fee-only advisors.

Second to that, you may want to think about the cost of attending and what you hope to glean from the experience. If there's no obvious potential for a return on your investment of time and money associated with a particular conference, then you may want to skip it in favor of a different one.

Bottom Line

Two CFPs talk over what they learned at a recent conference

Attending investment conferences can yield some significant benefits, regardless of where you are in your financial advisor career. If you're new to the conference scene, talking to other advisors who have some experience in that area can give you a better idea of what to expect and how to make the most of your time while you're there.

Tips for Growing Your Advisory Business

Gaining new clients is an integral part of growing a successful advisory business. If you don't have as much time as you'd like to spend on prospecting, you might choose to let an online lead generation tool like SmartAdvisor do the work for you. SmartAdvisor matches you with qualified leads, freeing you to focus on other aspects of running your business.

In addition to conferences, there are other possibilities you might explore for growing your network. Joining professional associations, attending local events for financial advisors and leveraging social media are just some of the options for gaining new connections.

Photo credit: iStock/AzmanL, iStock/izkes, iStock/ArLawKa AungTun

The post Guide to Financial Advisor Conferences for 2023 and 2024 appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.
No problem with visa-free China travel, says Phuket Immigration chief

PHUKET: The head of the Phuket Immigration office has responded to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisins proposed visa-free policy for Chinese visitors, which is expected to come into effect on Oct 1.

tourismimmigrationChinesepolicepolitics

By The Phuket News

Sunday 10 September 2023 11:01 AM

Phuket Immigration office chief Pol Col Thanet Sukkachai. Photo: PR Phuket

Mr Srettha has outlined a temporary visa-free policy for Chinese visitors to stimulate the tourism sector in the short term which would run until the end of the high season. The proposal is scheduled for discussion at the first cabinet meeting since the new ministers swore their oath of office this week.

Tourism is regarded by the new Prime Minister as a major economic growth driver. Only days after being royally endorsed as the countrys 30th Prime Minister, Mr Srettha paid a visit to Phuket to meet with officials and discuss ways to improve the situation, with the full revitalisation of tourism a key focus.

Responding yesterday (Sept 9) to the fact the policy would mean an increase in tourist numbers and therefore more workload for his department, Pol Col Thanet Sukkachai, chief of Phuket Immigration office, said the office supported the proposed visa-free policy.

We are ready to work and create an understanding for foreign tourists, to build confidence for foreigners who travel to Phuket, Pol Col Thanet said.

He added that more intense screening of all tourists arriving on the island is now being deployed as is extra focus on the white accommodation program which keeps track of where tourists are staying on the island while establishing closer relations between tourist attractions and residents.

By making visitors traceable, authorities have managed to deter crimes and provide assistance to tourists as and when it is needed, Pol Col Thanet explained.

The program can be a model for other provinces, he added, stating it makes it possible to control and take good care of foreign tourists.

Chinese tourists make up the largest group of foreign visitors to Phuket, at 60,000 last month, followed by Russians and Australians. Phuket welcomed 300,000 foreign visitors last month, reports the Bangkok Post.

However, concerns with the program were aired last week when the Immigration Bureau (IB) claimed free-visa travel privilege for Chinese visitors could lead to more transnational crime.

IB chief Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat Sajjapan said last Monday (Sept 4) that an offer of a free visa could create a loophole through which operators of call centre gangs, illegal businesses and other transnational crimes could slip into the country.

He said the IBs workload would multiply trying to catch such elements once they have entered the country.

The planned policy, it is feared, would also worsen congestion at immigration counters. But Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat said the bureau was ready to follow a free-visa policy.

The IB would need to prepare measures to alleviate airport crowding due to the expected spike in Chinese visitors. For instance, all immigration check-in counters must be fully opened during peak arrival hours.

The IB was looking to designate dedicated immigration lanes for Chinese passport holders. Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat added the IB unsuccessfully asked the Airports of Thailand to allocate more space for immigration checkpoints at international airports.
Phuket Governor takes merit-making walk

PHUKET: The Phuket Governor was one of 15 monks that received alms as part of a merit-making walk in Old Phuket Town earlier this morning (Sept 10).

religionpoliticsculture

By The Phuket News

Sunday 10 September 2023 12:18 PM

Governor Narong Woonciew entered a 15-day ordainment as a monk at Wat Pa Phutthaphot Hariphunchai in Lamphun province on Aug 26 to make merit ahead of his official retirement as Governor of Phuket on Sept 30, where he was bestowed with the name Phra Nathaplo.

This morning he joined 15 other monks, including Phra Ajahn Ariyawangso, the abbot of Wat Pa Phutthapoj Hariphunchai, to take the 2.5-kilometre route during which people offered alms as a way of showing respect and making merit to enhance prosperity for themselves and their families.

The walk started just after 6am in front of Wat Phuttha Mongkol Nimit on Rommanee Road in Old Phuket Town, before passing through Luang Phor Chuan Road and Surin Road, concluding at the Governors residence on the corner of Krabi and Satun Road around 8am.

Joining well wishers along the route were Phuket Vice Governors Amnuay Pinsuwan and Anupap Rodkwan Yodram, as well as heads of government agencies, representatives from the private sector and citizens, who offered gifts including food to the monks.

PR Phuket reports the atmopshere throughout the walk as being very amiable as the monks passed by many landmarks in the Old Phuket Town area, although the number of people in attendance throughout was not specified.

Governor Narong arrived in Phuket in June 2020 to replace Phakaphong Tavipatana, having previously served as Governor of Chaiyaphum province.

So far, there have been no official announcements detailing who will succeed Mr Narong as Governor of Phuket when he leaves his post at the end of the month.
Press jacket, sticker

|

IMPHAL, Sep 10: The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) have appealed to all non-journalists to stop using jackets/vests and stickers inscribed with the word PRESS.

A number of unregistered media practitioners have emerged in the midst of the protracted violent crisis. They are not only creating confusion among the people but also impeding genuine journalists, said a press release issued by AMWJU and EGM.

AMWJU and EGM have no right to prevent any YouTuber, blogger and Vlogger from covering any incident but they cannot use vests/jackets and stickers inscribed with the word PRESS, it said.

Appealing to all non-journalists not to use vests/jackets and stickers inscribed with PRESS, AMWJU and EGM urged police and other law enforcing agencies not to let off everyone just because they use such jackets/vests and stickers but verify them properly.
CoTU, others meet on blockade

|

IMPHAL, Sep 10: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and other CSOs held a meeting today on the blockade being imposed at Kangpokpi along Imphal-Dimapur highway.

Notably, the United Naga Council (UNC) had asked CoTU to lift the blockade at the earliest.

Moreover, the State Cabinet took a decision yesterday to see that the blockade is lifted.

Although the meeting held today discussed the highway blockade and the resultant issues, it did not take any decision to lift the blockade, sources informed.
Demand for ST tag by Meiteis Spelling out the truth

|

In many ways the false narrative started from the first step taken during the Tribal Solidarity March organised by the All Tribal Students Union, Manipur on May 3. The false premise on which the so called Solidarity March was organised was the order of the High Court of Manipur to send the report/recommendation that the Meiteis be included in the Scheduled Tribe list of the Constitution of India. In the first place, it is not the job of the Judiciary to decide whether the Meiteis as a community fit the bill to be included in the Scheduled list of tribals of India, though the fact stands that the Meiteis were referred to as a Hill Tribe by the British. The report or recommendation is to be sent or forwarded to the Registrar General of India and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and their say or stand will have to be submitted to the Union Cabinet. It is only after due consultations by the Union Cabinet that the matter will have to be brought on the floor of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. In other words, it is not the Judiciary but Parliament which will have the last say on whether the Meiteis fit the bill to be included in the Scheduled list of tribals of India or not. This is where the lie for organising the Tribal Solidarity March lies exposed for one and all to see. Also remember it was at Churachandpur where violence erupted and soon spread to Kangpokpi and Moreh, and not at the Naga dominated districts of Senapati, Ukhrul or Tamenglong. The first lie stands exposed for one and all to see here and it is mind boggling why the parachute story tellers from other parts of the country refuse to go back to this part of the story and just pick up from where they want to. As The Sangai Express has consistently held, it is the job of the Centre to decide whether the Meiteis as a tribal group fit the bill to be included in the Scheduled list of tribals or not, and the job of the State Government is to just send the report or recommendation. It was way back on May 29, 2013 that the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs had sent a written communication to the State Government to send the report along with the latest sociological survey and ethnographic report for inclusion of the Meiteis in the ST list of the Constitution of India and it was on the basis of this communication that the High Court of Manipur had asked the State Government to do the needful. If the Meiteis do not fit the criteria to be included in the ST list, then why should such a huge ruckus be raised ? A question which ATSUM and all those who have bent backwards to churn out their own version of the ongoing clash may perhaps may be placed to answer.

There are reasons why the Kukis and ATSUM are so apprehensive that the Meiteis could be included in the Scheduled list of the Tribals under the Constitution of India. Primitive traits, endogamous character, distinct culture, historical and geographical isolation, shyness of contact with others, backwardness-these are the salient features laid down by the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry for a community to be included in the ST list and the Meiteis fulfil all the characteristics spelt out here. As a young man shared in a post on the social media, although the Meiteis adopted Hinduism, many still retain the traditional religious beliefs and practices which closely resemble totemism, animism, paganism, ancestor worship, best exemplified by the worship of Mount Koubru, Tarpon Katpa, worshipping Umang Lai etc. This is but just one aspect wherein the Meiteis fulfil the criteria laid down by the Centre and the others include the very, very low exogamous practise meaning majority of the Meiteis continue to marry within the community but nuptial ties outside the clan is preferred; distinct culture including Thang-Ta, Mukna, Yubi Lakpi, Arambai etc identify the Meiteis, historical and geographical isolation need not be over stressed and one just has to acknowledge the chicken neck syndrome that continues to plague the region and the people, socio-economic backwardness where the per capita income of Manipur for 2021-2022 has been pegged at below the Rs one lakh mark. It is for the Centre to decide whether the criteria/reality briefly spelt out here is fit for the Meiteis to be included in the ST list or not, but tagging the Tribal Solidarity March of May 3 to the ST for Meitei demand, which sparked the present conflict is a misnomer, a desperate attempt to take along all the tribal groups against the Meiteis in the present clash. The UNC has already made its stand clear on this.
The existential crisisThe Reality

|

Laishram Devakumar Singh

Of late the community was awakened by the sound of war drum and bonfire of homestead and within months all those properties of the Meiteis had been razed to ashes. Indeed, the Meitei community never expected such a catastrophic scenario would befall them. The Meitei community was caught unaware. Subsequent events which have been witnessed by the entire community since 3rd May, 2023 in Manipur convinced that the violence which has been taking place is a well-planned and well-orchestrated move by Chin Kuki Zo to corner and destroy the Meitei population with its long meticulous planning and strategies in cohort with one giant power behind and vast arsenal of armoury, zealous mobs, Goebbelsian propaganda, media lapdogs, inexhaustible funds from drugs and other external sources. The apprehension of the Meitei community seemingly true as the series of incidents and loss of life, properties and casualties suffered is unprecedented in the history of our Nation.

The fear of the Meitei for the future of their Nation that has been founded by their patriotic forefathers with futuristic vision seem to be crumbling by the forces exerted by the newly infiltrated refugees who have the backing of formidable powers. The Meitei community fear the dissolution of their precious land and disintegration of their State as our forefathers had conceived it. The mistake we made by giving refuge to these unfaithful nomadic hoards in our own courtyards aggravated the situation.

Now everyone can see how internally displaced people are languishing in grief without any sources of livelihood. Psychologically they are so traumatised, and their lives now hang in the air. Over the last four months their desperation has gradually mounted and the monotonous life without any source of livelihood has exhausted them. Perhaps the life that was so beautiful and full of joy has been dashed to the ground and hope now to seem vacuous, and the passion has burned out. Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard rightly remarked that living without passion amounts to not existing at all. Its like standing on the edge of an abyss where one might be afraid of falling. Here, people are forced to make choices all the time, whether they like it or not. With existential crisis around the corner, negative emotions and thought can lead to significant despair, causing them to struggle with deep questions regarding their meaning and purpose in the world.

The way in which they have been forced to live without meaning, goals, values, or ideals, seems to provoke considerable distress. The death of near and dear ones, the loss of jobs, feeling of increasing isolation and not being sure of ones own identity and dignity overburden their mind and cause depression.

They are now in dilemma, whether theyll be able to return to their own home where they grew and enjoyed the blissful life with everyone in the society. The air of helplessness and despair is heavy. The expectation of speedy initiatives from both the Central and State Governments seemingly has been dashed to the ground for the Internally Displaced People. Now what one can notice is the errant behaviour among the children. Many children have been deprived of their education and home. They have been deprived of the environment where they can evolve their creativity freely.

Instead, they have been thrown in the middle of an uncertain atmosphere. Their behaviour has been changed so drastically by certain developments around them. Where has gone the judicious system of administration ? This is not the time to play blame game. It is the time to strive for peaceful solution without compromising the ethos of multi-culturalism. What is the Government still waiting for ? Why is the State Government not acting ? Is this the reason for electing them ? The biggest mistake committed by our community was allowing a regime, a regime which has no concern for our culture, tradition, and history. The present crisis has completely devastated the very essence and idea of a multicultural ethos based on liberal humanism.

The damage inflicted is so huge that it cannot be measured in any available terms because the psychological and physical impacts on the children, the future generation of our society and their parents are so irreparable that one cannot comprehend. Our road to peaceful co-existence has been disturbed by the demand of separate administration and separate State paving the way for tearing our State into pieces. How long can we stand in such a situation ? Our freedom of movement has been jeopardised by militarisation and radicalisation. Now we cannot go to our own home to attend our homestead. Our society is besmirched by unspeakable inhumanity committed by Chin Kuki Zo Narco terrorists and mobs who perpetrate violence to achieve their wild dream. The miasma of distrust and hate engendered by the physical separation and the affected indigenous peoples make them ready to defend themselves and strike hard when the time is ripe. Study every move and statement of KIM and ITLF and steps initiated by the Government seems to be going to the direction where they intended. What is needed by the people of Manipur at this critical juncture is sincerity on the part of the so-called leaders. Their sincere efforts will help in bringing back to normalcy in the State or else it will drag more and more people to a cycle of violence and instability. We need a pyramidal structure of leadership who could captivate and command people belonging to different walks of lives.

The Meitei community along with well-wishers in the society need to play carefully that evil design of Chin Kuki Zo separatist elements can be defeated and buried forever for the safety of our society. The Old Kukis who have been living in the State must understand and raise their voice against those who perpetrate crime against humanity. It is high time for them to raise their voice against misleading common peoples. They should be made to answer for letting the people dream a State which will never achieved in a society like us. They should stop stereotyping of Meitei.

They must see the origin of this present crisis and how the violence started on 3rd May at Churachandpur. They must come out strongly to those who fomented and instigated the violence against Meiteis in Churachanpur areas. There is no denying the fact that the retaliation on May 4th was violent in Imphal area. All peace-loving people on both sides must initiate dialogue if they really want to save the State from further devastation.

War and violent clashes bring nothing but devastation, destruction, displace- ment, and dislocation. It uproots the very basic rights of human the right to live. Prolonging the conflict will only make things worse. It will be wise if the people in power act sensitively without causing collateral damage to one community only. What their machi-neries were doing when Chin Kuki Zo Narco terrorists were bulldozing Then- gra Leikai in Chura-chandpur ? Why the law enforcing agencies remained as mute spectators when these terrorists vandalised and destroyed Khumajama locality of the Meiteis in Churachandpur ? Where were you at that point of time ? You let loose these Chin Kuki Zo peoples to ransack and loot the homes of the Meiteis ? Your law enforcing agencies did not do anything to safeguard the properties of Meitei who had been forced to flee their home.

Instead of evacuating them from the said places your law enforcing agencies should have promptly acted to safeguard the rightful properties of these misfortunate Meiteis like what your forces did in Imphal. Had your machi-neries acted in an unpartisan manner, things would have been a different one from what you see today.

Now youve thrown them in the graveyards which youve dug for them. Thus, clearly violating their right to live in a free atmosphere. How long these odd sixty thousand people be fed ? There is seemingly existential crisis to both the community. Allow internally displaced people to their respective home and allow them to rebuild their value, tradition, and livelihood with your unpartisan governance. Please identify who are rightful owner of the land and who are not. Stop following the policy of appeasement. Those who ignited the crisis should be booked and dealt sternly. This is about the question of ones survival with dignity. State simply should not back down to the pressure of one group supported by external forces. Please do not do politics in this hour of crisis for the Manipuri people. It will not be good for the State on its parts to suppress the voice of the people. How can state allow Kuki Zo chiefs intimidation and threat to the people of the soil from going to their birthplace.

If you cannot act in a judicious manner remove all your forces so that matter could be settled within no time. Your esteemed machi-neries are taking lot of time in settling the internally displaced people. They are dying from psychological trauma and unstable situation. How long your esteemed agencies will continue to see this situation? Please save Manipur from this existential crisis.
DHT Holdings Inc (NYSE:DHT) recently recorded a daily gain of 3.91% and a 3-month gain of 17.06%. With an Earnings Per Share (EPS) (EPS) of 1, the question arises: is the stock fairly valued? In this article, we delve into an in-depth valuation analysis of DHT Holdings, exploring its intrinsic value, financial strength, and future prospects.

Company Introduction

DHT Holdings Inc is a renowned crude oil tanker company with international operations. Its fleet, consisting of very large crude carriers (VLCCs) ranging in size from 200,000 to 320,000 deadweight tons, primarily generates revenues from time charter and spot market operations. With operational bases in Monaco, Oslo, Norway, and Singapore, DHT Holdings has a prominent global presence.

The company's stock is currently priced at $9.04 per share, giving it a market cap of $1.50 billion. To gain insights into the fairness of this valuation, we compare the stock price with the GF Value, a proprietary measure of a stock's intrinsic value, which stands at $9.28 for DHT Holdings.

Unveiling DHT Holdings (DHT)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. It takes into account historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio, and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at, GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future estimates of the business performance.

DHT Holdings (NYSE:DHT) appears to be fairly valued according to our GF Value estimation. The stock's share price is expected to fluctuate around the GF Value Line. If the share price significantly surpasses the GF Value Line, the stock may be overvalued, leading to poor future returns. Conversely, if it falls significantly below the GF Value Line, the stock may be undervalued and could offer high future returns.

Story continues

Unveiling DHT Holdings (DHT)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Given that DHT Holdings appears to be fairly valued, the long-term return of its stock is likely to be close to the rate of its business growth.

These companies may deliever higher future returns at reduced risk.

Assessing Financial Strength

Investing in companies with low financial strength could result in permanent capital loss. Therefore, it's crucial to review a company's financial strength before deciding to buy shares. Looking at the cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage can provide a good initial perspective on the company's financial strength. DHT Holdings has a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.34, ranking it lower than 58.81% of 1022 companies in the Oil & Gas industry. Based on this, GuruFocus ranks DHT Holdings's financial strength as 7 out of 10, suggesting a fair balance sheet.

Unveiling DHT Holdings (DHT)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Profitability and Growth

Profitable companies, especially those with consistent profitability over the long term, are generally less risky to invest in. DHT Holdings has been profitable 7 over the past 10 years. Over the past twelve months, the company had a revenue of $563.50 million and an Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $1. Its operating margin is 32.43%, ranking better than 76.42% of 967 companies in the Oil & Gas industry. Overall, the profitability of DHT Holdings is ranked 6 out of 10, indicating fair profitability.

Growth is probably one of the most important factors in the valuation of a company. DHT Holdings's 3-year average revenue growth rate is worse than 77.41% of 850 companies in the Oil & Gas industry. DHT Holdings's 3-year average EBITDA growth rate is -4%, ranking worse than 73.17% of 820 companies in the Oil & Gas industry.

Comparing ROIC and WACC

Return on invested capital (ROIC) measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. For the past 12 months, DHT Holdings's return on invested capital is 13.36, and its cost of capital is 5.28.

Unveiling DHT Holdings (DHT)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

Overall, DHT Holdings (NYSE:DHT) stock appears to be fairly valued. The company's financial condition is fair, and its profitability is fair. Its growth ranks worse than 73.17% of 820 companies in the Oil & Gas industry. To learn more about DHT Holdings stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here.

To find out the high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, please check out GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


A central team of BJP will visit West Bengal to review the reasons behind the defeat of the party in the by-elections for the Dhupguri assembly constituency in Jalpaiguri district, the result for which was declared on Friday.

It is learnt the central team will be headed by the partys nation general sec- retary B.L Santosh.

He will be holding a series of meetings with state leadership of the party on Sunday and Monday to review the reasons for the defeat though at a narrow margin.

The partys central leadership is viewing the Dhupguri victory quite seriously since BJPs Bishnu Pada Roy got elected from this constituency in the 2021 West Bengal assembly. His sudden demise early this year necessitated the by- polls.

Advertisement

Sources said that the defeat is being viewed more seriously by the central lead-

ership in view of the big battle of 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the constituen- cies in north Bengal are the strongestbastionsforBJP.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls the ruling Trinamool Congress did not manage to win from a single of the eight LokSabha constituencies from North Bengal. While BJP candidates won from seven constituencies, Congress won from one in 2019.

In 2021 West Bengal assembly polls, BJPs performance was much better in North Bengal compared to that in South Bengal.

The margin of victory is not high enough that it cannot be repaired before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. But it seeds greater coordination in leadership, said a member of the BJPs state committee on strict condition of anonymity.
The sparring between the Governor and the state education minturning uglier by the day. On Saturday, CV Ananda Bose in a media statement threatened further action at midnight asserting that he is content with what he has done so far regarding the appointment of interim vice- chancellors at state-run universities.

In a tit-for-tat, Mr Basu, in his tweet, spoke about a vampire on the prowl. Though the minister named no one, his reference point seemed to be the Governors comment. The Governor indicated tough posturing against state education minister Bratya Basus Bin Tughlaq comment with a warning of action at midnight.

The Governor said, I am happy to do this.

Wait. See what action we take at midnight tonight. Incidentally, yes- terday, the education minister targeted the Governor over arbitrary appointment of the vice-chancellors at stateaided and state universities.

Bratya Basu had said, I thought he was Khilji, but I see he is actually Muhammad bin Tughlaq. After yesterdays registrars meeting, Basu had commented, causing a stir. Governors warning of measures in the middle of the night. Look what I do today! Bose challenged.

Advertisement

At the same time, Governor Bose clarified his position regarding the state governments anger and objection over the appointment of vice- chancellors. He said, I am con- cerned about the appointment of vice-chancellors in universities, not about anyones dissatisfaction.

While the Governor was warning of midnight action, the education minister tweet- ed without naming anyone but in an oblique reference to the Governor. The minister wrote in X: Wait till midnight. Stay tuned to see what action is taken. Be careful! Be careful! Be careful! Theres a new vampire in town. Citizens, be careful. Take care of your- selves. Eagerly awaiting Rakshas Pahar as per Indian mythology.

Incidentally, governor CV Anand Bose has been appoint- ing interim vice-chancellors in several universities in the state. Not only that, he has also decided to perform the duties of vice-chancellor in universities without vice-chancel- lors. Mr Boses todays state- ment of wait for more action at midnight  sparked off a buzz that the 12 registrars, who had attended the meeting of the state education minister convened on Friday out of 31, are likely to face the axe as the education minister show caused 19 registrars, who had skipped yesterdays meeting.
Even as he celebrates Jawan breaking its own record and earning Rs 90 crore (the highest ever for a Hindi film) on Saturday, Shah Rukh Khan congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful completion of the G20 Summit.

Responding to a video link on the formation of the Global Biofuels Alliance put up by the Prime Minister with the comment, Productive discussions at the G20 Summit for a better planet, Shah Rukh said: Congratulations to Hon. PM @narendramodi ji for the success of Indias G20 Presidency and for fostering unity between nations for a better future for the people of the world.

He added: It has brought in a sense of honour and pride into the hearts of every Indian. Sir, under your leadership, we will prosper not in isolation but in Oneness. One Earth, One Family, One Future.

Advertisement

The post was reminiscent of his congratulatory comments and video on the new Parliament building at a time when the controversy over the Sengol and the Oppositions boycott of the inauguration was at its peak.

Earlier, another leading Bollywood actor, Anupam Kher, had hailed the Prime Minister for democratising the G20. Sharing his views on Instagram post, he wrote in the caption: Jaya Jaya Bharatam! That is the feeling one gets when one witnesses the elaborate arrangements that have been made for the G20 Leadership Summit.

He added in the same positive vein: High Tech, New Age, absolutely world class but steeped in our civilisational values, culture and rich heritage. This is the Bharat that we want the world to see, embrace and engage with. The national capital has seen a massive facelift.

Talking about how India has democratised G20 under the leadership of PM Modi, Kher wrote: G20 has been democratised like never before. Nearly 60 cities and more than 210 meetings pan India. PM has walked the talk w.r.t. Jan Bhagidhari. It has become a Sabka G20 as every nook and corner of Bharat has hosted an event over the last year. The effect has been transformative and I am personally witness to it.
Actor Sylvester Stallone recently went to the Vatican and met Pope Francis, who surprised the Rocky actor with a punch, revealing that hes a big fan of Stallones movies.

The Rambo star was introduced, along with his wife, daughters and brother, to the Pontiff in a meeting shared on social media. The video shows a smiling Pope telling Stallone that he was a longtime fan, Deadline reported.

Stallone began the meeting, saying: Well, thank you very much for taking time from your busy day. We appreciate this very much. The Pope replied, I am honoured. We grew up with your films.

Advertisement

This caught the veteran actor by surprise, after which he said Well Im honoured, too, before raising his fists and air-pumping, saying: Ready? We box.

The Pope added to the joke with a fake jab, clearly catching everyone by surprise. The group later assembled for a photo, shared on social media by Vatican News.

Its so great I appreciate it so much, added Sly (Sylvester Stallones nickname). The 77-year-old wrote about the meeting in a post on Instagram, captioned: Very rare and special moment. I was allowed to hold the keys that open every single door in the entire Vatican City. Including the Sistine Chapel. Of course they wouldnt let me out of their sight with the keys. I dont blame them.

The meeting with the Pope, came ahead of Slys latest series Tulsa King, where Stallone plays mafia member Dwight The General Manfredi who went to prison for 25 years to save the family.

Upon his release he tries to re-establish relations, but is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to start running criminal operations.

In addition, the actor will also be releasing another production, titled Sly, which is a new Netflix documentary  looking at his early challenges as a troubled child in New York before breaking into the film industry, followed by huge successes with Rocky, Rambo and other characters.

Sly will premiere on the closing night of the Toronto Film Festival. It is directed by Thom Zinny, and is billed as an intimate and unexpected look at the veteran actors life and career. The documentary is due for release in November, 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the inclusion of the African Union (AU) in the G20 as a significant stride towards a more inclusive global dialogue.

We look forward to collaborative efforts that benefit not only our respective continents but also the entire world, he said on X while responding to a post by Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto on AUs inclusion in the G20.

In another post while responding to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr Modi said: The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 underscores its pivotal role in global progress. We stand ready to further collaborate and boost our shared aspirations. We will keep working closely for global well-being.

Advertisement

Mr Modi played a pivotal role in the admission of the AU in G20. He had written to all G20 leaders in June, proposing that the AU be given permanent membership of G20 in the Delhi Summit.

The AU was formally admitted to the grouping on Saturday at the opening ceremony of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. The PM asked President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Azali Assoumani to join other leaders at the high table.

The 55-member AU is the second multi-nation grouping after the European Union to become a permanent member of G20. Its inclusion was the first expansion of the grouping of the largest economies since its inception in 1999.
In what is being hailed as a major diplomatic victory for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured a permanent seat for the African Union (AU) in the Group of 20 during the 18th G20 India Summit, which was held in New Delhi from September 9 and 10. After the announcement, AU President Azali Assoumani went to PM Modi and hugged him.

Assoumani said he was about to cry when PM Modi invited him to take a chair as a permanent member of the grouping during the One Earth session of the G20 India Summit in Delhi. The AU president thought their inclusion would be debated and after that a decision will be taken. However, it was PM Modis effort that ensured that the inclusion of the AU was not debated.

The African Unions journey to the Group of 20 (which will now be known as the Group of 21) began in June this year when PM Modi wrote to members proposing its inclusion. The US and France replied in the affirmative, and other members followed suit.

Advertisement

The development is being seen as New Delhis effort to counter Chinas growing influence in African countries. Several African nations have taken debt from China and in return, they allow Beijing to build and run ports and carry out several other infrastructure projects.

In 2020, Tanzanian President John Magufuli cancelled a killer Chinese loan worth $10 billion. The loan agreement was signed by his predecessor Jakaya Kikwete to construct a port at Mbegani creek in Bagamoyo. It allowed China to run the port for the next 99 years without any interruptions.

China has often been accused of using debt-trap diplomacy to gain influence in developing countries. This involves lending money to countries and then using the debt as leverage to gain control of strategic assets, such as ports and infrastructure.

This practice has been particularly evident in Pakistan, where China has lent billions of dollars to build infrastructure projects and in return gained control of the countrys strategic Gwadar port for 40 years.

India now wants to counter the Chinese by exposing their evil agenda and offering African countries a chance to represent their interests at the global level.

Italian PM Meloni signals departure from Belt and Road Initiative to China

Experts believe that PM Modis move to include the AU in the G20 will have long-term benefits for India. It will help New Delhi build trust with African nations. Trust brings business, and PM Modi knows this. He even highlighted this in his opening remarks during the G20 India Summit. The prime minister gave a mantra of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas to transform the trust deficit caused by armed conflicts between countries around the world.

After the conclusion of the New Delhi G20 Summit, AU President Assoumani praised Indias role and termed the country a superpower ahead of China. India is a superpower in terms of population, India is ahead of China now, Assoumani told reporters outside the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Delhi.

His statement is a testament to PM Modis efforts to counter Chinas growing influence in the African continent. The day is not far when India will be the biggest trade partner of the AU, surpassing China without capturing their resources.

Chinese felt cornered at G20 as India dominate the summit
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Sunday said that he discussed the issue of Khalistan extremism with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and told him that while Canada will defend freedom of expression, it wont allow violence and hatred. He further said that actions of few dont represent the entire community or Canada.

Both the issues came up. Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues. Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred, Trudeau said when asked if the issues of Khalistan and foreign interference did come up during his discussions with PM Modi.

I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada. The flip side of it, we also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference, he added.

Advertisement

PM Modi asks Trudeau to deal with extremist elements

During their discussions, PM Modi asked Trudeau to deal with extremist elements in Canada that are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises and threatening the Indian community and their places of worship.

The nexus of such forces with organised crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats, the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Canada is home to a number of Khalistani extremists and several incidents of their extremism have been reported in the country over the last few years. Earlier in June this year, Khalistani extremists organized a tableau parade celebrating the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by his Sikh bodyguards.

A similar incident was reported in March this year when Khalistani supporters gathered outside the Indian Embassy in Canada and raised anti-India slogans. An Indian journalist present at the sport was also reportedly assaulted by them. New Delhi criticized both the incidents and asked Ottawa to not allow its land for anti-India activities.

Ahead of the G20 India Summit, several metro stations in the national capital Delhi were also defaced with anti-India graffiti by pro-Khalistani supporters.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) will increase its dividend on the 1st of November to $0.665, which is 1.9% higher than last year's payment from the same period of $0.653. This makes the dividend yield about the same as the industry average at 7.8%.

See our latest analysis for Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications' Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions

Unless the payments are sustainable, the dividend yield doesn't mean too much. Prior to this announcement, Verizon Communications was quite comfortably covering its dividend with earnings and it was paying more than 75% of its free cash flow to shareholders. By paying out so much of its cash flows, this could indicate that the company has limited opportunities for investment and growth.

Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to fall by 0.3% over the next year. If the dividend continues along the path it has been on recently, we estimate the payout ratio could be 54%, which is comfortable for the company to continue in the future.

Verizon Communications Has A Solid Track Record

The company has an extended history of paying stable dividends. The dividend has gone from an annual total of $2.06 in 2013 to the most recent total annual payment of $2.61. This implies that the company grew its distributions at a yearly rate of about 2.4% over that duration. While the consistency in the dividend payments is impressive, we think the relatively slow rate of growth is less attractive.

Dividend Growth May Be Hard To Come By

Investors could be attracted to the stock based on the quality of its payment history. Let's not jump to conclusions as things might not be as good as they appear on the surface. Verizon Communications has seen earnings per share falling at 7.9% per year over the last five years. Declining earnings will inevitably lead to the company paying a lower dividend in line with lower profits.

Our Thoughts On Verizon Communications' Dividend

In summary, while it's always good to see the dividend being raised, we don't think Verizon Communications' payments are rock solid. The company hasn't been paying a very consistent dividend over time, despite only paying out a small portion of earnings. This company is not in the top tier of income providing stocks.

Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. At the same time, there are other factors our readers should be conscious of before pouring capital into a stock. For example, we've picked out 1 warning sign for Verizon Communications that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. Is Verizon Communications not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which probed the sexual harassment connected to the solar case, has reportedly found that there was an intricate plot aimed at implicating the former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in the case.

The CBI, in its report submitted to the court the other day, giving clean-chit to former Kerala Chandy in the sexual harassment case, has reportedly stated that a ruling front MLA and his aide conspired to name the senior Congress leader in the case.

The CBI has pointed out that the complainant womans letter initially does not contain Chandys name. The Central probe agency has found that the name of Chandy was interpolated into the letter later. The CBI said the ruling front MLA got the possession of the letter through his aide.

Advertisement

The report also stated that the complainant directed former MLA PC George to testify about the abuse as witness. However, while giving a statement to the CBI, PC George testified that he did not witness the abuse.

The CBI could not find any evidence on the complaint that she was abused by the former chief minister in Cliff House,the Chief Ministers official residence.

The Congress-led UDF opposition on Sunday demanded a probe to find out who was behind the alleged conspiracy to implicate late Oommen Chandy the sexual harassment connected to the solar case.

Senior Congress leader and Opposition leader V D Satheesan demanded that those found by the CBI to have conspired against the late Congress leader are to be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, Congress leader K Muraleedharan MP alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was involved in the conspiracy behind the solar scam and demanded an unbiased investigation into the case.
A think group linked to the Chinese Ministry of State Security accused India of seeking to advance its own agenda and hurt Chinas interests by using its position as the G20 Summits host country.

The China Institute of Contemporary International Relations made its remarks as the yearly two-day G20 conference in New Delhi got underway with Chinese President Xi Jinping conspicuously absent.

The think tank further charged India with bringing geopolitical private goods on the world stage, which it claimed would both assist India fulfill its role as the G20 Summits host nation and lead to new issues.

Advertisement

Previous G20 summits have been hosted by India in disputed areas, such as Kashmir, which Pakistan contests, and Arunachal Pradesh, which China also claims.

The think tank wrote in a commentary on its Wechat account that, Indias actions in hosting meetings in disputed territories have alsostolen the spotlight, sabotaging the cooperative atmosphere of the G20 meeting and hindering the achievement of substantive results. This has caused diplomatic and public opinion turmoil.

Questions have been raised about why Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the summit that Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted, but Chinese authorities have not offered an explanation. In lieu of Xi, Premier Li Qiang is speaking for China.

The two Asian neighbors have been making efforts to reduce military tensions along their lengthy border. The situation, however, has been characterized as delicate and dangerous by New Delhi. India has also tightened up its inspection of Chinese investments and economic ventures since 2020.

US President Biden responded with dismay at Xis decision to skip the G20 summit. He did, however, add that he was looking forward to their next meeting.

The think tank further said that India has been using the debt restructuring debate to attack China and has frequently worked with the US and other Western countries to promote the debt trap thesis. This idea focuses on Beijings lending to developing nations for important infrastructure projects like ports and highways.
India Saturday achieved a major feat after securing consensus on the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, including a statement on the Russia-Ukraine war. It took hundreds of hours and more than three hundred bilateral meetings between officials of India and other G20 members. This was a historic achievement given the member countries difference of opinion on highly sensitive geopolitical issue of Ukraine war. The G20 was divided in two sections on including Russia-Ukraine war in the joint declarationone group supporting Ukraines narrative and the other supporting Russias position. However, Indias neutral stance made sure the New Delhi G20 Summit Leaders Declaration is adopted with 100 per cent consensus on all paragraphs.

While the Russia-Ukraine war was the most complex part of the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, there were several other highly important aspects that were included in joint declaration. Be it food security, green development pact, development of digital public infrastructure or gender equality, the New Delhi Leaders Declaration has committed to address several issues of global interests.

Decoding the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration

Advertisement

On Global Economic Situation: The joint declaration noted that cascading crises have posed challenges to long-term growth and resolved to implement well calibrated macroeconomic and structural policies to promote sustainable and inclusive development.

Facing an uneven recovery, and cognizant of the need to boost long-term growth, we will implement well calibrated macroeconomic and structural policies. We will protect the vulnerable, through promoting equitable growth and enhancing macroeconomic and financial stability. Such an approach will help resolve the cost-of-living crisis and unlock strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth.

The joint declaration also recognized the role of private enterprise in accelerating the growth and resolved to with private sector. It called for facilitating Foreign Direct Investments towards sustainable business models and create inclusive, sustainable, and resilient global value chains, and support developing countries to move up the value chain.

Eliminating Hunger and Malnutrition: The G20 leaders committed to enhance the global food security and nutrition for all. They resolved to enhance efforts to strengthen research cooperation on climate-resilient and nutritious grains such as millets, quinoa, sorghum, and other traditional crops including rice, wheat and maize.

They committed to facilitate open, fair, predictable, and rules-based agriculture, food and fertilizer trade, not impose export prohibitions or restrictions and reduce market distortions, in accordance with relevant WTO rules.

On Global Health: In the joint G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, members reached consensus on the need to strengthen the global health architecture, with the World Health Organization (WHO) at its core.

Focus on strengthening primary health care and health workforce and improving essential health services and health systems to better than pre-pandemic levels, ideally within the next 2-3 years, as well as continue progress towards polio eradication and ending ongoing epidemics including AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis and water-borne and other communicable diseases, also recognising the importance of research on long COVID, the declaration read.

Green Development Pact: It envisages a plan to tackle the environmental crisis through global co-operation over the next decade. In their joint declaration, the G20 leaders recognized that the impacts of climate change are being experienced worldwide, particularly by the poorest and the most vulnerable, including in LDCs and SIDS.

The resolved to tackle climate change by strengthening the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and its temperature goal, reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of different national circumstances.

On Education: The G20 leaders said, We are committed to inclusive, equitable, high-quality education and skills training for all, including for those in vulnerable situations. We recognize the importance of investment in supporting human capital development.
A massive fire broke out at an electronic items factory at the Sahibabad industrial area in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad on Saturday late evening, district fire department officials said.

No casualties or injury to anyone was reported in the incident as no one was present at the factory when the fire broke out, they said.

According to officials said that fire tenders are on the spot and efforts to douse the fire are underway.

Further, according to the officials, the fire broke out earlier on Saturday evening in the industry area behind Pacific Mall in Ghaziabad.

The fire spread to two adjacent factories, prompting fire department officials to call for more fire tenders from four nearby districts including Hapur, Meerut, Noida and Tata, Ghaziabad Chief Fire Officer Rahul Kumar said.

Advertisement

Kumar further said that it may take another 3-4 hours for them to bring the situation under control. The exact reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained, he added.

More details awaited.
G20 India Summit Day 2 Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the conclusion of the G20 India Summit 2023 and handed over the G20 presidency gavel to Brazilian President Lula Da Silva. Before announcing the conclusion, PM Modi also proposed a virtual session at the end of November to review the topics decided in the G20 India Summit.

As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty that the suggestions we have received be reviewed once again so as to see how their progress can be sped up. I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G 20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual sessionI hope you all will connect in the virtual sessionWith this, I declare the conclusion of G 20 Summit, PM Modi said.

Earlier in the day, the New Delhi G20 Summit guests visited Rajghat to pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi. From Rajghat, they headed to the Bharat Mandpam Convention Centre in New Delhis Pragati Maidan, the G20 India Summit venue to attend final day sessions. The New Delhi G20 Summit ended on a high after a historic day one that saw G20 leaders building consensus on joint summit declaration,

Advertisement

G20 India Summit Day 2 highlights:

1:40 PM: President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva invites leaders to 2024 Rio Summit The technical groups and the preparatory ministerial meetings will be hosted in several cities in all five regions of our countryI will be very much honoured to welcome you all to Rio de Janeiro Summit in November 2024

#WATCH | G 20 in India | President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says, The technical groups and the preparatory ministerial meetings will be hosted in several cities in all five regions of our countryI will be very much honoured to welcome you all to Rio de Janeiro pic.twitter.com/0krldSEcfl  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

1:25 PM: BREAKING NEWS: PM Modi passes presidency gavel to Brazilian President. India will remain G20 president till November. Brazil will host the G20 Summit 2024 under its presidency.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over the gavel of G 20 presidency to the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. pic.twitter.com/ihEmXN9lty  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

1:20 PM: President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on countrys G20 Presidency: Brazilian presidency of the G 20 has three priorities  First, social inclusion and fight against hunger. Second, energy transition and sustainable development in its three aspectsThird, the reform of global governance institutions. All these priorities are part of the Brazilian presidency motto which says Building a fair world and a sustainable planet. Two task forces will be created  Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty & the Global Mobilisation against Climate Change.

1:05 PM: PM Modi declares conclusion of G20 India Summit: As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty that the suggestions we have received be reviewed once again so as to see how their progress can be sped up. I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G 20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual sessionI hope you all will connect in the virtual sessionWith this, I declare the conclusion of G 20 Summit.., says PM Modi.

11:30 AM: Gandhi, a beacon of peace, says PM Modi after Rajghat visit: At the iconic Rajghat, the G20 family paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi  the beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence. As diverse nations converge, Gandhi Jis timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global future. tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

G 20 in India | At the iconic Rajghat, the G20 family paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi  the beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence. As diverse nations converge, Gandhi Jis timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global pic.twitter.com/turd4bexWV  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

10:55 AM: Biden concludes India visit: US President Joe Biden have concluded his India visit and will now head to Vietnam.

G 20 in India | US President Joe Biden departs from Delhi to Vietnam, after concluding the G20 Summit. (Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/ng4zJvRDz0  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

10:10 AM: UK PM announces biggest climate aid: United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces record climate aid commitment as G20 in India concludes. The UK will provide $2 billion to the Green Climate Fund which is the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change. The UK will contribute 1.62 billion ($2 billion) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which was established by 194 countries following the Copenhagen Accord at COP15: British High Commission in India

10:01 AM: World leaders pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Group of 20 (now Group of 21) leaders pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Delhis Rajghat.

9:55 AM: Pictures: United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy at Delhis Akshardham temple.

G 20 in India | United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy at Delhis Akshardham temple. (Source: Akshardham temple) pic.twitter.com/grda3GwCMt  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023



9:30 AM: Biden arrives at Rajghat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes United States President Joe Biden as he arrives at Delhis Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | United States President Joe Biden arrives at Delhis Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. pic.twitter.com/LDvk0WDs2L  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

9:20 AM: French President at Gandhi Memorial: French President Emmanuel Macron has reached Delhis Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. He was welcomed by PM Modi.

#WATCH | G-20 in India | French President Emmanuel Macron arrives at Delhis Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. pic.twitter.com/TWoqWsgZgn  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

9:10 AM: Rajghat decked up ahead of world leaders arrival: Visuals from Rajghat where G 20 leaders & other Heads of international organizations will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath.

G 20 in India | Visuals from Rajghat where G 20 leaders & other Heads of international organizations will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. pic.twitter.com/NNImnOzhqX  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

9:00 AM: World leaders arrive Rajghat: World leaders have started arriving at Rajghat. UK PM Rishi Sunak, who visited Akshardham Temple earlier in the day, was received by PM Modi at the Gandhi Memorial. The world leaders will pay their respects to Gandhi, the architect of Indias freedom movement against the British.

#WATCH | G 20 in India | United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrives at Delhis Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. pic.twitter.com/vKbL88xlNi  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023
The two-day G20 Summit concluded in New Delhi this afternoon with Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposing a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals for cooperation among the top global economies.

As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. There are still two and a half months left. In these two days, all of you have given a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty to see how faster progress can be achieved on these, the Indian leader said.

I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual session. I hope you all will connect in the virtual session. With this, I declare the conclusion of the G20 Summit, he added.

Advertisement

Before declaring the summit closed, Mr Modi handed over the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose country will hold the next summit.

The Indian leader offered best wishes to Brazil for the presidency. Brazil officially will take over the mantle of the presidency of the grouping on 1 December. Mr Modi assured the Brazilian president that the G20 nations would provide their full support to his country and were confident that under Brazils leadership, the G-20 would further the shared goals of the member nations.

Speaking on the occasion, the Brazilian leader congratulated Mr Modi and thanked India for its efforts to give voice to the topics of interest to emerging economies.

Mr Modi ended his brief speech with a Sanskrit phraseSwasti Astu Vishwasya! (There should be hope and peace in the entire world).

Usually the summit declaration is adopted on the concluding day. But in New Delhi, India was able to achieve a consensus on the declaration on the first day itself despite sharp differences between Western countries on the one side and Russia and China on the other over the language to be used in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

India succeeded in finding a middle path and brought out a unanimous declaration which had several paragraphs on the war in Ukraine though there was no direct condemnation of Russia
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while discussing various issues related to the interests of the state with

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed the gravity of the damages caused by the natural disaster during the monsoon and appealed to him to declare it a National Disaster.

He took up the issue during the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of the G-20 Summit at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on Saturday.

Advertisement

The Chief Minister highlighted that over 400 people have lost their lives due to the calamity and over 13 thousand houses were damaged, leaving thousands of families homeless.

He added that as a result of the disaster, the state has suffered cumulative losses exceeding Rs 12,000 crore.

Sukhu stated that Himachal requires substantial assistance from the Union government to rebuild and chart a path toward recovery.

He further urged the Prime Minister to release a special relief package to Himachal Pradesh, drawing a parallel to the support provided during the Bhuj and Kedarnath tragedies.

The Prime Minister listened intently to the Chief Ministers concerns and assured that the demands would be considered sympathetically.
On day two of the G20 India Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with world leaders paid homage to Mahatama Gandhi at his Rajghat memorial in Delhi. The G20 leaders, including US President Joe Biden, UK PM Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and others were welcomed by Prime Minister Modi at Rajghat. The prime minister presented the foreign guests with a stole and posed for pictures in the backdrop of a 3D image of Gandhi Ashram.

At the iconic Rajghat, the G20 family paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi  the beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence. As diverse nations converge, Gandhi Jis timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global future, PM Modi said in a tweet.

Advertisement

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, US President Joe Biden and PM Modi were seen chatting with each other during their Rajghat visit.

As the leaders pay their respects to the father of nation, spiritual songs like Raghupati Raghav Raja Rama were played in the background. The song is associated with Gandhi and considered to be among his favourites.

The leaders also observed a minute of silence in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the architect behind Indias freedom from the British and laid wrath at his memorial. After the Rajghat visit, the G20 leaders headed straight to Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Delhis Pragati Maidan to attend the third session One Future.

The G20 Summit 2023 was held in New Delhi under Indias presidency. Earlier on the day one of the G20 Summit, members adopted a historic Joint Leaders Declaration with 100 per cent consensus.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday accused the West of not holding an intelligent discussion on Ukraine and said that the Global South countries helped avoid the Ukraine war issue overshadow New Delhi G20 Summit agenda. Addressing a press conference in Delhi after the conclusion of the G20 India Summit 2023, Lavrov hailed Indias presidency for consolidating the G20 members for the first time in the history.

I would like to mention is the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G 20 Members probably for the first time in its history. I mean the G 20 countries from the Global South, our BRICS partners  Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active.

Thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the global south countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests have caused the West to be unable to Ukrainise the agenda to the detriment of the discussion of the tasks facing developing countries, the Russian foreign minister said.

Advertisement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that consensus has been built on the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, including the geopolitical issue of Russia and Ukraine war. The joint declaration adopted by the G20 New Delhi Summit deplores wars and other armed conflicts in Ukraine and other parts of the world. However, it didnt directly blame Russia for waging war against Ukraine.

Without direct reference to Russia, the declaration said that all government must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or political independence of any state while upholding the UN charter.

How Ukraine reacted to the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration

Reacting to the New Delhi Leaders Declaration, Ukraine Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said it was nothing to be proud of and the country was disappointed with overall joint declaration after it failed to directly blame Russia for the war.

It is clear that the participation of the Ukrainian side (in the G20 meeting) would have allowed the participants to better understand the situation, Nikolenko said in a social media post.

However, Nikolenko, thanked partner countries for trying to include strong formulations in the declaration text.

Ukraine is grateful to the partners who tried to include strong formulations in the text, he added.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy on Sunday visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi on the sidelines of the G20 India Summit. As soon as he arrived in India to attend the G20 Summit, the UK Prime Minister had expressed his wish to visit a temple.

Sunak and wife Akshata reached the Akshardham temple in the morning and sought the blessing of lord Swaminarayan. During their temple visit, both Sunak and his wife were seen barefoot. Akshata, who was born and brought up in India, wore traditional salwar kurti during the temple visit.

Ahead of the UK PMs visit, security in and around the temple complex was tightened. On arrival in the temple, the duo was greeted by priests known as swamis and senior officials of the temple. A special message was also relayed on behalf of the Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

Advertisement

In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we pray for you and all the attendees: May the summit be a resounding success in collectively helping the whole world towards peace, righteous prosperity, and global harmony, the message from Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS read.

Sunak is the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of the UK. During an interaction with media, Sunak had said that he was raised as a Hindu and continues to be a strong believer of the faith. Sunak said that being religious helps him manage job related stress.

Earlier on day one of the G20 India Summit, Sunak held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi where the two leaders discussed India-UK trade deal and several other issues of bilateral interests.
(Reuters) -Vietnam Airlines is expected to sign an initial agreement to buy about 50 Boeing 737 Max jets in a deal valued at about $7.5 billion, a person familiar with the talks told Reuters on Sunday. Wording of the impending deal, which confirms a Reuters report from last week, comes as U.S. President Joe Biden visits Hanoi to boost ties with the former foe.

Boeing and Vietnam Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The deal would be worth up to $7 billion at list prices, and usually companies that buy in bulk get discounts, but the person familiar with the talks did not comment on this. Boeing has a deal with Vietnam Airlines' rival VietJet for the sale of 200 of its 737 MAX planes.

Vietnam was the world's fifth fastest-growing aviation market in 2022 when it lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which predicts the country will serve 150 million air transport passengers by 2035. Boeing 737 Max jets were grounded worldwide for months after two fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019. The planes returned to service from the end of 2020. Vietnam Airlines recorded a net loss of 1.3 trillion dong ($53.96 million) in the second quarter of this year, its 14th quarter in the red, its financial statements showed. The carrier has said the losses were due to rising fuel prices and other financial risk factors. Boeing has also been in talks with Vietnamese authorities, together with other U.S. defense companies, for the possible sale of military equipment, including drones and helicopters. Arlington, Virginia based Boeing has six suppliers in Vietnam and is working to increase their capabilities.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio and Tim Hepher; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Will Dunham)
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar on Sunday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his leadership after the successful conduct of the G20 Leaders Summit in the national capital.

Under Indias leadership of the G20, the summit brought together leaders and representatives from various nations. The meticulously prepared event took place at Delhis Pragati Maidan, specifically at the modern Bharat Mandapam, after the city was beautifully adorned for days in anticipation.

Taking to his official handle on X, formerly Twitter, actor Akshay Kumar applauded PM Modi while sharing his discussion video at the G20 summit.

Advertisement

One Earth, One Family, One Future. What a splendid way to mark a historic #G20Summit. Bharats leadership has proved that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is the reality of the new world order. As proud Indians, we hold our heads high today. Thank you Modi jithanks everyone who made us feel on top of the world. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat, he posted.

One Earth, One Family, One future. What a splendid way to mark a historic #G20Summit. Bharats leadership has proved that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is the reality of the new world order.

As proud Indians, we hold our heads high today. Thank you Modi jithanks everyone who made us https://t.co/76tc2D93OJ  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) September 10, 2023

Before declaring that the summit closed, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will assume the mantle after India.

India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year at the summit in Bali and will continue to hold it till the end of November.

On September 9, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the acceptance of the G20 Leaders Declaration in New Delhi. This declaration was remarkable for its recognition of the significant human suffering and the adverse worldwide consequences brought about by wars and disputes. What rendered it particularly noteworthy was its unanimous endorsement following approximately 150 hours of deliberations. Every one of the 83 sections of the declaration obtained unanimous consent, including from China and Russia.

Prime Minister Modi remarked, History has been created with the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders Declaration. United in consensus and spirit, we pledge to work collaboratively for a better, more prosperous, and harmonious future. My gratitude to all fellow G20 members for their support and cooperation.

Indias theme for the G20 Presidency was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to One Earth One Family One Future.

PM Modi stated that Indias G20 Presidency has become a symbol of inclusion both inside and outside the country, adding that it became Peoples G20 and crores of Indians were connected with it.

A major and historic takeaway of Indias presidency of the G20 Summit was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the grouping.
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru has often been criticized for his naivety in handling China and many believe that his unilateral decision to call for a cease fire and referring the Kashmir issue to the UN (1948) at a time when the Indian army had almost pushed out the infiltrators from occupied Kashmir, was a blunder.

Nehrus lack of judgement was allegedly expressed when he denied an informal offer from the US (1955) to make India a permanent member of the UN Security Council on the ground that it would be unfair to a great country like China not to be in the UNSC.

However, his failure to attract global attention towards persistent inflow of persecuted Hindus from East Pakistan to West Bengal, Assam and Tripura never attracted serious notice of his critics.

More than seven million persecuted Hindus are estimated to have migrated from East Pakistan to India prior to the formation of Bangladesh on 24 March 1971. They were given refugee status in India. India never attempted to internationalize the issue nor tried to bring the issue to the notice of the world community so as to form public opinion to bring pressure on Pakistan to restrict migration of minorities.

Advertisement

Instead, Nehru tried to address the issue bilaterally through a treaty with Liaquat Ali Khan (1950), his counterpart in Pakistan, who befooled the Indian premier by effectively doing nothing to stop migration of Hindus of East Pakistan from their homeland under persecution and distress.

If India had acted firmly on the matter in the 1950s, perhaps that would have restrained subsequent migration of around three million minorities from Bangladesh, mostly when the neighboring country was ruled either by the army or by the par- ties sympathizing

with religious fundamentalism.

These unfortunate millions in India are still considered as illegal migrants in accordance with Foreigners Act (1946) and Passport (Entry into India) Act (1920)

and the Government of India could not bring out the rules to provide them citizenship, though the amendments in the Citizenship Act were passed in Parliament almost four years back.

The UN General Assembly had set up its refugee agency, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950. Though the body was established to complete its work in three years and was mandated to help the Europeans displaced during World War II, its scope of work was substantially enlarged. Since then, UNHCR has been working to help the refugees all over the world.

The Agency works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum or find safe refuge having fled violence persecution or war at home. India was not a party to the Refugee convention of UNHCR (1951) or its protocol (1967) and never had a national policy for handling the refugees.

What made Nehrus India so lukewarm towards UNHCR, in spite of being one of the worst sufferers in history can be understood if we examine how the first PM wanted himself to be seen by the world community. He wanted to be perceived as a fou- nder of a peace-loving neutral mo- dern nation and as a true statesman.

This image of himself did not fit with the mayhem that happened in either side of Punjab immediately after partition. The Census figures of India and Pakistan for the year 1951 revealed that about 53 lakh Muslims moved from the Indian side of Punjab to Pakistan and another 12 lakh Muslims migrated from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Hyderabad and other parts of western and central India to Sindh.

On the other hand, about 34 lakh Hindus and Sikhs moved from the Pakistan side of Punjab to East Punjab and another 12 lakh from Sindh to India. All this happened when Nehru was the Prime Minister. He perhaps wanted to underplay these happenings.

If Nehru had taken a proactive role in UNHRC affairs in the 1950s, his adversaries would have got a chance to highlight the exchange of population in North India on religious lines and that would have undermined his position as a premier of a modern secular nation.

Eventually India lost the opportunity to attract world attention towards unrestrained onesided migration of persecuted Hindus from East Bengal, one which is crippling the economy of eastern India even after 75 years of independence.

Though India does not acknowledge the administrative role of UNHCR in its territory, it has allowed the UN Refugee Agency to have its offices in different locations of the country since 1981.

There has not been any change in the attitude towards refugees in India under the present regime. Now that three-quarters of a century has passed since independence, India should stop avoiding further adoption of a comprehensive refugee policy.

Should Muslim illegal migrants from Bangladesh who came to India in millions because of better life opportunities be granted refugee status?

Should Rohingya and Kuki refugees from Myanmar who were also subject to religious per- secution in their country or refugees from Afghanistan who were subject to violence by the Taliban be treated similarly as we propose to treat the Tamil refugees of Sri Lanka or the Tibetan refugees from China? We need to spell this out.

As an emerging power in world politics, we can hardly afford to follow an Ostrich policy forever.

(The writer is a former civil servant who is now an independent commentator on socio-economic issues and public policy)
Just before leaving India after attending the G20 Summit, US President Joe Biden on Sunday said this years summit has proved that the grouping can still drive solutions to the most pressing issues of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict.

Talking to X, the US President said: At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues.

The American leader, who actively participated in different sessions at the G20 Summit, also hailed the US, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, calling it historic. This project is about more than just laying tracks. This is a game-changing regional investment, he said. Many consider the economic corridor as an attempt to counter Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Advertisement

One Earth, One Family, One Future. Thats the focus of this G20 Summit: building resilient infrastructure, making quality infrastructure investments, and creating a better future that represents greater opportunity, dignity, and prosperity for everyone, Mr Biden said.

He also wrote about the Global Biofuels Alliance among India, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Mauritius, UAE and the US, describing it as a partnership to make progress in their shared commitment to deploy cleaner, greener fuels around the world to help meet decarbonisation goals.

Mr Biden arrived in India on Saturday evening and shortly went into a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues. Among other things, he also extended Americas support to India for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Among other things, the Delhi Declaration will be most remembered for its commitment to go green.

And, the G20 countries have promised to urgently accelerate efforts to address environmental crises and challenges, such as climate change, and also acknowledge that the problem is real and happening now.

To do this, strengthening the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and its temperature goal will be used.

Advertisement

The main message of the declaration is that the signatories have made a firm commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050. We reaffirm our commitment to achieving global net zero emissions/carbon neutrality by or around the middle of the century, while taking into account the most recent scientific advancements and in accordance with various national circumstances, taking into account different approaches including circular carbon economy, socio-economic, technological, and market developments, and promoting the most effective solutions.

Regarding climate fund, the Indian presidency has sought to build pathways instead of just leaving the battle as one between the developed and developing world by recognising the role of public finance, private finance, and additional lending capabilities of MDBs.

A breakthrough on the Ukraine issue  which was titled, For the planet, peace and prosperitywas the only thing that made a Delhi Declaration conceivable. This is a perfect example of balance, but even while it is simple to interpret it as being somewhat soft on Moscow.

However, the Delhi Declaration acknowledges the negative effects of wars and conflicts. This fact was included in the Bali Declaration but is skipped in the Delhi Declaration, maybe to obtain Moscows support for the wording. It then refers to each member confirming their national positions and UN resolutions on the conflict, which had overwhelmingly criticized Russia. Following that, the declaration makes another more general statement than in the past, stating that all governments must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or political independence of any state while upholding the UN charter.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confidentially informed Premier Li Qiang of China that Italy intends to withdraw from an investment agreement  Belt and Road Initiative to China that has come to represent a test of her countrys relations with the US.

According to a person with knowledge of the situation who asked to remain anonymous, Meloni informed Li during a meeting on Saturday outside of the Group of 20 summit in India that Italy intends to leave President Xi Jinpings signature Belt and Road Initiative while still attempting to uphold cordial ties with Beijing. Italy formally joined the agreement in 2019.

In order to avoid trade retaliation, the Italian prime minister has been hesitant to announce her countrys intention to withdraw from the international infrastructure agreement.

Advertisement

Bloomberg claimed earlier this year that Italy has informed allies of its intention to leave the project, but Meloni has struggled for months with how to inform Beijing of this decision while minimising the possibility of reprisal.

The matter is delicate, especially because Chinas ambassador to Italy warned that Italy would face negative consequences if it withdrew from the pact. Meloni has announced she will travel to China in the upcoming months.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today complimented India for hosting a breakthrough G20 Summit and ensuring the forum was not politicised by the West for condemning his country over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

If you look at the New Delhi Declaration, there is no condemnation of Russiathe document is a victory of the Global South, he said at a press conference here.

Mr Lavrov said the summit showed a path to the world to move forward on a range of challenges and demonstrated the strength and importance of the Global South. India, he said, played an important role in preventing the West from taking forward their approach on many issues, including Ukraine.

Advertisement

The Russian minister also noted that the G20 Summit in New Delhi provided a direction towards fairness in global governance and global finance as well.

I want to express my gratitude to India for preventing attempts to politicise the G20, he said, adding a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest.

It is a long way to go but this summit has been a milestone I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners  Brazil, India, China and South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests, he said.

Mr Lavrov also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modis proposal to hold a virtual G20 session in November before the end of Indias G20 presidency to review the proposals made at the New Delhi Summit.

While closing todays session, PM Modi said that he would convene another G20 Summit via video conferencing in late November. It will be another opportunity for us to review the implementation of the agreements that we have reached today, he said.

The Russian leader accused the Western countries of not fulfilling their promise about funds to deal with climate change.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty on Sunday visited Akshardham temple in the national capital and offered prayers.

Elated on his visit to the temple, Sunak said: My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning.

Sunak, who is on a visit to India to attend the G20 Summit, arrived with wife Akshata at the Akshardham temple early this morning. They were warmly welcomed in a traditional Hindu manner symbolising goodwill and friendship on their arrival at the temple.

Advertisement

Akshata was seen in a traditional salwar kurta and both she and Sunak were photographed barefoot inside the temple premises.

Elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple.

In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Akshardham Temple stated, Honoured to welcome Prime Minister @RishiSunak and #AkshataMurthy to celebrate the shared cultural heritage between India and the UK.

PM Sunak and his convoy arrived at 6:45 am in the morning and were warmly welcomed in a traditional Hindu manner symbolising goodwill and friendship, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple said in a statement.

Sunak was then greeted by Swamis as well as senior leaders from the temple who relayed a special message on behalf of Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual head of the BAPS.

The spiritual leader extended his personal wishes and prayers for Sunak and the other delegates, the temple authorities said.

In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we pray for you and all the attendees: May the summit be a resounding success in collectively helping the whole world towards peace, righteous prosperity, and global harmony, the message from Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS read.

During his visit, the UK Prime Minister was given an overview of Swaminarayan Akshardham  a 100-acre spiritual and cultural complex that portrays the traditions and ancient architecture of India and promotes the timeless Hindu spiritual messages of faith, devotion and harmony.

PM Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the sacred images and admired the art and architecture.

The couple also performed abhishek (ritual pouring of water) on the idol of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, and offered prayers for worlds peace, progress and harmony.

Later, Sunak visited Rajghat here along with other dignitaries and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

On Saturday, the UK Prime Minister took part in the G20 Summit being held at the Bharat Mandapam venue at Pragati Maidan here and also attended the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
At first glance, Robert Duncansons paintings are straightforward landscapes  peaceful scenes of the waterfalls, rivers, mountains and gorges of the southern and eastern United States.

But a closer look reveals subtle messages to the viewer, said Michael Meyer, owner of Meyer Fine Art in downtown Fredericksburg.

Meyer has spent 15 years studying Duncanson, a Black, self-taught artist who lived and worked  and was successful  during the decade immediately preceding the Civil War.

Meyers research includes mapping every location that Duncanson painted and traveling the routes he would have followed. Hes convinced that, given the context of what was going on in the country in the 1850s, Duncansons works can be viewed as instruction manuals for enslaved Blacks attempting to escape north.

He is teaching you to be a witness to what you need to do to be successful in escape, Meyer said. The messaging is covert, but if you were involved in the abolition movement, the messaging is strong.

The paintings depict landscape features that mark the path north to freedom for escaping people and identify pitfalls to avoid, Meyer said. They inform viewers of successful escapes and provide inspiration and motivation.

One painting, innocuously named Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee, actually tells in detail the escape story of Jacob Cummings, whose journey to freedom began at that location, Meyer said.

Another painting seems at first to be a serene scene of a mature summer corn field, but a closer look shows two figures, one apparently running through the corn field and another poised to follow  or not.

A painting like that is a painting of a federal crime, Meyer said.

The composition of Crossing the Swannanoa River at Seven Sisters invites the viewers eye to travel in a zig-zagging way across the painting, from one side of the river to the opposite bank, swerving away from towns and open flatland and up into the mountains.

To be successful, a runaway slave had to zig-zag through water to lose their scent from pursuing hounds, Meyer wrote in the catalog description of this painting. This painting is a serpentine path to freedom.

Duncanson was born to a free Black family in upstate New York in 1821. His grandfather, Charles Duncanson, had been enslaved in Virginia  at one time, he was part of the estate of George Washingtons father, Augustine, Meyer said.

Charles Duncanson and his son, Roberts father, were emancipated by a later owner, and like many free Black families, they left Virginia for northern states  New York and then Michigan. They made a living as carpenters and house painters, trades that young Robert was apprenticed in.

Robert Duncanson moved to the community of Mount Healthy, just north of Cincinnati, when he was 19. There was both a thriving free Black population and a strong arts community there, and it would have been easy for Duncanson to get further artistic training, Meyer said.

Cincinnati, on the Ohio River, was also on the border of the slave-owning and free states and an important stop on the Underground Railroad. There was a large community of abolitionists who bought Duncansons paintings and commissioned work from him, but Meyer believes these were not his only patrons.

Its not necessarily only the abolitionist movement that bought his work, Meyer said. Maybe the owners didnt know he was Black. He didnt sign his name on his paintings.

Instead of a signature, Duncanson would hide a letter D somewhere in the work, or paint a series of lines to represent the letters of his name.

Whoever his patrons were, Duncanson was financially successful enough to take multiple tours of Europe and the United States.

He painted landscape features in the Ohio River valley, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia, but was careful to avoid the interior of Kentucky, according to maps Meyer has drawn.

Duncansons routes through the south follow the old plank roads that enslaved workers would travel when taking cattle to market, potentially providing him with an audience for his messaging, Meyer said.

Duncanson died in 1871 at age 51. He had been hailed by the American and British press during his life, but he went unremembered for decades after his death.

Later in life, Duncanson would be criticized by his son for not speaking out more strongly on behalf of Black people.

In response, Duncanson wrote to his son, Love is my principle, order is the basis, progress is the end.

His work had to be subtle, or he faced great danger, Meyer said.

Against all odds, he rose to the top of the American art market in the mid-19th century, Meyer said. He was famous in his lifetime. But it was a dangerous time. If he depicts something not socially correct, it could be dangerous for him.

Fredericksburg audiences can see 40 of Duncansons paintings representing the path to freedom at Meyers gallery at 1015 Caroline St. through Oct. 28.
Spotsylvania students who wish to go by a nickname not commonly associated with the name on their official record must submit a form signed by their parent or guardian.

The form is to be used in accordance with a new policy adopted last month by the School Board.

The policy, titled Ensuring Privacy, Dignity and Respect for All Students, is based on model policies governing the treatment of transgender students that were released in July by the Virginia Department of Education under the direction of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Spotsylvanias policy requires school personnel to refer to a student only by the name appearing on the students official record, or by any nickname commonly associated with the name that appears in the students official record.

In order to use any other name, the school must have a signed form in the students record.

The Free LanceStar obtained a copy of the form, which asks for the students preferred name and for the parent or guardian to select from a list of gender identifications and pronouns.

The list of gender identifications includes male, female, trans male to female, trans female to male and other.

The use of historically shortened names or associated nicknames, i.e. Joseph to Joe, Jennifer to Jen, Charles to Chip, Elizabeth to Beth does not require the signed form.

In addition to authorizing nicknames, parents and guardians must sign and submit the form in order for their student to be allowed to use a non-gendered, single-user restroom.

The form is also required in order for a student to be able to use the bathroom, locker room or other intimate space associated with the students preferred gender identification.

The following language is included in this section of the form: I have attached documentation from a physician indicating a change of gender for my child on the basis of clinical diagnosis.
The Narendra Modi governments gross failure in foreign policy is best illustrated by our being at loggerheads with our two biggest neighboursChina and Pakistan. They have actually merged into one enemy, Chinpak, for the Chinese are no longer behind the Himalayas but poised inside Pakistan on the banks of the Sindhu (Indus) river just about where Alexander was in 326 B.C.

How far we have drifted from the halcyon days of December, 1988, when, in quick succession and within the same month, Rajiv Gandhi became the first Indian prime minister to visit China and Pakistan in 32 and 28 years, respectively, to open new doors to good neighbourly relations with both. It may be contrasted with the continuing logjam in China-India relations and the total absence of any meaningful engagement with Pakistan since 2014.

Illustration: Bhaskaran

Let us take China first. What Xi Jinping is showing his Indian counterpart is that you cant hunt with the hounds and run with the hare at the same time. Do we believe with the Americans that China is a dangerous enemy whom we must confront in coalition with like-minded countries? And is that why we are so eagerly in the Quad? Or are we seeking a settlement of the border to resume cordial relations with our great civilisational neighbour? While nominally sharing a swing in Ahmedabad and photo-ops in gorgeous Xian and Wuhan, and swallowing idlis together in Mahabalipuram, Xi wanted to gauge whether what Modi was whispering to Xi squared with what he was vouchsafing Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. For with the US presidents, Modi was signalling his readiness to play footsie with an international ganging-up against China, while pretending to Xi that the days of renewed Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai were just around the corner. Xi was having none of this and moved his troops further forward along our northern border.

The foreign minister claims this is in line with our traditional non-alignment. It is not. For non-alignment was about not aligning with either. Our present stance, in contrast, is a saga of confusion, akin to a young woman alternately pulling out the petals of a flower asking, Will he?/Wont he?. It would seem Modi wants to remain a natural ally of a west that is hostile to China while talking to China at the highest level even if they are in occupation of what we consider our own. What other explanation can we give for the Indian government spokesman describing as pleasantries what video clearly showed was Modi in Bali initiating, apparently without success, a conversation with Xi? And then in Johannesburg last month claiming through the foreign secretary that Modi and Xi had held an informal conversation during which both had underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas required observing and respecting the LAC as essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship. Egg was all over the Indian face when the Chinese spokesman riposted that Xi had only met Modi because India had asked for it while turning down a Chinese request for a more structured dialogue. The Chinese then rubbed it in saying both sides should bear in mind the overall interests of ties and handle properly the border issue.

As for Pakistan, the government has declared times without number that talks and terror cant go together. Well, it has been nine years and if there is now no terror, then why cant talks start? And if, despite this rhetoric, there is still terror, then is it not time to rethink this tired old cliche?

If no dialogue is the policy vis-a-vis Pakistan and no structured dialogue is the policy vis-a-vis China, then are you surprised at China roosting on the Indus?

Aiyar is a former Union minister and social commentator.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said India is Turkey's greatest trade partner in South Asia and expressed confidence of tapping the huge potential of cooperation between the two countries. "India is our greatest trade partner in South Asia. And we will be able to tap the great potential of cooperation, primarily in the field of economy and many other sectors, after the election that took place in Turkiye earlier this year," he said.

Speaking after the conclusion of the G20 Summit in Delhi on Sunday, he thanked India for its "gracious and very successful term of presidency" of G20 and the hospitality that he and the entire Turkish delegation received during his stay.

"This year, our theme was one world, one family and one future. And within the first session of the summit, we had talked about the environmental challenges that our planet currently encounters." Erdogan pointed out that climate change, the loss of biological diversity and extensive pollution are the three challenges that the world will see more profoundly in the future.

When asked about India's inclusion in the permanent seat for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Erdogan proposed a rotational mechanism "where potentially each and every member, every one of those 195 countries can potentially become a member." A country like India being there on the UN Security Council, we would be proud, he said.

"But as you now, the world is bigger than larger than five. And when we say the world is larger than five, what we mean is that it's not only about the US, UK, France, China and Russia...What we say is all of them, we should only have permanent members. And it should work on a rotational system, because right now, you have all these members, 195 countries, who are all members of the UN. So we should have a rotational mechanism where potentially each and every member, every one of those 195 countries can potentially become a member. That is what we propose," he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while speaking on the issue of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, said his country will always prevent violence and will push back against hatred.

Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi, Trudeau said over the years, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had many conversations on Khalistan extremism and "foreign interference".

"Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us.. at the same time we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred," he said.

I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada, the prime minister said. "We also highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law and we did talk about foreign interference," he added.

The presence of pro-Khalistan separatist groups in Canada has been a cause of concern for India. The comments by the Canadian prime minister came barely a few days after the desecration of a temple in British Colombia, Canada's westernmost province, with pro-Khalistan and anti-India anti-India graffiti.

Speaking about India-Canada relations and his equation with PM Modi, Trudeau said, "We recognise that India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner to Canada on everything from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for the citizens. There is always a lot of work to do and we will continue to do it."

Meanwhile, Modi met his Canadian counterpart and discussed "full range of India-Canada ties" across different sectors.

"Met PM @JustinTrudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. We discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors," Modi said in a tweet on X.

Modi has held several bilateral meetings over the last three days as world leaders gathered for the G20 Summit that concluded on Sunday.
A day after Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu was arrested in alleged skill development corruption case, he was produced in an Anti-Corruption Bureau court on Sunday morning amid tight security.

Naidu was taken to Government General Hospital in Vijaywada for medical tests at 3:40 am. He was interrogated by the special investigation team (SIT) at CID office in Kunchanapalli for around 10 hours after the arrest.

The TDP chief's son Nara Lokesh, wife Nara Bhuvaneswari and others were present at the ACB Court to see him while he was produced. After medical tests, Naidu was taken back to the SIT office before producing him in court. "We thought that he would be taken to the court. But they brought him back to the SIT office. Lokesh and Bhuvaneswari were waiting at the Court but all of a sudden the convoy turned towards the SIT office," Kommareddy told PTI.

CID has named Naidu as the Accused No. 37 in the skill development scam case. The remand report also stated that he was non-cooperative during the interrogation.

The former Andhra Pradesh chief minister is being represented by SC lawyer Siddarth Luthra and his team.

Naidus lawyer requested the court to reject the remand report submitted by the CID and told court that he was falsely implicated for political gains, reported NDTV. Luthra argued that the when the alleged offence happened Naidu was Andhra Pradesh CM and the person who removes the chief minister from office is the governor of the state and therefore the prosecution has to obtain prior sanction of the governor even to initiate an enquiry/investigation.

The CID also alleged that Naidu and TDP were the "end beneficiaries" of the misappropriated funds.

G. Subba Rao and K. Lakshminarayana, former government employees, were named Accused No. 1 and Accused No. 2 respectively in the case.

Naidu was arrested on Saturday at Nandyal for his alleged role in a multi-crore skill development scam. TDP workers protested all along the route, through which Naidu was taken by CID, on Saturday.

TDP called for a day-long hunger strike across Andhra Pradesh against the 'illegal' arrest of their chief.
The biggest gathering of leaders across the world in India may be over. But there is an afterparty in November. Passing the Presidency to Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a virtual G20 summit in November.

In the last two days, you have put forward your views, given suggestions and a number of proposals have been put forward. It is our responsibility that the suggestions that have come forth are closely looked upon as to how they can be speeded up," Modi said.

This virtual summitafter the Leaders Summitis very much a Modi-addition to established G20 norms. And, like with everything in the Indian G20 Presidencywhich chose to interpret the mandate in this big bustling all-Bharat event where meetings were held across the countrythis suggestion, too, seems to have found support.

At a press briefing in the Capital, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that it will be a reality check on how current decisions are implemented. The Indian Presidency, he said, was a milestone. India has truly consolidated G20 members from the Global South, he said.

The New Delhi Declaration and the consensus that India managed to arrive at, especially in polarized times, is very much a testimony of the kind of sway India seems to now command. It is very much the coming of age of the Global South. The future of the G20, too, lies in the emerging markets. With Brazil taking over, and South Africa next, the shift is clear. And more than geography, it also changes conversation and agenda.

We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict, said Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

While the consensus still holds, in the cold light of day, the closing day offered a glimpse into just how charged the issue is. Lavrov may have commended Indias efforts to not allow Ukraine dominate the agenda, but French President Emmanuel Macron at a press conference said the G20 declaration was not a diplomatic win for Russia.

This G20 confirms once again the isolation of Russia. Today, an overwhelming majority of G20 members condemn the war in Ukraine and its impact," Macron told a press conference after the closing ceremony of the summit.

It was a fiercely fought declaration. It took 20 days in the making before the summit began and then five days of intense negotiations on the ground. Judging by the comments that have been aired at press conferences post the declaration, it is commendable that everyone signed off on the same page. Especially, as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida put it "Russia's invasion of Ukraine is something that could shake the foundation of cooperation at G20."
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday visited the Akshardham temple here with his wife Akshata Murty and said it is not only a place of worship but also a landmark that portrays India's values.

The couple spent 45 minutes at the temple, offering prayers and learning about its architecture and history, according to the temple management.

They reached the temple dedicated to Swaminarayan, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, around 6:45 am and walked barefoot from the reception area to the main temple complex -- a distance of about 150 metres.

Sunak, who was dressed in a crisp white shirt and navy blue trousers, and his wife, who paired a beige kurta with a bright pink dupatta and loose pants, were accorded a traditional welcome at the temple.

Walking around the temple, the British prime minister shared his thoughts with his hosts.

"My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony and becoming a better human being," the temple authorities quoted Sunak as saying in a statement.

"This is not only a place of worship but a landmark that also portrays India's values, culture and contributions to the world," he said.

The UK PM said these values and culture are seen in the "positive contributions the British-Indian community makes to the UK", he added.

A temple management official said the visit of Sunak and his wife is a matter of "great honour".

"It rained but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife graciously offered prayers at our temple and it is a matter of great honour for us to have hosted them at this revered temple," the official told PTI.

"Prime Minister Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty walked barefoot in the temple premises even in rainy weather. From the reception area to the main temple complex, there is a distance of about 150 metres and both of them walked barefoot back and forth," he said.

They first offered flower petals (pushparpan) to the golden idol of Swaminarayan ji and then offered 'aarti', the official said.

"They also offered flower petals to idols of Sita-Ram, Radha-Krishna, Laxmi Narayana and Shiva-Parvati in the temple complex. The UK PM enquired about the architecture of the temple and its history," he said.

Sunak also saw some of the sanctified items that belonged to Swaminarayan ji, such as shoes and a garland, he said.

A senior temple management official told PTI, "Sunak and his wife spent about 45 minutes at the Akshardham temple and offered prayers. They were gifted a marble elephant and a marble peacock besides a special replica of Akshardham."

A trustee of the BAPS Swaminarayan Trust, UK and a volunteer from the Neasden temple in London accompanied Sunak and his wife during their visit, said another temple management official who was part of the reception team.

After the visit, Sunak joined the G20 leaders to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat.

Sunak and other world leaders have gathered in Delhi to attend the two-day G20 Summit that began on Saturday.

In a post on X, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis thanked Sunak and Murty for the visit.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the recent rain-led calamity in the state as a 'national disaster' and sought a special relief package.



Sukhu met Modi and discussed various issues related to Himachal Pradesh during the G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday.



During his meeting with the prime minister, Sukhu described the gravity of the damage caused by natural disasters during the monsoon, the state government said in a statement.



Sukhu said more than 400 people died in the calamity while over 13,000 houses were damaged, leaving thousands of families homeless, it added.



The Himachal Pradesh chief minister also informed Modi that the state has suffered cumulative losses exceeding Rs 12,000 crore due to the natural disasters.



Himachal Pradesh requires substantial assistance from the Centre to rebuild and chart a path toward recovery, he told the prime minister, according to the statement.



Sukhu also urged the prime minister to release a special relief package for Himachal Pradesh, drawing a parallel to the support provided during the Bhuj and the Kedarnath tragedies.



The prime minister listened intently to Sukhu's concerns and assured him that the demands will be considered sympathetically, the statement claimed.



President Murmu on Saturday hosted a grand dinner for G20 guests at Bharat Mandapam -- the venue for the Summit -- here.



Dignitaries including US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his UK and Australian counterparts Rishi Sunak and Anthony Albanese, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, presidents and prime ministers from other countries, representatives of 19 invited nations, dignitaries from international organisations, Union ministers and chief ministers of various states attended the dinner.
Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was arrested in connection with an alleged skill development corporation scam case, has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days, by an anti-corruption bureau (ACB) court in Vijaywada. He will remain in custody till September 23.

The Crime Investigation Department, which arrested the former AP CM on Saturday, had earlier said was non-cooperative during questioning. He was produced in the court on Sunday morning amid tight security.

According to media reports, the former CM is likely to be shifted to Rajahmundry central prison.

Meanwhile, security was beefed up in Vijayawada ahead of the hearing of the bail application.

The scam

The skill development scam for which Naidu was arrested has been in the making for quite some time. The first signs of misuse of public money came to light in 2017 when Naidu was still serving as the CM of the bifurcated state. The intelligence wing of GST detected irregularities and probed the matter. It also came to the notice of the Enforcement Directorate, which made the arrests. Then there was an alleged 'whistleblower' who complained to the government about this issue in 2018 when the Naidu government was in power, but no action was initiated. In mid-2019, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's government came to power, and the alleged scam came under scrutiny, with the CID taking up the case in 2021. After a thorough investigation spanning two years, the CID suspects that Naidu and his associates embezzled government funds through illegal channels.

The origins of the case date back to 2014, immediately after Chandrababu Naidu came to power as the first Chief Minister of the newly-carved Andhra Pradesh, according to the investigating agency, CID. In the second half of 2014, a presentation was given to the CM and senior officials in the state secretariat about a project dealing with the skill development of youth. It was to be helmed by global majors, Siemens Industry Software (India) Private Limited, with the support of the Indian company, DesignTech.

The very next month, the Government formed a new body, the AP State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC). G. Subba Rao, Secretary to the CM, was appointed as the MD of the Corporation. By January 2015, Subba Rao was holding four posts, including Secretary to the higher education department and secretary to the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation (the departments controlling the newly-formed Skill Development Corporations).

In June 2015, a Government Order was issued, according to which Siemens and DesignTech would invest 90 per cent as a grant-in-aid out of the total of Rs 3281 crores, and the remaining 10% would be borne by the state to create six Centres of Excellence to skill the youth of the state. The same was also made public by the then AP government. However, deviating from the contents of the GO, a green signal was given to a Memorandum of Understanding sometime later.

According to this MoU, Rs 371 crores were sanctioned to Siemens and DesignTech, completely absolving the technology partners of any contribution towards the project. According to investigating officials, the amount was sanctioned bypassing the regular bureaucratic processes and without any performance guarantee from the side of the team, comprising Siemens and its software distribution partner, DesignTech.

The CID probe has found that the major chunk of the Rs 370 crores has been siphoned off, as only Rs 58 crores were forwarded to Siemens. The rest of the amount was embezzled, allegedly by the senior executives of Siemens and the management of DesignTech, who issued fake invoices of shell companies and routed the money through them. The investigating agency has found that the companies had neither spent any money nor delivered any goods. The funds were channeled through hawala and converted to cash without being utilized for the purpose of establishing Centres of Excellence.

The CID is still probing the end beneficiaries of this alleged scam and strongly suspects that they have been routed back to Naidu through his close associates. The CID said that the scope of the investigation may be extended in the coming days to include Nara Lokesh, the son of Naidu. According to the CID, there were notings made by senior IAS officers, including those in the finance department, at the time of the release of funds, pointing to some objections and making it clear that funds were being released as per the instructions of Naidu.

A female IAS officer, the wife of a senior executive of Siemens, was also appointed to the Skill Development Corporation around the time of the execution of the project, further strengthening the case for the CID. Some of the companies named in the case are PVSP IT Skills Projects Pvt Ltd, ETA Greens Build Tech, IT Smith Solutions, and Bharatiya Global Infomedia Limited. Those who were arrested include G. Subba Rao, former Secretary, APSSDC; Soumyadri Suman Bose, former MD, Siemens Industry Software (India) Pvt limited; and Vikas Vinayak Kahnvelkar, MD of DesignTech Systems Limited.

The CID also maintains that note-files were destroyed sometime in 2018 when the fraud got exposed. Siemens, which had conducted an internal inquiry, has disassociated itself from the scam and blamed the senior executive for wrongful conduct and keeping them in the dark. The CID has said that Naidu was the chief conspirator of the scam, which took place between 2015 and 2018.

With inputs from Rahul Devulapalli
G20 leaders including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and France President Emmanuel Macron paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Rajghat on Sunday.

Modi welcomed the dignitaries with 'khadi' stole and an image of Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat in the background.

By laying wreaths at Gandhi's samadhi, G20 leaders paid their tributes.

Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that "At the iconic Rajghat, the G20 family paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi - the beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence. As diverse nations converge, Gandhi Jis timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global future."

At the tree planting ceremony, the G20 presidencies of last year (Indonesia) and the next year (Brazil) handed over a sapling to PM Modi.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo handed over the sapling to Modi followed by Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva.

Third session 'One Future'

The United Kingdom on Sunday said it will provide USD 2 billion to the Green Climate Fund in its "biggest" single funding commitment to help the world tackle climate change.

At the session, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the future will be digital. "One thing seems clear- the future will be digital. Today I want to focus on AI & digital infrastructure. As it has been described, AI has risks but also offers tremendous opportunities. The crucial question is how to harness a rapidly changing technology. It is telling that even the makers and inventors of AI are calling on political leaders to regulate," she was quoted by ANI.

She also said that Europe and its partners should develop a new global framework for AI risks. We would need a similar body to the IPCC for climate, and here we need additional outreach to the scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators. They need to provide knowledge on the risks posed by AI  as well as the potential benefits for humanity, she added.

Biden departs for Vietnam

Biden departed for Vietnam after paying homage at Gandhi's memorial in Rajghat. He had arrived on Friday and held bilateral meeting with Modi on the same day. In their meeting, Modi and Biden vowed to "deepen and diversify" the bilateral major defence partnership while welcoming forward movement in India's procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines, reported PTI.

Indias rich culture displayed at Bharat Mandapam was also a delight to the G20 leaders. Zodwa Lallie, a delegate from South Africa, said that the showcase of craftsmanship is a great way to empower women from rural areas.

"I think it is absolutely marvellous. It is an absolute showcase of craftsmanship and the beauty of handmade items from India...What is great is the way it empowers women from rural areas. More than anything else, it's just a beautiful showcase," she told ANI.
After a successful first day of the G20 summit, on Saturday, with member nations reaching consensus over many issues, the second day is lined up with series of events including Rajghat visit and world leaders laying wreaths at Mahatma Gandhi's Samadhi. The last session of the summit 'One Future' will follow after the tree planting ceremony at Bharat Mandapam's South Plaza.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold bilateral meeting with Canada, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Brazil, Nigeria and Comoros among other countries. He is also set to hold lunch meeting with France President Emmanuel Macron.

Meanwhile, security was beefed up in and around Akshardham temple, Delhi in the wake of United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks visit on Sunday morning. His wife Akshata Murthy also accompanied him.

On his arrival on Friday, Sunak had said that he is a "proud Hindu" and he is hopeful that he get the opportunity to visit the temple. I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis I didnt have time to celebrate Janmashtami. But hopefully, as I said I can make up for that if we visit a Mandir this time, Sunak told ANI.

The first day of the G20 summit saw several positive and historic developments including African Union admitted as a permanent member, Economic Connectivity Corridor between India, Middle East and Europe, consensus on Ukraine conflict, and adoption of New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

The day concluded with the presidential dinner at the venue of the summit.

The world leaders has called the G20 summit under India's presidency successful. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday said that the G20 summit is "successful" and he is hopeful of inking a free trade agreement with the European Union this year than 2024.

The discussions hit a roadblock after July this year. "I would like to see the Australia EU Free Trade Agreement settled as soon as possible," Albanese said, according to an official press conference transcript.

It's quite clear with the timetables that are there, that the prospects of that being done are much greater this year than next year, because it does run into elections, he added.

However, over the consensus reached on the Ukraine conflict, the war-hit country was not happy as the declaration avoided mentioning of Russia.

The Ukrainian government said the statement was "nothing to be proud of".

The Delhi declaration does not directly criticise Russia for the war. Though it talks about the "human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security". The declaration specifies "war in Ukraine" rather than "the war against Ukraine".

"In terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of," the Ukrainian foreign ministry tweeted.

After attending the two-day summit, the world leaders including US President Joe Biden, and UK PM Sunak, will leave the country on Monday. The heads of state of countries including UAE, Bangladesh, Egypt, China, Australia, Turkey, Germany, France, Japan, Italy and Canada will depart from Delhi on Monday. The central government has assigned responsibilities to union ministers of state to see off the foreign delegates after the summit.
Warriors Heart opening in Caroline on Monday

Next week marks the 22nd anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. The aftermath of that day has left a lasting impact, with thousands of individuals still struggling with the invisible wounds of addiction, PTSD and trauma. Among those who bear this heavy burden are our veterans, active-duty military personnel and first responders, who bravely stood at the frontlines on that day and in the years that followed.

However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Warriors Heart, a rehabilitation center founded by veterans, is set to change this narrative with the opening of our first East Coast location in Caroline County on Monday, Sept. 11.

The center, created by warriors for warriors, is uniquely attuned to the specific challenges faced by those who have served our nation. It recognizes the important role of camaraderie, peer support and understanding in the healing journey and will have on-site clinicians and therapists, offering a wide range of therapeutic activities such as art and cooking classes, metal and woodshop classes, as well as K9 and equine therapy.

The weight of mental health challenges like alcohol and drug addiction, PTSD and trauma should never be carried alone, and now, thanks to our new location, Virginias service members no longer have to shoulder this burden alone.

As Warriors Heart embarks on this new chapter, we are ready to welcome warriors home and support them on their recovery journey.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for us.

Now, it is our turn to fight for them.

Josh Lannon

Founder/CEO

Warriors Heart Virginia

Build culture of caring, help our seniors

Fredericksburg is a special place filled with residents who look after and care about one another. For years, I have been in awe at the stories in this paper about local citizens who have helped to make the Fredericksburg area what it is today. That is especially true of all the seniors in our area who continue to give back every day. Strong communities are defined by their people and their willingness to put service to others over themselves.

According to a new report from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, 60% of seniors across the commonwealth lack the caregiving resources they need from friends and family. That includes not being able to participate in social or civic engagement activities, challenges finding transportation, and concerns about getting access to important information and services that seniors need.

This statistic should come as no surprise. From work to responsibilities around the home, we are all drawn in so many different directions that we often forget there are individuals in our own backyard that need our help. That is why I want to bring attention to National Assisted Living Week taking place Sept. 1016.This celebration provides an opportunity for families, local communities, first responders and senior living professionals to come together to celebrate ways in which we can enhance the welfare of seniors.

We can collectively volunteer our time and resources on things that will have a tremendous impact on quality of life for seniors in Fredericksburg. For example, you can pick up fresh fruits or vegetables for a senior neighbor from the farmers market at Hurkamp Park, drive them to a doctors appointment, or even volunteer at place like Commonwealth Senior at Fredericksburg. There are so many ways that we can build a culture of caring in our community.

Karen Estes

Stafford

Our problems lay with our leadership

I want to spin off the public comments made by Jo Knight at the last Stafford Board of Supervisors meeting, with care and purpose. She is correct about the downward spiral of community, especially along Route 1 in the no named, downtown Stafford boondoggle.

I really dont know her personally but know of her as one who also grew up in this place called home. I sympathize with folks who have become entangled in government nuances that do not necessarily translate to the good of the public, especially families who have lived here for generations.

The problem is with the leadership that gets elected to public office by families who move en masse into the area looking for a new life with all the amenities, including new schools, parks and transportation modality. As good as their desire is, it is far from anything truly within reach as the budgetary needs cannot support this overload, especially when criterial resources are also necessary for first responders.

I wont speak to the other districts in the county, but the Aquia district (the heart of the county) is in a shamble, and our elected representation is too busy grooming herself for the next level of office, all the while in present capacity emanating a shopping list of events attended, when she should be looking for economic solutions that will provide generous revenue from investors and businesses alike.

I cant overstate the fact we have fallen behind in garnering measurable proffers from the commercial sector that ultimately impact revenue and the strain thereof. In fact, we are behind Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg.

Currently, three board members are up for reelection with little appetite for change. Knowing my district and the two others (Darrell gets a pass) are out past the general election in 2024, vote cautiously.

Bryant Wilkerson

Stafford
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over the customary gavel of the G20 chair to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and proposed a virtual summit by November to take stock of initiatives taken during the Indian Presidency.



Brazil will formally assume the G20 Presidency on December 1 this year.



Prime Minister Modi extended full support to Brazil and expressed confidence that its presidency will take forward the shared goals of the G20 bloc.



"India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity," Modi said.



Modi proposed a virtual G20 Summit by November end to take stock of the suggestions and decisions made at the leaders' summit that concluded here on Sunday.



"In the last two days, you have put forward your views, given suggestions and a number of proposals have been put forward. It is our responsibility that the suggestions that have come forth are closely looked upon as to how they can be speeded up," Modi said.



"It is my proposal that we hold another session of the G20 virtually in November- end. In that session, we can review the issues that have been agreed upon during this summit. Our teams will share the details of it with all of you. I hope all of you will join this (session)," he said.



"With this, I declare the G20 summit as closed," Modi said.



He cited a Sanskrit shloka to pray for hope and peace in the entire world.



Addressing the closing ceremony of the G20 Summit here, Lula said the bloc was not interested in a "divided G20" and the challenges of the day could be faced only through joint action.



"We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict," he said soon after Prime Minister Modi passed on the gavel to him.



The next Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024
The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) solar misson, Aditya-L1, underwent a successful third earth-bound manoeuvre on Sunday.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) ISRO said that the its ground stations at Mauritius, Bengaluru, SDSC-SHAR and Port Blair tracked the satellite during this operation.

ISRO also added that the next manoeuvre is scheduled on September 15.

Aditya-L1 Mission:

The third Earth-bound maneuvre (EBN#3) is performed successfully from ISTRAC, Bengaluru.



ISRO's ground stations at Mauritius, Bengaluru, SDSC-SHAR and Port Blair tracked the satellite during this operation.



The new orbit attained is 296 km x 71767 km. pic.twitter.com/r9a8xwQ4My  ISRO (@isro) September 9, 2023

ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) carried out the operation.

The first earth-bound manoeuvre was performed successfully on September 3, while the second was on September 5. Before placing in the transfer orbit towards the Langarange point L1, the spacecraft will undergo one more earth-bound manoeuvre.

It was on September 2 India's maiden solar mission, Aditya-L1 was launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The aim of the mission is to study the sun's outer atmosphere.

According to ISRO, Aditya-L1 will stay approximately 1.5 million km away from Earth, directed towards the sun which is about one per cent of the Earth-sun distance. It will neither land on the sun nor approach the sun any closer.

The seven scientific payloads carried by Aditya-L1 will observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the sun using electromagnetic particle and magnetic field detectors.

Last week, ISRO had shared a selfie and images of earth and its natural satellite captured by Aditya-L1. The VELC (Visible Emission Line Coronagraph) and SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope) payloads could be spotted in the selfie shared by ISRO. SUIT will examine the various layers of the solar atmosphere using shorter UV wavelengths that will provide crucial information on problem of coronal heating, dynamics of space weather, coronal mass ejection and so on.

ISRO had announced earlier that the spacecraft is expected to arrive at the intended orbit at the L1 point after about 127 days of launch.

According to scientists, between the earth and sun, there are five Lagrangian points where a small object tends to stay put. A spacecraft can remain in the Lagrangian points with reduced fuel consumption.

At a Lagrange point, the gravitational pull of the two large bodies (the Sun and the Earth) equals the necessary centripetal force required for a small object to move with them.
A Pakistani soldier was killed in an overnight shootout with militants in the country's northwest, near the border with Afghanistan, the military said.



A military statement late Saturday said the shootout took place in Mir Ali, a major town of North Waziristan that served as a safe haven for militants for decades. It said the military had been searching for terrorists there.

The shootout took place days after Pakistan closed the key northwestern Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan after border guards from the two sides exchanged fire Wednesday. Clashes that same day in the northwestern Chitral district near the border killed four Pakistani soldiers and 12 militants.

Scores of trucks loaded with goods, many carrying perishable items including vegetables and fruits, were still lined up on both sides of the Torkham border point Sunday, waiting for the crossing to reopen.

Torkham witnessed previous clashes in February and the town remained closed for several days after the two sides accused each other of trying to build new posts along the border.

Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, a senior official of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged authorities to prioritize solving the border issue as traders stand to lose millions of dollars in perishable goods if Torkham is not opened soon.

Pakistani authorities said they were in talks with the Afghan interim government over the Torkham border clash and increasing cross-border militant attacks.

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani termed the incident very unfortunate and said Pakistan is taking the rise in terrorism very seriously, and it is the responsibility of Afghanistan to stop the attacks emerging from their soil.

Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, have intensified attacks over the past months on Pakistani security forces. They are a separate group but an ally of the Afghan Taliban.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, on Sunday, visited the Akshardham temple in Delhi. Sunak is in Delhi for the G20 summit, where world leaders are holding meetings to discuss some of the world's most important matters.



This is Sunak's first visit to India since he became Britain's prime minister in October 2022. Security around the temple had been tightened before Sunak's visit.

Sunak was dressed in a shirt and trousers, while wife Akshata was dressed in a kurta and palazzos. They were given a traditional welcome. The couple was later greeted by swamis and senior leaders from the Akshardham Mandir.

Inside the temple, the couple paid respects to the deities and admired the architecture of the temple. They were also given an overview of the 100-acre spiritual and cultural complex. After visiting the temple, Sunak headed to Rajghat to pay respects to Mahatma Gandhi along with other world leaders.

Sunak has, previously, expressed pride in being a Hindu. In August, Sunak attended 'Ram Katha' being conducted by spiritual leader Morari Bapu at Jesus College, University of Cambridge. At the time he had said that his Hindu faith gives him the courage to do his best as the Prime Minister of Britain and guides him in every aspect of his life and that a Ganesha idol sits on his desk at No 10 Downing Street.

Sunak and his wife were seen strolling the streets of Delhi the previous night. The UK prime minister said that he and his wife planned to visit some of their favourite restaurants in the city that they used to frequent.

Sunak and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit and discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment. He also said that he has enormous respect for PM Modi.

The two leaders had met each other at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May. The British prime minister spent almost one hour at the temple as he performed 'darshan and puja' there.

The 43-year-old leader of the Conservative Party is married to Akshata Murty, the daughter of India's billionaire tech czar Narayana Murthy and philanthropist and educator Sudha Murty.


A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 has wrecked havoc in Morocco with the death toll crossing 2,000. The rescue operations are ongoing to find survivors from under rubble of collapsed buildings in many cities including Marrakesh, which is among the worst-affected areas.

According to Morocco's Interior Ministry, it is the country's strongest quake in over a century.

Scene of destruction and despair exists across many parts of the High Atlas Mountains. "Three of my grandchildren and their mother were killed-they are still under the rubble...Just a while ago, we were all playing together," villager Omar Benhanna told AFP.

The broken and blocked roads are hampering the rescue efforts in several areas. Even the difficult terrain is affecting the search operations.

Three days of national mourning was declared in the country after the quake.

According to officials, over 2,000 were injured and many were left homeless. Hundreds of people are seeking shelter in courtyards and streets.

According to a statement from military, Morocco's King Mohammed VI ordered to set up a surgical field hospital to cater to the needs of the people along with specialised search and rescue teams.

The quake had struck Morocco's Atlas Mountains on Friday late night damaging the historic buildings in Marrakesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fatalities were reported in Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces as well.

Moroccan senator and former minister Lahcen Haddad said that the authorities are responding quickly despite many challenges, including difficult terrain. "After Hoceima earthquake in 2004, we have put together a mgea plan for a rapid intervention," he told Al Jazeera.

The quake has damaged the famous Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century.

The armed forces will deploy teams to provide quake-hit areas with clean drinking water, food supplies, tents and blankets.

Earlier too Morocco was hit with powerful earthquakes. Around 12,000 people were killed in an earthquake in Agadir in 1960.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the G20 summit that concluded in India today was a milestone as it didn't allow the war in Ukraine to take over the agenda. Lavrov, at a media briefing, said India as president of the G20 consolidated, for the first time, the position of the Global South.



"We were able to prevent the West's attempts to 'Ukrainize' the summit agenda "The text doesn't mention Russia at all," he added. Lavrov, who attended the summit instead of President Vladimir Putin, expressed gratitude to India for "preventing attempts to politicise" G20.

The summit provides us a way forward to move ahead in many key areas, he said. Apart from Russian President Putin, China's Xi Jinping too, avoided the summit.

Lavrov said that the West "will not be able to remain a hegemony" as we see new centres of power in the world. And added that India's presidency adds fairness in global governance, and global finance.

The Indian presidency has really managed to coalesce G20 members from the global south," he added. He also said that Russian allies like Brazil, South Africa, India, and China had made their voices heard.

Russia's Putin is expected to meet with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in the coming days and the two leaders are expected to discuss the possibility of North Korea supplying weapons to Russia for its war against Ukraine. On challenges emanating from climate change, Lavrov said that the Western powers have not kept their promise of providing 100 billion dollars annually to developing nations to deal with climate change.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba denounced the G20 summit and said "nothing to be proud of". Leaders at the summit avoided blaming Russia for the war in Ukraine. But, they did discuss the impact of the war. US President Joe Biden praised Prime Minister Modi's G20 declaration and tweeted, G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues."
A top-ranking US military officer has said that Ukraine has about 30 days of fighting left before weather hinders its counteroffensive. Colder conditions would make it much harder for Ukraine to manoeuvre, Gen Mark Milley told BBC.



"There's still heavy fighting going on, Milley said, adding that the offensive had gone on slower than expected. "The Ukrainians are still plugging away with steady progress," he said.

Kyiv's intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, on the other hand, said, Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces will continue through the onset of cold and wet weather later this year, Reuters reported.

Milley also said that it was way too early to say whether the counteroffensive had failed. Kyiv launched its counteroffensive in July and aims to reclaim the Russia-occupied territories, but, has made small gains.

"Ukraine is winning and Russia is losing," Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK chief of defence staff told BBC. "That is because the aim of Russia was to subjugate Ukraine and to put it under Russia's control, Radakin said.

Over a dozen villages have been taken back, but, efforts have been complicated by vast minefields and heavily entrenched Russian forces. The slow progress of the counteroffensive, has, however, sparked concerns among Ukraine's supporters, especially the West, which has supplied military equipment worth billions and trained thousands of Ukrainian fighters.

Ukraine's progress was also down to the international community "applying economic pressure and diplomatic pressure, and Russia is suffering because of that, Radakin said.

The push in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, now centred around the villages of Robotyne and Verbove, is seen as a crucial part of an operation that seeks to split Russia's occupying forces in half in the south, but remains far from that goal, Reuters reported."Our counteroffensive is happening in several directions," Budanov said.
THE CHANGEMAKERS

R.R. Swain, director general of police, CID

THE REPUTATION precedes the man. Be it New Delhi, Srinagar or Islamabad, all tend to watch R.R. Swain closely, albeit for different reasons. New Delhi looks towards him for his astute understanding of Pakistan, as he has served at least a decade in intelligence. No wonder the Inter-Services Intelligence and the Pakistan army are wary of his presence in J&K. In Srinagar, he is the favourite of not only the law enforcement officers, but also the civil society. His reports have led to the dismissal of terrorist-friendly employees and he keeps an eye on terrorist sympathisers.

As J&K awaits its first assembly elections after the abrogation of Article 370, Swain explains how its constitutional bodies were hijacked by Pakistan. Through Hurriyat, Pakistan told people that elections are haram and, therefore, people and politicians should stay away. Simultaneously, through gun-wielding terrorists, it started influencing the outcome of the elections, says Swain. He has intelligence to show how terrorist networks increased the level of violence in certain constituencies to intimidate voters, affecting election results. Parties and candidates who stayed away from terrorists were contacted for secret support.

Swain says Pakistan made use of non-political platforms like bar associations to subvert the legal system. The connection between such associations and terrorist-separatist networks are well known and any serious inquiry would lead to hundreds of instances of circumstantial and direct evidence of Pakistan's influence, he says. The biggest achievement Pakistan has had against India was not in increasing the numbers of foot soldiers among the terrorist ranks and improving their fighting abilities, but its success in placing embedded assets in important institutional and societal setups. As the new war against terror is being fought on the borders as well as in the minds of people, Swain believes that India will prevail with the support of its citizens.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) The World Bank and the finance ministry on Sunday agreed to work closely to create a market structure from the CSR demand side for maximising social impact.



World Bank President Ajay Banga, who was in Delhi to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit, on Sunday met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The two leaders during the bilateral meeting discussed the outcomes of G20 India Presidency, the evolution of the World Bank Group and their engagement with India through knowledge exchange and financial assistance for developmental projects, among other issues.

"During the meeting, Mr. Banga agreed to work closely with the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance @FinMinIndia to create a market structure from the Corporate Social Responsibility #CSR demand side for maximising social impact," the ministry said in a post on X.

The finance minister stated that she looks forward to the leadership of the World Bank President in taking forward the recommendations on the triple agenda contained in the Volume-1 of the Independent Experts Group on Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

The Independent Experts Group, chaired by Harvard University President Emeritus, Lawrence Summers and co-chaired by N K Singh former Chairperson, Fifteenth Finance Commission of India, submitted Volume I in July suggesting a triple agenda to harness the potential of MDBs.

These include efforts to tackle global challenges, alongside their core mission of poverty reduction and shared prosperity; to triple their sustainable lending level by 2030 and to enhance their financial strength to capital adequacy improvements and general capital increases.

The Finance Minister and the World Bank President stated that they look forward to Volume 2 of the report that will be submitted during the 4th Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors FMCBG Meeting in Morocco in October.

During the meeting, the World Bank team apprised the ministry of the developments and progress in sectors of Municipal Financing, Logistics, Skilling, Knowledge Partnership, Solar energy in the Agriculture sector, among others.

Speaking at the G20 Leaders' Summit earlier in the day, Banga said challenges don't respect lines on a map.

"And if we fail to work together  we all lose. To respond, under the umbrella of our Evolution Roadmap, we are becoming a better Bank. We are becoming more efficient  incentivizing output, not input. Keeping focus on how many girls are in school, jobs created, and private sector dollars mobilized," Banga said.

The World Bank is working to expand concessional financing to help more low-income countries achieve their goals, while thinking creatively about how to encourage cooperation across borders and tackle shared challenges, he said.

"After we deliver a better bank, we will need a bigger Bank. Bigger than what the capital adequacy framework will produce by itself. As we face a new era in development, we remain committed to creating a world free of poverty on a livable planet," he said. MR
New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Asserting that the Indian aviation sector's growth fundamentals are strong, aircraft maker Boeing has said that significant skilling of people to meet demand, rationalisation of fuel taxes and continued infrastructure investments will keep the growth going.

Boeing, which has hundreds of aircraft on order from Indian carriers, has also announced various investments, including USD 100 million for training pilots in the country. Besides, it has maintenance training partnerships with partners for having enough skilled mechanics in India.

"We see no slowdown (in India) and we continue to see very high load factors, extremely high rates of profitability amongst the airlines and we see extremely strong demand for aeroplanes as we have seen in some of the largest orders ever placed in the world.

"Overall, we see that demand grows. We are also seeing significant advancements in infrastructure as new terminals come up... new greenfield airports come up...That is going to be a boon to Indian aviation," Boeing India President Salil Gupte told PTI in a recent interview.

For many many years, he said all were expecting to see the significant growth in Indian aviation and it is now occurring in a very real way. India is one of the fastest growing civil aviation markets in the world and Indian carriers have around 1,500 planes on order. Earlier this year, Air India placed an order for 470 aircraft, including 220 planes from Boeing.

Indian carriers are expected to require more than 2,200 aircraft in the next 20 years. In order to tap the growth opportunities, Gupte said a few ingredients need to be put in place, including ensuring that there are enough pilots and mechanics to fly all these aeroplanes.

"That is going to require significant skilling, it is going to require us to train 37,000 pilots and 38,000 mechanics over the next 20 years. That is one reason why Boeing has announced a USD 100 million investment in pilot training, which includes infrastructure and curriculum... in India to ensure that we are doing our part to skill those pilots.

"This is also the reason why we are entering into maintenance training partnerships among our partners to ensure that we have enough skilled mechanics in India as well," he said.

Further, Gupte noted that rationalisation of fuel taxes must continue.

"There has been a good progress made with states in the last few years but we need to continue to make that progress, especially in some larger states, so that the rate of taxation of jet fuel can come down closer to the global level.

"Right now, the cost of fuel for Indian airlines is far higher than many airlines outside India. That needs to be done to tap the growth as well. Then the continued investments in infrastructure," he said.

Gupte spoke to PTI on the sidelines of an aerospace conference recently held in Gwalior. India's domestic air passenger traffic is projected to grow further in the current fiscal.

Credit rating agency Icra, this month, said that after the fast-paced recovery in FY2023, the growth in domestic air passenger traffic is projected to be 8-13 per cent and touch 150-155 million in the current financial year. In FY20, before the coronavirus pandemic, the traffic was at 141.2 million passengers.

Against the backdrop of supply chain woes impacting the aviation industry, including resulting in delayed aircraft deliveries in some cases, Gupte said the supply chain situation is "certainly healing" and definitely getting better.

On February 14, it was announced tha Air India will purchase 220 planes from Boeing for USD 34 billion and there is also an option to buy 70 more aircraft.

Air India will purchase 190 B737 MAX, 20 B787, and 10 B777X valued at USD 34 billion at list price. The deal will also include customer options for an additional 50 Boeing 737 MAX and 20 Boeing 787, totalling 290 airplanes for a total of USD 45.9 billion at list price.
I would love it if Donald Trump were not the Republican nominee for president in 2024.

The main reason is simple. I dont want Joe Biden to be elected again. And just about any of the other Republicans running would easily beat him.

Theres a chance, well under 50%, Trump will be able to vanquish Biden in a rematch. For Democrats who believe their best strategy is to make sure Trump is on the ticket, be careful what you wish for.

For Republicans who believe Trump can topple a dazed and confused Biden with dementia, most polls say he wont. And theres still a good chance Biden wont be the nominee, either by pressure from within the Democratic Party or due to his health reasons.

And just as any other Republican would easily beat Biden, any other Democrat would easily beat Trump.

One way to keep Trump off the ballot is by court order. Thus, a group of Coloradans is suing to kick him off the Colorado GOP primary ballot, saying its a violation of the 14th Amendment, of which Section 3, a remnant of the Civil War, says no one can serve in public office who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.

I know many of the plaintiffs to this Colorado suit, and I respect them. Theyre taking this action because they truly believe Donald Trump is guilty of insurrection and a danger to the nation.

Among the plaintiffs are Norma Anderson, former centrist Republican Colorado powerhouse legislator. Few people earn the status of one-name like Cher or Bono. Norma does, and for good reason. It would be a mistake to underestimate her intellect or love of Colorado.

But in this case, I think Norma and her pals are wrong. Not evil. Just wrong.

Saying Trump violated the 14th Amendment, no matter how often the news media repeats it, simply doesnt make it true. You see, we have this nasty presumption of innocence thing, and that equally annoying day in court crap.

And, no matter how dishonorable Trumps behavior was on Jan. 6, 2021, and it was, he didnt lead a civil war, nor a rebellion, nor an insurrection.

Lets remember in 2011 when members of the teachers union and their supporters took over the Wisconsin state capitol for days, not hours. No one demanded those rioters, and their leaders, could never run for office. In fact, no one in the media called it an insurrection, even though it prevented the peoples work. Funny, huh?

Donald Trump has never been charged, no less than convicted, with insurrection under the U.S. code. Youd think special prosecutor Jack Smith would have gleefully tried if he thought he had a shot at it in court. Conspiracy to overthrow an election, what he is charged with, is not insurrection.

Likely the plaintiffs dont even have legal standing in this instance. But even if they did, and even if they won, their effort would be moot. Trump lost in Colorado by 16 percentage points last time. And that was before the Jan. 6 debacle. Since then, the state has turned more blue. He will lose Colorado by an even larger number in 2024

Colorados electoral votes will never go to Trump (or likely any Republican) in 2024.

Maybe he is a danger to the nation. He might be guilty of stoking the fires of a riot on Jan. 6.

But there is no conceivable way he will be found guilty of the crime of insurrection in a court of law, especially without being charged with that crime.

It is much more possible hell be found guilty of mishandling classified documents in Mar-a-Lago, but I find it doubtful that will keep him off a nationwide ballot.

The only court he can be found guilty of insurrection is in the court of public opinion. And that takes a public vote.

The founders of our nation designed a robust system to protect from tyranny. So far it has worked. Let the people vote, and it will continue to work.

I see Trump as a crazed narcissist. Others see him as a power-mad tyrant in the making. If its the latter, the Founders system is strong enough to handle it.

Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday met her Chinese counterpart Liu Kun and exchanged views on G20-related matters.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the last day of the G20 Leadership Summit here.

It is to be noted that China President Xi Jinping decided to not attend the G 20 Summit. China was represented by its Prime Minister Li Qiang.

"Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman met Mr. Liu Kun, Finance Minister of China, on the sidelines of the #G20 #LeadersSummit in New Delhi. They exchanged views on various issues related #G20," the finance ministry said in a post on X.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Railway Board chairperson Jaya Verma Sinha has asked all employees to work on five key priorities -- safety, integrity, capacity augmentation, revenue generation, and customer amenities and experience.

Calling these five priorities as "Indian Railways' Panch Pran", Sinha, in her first written communication to employees after taking charge as Chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board on September 1, said that the national transporter has a rich and enduring legacy spanning more than 150 years.

"In recent years, we have embarked on a transformative journey marked by unprecedented investments in tracks, rolling stock, stations and terminals," Sinha wrote.

Noting that safety is paramount, she said, "We must recognise that every accident can be prevented, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure strict adherence to established safety protocols. It is imperative that we actively engage in the field, setting an exemplary standard for all."

Sinha, the first woman head of the Railway Board, said integrity is non-negotiable for public servants. "We shall maintain a zero-tolerance stance towards any acts of misconduct. We shall continue to enhance transparency in our process."

On capacity augmentation, she said the government has demonstrated immense confidence in Indian Railways through an investment of Rs 2.4 lakh crore in the current fiscal.

"Our primary focus should be on executing projects efficiently avoiding both time and cost overruns. This will ensure that the benefits of this substantial investment reach our ultimate customers," she said.

Sinha is of the view that revenue generation is something that Indian Railways takes pride in for its ability to be financially self-sustaining.

"The previous financial year witnessed record-high loading and revenue figures. With almost half the year behind us, I urge each one of you to redouble your efforts to meet the targets for the current fiscal," she wrote.

Talking about customer amenities and experience, Sinha asked its employees to offer services that should epitomize the aspirations of a new India.

"Whether it pertains to punctuality, cleanliness, catering or addressing customer grievances, we must strive to deliver the highest standards of service, consistently placing the customer at the forefront of our efforts, the Railway Board chairperson said, adding that she expects every member of the railway family to rise to the occasion, delivering their very best for the country.
Jerusalem, Sep 10 (PTI) Welcoming the announcement of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described it as the "largest cooperation project in our history" that will "change the face of the Middle East, Israel, and will affect the entire world".

The new economic corridor, which many see as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, was jointly announced on Saturday by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

In a video message released late Saturday evening, Netanyahu said that Israel is at the focus of an unprecedented international project that will link infrastructure from Asia to Europe.

"I welcome the statement that was released today by the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the European Union, as well as France, Italy and Germany," Netanyahu said.

"A good week to you, citizens of Israel. This evening, I am pleased to inform you (of) some major news," the Israeli Prime Minister said.

His message came as hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested on the streets against the government's judicial overhaul plan they think will undermine the authority of the judiciary.

"Israel is at the focus of an unprecedented international project that will link infrastructure from Asia to Europe. This link will also realise a multi-year vision that will change the face of the Middle East, and Israel, and will affect the entire world," he said.

"This vision starts in India, passes through the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel before reaching Europe," Netanyahu said.

The announcement of the ambitious project comes amid discussions around the normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The two countries do not have diplomatic relations but the Gulf kingdom has been seen to be recently softening its position towards Israel by allowing Israeli airlines to use its air space.

It is said to have also demanded, as per media reports, several concessions from the United States for the normalisation of ties to happen with the Jewish state, some very contentious ones.

"They announced the launch of a pioneering initiative to develop an economic corridor from India, through the Middle East, to Europe. I am pleased to inform you, citizens of Israel, that our country, the State of Israel, will be a central junction in this economic corridor," Netanyahu said.

"Our railways and ports will open a new gateway from India, through the Middle East, to Europe, and back  from Europe to India via Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE," the Israeli Prime Minister, battling a downturn in the economy in the face of his controversial Judicial overhaul plans, said.

"I would like to thank US President (Joe) Biden and his administration for the major effort that has led us to today's historic announcement. Several months ago, the US contacted us regarding the realisation of this historic opportunity. Since then, it has held urgent diplomatic contacts in order to bring about today's breakthrough," he stressed.

The project reshapes the face of our region and allows a dream to become reality, he said.

The initiative includes the construction of railways, the laying of a hydrogen pipeline, the energy of the future, the laying of fibre optic communications cables, the laying of electricity cables and more infrastructure, the Israeli Prime Minister noted.

"The State of Israel will contribute its capabilities, all of its experience, momentum and commitment, to realise the largest cooperation project in our history. All government ministries will be instructed to join in realizing this dream," he emphasised.

"I have directed the National Security Council, in the Prime Minister's Office, to coordinate the staff work and also the close cooperation with the US and other countries in order for this vision to become reality as soon as possible," Netanyahu said.

The project will lead us to a new, unique and unprecedented era of global and regional cooperation and involvement.

"Together we will succeed," Netanyahu asserted.

With protesters turning up in hundreds of thousands every weekend for the last 36 weeks, Israel faces threats of mass emigration, resignations in critical positions, army desertions, strikes and flight of capital backed by gloomy predictions from prestigious global credit rating agencies.

Netanyahu has been struggling to show that everything is under control and the economy is stable amid widespread angry protests. He also hinted at the major link project during his trip to Greece and Cyprus early this week to boost the morale of his citizens and supporters.
Mumbai, Sep 10 (PTI) Actor-dancer Nora Fatehi has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India for offering help to earthquake-hit Morocco.

Fatehi, a Canadian artist of Moroccan descent who has appeared in various dance numbers in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam films, thanked the prime minister after he said India is ready to offer all possible assistance to the North African country in this difficult time.

"Thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this big support! You were one of the first countries to raise awareness and extend a helping hand!

"The Moroccan people are very thankful and grateful! Jai Hind," she wrote on her Instagram Story alongside PM Modi's post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A powerful earthquake of 6.8 magnitude shook Morocco late on Friday. The Interior Ministry of Morocco said late Saturday that 2,012 people were killed in the temblor. At least 2,059 people were injured, including 1,404 critically, it added.

On Saturday, PM Modi also began his opening remarks at the G20 summit by offering condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Morocco.

"In this difficult hour the entire world community is with Morocco and we are ready to offer them all possible assistance," he had said.

Many videos posted by Moroccans on social media show buildings reduced to rubble and dust and parts of the famous red walls that surround the old city in historic Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, damaged.
Beijing/New Delhi, Sep 9 (PTI) Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 summit and discussed bilateral ties amid Italys plan to withdraw from Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as the project did not bring the results expected.

Deputing for Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in New Delhi, Li who is ranked number two leader in the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) hierarchy made a case for Meloni to provide a "fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment" for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the European country, Chinese official media reported.

The Li-Meloni meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit assumed significance as the Italian government has openly expressed its desire to quit BRI asserting that Beijings famed multibillion-dollar infrastructure initiative has not brought any benefits for Rome.

The Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani who visited Beijing on September 5 has spoken critically about the BRI saying that it did not bring the results we expected and many Italian parties were against Italys participation.

However, he has also stated separately that his country wants to work with China and is ready for Chinese investments, according to a previous report by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.

China announced plans to hold a third conference of the BRI in Beijing next month.

If Italy pulls out, it will be regarded as an embarrassment for President Xis multi-billion-dollar pet project which also drew criticism about its debt sustainability, especially from smaller countries.

China unveiled the BRI in 2013 with an aim to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.

Also much to the disquiet of China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced plans to launch the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor which includes India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and the US.

Today we all have reached an important and historic partnership. In the coming times, it will be a major medium of economic integration between India, West Asia and Europe, Modi said.

The corridor will give a new direction to connectivity and sustainable development of the entire world, Modi said.

Also, Modi on Saturday held bilateral talks with Meloni as the two leaders discussed a range of issues.

"I had an excellent meeting with PM @GiorgiaMeloni. Our talks covered sectors such as trade, commerce, defence, emerging technologies and more. India and Italy will keep working together for global prosperity," Modi posted on X.

Li Qiang also met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit.

In his meeting with Ursula, Li said that China and Europe, as two major forces in a multipolar world and two major engines of global development, should come together even closer and step up their cooperation.

He called on both sides to offset uncertainties in the international landscape with the stability of China-Europe relations, official media reported.
Lahore, Sep 10 (PTI) A Pakistani Christian couple has been arrested on blasphemy charges after 'torn pages of Quran' were recovered from the rooftop of their house and in the street in Lahore, police said on Sunday.

The couple -- Shaukat Masih and Kiran Masih -- are facing life imprisonment as they have been booked under section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPP) which carries a life sentence for the desecration of the holy book.

The case has been registered against the Christian couple of Docage Town, Rangers Headquarters, Harbanspura Lahore on the complaint of a Muslim man, Mohammad Taimur, of the same area.

According to the FIR, Taimur said he was standing at a food shop of Docage Town Street on Friday when he found some pages of the Muslim holy book there.

"It appeared that the pages had been thrown from the roof of a house under which they were found. I knocked on the door and a woman named Kiran Masih opened the door. I showed her the torn pages of the Quran to her. She responded that her minor daughters -- Sundas and Rubi, and son Sabir -- might have thrown the pages. Taimur went to the rooftop of the house and found a pink colour bag with more pages of the Quran," the FIR says.

The complainant then informed the police on the emergency number after which the North Cantonment police Station reached and arrested the suspects.

Police officer Mahmood Ahmad told PTI on Sunday that the police registered the blasphemy case against the Christian couple after the "torn pages of holy Quran" were found at their home and in the street.

"The couple's three children could have also been booked after their mother alleged that they might have thrown the pages in the street. However, only Kiran and her husband have been booked under 295 B of PPC," he said.

A police source told PTI that Shaukat Masih was not at home when the complainant accused Kiran of blasphemy on Friday midnight.

He said that when complainant Taimur accused the Christian family, the area people gathered there and police were called in which controlled the situation and immediately arrested Kiran.

Shaukat Masih was arrested later in the day, he said.

Last month, a mob of over 6,000 led by the radical Islamist party, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), attacked scores of churches and houses of Christians over blasphemy allegations in Jaranwala town of Faisalabad district, 130 km from Punjab's provincial capital Lahore.

At least 21 churches and 86 homes of Christians were burnt down by the violent mob, however, no casualties were reported.

A Joint Investigation Team of police that probed the matter found that the incident was caused by a grudge between two Christian individuals and had nothing to do with the desecration of the Quran.

In Pakistan, most blasphemy cases are registered primarily to settle some grudges between the complainant and accused parties.
London, Sep 10 (PTI) British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday conveyed the UKs significant concerns about alleged Chinese interference in the UK's parliamentary democracy to the countrys Premier at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, after a UK media report revealed spying charges against two men.

Sunak met Li Qiang as The Sunday Times reported that two men were arrested under the UKs Official Secrets Act amid claims a parliamentary researcher in Britain spied for China. One of the men, in his 20s, was a researcher with links to several governing Conservative Party MPs and another man in his 30s were both said to have been arrested in March and now out on bail.

"The Prime Minister met Premier Li Qiang and conveyed his significant concerns about Chinese interference in the UK's parliamentary democracy," a 10 Downing Street spokesperson said.

Both men were held at a south London police station until being released on bail until early October. The Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, which oversees espionage-related offences, is investigating the case.

"A man in his 30s was arrested at an address in Oxfordshire and a man in his 20s was arrested at an address in Edinburgh. Searches were also carried out at both the residential properties, as well as at a third address in east London," the Met Police said.

The parliamentary researcher has been linked, among others, with UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat but is said not to have had any contact with the senior politician since before he became a Cabinet minister in September last year.

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China pressure group said it was "appalled at reports of the infiltration of the UK Parliament by someone allegedly acting on behalf of the People's Republic of China".

The allegations come amid strained UK-China relations and weeks after Foreign Secretary James Cleverly became one of the senior-most UK government figures to visit Beijing, saying it was important to manage the countrys relationship with China across a range of issues.
Washington, Sep 10 (PTI) Scores of Indian Americans held a peaceful protest rally in the State Capital of Sacramento urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the anti-caste discrimination bill, recently passed by the State Assembly, which they asserted is discriminatory and targets the Indians in general and Hindus in particular.

If signed into law by Governor Newsom, California would become the first State in the United States and the first jurisdiction outside India to outlaw discrimination based on caste. The legislation revises California's Unruh Civil Rights Act by adding caste as a protected category under ancestry.

We ask Governor Newsom to Veto SB403 so history remembers that you said no to discrimination against Indian Americans and said no to racially profiling our community! Samir Kalra of the Hindu American Foundation told the gathering of Indian Americans in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento on Saturday.

Displaying posters and banners, the protestors, most of whom had gathered from various parts of the State, urged the Governor not to sign the bill into law as this would end up in discrimination against the Hindu community. Much worse is that the bill amounts to racial profiling of the Hindu community, they argued.

Hindu American Foundation has said that it is exploring every option to protect the rights of Hindu Californians and is planning to file a lawsuit against this.

The bill was introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab, the first Muslim and Afghan-American woman elected to the state legislature, in February. The California Senate overwhelmingly passed SB403 Discrimination on the basis of ancestry with 31-5 votes last week.
Kyiv, Sep 10 (AP) Two foreign aid workers were reportedly killed in eastern Ukraine on Sunday as Russian shelling hit a van carrying a team of four working with a Ukrainian nongovernmental organization, while dozens of Russian drones targeted Kyiv and wounded at least one civilian.

The four volunteers from the Road to Relief group, which helps evacuate wounded people from front-line areas, were trapped inside the van as it flipped over and caught fire after being struck by shells near the town of Chasiv Yar, the organization said on its Instagram page.

Road to Relief said that Anthony Ihnat of Canada died in the attack, while German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr were seriously wounded.

Road to Relief added that it couldn't trace the whereabouts of the van's fourth passenger, Emma Igual, a Spanish national who was the organization's director. Hours later, Spain's acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spanish media that authorities in Madrid had received verbal confirmation of the 32-year-old Igual's death.

The volunteers were on their way to assess the needs of civilians on the outskirts of Bakhmut, Road to Relief said, in reference to the eastern town that saw the war's longest and bloodiest battle before falling to Moscow in May. Ukrainian forces have held on to Bakhmut's western suburbs and are pushing a counteroffensive in the area.

Also on Sunday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched dozens of drones at Kyiv and the surrounding region early in the morning, wounding at least five civilians. Ukraine's air force later said it had brought down 26 out of a total of 33 drones. The head of Kyiv's military administration, Serhii Popko, reported that debris from Iranian-made Shahed drones fell in several districts of the city and wounded at least one civilian. Popko said there was no risk to the person's life, and added that most of the wreckage fell in open ground, although one high-rise apartment was damaged.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko later confirmed that one civilian was wounded in the city's historic center and received help on the spot.

The governor of the Kyiv region, which surrounds but doesn't include the capital, also reported that the drone strike wounded four people across the province, one of whom had to be hospitalized. In a Facebook post, Gov. Ruslan Kravchenko said that the drones also damaged an unspecified infrastructure facility as well as various civilian buildings including private homes and stores, a hospital, a rehabilitation center, a school and a kindergarten.

Russia's Defense Ministry said in the early hours of Sunday that Moscow's forces earlier destroyed three U.S.-supplied speedboats carrying Ukrainian soldiers that had been traveling toward Russian-occupied Crimea. The claim couldn't be independently verified. Earlier on Sunday, the ministry said in a separate statement that Russian air defense shot down eight Ukrainian drones targeting Crimea, as well as another that flew over the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine.

On Aug. 24, Ukrainian military intelligence said that its special forces landed in Crimea, which Moscow illegally took from Ukraine in 2014, and raised the Ukrainian flag along the peninsula's western shore before leaving without casualties. (AP) AMS
Moscow, Sep 10 (AP) After a year and a half of fighting in Ukraine, Russia needs to replenish its supplies of ammunition for what could be a long war of attrition. Along with ramping up its domestic arms production, Moscow is turning to an old ally with a vast arsenal  North Korea.

Estimates say the reclusive and isolated Asian country has tens of millions of artillery shells and rockets that could give a huge boost to the Russian army.

United States officials expect North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to visit Russia in the coming days to seal a possible deal on munitions transfer with President Vladimir Putin.

That would be a remarkable reversal from the 1950-53 Korean War, when the Soviet Union provided the communist North with weapons and ammunition.

We know that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited recently for artillery shells predominantly, and most likely that will be discussed between Putin and Kim Jong Un, said Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre.

Shoigu became the first Russian defense chief to visit North Korea since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

Images of him at a massive military parade in the capital of Pyongyang in July, alongside Kim and the medal-laden North Korean military brass, was a strong sign of a vigorous effort by Moscow to reach out to the North. Shoigu said joint military drills were possible.

Asked about a possible visit by Kim and a deal that would see North Korean arms supplies to Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to comment.

But he emphasised that Moscow cherishes ties with Pyongyang, adding: North Korea is our neighbor, and we will further develop our relations without looking back at other countries' opinion.

Kim made his first visit to Russia in 2019 and held talks with Putin that included pledges of closer cooperation but weren't followed by any visible breakthroughs.

While the bulk of the Korean People's Army arsenals are dated, their enormous size would offer the Russian military a potential key lifeline amid Europe's largest land conflict since World War II.

Hong Min, an analyst at Seoul's Korea Institute for National Unification, said Russia could seek to establish North Korea as a rear base for its war efforts, providing a massive flow of munitions.

Russia is hoping that North Korea could swiftly establish support channels to provide it with war materials like ammunition, bombs and other supplies, Hong said.

The US said North Korea sold some munitions to Russia's private military contractor, Wagner, in November.

Both Russian and North Korean officials have denied that Pyongyang has shipped any weapons or munitions to Russia or intends to do so.

US officials have cast Moscow's reach for North Korean weapons as a reflection of Russian military problems.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the quality of North Korean weapons was an open question.

It says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defense capacity in a war that it expected be over in a week, Sullivan said.

While Washington has warned Pyongyang against sending weapons to Russia, which would violate a United Nations embargo on any arms shipments to and from North Korea, observers say there is little the US could do in response.

They note that Moscow could share advanced nuclear, missile and submarine technology with Pyongyang in exchange for arms supplies, a move that could embolden Kim and raise major threats to regional security.

The United States and its allies have limited policy options in addressing this new challenge, Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies said in an analysis.

While the North's enormous stockpiles could boost the Russian war effort, Moscow has imported drones from another ally, Iran, that have played a significant role in the fighting.

Russia has used the Shahed exploding drones to strike Ukraine's infrastructure for more than a year.

After the initial surprise, Ukrainian air defences have honed their skills in engaging them, but the cheap and simple drones that have a range exceeding 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) continue to inflict significant damage.

Russia reportedly has bought a production license from Iran and built its own factory to assemble the drones and churn out thousands of them a year.

Iran is expected to initially provide the materials and technology, with the plant gradually shifting to domestically produced components.

Russian arms manufacturers have compensated for at least some of the equipment losses in the conflict and developed some new products, including satellite-guided gliding bombs and other precision weapons to fight back against Ukraine's summer counteroffensive.

Early in the war, broad use of drones by Ukraine inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces and played a significant role in Moscow's military setbacks.

Russian officials acknowledged they hadn't paid enough attention to drones before the war and vowed to fill the gap quickly.

One type of mass-produced exploding drone that made a visible impact is the Lancet, capable of lurking over the battlefield before hitting its target.

Cheap and compact, it has become prolific, allowing the Russian military to strike Ukrainian tanks and artillery systems on a wide scale.

Russia has increasingly used another new asset in recent months: gliding aerial bombs. With a pair of winglets and a satellite navigation module, old Soviet-made bombs have been transformed into highly efficient smart weapons.

They have a range of up to 60 kilometres (37 miles) and allow the Russian air force to step up attacks on Ukrainian forces along the front line without putting warplanes at risk.

Russia has adapted 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) bombs, using them to fend off the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

It has worked to design a similar conversion for a 1,500-kilogram (3,300-pound) bomb, reportedly using it for the first time this month. Transformed into a gliding bomb, it is reportedly precise to 5 metres (16 feet) and leaves a 15-metre (50-foot) crater  a powerful weapon against Ukrainian military assets.

Another addition to the Russian arsenal is the Vikhr anti-tank missile used by Russian helicopter gunships.

It has an extended range that allows pilots to take out Ukrainian armor while staying out of reach of air defences and has seen wide use during the summer.

The use of attack aviation has posed a consistent challenge for Ukrainian forces throughout the counteroffensive, the Royal United Services Institute said in an analysis.

While developing new munitions, Russian manufacturers also bolstered production of tanks and other weapons, and the military has increasingly tapped its storage bases of thousands of armoured vehicles dating to the Cold War.

Some have been upgraded with protective shields and other equipment to increase their survivability.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia's Security Council, has said Russia will produce 1,500 battle tanks in 2023.

Conveyer belts of our military industrial complex are working in three shifts, and it will produce as many weapons as needed to efficiently protect the Fatherland, he said. (AP) FZH
You never would assume driving the desolate Colorado Highway 115 south from Colorado Springs that an eclectic small town known as the antique capital of the state would be on the other side.

Hundreds of people flocked from all directions to Florence Saturday for its annual Junktique festival, a carnival of sorts for modern-day treasure hunters and vintage appreciators alike.

Music filled the air of downtown Florence on Saturday morning accompanied by a diverse group of vendors offering a series of vintage and antique goods deriving from times spanning the decades.

We love to bring people into Florence, people that may have never been to our town before and dont know what we have to offer, Sue Tierney, an event organizer and Junktique vendor for the past two years told the Gazette.

According to Tierney, Junktique has been a thriving annual staple in Florence for over two decades.

Getting its title from the over 18 antique stores that inhabit downtown Florence, locals and vendors alike expressed their love for Junktique and the way it brings out-of-towners to cherish what their small town has to offer.

As much as this is the antique capital, I feel a lot of people dont know about it, Mason Goders, co-owner of Thrift Resale Denver said.

Goders resells vintage clothing alongside her business partner and fiance, Ryan Trujillo, mostly online.

Ive been thrifting since I was 10 years old, my parents would make me thrift instead of buying new clothes, Trujillo said, Its always been like a treasure hunt to me.

In speaking with Trujillo and Goders, their passion for the vintage community and their work as resellers became evident.

Carrying a background in design, Goders offers a unique perspective toward her line of work.

Its all about getting to reappreciate something that someone originally created 30 to 50 years ago, and its so exciting to be able to help others appreciate it too.

In a nearby tent, Priscilla Clayton could be heard mingling with patrons and bartering with buyers interested in her array of antique goodies.

I see you looking at that mirror, Clayton said in passing to one patron, I can bring it down from $20 to $15 if you really fancy it.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Clayton resells antiques alongside her friend and neighbor Terry, who passed along a sweet wave as she conversed with another customer in her neighboring tent.

She used to say, You wanna go thrifting? You wanna go thrifting? and we would go, and find all sorts of treasures, Clayton said,

Finally, we decided we needed an outlet to help get rid of things and decided to get a booth together!

Clayton expressed her love for antique hunting, and further her love for finding people to connect her treasures with.

This kind of stuff evokes a lot of warm memories in peoples hearts to see something that maybe their grandmother or mother had, Clayton said,

I like finding the treasures, I find it more of the hunt that I like, and its special than getting to connect it (antiques) with someone.

For Nicole Urban, owner of Rustic Lux, a vintage and antique refurbishment business out of Penrose, antique hunting and reselling is a labor of love and a way to help others.

I try to mostly sell designer luxury or everyday brands that are either new or in incredible condition, Urban said, I love to restore items, too.

Urban referenced big brand names like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and her love of restoring these items and having the ability to offer them to someone at a fraction of the price.

I want to sell them (designer handbags) for what people can actually afford, Urban said,

Instead of going to a store and paying $3000 dollars for a bag, why not pay $300 and have it look the same?

I guess it's partially a thing inside of me that says I want to make someone happy, and I want to make somebody's day.

Through talking with the vendors and people of Florences Junktique, it became obvious the event was more than a way to bargain hunt and find a deal  its the community, and its the hunt; the treasures, as so many people referred to their collection of antiques as.

This type of treasure may not be littered with gold and diamonds, but rather rust and dust. Its the story, the memories, and the connection to nostalgia that brings these items true value, and a purpose to events like Junktique.
Beijing, Sep 10 (PTI) On a difficult mission deputing for Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit, Premier Li Qiang had tough two days in New Delhi endorsing the joint declaration stated to be the biggest success for the host India which successfully navigated through the differences of China and Russia especially over Ukraine.

Li also had a difficult meeting with some of the Western leaders on the sidelines, especially Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has signalled Italys resolve to quit Chinas famed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for its failure to bring the expected results to Rome.

Also, India hogged the limelight as the African Union has been admitted as a permanent member of the G20 at the New Delhi summit after a successful diplomatic campaign by India in the run-up to the summit.

China over the years made big inroads in Africa with big-ticket infrastructure investments under President Xis ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which also drew criticism for its debt sustainability, especially of smaller countries.

On Sunday, Li had a meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who told him of Londons concern about Chinas interference in democracy in the UK following the arrest of a parliamentary researcher for spying.

Li for his part told Sunak that both sides should properly handle differences, uphold the spirit of inclusiveness and mutual learning, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns.

Li urged the United Kingdom to oppose politicising economics and trade, and strive to build an open world economy, the official media here reported.

Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted analysts as saying that India and the US made the best out of the inexplicable absence of Xi, who is the most powerful leader of China after CPC founder Mao Zedong.

The two countries promoted US-led multilateral lending to counter Chinas infrastructure diplomacy, went on a charm offensive with developing nations and inserted some minimal language into the communique that indirectly condemned Chinese ally Russia over its Ukraine invasion, the Post summed up the outcome of the New Delhi G20 summit.

Both Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the summit.

While theres been a lot of analysis about who is or isnt in Delhi for this summit and why or why not that may be, the United States is focused on the fact that President (Joe) Biden is here and rolling up his sleeves with the other G20 countries and partners to produce real results, said Jon Finer, principal deputy national security adviser on Saturday in New Delhi.

Its incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain why a leader would or would not participate, he told the Post.

Biden spoke of Xis absence: It would be nice to have him here but the summit is going well.

Besides issuing the joint statement, which was previously speculated to be the most difficult, the assembled leaders announced a memorandum of understanding to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a multinational rail and ports deal linking the three regions.

"This comes as the Biden administration tries to counter Xis massive signature BRI by touting Washington as an alternative partner and investor for developing countries," the Post report said.

This is a big deal. This is a real big deal, said Biden in announcing the pact, aimed at promoting clean energy and better communities. As we work to address infrastructure gaps across low- and middle-income countries, we need to maximise the impacts of our investments.

On Saturday, Li had a difficult meeting with Meloni whose government has openly expressed disenchantment with the BRI.

The Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani who visited Beijing on September 5 has spoken critically about the BRI, saying it did not bring the results we expected and many Italian parties were against Italys participation.

This comes ahead of Chinas plans to hold the third conference of BRI in Beijing next month. If Italy pulls out, it will be regarded as an embarrassment for Xis multi-billion-dollar pet project which also drew criticism about its debt sustainability, especially of smaller countries.

Also, much to the disquiet of China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced plans to launch the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor which includes India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany and the US.

State-run Global Times on Sunday quoted experts stating that the true purpose of the Biden administration is trying to "isolate China" in the Middle East, a region where Chinese cooperation with the region has constantly gained momentum in recent years.

Zhou Rong, a senior researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times that the US lacks both the genuine intention and the capability to follow through on its pledge to build up the transportation network in the Middle East.

On the concluding day of the G20 summit, while addressing the third session of the G20 summit on Sunday, Li spoke of the need to establish more practical cooperation mechanisms, take concrete actions, and support developing countries in better addressing development challenges such as poverty reduction, fundraising, climate change, food and energy security.

The G20 members should play an exemplary role, start with specific matters and strive to do well in the present, Li said.

Noting that the most urgent issue at present is development, Li pointed out that the G20 members should place the issue of development at the centre of macro-policy coordination.

Li stressed the need to establish more practical cooperation mechanisms, take concrete actions, and support developing countries in better addressing development challenges such as poverty reduction, fundraising, climate change, food and energy security.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
Taseli Plateau (Turkiye), Sep 9 (AP) Rescue teams began the arduous process Saturday of extricating an American researcher who became seriously ill while he was 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) below the entrance of a cave in Turkiye, officials said.

It could take days to bring Mark Dickey to the surface since rescuers anticipate he will have to stop and rest frequently at camps set up along the way as they pull his stretcher through the narrow passages.

This afternoon, the operation to move him from his camp at 1040 meters to the camp at 700 meters began, Turkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate, AFAD, told The Associated Press.

The 40-year-old experienced caver began vomiting on Sept. 2 because of stomach bleeding while on an expedition with a handful of others in the Morca cave in southern Turkiye's Taurus Mountains.

Rescuers from across Europe have rushed there to help Dickey and to extract him, including one Hungarian doctor who reached and treated him inside the cave on Sept. 3. Doctors gave Dickey IV fluids and 4 liters (1 gallon) of blood inside the cave, officials said. Teams comprised of a doctor and three or four others take turns staying with the American at all times.

There are 190 personnel from eight countries assisting in the rescue effort, including doctors, paramedics and experienced cavers, Mersin Gov. Ali Hamza Pehlivan told media on Saturday. He added that 153 of them were search and rescue experts.

We have received information that his condition is getting better, thanks to medical intervention. He has been in stable condition as of yesterday," he added.

Speaking with the AP before rescue operations began, Recep Salci, head of AFAD's search and rescue department, said the rescue will depend on Dickey's condition.

"If he feels well, we will assist him, and he will come out (of the cave) fast. But if his condition worsens, we will have to bring him up on a stretcher. He said bringing Dickey up in a stretcher could take up to 10 days.

Yusuf Ogrenecek of the Speleological Federation of Turkiye says that one of the most difficult tasks of cave rescue operations is widening the narrow cave passages to allow stretcher lines to pass through at low depths.

Stretcher lines are labor intensive and require experienced cave rescuers working long hours, Ogrenecek said, adding that other difficult factors range from navigating through mud and water at low temperatures to the psychological toll of staying inside a cave for long periods of time.

In Rome, Federico Catania, the spokesman for Italy's National Alpine and Speleological Rescue described the cave as one of the deepest in the world.

The cave is made up of many vertical shafts, so many sections that are extremely vertical with few horizontal sections where (the) rescuers are setting up temporary camps, he said.

Turkish authorities made a video message available that showed Dickey standing and moving around on Thursday. While alert and talking, he said he was not healed on the inside and needed a lot of help to get out of the cave. He thanked the caving community and the Turkish government for their efforts to rescue him. (AP) AMS

AMS
Mumbai, Sep 10 (PTI) Three persons were arrested after they allegedly entered a restricted zone of the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) here. The police also recovered 20 cartridges belonging to a CISF officer, which fell inside the vehicle when he intercepted it, an official said on Sunday.

The police on Saturday arrested Mahim residents Gaurav Wagal (27), Shreyas Churi (25) and Abhishek Mangaonkar (24), all of whom are students, the official from Yellow Gate police station said.



The trio had gone to south Mumbai in their car for dinner on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, after which they allegedly entered the restricted zone of the MbPT, he said.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel tried to intercept the vehicle, but it sped away. However, a CISF official managed to stop the car when the accused were taking a reverse, he said.

The CISF officer pointed a gun at the driver, but the car sped away and the magazine of his gun accidentally fell inside the vehicle, he said.



The CISF officials lodged a complaint at Yellow Gate police station, the official said.



The police collected the CCTV footage of the car and zeroed in on it with the help of the state transport department, he said, adding that 20 cartridges belonging to the CISF officer were recovered from the car.



The accused have been arrested under sections 447 (criminal trespass), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the official said.
Dhar, Sep 10 (PTI) Unidentified persons allegedly tried to keep an idol in the Bhojshala historical building, a disputed 11th century structure, in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, police said on Sunday.

Following the incident on Saturday night, police security was deployed around the premises, they said.



Both Hindus and Muslims lay claim on the Bhojshala, which derived its name from king Bhoja and is an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monument.

Additional Superintendent of Police Indrajeet Singh Bakarwal told reporters that some anti-social elements on Saturday night allegedly tried to keep an idol in the Bhojshala by cutting the fenced wire of the monument.

The police later came to know about the incident, he said.

Further legal steps were being taken after seeking a report from the ASI and the examination of CCTV footage, he said.

Police force was deployed outside the monument, he added.



Hindus consider Bhojshala as the temple of Goddess Waghdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims treat it as Kamal Moula mosque.

On several occasions in the past, tension prevailed in Dhar city over the historical building whenever the Basant Panchmi festival fell on a Friday.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Russia and the Western powers on Sunday claimed vindication of each other's respective positions on the Ukraine crisis at the G20 Summit a day after the grouping under India's presidency unveiled a declaration with consensus that avoided condemning Moscow for its invasion of the eastern European country.

At a media briefing, French President Emmanuel Macron said the G20 leaders' declaration "confirms" Russia's isolation for its attack on Ukraine and that the bloc is committed to "just and lasting" peace in the war-torn country.

In a separate press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the West failed to "Ukrainize" G20 largely due to the efforts by the developing countries.

However, both Russia and the Western powers complimented India for building consensus on the text relating to the Ukraine conflict in the leaders' declaration.

"The summit was a breakthrough event as it gave clear guidelines for achieving such goals (of ensuring a balance of interests in the global economy)," Lavrov said, hailing India's presidency of the grouping.

The G20 leaders adopted the New Delhi declaration by consensus on Saturday while avoiding mentioning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in what was largely seen as a climbdown by the Western powers on the conflict.

The declaration issued at the G20's Bali summit last November had deplored in the strongest terms the Russian aggression against Ukraine while most members strongly condemned the war.

In his remarks, the Russian foreign minister said the united position of the Global South prevented the West from focusing the G20 summit's agenda on Ukraine.

"Largely thanks to the consolidated position of the Global South on protecting its legitimate interests, Western attempts to focus the agenda on Ukraine to the detriment of discussing the pressing issues the developing world is facing failed," he said.

Lavrov said India has for the first time in the history of the G20 managed to consolidate representatives of the Global South.

He said the G20 developing countries have a "correct picture" of what is going on in Ukraine, alleging that "the Kiev regime destroyed its country's territorial integrity by itself."

In his comments, Macron said the G20 is not a forum for political discussions and that a "vast majority" of countries of the grouping have "condemned" the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"This G20 confirms once again the isolation of Russia. Today, an overwhelming majority of G20 members condemn the war in Ukraine and its impact," Macron said.

As G20 President, India did its best to send across a message of unity and peace to the world while Russia was still waging its aggression against Ukraine, Macron said.

The French President said the declaration referred to the need of upholding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called on all states to refrain from the "threat, or use, of force" to seek territorial acquisition.

He said the G20 is committed to "just and lasting" peace in Ukraine.

In a separate press conference, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Russia's "invasion" of Ukraine is something that is "shaking" the foundation of cooperation at G20.

"Russia's aggression in Ukraine is shaking the very foundation of cooperation at the G20...Further, it is causing enormous impact to the world economy through factors such as protracted rise of food and energy prices," he said.

"Today, as the world faces a complex crisis, collaboration at the G20 as a premier forum for economic cooperation is becoming increasingly important," Kishida said, speaking in Japanese.

"That is having a major impact on the global economy," he said.

The declaration issued at the G20's Bali Summit last November had deplored in the strongest terms the Russian aggression against Ukraine while most members strongly condemned the war.

The New Delhi G20 Declaration refers only to the "war in Ukraine" and noted with "deep concern the immense human suffering and the adverse impact of wars and conflicts around the world."

In reference to the Ukraine conflict, it also has a line that "there were different views and assessments of the situation."

Both Russia and China had agreed to the two paragraphs on the Ukraine conflict in the Bali declaration, but they backtracked from it this year creating difficulties for India.
Shimla, Sep 10 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh unit of CPI (M) on Sunday sought resignation and unconditional apology from the director of IIT-Mandi, Dr. Laxmidhar Behera, for his comments that landslides and cloudbursts are effects of cruelty on animals by people who eat meat.

In a letter to the IIT Mandi director, CPI (M) state secretary Onkar Shad said that his views on meat-eating have proved beyond doubt that there is no guarantee that one being in an elite technology institute has scientific vision.

Terming Beheras views as unscientific and contradictory to professional values and ethics, the CPI (M) leader said that it was an act of unprofessional conduct to force personal views on students and ask them to not eat meat.

A copy of the letter has also been sent to the a Union minister and the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister.

Behera stirred a controversy after he asked students to take a pledge not to eat meat while claiming that landslides and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh are happening because of cruelty on animals.

"Himachal Pradesh will have a significant downfall...if we do not stop butchering animals. You are butchering animals there... innocent animals. It has a symbiotic relationship with the degradation of the environment as well... which you cannot see right now but is there...

"It is having landslides, cloudbursts and many other things again and again, these are all effects of cruelty on animals...people eat meat," Behera said addressing the students. A video of his address surfaced online after the incident was reported on Thursday.

"To become good human beings, what do you have to do? No to meat eating," he further said and then went on to ask the students to vow not to eat meat.

The letter said that the people of Himachal Pradesh have been eating meat "for ages", asking the IIT-Mandi director why cloudbursts and landslides of the present magnitude did not happen for centuries."

The director has willfully skirted the issue of climate change, unimaginable rainfall, fragile nature of Himalayas, and anthropogenic causes behind this recent disaster, the letter said.

Do you not see blunders of reckless hill cutting for four-laning of roads, adverse impact of hydroelectric dams and depleted carrying capacity of the hills due to undue expansion and unplanned growth of hill towns, Shad added in the letter.

Attacking peoples food habits, cultural values, lifestyles, and hurting their sentiments is an insult to the people of the state, Shad said, demanding that the director issue an unconditional apology to the 80 lakh people of Himachal Pradesh.

The CPI (M) leader also asked Behera whether he would abandon the projects on curbing natural disasters and return the grant money to funding agencies and fight the natural disasters with his unscientific views.
Chandigarh, Sep 10 (PTI) The Punjab Police on Sunday conducted a special joint operation with forces in neighbouring states and Union Territories as part of security measures for the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

'Operation Seal 4' was conducted from 8 am to 2 pm in a synchronised manner with the forces from neighbouring states Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan and the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh, it said in a statement.

The police inspected suspicious vehicles entering and exiting the state to keep a check on gangsters and criminal elements, it added.

The two-day G20 Summit attended by top world leaders ended on Sunday. A New Delhi Leaders' Declaration was adopted after the meeting on Saturday.

On Saturday, the Punjab Police strengthened deployment as part of a 'red alert' and conducted flag marches in sensitive areas of the state.

Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla said senior superintendents of police in border districts were asked to put up strong 'nakas' at inter state-boundaries, in coordination with their counterparts in neighbouring states. They were directed to mobilise the maximum number of officers and manpower to lay strong 'nakas' at sealing points.

Shukla, in an official statement, said 104 well-coordinated strong 'nakas' involving over 1,000 personnel were set up at all entry/exit points of 10 districts that share boundaries with the border states and Union Territories.

The 10 inter-state border districts are Pathankot, Muktsar, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda.

Shukla said 3,624 vehicles entering the state were checked during the operation. Of these, challans were issued to 151 and 17 impounded. The police also registered 49 FIRs after arresting 64 people. A proclaimed offender was also arrested.

During the operation, the police also recovered two pistols and ammunition, Rs 1.48 lakh in cash, 667 grams of heroin, 35 kilogrammes of poppy husk, 40 grams of smack, 9,275 bottles of licit and 170 bottles of illicit liquor. They rounded up 721 suspicious people for questioning.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) Leaders of the G20 agreed to the creation of a working group on the empowerment of women to support the G20 women's ministerial panel which will convene its first meeting during Brazil's presidency of the bloc.

The Women and Child Development Ministry, in a statement, said that in a historic achievement for gender equality, women empowerment and women-led development, the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration has incorporated the Chair's statement which was adopted at the G20 Ministerial Conference for Women Empowerment in Gandhinagar.

"Leaders of the G20 agreed to the creation of a Working Group on the empowerment of women to support the G20 Women's Ministerial which will convene its first meeting during the Brazilian G20 Presidency," it said.

The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration focuses on enhancing economic and social empowerment, bridging the gender digital divide, driving gender inclusive climate action and securing women's food security, nutrition and well-being.

Brazil will officially take over the mantle of the G20 presidency from India on December 1 and the next leaders' summit is scheduled to be held at the popular seaside resort city of Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) As the national capital hosted the G20 Summit over the weekend, the 24x7 helpline of Delhi Traffic Police received 2,500 calls per day, six times the daily average, officials said on Sunday.

"On normal days prior to the G20 Summit, the helpline at the Public Interface Unit (PIU) received an average of about 400 calls per day. During the Summit, the unit received 2,500 calls per day from Thursday to Sunday. A G20 Traffic Virtual Helpdesk was established, which has been visited by more than 1.63 lakh people," the Delhi Traffic Police (DTP) said in a statement.

Police further said that the WhatsApp Helpline received 2,000 queries per day, whereas Delhi Traffic Police's handle on microblogging site X provided clarifications to more than 75 queries during this time.

"We had set up a round-the-clock Ambulance Assistance Control Room with a helpline number to help people during medical emergencies, which received 24 calls from Thursday to Sunday.

The police added that despite the traffic restrictions in place, the helpline did not receive a single call about any ambulance stuck in a traffic jam and not being allowed to move.

"Total 440 calls regarding the need for an ambulance were received on ERSS-112 and were handled promptly with positive feedback," the statement added.

Coordination was also made with the Mappls (MapmyIndia) navigation application for suggesting alternate routes in consonance with traffic regulations during the G20 Summit which ensured hassle-free movement of the public in the Delhi-NCR area, it said.

"The queries from the public were largely related to the availability of routes to various railway stations, places of interest, airports, availability of the best mode of transport to reach the destinations. The questions were also related to the opening of the tourist places for the general public and foreigners," the statement added.

Police further said that they constantly kept informing the general public about the latest route plans and security arrangements that could affect traffic movement. For medical emergencies, liaison staff at critical places and in the hospitals ensured that those in need received care and attention without delay.

"Alternative routes, facilitation to ambulances, and spot guidance were the norms. No untoward incident has been reported where security issues may have hassled the public. The Traffic staff was quick and lucid in response. Despite wide publicity that there was no lockdown, people still called up to confirm and were satisfied when reassured. There were queries as to how the families could reach burial sites and perform last rites," the statement added.

In view of security reasons for the G20 summit, traffic restrictions were imposed in the New Delhi area. The traffic police had issued an advisory on August 25 listing out the restrictions and alternative routes for people.
The Colorado departments of agriculture and education invite every school in the state to participate in their annual healthy eating initiative on Oct. 3.

Colorado Proud School Meal Day will celebrate the states agriculture and teach children about how they can live healthier lifestyles by considering the foods they consume. Each classroom can participate in its own way, and any school employee is welcome to sign up, be it an administrator, a cafeteria worker, a teacher or anybody in between, according to Colorado Proud, a program established by the Department of Agriculture that is leading School Meal Day.

Previous participants have invited local farmers to speak with classrooms or producers to create meals with students.

In order to encourage eating habits that will promote a lifetime of optimal health, it is essential to teach children about the importance of eating foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Each year on Colorado Proud School Meal Day, more than 100,000 students statewide learn about agriculture in classrooms and eat locally-grown and -made meals, a Colorado Proud news release reads.

Interested schools can visit ag.colorado.gov/school-meal-day for classroom materials, activity ideas, educational tools and more. Those wanting to participate but who would like more guidance can also reach out to Colorado Proud contacts listed on the website to brainstorm fun ways to get involved.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

State leaders, including the commissioners of agriculture and education, could potentially visit participating classrooms.

Colorado farmers and ranchers produce food items that provide the nutrients children and adults need to thrive. Agriculture contributes $47 billion to the state economy annually and provides more than 195,000 jobs. With more than 38,900 farms and ranches encompassing 32 million acres, it is easy to understand the value this industry adds to Colorado, the news release states.

To sign up, complete a brief Google form, which can also be accessed at the School Meal Day webpage.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 10 (PTI) A worker of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was murdered in Odisha's Ganjam district, a police officer said on Sunday.



The deceased was identified as Madhusudan Bisoyi.

"When Bisoi was going through the Nandini bridge at Sheragada, four people suddenly intercepted him and attacked his head with strong plastic pipes. Later, they threw him off the bridge. Bisoyis head again hit a concrete wall under the bridge, which resulted in his death on Saturday," Sheragada Inspector-in-Charge Satyajit Benia told PTI over phone.

As per preliminary investigation, Bisoyi was murdered over past political rivalry with his political opponents. he said.

A murder case has been registered in this regard and the body sent for post-mortem.

Two persons have been arrested in this connection, Benia said.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 10 (PTI) The Congress-led UDF opposition on Sunday demanded a probe to find out who was behind the alleged conspiracy to implicate late Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in a sexual exploitation case in connection with the solar scam.



The demand by the UDF came as the CBI, which is probing the matter, has reportedly said that some political leaders were behind the accusations against Chandy that were made by a woman who is the prime accused in the sensational solar scam.







In a report tabled before a magisterial court here, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly named the political leaders who were allegedly behind the conspiracy to implicate Chandy in the case.







Following the development, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly V D Satheesan demanded that those found by the CBI to have conspired against the late Congress leader be brought to justice.







Satheesan, in a statement, said the late Congress stalwart was hunted and his reputation maligned by his political opponents, and that the CBI report saying there was a conspiracy to implicate him in the case is an answer to all those who targeted Chandy.







He also alleged that the conspiracy was hatched with an intention to topple the then UDF government in the state.







Satheesan said that as Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had ordered the CBI probe, he cannot avoid the responsibility of the conspiracy.







Speaking along similar lines, Congress MP K Muraleedharan said the party was waiting for the entire report to be made public and to know the views of the court before which it was tabled.







"At the same time the party wants a fair and unbiased investigation into the conspiracy to implicate Oommen Chandy in the case," Muraleedharan, the former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and the son of legendary Congress leader K Karunakaran, told reporters.







It was a conspiracy to topple the then UDF government by making allegations against Chandy, he claimed and further alleged that "there is no doubt that the current Kerala Chief Minister has a role in it".







"The truth behind it needs to come out. For that a proper investigation is required, that is the party's wish. This issue would also be discussed in the party leadership meeting to be held on September 12. We want those behind the conspiracy to be brought before the public," the Congress MP said.







Similar demands were made by Congress MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan too.







Meanwhile, Saranya Manoj, a close relative of Kerala Congress (B) MLA K B Ganesh Kumar, claimed there was no political conspiracy in the matter and that he was hurt by the "unnecessary" allegations against Chandy.





Both Manoj and Kumar's names reportedly figure in the CBI report.



The Kerala Congress (B) is a part of the ruling LDF.



Manoj also told reporters that were no sexual assault related allegations against Chandy in the initial letter of the complainant and that Kumar had no role in the matter.



"In fact, Kumar gave statements in favour of Chandy before the CBI. That is what I was told by CBI officials too," Manoj claimed.







"I do not believe there was a political conspiracy," he added.







On the other hand, seven-time former MLA P C George alleged that he was approached to give a statement implicating Chandy, but he had refused to do so.







He too alleged that Vijayan was behind it as, without his direction, no one would dare to take such steps against Chandy.







The CBI in December last year had given a clean chit to Chandy in the sexual exploitation allegation levelled by a woman, who is the prime accused in the sensational solar scam that had rocked the state when his government was in power nearly a decade ago.







The CBI had earlier submitted referral reports in the court giving clean chits to four other Congress leaders including AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, Lok Sabha MPs Adoor Prakash and Hibi Eden and MLA A P Anil Kumar who were named as accused in the sexual exploitation case filed by the woman.







The cases against the six people, including Chandy, were registered over the past few years and investigated by the Crime Branch of the Kerala Police based on a complaint by the woman, an accused in the multi-crore solar panel scam during the UDF government, that she was sexually exploited by them in 2012.







The CPI(M)-led Kerala government had recommended a CBI inquiry into the cases in January 2021, a few months ahead of the polls to the state assembly.
Hyderabad, Sep 10 (PTI) A Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Sunday suffered injuries after the car in which she was travelling met with an accident in Suryapet district of Telangana, police said.

The incident happened in Chivvemla mandal in Suryapet district when Justice V Sujatha was travelling to Vijayawada from Hyderabad. The driver lost control of the vehicle and it fell into a roadside bush, they said.

After being alerted by some passersby, a police team rushed to the spot and shifted the judge to a hospital in Suryapet, a police official said.

The Judge sustained minor injuries and received two stitches on her head. Her condition is stable now, the official said adding the car driver also suffered minor injuries in the mishap.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 52F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Low 38F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.




The Group of 20 top world economies added the African Union as a member at their annual summit Saturday, and host India was able to get the disparate group to sign off on a final statement, but only after softening language on the contentious issue of Russias war in Ukraine.

In the months leading up to the leaders summit in New Delhi, India had been unable to find agreement on the wording about Ukraine, with Russia and China objecting even to language that they had agreed to last year at the G20 summit in Bali.

The final statement, released a day before the formal close of the summit, highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine, but did not mention Russias invasion.

It cited the U.N. charter, saying all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

By contrast, the Bali declaration had cited a U.N. resolution condemning the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and said most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine.

Nazia Hussain, an associate research fellow at Singapores S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said the statement showed a softening of the language on the war in Ukraine.

However, for New Delhi, getting out a joint statement with some reference to Ukraine, or a joint statement at all especially with both the United States and its western allies as well as China and Russia toughening their stance on the war, is a win.

Many had been skeptical that there would be a final communique, which would have been the first time one was not released and have been a blow to the prestige of the G20.

Western delegations applauded the agreement, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calling it a success of Indian diplomacy. He told reporters it was significant that in the end Russia had given up its resistance and signed on to the agreement that mentioned the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

A senior European Union official, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to be candid about the discussions, said the EU had not given up any of its position, and the fact that Russia had signed on to the agreement was important.

The option we have is text or no text, and I think its better text, he said. At least if they dont implement, we know once more that we cannot rely on them.

Russian negotiator Svetlana Lukash described the discussions on the Ukraine-related part of the final statement as very difficult, adding that the agreed text had a balanced view of the situation., Russian media reported.

She said Ukraine wasnt the only point of contention in reaching a statement, and charged that Western powers had tried to enforce the idea that its the Ukrainian conflict that provokes all the crises in the world now.

By contrast, there was widespread support for adding the AU to the G20, making it the second regional bloc to become a permanent member after the EU and adding momentum to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis drive to give a greater voice to the Global South.

The continent was thrust into the spotlight as well by the earthquake in Morocco, which happened while most of the delegates gathered in New Delhi were asleep. Modi offered condolences and support in his opening remarks.

The entire world community is with Morocco in this difficult time and we are ready to provide them all possible assistance, he said.

He told leaders they must find concrete solutions to the widespread challenges that he said stemmed from the ups and downs in the global economy, the north and the south divide, the chasm between the east and the west, and other issues like terrorism, cybersecurity, health and water security.

Modi addressed the delegates from behind a nameplate that listed his country not as India but as Bharat, an ancient Sanskrit name championed by his Hindu nationalist supporters.

India had made directing more attention to addressing the needs of the developing world a focus of the summit. at the summit  though it proved impossible to decouple many issues, such as food and energy security, from the war in Ukraine.

The summit came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said a landmark deal brokered by the U.N. and Turkey allowing Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea will not be restored until Western nations meet his demands on Russias own agricultural exports.

The G20 urged the resumption of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer shipments from Russia and Ukraine, saying it was necessary to feed people in Africa and other parts of the developing world.

Russia has been attacking Ukrainian port facilities, and the G20 in its final statement also called for an end to attacks on infrastructure related to the grain exports, and expressed deep concern about the effect of conflicts on civilians.

The G20 includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. Spain holds a permanent guest seat.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinas leader Xi Jinping opted not to come this year, ensuring no tough face-to-face conversations with their American and European counterparts.

Participants arriving in the Indian capital were greeted by streets cleared of traffic, and graced with fresh flowers and seemingly endless posters featuring slogans and Modis face. Security was intensely tight, with most journalists and the public kept far from the summit venue.

Hundreds of Tibetan exiles held a protest far from the summit venue to condemn Chinese participation in the event and urge leaders to discuss Sino-Tibetan relations.

The G20 agenda featured issues critical to developing nations, including alternative fuels like hydrogen, resource efficiency, food security and developing a common framework for digital public infrastructure.

Human Rights Watch urged the G20 leaders not to let international disunity over Ukraine distract them at the summit from the other issues.

In addition, Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy director of the organizations Asia division, said members should not shy away from openly discussing challenges like gender discrimination, racism and other entrenched barriers to equality, including with host India, where civil and political rights have sharply deteriorated under the Modi administration.

On Friday evening, before the meeting got formally underway, Modi met with U.S. President Joe Biden. White House aide Kurt Campbell told reporters afterward that there was an undeniable warmth and confidence between the two leaders.

As Indias regional rival China has become growingly assertive in the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. has been seeking to strengthen ties with India and others.

The U.S., India, the EU and others unveiled ambitious plans Saturday to build a rail and shipping corridor linking India with the Middle East and Europe that aims to strengthen economic growth and political cooperation.

This is a really big deal, Biden said.

(AP)




The United Nations atomic watchdog warned of a potential threat to nuclear safety from a spike in fighting near Europes largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine, whose forces continued pressing their counteroffensive on Saturday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said its experts deployed at the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant reported hearing numerous explosions over the past week, in a possible indication of increased military activity in the region. There was no damage to the plant.

I remain deeply concerned about the possible dangers facing the plant at this time of heightened military tension in the region, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned in a statement issued late Friday.

He noted that the IAEA team was informed that staff at the nuclear power plant had been reduced temporarily to minimum levels due to concerns of more military activity in the area.

Whatever happens in a conflict zone, wherever it may be, everybody would stand to lose from a nuclear accident, and I urge that all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid it happening, Grossi said.

The IAEA has repeatedly expressed concern that the fighting could cause a potential radiation leak from the facility, which is one of the worlds 10 biggest nuclear power stations. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features.

As Ukrainian forces pressed to expand their gains after recently capturing the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region, the U.K. Defense Ministry noted in its latest report that Russia has brought in reinforcements to stymie the Ukrainian advances.

It is highly likely that Russia has redeployed forces from other areas of the frontline to replace degraded units around Robotyne, it said. These redeployments are likely limiting Russias ability to carry out offensive operations of its own along other areas of the front line.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted that the Russian military has made notable changes to its command and control structure to protect command infrastructure and improve information sharing.

Russian forces have continued their barrage across Ukraine. The regional authorities in the northeastern region of Sumy that borders Russia said that the latest Russian shelling left four people wounded, one of whom later died in a hospital.

The Kremlin reaffirmed Saturday that Russia will not extend a landmark deal allowing Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea until the West fully meets Moscows demands regarding its own agricultural exports.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on reports that Western powers were allegedly discussing a deal that would allow the Russian Agricultural Bank to open a subsidiary that would be reconnected to the SWIFT payment system and meet other Russian demands. He said that Moscow expects the West to fulfill the original agreements to facilitate Russian agricultural exports that were reached in July 2022.

For instance, they are now saying that the West is allegedly ready to promise to open SWIFT for a subsidiary of the Russian Agricultural Bank, but the thing is that the agreements envisage SWIFT access for the Russian Agricultural Bank, not its subsidiary, Peskov said in a conference call with reporters.

He added that because they have already made a lot of promises, we considered ourselves entitled and obligated to wait first for the implementation before resuming the deal.

Russia refused to extend the deal in July, complaining that a parallel agreement promising to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertilizer hadnt been honored. It said restrictions on shipping and insurance hampered its agricultural trade, though it has shipped record amounts of wheat since last year.

Ukraine and its Western allies have dismissed the Kremlins demands as a ploy to advance its own interests.

On Saturday, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi arrived to Ukraine for an official visit and prayed at a church in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, where some of the worst atrocities of Russias war occurred early during the invasion.

I am grateful to Japan for remaining our key partner in Asia and supporting Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Speaking after talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Hayashi pledged that Japan will go hand in hand with Ukraine until peace returns to its beautiful land.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that while Japan cannot provide Ukraine with lethal weapons, it has already demonstrated that it can do many other important things to improve our security.

Japan has given Ukraine more than $7 billion in assistance since the start of the full-scale invasion. As part of its assistance, Tokyo provided two transformers to help Ukraine restore its energy systems after relentless Russian strikes, and donated 24 trucks to help Ukraine clear unexploded ordnance.

(AP)
Where are people moving when they leave El Paso County? And when they move here from other places, where do they come from?

Interestingly, the majority relocate to the same states as other people are departing to come here, according to statistics from the state demographers office.

The states are Texas, California and Florida. And to and from Colorado itself, the numbers show.

The most obvious reason for the population exchange is that the other three states are the nations largest by population, said Colorado State Demographer Elizabeth Garner.

They have a dominating impact on other states simply because of their size, she said.

Otherwise, its a guess.

Colorado has a symbiotic relationship with Texas, California and Florida, Garner said. I think its funny weve got this relationship with Florida because Colorado and Florida are so different.

Maybe its the idea that opposites attract.

But more likely, politics is a consideration these days.

Conservative Coloradans may want to live in Texas or Florida because both have Republican governors and do not levy a state income tax, Garner noted.

People look at the warmer weather of those states and maybe their tax dollars may go a little further.

And California is known for its liberal political policies, which could be why Coloradans who are Democrats seek out the Golden State.

Nearby states also attract Colorado transplants, including New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Wyoming, Garner said, probably because of their proximity, but also maybe the mixed bag of political leanings.

An influx of people that moved to Wyoming during the pandemic came from Colorado, according to Wyoming's Economic Analysis Division.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Between 2019 and 2020 4,456 people moved from Colorado to Wyoming, reversing a negative state migration, the division reported.

At this point, Colorado ranks fourth in the nation on a list of state most American want to relocate from, according to the comparison site, SelfStorage.com.

In determining the top 10 states with the most residents interested in relocating, Colorado had a Google search volume of 131 per 100,000 population, leading to its fourth-place ranking behind Florida, Utah and Idaho.

As far as in-state migrants, the majority of newcomers to El Paso County left Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and Douglas counties, data show.

And people who move out of El Paso County for another Colorado locale are most likely to end up in Jefferson, Denver, Douglas, Pueblo and Arapahoe counties.

The top states for in-migration also are where the most El Paso County visitors hail from. Colorado residents constitute 22% of visitors to the Pikes Peak region, followed by Texas and California each at 12%, then Florida and New York each at 5%, according to Visit Colorado Springs 2022 Longwoods Report.

We frequently say, 'it all starts with a visit,' said Doug Price, president and CEO of Visit Colorado Springs, the citys visitors bureau.

The No. 1 reason people visit Colorado Springs is to visit their friends and family, he said. Once theyre here, our beautiful outdoor spaces speak for themselves.

And along with thousands of active-duty military at five military installations, Families and individuals that get assigned here often stay longer or move back, Price said.

With a population of 740,552 as of July 1, 2022, the most recent tally available, El Paso County is now the states largest county, Garner said.

Its also geographically big, which influences the two main elements  the economy and demographics  used in projecting growth.

El Paso County is one of our most important counties in terms of job growth, Garner said. We assume well see population growth to fill those jobs. Additionally, people will age out of the workforce and retire, creating more openings, she said.

El Paso County is definitely a huge anchor for the south Front Range and for southern Colorado. It has a pretty diverse labor force and that extra difference in being our largest military county, Garner said. El Paso County is one of our biggest players in the state.




Mayor Eric Adams has called for budget reductions of up to 15% across all New York City agencies to help conserve funds that can be directed to dealing with the growing migrant crisis. But experts warn that these cuts could undermine crucial municipal services, including trash collection, after-school programs, and law enforcement.

All city departments have received instructions to trim 5% from their budgets by November, translating into a financial reduction from the city-funded segment of Adams $107 billion spending proposal. However, if the city fails to secure adequate financial support from the Biden administration or Albany early next year, Adams has cautioned that additional 5% reductions may be mandated in both January and April.

Since the significant influx of asylum seekers into our city began last spring, we have cautioned New Yorkers that this crisis could potentially impact every city service if we did not receive the necessary assistance, Adams remarked in an official statement. With the compounding costs of a national crisis impacting New York City, dwindling COVID funding, and reduced revenue growth, our citys financial future could be in jeopardy if we do not take action.

Despite these financial challenges, Adams said that his administration will work to minimize disruptions to essential programs and has ruled out layoffs, a claim contested by some City Hall insiders.

Theres no scenario where a 5% cut at every agency can occur without layoffs, an inside source told the NY Post. This could lead to dirtier streets and a potential increase in crime.

Its worth noting that Mayor Adams had previously unveiled two rounds of budget cuts to address the ongoing crisis, including 3% reductions across all city agencies last September and an additional 4.75% cut for the current fiscal year.

This latest announcement comes amid the NYPDs ongoing battle with surging crime rates and challenges faced by the Department of Homeless Services and other city agencies in delivering essential services.

The city has established over 200 emergency shelters to accommodate more than 110,000 migrants. Adams has estimated that the city has already expended nearly $1.5 billion in managing the influx of new arrivals over the past year, with potential spending projected to reach up to $12 billion by July 2025.

As news of the impending agency budget cuts spread, many New Yorkers expressed concerns about the potential impact on city services, and socialist Comptroller Brad Lander of New York City commented that his office would scrutinize the proposed cuts but cautioned against scapegoating asylum seekers, emphasizing that it would not enhance education, public safety, housing affordability, or the overall quality of life for New Yorkers.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




The Saudi crown prince once vilified by President Joe Biden has been elevated from a fist bump to a hearty handshake.

Biden warmly greeted Saudi Arabias de facto leader, Mohammed bin Salman, after they appeared together along with several other leaders at the Group of 20 summit Saturday in New Delhi. The leaders had gathered to announce an ambitious plan to build a rail and shipping corridor linking India with the Middle East and Europe.

Biden smiled and shook hands with the crown prince, who is often referred to by his initials MBS, as the announcement wrapped up. This years G20 host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Mod i, quickly draped his own hand over their hands.

The cordial greeting was a sharp contrast to the last time Biden and the crown prince met, just over a year ago, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During that encounter, Biden awkwardly greeted the crown prince with a fist bump, a moment roundly criticized by human rights activists, who were already upset at Bidens decision to meet with the Saudi leader.

Bin Salman has been harshly criticized for his human rights violations. U.S. intelligence officials determined that the prince approved the 2018 murder of the U.S.-based writer Jamal Khashoggi, who was a tough critic of the kingdoms ruling family,

Fred Ryan, who was publisher of The Washington Post at the time of last years Biden-Prince Mohammed meeting, said the fist bump projected a level of intimacy and comfort that delivers to MBS the unwarranted redemption he has been desperately seeking. Khashoggi was a contributor for the newspaper.

Biden refused to speak to Prince Mohammed at the start of his administration. As a presidential candidate in 2020, Biden said he wanted to make the Saudis pay the price, and make them in fact the pariah that they are.

But concerns about human rights eventually were eclipsed by other factors, including Irans nuclear ambitions, the volatile oil market after Russias invasion of Ukraine, and recognition by the Biden administration that the crown prince will likely be an important voice of one of the Middle Easts most important countries for years to come.

(AP)




BChasdei Hashem, all 56 Israelis who were unaccounted for on Motzei Shabbos after the devastating earthquake in Morocco were in contact overnight with their relatives and are safe.

There were 468 Israelis in Morocco when the earthquake stuck on Shabbos.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Sunday morning: Im pleased to inform you that during the night, ministry officials located the last of the Israeli citizens who were unaccounted for in the Marrakech region of Morocco.

Kobi Ifrach, who runs the Kulna organization in Morocco that fosters ties between Israel and Arab countries, told Yisrael Hayom about the moments of horror, saying, While singing Shabbat songs, the house started swaying from side to side with a strong tremor. We immediately realized it was an earthquake and ran outside in a frenzied panic.

The ground was still shaking outside. After a few minutes, we realized that this was a different event from what we knew or had been in before. In the street outside, everything was falling down, Ifrach said, adding that he and other Kulna volunteers made sure that the members of the local Jewish community were safe.

In the morning, the destruction became clear, dozens of houses collapsed. Our shul, from the outside everything is broken and destroyed and there was no way to get inside, where the ceiling collapsed.

Since the disaster was reported, we have intensified the operations at the Foreign Ministrys situation room. During the day, a reinforcement delegation will depart for the Israeli embassy in Rabat, Morocco, to assist Israelis there in returning to Israel. Additionally, we are preparing to send a rescue mission and humanitarian assistance to the disaster-stricken area. I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated employees of the Foreign Ministry who have been working around the clock, and I extend my condolences to the people of Morocco for this severe disaster.

  |  ,         ,  -#_: "        ,             "@sefiova @yanircozin pic.twitter.com/9BtjexWKTb   (@GLZRadio) September 10, 2023

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a message on Sunday in which he called on Israelis to avoid traveling to Uman.

As part of a discussion held at the weekly Cabinet meeting regarding Jerusalem Minister Meir Porushs Uman plan, Netanyahu said that during his discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, Zelensy emphasized that there arent even enough shelters in Uman for local residents, all the more so for foreign tourists.

After the meeting, Netanyahu issued a message stating: Israeli citizens who are traveling to Ukraine need to act responsibly regarding their trips at this time.

Hakadosh Baruch Hu has not always protected us, not in Europe nor Ukraine.

It must be understood that in the State of Israel, when missiles fall on us, citizens enter shelters and there is protection. There, there are no shelters and no protection.

Netanyahu instructed Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to sharpen the ministrys travel warning to Ukraine and detail the threats involved in traveling there.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco, sending people racing from their beds into the streets and toppling buildings in mountainous villages and ancient cities not built to withstand such force. More than 2,000 people were killed, and the toll was expected to rise as rescuers struggled Saturday to reach hard-hit remote areas.

Israel is sending a rescue delegation to Morrocco on Sunday to assist in bringing Israelis home. The Foreign Ministry stated on Motzei Shabbos that there are 468 Israelis in Morocco, of whom 56 are unaccounted for.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke to his Moroccan counterpart on Motzei Shabbos and offered to send a humanitarian delegation to the stricken country.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated on Motzei Shabbos: In the wake of the earthquake disaster in Morocco, I have instructed all ministries and forces to assist as needed to the Moroccan people, including preparations for sending a relief mission to the area. Israel is standing by our friends, the Moroccan people, in their time of hardship. We offer our prayers for their well-being and will assist in any way necessary.

The magnitude 6.8 quake, the biggest to hit the North African country in 120 years, sent people fleeing their homes in terror and disbelief late Friday. One man said dishes and wall hangings began raining down, and people were knocked off their feet. The quake brought down walls made from stone and masonry, covering whole communities with rubble.

The devastation gripped each town along the High Atlas steep and winding switchbacks in similar ways: homes folding in on themselves and mothers and fathers crying as boys and helmet-clad police carried the dead through the streets.

Remote villages like those in the drought-stricken Ouargane Valley were largely cut off from the world when they lost electricity and cellphone service. By midday, people were outside mourning neighbors, surveying the damage on their camera phones and telling one another May God save us.

Hamid Idsalah, a 72-year-old mountain guide, said he and many others remained alive but had little future to look forward to. That was true in the short-term  with remnants of his kitchen reduced to dust  and in the long-term  where he and many others lack the financial means to rebound.

I cant reconstruct my home. I dont know what Ill do. Still, Im alive, so Ill wait, he said as he walked through the desert oasis town overlooking red rock hills, packs of goats and a glistening salt lake. I feel heartsick.

In historic Marrakech, people could be seen on state TV clustering in the streets , afraid to go back inside buildings that might still be unstable. The citys famous Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century, was damaged, but the extent was not immediately clear. Its 69-meter (226-foot) minaret is known as the roof of Marrakech. Moroccans also posted videos showing damage to parts of the famous red walls that surround the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At least 2,012 people died in the quake, mostly in Marrakech and five provinces near the epicenter, Moroccos Interior Ministry reported Saturday night. At least 2,059 more people were injured  1,404 critically  the ministry said.

The problem is that where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough to cope with strong ground shaking, so many collapse, resulting in high casualties, said Bill McGuire, professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London.

In a sign of the huge scale of the disaster, Moroccos King Mohammed VI ordered the armed forces to mobilize specialized search and rescue teams and a surgical field hospital, according to a statement from the military.

The king said he would visit the hardest hit area Saturday, but despite an outpouring of offers of help from around the world, the Moroccan government had not formally asked for assistance, a step required before outside rescue crews could deploy.

The epicenter of Fridays tremor was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, roughly 70 kilometers (44 miles) south of Marrakech. Al Haouz is known for scenic villages and valleys tucked in the High Atlas Mountains.

Police, emergency vehicles and people fleeing in shared taxis spent hours traversing unpaved roads through the High Atlas in stop-and-go traffic, often exiting their cars to help clear giant boulders from routes known to be rugged and difficult long before Fridays earthquake.

In Ijjoukak, a village in the area surrounding Toubkal, North Africas tallest peak, residents estimated nearly 200 buildings had been leveled.

Couch cushions, electric cords and grapes were strewn in giant piles of rubble alongside dead sheep, houseplants and doors wedged between boulders. Relatives from the town and those who had driven from major cities cried while they wondered who to call as they reckoned with the aftermath and a lack of food and water.

It felt like a bomb went off, 34-year-old Mohamed Messi said.

Morocco will observe three days of national mourning with flags at half-staff on all public facilities, the official news agency MAP reported.

World leaders offered to send in aid or rescue crews as condolences poured in from countries in Europe, the Middle East and the Group of 20 summit in India. The president of Turkey, which lost tens of thousands of people in a massive earthquake earlier this year, was among those proposing assistance. France and Germany, with large populations of people of Moroccan origin, also offered to help, and the leaders of both Ukraine and Russia expressed support for Moroccans.

In an exceptional move, neighboring rival Algeria offered to open its airspace to allow eventual humanitarian aid or medical evacuation flights to travel to and from Morocco. Algeria closed the airspace when its government severed diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021 over a series of issues. The countries have a decadeslong dispute involving the territory of Western Sahara.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11:11 p.m. (22:11 GMT), with shaking that lasted several seconds. The U.S. agency reported a magnitude 4.9 aftershock hit 19 minutes later. The collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates occurred at a relatively shallow depth, which makes a quake more dangerous.

Earthquakes are relatively rare in North Africa. Lahcen Mhanni, Head of the Seismic Monitoring and Warning Department at the National Institute of Geophysics, told 2M TV that the earthquake was the strongest ever recorded in the region.

In 1960, a magnitude 5.8 tremor struck near the Moroccan city of Agadir and caused thousands of deaths. That quake prompted changes in construction rules in Morocco, but many buildings, especially rural homes, are not built to withstand such tremors.

In 2004, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake near the Mediterranean coastal city of Al Hoceima left more than 600 dead.

Fridays quake was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algerias Civil Defense agency, which oversees emergency response.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem & AP)




In recent developments, Israels Ambassador in Kyiv, Michael Brodsky, engaged in significant discussions with Ukraines Border Control leadership, as revealed by diplomatic sources reported to The Times of Israel.

Their exchange was notably positive, with Ukrainian officials affirming their dedication to ensuring a seamless entry for Jewish pilgrims gathering in Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Notably, they pledged to maintain border openness around the clock.

This crucial phone conversation followed a preceding dialogue between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to an official source, President Zelensky had requested the deployment of 100 Israeli police officers to Uman. While the exact number remains under consideration, Israeli police authorities are convening tomorrow to finalize the decision.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Terrorists from the El Ayah Battalion in Jenin claimed on Sunday that they fired a rocket at the Ran On yishuv in the Gilboa region of northern Israel.

The IDF confirmed the rockets launch later on Sunday, adding that the projectile fell far short of its target, falling in a Palestinian area.

A video of the launch was posted on social media.

It was the seventh time in recent months that Palestinians from the northern Shomron attempted to launch a rocket at Jewish yishuvim in the Gilboa.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
NextEra Energy, Inc. is the largest electric utility holding company in the US. It operates a network of power generation and distribution facilities that include fossil-fuel-generated and green energy. As of mid-2022, the company was capable of generating 58 GW of electricity with nearly 60% of the load produced by green sources including wind and solar. In their view, going green isnt an option, its the solution. NextEra Energy has been recognized multiple times as a leader in clean energy and ESG practices and was ranked the #1 electric and gas utility on the Forbes list of Most Admired Companies.

The company is the result of several mergers that begin with FPL Group. FPL Group is now a subsidiary of NextEra Energy and the third-largest provider of electricity in the US servicing nearly half of Florida. FPL and its affiliates are the single largest provider of renewable energy generated from wind and sun. The group changed its name in 2010 following a decision to shift focus onto renewable energy sources.

Today, NextEra Energy, Inc through its subsidiary FPL serves about 12 million people in eastern and southwestern Florida. The company employs nearly 14,900 people who service 5.8 million accounts. The company is in business to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity to retail and wholesale clients. Electricity is generated through wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal-fired facilities.

The company is also engaged in the construction and operation of new facilities, specifically renewable power generation, storage, and delivery facilities, and can offer custom solutions tailored to any need. Offerings include tailored services to assist businesses with their transition to clean energy.

NextEra Energy also owns and operates 7 nuclear power stations in Florida, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin generating power for the wholesale market.

Unlike other companies that are targeting net-zero emissions, NextEra Energy has a plan to reach real zero and is investing heavily to reach that goal by 2045. The company had invested nearly $50 billion in green energy infrastructure and initiatives by mid-2022. The plan is to first work on reducing its own emissions and then take its knowledge and expertise to the world.
The following companies are subsidiares of Ecolab: AO Ecolab, Abednego Environmental Services, Abednego Environmental Services LLC, Abednego Mexico Holdings LLC, Abednego de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Alcide Corp., Anios America S.A., Anios Diffusion SAS, Anios Manufacturing SAS, Aqua Environmental Limited, Bioquell, Bioquell Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Bioquell Global Logistics (Ireland) Ltd., Bioquell Holding SAS, Bioquell Inc., Bioquell Limited, Bioquell SAS, Bioquell Technology (Shenzhen) Ltd., Bioquell Technology Canada Ltd., Bioquell UK Limited, Bro-Tech Limited, CALGON LLC, CID LINES NV, CID Lines, CID Lines Beijing Animal Hygiene Co Ltd., CID Lines France Sarl, CID Lines Iberica SL, CID Lines LLC, CID Lines Mexico S.A. DE C.V., CID Lines R&D NV, CID Lines Sp. z o. o., CORPAK MedSystems, Cascade Water Services, Champion Technologies, Chamtech L.L.C., Chemlawn, Chemstar Corporation, Cirlam BVBA, Copal Holding NV, Copal Invest NV, Cymru Holdings Limited, DERYPOL SA, DMD, E&M Bio-Chemicals LLC, ECOLAB NL 10 B.V., ECOLAB PEST FRANCE SAS, EPN Water Col Ltd., Ecolab (Antigua) Ltd., Ecolab (Aruba) N.V., Ecolab (Barbados) Limited, Ecolab (China) Investment Co. Ltd, Ecolab (Fiji) Pty Limited, Ecolab (GZ) Chemicals Limited, Ecolab (Guam) LLC, Ecolab (Proprietary) Limited, Ecolab (Schweiz) GmbH, Ecolab (St. Lucia) Limited, Ecolab (Taicang) Technology Co. Ltd., Ecolab (Trinidad and Tobago) Unlimited, Ecolab (U.K.) Holdings Limited, Ecolab A.E.B.E., Ecolab AB, Ecolab AU2 Pty Ltd, Ecolab Acquisition LLC, Ecolab ApS, Ecolab Argentina S.R.L., Ecolab Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Ecolab B.V., Ecolab Bahrain S.P.C., Ecolab CDN 2 Co., Ecolab CDN 4 ULC, Ecolab CH 1 GmbH, Ecolab CH 2 GmbH, Ecolab CH 3 GmbH in Liquidation, Ecolab CH 6 GmbH, Ecolab Chemicals Limited, Ecolab Co. Compagnie Ecolab, Ecolab Colombia S. A., Ecolab DE 1 GmbH, Ecolab Deutschland GmbH, Ecolab Digital Center Private Limited, Ecolab EOOD, Ecolab East Africa (Kenya) Limited, Ecolab East Africa (Tanzania) Limited, Ecolab East Africa (Uganda) Limited, Ecolab Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Ecolab Engineering GmbH, Ecolab Europe GmbH, Ecolab Export GmbH, Ecolab FR 1 SAS, Ecolab FR 4 SAS, Ecolab Finance Company Designated Activity Company, Ecolab Food Safety & Hygiene Solutions Private Limited, Ecolab G.K., Ecolab Global Business Services LLC, Ecolab GmbH, Ecolab Gulf FZE, Ecolab HK 1 Limited, Ecolab HK 2 Limited, Ecolab Hispano-Portuguesa S.L., Ecolab Holding Italy S.r.l., Ecolab Holdings (Europe) LLC, Ecolab Holdings Inc., Ecolab Holdings Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., Ecolab Hygiene Kft., Ecolab Hygiene d.o.o., Ecolab International SDN BHD, Ecolab Israel Holdings LLC, Ecolab JVZ Limited, Ecolab Korea Ltd., Ecolab LLC, Ecolab LUX & Co Holdings S.C.A., Ecolab LUX 1 Sarl, Ecolab LUX 2 Sarl, Ecolab LUX 4 Sarl, Ecolab LUX 7 Sarl, Ecolab LUX Sarl, Ecolab Limited, Ecolab Ltd., Ecolab Lux 10 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 12 SCA, Ecolab Lux 13 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 14 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 15 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 16 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 17 Sarl, Ecolab Lux 9 Sarl, Ecolab Lux Partner LLC, Ecolab MT Holdings LLC, Ecolab MT Limited, Ecolab Malta 1 Limited, Ecolab Malta 2 Limited, Ecolab Malta GPS, Ecolab Manufacturing IE Limited, Ecolab Manufacturing Inc., Ecolab Manufacturing UK Limited, Ecolab Maroc Societe a Responsabilite Limitee, Ecolab NL 11 B.V., Ecolab NL 15 BV, Ecolab NL 16 B.V., Ecolab NL 23 B.V., Ecolab NL 3 BV, Ecolab Name Holding Limited, Ecolab New Zealand, Ecolab Peru Holdings S.R.L., Ecolab Pest Deutschland GmbH, Ecolab Philippines Inc., Ecolab Production Belgium B.V., Ecolab Production France SAS, Ecolab Production Italy Srl, Ecolab Production LLC, Ecolab Production Netherlands B.V., Ecolab Production Poland sp. z o.o., Ecolab Pte. Ltd., Ecolab Pty Ltd., Ecolab Quimica Ltda., Ecolab S. de R.L. de C.V., Ecolab S.A., Ecolab S.A. de C.V., Ecolab SAS, Ecolab SIA, Ecolab SNC, Ecolab SRL, Ecolab Sdn Bhd, Ecolab Services Argentina S.R.L., Ecolab Services Malaysia SDN. BHD., Ecolab Services Poland Sp. z o, Ecolab Sociedad Anonima, Ecolab Sp. z o, Ecolab Spain Services S.L.U., Ecolab Temizleme Sistemleri Limited Sirketi, Ecolab U.S. 2 Inc., Ecolab U.S. 6 LLC, Ecolab U.S. 7 LLC, Ecolab US 1 GP, Ecolab USA Inc., Ecolab Viet Nam Company Limited, Ecolab Water Holding LImited, Ecolab a.s., Ecolab d.o.o., Ecolab s.r.l., Ecolab s.r.o., Ecolab y Compania Colectiva de Responsabilidad Limitada, Ecolab-Importacao E. Exportacao Limitada, Ecolabone B.V., Ecolabtwo B.V., Endoclear Equipamentos Medicos Hospitalares Ltda., Enviroflo Engineering Limited, Food Protection Services, GCS Service, Gallay Medical & Scientific Pty Ltd, Gallay Medical & Scientific Pty Ltd., GallayTrac Pty. Ltd., Georgia-Pacific - Paper Chemicals Business, Gibson Chemical Industries, Green Harbour Mainland Holdings Ltd, Henkel-Ecolab, Hicopla SL, Holchem Laboratories, Huntington Laboratories, Hydenet SAS, INTERNATIONAL WATER CONSULTANT B.V., Immobiliare R.E.O.P.A. SRL, Instrunet Hospital SLU, Jianghai Environmental Protection Co., Jianghai Environmental Protection Co. Ltd., KATAYAMA NALCO INC., Kay BV, Kay Chemical Company, LHS (UK) Limited, Laboratoires Anios, Laboratoires Anios S.A.S., Laboratoires Anios-Distribution SAS, Les Produits Chimiques ERPAC Inc., Lobster Ink, Lobster Ink Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Lobster International S.A., MOBOTEC AB LLC, Master Chemicals OOO, Meratech Rus Group LLC, Microtek Dominicana S.A., Microtek Italy S.R.L., Microtek Medical B.V., Microtek Medical Holdings, Microtek Medical Holdings Inc., Microtek Medical Inc., Microtek Medical Malta Holding Limited, Microtek Medical Malta Limited, Midland Research Laboratories, NALCO (SHANGHAI) TRADING CO. LTD., NALCO AB, NALCO ACQUISITION ONE, NALCO ACQUISITION TWO LIMITED, NALCO AFRICA (PTY.) LTD., NALCO ASIA HOLDING COMPANY PTE. LTD., NALCO BELGIUM B.V., NALCO CHINA HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO COMPANY OOO, NALCO DANMARK APS, NALCO DE MEXICO S. de R. L. de C.V., NALCO DELAWARE COMPANY, NALCO DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, NALCO DUTCH HOLDINGS B.V., NALCO EGYPT LTD., NALCO EGYPT TRADING, NALCO ESPANOLA MANUFACTURING S.L.U., NALCO ESPANOLA S.L., NALCO EUROPE B.V., NALCO FINLAND MANUFACTURING OY, NALCO FINLAND OY, NALCO FRANCE SAS, NALCO FRANCE SNC, NALCO GLOBAL HOLDINGS B.V., NALCO GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO HOLDING B.V., NALCO HOLDING COMPANY, NALCO HOLDINGS G.m.b.H., NALCO HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, NALCO HONG KONG LIMITED, NALCO INDUSTRIAL OUTSOURCING COMPANY, NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (NANJING) CO. LTD., NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (SUZHOU) CO. LTD., NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES (THAILAND) CO. LTD., NALCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES CHILE LIMITADA, NALCO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS B.V., NALCO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO INVESTMENTS U.K. LIMITED, NALCO ISRAEL INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD, NALCO ITALIANA HOLDINGS S.R.L., NALCO ITALIANA MANUFACTURING S.R.L., NALCO ITALIANA SrL, NALCO KOREA LIMITED, NALCO LIMITED, NALCO MANUFACTURING BETEILIGUNGS GMBH, NALCO MANUFACTURING LTD., NALCO NETHERLANDS B.V., NALCO OSTERREICH Ges m.b.H., NALCO OVERSEAS HOLDING B.V., NALCO PAKISTAN (PRIVATE) LIMITED, NALCO PHILIPPINES INC., NALCO PORTUGUESA (QUIMICA INDUSTRIAL) UNIPESSOAL LDA, NALCO PWS INC., NALCO SAUDI CO. LTD., NALCO TAIWAN CO. LTD., NALCO TWO INC., NALCO U.S. HOLDINGS LLC, NALCO UNIVERSAL HOLDINGS BV, NALCO WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LLC, NALTECH INC., NANOSPECIALTIES LLC, NLC PROCESS AND WATER SERVICES SARL, Nalco (BN) SDN BHD, Nalco (China) Environmental Solution Co. Ltd., Nalco Anadolu Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Nalco Canada ULC, Nalco Company LLC (1), Nalco Contract Operations LLC, Nalco Deutschland Manufacturing GmbH, Nalco Japan G.K., Nalco Libya, Nalco Middle East FZE, Nalco Polska Sp. z o. o., Nalco Production LLC, Nalco Real Estate GmbH, Nalco Schweiz GmbH, Nalco US 1 LLC, Nalco Wastewater Contract Operations Inc., Nalco Water India Private Limited, Nalco Water Pretreatment Solutions LLC, Nalco Worldwide Holdings S.a.r.l./B.V., National Wiper Alliance Inc., Nigiko, Nuova Farmec S.r.l., Oksa Kimya Sanayi A.S., Oy Ecolab AB, PT Ecolab International Indonesia, PT Ecolab Technologies and Services, Purate business - AkzoNobel, Purolite, Purolite (China) Co. Ltd., Purolite (Int.) Ltd, Purolite (Pty) Ltd, Purolite AG, Purolite GmbH, Purolite Ileri Kimyasal Ticaret Ltd, Purolite KK, Purolite LLC, Purolite Ltd, Purolite NZ Limited, Purolite Private Limited, Purolite Pte. Ltd., Purolite Pty Ltd, Purolite S. de R.L. de C.V., Purolite SAS, Purolite SRL, Purolite do Brasil Ltda, Purolite s.r.o., Purolite sp. z o.o., Purolite C Corporation, QazSorbent LLP, Quantum Technical Services LLC, Quimicas Ecolab S.A. de C.V., Quimiproductos S.A. de C.V, RP Adam Ltd, Research Fumigation Co., Royal Pest Solutions, Shield Holdings Limited, Shield Medicare Limited, Soluscope International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Soluscope SAS, Swisher Hygiene, TechTex Holdings Limited, Technical Textile Services Limited, Terminix, Ultrafab, VanBaele Hygiene AG, Wabasha Leasing LLC, Zhe Jiang Purosoft Home Appliances Sale Co Ltd, and vanBaerle Hygiene AG.

Read More
The Charles Schwab Corporation is a financial services company that offers a wide range of investment services, including brokerage, banking, and financial advisory services. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Westlake, Texas, the company operates through two main segments: Investor Services and Advisor Services. The Investor Services segment offers individual investors retail brokerage and banking services, while the Advisor Services segment provides custodial, trading, and support services to independent investment advisors. In 2020, the company completed its acquisition of TD Ameritrade, further expanding its client base and offerings.

Charles Schwab Corporation's management team is led by Walt Bettinger, who has been the company's President and Chief Executive Officer since 2008. Mr. Bettinger joined the company in 1995 and has held various leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Head of Schwab Institutional.

Over the past few years, Charles Schwab Corporation has experienced steady growth in its key financial metrics. It is reporting increased revenue and increased profit margin. Charles Schwab Corporation's valuation metrics are generally in line with industry peers. The company's price-to-earnings ratio is slightly lower than the industry average, and the company's price-to-book ratio is also somewhat lower than the industry average. Charles Schwab Corporation's stock has generally performed well over the past few years, with some fluctuations in response to broader market conditions and regulatory changes. The company's stock price has outperformed the S&P 500 for several years. The company has also experienced increases in trading volume in response to changes in market conditions and regulatory changes.

Charles Schwab Corporation operates in the financial services industry, which has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past few years. The industry has been impacted by a range of factors, including advances in technology, changing consumer preferences, and regulatory changes. Charles Schwab Corporation competes with other financial services firms, including traditional brokerage firms, online investment platforms, and banks.

Charles Schwab Corporation has a range of potential growth opportunities, including expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients. The company has been investing in technology and digital platforms to improve its services and attract new clients. In addition, the company's acquisition of TD Ameritrade has provided new opportunities for growth and expansion. The company also focuses on expanding its international presence and exploring new markets.

Charles Schwab Corporation faces a range of potential risks and challenges, including changes in regulatory and political environments that may impact the company's operations and profitability. The financial services industry is subject to a wide range of regulations, and changes in these regulations could significantly impact the company's operations. In addition, the industry is subject to intense competition, which could affect the company's ability to attract and retain clients.

Another potential risk is the impact of market volatility on the company's operations. Charles Schwab Corporation generates a significant portion of its revenue from commissions and fees, which are impacted by changes in market conditions. In periods of market volatility, clients may reduce their trading activity, which could affect the company's revenue and profitability.

The company also faces risks related to data security and privacy. The company collects and stores sensitive financial and personal information on its clients. Any breach of this data could significantly impact the company's reputation and financial performance.

To address these risks and challenges, Charles Schwab Corporation is focused on maintaining a robust regulatory compliance program and investing in data security and privacy measures. The company is also focused on diversifying its revenue streams and expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients.
The following companies are subsidiares of Sysco: 2234829 Alberta ULC, 2234842 Alberta ULC, A. M. Briggs Inc., A.M. Briggs, Almacen Fiscal Frionet Caldera S.A., Almacen Fiscal Frionet Limon S.A., Appert's Foodservice, Arnotts (Fruit) Limited, Asian Foods, Bahamas Food Holdings Limited, Bahamas Food Services Limited, Brake Bros, Brake Bros Foodservice Ireland Limited, Brake Bros. Foodservice Limited, Brake Bros. Holding I Limited, Brake Bros. Ltd., Brakes Foodservice NI Limited, Buchy Food Service, Buckhead Beef Co., Buckhead Meat & Seafood of Houston Inc., Buckhead Meat Company, Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc., Buckhead Meat of Dallas Inc., Buckhead Meat of Denver Inc., Buckhead Meat of San Antonio LP, Buzztable Inc., CAKE Corporation, Central Seafood Co., Christys Wine & Spirits Limited, Clafra Aktiebolag, Colorado Boxed Beef Co - Specialty meat-cutting division, Corporacion Frionet Sociedad Anonima, Crossgar Foodservice, Crossgar Foodservice Limited, Crown I Enterprises Inc., Cucina Acquisitions (UK) Limited, Cucina Finance (UK) Limited, Cucina French Holdings Limited, Cucina Fresh Finance Limited, Cucina Fresh Investments Limited, Cucina Lux Investments Limited, Curleys Quality Foods Limited (Third Party), Davigel Belgilux S.A., Davigel Espana S.A., Desert Meats & Provisions, Distagro, Doerle Food Service, Doughtie's Foods Inc., Dust Bowl City LLC, Eko Fagel Fisk o mittemellan AB, Enclave Insurance Company, Enclave Parkway Association Inc., Enclave Properties LLC, European Imports, European Imports Inc., Figg Inc., Freedman Meats, Freedman Meats Inc., Freedman-KB Inc., Fresh Direct (UK) Limited, Fresh Direct Group Limited, Fresh Direct Limited, Fresh Holdings Limited, FreshPoint, FreshPoint Arizona Inc., FreshPoint Atlanta Inc., FreshPoint California Inc., FreshPoint Central California Inc., FreshPoint Central Florida Inc., FreshPoint Connecticut LLC, FreshPoint Dallas Inc., FreshPoint Denver Inc., FreshPoint Hawaii LLC, FreshPoint Inc., FreshPoint Las Vegas Inc., FreshPoint North Carolina Inc., FreshPoint North Florida Inc., FreshPoint Oklahoma City LLC, FreshPoint Pompano Real Estate LLC, FreshPoint Puerto Rico LLC, FreshPoint San Francisco Inc., FreshPoint South Florida Inc., FreshPoint South Texas Inc., FreshPoint Southern California Inc., FreshPoint Tomato LLC, FreshPoint Vancouver Ltd., Freshfayre Limited, Fruktservice i Helsingborg AB, GHS Classic Drinks Limited, Gilchrist & Soames Inc., Gilchrist & Soames UK Limited, Guest Packaging LLC, Guest Supply, Guest Supply Asia Limited, Guest Supply Singapore Pte. Ltd., International Food Group, Isakssons Frukt & Gront AB, J & M Wholesale Meats, J. Kings Food Service Professionals, J. Kings Food Service Professionals Inc., Kent Frozen Foods, Les Ateliers Du Gout, Liquid Assets Limited, M&J Seafood Holdings Limited, M&J Seafood Limited, Manchester Mills LLC, Mayca Autoservicio S.A., Mayca Distribuidores S.A., Menigo Foodservice AB, Mitshim Etatu Supply LP, Newport Meat Company, Newport Meat Northern California Inc., Newport Meat Pacific Northwest Inc., Newport Meat Southern California Inc., Newport Meat of Nevada Inc., North Star Holding Corporation, North Star Seafood, North Star Seafood Acquisition Corporation, North Star Seafood LLC, PFS de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Palisades Ranch Inc., Pallas Foods, Pallas Foods Farm Fresh Unlimited Company, Pallas Foods Unlimited Company, Pauleys Produce Limited, Promotora del Servicios S.A. de C.V., Restaurangakdemien AB, Restaurant of Tomorrow Inc., Rohan Viandes Elaboration SAS, SMS Bermuda Holdings, SMS GPC International Limited, SMS GPC International Resources Limited, SMS Global Holdings S.a.r.l., SMS International Resources Ireland Unlimited Company, SMS Lux Holdings LLC, SOTF LLC, SYY Netherlands C.V., SYY Panama S. de R.L., Serca Foodservice, Servicestyckarna I Johannes AB, Servicios Ameriserve S.A. de C.V., Shenzhen Guest Supply Trading Co. Limited, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Bianchi Montegut, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Boiseau, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Garcelles, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) J.D. Lanjouan, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Le Dauphin, Specialty Meat Holdings LLC, Stockflag Limited, Stockholms Fiskauktion AB, Supplies on the Fly, Sysco Albany LLC, Sysco Asian Foods Inc., Sysco Atlanta LLC, Sysco Autoservicio S.A., Sysco Baltimore LLC, Sysco Baraboo LLC, Sysco Bermuda Partners L.P., Sysco Boston LLC, Sysco Canada Holdings S.a.r.l., Sysco Canada Inc., Sysco Central Alabama LLC, Sysco Central California Inc., Sysco Central Florida Inc., Sysco Central Illinois Inc., Sysco Central Pennsylvania LLC, Sysco Charlotte LLC, Sysco Chicago Inc., Sysco Cincinnati LLC, Sysco Cleveland Inc., Sysco Columbia LLC, Sysco Connecticut LLC, Sysco Corporation, Sysco Corporation Director's Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Employee's 401(k) Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Good Government Committee Inc., Sysco Corporation Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Unemployment Benefits Plan Trust, Sysco Detroit LLC, Sysco Disaster Relief Foundation Inc., Sysco EI VI S. s.r.l., Sysco EU II S.a.r.l., Sysco EU III S.a.r.l., Sysco EU IV Capital Unlimited Company, Sysco EU IV S. s.r.l.., Sysco EU V S. s.r.l., Sysco Eastern Maryland LLC, Sysco Eastern Wisconsin LLC, Sysco Foundation Inc., Sysco France Holding SAS, Sysco France SAS, Sysco George Town II LLC, Sysco George Town Limited S. s.r.l.., Sysco Global Finance LLC, Sysco Global Finance LLP, Sysco Global Holdings B.V., Sysco Global Resources LLC, Sysco Global Services LLC, Sysco Grand Cayman Company, Sysco Grand Cayman II Company, Sysco Grand Cayman III Company, Sysco Grand Rapids LLC, Sysco Guernsey Limited, Sysco Guest Supply Canada Inc., Sysco Guest Supply Europe Goods Wholesalers LLC, Sysco Guest Supply Europe Limited, Sysco Guest Supply LLC, Sysco Gulf Coast LLC, Sysco Hampton Roads Inc., Sysco Hawaii Inc., Sysco Holdings II LLC, Sysco Holdings LLC, Sysco Indianapolis LLC, Sysco International Food Group Inc., Sysco International Inc., Sysco Iowa Inc., Sysco Jackson LLC, Sysco Jacksonville Inc., Sysco Kansas City Inc., Sysco Knoxville LLC, Sysco Labs Europe Limited, Sysco Labs Pvt. Ltd., Sysco Leasing LLC, Sysco Lincoln Inc., Sysco Lincoln Transportation Company Inc., Sysco Long Island LLC, Sysco Los Angeles Inc., Sysco Louisville Inc., Sysco Memphis LLC, Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Canada Inc., Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Inc., Sysco Metro New York LLC, Sysco Minnesota Inc., Sysco Montana Inc., Sysco Nashville LLC, Sysco Netherlands Partners LLC, Sysco North Central Florida Inc., Sysco North Dakota Inc., Sysco Northern New England Inc., Sysco Philadelphia LLC, Sysco Pittsburgh LLC, Sysco Portland Inc., Sysco Raleigh LLC, Sysco Resources Services LLC, Sysco Riverside Inc., Sysco Sacramento Inc., Sysco San Diego Inc., Sysco San Francisco Inc., Sysco Seattle Inc., Sysco South Florida Inc., Sysco Southeast Florida LLC, Sysco Spain Holdings SLU, Sysco Spokane Inc., Sysco St. Louis LLC, Sysco Syracuse LLC, Sysco Technologies Cayman Ltd., Sysco Technologies LLC, Sysco UK Holdings Limited, Sysco UK Limited, Sysco UK Partners LLP, Sysco USA I Inc., Sysco USA II LLC, Sysco USA III LLC, Sysco Ventura Inc., Sysco Ventures Inc., Sysco Virginia LLC, Sysco West Coast Florida Inc., Sysco Western Minnesota Inc., The SYGMA Network Inc., Upsys, Victua SAS, Walker Foods Inc., Waugh Foods, and Wild Harvest Limited.

Read More
GE is a multi-national conglomerate that was originally incorporated in 1892. The company was founded by Thomas Edison as the Edison General Electric Company and shortened its name to General Electric following a merger with two other early electric pioneers. The name was later shortened again to GE. The company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts but has operations on a global scale. One of the original 12 Dow stocks, the company was a component of the index for 122 years until its ousting in 2018.

Originally intended to make and market Edisons incandescent lamp and following products, the company grew over the years through mergers, acquisitions, and natural expansion into newly created fields. Among the many early accomplishments is the creation of RCA and NBC which will both become forces of their own. Other major innovations include the worlds first turbine superchargers, industrial gas turbine engines, and the first jet engine. In the field of computing, General Electric Company is credited as being one of the 8 major computer companies of the 1960s and shares responsibility for todays digital world. In regard to its employees, two were awarded the Nobel Prize for their work with the company.

Today GE operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through four segments including Power, Renewables, Aerospace, and Healthcare although there are plans in the works to split the company into three separate entities. The three new companies would be GE Vernova (power and renewables), GE Health, and GE Aerospace. The spin-offs are expected to be completed by 2025.

The Power segment offers a variety of turbine engines for power production as well as the full range of services from plant construction to retrofit and refit. The Renewables segment is focused on solutions for renewable energy including wind and hydro and the technology to operate them. The Aviation segment manufactures aircraft engines of all varieties and the Healthcare segment offers technology for imaging, monitoring, diagnostics, and drug discovery to health and medical facilities.

General Electric is committed to helping the world transition to a greener way of life and is exiting the new-build coal-fired power industry. Instead, its advancements in wind, grid efficiency, and natural gas are being deployed around the world helping to reduce emissions and generate cleaner energy for businesses, industry, and communities. The company is targeting 2030 for its own carbon neutrality and 2050 for net zero emissions.
Procter & Gamble Co, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a multinational consumer goods corporation founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble. The company has a rich history of innovation and has become a household name in many countries worldwide. Proctor & Gamble Co is a consumer staples stock. A consumer staples stock is a type of stock that offers investors a more stable and steady growth pattern that is minimally affected by economic factors.

With a market capitalization of over $327.9 billion as of February 2023, Procter & Gamble is one of the largest companies in the world. The company operates in over 70 countries, with its products sold in more than 180 countries globally. Its brand portfolio includes household names such as Tide, Pampers, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Crest, and Olay.

Procter & Gamble's business is divided into five segments: Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment includes SK-II, Pantene, and Herbal Essences. The Grooming segment comprises brands such as Gillette, Venus, and Braun. The Health Care segment includes brands such as Oral-B, Vicks, and Pepto-Bismol. The Fabric & Home Care segment includes Tide, Downy, and Swiffer brands. The Baby, Feminine & Family Care segment includes brands such as Pampers, Always, and Tampax.

Procter & Gamble's products are sold through various channels, including retail stores, online retailers, and direct-to-consumer channels. The company has also invested in e-commerce capabilities and digital advertising, recognizing the importance of these channels in reaching consumers.

Procter & Gamble has a long history of innovation and investing in research and development. The company's R&D efforts are focused on improving its existing products and developing new products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. Procter & Gamble also invests heavily in marketing and advertising, recognizing the importance of building strong brands that resonate with consumers.

Recently, Procter & Gamble has made sustainability a key focus area. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental footprint, such as using 100% renewable electricity at all its plants by 2030. Procter & Gamble has also committed to reducing its plastic packaging waste to reduce its use of virgin plastic by 50% by 2030.

Procter & Gamble has a strong financial position, a solid balance sheet and a history of strong cash flows. The company has a long record of paying dividends, with over 130 years of uninterrupted dividend payments. Procter & Gamble has also implemented a share buyback program, repurchasing over $30 billion of its shares in the past three years.

Despite its size and global reach, Procter & Gamble faces competition from various large and small companies. The consumer goods industry is highly competitive, with companies constantly vying for market share and consumer attention. Procter & Gamble must continue to innovate and invest in its brands to stay ahead of its competitors.
Generac Holdings Inc. is a Fortune 1000 American manufacturer of power generation and energy storage solutions ranging from 800 watts to 9 megawatts for residential, light commercial and industrial markets. Robert Kern founded Generac Holdings in 1959, headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Generac began producing portable generators in the 1970s for the Craftsman brand for Sears Roebuck and Co. Generac expanded its offerings during the 1970s to include the portable and recreational vehicle markets. Generac entered the commercial and industrial markets in the 1980s with its backup power generation systems. Generac introduced the first gaseous-fueled, automatically engaging home standby system for residential usage in 1989.

Generac has made several acquisitions, including Ottomotores, Tower Light, Pramac, Motortech, Selmec, Deep Sea and Off Grid Energy. Generac's domestic segment includes the legacy Generac business, and these acquisitions are based in the United States and Canada. The company's international segment consists of Generac's Latin American export operations.

Generac designs and manufactures portable, stationary and mobile generators that produce between 800 watts and 3,250 kilowatts from a single-engine output. Generac also offers industrial-grade mobile energy storage systems, batteries, electronic controls, engines, alternators, steel enclosures, and more.

In 2006, CCMP Capital of New York purchased Generac. In 2008, Aaron Jagdfeld was appointed president and chief executive officer. Generac Holdings Inc. began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GNRC on February 11, 2010. The initial public offering provided Generac with $224 million in proceeds.

Over the years, Generac has earned several honors and awards. It has received the Milwaukee Magazine's "Best Places to Work" award in southeastern Wisconsin. In 2010, Generac's industrial sizing application, Power Design Pro, received a "product of the year" award from Plant Engineering. Generac's Guardian Series home standby generator system has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Generac was honored with the Natural Gas Generator Company of the Year Award from Frost & Sullivan in 2014 for its natural gas generator.

Generac manufactures diesel-fueled, gasoline-fueled and bi-fuel power generation equipment. Generac also produces modular paralleling systems, automatic transfer switches and small engines for use in various other types of equipment. Generac introduced Generac Industrial Power in 2009, which included new enclosures, new engines and ergonomic and aesthetic changes to current systems. In 2009, Generac partnered with Fiat Powertrain Technologies to supply Generac with industrial diesel engines used in industrial generators and industrial power systems.

Generac's products are available through independent dealers, retailers and wholesalers. Generac Holdings Inc. is committed to innovation and quality and provides power generation and energy storage solutions for residential, light commercial and industrial markets. The company also sells aftermarket service parts and product accessories to dealers. It distributes its products through industrial distributors and dealers, independent residential dealers, e-commerce partners and national and regional retailers.
The following companies are subsidiares of TransDigm Group: 17111 Waterview Pkwy LLC, ARA Deutschland GmbH, ARA Holding GmbH, Acme Aerospace, Acme Aerospace Inc., Adams Rite Aerospace GmbH, Adams Rite Aerospace Inc., Advanced Inflatable Products Limited, Aero-Instruments, AeroControlex Group Inc., Aerosonic, Aerosonic LLC, Air-Sea Survival Equipment Trustee Limited, Airborne Acquisition Inc., Airborne Global Inc., Airborne Holdings Inc., Airborne Systems, Airborne Systems Canada Ltd., Airborne Systems Group Limited, Airborne Systems Holdings Limited, Airborne Systems Limited, Airborne Systems NA Inc., Airborne Systems North America Inc., Airborne Systems North America of CA Inc., Airborne Systems North America of NJ Inc., Airborne Systems Pension Trust Limited, Airborne UK Acquisition Limited, Airborne UK Parent Limited, Aircraft Materials Limited, AmSafe, AmSafe Aviation (Chongqing) Ltd., AmSafe Bridport (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., AmSafe Bridport (Private) Ltd., AmSafe Bridport Ltd., AmSafe Global Holdings Inc., AmSafe Global Services (Private) Limited, AmSafe Inc., Angus Electronics Co., Arkwin Industries, Arkwin Industries Inc., Armtec Countermeasures Co., Armtec Countermeasures TNO Co., Armtec Defense Products Co., Auxitrol SAS, Auxitrol Weston Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Auxitrol Weston Services China Ltd., Auxitrol Weston Singapore Pte. Ltd., Auxitrol Weston USA Inc., Aviation Technologies, Aviation Technologies Inc., Avionic Instruments LLC, Avionics Instruments, Avionics Specialties Inc., AvtechTyee Inc., Beta Transformer Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Beta Transformer Technology Corporation, Beta Transformer Technology LLC, Breeze-Eastern Corporation, Breeze-Eastern LLC, Bridport Erie Aviation Inc., Bridport Holdings Inc., Bridport Ltd., Bridport-Air Carrier Inc., Bruce Aerospace Inc., Bruce Industries, CDA InterCorp LLC, CEF Industries LLC, CMC Electronics Aurora LLC, CMC Electronics Inc., CMC Electronics ME Inc., Champion Aerospace LLC, Chelton Avionics Holdings Inc., Chelton Avionics Inc., Chelton Limited, Cobham Aero Connectivity, Cobham CTS Limited, Cobham Defence Communications Limited, Cobham Defense Products Inc., DART Aerospace, DDC Electronics K.K., DDC Electronics Ltd., DDC Electronics Private Limited, DDC Electronique S.A.R.L., DDC Elektronik GmbH, Darchem Engineering Limited, Darchem Holdings Limited, Data Device Corp., Data Device Corporation, Dukes Aerospace Inc., EST Defence Company UK Limited, Edlaw Limited, Electromech Technologies LLC, Elektro-Metall Export GmbH, Elektro-Metall Paks KFT, Esterline, Esterline Acquisition Ltd, Esterline Europe Company LLC, Esterline Foreign Sales Corporation, Esterline International Company, Esterline Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Esterline Technologies Corporation, Esterline Technologies Corporation, Esterline Technologies Europe Limited, Esterline Technologies France Holding SAS, Esterline Technologies French Acquisition Limited, Esterline Technologies Global Limited, Esterline Technologies Holdings Limited, Esterline Technologies SGIP LLC, Esterline Technologies Unlimited, Esterline do Brasil Assessoria e Intermediacao Ltda, European Antennas Limited, Extant Components Group Holdings Inc., Extant Components Group Intermediate Inc., GQ Parachutes Limited, Guizhou Leach-Tianyi Aviation Electrical Company Ltd, Harco, HarcoSemco LLC, Hartwell Corporation, Hytek Finishes Co., ILC Holdings Inc., IRVIN AEROSPACE LIMITED, IrvinGQ France SAS, IrvinGQ Limited, Janco Corporation, Johnson Liverpool LLC, Kirkhill Elastomers, Kirkhill Inc., Korry Electronics Co., Kunshan Shield Restraint Systems Ltd., Leach Holding Corporation, Leach International Asia-Pacific Ltd, Leach International Corporation, Leach International Europe S.A.S., Leach International Germany GmbH, Leach International Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., Leach International UK Ltd, Leach Mexico Holding LLC, Leach Technology Group Inc., MarathonNorco Aerospace Inc., Mason Electric Co., Mastsystem Int'l Oy, McKechnie Aerospace, McKechnie Aerospace (Europe) Ltd., McKechnie Aerospace DE Inc., McKechnie Aerospace DE LP, McKechnie Aerospace Holdings Inc., McKechnie Aerospace US LLC, Mecanismos de Matamoros S. de R.L. de C.V., NAT Seattle Inc., NMC Group Inc., Norco, Nordisk Asia Pacific Limited, Nordisk Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Nordisk Aviation Products (Kunshan) Ltd., Nordisk Aviation Products AS, Nordisk Aviation Products LLC, North Hills Signal Processing Corp., North Hills Signal Processing Overseas LLC, Norwich Aero Products Inc., Palomar Products Inc., Pexco Aerospace, Pexco Aerospace Inc., PneuDraulics, PneuDraulics Inc., Pressure Systems International Ltd, Schneller, Schneller Asia Pte. Ltd., Schneller LLC, Schneller S.A.R.L., Schroth Safety Products, Semco Instruments, Semco Instruments Inc., Shield Restraint Systems Inc., Shield Restraint Systems Ltd., Signal Processing Matamoros S.A. de C.V., Skandia, Skandia Inc., Skurka Aerospace, Skurka Aerospace Inc., Symetrics Industries, Symetrics Industries LLC, Symetrics Technology Group LLC, TA Aerospace Co., TA Mfg Limited, TDG Bavaria GmbH, TDG ESL Holdings Inc., TDG France Ultimate Parent SAS, TDG Germany GmbH, TEAC Aerospace Holdings Inc., TEAC Aerospace Technologies Inc., Tactair Fluid Controls Inc., Takata Protection Systems, Telair International, Telair International GmbH, Telair International Services PTE Ltd, Telair US LLC, TransDigm (Barbados) SRL, TransDigm Canada ULC, TransDigm European Holdings Limited, TransDigm Ireland Ltd., TransDigm Receivables LLC, TransDigm Technologies India Private Limited, TransDigm UK Holdings plc, Transicoil (Malaysia) Sendirian Berhad, Transicoil LLC, Wallop Defence UK Limited, Weston Aerospace Ltd, Whippany Actuation Systems, Whippany Actuation Systems LLC, XCEL Power Systems Ltd., Young & Franklin, Young & Franklin Inc., and exas Rotronics Inc..

Read More
Merck & Co., Inc. is a US-based multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare company. It was officially founded in 1891 as the US arm of Merck Group, headquartered in Germany. Merck Group was founded in 1668 when Friedrick Jacob Merck purchased a pharmacy in Darmstadt, Germany. The company transformed from a pharmacy into a drug manufacturer in 1827 with the commercialization of morphine and the perfection of the manufacturing process. The company will later gain recognition for isolating and commercializing the manufacture of cocaine as well.

Merck Group sent Theodore Weicker to New York as its representative in 1889 and he quickly began to set up operations. The original investment of $200,000 resulted in a facility in lower Manhattan and the addition of Merck family member George Merck to the project. They began operations in 1891 and were in business as the US branch of Merck Group until 1917 and the onset of World War I.

World War I brought about the Trading With The Enemy Act of 1917 and the nationalization of Merck Groups US operations. Those operations were repurchased at a government auction only 2 years later with the help of Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers, but the split was done. The company retained rights to the Merck name in the US but remained independent. One of many noteworthy achievements in the post-War period is the discovery of streptomycin, which was revolutionary in treating tuberculosis.

In 1953 the company merged with Sharp& Dohme to form the then 2nd largest US drug manufacturer. The merger brought smallpox vaccines to the portfolio and opened a new avenue of research for the business. Since then, advancements in vaccine technology include treatments for mumps and chickenpox. Other notable advancements include the discovery of statins as a cholesterol inhibitor and work in veterinary medicine.

Today, Merck & Co operates through 2 segments and under 2 different names with a headquarters in Kenilworth, NJ. The company operates as Merck & Co in the US and as Merck Sharp & Dohme outside the US and Canada. The 2 segments are Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. Revenue topped $49 billion in 2022 and employed more than 68,000 people. The company has 8 research facilities near major university systems, including 7 in the US and 1 in the UK. As of 2022, the company had 82 pipeline products in Phase 2 trials, 30 in Phase 3 trials and 3 under review.

The Pharmaceutical segment researches discover and commercializes human health products in several areas of medicine. These include but are not limited to oncology, acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes. This segment has 6 blockbuster drugs as of late 2022, with each generating more than $1 billion in revenue. The leading treatments are Keytruda for treating cancer-related immune conditions, Gardisil which is a vaccine for HPV and Januvia for treating Type-II diabetes. The Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets veterinary healthcare products and services. Both segments sell to healthcare facilities and distributors.
Eli Lilly and Company is a US-based multinational pharmaceutical company. It is the 12th largest pharmaceutical company by revenue and has offices in 16 countries. Its medicines are sold in at least 125 countries including its 8 blockbuster drugs. The company is a member of the S&P 500 and S&P 100 indices, it brought in roughly $5.5 billion in revenue for 2021 and employs more than 35,000 people across its network of research and production facilities.

Eli Lilly and Company was founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly. The colonel, a veteran of the Civil War, had recently dissolved an unsatisfactory partnership and set on his own to produce and develop medicinal chemicals. Colonel Lilly remained as president until his death in 1898. His charge to his family, company and coworkers was to take what you find here and make it better and better. The company is well-known for many drugs, including the first mass-marketing of quinine to treat malaria.

The company brought in $4,470 in its first year and saw that figure grow 10X over the next 3. Among the many innovations during this time period is the addition of gelation coatings for pills which helped set the company up for rapid expansion. The company was incorporated in 1881 as Eli Lilly and Company issuing stock to family and friends. The 1900s brought about more change for the company, change in the form of expansion which included international markets.

Advancements during the war years included increases in efficiency due to increased automation and the development of precision technologies. Among the technologies was pill manufacturing which included injecting medicines directly into a gelation capsule. This method allowed for more exact dosing, setting the standard for modern production. The company produced capsules for itself and sold excess capacity to competitors. Other major advancements include fruit flavorings in medicine, straight-line manufacturing and a method of blueprinting manufacturing tickets to prevent errors.

The modern period saw the company grow and discover new, world-class pharmaceuticals. Today, the company is engaged in the discovery, development and marketing of human pharmaceuticals. It offers a wide range of treatments, including Prozac but is perhaps most noteworthy for its work with insulin. The company is the first to mass produce insulin and has made numerous advances in treating diabetes in the time since. While other drugs are more widely known, its diabetic drugs Basaglar, Jardience, Trulicity, Humalog and Humulin are its top-sellers and contribute the bulk of revenue and cash flow.

Along with Diabetic research, the company also focuses on Alzheimer's, Oncology, Immunology, Obesity and Pain care. At the end of 2022, the company pipeline had 23 compounds in Phase 3 clinical trials and 1 in review. There were another 18 in Phase 2 trials and more than 2 dozen in Phase 1 trials. The average cost to discover a new drug was running at $2.6 billion with a 10-year discovery-to-patient timeline.
A police officer hands out pizza to dozens of recently arrived migrants to New York City as they camp outside of the Roosevelt Hotel, which has been made into a reception center, where they try to secure temporary housing on Aug. 1, 2023, in New York City. The migrants, many from Central America and Africa, have been sleeping on the streets or at other shelters as the city continues to struggle with the influx of migrants whose numbers have surged this spring and summer. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Mayor Eric Adams is earning praise from Republicans, which is always a danger sign for Democrats.

Hes also receiving criticism from members of his own party, which is nothing out of the blue either.

Advertisement

The reactions came after he told an audience of Upper West Side residents that the citys continuing influx of thousands of migrants will destroy New York City.

Im gonna tell you something, New Yorkers, never in my life have I had a problem that I didnt see an ending to. I dont see an ending to this, the retired New York City police captain said during a town hall event last week. This issue will destroy New York City.

Advertisement

Destroy New York City? Good riddance, say some wags, but Im not one of them.

Sounds like hes lived something of a charmed life until now, if this is the only endless problem hes seen. After all, hes mayor of New York, the nations biggest city, meaning it also has its biggest collection of problems, along with  in many eyes  its biggest collection of assets, although I keep my loyalties to Chicago pizza.

But as awful as the migrant issue has been for the Big Apple in the short term, I keep my faith in New Yorks powers of resilience in the long run. Yes, I had some doubts in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. But the city came back and has thrived, unlike, say, Rudy Giulianis reputation.

When it comes to resiliency, I still keep faith in the city that survived the catastrophic Great Chicago Fire. It was one of the worst disasters in American history, yet it still manages to hold on to the adjective Great in its name.

While Adams was singing the blues in his sense of being forsaken by Washington, despite the apparent benefits of having a Democratic president in the White House, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was offering a peek at his plans to set up base camps for migrants throughout the city and move almost 1,600 adults and children who have been sleeping in Chicago police stations into large tents to get through Chicagos infamous winter. Another 418 were sleeping inside OHare International Airport, according to city data, with, as Chuck Berry sang, no particular place else to go.

Having covered the nations immigration puzzle since the days when President Ronald Reagan enacted an immigrant amnesty that, interestingly, Republicans seldom talk about now, I was pleased to see New York U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat get a little TV airtime. Born in the Dominican Republic, he is the first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in Congress. As a firsthand veteran of the process, he has had lots of time to work on immigration issues and do more than just complain about the dilemmas.

While others, like me, spend a lot of time analyzing the problem, he looks for solutions.

Clarence Page Columns As it happens Sign up to receive Clarence Pages columns by email as soon as they're published. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Asked by CNN host Abby Phillip what he thought of Adams predicament and doomsday sentiments, he said astutely that Adams, a friend of his, is doing what he has to do to get federal funding. But, more than that, Espaillat said, I look at it from another perspective, that every crisis brings about great opportunities.

Advertisement

Immigration itself offers opportunities to the migrant and to the receiving country, in this case the United States. The news has been remarkably heavy with stories about the difficulties some employers are experiencing as they try to fill job vacancies.

The problem: Many migrants would like to work and support themselves and their families, but the process and approval of work permits is too grindingly slow.

Venezuelans, one of the largest nationalities in this latest immigration wave, used to have temporary protected status because of hardships from which they seek asylum. But they lost that status a while ago, and its restoration has fallen by the wayside. Lets get it back before New York dies, among others.

Those are just a few ways American cities survive  in the long run.

cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime
Chevron Corporation, through a network of subsidiaries, engages in integrated energy and chemicals operations worldwide. The company is the 7th largest integrated oil company worldwide, the 2nd largest in the US, and has been in operation since 1879. Chevron was part of the original Standard Oil Company and is one of the 34 successor companies that were formed when it was broken up. Today, the company brings in roughly $160 billion in annual revenues and is the last remaining oil and gas component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Originally called Standard Oil Of California the company grew quickly via mergers and acquisitions. It was hailed as one of the Seven Sisters to dominate the US and global production throughout the mid-20th century and became even bigger in 1985 when it merged with Gulf Oil. The merger with Gulf Oil resulted in the rebranding from Standard Oil Of California to Chevron (a brand used by the company outside its California jurisdiction) and then ChevronTexaco Corporation in 2005 when that merger took place. The company rebranded again in 2005 to what we know today as Chevron Corporation.

Chevron Corporation is now based in San Ramone, California, and has operations in 180 countries. The company employs more than 42,500 people who operate 5 refineries and 8,000+ Texaco, Chevron, and Standard Oil service stations in the US alone. The company's Exploration and Drilling operations produced a record 3.1 million barrels per day and its US refineries process more than 1 million barrels per day. At the end of 2021, the company has more than 11.3 billion barrels of proven oil and liquid-equivalent reserves and boasted a 112% reserve replacement rate.

The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment explores new reserves, develops known reserves, produces petroleum and gas products as needed, transports, processes, pipes, stores, and markets petroleum worldwide. The Downstream segment refines and markets the full line of petroleum-based products including but not limited to fuels such as gas, diesel, and aviation fuel, as well as lubricants, petrochemicals, and plastics. The company transports products via pipeline, rail, marine vessels, and truck.

Chevron recognizes the need to lower the worlds carbon output and is working toward that end. The companys strategy is two-pronged and includes reducing its own carbon output while investing in green and lower-carbon technologies. The companys goal is to invest $10 billion or more into lower carbon energy sources and technologies by 2028.

Chevron is a Dividend Aristocrat. The company has been paying a dividend since 1989 and it has raised it every year since its inception.






This Account has been suspended.
Tom Wood, Cashel, has informed us of the following:

Monday July 14 1873.

From parishioners of Watertown, America, thanking the Cashel Town Council for the stone which the latter ordered to be forwarded from the Rock of Cashel to serve as a cornerstone for the Roman Catholic Church now in course of erection at Watertown.



Gentlemen. The fine stone which your generosity has furnished from the time honored Rock for the conversion of the new Watertown Church has arrived safely at its destination and we the undersigned deem it our duty to tender to you and the Reverend Mr Quirke in the name of the parish our most sincere thanks for the truly Irish way in which you have put a hand to our undertaking. We are none of us Tipperary men unless Col Crane the originator of the idea, and he only is as much as his great grandfather came from near Cashel. But this mattered little to us. We knew that the stone came from the sainted isle of our race and we asked no more.



Our lips pressed it with those mingled feelings of religion and patriotism inherent to the celtic heart and tears that stood in our eyes were not those of fear or shame, but of love and fidelity.

Your stone emblazoned with the cross and the shamrock shall be placed in bold relief in the wall of our new church to show to those who will come after us that at least the men of this generation were true alike to the faith of Christ and their national traditions.

W Corby, Rector. John O Connor. John Malloy. Michael Amis. W D Stacy. J Cran.
The 2003 issue of Tipperary Historical Journal is now in circulation. Like all previous annual issues, it contributes to our knowledge of the stories of the lives of the people of the county, the places and circumstances in which they lived, the policies and influences which shaped their lives.

This 2023 issue concentrates, almost exclusively, on the 19th century, and the national, and particularly, the social changes, which were a prelude to the ultimate achievement of independence.

The very poor conditions under which farm labourers lived were challenged by the introduction of legislation on the building of the so-called labourers cottage, and the implementation of this legislation throughout the county is explored by Denis G. Marnane in his study under the title A Forgotten Revolution: Building Labourers Cottages in County Tipperary.

The difficulty in locating sites for these, due to farmers reluctance to sell sites of one acre for the construction of a cottage, is the subject of Padraig G. Lanes Tipperary Farm Labourers in the 1880s. Perhaps this reluctance was, in some way, attributable to the fact that farmers themselves had only just achieved ownership of their own land under the quiet but very revolutionary campaign of Michael Davitt and the Land League.

Australia features in two studies: Orphan Girls from Tipperary Workhouses by Gay Lowry. During the period of the Famine, workhouses became so overcrowded that the Minister for the Colonies, Earl Grey (yes Earl Grey!) introduced the Orphan Scheme whereby suitable young orphan girls in crowded Workhouses would be encouraged to travel to the New World (Australia). This was a voluntary choice by the young women often encouraged by parents. They were well-prepared, literate, well-clothed and over 400 left Tipperary Workhouses under this scheme. They fulfilled two functions, as domestic workers and ultimately as much-needed wives and mothers, in a country where there was a serious imbalance in the population - eight men to one woman.

In From Ireland to Outback Australia, David Harris looks at the life of Thurles man, John Long, who emigrated to Australia in the 1860s, and settled in the remote western outback.

Workhouses became a significant feature, in the early decades of the 19th century, of the States responsibility in the relief of poverty and homelessness, a function which had been hitherto undertaken largely by religious and charitable institutions. Eight Workhouses were built in Tipperary.

John Keating writes about the Operation of Clogheen Poor Law Union Workhouse in the Famine. This was opened in 1842 with a capacity for 500 inmates and which became overcrowded during the Famine, where over 2,000 died between January 1847 and June 1952.

Richard Cashman has also written an allied study on Dr Thomas Gallogly: Clogheens Celebrated Famine Doctor.

Murders were not uncommon in Tipperary - indeed the county had a national reputation for such crimes, the majority of which were domestically related. Denis Grace includes this information in his paper under the title: One of the Most Fiendish and Brutal Attacks: The Murders at Finnae, Borrisokane in 1843.

Clonmel readers will be particularly interested in Neil Sharkeys research into the conditions under which his father, John, a republican prisoner was held during the Civil War: Imprisoned in Tintown - Shadowy Glimpses of Everyday. Older Clonmel citizens will recall Sharkeys lovely jewellery shop in Gladstone Street. This is one of the very few brief strays from the 19th century into the early 20th century, where this 2023 edition of the Journal is located.

Another is Maria Luddys review of Lisa McGeeneys Nursing and Midwifery in the Poor Law Unions of Borrisokane and Nenagh 1882-1922, a study of the professionalisation of nursing.

There is also a tribute to Sheila Foley of Mullinahone who died in August 2022, and who was so involved in the annual celebration of Charles Kickham.

ON SALE FROM THE SOURCE

There is not sufficient space in this column to mention the full content of Tipperary Historical Journal 2023, which contains so many excellent studies of Tipperary. The Journal is now available, price 20, from The Source, Thurles.

As citizens of the county we owe much to the publishers of the County Tipperary Historical Society, and especially to the editors, Denis G. Marnane and Mary Guinan Darmody.
Again, every one is INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY and we're sharing this link merely to notice that mainstream media is watching these special sideline accommodations amid a controversial assault trial . . . Check-it . . .



In two separate photos, the 23-year-old shared that he watched the Chiefs take on the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead Stadium while on the sidelines.



Sporting an all-black outfit complemented by a thick chain necklace and a Balenciaga belt bag, Jackson posted a selfie and a shot of him smiling alongside his sister-in-law Brittany Mahomes in a second image.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Hi JCM, years ago, back in the mid 90's, cable and wireless had a deal for a purchase of prepaid phone. The cost was $50 BDS. It also included $25.00 BDS minutes. I've had the same Barbados number since then, but not the phone.

Over the years, when I change my phone in Canada, I take my old phone and use it in Barbados. One year I had to replace my sim card because it didn't fit in my phone. The sim card was a micro and i needed a nano. But it was easy to fix, Flow changed my sim to a 3 in 1 card. The cost to change was $10.00 BDS. Not sure if the price is still the same.

You can definitely use your phone in Barbados. Just make sure your phone is unlocked so it will accept the sim card, or even better if you have phone that is dual sim. In that case only one phone is needed. Unfortunately my phones are not dual sims
#9

Alistair, I am not in the least ashamed , I passed in through Phnom Penh immigration 5 days ago and immigration in 82 countries to date and travelled to Cambodia with sn ASEAN pasport holder so au fait with familiarising myself with different systems but given the OP had come up with quite frankly with the stupid option of potentialy getting his Thai girlfriend alone in an interview room and perhaps lacking the streetwise Mr Cool attitude of OP or ability to deal with officialdom( at its best) felt myself capable of suggesting the logical answer namely to get a visa.

This is a forum for anateurs and the hope is one of the more Cambodia experts would come in which is what happened but on these forums sometimes there are no answers or a series of " well go on you most likely will get away with it" eg POOTs in which case my answer is better than nothing.
A car carrying Russian military personnel and FSB officers has been blown up in the temporarily occupied town of Oleshky, Kherson region.

Ukrinform learned this from sources in Ukraine's SBU State Security Service.

"A car with Russian FSB officers and military personnel was blown up in Oleshky, Kherson region. As a result of the explosion, one FSB officer was killed instantly. The other is still in intensive care in a serious condition. Three soldiers who accompanied them in the car were wounded. The SBU is behind the explosion," the sources said.

According to them, the FSB officers "worked" in occupied Skadovsk and visited Oleshky to carry out filtration measures and torture Ukrainians.

The SBU added that every occupier who set foot on Ukrainian soil would suffer a similar fate.
The Ukrainian and Japanese foreign ministers have agreed on the preliminary schedule of negotiations on the conclusion of a bilateral agreement on security guarantees.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said this at a joint briefing with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi in Kyiv on Saturday, September 9, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"My Japanese colleague informed the President of Ukraine about Japan's readiness to start negotiations on the conclusion of a bilateral security agreement in the development of the G7 declaration, which was adopted in Vilnius. Today we agreed on exactly how these negotiations will take place and outlined a preliminary schedule," Kuleba said.

When asked to clarify what security guarantees will be provided by Japan, Kuleba said this would be the subject of negotiations.

"The Japanese side will provide us with the first version of its proposals, we will supplement it, and thus decide on the points of intersection," he said.

He added that during the negotiations, the two countries' foreign ministers had also agreed that Ukrainian-Japanese relations should become systemic.

"To do so, we need to draw up several new bilateral agreements and create additional mechanisms of intergovernmental cooperation. Our teams will conduct substantive consultations on this issue," Kuleba said.
Russia has concentrated more than 420,000 military personnel in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Vadym Skibitskyi, a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, said this at the annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES), Ukrinform reports.

"The Russian Federation has concentrated more than 420,000 military personnel in our temporarily occupied territories and on the Crimean peninsula," Skibitskyi said.

At the same time, he noted that this figure does not take into account the soldiers of the Russian Guard, other agencies, special units, and law enforcement structures, which ensure the occupation "power" in the temporarily occupied territory.

Skibitskyi said that since the beginning of the full-scale aggression, Russia has not achieved its strategic goal of full occupation of Ukrainian territory.

"Then there were other strategic goals. First of all, full occupation of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. And today, Russia conducts the most active combat operations, in fact, in two sectors -- Kupiansk-Lyman and Marinka-Donetsk -- in order to fulfill at least some task and fully reach the administrative borders of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions," Skibitskyi said.
Ukraine and Sweden will jointly produce the CV-90 IFVs with better all-terrain performance with reinforced multilayer armor.

Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Maliar stated this on Telegram, reports Ukrinform.

"The CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle is believed to be the best one in the world. Designed and manufactured in Sweden, it has everything that a modern combat vehicle should have, and its main advantage is taking care of the crew (three people) and the landing party (up to eight people) because such protection as the CV-90 has is not available in any other IFV," said Maliar.

The safety of the crew inside the CV-90 is ensured by strong reinforced multilayer armor made of rolled steel sheets. On top are additional composite materials, and as a third layer, mounted armor modules can be installed. This combination protects the crew and landing party not only from bullets and shrapnel, but also from detonation on mines, from artillery fire, and even from drone attacks.

According to her, the CV-90s were delivered to the Armed Forces in the summer of 2023 and are already performing combat tasks at the front. They were first spotted in the Lyman direction, where the enemy has been trying to break through Ukraines defenses for several months now.

"In one of the battles, the Swedish IFV was covering infantry units from tank fire and at that moment it was hit by a Russian kamikaze drone Lancet. However, neither the crew nor the landing party inside were affected - they moved on into another vehicle and continued to perform combat tasks," Maliar noted, adding that if there had been a Soviet BMP-1 or BMP-2 instead of the CV-90, no one would have survived, because there is actually no armor on these vehicles.

According to the Deputy Minister of Defense, the Swedish vehicle boasts of effective anti-tank weapons and a powerful automatic 40-mm gun that can fire at a range of up to 3 kilometers, with the maximum firing range being more than 12 kilometers.

As Maliar noted, the CV-90 uses a revolutionary chassis with Formula 1 technology, where the suspension itself adapts to the terrain. This provides extremely high passability, and rubber inserts in the tracks significantly reduce the noise level. Ukrainian defenders say that 200 meters away, the Swedish IFV cannot even be heard.

"Soon, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive many more such vehicles because Ukraine and Sweden have agreed on the joint production of the CV-90. And the nearest goal is 1,000 Swedish IFVs for the Ukrainian Army," she emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, for the first time since the outset of the war, Europe has significantly overtaken the United States in terms of aid commitments to Ukraine as Europe's total commitments are now twice as large as those of the U.S.

Photo: Wikipedia
A Spanish aid worker was killed in a missile attack in Ukraine.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters in India where he attended the G20 meeting, Ukrinform reports with reference to Reuters.

"Unfortunately, I can confirm a missile hit a vehicle in which this Spanish worker was travelling who was working for a humanitarian NGO in Ukraine. We have verbal confirmation of her death," he said.

Albares did not name the aid worker.

At the same time, the Road2Relief organization reported that on Saturday morning, four members of its team came under fire as they were going from Sloviansk to the village of Ivanivske, which is in the Bakhmut direction. The car came under Russian fire near Chasiv Yar. As a result of a direct hit, the car overturned and caught fire.

According to the organization, German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr suffered severe shrapnel wounds and burns. They are now in stable condition in hospitals.

Read also: Ukrainian air defenses destroy 26 of 33 Shahed UAVs in overnight Russian attack

Canadian volunteer Anthony Tonko Ihnat died on the spot.

There has been no information about the fate of the fourth volunteer who was in the car, Spanish Emma Igual.

As reported, Russians continue to deny the illegal detention of Spanish volunteer Mariano Garcia Calatayud in the Simferopol detention center.
Torture and inhumane treatment of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war by the Russian authorities cannot be assessed as an accident, but rather as an organized part of state policy to instill fear.

This was emphasized by the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Alice Jill Edwards, at a press conference in Kyiv, reports an Ukrinform correspondent.

Speaking about torture and inhuman and degrading treatment, she found that the number of reports of torture and other inhuman acts by the Russian authorities against civilians and prisoners of war is constantly increasing.

Read also: Police discover 80 Russian torture chambers in Ukraine

In my opinion these grievous acts cannot be assessed as being random or incidental but rather an orchestrated part of state policy designed to instill fear, to intimidate, to punish or to extract information and confessions. I base this analysis on the scale of the allegations as well as the methods, purposes and targets of those different forms of torture, Edwards noted.

The Special Rapporteur noted that she had heard accounts of electrocution torture, beatings, mock executions and drownings, having to hold various positions for long periods of time, threats of rape or murder, and various routines that were actually attempts to mock and humiliate the detainees. Ukrainian civilians testified about being held in cramped basements, and she also documented the weight loss of one serviceman from 100 to 55 kilograms during nine months of captivity.

Several victims told Edwards that they lost consciousness from beatings and electrocution, as well as suffered memory loss as a result of their experience in custody.

She informed that the testimonies had been collected from people from Mariupol, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions.

The special rapporteur also welcomed the support and rehabilitation programs by the Ukrainian government and called impressive the work of the prosecutor's office and non-governmental organizations in communicating with victims and investigating crimes. Following meetings with the government of Ukraine and international organizations, she noted that she was informed about the lack of criminal experts and persons qualified to provide psychological assistance, due to the surge in cases.

Edwards will file a full report of the visit with more detailed analysis and recommendations to the Human Rights Council in March.

Special rapporteurs are part of the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. Experts on special procedures work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN employees and do not receive a salary for their job. They are independent of any government or organization.
Along the border with Ukraine, Russia has deployed 46 Iskander missile system launchers, which it uses to strike with ballistic and cruise missiles, destroying Ukrainian civilian infrastructure facilities.

Vadym Skibitskyi, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) at the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, said this at the annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES), Ukrinform reports.

"For more than one and a half years of full-scale war, Moscow has not achieved its strategic goals - neither the full occupation of Ukraine, nor the full occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk regions," he said.

According to Skibitskyi, Russia conducts the most active combat operations in two sectors of the front - Kupiansk-Lyman and Maryinka-Donetsk. The Russian armys goal of such operations is still to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The GUR representative noted that the Russian forces actively use aircraft, but they are afraid of the Ukrainian air defense system, which consists, in particular, of the latest means provided by partners, which have already proven and are proving their effectiveness, destroying most enemy air targets.

As reported by Ukrinform, Russia has concentrated more than 420,000 military personnel in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
A Russian shelling attack on a car with volunteers from NGO Road to Relief once again confirms that the war in Ukraine is close to everyone who values human life and wants to stop terror.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in his nightly video address to the nation, Ukrinform reports.

"This Russian shelling once again confirms how close the war against Ukraine is to everyone in the world who really values human life and who considers it a common moral duty of humanity to stop terror and defeat evil," he said.

Video: Office of the President of Ukraine

"As of this time, it is known for certain that Canadian Anthony Ihnat was killed. Unfortunately, Spaniard Emma Igual was likely killed too," Zelensky said.

Two more volunteers who were injured in the attack - German Ruben Mawick and Swede Johan Mathias Thyr - were sent to a Dnipro hospital.

Zelensky expressed his condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased air workers.

NGO Road to Relief reported earlier that four members of its team, who left Sloviansk and were traveling to the village of Ivanivske near Bakhmut, had come under fire. Russian troops fired at the car near Chasiv Yar. As a result of a direct hit, the car overturned and caught fire.
All funds that Ukraine independently earns are allocated for financing defense needs as priority.

This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a speech at the Yalta European Strategy event in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports with reference to the YES website.

"All funds that Ukraine earns go to the Army. Our partners provide this opportunity, as all social and budgetary payments are covered from the partners' funds. We are extremely grateful to them for this," said the prime minister of Ukraine.

Denys Shmyhal called the process of reconstruction of Ukraine a great opportunity for the country. And this process will be carried out according to the principle of "Build Back Better".

"The destruction inflicted by Russia is a terrible tragedy, but at the same time a great opportunity for our country: the opportunity to implement large business projects, large private-state partnership projects, and we are working on this, preparing our state and economy for recovery," he noted.

According to Denys Shmyhal, the source of funding for the country's recovery should be confiscated Russian assets.

"We offer a compensation mechanism, an international instrument that will provide an opportunity to obtain the funds necessary for Ukrainian recovery. The compensation mechanism will consist of three components: a compensation fund, where the assets confiscated from Russian oligarchs and Russia as an aggressor will actually go; a compensation commission, that is, an international institution that will determine how to effectively utilize the funds, where to direct them; and a verified register of losses," concluded the prime minister of Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, Denys Shmyhal said investments in the military-industrial complex made by the government can be estimated at tens of billions of hryvnias.
Japanese business is ready to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine, offering a number of modern technologies that will help speed up recovery.

As reported by the Government Portal with reference to the Ministry of Economy, this was discussed during the meeting of the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyridenko with representatives of the Japanese business delegation, reports Ukrinform.

"Despite an ongoing war, Ukraine's economy demonstrates resilience and adaptability and is recovering faster than previously predicted - based on this years results, we expect GDP growth of up to 4%. Currently, we are directing our main efforts to the reconstruction of whats been destroyed and invite investors to invest in the development of projects in Ukraine. For our part, we are looking for ways to insure investments and have already had some success in this. Currently, the Government has identified five priorities for rapid recovery: energy, housing, critical infrastructure, demining, and economic recovery  development of small and medium-sized businesses," said Yuliya Svyridenko.

As noted, the meeting was attended by representatives of companies working in the fields of health care, e-commerce, communication, and financial technologies, production of transport and industrial goods, such as Rakuten, Allm, and others.

During the meeting, Japanese business delegates presented a number of projects and technologies that they propose to implement in Ukraine. Thus, in the city of Bucha, with the participation of Japanese business, it is proposed to create a green industrial zone with an area of 3,000 hectares, where the production of green hydrogen will be carried out. This will enable the local generation of renewable energy, heat and fuel and contribute to the energy independence of Bucha.

Technologies were also presented, the use of which will be advantageous in the recovery process, in particular: medical technologies and programs for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders; technology for safe and rapid survey of construction sites, which can be used to monitor infrastructure in remote areas (e.g. dams), it allows the creation of accurate 3D maps in real time; drinking water purification systems with the function of autonomous operation and maintenance, which are currently used in evacuation centers in areas affected by natural disasters in various countries; system for scientific support of agricultural production, which collects data on the environment, weather conditions, plant growth, and analyzes it with the help of AI and provides recommendations for increasing crop yields.

In turn, the Ukrainian side presented developed Ukrainian projects to attract investments.

As reported by Ukrinform, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Hayashi Yoshimasa discussed areas of cooperation for the restoration of Ukraine, in particular in the fields of energy, transport, demining, creation of new jobs, and the social sphere.
The results of Russia's war against Ukraine will be decisive not only for neighboring countries in the region, but also for the whole world.

Francis Fukuyama, Stanford University Senior Fellow, said this at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) Annual Meeting "The Future is Being Decided in Ukraine," organized by YES in partnership with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Ukrinform reports, citing the YES website.

"Depending on the outcome of this war, a lot may change in other countries. Georgia, Moldova and Kazakhstan  each of these countries will be immediately affected in the event that Russia wins, withstands, and is able to keep the captured Ukrainian territories. Russia is encroaching on the sovereign territories of these countries. I hope that they will have the opportunity to develop as independent democracies," Fukuyama said.

The consequences of the war will also affect Southeast Asia, he said.

"Until this war, almost no one in the region would have accepted the idea that China would dare to use force against Taiwan and overthrow the democratically elected government of that country," Fukuyama added.

The outcome of the war will also affect the domestic political situation in the United States, where representatives of the right-wing political forces gravitate towards a more authoritarian model, or a so-called "strong hand," preferring to see someone similar to Putin as their leader.

According to Comfort Ero, President and Executive Director of the International Crisis Group, the outcome of the war will also be decisive for countries in Africa.

"I come from Nigeria, the largest country in West Africa. We have a saying that when Nigeria sneezes, all of West Africa catches cold. The same can be said about Ukraine and its influence on the European security architecture. How this war ends will mean a lot not only for Europe, but also for the rest of the world, because when Europe sneezes, the rest of the world catches cold," Ero said.
Systematic fight against corruption will help Ukraine secure long-term and stable support from the United States.

The 43rd U.S. President, George Bush Jr., said this at the annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES), Ukrinform reports.

"We will all Ukraine until Russian is driven out of the country. When people fight for their own freedom, it provides an extra incentive. [...] One of the things that the Ukrainians need to be concerned about in order to maintain U.S. support is [the fight against] corruption. They got to make sure that our taxpayers' money is not taken for purposes other than defending Ukraine against Russia. Because it irritates Americans to think their money is going to somebody's pocket," Bush said.

According to him, American society should be informed that in the event of Ukraine's defeat, Putin will not stop and continue his aggressive policy. "If Ukraine were to fall to Russia, we'll be involved with Poland or Lithuania and Latvia or Romania," he said.

At the same time, he said that the U.S. should not impose its vision of peace on Ukraine, the decision should be solely up to the people of Ukraine and its leadership.

Photo: Getty Images
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday pledged an additional $2.3 billion in aid to Ukraine for post-war reconstruction.

Thats according to Yonhap, Ukrinform reports.

"This will demonstrate our responsible role as a global pivotal state in leading assistance for the restoration of peace in Ukraine and lay the foundation for our full-fledged participation in Ukraine's future reconstruction," a presidential official said.

Yoon Suk-yeol announced the pledge during the G20 summit session in New Delhi, saying that South Korea will provide Ukraine with $300 million in humanitarian aid in 2024, and the remaining $2 billion in long-term aid (loans at low interest through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF)) starting 2025.

South Korea launched the EDCF program in 1987 to support economic and social infrastructure projects in developing nations.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, South Korea will provide financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $394 million next year.
Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urgently summoned Elena Kopnina, the minister counsellor of the Russian Embassy in Bucharest, to express a protest over a fall of drone fragments on the territory of Romania.

Ukrinform reports this with reference to TASS.

It is noted that State Secretary for Strategic Affairs of Romanias Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Iulian Fota, conveyed the protest of the Romanian side over the violation of Romanias airspace following the discovery of fragments of a drone similar to those used by Russian forces on the territory of the country near the border with Ukraine.

The State Secretary demanded that the Russian side "stop attacks against the Ukrainian population and infrastructure, including those that threaten the security of Romanian citizens in the region in any way."

As reported, the Ukrainian authorities stated that they have evidence that Shahed drones fell on the territory of Romania during Russias massive air strike against Ukraine on the night of September 3-4.

On September 6, Romania reported that pieces apparently of a drone had been found on its territory.

On September 9, the Ministry of Defense of Romania announced the discovery of new fragments of a drone similar to those used by the Russian military.

President Klaus Iohannis said that this indicates a breach of Romanias airspace. He informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about the discovered fragments of the second UAV.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said he believes that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia if the Russian side shows its interest in diplomacy.

He stated this on the ABC television channel, Ukrinform reports.

"As to negotiations, it takes two to tango. And thus far, we see no indication that Vladimir Putin has any interest in meaningful diplomacy. If he does, I think the Ukrainians will be the first to engage, and we'll be right behind them. Everyone wants this war to end, but it has to end on just terms and on durable terms that reflect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Blinken said.

Blinken paid a visit to Ukraine on September 6-7, during which he announced more than $1 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, including $5.4 million in seized Russian oligarch assets.
(@FahadShabbir)

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 10th Sep, 2023) Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, galvanised support for global food system transformation and built momentum for COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference hosted by the UAE, during her interactions with African ministers and leaders at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AGRF).

The forum, which was organised by AGRA, took place during a historic week for UAE  Africa relations, after the UAE pledged $4.5 billion in support of clean energy projects at the Africa Climate Summit.

Speaking at the AGRF, Mariam Almheiri, who is also COP28 Food Systems Lead, said: This has been a pivotal and historic week for the African continent. Just a few days ago, the Nairobi Declaration was endorsed in addition to billions of Dollars in commitments to enable African countries achieve inclusive green growth in the face of climate change.

On behalf of the UAE, we are truly honored to make our $4.5 billion contribution to unlock Africas clean energy potential. Further, our discussions at this Forum reaffirm the need to transform food systems to make them more resilient and inclusive and leverage them as engines of economic growth and prosperity for all. These events have also set a firm foundation for COP28, where energy, finance and food will be key elements of the UAEs COP28 presidency agenda.

She took part in a round table discussion focused on sustainable food system transformation and highlighted the importance of the COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda  which she launched at the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment in Rome in July.

He reiterated the central aims of the agenda: galvanizing national leadership, encouraging involvement from non-state actors, innovation scaling, and finance.

She also called upon African nations to signal their commitment to working towards adaptation and mitigation across food systems by signing the Leaders Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action.

At a presidential session entitled The Great Debate: Can Africa Feed Itself?, she made a compelling speech, in which she addressed African nations and called on them to sign the Leaders Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action.

She reminded those gathered that signing the Leaders Declaration is a powerful way to commit to wholesale food system transformation. The event was attended by the Presidents of several African nations, including Samia Suluhu Hassan, president of Tanzania; William Ruto, president of Kenya; Macky Sall, president of Senegal; and Evariste Ndayishimiye, president of Burundi.

The presidential session was one of the highlights of the Africa Food Systems Forum, and was made up of several different panel discussions and activities.

During the session, she spoke about the importance of youth engagement in climate action.

She also emphasised the crucial role that innovation plays in food system transformation and encouraged nations to share technology and knowledge in order to drive change.

William Ruto, the President of Kenya then made a speech in which he fully endorsed the comments made by her.

She urged African nations to join the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), which the UAE co-leads with the USA. This initiative, which has over 500 international partners, has raised $13 billion in investment for climate-smart agriculture and food system innovation.

The Minister also called upon African nations join the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, a project which the UAE launched in partnership with Indonesia, to protect and restore vital mangrove populations across the world.

Mariam Almheiri also addressed a COP28 ministerial event in which she reviewed and strengthened the Leaders Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action with the input of African nations. This provided an invaluable opportunity to further international collaboration and ensure that the Leadership Declaration meets the needs of countries across Africa.

Speaking at the ministerial event, she said: Climate change is a present, intensifying crisis that demands our immediate attention, she said; To address it, we must place food system transformation at the heart of our discussions. The UAEs COP28 Presidency believes strongly that there is no path to realising the Paris Agreement goals without contending with food systems and climate change action.

In her final event of the forum, she built enthusiasm for COP28 - which is now just 81 days away.

She said the UAEs goal was for COP28 to act as a global turning point for climate change by refocusing efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, ensure inclusive climate financing, and deliver adaptation and mitigation initiatives that will protect lives and livelihoods.

The Minister pledged that the UAE would support Africa to access the climate finance it requires for adaptation measures. At COP28, we will stand alongside African nations and advocate for greater climate finance to go towards food system transformation initiatives. Africa is responsible for just a small fraction of greenhouse gas emissions; it is only fitting that you receive all the support available to strengthen your food systems, which are so severely threatened by climate change. She reminded those in attendance that in order to fix the worlds food systems, we must first fix Africas food systems.

She also took part in a series of successful bilateral meetings during the forum. These included meetings with African ministers for Agriculture, Environment, Food Security and Water.


Pope Francis expresses his closeness to the victims of a cyclone that has hit Brazil in recent days, causing widespread flooding and dozens of deaths.

By Francesca Merlo and James Blears

Pope Francis has expressed his solidarity and sent his prayers to victims of flooding in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul State.

The Pope sent a telegram on Saturday, signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to Archbishop Leomar Brustolin of Santa Maria Diocese, who is also president of the South Region 3 of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil.

The Holy Father shared his closeness to victims of the natural disaster, as heavy rains cause destruction in the State of Rio Grande do Sul.

These rains, said the Pope, have left behind "a trail of destruction and death".

He offered his "paternal solicitude" and imparted his blessing to all those affected by the widespread flooding.

Pope Francis also assured all the bishops of the region of his prayers for "the eternal repose of the victims" and for all those who have lost their homes, "hoping that the reconstruction will take place quickly and effectively."

The tragedy

The Cyclone hit the States of Rio Grande Do Sul and Santa Catarina. The Ministry of Development says that dozens of townships have been submerged. So far seventy nine of them have been severely affected.

More than eleven inches of rain has fallen during this week. Aerial photographs show the extent of the devastation which covers a wide area.

Authorities warned householders to evacuate and stay away from low lying areas, but the sheer speed of the elements and their devastation capacity, caught many by surprise. The region is criss crossed by four large rivers which have burst their banks.

The cyclone has been complicated and made all the more dangerous by a tornado which has also caused extensive damage.

Police and Military planes, boats and helicopters have been scouring the area, searching for stranded people, many who have taken to their rooftops, clinging in desperation.

The Authorities of Rio Grande do Do Sul say they are dismayed by the lethal nature of the weather. Rescue teams continue their search and the death toll is expected to rise.

Thousands have lost their homes and livlihoods. There are still power outages and danger lurking. The Civil Defence has issued multiple flood and landslide warnings.

Rio Grande Do Sul has gone through all of this before and recently. It was slammed by a cyclone in June which killed eleven people.
Hikmet Hajiev, a foreign policy advisor to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, on Saturday denied that Baku had reached a deal with the breakaway province of Nagorno-Karabakh to simultaneously reopen roads to Azerbaijan and Armenia.

In a message posted on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Hajiev said that Baku had offered to simultaneously reopen the roads but that what he called the "illegal regime" in Karabakh had refused.

Hajiev said that Azerbaijan would maintain "border and customs" control on the Lachin corridor, which links Karabakh to Armenia. He said that the road to Azerbaijan would open for aid shipments for the first time since 1988, a key demand of Baku's.

Karabakh, which broke away from Baku after a war that spanned the collapse of the Soviet Union, is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but its 120,000 population is overwhelmingly ethnically Armenian.

Azerbaijani retook large amounts of ground in a 2020 war, leaving Karabakh almost entirely surrounded. In December 2022, Azerbaijani civilians began blockading the last road linking Karabakh to Armenia, causing acute shortages of food, fuel and medicine.

Armenian state news agency Armenpress reported on Saturday that Karabakh officials had bowed to Baku's demands to reopen the long-closed road to Azerbaijan in return for lifting the blockade on the Lachin corridor.

Armenpress cited Karabakh officials as saying they had agreed to the deal in view of "severe humanitarian problems" in the region.

At the time, Hajiev confirmed to Reuters that the Karabakh authorities had agreed to allow aid shipments from Azerbaijan to enter the territory in return for reopening the road to Armenia.
U.S. President Joe Biden said Sunday he still intends to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping after a 10-month gap in communication, while saying that he had met with Xis deputy in New Delhi earlier in the day.

My team, my staff, still meets with President Xis cabinet, he said at a news conference in Hanoi in response to a question from VOA. In fact, I met with his No. 2 person  in India today.

Its not like theres a crisis if I dont personally speak with Xi, who skipped the G-20 meeting of world leaders in India. It would be better if I did. I hope to get to see him again soon.

On the meeting with Premier Li Qiang, he added: It wasnt confrontational at all, adding they talked about stability and making sure the developing world had access to change.

But Biden noted Xi has his hands full right now. He has overwhelming unemployment with youths and said a major sector of the Chinese economy, real estate, is faltering.

I dont want to contain Chinese economic growth, Biden said. I want to see China succeed economically, but I want to see them succeed by the rules of international norms.

The U.S. leader said the Chinese economy, second in the world behind the United States, has struggled because of a lack of international growth, but didn't see it as leading to armed conflict over Taiwan, the self-governed territory that China claims as part of Beijings domain.

"I don't think this is going to cause China to invade Taiwan," Biden said. "As a matter of fact, the opposite, probably doesnt have the same capacity that it had before."

Several Biden Cabinet members have traveled recently to Beijing to meet with their counterparts. But the two countries have lately had a contentious relationship over trade, naval patrols near Taiwan and a spy balloon that China sent over the United States earlier this year.

Biden ordered the balloon shot down over the Atlantic Ocean as it reached the U.S. eastern seaboard but not before it lingered over sensitive U.S. military installations as it crossed the entirety of the United States. In addition, China hacked the emails of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo before her recent trip to Beijing.
U.S. President Joe Biden has held his highest-level direct talks in months with the Chinese. The talks came during the recent summit of 20 of the worlds largest economies in New Delhi, India. During a historic visit to Vietnam after that, Biden also said a comprehensive strategic partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam is not about containing China. VOA's State Department bureau chief Nike Ching has more.
A new lawsuit to bar former President Donald Trump from appearing on the 2024 Colorado primary ballot has revived a legal and political debate over an obscure provision of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, a progressive watchdog, filed the lawsuit on behalf of six Colorado voters on Wednesday. It claims that Trump is ineligible to run for the White House again because he supported an "insurrection" against the Constitution on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the Congressional certification of Joe Biden's victory.

The lawsuit cites Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868 to prevent former Confederate officials and soldiers from regaining power after the 1861-65 American Civil War.

The provision, known as the "disqualification clause" and "insurrection clause," says that no one who has taken an oath to support the Constitution and then "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the Constitution or "given aid or comfort" to its enemies can hold any federal or state office unless given a waiver by Congress.

"Because Trump took these actions after he swore an oath to support the Constitution, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment prohibits him from being president and from qualifying for the Colorado ballot for president in 2024," the CREW lawsuit says.

The lawsuit raises several questions, including whether Trump's actions in the lead-up to Jan. 6 constituted a rebellion or insurrection, whether Section 3 applies to the presidency, and whether state election officials have the power to enforce it without an act of Congress.

CREW is not the only group seeking Trumps disqualification. Two other liberal groups  Free Speech for People, and Mia Familia Vota Education Fund  recently asked top election officials in more than 10 states to bar Trump and have vowed to take legal action.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed this week that "almost all legal scholars" agree that the 14th Amendment doesnt apply to the 2024 presidential election. He called the effort "election interference" and "just another 'trick' being used by the Radical Left Communists, Marxists, and Fascists, to again steal an election."

But its not just those on the left making the case. In recent weeks, a growing number of conservative legal scholars have joined the calls for Trumps removal from the ballot.

Among them are J. Michael Luttig, a conservative former federal appellate judge, and Steven Calabresi, a co-founder of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal organization. They contend that Trump's actions constitute an insurrection against the Constitution, and that disqualifies him from holding office again.

Here is what you need to know about the Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and the push to kick Trump off the 2024 presidential ballot:

What is Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, and what does it say?

The 14th Amendment is one of three amendments to the U.S. Constitution that were enacted after the Civil War to extend civil and legal rights to formerly enslaved Black people.

The amendment is best known for its Section 1, which grants citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States" and guarantees citizens the "equal protection of the laws."

The amendment's less-well-known Section 3 states that no one who took an "oath  to support the Constitution of the United States" and then "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the Constitution or gave "aid or comfort to [its] enemies" can serve as a senator, representative or presidential elector or hold any office  civil or military  unless approved by a supermajority vote of Congress.

How has the provision been used in the past?

In the years after the U.S. Civil War, a period known as the Reconstruction Era, the provision was used to prevent former Confederate officials from holding office.

But the measure remained largely dormant for more than 150 years until the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol.

Following that attack, liberal groups sought to use Section 3 to challenge the eligibility of several Congressional candidates who had opposed the 2020 election results. The effort failed to gain traction. The only successful application of Section 3 occurred last September, when a New Mexico judge removed from office a county commissioner who had been convicted in connection with Jan. 6.

Does the provision apply to the president?

Section 3 does not explicitly mention whether the president is subject to disqualification under the provision, leading some experts to argue that the presidency is exempt.

But that is a misreading of the text and history of the provision, said Gerard Magliocca, an Indiana University law professor who has written extensively about Section 3.

"This issue was raised in Congress when the proposal was under consideration," Magliocca told VOA. "Someone said, does this apply to the presidency or the vice presidency? And the answer given was yes, it does."

What is more, Magliocca said, the phrase "officer of the United States," as used in Section 3, refers to the president, making him subject to the disqualification provision.

"Andrew Johnson, who was president at the time, repeatedly referred to himself as the chief executive officer of the United States in asserting his authority to pursue Reconstruction in the aftermath of the Civil War in 1865," Magliocca said.

What are the legal arguments for and against applying Section 3 to Trump?

Though initially designed to punish rebellious Southerners, most legal scholars agree that Section 3 may apply to any act of rebellion or insurrection. The debate now is whether Jan. 6 qualifies as such an act.

Proponents of Trumps disqualification say that it does and that the case against the former president is straightforward: Trump swore to uphold the Constitution as president but then broke that vow when he instigated the Jan. 6 "insurrection," making him unfit for office under Section 3.

The provision doesnt require a criminal conviction, said U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, a Democrat and a staunch Trump critic.

"It just requires that you engage in these [insurrection] acts," Schiff said recently on MSNBC. "Its a disqualification from holding office again. And it fits Donald Trump to a T."

Opponents disagree that Jan. 6 rises to the level of an insurrection. They note Section 3 was added in response to a real rebellion.

"But it is notable that Trump has not been charged even with incitement, let alone rebellion or insurrection," said Jonathan Turley, a conservative law professor at The George Washington University, Wednesday on Fox News.

Derek Muller, a law professor and election law expert at University of Notre Dame, said the dispute in part hinges on what acts count as insurrection.

"If youre making a comparison to the Civil War, what happened on January 6th was certainly not at that level, but are there lesser acts that could fit this?" Muller said.

Another question concerns the role of Congress in disqualifying individuals. Some scholars have argued that Section 3 is not "self-executing," meaning it needs an act of Congress to be implemented. But others say no such action is needed.

"I dont have strong thoughts on those questions, but I think theyre the things that people are wondering about, whether or not it applies in the context of what happened today," Muller said.

The courts will decide

The legal challenges to Trumps candidacy are just beginning to make their way through the courts and eventually may end up before the Supreme Court.

Secretaries of state from Democratic-leaning states such as Colorado and Michigan say theyll await court guidance before taking action. But the courts may not weigh in soon.

"I think a lot of state courts will be very reluctant to hear these claims early," Muller said.

This is not the first time a major presidential candidate has faced legal challenges over his eligibility.

Barack Obama in 2008 and Ted Cruz in 2016 faced lawsuits over questions regarding whether they were "natural born citizens," a requirement for presidency.

Obama was born in Hawaii to a Kenyan father and American mother. Cruz was born in Canada to a Cuban father and American mother.

But the lawsuits didnt reach the "merits" stage to address the key question  was the candidate a natural born citizen?  as they ground through procedural hurdles.

A similar fate may await the legal challenges to Trumps candidacy, Muller said.

"Many of these cases will continue the same way, hitting all those barriers before they get to the heart of the question: Did you participate in an insurrection or rebellion?" Muller said.
Homes of people who went missing in China's crackdown on its Muslim minorities stand locked and silent in Xinjiang's rural heartland.

Others lie dilapidated or abandoned, and locals chase out AFP reporters seeking to find out the fates of the detained.

The Chinese government began rounding up Uyghurs in the northwestern region in large numbers from 2017 under what it calls an anti-terrorism policy.

More than 1 million people were allegedly detained, with reports surfacing of widespread abuses, including violence, rape and political indoctrination.

The United States branded the program a "genocide," and the United Nations said it may constitute crimes against humanity.

China has never disclosed the identities of most people it allegedly incarcerated and calls the facilities vocational schools.

Beijing says all their attendees "graduated" in 2019.

But human rights campaigners, scholars and Uyghurs overseas have detailed thousands of individual cases, many based on leaked government documents.

And many people remain unaccounted for.

In July, AFP travelled to four Uyghur-majority villages in the southern Xinjiang county of Yarkant in an effort to determine what had happened to some of those detained.

Police records obtained by the German scholar Adrian Zenz indicate up to half of adult men in the villages may have been rounded up at the height of the campaign.

One of them was Abduqahar Ebeydulla - a husband, father and imam in his late 30s -- who vanished into police custody in 2016.

He is identified in Zenz's leaked records, and his case has previously been publicized by advocacy group Amnesty International and Uyghurs outside China.

In Abduqahar's home village of Bostan, the sound of livestock and piles of fresh-looking straw indicated that his family farmhouse was occupied.

But high metal doors to the single-story home were locked.

AFP did not knock on the door or approach neighbors for interviews to protect them from repercussions.

Further observations were disrupted when a group of Uyghur men -- some brandishing farm tools -- ordered reporters to leave.

They also blocked journalists from visiting the village government office to request more information.

'Religious' crimes

Abduqahar's case remains murky, but testimony given to AFP by a relative overseas sheds some light on his treatment.

The relative requested anonymity to protect their contacts in Xinjiang from repercussions.

They said Abduqahar was ordered by authorities to return to Yarkant in late 2016 for what seemed like routine questioning.

But he was spirited into the detention system and his associates outside China lost touch as the campaign gathered pace.

The relative said they later heard Abduqahar had been sentenced to 15 years in prison for "religious" crimes.

But they added that the Chinese government had never given them an explanation for the sentence.

Abduqahar "never did anything bad, certainly not anything illegal," the relative told AFP.

"He is very easygoing and respectful to others - he has never harmed anyone."

So many men in Bostan were taken that Abduqahar's mother was buried in her backyard for lack of people to bear her coffin to the cemetery, the relative said.

Abduqahar's wife was also detained and his four children taken into state care, they said.

They have since been released and reunited, and his wife was recently permitted to visit her husband in prison some 1,000 kilometers away, according to the relative.

Neither Xinjiang authorities nor local governors responded to requests for comment about Abduqahar.

The Chinese foreign ministry said it was "unaware of relevant situations regarding individual cases."

AFP was ultimately unable to independently verify his location, sentence and condition, or the whereabouts and conditions of his wife and children.

Locked inside

AFP visited three other villages in Yarkant where alleged detention rates were extremely high, according to Zenz's files.

In every village, many homes were locked, and a few appeared neglected or abandoned.

At an address belonging to a three-generation family of seven -- three of whom were detained, according to the files -- the house stood silent and rundown.

And interference by people in the villages made it nearly impossible to confirm the status of detainees and verify more data.

AFP reporters were followed by up to five unmarked cars and obstructed -- but not harmed -- by up to a dozen Uyghur men, some lugging shovels and hoes.

Darting down narrow roads on electric scooters, the men were seen ordering villagers to return to their homes, sometimes locking them inside.

In Aral Mehelle, where around 80 people in a settlement of just a few hundred were allegedly detained, AFP identified the village committee chief among the disruptors.

Approached for comment, he jumped on a scooter and drove away at speed, and hung up when later contacted by phone.

China has consistently said it welcomes foreign journalists to report in Xinjiang.

The foreign ministry said it was "unaware of the specific issue" when asked by AFP about the interference.

'Make Xinjiang Chinese'

China's foreign ministry said most of those who left the vocational centers in 2019 had since "achieved stable employment."

They "have improved their quality of life, and now lead normal lives," according to the ministry.

But AFP reporters in Xinjiang saw some facilities identified by researchers as detention camps continuing to operate.

Several had staffed guard towers, security cameras and high walls topped with barbed wire.

Overseas scholars argue that authorities have also pivoted to other forms of repression.

They include handing some detainees long jail sentences and allegedly pushing them into a forced labor system that exports goods all over the world.

James Millward, a historian of Xinjiang at Georgetown University in the United States, told AFP that a concerted effort to forcibly assimilate ethnic minorities and "make Xinjiang Chinese" continues.

"There has been no let up in efforts to erase cultural autonomy of the Uyghur people," Millward said.

From his adopted home, Abduqahar's relative said they felt "guilt" about not getting him out of China when they had the chance.

"Everything changed very quickly, and I never expected it," they said.
A drone attack Sunday on an open market south of Sudan's capital, Khartoum, killed at least 43 people, activists and a medical group said, as the military and a powerful rival paramilitary group battle for control of the country.

More than 55 others were wounded in the attack in Khartoum's May neighborhood, where paramilitary forces battling the military were heavily deployed, the Sudan Doctors' Union said in a statement. The causalities were taken to the Bashair University Hospital for treatment.

The Resistance Committees, an activist group that helps organize humanitarian assistance, posted footage on social media showing bodies wrapped in white sheets in an open yard at the hospital.

Sudan has been rocked by violence since mid-April, when tensions between the country's military, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, burst into open fighting.

The RSF blamed the military's air force for Sunday's attack, though it was not immediately possible to independently verify the claim. The military, meanwhile, said Sunday afternoon that it didn't target civilians, describing the RSF accusations as "false and misleading claims."

Indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes by both factions are not uncommon in Sudan's war, which has reduced the Greater Khartoum area to a battleground.

The conflict has since spread to several parts of the country. In the Greater Khartoum area, which includes the cities of Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri, RSF troops have commandeered civilian homes and turned them into operational bases. The military responded by bombing these residential areas, rights groups and activists say.

In the western Darfur region  the scene of a genocidal campaign in the early 2000s  the conflict has morphed into ethnic violence, with the RSF and allied Arab militias attacking ethnic African groups, according to rights groups and the United Nations.

Fierce clashes ensued over the weekend in al-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur province, following an attack on a military facility by the RSF, local media reported.

Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, expressed concerns Sunday about the clashes in al-Fasher. Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, the U.N. official called for warring factions to stop fighting "so that humanitarians can bring in food, medicine and shelter items to those who need them most."

The war has killed more than 4,000 people, according to August figures from the United Nations. However, the real toll is almost certainly much higher, doctors and activists say.

The number of internally displaced persons has nearly doubled since mid-April to reach at least 7.1 million people, according to the U.N. refugee agency. Another 1.1 million are refugees in neighboring countries, according to figures released last week by the International Organization for Migration.

Chad received about 465,000 refugees, mostly from West Darfur province where the RSF and its Arab militias launched scorched-earth attacks on non-Arab tribes in the provincial capital of Geneina and its surrounding areas, according to the U.N. and rights groups.
Last month, Canada imposed sanctions on Russia's nuclear sector. Targets included subsidiaries of Russia's Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation. The U.S. imposed similar sanctions in April. Yet the West continues to have ties with Rosatom, which dominates the nuclear fuel supply chain. Oleksii Kovalenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice. VOA footage by Kostiantyn Golubchyk.
G20 leaders paid tribute Sunday to Mahatma Gandhi at Delhis Raj Ghat Memorial, which is dedicated to Gandhi, who used nonviolent resistance to free India from British rule.

World leaders attending the two-day G20 summit in India this year came to a consensus Saturday on a joint declaration about Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Saturdays declaration on the conflict is much softer than the one issued at last years summit in Bali. Last year, the G20 condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine and called for Russia to withdraw its troops. This year, the blocs declaration fell short of condemning Russias continued presence in Ukraine.

The groups unanimous agreement on the declaration this year is a major accomplishment for India, which holds the blocs current presidency.

However, Oleg Nikolenko, a Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson, said on Facebook the declaration was "nothing to be proud of."

The group announced Saturday that the African Union would be its newest member. "This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The group also held an event Saturday where it announced a multinational rail and ports deal linking the Middle East and South Asia.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Today, as we embark upon such a big connectivity initiative, we are sowing the seeds for future generations to dream bigger."

The deal seeks to connect Middle Eastern countries by train and then connect them to India by ports.

U.S. President Joe Biden said the initiative is a "real big deal" that would connect the ports of two continents and could lead to a "more stable, more prosperous and integrated Middle East." He said the deal could also open "endless opportunities" for clean energy, clean electricity and laying cable to connect communities.

Some information for this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press.
The death toll from flash floods that have inundated central Greece due to Storm Daniel has risen to 12 with the number expected to rise. The clean-up task in the Thessaly area comes as health officials warn of infectious diseases that are breaking out as a result of dead livestock scattered across devastated sections.

Hara Petropoulou pleas for assistance after Storm Daniel caused widespread flooding in central Greece.

Help, she shouts to the anchor of a Sunday morning show. Please help.

We may have survived the floods that drowned our towns and homes... but the stench of decomposing animal carcasses . Our chickens, our goats, rabbits and sheep It is horrific and it is going to kill us, she adds.

The wife of a farmer in the farming heartland of Greece, Petropoulou says she is left with no other option than to clean up the debris herself.

I have a bottle of chlorine in my hand... and Im ready to head out into a meter of mud and floodwaters to clear out our chicken coop and to drag away the dead sheep the storm left behind.

I have no other choice, she says.

Petropoulou is not alone. Thousands of other farmers are following suit.

But that is exactly what health authorities are warning against.

Dysentery, diphtheria, and malaria are just some of the infectious diseases resulting from the floods that ravaged Thessaly, the farming heartland of Greece, and livestock for much of the past week.

On Sunday, state health and veterinary officials said they had deployed dozens of special crews to collect dead livestock, taking decomposing carcasses to special incinerators to be burned.

But with dozens of villages and hamlets still stranded  all devoid of clean water and sewage, fears of further outbreaks grow.

Authorities alone have been tasked with the cleanup of dead livestock, said Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidakishe on public television.

People have to stay away from dead livestock, and those that have survived Goats, chicken, sheep, cows even their pets have to be steered clear and away from contaminated fields.

The repercussions, she said, will be terrible.

The looming health crisis adds to Daniels destruction after walls of water pounded the Thessaly plain. Officials say over a four-day period, the storm drenched the affected areas with more rainfall than London sees in a full year.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis toured the region to inspect recovery operations. He was expected to announce unprecedented aid measures in a late-night address.

Locals though want more. They say the biggest but most pressing challenge is to rebuild the region to fortify it against future natural disasters and climate change.
An Israeli delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to attend a U.N. conference on world heritage sites, in the first public visit by government officials to the kingdom, an Israeli official said.

The delegation is led by the head of Israel's Antiquities Authority and includes diplomats, the official said. It is not a bilateral visit, and it was unclear whether they would meet with Saudi officials.

The official was not authorized to discuss the matter with media and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official noted that Israel took part in a video game competition in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

The visit comes as Washington is pushing to broker normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which are believed to have quietly cultivated ties in recent years over their shared suspicion of Iran. A formal agreement would be a historic step toward integrating Israel into the wider region, but it faces major challenges.

The Saudis are reportedly demanding major progress on resolving the conflict with the Palestinians  a hard sell for the most right-wing government in Israel's history  as well as U.S. defense guarantees and aid in establishing a civilian nuclear program.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which begins Sunday and runs until Sept. 25.
Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday against the hardline government's judicial overhaul, ahead of a court hearing on a major element of the controversial changes that have split the nation.

Since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government unveiled its proposals in January, tens of thousands of Israelis have demonstrated weekly in what has become the largest protest movement in the country's history.

"There is no such thing as democracy without the Supreme Court. Democracy, democracy!" chanted the protesters in Tel Aviv, where the rallies have taken place every Saturday since January.

"The Supreme Court is Supreme," said one banner unfurled at the protest.

On Saturday, protests were also held in Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheba, Modiin, Herzliya, and some other cities, organizers said.

The latest demonstration comes ahead of a Tuesday hearing in the Supreme Court on annulling parliament's July vote to limit the so-called "reasonableness clause" used by the top court to review some government decisions.

Israel does not have a constitution or upper house of parliament, and the "reasonableness" law was put in place to allow judges to determine whether a government had overreached its powers.

The Supreme Court had used the measure in a high-profile ruling which barred Aryeh Deri, a Netanyahu ally, from serving in the cabinet because of a tax evasion conviction.

Opponents allege that Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges he denies, of trying to use the proposed legal overhaul to quash possible judgments against him.

He rejects the accusation.

"On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will have a discussion on whether the law the government has passed is legal or not," protester Yuval Inbar, 21, told AFP.

"If we don't come here (to protest) we are afraid that the government is not going to respect the Supreme Court."

Political takeover

The July 24 amendment to the "reasonableness clause" states that the courts cannot hear cases or issue orders against elected officials on the basis of that doctrine, activists say.

Opponents say this will give unlimited powers to the government and pave the way for more authoritarian rule.

"Netanyahu has been hijacked by messianic settlers who are attempting to have a revolution," Josh Drill, a protest leader, told AFP.

"They are trying to do a political takeover and change the system of government to autocracy. That's a revolution and this government is willing to bring the country down with them."

Netanyahu's administration, a coalition between his Likud party and extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies, argues that the legal changes are needed to rebalance powers between lawmakers and the judiciary.

Its supporters have also held occasional rallies, insisting that it is illogical for the Supreme Court to hear petitions that judge its own undefined role.

But protesters insisted Saturday that the court has every right to do so.

"We don't have a system of checks and balances," said Drill.

"If there is a government that is attempting to remove all powers of the Supreme Court ... then in my view it has the right, and it is even mandatory that the Supreme Court protect the democratic process."

The protests have drawn support from across the political spectrum of Israel, among secular and religious groups, blue-collar and tech sector workers, peace activists and military reservists.
A year after the death of Queen Elizabeth II triggered questions about the future of the British monarchy, King Charles III's reign has been marked more by continuity than transformation, by changes in style rather than substance.

Charles, who waited more than 70 years to ascend the throne, moved seamlessly into his new role, avoiding controversy and sidestepping major reforms despite questions about whether an unelected king can still represent the people of modern Britain.

Most people seem to have shrugged off Charles' occasional faux pas  most publicly when he threw a hissy fit over an aide's failure to move an ornate pen case during a signing ceremony  focusing instead on successes like his state visit to Germany, where the king wowed his audience by switching effortlessly between English and German during a speech to lawmakers.

The message delivered by the new king's first year on the throne is clear, said Sally Bedell Smith, author of "Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life." Change will be subtle, more evolution than revolution.

"The queen was known for incremental change and his incremental change may be a little more obvious in various moments,'' she said. "But back in the '90s, there was a lot of talk about how he just wanted to really shake up the deck and do things in a more radical way and be more outspoken. And I think he has recognized that this is not his role."

So while Charles has made it clear that he wants to streamline the monarchy, cut costs and reform a system of patronage seen as bloated and anachronistic, there has been no obvious overhaul of Buckingham Palace  at least not yet.

Instead, Charles has focused on building bridges at home and abroad as he embraces the role of diplomat-in-chief. After traveling to each of the four nations that comprise the United Kingdom, the king visited faith communities around the country, greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London and staged a successful state visit to Germany.

Charles became sovereign on Sept. 8, 2022, the day Elizabeth died after more than 70 years on the throne.

The following day, the new king telegraphed much of what has happened since in a speech that paid homage to the way his mother honored the history of a 1,000-year-old monarchy while embracing the changes that transformed Britain after World War II.

"In her life of service, we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which makes us great as a nation," Charles said as he pledged to serve all his people, no matter where they live or what they believe.

Known for speaking his mind during his decades as heir to the throne, Charles also acknowledged that he would have to tone down his support for causes such as conservation and environmental protection.

But he immediately handed that mantle to Prince William, encouraging him to "lead our national conversation" and help "bring the marginal to the center ground, where vital help can be given."

William accepted that challenge, continuing his fight against climate change and announcing a campaign to end homelessness in Britain.

Charles joined the nation in mourning the late queen at a state funeral that celebrated the life of the only monarch most people had ever known. After the queen's piper played one final lament, the Westminster Abbey congregation offered a thunderous rendition of the national anthem  though for the first time in seven decades the first line was, "God save our gracious king.''

With that, the queen seemed to slide into the background of history and Charles took center stage in a multi-cultural nation where schoolchildren now speak more than 300 languages.

During his first Christmas Day broadcast, Charles gave a nod to the changing face of Britain, splicing in video of his travels around the kingdom, including scenes of the king meeting with food kitchen volunteers at a Sikh house of worship in Luton, a diverse community 30 miles north of London.

During the coronation ceremony in May, Charles again balanced the traditions of monarchy against the pressure for change.

As Charles sat in the 700-year-old coronation chair at Westminster Abbey, the Archbishop of Canterbury placed a jewel-encrusted crown on his head. Then he was enclosed behind a screen where he was anointed with holy oil.

But the monarch also made sure there was a role for other religions, with non-Christian faith leaders taking part in the ceremony for the first time.

And while the TV cameras focused on presidents and prime ministers, lords, ladies and royals as they trooped into the abbey, the audience also included dozens of people invited in honor of the work they do for charities, schools and youth programs around the country.

Photo Gallery: King Charles III's Coronation Saturday is coronation day for Britains King Charles III and his second wife, Queen Consort Camilla. It is the first British coronation spectacular in 70 years. Queen Elizabeth II was the last British monarch to be crowned. Charles, 74, became king the moment his mother died in September. Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter



Email to a Friend



More challenges are to come.

The perception of the monarchy itself has changed since Elizabeth took the throne, making it harder for the palace to stick to its mantra of "never explain, never complain" as the media demand more information about royal spending and accountability.

Charles is also facing demands to make the palace staff more representative of modern Britain and to acknowledge the monarchy's role in slavery and imperialism.

Some of those calls come from within the royal family after Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan, criticized the palace in a book and TV series released earlier this year. But there is also pressure from republican groups that want to get rid of the hereditary monarchy and some of the 14 Commonwealth realms that bridle at the idea of having an English king as their head of state.

"It seems likely that his reign will end with less realms than it started," said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty Magazine. "But, you know, that was also the case with Queen Elizabeth II. It's just a natural progression, I think. But ultimately, it's down to the people of the countries who have him as sovereign."
Richie Olsten has been in Maui's helicopter tour business for a half century, so long he's developed a barometer for the tourism-dependent economy: rental cars parked at the island's airport.

There are so many since wildfires killed at least 115 people in the historic town of Lahaina that Olsten is worried about a full-blown economic catastrophe. Restaurants and tour companies are laying off workers, and unemployment is surging.

State tourism officials, after initially urging travelers to stay away, are now asking them to come back, avoid the burn zone and help Maui recover by spending their money. Airlines have started offering steep discounts, while some resorts have slashed room rates by 20% or are offering a fifth night free.

"I know what a terrible disaster that was. But now we're in crisis mode," Olsten said. "If we can't keep the people that have jobs employed, how are they going to help family members and friends that lost everything?"

The number of visitors arriving on Maui sank about 70% after the Aug. 8 fire, down to 2,000 a day.

Olsten's Air Maui Helicopters now operates one or two flights a day, compared with 25 to 30 before the fires.

As Air Maui's director of operations, Olsten said his company has laid off seven of its 12 dispatchers. Pilots have been spared because they only get paid when they work. Typically, they fly eight times a day, four to five days a week. That has fallen to one day a week, and only one or two flights.

Many Maui hotels are housing federal aid workers and Lahaina residents who lost their homes. Even so, only half of available hotel rooms are occupied, said Mufi Hannemann, president of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association.

Even those in South Maui, 48 kilometers south of Lahaina, are half empty. Hannemann called the situation "pretty grim."

One of Maui's most venerable restaurants, Hali'imaile General Store, laid off about 30 workers and temporarily closed after business shrank to one-tenth of pre-fire levels.

"It just fell off a cliff," said Graeme Swain, who owns the place with his wife, Mara.

They cut staff to preserve cash and spare Hali'imaile the fate of the San Diego software company Swain was running in 2008. When the housing bubble burst and the U.S. plunged into recession, he kept all employees "to the bitter end," crushing the business.

Swain wants Hali'imaile  which was founded as a general store for pineapple plantation workers a century ago and became a restaurant in 1987  to last decades more.

"It takes a lot of soul-searching of what's the right thing to do to protect that place," said Swain, who plans to hire everyone back. He aims to reopen next month.

Mass layoffs are showing up in government data. Nearly 8,000 people filed for unemployment on Maui during the last three weeks of August compared with 295 during the same period in 2022.

University of Hawaii economists expect Maui's jobless rate to climb as high as 10%. It peaked at 35% during the COVID-19 pandemic, but in July was just 2.5%. And this time, there are no pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program loans for businesses, nor any enhanced unemployment checks for the jobless.

Clothing designer Gemma Alvior estimates that locals make up almost all the clientele at her Kahului store, Pulelehua Boutique. But that may not shield her in a place where the tourism industry accounts for 75% of private sector jobs.

"If they don't have a job, they're getting laid off, how are they going to buy stuff?" she said. "What do they need to buy clothes for if they're not working?"

One reason visitor traffic plunged is that Hawaii's leaders, joined by Hollywood celebrities, told travelers to vacate the island.

The day after the fire, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, a quasi-state agency, said visitors on "non-essential travel are being asked to leave Maui" and that "non-essential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged."

The agency said the community needed to focus on recovery and helping those who had to evacuate.

Around the world, people saw video and photos of travelers jamming the Kahului airport to board flights out.

That message has since changed.

"Maui's not closed," Mayor Richard Bissen said in a recent interview.

People shouldn't go to Lahaina or the surrounding West Maui area  "It's not a place to stare," Bissen said  but the rest of Maui needs tourists. "Respect the West, visit the rest," is the motto some have adopted.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority drafted and publicized a map showing Lahaina and West Maui in relation to the rest of the island, highlighting just how much was still open. The authority is also launching a $2.6 million marketing plan to lure tourists back.

Two days after the fire, Jason Momoa, a Hollywood actor and Native Hawaiian, told his 17 million Instagram followers, "Do not travel to Maui." More recently, he advised: "Maui is open. Lahaina is closed."

Travel to areas outside West Maui should return to pre-fire levels by Thanksgiving, predicted Carl Bonham, an economics professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Discounted airfares and marketing appeals should help, he said.

Gov. Josh Green told a meeting of the state Council on Revenues that he expects authorities to reopen most of West Maui to travelers on Oct. 8, with the exception of fire-damaged neighborhoods. The area, which includes beach resorts in Kaanapali, north of historic Lahaina, has 11,000 hotel rooms. That's half Maui's total.

The disaster prompted state officials on Wednesday to lower their 2023 economic growth prediction for the entire state to 1.1%, down from 1.8%. Next year, they expect 1.5% growth instead of 2%.

Bonham estimated the fires would depress state tax revenues by $250 million this fiscal year but said he was "encouraged" by the plan to reopen West Maui in one month.

The council, which produces tax revenue forecasts, predicted Thursday that state tax revenue would rise 1.3% during the current fiscal year compared with last year. The governor and lawmakers are required to use the panel's forecasts to draft their budgets.
Mosquito-borne dengue fever is taking a heavy toll on South Asian nations this year as Bangladesh grapples with record deaths and Nepal faces cases in new areas, with disease experts linking worsening outbreaks to the impacts of climate change.

Authorities in the two countries are scrambling to contain and treat the disease - which is also known as "breakbone fever" for the severe muscle and joint pains it induces. Entomologists and epidemiologists say rising temperatures and longer monsoon seasons are providing ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

The threat is not restricted to South Asia as dengue rates are rising globally with 4.2 million cases reported in 2022 -- up eightfold from 2000 -- the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Earlier this year, WHO said dengue is the fastest-spreading tropical disease worldwide and represents a "pandemic threat."

In Bangladesh, at least 691 people have died so far in 2023, and more than 138,000 have been infected, official figures show, making this the deadliest year since the first recorded epidemic in 2000. The previous record toll was 281 deaths last year.

A lack of proper prevention measures has allowed the dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito to spread across almost all of Bangladesh, said Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist and zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University in the capital of Dhaka.

He said this raised the risk of more infections occurring during September. Dengue is common during the June-to-September monsoon season, when mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water.

"This climate is favorable for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes," Bashar said in an interview. "Dengue is not only a problem for Dhaka, it is now a problem for the entire country."

Nepal struggling

Meanwhile, Nepal -- which first recorded dengue in 2004 -- has had at least 13 dengue deaths and more than 21,200 cases so far this year across 75 of its 77 districts, according to officials.

This year could match the 2022 toll of 88 deaths and 54,000 cases, said Uttam Koirala, a senior public health officer at the national epidemiology and disease control division.

Meghnath Dhimal, a senior research officer at the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), said the incidence and spread of dengue had been rising quickly nationwide in recent years.

Rising temperatures mean cases have started occurring in colder autumn months, while Nepal's higher mountain districts that never before had the disease are now struggling to curb its spread, he said, describing the shifting patterns as "strange."

For example, the city of Dharan in the mountainous east has been hit particularly hard this year -- with dengue cases rising so fast that hospitals and ambulances are overwhelmed by demand, according to Umesh Mehta, the local health division chief.

The city of more than 160,000 people saw the number of dengue cases peak at 1,700 a day as of late August, he said.

Amrit Kumar Thakur, a Dharan resident, was one of four members of his family to contract dengue last month. The 27-year-old said the disease started with a mild body ache and got steadily worse before he was treated at a temporary health center set up to deal with the fast-growing number of cases.

"Dengue was the worst health experience of my life," said Thakur, adding that he and his relatives had fully recovered.

Ideal conditions

WHO says dengue is rising partly because global warming benefits mosquitoes, along with other factors including movement of people and goods, urbanization and problems with sanitation.

In July, WHO said an unusual episodic amount of rainfall in Bangladesh, together with high temperatures and high humidity, had helped the mosquito population to grow across the nation.

Furthermore, Bangladesh has experienced longer-than-usual monsoon seasons in recent years, with erratic rainfall over the March-to-October period and more breeding grounds popping up for mosquitoes, according to various disease and health experts.

The number of potential breeding sites identified in 2023 is the highest in the last five years, said Nazmul Islam, director of the disease control branch of Bangladesh's health department.

Fiercer floods fueled by heavy rains and melting glaciers -- driven by climate change -- are another major factor behind the spread of dengue, said Mohammad Mushtuq Husain, an adviser at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research.

The Bangladeshi government has also cited climate change as a driver behind the country's worsening dengue outbreak.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury, the prime minister's special envoy on climate change, said last month on the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that the nation's record dengue cases are "a clear instance of (the) climate change health nexus."

Bangladesh needs to think about a national plan for adapting its health system to prevent diseases like dengue from turning into major disasters, Chowdhury said in an interview.

Informing the public

As dengue lacks a specific cure, health experts say the disease must be kept at bay through control of mosquito breeding, engaging with the public, and managing symptoms.

In Dhaka, officials are going around the city spraying insecticide to kill mosquitoes and imposing fines on people if breeding sites for the larvae are found.

Atiqul Islam, mayor of the Dhaka North City Corporation, said the authorities would have to keep informing residents of the risks, and monitoring the situation, throughout the year.

"It's not the time for pinning blame, rather everyone should come forward to deal with the dengue situation -- for their love of this city where we are born, live and die," said Islam.

In Nepal, Dhimal from the NHRC said no authority alone could stop dengue as mosquitoes are found everywhere from garages to the corners of houses which are out of reach of the government.

"Everyone should be aware and proactive and contribute from their side to control the spread of the vector," he added.

Civil society and development organizations are also helping to tackle the disease.

Sanjeev Kafley, head of the Bangladesh delegation for the International Red Cross, said it was helping to raise public awareness, procuring testing kits, and boosting the availability of platelets used in blood transfusions to treat some patients.

Yet when it comes to treatment broadly, ordinary families face high costs. Researchers from Dhaka University's Institute of Health Economics have warned that total medical expenses for dengue patients may exceed $91 million this year, up from $41 million in 2019.

Dhaka resident Akhtar Hossain spent $545 on private hospital care for his daughter, Ayesha Tabassum Taqwa, who ultimately died of dengue last month at the age of 10.

Hossain cried as he spoke of Taqwa's love of learning.

"Her books, notebooks ... are all still on the reading table. (She) will never arrange new books," he said. "(But) who can we blame and what is the point of talking about it?"
Niger's junta on Sunday accused France of deploying troops in several West African countries as part of preparations for a possible military intervention together with the regional bloc ECOWAS in Niger.

In a communique read on state television overnight, the junta also repeated its call for the departure of French troops from its territory  a major source of tension between the one-time allies since the July 26 ouster of president Mohamed Bazoum.

The statement appealed to "national and international opinion to witness the consequences of this aggressive, underhanded and contemptuous attitude adopted by France."

Relations between Niger and its former colonizer France have soured since Paris declared the junta illegitimate. Amid a wave of anti-French sentiment, the coup's leaders have also followed the strategy of juntas in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in seeking to end long-standing military ties with France in the regionwide fight against Islamist insurgencies.

Asked about the junta's latest comments, French President Emmanuel Macron said "we do not recognize any legitimacy in the statements of the putschists."

Regarding the some 1,500 French troops stationed in Niger, Macron said any decision about their deployment would only be made in coordination with Bazoum.

"If we ever redeploy... I would do so only at the request of President Bazoum," Macron told a news conference at the close of a two-day summit of G20 leaders in India.

He did not directly address the allegation that France was deploying troops elsewhere in West Africa as part of a regional proposal to use force as a last resort to restore democracy.

The main regional bloc ECOWAS has slapped sanctions on Niger and activated a so-called standby force for the possible military intervention, although talks are ongoing to find a diplomatic solution.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, who holds ECOWAS' revolving chairmanship, has suggested that a nine-month transition back to civilian rule could satisfy regional powers. Niger's junta has previously proposed a three-year timeline.
Niger's military regime, which took power in July, accused France of deploying forces in several West African countries with a view to "military intervention."

"France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries as part of preparations for an aggression against Niger, which it is planning in collaboration with this community organization," regime spokesman Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane said in a statement broadcast on national television on Saturday.

Relations with France, Niger's former colonial power, degraded swiftly after Paris stood by ousted President Mohamed Bazoum following the July coup.

The Sahel state is also embroiled in a standoff with the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has threatened to intervene militarily if diplomatic pressure to return Bazoum to office fails.

On August 3, Niger's coup leaders renounced several military cooperation agreements with France, which has about 1,500 soldiers stationed in the country as part of a wider fight against jihadis.

On Tuesday, a Paris defense ministry source told AFP the French army was in talks with the military regime over withdrawing elements of its presence in Niger.

On September 1, the regime said its chief of staff had "received the commander of French forces in the Sahel  to discuss a plan for the disengagement of French military capabilities."
Paris has rescinded a special honor it bestowed on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas because of his recent antisemitic comments minimizing the Holocaust.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo published a letter Friday saying "your remarks run counter to universal values and the historical truth of the Holocaust."

Noting that tens of thousands of Jews were rounded up in Paris under the Nazi occupation and deported to death camps, Hidalgo said, "We condemn your comments with the utmost firmness. No cause can justify revisionism and negationism."

Hidalgo awarded Abbas the city's highest honor, the Grand Bronze of Paris, in 2015 for his efforts toward peace in the Middle East and a two-state solution.

In a speech last month to senior members of his Fatah movement, Abbas said that Adolf Hitler killed European Jews not because of antisemitism, but because of their "social functions" in society, such as money lending.

The United States, Germany and the European Union condemned Abbas' comments and accused him of distorting history and promoting antisemitic stereotypes.
U.K. police said Saturday they had arrested a man in his twenties for spying, with The Sunday Times reporting he was a researcher in Britain's parliament suspected of working for China.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service arrested two men on 13 March on suspicion of offences under section 1 of the Official Secrets Act, 1911," said the force.

"A man in his 30s was arrested at an address in Oxfordshire and a man in his 20s was arrested at an address in Edinburgh."

The Sunday Times said the suspect in his twenties had contacts with MPs (members of Parliament) from the ruling Conservative Party while working as a parliamentary researcher. They included Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and Alicia Kearns, the chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee.

He is a Briton who has worked on international policy, including relations with Beijing, and previously worked in China, the paper added.

If proven, it would represent one of the most serious breaches of security involving a hostile state at the U.K.'s parliament.

Domestic intelligence service MI5 last year warned that a female Chinese government agent called Christine Lee had been "engaged in political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, engaging with members here at parliament."

In July, the Commons intelligence and security committee claimed that China was targeting the U.K. "prolifically and aggressively" and that the government did not have the "resources, expertise or knowledge" to deal with it.

Tugendhat is reported to have only had limited contact with the suspect, and none while security minister.
An international team of at least 190 rescuers on Saturday began the long, difficult process of bringing an American caver to the surface in a process that will likely take days, officials said.

Forty-year-old Mark Dickey was exploring Morca Cave near Anamur, Turkey, in the Taurus Mountains with a team of about 12 others on Sept. 2 when he fell ill with what was determined to be internal bleeding.

The rescuers, from at least six countries and including 153 search and rescue experts, began to gather at the Turkish cave site Friday. The first stage involves bringing Dickey up from his base camp 1,040 meters below the surface to another camp at 700 meters.

Dickey, an experienced caver, was unable to climb out on his own. The Turkish Caving Federation says the team alerted the European Cave Rescue Association.

A Hungarian rescue team that includes a doctor reached Dickey this week and was able to get him medicine, IV fluids and 4 liters of blood and is monitoring him at a "base camp."

"We have received information that his condition is getting better, thanks to medical intervention. He has been in stable condition as of yesterday," Mersin Gov. Ali Hamza Pehlivan told the media Saturday.

Rotating teams consisting of a doctor and three or four others are with Dickey at all times.

Dickey appeared in a video message recorded by the rescue team and released Friday. He was in good spirits but said he was not healed on the inside yet" and would need a lot of help climbing out of the cave.

The head of the Turkish search and rescue team, Recep Salci, told the Reuters news agency Friday that Dickey was now stable enough to be moved but the process would likely take several days.

"If he feels well, we will assist him, and he will come out (of the cave) fast. But if his condition worsens, we will have to bring him up on a stretcher," Salci told The Associated Press on Saturday. He said that if they need to bring Dickey up in a stretcher, it could take up to 10 days.

Salci said that Dickeys base camp is in a location where there are many narrow passages and descents where a rope must be used. Some areas can be accessed only by crawling.

It takes a healthy caver 12 hours to get down to the location and 16 hours to climb up, he said. And some areas will require explosives to widen, he added.

Salci said many of the operations are being carried out by teams.

The rescue operation was divided into seven sections, each given to a team from a different country because of its complexity, Salci said Friday.

The European Cave Rescue Association said teams from Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy and Poland arrived at the scene over the course of the last week. How long the rescue mission will take depends on whether Dickey will require a stretcher on the way out, Werner Zegler, the associations vice president, told VOA in an interview.

Zegler estimated that it would take three or four days if Dickey did not need a stretcher and up to two weeks if he did. According to Zegler, there were more than 100 rescuers on site. If initial extraction efforts fail, more might be necessary, he said.

In his video message, Dicky thanks the Turkish government and others who reached him initially with medical supplies, which he said saved his life. He also thanked the international community of cave explorers who have responded.

Ivana Konstantinovic of VOAs Serbian Service contributed to this report. Some information was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday hailed a consensus declaration reached at a summit of 20 of the world's largest economies that called for respecting sovereign states territorial integrity.

The declaration at the now-concluded event denounced the use of force to seize territory but stopped short of condemning Russia for its war on Ukraine. Russia invaded the neighboring country in February 2022.

In an interview on CNNs State of the Union program, Blinken said the statement by the G20 nations strongly affirms the proposition that this is about Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Despite the diminished tone toward Russian aggression compared to last years G20 talks, Blinken told CNN that there was consensus among the participants that not only do they want to see this war end, but they want to see it end on just and durable terms.

Blinken said the leaders made it clear that the consequences of Russias aggression are being felt throughout the G20 countries and throughout the developing world.

However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a press conference at the closing of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, said excluding Russia from any talks on resuming a Black Sea grain deal would not be sustainable. The grain deal allowed Ukrainian grain to be exported via the Black Sea. Russia exited the deal in July.

Russia, Ukraine and Turkey are going to continue to discuss the grain deal in order to support the global food security, food supply security, Erdogan said.

When asked by VOAs Ukrainian Service if Russia would increase its demands on Ukraine if Kyiv conceded to some of Moscows terms to revive the deal, Erdogan cited Moscows claim that the West has not kept to its promises on the deal brokered by the U.N. and Ankara.

Ukraine and its Western allies have dismissed the Kremlins demands as a ploy to advance its own interests.

Erdogan expressed agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putins bid to send grain free of charge to African countries through Turkey and Qatar.

When I had talks with Mr. Lavrov here, I reiterated that we should not limit this amount to one million (tons) and look for ways to increase it, said Erdogan, referring to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

A key Russian demand to revive the grain deal has been the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank, Rosselkhozbank, to the SWIFT international payments system. It was cut off by the European Union in June 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine that year.

The Russian Agricultural Bank subsidiary in Luxembourg could immediately apply to SWIFT to "effectively enable access" for the bank to the international payments system within 30 days, the United Nations told Russia in a letter, seen by the Reuters news agency on Friday.

On Saturday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia needed its state agricultural bank -- and not a subsidiary of the bank, as proposed by the United Nations -- to be reconnected to the international SWIFT bank payments system.

"All our conditions are perfectly well known. They do not need interpretation, they are absolutely concrete and all this is absolutely achievable," Peskov told Reuters. "Therefore, Russia maintains its responsible, clear and consistent position, which has been repeatedly voiced by the president."

Russias exit from the deal in July came a year after it was brokered to combat a global food crisis the U.N. said was worsened by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia are both leading grain exporters.

Russia-held territories voting

Russian authorities on Sunday reported multiple attempts to sabotage voting in local elections taking place in occupied areas of Ukraine.

Kyiv and the West have denounced the balloting, calling it a sham and a violation of international law.

Voting ended earlier than scheduled in Russia-occupied Donetsk due to security concerns.

Russian electoral officials say forces loyal to Kyiv had previously killed pro-Moscow officials, blown up bridges and helped the Ukrainian military by identifying key targets.

Earlier, a drone strike destroyed one polling station in the Zaporizhzhia region, Nikolai Bulaev, the deputy chairman of Russias Central Election Commission, told reporters. He said there were no casualties as the staff was not present at the time.

Ella Pamfilova, who heads Russia's Central Election Commission, called the incident a terrorist act" while speaking to reporters that same day. She alleged that a Western-supplied drone was used but gave no evidence.

In the neighboring Kherson region, a Russia-appointed official said that a live grenade was discovered on Saturday near a polling station. Maria Zakharova said the grenade was hidden in bushes outside the station, and that voting had to be halted while emergency services disposed of it.

Russian drone attacks

Russia launched about three dozen drones over Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, early Sunday. The early morning attack lasted about two hours, with debris falling over the city.

Meanwhile, the British defense ministry said Sunday Russias Pskov oblast, near the Estonian border, has organized volunteer security patrols to bring a stop to drone attacks against Kresty Air Base in Pskov.

The ministry said due to the limited range of quadcopter drones, the attacks on Kresty were almost certainly launched from Russia. The volunteer patrols will likely serve as a deterrence, according to the ministry.

The use of volunteers indicates that it is highly likely that there is a shortage of trained security personnel within Russia, the ministry said.

Tatiana Vorozhko Koprowicz of VOAs Ukrainian Service contributed to this report from New Delhi. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Two foreign aid workers were reportedly killed in eastern Ukraine on Sunday as Russian shelling hit a van carrying a team of four working with a Ukrainian nongovernmental organization, while dozens of Russian drones targeted Kyiv and wounded at least one civilian.

The four volunteers from the Road to Relief group, which helps evacuate wounded people from front-line areas, were trapped inside the van as it flipped over and caught fire after being struck by shells near the town of Chasiv Yar, the organization said on its Instagram page.

Road to Relief said that Anthony Ihnat of Canada died in the attack, while German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr were seriously wounded, it said.

Road to Relief added that it couldn't trace the whereabouts of the van's fourth passenger, Emma Igual, a Spanish national who was the organization's director. Hours later, Spain's acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spanish media that authorities in Madrid had received "verbal confirmation" of the 32-year-old Igual's death.

The volunteers were on their way to assess the needs of civilians on the outskirts of Bakhmut, Road to Relief said, in reference to the eastern town that saw the war's longest and bloodiest battle before falling to Moscow in May. Ukrainian forces have held on to Bakhmut's western suburbs and are pushing a counteroffensive in the area.

Also on Sunday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched "dozens" of drones at Kyiv and the surrounding region early in the morning, wounding at least five civilians.

Ukraine's air force later said it had brought down 26 out of a total of 33 drones. The head of Kyiv's military administration, Serhii Popko, reported that debris from Iranian-made Shahed drones fell in several districts of the city and wounded at least one civilian. Popko said there was no risk to the person's life and added that most of the wreckage fell in open ground, although one high-rise apartment was damaged.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko later confirmed that one civilian was wounded in the city's historic center and received help on the spot.

The governor of the Kyiv region, which surrounds but doesn't include the capital, also reported that the drone strike wounded four people across the province, one of whom had to be hospitalized. In a Facebook post, Gov. Ruslan Kravchenko said that the drones damaged an infrastructure facility as well as civilian buildings including homes and stores, a hospital, a rehabilitation center, a school and a kindergarten.

Russia's Defense Ministry said in the early hours of Sunday that Moscow's forces earlier destroyed three U.S.-supplied speedboats carrying Ukrainian soldiers that had been traveling toward Russian-occupied Crimea. The claim couldn't be independently verified. Earlier on Sunday, the ministry said in a separate statement that Russian air defenses shot down eight Ukrainian drones targeting Crimea, as well as another that flew over the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine.

On Aug. 24, Ukrainian military intelligence said that its special forces landed in Crimea, which Moscow illegally took from Ukraine in 2014, and raised the Ukrainian flag along the peninsula's western shore before leaving "without casualties."

Ukrainian army representatives on Sunday reported further small gains near Robotyne in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, where Kyiv has mounted a counteroffensive, days after Russian-installed authorities acknowledged that Russian forces had left the village.

Oleksandr Shtupun, a press officer for Ukraine's Tauride Defense Forces, said on Ukrainian TV that Kyiv's troops had retaken a further 1.5 square kilometers (0.6 square miles) near Rabotyne, and that heavy fighting is ongoing.

"The Russians are clinging to every meter of our Ukrainian land  however, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are trying to make it as difficult as possible to supply the Russian army, and in certain areas this is bearing fruit," Shtupun said, without giving details.

Hours later, Ukraine's General Staff said in the latest of its Facebook updates that its forces had "partial success" near Robotyne as well as Klishchiivka, a village 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) southwest of Bakhmut, dislodging Russian troops from their positions. It gave no further details, and the claim could not be verified.

A Washington-based think tank late on Saturday assessed, citing geolocated footage, that Russian forces had captured territory between Robotyne and two nearby villages: Verbove, some 10 kilometers (6 miles) east, and Novoprokopivka, 5 kilometers (3 miles) to the south.

The Institute for the Study of War also said in the latest of daily updates that Ukrainian forces had advanced along the border between the Zaporizhzhia region and the Donetsk province farther east, near Novomaiorske village. It acknowledged earlier Ukrainian claims of advances "south of Klischiivka," but gave no evidence to support them.
Somali government forces have repulsed an al-Shabab attack on a key military base in the southern Lower Shabelle region.

Hundreds of militants attacked government forces in the key town of Awdhegle on the bank of the Shabelle River early Sunday, officials said.



The attack sparked heavy fighting between al-Shabab fighters and government forces who have been controlling the town since August 2019 when they removed the militants.

Awdhegle is a strategic town where government forces protect a key bridge that officials say is key to preventing the smuggling of al-Shabab vehicles carrying explosives into the capital, Mogadishu.

Residents told VOA Somali that the militants entered parts of the base before government forces beat them back.

The governor of the region, Mohamed Ibrahim Barre, told VOA Somali that the militants used explosives in attacking the base.

They attacked the town from two directions  the north and west, he said.

The fighting lasted for almost two hours.

In a statement, the federal government of Somalia said more than 60 militants were killed. Government officials circulated video clips purportedly showing the bodies of alleged al-Shabab fighters killed in the fighting, but the number of bodies shown appeared to be smaller than the figure mentioned in the official statement.

Al-Shabab said it killed 59 government soldiers. The al-Shabab statement also acknowledged the loss of seven fighters. Casualty figures have not been independently verified.

Al-Shabab said Sundays incident was part of a broader campaign of coordinated attacks" against government forces, and the fifth in two weeks.

One of those five attacks took place in the village of Cowsweyne in Galmudug state where dozens of government soldiers were killed on August 26. The attack forced government troops to retreat from a number of front-line towns in Galmudug.

Government forces repulsed militants in the other three incidents. On September 1, al-Shabab militants attacked the agricultural town of Qoryoley, west of Awdhegle, briefly entering it. Local forces regained full control after a 90-minute gun battle.
As young children went back to school across Sweden last month, many of their teachers were putting a new emphasis on printed books, quiet reading time and handwriting practice and devoting less time to tablets, independent online research and keyboarding skills.

The return to more traditional ways of learning is a response to politicians and experts questioning whether the country's hyper-digitalized approach to education, including the introduction of tablets in nursery schools, had led to a decline in basic skills.

Swedish Minister for Schools Lotta Edholm, who took office 11 months ago as part of a new center-right coalition government, was one of the biggest critics of the all-out embrace of technology.

"Sweden's students need more textbooks," Edholm said in March. "Physical books are important for student learning."

The minister announced last month in a statement that the government wants to reverse the decision by the National Agency for Education to make digital devices mandatory in preschools. It plans to go further and to completely end digital learning for children under age 6, the ministry also told The Associated Press.

Although the country's students score above the European average for reading ability, an international assessment of fourth-grade reading levels, the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, highlighted a decline among Sweden's children between 2016 and 2021.

In 2021, Swedish fourth-graders averaged 544 points, a drop from the 555 average in 2016. However, their performance still placed the country in a tie with Taiwan for the seventh-highest overall test score.

In comparison, Singapore  which topped the rankings  improved its PIRLS reading scores from 576 to 587 during the same period, and England's average reading achievement score fell only slightly, from 559 in 2016 to 558 in 2021.

Some learning deficits may have resulted from the coronavirus pandemic or reflect a growing number of immigrant students who don't speak Swedish as their first language, but an overuse of screens during school lessons may cause youngsters to fall behind in core subjects, education experts say.

"There's clear scientific evidence that digital tools impair rather than enhance student learning," Sweden's Karolinska Institute said in a statement last month on the country's national digitalization strategy in education.

"We believe the focus should return to acquiring knowledge through printed textbooks and teacher expertise, rather than acquiring knowledge primarily from freely available digital sources that have not been vetted for accuracy," said the institute, a highly respected medical school focused on research.

The rapid adoption of digital learning tools also has drawn concern from the United Nations' education and culture agency.

In a report published last month, UNESCO issued an "urgent call for appropriate use of technology in education." The report urges countries to speed up internet connections at schools, but at the same time warns that technology in education should be implemented in a way so that it never replaces in-person, teacher-led instruction and supports the shared objective of quality education for all.

In the Swedish capital, Stockholm, 9-year-old Liveon Palmer, a third-grader at Djurgardsskolan elementary school, expressed his approval of spending more school hours offline.

"I like writing more in school, like on paper, because it just feels better, you know," he told the AP during a recent visit.

His teacher, Catarina Branelius, said she was selective about asking students to use tablets during her lessons even before the national-level scrutiny.

"I use tablets in math and we are doing some apps, but I don't use tablets for writing text," Branelius said. Students under age 10 "need time and practice and exercise in handwriting ... before you introduce them to write on a tablet."

Online instruction is a hotly debated subject across Europe and other parts of the West. Poland, for instance, just launched a program to give a government-funded laptop to each student starting in fourth grade in hopes of making the country more technologically competitive.

In the United States, the coronavirus pandemic pushed public schools to provide millions of laptops purchased with federal pandemic relief money to primary and secondary students. But there is still a digital divide, which is part of the reason why American schools tend to use both print and digital textbooks, said Sean Ryan, president of the U.S. school division at textbook publisher McGraw Hill.

"In places where there is not connectivity at home, educators are loath to lean into digital because they're thinking about their most vulnerable (students) and making sure they have the same access to education as everyone else," Ryan said.

Germany, which is one of the wealthiest countries in Europe, has been famously slow in moving government programs and information of all kinds online, including education. The state of digitalization in schools also varies among the country's 16 states, which are in charge of their own curricula.

Many students can complete their schooling without any kind of required digital instruction, such as coding. Some parents worry their children may not be able to compete in the job market with technologically better-trained young people from other countries.

Sascha Lobo, a German writer and consultant who focuses on the internet, thinks a national effort is needed to bring German students up to speed or the country will risk falling behind in the future.

"If we don't manage to make education digital, to learn how digitalization works, then we will no longer be a prosperous country 20 years from now," he said in an interview with public broadcaster ZDF late last year.

To counter Sweden's decline in fourth-grade reading performance, the Swedish government announced an investment worth $64.7 million in book purchases for the country's schools this year. Another 500 million kronor will be spent annually in 2024 and 2025 to speed up the return of textbooks to schools.

Not all experts are convinced Sweden's back-to-basics push is exclusively about what's best for students.

Criticizing the effects of technology is "a popular move with conservative politicians," Neil Selwyn, a professor of education at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, said. "It's a neat way of saying or signaling a commitment to traditional values."

"The Swedish government does have a valid point when saying that there is no evidence for technology improving learning, but I think that's because there is no straightforward evidence of what works with technology," Selwyn added. "Technology is just one part of a really complex network of factors in education."
In an unprecedented move, the Vatican on Sunday beatified a Polish family of nine  a married couple and their small children  who were executed by the Nazis during World War II for sheltering Jews.

During a ceremonious Mass, papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read out the Latin formula of the beatification of the Ulma family signed last month by Pope Francis.

A contemporary painting representing Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma with their children was uncovered near the altar. It is the first time that an entire family has been beatified.

Poland's President Andrzej Duda along with the ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki were attending the celebration in the village of Markowa, in southeastern Poland, where the Ulmas were killed in 1944. Thousands of pilgrims came from across Poland to take part.

Last year, Pope Francis pronounced the deeply Catholic Ulma family, including the child that Wiktoria Ulma was pregnant with, martyrs for the faith, paving the way for the beatification Mass that is taking place in their home village of Markowa, in southeastern Poland.

The Ulmas were killed at home by German Nazi troops and by Nazi-controlled local police in the small hours of March 24, 1944, together with the eight Jews they were hiding at home, after they were apparently betrayed.

Jozef Ulma, 44, was a farmer, Catholic activist and amateur photographer who documented family and village life. He lived with his 31-year-old wife Wiktoria; their daughters Stanislawa, 7; Barbara, 6; Maria, 18 months; and sons Wladyslaw, 5; Franciszek, 3; and Antoni, 2.

With them were killed 70-year-old Saul Goldman with his sons Baruch, Mechel, Joachim and Mojzesz, along with Golda Grunfeld and her sister Lea Didner with her little daughter Reszla, according to Polands state Institute of National Remembrance, IPN, which has meticulously documented the Ulmas story.

The Catholic Church faced a dilemma in beatifying Wiktoria's unborn child and declaring it a martyr because, among other things, it had not been baptized, which is a requirement for beatification.

The Vaticans Dicastery for the Causes of Saints issued a clarification saying the child was actually born during the horror of the killings and received baptism by blood of its martyred mother.

The clarification was issued Sept. 5 by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the prefect of the Vatican's saint-making office. Semeraro is presiding over the beatification Mass, at which more than 30,000 participants from across Poland are expected. It is the first time that an entire family is being beatified.

Poland's conservative ruling party has been stressing family values and also the heroism of Poles during the war and the beatification ceremony is a welcome addition to its intense political campaigning ahead of the Oct. 15 parliamentary elections in which the Law and Justice party wants to win an unprecedented third term.

The Ulma beatification poses several new theological concepts about the Catholic Churchs ideas of saints and martyrs that also have implications for the pro-life movement because of the baby in the mothers womb, said the Rev. Robert Gahl, a professor of ethics at the Catholic University of America and Romes Pontifical Holy Cross University.

Perhaps because the concept of beatification of a fetus could be weaponized by the pro-life movement, the Vatican apparently felt it necessary to state that the child was born at the moment the mother was executed.

By stating that the child was actually born, the Vatican also affirmed that the killers intended to kill the child out of hatred for the faith, a requirement for a martyrdom and beatification declaration, Gahl told The Associated Press.

After beatification, a miracle attributed to the Ulmas' intercession would be necessary for their eventual canonization, as the churchs sainthood process is called.

Israel's Yad Vashem Institute in 1995 recognized the Ulmas as Righteous Among Nations who gave their lives trying to save Jews during the Holocaust.

In Poland, they are a symbol of the bravery of thousands of Poles who took the utmost risk while helping Jews. By the occupying Nazis' decree, any assistance to Jews was punished with summary execution. A Museum of Poles Saving Jews During World War II was opened in Markowa in 2016.

Poland was the first country to be invaded by Nazi Germany, on Sept. 1, 1939. Some 6 million of its citizens were killed during the war, half of them Jews.
The Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival was awarded Saturday to a hilarious and shockingly explicit reworking of Frankenstein, Poor Things, starring Emma Stone as a sex-mad reanimated corpse.

An ongoing Hollywood strike may have robbed Venice of its usual bevy of stars, but its strong selection showed the world's oldest film festival could still boast of its status as a launchpad for Oscar contenders.

Poor Things by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos was labelled an "instant classic" by critics. It looks set to repeat the success he had with his 2018 film, The Favourite, which after two awards at Venice won a string of international prizes.

Stone plays Bella, a woman brought back to life with an infant's brain by a mad scientist (Willem Dafoe).

Accepting the award, Lanthimos said the film "couldn't exist without another incredible creature, Emma Stone," who could not appear due to the strike.

The film features some of the most explicit sex ever seen in an A-list Hollywood film as Stone's character discovers  and very much enjoys  her sexuality.

The film brilliantly skewers the way men try and fail to control the innocent Bella  particularly a roguish Mark Ruffalo  triggering bursts of spontaneous applause and riotous laughter from audiences in Venice.

'Terrifying' AI threat

The Volpi Cup for best actress went to 25-year-old Cailee Spaeny for her portrayal of Elvis Presley's wife in Sofia Coppola's Priscilla.

Best actor went to Peter Sarsgaard for his performance as a man suffering from dementia in the drama, Memory, in which he played alongside Jessica Chastain.

He used his speech to back the Hollywood strike and warn of the "terrifying" threat from artificial intelligence, one of the key issues in the dispute.

"If we lose that battle in the strike, our industry will be the first of many to fall," Sarsgaard said.

The runner-up Silver Lion went to Japan's Ryusuke Hamaguchi for Evil Does Not Exist, a quiet and eerie eco-fable that follows his Oscar-winning Drive My Car.

Venice audiences were floored by two brutal migrant dramas, and both went home with awards.

Io Capitano, the epic story of Senegalese teenagers crossing Africa to reach Europe, won best director for Italy's Matteo Garrone (Gomorrah) and a best newcomer prize for its star, Seydou Sarr, in his first-ever film.

Green Border, a harrowing account of refugees trapped between Belarus and Poland, took the third-place Special Jury Prize.

One of the stranger entries in competition, El Conde, which reimagined Chile's former dictator Augusto Pinochet as a blood-sucking vampire, won best screenplay for writer-director Pablo Larrain.

The winners were chosen by a jury led by director Damien Chazelle (La La Land) and included Jane Campion and Laura Poitras, who won last year with Big Pharma documentary All the Beauty and the Bloodshed.

Strike impact

Hollywood stars with independent films were allowed to attend Venice by striking unions, including Chastain and Adam Driver, who starred in Michael Mann's racing biopic Ferrari.

Both backed the strikes, with Chastain saying actors had been silenced for too long about "workplace abuse" and "unfair contracts."

But director David Fincher, who premiered his assassin movie The Killer starring Michael Fassbender and has been closely associated with Netflix, triggered controversy by saying he understood "both sides."

The strong line-up helped distract from the controversy around the inclusion of Roman Polanski in the out-of-competition section.

As a convicted sex offender, the 90-year-old director was already struggling to find distribution in the U.S. and other countries for his slapstick comedy The Palace.

The response from Venice will not have helped: it currently holds a resounding zero percent on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, variously described as a "laugh-less debacle" and "soul-throttling crap" by critics.

Another director effectively blacklisted in the U.S., Woody Allen, had a better time with his 50th film (and first in French), Coup de Chance. Some critics considered it his best film in years.

Heres the complete list of winners from the 23 entries in the main competition:
A 2022 film highlighting the plight of a person with albinism in Zambia is streaming on Netflix. Can You See Us is based on the true story of a boy who becomes a successful musician despite obstacles caused by his genetic condition. Kathy Short reports from Lusaka. VOA footage by Richard Kille.
Russia launched about three dozen drones over Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, Sunday. The early-morning attack lasted about two hours, with debris falling over the city.

Meanwhile, the British Defense Ministry said Sunday Russias Pskov oblast, near the Estonian border, has organized volunteer security patrols to bring a stop to drone attacks against Kresty Air Base.

The ministry said, due to the limited range of quadcopter drones, the attacks on Kresty were almost certainly launched from Russia. The volunteer patrols will likely serve as a deterrence, according to the ministry.

The use of volunteers indicates that it is highly likely that there is a shortage of trained security personnel within Russia, the ministry said.

Ukraines counteroffensive against Russian forces will continue in the coming months, regardless of inclement weather when fighting would be harder to conduct, Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said Saturday.

"Combat actions will continue in one way or another. In the cold, wet and mud, it is more difficult to fight. Fighting will continue. The counteroffensive will continue," Budanov said.

Ukraines much-vaunted counteroffensive has seen some success in the south where Ukrainian forces have retaken a dozen villages over the past three months.

Ukraines armed forces are making gradual tactical advances against Russias defensive line east of the town of Robotyne, the British ministry said Saturday in its daily intelligence update on Russias invasion of Ukraine.

But Ukraines military operation has been slower than anticipated because of hurdles that include vast minefields and heavily entrenched Russian forces.

Budanovs comments, made during a news conference in Kyiv, indicate Ukraine does not intend to halt its push when the weather turns harsher later this year.

The slow progress of the counteroffensive has sparked concerns among Kyiv's supporters that the West could face an uphill battle to maintain its support and the military aid needed to keep Ukraine battling at the same intensity level.

Ukraines advances in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, now centered around Robotyne and Verbove, are seen as a crucial part of an operation that seeks to split Russia's occupying forces in half in the south but remains far from that goal.

"Our counteroffensive is happening in several directions," Budanov said, acknowledging that progress had been slower than he wanted and describing the situation as difficult.

Apart from the huge concentration of Russian mines, he identified the large number of small Russian "kamikadze" drones as a key factor in slowing Ukraines progress so far.

Russian air defense says it shot down three Ukrainian drones over Crimea on Saturday, one in the northwest and two in the west of the peninsula, Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-installed head of the local administration, said on a post on Telegram.

Reuters could not verify the claims, and there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

G20 summit

The leaders of the worlds 20 wealthiest countries adopted a consensus declaration Saturday at the G20 summit, calling on all states to refrain from the use of force to seize territory but stopped short of condemning Russia for its war on Ukraine.

Despite the consensus declaration, the group remains deeply divided over the war. Western nations were pushing for a strong denunciation of Russia in the Leaders' Declaration, while other countries demanded a focus on broader economic issues.

On the war in Ukraine, the declaration says that all states must refrain from threats or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. It also called the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons inadmissible and urged for peaceful resolution of conflicts using diplomacy and dialog.

The G20 noted different views and assessments of the situation," regarding the war in Ukraine.

They called on Russia and Ukraine to ensure immediate and unimpeded deliveries of grain, foodstuffs, and fertilizers from Russia and Ukraine for the sake of global food and energy security and asked for the end of military destruction or other attacks on relevant infrastructure.

VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell contributed to this story.
More than 650 deploying Soldiers of the Minnesota National Guards 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Headquarters, their family members and friends will gather for a deployment departure event at the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium in Saint Paul, Minnesota on Thursday September 20, 2018.

At the conclusion of the departure ceremony, the Saint Paul-based civic group Serving Our Troops will host a special farewell family dinner in the adjoining Saint Paul RiverCentre Exhibition Hall for the more than 5,000 attendees including deploying Soldiers, family and friends.

After a month of training at Fort Hood, Texas, the deploying Soldiers will be primarily stationed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait until their return home in late July 2019.

The Division's mission is command and control within Operation Spartan Shield, which builds partner capacity in the Middle East, promotes regional self-reliance and increased security, said Division Chief of Staff, Army Col. Simon Schaefer. The Division will be responsible for operations in approximately 10 countries.

The deploying Soldiers come from more than 220 communities across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, and several other states.

This is a challenge that our Red Bulls are trained and ready for, said Division Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Hjelmstad of Battle Lake, Minnesota. Our Citizen-Soldiers will return to their families and employers with new skills and experience that will make them even more valuable members of their communities.

The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Headquarters, and many of the deploying Soldiers, have seen other recent deployments overseas including to Iraq, Kosovo and Bosnia.

A live-stream of the deployment departure event will be available for sharing at: Facebook.com/TheRedBulls, YouTube.com/c/TheRedBulls and Twitter.com/TheRedBulls.

The Roy Wilkins Auditorium and Saint Paul River Centre are located at: 175 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102
Joa-qussy Phoe-nussy. Photo: Robin L Marshall/FilmMagic

Theres only so much hanging out with Lady Gaga one actor can do before ending up gay in a movie. This fall, Bradley Cooper is starring in Maestro, a biopic about Leonard Bernstein, for example. Its TBD how much explicit gay sex that biopic will include (our guess: not a lot!), but Lady Gagas Joker: Folie a Deux co-star Joaquin Phoenix wont be making that mistake. In a May conversation with IndieWire at Cannes, director Todd Haynes (Carol), who was there promoting his film May December, described the state of his upcoming project. The next film is a feature thats an original script that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on some thoughts and ideas he brought to me  Its a gay love story set in 1930s L.A., he said. Joaquin was pushing me further and going No, lets go further. This will be an NC-17 film. Haynes shared some more plot details in September while speaking to Variety at the Deauville American Film Festival. We can look forward to following a sexual relationship between a Native American character and a corrupt cop who ultimately have to flee Los Angeles and go to Mexico. Haynes said the part of the Native American character has not yet been cast, and that his team is currently doing research and speaking to Mexican producers for the project. Okay, but if they want to make this a true portrayal of 30s gays, they should probably include a scene in which Phoenix freaks out after Bette Davis isnt nominated for an Oscar for Of Human Bondage.

This post has been updated.
Cord Jeffersons directorial debut, American Fiction, is a sharp comedy about racial commodification anchored by a terrific Jeffrey Wright. Photo: Claire Folger/Orion Releasing

When at rest, Jeffrey Wrights face tends toward the serious. He has a heavy brow, which he likes to accentuate by tilting his head forward and looking over the glasses he frequently wears onscreen. That air of weary authority that Wright so effortlessly projects has, in recent years, been put in service to roles as cops and generals, politicians and journalists, and, in American Fiction, an academic. Thelonious Monk Ellison is an author and professor who at first seems like another of these figures of seen-it-all prominence. But, despite his depression and bursts of anger, theres a lightness to Monk that soon sets him apart. At a book festival, he walks into a talk being given by Sintara Golden (Issa Rae), whose debut novel, Wes Lives in Da Ghetto, is being fawned over by the moderator. When Sintara  an Oberlin-educated former publishing assistant who gets cheers from the crowd by wondering Where is our representation?  abruptly switches to AAVE when reading from her book, Monks eyebrows levitate up his head. They rise so far that they seem on the verge of forming parentheses that could excerpt him from the whole experience until, with perfect timing, his face is replaced by the rapturous one of a white woman in the audience whos just shot to her feet in front of him to participate in a standing ovation.

American Fiction is an adaptation of Percival Everetts 2001 novel Erasure, a dark comedy about how Monk is unable to find a publisher for his own latest manuscript, a reworking of Aeschyluss The Persians, because its deemed inadequately Black. In a burst of frustration, and having just watched a bit of Get Rich or Die Tryin on a hotel TV, he scribbles out a compendium of over-the-top cliches about urban suffering under the pseudonym Stagg R. Leigh, titles it My Pafology, and gets his reluctant agent (John Ortiz) to send it to publishers in what he thinks will be received as a scathing critique of their narrow conception of the Black experience. Instead, he gets a huge offer, leaving Monk in conflicted anguish because with his mother (Leslie Uggams) showing signs of memory slippage, he does really need the money. Everetts book exists in the shadow of Sapphires Push, though its not as though the racial commodification he mocked has gone anywhere  hell, whether its an intentional reference point or not, American Dirt was published just three years ago. Still, the film, which marks the directorial debut of journalist turned TV writer Cord Jefferson, also explores the ripe territory that is the Hollywood-adaptation pipeline.

Ive already had arguments about whether the satire in American Fiction is too broad, the sort that lets its audience knowingly laugh along rather than feel indicted. Having served on an awards committee whose deliberations ended in a situation close to the one put onscreen in the film, Id say its dead on. But Jefferson also, wisely, approaches the material as foremost the story of a closed-off man for whom professional bitterness has become another means of shutting everyone out. Monk is not there just to be on the receiving end of the well-intentioned bigotry of a reductive industry or to serve as the avatar for anyone driven to the edge by that industrys insistence on treating any material about race as something to be consumed in an act of educational penance. Hes also someone whose habitual aloofness extends to his relationship with his mother, who lives alone in his childhood home in Boston, as well as his sister, Lisa (Tracee Ellis Ross), a doctor at a womens-health clinic, and his brother, Cliff (Sterling K. Brown), a plastic surgeon whose delayed coming out has led him to some heavy partying.

An early scene of bantering between a reunited Monk and Lisa is so wry and comfortable, with Wright and Ross terrific at showing flashes of the kids these two characters once were, that I almost wished the film were focused just on the Ellison family, whose siblings are grappling with having to inherit the roles of adults. The secret of American Fiction is that its stealthily the thing Monk longs for  a portrait of Black characters who are not representatives of inner-city oppression, who have upper-middle-class lives and who grew up with a beach house on Marthas Vineyard, and who have their own richly delineated set of problems. The literary-world jabs are sharp and funny, but its the rueful family dynamics that make the film rewarding, as well as the performances. Like its fellow fall release Dream Scenario, it owes a debt to Spike Jonzes Adaptation. And eventually, it backs itself into a corner, ending with a what can you do shrug. But Wrights turn in particular, as the sad sack who has both a point and his own respectability hangups, lingers in the mind. Monk is a guy whos so sure he has seen it all that he cant acknowledge his own blind spots.
Recipes

What do you want to cook today?
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Good evening, Im Helen Norville. And Im Dale Jennings. And youre watching News at Six. Its 1987 and the power couple at the centre of the ABC drama The Newsreader are riding high. Sam Reid and Anna Torv as Helen Norville and Dale Jennings in The Newsreader. Helen, played by Anna Torv, and Dale, played by Sam Reid, are now the established co-anchors, even though the networks CEO refers to them as the silver couple of news. But as their Melbourne newsroom boss Lindsay (a marvellous William McInnes) reminds them, sometimes youre the bronze couple and sometimes youre dangerously close to polished turd territory. But here is where it gets tricky. Even though Helen and Dales partnership has continued beyond the news desk, its complicated. (And here, dear reader, is where I remind you that spoilers follow, and if you havent watched the first season, go and do it now. Everyone else, carry on). Their relationship is complex, to say the least. Hes attracted to men just as much as hes attracted to Helen. I have these feelings, they wont go away, said Dale in the final episode of season one. But neither will my feelings for you.

Advertisement

It was a heartbreaking revelation that capped off an extraordinary season for The Newsreader, which managed to effortlessly rocket through the big news events of 1986  Challenger disaster, Halleys Comet, the Lindy Chamberlain case and the Chernobyl disaster among others  while juggling two ambitious and difficult characters without ever feeling weighed down. It was funny and serious, with a supporting cast whose stories never felt superfluous. It then scooped the 2021 AACTA Awards: best television drama series, best actress for Torv, best supporting actor for McInnes and best director for Emma Freeman, while Reid was nominated for best actor. The shows creator Michael Lucas also won an Australian Writers Guild Award and the Logies even chimed in with a most outstanding drama award. The News at Six crew (from left) William McInnes, Chum Ehelepola, John Leary, Anna Torv and Sam Reid. It was so lovely to be in something that people watched, says Reid over Zoom from his familys farm between Canberra and Cooma. We felt like a slightly different show and we werent sure how Australian audiences were going to react to it. So [the reaction] was lovely. Why was he not sure how Australian audiences would react? Were dealing with characters who are a bit more on the fringe, on the outside, says Reid. Its about people looking for acceptance, and having to mould themselves to fit into a sort of normalised culture, I suppose. And Helen and Dale, theyre kind of oddballs, but they find a sense of self and acceptance with each other. Along with Torv, Reid has been given clearance to promote The Newsreader during the ongoing strikes in the US, and they both stand in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA and WGA. Reid has been helping his dad with calving on the farm and cuts a much more relaxed figure than Dale, who permanently looks uncomfortable in his own skin.

Advertisement

I just like to lean into the most awkward parts of myself, says Reid. Its actually very cathartic because you know all those really uncomfortable, shame spirals that you go through at home after you go to a party and you speak to someone and say something stupid, and then you think about it? Thats the kind of stuff that I think about with Dale, hes just stuck in that space and that is a very restrictive space. Even Dales clothes are designed to make him feel uncomfortable, says Reid, with jackets that are slightly too big or pants just a bit too short. Dale is rarely sighted out of work clothes  the closest he gets is pyjamas, and even they have a collar. He is a shirt man, confirms Reid, laughing. He feels comfortable with a collar at all times. Sam Reid and Anna Torv as Dale and Helen. Their relationship is more about an acceptance of one another, says Torv. Season two of the six-part series picks up a year later, in July 1987, on the eve of the Hawke v Howard federal election. The bicentenary is looming, Charles and Diana are on their way, while the Hoddle Street massacre and the stockmarket crash are coming. The CEO Little Charlie (a gloriously slippery performance from a mustachioed Daniel Gillies) wants the news to be more entertaining and has enlisted an Irish comedian, Gerry, to join Helen and Dale on the desk on election night. That doesnt sit well with Helen or Dale, who is instructed to make sure Helen keeps a lid on her hissy fits. When I catch Torv on the phone, she has been filming in remote South Australia and is on her way to horse and cattle training at an outback station. Im just trying to find a park, she says. Sorry if Im a bit distracted. Torv is magnetic as the brittle and forthright Helen, whose brashness conceals a soft heart and fragile mental state. When Dale confesses he has feelings for men, Helens immediate reaction is to tell him she loves him just the way you are.

Advertisement

Theres a non-judgmental space between them, says Torv. And I think that its pretty rare to find somebody you have that connection or that feeling with. And thats what she feels in him, that theres an allowance to be herself. Does she think Helen is in denial about where her relationship with Dale can go? I think thats a tricky question, says Torv. Because its not what shes in denial of, its what you are willing to accept. And to accept things in another person, as opposed to accepting things in yourself, is a completely different thing. The Newsreader creator Michael Lucas as a DJ during his season one cameo. For his part, Reid sees their pairing as one grounded in a love for the job, just as much as their love for each other. Thats the most romantic thing between Helen and Dale, he says. There was this scene in season one in Darwin and he tries to have a date and hes trying to have this romantic moment and Helens wrapped up in work. And [Dale] says, You want to just do your work, dont you? and [Helens] like, Yeah. And hes like, OK. They get each other. Its like, I know that work is too important for you and Im not going to take that away from you. Its a very romantic thing.

Advertisement

For The Newsreaders creator Michael Lucas, who is an expert at relationship dramas, having been a producer and writer on the rom-com Offspring and the comedy-drama Five Bedrooms, it has been interesting watching how viewers react to Dale and Helens relationship. At the end of season one, when Dale did that whole big speech, I think a lot of people heard the first bit [of the speech] and in some ways saw it as a coming out, says Lucas. And that maybe, season two was going to be Dale just living a queer life. But the reality is that he said he had both instincts in him and then, how OK can Helen be with that. Lucas sees Helen and Dales relationship as being much more complex than a lavender marriage, the old-fashioned Hollywood term for a marriage of convenience that masked the sexuality of one or both partners. Rock Hudson is one of the most famous. He quickly married his agents secretary out of fear he was going to be outed by the tabloids. They really do love each other, says Lucas. They are genuine soulmates in a way, but theyve got all these complexities about them. And we never wanted it to fall into, Oh, its just a marriage of convenience or anything like that, Its a lot more complicated. And in television, Ive written a lot of relationshippy things and youre always looking to create these couples where they cant quite be together. But what I love about Helen and Dale is the things that make them great, and their inherent flaws, are just right there in their characters. We understand why they love each other, but we also understand why theyre never going to be able to quite be that perfect, golden couple of news. So what do they do? How do they negotiate it? Whos the loser? Whos the winner? And ultimately, you know, will it destroy them to try and commit to that?

Advertisement
When textile designer and academic Wajiha Pervez first experimented with artificial intelligence tool Midjourney just six months ago, she was unsure how useful it would be.

Now she is using it to generate fashion designs for her PhD at the University of Technology Sydney, while also teaching her students how to use AI in their work effectively.

Wajiha Pervez is a UTS PhD student and lecturer. She is using AI to complete her PHD Credit: Steven Siewert

I tell the bot what kind of look I want, how I want the fabric to drape off the body, what kind of textures and materials to use, and it gives me image results, Pervez said.

Less than one year after generative AI program ChatGPT burst onto the scene and sparked cheating and ethics concerns, university lecturers are increasingly embracing the tools and building their use into courses.
A colony of sabethes cyaneus, also known as the paddle-legged beauty for its feathery appendages and iridescent coloring, blood feed on Ella Branham, a seasonal vector control technician at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City. Branham had volunteered to let the South American mosquitoes feed on her blood so they can produce eggs and maintain the colony for education and research at the lab in the Salt Lake City district. (Rick Bowmer/AP)

Its lunchtime at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District and a colony of sabethes cyaneus  also known as the paddle-legged beauty for its feathery appendages and iridescent coloring  find their way to Ella Branham.

Theyre not very aggressive and theyre kind of picky eaters, said Branham, a technician, as she exhaled into a glass tank to attract the insects to the carbon dioxide in her breath. So Ill be feeding them with my arm.

Advertisement

Branham had volunteered to let the South American mosquitoes feed on her blood so they can produce eggs and maintain the colony for education and research at the lab in the Salt Lake City district. Its one of the many mosquito control districts around the United States that seek to hold in check one of the worlds deadliest animals  one well-positioned to thrive as climate change fosters a warmer and wetter environment.

Mosquitoes can carry viruses including dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika. They are especially threatening to public health in Asia and Africa but are also closely monitored in the United States. Local agencies reported more than 1,100 cases of West Nile virus in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Advertisement

Most humans who contract West Nile show no symptoms. But for some, it can cause vomiting, fever and in rare cases seizures or meningitis. Over roughly the last 25 years, nearly 3,000 deaths and more than 25,000 hospitalizations linked to West Nile were reported throughout the United States  most of them in August.

West Nile deaths have been reported this year in states including Texas and Colorado, and mosquitoes are thought to be the source of locally acquired malaria infections of people in Maryland, Florida and Texas.

Ary Faraji, an entomologist and the executive director of the Salt Lake City mosquito abatement district, said monitoring shows the mosquito season starting earlier and lasting longer as the climate has warmed. The district used to historically shut down each year in mid-September, but that has gotten later and later. Last year, district workers were still setting and checking traps until Thanksgiving.

And this year  where an abnormally snowy winter and a very rainy spring left more water across the landscape for mosquitoes to breed in  his staff estimated that there were five times as many mosquitos in May compared to the average year.

Thats where the health threat comes in. While both males and females feed on sugar or nectar throughout their lives, females require blood meals to nourish and develop their eggs.

They are the true vixens, Faraji said. Some can be so beautiful and yet some can be so deadly.

Farajis staff  made up of scientists and college and doctoral students  traps, sorts and tests mosquitos for viruses using drones, boats and ATVs. Their work takes into account how trends ranging from weather patterns to population growth will affect disease transmission.

The more people you put in a closer vicinity of where the mosquitos are, the higher chance of pathogen transmission, he said, noting the challenges of the wetland areas surrounding Utahs Great Salt Lake.

Advertisement

Though dangerous, mosquitoes are also critical to ecosystems throughout the world, with various species serving as pollinators or food sources to fish, birds and frogs.

We try to maintain a balance and suppress them to the point that theyre not negatively affecting communities, Faraji said. Taking them away would definitely negatively impact our ecosystem overall.
Farmers say they are collateral damage in the federal governments decision to block the bid by Qatar Airways for 28 extra flights per week, arguing there are limited avenues to expand exports of fresh boxed meat into the lucrative Middle East market at a time they remain below pre-COVID levels.

With the Albanese government facing a mounting political storm over the decision, sheep producers say there has been a failure to appreciate the ramifications of the decision on exporters who were already fighting for air freight space.

Sheep producers say the impact of the Qatar decision on exporters has been eclipsed by a focus on the hit to tourism. Credit: Christopher Pearce

Australian lamb exports are on track for a record year according to the Meat and Livestock Association, with most of the produce shipped frozen by sea to key overseas markets including China, the US, South Korea and the Middle East.

But the industry relies on the availability of cargo hold space in passenger planes to transport premium chilled meat into the Middle East, where consumers prefer fresh rather than frozen meat.
Delhi: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the G20 summit for delivering what he described as the harshest international rebuke yet of Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine, even as the leaders declaration watered down its comments on the conflict and the statement drew praise from Moscow.

Speaking in New Delhi, Albanese said world leaders had issued an extraordinarily strong statement on the war, describing it as the strongest language yet to be agreed by the international community.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Anthony Albanese upon his arrival for the G20 Summit. Credit: AP

Russia has to have gotten the message that this is having a devastating impact and that the world wants this war to stop because of the impact on the people of Ukraine, but also because of the impact that its having on global inflation, on global economies, Albanese said.

But the G20s language was softer than last years statement in Bali, dropping a direct reference to the war against Ukraine and a paragraph that said most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine.
President Joe Biden says his visit to Vietnam to showcase stronger ties with Hanoi isn't about trying to start a cold war with China. He says it's part of a broader effort to provide global stability by building U.S. relationships throughout Asia at a time of tensions with Beijing. Biden said at a news conference Sunday in Vietnam that his efforts are not about containing China. The American president came to Hanoi as Vietnam was elevating the United States to its highest diplomatic status, comprehensive strategic partner. That's evidence of how far the relationship has evolved from what Biden referred to as the bitter past of the Vietnam War.
BETHLEHEM, Pa.  Bethlehem Police have arrested a 19-year-old man for his alleged involvement in a shooting near Liberty High School on Friday night.

The shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. Friday in the 200 block of East Ettwein Street.

At that scene, officers found another 19-year-man suffering from gunshot wounds to his arm and leg. Police said they recovered "evidence of recent gunfire" from the scene, including bullet casings and damage to nearby vehicles.

The victim was transported to an area hospital and is expected to survive. He identified the suspect as Elijah Watkins, of the 600 block of Lamb Street, during an interview with police. The victim claimed the shooting took place when Watkins was attempting to rob him.

Police said they later found surveillance video from a nearby residence that showed Watkins approach the victim's vehicle from the passenger side and fire multiple shots before fleeing the scene on foot.

After obtaining a warrant, police recovered a firearm from inside Watkins' residence and took him into custody.

Watkins has been charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, carrying firearms without a license and possessing instruments of a crime.

He is expected to be preliminary arraigned on Sunday, police said.
EASTON, Pa.  Police said a 36-year-old man was found dead after shots were fired in Easton, Northampton County, early Sunday morning.

Easton Police said they were dispatched to the 1400 block of Lehigh Street for the report of a shooting around 2:22 a.m.

Upon arriving on the scene, the deceased man was found near the intersection of 14th and Lehigh Streets. Two residences and a vehicle on Lehigh Street were also struck by gunfire between 14th and 15th Streets, police said.

Police said evidence "including items consistent with a shooting occurring" were recovered from the 1400 block of Lehigh Street. No one else was injured in the shooting.

Easton Police are not currently searching for any suspects, but they ask anyone in the area with relevant home security camera footage to contact city detectives at (610) 250-6637, or the tip line at (610) 250-6635.

UPDATE: Easton Police are investigating the incident, Northampton County District Attorney Terence Houck said around 11 a.m. Sunday.
Photo enhanced the story

The article about the Coffee Shops Departure (Sept. 7) really saddened me. I am a new citizen living near Black Forest Road and have always enjoyed the atmosphere of all family-owned shops in forest communities and like others, I am sickened when finances force them out.

But enhancing the article was the incredible photo taken by the Gazette photographer Gabi Broekema, which I kept coming back to for the full effect of the story. I almost wanted to cut it out and put it on my wall! The lighting, composition and human interest really enhanced the tale.

Anne Micena

Colorado Springs

Losing trust in city planning

The Mountain Shadows water tower debacle has two rats in the hole: City Planning and Colorado Springs Utilities.

Clearly, the gigantic water tower from Mars was never intended to be as originally promised to residents. Closed door deals took place between the two.

An immediate external investigation of the planning department needs to be ordered by Mayor Yemi Mobolade. If Mobolade continues to remain silent and ignore the growing community outcries for transparency, integrity, and ethics within city planning, then the City Council must order such an investigation.

Lawsuits have been filed over inappropriate and unsafe development including the Launchpad, homeless apartments. The public is rapidly losing trust in city planning. Heads need to be chopped  not hands slapped. Enough is enough.

Sandra Vicksta

Colorado Springs

Something beneficial being protestedIn the City of Colorado Springs sued over controversial apartment complex for homeless young adults (Sept. 6) I struggle to understand why residents of the west side continue to fight this complex. The west side understands the struggles of the homeless population and exactly how bad it has become, during 2018-2019 Catholic Charities of Central Colorado Partners in Housing found that Colorado Springs identified 1,117 school age student experiencing homelessness (2018).

With the construction of this building, it also forces homeless from this area, so the question remains why residents resent the idea? The idea would not only clean up the community and surrounding area but provide help from the city to combat the homeless population within children, which is what everyone wants and is asking for.

Although the main argument arises about the geological integrity and the concern about erosion, city staff have looked at the site and deemed it safe to begin to break ground on. I just struggle to understand why something so beneficial to the community is being protested?

Ross Woods

Colorado Springs

The spirit of gratitude

Gratitude was the topic of discussion yesterday in a group of approximately 30 men and women retirees I belong to.

Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Initially, I thought this topic was a bit early for this year since Thanksgiving Day is not for another 10 weeks.

As I heard what members of the group expressed on the subject, I was reminded of the health benefits that everyone can have by choosing to switch from sadness, anger and despair, for whatever reason, to a mindset of gratitude.

One of the participants mentioned the AAA concept  Alter, Avoid, Accept  toward achieving the spirit of gratitude.

Soon after I had a quiet moment when I got home, I chose to experiment on such concept.

Alter  I altered my impulse to watch the evening news; instead, I listened to classical music during my Scrabble game with my husband, who was quite happy with my choice.

Avoid  I avoided sweets after dinner as an immediate gratification gimmick I use when I lose at a Scrabble game; such bad habit only compounds my problems, clouding my vision, instead of being grateful for the opportunity to spend quality time with my husband.

Accept  I consciously accepted the reality that there is nothing I can do about the political system regarding future elections. Instead I reminded myself that politics can be far worse in other parts of the world than what we have in this country.

Not only was a thankful at the end of the day for the outcome of my choices, but I was also able to think more clearly about my tendency to take my blessings for granted, one of them being the superb library system we have in this town.

What a subculture of wonderful people, men and women our librarians are! I now thank each one of you for the high level of professionalism you display!

Marcela Gaumer

Colorado Springs

The Trump circus should end

Certainly, I am not the only lifelong Republican who wants Donald Trump to drop out of the 2024 election, and allow a group of other Republicans to see if they can make a statement to lead our country moving forward.

Progressive Colorado (first state to legalize medical marijuana) can lead the movement to make Trump ineligible to be on the ballot. The words shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion certainly resonate. Maybe another 30 to 49 states can do the same.

I still do not understand why anyone would want to support and vote for a twice impeached former president who is facing four indictments. It is perplexing to me. He was never that awesome, and there is talent outside of the Trump balloon. The Trump circus needs to end so as a country, we can move forward with leadership that is intelligent, thoughtful and has the interests of our country and its citizens.

Our country deserves better than him.

Trish Beyer

Colorado Springs
NEW YORK  For small businesses that rely on summer tourism to keep afloat, extreme weather is replacing the pandemic as the determining factor in how well a summer will go.

The pandemic had its ups and downs for tourism, with a total shutdown followed by a rush of vacations due to pent-up demand. This year, small businesses say vacation cadences are returning to normal. But now, they have extreme weather to deal with  many say it's hurting business, but more temperate spots are seeing a surge.

Tourism-related businesses have always been at the mercy of the weather. But with heat waves, fires and storms becoming more frequent and intense, small businesses increasingly see extreme weather as their next long-term challenge.

For Jared Meyers, owner of Legacy Vacation Resorts, with eight locations, including four in Florida, Hurricane Idalia's landfall Aug. 30 as a Category 3 storm led to a loss in revenue as he temporarily closed one resort and and closed another to new guests. It also means a lengthy cleanup period to fix gutter and other damage and beach cleanup, including replanting of sea grass, sea grapes and other plants to protect against the next storm.

Even when the hurricane doesnt hit directly, it wreaks havoc economically, emotionally  to those that have suffered previous losses  and to our way of life, he said.

A lifelong Florida resident, he's used to hurricanes, but fears their intensity is getting worse. In fact, the number of storms that intensify dramatically within 240 miles of a coastline across the globe grew to 15 a year in 2020 compared to five a year in 1980, according to a study published in Nature Communications.

It does feel like and probably will continue to feel like were just hopping from one emergency to another based on climate change, Meyers said.

For Steve Silberberg in Saco, Maine, who runs Fitpacking, a company that guides people on wilderness backpacking trips in national and state parks and forests, extreme weather is becoming a serious obstacle. National Park Service Research has shown that national parks are experiencing extreme weather conditions at a higher rate than the rest of the country because of where they're located.

Historic snowfall in March at Yosemite  followed by a wildfire  affected one hike Silberberg had planned. Another hike was canceled due to unusually large snowfall rendering the Narrows  part of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park in Utah  impassable due to a high volume of meltwater. He had to cancel a trip to the Los Padres National Forest in California due to wildfires and subsequent flooding, which destroyed trails and made them impassable.

We are quickly approaching a crossroads as to how to keep the business viable, he said. It seems that almost half of our trips are affected in some way by increasingly extreme weather events."

Silberberg is trying to find ways to make climate change work for him, however. He is thinking about starting a company that helps people visit places that may disappear due to climate change, such as Glacier National Park in Montana or the Everglades in Florida, which is threatened by rising sea levels.

Media focus on extreme weather can hurt business, too. Dan Dawson, owner of Horizon Divers in Key Largo, Florida, saw business boom during the pandemic. Now it's back to pre-pandemic levels. But when storms like Idalia close in, tourists flee  even though Dawson's spot in Key Largo was 300 miles from where Idalia hit.

Once a storm is coming close we stop diving and once it goes by it can take up to two weeks for tourists to come back, and that is if we don't have any damage, he said.

Still, in some places that offer a respite from the heat and storms, businesses are getting an unexpected bump.

At Little America Flagstaff, a hotel set in 500 acres of private forest celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, temperatures in the 90s felt pleasant compared to the record-breaking heat in Phoenix, a two-hour drive to the south, which had temperatures of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit-plus for 31 straight days.

When you see temperatures rising to the amount they were in Phoenix you immediately saw, not just with our hotel but all the hotels in the area, our occupancies all went up, said Fred Reese, the hotels general manager.

Similarly, at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, a historic island in Lake Michigan that doesnt allow cars, temperatures have hovered in the temperate 70s while other places around the country have seen triple-digit heat. That leaves Michigan tourists often rubbing elbows with visitors from other states.

It has been brutally hot in most of the country and it has been very, very nice up here in northern Michigan," said Liz Ware, sales and marketing executive and part of the family that owns Mission Point. And so we have seen a lot of people from the Texas, Florida, Georgia area coming up north to northern Michigan because it is so temperate up here.
Parkland Corporation operates food and convenience stores in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company's Canada segment owns, supplies, and supports a coast-to-coast network of retail gas stations, electronic vehicle charging stations, frozen food retail locations, convenience stores, cardlock sites, bulk fuel, propane, heating oil, lubricants, and other related services to commercial, industrial, and residential customers; transports and distributes fuel through ships, rail, and highway carriers; and stores fuel in terminals and other owned and leased facilities, as well as engages in the low-carbon activities. This segment sells its products under the M&M Food Market, On the Run / Marche Express, Ultramar, Esso, Chevron, Pioneer, Fas Gas Plus, Bluewave Energy, Pipeline Commercial, Columbia Fuels, and Sparlings Propane brand names. Its international segment operates and services various retail service stations under the Sol, Esso, Mobil, Shell, and Texaco brand names; and owns the Sol Shop, a convenience store, as well as sells refined crude oil to commercial, industrial, and aviation businesses. The company's USA Segment delivers fuel, lubricants, and other related products to commercial and wholesale customers; operates a network of retail fuel and convenience stores under the On the Run, Arco, Cenex, Chevron, Conoco, Exxon, and other brands, as well as cardlocks under various brands; and operates terminals, storage facilities and trucks, contracts with pipeline, storage facilities, and third-party carriers to support its network. Its Refining segment refines fuel products, such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel; co-processes bio-feedstocks and blends low-carbon-intensity fuels with gasoline and diesel to produce greener fuels. The company was formerly known as Parkland Fuel Corporation and changed its name to Parkland Corporation in May 2020. Parkland Corporation was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
For nearly 50 years, the management of public lands in the United States has been guided by the principle of multiple use, a principle that has kept public landscapes healthy and has encouraged successful resource stewardship.

But after decades of success, a new rule proposed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks to toss that principle aside, and in so doing lock Americans out of thousands of acres of public lands which they ostensibly own. The Bureaus proposed rule for Conservation and Landscape Health overturns the precedent established by Congress in 1976 when it enacted the Federal Land Policy and Management Act by reclassifying conservation as a use.

A large part of the problem with this rule is that so much is left up to interpretation. For instance, the BLM and proponents of the rule insist that putting conservation leasing on an equal footing with other types of leases will not prioritize conservation over other uses; but the rule language states only that conservation leases will not preclude other, subsequent authorizations so long as those subsequent authorizations are compatible with the conservation use. As defined by the BLM, conservation would intrinsically exclude any and all other uses of those lands. Therefore it is not a stretch to interpret the proposed rule as meaning that nonuse of public land will be prioritized over beneficial use.

The rule states that the conservation leases will be granted to outside groups for the purpose of restoring public lands  but what is meant by restore? It is not well-defined in the rule, leaving it open to interpretation. Does it, for example, mean that any improvements made on public lands over the years, such as watershed management, or wildfire mitigation, or measures to control invasive species will need to be undone?

What this means in a practical sense is that well-heeled environmental activist groups that are accountable to no one could buy up huge tracts of land under the auspices of a conservation lease, and effectively place it under lock and key. That is entirely incompatible with the concept of management for multiple uses. As much as anything, this is a back door to designating more and more land as wilderness, and placing it off-limits to the public  all without going through the peoples elected representatives.

It is difficult to overstate how important the multiple use doctrine is to the economy, culture, and even to the environment of Colorado, particularly the Western Slope. Of the 24.1 million acres of land that the federal government owns in Colorado (about 36% of the states landmass), nearly all of that is in the western part of the state. In some West Slope counties, as much as 90% of the land is federally owned. Nearly every industry and economic driver in the western part of the state is dependent on the use of public lands.

Locking up resources

Oil and gas recovery remains an important economic activity on federally owned lands. The oil and gas industry in Colorado, much of it on federal lands, added approximately $13.5 billion to the states Gross Domestic Product in 2017 and supported nearly 90,000 jobs statewide. The industry also is responsible for nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue annually, all of which could disappear if this new rule is used to effectively block energy development on federal lands.

Meanwhile, world events continue to demonstrate the importance of freeing ourselves from foreign sources of energy. In the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine, we witnessed the spike in energy prices worldwide, and saw how much of western Europe suddenly faced an energy crisis. We do not want to find ourselves in a similar situation, nor do we need to. But until the time comes when American ingenuity conquers the problem of how to effectively and efficiently store energy generated from nondispatchable wind and solar resources, natural gas will continue to be an important bridge fuel. This will be especially true as electricity demand increases as more electric vehicles come into use and updated building codes call for greater electrification of both residential and commercial buildings.

These are hard truths we cannot afford to ignore on our way to transitioning to a net-zero-carbon economy, and the fact remains that natural gas  a great deal of which is on public lands  will continue to provide a cleaner source of electrical generation until alternative sources can adequately meet demand. However, energy development and mining no longer mean just oil and gas. As we continue to work toward incorporating more renewable energy into our electrical grid, mining of rare earth minerals and other commodities will become increasingly important. These are the raw materials on which wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, and other major components of the green economy are dependent. A great deal of Americas reserves of these minerals are located on public lands.

Under the conditions of the BLMs new proposed rule, much of the land under which these resources are located could be wrapped up in conservation leases, precluding their extraction. This would not only deny western Coloradans the opportunity to benefit economically from the safe and responsible extraction of the raw materials needed to build renewable energy but would cede production of those materials almost exclusively to places like China. We would, in effect, be making ourselves dependent on overseas sources even for the harvesting of renewable sources of energy.

Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Targeting agriculture

But the issue is about so much more than just energy development. Ranching is the top agricultural activity in the region, and Colorado ranchers and farmers have depended for generations on access to federal grazing leases to feed their herds during the summer. Locking out thousands of acres of public land from grazing, which this proposed rule could do, would put additional strain on small, family-owned ranches which are already dealing with drought and low prices for calves as well as concurrent high input costs for feed, veterinary care, and all the other things that go into feeding America and the world.

Furthermore, grazing on public lands provides not only economic benefits to local ranchers, but is beneficial to the land itself. Grazing improves range conditions, controls weeds and invasive species, and reduces wildfire risk. Nevertheless, public grazing has long been opposed by the very groups that would benefit from the award of conservation leases under this new rule. This is just yet another of many ironies inherent in this proposal.

Outdoor recreation would be impacted as well. Many of our mountain towns and counties are sustained by the ski industry, and virtually all ski hills are on public lands. Every mountain county offers outdoor recreation year-round, including hiking, camping, rafting, climbing, mountain biking and so many other activities, only made as abundantly available by having access to public lands.

We also need to realize what locking up huge tracts of public land will mean in terms of wildfire mitigation and water conservation. Sequestering thousands of acres of land under conservation leases will prevent the sort of vegetation management needed to help prevent or mitigate wildfires, as well as halt the construction or maintenance of roads needed by emergency crews to access these lands in the event of a wildfire. What this in effect means is that while many Coloradans are receiving notices that their home insurance rates are skyrocketing due to increased wildfire risks, the BLM is proposing a rule that will make effective wildfire mitigation far more difficult to employ over potentially thousands of acres in Western Colorado.

In addition, we cannot ignore the potential impact on water management. In Colorado, there are few, if any, discussions as important as those around water. As climate change and downstream demands continue to stress our water supplies, proactive water management, including storage, will be more vital than ever.

Yet under this proposed rule, clearly any consideration of water storage projects will be completely off the table.

Finally, there is the issue of process. There was very little input sought from local communities when this rule was being drafted. Few, if any, users of public lands were consulted. There are also lingering questions of legality; nowhere in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, duly passed by Congress in 1976, is there a provision for establishing conservation leases. If the BLM feels that this rule needs to be implemented, then it needs to be done right  by going through Congress, and involving to a much greater extent the people whose livelihoods depend on these lands.

Conservation is a worthy goal, and one that has always been a priority of the people of Colorado; but it must be done in conjunction with, not to the exclusion of, beneficial uses of the land in our backyard. Colorado is not a laboratory or academic plaything for Washington bureaucrats and the radical environmental movement. Colorados economy, way of life and natural heritage depend on the concept of multiple use of public lands, and the BLM should uphold that principle, rather than overturn it.

Donald Valdez represented House District 62  covering several counties in southern Colorado  as a Democratic member of the Colorado House of Representatives from January 2017 to January 2019. He operates a farm and ranch in La Jara.
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading American automotive aftermarket parts provider. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company serves professional installers and do-it-yourself (DIY) customers. With a vast network of stores and branches, Advance Auto Parts offers a wide range of brand name, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and private label automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles and light and heavy-duty trucks.

Advance Auto Parts' mission is to be the trusted partner for automotive care. They aim to provide their customers with high-quality products, exceptional service, and expert advice to keep their vehicles running smoothly. With over 4,900 stores and 150 Worldpac branches in the United States and Canada, the company has a strong presence in the automotive aftermarket industry. Additionally, Advance Auto Parts serves 1,250 independently owned Carquest-branded stores across various regions.

The management team at Advance Auto Parts plays a crucial role in driving the company's strategy and ensuring its operational success. The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advance Auto Parts is Thomas R. Greco. As the CEO, Greco brings a wealth of experience in the retail industry and has been instrumental in leading the company's growth and expansion. The management team's collective expertise and diverse backgrounds contribute to the overall success of Advance Auto Parts and its ability to meet the needs of its customers and stakeholders.

Advance Auto Parts has achieved excellent revenue growth over the years. Additionally, the company has demonstrated healthy profit margins, with net margins of 3.61%. These figures highlight the company's ability to generate profits and sustain operations in a competitive market.

Significant price movements or changes in trading volume can indicate shifts in investor sentiment and market dynamics. For example, the company's earnings increased during the pandemic as millions received stimulus checks and used that money to repair their vehicles. However, at the end of the pandemic, the stock price dropped as millions of people no longer had that disposable income. This price drop was exacerbated as market sentiment turned negative over missed earnings numbers.

Advance Auto Parts operates in the auto parts retail industry, which is highly competitive and subject to various trends and dynamics. The industry serves a broad customer base, including professional installers and DIY enthusiasts. It is driven by factors such as vehicle ownership, maintenance and repair needs, and consumer preferences.

The company faces competition from both traditional brick-and-mortar retailers and online platforms. Major competitors include other auto parts retailers, national chains, and independent stores. Additionally, technological advancements and the increasing complexity of modern vehicles pose challenges and opportunities for the industry. The growing demand for electric vehicles, digitalization of automotive services, and advanced autonomous driving technologies are shaping the industry's future.

Advance Auto Parts aims to differentiate itself through its extensive store network, product availability, knowledgeable staff, and strong customer service. These factors contribute to the company's competitive positioning and enable it to cater to a diverse customer base.

While Advance Auto Parts has established itself as a prominent player in the automotive aftermarket industry, it faces certain risks and challenges that could impact its performance. Shifts in consumer preferences, such as increased reliance on ride-sharing services or reduced vehicle ownership, could affect the demand for automotive parts and accessories.

Rapid advancements in automotive technology and the rise of electric vehicles can require significant investments in research and development to stay competitive. Failure to adapt to these changes could result in a loss of market share for Advance Auto Parts. The company must stay abreast of technological advancements, such as advancements in electric vehicle technology and digitalization of automotive services. Advance Auto Parts can develop innovative solutions and maintain its competitive edge in the evolving automotive industry by investing in research and development.

Additionally, the company needs to effectively manage its supply chain and inventory to ensure product availability and timely delivery to customers. Any disruptions in the supply chain, whether due to logistics challenges or supplier issues, can impact customer satisfaction and potentially lead to a loss of market share.
Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company specializing in developing, manufacturing and marketing a wide range of healthcare products. The company has its headquarters in Abbott Park, Illinois and operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.

The company was founded in 1888 by Dr. Wallace C. Abbott, and it has since grown to become one of the world's largest and most respected healthcare companies. Abbott Laboratories has a diverse portfolio of products, including medical devices, diagnostic tests, nutritional products, and branded generic pharmaceuticals. The company is committed to developing innovative products that improve the quality of life for people worldwide.

Robert B. Ford is the current President and CEO of the company. He was appointed to this position in 2020 after serving as the company's Chief Operating Officer. He has been with Abbott Laboratories since 1996 and has held various leadership positions.

Abbott Laboratories has delivered strong financial performance, declining as investors seek growth. The company's net earnings have been increasing steadily. Abbott Laboratories has a solid balance sheet with a low debt-to-equity ratio. The company has consistently delivered strong cash flow, allowing it to invest in research and development and return value to shareholders. Abbott Laboratories has a higher price-to-earnings ratio than the industry average, and the company's price-to-book ratio is also higher than the industry average. These metrics suggest that the market has a positive outlook on Abbott Laboratories and is willing to pay a premium for the company's shares. Over the past year, Abbott Laboratories' stock has declined as consumers seek to see what the company will do post-pandemic. The company's shares have experienced some volatility, but overall, they have outperformed the broader market.

Abbott Laboratories operates in the healthcare industry, which is highly regulated and complex. The industry is characterized by rapidly evolving technology, changing regulatory requirements, and shifting consumer preferences. Abbott Laboratories competes with other large healthcare companies such as Johnson & Johnson.

Abbott Laboratories' robust product pipeline is expected to drive growth in the coming years. The company is focused on developing innovative products that address unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes. In addition to its core businesses, Abbott Laboratories is expanding into new markets and investing in digital health technologies.

Like any company, Abbott Laboratories faces a range of risks and challenges. One of the most significant risks facing the company is regulatory uncertainty. Changes in regulatory requirements could impact the company's ability to bring products to market and could also increase the cost of doing business. Another risk facing the company is the threat of competitive pressures. The healthcare industry is highly competitive, and Abbott Laboratories faces competition from established companies and new entrants. Changes in consumer preferences could also impact the company's performance, particularly in the nutritional products segment.

Additionally, Abbott Laboratories is exposed to geopolitical risks, such as changes in trade policies or political instability in key markets. The company's international operations also expose it to currency fluctuations, which could impact its financial performance.
Citigroup Inc. is one of the worlds largest financial institutions. It is the 13th largest bank globally by assets and 8th by market cap with operations in consumer and institutional banking. In the US, Citigroup is the 3rd largest bank by assets and one of the Big Four deemed systemically important and too big to fail.

Citigroup Inc. was founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York. The bank was run by Samuel Osgood who led the company with success for many years, even throughout the War of 1812. The bank was later renamed the National City Bank of New York in 1865 and by 1895 is the largest bank in the US. In 1913 it was the first contributor to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a few years later it began to expand into overseas territories.

The bank became the First National City Bank of New York after another merger in 1955 and then later, the New York part was dropped off as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration. By 1974 the company is known as Citicorp which is still the operational branch of the business and a global banking powerhouse. A merger with Travelers insurance group in 1998 resulted in the name Citigroup but the joint venture did not last. By 2002 Travelers was publicly traded once again but Citigroup retained the new name.

Today, the company is headquartered in New York, New York but boasts more than 200 million customer accounts in 160 countries worldwide. As of mid-2022, it operated 2,649 branches in the United States, Mexico, and Asia. The company reports nearly 725 branches in the US and 1499 in Mexico with the rest scattered throughout its territory. Total annual revenue topped $75 billion in 2022.

Citigroup is a diversified financial services holding company that owns Citicorp among other assets. The companys mission is to serve as a trusted partner providing responsible financial solutions to its clients. Citigroup provides financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions. The company operates in two segments, Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG).

The GCB segment offers traditional banking services including deposit and saving accounts, credit cards, personal loans, home loans, and investment services. This segment operates through local branches and digital means. The ICG segment offers wholesale banking products and services to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients.
Editor's note: This is the second installment in an occasional series about growth in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Future stories will examine growth-related topics such as migration patterns, water, traffic, housing, infrastructure and jobs.

Kalyn Henderson didnt know much about Colorado Springs when the 23-year-old moved to town in May, after graduating from the University of Kansas with an architectural career in mind.

She was hired at a firm where she did an internship last year, rented an apartment in one of the new complexes rising in the downtown core and is getting to know the city shes calling home in young adulthood.

I had no idea the Olympics and the military had such a big presence here, which is kind of cool, she said.

Coming from the southwest suburbs of Chicago and attending college in the flatlands of Kansas, Henderson wasnt familiar with the most famous attraction to newcomers: the Colorado lifestyle.

I didnt know if Id like it, but Colorado has a lot of outdoor activities, which is something Ive learned to love doing, Henderson said.

Hiking everywhere, frequenting restaurants and building a network of friends occupies much of her free time.

And shes not having trouble finding people to do things with because Henderson is part of the largest age group mushrooming among newcomers to El Paso County.

The biggest net migrant is that young un, that 20-something  which shouldnt be a big surprise because of the university and the military, said State Demographer Elizabeth Garner.

Other age groups are also growing, including seniors, but not as quickly as the burgeoning numbers of 22- to 29-year old Millennials and Gen Zers.

Some credit intentional efforts city leaders forged years ago to attract more young professionals as paying off.

Creating 50,000 jobs over the past decade, many high-paying defense, cybersecurity and other technology-oriented positions, has drawn young professionals, former Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said as he vacated the office in June after eight years in the office.

The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & EDC a few months ago launched several programs to help local college graduates stay in town, such as providing mentors and arranging group activities.

Alluring quality of life

A new employment cycle is being created with U.S. Space Command remaining in Colorado Springs, said Harry Salzman, a broker associate with ERA Shields Real Estate.

Were going to be growing with higher educated people who want a better quality of life, he said, and this is the quality of community they want to live in.

Of the countys estimated population of 740,552, as of July 1, 2022, the most recent statistic available, more 27-year-olds lived in El Paso County than any other age group.

The nearly 14,000 residents aged 27 were quickly followed by a couple hundred fewer of 26-year-olds, who constituted the second largest age group living in El Paso County.

The influx of young adults is interesting and hopeful, Garner said, because you know where your bread and butter is.

Births and people relocating here continue to outpace deaths and people moving away from the county, albeit at a slower rate than some years, she said.

The county saw an increase of 3,350 residents as of July 1, 2022, over the previous year. The numbers included 9,267 births, 6,238 deaths and 321 net migrants  those who moved in minus those who moved out.

Births peaked in 2016, then decreased through 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to state statistics.

Since 2021, births have climbed but are not back to levels the community saw seven years ago, Garner said.

The countys net migration is all over the place, not a straight line but peaks and troughs, she said, due to factors that include job opportunities, divorce, aging family members or political winds.

Older adults sometimes leave for health reasons  such as needing to live at a lower altitude  said Salzman, the real estate broker, and military veterans and retirees like to return to Colorado Springs because they enjoyed the city when they were stationed here in the past.

El Paso County's population includes 94,000 military veterans; about 74,000 active-duty service members, civilians and families at Fort Carson; 22,175 active-duty, families, reservists and civilians at Peterson Space Force Base; 7,625 cadets, active duty and civilians at the Air Force Academy; 8,100 personnel at Schriever Space Force Base, including guardians, airmen and civilians; and 1,500 service members and civilians connected to NORAD, according to the affiliated installations.

No matter what your age, Colorado Springs is typically going to give you a better quality of life, no matter where youre coming from, Salzman said.

Flock here or flee

Population figures reflect how tough of a time El Paso County had following the Great Recession, the nations longest economic downturn since World War II. The collapse began in December 2007 and ended in June 2009, according to the Federal Reserve.

Facing a $28.9 million budget shortfall in 2010, the decision of city leaders to cut spending by stopping trash collection in city parks, turning off one-third of city streetlights, limiting watering and mowing on city property, and reducing fire, police and public transportation services can be seen in the data, Garner said.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Net migration spiked in 2010 at about 13,000 people, then fell dramatically to about 2,300 in 2014.

Colorado Springs had an especially rough go of it politically, in terms of where they thought they wanted to put public dollars, Garner said. People were like, Maybe I wont move there.

In this millennium, Colorados shift from a Republican-dominated state to a Democratic-led General Assembly and governors seat has influenced some people to either flock here or flee.

Lisa Dell Amore, who had lived and worked in Colorado Springs for 35 years, packed up and left in 2019, first and foremost because of politics.

I saw things changing in the state and city, she said. When I moved there in 1984, Colorado Springs was kind of a conservative bastion of the state, she said. I slowly saw it changing.

It seemed like youre being taxed for everything, and while I had a good job in government, once I got into the private sector, I was making next to nothing per hour, and it was just a real struggle.

Which brings us to Dell Amores second reason for bugging out: the cost of living.

Everything seemed more expensive, and I just couldnt afford it.

Shes now in a small Texas town of about 7,000 residents, where she says gas, housing and food are cheaper, theres no personal income tax and its clear that southern hospitality has drifted west.

People are friendly and neighborly. Theres less road rage here  in five years not one person has given me the bird, Dell Amore said.

Housing costs rise

Beyond political preferences, the cost of housing is influencing some people to stay away, believes Jon Christiansen, executive member of the Chinook Center, a progressive collective in southeast Colorado Springs.

A lot of people are either deciding not to move here or are moving away from here because housing is so expensive, he said.

Since January 2009, Colorado Springs has had an 80% decrease in home affordability, according to the Colorado Homebuyer Misery Index, released last week by the Common Sense Institute, a nonprofit economic think tank based in Greenwood Village.

Statewide, Colorado ranks No. 2 in the nation  at 90%  for the largest decrease in housing affordability over the past 14 years, and the organization projects continued deterioration in the ability to purchase a home.

Christiansen grew up in Colorado Springs at a time when the city was considered an affordable part of the state. Not anymore, he said.

Whats also different is that political conservatives do not have all the power anymore, Christiansen said, and young progressives are not afraid to move here.

But he still senses an old political power structure left over from the olden days, which he doesnt think reflects the current demographics.

I feel its changing pretty rapidly, he said.

After moving away and living on the East Coast for 12 years, Christiansen felt a tidal pull to return.

While many communities have beautiful mountains and bountiful hiking trails, theres an intangible, indescribable allure to Colorado Springs for natives as well as transplants, he said.

Honestly, Im not sure I know what it is thats so attractive, Christiansen said.

Salzman thinks he knows.

In his 51 years of working in the real estate industry in Colorado Springs, Salzman said hes seen every economic cycle imaginable, along with several cultural shifts, changes in the city's governance structure, development of a solid education base and added employment opportunities.

Colorado Springs and El Paso County have recorded consistent population growth, he said, for the primary reason that stands the test of time and led the citys founder, Gen. William Jackson Palmer to realize that if he built it, people would come.

That the region is outstanding with an outdoor life, even in the wintertime, is the top reason people flock here, Salzman said.

Also, Denver and Boulder remain more expensive to live in than Colorado Springs and El Paso County, which also seem less congested because of geographic spread. Although the gaps in the cost of living and the transportation system are narrowing between southern and central Colorado communities.

Henderson, the Gen Z newcomer, said she knew she didnt want to live in Colorados capital.

I love that Colorado Springs is smaller than Denver; its not so overwhelming of a city, the size is really good, and I love that its super close to the mountains, she said.

Colorado Springs is often referred to as the biggest small town, Garner, the state demographer said.

We definitely see El Paso as one of our strongest, fastest-growing and largest counties, and youre still relatively young  youre still having births because El Paso attracts a lot of young adults.

El Paso and Weld counties are forecasted to be the two largest-growing counties in the state over the next three decades, Garner said.

That could change, though, if say, a water shortage wrench was thrown in, or theres a repeat of the city budget crunch of 2010.

For now, El Paso Countys population is projected to hit 1 million residents by 2050, according to state calculations.
The Southern Company is a leading gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. With its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and executive offices in Birmingham, Alabama, the company has established itself as one of the largest energy providers in the country. Serving approximately 9 million gas and electric utility customers across six states, The Southern Company's subsidiaries operate in various segments of the energy industry.

The mission of The Southern Company is to deliver clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to its customers while fostering innovation and sustainability. The company aims to meet the energy needs of the present and future generations by embracing new technologies, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting environmental stewardship.

The Southern Company offers products and services to meet the diverse energy requirements of its customers. Its subsidiaries include regulated regional electric utilities such as Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power, which serve specific territories in their respective states. Additionally, Southern Power focuses on wholesale power generation, while Southern Company Gas serves gas utility customers and operates natural gas pipelines.

The key customers of The Southern Company comprise residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The company caters to the energy needs of households, businesses, and various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and more. The Southern Company has established long-standing customer relationships by providing reliable and affordable energy solutions.

The Southern Company has made significant strides in renewable energy development. The company operates or develops renewable facilities across the United States, including solar, wind, and biomass projects. It has also embarked on a notable milestone by constructing the country's first nuclear power units in 30 years at Plant Vogtle near Augusta, Georgia. These initiatives showcase The Southern Company's commitment to a diverse energy portfolio and its dedication to meeting the evolving energy demands of the market.

The leadership team at The Southern Company is composed of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to their respective roles. Led by Executive Chairman Thomas A. Fanning, the management team drives the company's strategic direction and oversees its operations. Thomas A. Fanning plays a crucial role in the success of The Southern Company. With extensive experience in the energy industry, he has held various leadership positions within the company before assuming the role of Executive Chairman. Fanning's visionary approach and strategic acumen have been instrumental in shaping The Southern Company's growth and expansion. Other key management team members include Christopher C. Womack, the Chief Executive Officer and President. Womack brings a deep understanding of the energy industry and has significantly contributed to the company's operations and customer-focused initiatives.

The Southern Company has exhibited healthy financial performance in recent years, reflecting its ability to meet customer demand and drive profitability. The company's revenue has demonstrated a positive long-term trend, indicating consistent growth and a robust customer base. This steady revenue growth showcases The Southern Company's market presence and ability to provide essential energy services to millions of customers.

Earnings metrics have also shown a positive trajectory, underscoring the company's profitability and efficiency in managing its operations. The Southern Company's consistent earnings growth is a testament to its strong market position and effective cost management strategies.

The net profit margin, a key financial indicator, has remained healthy. This metric highlights The Southern Company's ability to generate profits relative to its revenue. The company's ability to maintain a favorable net profit margin reflects its commitment to operational excellence and efficient utilization of its resources.

The Southern Company's valuation metrics should be compared to its industry peers to gain insights into its market position and investor sentiment. The company's growth potential, financial performance, and market perception drive its valuation. Various factors, including industry trends, regulatory developments, and market conditions, can influence investor sentiment. Monitoring changes in investor sentiment provides valuable information for understanding the market's perception of The Southern Company and its prospects for future growth.

The Southern Company operates within the broader electric services industry. As a leading utility holding company, it faces competition from other players in the industry who provide similar gas and electric services. However, The Southern Company has established a strong competitive position due to its extensive infrastructure, reliable service, and customer-focused approach.

One of the advantages The Southern Company possesses is its diversified energy portfolio. The company operates in both the gas and electric sectors, allowing it to cater to a wide range of customer needs. This diversification reduces dependence on a single energy source and provides flexibility in meeting changing market demands.

Additionally, The Southern Company has significantly invested in renewable energy projects, positioning itself as a leader in clean energy generation. By embracing renewable sources such as solar and wind power, the company contributes to environmental sustainability while capitalizing on the growing demand for clean energy solutions.

The Southern Company also benefits from its strong regional presence. Operating in states like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, the company has established a deep understanding of the local market dynamics and regulatory frameworks. This localized knowledge enables The Southern Company to effectively adapt its services and strategies to meet each region's unique requirements.

However, the industry presents challenges and disadvantages that The Southern Company must navigate. The regulatory environment can be complex and subject to change, requiring the company to stay abreast of evolving regulations and compliance requirements. Furthermore, technological advancements and shifts in consumer preferences pose challenges as the industry transitions to a more decentralized and sustainable energy landscape.

The Southern Company has several growth opportunities in the evolving energy market. The increasing focus on renewable energy presents a significant avenue for expansion. By continuing to invest in renewable energy projects and exploring new technologies, The Southern Company can capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy solutions and reduce its carbon footprint.

The transition to electric transportation also provides growth potential for The Southern Company. As the adoption of electric vehicles increases, the company can play a pivotal role in supporting the infrastructure needed for widespread charging stations and grid integration.

Moreover, The Southern Company can leverage its expertise in nuclear energy to contribute to expanding the clean energy sector. The company's ongoing nuclear projects demonstrate its commitment to nuclear power as a reliable and sustainable energy source.

While The Southern Company has positioned itself for growth, it faces certain risks and challenges. One of the primary risks is the potential impact of regulatory changes. Changes in regulations and policies can affect the company's operations, costs, and profitability. Adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks and maintaining compliance is crucial for The Southern Company to mitigate regulatory risks.

The energy industry also faces uncertainties related to environmental concerns and climate change. Increased emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources may require significant investments and operational changes for The Southern Company. Adapting to these changes while ensuring the affordability and reliability of energy services poses a challenge.

Another risk is the volatility of commodity prices, including natural gas and fuel costs. Fluctuations in these prices can impact The Southern Company's profitability and cost structure. Effective risk management strategies, including hedging and fuel cost recovery mechanisms, are essential for mitigating these risks.

The Southern Company must also navigate technological disruptions and maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly digitized energy landscape. Embracing technological advancements, such as smart grid solutions and digital customer engagement, can enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
The following companies are subsidiares of General Dynamics: 42SIX LLC, ARMA Global Corporation, Advanced Technical Products, Aeromil (Australia) Pty Ltd, Aeromil Aircraft Engineering Pty Ltd, Aeromil Aviation Services Pty Ltd, Aeromil IT Services Pty Ltd, Aeromil Marine Pty Ltd, Aeromil Pacific Pty Ltd, American Overseas Marine Company LLC, Anteon International Corporation, Applied Physical Sciences, Applied Physical Sciences Corp., Ascend Intelligence, Australian Avionics Pty Ltd, Autonomic Resources LLC, Avion Logistics Limited, Avjet Corporation, AxleTech International, Axsys, BATH IRON WORKS CORPORATION, BP-HP Pte Limited, Bath Iron Works, Bath Iron Works Australia Corporation, Bath Iron Works Canada LLC, Bluefin Robotics Corporation, Blueprint Technologies Inc., Braintree I Maritime Corp., Braintree II Maritime Corp., Braintree III Maritime Corp., Braintree IV Maritime Corp., Braintree V Maritime Corp., Buccaneer Computer Systems & Service Inc., CSC Computer Sciences Venezuela S.A., CSRA, CSRA (Costa Rica) S.A., CSRA (Guyana) Inc., CSRA (Middle East) LLC, CSRA Argentina S.R.L., CSRA BH d.o.o., CSRA Bahamas Limited, CSRA Bahrain S.P.C., CSRA Belgium SPRL, CSRA Bolivia S.R.L., CSRA Brazil Servicos de Tecnologia Ltda., CSRA Canada Inc., CSRA Caribbean Inc., CSRA Chile SpA, CSRA Colombia SAS, CSRA Commerce 2010 LLC, CSRA Consular Services Holding Company LLC, CSRA Consular Services Inc., CSRA France SARL, CSRA Guatemala Solutions Sociedad Anonima, CSRA Honduras Sociedad Anonima, CSRA Inc., CSRA Information Systems LLC, CSRA Information Technology Spain SL, CSRA Ireland Limited, CSRA Italy S.R.L, CSRA Kosovo L.L.C., CSRA LATAM LLC, CSRA LLC, CSRA Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., CSRA Netherlands B.V., CSRA Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CSRA Panama Inc., CSRA Peru S.R.L., CSRA Senegal SARL, CSRA South Africa (Pty) Ltd, CSRA State and Local Solutions LLC, CSRA Systems & Solutions LLC, CSRA Trinidad & Tobago Limited, CSRA Turkey Bilisim Teknolojileri Limited Sirketi, CSRA Uruguay S.R.L, CSRA Visa Services Israel Ltd., CSRAIT - Information Services Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Centauri Solutions LLC, Command System, Computing Devices International, Concord I Maritime Corporation, Concord II Maritime Corporation, Concord III Maritime Corporation, Concord IV Maritime Corporation, Concord V Maritime Corporation, Convair Aircraft Corporation, Convair Corporation, Creative Technology, Customer Services Ecuador CSRA S.A., Devcor, Diamond Fortress Technologies, DynPort Vaccine Company LLC, EB Groton Engineering Inc., EBV Explosives Environmental, ELCS-CZ s.r.o., Eagle Enterprise Inc., Earl Industries - Ship Repair and Coatings Division, Ebv Explosives Environmental Company, Electric Boat - Australia LLC, Electric Boat - UK LLC, Electric Boat Canada LLC, Electric Boat Corporation, Electric Boat France LLC, Electrocom Inc., Engineering Technology, Expro Finance Inc., FBD Fahrzeug und Bremsendienst GmbH, FC Business Systems, Fidelis Cybersecurity, Force Protection, Force Protection Europe Limited, Force Protection Inc., ForeSight Technology Services LLC, Freeman United Coal Mining Company LLC, GD Brazil Holdings LLC, GD European Land Systems - Steyr GmbH, GD European Land Systems Holding GmbH, GDOTS Services Corporation, GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C., GPS Source Inc., GTE Government Systems, GWA-Datatrac FAST LLC, Galaxy Aerospace Company, Gayston Corporation - Defense Operations, General Dynamics - OTS (Global) Inc., General Dynamics AIS Australia Pty Ltd, General Dynamics Canadian Finance Inc., General Dynamics Canadian Holdings Inc., General Dynamics Commercial Cyber Services LLC, General Dynamics European Finance Limited, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Austria GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Bridge Systems GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Czech s.r.o., General Dynamics European Land Systems - Denmark ApS, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Deutschland GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems - FWW GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems - Mowag GmbH, General Dynamics European Land Systems Romania S.R.L., General Dynamics European Land Systems S.L., General Dynamics Global Force LLC, General Dynamics Global Holdings Limited, General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies Inc., General Dynamics Government Satellite Services LLC, General Dynamics Government Systems Corporation, General Dynamics Government Systems Overseas Corporation, General Dynamics Information Technology Canada Limited, General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., General Dynamics Information Technology Limited, General Dynamics Installation Services LLC, General Dynamics International Corporation, General Dynamics Itronix LLC, General Dynamics Land Systems - Australia Pty. Ltd., General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada Corporation, General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada Services Inc., General Dynamics Land Systems - Canadian Services Limited, General Dynamics Land Systems - Force Protection Inc., General Dynamics Land Systems Customer Service & Support Company, General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., General Dynamics Limited, General Dynamics Marine Systems Inc., General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., General Dynamics Mission Systems International Limited, General Dynamics Mission Systems Overseas Company LLC, General Dynamics Motion Control LLC, General Dynamics OTS (Aerospace) Inc., General Dynamics OTS (California) Inc., General Dynamics OTS (DRI) Inc., General Dynamics OTS (Niceville) Inc., General Dynamics OTS (Pennsylvania) Inc., General Dynamics One Source LLC, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems - Canada Inc., General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems - Canada Valleyfield Inc., General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems - Simunition Operations Inc., General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Inc., General Dynamics Overseas Systems and Services Corporation, General Dynamics Properties Inc., General Dynamics Robotic Systems Inc., General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies Inc., General Dynamics Satcom Technologies Asia Private Limited, General Dynamics Satellite Communication Services LLC, General Dynamics Saudi Holdings S.L., General Dynamics Shared Resources LLC, General Dynamics Support Services Company, General Dynamics Swiss Financial Management Limited, General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited, General Dynamics Worldwide Holdings Inc., General Dynamics-OTS Inc., General Motors Defense, Gulfstream 100 Holdings LLC, Gulfstream Aerospace, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (CA), Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (DE), Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GA), Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (OK), Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation of Texas, Gulfstream Aerospace Hong Kong Limited, Gulfstream Aerospace LLC, Gulfstream Aerospace LP, Gulfstream Aerospace Ltd., Gulfstream Aerospace Services Corporation, Gulfstream Aerospace Sociedad de Responssabilidad Limitada de CapitalVariable (S. de R.L. de C.V.), Gulfstream Do Brasil Servicos De Suporte E Manutencao A Aeronaves Ltda., Gulfstream International Corporation, Gulfstream Leasing LLC, Gulfstream Product Support Corporation, Gulfstream Services Corporation, Gulfstream Tennessee Corporation, Gulfstream-California Inc., Hawker Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Hawker Pacific Aircraft Management Pte Ltd, Hawker Pacific Airservices Limited, Hawker Pacific Airservices Pvt Ltd, Hawker Pacific Asia Holdings Pte Ltd, Hawker Pacific Asia Pte Ltd, Hawker Pacific Australia Pty Ltd, Hawker Pacific Aviation Services Pty Ltd, Hawker Pacific NZ Limited, Hawker Pacific Pty Ltd, IPWireless, IPWireless PTE. Limited, Information Services Consulting Limited, Interiores Aereos S.A. de C.V., International Manufacturing Technologies Inc., Itronix, Janteq Australia PTY Limited, Janteq Corp., Jet Aviation, Jet Aviation (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd., Jet Aviation (Bermuda) Ltd., Jet Aviation (Hong Kong) Ltd., Jet Aviation (Malaysia) SDN BHD, Jet Aviation 125 Services LLC, Jet Aviation AG, Jet Aviation Brazil Holdings Inc., Jet Aviation Business Jets (Hong Kong) Limited, Jet Aviation Business Jets AG, Jet Aviation Business Jets FZCO, Jet Aviation California LLC, Jet Aviation Dulles LLC, Jet Aviation Flight Services Inc., Jet Aviation France SAS, Jet Aviation Holding GmbH, Jet Aviation Holdings USA Inc., Jet Aviation Houston Inc., Jet Aviation International Inc., Jet Aviation Malaga SA, Jet Aviation Management AG, Jet Aviation Netherlands B.V., Jet Aviation Savannah Holding LLC, Jet Aviation Services GmbH, Jet Aviation St. Louis Inc., Jet Aviation Teterboro LP, Jet Aviation Texas Inc., Jet Aviation of America Inc., Jet Aviation/Palm Beach Inc., Jet Professionals LLC, Kylmar, Longreach Energy LLC, MAYA Viz, Maricom Systems Incorporated, Material Service Resources Company LLC, Matthews Land Company, Mediaware International, Mediaware International Pty Ltd, Metro Machine, Metro Machine co, Midwest Properties Sales LLC, NASSCO, NASSCO Holdings Incorporated, NES Associates LLC, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, Network Connectivity Solutions Corp., Newberry Holdings LLC, OOO Jet Aviation Vnukovo, Open Kernel Labs, Page Europa Srl, Patriot I Shipping Corp., Patriot II Shipping Corp., Patriot IV Shipping Corp., Plane 79 LLC, Praxis Engineering Technologies LLC, PrimeX Technologies, Prodelin India Private Limited, Proyectos Prohumane Mexico S.A. de C.V., Quincy Maritime Corporation III, Raven Acquisitions LLC, SENTECH INC., SRA International Inc., Saco Defense, Santa Barbara Sistemas S.A., Savannah Air Center LLC, Signal Solutions LLC, Southern Illinois Recovery Inc., Spectrum Astro, St. Marks Powder Inc., Stabilo Pty Ltd, Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug AG & Co KG, Sydney Jet Charter Pty Ltd, Tadpole Computer, Tecnologias Internacionales de Manufactura S.A. de C.V., Tenacity Solutions Incorporated, The Depth of Ideas for General Trading LLC, TriPoint Global Communications, Vangent, Vangent Servicios de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Veridian, Vertex Antennentechnik GmbH, ViPS, Vulnerability Research Labs LLC, and Weco LLC.

Read More
Energy Transfer LP is a limited partnership operating midstream energy assets in the US. The company is an integrated and diversified play on energy that deals in natural gas and crude oil and their derivatives. The companys operating territory spans the North American energy infrastructure system with operations in 41 states and Canada and is systemically important.

The company was founded n 1995 by Kelcy Warren and Ray Davis. The company was private until 2004 when it IPOd. It operated as a stand-alone business until 2011 when it joined forces with Regency Energy Partners to purchase assets from Castleton Commodities International and begin a growth phase. As of 2022, Mr. Warren remains as Chairperson. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas but maintains an international office in Beijing.

Among other notable acquisitions are the purchase of Sunoco and Sunoco logistics partners and the eventual absorption of Regency Energy Partners. The company was formerly known as Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. and changed its name to Energy Transfer LP in October 2018 along with some internal structural changes.

Today the company operates a vast network of natural gas and crude oil collection, processing and storage facilities along with the pipelines to move it. The companys subsidiaries include but are not limited to Sunoco LP, Sunoco Logistics Partners, USA Compression Partners and it owns 100% or a controlling interest in pipelines that include the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Bayou Bridge Pipeline and the Florida Gas Transmission Pipeline.

Energy Transfer Partner LP owns or controls more than 120,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure, including natural gas, crude oil and derivative vehicles. The company controls or owns five natural gas storage facilities and over a dozen natural gas or LNG processing plants. The company can compress and deliver LNG to transport vessels as well as process, store and deliver propane. Its downstream operations include wholesaling natural gas and derivative crude oil products to utility companies, industrial users, and consumers.

As of 2022, the company employed more than 11,000 people and brought in more than $39 billion in net revenue. Roughly 30% of the nation's natural gas is moved by Energy Transfer Partners LP infrastructure and growing. Projects in the works include newer, more efficient processing plants and the interstate Gulf Run pipeline.

Natural gas is a crucial factor in the switch to green energy. Not only is it the cleanest of all petroleum-based energy sources, but it is easy to store and use, making it ideal as a backup source for intermittent energy like solar and wind. Natural gas is also important as a feedstock for plastics and other products critical to the health industry. Natural gas is also important for making ammonia, a necessary fertilizer for todays food chain.

As an MLP, Energy Transfers Partners pays a large share of its earnings as dividends. Investors of record can enroll in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan or DRIP and have their distributions paid in shares.






The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman as an investment bank catering to institutions and businesses. Among the firm's first products are the revolutionary use of commercial paper for entrepreneurs which opened a new method of finance for business and industry.

The original firm expanded to Goldman Sachs in 1882 with the inclusion of son-in-law Samuel Sachs and again in 1885 with a son and another son-in-law. The firm joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1896 expanding into trading of its own and in 1898 it was worth $1.6 million. The company began its work in the IPO market in 1906 with the initial public offering of Sears, Roebuck & Co., and then moved on to Ford and other prominent names of the time.

The 1930s brings a change of leadership and a new direction for the firm. The company shifted toward a purer play on investment banking and embarks on a campaign of acquisition that lasted until the present day. The company doesnt go public itself until 1999 and from that point on it will change into a bank holding company that not only offers investment banking services but takes deposits too, and in 2016 the company added consumer banking to its list of services.

Today, Goldman Sachs is a financial institution that provides a range of financial services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. The company operates through four segments that include Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. According to US banking regulations, it is systemically important to the financial health of America.

The company is headquartered in New York, New York, and operates 6 regional headquarters as well. Regional headquarters are located in financial hotspots such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangalore, and Warsaw. Among its many prominent CEOs are John Corzine and Hank Paulson who both went on to successful work in government.

The company's Investment Banking segment provides a full range of financial advisory services as well as underwriting for the public markets. The financial advisory services include but are not limited to strategic advisory for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture, restructuring, and spin-offs. This segment is also engaged in middle-market lending and transaction banking. Underwriting services include IPOs, preferred stock, debt instruments, and bridge loans.

Goldman Sachs Global Markets segment facilitates market transactions for institutions, banks, brokerages, corporations, and governments. Services include execution, derivatives, financing, clearing, settlement, and custody.

The Asset Management segment manages client portfolios across the investment spectrum while the Consumer & Wealth Management segment provides advisory and banking services to consumers.
Rainbow Schultz woke to the sound of boulders rumbling down James Creek and knew something bad was happening. The drumming of the rocks and the rain coincided with someone urgently pounding on her front door.

When she opened it, what she saw was a neighbor who had been thrown from a window by a crushing mudslide.

You dont want to hear this, but Joey is already dead and you need to get out, he said.

Minutes before, rocks and mud, loosened by continuous rain, came roaring down a burn-scarred slope into Joey Howletts home, splintering it into a pile of pick-up sticks. Howlett, 72, was the village patriarch, longtime owner of the Jamestown Mercantile Cafe, erstwhile town Santa Claus and likely the first of eight people who were killed in the 2013 Flood.

The monstrous 2013 Flood destroyed 1,850 homes, caused more than $4 billion in damages and forced 11,000 people to evacuate, including Schultz and the entire town of Jamestown. Sections of Highway 34, U.S. Highway 36 and many county roads were washed away.

Slow-moving drench

On Sept. 9, 2013, after a summer of drought and heat, the rain started on the Eastern Plains, moved to the Colorado Front Range and sat there until Sept. 16.

The area experienced a years worth of rain in a week.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings in Boulder, El Paso and Larimer counties on Sept. 11. Rivers and tributaries overflowed, flooding downstream and stranding people in Estes Park, Fort Collins and Greeley.

When it was over, 18 Colorado counties were declared federal disaster areas and the National Weather Service dubbed the 2013 flood a 1,000-year flood event. It was the most significant weather event of the 2010-2019 decade.

We knew we were going to get a lot of rain but we had no idea the systems would collide over Jamestown, said former Boulder Sheriff Joe Pelle, who got the first call at 3 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2013  a Wednesday  and did not see the back of his eyelids for two days.

Once bad things started happening, I went to the emergency operations center. It was terrible, he said. We were getting 911 calls from people who were trapped. One man was having a heart attack and his wife was on the phone. Mud was going through peoples houses.

Pelle said the rapidly-rising water isolated the Jamestown area. That, compounded by the low, unmoving clouds hindered visibility so much the fleet of helicopters waiting at the ready couldnt fly. Houses wrenched from their foundations were hanging from chunks of broken ground over rushing water, propane tanks floated on the raging currents and dams were pushed to their limits.

Pelle had been sheriff for 10 years. He was responsible for coordinating search and rescue in Boulder County, which he had done plenty of times during natural disaster events. But flood conditions were so bad and so widespread the national guard couldnt access the area, and neighboring sheriffs were too busy to assist, attending to nightmares of their own.

As the situation became increasingly grim, he spoke with the Boulder County coroner to develop a plan for the dead, certain we would be finding bodies for weeks. They arranged for refrigerator trailers to standby.

A Lifebridge in the storm

With national agencies unable to connect, Pelle was desperate for a place large enough and with the resources to welcome hundreds of people in a short amount of time.

Enter Lifebridge Church and Pastor Rick Rusaw.

Joe called me. He said it was ugly and could we use the church as an evacuation center? We said absolutely, Rusaw said.

That day, the congregation opened its doors to the first of what would be hundreds of emotionally overwhelmed evacuees  many of whom were driven to the Longmont faith facility in law enforcement vehicles. Later, they were airlifted to the church parking lot by chopper during opportune moments when the skies cleared.

When we put the word out we needed help the congregation showed up in droves, remembered Rusaw.

The second day, Lifebridge volunteers turned to social media in a shout out for supplies. Six hours later, they had to ask people to stop bringing things.

Church staff lived in the building for days. But Rusaw said the effort literally took a village, including the entire Longmont community and areas surrounding it.

Sprung from a single overnight phone call between friends, Lifebridge became ground zero for crucial connections whether it was flood survivors, law enforcement, or the media.

Rescue in the Big Thompson

Northwest of Lyons roads immediately started closing, according to Bob Coleman, then a captain with the Larimers County Sheriffs Office.

I was on the sheriffs command staff and was dispatched to the Big Thompson Canyon and Drake area to start evacuation, he said. It was catastrophic. Many houses were lost on the Highway 34 corridor, while Estes Park itself was cut off and supplies were difficult to get in.

I think the sheriffs department saved the whole (population of the) Canyon, Loveland Police Chief Jan Burreson said of the rescue.

The most memorable moment for Burreson came on that Thursday, Sept. 12, when the incident command center took control of the SS Lake Dam in Estes Park.

The dam itself was getting more water than it could take, Burreson said. The person who was sitting next to me in the incident command center told me that they were going to release more water and more water out of the dam, which would eventually increase the flooding in Loveland. And I asked him, How much water are you releasing? He said its going to be over 9,000 cubic feet, and thats going to be well more than the Big Thompson Flood.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

The Big Thompson Flood is the historic 1976 flash flood on the river that killed 144 people.

So, we did a little bit more evacuation that night, but again in the morning, no loss of life, Burreson said. That one caused me a lot of apprehension that night.

Burreson thinks that, even 10 years later, there are still some aspects of our cities like Loveland or Longmont where they are still rebuilding from this flood.

The city of Longmont is on St. Vrain Creek and boasts of its lakes and waterways. All that water from the mountains to the west came pounding through.

A couple days turned into three days, three days turned into four days and the flooding kept piling up, Matt Bush said, at the time a campus supervisor for the Saint Vrain Valley School District. School ended up being closed for a whole week.

I remember going to a friends parents house and spending two days scooping out water, Bush said, adding that many other family and friends ended up being stranded in Lyons.

A little farm story

During the 2013 Flood, many Front Range streams and rivers  including Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, Left Hand Creek, and the Big Thompson River  recorded their highest flows on record.

The relentless rains swelled waterways and coursed mainly east, flooding Weld County, where the South Platte and the Cache la Poudre rivers poured into low-lying areas of Evans and Greeley.

The Little Thompson River, normally 6 feet wide and 6 inches deep, grew to ten times its size, swallowing up Desiderata Farm, a 23-acre enterprise between Longmont and Berthoud. On Desiderata Farm, Doug and Pam Spence woke up to a force of rain at 1 a.m., as the river spilled out into their pasture and then licked at their windowsills.

It was a huge amount of water. Our ancient cottonwoods were uprooted and were floating down the yard, said Doug Spence, who lost his barn, his sheds, his topsoil and farm equipment to the flood.

Everything was swept away except for one survivor  a compact tractor, which he tracked down because its exhaust stack was sticking out of a pile of silt like a white flag.

How much water did that particular area receive?

The Colorado Division of Dams did a study on the amount of water that came down the Little Thompson River from Sept. 10-16 during the flash flood and figured it to be 52,000 acre-feet. In laymens terms, Spence suggested envisioning an acre field.

Then stack water in that acre ten miles high. Thats how much rain we had, he said.

Small town, huge dollar damage

Lyons, a small town some 17 miles north of Boulder, was heavily damaged. The 1.4 square mile town has totaled $36.5 million in main recovery flood projects, according to Lyons officials, who said recovery efforts from the flood continue today.

So far, the town has completed 34 federally funded projects of a total of 104. Lyons Lavern Johnson Park, which is nestled in a bend in North Saint Vrain Creek, alone suffered $9.6 million in damages, town officials said. Planet Bluegrass, the popular bluegrass festival and events venue, was covered over by flood waters.

Other big projects in Lyons included rebuilt bridges, homes and businesses, such as one of the towns main markets, the St. Vrain Market.

On Sept. 13, the rain let up enough for the National Guard to access the area. It was the first time Pelle allowed himself to get choked up.

I felt like the cavalry had arrived. Thats when I thought, Were going to be okay. 

But even with help from federal troops the rain did not let up. The deluge would soon continue.

10 years gone by

Its as if James Taylor wrote the song for Joe Pelle.

He retired this year, weary from a miserable chain of natural disasters that brought extreme fire and rain to his county. Hes definitely seen them both. Nine years after the 2013 Flood, Colorados most destructive wildfire struck unincorporated Boulder County, Louisville and Superior, and it was Pelle who, again, engineered the Marshall Fires front line response.

Rick Rusaw, still living in Longmont, left Lifebridge for a tech platform called Gloo, which he describes as a group that connects the global Christian ecosystem.

The Little Thompson is back to pre-flood size on the Desiderata Farm and Ranch. The farm is producing vegetables again, and, on Oct. 7, Doug and Pam Spence will host a harvest festival and farm-to-table dinner.

It took a long time but were happy to be making good progress, said Doug Spence.

Rainbow Schultz still chokes up when she envisions how the Baptist Texans, strangers in yellow hazmat suits, shoveled dark, stinky mud from her home, which was saved. She moved back in a year after the flood and is the owner of the local hangout, the Jamestown Mercantile. She bought the restaurant from Joey Howlett, a couple of years before his death. She credits her best friend for helping save the town because it was his home and his life, which beaconed the warning for everyone else to escape for higher ground.

A lot of people think of it as Joeys final act, saving all of us, she said.
Anheuser-Busch InBev is a multinational brewing company and one of the largest beer producers in the world. Headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, the company operates in over 50 countries and has a vast portfolio of well-known beer brands. Anheuser-Busch InBev's mission is to be the best beer company, bringing people together for a better world by brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers.

With a rich history dating back to 1366, Anheuser-Busch InBev has established a strong presence in the global beer market. The company operates numerous breweries and has many products, including popular brands such as Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Beck's, and Michelob Ultra. Anheuser-Busch InBev serves a diverse target market, catering to beer enthusiasts across different demographics and geographies.

The company's key customers include distributors, retailers, and consumers worldwide. Its broad product portfolio allows it to meet various consumer preferences and market demands. Anheuser-Busch InBev's commitment to quality and innovation has garnered recognition and numerous awards over the years, solidifying its position as an industry leader.

Anheuser-Busch InBev's management team consists of experienced leaders who bring diverse expertise to the company. The Chief Executive Officer of Anheuser-Busch InBev is Michel Doukeris, who assumed the role in 2021. He has a strong background in the consumer packaged goods industry, previously serving as the President of AB InBev's North America zone.

Anheuser-Busch InBev has delivered strong results in recent years. However, the company has recently struggled with negative press and investor sentiment. The company maintains healthy profit margins, showcasing its ability to generate value for its shareholders. Anheuser-Busch InBev also pays a dividend which is excellent for investors looking for passive income. This demonstrates the company's commitment to returning value to its shareholders.

Anheuser-Busch InBev's stock performance has experienced highs and lows over the past year. Anheuser-Busch InBev's valuation metrics, such as price-to-earnings or price-to-book ratio, should be analyzed in relation to other companies in the brewing industry.

Anheuser-Busch InBev operates in the highly competitive brewing industry. Intense competition, evolving consumer preferences, and regulatory challenges characterize the industry. Despite these factors, Anheuser-Busch InBev has established itself as a dominant player with a solid competitive advantage.

The company's global presence and diverse portfolio of brands give it a significant edge in the market. Anheuser-Busch InBev has successfully built a strong brand image and customer loyalty through effective marketing campaigns and sponsorships of major sporting events. These initiatives help the company stay top-of-mind for consumers and drive product demand.

Anheuser-Busch InBev faces competition from global and local players in its operating markets. Major competitors include companies like Heineken, Molson Coors, and Constellation Brands. To maintain its competitive position, Anheuser-Busch InBev focuses on product innovation, expanding its brand portfolio, and leveraging its global distribution network.

It is worth noting that the brewing industry is subject to regulatory and political factors that can impact operations. This includes regulations related to alcohol advertising, labeling, taxation, and changes in consumer preferences toward healthier alternatives. Anheuser-Busch InBev actively monitors and adapts to these regulatory and industry trends to mitigate potential risks.

Anheuser-Busch InBev has several growth opportunities to capitalize on in the coming years. One significant avenue is the expansion into new markets. Emerging economies present the untapped potential for the company to introduce its brands to a growing middle class with increasing disposable income. Anheuser-Busch InBev can further expand its market share by tailoring its products to suit local preferences and investing in distribution networks.

In addition to geographic expansion, Anheuser-Busch InBev can focus on product innovation to meet evolving consumer preferences. The growing demand for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages presents an opportunity for the company to diversify its portfolio and capture a broader customer base. Anheuser-Busch InBev has already made strides in this area by launching products like Budweiser Zero and Michelob Ultra Pure Gold.

While Anheuser-Busch InBev has demonstrated resilience and growth, it also faces various risks and challenges. Changes in consumer preferences and the shift towards healthier lifestyles pose a risk to the company's traditional beer offerings. Anheuser-Busch InBev must proactively address this by diversifying its product portfolio and investing in low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives.

Regulatory changes can also impact the company's operations and profitability. Stricter regulations on alcohol advertising and labeling, increased taxes, or limitations on distribution can hinder market growth and increase costs. Anheuser-Busch InBev must closely monitor and adapt to these regulatory changes to mitigate their impact.

Competition remains a significant challenge. The brewing industry is highly competitive, with global and local players vying for market share. Anheuser-Busch InBev must continue to innovate, invest in marketing and strengthen its relationships with distributors to maintain its competitive edge.

To manage these risks, Anheuser-Busch InBev has implemented robust risk management strategies. This includes closely monitoring consumer trends, diversifying its product portfolio, maintaining strong relationships with regulators and policymakers, and conducting thorough market research. By staying agile and adaptable, the company can navigate potential challenges and seize opportunities in the market.
Visa Inc. is a US-based multinational financial services company formed from a consortium of US banks. It is the 2nd largest payment processor globally and the leading payment processor outside China. Its market share in 2021 was roughly 50% of global transaction volume x-China. Transactions are processed in 1 of 4 hardened data centers in key regions worldwide. The data centers are hardened against internal and external attacks, both physical and digital, and can operate independently of each, providing ample redundancy for the system. As of 2022, the company can process more than 30,000 transactions per second, making it the most viable solution for most use-case scenarios.

Visa Inc. was founded in 1958 by Bank of America as the BankAmericard Credit Card network. Not only is the card itself of historical importance, but how it was launched is also. Bank of America launched the program with the first mass mailing of unsolicited credit cards, changing the nature of the entire consumer credit market. At the time, consumers often had several credit accounts with local merchants, which was cumbersome for financial record-keeping; by introducing a consumer-friendly credit card, Bank of America unified merchant credit accounts into one billing statement.

The BankAmericard network was so popular, and to compete again with the then-number 1 MasterCard, Bank of America opened use to other financial institutions. By 1970 Bank of America had relinquished direct control of the institution allowing a consortium of financial institutions to operate the company. It was rebranded as Visa in 1976 and grew to become the dominant payment processing network in the decades since.

Visa Inc is not a card issuer; it does not extend credit to consumers and does not set rates or fees for consumers. It is in business to provide electronic funds transfers services or EFT to financial institutions, banks, government and businesses. Entities needing financial payment processing infrastructure can enroll in VisaNet and issue Visa-branded cards and services to their clients and customers.

Visa operated as four separate entities serving different regions of the globe until restructuring in 2006. The restructuring resulted in the merger of 3 of the four assets into Visa Inc, leaving Visa Europe as a stand-alone entity. The new Visa Inc held its IPO in 2007, selling half of its shares, raising nearly $18 billion or almost double the targeted amount. Visa Europe was later acquired by Visa Inc, forming the unified company traded today.

Visa employs more than 26,500 individuals globally and brought in roughly $15 billion in revenue for fiscal 2021. The company has more than 3.9 billion active cards out globally; it has processed more than 255 billion transactions and is used by more than 80 million merchant locations. As a forward-thinking company, Visa is also engaged to some degree with the cryptocurrency markets and has partnerships with Coinbase and Crypto.com, among others.
Nancy Rosenau was working at the Manitou Springs Spa Building when catastrophic flooding hit the Pikes Peak area in July 2013.

She and a group of others sprang into action, throwing sandbags against the historic building as a torrential downpour on the Waldo Canyon burn scar forced knee-high levels of fast-flowing water, mud and debris down adjacent Canon Avenue and overflowed Fountain Creek on the other side.

Later, they took refuge on the structure's rooftop for "quite a while," waiting out the storm. When it was all over, Rosenau walked, barefoot, to her home on nearby Manitou Avenue. She'd removed the rain boots she'd been wearing earlier because they were full of sludge.

"It was quite a day," said Rosenau, who now works as a gallery consultant at Mountain High Gallery and Gifts.

The flash floods that pummeled Manitou Springs in July and August 2013 foreshadowed fatal storms in September across the entire Front Range.

The week of Sept. 11, 2013, storms poured water, mud, rocks, trees and other debris out of the foothills. On Sept. 12, roads washed away, homes were destroyed and people were left stranded or were killed from southern El Paso County up to the Wyoming border.

Colorado's governor at the time, now U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, declared a disaster emergency on Sept. 12, 2013, in 14 counties, including El Paso and Pueblo.

Severe storm damage forced the closure of the popular Seven Falls attraction in Colorado Springs, which The Broadmoor hotel spent $12 million to buy, rebuild and make over; it didn't reopen until 2015.

The storms also prematurely ended the inaugural season at The Broadmoor's upscale retreat, the Ranch at Emerald Valley, when heavy rains burst two dams on the property that eroded nearby roads, damaged at least one cabin and evacuated 22 guests and 25 hotel staffers.

Ten people died that week, including two in El Paso County. The Pikes Peak region saw four dead that summer due to flooding, including John Collins, 53, and Rose Hammes, 17, who were swept away by floodwaters in August; James Bettner, 47, who was found in Sand Creek in September; and Danny Davis, 54, who was found in Fountain Creek, also in September.

For some El Paso County residents the disastrous flash floods that pummeled the region in 2013 and again in August 2015 have become a memory  perhaps a little far off now, but always persistent.

"As human nature is, (the flood events) have receded in most people's minds. Now if we have a thunderstorm, people aren't immediately thinking, 'This is another disaster,'" said Colorado Rep. Marc Snyder, who served as Manitou Springs mayor from 2010-2016. "... But for those of us who have been around a long time, it never really goes away."

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Manitou spent years and millions of dollars recovering from the devastation, checking off a lengthy laundry list of recovery and mitigation projects aided by several state and federal funding allocations to get the work done.

The city received $16 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, and almost $375,000 from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to retain a group of professionals who played key roles in completing some of the recovery and mitigation work.

Among other work, the city constructed a flood-control channel in the Williams Canyon area, including concrete walls that rise during flooding to protect businesses near Park and Canon avenues. Officials built a drainage structure in Crystal Park, restored damaged walls on Ruxton Avenue, made City Hall less susceptible to flooding and stabilized hillsides that were hard-hit by erosion, including near Pawnee Avenue and behind Timberline Baptist Church.

Officials also installed flood sirens so residents can know when a flood is expected and they can get to safer, higher ground.

"We had to immediately put in a lot of emergency warning measures.  Us being a tourist town, people were rightfully scared to come to Manitou Springs, because you don't know when the next rainstorm is going to come or how bad it's going to be," Snyder said.

Recovery and mitigation work, as well as seeing infrastructure hold up as expected during storms that came afterward, went a long way in restoring public confidence in Manitou's emergency planning and response, he said.

Rosenau said it can be difficult to accurately assess the level of safety until a disaster happens.

"We probably thought we were safe before that (flooding) happened," she said.

Snyder said the floods lent the opportunity for more community education on disaster preparedness and response, and people have become more diligent and aware.

"I think a lot of people now  they're seeing these fire and flooding situations are going on, really, all around the world, but especially here in the West. I think people's consciousness has been at a new level."

Manitou Springs residents who want to learn more about their property's risk for flooding, how to better prepare for flooding events and sign up for emergency warning alerts can visit the city's flooding preparedness webpage at manitouspringsgov.com/560/Flooding-Preparedness.

El Paso County residents can also learn how to better plan for and clean up from flooding on the county's flood preparedness webpage at admin.elpasoco.com/pproem/flooding-preparedness-recovery/.
Schlumberger is an international oilfield services company with facilities in many countries worldwide. Founded in 1926 in Paris, France, by brothers Conrad and Marcel Schlumberger, it is currently the world's largest offshore drilling company and the most significant offshore drilling contractor in revenue. Schlumberger Limited was incorporated in 1956 as a holding company and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1962.

Schlumberger is a Fortune Global 500 company, listed in Forbes Global 2000, and has a 33-acre campus in Sugar Land, Texas. In 1981, Schlumberger became the first international company to link computers with email, and in 1983, the company opened its Cambridge Research Center in Cambridge, England.

In 2005, Schlumberger purchased Waterloo Hydrogeologic and relocated its U.S. corporate office from New York to Houston. It has since made numerous acquisitions, including Smith International in 2010, a deal valued at $11.3 billion. In 2010, Schlumberger acquired Geoservices in a deal valued at $1.1 billion. In 2014, Schlumberger purchased the remaining shares of SES Holdings Limited (Saxon). Schlumberger agreed to acquire oilfield equipment manufacturer Cameron International in 2015 for $14.8 billion.

As a global provider of technology, integrated project management and information solutions, Schlumberger supplies the petroleum industry with services such as formation evaluation, seismic data processing, well cementing and stimulation, well testing and directional drilling, artificial lift, low assurance and consulting, well completions and software and information management. Schlumberger is at the forefront of the industry with its carbon capture and storage industries and its continued investment in geothermal and hydrogen power.

Schlumberger has had environmental and legal issues, including a radioactive canister recovered in the Western Australian outback in 2006. Schlumberger was also a contractor on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite these issues, Newsweek ranked Schlumberger 118 out of 500 in 2009.

In 2021, Schlumberger made news with the announcement of pilot project agreements between critical industry leaders and the French state. They also made news headlines due to a report of 21,000 layoffs, accounting for 15% of the company's workforce due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

As an established player in the oilfield services industry, Schlumberger looks poised to continue to expand its presence in the industry and further its mission of providing innovative solutions to the world's energy challenges.
The following companies are subsidiares of PPG Industries: AIPCF V Texstars Blocker Inc., AkzoNobel, Alpha Coating Technologies LLC, Alpha Coatings Inc., Broad Range Development Limited, CG Holdings Manufacturing Co., Centro de Investigacion en Polimeros S.A. de C.V., Chemfil Canada Limited, Chorlton Trade Paints Limited, Comercial Mexicana de Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Comex, Comex Industrial Coatings S.A. de C.V., Consorcio Comex S.A. de C.V., Cristacol S.A., Cuming Microwave Corporation, Deutek SA, Dexmet Corporation, Dexmet Holding Corporation, Distribuidora Kroma S.A. de C.V., EPIC Insurance Co. Ltd., Eberle Design Inc., Empresa Aga S.A. de C.V., Ennis Canadian Holding Company, Ennis Paint Canada ULC, Ennis Paint Netherlands Holdings LLC, Ennis Paint U.K. Holding Company Limited, Ennis Traffic Safety Solutions Pty Ltd, Ennis-Flint, Ennis-Flint Inc., Foshan Bairun Chemicals Co. Ltd., Fpu Industrial S.A. de C.V., Grupo Comex S.A. de C.V., Hemmelrath Automotive Coatings (Jilin) Co. Ltd., Hemmelrath International Trade (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hodij Coatings B.V., Homax Products, Industria Chimica Reggiana I.C.R. SPA, Johnstones Paints Limited, Kalon Investment Company Limited, Kalon South Africa Proprietary Limited, Karl Woerwag Lack-und Farbenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG, Masterwork Paint, MetoKote Corporation, MetoKote Mexico Holdings Inc., MetoKote UK Limited, MetoKote de Mexico S. de RL de CV, Milamar Coatings LLC, OOO Tikkurila, PPG A P Resinas S.A. de C.V., PPG AC - France SA, PPG ALESCO Automotive Finishes Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PPG Aerospace Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PPG Architectural Coatings (Puerto Rico) Inc., PPG Architectural Coatings Canada Inc./PPG Revetements Architecturaux Canada Inc., PPG Architectural Coatings Ireland Limited, PPG Architectural Coatings Italy S.r.l, PPG Architectural Coatings UK Limited, PPG Architectural Finishes Inc., PPG Asian Paints Private Ltd., PPG Business Services S.A. de C.V., PPG COATINGS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD., PPG Canada Inc., PPG Cetelon Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Cieszyn S.A., PPG Coatings (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, PPG Coatings (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., PPG Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Thailand) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Wuhu) Company Ltd., PPG Coatings (Zhangjiagang) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings B.V., PPG Coatings Belgium BV, PPG Coatings Danmark A/S, PPG Coatings Deutschland GmbH, PPG Coatings Europe B.V., PPG Coatings Nederland BV, PPG Coatings S.A., PPG Coatings South Africa (Pty) Ltd., PPG DYRUP S.A., PPG Deco Czech a.s., PPG Deco Polska sp. z.o.o., PPG Deco Slovakia s.r.o., PPG Deutschland Business Support GmbH, PPG Deutschland Sales & Services GmbH, PPG Distribution S.A.S., PPG Europe B.V., PPG Finance B.V., PPG Finland Oy, PPG France Business Support S.A.S., PPG France Manufacturing S.A.S., PPG Guadeloupe SAS, PPG Hemmelrath Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Holdco SAS, PPG Holdings (U.K.) Limited, PPG Holdings Argentina USA LLC, PPG Holdings Latin America USA LLC, PPG Iberica S.A., PPG Iberica Sales & Services S.L., PPG Industrial Coatings B.V., PPG Industrial do Brasil - Tintas E. Vernizes - Ltda., PPG Industries (Korea) Ltd., PPG Industries (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., PPG Industries (UK) Ltd, PPG Industries Argentina S.R.L., PPG Industries Australia PTY Limited A.C.N. 055 500 939, PPG Industries Colombia Ltda., PPG Industries Delfzijl B.V., PPG Industries Europe Sarl, PPG Industries France S.A.S., PPG Industries International Inc., PPG Industries Italia S.r.l., PPG Industries Kimya a Sanayi VE Ticaret AS, PPG Industries LLC, PPG Industries Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Industries Lipetsk LLC, PPG Industries Middle East FZE, PPG Industries Netherlands B.V., PPG Industries New Zealand Limited, PPG Industries Ohio Inc., PPG Industries Poland Sp. Z.o.o., PPG Industries Securities LLC, PPG Industries de Mexico S.A. de C.V., PPG Investment (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., PPG Italia Business Support S.r.l., PPG Italia Sales & Services S.r.l., PPG Japan Ltd., PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes Canada LP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.K. LLP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.S. LLC, PPG Luxembourg Finance S.aR.L., PPG Luxembourg Holdings S.aR.L., PPG Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Packaging Coatings (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PPG Paints Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Performance Coatings (Hong Kong) Limited, PPG Powder Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Refinish Distribution Limited, PPG Romania S.A., PPG Reunion SAS, PPG SSC Co. Ltd., PPG Switzerland GmbH, PPG Trilak Korlatolt FelelosseguTarasasag (PPG Trilak Kft.), PPG Vietnam Co. Ltd., PRC-DeSoto Australia Pty Ltd., PRC-DeSoto International Inc., PT. PPG Coatings Indonesia, Painter's Supply, Paintzen, Peintures de Paris SAS, Plasticos Envolventes S.A. de C.V., Polymeric Systems Inc., ProCoatings B.V., ProCoatings BV, Protec Pty Ltd, Reno A&E LLC, Revocoat France SAS, Revocoat Holding SAS, Revocoat Iberica SLU, Revocoat S.A.S, Road Infrastructure Investment Holdings Inc., SEM Products Inc., Sealants Europe SAS, Sierracin Corporation, Sierracin/Sylmar Corporation, Sigma Marine & Protective Coatings Holding B.V., SigmaKalon (BC) UK Limited, SigmaKalon Group, Sikar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Spraylat International Ltd, Texstars LLC, The Crown Group Co., The Crown Group Inc, The Homax Group, Tikkurila Group, Tikkurila Oyj, Tikkurila Sverige AB, Traffic Safety Intermediate LLC, Traffic Safety Parent LLC, VF Specialty Products LLC, Vanex Inc., Vernisol S.p.A., VersaFlex Acquisition Corp., VersaFlex Inc., VersaFlex Intermediate Holdings LLC, Versaflex, Viasa S.A. de C.V., Whitford, Whitford B.V., Whitford Corporation, Whitford Jiangmen Ltd., Whitford Ltd. (HK), Whitford Ltd. (UK), Whitford Pte. Ltd., Whitford S.r.l., Whitford Worldwide Company LLC, and Worwag Coatings.

Read More
The following companies are subsidiares of Thermo Fisher Scientific: 236 Perinton Parkway LLC, 27 Forge Parkway LLC, ABR--Affinity BioReagents, ACI Holdings Inc., ARG Services LLC, ASPEX Corporation, Abgene Inc., Abgene Limited, Acoustic Cytometry Systems Inc., AcroMetrix LLC, Acros Organics B.V.B.A., Advanced Biotechnologies Limited, Advanced Scientifics (ASI), Advanced Scientifics Inc., Advanced Scientifics International Inc., Affymetrix Biotech Participacoes Ltda., Affymetrix Biotech Shanghai Ltd, Affymetrix Inc, Affymetrix Japan K.K., Affymetrix Pte Ltd, Affymetrix UK Ltd, Afora S.A.U., Ahura Scientific, Alchematrix Inc., Alchematrix LLC, Alfa Aesar, Alfa Aesar (China) Chemical Co. Ltd., Alfa Aesar (Hong Kong) Limited, Allergon AB, Alphine Mountain Limited, Ambion Inc., Apogent Denmark ApS, Apogent Finance Company, Apogent Holding Company, Apogent Technologies Inc., Apogent Transition Corp., Apogent U.K. Limited, App-Tek International Pty Ltd, Applied Biosystems B.V., Applied Biosystems Finance B.V., Applied Biosystems International Inc., Applied Biosystems LLC, Applied Biosystems Taiwan LLC, Applied Biosystems Trading (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Applied Biosystems de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Applied Scientific Corporation, Avances Cientificos de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Avocado Research Chemicals Limited, B.R.A.H.M.S. Biotech GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. UK Ltd, BAC BV, BAC IP BV, Barnstead Thermolyne LLC, Beijing Phadia Diagnostics Co Ltd, Bender MedSystems GmbH, BioTrove Corporation, BioTrove International Inc., Bioanalysis Labsystems S.A., Biochemical Sciences LLC, Biolab, BmT GmbH Laborprodukte, Bonsai Tecnologies - Sistemas para Biotecnologia e Industria Unipessoal Lda, Brammer Bio, Bumi-Sans Sendirian Berhad, CAC Limited, CB Diagnostics AB, CB Diagnostics Holding AB, CEPH International Corporation, CHK Holdings Inc., CRS Robotics, CTPS LLC, Capitol Scientific Products Inc., Capitol Vial Inc., Cellomics Inc., CellzDirect Inc., Cenduit GmbH, Cenduit LLC, Cezanne S.A.S., Chase Scientific Glass Inc., Chromacol Limited, Clintrak, Clintrak Clinical Labeling Services LLC, Clintrak Pharmaceutical Services LLC, Cohesive Technologies (UK) Limited, Cohesive Technologies Inc., Columbia Diagnostics Inc., Compendia Bioscience Inc., Comtest Limited, Consolidated Technologies Inc., Consultores Fisher Scientific Chile Ltd, Core Informatics, Core Informatics LLC, Core Informatics UK Ltd., D-finitive Technologies Inc., DCG Systems B.V., DCG Systems C.V., DCG Systems G.K., DCG Systems GmbH, DCG Systems Korea Ltd., DCG Systems LLC, DPI Newco LLC, DSM Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Dharmacon, Diagnostix Ltd., Dionex (China) Analytical Ltd, Dionex (Switzerland) AG, Dionex (UK) Limited, Dionex Austria GmbH, Dionex Benelux B.V., Dionex Brasil Instrumentos Cientificos Ltda, Dionex Canada Ltd., Dionex China Limited, Dionex Corporation, Dionex Denmark A/S, Dionex Holding GmbH, Dionex I LLC, Dionex Pty Ltd., Dionex S.A., Dionex S.p.A., Dionex Singapore Pte Ltd., Dionex Softron GmbH, Dionex Sweden AB, Distribution Solutions International Inc., Doe & Ingalls Investors Inc., Doe & Ingalls Limited, Doe & Ingalls Management LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties II LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties LLC, Doe & Ingalls of California Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Florida Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Maryland Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Massachusetts Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of North Carolina Operating LLC, Doublecape Holding Limited, Doublecape Limited, Drakeside Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Duke Scientific Corporation, Dynal Biotech Beijing Limited, EGS Gauging Ltd., EGS Gauging Technical Services Company, EP Scientific Products LLC, Ecochem N.V., EnviroEquip Pty Ltd, Epsom Glass Industries Limited, Equibio Limited, Erie Electroverre S.A., Erie Finance Limited, Erie LP Holding LLC, Erie Scientific Company of Puerto Rico, Erie Scientific Hungary Kft, Erie Scientific LLC, Erie U.K. Limited, Erie UK 1 Limited, Erie UK 2 Limited, Erie UK Holding Company, Erie UK Senior Holding Limited, European Laboratory Holdings Limited, Eutech Instruments Europe B.V., Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd., Eutech Instruments Sdn Bhd, Ever Ready Thermometer Co. Inc., FEI Asia Pacific Co. Ltd., FEI Australia Pty Ltd, FEI CPD B.V., FEI Company, FEI Company Japan Ltd., FEI Company of USA (S.E.A.) Pte Ltd., FEI Czech Republic s.r.o., FEI Deutschland GmbH, FEI EFA Inc., FEI EFA International Pte. Ltd., FEI Electron Optics B.V., FEI Electron Optics International B.V., FEI Europe B.V., FEI France SAS, FEI Global Holdings C.V., FEI Hong Kong Company Limited, FEI Houston Inc., FEI Italia Srl, FEI Korea Ltd., FEI Melbourne Pty Ltd., FEI Microscopy Solutions Ltd, FEI Munich GmbH, FEI Norway Holding AS, FEI SAS, FEI Saudi Arabia LLC, FEI Servicos de Nanotecnologia Ltda., FEI Technologies Inc., FEI Technology de Mexico S.A. de C.V., FEI Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., FEI Trondheim AS, FEI UK Ltd., FHP LLC, FRC Holding Inc. V, FS (Barbados) Capital Holdings Ltd., FS Casa Rocas Holdings LLC, FS Mexicana Holdings LLC, FSI Receivables Company LLC, FSII Sweden Holdings AB, FSII Sweden Holdings I AB, FSIR Holdings (UK) Limited, FSIR Holdings (US) Inc., FSUK Holdings Limited, FSWH Company LLC, FSWH II C.V., FSWH International Holdings LLC, Fermentas China Co. Ltd, Fermentas Inc., Fermentas International, Fermentas Sweden AB, Fermentas UK Limited, Fiberlite Centrifuge LLC, Finesse Scientific Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Finesse Solutions AG, Finesse Solutions Inc., Finnzymes Oy, Fisher Alder S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Asia Manufacturing Ventures Inc., Fisher Bermuda Holdings Limited, Fisher BioImage ApS, Fisher BioPharma Services (India) Private Limited, Fisher BioSciences Japan G.K., Fisher BioServices Inc., Fisher Bioblock Holding II SNC, Fisher CLP Holding Limited Partnership, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 1, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 2, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 3, Fisher Canada Limited Partnership, Fisher Chimica BVBA, Fisher Clinical Logistics LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services (Bristol) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Colombia) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Korea) Co. Ltd, Fisher Clinical Services (Mexico) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Peru) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services Colombia S.A.S., Fisher Clinical Services GmbH, Fisher Clinical Services Inc., Fisher Clinical Services Japan K.K., Fisher Clinical Services Latin America S.R.L., Fisher Clinical Services Limited Liability Company, Fisher Clinical Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Clinical Services Peru S.R.L, Fisher Clinical Services Pte Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services U.K. Limited, Fisher Emergo B.V., Fisher Germany Holdings GmbH, Fisher Hamilton China Inc., Fisher Hamilton Mexico LLC, Fisher Holdings ApS, Fisher Internet Minority Holdings L.L.C., Fisher Laboratory Products Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Fisher Luxembourg Danish Holdings SARL, Fisher Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Maybridge Holdings Limited, Fisher Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific (Austria) GmbH, Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Fisher Scientific (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific (SEA) Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific A/S, Fisher Scientific AG, Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Limited, Fisher Scientific Biotech Line ApS, Fisher Scientific Brazil Inc., Fisher Scientific Central America Inc., Fisher Scientific Chile Inc., Fisher Scientific Colombia Inc., Fisher Scientific Company, Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C., Fisher Scientific Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Fisher Scientific Europe Holdings B.V., Fisher Scientific GTF AB, Fisher Scientific Germany Beteiligungs GmbH, Fisher Scientific GmbH, Fisher Scientific Holding Company LLC, Fisher Scientific Holding HK Limited, Fisher Scientific Holding U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific Holdings (S) Pte Ltd, Fisher Scientific International LLC, Fisher Scientific Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Fisher Scientific Ireland Investments Unlimited, Fisher Scientific Ireland Limited, Fisher Scientific Japan Ltd., Fisher Scientific Jersey Island Limited, Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd, Fisher Scientific Latin America Inc., Fisher Scientific Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Fisher Scientific Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific Mexico Inc., Fisher Scientific Middle East and Africa Inc., Fisher Scientific Norway AS, Fisher Scientific Operating Company, Fisher Scientific Oxoid Holdings Ltd., Fisher Scientific Oy, Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific S.A.S., Fisher Scientific S.L., Fisher Scientific SPRL, Fisher Scientific The Hague I B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague II B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague III B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague IV B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague V B.V., Fisher Scientific U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company 2, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company Limited, Fisher Scientific Unipessoal Lda., Fisher Scientific Venezuela Inc., Fisher Scientific Worldwide (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Holdings I C.V., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Inc., Fisher Scientific de Mexico S.A., Fisher Scientific of the Netherlands B.V., Fisher Scientific spol. S.r.o, Fisher Servicios Clinicos (Chile) LLC, Fisher Servicios Clinicos Chile Ltda, Fisher WWD Holding L.L.C., Fisher Worldwide Distribution SPV, Fisher Worldwide Gene Distribution SPV, Flux Instruments, Fuji Partnership, G & M Procter Limited, G V Instruments Limited, GV Instruments Canada Ltd., GV Instruments Inc, Gatan Inc, General Scientific Company Sdn Bhd (M), Genomed molekularbiologische und diagnostische Produkte GmbH, Gerhard Menzel B.V. & Co. KG, Gold Cattle Standard Testing Labs Inc., Golden West Indemnity Company Limited, Goring Kerr Detection Limited, Greenville Service Company Inc., HENO GmbH i.L., Hangar 215 Inc., Helmet Securities Limited, Henogen, HighChem, HyClone International Trade (Tianjin) Co. Ltd, Hybaid Limited, I.Q. (BIO) Limited, IDnostics AG, ILS Laboratories Scandinavia AB, Inel Inc., Inel SAS, InnaPhase Inc., InnaPhase Limited, IntegenX, Intrinsic BioProbes Inc., Intrinsic Bioprobes Inc., Invitrogen (Shanghai) Investment Co. Ltd., Invitrogen Argentina SA, Invitrogen BioServices India Private Limited, Invitrogen Europe Limited, Invitrogen Finance Corp., Invitrogen Holdings LLC, Invitrogen Holdings Ltd., Invitrogen Hong Kong Limited, Invitrogen IP Holdings Inc., Invitrogen Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ion Torrent Systems Inc., Ionalytics Corporation, JSC Thermo Fisher Scientific, Jouan LLC, Jouan Limited, Jouan SA, Kendro Containment & Services Limited, Kendro Laboratory Products Ltd, Kettlebrook Insurance Co. ltd., Keystone Scientific, KonTEM GmbH, Kyle Jordan Investments LLC, LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, LTC Tech South Africa PTY Ltd., La-Pha-Pack GmbH, Lab Vision (UK) Limited, Lab Vision Corporation, Lab-Chrom-Pack LLC, Lab-Line Instruments Inc., Labomex MBP S. de R. L. De C.V., Laboratoire Service International - L.S.I, Laboratory Management Systems Inc., Laboratory Specialties Proprietary Ltd., LambTrack Limited, Laser Analytical Systems Inc., Liberty Lane Investment LLC, Liberty Lane Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Life Sciences International (Poland) SP z O.O, Life Sciences International Holdings BV, Life Sciences International LLC, Life Sciences International Limited, Life Technologies AS, Life Technologies Australia PTY Ltd., Life Technologies BPD AB, Life Technologies BPD UK Limited, Life Technologies Brasil Comercio e Industria de Produtos para Biotecnologia Ltda, Life Technologies Chile SpA, Life Technologies Clinical Services Lab Inc., Life Technologies Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Czech Republic s.r.o., Life Technologies DaAn Diagnostic (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Europe B.V., Life Technologies Finance Ltd., Life Technologies Finland Oy, Life Technologies GmbH, Life Technologies Holdings PTE Ltd., Life Technologies Inc., Life Technologies International B.V., Life Technologies Japan Ltd., Life Technologies Korea LLC, Life Technologies Limited, Life Technologies Magyarorszag Kft, Life Technologies New Zealand Ltd., Life Technologies Norway Investments US LLC, Life Technologies Polska Sp z.o.o., Life Technologies SA, Life Technologies SAS, Life Technologies s.r.o, Linkage Biosciences Inc., Linkage Biosciences S.a.r.l., Loftus Furnace Company, Lomb Scientific, Lomb Scientific (Aust) Pty Limited, MTI-GlobalStem, Marketbase International Limited, Matrix MicroScience Inc., Matrix MicroScience Ltd., Matrix Technologies Corporation Limited, Matrix Technologies LLC, Maybridge Chemical Company Limited, Maybridge Chemical Holdings Limited, Maybridge Limited, Medical Analysis Systems Inc., Medical Analysis Systems International Inc., Medical Diagnostics Systems Inc., Metavac LLC, Microgenics Corporation, Microgenics Diagnostics Pty Limited, Microgenics GmbH, Microm International GmbH, Microm Laborgerate S.L.U, Molecular BioProducts Inc., Molecular Probes Inc., Molecular Transfer Inc., NAPCO Inc., NERL Diagnostics LLC, NOVODIRECT GmbH Labor- und Industrie- Megerate, Nalge (Europe) Limited, Nalge Nunc International (Monterrey) LLC, Nalge Nunc International Corporation, Nanjing WeiKangLe Trading Industrial Co Ltd, NanoDrop Technologies LLC, National Scientific Company, Navaho Acquisition Corp., Neomarkers Inc., New FS Holdings Inc., NewcoGen PE LLC, Nihon Dynal K.K., Niton Asia Limited, NovaWave Technologies Inc., Nunc A/S, ONIX Systems Inc., OXOID CZ s.r.o., Odyssey Holdings Corporation, Odyssey Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 1 S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 2 S.a r.l., Odyssey Venture Corporation, Omega Data Systems, One Lambda Inc, Onix Holdings Limited, Orme Scientific Limited, Owl Separation Systems LLC, Oxoid (ELY) Limited, Oxoid 2000 Limited, Oxoid AS, Oxoid Australia Pty. Limited, Oxoid Company, Oxoid Deutschland GmbH, Oxoid Holding SAS, Oxoid Holdings Limited, Oxoid Inc., Oxoid International Limited, Oxoid Investments GmbH, Oxoid Limited, Oxoid N.V., Oxoid New Zealand Limited, Oxoid Pension Trustees Limited, Oxoid Senior Holdings Limited, Oxoid UKH LLC, PAX - DSI Acquisition LLC, PE AG, Pacific Rim Far East Industries LLC, Pacific Rim Investment LLC, Panomics L.L.C., Panomics S.R.L., Patheon, Patheon API Inc., Patheon API Manufacturing Inc., Patheon API Services Inc., Patheon Austria GmbH & Co KG, Patheon B.V., Patheon Banner U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon Biologics (NJ) LLC, Patheon Biologics Australia Pty Ltd, Patheon Biologics B.V., Patheon Biologics LLC, Patheon Calculus Merger LLC, Patheon Cooperatief U.A., Patheon Development Services Inc., Patheon Finance LLC, Patheon France SAS, Patheon Holdings B.V., Patheon Holdings I B.V., Patheon Holdings II B.V., Patheon Holdings SAS, Patheon I B.V., Patheon I Holding GmbH, Patheon Inc., Patheon International AG, Patheon Italia S.p.A., Patheon KK, Patheon Life Science Products International GmbH, Patheon Manufacturing Services LLC, Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Patheon Pharmaceuticals Services Inc., Patheon Puerto Rico Acquisitions Corporation, Patheon Puerto Rico Inc., Patheon Regensburg GmbH, Patheon Softgels B.V., Patheon Softgels Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings LLC, Patheon UK Limited, Patheon UK Pension Trustees Limited, Pelican Acquisition Corporation, Perbio Science (Canada) Company, Perbio Science AB, Perbio Science BVBA, Perbio Science France SAS, Perbio Science Inc., Perbio Science International Netherlands B.V., Perbio Science Invest AB, Perbio Science Nederland B.V., Perbio Science Projekt AB, Perbio Science Sweden Holdings AB, Perbio Science Switzerland SA, Perbio Science UK Limited, Phadia AB, Phadia Diagnosticos Ltda, Phadia GmbH, Phadia Holding AB, Phadia International Holdings C.V., Phadia Korea Co. Ltd, Phadia Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Phadia Malta Holdings Limited, Phadia Oy, Phadia Real Property AB, Phadia Sweden AB, Phadia Taiwan Inc., Phadia US Inc., Phadia s.r.o., Pharmacaps Mexicana SA de CV, Phenom-World B.V., Phenom-World Holding B.V, Phenom-World Innovations B.V., Phinotex, Pierce Biotechnology Inc., Pierce Milwaukee Holding Corp., Pierce Milwaukee Inc., Polychromix, Power Sweden Holdings I AB, Power Sweden Holdings II AB, Power Sweden Holdings III Aktiebolag, Princeton Gamma-Tech Instruments LLC, Princeton Security Technologies, Prionics AG, Prionics Asia Ltd., Prionics Deutschland GmbH, Prionics France SAS, Prionics Italia S.r.l., Prionics Lelystad B.V., Prionics USA Inc., Priority Air Express LLC, Priority Air Express Pte. Ltd., Priority Air Express UK Limited, Priority Air Holdings Corp, Priority Solutions International, Promedica Pty Limited, Proxeon, Proxeon Biosystems ApS, Qiagen, REP GBP I-B Blocker Inc., Raymond A Lamb Limited, Remel Europe Limited, Remel Inc., Richard-Allan Scientific Company, Robbins Scientific LLC, Robocon Labor- und Industrieroboter Gesellschaft m.b.H, Rupprecht and Patashnick, Rupprecht and Patashnick (R&P), Russell pH Limited, S.C.I. du 10 rue Dugay Trouin, SCI Inno 92, STC Bio Manufacturing Inc., Samco Scientific (Monterrey) LLC, Samco Scientific LLC, Saroph Sweden AB, Schantz Road LLC, Seradyn Inc., Shanghai Life Technologies Biotechnology Co. Limited, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (C-I) Trading Co. Ltd, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (S) Trading Co. Ltd, Southern Trials (Pty) Ltd., Specialty (SMI) Inc., Spectra-Physics AB, Spectra-Physics Holdings Limited, Spectra-Physics Holdings USA LLC, Spectronex, Staten Island Cogeneration Corporation, Sterilin Limited, Stokes Bio Ltd., Sweden DIA (Sweden) AB, SwissAnalytic Group GmbH, Systems Manufacturing Corporation, TFLP LLC, TFS Breda B.V., TFS LLC, TFS Singapore HK Limited, TFSL Financing GP LLC, TFSL Senior GP Holdings 2 LLC, TK Partnership, TKA Wasseraufbereitungssysteme, TMOI Inc., TPI Real Estate Holdings LLC, TSP Holdings I LLC, TWX LLC, Technology Design Solutions Pty Ltd, Thermedics Detection de Argentina S.R.L, Thermo Allen Coding Limited, Thermo Asset Management Services Inc., Thermo BioAnalysis LLC, Thermo BioAnalysis Limited, Thermo BioSciences Holdings LLC, Thermo CIDTEC, Thermo CRS Holdings Ltd., Thermo CRS Ltd., Thermo Cambridge Limited, Thermo Cayman Holdings Ltd., Thermo Corporation, Thermo DMA Inc., Thermo Detection de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Dutch Holdings Limited Partnership, Thermo EGS Gauging LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings I LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings II LLC, Thermo Eberline LLC, Thermo Electron (Calgary) Limited, Thermo Electron (Chile) S.p.A., Thermo Electron (Karlsruhe) GmbH, Thermo Electron (Management Services) Limited, Thermo Electron (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Electron A/S, Thermo Electron Australia Pty Limited, Thermo Electron Export Inc., Thermo Electron Holdings SAS, Thermo Electron Industries, Thermo Electron LED GmbH, Thermo Electron LED S.A.S., Thermo Electron Limited, Thermo Electron Manufacturing Limited, Thermo Electron Metallurgical Services Inc., Thermo Electron North America LLC, Thermo Electron Pension Trust GmbH, Thermo Electron Puerto Rico Inc., Thermo Electron SAS, Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC, Thermo Electron Sweden AB, Thermo Electron Sweden Forvaltning AB, Thermo Electron Weighing & Inspection Limited, Thermo Elemental Limited, Thermo Environmental Instruments LLC, Thermo Fast U.K. Limited, Thermo Finland Holdings LLC, Thermo Finland Holdings MT1 B.V., Thermo Finland Holdings MT2 B.V., Thermo Finnigan LLC, Thermo Finnigan Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Malta Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN-I) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (CN-II) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings I Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings II Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings 2) LLC, Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) II Limited, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Heysham) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Kandel) GmbH, Thermo Fisher CHK Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust II, Thermo Fisher Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Thermo Fisher Cyprus Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Detection Mexico LLC, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics (Ireland) Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AB, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AG, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Aps, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Austria GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics B.V., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics K.K., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics NV, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.L.U., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.p.A. , Thermo Fisher Diagnostics SAS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Thermo Fisher Eurobonds Ltd., Thermo Fisher Financial Services Inc., Thermo Fisher GP LLC, Thermo Fisher German Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Germany B.V., Thermo Fisher India Divestco Private Limited, Thermo Fisher India Holding B.V., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Thermo Fisher Israel Ltd., Thermo Fisher Production et Services SAS, Thermo Fisher Project Cyprus LLC, Thermo Fisher Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Australia) C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Barbados) Holdings Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Breda) Holding BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (CN) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China-HK) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (DE) Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Ecublens) SARL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance II) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Fuji) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Holding II) B.V. & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Johannesburg) (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mexico City) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Milwaukee) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mississauga) Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Monterrey) S. De R.L. De C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (NK) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) Austria Holding GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-I) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-II) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN1) UK Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) Dutch LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Praha) s.r.o., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) GmbH & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Schweiz) AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Instruments Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Suzhou) Instruments Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific AL-1 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific AU II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Aquasensors LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V.B.A., Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (I) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (II) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics UAB, Thermo Fisher Scientific Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Biosciences Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brahms LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Instrumentos de Processo Ltda., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Servicos de Logistica Ltda, Thermo Fisher Scientific C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cayman Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific China (C-I) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China (S) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings IV B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings Aps, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus IV C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus V C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Denmark Senior Holdings ApS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie 1 Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Europe GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC Finance C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSUKHCO Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Falcon Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Finance Company BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific GENEART GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Germany BV & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific HR Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) I, Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) II , Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings Europe Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific IT Services GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Malta) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments Malta (Sweden Financing) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Invitrogen Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific K.K., Thermo Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific LSI Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments III S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments IV S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life NL Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Netherlands Holding C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Switzerland Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Tech Korea Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Enterprise Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investments Holding LP, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Luxembourg Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Enterprise Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg German Holdings S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Life Technologies UK Holding S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings I S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings II S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malta Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Messtechnik GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Mexico City S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Middle East Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Milano Srl, Thermo Fisher Scientific NHK Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Holdings, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway Holdings AS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway US Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Operating Company LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 C.V, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Panama I Cayman Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Peru S.R.L., Thermo Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific SL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Financing LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Holdings Australia LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific South Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific SpA, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg I S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Investments Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Switzerland Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific TR Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Taiwan Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific West Palm Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Wissenschaftliche Gerate GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Worldwide Investments (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific eCommerce Solutions LLC , Thermo Fisher Senior Canada Holdings LLC, Thermo Foundation Inc., Thermo Gamma-Metrics Holdings Pty Ltd., Thermo Gamma-Metrics LLC, Thermo Gamma-Metrics Pty Ltd, Thermo Holding European Operations LLC, Thermo Hypersil Ltd, Thermo Hypersil-Keystone LLC, Thermo Informatics Asia Pacific Pty Ltd., Thermo Instrument Controls de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Thermo Kevex X-Ray LLC, Thermo Keytek LLC, Thermo LabSystems Inc., Thermo LabSystems S.A., Thermo Life Science International Trading (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Thermo Life Sciences AB, Thermo Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo MF Physics LLC, Thermo Measurement Ltd, Thermo Measuretech Canada Inc., Thermo Neslab LLC, Thermo Nicolet Limited, Thermo Onix Limited, Thermo Optek (Australia) Pty Ltd., Thermo Optek Limited, Thermo Optek S.A., Thermo Orion Inc., Thermo Portable Holdings LLC, Thermo Power Corporation, Thermo Process Instruments GP LLC, Thermo Process Instruments L.P., Thermo Projects Limited, Thermo Quest S.A., Thermo Radiometrie Limited, Thermo Ramsey Italia S.r.l., Thermo Ramsey LLC, Thermo Ramsey S.A., Thermo Re Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Pte Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Sdn Bhd, Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc., Thermo Scientific Services Inc., Thermo Securities Corporation, Thermo Sentron Canada Inc., Thermo Sentron Limited, Thermo Shandon Inc., Thermo Shandon Limited, Thermo Suomi Holding B.V., Thermo TLH (UK) Limited, Thermo TLH L.P., Thermo Trace Pty Ltd., Thermo-Fisher Biochemical Product (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ThermoLase LLC, ThermoSpectra Limited, Trek Diagnostic Systems LLC, Trek Diagnostic Systems Ltd., Trek Holding Company II Ltd., Trek Holding Company Ltd., Trex Medical Corporation, USB Corporation, Union Lab Supplies Limited, United Diagnostics Inc., VG Systems Limited, Westover Scientific Inc., ZAO PE Biosystems, eBioscience GmbH, eBioscience Ltd, eBioscience SAS, and picoSpin LLC.

Read More
The National Weather Service in Pueblo issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several counties in southeast Colorado to the Oklahoma and Kansas borders through Sunday night.

A "couple" of tornadoes are possible in Baca, Bent, Cheyenne Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero and Prowers counties until 11 p.m.

The areas could see 2-inch hail and wind gusts up to 70 mph, according to the weather service.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a villager's home to learn about the losses and the supply of daily necessities in the village of Longwangmiao, Shangzhi City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 7, 2023. [Xinhua/Yin Bogu]

HARBIN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua)  Villager Yang Chungui saw his farmhouse inundated as torrential rains caused severe flooding in Heilongjiang Province in northeast China.

Yang's house in the village of Longwangmiao was built over 20 years ago. The flooding damaged its walls, with water stains measuring over one meter in height still visible.

As he was busy renovating on Thursday morning, President Xi Jinping walked into the house.

"I came by to visit your home," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, as he carefully checked the damage around the 90-square-meter house.

"How much would this (renovation) cost you?" the president asked.

"Less than 60,000 yuan (about 8,170 U.S. dollars), and the government provided some subsidies," Yang replied. "I also took the chance to do some refurbishing."

Yang told Xi that his farmland had also suffered from flooding, but timely guidance from agricultural experts helped him recover some losses.

"What other needs do you have for post-disaster reconstruction?" Xi asked.

"Now we just hope to harvest more grain during the autumn, and if the grain prices are good, we can cover our costs," Yang replied, adding that the government has already taken care of all sorts of other work in post-disaster reconstruction.

Xi looked relieved. "No matter whether it is food, housing, transportation, employment, schooling, medical care, or disease prevention, when the disaster-stricken people feel any inconvenience, governments at all levels must step up efforts to do it well," he said.

Xi has been very concerned about the life of flood-stricken people all along.

Over the past two months, he has closely followed flood situations across the country. He made multiple instructions and convened meetings to plan disaster relief and reconstruction work.

On his inspection of Heilongjiang, Xi went straight from the provincial capital Harbin to Longwangmiao in Shangzhi City, which has been severely affected by the disaster.

Upon arrival, he walked along dirt paths through rice fields, carefully inspecting the crop damage.

He saw large portions of rice plants flattened on the ground, covered in mud.

Learning that about half of the village's farmland was inundated, Xi looked towards the fields with a serious expression.

"How much of the harvest can be salvaged?" Xi asked.

"In the less affected fields, about 50 percent can be salvaged," said a local official.

Xi was informed that besides some subsidies, there was also agricultural insurance compensation for the affected farmlands. He nodded in approval.

In Longwangmiao, Xi also visited a construction site and carefully inquired about the size, layout, and earthquake resistance levels of the house being built. He specifically asked about heating details.

"It gets really cold during the winter in the northeastern region, and people can't afford to endure freezing conditions," Xi told local officials. "Make sure that villagers can move in before winter."

Word spread that the president came to Longwangmiao, and villagers gathered enthusiastically alongside a village road outside Yang's house to greet him.

Xi said this year's flood season has caused severe damage in provinces and municipalities in northern China, including Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, and the northeastern region.

"Many residents have said that they have never experienced such extensive flooding before. I have been concerned about the disaster-stricken areas, and on this trip to Heilongjiang, I specifically came to Shangzhi, which has been heavily affected by the disaster," Xi said.

Noting that the damage is severe to the crops, Xi called for efforts to minimize the losses and recover some of the yields. He reiterated that the restoration of the damaged houses must be finished before winter.

"In China, when our people face difficulties, we must give full play to the advantages of the socialist system, which means that when one place is in trouble, support comes from all quarters, and the state provides full support," Xi said, to a long and enthusiastic applause.

(Source: Xinhua)
BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 2023 Pujiang Innovation Forum which opened Sunday in Shanghai.

In his letter, Xi noted that the world today is living through accelerating changes unseen in a century, and a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is gaining momentum. Scientific and technological innovation is an important force for humankind to jointly address risks and challenges and promote peace and development.

China will firmly pursue a mutually beneficial and win-win strategy of opening up, continue to expand high-level opening up, continue to promote international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation with a more open mindset and a broader range of measures, build a globally competitive open innovation ecosystem, and work with other countries to create an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for scientific and technological development, Xi said.

It is hoped that the Pujiang Innovation Forum will adhere to the theme of innovation, inspire innovative ideas, spread innovative thoughts, augment innovative spirits, and make new contributions to advancing international scientific and technological cooperation and enhancing the common well-being of humankind, Xi added.

Themed "Open Innovation Ecosystem: Innovation for Global Connectivity," the 2023 Pujiang Innovation Forum is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai municipal government.

(Source: Xinhua)
Weather Alert

...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM CDT /10 PM EDT/ THIS EVENING TO 9 AM CDT /10 AM EDT/ TUESDAY... * WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures between 21 and 27 degrees expected. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 9 PM CDT this evening to 9 AM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This hard freeze will bring an end to the growing season. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing. &&
The UK is again on the verge of stationing US nuclear weapons on its soil, at the strategic east coast air force base, RAF (Royal Air Force) Lakenheath.

In March, the US Congress received a 2024 budgetary request for $50 million (39.5 million) from the USAF (US Air Force) for a surety dormitory at RAF Lakenheath. As a number of reports attest, the term surety is used in US military parlance to refer to nuclear weapons. That the plans have been fast-tracked was noted in the Telegraph, which stated, Last years [Congress] budget referred to a Nato project to build secure sites and facilities to store special weapons in a number of Western countries, including Britain, but made no reference to the base itself.

The new documents confirm that Lakenheath is set for a multi-million dollar expansion, stating that a 144-bunk dormitory is required. Given the influx of airmen due to the arrival of the potential Surety mission and the bed down of the two F-35 squadrons there is a significant deficiency in the amount of unaccompanied housing available for E4s and below at Royal Air Force Lakenheath.

An F15 Eagle at RAF Lakenheath in July 2009 [Photo by Tim Felce / CC BY-SA 2.0

RAF Lakenheath is in all essentials a US military base and has been for decades. Although owned by Britains Ministry of Defence, it is run by the US Air Force, with million of pounds provided for its operation each year by the UK government.

Its facilities were first made available for American aircraft and weapons in 1948, and it became one of three locations in the UK at which US nuclear bombs were stored. Up until 2008 at least 110 US nuclear bombs were located at Lakenheath, and their removalexplained on the basis that the threat of nuclear war had subsidedmeant that Britain since that date was not officially storing US nuclear weapons on its soil for the first time since 1954.

RAF Lakenheath, as with RAF Greenham Common before it, was the location of longstanding protests demanding the removal of nuclear weopons. After a continual protest over almost a decade at Greenham Common from 1982and in the midst of the collapse and dissolution of the Stalinist states in eastern Europe and the Soviet Unionthe US removed its Pershing cruise missiles from the base between 1989 and 1991.

Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), who was the first to disclose information showing that the US was withdrawing its nuclear weapons from Lakenheath, wrote in a comment last November, The US Air Force used to store nuclear gravity bombs at Lakenheath, which in the 1990s was equipped with 33 underground storage vaults. By the early 2000s, there were a total of 110 B61 gravity bombs in the vaults for delivery by F-15E aircraft of the 48th Fighter Wing.

He added, After nuclear weapons were withdrawn nearly two decades ago, the empty [33] storage vaults were kept in caretaker status. The F-15Es fighter-bombers retained their nuclear capability but at a lower operational level. In recent years there have been rumors about nuclear exercises at the base.

RAF Lakenheath, wrote Kristensen, is preparing to become the first US Air Force base in Europe equipped with nuclear-capable F-35A Lightning combat aircraft. The first of the fifth-generation fighter-bombers arrived in December 2021. A total of 24 F-35As will form the 495th Fighter Squadron of the 48th Fighter Wing at the base.

The Telegraph reported, The stealth jets are designed to carry out tactical nuclear bombing and are capable of conducting air-to-air missions and intelligence gathering.

F-35 dropping inert B61-12 nuclear bomb, first trial [Photo: Los Alamos National Laboratory]

Kristensen played down the possibility of the US deploying additional US nuclear bombs to Europe, though noted, FAS estimates there currently are roughly 100 nuclear bombs deployed at six air bases in five European countries [Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey]. He suggested the upgrade at RAF Lakenheath could potentially be intended to increase the flexibility of the existing nuclear deployment within Europe.

Plans to restore US nuclear weapons to Britains east coast are an escalation in the US-NATO war drive against Russia and confirm the UKs status as a leading participant. In the last five years, successive Conservative governments have also accelerated plans to boost Britains own nuclear weapons arsenal.

In 2021, as part of his integrated defence review, and a 24 billion pound budget increase for the military, then Prime Minister Boris Johnson authorised lifting the cap on the number of stockpiled Trident nuclear warheads by more than 40 percentthe first increase in decades.

While the UK does not possess the thousands of warheads held by the United States and Russiathe review increased numbers from 180 to 260these are weapons with enormous destructive power. A Guardian report noted that each warhead the UK holds is estimated to have an explosive power of 100 kilotons. The atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima at the end of the second world war was about 15 kilotons.

The British ruling elite is concealing plans for nuclear Armageddon from the population. A House of Commons Library research briefing from May this year says of the nuclear warhead number increase, The Government has provided no timeframe for doing so and no longer publishes transparency information, so the precise figure for the stockpile is unclear.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded to the plans for US nuclear arms to be stationed at Lakenheath by calling them an escalation. She added, In the context of the transition of the United States and Nato to an openly confrontational course of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, this practice and its development force us to take compensating countermeasures designed to reliably protect the security interests of our country and its allies.

This is only the latest of many statements by the Putin regime warning the British government of the consequences of its reckless actionssome of which have led to military stand-offs.

A Royal Navy battleship, HMS Defender, played a critical role in NATOs provocations against Moscow leading up to its invasion of Ukraine.

In June 2021, a Russian patrol ship fired a warning shot at Defender in the Black Sea, in Russian-claimed waters off the coast of Crimea where Moscow has a critical naval base.

In September 2022, an incident occurred that came close to triggering NATOs Article 5 requiring member countries to come to the aid of any other member state under attack, after Russia nearly shot down a British spy plane near Ukraine.

In May this year, Britain shipped Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine, the longest-range weapons yet received by Kiev, confirming the UKs role as provocateur-in-chief in the NATO war against Russia.

These and many other actions constitute an undeclared war between Britain and Russia, which proceeds without the slightest regard for the views of the population, but with complete agreement within Parliament. As the World Socialist Web Site wrote this May, With Britain being dragged to the precipice of war with Russia, there has been no popular discussion of the consequences thanks above all to the unanimity between the Tories and the Labour Party. Sir Keir Starmer leads one half of a single, joint party of war sitting across both sides of the House of Commons.

Those consequences could be catastrophic. In August 2022, Russian General Andrey Gurulyov, a deputy in Russias parliament (Duma), said of a nuclear attack on Britain, Lets make it super-simple. Two ships, 50 launches of Zircon [hypersonic cruise] missilesand there is not a single power station left in the UK. Fifty more Zircons and the entire port infrastructure is gone. One moreand we forget about the British Isles.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Wednesday that Russia and Turkey had reached an agreement on the supply of 1 million tons of grain. All agreements in principle have been reached. We expect that in the near future we will enter into working contacts with all parties to work out all the technical aspects of the scheme for such deliveries, he announced.

Russian Black Sea fleet ships are anchored in one of the bays of Sevastopol, Crimea, March 31, 2014. [AP Photo/AP Photo, File]

The announcement came shortly after the failure of talks on the safe transport of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea through the Turkish Straits amid Washington demands more bloodbaths in Ukraine.

Since the NATO war against Russia in Ukraine erupted in February 2022, parts of the Black Sea were mined by both Russian and Ukrainian forces. The northern parts of the sea are controlled by the Russian navy.

An agreement was reached last year to provide a safe route for Ukrainian grain. The deal between Moscow and Kiev had been brokered by the United Nations and Turkey to ensure grain shipments from Ukraine through the Black Sea to the global market.

Shortly after an attack on the Kerch Bridge in July, however, the Kremlin announced its withdrawal from the deal, on the grounds that the commitments to Russia had not been met. The Kremlin stated that Russia would consider rejoining the deal if these commitments were fulfilled, and financial sanctions on the Russian Agricultural Bank were lifted.

Russia and Ukraine are among the worlds largest agricultural producers, mainly supplying countries in Africa and Asia. Russia places special emphasis on grain exports to these countries as part of its influence in Africa and as a means of breaking its US-led isolation.

Russia announced that it had achieved the largest grain exports in the last seven years after withdrawing from the agreement in July. The Russian Agriculture Ministry said that most of the 7.7 million tons of grain exported in August went to African countries. The grain corridor agreement was one of the main items on the agenda of the Second Summit of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum at the end of July, and African countries had expressed their intention to mediate on the issue.

Turkey is already the main mediator in talks on the resumption of the Black Sea grain corridor. On September 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks in Sochi, with grain shipments being the main topic of discussion.

After the talks, Putin said that Russia was ready to extend the agreement, but that the NATO powers had not kept their commitments: The deal was approaching expiration, but not a single obligation to Russia was fulfilled. We were asked to extend our participation in it with the promise of immediate compliance with all previous commitments. We extended it, but nothing happened.

He linked the issue of the corridor to Ukraines growing naval attacks in the Black Sea: We have always agreed that these corridors intended for food exports should not be used for military purposes.  Just as attempts are being made to attack TurkStream and Blue Stream through which gas is supplied to the Republic of Turkey from Russia. Our ships are guarding these streams, these pipeline systems, and they are constantly being attacked, including with the help of drones sent from Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

During a joint press conference, Erdogan said: We have expressed the points raised by our Russian friends on different occasions. We believe that the initiative should be continued by correcting the shortcomings. I sincerely shared our views on this issue with my dear friend in our bilateral meeting.

He added: Russia has two special requests. One is to connect the Russian Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT system. Currently, Russian banks are excluded from the SWIFT system due to sanctions. This country exports 120 or 130 million tons of grain annually  Ukraine, of course, needs to soften its approach in order to take joint steps with Russia.

Erdogans remarks prompted a swift condemnation from the Kiev regime. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said: Lets be realistic after all and stop discussing nonexistent options, much less encouraging Russia to commit further crimes.

Turkey is a critical member of NATO, but since the outbreak of the war it has sought to mediate between the NATO imperialist powers and the Putin regime. It has also abetted the main NATO powers in aggressively pursuing the war with Russia.

While condemning Russias invasion and recognizing Crimea as part of Ukrainian territory, Ankara has armed Ukraine with Bayraktar drones. It also ultimately decided not to veto Finland and Sweden joining the NATO military alliance.

Shortly before the NATO war summit in Vilnius, Lithuania on July 1112, Erdogan declared that Ukraine deserves NATO membership and allowed the return to Ukraine of the Azov commanders who were supposed to remain in Turkey under an agreement with Russia.

However, Turkey has not joined US-led NATO powers sanctions against Moscow and has significantly increased its trade with Russia.

Fearing potentially devastating consequences for the Turkish ruling class of an escalation of the NATO war against Russia, with which it has strong trade and military ties, Ankara also faces an ongoing cost-of-living crisis at home and growing working class opposition. The Erdogan government believes that improved trade with Russia and potential financial aid from Moscow will help contain this domestic crisis.

After the meeting in Sochi, Erdogan pointed out the growing trade with Russia and the use of Turkish lira and Russian rubles instead of US dollars and euros, stating: Our bilateral trade volume reached approximately $69 billion last year. We are taking firm steps towards our target of $100 billion. I believe that the fact that our central bank governors are meeting here today and that they will also meet each other is also important in terms of having domestic currencies enter into the bilateral relations between us.

Following the meeting, it was reported that Ankara and Moscow were close to finalizing negotiations on the construction of a natural gas distribution centre in Turkey. In addition, Russia submitted a proposal for the construction of a second nuclear power plant in the northern city of Sinop. Russia is currently building Turkeys first nuclear power plant in the southern city of Mersin. According to the reports, the first unit of the plant will be commissioned in 2024.
An interesting report from Wired recently detailed the latest community Microsoft seems to have upset, and it's somewhat unexpected.

The report opens with a recount of a confrontation between a Dutch councilor and a Microsoft sub-contracted security guard. Local councilor Lars Ruiter appeared on site at a half-completed Microsoft data center being built in the Netherlands, as part of Microsoft's global expansion of the Azure footprint. Microsoft's business increasingly revolves around cloud servers and other cloud-based technologies, and building these kinds of data centers as locally as possible is imperative to meet demand. The further away you physically are from cloud data centers, generally speaking, the worse the service provision is. The most extreme example of this is Xbox Cloud Gaming, whose game streaming provision degrades quite markedly the further away from a data center you are. It's fine generally when working with more simple data transfer protocols like file sharing, but the demand for more, well, demanding cloud provision is increasing. Services like ChatGPT which power Bing Chat reportedly cost over half a million dollars to run per day.

"We regret an interaction that took place outside our data center campus, apparently involving one of Microsofts subcontractors," a Microsoft statement reads, referring to the altercation between Ruiter and a Microsoft security guard.

A report from JAS Foundation (machine translated), describes how the security guard allegedly put his hand around Ruiter's throat. "At the time it happened, I was so full of adrenaline that it even made me laugh a little. But once I got back in the car, I started shaking for a while." [...] When the man got close to Rider, he grabbed him by the throat for a few seconds. "The American journalist who was with me also thought his reaction was greatly exaggerated. That traffic controller was really over the top."

Ruiter has been spear-heading local anger against so-called "hyperscale" data center projects such as those seen in the Netherlands, which will house potentially thousands of servers for all sorts of businesses and systems, including Microsoft's own. The contention revolves around building permits, which some locals feel Microsoft has won unfairly. Reportedly, the Netherlands has been curtailing local farmers as part of efforts to reduce nitrogen emissions, which are four times higher than the European average according to Wired's data. Microsoft's data center building efforts seem to have become emblematic of an erosion of farmers' rights and by extension, livelihoods, putting Azure in the cross hairs.

Cloud demands are set to increase

Cloud servers

As Microsoft's cloud ambitions grow across gaming, AI, and other services, the chances of it running afoul of local issues like this is also set to increase. Microsoft's carbon footprint is also up for debate as they grow these kinds of operations, particularly as other industries are asked to scale back as cloud demands grow.

Striking a balance between cloud demands and the needs of locals potentially impacted by these so-called hyperscale projects will be potentially tough as Microsoft's ambitions swell.
Attendees walk through a muddy desert plain on Sept. 2, 2023, after heavy rains at the annual Burning Man festival site in Nevada's Black Rock desert. Tens of thousands of drenched festivalgoers were stranded on Sept. 3 in deep, sticky mud in the desert after torrential rain turned the gathering into a quagmire. (Julie Jammot/AFP via Getty Images)

Raven Smith wouldnt have known that she was in the middle of the apocalypse. Long before news spread of an alleged disaster at Burning Man, she had lost phone service.

As the powerful rainstorm that soaked the desert gathering became an emergency captivating the nation, the Rogers Park resident looked outside her camp shelter. There, she saw kids playing in the mud.

Advertisement

They were sliding in it, like a Slip N Slide. They were throwing it at each other. There were some trying to build sand castles, she said. There was just glee.

The quirky weeklong gathering in Nevadas Black Rock Desert  notorious for an imaginative array of revelry  sparked viral fears amid circulating images showing knee-deep mud and stuck cars. Dire reports warned of unserviceable and overflowing toilets and looming trench foot.

Advertisement

It was dirty, the Chicago attendees the Tribune spoke with admitted. And in spite of the mess, or possibly because of it, they loved their time.

The doom-tinged reports about the festival, held from Aug. 27 through Sept. 4, were overblown, attendees said. While the mud posed challenges, they argued it made the festival more fun by testing Burning Mans radical vision of a self-reliant, caring community.

People banded together and tried to help each other, said Jay Woldenberg, a Rogers Park resident who works as a consultant.

A core element of the festival is a sharing economy. Attendees generally bring goods and services they plan to give away, expecting their own needs will be met by what they receive.

Camp groups might bake hundreds of chocolate chip cookies, Woldenberg, 57, said. Others might stage laser-filled music performances. His camp hosted an Iranian tea house filled with food and drinks.

On Wednesday night, before the storm, the tea house fed an authentic Iranian dinner to over 1,200 people.

Everyone wants you to have a great time, said Woldenberg, who has attended the last six Burning Man gatherings. They want to feed you, or tell you a story, or give you an experience.

Attendees, called burners, typically bounce around amid the unusual and generous offerings. But as downpours melted the hard desert ground to slush, many camps and wanderers werent active.

Advertisement

The shutdowns led the social influencer attendees, like celebrities and wealthy tourists, to leave, Woldenberg said.

The rain ruined your ability to go out there and do things, he conceded. But his camp managed to find a bright spot in the murk, he added.

A scene from this year's weeklong Burning Man event, held from Aug. 27 to Sept. 4 in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. The gathering was disrupted by torrential rains and some people were stranded after roads were closed. (Mike Mueller)

Sure, they had to bail out water. They also had to designate an area to do number one so the port-a-potties wouldnt overflow, Woldenberg said. The fine Iranian rugs they brought were eventually buried under mud too.

But they kept inviting people in for food and shelter. There were enough provisions and ample protection from the elements, he said. The campers played music and danced. They relaxed and talked.

It was a magical, beautiful time where everyone came together and made the best of it, Woldenberg said.

The grounds mineral composition made the playa where the gathering takes place turn into a muddy, mucky gunk that stuck to everything, Woldenberg said.

Advertisement

Attendee Mike Mueller said the burners took the mud in stride, even if it weighed those strides down.

We hardly even noticed the mud, he said. Except that when youre walking around, your feet get heavier and heavier.

Mueller, 57, who grew up in Chicagos suburbs and now lives in Denver, worked for Burning Mans composting operations, part of the gatherings leave no trace policy. He found just a handful of trash, mostly paper scraps, in a 5-mile search around the campgrounds after the festival ended, he said.

The festivals opposition to litter, one of its 10 principles, is a big reason he enjoys it. At most normal public gatherings, he sees people leave trash everywhere.

He sees Burning Man as a place working to improve itself. At home, he might not know his neighbors or feel like he can talk to strangers. But people are open and caring at the festival, he said.

You come out here and you can be a different person if you want, Mueller said. Its a blank slate.

Advertisement

People figured out how to adapt when the rain came, he said. Festival organizers put out a survival guide advising attendees to stay near their campgrounds, and everyone learned from the people around them, he said.

He opted for muck boots and laughed off the myriad social media posts about the gatherings situation, which he said became the big joke. The people who left were the ones who came just for a bucket list or for an Instagram photo, he said.

It was like taking a trip back in time, Mueller said. When the event was smaller and more intimate.

One viral falsehood spread across X, formerly known as Twitter, claimed the Ebola virus was spreading at the festival. Portage Park resident Jemma Rifai said the posts, which she believed were driven by a desire for clicks and likes, nudged many friends to message her with concerns.

But Rifais parents were less worried.

Sounds like Woodstock. Have fun! she recalled them telling her.

Advertisement

Jemma Rifai, 33, of Portage Park, said she got caught with her friend's bike almost 2 miles from camp when the rain hit the Burning Man gathering in the Nevada desert, but she and husband, Adal, found ways to still have fun. (Adal Rifai)

By the time the rain hit, some of the magic from earlier in the week had faded. On one pre-storm night, Rifai and her husband found a man grilling fancy steak cuts next to an art car designed to look like a burning house. Another night, they stumbled upon a pizza restaurant.

But even as many of the quirky festivals hard-to-imagine offerings closed, the struggle to learn how to wrap shoes in trash bags and make fun amid the change of plans offered a lesson.

I can do hard things, Rifai, 33, said.

The flight attendant said she saw people don Speedos to play in the mud. She got caught with her friends bike almost 2 miles from camp when the rain hit. As she pushed it through the slop, she saw people continue to celebrate the festival.

People come together, and help each other out, and find silver linings in everything. Were prepared. We care about each other. We will find some way to have fun, she added. You dont get the burn you want. You get the burn you need.

Smith, who appeared recently on the survival television show Naked and Afraid, likened the festival she has attended eight times to New Years Eve. Alongside the parties, there are temples and churches, and even Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, she said.

Advertisement

Its a recalibration of everything you want to do, she said.

One camp she attended before the storm was stocked with giant white pillows and a DJ for a pillow-fight, dance-party hybrid.

But despite the playfulness, the festival was particularly mature, Smith said. It was marked by conversations about consent, eye contact and openhearted conversations with strangers, she said.

The storm ultimately led to less tourists, more participants as old agendas faded, Smith said.

Vehicles line up to leave the Burning Man festival in Black Rock Desert in Nevada on Sept. 5, 2023. (Monique Sady/AP)

Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Smith, who had made no plans to return to Reno post-fest, worried about how shed get out of the desert. When she asked around and quickly secured a spot in the RV of someone she had been sleeping near, she learned another lesson, she said: asking for what you want helps you get it.

When it came time to leave, the vehicle she rode in waited in line to take the one road back to civilization. The Exodus dragged on for some six hours, as the slow process does most years, she said.

Advertisement

As cars trudged along below 5 mph, a last chance to celebrate emerged. Smith got out to dance to the music blasting from a powerful sound system set up on the flatbed in front of her car. She thanked the DJ. She was supposed to play during the festival but her show got rained out, she said.

Would you like to play now? the DJ asked.

She took control of the table and dished out a mix of dance music. Then she played Michael Jackson and Diana Rosss Ease on Down the Road. She turned around and saw 150 people taking their last dance on the drying road.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
My husband and I were originally supposed to go to Bali for our honeymoon in July 2024.

But my friend got $500 VIP tickets for Taylor Swift's Milan Eras Tour, and I jumped at the chance.

We changed all our honeymoon plans, and I'll now be ditching my husband for one night of our trip.

I've never really considered myself a Swiftie  that is until I found myself rearranging my entire honeymoon for a chance to see Taylor Swift perform in Italy next summer.

I always enjoyed Swift's music, but it wasn't until my divorce in 2015 that I began obsessively listening to her lyrics and watching her videos. "All Too Well" would break my heart over and over again when I really needed to feel my hurt and cry to heal. Then "Shake It Off" would help me get rid of the bad energy.

I didn't realize it then, but her music helped a grown, 40-something woman through the trauma and grieving process of a failed marriage.

When Swift announced her US Eras Tour, my friends and I immediately started strategizing how to get tickets. But like so many fans, my dreams were squashed when the Ticketmaster site crashed.

When the cities of her European tour were announced, my friend registered for tickets in Milan, Italy. We saw Adele in London together in 2022, so she knew I'd be down for another international concert.

She was able to buy VIP tickets with the I Remember It All Too Well package  which includes a commemorative tote bag; collectible pin, sticker, and postcard set; souvenir concert ticket; and VIP tour laminate with a matching lanyard  for $500 each. They were honestly much less expensive than what a lot of my friends paid for standard tickets in the US.

Without hesitation or looking at my calendar, I obviously agreed to go with her. When I finally processed the date of the concert, I realized I was supposed to be in Bali on my honeymoon.

I tried to figure out a way to make the concert and Bali work, but something had to give

I was willing to rearrange my travel plans to see Taylor Swift. John Shearer/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

After exhaustively researching different flight options between Bali, Milan, and New York, I realized trying to make this work was a logistical nightmare.

So I asked my husband, "I know we've been planning to go to Bali for our honeymoon, but how do you feel about Italy instead?"

The harder sell was telling him that I wanted to end our trip in Milan so I could go to the concert. But there's only one extra ticket, so I'd have to ditch him on the last day of our honeymoon.

He looked at me, smiled, and said, "Sure  I've never been to Milan."

Just like that, we changed our entire honeymoon.

The flights to Milan were about $1,500 a person round trip (which actually ended up being slightly cheaper than Bali), and our hotel accommodations for four nights will be about $1,200.

It may not be the trip we imagined, but I'm so excited to go to Italy next year

I feel bad about leaving my husband alone to go to the concert, but the universe always seems to have a way of working out. When I told another friend about this trip, she said she was going to the concert on the same night. Now our husbands get to hang out in Milan while we see Swift.

Even though it caused a bit of travel chaos, I love how full circle this all feels. I really started listening to Swift during the end of my first marriage, and now here I am, seeing her Eras Tour on my honeymoon.

Read the original article on Insider
In a world that prioritizes perfection, Tony Goldwyn s Ezra stands out as a touching testament to the power of love, acceptance, and the challenges of parenthood. Weaving together familial dynamics with the understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), the film offers a raw, emotional exploration of the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their child. Written by Tony Spiridakis, the film stars Bobby Cannavale. William A. Fitzgerald, Rose Byrne , Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn. and Rainn Wilson.

The film begins with Max (Cannavale), a former writer turned stand up comedian, in the middle of a set talking about his autistic son, Ezra. The audience learns the child didnt speak until very late in his childhood and became difficult to control after that. Max and ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) are called to their sons school to talk with faculty who are fed up with Ezras behavior and they try to prevent the school from kicking the boy out. Unfortunately, Max isnt over his ex and hes so hurt, he cries after one night stands with strangers. He lives at home with his father Stan (De Niro), who constantly criticizes him for being a loser who cant move on. His agent Jayne (Goldberg) does provide some levity for him in the form of a gig at the comedy cellar in NYC that he happily agrees to.

More from Deadline

Theres an issue of contention now that Ezra has actually been expelled. Jenna wants him to go to a school for other students like him, and Max isnt trying to hear that. After an argument between the two, she vents to her new partner Bruce (Goldwyn), Ezra overhears him jokingly talking about taking his dad out of the picture. The child takes this literally, causing him to run out of the house and into the street where he gets hit by a taxi. Things get even more contentious because hospital doctors think Ezra needs to be put in a behavioral school and on meds. This causes Max to go off the deep end, prompting him to take his son on a cross country journey that ends with unexpected results.

Spiridakis story navigates the bumpy terrain of two parents grappling with the challenges posed by their sons ASD. Their journey of acceptance, understanding, and the relentless quest to decipher the right way to support Ezra is a central theme. The film raises some important questions: what does normalcy look like? How does one gauge the correct path of care for someone on the spectrum? Ezra doesnt offer easy answers but highlights the duality of parental love and sacrifice.

Max is having the hardest time coming to to terms with Ezras diagnosis, and constantly battling his denial and hoping he can somehow alter that reality. Its this emotional impulsivity, driven by an unyielding love, that often lands Max in hot water with his ex-wife, his father, and even the law. The character isnt the sharpest, but makes up for it with an abundance of heart. His determination to prevent Ezra from being othered by society is both commendable and heartbreaking.

Goldwyn, wearing the dual hat of director and actor, showcases maturity in his handling of the narrative vision. His directorial approach focuses intensely on each character, allowing the audience to delve deep into each psyche. One of the most memorable moments is when Goldwyn brings the camera on stage, capturing Max in his comedic element as he bares his soul through humor. Its in these candid moments that we truly understand the essence of Max as a central character.

Cannavales portrayal of Max is nothing short of brilliant. His electric performance is further elevated by his dynamic with Robert De Niro. Their portrayal of the father-son relationship feels genuine, filled with moments of tension, laughter, and mutual connection. De Niro, in his signature style, adds layers to his role, creating a character that resonates. He still remains one of Hollywoods most talented legends.

Ezra is a reminder that sometimes our children walk a different path from their peers. While societal norms might push for conformity, the film champions the idea of nurturing uniqueness. As both parents journey through a maze of emotions, they gradually come to the realization that embracing Ezras differences is the key to unlocking his potential.

Title: Ezra

Festival: Toronto Film Festival

Distributor: Closer Media/ Wayfarer Studios

Director: Tony Goldwyn

Screenwriter: Tony Spiridakis

Cast: Bobby Cannavale. William A. Fitzgerald, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn. and Rainn Wilson

Rating: R

Running time: 1 hr 40 mins

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Paris-based leading distribution company ARP Selection has bought a pair of U.S. indie gems from the fall festival circuit, Shane Atkinsons feature debut LaRoy and Sofia Coppolas Priscilla.

LaRoy, a neo-noir Western comedy with Coen brothers influences, just won three major prizes at the Deauville Film Festival, including the Grand Prize, Audience Award and Critics Prize; while Priscilla world premiered at the Venice Film Festival and won best actress for Cailee Spaeny.

More from Variety

Produced by Cannes-based company Adastra Films, the film stars John Magaro as Ray, who decides to kill himself after discovering his wife has been cheating on him. But just before he pulls a trigger, a stranger takes him for a low-rent hitman.

Michele Halberstadt, who presides over ARP Selection with Laurent Petin, praised LaRoy for its wonderful script, pitch-perfect performances and heart. She said she had a coup de coeur for the movie after discovering it at Deauville and fell for its director-driven mise-en-scene, humor and endearing characters. ARP Selection will release the movie in April. The Exchange Films is handling international sales.

Priscilla, a subtle drama exploring the troubled relationship between Priscilla Beaulieu Presley and Elvis, was bought by ARP Selection out of the Venice Film Festival. Halberstadt said she was drawn by the unique way Coppola expressed the feeling of melancholy and golden prisons with an ease and softness. Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, who plays Elvis, were granted a SAG-AFTRA waiver to promote the film amid the strike, and attended the Venice premiere alongside Coppola and Presley. The indie film was greeted with an emotional 7-minute standing ovation and garnered stellar reviews with Varietys Owen Gleiberman describing it as a piercingly authentic inside drama. It was produced by Lorenzo Mieli for Fremantles The Apartment Pictures, Coppola for American Zoetrope and Youree Henley. The film was financed by Fremantle Group.

ARP Selection will release the movie on Jan. 3. MUBI acquired all rights worldwide (excluding North America and Italy), and retained the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America, Benelux and Turkey for distribution. The Match Factory is selling the remaining territories. A24 has U.S. rights.

One of Frances rare distributors still buying U.S. indie movies for theaters, ARP Selection was also at Deauville festival with Todd Haynes May December, an Oscar contender starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, and Karim Ainouzs Firebrand starring Jude Law and Alicia Vikander which opened the Normandie-set festival. Both movies competed at this years Cannes.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Animator Hayao Miyazaki has tried to retire a total of four times to date, and it seems that his most recent attempt may be as successful as those that came before it. While promoting Miyazakis newest movie The Boy and the Heron at the Toronto International Film Festival, Studio Ghiblis Junichi Nishioka told reporters, Other people say that this might be his last film, but he doesnt feel that way at all.

Nishioka added, He is currently working on ideas for a new film. He comes into his office every day and does that. This time, hes not going to announce his retirement at all. Hes continuing working just as he has always done.

Miyazaki first announced his intention to retire back in 1997 following the release of Princess Mononoke. Those plans fell through, and the animator didnt bring up the possibility again until 2001, after Spirited Away came out. But again, he went right back to work, lasting all the way until 2013 when The Wind Rises was released.

At the time, Miyazaki insisted that he could no longer work in feature-length animation. I feel that my days in feature film are done, Miyazaki said. If I said I wanted to [make a feature film], I would sound like an old man saying something foolish.

The Boy and the Heron opened up TIFF this year. The World War II-era movie, which was released under the title How Do You Live? in Japan earlier this year, will debut in North America on Dec. 8. Miyazaki has not attended press or promotional events for the film.

Over the years, the animator has gained a reputation for being blunt  or as GQ put it in 2021, an absolute savage. Its an unexpected trait considering his films are so often filled with whimsical and cute characters. Despite that, he is often praised by fans and other animators alike. For instance, Guillermo del Toro made a surprise appearance at The Boy and the Herons premiere thanks to his own respect and fandom for Miyazaki.

The post Hayao Miyazaki, 82, Doesnt Really Believe The Boy and the Heron Is His Last Film appeared first on TheWrap.
Just a month after its publication in February 1885, Mark Twain 's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" was banned by the public library of Concord, Massachusetts. Backing this initial challenge? Louisa May Alcott .

"If Mr. Clemens cannot think of something better to tell our pure-minded lads and lasses, he had best stop writing for them," the "Little Women" author reportedly said.

Mentioning this detail, Sam Cohen illustrates two points: first, banning books is practically an inherent American reflex. And any given book challenge is rarely about just one issue. Dissenters like Alcott cited the "bad grammar" and "bad behavior" threaded throughout Twain's novel, he said.

Book bans remain a serious topic of conversation across the country.

"Its got 'ain't' in the first sentence, and 'without' used instead of 'unless.' ... So people got mad about that," the University of Missouri English professor added.

But often there's more to a challenge than what's said out loud, Cohen said. While he wouldn't speculate about any of Alcott's deeper-seated aims, he sees obvious patterns across today's book disputes.

Anywhere from 25 to 30 percent of today's hot-to-the-touch texts foreground characters of color and LGBTQ characters. Frequent "targets"  the term a PEN America report from April uses  tend to be challenged on the use of a particular term or scene, when the types of people or ideas these books represent form the true core of an objection, Cohen said.

Cohen remains a student of the fine print within and surrounding challenged texts. This semester, he's teaching Studies in English: Banned Books at MU.

The course begins with Twain's Huck Finn and proceeds through Alison Bechdel's 2006 graphic memoir "Fun Home." Between those bookends, students will read the likes of Ray Bradbury, Toni Morrison , Kurt Vonnegut and Art Spiegleman's "Maus" series.

How banned books 'instruct and delight'

A course like Cohen's must be designed about a year in advance, he said; and no single moment precipitated his interest. Rather, he kept his "antennae up" as the frequency and nature of challenges, forever a hot topic in American culture, changed.

PEN America's report found "1,477 instances of individual books banned, affecting 874 unique titles" in the first half of the 2022-23 school year, a 28 percent increase over the previous six months. And to discuss the state of book bans is to discuss the state of Missouri: we ranked among the top five states in terms of prevalence, keeping company with Texas, Florida, Utah and South Carolina.

One more significant number shared in the PEN report: an outside poll finds "over 70% of parents oppose book banning."

Sam Cohen

In class, Cohen cannot help but reference the history of book banning in Missouri and across the United States. These texts serve as historic divining rods, revealing something about the concerns and outrage of a particular American moment, he said.

But this is not his ultimate aim. In a class of around 40 students  only two of which are English majors  he wants to present books which satisfy ancient aims laid out by the Roman poet Horace: to "instruct and delight." These titles articulate something about the world, and do so in captivating fashion, Cohen said.

"This is not a current events class. This is not a class on the history and politics of book banning," he said. "But its a class about works of literature. Because the subtext, which is not very sub, is 'Can you believe theyre doing this? Theyre trying to keep this out of peoples hands? This great stuff.'"

By the end of the semester, students will finish two papers: one looking at an assigned book through a literary-critical lens. The other, examining the cases and context involved in a particular book's banning. But Cohen's class primarily revolves around discussion.

"What I want them to do day-to-day is what I want students in any class to do: closely read the book in front of them ... and talk about it and think about how it works, what it makes us think of, how it instructs and delights," he said.

Creating the syllabus, he found significance in assigning books written by Missourians  Twain, comic Dick Gregory's memoir, Kate Chopin's novel "The Awakening"  and those banned within our borders, like Morrison's "The Bluest Eye."

The class should situate students in their place and time, Cohen said, and in a much longer conversation. As students get their bearings, growing more comfortable and uncomfortable within them, he wants to see how these texts look through their eyes.

"What does a book thats from 1885, thats set in about 18-say-40, read in 2023 by people from 20 miles away from the place its set ... whats it like to read that?" Cohen said of Twain's work.

In this undated photo, author Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, is shown. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a frequent target of book bans.

Cohen recognizes these books' value, but certainly doesn't uphold them as perfect literature. While "Huckleberry Finn" feels fresh on this reading, he still doesnt like what reads as a belabored ending, he said.

Book bans, from the silly to the very serious

Preparing his course, Cohen encountered challenges that seemed downright strange. Examining a spreadsheet, he thought he saw Lydia Millet's 2020 novel "A Children's Bible," which seemed plausible, he said. After a few emails with the author and her agent, Cohen realized the title in question was an illustrated children's Bible.

After the semester opened, he caught wind of a school district in another state pulling "Romeo and Juliet" until they could comb the text to see what it contained. The 425-year-old text.

More often, Cohen experiences sadness, anger or some heavy alloy of the two. He is particularly troubled by challenges to Spiegelman's graphic novels about the Holocaust and its generational effects, or to books like Morrison's and Gregory's, which express what it means to grow up Black in America.

The loss of this literature is the loss of lived history, he said.

"Novels and graphic novels capture history in a way that regular history books cant. And (students) dont read regular history books in school  theyre reading textbooks," he said. "Spending hundreds of pages looking at something through the lives of people who might have lived through it or actually did  thats a thing you dont get anywhere else."

This sort of rift in the American story drives Cohen past sadness, he said.

"Im terrified that theyre not going to know what happened in the middle of the 20th century to millions of people  and some version of it is bubbling up in their own time and place," he said.

The way state politicians talk about Missourians when they talk about book bans is "insulting," Cohen said, as if students of any age can't be trusted to handle books.

But he sees reasons to hope in the presence of these still-living texts, and of a generation  his students' ages and even younger  who make themselves known at school board meetings, contribute to legal pushback against censorship, crease book bindings of their own volition. They are not just reading  they are thinking and doing, he said.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter @aarikdanielsen.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Challenge accepted: MU class reads banned books for themselves
The couple attended a dinner together on Friday to celebrate designer Haider Ackermann 's collaboration with Augustinus Bader

Madison McGaw/BFA.com Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet attend NYFW dinner together on Friday night

Its been a busy week for new lovebirds Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet.

Monday brought the couples first public sighting together as they enjoyed a PDA-filled night at Beyonces star-studded Renaissance Tour stop in Los Angeles. Just a few days later, Chalamet, 27, brought Jenner, 26, as his date to a New York Fashion Week event on Friday night.

The Dune actor was an expected guest at the dinner party, which celebrated the launch of Haider Ackermanns beauty collaboration with Augustinus Bader, but Vogue reported that Chalamet's arrival with Jenner sent the room abuzz.

The French designer described the event as a family affair, just enjoying each others company, per the outlet.

Several other stars were in attendance, including Jared Leto, Oscar Isaac, Sofia Coppola and Amelia Gray Hamlin.

In a video shared on his Instagram Story prior to the event, Ackermann shared the beautiful white tablecloth set up, and even revealed where some of the big names were set to sit, according to their place tags. In the video, the designer was seated beside Chalamet, and Coppola was seated to the actors left.

Madison McGaw/BFA.com Timothee Chalamet and designer Haider Ackermann's place tags for NYFW dinner

Related: Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet's Relationship Timeline

However, in a video posted on TikTok from the event, Jenner ended up taking the spot to the left of her beau. Vogue reported that Ackermann sat directly across from Coppola.



The pair was animated as they watched the designer address the table full of guests and thank Charles Rosier, Augustinus Baders co-founder, for the collaboration, which Vogue called a futuristic chrome update of the cult beauty brands The Rich Cream and The Cream.



The couples NYFW outing comes after an insider recently told PEOPLE that theyre enjoying their relationship, which is fun and uncomplicated for the Kylie Cosmetics founder.

They have been seeing each other for six months now. He makes Kylie happy, the source said. He has his own life and understands that Kylie needs to prioritize her kids.

The source added, He is charming, very loving and protective of Kylie. She likes that he is a private guy.

Madison McGaw/BFA.com Timothee Chalamet is all smiles with Haider Ackermann at the designer's NYFW event on Friday

Related: Timothee Chalamet's Dating History: From Lourdes Leon to Kylie Jenner

Prior to their first public outing at SoFi Stadium on Monday, a source had confirmed to PEOPLE in April that they were hanging out and getting to know each other.

The confirmation came after Jenners Range Rover was spotted in Chalamets driveway, per TMZ.

Madison McGaw/BFA.com Kylie Jenner poses with Haider Ackermann at a NYFW dinner event on Friday

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Prior to Chalamet, Jenner had been on and off with Travis Scott. She shares her 5-year-old daughter, Stormi Webster, and an 18-month-old son, Aire, with the rapper.

The actor has been romantically linked to Lourdes Leon, Lily-Rose Depp and Eiza Gonzalez.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Franz Rogowski further cemented his status as one of Europes most chameleonic and adventurous screen actors with his highwire turn this year as a narcissistic film director in Ira Sachs Passages, the agent of chaos at the center of a love triangle that spins out of control. The German actor again brings searing magnetism to Lubo, playing a member of midcentury Switzerlands nomadic Yenish community, whose family and peaceful existence are torn from him by national authorities in what amounts to an ethnic cleansing campaign. Here, however, its the sprawling novelistic material that slips out of director Giorgio Diritti s control.

Inspired by Mario Cavatores 2004 novel Il Seminatore but nudged far too often into melodrama in Diritti and Fredo Vallas baggy screenplay, the films historical jumping-off point is eminently worthy of large-canvas treatment. But after a compelling first hour, the director cant seem to get to the dramatic and emotional crux of the epic story, which runs a bloated three hours. When he finally does get there its in the dreaded Big Speech, which even an actor of Rogowskis generous gifts cant make into anything but a teachable moment.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The ignominious chapter in European history concerns the Kinder der Landstrasse (Children of the Road) program, a Swiss government-sanctioned human rights violation under which Yenish children were forcibly removed from their parents  at that time reviled as gypsies  ostensibly over concern for their moral safety. Becoming wards of the state in a foundation called Pro Juventate, the children were separated, re-educated and effectively stripped of their cultural identity before being put up for adoption. The practice continued from 1926 to 1973.

Rogowski plays the title character, an entertainer going from town to town with his wife, three small children and other extended family members in horse-drawn carts, staging folkloric street performances to earn a modest living. The opening has Lubo playing a wild bear thats eventually subdued, at which point he emerges from the animal costume in semi-drag, playing a jaunty tune on his harmonica and charming the spectators. That act of transformation and beguilement has echoes in the characters larger journey.

At the start of the war in 1939, Lubo is conscripted to serve in the Swiss Confederation army, sent to guard the neutral border from possible German invasion. Not long after, he receives devastating news  his three children have been taken into custody by the gendarmerie and his wife killed trying to stop them. While his nephew urges Lubo to desert his post and flee to France with him, the widowed father refuses to leave Switzerland until he has found and reclaimed his children.

In the first of several plot turns that make Lubo a far less straightforward hero than his wronged-man introduction would suggest, the script reveals his ruthless sense of purpose. An opportunity presents itself via shady Viennese wheeler-dealer Bruno Reiter (Joel Basman), who enlists Lubos help to smuggle jewelry and other valuables across the border. That Reiter himself is later revealed to be an unscrupulous opportunist doesnt soften the violence of Lubos actions.

He assumes Reiters identity  also appropriating the Austrians wads of cash, assets and his fancy car  and reinvents himself as a wealthy merchant, searching for his children by feigning a philanthropic interest in the Pro Juventate institutions.

Spurred by the words of a Yenish elder predicting that their community will be pushed to extinction, Lubo embarks on a revenge-by-seduction campaign with the moneyed women of Zurich, exploiting the connections of gallerist and Pro Juventate benefactor Elsa (Noemi Besedes) and bankers wife Klara (Cecilia Steiner).

Each woman in her way represents the authorities that destroyed Lubos family. But this protracted midsection turns him into a serial cad, an aspect Rogowski has no trouble putting across even if it doesnt serve the story particularly well. In fact, the longer he spends dallying with society women and fruitlessly combing the Pro Juventate files, the further the plot driver of his lost children recedes.

This part of the film becomes like the soggy central episode of a limited series for TV, a format that might have been better suited to the material. In its present shape, the screenplay skimps on connective thread in places where more detail would have proved beneficial and elsewhere gets bogged down in ambling detours.

Unlike Elsa and Klara, for whom he has nothing but scorn, Lubos feelings for Margherita (Valentina Belle), the Italian hotel maid he meets in 1951, are genuine. But his hope of easing the sorrow of his past by starting a family with her in a home he has bought on Italys Lake Maggiore is crushed when that past catches up with him in the form of his wartime squad leader Motti (Christophe Sermet), now a detective.

Its at this point that Diritti lets the whole thing devolve into drawn-out soap as a prison term makes way for more heartbreak when Lubo is out on furlough in 1959 and once again finds his right to be a father denied. Lurid potboiler revelations about the man who has taken his place only add to the storys derailment. By the time the unexpectedly compassionate Motti gets Lubos full story and is sufficiently haunted by it to advocate for clemency, the directors grasp has slackened beyond repair.

Through all this, Rogowski keeps you watching, giving the character sufficient shading to make the tragedy of a broken man and a marginalized people violated by history affecting despite the films many missteps. With its melancholy, string-heavy score and accordion elements that take Lubo back to his roots, its handsome period trappings and scenic locations in Switzerland and Italy, Lubo is a classy enough production. But the movie too seldom rises to the level of its charismatic lead.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Click here to read the full article.
Mads Mikkelsen isnt interested in criticism of the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in his new movie The Promised Land. When a reporter pointed out that the movie is a Danish production thats entirely Nordic and asked if the actor is worried about the movie being ineligible to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar once new rules go into effect next year, Mikkelsen shot back, Are you?

He continued, Im serious and honest, because youre putting us on the spot, so you answer the question.

The tense moment took place at the movies press conference at the Venice Film Festival following its premiere. The reporter drew the contrast between Mikkelsens new film and recent Oscar winner Parasites own lack of diversity  a different situation both due to the film coming from a non-majority white country, as well as the new rules not yet being in effect.

When the journalist described the lack of diversity in The Promised Land as a conundrum, Mikkelsen responded, I dont notice that, personally.

Nikolaj Arcel , the films director, stepped in and pointed out, Well, first of all, the film takes place in Denmark in the 1750s. We do have a big plotline about a girl of color who is being subjected to racism, which was very rare, any people of color in Denmark almost nobody. She was probably at the time the only one in the entire country of Denmark.

Still, he concluded, diversity wasnt a thought in our mind.

The question was then more directly answered by one of the films producers, Louise Vesth, who said, I think you raise an interesting question. In my opinion, Ive been a producer for many, many years, and I think we are all discussing these things. And I think all populations need diversity, creativity and pluralism in the art. We have to give a mirror of the society around us.

But, she added, In my opinion, its a failure if we want to put this into every single film. Because if every single film gets all the diversity into the single film, then all films become the same.

She went on to say that Arcel was telling his view on a particular story with this film and that she felt diversity should be seen in Denmarks films across multiple projects, but doesnt necessarily need to be within each individual film.

The new rules in question were announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2020 as part of the organizations Academy Aperture 2025 initiative. Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson explained at the time, The aperture must widen to reflect our diverse global population in both the creation of motion pictures and in the audiences who connect with them.

The pair continued, The Academy is committed to playing a vital role in helping make this a reality. We believe these inclusion standards will be a catalyst for long-lasting, essential change in our industry.

Beginning next year, in order for a movie to be eligible to be nominated for Best Picture, it must meet at least two of the four diversity requirements. The requirements include conditions such as ensuring that at least one lead actor is from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group and that the production offers paid internships or apprenticeships to underrepresented groups.

The post Mads Mikkelsen Dismisses Questions About Lack of Diversity in The Promised Land (Video) appeared first on TheWrap.
Almost a century and a half after Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky penned his one and only violin concerto during a getaway in the Swiss Alps, an Oklahoma City theater is going "Behind the Music" to tell the backstory of the celebrated Russian composer's enduring masterwork.

"After (working on) this play, I feel like I know Tchaikovsky a little more, and I can appreciate what his music is," said Michael Baron, producing artistic director for Lyric Theatre.

"'Amadeus' did the same thing for Mozart. When 'Amadeus' came out as a play and then the movie, all of the sudden I think a wider mass audience was like, 'Oh, I now have more context with what's being performed all over the world all the time. I'm not just listening to pretty music.'"

After its three-show summer run at Civic Center Music Hall, Lyric is returning to its Plaza District home this fall to stage the world premiere of Alan Olejniczak's fact-based musical drama "Concerto." Lyric begins previews of the new show Sept. 13, with opening night set for Sept. 16. Performances continue through Oct. 1 in the Plaza Theatre.

"You're getting real human stories behind who Tchaikovsky was," said Baron, who is directing "Concerto." "If you're like, 'Oh yeah, that's the guy that wrote "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake,"' well, of course, that's not who he was. Those are the works he did  and knowing who he was, how he created these pieces, who was funding those pieces, is beyond fascinating."

From left, Matthew Alvin Brown stars as Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Kris Schinske as his patroness, Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck, in Lyric Theatre's world-premiere production of Alan Olejniczak's fact-based musical drama "Concerto."

OKC theater continues New Works Initiative with world premiere of 'Concerto'

"Concerto" is the 10th show in Lyric's ongoing New Works Initiative, which the nonprofit professional theater launched in 2014 with "Triangle." Lyric has produced one world-premiere work a year since, with previous titles including "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" (2015), "Mann ... And Wife" (2016), Disney's "When You Wish" (2017), "When We're Gone" (2018), "Girlfriend" (2019), "Lyric Kids' Clubhouse" (2020), "Denise Lee: Pressure Makes Diamonds" (2021) and "Distant Thunder" (2022).

"Where new works come into play ... is it gets new voices into the canon. Then, the director of 'Jersey Boys,' for instance, that was not his first show; that was part of his artistic journey. So, we're encouraging the art of playwriting," said Baron, referring to the Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons jukebox musical Lyric plans to stage in 2024.

Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron leads a rehearsal for the musical "Head Over Heels" at Lyric's Plaza Theatre in Oklahoma City on April 2, 2022.

'Concerto' writer has penned plays in the Arctic Circle and Volcano National Park

Baron said he became interested in producing Olejniczak's "Concerto" after meeting the playwright at the William Inge Theater Festival in Kansas.

"I was invited to go there as basically a juror for playwrights to do small sections of their work, and Alan did a small section of a play called 'Val-Kill,' which is the house that the Roosevelts lived in in upstate New York. ... His love of writing about historical figures, but making them relevant to today is amazing," Baron said.

"He's traveled the world as a playwright; he's written plays in the Arctic Circle. He was the resident playwright at Hawaii's Volcano National Park. He's just extremely interesting."

Olejniczak completed the first draft of "Concerto" in 2016. After a workshop and staged reading in Oklahoma City in 2021, he updated the script, adding more scenes to elevate the drama.

I hope audiences enjoy their evening and leave knowing a bit more about how great art is created, Olejniczak said in an email. I want our audiences to be inspired enough to want to attend more theater and more live music.

From left, Sheridan McMichael stars as violinist Iosif Iosifovich Kotek, Matthew Alvin Brown as Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Kris Schinske as Tchaikovsky's patroness, Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck, in Lyric Theatre's world-premiere production of Alan Olejniczak's fact-based musical drama "Concerto."

Lyric Theatre receives NEA grant to help make world-premiere production possible

Lyric Theatre received a $10,000 project grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to help make its world-premiere production of "Concerto" possible.

"To get an NEA grant for this was an honor, because it felt this was a project worthy to be talked about on the national stage, like 'How can theaters and orchestras work together to bring people back to the theater and also tell them stories?'" Baron said.

As part of its 60th anniversary season, Lyric Theatre is producing the "inspired by a true story" drama in collaboration with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate, who is working as the music supervisor on "Concerto."

"Michael Baron approached me and said, 'Hey, we're doing this beautiful theater piece ... all about the creation of the Tchaikovsky violin concerto.' And he asked me, 'Why don't you program the violin concerto in the beginning of your season?'" Mickelthwate told The Oklahoman. "So, the whole thing is really cool ... and now I'm in rehearsals with them."

In harmony with Lyric's "Concerto," the OKC Philharmonic was to open its 2023-2024 Classics concert season by not only performing Tchaikovsky's "Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35" but also the acclaimed composer's "Symphony No. 6" Sept. 9 at the Civic Center.

Matthew Alvin Brown stars as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in Lyric Theatre's world-premiere production of Alan Olejniczak's fact-based musical drama "Concerto."

What's the story behind 'Concerto' and who is starring in the world-premiere production?

"Concerto" will take audiences behind the scenes as Tchaikovsky works on his "Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35," the only violin concerto he composed.

After the failure of his marriage to Antonina Miliukova, a depressed Tchaikovsky escaped to the mountains of Clarens, Switzerland, on picturesque Lake Geneva. The trip was funded by his new patroness, Nadezhda von Meck. A visit from one of his former students, violinist Iosif Kotek, inspired the composer to write his violin concerto in 1878.

The work was initially polarizing and had some vocal detractors. Once it finally premiered in 1881, prominent critic Eduard Hanslick infamously wrote that the concerto "gives us for the first time the hideous notion that there can be music that stinks to the ear. But it's now regarded as a masterpiece and has become one of the most beloved violin concertos in music history.

The world-premiere production of "Concerto" will feature three Oklahoma actors: Lyric mainstay Matthew Alvin Brown will star as Tchaikovsky.

Another Lyric favorite, Sheridan McMichael will portray Kotek. Kris Schinske, who has worked frequently with Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre, Jewish Theatre of Oklahoma and Guthrie's Pollard Theatre, will make her Lyric debut as von Meck.

"In the first week of rehearsal, we were at the table, and we never stood up for a whole week, just going page by page, line by line, and making sure it was clear," Baron said. "The playwright, he's actually been here the entire time. It's been great to see the cast suggest things and the playwright take those suggestions, along with us working with the musicians and Alexander to shape the musical score for the piece."

The musicians who will perform onstage include Joao Pedro Pena Dutra on piano and Samuel Gilles on violin.

"For classical music lovers, there's all kinds of Easter eggs in this show. ... But this should be interesting if you know nothing about Tchaikovsky, classical music or Russia. It should just be good drama," Baron said.

'CONCERTO' WORLD PREMIERE

When : Sept. 13-Oct. 1.

Where : Plaza Theatre, 1725 NW 16.

Tickets and information: https://lyrictheatreokc.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: World-premiere drama 'Concerto' takes OKC theatergoers behind the music
Like OBEs, middlebrow British prestige biopics symbolize a desire to raise national morale by bestowing laurels upon an extraordinary individual. These subjects require no special case-making, for their efforts speak for themselves. The result tends to be patronizingly risk-averse, as story dots are joined with the goal of spoon-feeding a historic achievement to the masses. An inspirational message becomes a claim to contemporary relevance while a popular actor leads the charge towards awards recognition.

What sets Anthony Hopkins as Sir Nicholas Winton aside from Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game and Eddie Redmayne as Steven Hawking in The Theory of Everything, is that while these two men are known for their scientific inventions, Winton acted from an instinctive desire to do something humane.

More from IndieWire

James Hawes, a British TV director whose most notable credits are two episodes of Black Mirror (Hated in the Nation and Smithereens) moves cautiously into the film-o-sphere with a kid-gloves handling of the story of Sir Nicholas Winton. His film intercuts between two timelines: in 1938, Winton, a mild-mannered stockbroker played by Johnny Flynn, feels the acute peril on a visit to Prague and forms the British Committee for Refugees from Czechoslovakia (BCRC) to evacuate Jewish children to London, saving 669 lives; in 1987, Maidenhead, Anthony Hopkins plays a sharp-humored yet preoccupied man who has never forgiven himself for the children he did not have time to bring across. This timeline builds up to a moment in media history, restaging an overwhelming episode of Thats Life!, a daytime BBC TV consumer affairs show, in which the previously anonymous Winton became a national hero in the course of minutes.

The BCRC is formed out of an emergency aid organization run by Doreen (Romola Garai), Trevor (Alex Sharp), and Marta (Antonie Formanova) whose harried presence at the refugee camps predates the arrival of Johnny (Flynn)-come-lately. He persuades them, via a spirited speech, to up their game from on-the-ground support to finding adoptive homes in the UK for the most vulnerable children. Spirited speeches prove an ongoing currency as stony officials instantly melt into warm-hearted collaborators, with the fluidity of gatekeepers taking a bribe. As Nicholas mother, Babette, a German-accented Helena Bonham-Carter Helena Bonham-Carters her way though many of these such officials, usually wearing fur.

The undeniably moving nature of Winton and his associates deeds swell the narrative with rich emotional currents, however the films bid for consistent quality is kneecapped by a ridiculously on-the-nose script. Unobtrusively accurate period detail, rendered by production designer Christina Moore, becomes a backdrop for silly back-and-forths. A key scene for the brand new BBRC takes place in a bar where pleasingly drab costumes only means that dialogue pops like a cartoon animals speech bubble.

The subject of conversation is whether the British people will respond to a newspaper advert looking for adoptive parents for the refugee children. You have a lot of faith in ordinary people, someone says to Nicholas. I do, because I am an ordinary person, he counters. Soon they are toasting to an army of ordinary people and the films outlook is announced with all the subtlety of a blow to the head.

One Life

Hawes exerts damage control on the script, but also clashes with it, via a visual language that trades in realism, bearing out his public statements about taking inspiration from contemporary images of Ukrainian refugees. One Life flirts with transcending its shortcomings in its stark depiction of parents saying goodbye to their tiny, wide-eyed children  big gloved hands slowly letting go of smaller hands, before the small-hand owners shuffle onto a steam train, identifiable by numbers written on cardboard and hung about their necks with string. These partings happen in batches across the 1938 section, always mercifully dialogue-free, and so the dramatic irony (we know that this is a permanent goodbye) wrenches anew.

The push-and-pull between what is lissom and enjoyable and what is clumsy and jarring extends to the edits between timelines, as Hawes chooses cliched images (reflective surfaces, diving into a pool) to cut between Johnny Flynn and Anthony Hopkins. This does a disservice to the performances which achieve great coherence. Both men have clearly studied the real Winton. While Flynn is not given the chance to deliver emotional pay-offs, he sets up the characters diffident persona and quiet convictions, proving that he has the versatility to play a repressed, still-water-run-deep gentleman, as well as his stock-in-trade: sexy dirtbags and tortured artists (Beast and Stardust).

At this point in a sensational career, it is to be expected that Hopkins will sink his teeth into any part. Somehow, presumably through witchcraft, he sails over expectations, and the way that he does this (on top of the witchcraft) is by taking a pause to reset a scene in order that he can take it from the top with smaller inflections and movements. He neutralizes the overbaked dialogue with a deadpan delivery, before proceeding to act with every other tool in his arsenal. When the script is not your friend, silence is, and the most moving and memorable moments arrive when Hopkins simply sits with a loaded piece of information. His response to the blunt and needless point that the children he could not save would almost definitely have been murdered in concentration camps is, eventually, Bloody Hitler!  humor shoehorned in to diffuse the pain.

The Thats Life! scene when it arrives is too, too much. The film has no curiosity over, or desire to interrogate, the ethical implications of emotionally ambushing a private man in such a public setting. Instead, it restages what went down, verbatim, as a handy climax which offers a moment of transformation and a personal outlet for Winton, handled with typical small beauty by Hopkins. Much as a hungry child will salivate on seeing a chocolate bar, so the circumstances depicted yank at the heart strings with something approaching brutality. The films faith in ordinary people extends to a belief that we will adopt child refugees, but a belief that we can interpret art is a bridge too far.

Grade: B

One Life premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. It is currently seeking U.S. distribution.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.


If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

While Prince Harry s recent visit to the United Kingdom came and went relatively quickly, he made time to remember his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II , on the one-year anniversary of her death. Not only did the Duke of Sussex pay a visit to the longest-reigning monarchs final resting place, he also paid tribute to her in a thoughtful speech. Prince Harry commemorated Queen Elizabeth IIs memory during his remarks at the WellChild Awards, and his words wholly resonated with and captured his grandmothers steadfast commitment to service.

More from SheKnows

On Thursday, Sept. 7, Harry attended the awards ceremony for WellChild, a charity that provides support for children and young people struggling with serious illnesses. The annual awards honor caregivers, families, and children. During his opening remarks, Harry acknowledged his absence the year prior. As you know, I was unable to attend [last year], Harry said, per Harpers Bazaar, referencing Queen Elizabeths passing on Sept. 8, 2022.

Today, we remember the one-year anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. https://t.co/5hjOdK24YA  SheKnows (@SheKnows) September 8, 2023

As you also probably know, she would have been the first person to insist I still come to be with you all instead of going to her, and thats precisely why I know, exactly one year on, she is looking down on all of us tonight  happy we are together  continuing to spotlight such an incredible community, he said. As the longest reigning sovereign in U.K. history, Queen Elizabeths life was dedicated to her duties as queen. Its no surprise, then, that Harrys tribute referenced how much she would have wanted him to fulfill his commitment to service by attending the WellChild Awards.

Click here to read the full article.

Following his quick visit to the U.K., the Duke of Sussex set off for Dusseldorf, Germany, for the 2023 Invictus Games. Like his grandmother, Harry has always possessed a deep love and commitment to service. His tribute to the late monarch was so fitting and thoughtful, words Queen Elizabeth II would have been proud.

Queen of Our Times by Robert Hardman

Image: Pegasus Books - Credit: Pegasus Books.

Pegasus Books.

Queen of Our Times by Robert Hardman

Price: $39.95 $30.58

Buy On Amazon

Queen Elizabeth II has been a global icon for 70 years. Since ascending to the throne at the age of 25, the long-reigning sovereign has approached her historic role with poise and quiet confidence. But behind the veneer of monarchy, Queen Elizabeth has been the leader of a family and household through good times and bad. Robert Hardmans new biography, Queen of Our Times, takes longtime royal fans behind the veil with unprecedented access to royal records, friends, staff, and more, as the legendary leader and the House of Windsor celebrates her landmark reign. This will surely be known as the definitive book on Queen Elizabeth II.

Before you go, click here to see the best photos of Queen Elizabeth II before she was queen.

Queen Elizabeth II

Best of SheKnows

Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter.

For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In May 1997, things were looking up for Gary Patterson, a 33-year-old Waco, Texas draftsman and single dad with a 6-year-old daughter Crystal.

A job opportunity to oversee a new development in El Paso would be a chance for Patterson to build a more secure future for them both.

His fiancee, Michelle Wilson, helped him pick out an outfit for his interview, she told Buried in the Backyard, airing Saturdays at 8/7c on Oxygen. They selected black pants, a white shirt and cowboy boots, and he headed to the Waco airport. He looked nice, Wilson said.

She never saw him again.

RELATED: South Carolina Man Was Shot 8 Times, Buried Twice, and Dumped in Lake in "Vigilante" Murder

Gary Patterson Goes Missing

A day later, Wilson and Pattersons folks, who were watching Crystal, hadnt heard from him. Convinced something was amiss, Pattersons family filed a missing persons report.

Patterson had mentioned that he planned to visit a job site east of El Paso deep in the Chihuahuan Desert. This sparked concern because that area was across the border Juarez, Mexico.

Juarez is infamous for its corruption, for its violence, and for its crime rate, said Texas Ranger Matt Cawthon.

Waco Police Dept. Det. Steve January expressed similar concern. Somebody could have robbed him. Somebody could have shot him. Somebody could have killed him, he said. Anything could have happened.

Investigators confirmed that Patterson had flown from Waco to El Paso. But then the trail went cold.

With help from the Mexican consulate, Pattersons family made sure that he wasnt in a jail or prison south of the border, according to his brother, David Patterson.

Investigators learned that Pattersons divorce in 1992 had been turbulent because of custody issues. In 1994, his ex-wife, Lisa Urick Patterson, had taken the girl and was in the wind for nearly two years, according to Buried in the Backyard.

When detectives questioned Pattersons ex-spouse she had a solid alibi, said January. She wasnt a person of interest.

Investigators also questioned Williams to make sure she wasnt tied into the disappearance. She was quickly marked off the list, said January. She had an alibi. She loved Gary.

Victim Gary Patterson featured on Buried in the Backyard episode 511

Gary Patterson. Photo: Oxygen

Detectives focused on Pattersons job interview in El Paso, an opportunity connected to the development of a modular home community initiated by a supposed developer named Ned Wright.

Patterson had kept the interview and the trip to El Paso a secret to most people because his current employer might resent his job search, according to Buried in the Backyard.

Detectives determined that Wright had stayed at the Fairfield Inn in El Paso. However, they found no one registered under that name. Using phone logs they found that one guest had made calls to Brazos Environmental and Engineering, Pattersons workplace in Waco.

That lodger, who was required to share his drivers ID, was Theodore Young. Interviews with witnesses confirmed that Young and Wright were the same person.

Con Man Theodore Young Enters the Case

Young had been convicted of a massive fraud in South Carolina worth $26 million, said January. Young failed to surrender and was on the run from federal police.

It was unclear what a fugitive con man would want with Patterson. Investigators focused on his ex-father-in-law Sam Urick, who had a history of checkered business dealings.

Father-in-Law Potentially Involved in Gary Pattersons Death

Urick declined to speak with authorities, and they couldnt force him to do so. Investigators circled back to a private investigator Patterson hired to search for his ex-wife and his daughter.

That private eye had removed a journal from the front seat of Sam Uricks car and sent it to detectives, January told Buried in the Backyard. The journal contained pages of names and contact numbers, including that of Theodore Young.

Gary Patterson's Ex-Father-in-Law Sam Urick a Suspect

The focus of the investigation became the connection between Sam Urick and Theodore Young. Uricks network reached beyond the Texas state jurisdiction, so investigators enlisted the help of the U.S. Marshals to track him down.

Detectives on the Patterson case found out that Urick had been flagged by the CIA. He was allegedly involved in some shady dealings with rogue government agents back in the 80s, said January.

Investigators shared the discovery with Pattersons family. We knew Gary was gone, said his brother David.

RELATED: Murdered Woman's Buried Body Found 13 Years After Her Killer's Conviction

Waco investigators grilled Sam Uricks known El Paso accomplices. They told them about a mining scheme in the desert outside of El Paso, said January.

In June 1998 investigators drove to the sprawling property in the desert, where a security guard told them that there were a lot of shady things happening, said Cawthon.

Evidence shared by the guard included a human bone. Investigators leaned on Pattersons ex-wife, who at this point was in jail for a parole violation related to her prior custody and kidnapping charges.

Gary Patterson's Case Goes International

She let us know that she knew her father had intentionally lured Gary El Paso and didn't mean to kill him, but had been beating on him, said January.

A thorough search of the desert ranch property turned up a human skeleton investigators believed was Gary Patterson. It was, in fact, the remains of another man whod gone missing.

Nonetheless, Pattersons ex-wifes confession made it clear that her father and fraudster Theodore Young had plotted an attack on him.

Waco detectives turned their focus to finding Young and sought help from federal authorities and Interpol. In August 1998, Interpol police captured Young in Honduras, said Cawthon.

When questioned by Waco investigators, Young spilled all about what happened to Patterson 15 months earlier.

According to investigators, Young said that he went to Waco to draw Patterson to El Paso. When they arrived he drove Patterson to the desert, where Sam Urick was waiting. Young held a gun to Pattersons head as Urick bound him.

Young said, I left at that point, said January. The next day, Young claimed that Urick told him that Patterson was no longer a problem. For January, this confirmed that Patterson had been killed, the investigator said.

A mugshot of Theodore Young, featured on Buried in the Backyard episode 511

Theodore Young. Photo: Oxygen

Confession Leads to Gary Patterson's Buried Body

Young drew a map for investigators where this fatal encounter took place. Using that map, human remains were found that were confirmed through dental records to be Gary Patterson.

The medical examiner determined that Patterson had been struck by a blunt object  and that he had sand in his nasal cavity and lungs. Gary Patterson had been buried alive, said January.

If you ever believe that evil does not exist, take a look at what happened to Gary Patterson.Thats pure evil, said Cawthon.

Prosecutors sought the death penalty. But in September 1999, Sam Urick and Theodore Young pled guilty to Pattersons murder.

Young received 20 years for his role in the crime and was released after 17 years in 2018. Lisa Urick Patterson received three years, which was added to two she was serving for the parole violation. She served five years in full before her death in 2005.

Mastermind Sam Urick, now 86, received a life sentence and is currently behind bars.

To find out more about the case, watch Buried in the Backyard, airing Saturdays at 8/7c on Oxygen.
Oscar-nominated auteur Todd Haynes set tongues a-waggin' and minds a-wanderin' when he first brought up his gay romantic drama set in 1930s Los Angeles starring Joaquin Phoenix, whom the Carol director previously said pushed the film into NC-17 territory.

In a new interview from France's Deauville American Film Festival, Haynes offered some more info on the collaboration and just how gay we're getting here (hint: really gay).

Joaquin Phoenix, Todd Haynes

Kevin Winter/Getty Images; Phillip Faraone/FilmMagic Joaquin Phoenix; Todd Haynes

"It's a love story between two men set in the 30s that has explicit sexual content that or at least it challenges you with the sexual relationship between these two men," Haynes told Variety. "One is a Native American character and one is a corrupt cop in LA. It's set in the 30s. They have to flee L.A. ultimately and go to Mexico. But it's a love story and with a strong sexual component."

Haynes reiterated that the film all stemmed from ideas Phoenix had brought to him that he developed along with the Joker actor and his Mildred Pierce collaborator John Raymond. Haynes also made sure to note that it was Phoenix who was "pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually."

Phoenix, one assumes, will play the corrupt cop though Haynes has not yet cast the Native character. He says the eventual actor is "probably going to be a discovery," which is exciting since we haven't had a good "And Introducing..." in a while.

Haynes is currently promoting his latest, May December, starring Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman in a story that draws inspiration from Mary Kay Letourneau scandal and is already generating Oscar buzz. Haynes says he hopes to use "many of" the same people on his as-yet-untitled project with Phoenix since the May December experience was "so superb."

"Everyone is already engaged on this next one and can't wait. We have everybody already doing stuff on it, research stuff," Haynes explained. "And yeah, we're talking to Mexican producers, co-producers. We might want to shoot the whole thing in Mexico, so that we can build our Los Angeles of the 30's there, and stretch our resources and work with the amazing craftspeople of Mexican cinema. That would be my dream. We're hoping all that works out."

Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

Related content:
With no end to the dual strikes on the horizon  speaking at the Toronto Film Festival on Friday, SAG-AFTRA national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said he saw no sign the major studios and streamers will willing to return to the negotiating table the independent film industry is beginning to adjust to the possibility of that the actors and writers walkouts could potentially continue for months, perhaps well into next year. What that means for the business of making and selling indie films is the subject of most conversations overheard before screenings and over drinks among industry executives at TIFF.

A production slow-down is inevitable. It, in fact, is already underway as many shovel-ready productions weigh whether to apply for interim agreements from the unions which allow them to go ahead with shooting but bind them to the terms SAG demanded of AMPTP back on July 12, including things like using specific metrics to calculate streaming residuals, terms the studios and streams have rejected. The ongoing writers strike which has already lasted more than 130 days means no new scripts are being written. One European distributor expressed frustration at the lack of marketable pre-sale projects at the TIFF market this year. The agencies are dusting off scripts from 6-7 years ago that they couldnt sell, on the hope well bite, he noted.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

International producers, not bound to SAG guidelines and will easier access to soft money in the form of government subsidies and tax credits, think they could be well-positioned to fill the production gap.

We can get movies made and big movies, said Louise Vesth of Denmarks Zentropa, a producer on Nicolaj Arcels Danish period epic The Promised Land starring Mads Mikkelsen, which premiered in Venice and is screening at TIFF (the film sold, pre-strike, to the Magnolia Pictures for the U.S.) It looks like most buyers have enough movies to hold them through the end of the year but after that, there could be an opportunity.

If supply decreases with Hollywood on strike, we need to be ready with our products for the international market as well, said Francesco Rutelli, president of the Italian national audiovisual association Anica, speaking at a panel at the Venice Film Festival last week. Nicola Maccanico, CEO of storied Rome backlot Cinecitta, said the time has come for international filmmakers to conquer the world market.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, several international distributors said they were already looking at non-U.S. titles to fill out their 2024 and 2025 slates. Everyone is looking at the British, Australian, Canadian films with big stars, said one London-based producer, saying English-language films can feel Hollywood in foreign markets, making them a good substitute for U.S. movies.

But Fabien Westerhoff at British production and sales group Film Constellation says he has seen several projects exploring a shift to Europe as a location to shoot during the strikes, he does not think long-term, non-American movies can replace missing U.S. productions in the market.

U.S. productions cater to a specific corner of the market, so the opportunity effect for non-U.S. films is limited from a distribution point of view.

Alex Ritman contributed to this report.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Click here to read the full article.
The Blink-182 drummer is no stranger to giving back to his fans

Travis Barker/Instagram Travis Barker gives Blink-182 fan his drumsticks

Travis Barker just made a fan cry  in a good way!

The Blink-182 drummer, 47, posted a clip to Instagram, showing him surprise a pop-punk fan with the ultimate treat: A pair of Barker's own drumsticks from tour.

"1st day of tour ," Barker captioned the video.

The clip, taken in Antwerp, Belgium outside of the group's show this week, was also posted by tour photographer Clemente Ruiz on his Instagram Story. It starts with a shot of a Blink fan holding a homemade cardboard sign with the phrase, "Can I have a drumstick" written across it, and the band's logo hand-drawn underneath.

The fan is seen rocking a Blink shirt, flashing a giant smile with the sign in hand, before the camera pans to Barker, who walks all the way out of the venue to greet him. Barker hands the fan his drumsticks from the tour, after which the two share a wholesome hug while surrounded by crowd cheers.

At the end of the video, the fan can be seen crying tears of joy into another guy's arms. "Travis Barker just gave me drumsticks," he said. "What the f---?"

The video also includes a caption from Ruiz, who wrote over it that Barker "was down as soon as we saw the sign when we drove in the venue."

Related: Travis Barker Returns to the Stage After Postponing Shows for Wife Kourtney Kardashian's 'Urgent Fetal Surgery'

The show wasn't just a big moment for the fan; it was a big one for Barker, too, as it marked the continuation of Blink's live performances after he departed from their U.K. tour to support his wife, Kourtney Kardashian, 44, who underwent an emergency surgery, last week.

Initially, the trio announced the postponement of three shows in Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin due to an urgent family matter," and Barker later clarified via a post on X, formerly Twitter that he "flew home for a life-threatening emergency surgery for our baby that I'm so grateful went well." Kardashian opened up about her experience on Instagram.

"I am eternally grateful to my husband who rushed to my side from tour to be with me in the hospital and take care of me afterwards, my rock. And to my mom, thank you for holding my hand through this," she wrote, adding that she "wasnt prepared for the fear of rushing into urgent fetal surgery" as a mother of three.

"I dont think anyone who hasnt been through a similar situation can begin to understand that feeling of fear," she added. "I have a whole new understanding and respect for the mamas who have had to fight for their babies while pregnant. Praise be to God. Walking out of the hospital with my baby boy in my tummy and safe was the truest blessing. "

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Barker is no stranger to giving fans his drumsticks, either, as he did the same in August when he handed off his sticks to a 9-year-old fan in Los Angeles. As Billboard notes, Barker surprised blind musician Grayson Roberts at his lemonade stand late last month, and even performed with the young man.

I brought you some drumsticks and I also brought some donations, I brought some money, Barker said.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Its been 13 years since The Walking Dead infected audiences with zombie fever and helped kick-start a decades-long obsession with stories of survival among the undead. Even in 2023, the craze has yet to die out, with three Walking Dead spinoffs premiering in just the last three years. Now, its Daryl Dixons turn. The gruff and beloved OG character finds himself in France for a brand new storyline, meaning even if you havent kept up with the show over the last 13 years, you can still tune in to The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.

Quick Overview Watch 'The Walking Dead' franchise free with Philo trial Philo $25 at Philo

Stream 'Daryl Dixon' free ExpressVPN $7 at ExpressVPN

Stream 'Daryl Dixon' free ExpressVPN $7 at ExpressVPN

Want to catch up on The Walking Dead franchise anyway? Weve got you covered. Heres how to watch every Walking Dead series, from the original to The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.

Where can I watch The Walking Dead?

The Walking Dead (and all of its spinoffs) are on AMC, the premium cable channel also known for Mad Men and Killing Eve. If you want to watch new Walking Dead spinoffs, or rewatch old seasons of the original series, you'll need a TV provider that carries the channel, or a streaming service that offers an AMC add-on. Here's what we recommend for watching The Walking Dead:

(Photo: Philo) Watch 'The Walking Dead' franchise free with Philo trial Philo Live TV streaming service Philo currently has AMC's content, including The Walking Dead and subsequent spinoffs, new and old alike. Starting at $25 per month, Philo offers you access to over 70 live channels, including Discovery, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Lifetime and MTV. If youre looking to binge Season 5 of Yellowstone, Philo's got that too. The best part? Philo currently offers a 7-day free trial, so you could technically sign up for the service and stream for free. $25 at Philo

How to watch The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon for free (sort of)

(ExpressVPN) Stream 'Daryl Dixon' free ExpressVPN Residents of New Zealand are able to watch The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon free on TVNZ. When you factor in the time difference, new episodes drop at nearly the same time for New Zealanders. You can also watch new episodes free on-demand on TVNZ+. Not a resident of New Zealand? You can still stream like you do with the help of a VPN. ExpressVPN offers internet without borders, meaning you can tune into international shows, movies and sporting events as opposed to paying for US coverage. All you'll need to do is sign up for ExpressVPN, change your server location and then find the show on TVNZ. ExpressVPNs added protection, speed and range of location options makes it an excellent choice for first-time VPN users looking to stretch their streaming abilities, plus, it's Endgadget's top pick for the best streaming VPN. New users can save 49% when they sign up for ExpressVPNs 12-month subscription. Plus, the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, in case you're nervous about trying a VPN. $7 at ExpressVPN

How to watch The Walking Dead and new spinoffs:

Don't want to sign up for Philo to make your way through The Walking Dead series? Here's more ways to watch The Walking Dead, from the original series to the Daryl Dixon spinoff.

Where to watch The Walking Dead (2010-2021)

After Sheriff Rick Grimes is shot on the job and put into a coma, he wakes to find the world has been entirely overtaken by the dead. The Walking Dead, that is! Based on the best-selling comic series, The Walking Dead follows survivors in the aftermath of the zombie apocalypse. The hit series stretches across 11 seasons and has spawned five spinoffs (so far). The original Season 1 cast includes Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Melissa McBride and Lauren Cohan. Currently, you can catch the very first episode of The Walking Dead totally free on AMC.com.

Watch on AMC+ Watch on Netflix

Where to watch Fear the Walking Dead (2015-2023)

This sort-of-prequel series takes viewers back to the start of the zombie apocalypse, introducing a blended family full of brand new characters in Los Angeles and then later in Mexico. The series, which saw a soft-reboot with its fourth season, stars Kim Dickens, Cliff Curtis, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam-Carey and Lennie James. Fear the Walking Dead is currently in its eighth season.

Thanks to a "pop-up" streaming agreement, you can watch Fear The Walking Dead on Max for the next two months, along with several other popular AMC shows.

Watch on Max Watch on AMC+

Where to watch The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020-2021)

Nestled in Nebraska inside a safe zone, the first group of teens to ever come of age during the zombie apocalypse decide to leave behind the only home theyve ever known to find their missing family members. Both seasons of The Walking Dead: World Beyond are available to stream on AMC+.

Watch on AMC+

Where to watch Tales of the Walking Dead (2022)

This episodic anthology miniseries explores new and familiar stories within the world of The Walking Dead. The show features appearances by Terry Crews, Olivia Munn and Jillian Bell.

Watch on AMC+

Where to watch The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023)

When Maggies son Hershel is kidnapped, she enlists Negan, despite her long-standing resentment of him, to travel to a post-apocalyptic Manhattan on a rescue mission. Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan reprise their original roles for Dead City, alongside Gaius Charles and Zeljko Ivanek. You can watch the first full episode of Dead City totally free on YouTube, and the entire season is out now on AMC+.

Watch free on YouTube Watch on AMC+

Where to watch The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023)

Daryl Dixon heads abroad in the newest Walking Dead spinoff, starring the fan-favorite Norman Reedus. The six-episode miniseries sees the gruff crossbow-toting good guy wash up on the shores of France, where he meets a new group of survivors  and potential allies. Melissa McBride is rumored to be making an appearance as Carol in the new show, which officially premieres on AMC Sunday, Sept. 10.

Watch on AMC+

Stream 'Daryl Dixon' free ExpressVPN $7 at ExpressVPN

Will there be more Walking Dead shows?

There are currently two more Walking Dead spinoffs in the works at AMC, though neither series has a set release date yet. The spinoffs are titles The Ones Who Live (2024) and More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe (TBD).
Blinken pledges aid after Morocco earthquake, defends G20 statement on Ukraine war

The U.S. "reached out immediately" to the Moroccan government in the wake of a devastating earthquake there and "made very clear to them that we are prepared to assist in any way that we can," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

"We have the U.S. Agency for International Development, which takes the lead in our efforts, mobilizing and we're waiting to hear from the Moroccan government how we can be of most assistance. But we're tracking this very carefully and our hearts go out to the people of Morocco," Blinken told ABC "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl in an interview that aired Sunday.

The death toll from the quake, which struck in the High Atlas Mountains on Friday night, has already surpassed 2,000, according to Moroccan officials. Scores more were injured in the worst seismic event in the North African country in decades.

The U.S. response was just one of the items on Blinken's agenda over the weekend, which he spent alongside President Joe Biden in New Delhi for a Group of 20 summit -- a gathering of the leaders governing the world's top economies.

While the powers were ultimately able to sign off on a final statement that mentioned the invasion of Ukraine ahead of the summit's close, the group reached a consensus only after wording denouncing Russia for waging the war was erased.

MORE: Blinkens Ukraine trip sends careful message of progress and peril: ANALYSIS

Karl pressed Blinken on why this year's joint statement ultimately did not explicitly call out Russia's aggression as the leaders' declaration did following last year's meeting in Bali, Indonesia, which noted that "most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine."

By contrast, the latest G20 declaration urges that "all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state."

On "This Week," Blinken defended the new language.

"The leaders here are all stood up very clearly -- including in the statement -- for Ukraine's sovereignty and its territorial integrity," he insisted. "I think the statement is a very strong one."

The secretary also said "leader after leader" attending the summit underscored the negative global impact of Russia's war, particularly its effect on food security given Ukraine's key role in producing grain, for example.

"It was very clear in the room, going around the table, that countries are feeling the consequences and want the Russian aggression to stop," he said.

PHOTO: Secretary of State Antony Blinken makes an opening statement during a meeting with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, at the Prime Minister's Office in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept. 6, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/AP)

The G20's watered down language on Russia comes as the U.S. is considering further ramping up its extensive support for Ukraine by supplying long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, according to U.S. officials.

The missiles, which Ukraine has been requesting for months, would give the country the ability to strike deep into Russian territory. But throughout the conflict, Kyiv has assured Washington that it will not use donated lethal aid to attack Russia -- only to defend or help reclaim its own territory.

Blinken did not confirm whether the administration would ultimately greenlight supplying ATACMS to Ukraine but said that officials were having an "ongoing conversation" with their Ukrainian counterparts "about what they need, when they need it."

Blinken also said he would not comment on another matter in the war: When tech billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk declined to let Ukraine's forces use his Starlink satellite internet service -- which he has been providing to the country since the conflict began -- in order to carry out a strike on Russia in the Black Sea.

Musk said last week that he saw the move as endorsing a potentially grave escalation in the fighting, while Ukrainian officials contend Russian ships have gone on to be able to strike out at their civilians.

"Who's right here?" Karl asked Blinken.

"Here's what I know: Starlink has been an essential tool, a vital link for Ukrainians to be able to communicate and, indeed, for the Ukrainian military to be able to defend or take back all of its territory. ... I'm not going to get into specific episodes," he said.

Blinken arrived at the G20 summit fresh off a trip to Ukraine, his fourth since the war began, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Prime Minister Dens Shmyhal and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Karl asked whether Blinken, in his engagements, had raised Kyiv's increasing incursions into Russian territory -- strikes that the country's officials frequently defend as warranted over outcry from Moscow but that Ukraine does not explicitly take credit for conducting.

Blinken did not answer the question directly but responded that Biden administration officials "haven't encouraged and we haven't enabled any use of weapons outside of Ukraine's territory."

Karl also asked the secretary whether he believes Zelenskyy could foresee brokering an end to the conflict at the negotiating table.

"I found both President Zelenskyy and every Ukrainian that I met -- whether it was folks in the government, or whether it was many other Ukrainians that we had a chance to engage with over the course of two days -- incredibly resilient, incredibly courageous, incredibly resolute." Blinken said. "And ultimately, that's really what's at the heart of this, and the reason that I remain very confident in Ukraine's ultimate success, which is that they're fighting for their country, for their future, for their freedom."

Blinken said that "where exactly this settles, where [territorial] lines are drawn, that is going to be up to Ukrainians" but that peace talks were out of reach at the moment because "it takes two to tango."

"And thus far, we see no indication that [Russian President] Vladimir Putin has any interest in meaningful diplomacy. If he does, I think the Ukrainians will be the first to engage and we'll be right behind them," Blinken said. "Everyone wants this war to end."

Blinken pledges aid after Morocco earthquake, defends G20 statement on Ukraine war originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
An earthquake rattled Morocco on Friday, killing at least 2,000 people and damaging historic buildings.

Government officials said another 2,000 people were injured and expected the death toll to rise.

The quake was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria.

A powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing more than 2,000 people and damaging buildings and historic landmarks in major cities.

At least 2,012 have been killed and another 2,059 injured as of Saturday, The New York Times reported. Most of the deaths have been recorded around the city of Marrakech and in the central mountains near the epicenter of the quake.

Officials said they expect the death toll to rise as emergency crews reach more areas.

"We felt a very violent tremor, and I realized it was an earthquake," Abdelhak El Amrani, a 33-year-old in Marrakesh, told France24. The power and phone service, he said, went out for about 10 minutes.

Moroccans posted videos showing buildings reduced to rubble and dust. Parts of the famous red walls that surround the Old City in Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were also damaged. Tourists and others posted videos of people screaming and evacuating restaurants in the city as throbbing club music played.

Fayssal Badour, another Marrakesh resident who was driving at the time of the quake, told France24 he stopped when he "realized what a disaster it was. It was very serious, as if a river had burst its banks. The screaming and crying was unbearable."

Rather than return to concrete buildings, men, women, and children stayed out in the streets, worried about aftershocks and other reverberations that could cause their homes to sway.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT), with shaking that lasted several seconds. The US agency reported that a magnitude-4.9 aftershock hit 19 minutes later and that the earthquake was the largest to hit Morocco in more than 100 years.

The epicenter of Friday's tremor was high in the Atlas Mountains, about 40 miles south of Marrakech. It was also near Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, and Oukaimeden, a popular Moroccan ski resort.

The quake was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algeria's Civil Defense agency, which oversees emergency response.

Read the original article on Insider
While the circumstances surrounding the plane crash the U.S. assesses "likely" killed mercenary group leader Yevgeniy Prigozhin remain shrouded in mystery, Russia observers quickly concluded it was no accident, but rather an act of delayed vengeance orchestrated by the Kremlin.

But if Vladimir Putin did order Prigozhin's plane brought down as payback for directing a short-lived armed rebellion in June, questions about why the Russian president chose to act now and what exactly he hopes to accomplish still swirl.

The future of the Wagner Group, an influential paramilitary organization previously under Prigozhin's direction, is also unclear.

ABC News spoke to analysts to about Putin's potential strategy, as well as the impact Prigozhin's death could have on Russia and other countries around the world.

PHOTO: The leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin is seen in a video published, Aug. 22, 2023. (Handout/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Russia-Ukraine live updates: Kremlin denies role in Prigozhin's presumed death

A clear message from the Kremlin?

After Prigozhin turned on Putin earlier this summer and directed his mercenary fighters to march toward Moscow, the former allies apparently struck a deal that quashed the mutiny and spared the Wagner leader from any immediate serious repercussions.

But for Catrina Doxsee, an associate director of the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, it was a question of not if but when Prigozhin would face the full force of Putin's wrath.

"Russia and Putin himself have a long history of eliminating their opponents and anyone who rises up against them or speaks out against them," she said. "It has been more or less unthinkable that Prigozhin would get out of this completely unscathed."

President Joe Biden also speculated that Putin may be culpable.

"There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind, but I don't know enough to know the answer," he said on Wednesday after hearing of Prigozhin's reported death

MORE: Wagner leader Prigozhin 'likely' killed in Russian plane crash, US says

In the immediate aftermath of Wednesday's crash, some worried that the Kremlin might point the finger at the West -- a misdirection tactic frequently used by Moscow.

But John Hardie, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Russia Program, says this may be one instance where Putin is okay with shouldering some of the blame.

"If you're Putin, you want to make a statement here -- that's the point," he said.

Two American officials tell ABC News that preliminary intelligence indicates the plane was brought down by a bomb on board, but that no final conclusion has been made.

In public remarks on Friday, a spokesperson for the Kremlin denied any involvement in the crash, calling the allegations an "absolute lie."

Previously, Putin's enemies have been known to meet untimely -- but quieter -- ends. In recent months, many of his adversaries have died after allegedly falling out open windows. In years prior, inquires have uncovered plots to poison dissidents.

Doxsee says the explosive nature of Putin's purported revenge against Prigozhin amplifies the warning the Russian leader wants to send to any would-be challengers.

"He was killed aboard his private jet, something that all of these oligarchs regularly travel on," she said. "It's a clear message that if you are going to be the next Prigozhin, you can die just as easily."

PHOTO: In this pool photograph distributed by Sputnik agency, Russia's President Vladimir Putin looks on during a meeting with Denis Pushilin, Moscow-appointed head of the Donetsk region of Ukraine, in Moscow, on Aug. 24, 2023. (Mikhail Klimentyev/POOL via AFP via Getty Images)

Strategic ambiguity

After staying mum through his first couple of public appearances following the plane crash, Putin finally spoke out on Thursday, expressing his "sincerest condolences" and promising to investigate.

"He was a man with a complex destiny," the Russian president said of Prigozhin, while also alluding to betrayal, saying he had "made serious mistakes in life."

Despite intending to quiet criticism and prevent any future uprisings, Doxsee argues that Putin likely would see the need to walk a fine line between overtly taking responsibility and crafting an overly obscure chain of cause and effect.

"I think the narrative is very important to Putin, and especially the ability to maintain this sense of plausible deniability -- to keep up the appearance that this was a terrible accident," she said.

The reason for that, Doxsee says, is retaining order among the rank-and-file Wagner Group mercenaries who were deeply loyal to Prigozhin.

MORE: Russia-Ukraine live updates: Ukrainian forces land in Russia-occupied Crimea, official says

But despite some disquiet, Hardie says Moscow is unlikely to face any real backlash from the organization. At worst, he predicts Russia may have to contend with resentment and retention issues within the ranks.

"As much as there's this anger and resentment among the troops, I'm not sure what outlets they have to pull that together," Doxsee added.

PHOTO: This photograph posted on a Wagner linked Telegram channel @grey_zone on August 23, 2023 and which can not be independetly verified by the AFP, reportedly shows a the wreckage of burning plane near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region. (Wagner linked Telegram channel @grey_zone/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: How Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin rose with Putin, then turned on him

A decapitated Wagner?

Along with Prigozhin, Wagner's co-founder Dmitry Utkin was also reportedly on the plane, compounding the crash's impact on the group's leadership.

While Hardie and Doxsee both say this might have furthered Putin's mission by clearing out the top brass of the organization in "one fell swoop," in order to continue reaping the benefits of Wagner's campaigns advancing Russian interests across the Middle East and Africa, the Kremlin will have to install workable replacements.

But Doxsee says that Putin likely used the weeks of what seemed like an uneasy peace between himself and Prigozhin to line up his next steps.

"I would speculate that part of the reason we saw him wait these two months for any consequence after the mutiny is because he was trying to get a handle on this network and making plans for its sustainability," she said.

If Putin did indeed order the assassination, Doxsee says it likely means Putin is certain that Wagner will march on without Prigozhin.

"I struggle to believe that Putin would have acted now if he didn't have confidence that whatever plan he has in place would be able to maintain [Wagner troops'] loyalty," she said.

Prigozhin plane crash: What's next after Wagner Group leader's apparent demise? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The American caver stranded below ground in Turkey arrived at a base camp some 2,300 feet below ground early on Sunday morning, Turkish and European caving officials said.

Mark Dickey, 40, has been trapped underground since Aug. 31, when he fell ill more than 3,400 feet below the surface.

PHOTO: A medical team takes care of American caver Mark Dickey, center, 40, inside the Morca cave near Anamur, southern Turkey, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (Marton Kovacs/Hungarian Cave Rescue Service via AP)

His evacuation is being monitored by health officials. He arrived at about 3:24 a.m. local time at the base camp 700 meters, or about 2,300 feet, below ground, officials said.

At this stage, he will set out again after resting and applying the necessary treatments, Magaraclk Federasyonu, the country's caving federation, said in a post on social media.

PHOTO: A rescuer is seen at the entrance of Morca Cave, as they take part in a rescue operation to reach U.S. caver Mark Dickey who fell ill and became trapped more than 3,000 feet underground, near Anamur in Mersin province, Turkey, Sept. 9, 2023. (Umit Bektas/Reuters)

MORE: Evacuation now underway for American trapped 3,400 feet underground in cave

Dickey's condition is "stable," the European Cave Rescue Association said in an update on Sunday.

"The rescuers are already moving the stretcher towards the next bivouac at -525 m," or about 1,700 feet underground, the group said.

ABC News' Edward Szekeres contributed to this story.

Stranded American caver arrives at base camp 2,300 feet below ground, Turkish officials say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Age is something that does not matter, the Spanish movie director Luis Bunuel once remarked. Unless, he added, you are a cheese.

But what about being sharp and spry and in your prime if you're a world leader or key lawmaker?

Globally, presidents and prime ministers range in age from 35 (Ibrahim Traore, Burkina Faso) to 90 (Paul Biya, Cameroon), according to the Washington-based Pew Research Center, which describes itself as a "fact tank."

However, most world leaders are in their 50s and 60s. And women leaders tend to be younger than their male counterparts. Finland's recently departed prime minister, Sanna Marin, was just 34 when she took office.

But outside of the U.S., older leaders tend to be a feature of countries less free politically, according to Freedom House, a Washington research organization. This is a characterization that applies chiefly to despots and authoritarian types; dictators who engineer their systems to stay in power for far longer than democracy typically allows. Russian President Vladimir Putin is 70, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, 69. China's Xi Jinping, is 70.

At 80, President Joe Biden is not only the first octogenarian in the Oval Office, his relative seniority puts him among the 5% of world leaders who are in their 80s, according to Pew. Donald Trump, his main presumed challenger for the presidency in 2024, is not far behind, at 77. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader of the Senate, whose apparent health problems have been on public display in recent weeks, is 81.

How old is Mitch McConnell?: Senator's age under spotlight in increasingly old Congress

Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who took office age 34.

In the 118th Congress, the median age of House lawmakers, according to Pew, dipped slightly to 57.9 years, down from 58.9 years in the 117th. But the Senate's median age continues to rise. It's now at 65.3 years. Four years ago, it was 62.4 years. Throughout the 1980s, most U.S. lawmakers in Washington were in their 50s.

Biden, Trump, McConnell: united in their dotage

The U.S. is one of only two countries that Freedom House classifies as "free" with a leader in their 80s or older.

Freedom House rates people's access to things such as political rights and civil liberties. In its most recent "Global Freedom Scores," the U.S. pulled in a respectable 83 out of 100. Not as good as Canada and the Scandinavian countries, which were in touching distance of a perfect score. Not as bad as Afghanistan.

Steven Webster, a professor at Indiana University who studies U.S. political behavior and public opinion, said that it's clear that there is a "mismatch" between the median age of the U.S. population, which is 39, and the politicians who represent them. He said this could be explained in different ways.

One of these explanations is that members of Congress are staying in office for longer than ever before. Another is that Americans seem to favor incumbents. Once someone gets elected, they tend to stay elected. Another is that older adults tend to vote more than younger ones and in doing so vote for people closer to their age.

"Americans by and large are dissatisfied with Congress, but reelection rates are astronomically high. Yet we tend to vote for who we know, and who we know is older politicians," he said.

Physically and mentally fit

Biden has no major medical problems. He doesn't drink or smoke. He appears to exercise regularly.However, occasionally he does appear to forget names or words when he is speaking.

Trump's doctors have repeatedly said he is in good health, though some physicians have noted if he has a Body Mass Index in excess of 30 he would be considered clinically obese.

McConnell's doctors have said he is not suffering from a seizure disorder, stroke or a movement disorder such as Parkinsons disease despite two recent "freezes" in front of reporters.

Still, its one of the FBI and CIAs biggest nightmares, now that those entrusted with the nations most sensitive secrets are getting older or could have medical conditions that could result in them blurting out classified information that could be used against America by its adversaries.

Larry Pfeiffer, a former senior CIA, National Security Agency and White House intelligence official, said he did not want to discuss specific individuals.

But generally speaking, he said, For employees of the U.S. intelligence Community, mental fitness is one of the key components used in adjudicating whether someone should have access to our most sensitive information.

If an employee were suspected of suffering from dementia or other diminishment of mental faculties, depending on the severity their access would be suspended until a medical professional could reevaluate their fitness, Pfeiffer said. In some cases, remediation may be possible, Pfeiffer added, but in others there is no other remedy than a medical separation from service.

Unlike intelligence officials, members of Congress get access to classified material by virtue of their being elected to office. As such, without any kind of adjudication, the intelligence community has relied on the collective wisdom of senior leadership, Pfeiffer said, to determine when a member should no longer have the greater access afforded by membership on the intelligence committees.

A system that requires 'massive amounts of money'

A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 77% of those surveyed  89% of Republicans, 69% of Democrats  think Biden is too old to be effective for four more years.

These views held across age groups, not just among the young.

Despite being just three years younger than Biden, there was less concern about Trump's age. (Other concerns were raised about Trump.)

Trump's big lead: Among nonvoters, many agree with him that elections are rigged

Stefan Lehne, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Europe think tank in Brussels, said that many countries in Europe have "fragmented political scenes" that allow for new parties to form relatively easily. This contrasts with the more or less stable two-party system in the U.S. of Republicans and Democrats.

Often these European parties are driven by charismatic, younger politicians who can rise to the top quickly. This is partly what accounts for the rise of far-right and far-left parties in Europe in recent years, whose leaders skew younger. The median age of a head of government in Europe, according to a Bloomberg analysis, is 53.

Lehne said a major factor driving the divergence in age between U.S. and European leaders is, well, money.

He said to get elected to the highest U.S. office requires "massive amounts of money and so therefore there is a political party preference for people who have a high degree of name recognition who are well established because nobody wants to invest in people who have little chance to get to the top."

This, he said, generally favors a ruling political class in the U.S. that has taken a lot of turns around the Sun.

"In most European countries you don't need to raise millions of dollars from private donors to run for office."

Lehne is from Austria. In 2017, his fellow Austrian Sebastian Kurz became the worlds youngest head of government and the first millennial to lead a European country. He was 31.

Narrowing the age gap

Phil Keisling is a former Oregon secretary of state who runs an organization named Vote at Home.

It aims to improve vote-at-home options at the state and local levels.

Keisling said that in order for the U.S. to narrow the age gap between voters and its elected officials, it needs to do more to encourage younger voters to participate in the political process.

This is something that is broadly true right across the world.

But Keisling said it was especially true for the U.S. political party primary votes, which determine who gets to be nominated as a presidential candidate. He said the median age voting age in these contests is 62.

And that those aged 18 to 34 barely vote in the primaries at all.

However, Keisling cautioned over placing too much store in age to address the U.S.'s political challenges.

"The problem of how old our politicians are in America is far less of an issue than how feckless and hyper-partisan they've become," he said. "I'm not sure changing the ages in a big way will cause our politics to be better."

Contributing: Josh Meyer

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Biden's age compares to other world leaders
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. after skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The disease is to blame for about 1 in 5 cancer deaths, and the ACS estimates more than 127,000 people will die from it this year.

These statistics are grim, but there's a reason why lung cancer often progresses past the point where it's treatable: Early signs of lung cancer are often missed (or nonexistent).

"Most patients may not have symptoms unless it has spread or unless there is evidence it is metastatic or there is involvement of major structures," says Dr. Amna Sher, MD, a medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer Center.

Early diagnosis can significantly improve a person's chances of survival. For instance, the 5-year survival rate for the most common type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, which includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma, is 65 percent if diagnosed while it's still localized (in other words, it hasn't spread elsewhere in the body). Those numbers drop to 37 percent if it spreads to structures near the lungs, like the lymph nodes, and just 9 percent if it spreads to more distant areas of the body, such as the brain.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It's a lot to take in. But the bottom line is this: "If lung cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage, the patient will have more treatment options and a better chance of remission," says Dr. Xiuning Le, MD, PhD, a V Foundation clinical scholar at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "It is extremely important to detect lung cancer as early as possible."

But how? Doctors shared common early-missed signs of lung cancer and what to do if you're concerned.

Related: The #1 Early Sign of Prostate Cancer Most People Miss, According to an Oncologist and Urologist

The No. 1 Early Sign of Lung Cancer People Miss

A persistent or worsening cough is a commonly missed early sign of lung cancer, says Dr. Sher.

"It warrants an evaluation if someone has a new or persistent cough[] which has been ongoing for several weeks or months, especially in a high-risk patient with a strong history of smoking," she says. "For example, you got a course of antibiotics, but its been two months, and you're still coughingseek medical attention."

Dr. Sher says doctors often see patients come in with months of a persistent cough, but an abnormal X-ray prompts a deeper dive into the cause of the issue.

Related: If You Havent Gotten COVID Yet, This Might Be Why

Why People Often Write Off a Chronic Cough

Dr. Le and another expert agree that a chronic cough is an easy-to-miss sign of lung cancer. Part of the problem: Chronic coughs are often similar to other diseases, including those at a higher risk for lung cancerprimarily smokersmay already have.

"Mostbut not allcases of lung cancer are associated with a prior tobacco smoking history," says Dr. Brett Bade, MD, the director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at Northwell Lung Insitute in New York. "Tobacco smoking is a risk factor for both lung cancer and lung disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for example, can also cause a chronic cough and shortness of breath. People may attribute their symptoms to their lung disease or prior tobacco use."

In other words, patients may be used to coughing and consider it normal.

Even people without a history of smoking or lung disease may chalk a persistent cough up to something else, and usually, something less severe. "Patients may think its just an upper respiratory infection or virus," says Dr. Sher. "It may be seasonal. Patients have allergies. If you're around patients with kids, youre exposed to all these viruses and may think you just didnt get better.

Related: 13 Signs Your Lungs May Not Be Healthy

Other Signs of Lung Cancer That Are Easy To Miss

A persistent cough isn't the only early sign of lung cancer that's easy to overlook. "Since the lungs dont have many pain receptors, most symptoms of lung cancer are related to the tumors involvement of a local structure or another organ," says Dr. Bade. "For example...shortness of breath may develop if the tumor involves the airway. Similarly, if the tumor spreads to a bone, the involved bone becomes painful."

Dr. Bade says that other common signs of lung cancer a patient may not recognize include:

Fatigue

Hoarse voice

Chest pain

Bone pain

Reduced appetite

Weight loss

Related: Research Shows Lung Health May Be the Number One Indicator of Living a Long, Healthy LifeHere's How To Improve Yours

How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

Doctors will biopsy the involved site to diagnose lung cancer.

"Frequent biopsy sites include the lungs, lymph nodes in the neck or chest or drainage of fluid from around the lungs," explains Dr. Bade. "If other organs are involved, your doctor may recommend a biopsy of those sites; examples might include the liver, the adrenal gland or a bone."

Related Here's What You Can Expect COVID Symptoms to Look Like Day by Dayand Why Days 5 through 10 Are the Most Important

How Is Lung Cancer Treated?

Dr. Le says several factors determine a patient's lung cancer treatment plan, mainly:

The type of lung cancer

The cancer's stage

Genetic and immunological features of the specific patient's lung cancer

"In general, surgery, radiation and systemic therapies are all effective treatments for lung cancer," Dr. Le says. "There are many different options within the [therapy] class. For example, systemic therapy includes traditional chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Each subclass also includes many different drugs."

Your care team will work with a patient on the best option for their specific case.

Related: Are Essential Oils Good or Bad for Your Lungs? Experts Weigh in on the Safety of Diffusing Essential Oils

What Should You Do if You're Concerned About Lung Cancer?

Talk to your doctor.

"Early recognition and early treatment is the key to longer lung cancer survival," Dr. Le says. "If you have new symptoms or suspect you are eligible for lung cancer screening, you should discuss it with your doctor."

Sources

Amna Sher, MD, a medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer Center.

Xiuning Le, MD, PhD, a V Foundation clinical scholar at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Brett Bade, MD, the director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at Northwell Lung Insitute in New York
It's hard to imagine a world without bars of chocolate, but in the early 18th century, most Europeans and American colonists only knew about this delicacy in the form of a warm, spicy drink. The raw ingredients of chocolate, cacao beans, had traveled with Spanish conquistadors from Central America to Spain centuries earlier, and the chocolatey beverage had been enjoyed by the royal families of France and Spain for years. But cacao beans were expensive and not widely available until the mid-1700s. As the planting of cacao trees expanded in the West Indies, trade routes brought the raw ingredients for chocolate to England and North America, along with tea, coffee, sugar, and spices.

We think of hot chocolate as a treat that lifts our spirits, but the chocolate drink of the 18th century was considered truly medicinal; Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac" recommended it as a cure for small pox. Chocolate was known as the energy drink of the time, helping to give strength to the sick and increase libido. In fact, women and children were discouraged from drinking it for fear of too much stimulation!

Read more: 35 Different Types Of Coffee Explained

Bean To Cup Chocolate, 18th Century Style

cacao beans and ground chocolate - vitals/Shutterstock

Bars of chocolate as we know them were not possible until 1828, when the Dutch invented a new process for manufacturing. Until that time, chocolate drinks were either brewed from roasted ground beans (like coffee today) or made up of dissolved shavings from the rudimentary bars of gritty, ground beans mixed with sugar and spices. Needless to say, the cup of chocolate produced was neither smooth nor creamy. The earliest English recipe for chocolate contained sugar, long red pepper, cloves, aniseed, almonds, nuts, and orange flower water. These ingredients were boiled with water and sometimes milk, then frothed with a hand mill. Other recipes included thickening agents like bread and egg, which would also add to the nutrition of the drink known simply as chocolate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Another version of drinkable chocolate was more tea-like, steeped from the outer shells of the cocoa beans after roasting and removing the interior flesh for grinding. Those shells were not discarded; records show that first lady Martha Washington preferred drinking the brew from steeped cacao shells for breakfast, and she ordered them by the bushel!

Changing Tastes

mug and bars of chocolate - Tatjana Baibakova/Shutterstock

In the Revolutionary War era of the late-1700s, drinking coffee rather than tea became a patriotic act due to the politics between Britain and the colonies. Tea, coffee, and chocolate had all been served at coffee houses in North America, but coffee emerged as the national drink thanks to both ease of preparation and anti-British sentiment. Chocolate as a beverage was more difficult to prepare than coffee due to the need for the spices that were added and the extra mixing steps, although it never fell completely out of favor. Luckily for us, hot chocolate and cocoa eventually became more accessible thanks to the new technology developed in Holland.

When Dutch inventors improved the processing of cocoa beans, edible chocolate in bar form became possible, eventually overshadowing the former roughly ground cakes used for beverages. Mechanical processing also produced powdered chocolate that could be stirred into liquids. Making drinkable chocolate was easier than ever by the middle of the 19th century, and it's still one of America's favorite comfort drinks.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.


If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

Many fans were left shocked when Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union , and their family up and left Florida for another sunshine-clad state: California. Wade has hinted here and there why they all left, and was even straightforward about how they didnt support the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation during an episode of the Showtime series Headliners. But his recent interview with People shows just how tragic it all was.

More from SheKnows

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Wade told People that while they dont love the Sunshine State any less, he and his family didnt feel safe or protected there.

Its just not a place right now that my family and I feel protected, feel safe, feel seen, and Im thankful that Im able to speak out on it because I know theres other families that feel the same way, he said, adding that the community that my daughter is a part of is represented in a way that we felt comfortable in California.

Click here to read the full article.

The Dwyane author added, When we had to decide what the next step was for our family as we were all coming together a little bit more, we had to think about our family and how it looked and how we wanted our kids to feel, what we want them to see on a daily basis.

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS  AUGUST 12: Dahveon Morris, Jolinda Wade, Zaya Wade, 2023 inductee Dwyane Wade, Kaavia James Wade, Gabrielle Union and Zaire Wade attend the 2023 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Induction at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2023 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

For those that dont know, Wades daughter 16-year-old Zaya came out as transgender in 2020, and later, Dwyane sold their home when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the states Dont Say Gay bill into law.

Union and Wade welcomed their daughter Kaavia, 4, via a surrogate back in Nov. 2018. Wade also has three children from previous relationships named Zaire, 21, Zaya, 16, and Xavier, 9. And the Union-Wade family is truly happy and thriving in California!

These celeb parents are so proud of their LGBTQ kids.



Best of SheKnows

Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter.

For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
If one thing is for certain during New York Fashion Week, it's that PatBo will always bring the glitz and glamour to the runway.

For the label's Spring 2024 show, designer Patricia Bonaldi stayed true to the signature couture-style beading and Brazilian flair that gives the brand its reputation for splashy and ornate designs; only this time, she put muted tones and natural materials center stage, rather than the typical crystals and saturated hues.

"The neutral element is new for me. This collection has a lot of neutral shades and palettes, and the beads are more realistic now," Bonaldi tells Fashionista. "I always embroider with more fancy materials like crystals, but now I'm getting to use wood elements to create a more natural look and translate it into the couture world."

That inclusion of natural materials was inspired by Tropicalia, a late 1960s musical movement that took place in Brazil, Bonaldi's home country. "Tropicalia was very boho, but, of course, still tropical. I think I'm reinventing that time in Brazil in a modern way," says Bonaldi. "It's a lot of textures and mixing elements. My brand is never minimalist, and I really like to experiment with materials."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Those mixed elements are no small feat, either. Look 37 from the collection  a white, long-sleeved, fully beaded gown  was hand-crafted over the course of 60 days by one of Bonaldi's artisans at her Uberlandia, Brazil-based school.

"All of these garments were made in my hometown, where I have a school that has been teaching women how to do this handwork for more than 15 years," says Bonaldi. "When you're watching the runway show, you couldn't imagine how much work goes into these garments, but it's so important. It's the whole story behind the collection."

Bonaldi's school, founded in 2010, has taught more than 500 women a variety of craftsmanship skills at no cost to the students, all while having them help finalize PatBo collections each season. Bonaldi explains, "Many people open their own businesses after finishing the training, but if they want to stay with us, we have work for them and I hire them."

Beyond the neutral looks in the collection, Bonaldi also incorporated other '60s and '70s references by way of feather-adorned denim sets, lacy open vests with beaded fringe and colorful metallic halter neck gowns reminiscent of a Bob Mackie-clad Cher from the '70s.

Still, says the designer, she wanted to keep things feeling fresh. "I was trying to avoid common colors of the past. I really like the combination of purple and yellow in this collection," she notes. "Whatever isn't neutral is a luxe shade that feels like a breath of fresh air."

Aside from the artisan work of the clothing, another standout of the collection is the bag collaboration between the brand and Brooklyn-based glassblowing artist Josh Raiffe, who has also worked with Coperni on its viral glass purses.

The fragile accessories will be limited edition, but indeed available for sale, somewhere in the $500 to $600 price range, according to the PatBo team.

"For me, it's a work of art. All of this is art."

See every look from the PatBo Spring 2024 show below.

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

PatBo Spring 2024. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight

Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter.
Researchers believe theyve discovered the worlds largest asteroid impact crater in New South Wales, Australia.

They think the impact may have happened between 445 and 443 million years ago.

It could have been part of the reason for the Hirnantian glaciation stage, a mass extinction event that eliminated about 85 percent of Earths species.

The news about the discovery of the worlds largest asteroid impact crater is huge, if true323-miles-in-diameter huge.

Researchers at University New South Wales (UNSW) believe theyve found evidence that an asteroid impact buried near the town of Deniliquin, Australia, is the worlds largest ever discovered, and could have helped trigger a major glaciation event that killed off 85 percent of the worlds species. The research is published in the journal Tectonophysics.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Dubbed the Deniliquin structure, UNSW adjunct professor and asteroid impact researcher Andrew Glikson believes the crater is 323 miles in diameter, nearly double the size of the current record-holding craterthe Vredefortimpact structure in South Africa.

Glikson claims the impact that caused the crater may have occurred during the Late Ordovician mass extinction event. Specifically, I think it may have triggered whats called the Hirnantian glaciation stage, which lasted between 445.2 and 433.8 million years ago, he wrote in a statement. This huge glaciation and mass extinction event eliminated about 85 percent of the planets species.

Gigantic asteroid impacts can have a devastating effect for life on Earth, with the sudden impact not only sending reverberating waves of devastation out, but the debris fields and subsequent atmospheric noise dims the suns intensity and can trigger a cooling event.

Glikson concedes that the crater may be even older, but says that whenever the asteroid hit, it hit the eastern part of the Gondwana continentwhich existed for some time before it split off into several continents, including Australia.

Finding a crater of that size buried in plain view is tricky because of erosion and sediment movement. Even Earths shifting tectonic plates can alter the crater. Glikson says that when an asteroid strikes, it creates a crater with an uplifted core, like how a drop of water splashes upward when a pebble hits a pool.

This central uplifted dome is a key characteristic of large impact structures, he writes. However, it can erode over thousands to millions of years, making the structure difficult to identify.

By understanding the geophysical makeup of the materials thrown out of a crater during impact, scientists can study layers of impact ejecta in various terrains around the world. Already, Gondwana and Australia were and are home to 38 confirmed and 43 potential impact structures.

In 1995, Gliksons colleague Tony Yeates suggested thst magnetic patterns in New South Wales likely represented a massiveyet buriedimpact structure. By analyzing the regions updated geophysical data between 2015 and 2020, Glikson wrote, he believes he confirmed the existence of the Deniliquin structure with a seismically defined dome at the center.

To support his claim, Glikson cites a number of indicative physical phenomena. Magnetic readings that reveal a symmetrical rippling pattern that would have been produced by the impacts extremely high temperatures, a central low magnetic zone corresponding to deep deformation above the mantle dome (the top of the dome is shallower than the top of the regional mantle), and radial faults moving away from the believed center that are typical of large impact structures are among the indicators.

According to the study, the central uplift and associated angular rock have all been eroded. Still, the authors claim that an interpretation of the Deniliquin features are inconsistent with the surrounding structural trends.

The bulk of the evidence for the Deniliquin impact is based on geophysical data obtained from the surface, Glikson wrote. For proof of impact, well need to collect physical evidence of shock, which can only come from drilling deep into the structure.

With no mega-drilling operation planned, well have to chalk up the Deniliquin news to the giant possibility of an enormous asteroid impact crater with vast consequences. Huge, if true, indeed.

You Might Also Like
When she posed for the 2014 SI Swimsuit Issue, rookie Valerie van der Graaf traveled to Brazil, where she was photographed by Raphael Mazzucco. The Dutch model got her start in the industry as a teenager, and has since posed for publications like Playboy and Harpers Bazaar Thailand.

Three years after her SI Swimsuit photoshoot, van der Graaf discussed her career trajectory with My Fashion Life and divulged that when it comes to modeling, the most important aspect of a successful photoshoot is her relationship with the photographer.

If he or she is very energetic and nice, then [that] helps a lot, the 31-year-old noted at the time. Sometimes photographers who are abrupt get good pictures but it can be a little more difficult. I like it when theres chemistry.

Judging by the incredible images that resulted from van der Graafs time on location in Barreirinhas, Brazil with the Canadian photographer, its clear that the two hit it off creatively. The model stunned in colorful bikinis and solid-colored one-pieces as she posed among sand dunes and in water.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Today, van der Graaf is retired from modeling and is a self-proclaimed science geek/wine lover. She regularly shares life updates with her 54,000 Instagram followers. Despite no longer working in the industry, and the fact that her SI Swimsuit photoshoot took place almost 10 years ago, well never get over the following eight gorgeous pics of van der Graaf in Brazil.

Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Raphael Mazzucco/Sports Illustrated

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
With worsening conditions and rising food prices as environmental catastrophes continue, the humanitarian emergency in South Sudan seems to have no end in sight. In the midst of 7.76 million people plunged into crisis levels of food insecurity and 1.4 million people suffering severe malnutrition, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is cutting back on food assistance to South Sudan due to a critical lack of funding.

A press release from the UN explains the grave decision in detail: With less than half the requested funding, the WFP is shifting focus in order to provide food assistance to the 3.2 million people "closest to starvation" first and foremost. However, even the communities receiving aid will be rationed to ensure food supply throughout the year due to the WFP not having enough resources to fully meet their needs at this time.

The WFP has very little in the way of internal UN funding and relies primarily on donations from governments as well as private entities. As the global food crisis continues, it seems there just aren't enough resources to adequately address ongoing emergencies anywhere. Earlier this year, the UN was also forced to cut its response to Haiti's food shortage due to a lack of funding. On the same day as the South Sudan press release, the WFP also announced cutbacks on food aid to Afghanistan for the same reasons.

Read more: 14 Red Flags That Indicate A Bad Restaurant

Underfunded And Stretched Thin

Flooding in South Sudan - rameesha bilal shah/Shutterstock

While unavoidable, the decision to cut back on food aid in South Sudan couldn't have come at a worse time. The country had already been teetering on the brink of famine due to a combination of catastrophic flooding and drought in the past few years, forcing many residents to flee to neighboring countries such as Sudan. Since the Sudanese civil conflict that erupted in April of this year, however, many of these refugees have been forced to return to South Sudan to escape the violence. The UN's already strained crisis response has been stretched thin to accommodate the influx of returnees as well as Sudanese refugees. According to the UNHCR, a transit center set up to accommodate 3,000 displaced people is currently housing 8,000 refugees in deteriorating conditions without sufficient funds to support them all.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As of the press release, the WFP has only received 46% of the $1.7 billion needed for its 2023 crisis response and has also been forced to cut back on other assistance programs such as water, sanitation, and shelter. With no end to the conflict or climate catastrophes in sight, the WFP will need $567 million in donations within six months to adequately distribute emergency aid as well as fund existing long-term stability initiatives in South Sudan.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin is asking for special handling of the states appeal of a court ruling blocking a law that would ban gender-affirming-care prevention for minors.

The AG asked the entire U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday to hear its appeal of a June ruling that stopped the implementation of the Save Adolescents From Experimentation Act, or SAFE Act.

Arkansas lawmakers, ACLU, transgender teen react to overturning of Arkansas youth gender-affirming care ban

The law was originally passed by the General Assembly in 2021 after overturning a veto from then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A federal judge blocked the law from going into effect in July of that year, and a three-judge panel upheld that ban on the law 11 months later.

Federal judge blocks Arkansas trans youth treatment ban

A three-judge panel would normally hear an appeal, but Griffins Thursday filing asked for the hearing to be conducted en banc, meaning the appeal would be made before the full court.

Griffin cited the changing legal landscape after the court overturned the Arkansas law, which was the first of its kind in the nation aimed at gender-affirming-care for minors, in light of other states now having passed similar laws.

I am asking the full Eighth Circuit to hear our appeal now rather than assigning this case to a three-judge panel, Griffin said. Two other federal courts of appeal have allowed similar laws protecting children from experimental gender-transition procedures in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama to go into effect. Those decisions demonstrate that last years three-judge panel decision upholding an order blocking Arkansass law was erroneous, and thats why I am asking the entire court to overrule that decision.

Arkansas AG Griffin files notice to appeal decision striking SAFE Act youth transgender care ban

Griffin filed the initial appeal shortly after the July ruling. Hutchinsons successor, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, backed Griffins push for appeal and said the first panels decision just pushed a political agenda.

This is not care  its activists pushing a political agenda at the expense of our kids and subjecting them to permanent and harmful procedures, Sanders tweeted in June. Only in the far-Lefts woke vision of America is it not appropriate to protect children.

Arkansas lawmakers, ACLU, transgender teen react to overturning of Arkansas youth gender-affirming care ban

The suit originally challenging the law was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas on behalf of four transgender youth and their families, and ACLU Executive Director Holly Dickson has called Griffins continued push to challenge the judges decision bullying by the attorney general.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
VENICE, ItalyOrigin, the new film by Ava DuVernay, is essentially an exploration of the genesis of and ideas in Isabel Wilkerson s 2020 non-fiction book, Caste: The Origins of our Discontenta text which argues that caste is a more useful organizing concept to describe power hierarchies around the world, than race and racism. Thats a bold and perhaps controversial contention, which makes it a tricky subject for a narrative film, as opposed to a documentary. The films disjointed execution bears that fear out, in a series of vignettes stuck together with glue and masking tape, taken from history, academia, and Wilkersons own life. To say that that makes for a film of variable quality would be an understatement.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor plays Wilkerson, a Pulitzer-winning writer (we know this because people say to her, You are a Pulitzer-winning writer!) who is inspired to write the book by the killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman in 2012. A journalist friend passes her the as-yet unreleased recordings of the event, asking her to write an article about it for his newspaper: Wilkerson, going through difficulties with her aging mother and the sale of her house, is instead moved to start work on a far more expansive work. The film then depicts her arguing, to a white friend at a party, that racism is a limited and limiting concept, because it describes too many functionally different attitudes and behaviors.

Origins quite mealy explication of the text on which it is based frequently impairs the film, such as in a scene where Wilkerson explains to friends that, whereas the swastika is illegal in Germany, in the United States the confederate flag, which is the United States equivalent of the swastika, can still be seen in many places, including the then official flag of Mississippi. Her friends solemnly explain that, on the contrary, Germany no longer contains any monuments to Nazism. This all feels quite Racial History 101: Who are these grown-up people having this sort of conversation over dinner in the 2010s? The film repeatedly oversimplifies Wilkersons polemic, dumbing down the argument for an audience that may well start to feel patronized.

At other times, the film leaves us with more questions than it can answerlike Wilkersons apparent contention (which the film does not criticize or deepen) that the Holocaust was not rooted in race, since Jews are mostly white; therefore, Nazis had to racialize them in order to attack them. Considering how contentious this discussion can befigures like Whoopi Goldberg have come under fire for such assertionsthat Origin fails to engage with it further is a glaring issue, indicative of a script that doesnt want to probe more deeply into Wilkersons actual ideas.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lubo Proves Franz Rogowski Is Cinemas Next Great Lead Actor

Origin cant pick a mode and stay with it, so it leaps between Wilkersons life with her white husband, Brett (Jon Bernthal, reliably good) and her investigation of casteism in India, or visits to the Judisches Museum in Berlin, where Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor duly walks around with sadness in her eyes. In between these scenes, we get reconstructions of examples of caste as figured in the book: the lives of a Jewish/Gentile couple in Nazi Germany, and a look at the research on southern race and class in the 1930s by the Black anthropologist Allison Davis. Neither of these segments properly come to life, because they are so fitful and inconclusive; a similar passage about the exclusion of a Black child from a swimming-pool in the 1950s, should by rights be unbearably poignant and hard-hitting, but DuVernay drops the ball by filming the sequence in honeyed, glossy tones, and having Wilkerson lie down next to the child in the sun, in an imagined moment of contemplation. That is too syrupy by far, for a book with bold, unflinching ideas.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor gives a strangely muted, inexpressive performance as Wilkerson, who seems rather dreamy and drowsy throughout, reacting very slowly or even imperceptibly to various developments and revelations. The film indulges in a similarly milky tone when looking at Wilkersons life, especially her relationship with her mother, which is all misty gazes and fondness. Surely somebody in the family had a scintilla of life force?

Drive My Car Directors Latest Film Is Another Oscar-Worthy Triumph

Not everything in Origin is disastrous: There are fine, lived-in supporting performances by Audra McDonald and Niecy Nash-Betts, and one does intermittently get the sense that Wilkersons book must have some stimulating ideas. But overall, there is a lack of flavor here, a lack of shape too, and too much extraneous faffing around with scenes where autumn leaves fall in slow motion. A documentary, examining the eight pillars that Wilkerson describes as holding up caste systems worldwide, investigating Nazi Germany, the deep South in America, and the Varna culture of India, could have made for a riveting watchbut instead, were doomed to watch Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor scrawling Dehumanization on a white board.

Liked this review? Sign up to get our weekly See Skip newsletter every Tuesday and find out what new shows and movies are worth watching, and which arent.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
The Kansas City Royals shuffled their roster amid a couple of key injuries. Royals reliever Austin Cox and catcher Freddy Fermin were added to the injury list Saturday afternoon.

Cox was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left knee sprain. He suffered the injury against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night. Meanwhile, Fermin was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left middle finger fracture.

We believe its an ACL (injury), Royals manager Matt Quatraro said regarding Cox. He felt a pop in there on the play he reached for the bag. We wont have the full diagnosis until he flies back to Kansas City.

In the seventh inning, Cox tumbled to the ground in pain after attempting to cover first base. He was helped to the clubhouse and underwent further testing. This season, Cox has posted a 4.79 ERA in 24 appearances.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Royals believe Fermin fractured the finger during a catchers interference Friday night. He has a fractured knuckle that will require additional testing.

He has to go back as well, Quatraro said. They got the X-ray to confirm that the fracture was there. But we have to get the full extent of it when he gets back and sees the doctors in Kansas City.

The Royals also made a pair of corresponding moves. KC reinstated veteran pitcher Brad Keller from his rehab assignment and promoted catcher Tyler Cropley from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Keller has been sidelined since May 19 with right shoulder impingement syndrome. Cropley, 27, has never caught above Double-A and will make his MLB debut with the Royals.

Keller has made multiple rehab assignments since the injury. He appeared in six games with Double-A Northwest Arkansas recently.

The Royals plan to utilize Keller out of the bullpen going forward. He had four scoreless outings and pitched two relief innings on Monday night.

Im excited for him as its been a trying year for him, Quatraro said. As of late, the last three weeks or so, he has been throwing the ball well on his rehab assignment. Its well-deserved and hes earned his way back.

Cropley will be used as a backup catcher.

The Royals plan to keep team captain Salvador Perez behind the plate down the stretch. Cropley, who was a non-roster invite to spring training, will be the eighth different Royals player to debut this season.

Hes a guy we were around in big-league camp, Quatraro said. He is a tremendous person and a guy that does a great job behind the plate receiving and blocking. This will shift Salvy back there more (as a starter) and he will be the backup.
On Thursday night, Fox News discussed President Joe Bidens potential reelection, and MSNBC talked about former President Donald Trump s latest notice in Fulton County, Georgia.

Fox News  Will Biden get better with age?

On Hannity Thursday night, Fox News contributor Joe Concha spoke to Sean Hannity on a comment that CNNs Van Jones made regarding Bidens age.

Van Jones asked a question that every American voter should be asking, Concha said. Do you think this president will get better with age or worse with age? Its a rhetorical question.

He then asked Hannity to forget about the age factor and instead ask himself, Do you like (how) the economy and Bidenomics is going for you right now?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Concha then proceeded to ask a number of questions regarding the state of the country.

Do you feel safe in your own communities, given whats happening with crime? Are you happy with the fact that 7 million people have entered this country illegally? ... Are you happy with the fact we just sent $520 million to Ukraine to make their energy cleaner?

Hannity said that the amount of money going to Ukraine is more than what has been given to the Americans suffering in Maui and Florida.

If you ask those questions and it becomes an issued-based election, Concha said, Democrats are in big trouble regardless of who the nominee is.

Related

MSNBC  Trumps new notice in Fulton County

Thursday night on The Last Word, Lawrence ODonnell spoke to NBC legal analyst Andrew Weissman on Trumps latest announcement regarding the Georgia case.

Donald Trumps criminal defense lawyers in Georgia filed a notice with Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee informing the court that Trump May seek removal of his prosecution to Federal court, ODonnell said.

He then asked Weissman, I don't understand a filing that says I might do something. Why doesn't it just say were making a motion to remove to Federal court?

Weissman said he thinks this reason is Donald Trump has 30 days in which to make a motion to remove, and since his whole game plan is delay, he is going to file that no matter what hes now saying about he may or may not.

He added that Trump will wait until the very last day so that he just pushes things out. So every single day is a race against the clock. ... This just reminds the court that that is something that is coming down the pike, and that theres no way McAffee wasnt already thinking Trump would do that.
Rescue teams in Turkey have successfully carried American researcher Mark Dickey up from the depth of a cave at 3,410 feet (1,040m) halfway to the surface.

Our medical team is working really hard to try to keep Marks condition as stable as possible. Since yesterday, we started lifting the stretcher and transporting him through the cave. We have to do it very carefully because we cannot risk any conditions worsening (for) Mark. So we must pay attention metre after metre. Currently, the stretcher is about ... 500 metres from the surface, according to European Cave Rescue Association official Giuseppe Conti.

Rescue teams are using explosives to blast open passages of the cave to safely extract Mr Dickey via a stretcher.

The well-known speleologist became trapped inside the Morca cave last Saturday, after suffering from bleeding in the digestive tract. An international team of cave rescuers and medical personnel had been working to stabilise the cave expert before launching the operation,

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Earlier, it was estimated that the difficult operation would last at least three-four days, with an official fromTurkeys disaster relief agency noting it would take a healthy person 16 hours to exit.

Key Points

Rescue operation to save American trapped in Turkey cave underway

Heres what we know about the cave rescue mission so far

Mark Dickeys condition continues to improve

A look into the depth of the Morca cave

Mark Dickey rescue in photos

19:51 , Bevan Hurley

A rescue effort is underway to bring stranded US researcher Mark Dickey to safety from one of the deepest caves in Turkey.

Here are a few of the dramatic images to emerge from the early stages of the mission.

A medical team takes care of American caver Mark Dickey, center, 40, inside the Morca cave near Anamur, southern Turkey,... (AP)

A stretcher is seen in front of a tent at the base camp for international rescuers near the Morca Cave (REUTERS)

A rescuer is seen at the entrance of Morca Cave, as they take part in a rescue operation to reach U.S. caver Mark Dickey. (REUTERS)

How will American cave explorer be rescued?

18:32 , Bevan Hurley

An operation to rescue Mark Dickey has brought the American researcher up to a depth of 2,300-feet (700m) below the ground.

A team consisting of doctors, paramedics and experienced cavers began to bring Mr Dickey back to the surface after he fell ill in the Turkish cave began on Saturday afternoon.

Mark was delivered to the campsite at -700 meters as of 03:24 local time (GMT+3). At this stage, he will set out again after resting and having the necessary treatments, the Speleological Federation of Turkey wrote on its official account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The rescue team set off on the next leg of the mission to bring Mr Dickey to 500m below ground level on Sunday morning.

Rescue mission to save stricken cave researcher reaches 700m

17:25 , Bevan Hurley

Rescue teams on Sunday in Turkey successfully carried an American researcher up from the depth of a cave at 1040 meters (3412.07 feet) to the 700-meter (2296.59 feet) mark, according to an Associated Press report on Sunday.

The rescuers will rest at a camp at that depth before they continue the taxing journey to the surface, the AP wrote.

The team of experienced cavers and medics have set up base camps at various levels along the shaft, providing Dickey an opportunity to rest during the slow and arduous extrication.

Full story below.

Operation to extract American researcher from one of the world's deepest caves advances to 700m

What is a speleologist?

16:25 , Bevan Hurley

In simple terms, a Speleologist studies all aspects of caves including their geology, biology, hydrology, and history, according to Start Caving.com.

Speleologists often research how the cave is formed and how It changes  this is known as speleogenesis and speleomorphology.

Speleology is an interdisciplinary field that combines a lot of scientific skills, Start Caving says.

The Independents Faiza Saqib has more.

What is a speleologist?

Evacuation underway for US researcher Mark Dickey

14:58 , Bevan Hurley

Rescue teams have begun a rescue mission for US researcher Mark Dickey who became seriously ill while he was 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) below the entrance of a cave in Turkey, officials say.

This afternoon, the operation to move him from his camp at 1040 meters to the camp at 700 meters began, Turkeys Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate, AFAD, told The Associated Press.

The mission is expected to take three to four days.

The 40-year-old experienced caver began vomiting on Sept. 2 because of stomach bleeding while on an expedition with a handful of others in the Morca cave in southern Turkeys Taurus Mountains.

190 rescuers

12:10 , Chris Stevenson

Turkish authorities said there are 190 personnel from eight countries taking part in the rescue of Mark Dickey, 153 of them search and rescue experts.

The most challenging part of the rescue operation is widening the narrow cave passages to allow stretcher lines to pass through at low depths, Yusuf Ogrenecek of the speleological federation said.

The extraction is expected to take up to 10 days depending on Mr Dickeys condition.

Caver lifted to 700 metres

11:36 , Chris Stevenson

Rescue teams in Turkey have successfully carried an American researcher up from the depth of a cave at 3,410 feet (1,040m) to the 2,300 feet (700m) mark where he will rest at a base camp before they continue the taxing journey to the surface.

Mark [Dickey] was delivered to the campsite at -700 meters as of 03:24 local time (GMT+3). At this stage, he will set out again after resting and having the necessary treatments, the Speleological Federation of Turkey wrote on its official account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

An international effort

11:21 , Chris Stevenson

Rescue teams from Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria Hungary, Poland and Croatia have been placed throughout different checkpoints in the cave as the operation to evacuate Mark Dickey

Images of the rescue

10:57 , Chris Stevenson

Here are some of the latest images of the rescue:

A medical team takes care of American caver Mark Dickey, centre, inside the Morca cave (AP)

A rescuer is seen at the entrance of Morca Cave (Reuters)

A European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA) member goes down into the Morca cave (AP)

How will American cave explorer be rescued?

10:34 , Chris Stevenson

Tulga Sener, the head of the rescue commission medical unit, told Reuters that Mr Dickeys health condition was stable and his vital signs normal, adding that three doctors would attend to him on his way up.

It is believed that Mr Dickey will have to take significant rest at frequent points on the way out.

Explosives will need to be used to expand some of the more narrow points of the cave to allow safe passage said Recep Salci, the head of search and rescue for AFAD, with the aim of bringing Mr Dickey up on a stretcher.

Rescuers will use a security belt system to lift him through the caves narrowest openings.

Our aim is to bring him out and to have him hospitalised as soon as possible, Mr Salci said.

Narrow passages cause problems

10:06 , Chris Stevenson

This is a vertical cave with a lot of water, Agnes Berentes, a photographer with Mark Dickey on the mission, told Reuters.

We have to use our vertical rope techniques. And it has a lot of narrow passages. This will be the hardest part of the areas of the rescue, she said.

Explorers condition fragile but stable'

09:44 , Chris Stevenson

The trapped explorer Mark Dickeys condition is stable but fragile, Carl Heitmeyer, acting public information officer for the New Jersey Initial Response Team, said in an emailed statement.

The cave, difficult, deep and muddy, is very much eating up rescuers gear, he added, meaning that an already arduous rescue is taking time.

Explorer out within days'

09:20 , Chris Stevenson

Rescuers will have the trapped explorer Mark Dickey out "within several days," Mersin Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan has said.

Mr Dickey, 40, was on an international exploration mission in the Morca cave in Mersin province's Taurus mountains when he began suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding at a depth of 1,040 metres (3,400ft)

More than 150 rescuers from Turkey and other nations have been working to save him from the country's third deepest cave.

"Depending on the developments at the stations in between, hopefully the evacuation will have been completed within several days," Mr Pehlivan told reporters.

Recap: American researchers shares emotional message from nearly a 1000m

03:30 , Maanya Sachdeva

Mark Dickey recorded a video message that was released by Turkish authorities late on Thursday.

Hi, Im Mark Dickey from nearly a thousand metres, Mr Dickey said in the message, dressed in a red puffer jacket and using a headlamp.

As you can see, Im up, Im alert, Im talking. But Im not healed on the inside yet, so Im going to need a lot of help to get out of here, he added.

The caving world is a really tight-knit group, and its amazing to see how many people have responded on the surface, Mr Dickey said in the video. I do know that the quick response of the Turkish government to get the medical supplies that I need, in my opinion, saved my life.

I was very close to the edge.

How will American cave explorer be rescued?

01:00 , Chris Stevenson

Tulga Sener, the head of the rescue commission medical unit, told Reuters that Mr Dickeys health condition was stable and his vital signs normal, adding that three doctors would attend to him on his way up.

It is believed that Mr Dickey will have to take significant rest at frequent points on the way out.

Explosives will need to be used to expand some of the more narrow points of the cave to allow safe passage said Recep Salci, the head of search and rescue for AFAD, with the aim of bringing Mr Dickey up on a stretcher.

Rescuers will use a security belt system to lift him through the caves narrowest openings.

Our aim is to bring him out and to have him hospitalised as soon as possible, Mr Salci said.

What are some of the main challenges to the rescue operation?

Saturday 9 September 2023 23:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

Yusuf Ogrenecek, of the Speleological Federation of Turkey, told the Associated Press that one of the most difficult tasks of cave rescue operations is widening the narrow cave passages to allow stretcher lines to pass through at low depths.

Stretcher lines are labour intensive and require experienced cave rescuers working long hours, Mr Ogrenecek said, adding that other difficult factors range from navigating through mud and water at low temperatures to the psychological toll of staying inside a cave for long periods of time.

Earlier on Saturday, The New York Times reported rescuers were using explosives to widen parts of the narrow Morca cave so that Mr Dickey can be safely extracted via a stretcher.

In Rome, Federico Catania, the spokesman for Italys National Alpine and Speleological Rescue, described the cave as one of the deepest in the world.

The cave is made up of many vertical shafts, so many sections that are extremely vertical with few horizontal sections where (the) rescuers are setting up temporary camps, he said.

Cavers can be seen in Morca Cave last August, before Mr Dickey became trapped last week (REUTERS)

Trapped American explorer in stable condition as rescue operation begins

Saturday 9 September 2023 21:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

Mark Dickey has been in a stable condition as of Friday, officials in Turkey said as the rescue operation to safely extract the American researcher from the depths of a Turkish cave gets underway.

Mr Dickey is currently trapped in the Morca cave, located near Anamur in the south of Turkey, after he became seriously ill during an expedition last Saturday.

However, the 40-year-old American cave explorer has been receiving medical support and his condition is getting better, the governor of Mersin Ali Hamza Pehlivan told media on Saturday.

There are 190 personnel from eight countries assisting in the rescue effort, including doctors, paramedics and experienced cavers, Mr Pehlivan said.

He added that 153 of them were search and rescue experts.

We have received information that his condition is getting better, thanks to medical intervention. He has been in stable condition as of yesterday, he added.

Turkey Cave Rescue (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

New pictures show rescuers near the entrance of Morca cave

Saturday 9 September 2023 20:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

We now have new pictures, coming in from Anamur in Mersin province in Turkey, where a massive rescue operation to rescue Mark Dickey has begun.

Mr Dickey, 40, has been stuck 3,400ft below the ground after becoming seriously ill during an expedition to the Morca cave last Saturday.

A large-scale international rescue operation is now underway, officials from Turkeys disaster management agency confirmed.

Mark Dickey who fell ill and became trapped some 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) underground, near Anamur in Mersin province, southern Turkey (REUTERS)

A stretcher is seen in front of a tent at the base camp for international rescuers near the Morca Cave (REUTERS)

A rescuer is seen at the entrance of the Morca Cave (REUTERS)

What is a speleologist?

Saturday 9 September 2023 19:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

Mark Dickey is an American speleologist, or someone who studies all aspects of caves including their geology, biology, hydrology, and history.

Speleologists often research how the cave is formed and how It changes  this is known as speleogenesis and speleomorphology.

Speleology is an interdisciplinary field that combines a lot of scientific skills, according to StartCaving.com says.

Read my colleague Faiza Saqibs explainer on this field of study here:

What is a speleologist?

Who is American speleologist Mark Dickey?

Saturday 9 September 2023 18:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

Hailing from Croton-on-Hudson, New York, Mark Dickey is a highly-trained caver, cave rescuer and well-known in the international speleological (cave expert) community, according to the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA).

His resume of cave explorations and expert status is endless: secretary of the ECRA medical committee, lead instructor for Caving Academy, a US-based organisation that prepares other cavers for exploration and a national instructor for the National Cave Rescue Commission.

Find out more about about the 40-year-old American researcher here:

He helped rescue people from caves. Now hes stuck in one of the worlds deepest

Saturday 9 September 2023 16:59 , Maanya Sachdeva

Rescue of American explorer trapped in Turkey cave has begun, officials say

Rescue teams have begun the arduous process of extricating Mark Dickey, who became seriously ill while he was exploring the Morca cave in the south of Turkey last Saturday.

The rescue operation could last for up to 10 days.

Full story here:

Rescue of American explorer trapped in Turkey cave has begun, officials say

Trapped American explorers parents say our prayers are being answered amid rescue operation

Saturday 9 September 2023 15:30 , Maanya Sachdeva

The parents of Mark Dickey, who is currently trapped in a Turkey cave, have said our prayers are being answered as a rescue operation to safely extract the American explorer gets underway.

In a statement obtained by Mail Online, Andrew and Deborah Ann Dickey said: We are extremely grateful to the international caving community volunteers who have demonstrated such support for our son.

Mark is strong, but he needed his fellow cavers, including, of course, doctors to allow a devastatingly scary situation to turn positive, their statement read.

They also said they are thankful Mr Dickeys fiancee and fellow caver, Jessica has been with him during this ordeal.

Our prayers are being answered and we cannot express how much that means, and will always mean to us.

Mr Dickey has remained trapped in the Morca cave since last Saturday (Sourced)

Rescue teams using explosives to widen cave for Dickeys safe extraction

Saturday 9 September 2023 14:35 , Maanya Sachdeva

More than 180 people from eight countries have joined the efforts to help Mark Dickey out of a cave in Turkey, according to The New York Times.

The American explorer was exploring the Morca cave last week but became trapped after he began suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding.

The newspaper also reported that rescuers are using explosives to widen parts of the extremely narrow cave, with many twists and turns that make it difficult to navigate.

It typically takes a person in good health around 15 hours to exit.

While Mr Dickeys condition has stabilised, officials said he may still need a stretcher to exit.

Rescue operation will last at least three to four days

Saturday 9 September 2023 13:16 , Maanya Sachdeva

The operation to rescue trapped American explorer Mark Dickey from the Morca cave in Turkey will last at least three to four days, officials have said.

This is a difficult operation. It would take a [healthy] person 16 hours to come out. This operation will last at least three or four days, Cenk Yildiz, a regional official from Turkeys disaster relief agency, AFAD, told the IHA news agency. Our priority is health. Our aim is to conclude this operation without anyone coming under any danger.

Chris Stevenson reports:

Rescuers poised to begin evacuation of explorer trapped 3,400ft inside cave in Turkey

Dickey says he was very close to the edge in emotional first video from cave

Saturday 9 September 2023 12:30 , Maanya Sachdeva

Trapped American explorer Mark Dickey said he was very close to the edge as he thanked Turkish authorities for saving his life in an emotional video from deep inside a cave system.

Full story by Graeme Massie here:

Trapped American explorer releases emotional video from deep in Turkish cave

Watch: Rescue operation underway for ill American stuck deep in Turkish cave

Saturday 9 September 2023 12:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

Images of the rescue operation

Saturday 9 September 2023 11:30 , Maanya Sachdeva

Rescuers arrive at a base camp to take part in the rescue operation for trapped explorer Mark Dickey (Umit Bektas/Reuters)

The base camp of international rescuers is seen near the Morca Cave (Umit Bektas/Reuters)

A rescuer holds a map of the Morca Cave during a meeting (Umit Bektas/Reuters)

Map of Morca cave system

Saturday 9 September 2023 10:35 , Graeme Massie

An American is recovering deep below ground and awaiting rescue after getting sick while on a mapping expedition of Turkey's Morca cave. (AP)

$50,000 raised for Mark Dickey

Saturday 9 September 2023 09:01 , Graeme Massie

A fundraiser benefitting the teams that are rescuing Mark Dickey from the cave in Turkey has raised $50,000.

The GoFundMe was set up to help fund the complicated rescue mission which will likely take days.

This fundraiser is started on behalf of the National Cave Rescue Commission (for whom Mark is also an instructor) and will be used to be distributed to the rescue teams to cover the logistical costs of aiding him out of the cave, the description reads.

So far, the fundraiser has met half of its goal of $100,000.

Six international rescue teams will assist in rescue

Saturday 9 September 2023 07:10 , Graeme Massie

Six rescue teams from different countries apart of the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA) are working together to try to rescue American Mark Dickey from the Morca cave in Turkey.

At 3,400 feet, it will be incredibly difficult to get Mr Dickey, safely, out of the cave.

To make it easier, the ECRA is going to split seven parts of the cave up among the six teams. Each time will find solutions to conduct the rescue operation at a set number of feet.

The Bulgarian cave rescue team will first find a way to get Mr Dickey from 3,412 feet (where he is now) to 2,953 feet.

From there, the Croatian rescue team will get Mr Dickey to 2,345 feet.

Then the Italian rescue team will get Mr Dickey to 1,640 feet.

After that the Polish rescue team will take over to help Mr Dickey reach 1,181 feet.

Then the Hungarian team will assist in reaching 590 feet.

Finally, the Turkish team will help get Mr Dickey out of the cave and to the surface so he can reach proper medical care.

Dickeys parents thank rescuers for efforts

Saturday 9 September 2023 05:04 , Maanya Sachdeva

Andrew and Deborah Ann Dickey, the scientist Mark Dickeys parents, released a statement thanking rescuers for their life-saving efforts.

Mark is strong, but he needed his fellow cavers, including, of course, the doctors, to allow a devastatingly scary situation to turn positive, Dickeys parents said.

Our prayers are being answered and we cannot express how much that means, and will always mean, to us.

Who is Mark Dickey?

Saturday 9 September 2023 03:05 , Graeme Massie

Hailing from Croton-on-Hudson, New York, Mark Dickey is a highly-trained caver, cave rescuer himself and well-known in the international speleological (cave expert) community, according to the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA).

His resume of cave explorations and expert status is endless: secretary of the ECRA medical committee, lead instructor for Caving Academy, a US-based organisation that prepares other cavers for exploration and a national instructor for the National Cave Rescue Commission.

He also volunteers with the New Jersey Initial Response Team, a nonprofit search-and-rescue team.

Having participated in many cave explorations in karst areas around the world for many years, Mr Dickey is knowledgeable and skilled  the kind of person youd want on complicated cave exploration like the Morca mission.

Mr Dickey was on an expedition to map the 4,186-foot-deep cave system in southern Turkey for the Anatolian Speleology Group Association.

Photos from a Facebook page that seemingly belongs to Mr Dickey show him happily preparing for the mission by inspecting all the necessary gear before embarking.

He built a career rescuing people from caves. Now hes stuck in one of the worlds deepest

Saturday 9 September 2023 01:00 , Graeme Massie

For five days, expert cave explorer Mark Dickey has been stuck 3,400 feet below the surface in a cave in the Taurus Moutain region of Turkey.

Mr Dickey, 40, is an experienced caver who embarked on an expedition mission to map one of the deepest caves in the world  the Morca cave system in southern Turkey.

But the expedition was suddenly cut short after Mr Dickey fell ill with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Now, a rescue team of over 150 personnel from several international organisations have combined their efforts to try to retrieve Mr Dickey, who cannot leave the cave due to the emergency medical situation.

As of Thursday, officials in the Speleological Federation of Turkey said that Mr Dickeys situation had improved but that he would require a stretcher, making the rescue mission even more complicated.

Ariana Baio reports:

He helped rescue people from caves. Now hes stuck in one of the worlds deepest

Officials share more details about cave rescue operation

Saturday 9 September 2023 19:03 , Chris Stevenson

Tulga Sener, the head of the rescue commission medical unit, told Reuters that Mr Dickeys health condition was stable and his vital signs normal, adding that three doctors would attend to him on his way up.

It is believed that Mr Dickey will have to take significant rest at frequent points on the way out.

Explosives will need to be used to expand some of the more narrow points of the cave to allow safe passage said Recep Salci, the head of search and rescue for AFAD, with the aim of bringing Mr Dickey up a stretcher.

Rescuers will use a security belt system to lift him through the caves narrowest openings.

Our aim is to bring him out and to have him hospitalised as soon as possible, Mr Salci said.

What is a speleologist? Mission to extract US explorer trapped 3,400 feet deep in Turkish Cave underway

Friday 8 September 2023 20:33 , Graeme Massie

The Cave Exploration Society says Morca cave is the 74th deepest cave in the world and the third deepest in Turkey - heres everything you need to know about Speleology.

What is a speleologist?

Mission to bring caver to surface will start Saturday, Turkish officials say

Friday 8 September 2023 18:31 , Graeme Massie

Mark Dickey remains 3,600ft underground, but the effort to lift him to the surface is set to begin on Saturday, a director at Turkeys Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) told CNN on Friday.

Dickey fell ill last weekend with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding during an exploration of the Morca Sinkhole in Morca Valley, near Anamur in southern Turkey.

(AP)

Doctors working to improve Mark Dickeys health

Friday 8 September 2023 18:00 , Ariana Baio

In an update from the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA), officials said doctors are working to improve Mark Dickeys health to the fullest extent possible before they conduct the rescue mission.

The doctors are working to further improve the patients health [sic] so that the difficult transport to the surface can begin soon without further complications, they wrote in a press release.

Officials said they believe Mr Dickey will need to use a stretcher for some of the rescue mission but the better his condition is the fewer complications there will be.

Mark Dickey calls rescue mission great opportunity for international teams to work together

Friday 8 September 2023 16:45 , Ariana Baio

In a message from Mark Dickey, the expert caver said a rescue mission like the one he will embark on is an opportunity to show the world how international teams can work together.

As you can see Im up, Im alert, Im talking. But Im not healed on the inside yet so Im going to need a lot of help to get out of here, Mr Dickey said in a video circulated around on Thursday.

Despite the scary situation, Mr Dickey remained hopeful and provided some positive thoughts: This is often, in the caving world, a great opportunity to show just how well the international world can work together.

Communications improved

Friday 8 September 2023 15:19 , Chris Stevenson

The European Cave Rescue Association said on its website on Friday that the cave had been divided into seven sections, with various rescue teams taking responsibility for each of the levels down the cave. Communication lines inside the cave had also been improved, it said.

"The doctors are working to further improve the patient's health's so that the difficult transport to the surface can begin soon without further complications."

Swapping doctors

Friday 8 September 2023 14:57 , Ariana Baio

Members of Italys National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Team joined rescue teams from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Turkey late on Thursday.

The Italian organisation said six of their rescuers, including a doctor and nurse, reached Mr Dickey during the night.

The team is switching out the Hungarian doctor who has been tending to Mr Dickey with their own. The team planned to work to keep him stable for 15 to 20 hours before being replaced by another team.

Small camps are being set up at different levels inside the cave gave doctors, nurses and technicians a place to rest, the group said.

Dozens of rescuers in the cave

Friday 8 September 2023 14:12 , Chris Stevenson

Recep Salci, a Turkeish rescue official, told HaberTurk TV that doctors gave Mr Dickey IV fluids and 4 litres of blood inside the cave.

More than 30 rescuers were inside the cave on Friday afternoon, and teams comprised of a doctor and three or four others take turns staying with the American at all times, Mr Salci said.

Our aim is to bring him out and to have him hospitalized as soon as possible, he said.More than 170 people, including doctors, paramedics and experienced cavers, are involved in the rescue operation.

Rescue plan on hold until doctors to give go ahead

Friday 8 September 2023 13:49 , Ariana Baio

A Turkish official has said rescuers are waiting for doctors to give the go-ahead for the difficult operation to begin.

Recep Salci, the head of AFAD's search and rescue department, told HaberTurk TV that the plan was to lift Dickey on a stretcher but to use a "security belt" system to lift him through the cave's narrow openings.

"We are trying to expand the narrow areas by making small explosions, by breaking some areas," Mr Salci said.

Caver describes the complexity of Morca cave

Friday 8 September 2023 13:10 , Chris Stevenson

Carl Heitmeyer, the public information officer for the New Jersey Initial Response Team described the complexity of the cave system that Mark Dickey is in to New Jersey Patch.

"I compare it to Everest," Mr Heitmeyer said.

"Theres twists and turns and squeezes," he said. "Theres climbs both up and down. And then theres the rope work, where youre hanging on, climbing up. And then theres water coming in...some of the times when youre on rope, doing all that very technical stuff, youre blinking because of the rain."

Cave divided into sections'

Friday 8 September 2023 12:48 , Chris Stevenson

Gretchen Baker, a representative of the National Cave Rescue Commission in Huntsville, Alabama has spoken about how the route is being prepared for Mark Dickey to exit the cave. The cave has been divided into seven sections, with different cave rescue teams working to prepare each section for Marks passage, Ms Baker said. This includes adapting the current rigging to rescue rigging, which can hold more weight and is in good places to put in haul systems. It also means enlarging the passages so that a litter can fit through.

Mr Dickey will assist in his rescue, but to keep his condition stable, he will be put on a litter, a type of stretcher, for at least part of the time, Ms Baker told The Washington Post. Using the litter protects him, but also means that it will take longer to get out of the cave, as there are many narrow, tight sections on the route out, and the litter is harder to fit through than a human body, she added.

I was very close to the edge

Friday 8 September 2023 11:30 , Namita Singh

In a video message from inside the cave and made available Thursday by Turkeys communications directorate, Mark Dickey thanked the caving community and the Turkish government for their efforts.

Hi. Mark Dickey from nearly a thousand metres, Mr Dickey said. The caving world is a really tight-knit group and its amazing to see how many people have responded on the surface.

Were still waiting for communications actually to reach down here. So right now its a day or two days of travel for information to get back and forth. I dont quite know whats happened, but I do know that the quick response of the Turkish government to get the medical supplies that I need, in my opinion, saved my life. I was very close to the edge.

Mr Dickey, who had been bleeding and losing fluid from his stomach, has stopped vomiting and has eaten for the first time in days, according to a New Jersey-based cave rescue group he is affiliated with. It is unclear what caused his medical issue.

Hours of descent'

Friday 8 September 2023 11:15 , Chris Stevenson

Speaking to an Israeli rescuer, they say getting down to the depth Mark Dickey is takes almost a day of contstant descent. Communication also slow, as for every update you need to send someone to climb 500m to the phone that sits at that depth. That takes 7-10 hours.

Watch: Rescue operation underway for ill American stuck deep in Turkish cave

Friday 8 September 2023 11:09 , Chris Stevenson

Evacuation could take days'

Friday 8 September 2023 10:46 , Chris Stevenson

"The doctors we sent down were very successful in treating [Mark Dickey]," Cenk Yildiz, a regional official from Turkey's disaster relief agency, told the IHA news agency. "We are now in a position to evacuate him."

"This is a difficult operation. It would take a [healthy] person 16 hours to come out. This operation will last at least three or four days," Mr Yildiz continued. "Our priority is health. Our aim is to conclude this operation without anyone coming under any danger.

More rescuers to join Dickeys extraction mission

Friday 8 September 2023 10:30 , Namita Singh

A team of rescuers from Italys National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Team will be flying to Turkey on Thursday night. A total of around 50 rescuers will be at the entrance of the cave early on Friday ready to participate in the operation directed by Turkish authorities.

The rescue teams hope that the extraction can begin on Saturday or Sunday. Kovacs said that lifting Mark Dickey will likely take several days, and that several bivouac points are being prepared along the way so that Dickey and rescue teams can rest.

The cave has been divided into several sections, with each countrys rescue team being responsible for one section.

The Hungarian Cave Rescue Service, made up of volunteer rescuers, was the first to arrive at Mr Dickeys location and provided emergency blood transfusions to stabilize his condition.

How deep is the cave Mark Dickey is in?

Friday 8 September 2023 10:14 , Chris Stevenson

An image depicting the vertical depth of the cave where Mark Dickey is (Turkish Caving Federation)

Rescue will not be quick'

Friday 8 September 2023 09:55 , Chris Stevenson

This will not be a quick rescue due to where he is in the cave and the challenging terrain ahead, Gretchen Baker, a representative of the National Cave Rescue Commission in Huntsville, Alabama, said in an emailed statement. But the cave rescuers on scene are extremely talented, and many have worked in deep caves. Mark has caved in several European countries and knows some of these rescuers from other expeditions.

Who is Mark Dickey?

Friday 8 September 2023 09:30 , Namita Singh

Experienced caver Mark Dickey, 40, suddenly became ill during an expedition with a handful of others, including three other Americans, in the Morca cave in southern Turkeys Taurus Mountains, the European Association of Cave Rescuers said.

Described by the association as a highly trained caver and a cave rescuer himself, Dickey is well known as a cave researcher, or speleologist, from his participation in many international expeditions. He is secretary of the associations medical committee.

Mr Dickey was on an expedition mapping the 1,276m (4,186ft) deep Morca cave system for the Anatolian Speleology Group Association (ASPEG) when he ran into trouble about 1,000m down. He initially became ill on 2 September, but it took until the morning of 3 September to notify others who were above ground.

Justin Hanley, a 28-year-old firefighter from near Dallas, Texas, said he met Mr Dickey a few months ago when he took a cave rescue course Dickey taught in Hungary and Croatia. He described Mr Dickey as upbeat and as someone who sees the good in everyone.

Mark is the guy that should be on that rescue mission thats leading and consulting and for him to be the one that needs to be rescued is kind of a tragedy in and of itself, he said.

International rescue agencies join together in Dickey extraction mission

Friday 8 September 2023 09:00 , Namita Singh

Marton Kovacs of the Hungarian Cave Rescue Service said that the cave is being prepared for Mark Dickeys safe extraction. Passages are being widened and the danger of falling rocks is also being addressed.

Turkish disaster relief agency AFAD and rescue team UMKE are working with Turkish and international cavers on the plan to hoist Mr Dickey out of the cave system, the European Cave Rescue Association said.

Mark Dickey, the US caver who is currently trapped near Morca (Reuters)

The rescue effort currently involves more than 170 people, including doctors, paramedics who are tending to Dickey and experienced cavers, Ogrenecek said, adding that the rescue operation could take up to two to three weeks.

The operation includes rescue teams from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Turkey.
Elon Musk has made little secret of his personal interest and engagement in Russia's year-and-a-half-long invasion effort against Ukraine, and that country's ongoing counteroffensive against their would-be occupiers. He has publicly admitted to "trying my hardest to de-escalate this situation and obviously failing," and mused to his more than 100 million followers on X, formerly Twitter, about which parts of Ukraine should be formally annexed into Russia, even while supplying thousands of his proprietary "Starlink" communications terminals to the region at the behest Ukrainian officials desperate for internet access to coordinate their military maneuvers. "Starlink is indeed the blood of our entire communication infrastructure now," Ukraine's digital minister told The New York Times this summer, highlighting the degree to which that country is technologically dependent on Musk's products  and by extension, Musk himself.

That dependency took on a particularly urgent note this week, with a revelation from Musk biographer Walter Isaacson that the billionaire had personally intervened to withhold Starlink services from a planned Ukrainian offensive against Russia's Black Sea fleet in occupied Crimea. Musk himself later confirmed the report  excerpted from Isaacson's upcoming biography, and first published in The Washington Post  by claiming on X that "SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation" had he complied with Ukraine's request for satellite connectivity in the region. However, by acknowledging that he himself had thwarted a sovereign country's military in what has essentially become a war of existential survival, Musk has inadvertently re-energized a long-simmering criticism that he has personally amassed too much power for a single, largely unaccountable, individual.

What the commentators said

Musk's decision allowed Russia to continue its naval bombardment of Ukrainian cities, Ukrainian official Mykhailo Podolyak said on X, calling it "the price of a cocktail of ignorance and big ego." Podolyak's criticism is an exception though, as "few nations will speak publicly about their concerns, for fear of alienating Mr. Musk" according to various intelligence and cybersecurity officials who spoke with The New York Times. Despite Musk being neither "a diplomat or statesman," one Pentagon official who spoke with The New Yorker's Ronan Farrow said he felt compelled "to treat him as such, given the influence he had" in the ongoing Ukrainian-Russian conflict. But rather than condemn Musk to outright villainy, Farrow placed the ultimate blame on "the systems around him."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It is "vast economic systems and political trend lines" that have created the opportunity for "a single mega-billionaire of this type" to be able to "fill the spaces that are going fallow at the hands of the state," Farrow explained on The New Yorker's The Political Scene podcast, citing Musk's dominance of both the private space travel and communications industries. "This is insane that we've let it get to this," agreed The Daily Beast's Andy Levy, placing similar blame on the vacuum ceded by the government in certain industries that allowed Musk to concentrate such acute power in himself  even to the detriment of his own companies. After intense negotiations to charge the Pentagon to keep Starlink services available to the Ukrainian military in 2022, Musk backtracked, having "succumbed to the bullshit on Twitter and to the haters at the Pentagon who leaked the story," SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell told Isaacson. "The Pentagon had a $145 million check ready to hand to me, literally."

What next?

Think of Musk as "a conglomerate," CNN's Seth Fiegerman urged at the onset of the billionaire's Twitter takeover. By controlling so many interconnected industries, "each arm of his empire potentially gives him more leverage, real or imagined, in advocating for the others." Operating against a "backdrop of crumbling infrastructure and declining trust in institutions," Musk excels at identifying "crucial areas where, after decades of privatization, the state has receded" and filling those voids with his own products," Farrow said. Moreover, "efforts to rein him in have had limited success," he explained to The Political Scene. Quoting an FAA official who declined to punish Musk for an unauthorized rocket launch, Farrow explained, "look, the guy is just so rich a fine doesn't hurt a company that he's running."

You may also like

Homepage
Captain America is a married man.

Chris Evans tied the knot with actress Alba Baptista at a private estate in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on Saturday, according to People magazine.

Guests included the bride and grooms family, as well as Evans The Avengers co-stars Robert Downey Jr. , Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Renner , as well as John Krasinski and wife Emily Blunt .

Insiders who spoke to Page Six said the affair was locked down tight, with guests signing NDAs and handing over the phones before the nuptials.

Chris Evans attends the 91st Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24, 2019.

Chris Evans attends the 91st Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24, 2019.

Evans and Baptistas relationship first came to light around November 2022, after People reported the pair had been dating for over a year.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her, a source close to the Gifted actor told the magazine.

HuffPost has reached out for Evans and Baptistas reps for comment.

Baptista, who hails from Portugal, starred in the Netflix series Warrior Nun from 2020 to 2022.

Alba Baptista attends the Miu Miu Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-24 during Paris Fashion Week on March 7.

Alba Baptista attends the Miu Miu Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-24 during Paris Fashion Week on March 7.

She earned a Shooting Star Award at the 2021 Berlinale and appeared in the chic, historical comedy Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris last year.

In an interview for his 2022 Sexiest Man of the Year honors, Evans told People he was excited to have a family sometime down the line.

Thats absolutely something I want: wife, kids, building a family, he said. When you read about most of the best artists, whether its actors, painters, writers, most of them [admit] it wasnt the work they made [that they are most proud of], it was about the relationships; the families they created, the love they found, the love they shared.

Related...
Escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante has been spotted again and has changed his appearance, police said early Sunday as they try to narrow in on the Pennsylvania fugitive.

A sighting was reported late Saturday "in the northern Chester County area near Phoenixville," Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement. Cavalcante had visited the home of a person he worked with years ago, who wasn't home, Lt. Col. George Bivens said at a news briefing Sunday afternoon.

Cavalcante earlier Saturday night visited the home of another former work colleague, who also was not home. He was seen on the home's doorbell camera, and the homeowner alerted authorities, Bivens said.

Police say Cavalcante is trying to contact his former colleagues for support after his escape. As of Sunday morning, police believed Cavalcante was no longer in the Phoenixville area, state police said on X, formerly Twitter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

They added that Cavalcante, 34, had changed his appearance since he was spotted twice Friday within the Chester County search area.

"He is clean shaven and last seen wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, black baseball style hat, green prison pants, and white shoes," police said in the statement.

A photo of Danelo Cavalcante released by police early Sunday. (Pennsylvania State Police)

The U.S. Marshal Service released new images, seemingly captured on a Ring camera, alongside the statement.

A few hours later, police said Cavalcante was driving a white 2020 Ford Transit van with a refrigeration unit on the top and damage to the left rear fender.

The van was found abandoned in a field behind a barn in East Nantmeal Township on Sunday morning, state police said. Investigators are searching for Cavalcante in the area.

Image of white van with cooling unit and damaged fender. (via U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia )

Police warn residents in the area to stay alert and secure their property, as they believe Cavalcante may steal another vehicle. Anyone who sees Cavalcante or has any information about him is encouraged to call authorities.

Law enforcement agencies have encountered "a number of challenges" trying to secure the perimeter and find Cavalcante, Bivens said at the news briefing.

"Unfortunately, there are a lot of circumstances, there are a lot of issues associated with that property," Bivens said. "Tunnels, very large drainage ditches, things that could not be secured, you couple that with weather, aviation being down for a night, there are a number of reasons."

Cavalcante was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole last month, having been convicted of fatally stabbing his former girlfriend.

He slipped out of the Chester County Prison in Pocopson Township on Aug. 31, an escape that was captured on surveillance video showing that he stretched himself across the exercise yard walls before he climbed to the roof.

A prison guard on duty when Cavalcante escaped was fired for having violated prison policy by having a cellphone in the tower, a Chester County spokesperson said Friday.

A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for tips that lead to the arrest of Cavalcante.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Experts recommend how to explore the Nordic country.

skynesher/Getty Images

There are few places in the world quite as magical as the country of Iceland. From natural wonders like Gullfoss Waterfall and the Northern Lights to the buzzing culinary scene and fascinating history and culture of this Nordic island, Iceland has much to offer travelers.

If youre planning a trip to the land of fire and ice, it can be challenging to narrow down what sights and activities to put on your itinerary. I experienced this myself when I planned a hot springs tour around the country a couple of years ago; this time, I turned to the pros for advice.



Travel + Leisure spoke with three local experts to gather their thoughts on the best of Iceland. Davi Logi Gunnarsson, head guide of Nordic Luxury, shared his favorite museums, food and drink, and outdoor activities to check out; Dofri Hermannsson, expert hiking guide and owner of Reykjavik Erupts, shared top hikes to tackle and small businesses to frequent; and Aggi Sverrisson, executive chef at Moss Restaurant at the Retreat, offered restaurant and bar recommendations for every type of occasion. Without further ado, here are 25 of the best things to do in Iceland.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related: The Perfect Three-day Weekend in Iceland



The National Gallery of Iceland

Grady Coppell/Getty Images

The National Gallery of Iceland is located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik and has more than 14,000 pieces in its expansive collection. The gallery features 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century works celebrating and preserving Icelandic culture, and there is a large variety of international art as well. From traditional to contemporary works, [The National Gallery of Iceland] offers a captivating glimpse into the nations creative heritage, says Sverrisson.

The Akureyri Art Museum

The Akureyri Art Museum is located in the center of Icelands second-largest city, and its collection focuses solely on visual arts. Showcasing work from both local and international artists, the museum serves as a cultural hub for the artistic community in North Iceland. Explore the museum at your own pace or visit on a Thursday, when guided tours are available.

Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum

Martin Zwick/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Fermented shark is one of Icelands most unique culinary traditions, and you can take a deep dive into the connection between Iceland and Greenland sharks at the Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum. Located in West Iceland on the Snfellsnes Peninsula, this museum highlights the destination's long history of shark fishing, the fermentation process, and the importance of these predators to Icelandic culture. You can even try fermented shark yourself here.

National Museum of Iceland

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

This museum showcases paintings, statues, and other artifacts from Icelands storied past. Its located within walking distance from Reykjavik's center and is the perfect way to spend a rainy day or lazy afternoon in the city.

Radagerdi

A local favorite, this restaurant is tucked away on the western edge of Reykjavik and is surrounded by the sea in a nature reserve, says Gunnarsson. Its cozy, and the menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients while drawing inspiration from the simplicity of Italian cuisine. While the restaurant is great to visit any time of year, winter can bring the backdrop of a lifetime, when you might see the Northern Lights right from your table.

Moss Restaurant

Courtesy of Moss Restaurant

Moss is a fine-dining restaurant located inside The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik. The restaurant's innovative tasting menu features the best of Icelandic meat and produce, and it was awarded its first Michelin star earlier this year. With breathtaking views of the mystical Blue Lagoon, a meal at Moss makes for an unparalleled culinary experience.

Monkeys

Monkeys is the perfect place to kick off a lively night out in Reykjavik. Located near the popular Laugavegur street, the eclectic Nikkei restaurant boasts bright and colorful decor that complements the exotic dishes and spectacular cocktails it serves. The Peruvian Japanese-inspired menu showcases a large selection of small dishes and tasting menus bursting with flavors that celebrate the palate, says Gunnarsson.

Pakkhus Restaurant

For some of the best seafood in the country, head to Pakkhus Restaurant in Hofn. Set in a converted warehouse along the harbor, the unpresuming restaurant features a top-class menu focused on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Sverrisson notes that the restaurants specialties include unique langoustine creations, so make sure to add one or two fresh lobster dishes to your order.

Kaffibarinn

One of the oldest bars in the city, Kaffibarinn is a staple of Reykjaviks nightlife scene. During the day Kaffibarinn operates as a coffee shop, but at night tourists and locals alike flock here for the high-energy DJ sets, the hip atmosphere, and of course to dance all night long. This is the place to see and be seen, Gunnarsson says.

Port 9

Accoridng to Sverrisson, Port 9 is "A pioneer in Icelandic wine culture. Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Reykjavik, the intimate wine bar has an unbeatable selection of international wines, plus small bites to nibble on between pours. The inviting ambiance of the wine bar makes it the perfect spot for a date night or small group tasting.

Kaldi

Even though its located on the busy Laugavegur street, this cozy bar feels more sophisticated than your typical brewery. [Kaldi] is popular with locals and offers a great selection of Icelandic microbrews, says Gunnarsson. This place is bustling every evening, so be early.



Grotta Lighthouse

Rudolf Ernst/Getty Images

Escape the city lights with a leisurely hike from downtown Reykjavik to the Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. On a summer evening, it is great to hike from Harpa Conference Hall towards the lighthouse, says Hermannsson. Stunning sunsets are a treat in the summer, and in the winter months the clear skies are perfect for watching the Northern Lights.

Mount Esja

James Hartshorn/Getty Images

If you have access to a car, Hermannsson recommends driving to the base of Mount Esja, which is located about 50 minutes outside of Reykjavik in the southwest region of Iceland. Arrive ready for a heart-pumping hike at this year-round spot. There are many different hikes to choose from, and signage along the way to keep you on the path that best suits your experience level. Once you reach the nearly 3,000-foot summit, you can take in the jaw-dropping views of the city, the bay, and beyond.

Litli-Hrutur Volcano

Sner/Getty Images

Hiking a volcano is one of the most thrilling adventures you can embark on in Iceland, and Litli-Hrutur is the newest eruption. This particular hike is no easy trek, and since conditions are ever-changing, make sure youre adequately prepared if you want to make the journey. For a full experience, hire a local expert guide who knows everything about the volcanic activity of the Reykjavik area," says Hermannsson. "It really makes the Earth come alive under your feet."

Landmannalaugar

Neurobite/Getty Images

This otherworldly landscape captivates even the most experienced hiker, Gunnarsson says of Landmannalaugar. Located in the highlands of Iceland, the colorful mountains, hot springs, and steam vents in this unique place provide an unforgettable landscape and a silence that only a few have experienced in nature. The best time to visit is mid-June to mid-September, when the long summer days allow you to take in as much of the boundless beauty of the reserve as you can.

jorsardalur

skynesher/Getty Images

Scenic views take on a new meaning on this hike alongside jorsa, Icelands longest river. The breathtaking trek leads to Haifoss, one of the tallest and most dramatic waterfalls in Iceland. Along the way youll encounter much more natural beauty, including the Burfell Forest and Fossalda mountain.

Kaffitar

Kaffitar is a small coffee chain with four cafes located around Reykjavik. Founded in 1990 by Adalheidur Hedinsdottir, the company is now one of the leading coffee names in Iceland, in part thanks to its emphasis on nurturing relationships with the farmers who supply its coffee beans. [Hedinsdottir's] specialty coffee and the original cafe she opened were a hit, and now she runs several cafes, still getting her beans directly from farmers in South America," says Hermannsson.

Skool Beans

Joshua Schumacher

Skool Beans is Icelands smallest micro-roaster. On the southern coast of Iceland inside a classic yellow school bus, you will find this unique cafe in the small town of Vik. The rustic ambiance, as well as the exemplary coffee and chocolates, make for the best casual conversations with fellow travelers, notes Gunnarsson.

Reykjavik Rost

What better way to start your morning than a cup of coffee with a great view? Located near the water on the Old Harbor, Sverrisson dubs Reykjavik Rost one of the best coffee shops in the city. It offers all your standard coffee drinks, as well as maple sage lattes, keto coffee, and magic mushroom coffee. It also has a great selection of Icelandic cakes and traditional pastries, as well as amazing views.

Blue Lagoon

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

This geothermal spa has gained international fame as a modern wonder of the world. Located in a black lava field in Grindavik, visitors can soak in the milky-blue waters known for their healing properties due to the silica and sulfur found in the water. Just 15 minutes from the Keflavik Airport, its the perfect activity right after landing or just before leaving Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja

1Tomm/Getty Images

One of Reykjavik's most historic landmarks, this gorgeous church rests on top of a hill in the center of Reykjavik and stands out due to its height and distinctly shaped spire and side wings. Built to resemble basalt columns, the 244-foot church is the tallest in Iceland, and in addition to operating as a church it serves as an observation deck. My favorite way to visit is to go up the bell tower and take in the panoramic views of the city from the observation windows, says Gunnarsson.

Solfar

Kridtin Wongpoovarak/Getty Images

Set on the coastline of Reykjavik, Solfar (or Sun Voyager) is a striking sculpture meant to serve as an ode to the sun. Created by Jon Gunnar Arnason, the stainless steel sculpture was inspired by world expeditions and symbolizes light, hope, and the promises of undiscovered territory. Check out the artwork at sunset for a stunning view that will leave you just as inspired as Arnason was when he created this masterpiece.

Mlifell

imageBROKER/Robert Haasmann/Getty Images

Awe-inspiring in its perfect conical shape, this ancient volcano sits like an island of greenery in a vast field of black sands and glacial streams, says Gunnarsson. Standing more than 2,500 feet above the highlands of Southern Iceland, Mlifell is a monstrous volcano and an ode to Icelands otherworldly landscapes. It's a must-see for adventure seekers, but note that due to its remote location, Mlifell is only accessible in the summer months. Those who manage to make it to this natural wonder will marvel at its truly majestic setting.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

patmeierphotography.com/Getty Images

Jokulsarlon is Icelands most famous glacier lagoon, with massive icebergs looming over Jokulsarlon lake. This is one of Icelands most popular landmarks, and it's the deepest lake in the country, notes Sverrisson. Its located on the south coast and offers awe-inspiring views of floating icebergs, black-sand beaches, seals, and so much more.

Grjotagja Cave

Gannet77/Getty Images

This small lava cave is a hidden gem on Icelands famed Ring Road. Located near Lake Myvatn, the inconspicuous hideout is known for the bubbling geothermal hot springs found inside the cavern walls. The jagged rocks and turquoise waters make Grjotagja a hauntingly beautiful landmark to visit.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
Its time to expand your dessert repertoire.

There are dozens of things to love about fall, including the changing leaves, an excuse to drink pumpkin spice lattes, and the myriad of cozy meals you can enjoy as the days get shorter and cooler.



Greg DuPree



Another one of our favorite things about autumn are the dozens of desserts you can indulge in. While apple pie is a given, and a great way to put your apple-picking haul to good use, there are a plethora of other desserts that shine from September to November. From Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirl Cake to Pumpkin Caramel Pie Bars, check out this roundup of fall desserts that arent apple pie.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related: 19 Fall Dinner Ideas to Make All Season Long

Orange and Clove Basque Cheesecake

Jennifer Causey

Wow your autumn dinner guests with this photo-worthy dessert. This crustless cheesecake originates from the Basque region of Spain, and as its cloud-like appearance suggests, it has a lighter texture than your typical American cheesecake. For a gluten-free take on this dessert, just swap in an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.



get the recipe

Chocolate-Hazelnut Swirl Cake

Antonis Achilleos

This swirl cake boasts an eye-catching marble pattern thats bound to impress. To get the marbled look, youll use the zebra cake method, which creates more intricate, thinner stripes. Once the dessert sets in the oven, a crunchy streusel made with hazelnuts adorns the top, resulting in an irresistible crunchy contrast to the tender confection.



get the recipe

Cherry-Vanilla Bundt Cake

Antonis Achilleos

While this might look like a classic bundt cake from the outside, this treat has a major wow factora cascade of cherries hidden inside the sweet, tender crumb. To create this showstopper, youll add a cake batter enhanced with yogurt to the pan in two batches, with a store-bought cherry pie filling sandwiched between. If you need a make-ahead dessert, prepare this cake a day in advance and dust with confectioners sugar just before putting it on the table.



get the recipe

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Greg DuPree

Pumpkin is the star of many fall desserts, including this sweet and savory number. Here, spiced pumpkin puree mingles with a tangy cheesecake mixture, as well as a delicious Speculoos cookie crust, to create some visually appealing cheesecake bars.



get the recipe

Sheet-Pan Apple Crisp

Caitlin Bensel

While this dessert might be similar to apple pie, its crispy in a way that a pie could never be. To get those perfectly golden corners, use a sheet pan instead of the typical glass baking dish to bake this treat in. And while this recipe calls for Gala apples, feel free to use Braeburns, Honeycrisps, or Pink Ladies. Its time to put all of those fresh apples to work!



get the recipe

Pumpkin Bread Trifle With Pepita Streusel

Antonis Achilleos

A cream cheese-spiked trifle with a pumpkin spice streusel? Yes, please. Youll start by baking a simple loaf of pumpkin bread. Then, bake a crumbly and sweet streusel made with flour, sugar, butter, pumpkin pie spice, and pepitas for some delightful crunch, and dont forget the sweetened cream cheese, which is the glue that holds this fall confection together.



get the recipe

3-Layer Magic Cake

Bahareh Niati

This magic cake is a hit no matter what time of year it is. The magic happens when the cake batter separates into three distinct layers in the ovena thick, fudgy bottom layer, a custard center, and a top layer of delicate sponge cake. Wanna make this treat more fall-like? Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree to the batter for an unmistakably autumnal take.



get the recipe

Ginger Apple Tarte Tatin

A standard tarte tatin is a French upside-down apple tart, but this take is a tad different. In this recipe, you'll infuse caramel with fresh ginger. Then, youll drape thawed puff pastry on top and let it turn flaky and golden in the oven. Flip the entire thing over for the big reveal table-side, and expect your guests to be impressed.



get the recipe

Malted Chocolate Brownies

Victor Protasio

Chocolate is delicious no matter what season it is, and these brownies are wonderfully chocolatey. Chocolate or vanilla malted milk powder is mixed with cocoa powder to add another layer of flavor, and before the brownies bake, a generous handful of chopped malted milk balls (we like Whoppers!) and a pinch of flaky sea salt get sprinkled on top. The result is brownies with a caramelized crunchy topping thats equal parts malty, salty, and sweet. Yum!



get the recipe

Apple Cider Donuts

Grace Elkus

Making donuts might seem daunting, but we promise its not as intimidating as you may think. These fried treats, which are perfect for fall, are made with apple cider, flour, and plenty of sugar. Pro tip: If you don't have a donut cutter, use an upside-down water glass and a bottle cap (for the hole) to punch out the donuts.



get the recipe

Hazelnut Swirl Blondies

Greg DuPree

Blondies never disappoint, and what makes these blondies particularly outstanding are the dollops of Nutella-like, chocolate-hazelnut spread that you'll swirl into the batter before baking. For a nice, crunchy texture, feel free to add chopped hazelnuts to the batter and sprinkle the finished dessert with flaky sea salt. You wont regret it.



get the recipe

Jammy Hand Pies

Fred Hardy

If youre not using your air fryer to make dessert, youre missing out, and this recipe is proof. Here, frozen strawberries are cooked down with sugar and cornstarch until theyre irresistibly thick and jammy. Then, youll spread the jam inside circles of store-bought pie dough, fold, and crimp, before cooking these puppies in your trusty air fryer.



get the recipe

Apple Rugelach

Victor Protasio

While these little crescent-shaped pastries make for a great Hanukkah treat, that can totally be enjoyed all-year-round. The filling is a simple mixture of apple butter, honey, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of slivered almonds, but feel free to experiment with other fillings, such as chocolate hazelnut spread, strawberry jam, apricot preserves, and more.



get the recipe

Pistachio-Walnut Cheesecake

Greg DuPree

The combo of Biscoff cookies, nuts, and honey makes this cheesecake an all-star dessert, especially in the fall. The finishing touch is a sweet-and-tangy sour cream topping that balances out the desserts other flavors. To ensure a lump-free cheesecake, start with room-temperature cream cheese.



get the recipe

Heavenly Coconut Pound Cake

Kelsey Hansen

Sure, the shredded coconut in this cake brings the tropical vibes, but we assure you that this treat is just as delicious in the fall. The glaze (topped with shredded coconut, of course) kicks things up a notch. Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and youre ready for autumn!



get the recipe

Related: 15 Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes That Are Over-the-Top Decadent

Red Velvet Brownie Torte

Victor Protasio

What happens when red velvet cake and brownies join forces? The answer is this rich and decadent multi-layered treat. The brownie batter is spiked with red food coloring, and the chocolatey result is almost fudgy. A tangy cream cheese frosting officially takes the dessert over-the-top, while sprinkles add plenty of color and texture.



get the recipe

Gingerbread Pretzel Popcorn

If you love fall but are already itching for winter, give this festive popcorn a whirl. Each kernel is slathered with a vanilla caramel sauce made with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg for a flavor that's reminiscent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. When you head to Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday potluck, bring this popcorn as a delicious gift.



get the recipe

Pumpkin Spice Bread

Victor Protasio

What's more festive than serving pumpkin spice bread in the fall? Not much. This recipe actually calls for real pumpkin puree, so you know the pumpkin flavor will deliver. Plus, since the sweet streusel is made with real pumpkin seeds, this loaf is also a looker. Slather some butter or cream cheese on a slice and dig in.



get the recipe

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti With White Chocolate

Caitlin Bensel

If youve never combined pistachios and dried cranberries, now is your chance. This recipe calls for both of those ingredients and adds some white chocolate to the mix to take this dessert to the next level. And while biscotti has a reputation for being tough to chew, these pieces are soft enough to take a gentle bite while holding firm for a quick dip in coffee or tea.



get the recipe

Potato Chip Crispy Treats

Antonis Achilleos

Lets be honest, crispy treats transcend all seasons. In this recipe, the classic kids treat boasts a white chocolate drizzle and pieces of crushed wavy potato chips in each bite. The chips, which are a welcome addition, keep this easy dessert from being cloyingly sweet like the crispy treats you devoured as a child.



get the recipe

Mini Pumpkin Pies With Speculoos Crust and Whipped Cream

Jennifer Causey

If youre having a small fall dinner party, or just dont feel like whipping up an entire pumpkin pie, try these mini desserts. Here, each small pie features a press-in crust made with Speculoos cookies, as well as spicy sweet pumpkin filling. The pies also get a kick from grated fresh ginger, but it mellows under a pillowy dollop of whipped cream.



get the recipe

Honey-Apple Galette With Pistachio Sugar

Anna Williams

This decadent fall dessert combines honey and apple flavors into a flaky dough for a beautiful galette. As delicious as that may sound, a homemade pistachio sugar sets this confection apart from other apple desserts. To make the tasty topping youll blitz pistachios with sugar and a pinch of salt until ground, then liberally sprinkle the mixture all over the dough.



get the recipe

No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

Greg DuPree

A pie that doesnt require an oven? Consider us intrigued. This no-bake dessert boasts a press-in graham cracker crust, which encases a pumpkin puree filling with white chocolate, warm spices, and cream cheese. Pro tip: Make sure the cream cheese is truly at room temperature and that the chocolate is cooled before whisking it into the pumpkin puree. That way, the ingredients will come together easily.



get the recipe

Vanilla Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Victor Protasio

This vanilla sweet potato cheesecake is easy to whip up, but it looks gorgeously fancy. It includes a clever combination of just-enough sweet potato, plenty of cream cheese, and a brown butter-based graham cracker crust that youll want to make over and over again. Those three elements come together to create a mouth-watering dessert thats especially tasty once the temperatures start to dip.



get the recipe

Apple Cider Doughnut Tower

Jennifer Causey

Why have just one apple cider doughnut when you can make an apple cider doughnut tower? To assemble this masterpiece, youll procure some doughnuts (perhaps from your favorite orchard or farmers market) and whip together some cream with cream cheese and maple syrup. That combo acts as the glue that holds the tower together, while store-bought caramel sauce and chopped pecans top the whole thing.



get the recipe

Pumpkin Pecan Crisps

Max Kelly

A creamy warmly-spiced custard hides beneath a nutty crunchy streusel topping to create a dessert thats ready in about an hour. Before you serve each crisp, we suggest that you top it with a dollop of whipped cream. Creme fraiche also works, as does Greek yogurt if you want to eat this treat for breakfast.



get the recipe

Slow Cooker Apple Spice Cake

Victor Protasio

Yes, you can cook cake in the slow cooker, and yes, its delicious. This fall dessert is made with walnuts, brown sugar, buttermilk, apple pieces, and more, along with autumnal spices such as cinnamon and allspice. When the cake is done, dust it with a light coating of powdered sugar and serve.



get the recipe

Pumpkin Caramel Pie Bars With Toasted Coconut

Brie Passano

If you like pumpkin pie and salted caramel, this is the fall dessert for you. In this recipe, a pumpkin pie-inspired filling encased in a buttery crust is spiked with a homemade caramel sauce, and the whole thing is topped with crispy toasted coconut. Are you drooling yet?



get the recipe

Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Victor Protasio

Though pineapple is generally viewed as a summer fruit, this recipe calls for canned pineapple rings, which you can find at the grocery store year-round. Here, the fruit pieces are studded in a brown sugar cake batter. Garnish with maraschino cherries and unsweetened whipped cream, which will cut the sweetness and acidity of this dessert.



get the recipe

Dark Chocolate-Pumpkin Dump Cake

Caitlin Bensel

While dump cake doesnt sound glamorous, we promise that this seasonal offering is delicious. For this dessert, youll find a classic pumpkin pie base with chopped semi-sweet chocolate in each bite. In other words, each forkful is a combo of custardy pumpkin and melted chocolate. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream and enjoy!



get the recipe

Related: 45 Canned Pumpkin Recipes That Are Incredibly Easy to Make

Slow Cooker Cinnamon-Pecan Monkey Bread

Heather Meldrom

Who doesnt love monkey bread, especially when you can make it in the slow cooker? This dessert, which can also be enjoyed as a decadent breakfast treat, includes a nifty shortcut in that its made with refrigerated biscuits. Coat each biscuit in a cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, set your slow cooker on low, and enjoy in about two hours time.



get the recipe

Pumpkin Cream Puffs

Max Kelly

Pumpkin pie is a classic fall dessert, but if you want to experiment with other recipes that star the popular gourd, we suggest giving these cream puffs a try. For this dessert, choux pastries get filled with brown sugar and pumpkin pastry cream for a dreamy contrast in textures that any pumpkin fan will adore.



get the recipe

Chocolate-Almond Cake

Greg DuPree

The beauty of this chocolate-almond cake is that it isn't too sweet, and it comes together simply, thanks in large part to a food processor. Here, bittersweet chocolate combines with finely-ground almonds, sugar, vanilla, and egg whites. Once baked, the mixture becomes a decadent, naturally gluten-free treat that's best enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream.

Chocolate-Almond Cake

For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Real Simple.
The death toll is rising following a catastrophic earthquake in Morocco late at night on Friday 8 September. More than 2,000 people have been killed and injured after the 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck.

The epicentre was about 70km (43 miles) southwest of Marrakech  the fourth-biggest city in Morocco, and by far the most popular draw for international visitors.

Thousands of British holidaymakers are in the area, with many thousands more booked to go there during September. This is the travel picture.

How many British holidaymakers are in the vicinity?

The Independent calculates from flight data that around 5,000-8,000 UK holidaymakers are in the Marrakech area. Many are staying in the ancient heart of the city, or in modern hotels on the outskirts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trekking in the Atlas mountains is also popular, particularly in autumn when temperatures start to drop.

Is Marrakech airport still open and operating?

Yes, and a large number of UK flights have arrived and departed since the earthquake, including British Airways, easyJet and Tui from London Gatwick, easyJet from Luton, Ryanair from London Stansted and Tui from Birmingham and Manchester.

On Saturday both British Airways and easyJet deployed larger aircraft on their flights to London in order to accommodate passengers who wanted to come home early.

All other airports in Morocco are running normally.

What are the options for British travellers who want to leave the area?

At present there are no plans for an airlift. In the absence of confirmation to the contrary, the assumption will be that you travel home as planned.

If I come home early, will I be able to claim on travel insurance?

Not necessarily: the first line of action will be to contact your travel company and ask if you can leave early. They may well put arrangements in place. Travel insurance will be relevant only in the event of potential danger.

I am booked to travel to the Marrakech area imminently. Can I cancel?

Many thousands of people will be in this position: not wishing to put additional strain on a location enduring a humanitarian crisis; uncomfortable about going on holiday to a scene of such tragedy; or concerned about the possibility of aftershocks.

At present there are no clear grounds to cancel without penalty; the Foreign Office stops well short of warning against travel to the region.

The updated travel advice says: All Moroccan airports are open and flights to and from the UK are operating normally, with some airlines laying on additional seats for travellers wishing to return to the UK earlier than planned.

Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should liaise direct with their tour operators or airline companies.

If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently we advise you check with your accommodation provider/tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake.

Should you require consular assistance please call the British Embassy in Rabat on +212 537 63 33 33 and select the menu option for consular services, or call the Foreign Office on +44 207 008 5000.

The presumption is that almost all holidays will go ahead as normal. The main exceptions: trips based at specific properties which are currently unable to receive guests due to the earthquakes, and Atlas treks

The US Embassy in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, is telling American citizens: Local hospitals and resources in the most affected areas may become strained. Hospitals in Marrakech and major cities are currently open but have limited capacity.

Avoid affected areas and follow police instructions regarding road closures or traffic disruptions. Airports and local transportation are open and functioning.

What are the airlines saying?

These are the positions of the major airlines:

British Airways is offering flexibility to passengers booked to Marrakech in the next two weeks. A BA spokesperson said: The welfare of our customers is our priority, and we have contacted our British Airways Holidays customers in Morocco to check that theyre safe.

We are continuing to monitor the situation closely, and customers due to travel to or from Marrakech in the next two weeks can change their dates free of charge if they wish.

EasyJets spokesperson said: EasyJets thoughts are with everyone affected by the earthquake in Morocco.

If you are scheduled to travel to or from Morocco in the next few days, and wish to discuss your booking please contact our customer service team..

The number for easyJet customer services is 0330 551 5151. It is possible booked passengers will be offered flexibility allowing them to postpone or to change destinations.

Ryanairs spokesperson said: There may be some potential delays and cancellations to/from Morocco today due to the earthquake.

Affected passengers will be notified and passengers travelling to/from Morocco today should check their Ryanair app for flight updates before travelling to the airport.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our passengers and offer our deepest sympathies to those affected.

What do the holiday companies say?

A spokesperson for Tui said: We are aware of and deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes which took place about 70km southwest of Marrakech. Our thoughts are with the people in Morocco, the victims and their families.

Our teams are currently working on the ground in resort, supporting customers where needed and in contact with local authorities and partners to continue to assess the situation. In addition, customers have access to the Tui contact centre and the 24/7 Tui app, where they can speak directly with a member of staff.

We can confirm that there has been no change in the Foreign Office advice and the next planned TUI Airways flight is on Monday 11 September. Customers travelling on Tui holidays with other airlines on Sunday or Monday have or will be contacted by a member of the team to discuss their options.

Jet2, the other big package holiday company, does not operate to Morocco.

I dont believe I will be able to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. What are my rights?

It is too early to establish the amount of damage and disruption to the area, and in particular tourist facilities.

More seismic activity will continue, according to the US Geological Survey: Its likely that smaller aftershocks in the region ... will continue to be felt for weeks to come. In some cases, there may be strong aftershocks.

Even so, with no Foreign Office warning against travel: if you choose not to travel before your holiday company makes a decision, you are likely to lose most or all of your money.

What about travel elsewhere in Morocco?

The main holiday locations, including Agadir and Essaouira, are believed to be unaffected. A Londoner currently travelling on Moroccos Atlantic coast said he felt the tremors very strongly during the earthquake.

Alex Folkes is staying in Taghazout, north of Agadir  about 80km (50 miles) from the epicentre of the earthquake.

He told The Independent: Felt the tremors very strongly but no apparent damage or injury in the town. Place is back to normal (as far as I can tell) this morning. Obviously very different to Marrakech and Atlas villages. Condolences to all who have suffered.

Is Morocco an earthquake-prone area?

Not especially, but when they occur they tend to be deadly. The most devastating was in Agadir in 1960, when 12,000-15,000 people died. The town has now been rebuilt and is a popular resort.
The Cumberland County Schools website states the district is embracing a newly enacted Parent Bill of Rights law that was passed by the North Carolina General Assembly earlier this month.

The new law sets forth 12 rights parents have when it comes to their childs education, most of which policymakers and educators have said were already in place like having access to test scores or being able to inspect books or instructional materials.

The law also prohibits teachers from discussing gender identity or sexuality in kindergarten through fourth grades and requires education professionals to notify the parent if their child requests to change their name or pronoun.

An override stamp is seen on legislation limiting LGBTQ+ classroom instruction in the early grades, after North Carolina state lawmakers override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, in Raleigh.

How Cumberland County Schools is complying with the new law

According to Cumberland County Schools website, the Cumberland County Board of Education, highly values parental engagement and respects the rights of parents in the education and upbringing of their children. ...

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We firmly believe parents are indispensable in their children's lives and education, a statement added to the districts website Thursday stated. Our commitment involves empowering parents by upholding their rights to guide their children's education, access records, make medical decisions and engage with their academic progress.

While the Cumberland County Schools website states that many of the rights in the law are already addressed in existing board policy, any updates  concerning these rights will be added to the districts website.

Veto override

Sen. Amy Galey , R-Alamance County, said during the Senates Aug. 16 vote of 27-18 to override Gov. Roy Coopers veto of the bill that the Parents Bill of Rights law is about accountability for school systems and giving parents the resources they need to advocate for their children. Galey is a sponsor of the bill

This bill will strengthen education in North Carolina by increasing parent involvement," she said.

Cooper, who vetoed the bill July 5, said the legislature has wrong priorities, to pass legislation that discriminates instead of working to pass a budget. The annual budget is usually passed by July 1.

Yet, they still wont pass a budget when (things like) teachers, school bus drivers and Medicaid Expansion for thousands of working people getting kicked off their health plans every week are desperately needed, the governor said in Aug. 16 statement.

Cooper characterized the bill as a Dont Say Gay bill.

"Parents are the most essential educators for their children and their involvement must be encouraged, but this bill will scare teachers into silence by injecting fear and uncertainty into classrooms, he said.

The bill also hampers the important and sometimes lifesaving role of educators as trusted advisers when students have nowhere else to turn, he said.

According to the new law, there is an exemption on allowing parents access to any of their childs education or health records if a reasonably prudent person would believe that disclosure would result in the child becoming an abused juvenile or neglected juvenile.

Controversy

Galey and other Republicans have said the bill is about supporting parents.

On June 28, during a debate on the bill, Galey said the point of the bill is to empower parents to raise their family without being questioned or interrogated or undermined by the state of North Carolina.

Galey said if students question teachers about topics like gender or sexuality, they should be referred back to their parents.

We should not have public schools substituting themselves for parents, she said.

Galey continued to say that the "controversy" around the Parent Bill of Rights comes down to its provisions about now allowing gender identity, sexual identity or sexual activity to be taught in lower grades or requiring parents to be notified if theres a name or pronoun change.

She said parents are often notified by school officials if their child is pregnant, doing drugs, failing or having mental health problems while at school.

Why is it that only in this sliver of this public policy discussion, are we concerned about how the parents are going to react  we should not look at parents across the state of North Carolina and assume that theyre going to be punitive against their children if they share an uncomfortable truth about themselves.

Before the Senates Aug. 15 vote, Sen. Natasha Marcus, D-Mecklenburg County, said parents should and do have rights about what their children do in public school.

Marcus said parents she speaks to in her district and across the state tell her what they want the General Assembly to do about public education.

Not one of them has said to me that they want to erase LGBTQ kids and their families from the classroom or make them feel excluded or out them to their parents before they are ready to talk about it, she said.

Marcus said parents who advocated for the bill to become a law want to create a false bubble.

LGBTQ+ rights supporters rally in support of transgender youth outside the state Legislative Building Aug. 16, 2023, in Raleigh, North Carolina Republicans overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of legislation about LGBTQ+ classroom instruction, transgender participation in sports and gender-affirming medical treatments for youth.

Those parents also want us to ban books that they disagree with, she said. They want to control, not just what their children learn but what other people's children can learn, and they don't seem to care about the harm and the hurt that bills like Senate Bill 49 inflict  and make no mistake, this bill causes harm.

A North Carolina school district told educators to out trans students. Can they refuse?

NC Parents' Bill of Rights bill moves forward; critics say it could harm LGBTQ+ children

Supporters and opponents

The law has received both support and criticism from groups across the state.

Parents already have the fundamental right to oversee the education and upbringing of their own children, but public schools have slowly been usurping those rights by hiding information and slipping radical ideologies into their lessons, Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the nonprofit, nonpartisan education lobbying organization, NC Values Coalition, said a news release Aug. 16. SB 49 makes it clear, students belong to their parents, not to government schools.

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt also supported the new law in an Aug. 17 social media post.

As a former public school teacher and parent of three, I see the Parents Bill of Rights as a key way to open lines of communication between schools and parents so that parents remain a primary part of the conversation regarding their childs academic, health, and overall wellbeing, Truitt wrote.

Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, Human Rights Campaign and the North Carolina Justice Center, and the LGBTQ+ rights group, Equality NC, have all issued statements against the new law.

Transgender young people deserve to make choices about their own bodies, discuss their identities at school without fear of outing, Liz Barber, director of policy and advocacy of the ACLU of North Carolina said in a statement.

Tamika Walker Kelly, a Fayetteville resident who is also president of the North Carolina Association of Educators, said in a statement Aug. 17, Every student deserves the freedom to learn in a classroom that is safe and welcoming to all.

As educators who are entrusted by parents with the responsibility to teach age-appropriate lessons and prepare their children for the future, we are very disappointed in todays vote and worried for our students, especially those who are LGBTQ+."

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Cumberland County Schools faces new law met with LGBTQ controversy
Ensign William Michael Finnegan was a Michigan-born sailor stationed aboard a ship in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. He went missing in action and his death was never confirmed  until now, more than 80 years later, when his remains were finally identified.

Finnegan was born in Bessemer, Michigan, on April 18, 1897. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 22, 1917, and spent time on multiple vessels throughout his career.

Ensign William Michael Finnegan, a Michigan-born sailor stationed aboard a ship in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, went missing in action and his death was never confirmed  until 2023, more than 80 years later, after his remains were finally identified.

Finnegan worked as a chief radio electrician for the Navy before he was promoted to ensign on Nov. 18, 1941. As chief radio electrician, he performed duties related to radio transmission, radar management and other sound equipment. As ensign, Finnegan worked as a division officer, overseeing the work of a crew of seamen and petty officers in a specific division.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Finnegan was working on the USS. Oklahoma that fateful Dec. 7 when the ship was hit with three aerial torpedoes just before 8 a.m.

As machine gun fire and more aerial torpedoes continued to tear apart the Oklahoma, it began to capsize. According to U.S. Navy POW/MIA Communications, within 15 minutes of the first torpedo strike, the ship had rolled over completely, trapping many sailors who hadnt made it to the main deck.

Over the following two days after the attack, rescue teams worked to cut holes into the exposed hull of the ship to pull out the trapped sailors, but only 32 men were saved.

In total, 429 sailors on the USS Oklahoma perished.

Rescue teams at work on the capsized hull of the USS Oklahoma (BB-37), seeking crew members trapped inside from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

When the ship was righted in 1944, remains of the lost 429 were recovered, but only 35 were identified. The remains of the 388 unidentified sailors  including Finnegan  were interred, then later disinterred in 1947 in another unsuccessful attempt to identify more sailors before being buried again in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in 1950.

Related: Remains of missing Korean War soldier, a Detroit native, to be buried in Holly

In April 2015, the Department of Defense announced that the remains of the 388 unidentified sailors would be disinterred once more for DNA analysis with the goal of returning identified remains to each of the families.

Briefing families, I often hear, We did not believe he was dead. Probably he was not onboard the ship. Maybe one day he would walk through the door. said Timothy Hunter, acting director of Navy Casualty, in a news release. Being able to recover and identify the remains of sailors aid in closure for the families and it is especially important to the Navy to honor these sailors who paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives for their country.

Using DNA reference samples from USS Oklahoma families, scientists at Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency labs in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii and Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska have been able to identify 356 of the 388 missing sailors, including Finnegan.

Finnegan died a recipient of the following awards and decorations: the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal (Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (Bronze Star), World War II Victory Medal and American Campaign Medal.

His remains were buried Sept. 7 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pearl Harbor sailor from Michigan finally has remains identified
By Katya Golubkova, Michel Rose and Manoj Kumar

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -The G20 summit in New Delhi ended on Sunday as India handed over the bloc presidency to Brazil, while both the U.S. and Russia praised a consensus that did not condemn Moscow for the war in Ukraine but called on members to shun the use of force.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the group's leaders to hold a virtual meeting in November to review progress on policy suggestions and goals announced at the weekend.

"It is our responsibility to look at the suggestions that have been made to see how progress can be accelerated," he said in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Saturday, the group adopted a Leaders' Declaration that avoided condemning Russia for the war but highlighted the human suffering the conflict had caused and called on all states not to use force to grab territory.

The consensus came as a surprise. In the weeks leading to the summit, sharply differing views on the war had threatened to derail the meeting, with Western nations demanding members call out Moscow for the invasion and Russia saying it would block any resolution that did not reflect its position.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the head of the Russian delegation, said the summit was a success for India as well as the Global South, the world's developing countries.

The Global South's position in the talks helped prevent the G20 agenda from being overshadowed by Ukraine, he told a press conference. "India has truly consolidated G20 members from the Global South."

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters the summit declaration "does a very good job of standing up for the principle that states cannot use force to seek territorial acquisition or to violate the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of other states".

Germany and Britain have also praised the resolution, but Ukraine said "it was nothing to be proud of".

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that the G20, which was founded to solve international economic issues, was not necessarily the place to expect diplomatic progress on the war in Ukraine.

However, he said the G20 declaration was not a diplomatic victory for Russia.

"This G20 confirms once again the isolation of Russia. Today, an overwhelming majority of G20 members condemn the war in Ukraine and its impact," Macron told a press conference after the closing ceremony of the summit.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: "Russia's invasion of Ukraine is something that could shake the foundation of cooperation at G20.

"Also, that is having a major impact on the global economy through such developments as continued increases in food and energy prices."

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has left tens of thousands dead, displaced millions and sown economic turmoil across the world. Moscow, which says it is conducting a "special military operation" there, denies committing any atrocities.

WALKING BAREFOOT

The summit also admitted the African Union, which includes 55 member states, as a permanent member of the G20, underlining the bloc's inclusivity of more developing countries.

Addressing food security concerns, Lavrov said Russia would return to the Black Sea deal that lets Ukraine export grain if Moscow's demands were met. Moscow pulled out of the agreement in July over what it called a failure to meet its demands to implement a parallel agreement easing rules for its own food and fertiliser export.

The summit document had called for the safe flow of grain, food and fertiliser from both Ukraine and Russia.

Russia, Ukraine and Turkey are going to continue to discuss the grain deal, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said, saying that reviving the agreement was "not hopeless".

On Sunday, world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, German Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and Japan's Fumio Kishida, visited the memorial of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi.

Most of the leaders were barefoot as they walked to the site where Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948 by a Hindu extremist.

Biden later left for Vietnam, missing the last session of the summit. The White House said it was not aware of him having any talks with Lavrov or Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who led their country's delegations at the summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin both skipped the summit.

"This was one of the most difficult G20 summits in the almost twenty-year history of the forum ... it took almost 20 days to agree on the declaration before the summit and five days here on the spot," Svetlana Lukash, the Russian G20 government negotiator, was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Interfax.

"This was not only due to some disagreements on the Ukraine subject, but also due to differences in positions on all key issues, primarily the issues of climate change and the transition to low-carbon energy systems..."

A European Union official, who did not want to be identified, said on Sunday the Ukraine war was the most contentious issue in the negotiations.

"Without India's leadership it would not have been possible," the official said, adding that Brazil and South Africa also played a crucial role in bridging differences.

(Additional reporting by Krishn Kaushik; Writing by Sanjeev Miglani and Raju Gopalakrishnan; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Kim Coghill)
At a rally in South Dakota Friday, former President Donald Trump said Florida Gov. Ron Desantis had sided with the communists in China over U.S. farmers.

He strongly opposed my protection for our farmers, Trump said of DeSantis. I protected our farmers, very simply, and by the way those farmers got big checks.

When DeSantis was running for Florida Governor in 2018, he stated he didnt like farm subsidies that would try and offset retaliatory tariffs from the trade war between the U.S. and China at the time.

Im not a fan of farm subsidies, and you know, to throw billions of dollars in farm subsidies, I want to get away from doing that, DeSantis said on Fox Business at the time.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

DeSantis signed bills earlier this year attempting to prevent Chinese citizens from buying land in Florida. In a statement at the time, he called the Chinese Communist Party the United States greatest geopolitical threat.

Im proud to sign this legislation to stop the purchase of our farmland and land near our military bases and critical infrastructure by Chinese agents, to stop sensitive digital data from being stored in China, and to stop CCP influence in our education system from grade school to grad school, DeSantis said. We are following through on our commitment to crack down on Communist China.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donald Trump has repeatedly taken credit for the US Supreme Courts 2022 decision to revoke a constitutional right to abortion care, a landmark ruling that has upended abortion access for millions of Americans in the months that followed.

Within his one four-year term, the former president appointed three conservative justices to the nine-member panel, tilting the courts ideological balance in a promised effort to achieve a long-held Republican goal of overturning the 1973 decision in Roe v Wade.

The conservative majoritys decision in Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization has proved unpopular with most Americans and has fuelled victories in several Democratic campaigns and ballot measures to protect abortion rights.

In remarks to a crowd of supporters at a South Dakota rally on 8 September, the former president  who once said Im the one that got rid of Roe v Wade  admitted that the Supreme Court decision has probably cost the GOP politically.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Last year, those justices bravely and incredibly ruled on something that everybody has wanted for decades, Mr Trump said. They ruled to end Roe v Wade. That was a big thing. And its probably cost us politically, because the other side got energised.

Mr Trump, who has touted himself as the most pro-life president in American history while promising capital punishment against drug offenders and human traffickers, is among Republican candidates jockeying for the GOPs 2024 nomination while navigating the post-Roe landscape of anti-abortion activism  and proposals for a national ban  against widespread opposition to anti-abortion laws.

He has previously called Ron DeSantiss Florida ban on abortion access at six weeks of pregnancy too harsh, drawing a rare rebuke from an influential anti-abortion group. Mr Trump has avoided saying directly whether he would sign legislation to ban abortion nationally.

But like Ronald Reagan before me, I support the three exceptions  for rape, incest, and life of the mother, he said in South Dakota. Not everybody does. I think a large portion do.  I think you should, but again, thats your own, thats your own feeling.
Kyiv could have as little as 30 days left for its counter-offensive against Moscow, fears the head of the US military, while foreign aid workers have been killed in a Russian attack in Ukraine.

General Mark Milley said Ukraine only has around 30 to 45 days left before poor weather conditions hinder its offensive, telling the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg it will become very difficult to manoeuvre once the rains come.

Meanwhile, four volunteers from the Road to Relief NGO, which helps evacuate wounded people from front-line areas, were trapped inside a van as it flipped over and caught fire after being struck by Russian shells in eastern Ukraine on Sunday, the organisation said on its Instagram page.

Road to Relief said Canadian Anthony Ihnat died in the attack, while German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr were seriously injured. Spanish authorities later confirmed the death of the vans fourth passenger, 32-year-old Emma Igual, a Spanish national who was the organisations director.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This comes after dozens of Russian drones rained down on Kyiv in an aerial attack that lasted two hours in the early hours of Sunday, Ukrainian officials said, injuring a civilian.

Key Points

Foreign aid workers killed in Russian missile attack in Ukraine

Ukraine says Russia launches overnight drone attack on Kyiv

600 members of Putins forces killed in one day as party HQ destroyed

British man who went to fight in Ukraine found dead

IAEA deeply concerned by increased military activity around Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant

US army chief fears Kyiv has only 30 days left for offensive

Sunday 10 September 2023 14:34 , Tara Cobham

Kyiv could have as little as 30 days left for its counter-offensive against Moscow, fears the head of the US military.

General Mark Milley said Ukraine only has around 30 to 45 days left before poor weather conditions hinder its offensive, telling the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg it will become very difficult to manoeuvre once the rains come.

Luke O'Reilly reports:

Ukraine has around 45 days left before weather hinders offensive  US army chief

Zelensky says troops advancing in south, movement in east

04:17 , Arpan Rai

Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian troops pressing a counteroffensive against Russian occupying forces have advanced on the southern front in the past week while there had also been movement near Bakhmut in the east.

Over the past seven days we have made an advance in the Tavria (southern) sector, Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

There is movement in the Bakhmut sector. Yes, there is movement.

He added that Ukrainian forces were holding their ground on other fronts in the east  Avdiivka and Maryinka near the focus of Russias main attacks, and Lyman and Kupiansk, also subject to Russian attempts to advance further north.

The war-time presidents latest comments confirm assessments by other officials of gains, however modest, in the east and south.

Near Avdiivka, the head of the local military administration said Ukrainian troops took advantage of Russian forces focusing on one sector to advance and capture part of the village of Opytne south of the city.

Two drones downed near Russias Belgorod region

03:55 , Arpan Rai

Russias air defence systems destroyed two drones over the Belgorod region in the early hours today, the Russian defence ministry said on its Telegram channel, claiming to have thwarted an attack by Ukraine.

No immediate injuries have been reported after drone debris fell on a road in the Yakovlevsky district, according to Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

ICYMI: Foreign aid workers killed in Russian strikes

03:00 , Lydia Patrick

A charity confirmed four of their workers were hit by Russian shells in the Bakhmut region whilst trying to get to civilians who were caught in a crossfire.

Their vehicle came under Russian attack leading the van to catch on fire and flip, according to a Road to Relief spokesperson.German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick, Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr, Canadian volunteer Anthony Tonko Ihnat, and Spanish volunteer and Road to Relief Director Emma Igual were all in the vehicle.According to the charity, Ruben and Johan were badly injured with shrapnel wounds and burns but are now in a stable condition.

Tragically, Tonko has been confirmed dead, whilst Emmas current status is still unknown as the organiation cannot trace her whereabouts.

Zelensky urges the West to maintain support for Ukraine

02:00 , Lydia Patrick

The Ukranian president says Europeans must prepare for a long war as Kyiv make modest progress three months into counter offensive.

In an interview with The Economist, the leader expresses a seeming change in morale amongst Western leaders as Kyiv make modest gains.

Zelensky urges the West to contine their solidarity with Ukraine (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER)

In conversation with The Economist, he said: I have this intuition, reading, hearing and seeing their eyes [when they say] well be always with you.

But I see that he or she is not here, not with us.

The ex TV actor is aware of the importance of western economic support.

Mr Zelensky added: If you are not with Ukraine, you are with Russia, and if you are not with Russia, you are with Ukraine. And if partners do not help us, it means they will help Russia to win. That is it.

ICYMI: Russia carries out overnight drone attack on Kyiv

01:00 , Lydia Patrick

Russia launched an air attack on Kyiv early on Sunday, with blasts ringing out across the Ukrainian capital and its region for almost two hours and drone debris falling on several of the citys central districts, Ukrainian officials said.

Ukraines Land Forces said that the countrys air defence systems destroyed 25 out of 32 Russia-launched Iran-made Shahed drones, most of which targeted Kyiv and the Kyiv region.

Reuters witnesses heard at least five blasts across Kyiv, and Ukrainian media footage showed a number of cars damaged.

Drones came onto the capital in groups and from different directions, Serhiy Popko, head of Kyivs city military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app.

Read the full story here

Putins drones rained down on Kyiv (Reuters)

Tributes pour in for the volunteers killed in Kyiv strike

Monday 11 September 2023 00:00 , Lydia Patrick

Two foreign aid workers were killed this morning as shells hit their van - causing it to catch fire and flip.

Candian Anthony Tonko Ihnat was one of the volunteers who lost their life in the attack.

Paracrew Humanitarian Aid, an organisation he had previously worked for shared their sadness on Facebook.

They wrote: His compassion, empathy and strength will forever be an inspiration to all of us. And we will keep his memory alive by working on to help Ukraine in every possible way. Rest in peace dear friend.

Director of NGO killed in Russian strike

Sunday 10 September 2023 23:00 , Lydia Patrick

A 34-year-old Spanish humanitarian worker has been named as one of the victims of a Russian attack in Kyiv this morning.

Emma Igual was the director of Road to Relief, a Ukrainian-registered humanitarian NGO created in March 2022 with the purpose of helping Ukranian civillians.

The charitys main aims are to evacuate civillians, provide humanitarian aid and mobile healthcare.

According to the Huff Post she dedicated her life to help others and had previously carried out volunteer work in Kenya, Morocco. Greece and Myanmar.

Zelensky says a big breakthrough could lie ahead in counter offensive as Kyiv make gains

Sunday 10 September 2023 22:00 , Lydia Patrick

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian troops had made advances on the southern front and made movements near Bakhmut in the east.

Over the past seven days we have made an advance in the Tavria (southern) sector, Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

Zelenskiys latest comments on the state of the three-month-old counter offensive appeared to confirm assessments by other officials of gains, however modest, in the east and south (EPA)

There is movement in the Bakhmut sector. Yes, there is movement.

Zelensky said Ukrainian forces were holding their ground on other fronts in the east -- Avdiivka and Maryinka near the focus of Russias main attacks, and Lyman and Kupiansk, also subject to Russian attempts to advance further north.

Near Avdiivka, the head of the local military administration said Ukrainian troops took advantage of Russian forces focusing on one sector to advance and capture part of the village of Opytne south of the city.

In my opinion, this is very significant, Vitaliy Barabash told national television. To be frank, the enemy overlooked this southern direction a bit.

Zelensky and other officials have said the counter offensive requires time, dismissing criticism in the Western media that it is proceeding too slowly because of tactical errors.

In an interview with The Economist published on Sunday, Zelensky said making steady progress was essential to maintaining morale.

He suggested a big breakthrough could lie ahead.

G20 summit doesnt end with family photo

Sunday 10 September 2023 21:00 , Lydia Patrick

The G20 summit did not end in the usual harmonious manner this Sunday as some members question the and omission of Russia and careful language used in the communique.

Earlier drafts of the declaration reportedly featured stronger language when it comes to Russia, but a senior European Union official who was part of the negotiations told reporters here at the summit venue on Sunday that it would have spelled the end of the G20 as an organisation if they had not agreed to the watered-down version.

The official said: Ukraine was the most contentious issue. Extremely different positions were on the table to find the consensus, but it was Indias presidency and we believe in consensus so we had to accept that.

Read the full story here:

G20 summit ends with no family photo and criticism of watered-down declaration

Russian general says Ukraine is a stepping stone to the rest of Europe

Sunday 10 September 2023 20:00 , Lydia Patrick

General Andrey Mordvichev spoke out in a TV interview with Russia state TV warning Ukraine is just the beginning to the rest of Eastern Europe.

He also told the presente he expects the war to last a very long time.

As reported in Newsweek, Mordvichev said: I think theres still plenty of time to spend. It is pointless to talk about a specified period. If we are talking about Eastern Europe, which we will have to, of course then it will be longer.

The interviewer then asked if Ukraine was merely a stepping stone.

He responded: Yes, absolutely. It is only the beginning.

 This war will last for a long time, because we still need to liberate Eastern Europe, says Russian general and war criminal Andrei Mordvichev.



The interview was recorded at the end of July this year and Mordvichev assumed that the Ukrainian counteroffensive would slow down by pic.twitter.com/MB9m1YYcLV  TheKremlinYap (@TheKremlinYap) September 9, 2023

US Secretary of State defends decision to accept G20 statement - despite criticism

Sunday 10 September 2023 19:30 , Lydia Patrick

Anthony Blinken defended the United States decision to agree with the summits declaration amid Ukrainian complaints the statment doesnt do enough to condemn Russia.

During an interview on ABCs This Week he said:I was in the room when all the leaders spoke today with President Biden and it was very clear from everything that they said that not only do they want to see this war end, but they want to see it end on just and durable terms and it was also very clear that the consequences of Russias aggression are being felt throughout the G20 countries and throughout the developing world.

I think its very important that the G20 spoke as one, Blinken added.

Ukrainian foreign ministry Oleg Nikolnko hit out at the statement, saying the language used did not go far enough to condemn Russia.

Blinken routinely pledges his support for Ukraine on social media.

Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine's vital Danube ports, systematically destroying civilian infrastructure to prevent Ukrainian grain from feeding the world. This is Russia's playbook: strangle Ukrainian grain exports, weaponize food, and make hungry people pay the price.  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 8, 2023

Russia are becoming savvy to Ukranian military tactics, says head of military intelligence

Sunday 10 September 2023 18:30 , Lydia Patrick

Ukraines head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov spoke at the Yalta European Strategy forum in Kyiv last night.

Ukranian and international policy makers gathered to dicuss the wars progression.

As reported in The Guardian, Budanov said:

In terms of creativity and flexibility, we still have an edge over them, they are rather outdated. But they are adapting, they are trying to change tactics, to alter the way they use forces, they miserably fail with their strategy, but their tactics do have some improvements. They switched to the mass use of drones, before the war they simply didnt understand the importance of them, now they are adapting and copying us a lot.

Kyrylo Budanov

ICYMI: British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

Sunday 10 September 2023 18:00 , Lydia Patrick

A British man who fought in Ukraine was found dead in a body of water with his hands tied behind his back, his family have revealed.

Jordan Chadwick, 31, who travelled to Ukraine in early October 2022, was fighting in the International Legion.

Mr Chadwick, known as Joe, was from Burnley in Lancashire. He served as a Scots Guard in the British Army from 2011 to 2015.

His mother, Brenda Chadwick, told the BBC her family was devastated by her sons death.

She said: Although we are extremely proud of his unwavering courage and resilience, his death has been devastating.

Read the full story here

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

ICYMI: Ukraine says G20 summit declaration nothing to be proud of

Sunday 10 September 2023 17:00 , Lydia Patrick

The Ukrainian foreign ministry hit out at G20s joint declaration for omitting the mention of Russia and put forward his own corrected version.

The G20 member countrys reached an agreement on Saturday but there was a notable difference in language regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict in comparison with last years document.

There were disagreements between European countries who were keen to use strong language to condemn Moscows invasion yet Russia and China wouldnt accept any mention of war.

Nikolenko said:

G20 adopted a final declaration. We are grateful to the partners who tried to include strong wording in the text. However, in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of. This is how the main elements of the text could look to be closer to reality pic.twitter.com/qZqYluVKKS  Oleg Nikolenko (@OlegNikolenko_) September 9, 2023

Moscow hold local elections in occupied regions of Ukraine

Sunday 10 September 2023 16:15 , Lydia Patrick

Russian authorities have reported multiple attempts to sabotage voting in local elections taking place in occupied areas of Ukraine.

Votes are taking place this weekend in 79 regions of Russia, with ballots for governors, regional legislatures, city and municipal councils, as well as in the four Ukrainian regions Moscow annexed illegally last year - the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia provinces - and on the Crimean peninsula, which the Kremlin annexed in 2014.

Kyiv and the West have said balloting in the occupied areas of Ukraine is a violation of international law.

Russian electoral officials on Sunday reported attempts to sabotage voting in the occupied regions, where guerrilla forces loyal to Kyiv had previously killed pro-Moscow officials, blown up bridges and helped the Ukrainian military by identifying key targets.

A drone strike in the early hours of Sunday destroyed one polling station in the Zaporizhzhia province, deputy chairman of Russias Central Election Commission Nikolai Bulaev told reporters. He said no staff were at the station at the time of the attack.

A Russian-appointed official in the neighbouring Kherson region said that a live grenade was discovered on Saturday near a polling station there. Marina Zakharova said the grenade was hidden in bushes outside the station, and that voting had to be halted while emergency services disposed of it.

Local residents and Ukrainian activists have alleged that Russian poll workers make house calls accompanied by armed soldiers in both provinces, detaining those who refuse to vote and pressuring them into writing explanatory statements that could be used as grounds for a criminal case.

An elderly woman casts her ballot at a polling station during the Moscow mayoral election in Moscow, Russia (Moscow News Agency)

ICYMI: Russia turning to old ally North Korea to replenish ammunition

Sunday 10 September 2023 15:42 , Lydia Patrick

Russias supplies are depleting after a year and a half of fighting in Ukraine - and theyre turning to Kim Jong Un.

It is believed the isolated Asian country has tens of millions artillery shells and rockets that could help the Russian army.

United States officials expect North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to visit Russia in the coming days to seal a possible deal on munitions transfer with President Vladimir Putin.

Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center said: We know that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited recently for artillery shells predominantly, and most likely that will be discussed between Putin and Kim Jong Un.

Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, visited North Korea in July 2023, as the first Russian defence chief to visit the country since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Whilst the Kremlin have refused to comment about the nature of an arms deal, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed their close ties.

He said: : North Korea is our neighbor, and we will further develop our relations without looking back at other countries opinion.

Read the full story here:

Russia is turning to old ally North Korea to resupply its arsenal for the war in Ukraine

Russia says will return to grain deal once all conditions met

Sunday 10 September 2023 15:02 , Tara Cobham

Russia will return to the Black Sea grain deal the same day as Moscow's conditions for export of its own grain and fertilisers to the global markets are met, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters on Sunday.

Russia quit the deal in July, a year after it was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, complaining that its own food and fertiliser exports faced obstacles and that insufficient Ukrainian grain was going to countries in need.

"When all the necessary actions for removing obstacles for our grain and fertiliser exports are implemented, the same day we will return to the collective implementation of the Ukrainian part of the 'Black Sea initiative'", Lavrov told a briefing after attending a two-day G20 summit in New Delhi.

Recap: Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukrainian drone attack

Sunday 10 September 2023 13:30 , Tara Cobham

Elon Musk has admitted that his refusal to grant Ukraine permission to use his Starlink satellite network was an attempt to prevent a drone attack on a Russian naval fleet  with one Ukrainian official saying that his country is paying the price of a cocktail of ignorance and big ego.

The Starlink satellite internet service, which is run by the technology billionaires SpaceX company, has been a digital lifeline both for Ukraines military and for civilians in areas where Russias invasion has left infrastructure devastated or jammed.

An extract of a new biography of Musk, published by CNN on Thursday, said that the drones  packed with explosives  lost connectivity and washed ashore harmlessly during the thwarted assault last year, after Musk ordered his engineers to turn off the network. Musk is said to have feared that a strike on the ports of Russian-occupied Crimea would amount to a mini Pearl Harbor. Having apparently spoken to the Russian ambassador to the United States  who is reported to have told him that an attack on Crimea would trigger a nuclear response  Musk is then said to have ordered his engineers to turn off Starlink coverage within 100km of the Crimean coast.

Chris Stevenson reports:

Elon Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukraine drone attack on Russian ships

Russia claims it destroyed US-supplied Ukrainian speedboats

Sunday 10 September 2023 13:00 , Tara Cobham

Russias defense ministry said in the early hours of Sunday that Moscows forces earlier destroyed three US-supplied Ukrainian speedboats that had been travelling toward Crimea.

The claim could not be independently verified.

Too early to judge Ukraines summer offensive as failure, says US military head

Sunday 10 September 2023 12:20 , Tara Cobham

It is too early to say whether Ukraine's summer offensive has failed, the head of the US military has said.

Speaking to the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, General Mark Milley said: "That offensive kicked off about 90 days ago. It has gone slower than the planners anticipated. But that is a difference between what Clausewitz called war on paper and real war.

"So these are real people in real vehicles that are fighting through real minefields, and there's real death and destruction, and there's real friction.

"And there's still a reasonable amount of time, probably about 30 to 45 days, worth of fighting weather left.

"So the Ukrainians aren't done. This battle is not done. They haven't finished the fighting part of what they're trying to accomplish. So we'll see, it's too early to say how this is going to end. They at least have achieved partial success in what they set out to do, and that's important. And then the rains will come in. It'll become very muddy.

"It'll be very difficult to manoeuvre at that point, and then you'll get the deep winter. And then at that point, we'll see where things go. But right now, it is way too early to say that this offensive has failed or not failed."

In pictures: Russian drones rain down on Kyiv for hours overnight

Sunday 10 September 2023 12:18 , Tara Cobham

Russian drones rained down on Kyiv in an aerial attack that lasted two hours overnight (Reuters)

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike early on Sunday (REUTERS)

Foreign aid workers killed in Russian missile attack in Ukraine

Sunday 10 September 2023 10:56 , Tara Cobham

Two foreign aid workers were reportedly killed in eastern Ukraine on Sunday as Russian shelling hit a van carrying a team of four working with a Ukrainian NGO.

The four volunteers from the Road to Relief NGO, which helps evacuate wounded people from front-line areas, were trapped inside the van as it flipped over and caught fire after being struck by shells near the town of Chasiv Yar, the organization said on its Instagram page.

Road to Relief said Canadian Anthony Ihnat died in the attack, while German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr were seriously injured.

The organisation added that it could not trace the whereabouts of the van's fourth passenger, Emma Igual, a Spanish national who was the organization's director. Hours later, Spain's acting foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spanish media that authorities in Madrid had received "verbal confirmation" of the 32-year-old Igual's death.

The volunteers were on their way to assess the needs of civilians on the outskirts of Bakhmut, Road to Relief said, in reference to the eastern town that saw the war's longest and bloodiest battle before falling to Moscow in May. Ukrainian forces have held on to Bakhmut's western suburbs and are pushing a counteroffensive in the area.

Emma Igual, a Spanish national who was the organization's director, reportedly died in the Russian missile attack (Saphryn Shikaze / Road to Relief)

The four volunteers were from the Road to Relief NGO, which helps evacuate wounded people from front-line areas (Saphryn Shikaze / Road to Relief)

Local elections take place across Russia but Ukraine not on agenda

Sunday 10 September 2023 10:12 , Tara Cobham

Local elections kicked off in Russia this weekend in 79 regions, with voters are casting their ballots for governors, regional legislatures, city and municipal councils.

Russian authorities are also holding local elections in the four regions of Ukraine that Moscow annexed illegally last year  the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia provinces. Voting for federal and local legislators is also underway on the Crimean peninsula, which the Kremlin annexed in 2014. Balloting in the occupied areas of Ukraine has been denounced by Kyiv and the West as a sham and a violation of international law.

In Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanins seat is up for grabs, although he is running for re-election again and is unlikely to lose a race in which all contenders come from Kremlin-backed parties. Sobyanin was appointed mayor in 2010 and has since won mayoral elections twice: in 2013, despite now-imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny running against him, and 2018. Governors in 20 other Russian regions are also vying for office this year.

Local elections take place across Russia, but Ukraine is 'not on the agenda'

South Korea pledges additional $2 bln aid to Ukraine

Sunday 10 September 2023 09:26 , Tara Cobham

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Sunday the country will provide an additional $2 billion in aid to Ukraine starting in 2025 over the longer term, in addition to the $300 million previously pledged for next year, Yonhap news reported.

Yoon made the comment at a session of the G20 summit held in New Delhi, India, Yonhap said.

Ukraine says Russia launches overnight drone attack on Kyiv

Sunday 10 September 2023 08:03 , Tara Cobham

Russia launched an air attack on Kyiv early on Sunday, with blasts ringing out across the Ukrainian capital and its region for almost two hours and drone debris falling on several of the city's central districts, Ukrainian officials said.

Ukraine's Land Forces said that the country's air defence systems destroyed 25 out of 32 Russia-launched Iran-made Shahed drones, most of which targeted Kyiv and the Kyiv region.

Reuters witnesses heard at least five blasts across Kyiv, and Ukrainian media footage showed a number of cars damaged.

"Drones came onto the capital in groups and from different directions," Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's city military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that one person was injured in the historic Podil neighbourhood and a fire broke out near one of the city's parks.

Debris from downed drones fell on the Darnytskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Podil districts, Klitschko and the city's military administration said.

In the Shevchenkivskyi district, drone debris sparked a fire in an apartment, which was quickly extinguished. There were no immediate reports of injuries, Popko said on the Telegram messaging app.

There was no immediate comment from Russia about the attacks. Moscow has been conducting near-nightly assaults on Ukraine's territory. A Russian attack killed 17 on Wednesday in the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, according to Ukrainian officials.

An explosion of a drone is seen in Kyiv during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Sunday (Reuters)

Signs indicate Russia turning to isolated North Korea to replenish military supplies

Sunday 10 September 2023 07:12 , Anuj Pant

Russias military arsenal has been depleted enough for it to turn to isolated North Korea amid its now year-and-a-half-long invasion of Ukraine.

The country is set to host a regional summit on Sunday that could see the participation of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un who, reports said, could reach the country by armoured train.

The visit is significant as Russia faces depleted reserves due to its invasion. And estimates cited by The Associated Press have revealed that North Korea has tens of millions of artillery shells and rockets that could give a huge boost to the Russian army.

US officials have said they expected Mr Kim to seal a deal to transfer munitions to Russia in the coming days, in a marked reversal from the 1950s during the Korean war, when it was the Soviet Union that supplied weaponry to the North.

We know that Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu has visited recently for artillery shells predominantly, and most likely that will be discussed between Putin and Kim Jong-un, Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, was quoted as saying by The Associated Press.

ICYMI: Elon Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukrainian drone attack on Putins naval fleet

Sunday 10 September 2023 06:58 , Anuj Pant

Elon Musk has admitted that his refusal to grant Ukraine permission to use his Starlink satellite network was an attempt to prevent a drone attack on a Russian naval fleet  with one Ukrainian official saying that his country is paying the price of a cocktail of ignorance and big ego.

The Starlink satellite internet service, which is run by the technology billionaires SpaceX company, has been a digital lifeline both for Ukraines military and for civilians in areas where Russias invasion has left infrastructure devastated or jammed.

An extract of a new biography of Musk, published by CNN on Thursday, said that the drones  packed with explosives  lost connectivity and washed ashore harmlessly during the thwarted assault last year, after Musk ordered his engineers to turn off the network.

Musk is said to have feared that a strike on the ports of Russian-occupied Crimea would amount to a mini Pearl Harbor.

Having apparently spoken to the Russian ambassador to the United States  who is reported to have told him that an attack on Crimea would trigger a nuclear response  Musk is then said to have ordered his engineers to turn off Starlink coverage within 100km of the Crimean coast.

Read more below.

Elon Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukraine drone attack on Russian ships

Russia ships Su-30 fighter jets to Myanmar junta

Sunday 10 September 2023 06:08 , Anuj Pant

The Myanmar junta government has received its first shipment of Russian Su-30 fighter jets, the countrys trade minister told Russian state-run media.

Russia and Myanmar had signed a contract last year for the delivery of six Su-30SME fighter jets, according to Russian state-run RIA.

Two aircraft have already been delivered, Charlie Than, Myanmars trade minister, told the state-run news agency.

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of a Russian economic summit in Vladivostok. He also said a number of bilateral agreements will be signed at the East Economic Forum, including on developing tourism between the two countries.

Myanmar has seen the junta increase its grip on the country ever since it launched a military coup in 2021.

The US has also warned Russia against backing Myanmars military rulers and said its supply of weapons to the country is fueling a conflict that has become a catastrophe for Myanmar.

Just in: Ukraine says it downed 25 drones launched by Russia early on Sunday

Sunday 10 September 2023 05:47 , Anuj Pant

At least 25 of the 32 drones launched by Vladimir Putins forces early on Sunday have been drowned, Ukraines land forces said.

The announcement comes as Kyiv was subjected to aerial attacks overnight, with witnesses hearing as many as five blasts, reported Reuters. The scale of the attack has not yet been ascertained.

India avoids condemnation of Russia to produce united G20 declaration

Sunday 10 September 2023 05:36 , Anuj Pant

India has defied expectations to produce a New Delhi Declaration backed by all countries at this weekends G20 summit at the expense of any meaningful condemnation of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi announced the good news shortly before 1600 local time [1000 GMT] on the first day of the G20 leaders summit in Delhi  much to the surprise of many observers and analysts, who felt that the Ukraine issue would stand in the way of a consensus on any joint statement at all, much less an early one.

Ukraine rejected the joint statement, saying the G20 has nothing to be proud of in the part about Russias aggression against Ukraine.

Ukraine does feature in the full 37-page declaration released by the Indian foreign ministry on Saturday, which says leaders highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine without directly mentioning Russia.

There were different views and assessments of the situation, it adds, in something of an understatement.

Read more below.

India avoids condemnation of Russia to produce united G20 declaration

ICYMI: What are depleted uranium shells?

Sunday 10 September 2023 05:30 , Anuj Pant

The depleted uranium anti-tank rounds soon to be in Ukraines military stockpiles have kicked up a debate over its use in the continuing Russian invasion.

Announced by the Pentagon in the latest military tranche on Wednesday, the controversial rounds have spread alarm among Vladimir Putins ministers who have warned against the escalation yet again.

Britain has already promised armour-piercing rounds containing depleted uranium to Ukraine in March. Prime minister Rishi Sunak had backed drawing out the rounds from the UK militarys stockpiles ultimately to degrade and deter  primarily  Russian aggression.

But what are these depleted uranium munitions?

Read more below.

Ukraine: What are depleted uranium shells and why are they controversial?

Russia claims to have downed eight drones over Crimea

Sunday 10 September 2023 05:15 , Anuj Pant

Vladimir Putins defence ministry has claimed it destroyed eight drones over the Black Sea near the Crimean Peninsula in the early hours of Sunday even as overnight drone attacks were launched on capital Kyiv.

The incident, reported by Reuters, could not be independently verified. Russia accused Ukraine of launching the drones.

The Russian defence ministry has also not said if there were any casualties. Ukraines officials have not commented on the incident yet.

Putin launches overnight aerial attacks on Kyiv

Sunday 10 September 2023 04:48 , Anuj Pant

Air attacks were launched on Kyiv early on Sunday, with blasts heard across the capital. Drone debris fell on its central districts and the scale of the attack has not been ascertained yet.

Kyivs mayor Vitali Klitschko said one person was injured in the Podil neighbourhood and a fire broke out near one of the citys parks.

The debris from the downed drones fell on the Darnytskyi, Solomianskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Podil districts, according to the citys military administration and Mr Klitschko.

The debris also sparked a fire in the Shevchenkivskyi district, but this was immediately put out, according to officials.

Reuters cited its witnesses as saying they heard at least five blasts.

India avoids condemnation of Russia to produce united G20 declaration

Sunday 10 September 2023 03:00 , Joe Middleton

India has defied expectations to produce a New Delhi Declaration backed by all countries at this weekends G20 summit, at the expense of any meaningful condemnation of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi announced the good news shortly before 1600 local time [1000 GMT] on the first day of the G20 leaders summit in Delhi  much to the surprise of many observers and analysts, who felt that the Ukraine issue would stand in the way of a consensus on any joint statement at all, much less an early one.

Ukraine does feature in the full 37-page declaration released by the Indian foreign ministry on Saturday, which says leaders highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine without directly mentioning Russia. There were different views and assessments of the situation, it adds, in something of an understatement.

India avoids condemnation of Russia to produce united G20 declaration

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

Sunday 10 September 2023 02:00 , Joe Middleton

A British man who fought in Ukraine was found dead in a body of water with his hands tied behind his back, his family have revealed.

Jordan Chadwick, 31, who travelled to Ukraine in early October 2022, was fighting in the International Legion.

His mother, Brenda Chadwick, told the BBC her family was devastated by her sons death.

Mr Chadwick, known as Joe, was from Burnley in Lancashire. He served as a Scots Guard in the British Army from 2011 to 2015.

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

Elon Musk sparks fury by admitting he thwarted Ukrainian drone attack on Putins naval fleet

Sunday 10 September 2023 01:09 , Lydia Patrick

Elon Musk has admitted that his refusal to grant Ukraine permission to use his Starlink satellite network was an attempt to prevent a drone attack on a Russian naval fleet.

The Starlink satellite internet service, which is run by the technology billionaires SpaceX company, has been a digital lifeline both for Ukraines military and for civilians.

Elon Musk says his refusal to allow Kyiv to use his satellite network was an attempt to avoid complicity in an act of war (Getty Images)

In posts on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the billionaire denied accusations that he had turned off the Starlink network in the area, but said that he had not agreed to a request from Ukraine to activate it all the way to the Crimean port city of Sevastopol, which is currently (as it was at the time) occupied by Russia and home to its Black Sea fleet.

The Starlink regions in question were not activated. SpaceX did not deactivate anything, Musk said.

There was an emergency request from government authorities to activate Starlink all the way to Sevastopol, he added, the obvious intent being to sink most of the Russian fleet at anchor. If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.

Read the full story here

Popular messaging service says it will combat Russian fake news'

Sunday 10 September 2023 00:09 , Lydia Patrick

The founder of Japanese technnology enterprise Rakuten Group says messaging service Viber will block any attempt at Russian propaganda unlike other social media.

Hiroshi Mikiani told Reuters: Unlike other social media, weve made it crystal clear were going to block all these fake news and propaganda of Russia.

Viber is a popular messaging app acquired by the Rakuten Group in 2014 (Getty Images)

Viber, which launched in 2010 and was acquired by Rakuten in 2014, has a 98% market penetration rate in Ukraine and is also popular in Russia.

The billionaire entrepreneur has previously been vocal in his support for Ukraine and made a 1 billion yen ($6.77 million) donation to its government at the start of the invasion.

Rakuten has announced plans to work with Ukraines largest mobile operator, Kyivstar, to provide Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) telecommunications technology that uses software to run network functions on the cloud, something Mikitani has touted as a technology of the future.

Ukraines counteroffensive will withstand severe Winter conditions, says intelligence chief

Saturday 9 September 2023 22:18 , Lydia Patrick

Kyivs counteroffensive against Russian forces will continue to fight throughout harsh cold conditions, Kyivs intelligence chief said on Saturday.

Kyrylo Budanov said: Combat actions will continue in one way or another. In the cold, wet and mud, it is more difficult to fight. Fighting will continue. The counteroffensive will continue.

Kyrylo Budanov with a handkerchief shpwing an F-35 fighter (AP)

The comments, made at a conference in Kyiv hosted by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, inidicate Ukraine does not plan to halt its push when the weather worsens later this year.

Vadym Skibytskyi, an official from Ukraines military spy agency, said earlier on Saturday that Russia currently had 420,000 servicemen inside Ukraine.

The push in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, now centred around the villages of Robotyne and Verbove, is seen as a crucial part of an operation that seeks to split Russias occupying forces in half in the south, but remains far from that goal.

Our counteroffensive is happening in several directions, Budanov said, acknowledging that progress had been slower than he had wanted and describing the situation as difficult.

Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has failed.

Russia shoots down three drones in Crimea

Saturday 9 September 2023 20:18 , Lydia Patrick

Drone attacks on Russian-occupied territory and inside Russia itself have increased sharply across the summer, with Kyiv seeking to back-up its counteroffensive against Vladimir Putins forces on the ground in Ukraine by disrupting Moscow as much as it can.

The latest such strike came on Saturday when Russian air defence shot down three enemy drones in northwestern Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-installed head of the peninsulas administration.

Rishi Sunak said that G20 leaders have agreed to a very strong joint message about Russias invasion of Ukraine

Saturday 9 September 2023 19:20 , Lydia Patrick

The British prime minister expresses his support of a New Delhi declaration backed by all countries at the summit.

Defying the odds, India was able to get all G20 members to agree that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissable in a 37-page declaration.

Mr Sunak told broadcasters, as reported by Reuters: The news that weve just had, which Im happy to share, is that under Prime Minister Modi and Indias presidency, the G20 have agreed a joint communique with very strong language about Russias illegal war in Ukraine.

Rishi Sunak spoke to the media during the event (PA)

What youll see in the communique is strong language, highlighting the impact of the war on food prices and food security, calling on Russia to re-enter the Black Sea grain initiative to allow exports to leave that part of the world and help feed millions of the most vulnerable people as well as the communique recognising the principles of the UN Charter respecting territorial integrity.

So I think that is a good and strong outcome. And as you can see from this summit, Russia is completely isolated.

Zelensky meets with Japanese foreign minister who vows support for reconstruction of Ukraine

Saturday 9 September 2023 17:00 , Rachel Flynn

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Saturday and agreed to begin discussions on security guarantees and cooperate on reconstructing Ukraines economy, the Japanese foreign ministry said.

The security guarantee discussions come after the G7 group of countries, of which Japan is a member, said in July that its members would begin bilateral security guarantee talks with Ukraine.

Japans Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi (L) shakes hands with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba during a joint press conference in Kyiv. (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Hayashi also pledged support from both the public and private sectors in Japan to reconstruct Ukraines economy in the surprise visit to Ukraine, where he was accompanied by executives of Japanese firms, including Hiroshi Mikitani, founder and chief executive Rakuten Group, the ministry said.

Japan is planning to host a meeting on the economic reconstruction of Ukraine early next year.

In talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Hayashi was set to reiterate Japans firm support for Ukraine and the urgency of ending the Russian invasion with the help of the international community, the ministry said.

Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a surprise visit to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy in March.

Romania finds new possible fragments of Russian drone on its territory

Saturday 9 September 2023 16:30 , Rachel Flynn

New fragments of a drone similar to those used by the Russian military were found on Romanian soil, the defence ministry said on Saturday.

Romanias president, President Klaus Iohannis, said this indicated an unacceptable breach of Romanias air space had occurred.

In a statement, Iohannis said he had informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about the pieces of drone - the second to crash in Romanian territory this week - and that Stoltenberg reiterated the alliances complete solidarity with Romania.

The identification by Romanian authorities on Romanian territory near the border with Ukraine of new drone fragments ... indicates an unacceptable breach occurred of the air space of Romania, a NATO state, with real risks to the security of Romanian citizens in the area, Iohannis said.

I firmly condemn this incident caused by Russian attacks on Ukrainian Danube river ports.

The attacks on Ukraines river ports, just hundreds of metres from the Romanian border, have increased security risks for NATO whose members have a mutual defence commitment.

The U.S. State Department said earlier this week it would rotate additional U.S. F-16 fighter jets to bolster NATOs air policing mission in Romania.

Ukraine says G20 summit declaration is nothing to be proud of

Saturday 9 September 2023 15:45 , Rachel Flynn

The Ukrainian foreign ministry said on Saturday the G20s joint declaration was nothing to be proud of and criticised it for not mentioning Russia.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko posted a screenshot of the relevant section of the joint declaration, with several pieces of the text crossed out in red and corrected with wording which reflects Ukraines position that it is a victim of unprovoked Russian aggression.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko posted a screenshot of the relevant section on his Facebook. (Oleg Nikolenko)

It is clear that the participation of the Ukrainian side (in the G20 meeting) would have allowed the participants to better understand the situation, he wrote on Facebook.

Heres what the main elements of the text could look like to be closer to reality, he added.

Despite his disappointment with the overall G20 text, Nikolenko thanked Ukraines allies for doing their part to advance Ukraines position in the declaration.

Ukraine is grateful to the partners who tried to include strong formulations in the text, he said.

G20 summit statement calls for peace but avoids condemning Russia for Ukraine war

Saturday 9 September 2023 14:24 , Tara Cobham

The Group of 20 nations adopted a consensus declaration at a summit on Saturday that avoided condemnation of Russia for the war in Ukraine but called on all states to refrain from the use of force to seize territory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of host India announced that the Leaders' Declaration had been adopted on the first day of the weekend summit.

The consensus came as a surprise as the group is deeply divided over the war in Ukraine, with Western nations earlier pushing for strong condemnation of Russia in the Leaders' Declaration, while other countries demanded a focus on broader economic issues.

There was no immediate reaction from most other members.

"We call on all states to uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability," the declaration said.

"We ... welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine.

"The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible," the statement added.

Russia sticks to demands on Black Sea grain deal

Saturday 9 September 2023 11:27 , Tara Cobham

Russia said on Saturday it was sticking to its conditions for a return to the Black Sea grain deal which it quit in July.

In particular, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia needed its state agricultural bank - and not a subsidiary of the bank, as proposed by the United Nations - to be reconnected to the international SWIFT bank payments system.

"All our conditions are perfectly well known. They do not need interpretation, they are absolutely concrete and all this is absolutely achievable," Peskov said. "Therefore Russia maintains its responsible, clear and consistent position, which has been repeatedly voiced by the president."

The Black Sea deal was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July 2022 to enable Ukraine to export grain by sea despite the war and help ease a global food crisis.

It was accompanied by an agreement to facilitate Russia's own exports of food and fertiliser, which Moscow says has not been fulfilled. Since quitting the grain deal, Russia has repeatedly bombed Ukrainian ports and grain stores, prompting Kyiv and the West to accuse it of using food as a weapon.

Moscow's uncompromising restatement of its position came five days after President Vladimir Putin met his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan and discussed the grain issue.

Russia appears to have drawn encouragement from Erdogan's statement at that meeting that Ukraine should "soften its approaches" in talks over reviving the deal, and export more grain to Africa rather than Europe. Ukraine said it would not alter its stand and would not be hostage to "Russian blackmail".

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

Saturday 9 September 2023 10:45 , Tara Cobham

A British man who fought in Ukraine was found dead in a body of water with his hands tied behind his back, his family have revealed.

Jordan Chadwick, 31, who travelled to Ukraine in early October 2022, was fighting in the International Legion.

His mother, Brenda Chadwick, told the BBC her family was devastated by her sons death.

Mr Chadwick, known as Joe, was from Burnley in Lancashire. He served as a Scots Guard in the British Army from 2011 to 2015.

Rachel Flynn reports:

British man fighting in Ukraine found dead in water with his hands bound

600 members of Putins forces killed in one day as party HQ destroyed

Saturday 9 September 2023 10:32 , Tara Cobham

Russian President Vladimir Putin has lost 600 of his troops in one day, according to Kyiv, while his conservative partys headquarters in Ukraine was destroyed on Friday.

The general staff of Ukraines armed forces is estimating that 600 of Moscows personnel were killed on Friday, bringing the total lost since February 2022 to 268,140.

Meanwhile, the headquarters of the United Russia political party in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Polohy was destroyed in an attack on the same day, according to the mayor of Melitopol, reported the Kyiv Independent.

Ivan Fedorov said on the Telegram messaging app that local residents described Russians as burned out of the headquarters amid the hellish pseudo-elections. Alluding to casualties, he said: Some went to the hospital, and some went straight to the morgue.

IAEA deeply concerned by increased military activity around Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant

Saturday 9 September 2023 09:26 , Tara Cobham

Experts are deeply concerned by increased military activity in the region around Ukraines Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) wrote on Friday of reports of numerous explosions over the past week, which could pose a potential threat to nuclear safety and security at the site.

Over the three days from last Saturday, the IAEA team heard around two dozen explosions, followed by several more in recent days - although there was no damage to the Russian-occupied facility itself.

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the situation at Europes largest nuclear power plant remains highly precarious.

The reports I receive from our experts indicate that the explosions occurred some distance away from the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, he said. Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned about the possible dangers facing the plant at this time of heightened military tension in the region.

Whatever happens in a conflict zone, wherever it may be, everybody would stand to lose from a nuclear accident, and I urge that all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid it happening.

British man who went to fight in Ukraine found dead

Saturday 9 September 2023 07:19 , Vishwam Sankaran

A 31-year-old British man who went to fight in Ukraine was found dead in a body of water.

The man, recognised as Jordan Chadwick from Burnley in Lancashire, fought as part of the foreign legion in Ukraine, and was killed under unknown circumstances, BBC reported.

An inquest into the possible cause of Mr Chadwicks death will reportedly be held in February.

His passion to support freedom and assist others with his skills led him to leave the UK and travel to the Ukraine in early October 2022, his mother told BBC.

G20 summit in India begins with no consensus on Ukraine

Saturday 9 September 2023 06:37 , Vishwam Sankaran

The G20 summit hosted by India in New Delhi began with negotiators leaving a paragraph on Ukraine blank in the leaders draft declaration, Reuters reported.

The paragraph relating to Ukraine and the geopolitical situation was reportedly left blank, while those on several global issues, including climate change and cryptocurrency had consensus agreed upon by member nations.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, whose country has juggled good relations with both Russia and the West, said he does not want the war to dominate the meeting intended to highlight the Global Souths needs.

Zelensky discusses Ukraine peace efforts with Saudi Crown Prince

Saturday 9 September 2023 06:30 , Vishwam Sankaran

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud on Friday to discuss Ukraines path to peace.

Mr Zelenskys office noted that the two leaders discussed ongoing cooperation between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia as an extension of the Jeddah peace talks held in August.

At the peace talks in August, global leaders discussed Ukraines 10-point plan for an end to Russias war.

On Fridays call, Mr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Saudi Crown Prince for the successful meeting in Jeddah.

Russia is actively trying to evade sanctions - Zelensky

Saturday 9 September 2023 04:00 , William Mata

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky has tweeted in support of further sanctions being made to impact on Russias economic output.

Russia is actively trying to evade sanctions, he wrote on Twitter.

The global sanctions offensive must be resumed. Three priorities are: more sanctions against Russias energy sector, real restrictions on the transfer of chips and microelectronics, and further blocking of the Russian financial sector.

Russia is actively trying to evade sanctions.



The global sanctions offensive must be resumed.



Three priorities: more sanctions against Russias energy sector, real restrictions on the transfer of chips and microelectronics, and further blocking of the Russian financial sector. pic.twitter.com/idhALkI3lI    (@ZelenskyyUa) September 8, 2023

Pictures of the day: Friday, September 8

Saturday 9 September 2023 03:00 , William Mata

Cadets of Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University rest after a swearing-in ceremony at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War (REUTERS)

Commander of the Joint Forces the Armed Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant General Serhiy Nayev poses for a photograph with Ukrainian tank crews after a training excercise in the Chernigiv region (AFP via Getty Images)

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends the Yalta European Strategy Forum in Kyiv (AP)

People visit a polling station during the city mayoral elections in Moscow (REUTERS)

Russia holds elections in occupied Ukrainian regions in an effort to tighten its grip there

Saturday 9 September 2023 02:00 , William Mata

Local elections are being held this weekend in Russia as the Kremlin looks to tighten its grip on territories it seized from Ukraine a year ago.

The voting for Russian-installed legislatures in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions has already begun and concludes Sunday. It has been denounced by Kyiv and the West.

It constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, which Russia continues to disregard, the council of Europe, the continents foremost human rights body, said this week.

Kyiv echoed that sentiment, with the parliament saying in a statement that the balloting in areas where Russia conducts active hostilities poses a threat to Ukrainian lives. Ukrainian officials have urged other countries not to recognize the results of the vote, which the Foreign Ministry called fake elections.

A man casts his ballot on the first day of local elections in Russia, at a polling station in Rostov (AFP via Getty Images)

EU rebukes its representative in Austria over 'blood money' comment on Russian gas imports

Saturday 9 September 2023 01:00 , William Mata

From earlier on Friday:

The European Union's executive branch strongly criticised the bloc's representative in Austria for accusing the country of paying blood money to Russia for gas supplies and said Friday he has been ordered back to Brussels.

EU representative Martin Selmayr said during an event on Wednesday that Austria continues to get 55 per cent of its gas from Russia  but no one, he noted, is out on Vienna's central Ringstrasse boulevard to protest that, the Austria Press Agency reported.

See the full article here.

Martin Selmayr (AP)

German intelligence employee and acquaintance charged with treason for passing secrets to Russia

Saturday 9 September 2023 00:00 , William Mata

An employee of Germanys foreign intelligence service and an acquaintance have been charged with treason for allegedly passing secret documents to Russia, prosecutors said Friday.

The intelligence officer, who has been identified only as Carsten L. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested in Berlin on December 21 last year.

The second suspect, a self-employed German businessman identified as Arthur E., was arrested at Munich airport on January 22 as he arrived from the United States.

See the full article here.

The intelligence officer, who has been identified only as Carsten L. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested in Berlin (PA)

Zelensky: Our allies have eased up on sanctions

Friday 8 September 2023 23:00 , William Mata

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that his countrys allies had eased up on sanctions imposed on Russia and called for a renewed drive to impose further punitive measures on Moscow.

At this time, we see too long a pause by our partners in terms of sanctions, he said in his nightly video address. And very active Russian attempts to evade sanctions.

Volodymyr Zelensky (AFP/Getty)

Musk feared being complicit in major act of war

Friday 8 September 2023 22:07 , William Mata

Elon Musk said he refused a Ukrainian request to activate his Starlink satellite network in Crimeas port city of Sevastopol last year to aid an attack on Russias fleet there, saying he feared complicity in a major act of war.

The billionaire businessman made the comment on Twitter after CNN cited a excerpt from a new biography of Musk that says he ordered the Starlink network turned off near the Crimean coast last year to disrupt the Ukrainian sneak attack.

In the post on late on Thursday, Musk said he had no choice but to reject an emergency request from Ukraine to activate Starlink all the way to Sevastopol. He did not give the date of the request and the excerpt did not specify it.

The obvious intent being to sink most of the Russian fleet at anchor, Musk wrote. If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.

There was an emergency request from government authorities to activate Starlink all the way to Sevastopol.



The obvious intent being to sink most of the Russian fleet at anchor.



If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2023

Injury count now at 73

Friday 8 September 2023 22:05 , William Mata

The number of people injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine on Thursday night into Friday is now confirmed to be 73.

Kremlin forces carried out assaults on major cities as well as the home town of Volodymyr Zelensky. Four people died in total, including one policeman.

The strikes were among multiple Russian attacks across the country overnight, officials said.

"Elon Musk has taken over my world, and I dont like it

Friday 8 September 2023 22:00 , William Mata

For the comment section, Sean OGrady says he is having issues with Elon Musks influence.

The Twitter/X CEO has access to the worlds leaders, and the power to influence wars, the future of AI, and the tech that dominates our lives, he writes, But where should we draw the line?

You can read Seans column here.

Musk irked Ukrainian generals by deactivating a satellite to stop it being used as part of a plan to strike Russian ships - and also drew the wrath of a British MP on Friday by saying both Russia and Ukraine need to work to a treaty.

Elon Musk, the book, will be out this season (Via AFP)

Seventeen arrested in Cuba in connection with network to recruit foreign nationals for Ukraine fight

Friday 8 September 2023 21:00 , William Mata

Cuban authorities have arrested 17 people in connection with what they described as a network to recruit Cuban nationals to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

The head of criminal investigations for Cubas interior ministry, Cesar Rodriguez, said late Thursday on state media that at least three of the 17 arrested are part of recruitment efforts inside the island country.

He did not identify the alleged members of the network but said they had previous criminal records.

Some families started speaking up about the case on Friday, and at least one mother said that her son was promised a job in construction in Russia.

Cubas foreign ministry said on Monday that the government had detected a network operating from Russia to recruit Cuban citizens living both in Russia and in Cuba to fight in Ukraine.

It said authorities were working to neutralise and dismantle the network but gave no details.

Cuba is not part of the war in Ukraine, the foreign ministry said in a news release.

Cuba and Russia are political allies and Cubans do not require a visa to travel to Russia. Many go there to study or to work.

Cuba and Russia are political allies (PA)

Message of courage from president Zelensky

Friday 8 September 2023 19:30 , William Mata

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has released a video intended to rally his troops as fighting continues.

He shared the short film on Twitter alongside a message.

Ukraine is more than a country fighting Russian aggression, the tweet read.

It is a personal moral choice about what is truly valuable, what you believe in, and what your true priorities are.

This war lays a moral foundation that transcends borders. It must be humanistic. It must prevail.

Ukraine is more than a country fighting Russian aggression.



It is a personal moral choice about what is truly valuable, what you believe in, and what your true priorities are.



This war lays a moral foundation that transcends borders. It must be humanistic. It must prevail. pic.twitter.com/xruHCgWZgu    (@ZelenskyyUa) September 8, 2023

Battlefield situation update for September 8

Friday 8 September 2023 19:00 , William Mata

In case you missed it, the British Ministry of Defence shared its daily update on the development in the battle for Ukraine.

It showed likely Ukrainian advance towards Bakhmut in the north east and Orikhiv in the south.

A tweet read: The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.

The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  8 September 2023. 

The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.



The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  8 September 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/x3O6c4iFH4 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/eZQpt1D5xl  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) September 8, 2023
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
The COVID-19 air travel doldrums in Omaha may finally be over.

About 468,000 travelers passed through Eppley Airfield in July, 2,000  or 0.4%  more than in the same month in 2019.

Thats the first time traffic has exceeded levels from before the pandemic, said Steve McCoy, chief information and development officer for the Omaha Airport Authority.

The terminal and the parking garage feel more like they did before the pandemic, McCoy said. Its really an indication that travel is back.

The nationwide shutdown that followed the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020 inflicted a massive shock on the entire airline industry.

At Eppley, air traffic dropped to near zero that month, and recovered slowly. Even in early 2021, after the introduction of COVID vaccines, the number of departing passengers numbered about 80,000, less than half of pre-pandemic levels.

The number of total passengers (arriving and departing) dropped from 5 million in 2019 to 2.1 million in 2020. The figure rose to 3.7 million in 2021 and 4.5 million in 2022, according to the Airport Authority.

Its coming back quicker than a lot of people thought it would back in 2020, said Steve Vlasek, director of the Aviation Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. People want to be out there flying, whether its for pleasure or work.

Eppleys traffic follows trends that are being seen across the airline industry, both nationally and internationally.

North American travel was up 2% in June over the level four years earlier based on revenue passenger kilometers, an international travel metric, said Perry Flint, a U.S. spokesperson for the International Airline Transport Association, an industry trade group.

July and August figures havent yet been compiled.

It certainly aligns with what were seeing, Flint said. The flights are fuller. The airports are fuller. You cant miss it.

McCoy said the announced addition of two new nonstop Sun Belt destinations from Eppley reflects the post-pandemic bounce back, especially in holiday travel. Allegiant  an airline geared toward vacationers  in June added twice-weekly seasonal flights to Austin, Texas, through November. And Southwest Airlines plans to begin winter-season flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in January.

Leisure travel has rebounded quicker than business travel, McCoy said. These are indicators of that strong leisure demand.

The resurgence in traffic has happened even though the number of daily flights at Eppley is less than before the pandemic.

McCoy said the airlines have managed that by flying larger planes in and out of Omaha. For example, Southwest Airlines, Eppleys largest carrier, has replaced some older 737-700 jets, which carry 143 passengers, with newer 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft, with a capacity of 175.

Overall, he said, the average number of seats per Eppley departure has risen from 108 to 134 since July 2019, a 20% increase.

Were seeing more types of larger aircraft, McCoy said.

Omaha-area travelers returning to Eppley for the first time since the pre-COVID days may see some differences at their hometown airport, which is now embarked on a modernization plan that is expected to run through at least 2027.

In 2019, the Airport Authority opened the new North Parking Garage, the beginning of a major overhaul and expansion of airport parking facilities.

Then last year, the airport wrapped up the expansion of the terminal entrance road and the construction of a new ramp to the South Parking Garage, which was also refurbished.

Earlier this summer, work began on a $65 million project to cover the passenger drop-off area with a glass canopy.

Still ahead: construction next year of a new $92.5 million power plant, and a $600 million terminal expansion that will merge the two concourses into one, move ticket counters upstairs, and nearly double the size of the terminal. The project is now in the design phase.

All this will accommodate a return to what McCoy describes as slow, steady growth at Nebraskas largest airport. The return to pre-pandemic traffic is considered a milestone in that comeback.

For Eppley to be back to its pre-pandemic mark is tremendous, Vlasek said. Things are getting back to normal-ish.

Photos: First Red Way flight departs from Lincoln Airport
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met on the sidelines of G20 Summit where the two leaders discussed India-Canada ties across different sectors. When asked if he talked about Khalistan extremism and foreign interference, Trudeau said he discussed the issues of Khalistan extremism and foreign interference with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. He said they have had many conversations on these topics over the years.

"Canada will always safeguard freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and these are very important to us. At the same time, we are always there to stop violence and to resist hatred, Trudeai said while addressing the press after meeting PM Modi.

I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of a few do not represent the entire community or Canada. On the other hand, we also emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and we talked about foreign interference, he added.

There have been many incidents of Khalistan extremism in Canada in the past few years. In June this year, a float parade was held in Canada celebrating the killing of former PM Indira Gandhi, which drew strong criticism from New Delhi.

In March this year, Khalistan supporters held a protest outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They chanted pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly attacked Indian-origin journalists present there. Many temples have also been damaged in Canada by pro-Khalistani protestors, with anti-India graffitis.

Earlier in July, India also raised concerns over threats to its diplomats in posters being circulated in Canada with information on a pro-Khalistan rally to be held on July 8. The posters named Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma and the Consulate General of India, Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava accusing them of playing a role in the June killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

The posters allegedly distributed by Sikh extremists have named Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma and the Consulate General of India, Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava accusing them of playing a role in the June killing of Khalistan Tiger Force chief and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
New Delhi: US President Joe Biden on Sunday said that this year's G20 summit has proved that the group can still drive solutions to the most pressing issues of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict. Taking to X, US President said, At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues.

At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues. pic.twitter.com/R2jq0TdavR  President Biden (@POTUS) September 10, 2023

India is hosting the G20 Summit this year in New Delhi on September 9-10. On September 9, the Delhi Declaration was adopted. It called on nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability.

The declaration envisages a green development pact for a sustainable future, it endorses high level principles on lifestyle for sustainable development, voluntary principles of hydrogen, the Chennai principles for a sustainable resilient blue economy and the Deccan principles on food security and nutrition among others

The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that all 83 paras of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100 per cent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. For the first time, the declaration contained no footnote or Chairs Summary.

The G20 meeting on Saturday also saw the African Union being inducted as the new permanent member of G20 thereby offering developing nations a greater say in global decision-making PM Narendra Modi on Saturday also launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio, President of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni.

The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency. Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries.

Another major takeaway from Day 1 of the summit, was the announcement launch of a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor by India, the US, Saudi Arabia and the European Union.
New Delhi: With India's G20 presidency ensuring several tangible outcomes, world leaders at the two-day summit here hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "decisive leadership" and for championing the voice of the Global South, sources said on Sunday. The world leaders also hailed India's hospitality and praised Prime Minister Modi for presiding over a successful summit, while noting that the country's message of 'one earth, one family, one future' resonated strongly with all the delegates.

"Under India's leadership, we have demonstrated that we can come together, at a time when it really matters. When you walk around in 'Bharat Mandapam' and see the displays, we can see what PM Modi, the digital initiative and technology can do --delivering service to people in remote corners of our nations," a source quoted British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as saying at one of the meetings.

During the summit, while Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hailed Prime Minister Modi for providing "great leadership" of the G20, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called for strengthening G20 cooperation based on "the foundation created by the Indian presidency", sources said.

Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked Prime Minister Modi for his hospitality and hoped that the summit will be a blessing for "the only world we have".

Several leaders also praised the prime minister for "championing the voice of the Global South" and hailed, in a unanimous voice, the key decision to make the African Union (AU) a member of the G20, according to sources.

Hailing Modi, US President Joe Biden was quoted by a source as saying, "The African Union is a critical partner. You (Modi) are bringing us together, keeping us together, reminding us that we have the capacity to tackle challenges together." Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, said, "Let me congratulate you (Modi) on your wisdom to bring AU to this table." Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thanked Prime Minister Modi for inviting her to the summit and for "raising the voice of the Global South".

Praising the G20 theme of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', she said it upholds the value of all lives and the importance of working together for a better future. President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, also thanked India for its support to their candidacy.

While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded India for its role in getting the AU admitted in the G20, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte thanked the Indian presidency for placing the Global South at the centre of the grouping.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people for their competence in organising this event. "I was touched emotionally today, when I went to pay homage to dear (Mahatma) Gandhi. In my political life, Gandhi has great meaning. Non-violence is a principle I follow," he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that "people will remember us for what we accomplish" and Prime Minister Modi, that "you have gathered us here to discuss on One Future is very important".

Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth commended India's leadership for the "very successful outcome" in G20, and expressed his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this "exceptional opportunity".

The Spanish representative attending the summit also commended India for its excellent leadership and hailed the "positive approach" of Prime Minister Modi.

The Mexican representative praised the "wonderful arrangement" for G20, while the Oman's representative lauded Indian hospitality.

In a post on X, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF Gita Gopinath, who met Prime Minister Modi at the G20 dinner, said, "Congratulations Prime Minister @narendramodi on presiding over such a successful @g20org. India's message of 'one earth, one family, one future' resonated strongly with all delegates." Speaking with reporters after the summit, World Bank Chief Ajay Banga said, "I compliment India and its leadership as also all G20 leaders for making sure that such a terrific declaration was achieved." PTI ASK BJ.
New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's special plane, which he emplaned to return to his country after attending the G20 Summit, suffered a technical fault. The sudden technical fault forced the PM and the entire delegation to wait till the engineering team allowed them to fly. According to Airport sources in Delhi, A special plane of Canada PM suffered a technical glitch and its not in the schedule to fly. Canadian PM Trudeau and his entire delegation attended the G20 summit in India and were all set to fly back to Canada after two-day visit but a technical glitch forced them to stay in Delhi. Airport official told ANI that, Canadian authority in the country is exploring alternate fly mode.

"Upon our departure for the airport, we were made aware by the Canadian Armed Forces that CFC001 was experiencing technical issues, the Prime Ministers office also confirmed in a statement, according to CTV News. These issues are not fixable overnight, our delegation will be staying in India until alternate arrangements are made, the statement added, according to Canada-based news.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday arrived in India to attend the G20 Summit. Trudeau at the conclusion of the two-day G20 Leaders' Summit emphasized that India is an important partner for Canada and we will continue to work towards it.

"We recognize India as an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner for Canada on everything, from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for citizens. There is always a lot of work to do and we will continue to do it," Trudeau said. (Please note: Select travelling media were allowed in the press conference)

Prior to their discussion, the world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau paid a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on Sunday morning. PM Modi on Saturday welcomed Trudeau along with his counterparts from Bangladesh, Australia, Canada and Mauritius among others at the Bharat Mandapam venue at Pragati Maidan where India is hosting the long G20 Summit. The two leaders shook hands and warmly greeted each other.

Earlier on Sunday, Trudeau highlighted the issue of Khalistani protests. Trudeau said that he had many conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of Khalistan extremism and "foreign interference, and Ottawa will always defend freedom of expression, and at the same time will always be there to prevent violence. He further emphasized that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada.

When asked if the issues of Khalistan extremism and "foreign interference did come up during discussions with PM Modi during the G20 Summit, he said, Both the issues came up. Over the years, with PM Modi, we have had many conversations on both of those issues. Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us. At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred.

The Canadian PM, accompanied by his son Xavier, was received by the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The Canadian PM recently called India a key partner in the promotion of shared values of democracy.

As the worlds largest democracy, India is  and will continue to be  a key partner for Canada in the promotion of our shared values of democracy, pluralism, and progress. We are committed to building on this rich history of collaboration, including under Indias presidency of the G20 this year," Trudeau said in a statement.

Looking ahead, as Canada strengthens its presence in the region under its Indo-Pacific Strategy, we will continue to work together to preserve the rules-based international order, promote multilateralism, and grow our economic ties to benefit people in both our countries as well as the region at large," he added.

The Canada-India relationship is based on strong and longstanding ties between our people. Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, with nearly 1.4 million people of Indian descent living in our communities from coast to coast to coast. These communities are an integral part of Canadas national identity, and today we recognize their valuable contributions, past and present, that have made our country stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive," the Canadian PM said.

Trudeau said Canada is home to one of the longest Indian diasporas in the world, adding that nearly 1.4 million people of Indian descent live in the country
Mumbai Police is known for using innovative and modern methods to spread awareness. As part of these methods, the police department often uses memes to communicate their message to Gen Z and citizens in general. Now, Uttar Pradesh Police seems to have been influenced by Mumbai Police and is using similar tricks to spread road safety awareness among citizens. As part of its awareness campaign, UP Police used Shah Rukh Khan's 'Jawan' movie look to spread road safety awareness in the form of a meme.

The post from the police department on X (formerly Twitter), shows Shah Rukh Khan's 'Jawan' movie character covered in bandages with the text on it saying "to avoid this." The picture is accompanied by a picture of a helmet with the text saying "embrace this". Hence, promoting the use of helmets while riding two-wheelers. "Be it young or old, never forget a helmet before sitting on a two-wheeler," the caption with the post said.

Also read: G20 Summit Day 2: Delhi Traffic Police Issues Alert; Check New Guidelines For September 10

The post with King Khan's picture and movie reference quickly went viral on social media and gained over 1 million views on X. Furthermore, the post got over 44 thousand likes and over 8 thousand reposts since it was shared on the micro-blogging site. The post has also evoked a wave of reactions from netizens.

Many social media users came forward to appreciate UP Police's move to use Shah Rukh Khan's movie 'Jawan' for road safety awareness. One of the social media users commented on the post, "Complements for a keen sense of humour." While another user said, "Innovative public awareness advertising."

Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, debuted on September 7 and had a strong opening day. 'Jawan' made Rs 74.50 on Day 1 in India, across all languages. By earning Rs 129.06 crore on its first day, the movie went on to have the largest opening day in Hindi film history.

Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, Sanya Malhotra, and Priyamani all appear in the Atlee-directed film. A lengthy cameo appearance is made by Deepika Padukone.
A New Zealand-based couple has filed a complaint against Singapore Airlines demanding a refund for their airfare because of an unpleasant experience on one of the airline's flights. The couple's journey became unpleasant because of the presence of a dog, seated next to them in the premium economy section of the plane. The couple in the incident were identified as Gill and Warren Press. At the time of the incident, the couple was on their journey from Paris to Singapore.

Based on New Zealand's Stuff Media' report, the Wellington-based couple was travelling from Europe to New Zealand in June. For their journey, they boarded the 13-hour Singapore Airlines flight and discovered their co-passenger on the next seat was a dog. Gill Press recalled the strong snorting sound that first made them aware of the animal's presence and how it shocked them at first. She initially thought the noise was her husband's phone, so she was surprised to discover it was the dog's breathing.

Also read: Ayodhya Airport To Begin Flight Operations From November 2023

The couple later requested a seat change but the only seats that were available were in the back of the economy class. They made the choice to stay put because they didn't want to be demoted. But as the trip went on, the dog's behavior got more and more annoying. The dog was snorting loudly, drooling, and passing gas with its head under Mr. Press's feet, which bothered and annoyed him.

Stuff Media quotes Gill Press saying, "(The owner) couldn't have the dog out in the aisle because they couldn't get the trolleys through, so it had to come in farther, which meant his head was under my husband's feet. My husband was in shorts and was getting the dog's saliva goo on his leg.

After an email to the airline's customer service, the airline apologized for the incident and offered the couple a gift voucher for the airline's shop. However, Press demanded a full refund of the price of the flight ticket.
World Suicide Prevention Day is a day dedicated to understanding this crisis, highlighting the lifelines within reach, celebrating the mighty power of connection, and working to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10th each year and this day carries immense significance, as it emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in preventing suicide and supporting those in need.

Dr Neerja Agarwal , Co- Founder of Emoneeds further commented and shared with Zee News English, "Suicide is a multifaceted issue, often entangled with mental health challenges, external stressors, and personal battles. The recent onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated these problems, intensifying feelings of anguish and hopelessness on a global scale. During such trying times, the simple act of reaching out to someone who cares can be a literal lifeline."

Understanding the Crisis

Understanding the depth of this crisis involves recognizing that it knows no boundaries.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Dr Shweta Sharma- Consultant Clinical Psychologist - Manipal Hospitals,Gurugram spoke to Zee News English on how understanding and empathy matter.

Dr Shweta says, "Mental disorders are linked to suicidal tendencies and stigma. Suicide risk factors include social isolation, unemployment, hopelessness, and stress, which are all consequences of stigma. Although suicidality is frequently a direct result of mental disorders and their symptoms, individuals with mental illness confront a dual problem. In addition to their symptoms, they belong to a stigmatized group and are frequently subjected to daily discrimination."

According to Dr Shweta Sharma there are three primary stigma categories may contribute to suicidal tendencies.

First, public stigma occurs when members of the general public endorse negative stereotypes and discriminate against people with mental illness; typical consequences of public stigma include social isolation and weakened social networks as members of the general public distance themselves from people who are labeled as mentally ill. Public stigma can result in unemployment if employers uphold negative perceptions, and it can affect a variety of other fields, including education and housing. Stigma and discrimination are typically experienced as social defeat, which is associated with suicidality.

Second, societal regulations can systematically disadvantage people with mental illness, a phenomenon known as structural discrimination; for instance, relative underfunding of mental health services in comparison to physical health services can result in inferior quality of care and decreased access to mental health services.

Thirdly, self-stigma refers to those with mental illness who internalize negative perceptions, leading to humiliation, social withdrawal, and demoralization. Individuals with mental illness may feel unworthy or incapable of pursuing their life objectives as a result of self-stigma ('why try?'). In this context, two additional stigma-related consequences are significant. One is despondency or the belief that one's circumstance will never improve. Individuals with mental illness who hold their group in low regard - conceptually comparable to self-stigma - are more likely to report despondency following adjustment for depressive symptoms.

"A second potential consequence of experiencing stigma is the cognitive evaluation of stigma as a stressor or the perception of stigma as a hazard that transcends one's coping resources. Increased stigma stress correlates with social anxiety, humiliation, and hopelessness. Finally, all three forms of stigma can act as barriers to obtaining assistance for mental health concerns", highlights Dr Shweta.

The Lifeline Within Reach

One of the core messages of this day is that help is always within reach. Whether it's through crisis hotlines, support groups, or mental health professionals, there are resources available for those in distress. It's essential to spread awareness about these lifelines and make them easily accessible to everyone.

The Mighty Power of Connection

Connection, both human and emotional, plays a pivotal role in suicide prevention. Individuals who are struggling often feel isolated and alone. On this day, we must emphasize the power of listening, empathy, and kindness.

"A heartfelt check-in with a friend, a candid sharing of your emotions with a loved one, or the decision to seek professional assistance can work wonders in someones life," adds Dr Neerja.

Breaking Down the Stigma

World Suicide Prevention Day calls for the dismantling of this stigma. Through education, open conversations, and destigmatization efforts, we can create a more supportive and understanding society where people feel safe discussing their mental health concerns.

Dr Krishna Veer Singh, Co-Founder & CEO of Lissun says, World Suicide Prevention Day serves as an annual global reminder of the pressing issue facing India, which stands at the 41st highest suicide rate worldwide, demanding our immediate attention and concerted efforts. To combat this crisis effectively, we must embark on a multifaceted journey, addressing it from every angle. Seeking professional help is paramount, and individuals in distress should be empowered to reach out to mental health professionals or helplines without hesitation."

The Importance of World Suicide Prevention Day

In conclusion, World Suicide Prevention Day is not just a day on the calendar; it is a call to action. It urges us to understand the gravity of the suicide crisis, reach out to those in need, harness the mighty power of human connection, and break down the stigma that shrouds mental health.
New Delhi: TDP supremo and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was being shifted to Rajahmundry Central Jail from Vijayawada by road on Sunday night after a city court sent him to 14 days judicial custody in the alleged skill development scam. Amid tight security, the convoy of police vehicles left Vijayawada Court Complex after 10 p.m. Police had made security arrangements to prevent any protest by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) along the 200-km route.

TDP workers had staged protests at several places on Saturday when the 73-year-old leader was being brought to Vijayawada from Nandyal, where he was arrested by the CID and police were taking all precautions to foil any such protests during the journey to Rajahmundry. As a precautionary measure, police have imposed section 144 of CrPC across the state.

The ACB court remanded Naidu to judicial custody in the evening, after lengthy arguments and day-long suspense. The court order came as a big setback to TDP, whose leaders were expecting a favourable judgment. Naidus counsel later pleaded that he be kept under house arrest in view of Z plus category security enjoyed by him but the court rejected the request.

It, however, directed the jail authorities to make special arrangements keeping in view his age and health condition. Immediately after the court order, the CID filed a petition seeking custody of Naidu for questioning in the case. The petition will come up for hearing on Monday. Naidus lawyers said they will file a bail petition in the High Court on Monday.

Earlier, the arguments, which began around 6 a.m., continued for nearly six hours. While the prosecution sought 15 day judicial custody of Naidu, the TDP leaders counsel opposed the same.

The TDP chief himself had made submissions before the judge. He called his arrest illegal and an act of political vendetta by the YSR Congress Party government. Naidu alleged that there is no rule of law in the state as the government is violating the fundamental rights of the citizens.

He also submitted to the court that the funds for skill development projects were provided in the state budget for 2015-16 and argued that the budget passed by the Assembly cant be called a criminal act.

Appearing for Naidu, senior Supreme Court lawyer Sidharth Luthra argued that the CID did not take permission from the Governor before arresting the Leader of the Opposition.

Additional Advocate General P. Sudhakar Reddy, who appeared for the CID, submitted that there is prima facie evidence against Naidu and that there is no need for prior permission from the Governor.

The court also did not agree with the argument of Naidus counsel that IPC's Section 409 (Criminal breach of trust by public servant) does not apply in this case.

Luthra argued that Naidu was falsely implicated for political gains for the alleged offences under several IPC sections read with a section of thbe Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CID in its remand report informed the court that though Naidu was arrayed in the FIR as 37th accused, he is the chief architect and conspirator of the offence. It called it a case of criminal conspiracy with a common object and intent for criminal breach of trust and dishonest and or fraudulent misappropriation of public funds.

During the course of investigation, 141 witnesses have been examined so far and their statements were recorded. On verification of the documents and examining the witnesses, investigation disclosed that Naidu orchestrated the deep-rooted conspiracy by playing a key role at various stages in collusion with other accused, with a preconceived plan aimed at siphoning off of the funds released from the public exchequer towards the project, the CID said.

According to the CID, the Rs 371 crore scam took place between 2014 and 2018 when Naidu was Chief Minister.
New Delhi: After a successful first day of the G20 summit being held under Indias presidency in New Delhi, the G20 summit now heads to day 2 of the world leaders conclave. Day 2 of the G20 summit started with the leaders visiting Delhis Raj Ghat to lay wreaths at the Samadhi of the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. A musical tribute featuring favourite hymns of Mahatma Gandhi was also played at the wreath-laying function.

#WATCH | G 20 in India: Heads of state and government and Heads of international organizations pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath at Delhi's Rajghat. pic.twitter.com/v4VhHsdxsD  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

The leaders will head for the Bharat Mandapam where a Tree planting ceremony will take place at the South Plaza. This will be followed by the the third session of the G20 summit 'One Future' which will be held at Bharat Mandapam. A G20 exhibition for spouses of World leaders is also scheduled for the 2nd day of the summit.

Earlier on Saturday the Delhi Declaration was adopted. It called on nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. The declaration envisages a green development pact for a sustainable future, it endorses highlevel principles on lifestyle for sustainable development, voluntary principles of hydrogen, the Chennai principles for a sustainable resilient blue economy and the Deccan principles on food security and nutrition among others

The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that all 83 paras of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100 per cent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. For the first time, the declaration contained no footnote or Chairs Summary.

The G20 meeting on Saturday also saw the African Union being inducted as the new permanent member of G20 thereby offering developing nations a greater say in global decision-making

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday also launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio, President of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni. The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency.

Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries. Another major takeaway from Day 1 of the summit, was the announcement launch of a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor by India, the US, Saudi Arabia and the European Union.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a bilateral meeting over lunch with the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron during the G-20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed, assessed and reviewed the progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in July, 2023 in Paris. They also exchanged views on important international and regional developments. The External Affair Ministry said that the President Macrons visit to India comes after the historic visit of Prime Minister Modi to Paris on July 13-14 as the Guest of Honour on the occasion of French National Day on 14 July 2023 commemorating the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership.

Acknowledging the strength of India France partnership, founded in deep trust, shared values, belief in sovereignty and strategic autonomy, a resolute commitment to international law and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, an abiding faith in multilateralism and a mutual pursuit of a stable multi-polar world, both leaders emphasised the need to expand their collaboration to address regional and global challenges.

They reiterated their unwavering commitment to collectively serve as a force of good, carrying the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam that is one earth, one family, one future, during tumultuous times reshaping the global order, the External Affair Ministry added.

With the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap and other outcomes during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit serving as recent points of reference, the two leaders discussed overall progress and next steps on the implementation of the new and ambitious goals for cooperation in areas of defense, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts. They also carried forward their discussions on India-France partnership in the Indo Pacific region and Africa, including in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability and industrial projects. They underlined their role of providers of solutions for the Indo-Pacific through their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Modi on Indias success of Mission Chandrayaan 3. The two leaders recalled six decades of India-France Space cooperation and reviewed the progress since holding of the first Strategic Space Dialogue in June 2023.

They acknowledged the strong India-France civil nuclear ties, good progress in the discussion for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project and welcomed the continuing engagement of both sides to expand bilateral cooperation to establish a partnership for co-developing SMR and AMR technologies as well as the forthcoming signature of a dedicated declaration of intent.

France reiterated its steadfast and unwavering support for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the ministry of external affair added.

According to the joint statement, both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthen the defence cooperation through partnership in design, development, testing and manufacture of advanced defence technologies and platforms, and expand production in India, including for third countries in Indo-Pacific and beyond. In this context, they also called for early finalisation of the Defence Industrial Roadmap.

Laying emphasis on areas such as digital, science, technological innovation, education, culture, health and environment cooperation, both leaders called for strengthening of institutional linkages in these domains, on the model of the Indo-French Campus for the Indo-Pacific.

In this context, they also reaffirmed commitment to expand cultural exchanges and work together in development of museums, the joint statement read.

Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for Frances continued support to Indias Presidency of G-20, which had advanced inclusiveness, unity and cohesion in international efforts to address global challenges and build a more stable global order.

India and France also welcomed African Unions membership to the G-20 and look to work with AU, for the progress, prosperity and development of Africa, the official added.
Seema Haider New Look: The story of Seema Haider and Sachin Meena is widely known, with discussions about them happening everywhere. Recently, new photos of Seema Haider and Sachin Meena have left everyone surprised. In these new photos, Seema Haider is dressed up like a bride, and Sachin Meena also appears to be groomed like a groom. On social media, people have started speculating whether Seema and Sachin are planning to get married again. However, that is not the case. Let's find out what Seema and Sachin are up to in their wedding attire.

Seema Haider in a Saffron Attire

It should be noted that the viral look of Seema and Sachin shows both of them dressed in saffron-colored attire, and the way they are dressed makes them look like a bride and groom. According to reports, a video of Seema Haider and Sachin's new look is rapidly going viral on the social media platform Instagram.

Why is Seema Haider Dressed Like a Bride?

It is worth mentioning that on the occasion of Janmashtami, Sachin and Seema got ready like a bride and groom. Surprisingly, Seema Haider, who hails from Sindh, Pakistan, has now fully embraced Hinduism. She celebrated Lord Krishna's Janmashtami with great pomp and performed the rituals meticulously. During this time, Seema Haider and the children were also seen dressed up like Radha and Krishna.

Who is Seema Haider?

Seema Haider, a Pakistani, has been accused of entering India illegally via Nepal with her four children. She claims that she did this out of love for Sachin Meena and simply wants to be with him. However, prior to this, Seema has faced allegations of being an agent. The authorities have also questioned Sachin and Seema about their relationship.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed to his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau New Delhi's strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada as they are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats and threatening the Indian community there. In his talks with Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Modi also mentioned that a relationship based on "mutual respect and trust" is essential for the progress of India-Canada relationship, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"The Prime Minister highlighted that India-Canada relations are anchored in shared democratic values, respect for rule of law and strong people-to-people ties," it said. "He conveyed our strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises, and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship," it said.

"The nexus of such forces with organized crime, drug syndicates and human trafficking should be a concern for Canada as well. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats," the MEA said in a statement. In July, India summoned the Canadian envoy and issued a demarche over the increasing activities by pro-Khalistani elements in Canada, days after posters featuring names of India's senior diplomats serving in Canada featured in some posters in certain areas in that country.

In June, a video emerged on social media that showed a float depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi. It was reportedly part of a parade that was organised by some Khalistani elements in Brampton.

Asked about India's concerns over the increasing activities of the Khalistani elements in Canada, Trudeau said at a press conference that his country will always defend freedom of peaceful protest but at the same time asserted that it will always prevent violence and push back against hatred.

"Canada will always defend freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom of peaceful protest and it is extremely important to us," he said.

"At the same time, we are always there to prevent violence and to push back against hatred. I think on the issue of the community, it is important to remember that the actions of the few do not represent the entire community or Canada," Trudeau said.

There were instances of India complaining to Canadian authorities over incidents of security lapse at the Indian consulate in Vancouver.

A Canadian readout said Trudeau and Modi spoke about inclusive economic growth, support for low-and middle-income countries, and access to concessional finance for sustainable development.

"They noted the importance of welcoming the African Union as a member of the G20. Prime Minister Trudeau raised the importance of respecting the rule of law, democratic principles, and national sovereignty," it said.

In his comments to the media, the Canadian prime minister said India is an extraordinarily important economy and an important partner of Canada on a range of sectors including fighting climate change and creating economic growth.

"India is an extraordinarily important economy in the world and an important partner to Canada on everything from fighting climate change to creating growth and prosperity for the citizens," he said.

The Canadian prime minister said both sides will continue to look at expansion of existing cooperation. In a post on 'X', Modi said he and Trudeau discussed the full range of India-Canada ties across different sectors.
New Delhi: The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) arrived at Akshardham Temple in New Delhi on Sunday morning to offer prayers. Ahead of the UK Prime Minister's visit, elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple. While speaking to ANI on Saturday, the UK PM had said that he will visit Delhi's Akshardham temple today.

#WATCH | G 20 in India: Security tightened in the national capital in the wake of the G 20 Summit.



(Visuals from Shanti Van) pic.twitter.com/1WcSe66QkR  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

G 20 in India | United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy at Delhi's Akshardham temple.



(Source: Swaminarayan Akshardham's Twitter) pic.twitter.com/I8dwecv7pk  ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2023

Rishi Sunak also expressed his hope that he will find time to visit a temple, here in India, during his stay for the G20 Summit. He had said that he has enormous respect for PM Modi and that he is keen to support him in making the G20 an enormous success. I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis, Rishi Sunak said.

I didnt have time to celebrate Janmashtami. But hopefully, as I said I can make up for that if we visit a Mandir this time, he added. He further said that faith is something very important as it gives strength and resilience during stress. Akshardham temple is fully prepared to welcome United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Narayana Murty on Sunday, a temple official told ANI.

"We are prepared for the visit (of UK PM Rishi Sunak). We will welcome him and his wife at the main gate called Mayur Dwar and lead him to the main Akshardham temple. If they want to do aarti we will arrange it. In our temple, there are deities of Radha-Krishna, Sita Ram, Lakshmi Narayana, Parvathi Parameshwara, and Ganapathi. If they want to do Pooja, we will arrange for it," said Joytindra Dave, an Akshardham official.

Sunak, accompanied by wife Akshata Murty had arrived in Delhi on Friday. This is Rishi Sunak's first visit to India as Prime Minister since he assumed the office of Prime Minister of the UK in October last year. India and the UK are bound by strong ties of history and culture, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Indias multifaceted bilateral relationship with the UK intensified with its upgradation to a Strategic Partnership in 2004.
New Delhi: Have you ever been in a bind and discovered you were short on cash only to discover you left your wallet or debit card at home? These circumstances are all too common, I guess. But do not worry; there is now a remedy: the UPI ATM, which was just introduced in India. With this launch, customers can use their UPI ID to withdraw cash from ATMs, as the name suggests.

According to a report from ET, Hitachi has unveiled the UPI-ATM. It is quite similar to an ATM machine. Typically, you use a debit or credit card at an ATM to withdraw money from your bank. But you don't need a card with this new UPI-ATM. (Also Read: Unlocking Financial Freedom: Earn Rs 50 To Rs 80 Lakh Annually With This Unique Business Idea)

It is known as the "Hitachi Money Spot UPI ATM," and on September 5, 2023, it was displayed to attendees at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. The neat thing about these UPI ATMs is that you can withdraw cash from your bank without a card by utilising a unique phone software called United Payments Interface (UPI). (Also Read: Glamour To Gold: 5 Bollywood Beauties Lighting Up The Business World With Multi-Crore Ventures)

Step-By-Step Guide To Withdraw Money Using UPI ATM:

- Choose the UPI cash withdrawal option

- Now, enter the amount you want to withdrawal

- Scan the QR code through your UPI ID

- Enter the UPI PIN to proceed the transaction
The family of slain Chicago police Officer Areanah Preston, from left, mother Dionne Mhoon, stepfather Terrance Mhoon, twin sisters Amyrah and Amiyah Preston, and father Allen Preston, address those gathered at a ceremony to rename Blackstone Avenue at 82nd Street in honor of Officer Preston on Sept. 9, 2023. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)

Before slain Chicago police Officer Areanah Prestons mother helped pull off a cover to unveil a street sign honoring her daughter, she prayed the city would remember the ambitious, vibrant young woman she raised.

I promise your name will be the change you wanted to see, Prestons mother, Dionne Mhoon, told the hundreds gathered to remember Preston Saturday.

Advertisement

City and police leaders including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and his CPD superintendent nominee Chief Larry Snelling joined the 24-year-olds family and friends to honor her by renaming the Avalon Park stretch of South Blackstone Avenue where she was killed in May.

Teachers remembered Preston as an ambitious and engaged student determined to make a positive change in the world. Friends recalled her texts and spunk. Her younger sisters described her as a role model.

Advertisement

The family of fallen Chicago police Officer Areanah Preston, along with Mayor Brandon Johnson, reveal her honorary street name on Blackstone Avenue at 82nd Street on Sept. 9, 2023. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)

And to Mhoon, Preston, who died just six days before she was set to graduate with a masters degree in jurisprudence from Loyola University, was my sunflower.

This sign represents a girl with dreams and aspirations bigger than most people can even imagine, Mhoon said.

Mhoon said she hopes her daughters death would lead to more effective gun safety laws, push parents to better monitor their kids and lead Chicagoans to see police officers in another light.

Police officers deserve respect, love and the right to be able to make it home, Mhoon said. Its OK to do that  make a difference.

The crowd gathered on the quiet block where Preston was fatally shot at 1:45 a.m. May 6 while returning home. In a blocked off intersection near a street lined by short, green lawns and two-story brick homes, they cheered as the officers family removed a sleeve to unveil Officer Areanah M. Preston Way.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 36 Mourners arrive at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn for the visitation for slain Chicago Police Officer Areanah Preston on May 16, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Areanah was more than a student. She was more than a police officer. She was our hope, said Susan Woollen, an administrator at Illinois State University, where Preston studied criminal justice as an undergraduate student.

And as long as Areanah remains in our hearts, may goodness and righteousness flow through her blessed memory, she continued.

Preston was also honored at a vigil Wednesday night at the citys Gold Star Families Memorial. Johnson recalled the memorials marble wall her name is now etched into as he spoke Saturday.

Advertisement

Well never forget her valor, her exemplary dedication to the city of Chicago, Johnson said. We must also support all of the men and women who wear the badge of honor, our first responders.

He praised Prestons dream to make a difference and called on the city to continue to support her family.

Im prepared and willing to do what is necessary to build a better, stronger and a much safer Chicago, said Johnson, who attended Prestons funeral two days after being sworn in as mayor.

Three of the teens arrested two days after Preston was shot in her police uniform are being held in custody without bail at Cook County Jail, court and jail records show. Another 16-year-old is being held at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. Prosecutors alleged the group had set out on a deadly crime spree before killing Preston and selling her gun in an effort to get money for a barbecue.

The three accused adults  Trevell Breeland, 19, Joseph Brooks, 19, and Jakwon Buchanan, 18  pleaded not guilty to the slew of felony charges they face in June, according to court records.

Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Speaking earlier, John Catanzara, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, said people had gathered to remember, to honor and to commemorate.

Advertisement

But we should do more than that, he said. There needs to be some accountability for violent criminal behavior.

Dionne Mhoon, mother of fallen Chicago police Officer Areanah Preston, gets a hug after revealing an honorary street sign for her daughter on Sept. 9, 2023. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)

Chief Snelling, who awaits a vote in City Council on his appointment as CPD superintendent, told the crowd he used to advise cadets at the police academy they needed first to become exemplary people in order to become exemplary officers.

Areanah was both, he said.

He told Prestons family to look around at the people gathered around them  elected officials, dozens of uniformed officers, police union leaders, fellow Gold Star Families and dozens of friends.

This is your family, he said. And were going to continue to be here as part of the family. So we throw a barbecue, make plenty of ribs, because were coming.

An earlier version of this story misstated where the suspects charged in Prestons death are being held.
arora1 wrote:



C says, People who felt they were overqualified for their current positions were more likely than others to search for a new job.



question says, people employed as managers and other professionals were no more likely than people employed as service and clerical workers to have searched for a new job. GMATNinja can you help? I do not understand why the OA is CC says, People who felt they were overqualified for their current positions were more likely than others to search for a new job.question says, people employed as managers and other professionals were no more likely than people employed as service and clerical workers to have searched for a new job.

downbutnotout wrote:





Posted from my mobile device GMATNinja - Sir, please help on how to tackle this question and these type of questions.

sssanskaar2 wrote:

GMATNinjaTwo ,



I know that this CR has been explained in numerous replies mentioned above and I have also gone through each and every one of them.

But for some reason, this CR gave me a tight slap on my confidence. Even after going through all of the replies, I am not able to eliminate E as the incorrect answer choice. Also, for some reason, I eliminated C right away because that option felt a bit 'just on the surface'.

Requesting you to kindly bless us with your simple explanation for this CR and any tips on how to approach this question. Maybe I didn't understand the argument completely or I couldnt comprehend option E properly. Respected GMATNinja I know that this CR has been explained in numerous replies mentioned above and I have also gone through each and every one of them.But for some reason, this CR gave me a tight slap on my confidence. Even after going through all of the replies, I am not able to eliminate E as the incorrect answer choice. Also, for some reason, I eliminated C right away because that option felt a bit 'just on the surface'.Requesting you to kindly bless us with your simple explanation for this CR and any tips on how to approach this question. Maybe I didn't understand the argument completely or I couldnt comprehend option E properly.

Spiddy wrote:

GMATNinja sir we need you, only you can explain the OA. I request you please help

People with college degrees make up a greater proportion of managers and professionals (managers) than they do of service and clerical workers (workers).

BUT managers are no more likely than workers to search for a new job.

Quote:

(A) People generally do not take a new job that is offered to them while they are employed unless the new job pays better.

Quote:

(B) Some service and clerical jobs pay more than some managerial and professional jobs.

Quote:

(C) People who felt they were overqualified for their current positions were more likely than others to search for a new job.

Quote:

(D) The percentage of employed people who were engaged in job searches declined from 2005 to 2009.

Quote:

(E) In 2009 employees with no college degree who retired were more likely to be replaced by people with a college degree if they retired from a managerial or professional job than from a service or clerical job.

When were presented a passage with a paradox, its important that we identify what exactly is paradoxical. So, lets first identify the two pieces of the passage that are seemingly contradictory.This seems to be contradictory because the first sentence indicated that people with a college degree are more likely than others to search for a new job. Because people with a college degree make up a greater proportion of managers than of workers, we would think that managers would be more likely to search for a new job. The 2009 figures indicate that is not the case. So, the question asks that we identify an answer choice that helps to resolve the apparent paradox.In other words, it seems that, compared to our expectations, fewer managers are searching for new jobs or more workers are searching for new jobs. How is it that managers are more likely to have a college degree but NOT more likely to search for a new job?(A) is interesting. It tells us that people dont TAKE a new job unless it pays better. Perhaps, we could assume that it would be harder for managers to find better paying jobs than workers, so (A) is tempting. But (A) still talks about whether people TAKE a new job, and the passage described a paradox about people who SEARCH for a new job. So, (A) doesnt really get at the heart of the paradox. Eliminate (A).All that (B) tells us is that SOME workers get paid more than SOME managers. But that really doesnt provide any valuable information. First, we probably already knew that SOME workers get paid more than SOME managers (depending on industry, experience, etc.). But more importantly, it still doesnt explain why workers are searching for jobs as much as managers. If anything, it tells us that workers are getting paid well, and it gives us more reason to expect that workers would not be searching for a new job. Eliminate (B).Lets think about (C). If people who feel they are overqualified are more likely to search for a new job, then perhaps another factor, apart from college degrees, is driving the 2009 figures. In other words, managers/professionals are presumably less likely than service/clerical workers to feel overqualified, seeing the managers jobs bear additional responsibility. If feeling overqualified leads one to search for a new job, then workers, who are more likely to feel overqualified, would be more likely to search for a new job. This could counteract the effect of having a college degree, and it would help explain the discrepancy. (C) isnt a perfect answer, and there are certainly other variables at play. But were looking for the BEST answer that MOST helps to resolve the paradox. So, lets keep (C).(D) merely provides information as it relates to job search trends over the course of 2005 to 2009. The problem is that these trends apply to both workers and managers, so this does not help explain why workers are at least as likely as managers to search for a new job. Eliminate (D).If I were playing a bad-version of the word-matching game on this question, Id definitely choose (E). It has all the key words that are in the passage, which makes it a very appealing answer choice. I see 2009, college degree, managerial or professional job, and service or clerical job. If Ive shut my brain off, this all makes (E) very tempting because it seems to have all the right words/phrases. But lets think about what (E) is actually telling us.(E) indicates that a manager that retires without a college degree is more likely to be replaced by someone with a college degree than a worker that retires without a college degree. But that merely implies that people with college degrees are more likely to be managers than workers. The passage already told us this. So, rather than resolve the paradox, (E) just reinforces what we already knew and what made the 2009 figures seem paradoxical. If anything, (E) contributes to the discrepancy. Eliminate (E).(C) is the only answer choice remaining. While its definitely not perfect, it's the best we can do, and it is correct.I hope that helps!_________________
Standardized testing results run the gamut in Dan River Region schools: Danville pass rates still fall well below state averages, but Pittsylvania County numbers surpass the Virginia figures.

The Virginia Department of Education on Thursday officially announced the Standards of Learning  often called SOL  results from the 2022-23 school year. The state agency also said accreditation details would be revealed in the coming weeks, however data is already live online.

For Danville, Schoolfield Elementary moved into the fully accredited category joining Forest Hills Elementary and Galileo Magnet High School.

The other eight Danville schools are still accredited with conditions.

Over in Pittsylvania County, all schools are fully accredited except for Gretna Middle School, which is accredited with conditions this year.

The accreditation formula includes "school quality indicators" designed by the state education department. Each indicator ranges from levels one through three, with three being below standard. If a school gets a level three in any area, then it isn't considered fully accredited.

For elementary schools, chronic absenteeism is one of six factors used. Gretna Middle School scored a level three in the chronic absenteeism category, landing it on the accredited with conditions list.

"Gretna Middle School met all requirements to be fully accredited except chronic absenteeism which requires 85% of the students to be present at school for more than 90% of the school days," Pittsylvania County Schools Superintendent Mark Jones told the Register & Bee.

While chronic absences factored into low accreditation scores for Danville, those schools also had level three issues in other areas. For example, Woodberry Hills Elementary scored a level three  the lowest  in all six categories.

Gibson Elementary also had a level three in absenteeism, plus four other areas.

Other than the two categories of accredited or accredited with conditions, a school also could be denied accreditation or a decision could be withheld because of things like testing irregularities, according to the education department.

Galileo and Forest Hills have been the only two Danville schools fully accredited since 2019-20. Last year, all Pittsylvania County Schools were fully accredited.

"Unfortunately, DPS began a decline in student achievement around five years ago," Danville Public Schools Superintendent Angela Hairston told the Register & Bee when asked about the wide disparity between city and county schools.

"We are now seeing improvements in achievement as evidenced by the accreditation of Schoolfield," she explained. "We are changing the trajectory of the school system through a collaboration with the VDOE."

The results

For SOL results  a uniform testing system administered throughout the state  Danville made gains, but remains below Virginia averages.

For example, in reading, the pass rate is up to 50% compared to 43% two years ago. However, state average has a 73% passing rate.

The city improved in reading, writing, math and science, but dropped in history/social studies. In that subject, only 28% of students received a passing rate in Danville, compared to 66% in the state.

"For history, we are continuing to review data to determine gaps for that subject area," Hairston told the newspaper.

SOL pass rates Test Danville Pittsylvania County State English: Reading 50 79 73 English: Writing 40 68 65 History and social sciences 28 72 65 Mathematics 38 80 69 Science 38 74 67

On the flip side, Pittsylvania County's SOL results continue to follow patterns of previous years by outperforming the state average.

Although the reading pass rate of 79% dropped a percentage point, it's still higher than the state's overall 73%.

"Pittsylvania Countys scores on the SOL tests continue to be above the state average, however, our instructional department, school administrators and teachers are looking at the results of last years SOL assessments to develop plans to further improve the scores this year," Jones said.

Specifically, he said scores in the eighth grade writing turned out lower than other areas this time.

"The eighth grade writing test is being eliminated by the state this year and is being replaced by an integrated reading and writing test," he explained. "With the new integrated reading and writing component, students will read a nonfiction passage based on history or science then answer six multiple-choice questions and write a response to a question related to the passage."

With this change, the hope is to "more accurately assess students writing abilities."

The county's history/social studies rate increased to 72%, beating the state's 66% average.

Breaking down the schools, Galileo and Forest Hills also performed above the state average in all subject areas.

"We are seeing our schools move in a positive direction, and we are very proud of our administrators, teachers and so many parents who work very hard to support our students in improvements," Danville School Board Chair Ty'Quan Graves said in a prepared statement. "They spend long hours and go above and beyond to ensure students have bell-to-bell teaching, tutoring, extracurricular activities and celebrations."

Students across the nation have struggled to catch up after the pandemic since schools were closed or forced into a remote-learning style with COVID-19 swirling.

The state education department reports the recent test results show "significant and persistent learning loss" especially in the third through eight grade levels.

"Looking at student achievement data during the pandemic and that which has been collected afterwards, I believe we have all come to truly realize what we have known about the importance of students being in school and being taught by qualified teachers," Jones explained. "Our staff members are working hard to provide strong instruction to remediate any child who is behind."

The city school system reported  in spite of changes in required scores to pass SOLS  students have improved in reading, math, science and writing as a whole division, a trend that started in the 2020-21 year.

Danville Public Schools is in the third year of a three-year corrective action plan implemented by the Virginia Department of Education starting in July 2020, Hairston told the Register & Bee.

"The corrective action plan serves as a roadmap to improve student performance, and offers additional supports and resources to the division from the classroom level to the school board level," Hairston said.

Once they finish this year, the "next steps" will be determined, she said.

Absenteeism

Beyond testing performance, schools are facing daily pains to get students to show up for classes, a problem also experienced across the nation.

The Danville School Board officially declared September as Attendance Awareness Month.

As we know, attendance matters," Deborah Harris, director of student support services, said at Thursday night's school board meeting.

We cannot teach to an empty chair," she said, referencing a line often used by the superintendent.

School leaders are doing things like working on professional development with staff members, but acknowledge the only way to fix the problem is for the district and community to share the mission together.

It cant be solved by one person," Harris said.

The state department of education defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of the year for any reason.

In the last school year, Danville schools had nearly 1,300 students miss 18 days of school. That equals about a full month of classroom instruction, according to Hairston.

On Thursday, Harris outlined the attendance policy to the school board that gradually ratchets up as the absences grow. It starts when there are three or more absences, which triggers a phone call.

After a student misses five days, a letter is generated from an assistant principal along with a phone call, and an attendance plan is put in place.

After seven days, parent notes are no longer accepted. Instead, medical documentation must be presented when students miss school.

Sometimes the Virginia Department of Health gets involved in truancy issues to see if there's a medical issue.

We want to create a culture to which taking attendance and being in school is a positive thing," Harris said.

There are five social workers, attendance personnel and nurses at each school, all working to keep the students in class. There's also a "second chance shuttle" for children who miss the bus.

But Hairston said the school system needs "support of parents" to make it work.

"We continue to encourage parents to ensure students attend all day, every day," the superintendent said in the prepared statement. "Students who miss time in school are significantly impacted academically and are more likely to drop out."
An active shooter situation is a hell of a way to start a school year  and I do mean hell.

Thats what it was like for students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after Associate Professor Zijie Yan was fatally shot in a science building on the campus.

Police said they arrested graduate student Tailei Qi, 34, of Chapel Hill without force less than two hours after the shooting. Qi was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder and a weapons count and jailed without bond. Yan was Qis faculty adviser, and Qi worked with Yans research group.

But the elapsed time felt a lot longer, judging by student accounts that flowed from inside the lockdown zone at the campus. Barely a week after students started the fall semester, they were barricading themselves in classrooms or, in some cases caught by news cameras, jumping out of windows.

To the student journalists at The Daily Tar Heel, the tragedy posed a dilemma that is unfortunately familiar to me and countless other daily journalists: How do we convey the unspeakable horrors of gun-related tragedies to which the public has been desensitized by the seemingly endless repetition of it?

An idea came late Monday night to Emmy Martin, the newspapers editor in chief, while she was in bed looking through the text messages and social media posts that she and other students had received during the lockdown.

And thats kind of when it hit me, Martin later told the Poynter Institute. Everyone was getting these texts, and we were all kind of not having the same experience, but having an experience we all shared together. Thats when I kind of knew that that is our front page. And so it became. She and her fellow editors decided to string together text messages sent by students while they were locked down.

The result, in all caps, was as raw and dramatic as any news reported in real time, the actual time in which the news is occurring, and unburdened by such impediments as punctuation and censorship of raw emotions, although I lightly censored this excerpt:

ARE YOU SAFE? WHERE ARE YOU? ARE YOU ALONE? GUYS IM SO F-ING SCARED. HEY- COME ON SWEETHEART- I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU. CAN YOU HEAR ANY GUNSHOTS? PLEASE STAY SAFE. BARRICADE THE DOOR OR IF YOU THINK YOU CAN RUN AND GET TO A PLACE THAT CAN LOCK DO SO. MY TEACHER IS ACTING LIKE NOTHING IS HAPPENING AND IM LOWKEY FREAKING OUT. I WISH THESE NEVER HAPPENED. STAY CALM AND SAFE-WE LOVE YOU. I AM SO SORRY THIS IS HAPPENING. I LOVE YOU. WHAT THE F- IS HAPPENING? MULTIPLE VOICES AND LOUD BANGING. IM IN CLASS EVERYONE IS LOSING IT PEOPLE ARE LITERALLY SHAKING. STILL GOING ON AND COMING CLOSER, HOPING ITS COPS. IM GONNA F-ING THROW UP. KINDA WISH I HAD SOMEONE ELSE HERE THOUGH. PLEASE PRAY FOR US. PLEASE STAY WHERE YOU ARE AND KEEP YOUR DOORS LOCKED OR FORTIFIED. LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH. ARE YOU HOME? SOMEONE IS ALREADY SHOT. ITS ALL SO SCARY

As an attention-getter, the page was a roaring success. It went viral on social networks reaching, among many others, President Joe Biden, who expressed his grief in a post on X, formerly Twitter, along with posting a reproduction of the Daily Tar Heels front page.

No student, no parent and no American should have to send texts like these to their loved ones as they hide from a shooter, he tweeted. Ill continue to do all I can to reduce gun violence and call on Congress to do the same.

So do I. But look at how little good that has done.

Unfortunately, anyone who has been paying attention knows where Congress is likely to go as long as the politics of gun safety continue to be locked in partisan gridlock for as far as my mortal eyes can see.

Meanwhile, we increasingly see terms such as active shooter and lockdown drills make their way into daily discourse, deepening the sense that we in the land of the free have locked ourselves into a prison of our own making.
Prior to the 2016 presidential election, a friend told me he was backing Donald Trump because, It was time to run the country like a business and drain the bureaucratic swamp in Washington. When Trump left, the swamp remained, and if the way business leaders are actually selected had been applied, he wouldnt have been there in the first place.

Political leaders are publicly chosen by the subjective whims of voters, not the private deliberations of corporate directors. Nonetheless, many others share my friends preference, and its beneficial for all voters to understand the way business executives are really picked. Using that criteria, heres a look at some potential candidates for U.S. president and North Carolina governor.

The first result is that neither Biden nor Trump would be selected.

Biden would be judged too old, too grounded in the past and too susceptible to mental and physical health issues. Since succession planning is a primary concern of corporate directors, a potential second term for him would be perceived as blocking the success and development of a younger successor.

Moral, ethica and legal entanglements are definite barriers to the selection of business leaders in public corporations. Any executive search firm, selection committee or board of directors would immediately reject Trump. His myriad legal difficulties, chaotic ready-fire-aim past-term performance, inability to distinguish fantasy from reality and preoccupation with only building his personal brand would rule him out.

Corporations often retain executive search firms, sometimes pejoratively labeled headhunters, to recruit, pre-qualify and recommend candidates. Once the apparent presidential contenders were eliminated, theyd review the remaining choices. Here is a prediction of their analysis of the top two remaining Republican candidates and their recommendation.

Based on the values of their customers and employees, most corporate leaders favor thoughtful, reflective analysis and continue to honor diversity. Ron DeSantis anti-woke mania and dogmatic, gangster-reminiscent, tough-guy persona would torpedo him.

Mike Pence, although respected for standing up to Trump, would be eliminated because of his lack of strong leadership skills, charisma deficit and narrow intellectual fundamentalism.

The candidate a professional search firm would recommend would be Nikki Haley. A former president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, twice-elected governor of South Carolina and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, she has the right blend of decisiveness, conservative orientation, and business and leadership experience.

On the Democratic side, because of her low-key vice presidential exposure and lukewarm reputation, Kamala Harris would be eliminated. Pete Buttigieg rings many bells but search firms are unflinchingly pragmatic and, sadly, many voters, particularly potential converts from the right, are not yet ready for a gay president and hed be rejected.

The recommended candidate would be Amy Klobuchar. Former partner in two law firms and county attorney in Minnesotas most populous county, she has a proven ability to win contentious elections. Her pragmatic, problem-solving style and ability to cope with the far-left contingent of her party and the far-right branch of Republicans, make her the prime choice in a business-oriented Democratic selection process.

Here in North Carolina, our gubernatorial election appears headed for a major value clash between Attorney General Josh Stein, a protege of current Gov. Roy Cooper, and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a rabid Trump disciple. A selection process for either party that was based on corporate values would select Stein and reject Robinson.

Stein would be an easy choice. Hes highly educated  Harvard law and Kennedy School of Government  efficient, experienced and successful in pursuing actions congruent with Democratic values.

Robinson would be summarily rejected because of his history of antisemitic, homophobic and misogynistic statements and lack of any credible business leadership experience.

Based on his experience and business education  undergraduate and masters degrees in accounting and CPA certification  Dale Folwell, North Carolina state treasurer, would be the Republican selection.

Although the odds of the presidential and gubernatorial candidates predicted in this corporate based selection process actually appearing on a ballot are low, it provides a framework for the responsible voter to analyze their choices through a different set of lenses.

And two exceptionally talented women without any apparent skeletons in their closets running for U.S. president are certainly something to think about.
An observance of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and an appreciation of Helenas first responders was held Sunday in the parking lot of Albertsons on North Montana Avenue.

Its the eighth year of the Heroes of Helena event, sponsored by Albertsons and Safeway. The day included displays of emergency response vehicles, including two helicopters landing in the parking lot, organizers said. It also included live music.

There were a couple of memorial boxes from Honor Defined, a team of service members, given to two first responders.

Its going really well, we had a lot of foot traffic, Safeway store Manager Eric Dowell said mid-afternoon, adding he could not offer a crowd estimate.

Miss Montana Faith Johnson sang the national anthem and mingled with the crowd, Dowell said, adding Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins and Commissioner Andy Shirtliff also spoke.

Another observance is planned for noon Monday. Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Department of Justice will host a ceremony in the state Capitol Rotunda. The public may attend.

The event will feature Helena Fire Chief Jon Campbell and Montana National Guard Maj. Gen. J. Peter Hronek. It will also feature the Montana Highway Patrol Honor Guard and the Montana State Firefighters Association Honor Guard.

On Sept. 11, 2001, airline hijackings and suicide attacks were committed by 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda against targets in the United States that included the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon.

A hijacked airliner crashed in Pennsylvania when passengers fought with terrorists to retake the plane.
Intermountain staff invites the Helena community to join them in a showing of solidarity 5 p.m. Monday at the state Capitol as a sign of support for the longtime institution.

Intermountain officials said recently they plan to temporarily close its residential program, displacing 16 children and impacting 55 staff.

Event organizers said the move will force many employees to lose their jobs, effectively removing all knowledge of the current model and leaving behind nothing more than an empty shell. The future of our model and the services it provides are facing demise.

The demonstration is to raise awareness for Intermountains current situation and to provide our honest perspective on the dire realities we are facing for the incredible community that has always stood by us.

The public is invited to attend at 1301 E. 6th Ave.
A woman was killed Friday evening when the minivan she was driving collided with a Hickory police vehicle that was in pursuit of a motorcycle.

At approximately 10:42 p.m. Friday, Hickory police attempted to stop a motorcycle traveling west on U.S. 70 SW near Fourth Street SW for careless and reckless driving and failing to display a license plate, according to a news release from the Hickory Police Department.

Police said when the officer initiated the traffic stop, the motorcycle fled, continuing west on U.S. 70 SW. The officer activated his blue lights and siren and pursued the motorcycle, police said. As they approached the intersection of U.S. 70 SW and 13th Street SW, a Honda Odyssey minivan entered the intersection from 13th Street SW and was struck by the police vehicle.

The occupants of the Honda were the driver, a white female, 38, and a white male juvenile. Officers arriving on the scene of the crash called for medical assistance and attempted to render emergency medical aid to the occupants of the Honda, Hickory police said in the news release.

EMS and the Hickory Fire Department arrived and continued to provide emergency medical aid to all parties involved in the crash. The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene and the juvenile passenger was transported to the hospital with life-threating injuries.

The officer and front seat passenger of the police vehicle were transported to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

No names of the people involved in the crash had been released as of 4 p.m. Saturday.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to the scene and has taken over the traffic crash investigation at the request of the Hickory Police Department.

The officer involved in the traffic crash has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an administrative investigation, police said.

The motorcycle involved in the pursuit did not stop and fled the scene, police said. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the driver is asked to contact the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or the Hickory Police Department.
Yolexi Cubillan, 19, buys food while waiting for her appointment at an Illinois Department of Human Services office on Aug. 28, 2023, in Chicago. Yolexi waited at the office for over eight hours. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Yolexi Cubillan trekked by foot, bus and train over 4,000 miles from Venezuela to Chicago in part so her baby could have a better future.

And last Sunday, the 19-year-old gave birth around 10 a.m. to a 7-pound boy in a hospital room in Hyde Park, with the help from doctors who didnt speak her language using medical procedures she had never heard of. She was in labor for over 21 hours without her mother  whom she missed terribly  by her bedside.

Advertisement

Yolexi Cubillan, 19, holds newborn Derick Alexander Cubillan with her partner Fabian Mendez, 20, at the University of Chicago Medical Center on Sept. 3, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

By that Sunday afternoon, she and her partner Fabian Mendez, 20, sat in the visitation room at a hospital at the University of Chicago Medical Center, adjusting to the new tiny person they called Derick who slept in a plastic carrier on top of a wooden bureau across from them.

I never get tired of looking at him, she said in Spanish. It makes me want to cry. Hes so beautiful, so little, so fragile.

Advertisement

The Mendez family is among the more than 13,500 migrants who have arrived in Chicago since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bused the first group of asylum-seekers to Chicago one year ago. Since then, asylum-seekers have arrived not only on buses sent by Republican governors  who argue liberal northern cities that profess to be sanctuaries should welcome them  but on their own or with the help of charities.

In July, the Tribune followed Yolexi and her boyfriends family (plus a dog) on their journey from the border town of El Paso, Texas, to Chicago. On Labor Day weekend their story began a new chapter, with the beating heart from their son, a United States citizen.

In those first weeks, I suffered a lot.

The family of five  Yolexi, Fabian, his mother Esperanza and his two younger siblings  have been in the city since mid-July, when they walked through Chicagos Union Station after traveling more than two days from El Paso by bus and train. Their overland trip from Maracaibo, Venezuela, took 52 days.

Little by little, were learning to adjust to life in Chicago. But theres just so much to do, Esperanza said in Spanish.

Theyve settled on the second floor of a house in Englewood with Hugo Sanchez, the younger childrens father, who arrived last October from Venezuela. But it hasnt been easy.

They said theyve had to move multiple times because Hugos first apartment didnt originally have space for them; they dont know how to ride the bus or train because they cant read English; and have been rejected from medical and Illinois Department of Human Services appointments because they didnt know what paperwork to bring with them. They are sometimes scared to leave their newest home because of gang activity in the area.

Yolexi Cubillan, 19, right, buys food while waiting for her appointment at an Illinois Department of Human Services office on Aug. 28, 2023, in Chicago. Yolexi waited at the office for over eight hours. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

And as theyve adjusted to their new home, they are unsure about the process for how to plead asylum, a form of protection that allows those who face persecution or harm in their country of origin to remain in the United States. Esperanza is worried about whether Hugo will make enough painting houses to be able to pay for their rent and food.

And then on Aug. 1, their beloved, part-Chihuahua puppy Milo, who they brought all the way from Venezuela  who survived crossing the Darien Gap, a jungle that is said to be one of the most treacherous migration routes in the world  escaped through a back door after 9-year-old Pedro let him out by accident. He hasnt been seen since.

Advertisement

While in the jungle on their journey, the family had rescued Milo after he fell in a river. The little dog had crossed through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection port. He had slept at Esperanzas feet for 18 hours on a train to Chicago.

They searched for him in their new neighborhood, but to no avail.

En esas primeras semanas, sufri mucho. Me deprimio. In those first weeks, I suffered a lot. It depressed me, Esperanza recounted, looking at a photo of the brown-eyed dog on her phone.

In late August, Fabian celebrated his 20th birthday. They made a mountain of arepas  or traditional Venezuelan crispy white corn cakes  and Fabian ate enough to make himself sick.

On another occasion, all five family members took a trip downtown to see The Bean in Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. They have discovered where their neighborhood corner store is, the tree behind the gas station that grows apples and the closest health clinic.

The buildings here are enormous, the skyline tremendous. But everything is different here. How people speak. How people dress. The customs. Even what type of trash youre allowed to throw in the street, Esperanza said.

Advertisement

Yolexi Cubillan, 19, sits on the floor while waiting in line with other migrants at an Illinois Department of Human Services office on Aug. 28, 2023, in Chicago. Yolexi waited at the office for over eight hours. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

The streets are so much cleaner here than they are at home, she said.

All of my family is over there

The uncertainty and fear underlying their new living situation did not make for a comfortable third trimester for 19-year-old Yolexi Cubillan.

Without her mother and the familiarity of her hometown Maracaibo, Yolexi had to find comfort elsewhere. She helped Esperanza cook chicken, potatoes and onions for almuerzo, lunch. She hugged Fabian often, flashing braces each time she smiled or laughed.

A week before giving birth, Yolexi chopped onions and stirred a pot of rice on the stove, tossing her head back to flip her long, curly hair out of her face. She said she had been in excruciating pain for days. She grimaced, then put her chin out determinedly and grabbed two freshly made arepas from the stovetop.

Fabian Mendez, 20, stands next to his partner Yolexi Cubillan, 19, while holding their newborn Derick Alexander Cubillan at the University of Chicago Medical Center on Sept. 3, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Se la hice a ella, ella, she sang along to a song by Karol G on her phone, one of her all-time favorite artists, who was performing at Soldier Field on Sept. 15, the day before her due date.

Yolexi hadnt seen her family for over three months since she left Venezuela with Fabian at the end of May. Her feet were swollen under the weight of her stomach.

Advertisement

She pulled up photos of her family on her phone  her 21-year-old sister Genesis and 14-year-old brother Eudervis. Her cousin, Carla Fernandez, 20, is one of her best friends in the world, she said. Carla has a 3-year-old daughter named Aranza, and Yolexi said she liked watching Carla take care of her.

All of my family is over there, Yolexi said. But in Venezuela, we dont have good health care.

Yolexi wanted to have her own child, but was nervous. When she found out she was pregnant, she said she was apprehensive at first. She couldnt bear the possibility that something bad could, conceivably, happen to her baby.

In her home country, she said, there arent resources or supplies to respond to pregnancies like there are in the United States. Women sometimes give birth in the seat of a car or even on the ground, and they dont receive care afterward. She said many women lose their children.

The sociopolitical and economic crises that has been roiling Venezuela has caused more than 7 million refugees and migrants to flee the country of 29 million, making their exodus the second-largest external displacement crisis in the world, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.

While the majority of them have landed in Latin American and Caribbean countries, more than 500,000 have made their way into the United States, primarily to cities such as New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Advertisement

The U.S. government currently allows up to 30,000 individuals per month  from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela  to come to the United States for a period of two years. More than 48,000 Venezuelans have arrived since Jan. 5, according to Department of Homeland Security data from the end of July.

Adrienne Pine, an anthropologist and professor at California Institute of Integral Studies, who focuses on cross-cultural approaches to nursing and who recently returned from a trip to Venezuela, said that Venezuelan women, especially in rural areas, are currently struggling to get access to basic medications and health care. Many women she met told her they desperately wanted birth control pills.

It costs $2 a month, but thats outside the budget that a lot of women have, so theyre just risking it, she said.

Yolexi Cubillan, 19, left, next to her partner Fabian Mendez, 20, at a bus stop on West Garfield Boulevard as they take their newborn Derick Alexander Cubillan to a medical appointment on Sept. 7, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Venezuelas social programs have in the past been funded by oil revenues, which have been drastically cut by unilateral sanctions by the United States over nearly two decades, according to a report by United Nations Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan. This has led to a devastating effect on social programs serving the entire population, but especially those living in poverty, women and children.

Venezuela had some of the best indices in the hemisphere in terms of maternal health care. In terms of pregnancy related care, child mortality and child health, said Pine. Infant mortality goes up with the sanctions.

In Chicago, Yolexi had a health consultation at a local clinic, where nurses gave her the address of a hospital across town that could take her when she went into labor.

Advertisement

Esperanza, a mother of three, also comforted Yolexi in the days leading up to her due date.

I remember holding my first one. I told Yole that, she said. Yo se que es eso. Lo que esta pasando. I know what that is like. What is happening.

Mami, listen to the sounds of its heart

Cook County Health, the lead medical provider as part of Chicagos response to migrants arriving on buses from the border, has seen over 200 pregnant women among the thousands of migrants who have come to the city since last fall, according to CCH spokesperson Alexandra Normington.

But this does not include the pregnant women among the 1,581 new arrivals in police districts or the 472 at OHare, awaiting placement in one of the 18 city-run shelters.

CCH provides prenatal care to new arrivals at outpatient health centers across the city, and transportation to and from all medical visits, Normington said.

Yolexi Cubillan, 19, right, and her partner Fabian Mendez, 20, board a bus on West Garfield Boulevard as they take their newborn Derick Alexander Cubillan to a medical appointment on Sept. 7, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Because the United States is not seen favorably in Venezuela due to its long-standing sanctions against the country, a baby who is a U.S. citizen may be viewed in the eyes of the Venezuelan government as an enemy, according to Keith Southam, immigration attorney and founder of Southam Law LLC.

Advertisement

It could help in the asylum application itself, he said. So you can tug on the heartstrings of a judge by saying its more likely shell be harmed in Venezuela because now her child is a citizen of the enemy.

Early Saturday Sept. 2, Yolexi was going to the bathroom before bed when her water broke. She put her arms up against the door over her head to stabilize her legs and hips, and cried out to Esperanza.

Fabian immediately called an ambulance, which brought her to University of Chicago Medicine Comer Childrens Hospital. It wasnt the hospital she had been referred to, but it was nearby. There were two nurses in the ambulance who assisted the young family, one who spoke Spanish.

She really helped both of them, said Esperanza. Or rather, the three of them.

Esperanza wasnt allowed in the ambulance, and didnt get to Comer until five hours later when Hugo was able to drive her to the hospital in his car. She barely slept, thinking about Yolexis crying gasps of pain and Fabians nervous energy getting into the flashing ambulance after her.

The feeling of longing was mutual.

Advertisement

I didnt have my mom, but I have her, said Yolexi about Esperanza. She helped me go to the bathroom. She helped me with everything. She held my hand.

The number of doctors, large hospital rooms and machines amazed Esperanza. When Fabian saw the support Yolexi would receive at the hospital, he calmed down.

Mami, listen to the sounds of its heart, you can feel it! Esperanza recounted him saying, pointing at the doppler transducer used to monitor the babys heartbeat.

In Venezuela, family members arent allowed into the room during childbirth, she said. They come after the baby is born, cramming in all at once to give a first round of hellos.

Everyone in your house, your friends. The whole world comes, she said, laughing.

At Comer, Esperanza and Fabian sat in chairs, watching the birth unfold from start to finish.

Advertisement

Despite Esperanzas encouragement and assurance, Yolexi felt scared and alone.

Her own mother had warned her that having a child is one of the hardest things someone can do, but that it would all be worth it when she held the baby in her arms.

Era complicado y doloroso. It was so complicated and painful, she said later about the process.

After 21 hours of labor, at 10:04 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3, Derick Alexander Cubillan entered the world, held by the hands of doctors on United States soil.

There are no words for this feeling

Yolexi was grateful it was all over, and for the care she received. And when asked how she felt about having a baby born as a citizen of the United States, Yolexi said it was unbelievable.

Pero me hubiera gustado si el fuera venezolano. But I would have liked it if he were Venezuelan, she said.

Advertisement

Later, in the quiet visitation room, Yolexi and Fabian adjusted to the reality that they had just four visitors instead of dozens. Yolexi FaceTimed her mom, holding Derick tightly to her chest. He slept soundly.

The room was still, and Yolexi glowed with pride. Her curls frizzed in a halo around her head. Fabian gently picked his son up to set him back down in the plastic padded case.

After running a series of blood work and other tests, doctors at the hospital discharged Yolexi two days later with a new bed for infants and tubes of Similac. They told her that after giving birth, she could now be eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC.

Truthfully, we dont have everything we need. No blanket, no clothes, nothing, she said. We havent had time or resources to plan anything.

Once they got back home, she shuffled around the kitchen, preparing rice and meat and salad. Fabian sat at the table, watching her.

Yolexi Cubillan, 19, from Venezuela, cooks at home three days after giving birth on Sept. 6, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Es un sentimiento no puedo explicar, he said about Derick. There are no words for this feeling.

Advertisement

Yolexi said Derick cries all night and sleeps all day. His first night at home, she barely slept.

Now, I will always be there for my child and I will always have this feeling, she said. It gives us a reason to live.

Miles from her family in Venezuela, cradling her baby, shes singularly focused on the family shes creating in her new home.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
Theres a good-news, bad-news in the latest phase of COVID-19, infectious diseases experts said this week.

The bad: The three key measuring sticks  emergency department visits, hospital admissions and wastewater samples  are climbing to their highest levels since the national public-health emergency was declared over on May 10.

The good: The severity of COVID-19 infections has diminished greatly during what Dr. Christopher Ohl with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist calls a wavelet of cases since late July.

That makes this phase different and colors how we look at things, Ohl said Thursday in his first COVID-19 briefing since the end of the emergency.

As (COVID) becomes more in an endemic stage and like a (respiratory) virus, the steps to protect ourselves dont have to be as intense for those under age 70 and not immunocompromised.

For a school or a workplace to reintroduce masking for COVID or any respiratory virus, it would really have to be getting in the way of its mission  lots of students or employees sick, a lot of teachers out.

Ohl, along with Novant Health Inc. infectious diseases expert Dr. David Priest, became familiar voices during the pandemic.

Priest advises that the most vulnerable members of our community, including older individuals and those with chronic medical issues, get a second bivalent booster vaccine dose.

We do anticipate, as in most years, we will have several respiratory viruses circulating this fall, Priest said. Those will include, but are not limited to, COVID, influenza and RSV  all of which can be quite serious.

Ohl said he has been getting feedback about why arent we masking again, doing social distancing again with the key metrics rising.

Its because we dont have to, just like we dont pull out a community mask standard with flu season or have a mandate for our schools.

Because we can all protect ourselves, theres not a real reason anymore for the whole community at large to be masking all the time unless a new variant really throws us a left turn, Ohl said.

For those who feel the need for protection, go for it.

Key metrics

DHHS halted its overall weekly COVID-19 dashboard updates on May 10.

Ohl said that while the Atrium doesnt count the COVID-19 case numbers like we did during the actual emergency phase of the pandemic, they are pretty high over the past month or so.

The BA.2.86 subvariant of the original omicron variant that surfaced in early 2022 has received the most attention during the wavelet.

Ohl said it appears to be less prevalent in North Carolina than in other states.

There is hope this subvariant may not be as transmissible, doesnt cause any more severe disease than the other omicron variants and isnt spreading as fast as what would create a lot of concern, Ohl said. It may a little more immune evasive.

Still, statewide COVID-19 hospital admissions reached a near four-month high of 493 last week. Thats up from 484 last week and the highest since 520 for the week that ended March 11.

Meanwhile, 4.1% of all statewide emergency room visits last week were related to COVID-19, up from 3.9% the previous report. Its the highest COVID-19-related level since 4.5% for the week that ended Feb. 11.

Ohl also pointed to wastewater samples finding more COVID-19 presence during the wavelet.

The wastewater monitoring found 36.2 million COVID-19 virus particles statewide, according to Wednesdays update of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 dashboard,

Thats up from 28.8 million the previous week and the highest level since the peak of 57.1 million for the week that ended Jan. 4, 2023.

For the Triad, the wastewater samples are as high as they were during the omicron phase, Ohl said.

Why get the booster?

Because the vaccines effectiveness wanes over time, Ohl recommends that individuals consider getting the next COVID-19 booster shot when it becomes available within the next few weeks.

Ohl said getting the next booster shot would serve to top you off immunity-wise within two weeks.

It will have faster than the original vaccinations because were kind of waking up the immune system, Ohl said.

Ohl suggested that with 97% of North Carolinians either having had some COVID-19 vaccine, recovered from a case of COVID-19, or both, that has created a level of community immunity to most of the variants.

We may know of people who have shown symptoms or become ill, but most are not winding up in the hospital and the symptoms tend to be a mild or bad cold and go away after three or four days, Ohl said. Only about 7% to 10% of those getting COVID are losing their sense of smell and taste.

The number of people dying from COVID has become almost trivial compared to what it was during the delta phase  the one that slammed us the hardest.

The number of deaths in our healthcare system is roughly 5% of what it was two years ago ... thats good news.

Dr. Cameron Wolfe, infectious disease specialist with Duke Health, said Wednesday there is concern that individuals will choose not to get the next booster shot because of having to bear the cost since the federal public health emergency expired.

There have been offers put forward by the federal government and the companies who say we dont want anyone left behind in this, financially, Wolfe said.

It remains to be seen how that plays out, and it does bother me that theres a risk here, that the message of vaccination will get to people  but also the access gets restricted.

That doesnt mean people still do not still get long COVID, Wolfe said. That doesnt mean theres no interruptions to work and scheduling and family and all the rest.
Historically, corn silage contracts have been based on a standard corn grain equivalent. This year, however, has atypical values of corn silage in fields compared to years past. Joe Lauer, a corn agronomist, University of Wisconsin-Madison professor, and extension specialist discussed pricing corn silage in a recent Badger Crop Connect webinar.

In the early 1970s, Neil Jorgenson and James Crowley published a table that represented the relationship between bushels of dry grain equivalent per ton of silage with yield of corn grain bushels per acre. This table uses a grain corn moisture set at 15.5% and a corn silage set at 65%. In 2016, Lauer updated the table to account for higher-yielding corn. With these updates, at a 200 bushel per acre grain yield, the grain equivalent is around 8.2 bushels of grain per ton of silage (bu/T). Many corn silage contracts are written using the corn grain equivalent levels represented in this standard table and commonly set at the 8.2 bu/T level.

This year, many parts of the U.S. have been affected by abnormal weather patterns that are leaving very variable and atypical yields across different fields. The standard corn grain equivalent of 8.2 bu/T fails to represent problem fields that yield significantly lower and may result in an unfair price to a buyer.

Lauer shared a method he has found to account for problem fields more accurately using starch content to back-calculate the grain equivalence. This method accounts more for the quality of the corn silage. He shared a table showing three years of yield data on six different hybrids planted across Wisconsin. Yields ranged from 3.8 to 10.5 bu/T. If a contract was written using the standard 8.2 bu/T, a dairyman may be overpaying for that corn silage.

Using yield data from the three-year trial across the state, the average actual grain yield was 180 bushels/acre. With the 8.2 grain equivalent, grain yield averaged 200 bushels/acre, 20 points higher than the actual yield. By using the starch equivalent, calculated grain yields differed more from the actual grain yields in individual locations but averaged out to 180 bushels/acre, representing the true value of the grain yield more accurately.

As we head into harvest, be mindful as a buyer or seller how you are pricing corn silage to account for variability in fields. The full webinar covers many corn silage harvest topics and can be found here.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023

September 7, 2023
404

404. Thats an error.

The requested URL was not found on this server. Thats all we know.
Kannapolis African-American Museum and Cultural Center, Inc. will offer a program titled A Decade of Making a Difference: Capturing Our History and Culture.

KAA-MaCC invites the public to be part of a historical and cultural occasion at the Laureate Center in downtown Kannapolis. The event will be the KAA-MaCC 10th Anniversary and Hall of Fame Inductions on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m.

KAA-MaCC members are thrilled to celebrate a decade of excellence in the field of history and culture. The event will also honor outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to our community and the communities where they now reside.

Join the induction of the Class of 2023 Hall of Fame, honoring individuals who have left an indelible mark on the historical and cultural landscape, including the late Bishop Richard K. Thompson, the late Bishop Louis Hunter Sr., Judge Jerry W. Blackwell, the late Mr. Charles A. Cannon, Dr. Norma H. Sermon Boyd, Kenneth B. Geathers Sr., and the late artist, James W. Donaldson.

The Mistress of Ceremony will be Aria Janel, anchor/reporter with WTOC-11, from Savannah, Georgia. The keynote speaker will be Willie A. Deese, retired pharmaceutical executive and corporate board member. Join KAA-MaCC as it celebrates its past, present, and future as a museum and cultural center.
CINCINNATI  Brynn Schulte nearly died twice when she was a baby, at one point needing emergency surgery for massive bleeding in her brain.

No one knew what was wrong until a test that looked at her full genetic blueprint found a rare bleeding disorder called factor XIII deficiency  an early diagnosis that saved her life.

You have this hopeless feeling when you dont really know whats going on, said her father, Mike Schulte. Casting a wide net really made a world of difference figuring this out quickly and getting her the right care that she needed almost immediately.

Brynn, now 4, got the genetic testing as part of a clinical trial, the results of which were published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Whole genome tests are nearly twice as good as narrower tests at unearthing genetic abnormalities that can cause disease in infants  the study found 49% of abnormalities, compared to 27% with more commonly used tests targeting particular types of genetic diseases.

Whole genome tests could solve the problem of doing several narrowly targeted tests on babies, which still might not find the disorder. Experts caution there are some issues, because labs vary in how they interpret results, and whole genome tests are costlier and less likely to be covered by insurance.

But researchers envision that whole genome tests eventually will be used for millions of hospitalized babies with confounding, sometimes life-threatening conditions. According to the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute, around 350 million people worldwide live with rare disorders, and about 80% of the more than 7,000 conditions are genetic.

Ive been doing clinical trials of babies for over 40 years, said study author Dr. Jon Davis, chief of newborn medicine at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Its not often that you can do something that you feel is going to really change the world and change clinical practice for everyone.

A memory Ill never erase

The night after Brynn was born, her mother Lindsay noticed her skin was gray, her breathing labored. Blood had pooled beneath Brynns scalp, causing two bulges on her head.

Doctors transferred her to the neonatal intensive care unit at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, where she got blood transfusions and tests for different bleeding problems.

She improved and went home  only to wind up back in the hospital when she was about a month old for a massive brain bleed. A doctor warned she likely wouldnt make it. A pastor prayed with the family.

After her surgery, Brynn stayed in the NICU for two months. At various points, doctors thought she might have a vascular problem or a mass in her liver.

Everybody was very unsettled because nobody knew what the heck was going on, Lindsay Schulte recalled. I dont think we slept. I mean, watching your child nearly die in front of your eyes twice is a memory Ill never erase.

Then the Schultes learned about the clinical trial, which involved 400 hospitalized infants.

Brynn and both parents got the whole genome testing. The diagnosis came in less than a week: She had the rare bleeding disorder, which affects an estimated 1 in 2 million to 1 in 3 million live births, and another condition causing a severe reaction to certain anesthesia drugs.

Doctors said that diagnosis would likely have been delayed  or even missed  with multiple narrower tests.

Many babies in the trial had genetic variants that narrower tests just couldnt detect, said Dr. Jill Maron, a study author and chief of pediatrics at Women & Infants Hospital in Rhode Island.

Thats because targeted tests cover maybe 1,700 out of 20,000 genes, so whole genome testing simply captures more things, said Dr. Paul Kruszka of GeneDx, a company that provides whole genome testing but wasnt involved in the study.

Ive been doing clinical trials of babies for over 40 years. Its not often that you can do something that you feel is going to really change the world and change clinical practice for everyone.  study author Dr. Jon Davis Another child in the clinical trial, 2-year-old Cash Denaro of Oceanside, California, was found to have a genetic condition called Noonan syndrome, which involves heart defects, developmental delays and other problems.

His mom, Amanda Denaro, said that with the diagnosis, we know what they think he may be delayed on, so we can work on these more  not just kind of push it under the rug.

Whole genome testing made all the difference

Broader access to full genome tests is necessary if more kids are going to be helped, experts like Maron said. Full genome tests generally cost about three times more than narrower tests, she said, and arent covered by Medicaid in most states.

Then theres the question of interpreting test results: More than 40% of the time in the study, labs found the same genetic variant, but one considered it the cause of disease while the other saw it as insignificant. Philip Brooks at the National Institutes of Health, which helped pay for the research, said it remains a topic to be addressed.

One reason for the differing interpretations is that science is moving so quickly linking genes to disorders and there isnt a comprehensive international system where doctors can check for the latest information, said Mara Aspinall, who teaches biomedical diagnostics at Arizona State University. She was not involved in the study.

Despite such hurdles, some kids are already benefitting from whole genome testing. It made all the difference in ensuring Brynn got the right treatment so she could thrive, said Dr. Cristina Tarango, her hematologist at Cincinnati Childrens.

Today, Brynn lives like any active preschooler except for regular infusions of factor XIII replacement.

On a recent morning, Lindsay Schulte put Sleeping Beauty on the television and laid Brynn on a blanket on the kitchen counter. A visiting nurse took blood from a port implanted in her chest and Schulte slowly administered the medication through a syringe.

Like usual, Brynn chose the bandage to put over her port  one featuring a cat from her favorite show.

All done! her mom chirped, and soon Brynn was running barefoot across a couch, gleefully chasing her older brother.

10 traits you may not know can be tied to genetics 10 traits you may not know can be tied to genetics Facial expressions Deviated septum Childrens insomnia Widows peak Caffeine response Sensitivity to bitter food Sneezing in the sun Optimism Pain tolerance Life satisfaction
Q: What's worse than your systems being breached? A: Being breached and not even knowing. In fact, every breach starts this way. Vectra shows iTWire how its product can alert you right at this critical moment.

When it comes to your companys data, security cant be an afterthought. Youre under relentless attack at all times from criminals and even state-sponsored organisations. Yet, a network is so ethereal; how can you possibly know when your systems have been breached - and how do you know precisely what is happening, where the attackers are moving, and importantly how do you kick them out? Well, Vectra has answers for you with its product providing amazing insights giving you information, and importantly, control.

Vectra director of security engineering APJ Chris Fisher provided a demonstration to iTWire of a live attack. Now, for safety, the attack was on a lab environment in AWS, but nothing was falsified; the environment was a realistic setup albeit with fictitious data. In another window, Fisher launched Kali Linux and Metasploit - two real-world tools designed for penetration testing and finding exploits. And while the intentions of both were for ethical purposes, theres nothing stopping the unethical guys from using these tools against you. Thus, what Fisher demonstrated was no smoke-and-mirrors but genuine well-known security tools for identifying vulnerabilities.

Fisher kicked off his simulation with a user doing an oh-so-typical action, namely clicking a malicious link from a phishing attack. Under the Mitre attack framework this is technique ID T1204, user execution. Vectra roots all its findings in the Mitre framework. And it didn't take long to start showing us results.

In this scenario, the something the user clicked on launched an app on their computer which established a command-and-control situation; i.e., the app reaches out to a command centre that then controls the app to navigate its way around the breached users environment.

This specific attack plays out by establishing an HTTP tunnel to the command-and-control centre, seeking to escalate privileges, and performing local reconnaissance on the endpoint looking for things like groups and network routes. The attack next tries to disable security tools, identify and steal local credentials, scan the network, look for SMB and RDP hosts it can brute-force break into. The attack enumerates all the domain users, groups, and computers. It scans network shares, then moves laterally to other hosts. It aims to brute-force local administrator passwords over the SMB protocol, look for interesting files, steal them, and even encrypt files and folders if it is a ransomware attack.

This attack is neither unusual nor uncommon. It is happening every day, and it may well have happened on your network. If youve experienced ransomware attacks at any organisation youve worked with, then it likely played out that way.

For sure, there are clues and hints. Windows event logs, router or switch logs, security tool alerts - all these things ought to have snippets of info that might indicate something is amiss. Yet, Fisher asks, Do CISOs go through all their alerts every day? If they say no then thats a problem. If they say yes then theyre lying. Its a humorous comment but at the same time a sombre one. And ultimately, one of the major reasons is because there is simply too much noise! For every thousand benign event logs, there may be one event that hints to a security risk.

So, with Fisher's Metasploit attack kicked off, we watched it create a Socks proxy and run a HTTP launcher back to its command-and-control server. The server pushed packages and tools down to the breached Windows PC. The attack manages to evade conventional threat intelligence detection by using a wide variety of different control server hosts. Even if one is identified and blacklisted the bad guys have many more.

However, Fisher explains, Vectra is different. Its all about helping security teams focus on whats important. This is achieved by a threat score and a certainty score on each of its findings. You know at a glance if something Vectra has picked up is a serious risk, and also how certain Vectra is about it.

By this point in the demonstration, the attack has already reached 11 hosts. And Vectra, doing nothing more than watching network traffic, has found 11 critical hosts. It reports this to us in bright red and also reports back the worst offending hosts, as well as the status of key assets. These key assets are things we can define, such as the CEOs laptop, or the database server.

In our attack situation, we see something curious happening on the machine titled piper-desktop, and Vectra allows us to zoom in on that machine and inspect the threats observed, the data being transmitted, and other metrics.

"It's all machine learning, Fisher says. Vectra doesnt operate on signatures. Its mathematical models and presenting what Vectra thinks of the attack. All events have their own threat and certainty score, and that builds into a single result for the machine. At the same time, all findings are mapped back to the Mitre framework.

Well, at this point Im convinced that Vectra is showing me a genuine hacking event happening right in front of us. We can lockdown the host, Fisher tells me, both manually or automated. This means we can instruct Vectra to lock the host down by a button press, or we can configure Vectra to do so if its threat and certainty findings reach a particular threshold.

Once we've locked the machine down it is isolated from the rest of the network. We didnt need to physically unplug anything, but we do require an EDR tool to integrate with such as Microsoft Defender ATP, Carbon Black Response, Carbon Black Cloud, FireEye Endpoint Security, SentinelOne, Cybereason, or CrowdStrike. Its important to understand Vectra itself is agentless; this makes it super simple to install in your environment and let it loose keeping a watchful eye on your network, but you will need to integrate with an EDR tool for lockdown.

Once locked down, we can investigate each of the machines involved, still within Vectra. We can observe port sweeps, darkness scans, file share enumerations, anomalies, data that has been transferred from where to where, and all kinds of other insights. Vectra will also show anomalies - things that are unusual - for example, host X or user Y performing actions they would not normally do.

Vectra can also integrate into your Active Directory, with AWS, Azure, GCP, Windows Event logs, Zscaler private access (ZPA), reverse DNS, VMware vCentre, and SIEM tools. Theres a Vectra app in the Splunk marketplace.

Ultimately, the demonstration of Vectras capabilities was both shocking and stunning. It is disturbing and eerie to realise a malicious tool is working its way through your network, stealing credentials, moving from machine to machine, iterating through files, brute-forcing credentials, and more. Yet, at the same time, if its going to happen, better if it happens right in front of your eyes. No bad guy says Im going to attack you in three days, so go get ready. Similarly, Vectra was not pre-configured to look at specific hosts because we were going to simulate an attack. It simply sat there and detected the network activity by itself, alerting us immediately that something bad was going down.

Vectra is available as both an on-premises or as a SaaS application, though because of the need to sniff your local network, there is a mandatory on-prem element even for the SaaS version, but this can be either virtual or physical.

The product was designed in conjunction with software engineers, UI designers, security researchers, and data scientists. The UI designers visited SOCs and asked security analysts what information they needed and how they wanted to use the tool. The UI took a lot of effort, Fisher says, but it presents better information, faster.

The data scientists built models to give clarity, with security researchers identifying attacks in the wild and recreating them so the models could be tested. We love red teaming, Fisher says.

Vectra is in use by insurance agencies, non-profit organisations, banks, utilities, manufacturing, and telcos, among others. One driver for adoption in the banking sector has been the CORIE framework - for Cyber Operational Resilience Intelligence-led Exercises, from the Council of Financial Regulators. The framework effectively asks, what if a nation-state attacked our institutions? and mandates for such institutions to test if they are ready for such attacks.

Other vulnerability detection tools may be shiny but unusable, like a Ferrari in the desert, Fisher jokes.

However, when youre under attack, its the worst feeling in the world.

And that's why you need to look at Vectra yourself. You want information as quickly as possible.
A federal District Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. over the administration and pricing of its retirement plan offerings.

The lawsuit was filed Nov. 18 by former employee Harvey Davis in the federal Middle District of N.C.

Old Dominion filed its dismissal request in February, saying Davis lacked standing to file the lawsuit.

Judge Thomas Schroeder ruled Thursday that Davis lacked standing in his dismissal. The lawsuit, however, can be refiled.

Old Dominion could not be immediately reached for comment on the dismissal.

Old Dominion has described the lawsuit as one of more than 250 cookie-cutter class actions filed in the last three years against large 401(k) plan sponsors.

These lawsuits assert hindsight-based imprudence claims against plan fiduciaries associated with the amount of third-party administrative fees the plan paid, the costs of the plans various investments, and/or the performance of certain funds.

According to court filings, Davis was an employee from 1989 until Jan. 31, 2021.

Davis filed the suit on behalf of the Old Dominion 401(k) Retirement Plan. It covers the time period of Nov. 18, 2016, to the present. The 401(k) plan held $2.02 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2021.

According to the dismissal, Davis alleges that he was injured by Old Dominions mismanagement of the plan, paying excessive recordkeeping and administrative costs associated with the plan and investing in the imprudent investment options offered by the plan, which are the subject of this lawsuit.

But, he provides no factual allegation of what those costs and investments were.

Instead, on its face, the complaint contains no factual support for the conclusory allegations that he personally invested in any of the imprudent investment options, nor that he suffered any other type of specific financial loss.

Davis requested class-action status that could cover as many as 24,033 plan participants. Old Dominion listed having on average 22,438 full-time employees as of June 30.

Background

Davis accuses the company of breaching its fiduciary duties of prudence in violation of the (federal) Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Great-West Financial Retirement Plan Services LLC, an affiliate of Empower Financial, is the plans recordkeeper.

Specifically, the lawsuit claims the company has allowed the plan to charge excessive fees on investments.

According to the lawsuit, the expense ratio was typically about one-tenth of a percent higher than similar options within the same fund.

Defendant selected and retained for the plan high-priced investments when the identical investment were available to the plan at a fraction of the cost, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit claims the higher fees caused the plan and its participants to wrongfully lose roughly $3 million in retirement savings over the course of the relevant time period.

Old Dominion said that based on non-specific allegations, plaintiffs demand that the court unlock the door to multi-million dollar class-action discovery, hoping that defendants will waive the white flag of settlement rather than bear the financial burden of litigation.

Old Dominion said in its response that Davis never invested in any of the challenged funds and alleges no plan-wide mismanagement.

Because Davis never invested in the challenged funds, the value of his individual account will not fluctuate one cent whether he wins or loses this case. Therefore, plaintiff has no concrete stake in this lawsuit.

The fact that other plan participants may have invested in the challenged funds and sustained alleged injuries to their individual accounts is irrelevant.

Schroeder ruled that Old Dominion has met its burden of showing that Davis was not individually harmed, and therefore lacks standing on the face of the complaint to proceed in this case.

A review of the records offered by Old Dominion, which may be considered at this stage given the jurisdictional nature of this issue, supports its claim that Davis did not, in fact, invest in any of the challenged funds.
Shelly Richards

June 22, 1960  August 30, 2023

Shelly Elaine Richards, 63, of Lincoln, passed away August 30, 2023, in Lincoln. Born on June 22, 1960, in Norfolk, VA to Claud Calvin Crutchfield and Joyce Elaine Penman, Shelly was highly intelligent, extremely well-read, and curious about the world around her. Throughout her life she enjoyed her family, cold drinks, sunny beaches, British humor, good SciFi, and all things 'tacky'.

Born to Navy parents, Shelly grew up in Virginia and Florida before settling with her mother and little brother in Colorado and Nebraska. With a passion and education in law, and a Master's degree from the University of Nebraska, she worked for the State of Nebraska for several years managing environmental concerns. During this time she met, fell in love-with, and married Mr. Jeffrey Richards, with whom she temporarily moved to Apple Valley, MN before returning to Lincoln with their loving daughter Angharad.

She is survived by her husband Jeffrey Richards; daughter Angharad Richards; brother, David Crutchfield; and many more beloved extended family and caring neighbors. She is preceded in death by both of her parents; and her beloved Shetland Sheepdogs.

No public funeral or memorial service is planned. Condolence messages accepted online at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. Celebrate her life by petting a friendly dog or reading a good mystery novel.
John Kalu Osiri  J.K. for short  a native of West Africa who speaks four languages and is the director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's international business program, stood before the Lincoln/Lancaster County Planning Commission on Wednesday in traditional white linen.

Less than an hour later, the commission approved his request to amend the University Place planned unit development that would allow him to sell alcohol at what he calls "an intellectual and cultural exchange space" in north Lincoln.

The matter now goes before the Lincoln City Council, where Osiri will soon seek approval of a liquor license for Best Kept Secret, 2737 N. 49th St.

He's not opening a bar, though. Alcohol is not the place's primary feature, Osiri says. There's so much more.

"When you say alcohol, the bells go off  ringing," he said.

Alcohol will be sold, make no mistake. However, Osiri is far more excited at the prospect of serving palm wine, a staple from his homeland that is traditionally served for special events.

"I wanted to emphasize that (alcohol) is just a piece of what we're trying to do," he said. "It's not the main thing. This is about creating a space for intellectual and cultural exchange that is open to people."

Osiri owns the building and the business, but his career at UNL will often keep him away. In his absence, Best Kept Secret will be managed by Rick Notaro, a Lincoln native, and Tochi Uwakeme, a Nigerian national.

The Planning Commission unanimously voted to reduce the 100-foot requirement  the distance between a place selling alcohol and a residential area  to 65 feet, which will allow the project to move forward.

In addition, the commission mandated that the door on the east side of the building  which is closest to the affected neighborhood  be used only as an emergency exit.

The vote didn't come without some deliberation.

For Commissioner Tracy Edgerton, the issue brought back memories of Open Harvest's attempts to get a liquor license at its South Street grocery co-op.

"Our hands were tied," she said, noting the difference this time is the PUD that allows changes to be made on a case-by-case basis.

"The PUD allows us to be more flexible," Edgerton said. "Neighborhoods evolve."

Osiri said he went door to door, visiting residents who will border Best Kept Secret. He told them his plan and asked for their recommendations.

Among other things, he said they asked for a space that could sell staples  from bread, milk, produce and canned foods.

Osiri envisions it being a place that showcases art from all over the world, occasionally features live music, poetry and performance, and might occasionally bring in cooks to serve cuisine from far-away places.

"I can assure you, you're going to be intellectually stimulated," he said. "... There are lots of things to experience whether it's music, whether it's poetry. It will also excite your taste buds with foods from different parts of the world.

"That's what one thing I can promise."
RACINEThe Racine Unified School District board will discuss how to fill its two vacancies during a work session Monday.

Board members Auntavia Jackson and Matthew Hanser resigned effective Aug. 31.

Because of events in his personal life, Hanser moved to Kenosha, so he is no longer eligible to be on the RUSD board.

Hanser, who had been on the board since 2016, said resigning was a very bittersweet decision.

I wasnt looking to leave; life happens, Hanser said.

Jackson, who was elected in 2021, did not specify a reason for stepping down in her resignation letter to the board.

Jackson wrote that she enjoyed serving students, parents, teachers and staff at RUSD for the past two years, and that she appreciated working with board members, superintendents and administration.

I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together, such as improving academic performance, expanding extracurricular programs, and enhancing school safety, Jackson wrote. I also want to thank the community for entrusting me with the responsibility of representing their interests and values  I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope that you will continue to work hard to provide quality education for our children.

Jackson represented District 6, which covers Downtown Racine and the surrounding area.

Hanser represented District 8, which covers North Bay, Wind Point and parts of Caledonia.

People interested in filling the vacated positions must reside in and be eligible to vote in their districts.

Maps of the districts can be found at www.rusd.org/about/board-education/board-election-information.

Candidates need to file a letter of interest, resume, declaration of candidacy and campaign registration statement forms. Those forms also can be found at www.rusd.org/about/board-education/board-election-information.

Completed paperwork must be submitted by Wednesday at 5 p.m. to the RUSD Superintendents Office, 3109 Mt. Pleasant Street, Building 1, or by emailing Elizabeth Tobias at elizabeth.tobias@rusd.org.

The letter of interest should include the persons name, residential address, email address, phone number and reasons for wanting to serve on the board.

People with questions about the appointment process should contact Tobias or call 262-631-7064.

Both positions pay $3,600 per year.

The person appointed to represent District 6 will complete Jacksons three-year term that ends April 21, 2024.

The person appointed to represent District 8 will serve until April 21, 2024. A special election for District 8 will then be held in April 2024. The winner will have a one-year term ending in April 2025.

The School Board plans to complete its review of candidates and make the two appointments by early October.

The board review will entail interviews with all candidates. Every candidate will receive up to five minutes for an opening statement and up to three minutes for a closing statement.

Each RUSD board member has the opportunity to ask one question to every candidate.

The board members will then vote for who they want to appoint to the opening. The first candidate who receives a majority of votes will be appointed.

New pharmacy benefit manager

The board will discuss changing its pharmacy benefit manager from Express Scripts to Rightway Health.

If approved, the change would take place Jan. 1, 2024. The move would save the district an estimated $1.5 million in its first year, according to a review done by insurance company Brown & Brown.

Jerstad-Agerholm engineering increase

The board will discuss authorizing an increase of $234,350 for electrical engineering work as part of the renovations to Jerstad-Agerholm K-8 School.

The increase is to align electrical services to the construction scope, according to a board fact sheet.

If approved, that would increase the budget for Jerstad-Agerholm electrical services to $5.45 million.

Replacing fridges, freezers

The School Board will discuss buying five reach-in refrigerators, five reach-in freezers and four milk coolers to replace the districts existing units.

RUSD administration recommends contracting with DA Berther, a Milwaukee-based business, at a cost of $117,945 to buy the refrigerators, freezers and coolers.

No action on any items will be taken Monday by the School Board, since it is a work session.

The board will meet Monday at 6 p.m. in the Mygatts Room at the RUSD Administrative Service Campus Building 1, 3109 Mt. Pleasant St.

Close Second grader Nakarii Williams smiles with the school mascot Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Kim Krause, physical education teacher, hugs two students Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Breonna Paton, from left, second grader Delantiy Campbell and Emily Etchison get ready Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Kim Krause, physical education teacher, welcomes a student Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Aleisha Baugh takes a photo of kindergartener Kelex Jackson on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. A student high-fives the school bear Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Kindergartener Ky-ree Jones gets ready to walk into school Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Students line up Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Eight photos of Racine Unified's first day of school at Wadewitz Elementary Tuesday was the first day of the Racine Unified 2023-24 school year. Second grader Nakarii Williams smiles with the school mascot Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Kim Krause, physical education teacher, hugs two students Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Breonna Paton, from left, second grader Delantiy Campbell and Emily Etchison get ready Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Kim Krause, physical education teacher, welcomes a student Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Aleisha Baugh takes a photo of kindergartener Kelex Jackson on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. A student high-fives the school bear Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Kindergartener Ky-ree Jones gets ready to walk into school Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St. Students line up Tuesday on the first day of class at Wadewitz Elementary School, 2700 Yout St.
Amid the contentious relationship between traditional public schools and charter public schools in Chicago, new research from the University of Arkansas uncovers two important truths: Chicago charter schools, on average, serve a higher proportion of students experiencing poverty than district-run schools, and yet charter students receive $8,633 less in annual funding for their education. If that doesnt strike you as problematic, let me explain a bit more about whats at stake.

Chicago students are hurting, and that started long before the pandemic. On top of the devastating social-emotional and academic effects of COVID-19, far too many Chicago children experience poverty, trauma and gun violence. That exposure means that our students often need more support, more resources and more staff in their schools  all of which cost more money, not less. And when students are grappling with these kinds of challenges, theyre also often struggling to perform academically. Yet there is little acknowledgment that we are attempting to accelerate learning for the highest-need children, with fewer resources to back it up.

Advertisement

Layer on top of that our citys declining student enrollment, along with the end of pandemic relief funding, and its clear that Chicago schools are looking down the barrel of having increasingly fewer dollars to do a job that is increasingly more difficult, especially for those students who most need our support.

These challenges exist whether we are talking about a traditional school in Chicago or a public charter school. In fact, given data from the 2019-20 school year that shows Chicago Public Schools serves a student population that is 78.8% low-income while charters serve 88.4% low-income students  a difference of nearly 10%  it becomes increasingly clear that the challenge is greater for many of our citys charter schools.

Advertisement

From my own experience leading North Lawndale College Prep, or NLCP, a public charter school serving 700 students on the West Side, I can tell you that the vast majority of our students are experiencing significant challenges outside school such as hunger, homelessness, violence and loss. We have been a staple in the North Lawndale community for 25 years, and weve been forced to get creative with limited resources.

Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

At NLCP, we have spent decades embedding ourselves in the community, building partnerships and identifying resources to support our students as they face many barriers. Despite the inequities in our funding, we run programs that spread peace throughout the neighborhood, we offer housing to students in need, and we help students not only to graduate from high school but to obtain college degrees at 3.5 times the rate of those in the surrounding North Lawndale neighborhood. We even bring those graduates back to our school and other local organizations in North Lawndale to work here, transforming our community for the better. We understand what it takes to serve North Lawndales children well, and weve remained unwavering in our commitment. And weve done that without equitable funding.

On top of all of that, securing the resources necessary to do this work results in other challenges. Like most charter schools in Chicago, we have had no choice but to raise philanthropic dollars to fill critical gaps created by this funding inequity. But that is often turned into an attack against us, saying that public charter schools are bankrolled by private investors. That is ridiculous. Trust me  any school leader will tell you that they would love nothing more than to be able to operate our schools without fundraising. But its just not an option.

I want to be clear that this is not about stoking the flames of the already volatile debate around public charter schools in our city. This is about the challenge we collectively face as educators in Chicago  the challenge of serving a city full of students, the majority of whom walk into our classrooms carrying the additional burdens of trauma and poverty, which we know require extra resources. Every single one of our children deserves everything we have to give. And yet, some of them get substantially less than that simply because of the school they choose to attend.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has made it a priority to rethink how we fund our schools and our students, and Im excited about that potential. I know that at the heart of the matter, all of our city leaders believe that every single child in Chicago is talented and resilient and has limitless potential. We want all children to succeed. When we say all children in Chicago, that has to truly mean all children, and I hope that those beliefs can be what unite us as we move forward.

It is time that our funding reflects our values. I know it can be done, and I know that by doing so, we will change the face of Chicago. In another 25 years, we will all be proud of the next generation of leaders we have raised through our schools.

Jemia Cunningham-Elder is CEO of North Lawndale College Prep.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
WATERFORD  The owner of the former Kravings milkshake shop has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay a $500 fine in municipal court for violating village codes.

Jordan Karweik, who closed the business last month, accepted a plea deal rather than go through with a Sept. 19 trial on a non-criminal municipal ordinance violation.

Karweik said he is trying to sell the building and has no plans to reopen, so he did not see a reason for wasting everyones time with a court trial.

I just want to move forward with everything and put all of the issues with Kravings in the past, he said. Im hoping this is one of many steps in the right direction.

The village notified Karweik in March that he was violating ordinances by failing to make improvements to the shop at 202 E. Main St., including installing a handicapped-accessible ramp. He was ordered to vacate the premises until completing the improvements.

Police then issued an occupancy citation in May after Karweik failed to vacate the premises and continued to operate the exotic ice cream shop.

If found guilty in municipal court, he could have faced penalties of up to $150 a day for continuing to occupy the property after being told to vacate. He pleaded not guilty in July.

Waterford Municipal Judge Robert Jones approved the plea deal Tuesday and ordered Karweik to pay a $500 fine within 60 days.

In addition, Karweik agreed to surrender his occupancy permit and to not operate a business at 202 E. Main St. unless he first obtains a new occupancy permit.

Karweik, a former insurance salesman, served on the Waterford Graded School Board and ran in 2016 for a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Photos: Customers marvel at exotic milkshakes at Waterford's new ice cream shop, Kravings Lindsey Gruling of East Troy and daughter Abigail Gruling with Birthday Bash shakes Employee Trinity Zelechowski dishes up decadent gourmet milkshake at Kravings Maria Mota, 9, of Racine gets her Over The Moon gourmet milkshake at Kravings Owners Mike Ottelien and Jordan Karweik at opening of Kravings milkshake place Sisters Melanie Parenteau and Maddy Parenteau with milkshakes and donuts at Kravings Mayra Xool looks over 16 ice cream flavors available at Kravings in Waterford Tim Alton of Racine is happy with his Royal Reeses milkshake at Kravings Kevin and Donna May and family watch 'krazy shakes' go by while waiting in line at Kravings Rachel Mealy and mother Kris Thomsen haul away a four-pack at Kravings ice cream Variety of toppings available to create customized milkshakes at Kravings in Waterford Kateri Gadzalinski and son Chet enjoy their gourmet milkshakes at Kravings in Waterford Meghan Alton pauses to snap a picture of her To The Moon milkshake at Kravings Amanda Horlacher and Marqee Ross make their milkshake choices at Kravings
1. Yes. If KHA cant continue to run it, the city should step in. Its a necessary asset to the area.

2. Yes. The city already uses it as a warming and cooling center. It would be a smart move.

3. No. It may be in the citys interest to help subsidize insurance for the center, but nothing more.

4. No. The city doesnt need the added burden of staffing and insuring the center. Its a bad idea.

5. Unsure. It may be seem like a good idea, but other options should be explored as well.

Vote

View Results


By John J. Metzler



It's been two years since the fall of Afghanistan. The tragic collapse of Kabul to the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban signaled the last sordid chapter in the Biden Administration's appalling and shambolic "withdrawal" from America's longest military commitment. But beyond the perceived American weakness and strategic myopia it glaringly manifested, the Afghan debacle incentivized what political scientists dub "bad actors," such as Russia and Communist China.



Thus though the deadly Afghanistan War "was finally over" humanitarian tragedies continue to befall the beleaguered South Asian land. Yet widening the screen to the state of grand geopolitics, Vladimir Putin's Russia turned up the heat on the long-simmering war in Ukraine and Xi Jinping's hyper-aggressive China would probe and prod the sovereignty of democratic Taiwan. Equally, Kim Jong-un's North Korean regime continued to provocatively test-fire over 100 ballistic missiles during these past two years.



Such becomes the grist for bigger or impending conflicts. Russia brashly invaded Ukraine in February 2022, expecting a quick victory, only to be bogged down in a bloody slugfest that is far from over and threatens to dangerously expand.



Still, most people are not aware of at least a dozen other lower-level conflicts worldwide; some have smoldered for decades, others are more recent, but all combine that tragic quality of endless fighting, economic destabilization and ensuing refugee flows.



The permanence of geography, of ethnic and religious fault lines separating and dividing people sometimes in the same country (think Bosnia), or conflicts stemming from the often arbitrary colonial lines drawn on a map  primarily in Africa  creates the conditions for conflict.



In many places around the world from the forever missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, divided Cyprus, or the Indo/Pakistan line of control, U.N. Peacekeeping forces have maintained a status quo. They stopped the clock on the fighting and continue to "monitor and patrol." In other deployments such as the interminable conflict in Sudan's tragic Darfur region, their mission largely stopped the genocide a decade ago.



The oldest operation UNTSO, established in May 1948, was the first ever peacekeeping operation established. It is based in Jerusalem and monitors ceasefires and armistice agreements. Equally, UNMOGIP along the disputed Jammu-Kashmir frontier was set up in 1949, two years after the partition of the British Raj into independent India and Pakistan.



The United Nations maintains 12 peacekeeping missions globally with approximately 90,000 military personnel, often dubbed the Blue Helmets. U.N. forces are tasked to keep warring parties apart and ensure delivery of humanitarian supplies, but not to engage in offensive combat.



Peacekeeping missions are defined by an alphabet soup of mission names such as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which through Interim, was set up in 1978. Or the more recent MONUSCO the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (former Zaire) staffed by 17,700 troops and police. Nonetheless, the varied Congo missions have been stationed in this tragic land since the 1960s! Despite the U.N. presence internecine violence and humanitarian crises have plagued the vast country with over five million people dying as a result since 1998.



In other African crises, such as Somalia, the U.N. closed its mission and is now phasing out its Mission in Mali. Other operations such as South Sudan with 18,000 personnel or the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (only a bureaucrat could create this) with 18,500 personnel have been reinforced.



Peacekeeping is hardly a panacea to entrenched political and ethnic problems but stops the clock or freezes the conflict as we saw during the Balkan Wars or Cyprus.



Missions must be formally established by the fifteen-member U.N. Security Council. Currently, the 75th anniversary of Peacekeeping is being commemorated; since 1948 more than 2 million people have served in 71 far-flung missions.



Beyond these deployed missions there are a number of simmering or long-running conflicts such as Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan which beg for political solutions. What of ethnic conflicts in Burma/Myanmar or Ethiopia?



Potential mega-conflicts such as China-India, India-Pakistan and U.S.-China lurk in the geopolitical mists.



There's a historical lesson here too. The world peace which was dubbed "Pax Romana," lasted for 200 years due to the Sword, the Shield and usually competent Caesars, ended when Rome's power and political writ crumbled into political chaos and corruption. So too did the world as people knew it. Today's global chaos and lack of leadership offer a dire warning.





John J. Metzler (jjmcolumn@earthlink.net) is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism  The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China."


If the state approves it, all of North Edwards Boulevard could have a speed limit of 30 miles per hour.

Currently, the section of North Edwards from the Highway H intersection, north to Bloomfield Road, has a 45-mph limit. The limit drops to 30 mph by the Townline Road intersection.

On Aug. 28, the Lake Geneva City Council directed City Administrator Dave Nord to draft a letter requesting that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation drop the limit to 30 mph by the Bloomfield Road intersection, near the location of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Lake Geneva Middle School.

Its because we dont have jurisdiction to make that change to 30 miles per hour, said City Attorney Dan Draper. What we can do is request the state to do it.

North Edwards Boulevard has become a thoroughfare to numerous local businesses and residential areas, including Walmart, Target and the Ridges of Geneva East. On both sides of Highway 50, the speed limit on North Edwards Boulevard is 30 mph.

But south of the Bloomfield Road intersection, near Immanuel Lutheran Church and Lake Geneva Middle School, it has been 45 mph. Last year, traffic lights were installed at the intersection.

The area of the proposed speed limit change is on the border of the city of Lake Geneva and the town of Bloomfield.

Alderwoman Mary Jo Fesenmaier said she was attending traffic safety meetings to discuss putting in a stoplight at the Townline Road intersection, but she sees the limit reduction as a compromise.

So the idea is to take the current 30-mph speed limit that starts before the Townline Road intersection and move it south before the Bloomfield Road intersection, hoping that further south we can slow down traffic before the stoplight, she said. So when they get up to Townline Road, theyre already at the slower speed limit.

The idea was met with support at the city level. On Aug. 15, the Finance, Licensing and Regulation Committee unanimously recommended the change to the state. On Aug. 28, the councils action was also unanimous.

Fesenmaier said Lake Geneva Police Lt. Bridgett Way and members of the Walworth County Safety Commission want to reduce the speed limit in that area.

The Walworth County Safety Commission is also recommending the same thing to the state, so were not alone in doing that, said Fesenmaier.

Way said once the DOT receives a letter of support from the City Council, an engineering study would be conducted.

Watch now: Long-awaited traffic signals installed and in use near the corner of North Edwards Boulevard and Bloomfield Road Watch now: Traffic signals completed at Edwards Boulevard and Bloomfield Road Traffic signals near the intersection of North Edwards Boulevard and Bloomfield Road are completed and operational A vehicle drives through the intersection of North Edwards Boulevard and Bloomfield Road A vehicle makes a turn on the intersection of North Edwards Boulevard and Bloomfield Road Vehicles drive through the intersection of North Edwards Boulevard and Bloomfield Road Red light, green light: At last the light is here!
Recent weather events have made it ever clearer that climate change is here and not a myth about the future. Just this summer, Illinois has seen days with temperatures over 100 degrees, flooding and drought. The rest of the country has seen historic wildfires, a hurricane on the West Coast and emergency-level heat in the Southwest.

We have until 2030 until we reach 1.5 degrees of climate change, so time is running out to act. The time for half measures is over. The state of Illinois should pass House Bill 3037 in the next session to align its financial investments with climate action and the Climate and Equity Jobs Act.

Advertisement

HB3037 will divest Illinois state and city of Chicago pension funds from the top oil, coal and natural gas companies. New York state, Maine, New York City and the city of Chicago, to name a few, have already divested or committed to divesting, joining a $40 trillion movement.

Divesting from fossil fuels is not financially risky. Illinois needs to keep our state livable for the next generation.

Advertisement

 Melissa Brice, Chicago

Climate change and elections

Earths atmosphere and oceans have already risen in temperature almost 2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880, faster than predicted. People and animals are dying; species are going extinct.

Still, Republicans in Congress and many state legislatures refuse to vote for strategies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases or to replace fossil fuel electrical production with nonpolluting alternatives.

The 2024 elections will be the most crucial in history, as life on earth and civilization as we know it depend upon replacing those officials unwilling to embrace climate change reality.

 Nathaniel Batchelder, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Reduce roadside mowing

Pollinators and other beneficial insects have been in peril for years. There are many practices that can help. A simple one is to just reduce roadside mowing. Lets not mow the backslope of road ditches. Illinois could create thousands of acres of pollinator habitat along its highways. Unmown grass helps ground-nesting pollinators; over time, flowers will populate. Studies have shown that unmown roadsides increase the populations of ground-nesting birds.

Reducing mowing of roadsides saves tax dollars and reduces emissions of greenhouse gasses. This is a win-win for all. Lets educate ourselves that every little bit of habitat helps.

 Dean Farr, Crystal Lake

Advertisement

2 plants that attract bees

If you want to attract bees, grow these two plants: anise hyssop and, most especially, calamintha nepeta, a mint. The latter spreads like wildfire and should be hacked down to the ground in the fall, but bees love it. I have let it spread all over my yard exactly because of the bees. At any given time in the summer, there are usually at least six kinds of bees in and around it. Last summer I sat on my back steps and just listened to the droning of the bees. Recently, as our temperatures hit 100, the bees were still out, doing their thing.

An added bonus to the anise hyssop, besides bees, is the goldfinch, which will perch on the plant and eat the flowers.

A word of warning, however. In spite of all the hype over coneflowers, bees will not go to any that have been hybridized. I learned this the hard way, planting a bubble gum variety. The bees wont touch it.

 Catherine Wilson, Elmhurst

Bike tour showcased city

Before the just-completed Bike the Drive bicycle ride, there was the Boulevard Lakefront Tour. It was a wonderful equidistant bicycle ride that meandered through the neighborhoods that make up Chicago via the major boulevards that crisscross the city.

It had routes as far south as Hyde Park, west toward the United Center, north past Lincoln Park Zoo and finally down the lakefront path ending at Buckingham Fountain with a decidedly rising sun over Lake Michigan reflecting off some of the same unique architecture as today. It was a delightful ride on a Sunday morning that showcased Chicagos neighborhoods with citizens shouting out, Hey, or Good morning, from their front porches or a simple hello as they went to their houses of worship across the land.

Advertisement

I rode it for years. I always looked forward to it, and then it abruptly ended, which decidedly ended the experience of actually seeing Chicago from where its heart beats strong: the neighborhoods of the working men and women who make the city run.

 Thomas Burgan, Geneva

Cyclists lack of decency

It happened again in late August. I was walking down a public sidewalk going to the bank. A bike rider narrowly missed hitting me on my left side. Not a word, a bell ring or horn in the way of a warning.

As my heart raced, I cursed at the high and mighty bike rider and asked, Why didnt you say something? He told me, Why? I didnt hit you. And he told me I should stay more to the right of the 5-foot sidewalk because he has the right to ride on the sidewalk.

This happens a lot on the forest preserve trails as well. The Cook County trail speed limit is 15 mph. Yet riders go 30 mph or more. The rider is required to pass on the left with the common courtesy phrase of on your left or the ring of a bell. Perhaps the honk of a horn.

Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

We have opened up walking trails and sidewalks and have ruined many main thoroughfares in support of cyclists.

Advertisement

Is it too much to ask cyclists for a small gesture of warning when they approach us from behind? I think cyclists should be licensed and insured. Not everyone, but the ones in the public way should.

Make them pass a bicycle rules of the road test. The state and county could use the revenue.

 Larry Geraghty, Tinley Park

Join the conversation in our Letters to the Editor Facebook group.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Last week, Japans space agency launched a rocket carrying a spacecraft designed to explore the moon.

The lunar lander is known as the Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon (SLIM). It aims to touch down on the moons surface early next year. If successful, it would make Japan the fifth nation to land a spacecraft on the moon.

So far, only the United States, Russia, China and India have successfully landed spacecraft on the moon. Indias landing happened last month. Indias landing came days after Russia failed in its attempt to return to the moon for the first time in nearly 50 years.

In April, a private Japanese space exploration company announced its space vehicle crashed while trying to land on the moon. If that landing had been successful, it would have marked the first time a private business landed on the moon.

In the latest launch, an H-IIA rocket lifted off on September 7 from Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, the countrys JAXA space agency said. Hours after the launch, JAXA said it was receiving signals from the SLIM spacecraft, suggesting it was operating normally. It is expected to start the lunar landing process by February, the Reuters news agency reported.

Japanese space officials have said SLIM aims to land within 100 meters of its target area on the moons surface. The purpose, or mission, of the lander is to test the possibility that spacecraft can land on very specific targets.

JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa told a news conference the mission aims to prove that in the future, spacecraft will be able to land where we want, rather than only landing where we can.

SLIM is set to touch down in an area called Mare Nectaris, on the southeastern half of the moon. The area contains plains of solidified lava and appears as a dark area from Earth.

After landing, SLIM will seek to examine the mineral-rich rocks to search for clues about the moons development. The spacecraft is not carrying a lunar explorer.

SLIM is a small lander. It weighs a little more than 700 kilograms. JAXA plans to use additional light spacecraft in the future to reduce launch costs and permit more missions.

The spacecraft uses a chemical propulsion system and is equipped with very small electronic devices to control the lander. SLIM's overall development cost about $102 million.

The rocket that launched SLIM also carried the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) satellite. This part of the mission is a joint project of JAXA, the American space agency NASA and the European Space Agency.

The lander successfully separated from the rocket about 45 minutes after the launch. Ground stations in Hawaii and Japan received signals from XRISM soon after the launch. This confirmed the satellite's solar equipment had successfully deployed, JAXA said.

The XRISM satellite is designed to take images in many wavelengths of X-rays and to study the chemicals that exist in matter at high temperatures. It can gather information on the speed and makeup of what lies between galaxies. This can help scientists better understand how stars and galaxies developed. The satellite is equipped to look at X-rays of different wavelengths, or spectra, even ones at very high energy levels.

JAXA is also planning a joint lunar mission with the Indian Space Research Organization sometime after 2025. This will involve Japan's H3 rocket carrying India's next lunar lander into space.

And Japan also aims to send an astronaut to the moon's surface in the latter half of the 2020s as part of NASA's Artemis program.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, JAXA and NASA.

Quiz - What Is the Goal of Japans New Moon Mission? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

_____________________________________________

Words in This Story

plain  n. a large area of flat land

propulsion  n. a force that pushes something forward

galaxy  n. a very large group of stars held together in the

universe

spectrum (spectra pl.) n. the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that scientist use to find the chemical properties of very hot gases
Most condo association declarations give the board the authority to require unit owners to maintain, repair or replace limited common elements like the windows in their unit. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Q. I am a unit owner in a condominium association and our board of directors is requiring the unit owners to replace all originally installed windows in their units because the board believes they are in need of replacement. I had my windows inspected and was told only five out of nineteen windows need to be replaced. Can the board legally require unit owners to replace windows in their units?

A. Under most condominium declarations and section 4.1 of the Condominium Act, windows are deemed limited common elements. Most declarations do grant the board the authority to require unit owners to maintain, repair or replace limited common elements associated with their unit, at their cost, and to provide lien waivers from the contractor to ensure full payment was made. That same provision also usually provides that if that work is not done, the board may perform the requested work and then bill the condo owner.

Advertisement

The governing documents of each association need to be reviewed to confirm whether such common language exists in a particular condominium declaration.

Q. I am the treasurer of my condominium association. We have a unit owner who has accumulated numerous fines over the years but refuses to pay. Those smaller fines have now added up to something more significant. What are our options to collect?

Advertisement

A. Condo owners must pay all appropriate fines. For an inexpensive, but passive approach to collection, condominium associations can record a lien against a unit for unpaid common expenses. If the condo owner wanted to sell or refinance the unit, the owner would have to pay the unpaid fees for the association to release the lien. Legal fees for the preparation and recording (and release) of the lien may be assessed to the unit owners assessment account.

For an active approach to collection, pursuant to the Illinois code of civil procedure and section 9.2 of the Condominium Act, after a 30-day demand, condominium associations may file a lawsuit against unit owners to collect their unpaid share of the common expenses and the association is entitled to recover its attorneys fees and costs for enforcing its collection rights.

Q. I am the president of a small condominium association. It is my understanding that Illinois case law prohibits condominium board members from emailing each other to discuss board business. However, we have several board members that refuse to comply with the law. Emails are constantly being sent among some directors. Are there any consequences to the board members for these continuing violations?

A. Illinois case law is clear that a quorum of the board (three out of five board members on a five-person board, for example) may not discuss board business outside a properly called board meeting unless the associations statute clearly states when and if that is an option. That includes emails. Board members who refuse to comply with the law may find themselves in breach of their fiduciary duties, which could result in a lawsuit leading to a possible court order that they cease and desist in violating the law. They may also be found liable for monetary and/or legal fees.

It is a best practice for board members to refuse to engage in email discussions outside of a properly called board meeting. If board members wish to convey information to other board members, it should be done via email blind carbon copy, or BCC, so theres no possibility of a discussion chain among several board members.

Got a question for the Condo Adviser? Email ctc-realestate@chicagotribune.com.

Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news.
A group of technology investors recently released its plans to create a new green city between San Francisco and Sacramento in California.

The groups name is California Forever. It posted the plans on its website of the same name. The leader is Jan Sramek, a former trader for the financial services company Goldman Sachs.

California Forever has purchased about $800 million of land in Solano County. The county includes small cities, many farms, and an American military base.

The area is about 100 kilometers from San Francisco and 50 kilometers from the state capital of Sacramento. About 450,000 people live in the county. The cost of a mid-level home is around $600,000 while homes closer to San Francisco can be two or three times more. Housing supply is one of the greatest concerns in California, and those who work as schoolteachers, nurses or police officers cannot live close to where they work.

California Forevers announcement opened with this message, Starting a conversation about eastern Solano County. A chance for a new community, good paying local jobs, solar farms and open space.

The post includes a lot of information about the land purchases and the groups ideas. The website includes drawings of new homes, farms, fields with solar panels, people sitting in boats and fishing and eating meals in a central city area.

The investment group has purchased 202 square kilometers of land since 2018. Among the investors are business leaders Laurene Powell Jobs, tech investor Marc Andreessen and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. California Forevers post reported that 97 percent of its investors are American. There had been some concerns that the investment group was from outside of the U.S.

The project sounds good to the investors, but local leaders and residents are not sure they agree.

To start with, many people are upset with the groups secrecy. The investors made the purchases under the name Flannery Associates LLC.

Mike Thompson represents the area in the lower house of the U.S. Congress. He said the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been working to learn who was behind the land purchases.

Their secrecy has caused a lot of problems, a lot of time and a lot of expense, Thompson said.

The investors say they needed to keep their identities secret until they had enough land. Now that they are discussing the project, they say they want to have conversations with the residents of Solano. The group started by sending a survey to homeowners.

The survey asked residents about what they want for the future of Solano County. Residents answers included lower cost of living, more good jobs, as well as improved schools and safety from crime.

Solano County resident Princess Washington is suspicious of California Forevers plans. Washington is the acting mayor of Suisun City, in central Solano. She says many people who live in the area do not want development. They want to keep the area close to Travis Air Force Base open.

She said she is concerned that the Flannery group wants to create a city for the elite by falsely saying they plan to build low cost homes.

She wondered why the group does not want to transform cities that already exist.

The better thing would be to approach our city leaders and work with us within our city boundaries. Not to create a new city.

Flannery also faced anger earlier this year when it opened a court case against a group of landowners. Flannery said the land owners were working together to make sure they sold only at high prices.

Other residents say they became worried just recently, when the group sent out a survey. It asked the community about its level of support for a major new project  with tens of thousands of new homes.

Representative Thompson says he is not sure Sramek and the other investors understood Solano County or its values.

He said Sramek thinks his financial expertise will help the developers push the project forward faster than other California homebuilders.

He doesnt have a plan, hes not there yet, Thompson said.

Many homebuilders say California is a difficult place to do business because there are many rules for the industry to follow.

Hoffman and Andreessen did not respond to emailed requests for comment, nor did Jobs through her business Emerson Collective.

Project developers said they will protect the military base and farmers who want to keep farming on their parcels.

Im Dan Friedell. And Im Caty Weaver.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by The Associated Press.

_________________________________________________

Words in This Story

resident n. a person who lives in a region, city; a home or land owner

expense n. money spent to do business or work or to purchase something

survey n. a group of questions asked of many people in order to get the publics opinion about a topic

elite adj. at the highest level

transform v. to change something into something else

approach v. to come to a person and ask for something or to make an introduction

We want to hear from you. Do you think a new city will be built on the California farmland some day?
David's Jamaican Cuisine is moving a mile and a half from the Monona Drive location where it's been the last five years to a spot at 1006 E. Broadway.

Pauline Blake, who owns the restaurant with her husband, David, said the new space wasn't a restaurant and needs remodeling, which they haven't started yet.

Blake said their spot at 5696 Monona Drive has been closed for about a month and she hopes to open in the new location by the end of this month.

Blake said the Monona Drive building was aging. The landlord ended their lease to sell the building, she said.

The location had been good for them, she said, but was also expensive.

Their original location, which opened in 2002 a block down Monona Drive, was once a Taco Bell. The former location was initially built as a Burger King, but had been Las Islas Del Mar, a Mexican seafood restaurant, before they began renting it.

The new location won't carry on the weekday lunch buffet or the Friday night buff et tradition, she said, because it's too much work.

Blake was at Taste of Madison over the Labor Day weekend for the 22nd year, in her usual spot, shaded from the sun, selling jerk chicken, jerk pork and jerk tofu, all with rice and beans.

Blake, 65, said she and her husband, who are from Montego Bay, Jamaica, plan to retire in the next five years. But she said David, 69, doesn't want to disappoint his dedicated customers.

Read more restaurant news at go.madison.com/restaurants.
With gun violence still too high and homicides near a record in Madison, police and public health officials are using new initiatives to combat the violence, including identifying active and prolific gun offenders and getting resources to people headed in the wrong direction.

With three months left in 2023, the city has seen nine homicides this year, one shy of the record 10 set in the entirety of 2020 and then 2021.

But the number of shots-fired incidents continues to decline. It peaked at 250 in 2020, then dropped to 231 in 2021, 184 in 2022 and 107 through Sept. 4 of this year.

Madison is successfully reducing the number of shots fired in our community, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said. While any gunshots in our community are unacceptable and understandably worry people, its important to note that this significant decrease is unusual when compared to communities our size around the country, who continue to struggle with an uptick in gun violence brought on by the pandemic.

To further reduce gun violence, the Madison Police Department has identified problem areas where such crimes may likely occur, addressing environmental concerns such as lighting, using high-visibility patrols, and working with businesses and residential communities, Chief Shon Barnes said.

The departments community outreach efforts have increased with the addition of six community outreach officers through a federal COPS grant, Barnes said. The officers are working on a weekly basis in areas that have seen violence this year, including the Meadowlands and Harmony apartments on the Far East Side and Tree Lane Apartments on the Far West Side.

The goal is to help connect families and people in these areas with the resources they need to improve their quality of life, he said.

Another initiative involves identifying prolific and active offenders using firearms to harm others, the police chief said.

We have a monthly gun screening meeting with our state, local and federal partners, he said. This also includes our district attorneys office. We take a collaborative approach to ensuring that those who harm our community are held accountable.

Meanwhile, Public Health Madison and Dane County has created the Violence Prevention Team thats proactively providing resources to people headed in the wrong direction in an effort to prevent crimes and victimization.

The team connects with people through referrals from the multi-agency Community Safety Intervention Team, outreach in hot spot areas, and through relationships with municipal law enforcement agencies, said Aurielle Smith, director of policy, planning and evaluation for Public Health.

We work with these individuals using peer support practices and provide case management-like services, Smith said.

Negative outcomes

Through Sept. 4 this year, the police have seen 107 incidents of shots fired, 19 people struck by gunfire and 31 instances of property damage, and recovered 273 shell casings. Those numbers compare with full-year highs of 250 shots fired incidents, 48 people stuck, 97 instances of property damage and 1,111 casings recovered in 2020.

I think the landscape of America and our communities here in Madison are rapidly changing, Barnes said. Our officers are seizing more illegal guns each year. These illegal weapons signal increased opportunities for negative outcomes. Unfortunately, these outcomes often result in a homicide.

The department has identified stolen firearms from unlocked vehicles as a top priority for crime prevention and community education, Barnes said.

The gun violence isnt directly connected to gangs, Barnes said.

We have seen some conflict between groups; however, their affiliation to gang culture is preceded by conflicts related to a myriad of issues, including the illegal drug trade, family disputes, interpersonal conflicts, and an inability to resolve conflict without resorting to gun violence, he said.

Police also have found a dramatic increase in homicides related to domestic violence this year, Barnes said.

These are often difficult to prevent because the risk factors are often hidden behind closed doors, he said. This is why our officers take reports on our domestic calls for service. We make the appropriate criminal charges when probable cause exists, and we partner with community agencies like DIAS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services) to offer help to any family in need.

From a Public Health perspective, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to community-based risk factors that already existed in Madison such as housing affordability and job security, Smith said.

During that period, many of the community-based, social interactions in neighborhoods were not available, and people developed new and more isolated patterns to their lives, she said. It has taken some time for community-based activities to resume and for people to return to those social engagements.

Meanwhile, Madison has experienced a significant population growth and a shortage of housing, Smith said.

This has resulted in new housing complexes being built, and people being forced to move from their neighborhoods, into new neighborhoods where they have not yet had the opportunity to develop community bonds, and in places where community spaces or activities have not yet been established, she said.

Early in efforts

The city and county have been evolving and expanding their approach to gun and other violence since the late 2010s.

In March 2021, Public Health released The Roadmap to Reducing Violence, which takes a public health approach to violence prevention as if it were an infectious disease. The road map uses science and data to understand the problems surrounding violence and leans on the expertise and experience of local partners to carry out the plan.

About a year later, the city and county relaunched a diverse Violence Prevention Coalition, which was paused during the pandemic. The coalition is intended to inform a broad, public health approach to violence, suicide and other forms of self-harm.

Then, in May 2022, Public Health announced that nearly $1.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds would be made available to agencies and organizations that help meet goals outlined in the Roadmap. In a first round of funding last year, Public Health awarded $300,000 to five agencies and community-based organizations. In July, Public Health awarded $475,000 to eight agencies and organizations.

The city is paying community-based organizations to do outreach and intervention, create a network that responds to violent crimes after they occur, support healing groups for victims, and provide free bystander intervention training for State Street area bar and restaurant staff.

Most of our homicides have been instigated by interpersonal issues  including intimate partner violence, which accounts for over 40%  but none of them have been random, Rhodes-Conway said. I want to stress that because so much of our work to curb violence in our community comes down to individuals ability to problem solve and deescalate interpersonal issues.

To address trends and gun violence as a whole, Public Health has expanded its prevention efforts to include the Violence Intervention Team, which started in April and will soon be expanded to a coordinator and three specialists who have experience with working with those involved in violence.

Generally, the team works with individuals who may be engaging in or experiencing violence in our community, Smith said.

The team has worked with some connected to shots-fired and homicide incidents to better understand their immediate needs, she said. It looks to secure resources to support the person, conduct referrals to other service agencies, and serve as a dedicated person to be in their lives to ensure they know someone cares about them and their safety, Smith said.

The team, for example, has worked at the Meadowlands and Tree Lane apartments, which have faced city nuisance abatements and experienced conflict and sometimes violent crime, she said.

The team conducts this work to not only support individuals in our community who are participating in violence, witnessing violence or experiencing violence, but to ultimately work to disrupt cycles and patterns of violence, she said.

Other initiatives

The city also has sought crime prevention through environmental design efforts in the State Street area. The initiative has identified a lack of lighting as specific driver of violent crime, Smith said. The city has improved lighting at its Buckeye parking lot, 214 W. Gorham St., where people were storing firearms or other items in their vehicles, allowing easy access. The proximity to State Street also provided a place where fighting, drinking or other illegal activity was occurring, she said.

The design efforts also include identifying areas where cameras could be better used and ensuring cameras are maintained and working properly.

The city is supporting more youth programing and has expanded the Community Safety Intervention Team, which is composed of community partners who track and exchange information on violent crime and connect with intervention services to prevent future incidents.

The police and partners will continue to do outreach, Barnes said, noting that police participated in a public meeting with city leaders, Public Health, the City Attorneys Office and the property managers to discuss high calls for service at Meadowland Apartments that packed the community room at the Pinney Library on Aug. 30.

We are early in our efforts as a city, Smith said. There is some preliminary evidence that suggests that our collective strategies are making a difference. But proving causality in violence is difficult.

Photos: Make Music Madison
Rep. Travis Tranels constituents in Grant County helped elect Janet Protasiewicz to the Wisconsin Supreme Court last spring with 51% of the countys vote.

Rep. Jon Plumers Assembly district runs through Columbia County, which favored Protasiewicz with 55% of its ballots.

Rep. Todd Novak represents most of Lafayette and Iowa counties, which backed Protasiewicz with 59% of their vote.

Are these three Republican lawmakers and their conservative colleagues who control the state Assembly really going to rush into impeachment proceedings against Justice Protasiewicz, seeking to overturn the will of the voters?

We sure hope not.

If they do, theyll face the wrath of these very same voters for blatantly reversing the voice of the people.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, recently threatened to impeach Justice Protasiewicz, an experienced Milwaukee County judge and prosecutor, before she had even heard a single high-court case. Vos intimidating talk of taking her down is wildly irresponsible, undemocratic and comes off as desperate.

Elections have consequences. And Protasiewicz just won hers by more than 10 percentage points statewide over former Justice Dan Kelly, whom Vos and other fixtures of the Republican establishment supported.

Vos is threatening impeachment if Protasiewicz doesnt recuse herself from cases involving Vos gerrymandered maps for Assembly and Senate voting districts. Vos knows those maps help him keep his GOP majority and stay in power.

While the two major parties collected similar numbers of votes statewide in the fall 2022 election, the Republican-controlled Legislature nonetheless maintained huge majorities of 64-35 in the Assembly and 21-11 in Senate.

Gerrymandering is the main reason why.

Following the 2020 census, Vos and Co. spent millions of tax dollars on a team of lawyers, political strategists and sophisticated computer software to draw the lines of legislative districts to his partisan advantage  and then to defend them in court. Now hes lawyering up again at taxpayer expense to fight still more legal challenges.

The Supreme Courts 4-3 conservative majority had pretty much allowed Republicans to shape districts however they pleased. But Protasiewiczs victory in the April 4 election shifts control of the court to liberal-leaning justices. So Vos  the longest-serving speaker in state history  is running scared. Liberal groups already have filed two lawsuits challenging Vos maps, and Protasiewicz could be the deciding vote striking them down.

Vos claims Protasiewicz must recuse herself from any cases involving his maps because she called them unfair and rigged during her recent campaign. We agree Protasiewicz discussed political issues more than she should have. Judicial candidates should strive to be independent arbiters of the law and not to give the impression they are prejudging cases that might come before them.

But the gerrymandered legislative maps are indeed unfair and rigged. Protasiewicz shouldnt be impeached for speaking the truth.

Moreover, she didnt weigh into specifics. If fact, she has said less about redistricting cases than any other member of the court. Thats because all of the incumbents have had to rule on cases challenging the maps in the past. Nothing is wrong with that. Their jobs as high-court justices required it.

If Vos is seriously concerned about politics affecting our courts, he should stop threatening judges and instead support clear rules for when justices should leave a case because of a conflict, either real or perceived. Currently, individual justices decide for themselves if they can be fair  an incredibly loose standard.

Vos points to Protasiewicz getting millions in campaign donations from the Democratic Party, which is true. But conservative members of the court have benefited from millions in support from the Republican Party and its backers. The only ways to fix the influence of money on judicial campaigns is to limit contributions or appoint judges based on merit. Vos has opposed both solutions in the past.

Republicans arent the only ones who gerrymander. Democrats have rigged voting maps in states such as Illinois and Maryland where they hold power.

It doesnt matter which party does it, its wrong and should stop. Thats why the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board has long favored the Iowa model for nonpartisan restricting. In Iowa, a state agency insulated from politics draws the lines to account for population changes. It does so with instructions to keep districts as compact as possible while ignoring past voting results and the impact on incumbents.

The result in Iowa has been fair, neat-looking maps that follow the lines of municipal boundaries rather than carving up communities into odd shapes for political advantage. Iowa voters enjoy more competition for legislative seats and avoid wasting millions of tax dollars on court fights.

The answer to gerrymandered maps in Wisconsin isnt impeachment, as Tranel, Plumer and Novak should know. Its a fair system like Iowas, which all three have voiced support for in the past. So have 63% of respondents (including 62% of Republicans) in a Marquette Law School poll. Only a quarter of those surveyed said the politicians should control the process.

Tranel, Plumer, Novak and others should tell Vos to drop the impeachment talk and support a real solution that Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly support.

Wisconsin State Journal editorial board The views expressed in the editorials are shaped by the board, independent of news coverage decisions elsewhere in the newspaper. STAFF MEMBERS KELLY LECKER, Executive editor SCOTT MILFRED, Editorial page editor PHIL HANDS, Editorial cartoonist COMMUNITY MEMBERS JAMES L. HOWARD JENNY PRICE
SMALL BUSINESS | EXTREME WEATHER

NEW YORK  For small businesses that rely on summer tourism to keep afloat, extreme weather is replacing the pandemic as the determining factor in how well a summer will go.

The pandemic had its ups and downs for tourism, with a total shutdown followed by a rush of vacations due to pent-up demand. This year, small businesses say vacation cadences are returning to normal. But now, they have extreme weather to deal with  many say it's hurting business, but more temperate spots are seeing a surge.

Tourism-related businesses have always been at the mercy of the weather. But with heat waves, fires and storms becoming more frequent and intense, small businesses increasingly see extreme weather as their next long-term challenge.

For Jared Meyers, owner of Legacy Vacation Resorts, with eight locations, including four in Florida, Hurricane Idalia's landfall as a Category 3 storm led to a loss in revenue as he temporarily closed one resort and and closed another to new guests. It also means a lengthy cleanup period to fix gutter and other damage and beach cleanup, including replanting of sea grass, sea grapes and other plants to protect against the next storm.

"Even when the hurricane doesn't hit directly, it wreaks havoc economically, emotionally  to those that have suffered previous losses  and to our way of life," he said.

A lifelong Florida resident, he's used to hurricanes, but fears their intensity is getting worse. In fact, the number of storms that intensify dramatically within 240 miles of a coastline across the globe grew to 15 a year in 2020 compared to five a year in 1980, according to a study published in Nature Communications.

"It does feel like and probably will continue to feel like we're just hopping from one emergency to another based on climate change," Meyers said.

National parks

For Steve Silberberg in Saco, Maine, who runs Fitpacking, a company that guides people on wilderness backpacking trips in national and state parks and forests, extreme weather is becoming a serious obstacle. National Park Service Research has shown that national parks are experiencing extreme weather conditions at a higher rate than the rest of the country because of where they're located.

Historic snowfall in March at Yosemite followed by a wildfire affected one hike Silberberg had planned. Another hike was canceled due to unusually large snowfall rendering the Narrows  part of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park in Utah  impassable due to a high volume of meltwater. He had to cancel a trip to the Los Padres National Forest in California due to wildfires and subsequent flooding, which destroyed trails and made them impassable.

"We are quickly approaching a crossroads as to how to keep the business viable," he said. "It seems that almost half of our trips are affected in some way by increasingly extreme weather events."

Silberberg is trying to find ways to make climate change work for him, however. He is thinking about starting a company that helps people visit places that may disappear due to climate change, such as Glacier National Park in Montana or the Everglades in Florida, which is threatened by rising sea levels.

'Here to stay'

In Southern California this summer, businesses faced sweltering heat, followed by Tropical Storm Hilary.

"Definitely extreme weather is here to stay," said Shachi Mehra executive chef and partner at Adya, Indian restaurant in Anaheim, California. The restaurant is located in the Anaheim Packing House, a food hall in a historic 1919 citrus-packing house near Disneyland.

The restaurant closed for a day proactively during Tropical Storm Hilary, losing a day of sales. Heat has been more of an issue, as business slowed in late July this summer during a surge in temperatures. Mehra said she suspects the heat is behind the slowdown since typically things start to slow in late August or September.

Media focus on extreme weather can hurt business, too.

Dan Dawson, owner of Horizon Divers in Key Largo, Florida, saw business boom during the pandemic. Now it's back to pre-pandemic levels. But when storms like Idalia close in, tourists flee  even though Dawson's spot in Key Largo was 300 miles from where Idalia hit.

"Once a storm is coming close we stop diving and once it goes by it can take up to two weeks for tourists to come back, and that is if we don't have any damage," he said.

Still, in some places that offer a respite from the heat and storms, businesses are getting an unexpected bump.

A mild break

At Little America Flag-staff, a hotel set in 500 acres of private forest celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, temperatures in the 90s felt pleasant compared to the record-breaking heat in Phoenix, a two-hour drive to the south, which had temperatures of over 110plus degrees for 31 straight days.

"When you see temperatures rising to the amount they were in Phoenix you immediately saw, not just with our hotel but all the hotels in the area, our occupancies all went up," said Fred Reese, the hotel's general manager.

Similarly, at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, a historic island in Lake Michigan that doesn't allow cars, temperatures have hovered in the temperate 70s while other places around the country have seen triple-digit heat. That leaves Michigan tourists often rubbing elbows with visitors from other states.

"It has been brutally hot in most of the country and it has been very, very nice up here in northern Michigan," said Liz Ware, sales and marketing executive and part of the family that owns Mission Point. "And so we have seen a lot of people from the Texas, Florida, Georgia area coming up north to northern Michigan because it is so temperate up here."
MARRAKECH, Morocco  A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco, sending people into the streets and toppling buildings in mountainous villages and ancient cities not built to withstand such force. More than 2,000 people were killed, and the toll was expected to rise as rescuers struggled Saturday to reach hard-hit remote areas.

The magnitude-6.8 quake, the biggest to hit the North African country in 120 years, sent people fleeing their homes in terror and disbelief late Friday. One man said dishes and wall hangings rained down, and people were knocked off their feet. The quake brought down walls and covered whole communities with rubble.

The devastation gripped each town along the High Atlas' steep and winding switchbacks in similar ways: homes folded in on themselves and mothers and fathers cried as boys and helmet-clad police carried the dead through the streets.

Remote villages like those in the drought-stricken Ouargane Valley were largely cut off from the world when they lost electricity and cellphone service. By midday, people were outside mourning neighbors, surveying the damage on their camera phones and telling one another, "May God save us."

Hamid Idsalah, a 72-year-old mountain guide, said he and many others remained alive but had little to look forward to. That was true in the short-term  with remnants of his kitchen reduced to dust  and in the long-term  as he and many others lack the financial means to rebound.

"I can't reconstruct my home. I don't know what I'll do. Still, I'm alive, so I'll wait," he said as he walked through the desert oasis town overlooking red rock hills, packs of goats and a glistening salt lake. "I feel heartsick."

In historic Marrakech, people could be seen on state TV clustering in the streets, afraid to go back inside buildings that might be unstable. The city's famous Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century, was damaged but the extent was not immediately clear. Moroccans also posted videos showing damage to parts of the famous red walls that surround the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At least 2,012 people died in the quake, mostly in Marrakech and five provinces near the epicenter, Moroccos Interior Ministry reported Saturday night. At least another 2,059 people were injured, 1,404 critically, it said.

"The problem is that where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough to cope with strong ground shaking, so many collapse, resulting in high casualties," said Bill McGuire, professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London.

Morocco's King Mohammed VI ordered the armed forces to mobilize specialized search and rescue teams and a surgical field hospital, according to the military. The king said he would visit the hardest hit area Saturday.

Offers of help poured in from around the world but the government had not formally asked for assistance, a step required before outside rescue crews could deploy.

The epicenter of Friday's tremor was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, roughly 44 miles south of Marrakech. Al Haouz is known for scenic villages and valleys tucked in the High Atlas Mountains.

Police, emergency vehicles and people fleeing in shared taxis spent hours traversing unpaved roads through the High Atlas in stop-and-go traffic, often exiting their cars to help clear giant boulders from routes known to be rugged and difficult long before Friday's earthquake. In Ijjoukak, a village in the area surrounding Toubkal, North Africa's tallest peak, residents estimated nearly 200 buildings were leveled.

Couch cushions, electric cords and grapes were strewn in giant piles of rubble alongside dead sheep, houseplants and doors wedged between boulders. Relatives from the town and those who drove from major cities cried while they wondered who to call in the aftermath and amid a lack of food and water.

"It felt like a bomb went off," Mohamed Messi, 34, said.

Morocco will observe three days of national mourning with flags at half-staff on all public facilities, official news agency MAP reported.

World leaders offered to send in aid or rescue crews as condolences poured in from Europe, the Middle East and the Group of 20 summit in India. The president of Turkey, which lost tens of thousands of people in a massive earthquake earlier this year, was among those proposing assistance. France and Germany, with large populations of people of Moroccan origin, also offered to help, and the leaders of warring Ukraine and Russia expressed support for Moroccans.

In an exceptional move, neighboring rival Algeria offered to open its airspace to allow eventual humanitarian aid or medical evacuation flights to travel to and from Morocco. Algeria closed the airspace when its government severed diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021. The countries have a decadeslong dispute involving the territory of Western Sahara.

Earthquakes are relatively rare in North Africa. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 when it hit at 11:11 p.m., with shaking that lasted several seconds. The U.S. agency reported a magnitude 4.9 aftershock hit 19 minutes later.

Friday's quake was felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algeria's Civil Defense agency.
Health care delivery systems in Wisconsin and across the nation are changing  and rapidly, in many cases. Recovery from the COVID-19 emergency, higher costs and workforce concerns are among issues compelling medical systems and hospitals to merge with or acquire other systems.

The trick is changing while not sacrificing quality, which Wisconsin's 34 health systems and 158 hospitals appear to be doing thus far.

Consolidation has been apparent in Wisconsin health care in recent years, with mergers or acquisitions involving such familiar names as Froedtert Health, ThedaCare, Gundersen Health System, Bellin Health, Advocate Aurora Health, Atrium Health, Marshfield Clinic and Duluth-based Essentia Health. It's only human nature to wonder if such mergers can ensure quality care or just lead to "bigger over better."

A recent report from The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, a federal agency that oversees major parts of health care delivery in the United States, suggests "better" is still the case in Wisconsin. That's a selling point for people who live here  and those who might consider moving to the state.

The CMS scores most hospitals each year through a "five-star" rating system that captures 46 measures across five major categories: mortality, safety of care, readmissions, patient experience, and timely and effective care. Wisconsin ranked among the nation's top four states with Utah, South Dakota and Montana.

Better than three out of four Wisconsin hospitals of all sizes (77%) scored at the five-star or four-state level, which was a 15% improvement over 2022. Nationwide, 16% of all hospitals received a five-star rating from CMS and 26% earned a four-star rating. In Wisconsin, those figures were 38% and 39%, respectively.

Among its Midwest neighbors, Wisconsin stood out with 29 hospitals earning five stars. Ohio, Illinois and Michigan, all much larger states, stood at 26, 14 and 21, respectively. Minnesota (16 five-star hospitals) and Indiana (14) have roughly the same number of people as Wisconsin, and Iowa recorded eight five-star ranked hospitals.

It's true many people rank the quality of care they receive in a hyper-personal way. If a doctor, nurse or clinician fixes what ails them, people tend to give good marks. If the health problem persists without a good explanation as to why, a more critical view emerges. Right or wrong, that's human nature.

That's why data points help tell a better story. They encompass larger populations, examine relative differences between states and health systems, and consider other measurable factors.

The CMS rating is one among many, but it coincided with findings released in March 2023 through "Taking the Pulse: How Quality Health Care Builds a Better Economy." Produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council using two-dozen sources, that report examined mortality tied to health care, Medicare 30-readmissions, hospitals penalized for rules and regulatory infractions, and average hospital length of stay. It also reported Wisconsin ranked among the top 11 states overall based on data from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The report also looked at various cost metrics, and Wisconsin health care ranked in the middle to slightly above average.

What are possible reasons why Wisconsin hospital quality stands out statistically among the states?

 Rural Wisconsin hospitals are alive and mostly well, which isn't the case in some states.

 Strong partnerships exist between higher education institutions and delivery systems. That's evident at private and public colleges and universities that are working to produce skilled workers to meet industry standards.

 Wisconsin has a worldclass medical industry that provides innovative products and services, both near and far. Epic Systems, Promega, Exact Sciences, Accuray and others are examples. In the case of Epic, its birth and growth in Wisconsin has led to a greater penetration of digital health tools for home-state patients and providers alike. 

 The Wisconsin Hospital Association, which represents most hospitals in the state, has operated its voluntary "CheckPoint" quality reporting system for nearly 20 years. It's publicly available at https://www.wha.org/Quality-Patient-Safety/ CheckPoint

Change is rippling through Wisconsin health care administration and delivery at a pace not seen in years, but there are data-driven reasons to believe quality won't suffer as a result.

Tom Still is the president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. Email: tstill@ wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.
G20 agrees to grant permanent membership to African Union

Xinhua) 09:56, September 10, 2023

NEW DELHI, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Group of 20 (G20) members agreed on Saturday to grant permanent membership to the African Union (AU) in an effort to make the group more representative.

The agreement was reached at the inaugural session of the two-day G20 summit held in New Delhi during the weekend.

Amidst applause from other G20 representatives, Azali Assoumani, president of the Union of the Comoros and current AU chairperson, then assumed his seat representing the 55-member-state continental body for the session.

Created in 1999, the G20 is a main forum for international cooperation in the fields of finance and economy. It previously comprised 19 countries plus the European Union (EU).

The AU, whose previous designation was "Invited International Organisation" of the G20, now has the same status as the EU.

"Being accepted as a permanent member of the G20 is good news for AU voice to be present and strong on policy-setting at the global level," said Steve Patrick Lalande, director of the partnerships management and resource mobilization directorate of the AU Commission.

"We have huge expectations that the voice of the African people will be heard, so that development is well promoted worldwide," Lalande said.

"I'm seeing something really great happening," Mathapelo Monaisa, a member of the South African delegation to the G20 summit, told Xinhua, while expressing appreciation for China's role in supporting the AU's joining of the G20.

China is the first country that explicitly expressed its support for the AU's membership in the G20. At the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping again stressed that China would work actively to support the AU's full membership in the G20, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

China supports the AU in playing a bigger role in global governance, said Mao.

"As partners in the BRICS, we would like to see other members being able to have more representation in various multilateral platforms, and China's support for the AU's G20 membership is important," Monaisa stressed.

"We both favor multilateralism more than anything else for a better world, and this is why we need to support each other," said the South African delegate.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chaolan)
Longtime Aurora educator and landlord Jerry Skinner is worried about finding new homes for his boarding house tenants, now that the deadline to comply with new regulations the city of Aurora passed five years ago has come and gone. (Denise Crosby/The Beacon-News)

At age 82, Jerry Skinner insists hes too old to fight City Hall.

The longtime Aurora landlord, who spent four decades in special education, has resigned himself to the fact he can no longer operate the historic home at 429 W. Downer Place hes owned since 1972 because of a city ordinance that he said would require far more money to bring it up to code than the property is worth.

Advertisement

But Skinner is still upset  make that worried  not so much about how the news will affect him financially but what it will do to the 10 tenants who consider the single-occupancy rooms at the house their home.

One is a young disabled female veteran, while the other renters depend upon Social Security checks for survival, he said. And few of them, he insists, can afford to pay more than the monthly $525 he charges for the large efficiency-type rooms that include all utilities.

Advertisement

With affordable housing so scarce, he says, I really do lie awake at night and worry about what will happen to them  where will they go?

Skinner has long been a champion of the vulnerable.

As a young college graduate, he arrived in Aurora in the 1960s to teach special education at Washington Middle School, and eventually moved to West Aurora High School, where he chaired the department of special education.

Skinner also was principal of Hope Wall School for a year and worked for a short time in private special education. But throughout that entire career, he continued to be a landlord and insists that, up until this year, I never had any major issues with the city.

Skinner was raised in the Southern Illinois town of Jerseyville by parents who loved rehabbing big old homes and a grandmother with a passion for antiques. So its no surprise he was attracted to properties on West Downer when he moved to Aurora, and ended up purchasing five of them.

Skinner describes the home at 429 W. Downer as special. It was built in 1860 by Irishman D. W. Hurd, a druggist, when he moved here from New York City with his family, according to Aurora Historical Society Executive Director John Jaros.

In 1925 the home was sold to well-known Aurora banker Frank Watson, who had the decorative iron fence installed. After his 1932 death in the home, it was sold by his widow Blanche to World War I veteran Elmer Meck and his wife Mary, who after her husband died began renting rooms out and lived there for a year after Skinner purchased the 6,000-square-foot house from her in 1972.

Skinner, who describes the house as like an old European hotel with rooms on each side of the halls, resided for 20 years on the bottom floor, which he said was restored to historical preservation standards. He also served a term on Auroras Preservation Commission and is proud of the fact that one of his properties received a preservation award under Mayor David Pierce.

Advertisement

Things began to change five years ago, however, when boarding houses became a hot topic after homeowners around Aurora University began complaining about rowdy college kids.

Skinner says he understands the reasoning behind the 2018 changes to the rental licensing program which required upgrades - from electrical to parking spaces - for these lodging houses. But he adamantly believes he was never told that his property would be grandfathered in for only five years, which has put him and his tenants in a difficult situation.

The city sees it as a safety issue, which is understandable. But it would be outrageous to take a house built (in the mid-1800s) and spend more than a million dollars to bring it up to code and it is only worth $500,000, Skinner said. Who is going to do that?

In addition to the deadline he says he knew nothing about, Skinner is upset that the citys first rental property inspection since the pandemic, which took place at this address in June, was not completed because keys to a couple of the rooms were not available, he said.

The inspector said he would come back, Skinner said, but I never heard anything from them.

That is, he added, until he received a letter from the Property Standards Division in late August that he was in violation and that expeditious corrections are expected.

Advertisement

According to that letter, that first notice was sent out the same day as the June inspection. But Skinner says he never received such a notice and said it was an investor interested in buying the property who first gave him a heads-up his property was non-compliant after speaking to a city official.

The Beacon-News Twice-weekly News updates from the Aurora area delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

I was shocked. It was too much to comprehend. A lot of things make me think, how could I have missed all this, Skinner said.

City officials have said they have done what they can to notify property owners of the rules and deadlines concerning lodging houses.

A hearing has been set for Sept. 14 concerning Skinners situation, and as of Friday afternoon, none of the renters have been able to find a place they can afford, said their landlord, adding that 90% of them are on very limited incomes and that even if they can afford $900 rent, they would not be able to cover utilities.

These people are like extended family, noted Skinner. I can deal with the house being empty. But this is home to people, some who have no place else to go.

Which is why, although the longtime landlord has no plans to fight City Hall - he even turned down offers by other landlords to help him fight the violations - hes asking for only a little leniency.

Advertisement

I know how few options there are for these people, he said. .I just want enough time to help them find other places to live.

dcrosby@tribpub.com
WARSAW, Poland  In an unprecedented move, the Vatican on Sunday beatified a Polish family of nine  a married couple and their small children  who were executed by the Nazis during World War II for sheltering Jews.

During a ceremonious Mass in the village of Markowa, in southeastern Poland, papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read out the Latin formula of the beatification of the Ulma family signed last month by Pope Francis.

In his homily, Semeraro noted that for their gesture of hospitality and care, of mercy, the Ulmas paid the highest price of martyrdom.

A contemporary painting representing Jozef and a pregnant Wiktoria Ulma with their children was revealed near the altar. A procession brought relics taken from their grave to the altar. It was the first time that an entire family has been beatified.

At the Vatican, speaking to the public from a window in St. Peters Square, Pope Francis said the Ulmas represented a ray of light in the darkness of the war and should be a model for everyone in "doing good and in the service of those in need.

The pope then invited the crowd below to applaud the family, and he clapped his hands. Those gathered in Markowa watched Francis' address on giant screens placed by the altar.

Last year, Francis pronounced the deeply Catholic Ulma family, including the child that Wiktoria Ulma was pregnant with, martyrs for the faith. The Ulmas were killed at home by German Nazi troops and by Nazi-controlled local police on March 24, 1944, together with the eight Jews they were hiding at their home, after they were apparently betrayed.

Jozef Ulma, 44, was a farmer, Catholic activist and amateur photographer who documented family and village life. He lived with his 31-year-old wife Wiktoria; their daughters Stanislawa, 7; Barbara, 6; Maria, 18 months; and sons Wladyslaw, 5; Franciszek, 3; and Antoni, 2.

With them were killed 70-year-old Saul Goldman with his sons Baruch, Mechel, Joachim and Mojzesz, along with Golda Grunfeld and her sister Lea Didner with her daughter Reszla, according to Polands state Institute of National Remembrance, IPN, which has meticulously documented the Ulmas story.

Giving the orders was Lt. Eilert Dieken, head of the regional Nazi military police. After the war he served in the police in Germany. Only one of his subordinates, Josef Kokott, was convicted in Poland over the killings, dying in prison in 1980. The suspected betrayer was Wlodzimierz Les, a member of the Nazi-controlled local police. Poland's wartime resistance sentenced him to death and executed him in September 1944, according to IPN.

The Catholic Church faced a dilemma in beatifying Wiktoria's unborn child and declaring it a martyr because, among other things, it had not been baptized, which is a requirement for beatification.

The Vaticans Dicastery for the Causes of Saints issued a clarification saying the child was actually born during the horror of the killings and received baptism by blood of the martyred mother.

The clarification was issued Sept. 5 by Cardinal Semeraro, who is the prefect of the Vatican's saint-making office.

Polish President Andrzej Duda along with the ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, as well as Polands chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich, attended the celebration in Markowa, and thousands of pilgrims came from across Poland to take part.

Poland's conservative ruling party has been stressing family values and also the heroism of Poles during the war and the beatification ceremony added to its intense political campaigning ahead of the Oct. 15 parliamentary elections in which the Law and Justice party wants to win an unprecedented third term.

After the Mass, Duda, who is the ruling party's ally, thanked Francis for beatifying the Ulmas. He also stressed that the ceremony had a political dimension because it told the truth about the Nazi German occupation of Poland during the war. Poland's government is seeking reparations from Germany for wartime damages, but Berlin says the matter had been closed.

The Ulma beatification poses several new theological concepts about the Catholic Churchs ideas of saints and martyrs that also have implications for the anti-abortion movement because of the baby in the mothers womb, said the Rev. Robert Gahl, a professor of ethics at the Catholic University of America and Romes Pontifical Holy Cross University.

The Vatican stated that the child was born at the moment the mother was executed. In doing so, the Vatican also affirmed that the killers intended to kill the child out of hatred for the faith, a requirement for a martyrdom and beatification declaration, Gahl told The Associated Press.

After beatification, a miracle attributed to the Ulmas' intercession would be necessary for their eventual canonization, as the churchs sainthood process is called.

Israel's Yad Vashem Institute in 1995 recognized the Ulmas as Righteous Among Nations who gave their lives trying to save Jews during the Holocaust.

In Poland, they are a symbol of the bravery of thousands of Poles who took the utmost risk while helping Jews. By the occupying Nazis' decree, any assistance to Jews was punished with summary execution. A Museum of Poles Saving Jews During World War II was opened in Markowa in 2016.

Poland was the first country to be invaded by Nazi Germany, on Sept. 1, 1939. Around 6 million of its citizens were killed during the war, half of them Jews.

The Vatican is investigating a miracle at a Connecticut church. Here's every Eucharistic miracle visualized. The Vatican is investigating a miracle at a Connecticut church. Here's every Eucharistic miracle visualized. No Eucharistic miracles have been declared in the US Eucharistic miracles peaked during the Late Middle Ages Most Eucharistic miracles involve blood, flesh, and indestructible hosts To prove modern miracles, religion meets science
We live in a country thats been ripped down the middle by politics.

There are examples in every state, including our own, of entire issues that have been hijacked by political zealots  from abortion to gender, election security to educational curriculum. Not even libraries have been spared in an America that seems bent on destroying itself from the inside.

Look no further than Jan. 6, 2021. There was a violent riot, at our nations capital  all over one mans unwillingness to peacefully transfer the power of the presidency, a core tenet of democracy. That should have served as our wake-up call, an embarrassment of such magnitude to unify us against any such future calamity.

And, yet, millions of Americans  to this day  are willing to ignorantly explain it away as something less.

The inflammatory rhetoric from the political fringes has made it increasingly difficult, maybe even impossible at times, to be a moderate Republican or Democrat. The middle ground that Ronald Reagan, among other venerable leaders of our countrys past, once stood upon has been overgrown by the likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Tommy Tuberville.

Quote It will take courage to change the course of the country. Not simply from political leaders  but from all of us.

It will take courage to change the course of the country. Not simply from political leaders  but from all of us.

That was the genesis for Idaho Leaders United, whose mission statement is a simple reminder of what it means to stand for something: Idaho Leaders United stands with the vast majority of Idahoans who reject bigotry and political violence. Together, we will defend the great state of Idaho, her future, and her legacy for every generation that follows us.

We suspect we are introducing Idaho Leaders United to many of you right now. Not everybody on our five-person board, in fact, had heard of the fledgling group until we organized a meeting with two of its founders this week to learn for ourselves.

Since sprouting to life earlier in the year, Idaho Leaders United has brought together about 600 like-minded Idahoans around its pledge to disavow extremism  in any form, by any party, from all corners of the state, we learned.

That number represents but a fraction of the 90% of the people in Idaho who are on the same page, Cortney Liddiard, CEO of Ball Ventures in Idaho Falls, told us. Its his hope, and that of the groups other founders, that Idaho Leaders United can be that place for like-minded Idahoans to push back against the hard-right forces working to overthrow state government and further consolidate power around a select few in the Idaho Republican Partys private club, as Dorothy Moon, the partys chairwoman, has called it.

The minority should never rule the majority, said Liddiard, adding he didnt believe Idaho would be swayed by the Trump effect but that he has since been proven wrong.

That doesnt happen here, he told us, reflecting on his early line of thinking. Idaho is above that, we are above that. We have a lot of Republican values  This doesnt happen in Idaho.

And, now?

This isnt the Idaho I grew up in, he said.

The same holds true for Doug Gross, who operates Gross Farms in Wilder, a mainstay in the states potato industry, and counts the late Idaho statesman and governor Phil Batt as his role model and mentor.

Batts legacy should be forever in our state. He served in the Legislature and as lieutenant governor and chair of the Idaho Republican Party before winning the 1994 gubernatorial election, the epitome of a public servant, as Gov. Brad Little described Batt upon his death in March.

Sen. Jim Risch, another former governor, once called Batt the architect of our current government in Idaho and contended every Idahoan owes Phil Batt for what we have today.

Weve got to get people participating again (in the political process), Gross told us, pointing to last months recall election in the West Bonner School District as proof of the power of the people.

By voting out two extremists who werent representing the communitys will, West Bonner County did what Liddiard urged the rest of the state to do.

Frankly, I think its just time to stand up, he said.

If you agree, Idaho Leaders United has a pledge you probably want to read. Its the same one that 600-some ranchers, farmers, law enforcement officers, veterans and active military members, and everyday Idahoans have already put their name to.

By signing, you:

Commit to, in our own civic engagement, being respectful of the legislative and democratic process, and supporting positive, constructive discourse on important issues.

Actively denounce any appeal in our political discourse that calls for bigotry and discrimination.

Support activities that strengthen and promote inclusivity in our civic institutions.

Disavow leaders and groups who actively support violent political extremism or known extremists, militia members, white nationalists, and those who condone violent lawlessness.

There are dangerous political forces at work  in the Gem State and beyond. Hate is their weapon, political violence is their answer, and power is their goal.

If youve heard and seen enough of it in Idaho, we have the votes to drive change. The minority might be louder  but the majority has the final say.

Idaho is a great place to live, as we wrote a few weeks ago in this same space. Imagine even how much better it could be if we side with the Republican values of a Phil Batt over the fearful fantasies of a Dorothy Moon.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Tourism Undersecretary Shalimar Tamano (right) visits Bohol Province Booth at Philippine Travel Mart with Bohol Congressman Edgar Chatto (left) and Gov. Aris Aumentado (second from right). Bohol, recently designated as the Philippines sole Geopark Island by UNESCO, showcased its tourism potential during a product presentation at the SMX, where Gov. Aumentado pledged to develop and promote the province as a prominent tourism destination in the country.

- Advertisement -
Nigers military regime, which took power in July, accused France on Saturday of deploying forces in several West African countries with a view to military intervention in Niger.

France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries as part of preparations for an aggression against Niger, which it is planning in collaboration with this community organisation, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane said in a statement broadcast on national television.
The Philippines and Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the establishment of a Work and Holiday visa arrangement that would allow nationals of both countries to seek employment while on a holiday to supplement the cost of their stay.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu signed the agreement during the official visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Malacanang on September 8.

Based on MOU, both countries would issue multiple entry visas allowing its citizens to work during their stay for an non-extendable period of not over one year.

Manila and Canberra would grant eligible participants a Work and Holiday visa, which would permit them to stay and work in the host country.

The visa arrangement is open to Filipino and Australian nationals who are 18 to 31 years old at the time of the application and who are graduates of tertiary education or have successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate study or post-secondary education.

Applicants must also meet health, character, and national security requirements and have medical and health insurance for the duration of their stay.

The 12-month period will commence from the date of first entry and eligible nationals may leave and re-enter the territory of the host participant using the same visa.

All nationals under the arrangement will be required to comply with the respective laws and regulations of the host country during their stay.

Each participant (the Philippines and Australia) may deny any particular application for a Work and Holiday visa it receives, in accordance with its domestic laws and regulations, read the MOU.

Nationals of one participant who have been granted a Work and Holiday visa under this Memorandum of Understanding may be denied entry or removed from the territory of the other participant in accordance with the laws and regulations of that participant, it added.

Applicants must pay any fees associated with the visa application.

Work and Holiday visa holders who work during their visit pursuant to this arrangement will be covered by the same diplomatic labor laws of the host government as local workers, subject to the employment conditions.

The MOU will take effect next year on a date mutually determined by both countries and will be valid until it is terminated by written notice through diplomatic channels.
Filipino fishermen can still fish in Scarborough Shoal, but they need to be assisted by government personnel, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said.

Aguilar made the clarification hours after saying Filipinos could no longer enter the Scarborough Shoal to fish because of the continued presence and intimidation of Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels.

Please be informed that based on the latest report, our fishermen are still able to fish at the Scarborough Shoal assisted by PCG [Philippine Coast Guard], BFAR [Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources], and NICA [National Intelligence Coordinating Agency], he said.

This is to correct my previous statement. My mistake, Aguilar added.

Earlier in the day, Aguilar said China is insulting the Philippines by preventing Filipino fishermen from fishing in Scarborough Shoal, which is also known as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

There are places where our countrymen can fish, but not in the place where they say there are more fish, such as Scarborough Shoal, Aguilar said in an interview on radio dzBB.

They can no longer enter because the [Chinese] maritime militias and Chinese Coast Guard vessels are already blocking them there. Its also regrettable but lets see what happens next because we cant allow it to be like this forever. Its like they are insulting us with what they are doing, knowing that their claim of territory is baseless, the AFP spokesman earlier said.

The Philippine government during the incumbency of the late President Benigno Aquino III, sued China before the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands in 2013, an effort led by then Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and the late Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario.

The Arbitral Court ruled in favor of the Philippines in July 2016 when it junked Chinas imaginary nine-dash line claim over the waters surrounding the South China Sea.

In the same ruling, the arbitral court deemed Scarborough Shoal as a common fishing ground and outlawed Chinas aggression against Filipino fishermen in the area, including preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing the shoal.

The Hague court also ruled that the Spratly Islands, Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, and Recto (Reed) Bank are within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

Beijing, however, has repeatedly refused to honor the ruling and continues to illegally occupy and create man-made islands and military structures in the area.

In January, during the first state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Peoples Republic of China, Marcos said China had agreed to stop blocking Filipino fishermen from Scarborough Shoal.

They (China) will continue to allow our fishermen to fish in the fishing grounds that they have been to, [that] they have used for many generations. Thats it. Its that simple, Marcos said.

In March 2022, China maintained that it has the sole sovereign rights over Scarborough Shoal after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a close distance maneuvering incident involving a Chinese vessel in the area.

On Saturday, Aguilar said the Philippine Navy offered to help a Chinese rubber boat in distress in Ayungin Shoal only to be blamed for the incident.

One of Chinas Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats was entangled in a fishing line while it was tailing Philippine vessels heading to Ayungin Shoal to resupply troops there on Sept. 7, Aguilar said in a news forum in Quezon City.

Troops offered assistance to help China, but China refused.. and another boat came to their rescue, he said.

While the Chinese boats refusal to accept aid from Philippine forces was expected, what surprised troops was Beijings radio call that blamed Filipinos for the incident, the AFP spokesman said.

They still had the guts to challenge our radio message: Philippine Coast Guard because of your maneuvers, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel came into a problem, he said.

Aguilar rejected the radio message, calling it another narrative that they will tell their people.

After this incident, they will come up with their own narrative to tell their people about what happened, Aguilar said.

We dont want the truth to be drowned by what happened, he added.

The Philippine Coast Guard has not responded to the Chinese accusation.

Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri committed to push for an increase in intelligence funds for the PCG and the Philippine Navy.

As defenders of Philippine sovereignty in the WPS (West Philippine Sea), the PCG and the PN should be entitled to full logistical and operational support from the government, including an increase in their confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) in the 2024 national budget.

He said the additional funding will strengthen our external defense capabilities to have a credible defensive posture.

Right now, the PCG and PN only get P10 million and P39.74 million, respectively, in intelligence funds.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the WPS issue is not only about ownership, but about the courage of Filipinos to stand up for their rights against a bully.

He noted that the successful resupply mission in the Ayungin Shoal is a clear indication that the Philippine government is firm on asserting its position that it will protect the countrys sovereignty and sovereign rights.

Villanueva said the Senate has passed a resolution creating a special committee on Philippine maritime and admiralty zones.

The committee, he said, will discuss maritime zone bills and archipelagic sea lane bills that are included in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

He said these bills will strengthen the countrys position in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Senator Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, dismissed the notion that the Philippines is being used in a proxy war against China.

This is not a proxy war because the US is not our only ally here, Tolentino said in a radio interview. Our other allies are Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, andEurope.
Allowing Taiwan to meaningfully participate in the UN system would benefit the worlds efforts to address pressing global issues

Russias invasion of Ukraine is a reminder of how autocracies care little about causing death and destruction.

The war is a gross violation of human rights and the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes as codified in the United Nations Charter, which has helped maintain the rules-based international order and kept the world in relative peace since the end of the Cold War.

The wars humanitarian and economic fallout has also shown that in a globalized world crises cannot be contained within national borders.

It is therefore imperative to deter similar threats to global security from happening elsewhere. Taiwana democracy that is home to over 23 million people and that I proudly representcontinues to confront enormous challenges posed by China.

Since the mid-20th century, the Peoples Republic of China has vowed to take control of Taiwan and refused to renounce the use of force, despite never having ruled Taiwan.

For decades, the people of Taiwan have remained calm in safeguarding the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

However, as Chinas economic and military might has grown stronger, it becomes increasingly aggressive in flexing its military muscle to intimidate Taiwan, thereby threatening our democratic way of life.

This includes sending warplanes and ships across the median line of the Taiwan Strait and encroaching into our air defense identification zones.

It has also intensified gray-zone tactics, such as disinformation and economic coercion, in an attempt to wear down our will to fight.

The PRCs expansionism does not stop at Taiwan.

Chinas use of gray-zone activities in the East and South China Seas are designed to expand its power and substantiate its hawkish territorial claims.

In addition to signing a security agreement with Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the PRC has been securing ports for future military use in the Indian Ocean.

These maneuvers are causing grave concerns that peace is becoming more difficult to maintain.

Ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in everyones best interest.

Half of the worlds commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait each day. Taiwan produces the majority of the worlds semiconductors and plays a key role in global supply chains.

Any conflict in the area would have disastrous consequences for the global economy.

In recent years, bilateral and multilateral fora have repeatedly emphasized the peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to global security.

While we can all agree the war must be avoided, how to best do so requires inclusion, dialogue, and, most of all, unity.

The United Nations remains the best platform for global discourse.

UN officials speak often of joint solutions, solidarity, and inclusion in tackling the pressing issues of our time.

Taiwan is more than willing and able to take part in these efforts.

However, Taiwan continues to be excluded from the UN due to Chinas distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.

This resolution neither states that Taiwan is a part of the PRC nor gives the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies.

In fact, the resolution only determines who represents the member state China, a fact that the international community and China itself recognized following the relevant vote in 1971.

The subsequent misrepresentation of Resolution 2758 contradicts the basic principles upheld by the UN Charter and must be rectified.

The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, which will center on the theme rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity, is timely in light of a number of broad global challenges.

For example, the UNs Sustainable Development Goals were designed as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity.

Yet the most recent SDG progress report showed just 12 percent of SDG targets were on track, while progress on 50 percent has remained insufficient. And on more than 30 percent, we have stalled or even regressed.

While there are no easy answers, the first step is dialogue.

As a truly global institution, the UN can serve as a champion of progress.

We call on the UN to uphold its principle of leaving no one behind by allowing Taiwan to participate in the UN system, rather than excluding it from discussions on issues requiring global cooperation.

A good first step would be to allow Taiwanese individuals and journalists to attend or cover relevant meetings, as well as ensure Taiwans meaningful participation in meetings and mechanisms regarding the SDGs.

Ukraines incredible bravery and resilience have inspired countries around the globe.

The war there has forged a new sense of togetherness in the world.

Unity is crucial to pushing back against Russias aggression and to preserving universal values, such as human rights and global peace, more broadly.

It is vital to make China and other authoritarian governments aware they will be held accountable and to urge them to settle differences through peaceful means.

Allowing Taiwan to meaningfully participate in the UN system would benefit the worlds efforts to address pressing global issues.

This would also demonstrate the UNs determination to unite for global peace at a critical juncture when the future of the world is at stake.

We are stronger together.

Now is the time to act on this fundamental principle by including Taiwan.

(The author is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China)
Geneva, SwitzerlandFindings from a new UN data platform reveal that the marine dredging industry is extracting a staggering six billion tons of sand and sediment annually.

This is equivalent to over one million dump trucks every dayplacing immense pressure on marine biodiversity and the well-being of coastal communities.

Marine Sand Watch, a platform developed by UN Environment Programme (UNEP)s analytical centre, GRID-Geneva, uses artificial intelligence and automatic signals from ships to track and monitor sand, clay, silt, gravel and rock extraction in the worlds marine environments.

It delivers crucial information on sand extraction zones (sand concessions), capital and maintenance dredging sites, sand trading hubs, vessel counts, and operators at sea.

While the platform is a groundbreaking tool, it currently cannot detect artisanal and small-scale mining along shallow coastlines, despite its intensity in some regions, according to UNEP.

The scale of environmental impacts of shallow sea mining activities and dredging is alarming, including biodiversity, water turbidity, and noise impacts on marine mammals, said Pascal Peduzzi, director of GRID-Geneva at UNEP.

This data signals the urgent need for better management of marine sand resources and to reduce the impacts of shallow sea mining, he added.

The senior UN official called on governments as well as the dredging sector to treat sand as a strategic material, and swiftly engage in talks on how to improve dredging standards worldwide.

Between four and eight billion tons of sediment are dredged annually from marine and coastal environments.

This is perilously close to the natural replenishment rate of 10 to 16 billion tons per year necessary to sustain coastal and marine ecosystems, according to UNEP.

While shallow sea mining for sand and gravel is vital for various construction projects, they pose a major threat to coastal communities facing rising sea levels and storms.

Sand extraction also endangers coastal and seabed ecosystems, impacting marine biodiversity, nutrients from the sea and noise pollution, as well as impacting aquifer salinization and future tourism development, UNEP added.

International practices and regulations vary widely, UNEP noted, with countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia having banned marine sand exports in the last two decades, while others lack any legislation or effective monitoring programs.

The UN agencys 2022 Sand and Sustainability report also called for enhanced monitoring of sand extraction and use, and recommended ending sand extraction from beaches and active beach-nearshore sand systems for mining purposes.

It also calls for new international standards governing marine sand extraction. UNEP News
Some of the worlds most iconic natural and cultural sites are also a haven for thousands of endangered species, the UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said.

Although properties protected under the World Heritage Convention make up less than one percent of the Earths surface, they harbor more than 20 percent of the planets biodiversity, new research by UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently revealed.

The UN agency has urged the195 states party to the treaty to step up efforts to conserve them in the face of climate change and the threat of increased species loss.

These 1,157 sites are not only historically and culturally outstanding, they are also critical to the preservation of the diversity of life on Earth, maintaining essential ecosystem services, and addressing climate disruption, said the UNESCO director general Audrey Azoulay.

UNESCO World Heritage sitesranging from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to the Great Wall of Chinacontain more than 75,000 species of plants and trees, and over 30,000 species of mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles and amphibians.

They are estimated to protect over 20,000 endangered species, including up to a third of all elephants, tigers and pandas, and at least one-tenth of great apes, lions and rhinos.

For some species, such as Javan Rhinos, Pink Iguanas, Sumatran Orangutans and Mountain Gorillas, they are the last line of defense against extinction, the agency said.

The World Heritage Convention confers the highest level of international protection to these locations, found across 167 countries.

The 1972 treaty has enabled successful conservation initiatives, such as those undertaken in the Kaziranga National Park in India and Chitwan National Park in Nepal, where the number of Greater one-horned Rhinos has doubled to some 4,000 since the mid-1980s.

However, UNESCO stressed the urgent need to strengthen conservation measures, warning that the clock is ticking for immediate action.

Every 1C increase in global temperature could double the number of endangered species threatened by dangerous climate conditions.

Given their role as vital biodiversity hotspots, UNESCO World Heritage sites must be protected at all costs by the States Parties of the Convention, the agency said.UN News

UNESCO encouraged countries to prioritize World Heritage sites in their national biodiversity strategies and action plans, in line with a global agreement reached last year.UN News

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to halt and reverse nature loss through targets that include protecting 30 percent of the planets lands, coastal areas and inland waters by the end of the decade.

UNESCO said all World Heritage site managers will be trained in climate change adaptation strategies by 2025, and all sites will have climate adaptation plans in place by 2029. UN News
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As Africa gets hotter, mothers and babies are most at risk. Why is this and what can be done about it? Matthew Chersich, a specialist in climate change and maternal health, explains the reasons to health editor Nadine Dreyer.

What makes pregnant women particularly vulnerable to extreme heat?

Many women in Africa have little or no protection against extreme heat events, with pregnancy being an particularly vulnerable period. High ambient temperatures may overwhelm the capacity of the maternal thermoregulatory mechanisms to dissipate heat in pregnancy.

Fetal metabolism generates considerable heat in the mother's body. Then there is the strain from additional weight gain in pregnancy, fat deposits that retain heat, and the major exertion of labor and childbirth.

The fetus remains around 0.5C warmer than the mother and thus if a mother has heat stress or a fever, the fetal temperature quickly reaches dangerous levels.

The most dangerous period is likely during childbirth, when women generate remarkable levels of heat from the labor process. If this occurs during a heat wave it can increase complications, such as prolonged labor, increased emergency cesarean sections and maternal hemorrhage.

What makes babies particularly vulnerable?

Infants are dependent on their caregivers for protecting them against heat exposure. Some practices, such as over-swaddling, pose considerable risks as global temperatures rise.

Dehydration is also a major concern for young children, due to water loss through sweating or from gastroenteritis, which increases as food- and water-borne pathogens replicate more frequently and survive longer during warm weather.

Mothers may also supplement breastfeeding with water. In many areas, water is unsafe because of poor infrastructure.

Infants may breastfeed for shorter periods during hot weather as feeding can be uncomfortable for baby and mother in the heat.

In one of our studies in Burkina Faso, breastfeeding duration was about 25 minutes shorter on hot days compared to cold days.

It is possible to quantify the effect of climate change on pregnant women and newborn babies?

We are able to calculate the relative risk of adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth, which increases about 1.15 fold during heat waves. The key gap in the field is quantifying the absolute number of additional adverse outcomes that are occurring because of climate change.

Those figures would help people to appreciate the implications of climate change for maternal and child health. There are real concerns that extreme heat may reverse the previous gains made in maternal and child health, from childhood vaccines, for example.

In some of our work we estimated how many additional child deaths occurred in Africa from heat exposure. We showed that there were between 7,000 and 11,000 deaths from heat exposure in children in Africa annually that could be attributed to climate change. Unless we curb carbon emissions dramatically, heat-related child mortality in Africa may reach over 38,000 a year in 2049.

A study of pregnant women in Johannesburg showed that rates of severe hypertensive disorders in pregnancy increase by as much as 80% when temperatures exceed 23 in early pregnancy.

Do different health issues affect mothers and children?

While the harms of exposure to extreme heat in pregnancy are well known, we do not yet have easy ways of calculating how much of that additional burden of disease is due to climate change, as opposed to natural variations in temperature. The methods for doing so are improving rapidly, however.

What is clear is that if South Africa experiences the kinds of temperatures that were seen in Europe and North America in 2023, there will be many thousands of additional pregnancy complications, all of which will be directly attributable to climate change.

What are some practical solutions?

There are a number of relatively simple, low cost "cooling" interventions which could be implemented at scale if countries in the global north kept to their funding commitments.

Each year high-income countries make major promises about climate financing, but have yet to deliver. They committed US$100 billion a year in the 2015 Paris Agreement and have delivered only a tiny fraction of that amount.

Low-cost interventions include painting roofs of houses or health facilities with white reflective paint, fans with evaporative cooling, providing cool water for women during labor and making "cooling centers" where women could go during a heat wave.

What can pregnant women and communities do to reduce risks?

On a local level there are behavioral changes that can benefit maternal health. Many pregnant women continue physical work even late in pregnancy, including walking long distances to collect water and firewood. A project in Burkina Faso and Kenya tested a community-mobilization intervention that aimed to reduce heavy workloads during pregnancy and early motherhood. Results of the project are promising.

Major changes must be made to built environments. The temperatures in many informal settlements are higher indoors than they are outdoors, which can be devastating for expectant mothers. Higher night-time temperatures are especially concerning. Many health care facilities are similarly ill-equipped to provide pregnant women with cooler environments.

All the interventions mentioned above can provide some degree of protection against the current level of heat exposure women face, but will be poorly effective against the kinds of temperatures that we will experience in five to 10 years' time.

We know almost nothing about what could be done to prevent mass mortality events at temperatures around 5055C in settings where air conditioning is not feasible and the population is not accustomed to those temperatures.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The City of Valparaisos Arborist team maintains the citys urban forest with Anthony Santos, from left, Matt McBain and Justin Mayer. - Original Credit: Photo courtesy of the City of Valparaiso (Photo courtesy of the City of Valparaiso/HANDOUT)

Ivy Tech named to 2023 Forbes list

For the second year, Ivy Tech Community College was named in the annual Forbes Americas Best State Employers, according to a release.

Along with market research company Statista, Forbes rankings identify the companies positively rated by their employees on a variety of criteria. The final list ranks 73 employers in Indiana, but only six institutions of higher education; only seven community colleges nationally made the list, the release said. Ivy Tech has more than 6,300 employees; about half of those are full-time, the release said.

Advertisement

View the Forbes list at https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-by-state/?sh=4c7768161983.

Nurse practitioner joins Franciscan in Lowell

Family medicine nurse practitioner Katheryn White is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Lowell, according to a release. White earned both her master of science and bachelor of science degrees in nursing from Indiana University Northwest in Gary and her associates of science in nursing from Purdue University Northwest in Westville.

Advertisement

White is accepting new patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Lowell Health Center, 4500 W. 181st Ave.; Lowell. Call 219-690-2016 for more information.

Valparaiso arborists earn certification

Two more arborists from the City of Valparaiso have become certified as Incidental Line Clearance Arborists using the ACRT Inc. curriculum, the largest arboriculture training organization in North America, a release said. Justin Mayer and Anthony Santos have completed more than a year of training and passed both the written and field tests to earn their certifications, the release said. They complete the citys arborist team, which maintain Valparaisos urban forest, including more than 11,000 trees throughout municipal parks, facilities and rights of ways, the release said. To learn more about the tree inventory or report a public tree in poor condition, enter Tree Division in the search bar on the City of Valparaisos webpage at valpo.us.

Franciscan Dyer, Munster CFO elected to association board

Franciscan Health Dyer and Franciscan Health Munster Chief Financial Officer Pamela J. Ott has been elected vice chair of the Healthcare Financial Management Associations (HFMA) Board of Examiners for 2023-2024, according to a release.

She will assume the role of full committee chair on June 1, the release said. Ott will direct the HFMA Board of Examiners Committee to collaborate with staff and subject matter experts to ensure HFMAs career strategies, career development and credentialing programs are responsive to the needs of the membership, association and profession, the release said. In addition to her role with Franciscan, Ott is also an adjunct health care leadership and finance professor at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, and currently serves on the Legacy Foundation board of directors.

IUN awarded $409K research grant

Indiana University Northwest was recently awarded over $409,000 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to a release.

The principal investigator in the multi-year project, Ming Gao, IU Northwest Associate Professor of Biology, and undergraduate students, will research determining the role of me31B protein in germ cell development. Ming will be supported by IU Northwest undergraduate students who will conduct biological science experiments using molecular biology, genetics and biochemical techniques to analyze the role of the target gene (me31B gene) in animals development and reproduction mechanism. The grant was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health.

Nurse practitioner joins Northwest Health

Northwest Health welcomes Michael Schwuchow, a nurse practitioner specializing in urology to Northwest Medical Group, according to a release.

Schwuchow joined the medical practice of Dr. Genri Pinkhasov at Northwest Medical Group  Urology, located the medical plaza adjacent to Northwest Health  Porter, 85 E. U.S. 6 in Valparaiso. Schwuchow received his doctor of nursing practice from Valparaiso University and his bachelor of science in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 219-983-6230.

Advertisement

Franciscan surgeon honored for enlarged prostate treatment

Dr. Robert Korsch, a Franciscan Physician Network urological surgeon at Franciscan Health Michigan City, has been named a Center of Excellence physician by Boston Scientific, according to a release. The designation recognizes Korschs work with the GreenLight Laser Therapy procedure in treating patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as enlarged prostate, the release said.

GreenLight Laser Therapy is an outpatient procedure that uses laser technology to remove overgrown prostate tissue and rapidly restore natural urine flow, the release said. The procedure has been used successfully on more than 1 million men worldwide, according to Boston Scientific. Korsch worked over the past year with his team to collect data on patient outcomes, which were used to help earn the Center of Excellence distinction.

For more information, call 219-877-1880.

Cargill, BP head safety committee

With the addition of a new co-chair, the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable Safety Committee is now helmed by representatives from two leading employers in the Northwest Indiana region, according to a release.

Experts in construction industry safety from both Cargill and BP will now be working together to lead the committee and develop new ways to improve safety across numerous companies and jobsites in the area. Aaron Janovitz, a Health and Safety Superintendent at bp, will now be joining longtime Safety Committee leader Rick Foor, Health and Safety Manager at the Hammond Cargill facility, in heading the committee, sharing the title of co-chair.
WASHINGTON  Online gig work is growing globally, particularly in the developing world, creating an important source of employment for women and young people in poorer countries where jobs are scarce, according to a new World Bank report.

The report estimates the number of global online gig workers at as many as 435 million people and says demand for gig work increased 41% between 2016 and the first quarter of 2023. That boost is generating concern, though, among worker rights advocates about the lack of strong job protections in the gig economy, where people work job to job with little security and few employment rights.

While location-based gig services such as Uber, Lyft and TaskRabbit require labor like moving and delivery, online gig assignments can be largely done at home. Tasks include image tagging, data entry, website design and software development.

For women in the developing world, there arent enough opportunities and they really struggle to get good quality jobs because of constraints and household responsibilities, said Namita Datta, lead author of the World Bank report, released Thursday.

She said online gig work provides women and underprivileged youth a very interesting opportunity to participate in the labor market. Roughly 90% of low-income countries workforce is in the informal sector, according to the report.

Worker advocates stress the precariousness of gig work and the lack of job security, accountability from management and other social protections to workers' health and retirement.

The economic conditions in developing countries are different from the U.S., but one thing that is universal is the importance of developing and prioritizing good jobs  with a basic minimum wage and basic labor standards," said Sharon Block, executive director of Harvard Law Schools Center for Labor and a Just Economy. There might be different pathways and timelines of getting there, but that's a universal value.

The report outlines how social insurance coverage is low among gig workers globally. Roughly half of the surveyed gig workers did not have a retirement plan and as much as 73% of Venezuelan gig workers and 75% of Nigerians did not have any savings for retirement.

Lindsey Cameron, a management professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, said because there are so few options available to workers in these developing nations, online gigs  with or without social protections  were better than no job options for many workers.

And since workers are economically dependent on this work, and they dont have any sort of basic protections, thats what is ultimately exploitive. The odds are always in the platforms favor, never the workers favor.

In the United States, gig workers, both online and onsite, represent a growing portion of the workforce and there is ongoing contention about worker rights on these platforms.

A 2021 Pew Research study, the latest available, shows that 16% of U.S. adults have earned money through an online gig platform, and 30% of 18- to 29-year-olds have done so.

Transportation and delivery companies Uber, Lyft, and Grubhub have been entangled in dozens of lawsuits over minimum wage, employment classification and alleged sexual harassment.

Right now, there are too many jobs where workers are misclassified, Block said. Which means many workers are not guaranteed minimum wage, do not have a social safety net, they don't get unemployment, or workers compensation.

Now some states have stepped in to mandate paid leave, but if you don't live in one of those states, you have to play the good boss lottery.

The World Bank report was based on surveys across 17 countries, including Egypt, Argentina, Nigeria, Russia and China.
WASHINGTON  The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee slammed a fellow Republican in the Senate for waging an unprecedented attempt to change Pentagon abortion policy by holding up hundreds of military nominations and promotions.

Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, told CNN's State of the Union on Sunday that Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville is "paralyzing the Department of Defense.

"The idea that one man in the Senate can hold this up for months, I understand maybe promotions, but nominations," McCaul said. He added, I think that is a national security problem and a national security issue. And I really wish he would reconsider this.

Tubervilles move has forced less experienced leaders into top jobs and raised concerns at the Pentagon about military readiness. Defense officials say Tuberville is jeopardizing American national security. Senators in both parties, including Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, also have criticized Tuberville.

Tuberville has refused to budge, saying he will not drop the holds unless majority Democrats allow a vote on the policy. Democrats argue that a vote on every nominee could tie up the Senate floor for months, and they do not want to give in to Tubervilles demands and encourage similar blockades of nominees in the future.

McCaul said on CNN that the House would tackle the issue of abortion in the military as part of a sweeping defense spending bill making its way through Congress. In the meantime, he said, To hold up the top brass from being promoted and lower brass, I think is paralyzing our Department of Defense.
The first call that John Grinsell received as the sole agent for Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services in February 2022 was for an assault. He arrived at the scene with no radio, no gun and no backup.

A Northern Cheyenne man who grew up in Busby, just within the boundary of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Grinsell was just a few hours into a job created after a contentious back-and-forth between the Eastern Montanan tribe and federal authorities. The role came out of a nearly universal demand from the Northern Cheyenne Tribe for adequate public safety.

The tribe sued the Bureau of Indian Affairs, tasked with enforcing the law on Indian reservations nationwide, to wrest control over criminal investigations. Taking a proactive approach to investigating major crimes within the Northern Cheyenne Nation was just one of several grievances the tribe has leveled at the federal government over persistent failures to create a reliable, consistent police force and criminal justice system.

The unanimous demand for better law enforcement has spurred the tribe to take the reigns as the rest of the country grapples with the role of police in public safety.

Since that evening in February 2022, Grinsell has filed dozens of reports, all of them violent and major crimes on the reservation. Cases investigated by Grinsell have resulted in several convictions in U.S. District Court. Going into NCISs second year, Grinsell, who retired from the BIA, has welcomed a second investigator with the aim of passing on the agency he helped create to a new generation.

I cant do this forever, said Grinsell, who as of the spring of 2023 was operating out of an office space in Lame Deer, the tribal headquarters for the Northern Cheyenne.

The Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, spanning around 444,000 acres, is home to around 5,000 people. U.S. Highway 212 stretches from its western to eastern borders, and has a steady flow of local and national traffic. With 99% of the land tribally owned, many tribal members support themselves through farming and ranching. The federal and tribal governments, however, are the reservations largest employers.

In the summer of 2020, while tribal members were bracing against the COVID-19 outbreak, others were burying their sons and daughters who died violently. Throughout that year, the deaths of Kymani Littlebird, Christy Woodenthigh and Cory Blackwolf, spurred a demand from their families and friends for more transparency and resources from the federal government.

Homicide remains a leading cause of death for Indigenous people in the United States for years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC published a report documenting American Indian and Alaska Natives homicides from 2003 to 2018. Of the 2,226 homicides included in the report, about half were killed in metropolitan areas.

This uptick in violence coincided with a dwindling number of BIA officers assigned to patrol the reservation. Only a fraction of the 18 positions allotted by Congress have been filled over the past several years, the Gazette previously reported. In recent years, Grinsell said, there has been a high turnover rate among patrol officers and commanders assigned to the reservation, coupled with low recruitment numbers, keeping those positions unfilled.

Along with the number of officers dipping to as low as four during that time, the closure of the dilapidated jail in Lame Deer has forced officers to ferry anyone arrested either to a facility in Hardin, about an hours drive west of Lame Deer, or arrange for them to be taken as far away as Wyoming or Oklahoma. Response times, according to Grinsell and statements made from Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council members during their sessions, have ranged from five minutes to five hours.

Prior to 2020, deaths on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation were making headlines and prompting legislative changes. In 2013, the body of 21-year-old Hanna Harris was found near the Lame Deer rodeo grounds. While an official cause of death could not be determined, a couple from off the reservation, Eugenia Ann Rowland and Garrett Sidney Henderson Wadda, were sentenced for Harriss murder.

In 2019, then Gov. Steve Bullock signed Hannas Act into law, which allowed the state Department of Justice to assist in missing persons cases on Indian reservations. Harris' birthday remains a statewide day of mourning and protest for the friends and families of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Montana. On May 5 of this year, Harris would have been 21.

Among the agents assigned to investigate Harris murder in 2013 was a criminal investigator for the BIA Office of Justice Services on the Crow Indian Reservation, John Grinsell.

After serving in the U.S. Army for three years, Grinsell joined the BIA in the early 1990s and remained with the bureau for around 25 years. During that time, he worked on patrol as an investigator specializing in drug trafficking. He was also the chief of police for several years on the Northern Cheyenne and Blackfeet Indian reservations.

As a (BIA) patrolman, whats unique is that you have both tribal jurisdiction and federal jurisdiction, you respond to a variety of calls, Grinsell said. On the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, alcohol is illegal, and so a lot of them come from thatfrom the public intoxication to homicide.

On the reservation, Grinsell said, an entire shift can pass without a call. What exacerbates the problem with a lack of patrol officers is the distance any one officer might have to cover in a jurisdiction spanning 444,000 acres.

We have five outlying districts, the furthest one being 22 miles out, Grinsell said. So you get a call out there, and if youre the only one, that means your backup could also be as far as 22 miles away.

Grinsell returned home to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and a year of violence. It wasnt long after his return that he started lobbying for a role in law enforcement on the reservation. He joined other members of the Tribal Council in reaching out to the BIA, along with Montanas Congressional delegates for more people and more funding.

Tensions between the tribe and the BIA metastasized into two lawsuits, one of which is still ongoing. One lawsuit has the Northern Cheyenne Tribe demanding the BIA address their mounting public safety concerns. As recently as March 2022, according to reports included with the lawsuit, the BIA had only two patrol officers on duty during most shifts. In June of this year, a man was shot dead in Lame Deer. The Northern Cheyenne capital was placed on lockdown during the ensuing manhunt.

A lot of these issues are due to a lack of training, Grinsell said. To be an officer here is a nightmare because theres hardly any training, and you cant make any arrests because theres no arrest space.

The lawsuit alleged those officers who are on duty consistently show a lack of understanding of both tribal and federal law. Officers have also allegedly failed to properly investigate crimes, gather and store evidence, file police reports and some have even failed to appear for Tribal Court hearings. Cases that could have been charged and prosecuted as federal crimes, according to the lawsuit, have been squandered because of the BIA officers failure to investigate crimes or complete adequate police reports.

The (NCIS) formed because of a lack of investigations on the part of the BIA and the way the BIA was treating the tribe, Grinsell said. The Christy Woodenthigh case played a big part in that criticism.

Christy Rose Woodenthigh, a mother of three from Lame Deer, died of blunt force trauma after being struck by a vehicle in March 2020 on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. The man accused of hitting her was acquitted of an involuntary manslaughter charge when BIA agents testified at a trial in federal court that they did not follow protocols when investigating the case.

Thats why people here get frustrated, Grinsell said. Imagine if you were a victim, or the family or friend of a victim.

While tribal leadership has ambitions to assume total control of police work on the reservation, Grinsell said their first step was launching its own investigations service. Negotiations with the BIA to enter into a 638 contract, he said, were contentious. The 638 contract refers to the Indian Self-Determination Act of the 1970s, also known as Public Law 93-638. By utilizing the authority of the act, Indigenous tribes and nations can assume the funding and control of any program or service given to them by the federal government.

When the tribe submitted their funding request to the BIA for $1.2 million to establish NCIS, the BIA countered with $200,000. Grinsell and other tribal members had to take the bureau to federal court in a second lawsuit to squeeze out as much money as they could. The result was $500,000 to cover the salaries of two criminal investigators, an administrative assistant and equipment.

The tribe really is not asking for cash, he said. The tribe is asking for some basic law enforcement.

NCIS has settled into its role on the reservation and assisted in investigating several federal cases that ended with prison sentences. Grinsell said at any time he might have as many as 30 or more ongoing cases, which include child abuse to assault to domestic violence. In working with BIA patrol officers, Grinsell said those on shift have been a great help to him in his investigations, and he's been happy to help patrol officers on the reservation whenever they call him. Beyond his responsibilities as head of the NCIS, Grinsell said he wants to see the agency expand its partnerships, particularly in investigating cases of missing persons.

A lot of our people end up going missing in Billings, and I want to curb that. No offense to the Billings Police Department, but theyre strapped. I think we could absolutely lend them a hand in missing persons cases eventually, he said.

Over the past several months, and another round of negotiations with the BIA, the tribe is preparing to take another step toward managing its own law enforcement. Grinsell said seven local tribal members will take over dispatching services on the reservation. Once those positions are confirmed by a funding agreement, he said, the next step will be bringing on more NCIS criminal investigators.

"We go forward, because this is our home," Grinsell said.
The Grace Episcopal Church Mission & Outreach team has been granted a much-needed boost in their effort to improve the menstrual health of young women in our community.

The Burke Womens Fund at the Community Foundation of Burke County, a charitable organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women in Burke County, awarded a generous $5,000 grant to the churchs outreach program. The grant will predominantly be used to provide feminine hygiene products to young women through Burke United Christian Ministries, as well as through local middle and high schools. This will uphold the dignity of women experiencing period poverty, a term denoting lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. The initial funds will provide for 600 feminine hygiene bags and 1,200 pairs of undergarments that will be distributed to women, and especially young women, in the community.

Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products not only adversely impacts the physical well-being of women and girls, but can also result in increased absences from work and school, reduced self-esteem, and limited academic opportunities. Grace Episcopal Church and the Burke Womens Fund recognize the urgency of addressing this issue and seek to bring about change through this new partnership.

In the award grant letter sent to the Grace Episcopal Mission & Outreach team, Nancy Taylor, president and CEO of the Burke Womens Fund, said that she looks forward to a continuing partnership.

The grant from the Burke Womens Fund will empower the Grace Episcopal Church Mission & Outreach team to establish a sustainable program that ensures a consistent supply of feminine care products to young women in the greater Morganton area. The team has closely coordinated their efforts with local school counselors to identify the specic needs and tailor their support accordingly.

Local educators have praised the Burke Womens Fund for its vision and commitment to uplifting women in the community. Dakota Duncan, a 7th grade teacher at Table Rock Middle School and member of the Grace Mission & Outreach team, said, A number of my students come to me often to ask if they can get hygiene products from friends or counselors. This is a basic need, which, not secured, can reduce their classroom instruction time by several hours each year. I can only imagine the courage required to ask for this kind of help in the middle of a school day, which is why I am glad to play a small part in this effort to empower young women to fully access their education.

The Burke Womens Fund, created in 2009, has been an instrumental force in supporting womens causes in Burke County. Since its inception, the fund has awarded over $370,000 to local nonprots that support local women and their families. The organization previously has funded projects related to health, education, economic empowerment, and leadership development for women across all age groups.

Trish Keene and Kathy Peters, who worked together to spearhead the effort for the Grace Mission team, have expressed incredible gratitude both for the initial grant and for the additional ideas and funding it has garnered along its way. Kathy is especially excited about the fact each bag will contain a personal note of encouragement from a caring member of the community. Keene, for her part, is dedicated to upholding the dignity of women in the community and looks forward to the future potential of the initiative. Both women are looking forward to providing educational resources and conversation spaces to reduce social stigma around period poverty and ensure that all women have their basic health needs met.

The Rev. Dr. Marshall Jolly, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, applauded the creative solution and the leadership of the Mission & Outreach Committee, saying, This is what serving others as Christ serves us is all about.

As the Grace Episcopal Church Mission & Outreach team begins to implement the project, the community is anticipating positive changes and enhanced community participation and involvement. With the support of the Burke Womens Fund, many local citizens are determined to make a signicant difference in the lives of women.
The Napa Valley Unified School District announced Friday that it will drop its lawsuit against American Canyon.

The district, which runs public schools in American Canyon and the city of Napa, had been sued by the Watson Ranch community's developer in 2022 over a dispute involving school impact fees for residential development. Those two parties resolved their differences in June.

But NVUSD amid that lawsuit sued American Canyon for not collecting the impact fees before issuing Watson Ranch building permits. American Canyon officials said the city had no choice, given prior agreements the Watson Ranch developer had with both the school district and the city.

Both sides voiced their frustration.

First and foremost, the city of American Canyon is clearly violating the law and prioritizing the needs of developers over the needs of children in the community, school district Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti said in March.

American Canyon City Manager Jason Holley in June said the districts decision to settle with Watson Ranch developers and still sue American Canyon defied logic.

Napa school district, Watson Ranch developer settle dispute over American Canyon school fees American Canyon's Watson Ranch developer and the Napa Valley Unified School District have settled a legal dispute.

The NVUSD's board of education recently authorized dismissal of the lawsuit against the city.

The decision was prompted by recent actions of the city, which have adequately addressed the districts concerns, the district said in a statement.

In particular, NVUSD pointed to the American Canyon City Councils Aug. 15 approval of the 216-home Promontory subdivision on 57 acres in Watson Ranch.

Prior to the issuance of each building permit, the applicant shall provide a receipt or proof of exemption for Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) facility fees, reads one condition of approval.

Also, American Canyon officials told the district that the city won't issue building permits outside of Watson Ranch before developers prove they've paid school impact fees, the district's news release said.

Based on these events and representations, the district is pleased to be able to conclude litigation, the statement reads.

American Canyon City Manager Jason Holley on Saturday issued a response from the city.

"We reviewed the districts website and noticed a new message related to this topic. To date, American Canyon has not received anything official from the district, but late yesterday our respective attorneys exchanged messages on the matter," Holley said.

"The districts litigation against American Canyon was unfounded from the beginning and became legally moot several months ago. American Canyon has always followed the law and will continue to do so irrespective of the litigation.

"American Canyon recently filed a response with the court, and further legal proceedings are imminent. It appears the district now agrees with American Canyon and is poised to drop its lawsuit instead. Assuming district counsel completes the necessary paperwork in a timely manner, then this matter may finally be behind us."

Watson Ranch is a 309-acre project designed to include more than 1,200 homes, a town center in the ruins of a cement plant dating back to the early 1900s, a hotel, parks and amphitheaters.

Most of the land is being developed by American Canyon I LLC. That is the development group that sued the school district over school impact fees after district leaders jettisoned plans for a Watson Ranch elementary school and a second middle school for American Canyon.

Promontory is on the 57 acres of Watson Ranch owned by Newell Family Interests. Newell Family Interests wasnt involved in the lawsuits.

PHOTOS: American Canyon defeats Vintage in a girls volleyball matchup
74 films to be screened in Armenia during 19th Rolan International Film Festival for Children and Youth

Azerbaijan pledges guarantees to Karabakh Armenians after its blockade, genocide

Karabakh ombudsman: Who needs forums, lengthy speeches if international community fails to prevent genocides?

UNICEF Armenia: Next batch of humanitarian aid sent to Syunik Province

Central Bank of Armenia reduces refinancing rate by 0.25 points, sets it at 9.5%

Martin Schuepp: Red Cross is helping people left in Karabakh

Finance minister: Armenia economic growth potential currently estimated at 5.5%

Armenia official: The money we were allocating to Karabakh should be enough to fund all programs

Parliament deputy speaker: Armenia has no contender in high tech

Newspaper: Karabakh army handed over ammunition not to Azerbaijan, but to Russian side

Canada ambassador about sanctions on Azerbaijan: There is also dispute within Armenia regarding them

Audi Q6 e-tron launch delayed until at least Spring 2024

Armenia Investigative Committee official: 8 of 16 persons captured by Azerbaijan are Karabakh leadership members

4.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Turkey

14 individuals were tortured, and 64 died on the move from Nagorno Karabakh. Foreign Ministry spokesperson

Council of Europe to prepare package of measures in response to refugee influx in Armenia

Mher Grigoryan and EU Ambassador exchanged ideas on regional developments

Minister of Defence had a meeting with the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of PRC

Yeremyan Projects has launched the regional first livestock complex in Tashir community

Rights of Karabakhs imprisoned former leadership are protected, Azerbaijan ombudsperson claims

Finance ministry: Armenia economic growth target will be maintained at 7% level in 2024

Elnur Mammadov: Most points in peace treaty have been agreed upon by Azerbaijan, Armenia

Statement: Alma-Ata Declaration has no mention of former union republics of ex-USSR

Dollar drops, euro rises in Armenia

Armenia defense sector capital spending planned in amount of around $1.4 billion in 2024

Lawyer: Maestro Sergey Smbatyan is acquitted

Premier: Armenia defense spending planned to be increased by 125% in 2024 compared to 2018

Armenia, Ukraine officials underscore Pashinyan-Zelenskyy first meeting

ReA15: 300 animation films, 30 guests from 40 countries, around 500 audience; Armenia international festival summed up

Russias Makhachkala airport resumes operations

Armenia's Pashinyan: There is serious progress in North-South motorway construction

Around 12kg narcotics attempted to be smuggled into Armenia from Iran

Armenia finance minister: Considerable part of 2.6 billion to be provided by EU is loan

Armenia official: We will not increase pensions, minimum wages in 2024

Armenia finance minister: National debt of more than $10 billion is safe

Pashinyan: Armenia government expects 7% economic growth in 2023

COAF secures 10M grant to transform education in Armenia's Syunik Province

RFE/RL: US supports EU monitoring mission in Armenia, embassy says

Hurricane Otis kills at least 48 people in Mexico

$135M to be allocated for needs of those forcibly displaced from Karabakh, Armenia PM says

Armenia nationals can now open bank accounts in Russia in simplified manner

Armenia MFA former spox shares video of Russian peacekeepers withdrawal from Karabakh

202-million-year-old dragonfly fossil discovered in UK

Armenia premier: I hope arrangements for opening border with Turkey will be implemented in near future

Pashinyan: Current world orders collapse is serious threat to Armenia

Armenia labor, social affairs minister is in Iran, memorandum to be signed on highly qualified workforce exchange

Armenia PM: 3 main principles of signing peace treaty with Azerbaijan have been agreed upon

Armenia defense minister attends Beijing Xiangshan Forum opening ceremony in China (PHOTOS)

Biden, Netanyahu discuss ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza

Arab, Muslim users of social media unhappy with ongoing supply of oil from Azerbaijan to Israel

Attempts are being made to destabilize situation in Russias Dagestan from outside, leader Melikov says

20 people injured, 2 in critical condition after mass riots at Russias Makhachkala airport

Kamala Harris: US has no plans of sending combat troops to Israel, Gaza

Russia researchers develop water evaluation system using smartphones

Russias Makhachkala airport closed until November 6

France releases city electric cars that can be driven without driver's license

Thugs attack bus carrying women, children in Russias Makhachkala

Anti-Israel protest in Russias Dagestan, crowd storms into Makhachkala airport

Slovenia donates 120,000, through Red Cross, to forcibly displaced people from Karabakh

Overall 3342 children died in Gaza since start of war

Israel bombs areas near Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza

Palestinian Red Crescent: Israel demands evacuation of Gaza hospital

UN peacekeeper wounded in Lebanese shelling

Israel Armenians newspaper: Situation in Israel still difficult

Iran President: Zionists were defeated, forced to retreat

Death toll of Palestinians in Gaza exceeds 8000

Azerbaijani Defense Minister also visits China

Israeli airstrikes on two houses in Gaza kill 13 civilians

Israeli army names main priority

UN Secretary General criticizes Israel again

Building of Jewish cultural center is set on fire in Russia

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting

Russian MoD: Crimea was attacked by 36 Ukrainian drones at night

Armenian Defence Minister leaves for China

Forcibly displaced teachers from Artsakh can continue work in Armenia

Death toll of mine accident in Kazakhstan reaches 42

Israeli PM deletes controversial post from social media, apologizes

Israeli opposition leader, National Security Minister criticize PM

At least 331 Israeli soldiers killed since start of war with Hamas

Baku arrests Iranian spies who wanted to create Kerime state in Azerbaijan
Newly-appointed Gary Diocese superintendent of schools Colleen Brewer, on right, speaks with Andrean High School students during their lunch break on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

Colleen Brewers eyes light up as she praises Indianas expansive school voucher program thats made nearly every Hoosier family eligible to qualify for state support to send their children to private schools.

The new superintendent of the Diocese of Garys 20 schools arrived this summer from Chicago with an appreciation of Indiana lawmakers generosity. Illinois, a Democratic state with a strong Chicago Teachers Union, doesnt have a private school voucher program.

Advertisement

A rock-solid GOP state, Indianas voucher program has rejuvenated Diocese of Gary school enrollment at nearly every school. Brewer estimated its up about 4% over last years enrollment of about 6,100 students in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties.

Newly-appointed Gary Diocese superintendent of schools Colleen Brewer speaks with Andrean High School students during their lunch break on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

Brewer said Indianas CHOICE voucher program was one of the compelling reasons she applied for the job.

Advertisement

It opens up the doors for so many families, schools can be unlimited. That was really interesting to me and working with a diocese that wants schools to thrive, she said.

Brewer, who joined the Diocese of Gary in July, replaced Joseph Majchrowicz, who retired. She was recommended by a search committee, but in the end Bishop Robert J. McClory endorsed the hiring based on her qualifications.

Her desire to serve our Lord through her passion for Catholic school education is evident not only in her experience, but in her enthusiasm for exploring what more can be done. She will be a welcome addition to our leadership team, he said in a statement.

Newly-appointed Gary Diocese superintendent of schools Colleen Brewer, on left, stands with Andrean High School principal Jaycob Knazur as they speak with students duiring lunch break on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

Brewer, a native of Glenwood, Illinois, grew up in Catholic schools, graduating from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights in 1992.

She received a bachelors degree in secondary education with a minor in religious studies from the University of Dayton where she played softball. She received a masters in education instructional leadership from Loyola University in Chicago.

Shes now working on her education doctorate from Loyola and expects to complete it by next year.

Most recently, she served as principal at Chicagos Resurrection College Prep High School.

Newly-appointed Gary Diocese superintendent of schools Colleen Brewer, center, speaks with Andrean High School students during their lunch break on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

She also spent three years as regional director for the Archdiocese of Chicago, overseeing 10 schools.

Advertisement

Typically, Brewer said she spends about three days a week in her office at the diocesan headquarters in Merrillville and two days in schools. This week, shes spent time at Andrean and Marquette high schools.

Shes also begun a relationship with Valparaiso University in a potential career pathways biotech program.

Education in the Diocese of Gary is only centralized at the high school level with Brewer having direct supervision over its three high schools.

Newly-appointed Gary Diocese superintendent of schools Colleen Brewer speaks with Andrean High School students during their lunch break on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

Elementary schools are individually run by each parish priest, council and principal.

The individual approach is good, they do know their schools well but sometimes we overlap our resources with all the schools working on the same thing, she said.

In those cases, Brewer said shell step in and suggest a way to streamline the process.

Advertisement

We all need to be mindful of our resources, she said.

A few elementary schools dont have air conditioning, but the decision to invest in the improvement would be up to each parish, she said.

We just have old buildings, thats a reality. If you have to upgrade all the electrical, sometimes its just not feasible. Local leadership knows their needs and can choose and prioritize that.

Newly-appointed Gary Diocese superintendent of schools Colleen Brewer, on right, speaks with Andrean High School students during their lunch break on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune)

The diocesan schools strong academic history was another selling point for Brewer, she said.

Last year, St. Paul in Valparaiso, received a 2022 National Blue Ribbon award, reflective of strong achievement on standardized tests.

Brewer is spending her first year listening to stakeholders and learning about the district.

Advertisement

We want to remove barriers and put in best practices for kids and families, she said.

For now, theres no news on possible new schools such as a long-rumored move for Andrean from Merrillville to Crown Point.

Parents, however, have greeted Brewer warmly.

Im hearing optimism and words of hope from parents. Theyre excited about school choice and the growth in opportunities.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
23:43





He also claimed the early-morning swearing-in of Ajit Pawar as deputy chief minister under Devendra Fadnavis as CM after the last assembly polls was a "googly" of Sharad Pawar.





After the Maharashtra assembly elections in 2019, Sharad Pawar held four meetings with BJP leaders in Delhi for government formation. The Shiv Sena (undivided) was acting pricey at that time. Pawar had even told our leaders not to worry, Mahajan, a confidant of Fadnavis, told reporters in Nashik.





He said Sharad Pawar had always blamed the BJP for the government formed by Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, which lasted for 80 hours.





"But all along, it was the Pawar senior who was calling the shots. He was accompanied by Ajit Pawar in one of the (four) meetings (in Delhi) with BJP leaders....Sharad Pawar can never deny this," he claimed.





Mahajan added that Sharad Pawar is traditionally known for back-stabbing.





"This time, he did it with the BJP. It was Pawar's googly," he claimed.





Mahajan said post-2014, many political events took place in Maharashtra and the NCP had an important role to play in them.





"After the early morning swearing-in ceremony (of Ajit Pawar and Fadnavis), Sharad Pawar said it was the BJP's move but it was his own googly. He has a tradition of doing such things," he claimed.





After the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party broke their alliance after the 2019 assembly polls, in a surprise move, Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar joined hands to form the government, which, however, collapsed in 80 hours.





The Shiv Sena (undivided) then joined hands with the NCP and Congress to form Maha Vikas Aghadi government under Uddhav Thackeray.





Ajit Pawar joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government as deputy CM in July this year, while 8 MLAs of NCP took oath as ministers.

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan on Monday claimed NCP chief Sharad Pawar held four meetings with BJP leaders in New Delhi after the 2019 assembly polls for the formation of a government in the state but eventually "back-stabbed" BJP.
Morocco rescuers scour rubble for quake survivors

Another coffin is brought down from the mountains in the province of Al-Haouz. Photo: AP

Using heavy equipment and even their bare hands, rescuers in Morocco on Sunday stepped up efforts to find survivors of a devastating earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people and flattened villages.



The first foreign rescuers flew in to help after the North African country's strongest-ever quake killed at least 2,012 people and injured more than 2,000, many seriously, according to the official figures.



Friday's 6.8-magnitude quake struck 72 kilometres southwest of the tourist hub of Marrakesh, wiping out entire villages in the hills of the Atlas mountains.



On Sunday an aftershock of magnitude 4.5 rattled already-traumatised residents in the same region.



The mountain village of Tafeghaghte, 60 kilometres from Marrakesh, was almost entirely destroyed, with very few buildings still standing.



Amid the debris, civilian rescuers and members of Morocco's armed forces searched for survivors and the bodies of the dead.



Witnesses saw them recover one body from the ruins of a house. Four others were still buried there, residents said.



"Everyone is gone! My heart is broken. I am inconsolable," cried Zahra Benbrik, 62, who said she had lost 18 relatives, with only the body of her brother still trapped.



"I want them to hurry and get him out so I can mourn in peace," she said.



Many houses in remote mountain villages were built from mud bricks.



In the village of Amizmiz, near Tafeghaghte, a backhoe dragged away the heaviest pieces of rubble before rescuers dug into the dusty debris with their bare hands to remove a body that appeared to be under a quilt.



The two villages lie in Al-Haouz province, site of the quake epicentre, which suffered the most deaths, 1,293, followed by Taroudant province with 452 lives lost, authorities reported.



Citizens on Sunday rushed to hospitals in Marrakesh to donate blood to help the injured.



Spain's defence ministry said an A400 airlifter took off from Zaragoza with 56 rescuers and four search dogs headed for Marrakesh to "help in the search and rescue of survivors."



"We will send whatever is needed because everyone knows that these first hours are key, especially if there are people buried under rubble," Defence Minister Margarita Robles told Spanish public television. (AFP)
G20 members must lead by example in delivering on the promises on financing they made for the cause of climate mitigation, besides supporting the strengthening of Multilateral Development Banks, said International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Speaking at the concluding session of the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi on Sunday, the IMF chief said it has so far secured USD 40 billion to support vulnerable countries through Resilience and Sustainability Trust to build climate resilience. Climate finance typically refers to any financing that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change.At the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) in Copenhagen in 2009, developed countries had collectively committed to mobilising USD 100 billion per year by 2020 for climate action in developing countries. The goal was formalised at COP16 in Cancun, and at COP21 in Paris, it was reiterated and extended to 2025. Our one and only earth is threatened by existential climate change. Ahead of COP28, we must raise ambition to decisively reduce emissions to prevent grave risks to economic wellbeing and macro-financial stability, she said. Excerpts of her statement were made available on IMF website.She further noted that transforming the ambition into reality will require large investments both from the international community and the private sector, as well as an appropriate price for carbon.G20 members must lead by example in delivering on the promises of USD 100 billion per year for climate finance, supported by strengthening the Multilateral Development Banks, Georgieva said.The IMF Director said she requested countries to mobilize domestic resources to finance and manage the green transition through tax reforms, effective and efficient public spending, and strong fiscal institutions. (ANI)
Several pictures and videos circulated online in which Stallone is seen greeting the Pope.

A video of the meeting shared by Vatican News shows Stallone and Francis quickly throwing some fake punches with each other as the Pope told the actor he is a big fan of his career, Variety reported.

Well, thank you very much for taking time from your busy day, Stallone told the Pope while introducing him to his family. We appreciate this very much.

I am honored, the Pope said to Stallones surprise. We grew up with your films.

Well Im honored, too, Stallone replied while channeling Rocky and pumping his fists. Ready? We box.

Stallones visit to the Vatican took place ahead of his new Netflix documentary world premiering on the closing night of the Toronto Film Festival on September 16.

Directed by Thom Zimny ("Springsteen on Broadway, Elvis Presley: The Searcher), the documentary, titled Sly, is billed as an intimate and unexpected look at the early life of the action star, as well as a reflection on his decade-spanning career. (ANI)
Taking to Instagram, RajKummar dropped an adorable image with his wife Patralekhaa. The snap shows them twinning in blue denim jackets.

"US @patralekhaa," he captioned the post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxAlCbYNYyS/?hl=en

Seems like the couple is on a vacation as the particular love-filled picture was captured on a foreign street.

As soon as RajKummar shared the image, netizens chimed in the comment section and showered love on the couple.

"Beautiful," a social media user commented.

Actors Bhumi Pednekar and Diana Penty dropped red heart emojis in the comment section.

Be it at a promotional event or on social media, the two have been shelling out couple goals ever since they tied the knot on November 15, 2021, in an intimate ceremony in Chandigarh. They worked together for the first time in Patralekhaa's debut Bollywood film 'Citylights' in 2014. (ANI)

Meanwhile, on the work front, RajKummar was recently seen in the series Guns & Gulaabs which is streaming on the OTT platform Netflix. He will be next seen in Mr and Mrs Mahi opposite Janhvi Kapoor.

Patralekhaa will be seen in 'Phule', which is based on the remarkable lives of social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and his wife Dnyanajyoti Savitribai Phule. (ANI)
Several Bollywood celebrities heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his "leadership" after the successful conduct of the G20 Leaders' Summit in the national capital. The summit, hosted under India's presidency of the G20, was attended by heads of state and delegates from across the world. The event, for which the city was decked up over days, was held at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam at Delhi's Pragati Maidan. Taking to his official handle on X, formerly Twitter, actor Akshay Kumar commended PM Modi while sharing his "discussion video" at the G20 summit. https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1700884969902809103 One Earth, One Family, One Future. What a splendid way to mark a historic #G20Summit. Bharats leadership has proved that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is the reality of the new world order. As proud Indians, we hold our heads high today. Thank you Modi jithanks everyone who made us feel on top of the world. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat," he posted. Veteran actor Anupam Kher posted in Hindi, "Respected Prime Minister @narendramodi sir! Many congratulations to the Government of India and, especially, to you for the successful organization of #G20BharatSummit . You have made 140 crore Indians proud! With simplicity, determination and humility, you showed everyone how India has the potential to lead the world. The two-day event was conducted with dignity, grace and precision! Thank you for making us feel so proud. Jai Bharat! https://twitter.com/AnupamPKher/status/1700887619746591112 Filmmaker Karan Johar also took to his Instagram story to post, "Many congratulations to the honourable PM @narendramodi ji for a remarkable feat & success of the G2o presidency. A significant milestone in leading by example & fostering the values of unity for a better future. A moment of honour for all Indians under your leadership and the hope for - One Earth, One Family, One Future. Announcing the closing of the G20 summit on Sunday, PM Modi proposed a virtual session of the bloc in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation. As you all know, India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and mooted proposals. It is our duty to see how progress could be achieved on these suggestions, PM Modi said. "I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of the G20. We can review the topics decided in this summit in that virtual session. I hope you will connect with us during the virtual session. With this, I declare the conclusion of the G20 summit," he added. Before declaring that the summit closed, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of (G20) Presidency," PM Modi said. While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will assume the mantle after India. India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year at the summit in Bali and will continue to hold it till the end of November. The New Delhi Declaration was adopted by G20 leaders on Saturday, the first day of the summit. Notably, throughout Indias presidency, raising the voice of Global South and the developing nations was at the forefront of New Delhis agenda. Indias theme for the G20 Presidency was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to One Earth One Family One Future. PM Modi stated that India's G20 Presidency has become a symbol of inclusion both inside and outside the country, adding that it became Peoples G20 and crores of Indians were connected with it. A major and historic takeaway of Indias presidency of the G20 Summit was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the grouping. Akshay is flying high on the success of his recently released drama OMG 2, with Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam also featuring in lead roles. The actor, on his 56th birthday, treated hisfans to the first poster of his upcoming comedy Welcome To The Jungle. He will be next seen in Mission Raniganj: The Grand Bharat Rescue alongside Parineeti Chopra. The film is all set to hit the theatres on October 6. Apart from this, Akshay will also be seen in the Hindi remake of the Tamil drama 'Soorarai Pottru' , which is all set to hit the theatres on February 16, 2024. He also has an action-thriller, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, alongside Tiger Shroff and Housefull 5 in his kitty. Kher, on the other hand, was recently seen in the Extraction series, 'The Freelancer. He will be next seen in The Vaccine War. The first look posters of 'The Vaccine War' cast were unveiled on Saturday and the film will be released on September 28. Kher also shared the look of his character from his 528th film, Telugu drama, 'Tiger Nageswara Rao'. 'Tiger Nageswara Rao' is a period film set in the 1970s based on real incidents around notorious and courageous thief (Ravi Teja) and the people of Stuartpuram. Written and directed by Vamsee, the film is produced by Abhishek Agarwal under the Abhishek Agarwal Arts banner and presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal. (ANI)
Recognising that you have glaucoma might be challenging. According to a study, more than 5 per cent of people over the age of 70 had glaucoma, and 50 per cent of those people were unaware of their illness. A common eye condition called glaucoma damages the optic nerve and subsequently the field of vision. Glaucoma can, in its most severe forms, result in blindness. Lena Havstam Johansson, a PhD candidate at the University of Gothenburg and a specialised nurse at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, conducted the study. According to the study, 4.8 per cent of the 560 study participants who had their eyes evaluated by eye doctors developed glaucoma. Of those who were diagnosed with glaucoma via the study, 15 people or 2.7pc of all participants were unaware that they had the disease before being examined, says Lena Havstam Johansson. So half of those who turned out to have glaucoma were diagnosed because they took part in the study. For those who were newly diagnosed, the discovery of the disease meant they could start treatment with daily eye drops that lower the pressure in the eye and slow down the damage to the optic nerve. Compared to people without the disease those with glaucoma had similar levels of physical activity and did not smoke more, or drink more alcohol. They rated their overall quality of life as being just as good as others, they were not more tired or more depressed. This was a positive surprise and was a finding that I hope can bring comfort to many people who have been diagnosed with glaucoma. Its hard to live with a disease that gradually impairs vision, but life can still be good in many ways. By contrast, people with glaucoma reported that their vision-related quality of life was poorer. Its harder to climb stairs, see curbs in the evening, and notice things in your peripheral vision. This means that people with glaucoma may avoid visiting others or going to restaurants or parties, and instead stay at home. They lose their independence, and may feel frustrated about it. The research was carried out as part of the H70 study, examining the health of older people, which has been conducted at the University of Gothenburg for fifty years. The H70 study continuously invites all 70-year-olds born in a certain year in Gothenburg to attend several comprehensive physical and cognitive examinations. The 1,203 70-year-olds included in the glaucoma study were born in 1944. For these studies, almost everyone (1,182 people) answered written questions about their eye health and the presence of glaucoma in their family. Eye specialists at Sahlgrenska University Hospital also examined 560 of the participants. The research confirms that there are hereditary factors behind the disease, as those diagnosed with glaucoma were more likely to have a close relative with the same diagnosis. The results also confirm that glaucoma involves higher eye pressure, although they also show that the majority of those who were newly diagnosed still had normal eye pressure. During the early stages of the disease, the healthy eye can compensate for the loss of vision, meaning that many people believe their vision is as good as before. These studies confirm that glaucoma often does not initially involve a loss of visual acuity, which may make it harder to detect the disease. The results have been published in two articles in the journal Acta Ophthalmologica. (ANI)
Quoting, Moroccan state media, Al Jazeera said, "At least 1,037 have been killed and 1,200 injured in the quake."

Anearthquakeof magnitude 6.8 on the Richter scale hit 56 km W of Oukamedene, Morocco late on Friday night, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

Meanwhile, the efforts to clear roads for search and rescue operations are underway.

Theearthquaketook place at 03:41:01 (UTC+05:30) at a depth of 18.5 km. The magnitude of theearthquakecaused pulses to travel from Sidi Ifni in the south to Rabat in the north and beyond.

The epicentre is 72 kilometres west of Marrakesh, a major economic centre.

According to Al Jazeera, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Department (AFAD) says it has placed two hundred and sixty-five members of medical, relief, and search and rescue agencies on alert, in case it receives a distress call from Morocco.

It says a thousand tents have been allocated to be transported to Morocco if they receive a request from the authorities in Rabat.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the quake.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to anearthquakein Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.

Videos and pictures shared on social media showed mountains of rubble and dust clouds as walls gave way to theearthquake's intensity. In other posts, frightened locals could be seen fleeing into the street and out of nearby buildings in search of safety. (ANI)
A man is facing several felony charges  including attempted murder  for allegedly trying to run over a couple, then pinning their friend between two vehicles, according to an affidavit.

De Arieus Kindred, 37, of Indianapolis, was charged Aug. 31. He has not been apprehended, according to online court records. He is ordered held at the Lake County Jail without bail.

Advertisement

The woman claimed Kindred  her drug dealer, who sold her marijuana vapes  was increasingly obsessed and stalking her. He is charged with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of stalking, four counts of battery by means of a deadly weapon, and three counts of criminal recklessness.

The affidavit appears to detail several inconsistencies in witness accounts and doesnt clearly say how Kindred  who ran from the crash site  was able to evade arrest.

Advertisement

Merrillville Police were called around 5:45 a.m. Aug. 22 to the 6000 block of Tyler Place after someone called 911, then hung up.

There, they found the womans red Chevrolet Malibu parked in a driveway. It was damaged on the front end, and down the drivers side.

She told officers Dearieus, a man she met two months ago, had started sending her alarming and stalker-ish texts, according to the affidavit. It had escalated recently. He was jealous of other men and said they were soulmates, according to court documents.

Im done being played like this, he wrote in one text.

Kindred had chased the couple a few days earlier as they drove to the beach, she said. He also sent her threatening texts saying he would call the Indiana Department of Child Services to have her kids taken away. She met him through a relative who regularly bought drugs from him. They were not intimate, she said.

The woman said she parked her car around the corner, so Kindred wouldnt know she was home. Others  her boyfriend and friend  said she was having problems with her childrens father, a different man altogether.

That morning, she and her boyfriend walked to get the car. The friend followed and was four houses behind them.

As the couple walked to the car, close to the curb, Kindred drove right at them in a blue Chevrolet Equinox with Alabama plates.

Advertisement

The woman jumped out of the way. The boyfriend appeared to roll up on the hood. The friend ran to the SUV and banged on the window.

Kindred put the car in park and the friend was able to open the door and restrain him. The drivers seat was reclined back. The boyfriend jumped in the back drivers side to help so the friend could get out.

The friend tried to get to the womans car when Kindred hit him, rolling on the hood, then got pinned between their vehicles.

As Kindred drove toward them again, the friend threw a landscaping brick at the SUV. Kindreds vehicle crashed into the retaining wall and got stuck there. Kindred then took a metal rake, then tried to fight the friend with it. Kindred ran back toward a relatives house.

Witnesses on the block heard arguing or saw the crashs aftermath.

As the couple were later at the police station being interviewed, Kindreds girlfriend  who owned the wrecked SUV  went there, hoping to get her stuff. Her relative  who lived on the next block as the crash  called her to get the SUV.

Advertisement

The girlfriend told police that she thought all three  the female victim, her boyfriend and the friend  were harassing Kindred.

If anything, the woman was calling Kindred for drugs, she alleged.

The woman likely owed him money, the girlfriend said. In the past, the woman gave him a watch when she didnt have enough cash.

She didnt know Kindred was stalking the woman, according to the affidavit. The girlfriend also said there was a pistol inside the SUV that she bought in Alabama, that Kindred didnt know was there. Investigators never found it. They did find Kindreds Indiana Department of Corrections ID card and an alleged crack pipe in the SUV, according to court documents.

The girlfriend said she let Kindred borrow her vehicle. Police later learned she reported it stolen the day before.

Police learned Kindred claimed he was having sex with the female victim, when the group  she, her boyfriend and the friend  were hanging out.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of world leaders, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India Hardeep Singh Puri has said that it is a moment for celebration and rejoicing, adding that India has set a target of achieving 20 percent biofuels blending by 2025. I can tell you as someone who has been associated with the ethanol and biofuels story for something like a decade and a half, today is a historic day. A moment for celebration and rejoicing, because the Global Biofuels Alliance, has just been announced by the Prime Minister, who along with other world leaders, including two of the world's major biofuel producers-the United States and Brazil and others who are consuming and producing countries of biofuels. 19 countries in all and 12 international organisations have got together to form the International Biofuels Alliance," he said. The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency. Hardeep Singh Puri further elaborated about the targets India had for biofuels and said that upto 2014, we had only 1.5 percent of biofuels blending in our fuels. Up to 2014, with all the efforts, we had only 1.5 percent of biofuels blending in our fuels. Today, I can tell you with a great sense of satisfaction and pride that E20 blended fuel is being marketed in over 4000 retail points in India. We had a target of 10 percent of biofuel blending, which we wanted to achieve by November 2022. Its an open fact that we were able to achieve the target five months before the decided date. We had a target of 20 percent biofuels blending by 2030, thanks to the decisive steps taken by the Modi government, we were able to bring that target date from 2030 to 2025, Hardeep Singh Puri said. I am very happy to inform you that 12 percent blending is already been done and we are already producing 560 crore litres of ethanol which are available for acquisitions, and marketing, Hardeep Singh Puri added. Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries. This Alliance will be aimed at facilitating cooperation and intensifying the use of sustainable biofuels, including in the transportation sector. It will place emphasis on strengthening markets, facilitating global biofuels trade, developing concrete policy lesson-sharing and providing technical support for national biofuels programs worldwide. From now on, there is a lot of work to be done in terms of international cooperation between the consuming countries and the producing ones. As the leaders said, we wanted to triple the amount of biofuels in our fuel mix by 2030. Biofuels have a great contribution to make in the journey to sustainability, on the environment front and in countries like India, on the agricultural front too, Hardeep Singh Puri added. GBA will be a competent organisation that will set technical standards for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) business in collaboration with relevant industry bodies. The alliance will have a three-category membership structure bringing together member countries, partner organisations and industries. Nineteen countries agreed to stand with India as initiating members of the Global Biofuels Alliance. (ANI)
Ahead of the crucial Day 2 of the G20 Summit security has been stepped up in parts of the national capital on Sunday. According to the Delhi Traffic Police alert, "Police Controlled Zone 2 has been implemented and consequently, buses will not operate on Ring Road between ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Sarai Kale Khan. Buses will operate on the remaining stretch of Ring Road and the road network beyond Ring Road towards the borders of Delhi." Due to traffic regulations in connection with the G20 Summit, commuters travelling to the Airport were requested to take Rao Tula Ram Marg instead of Dhaula Kuan, the alert further stated. It also informed that the other traffic regulations which are already in place since 08.09.23 will continue to remain in force. From empty roads to blocked mobile networks, top-tier security formed the backdrop of the inaugural day of the G20 meeting in Delhi where leaders from across the globe gathered under one roof to attend the G20 meeting at Bharat Mandapam on Saturday. To ensure watertight security during the gathering, the city was declared a no-fly zone and mobile signals at the venue were jammed to prevent any breaches, the security establishment left no stone unturned while also balancing the vigil with passenger convenience. The traffic management plan prepared for the big ticket summit in the Delhi-NCR area has been implemented since 9 pm on September 7 and will continue till the mega event is over. Meanwhile, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) Rishi Sunak visited Akshardham Temple in New Delhi on Sunday morning to offer prayers. Ahead of the UK Prime Minister's visit, elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple. The top delegates will visit Rajghat today to pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi and also plant a tree there. A live performance of Mahatma Gandhi's devotional songs has also been planned.(ANI)
As per the sources, the PM is likely to visit Pithoragarh, the border district of Uttarakhand, in the second week of October.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will visit the famous Narayan Ashram and will also have darshan and worship of Adi Kailash. PM will stay at Narayan Ashram on October 11, the source said.

On October 12, the Prime Minister will visit Adi Kailash located on the China border and will also visit Jeolikang in the Vyas Valley, it added.

The PM had visited the state last year in October where he offered prayers at Kedarnath Dham. (ANI)
In the picture shared by Stalin on his social media account X on Sunday, the Tamil Nadu CM can be seen shaking hands with Joe Biden.

In the photograph, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also can be seen.

However, amid a row over India vs Bharat name, the CM captioned the picture with Attended the #G20Dinner at Kaveri Table hosted by Hon'ble President of India @rashtrapatibhvn.

https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1700708832060850354

A total of 170 guests, including all the chief ministers of the Indian states were on the list of special invitees to the G20 dinner hosted by President Murmu in the national capital.

The event's host, President Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar with his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former President Ram Nath Kovind, and former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu joined the dinner party.

Apart from foreign leaders and heads of delegates, Chief ministers of all the states, cabinet, and state ministers, secretaries in the Central government, and other distinguished guests were invited to the gala dinner.

The G20 World Leaders Summit is being held from September 9 to 10 inNew Delhi at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam. (ANI)
Attended the #G20Dinner at Kaveri Table hosted by Hon'ble President of India @rashtrapatibhvn, posted Stalin who shared the picture on his social media account X.

https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1700708832060850354

The Tamil Nadu chief minister can be seen shaking hands with Joe Biden at the official dinner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also can be seen in the picture.

A total of 170 guests, including all the chief ministers of the Indian states were on the list of special invitees to Saturdays G20 dinner hosted by President Murmu in the national capital.

However, Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, Karnataka, Siddaramaiah and Chhattisgarh's Bhupesh Baghel did not attend the G20 dinner after Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge was not invited at the dinner of the mega event.

The event's host, President Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar with his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former President Ram Nath Kovind, and former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu joined the dinner party.

Apart from foreign leaders and heads of delegates, Chief ministers of all the states, cabinet, and state ministers, secretaries in the Central government, and other distinguished guests were invited to the gala dinner.

The two-day G20 World Leaders Summit is being held at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam in the national capital and will conclude today. (ANI)
JJP, the junior ally of the BJP in their coalition government, is holding the meeting to deliberate on the partys strategies for the Lok Sabha polls as well as Assembly elections in Rajasthan and Haryana.

According to the officials, the meeting will be held under the chairmanship of JJP National President Ajay Singh Chautala.

All the officials of the JJP's national and state executives, ministers, MLAs, chairman, all district presidents, all Halka Pradhans, state presidents and state in-charges of all cells, members of the state executive of all cells will be present at the meeting.

Topics including the strengthing of organization, organization expansion, upcoming Lok Sabha rallies, Sikar Rally will be discussed in detail in the meeting.

Various leaders including Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala, State President Sardar Nishan Singh, and Principal General Secretary Digvijay Singh Chautala will also participate in the meeting. (ANI)
Later, while speaking to the media here, Yogi Adityanath said that Ballabh Pant had laid the foundation of Uttar Pradesh as its first chief minister.

It is Govind Ballabh Pants birth anniversary today and on behalf of the state and people of the state, I pay my tributes to a great freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in the independence of the country during his college period. He laid the foundation of the state of Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi said after paying flower tribute to Pant at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow.

He also lauded the service of Ballabh Pant as Union Home Minister and the CM of Uttar Pradesh.

September 10 is marked the birth anniversary of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant who was an Indian freedom fighter. He played a key role in India's independence movement and later was a pivotal figure in the Indian Government.

Pant became the first Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister in 1950.

As the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, a Congress stalwart and leading figure in Indias freedom movement, is credited with providing a stable government and ensuring communal harmony in the state in post-Independence years.

Notably, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Pant abolished the zamindari system from the state.

In January 1955, Pant took oath as a Union Home Minister when Jawaharlal Nehru was the prime minister of the country.

In 1957, Pant was conferred with the Bharat Ratna the only UP CM to have been given the countrys highest civilian honour so far. (ANI)
The rejuvenation work of Shri Ram's city is going on at a fast pace under the Central and state government of Uttar Pradesh and the work is in full swing, an official release said. Along with the Central Government, the Yogi Government is also making efforts to provide various facilities to the devotees in the coming days. According to District Magistrate Nitish Kumar, all the works of Maryada Purushottam Shriram International Airport are to be done in three phases. For this, 100 per cent work of acquiring total 821 acres of land included in the project has been completed. Along with this, the runway work of phase-one of the airport has also been 100 per cent completed. Here, the work of CAT-1 and RESA facilities for night landing and landing in fog and mist has also been 100 per cent completed. Similarly, the work of ATC tower is also 100 per cent complete. According to the District Magistrate, the obstacles to the operation of the airport have been removed. Before operation of the airport by the Airport Authority of India aircraft, various components included in the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the airport such as localizer, glide path, marker, D.M.E. etc. calibration have also been done. The District Magistrate has inspected the under-construction terminal building and under-construction apron etc. During the inspection, Airport Authority officials informed that more than 78 per cent of the work of the terminal building has been completed and the remaining work is being done at a fast pace in two shifts daily. Along with this, he said that 100 per cent work of the parking facility for four aircraft on one apron is complete and the work of the parking facility for four aircraft on the other apron is being carried out rapidly. The District Magistrate gave instructions to get all the work done at a fast pace by deploying maximum human resources and machinery in all the shifts and to complete all the work in the required time. He said that there is a plan to start the operation of the airport this calendar year by meeting all the standards of airport operation. Director of Maryada Purushottam Shriram International Airport, Vinod Kumar said that the flights from here will be started from the month of November before the consecration program of Ramlala in the grand Ram temple. In the first phase, there is a plan to start flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. After this, considering the influx and demand of passengers, flights will be started to other big cities. The construction of the first phase of Ayodhya Airport will be completed by October next month. (ANI)
As another school year gets into full swing and summer comes to an end, we also celebrate International Underground Railroad Month.

September shines light on the National Park Services National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, created in 1998 to show the history of resistance to enslavement. The Network to Freedom features a verified, ongoing list of Underground Railroad sites, facilities and programs in the United States.

The scope of enslavement and the aftermath has been documented by Nikole Hannah-Jones 1619 Project and Reuters Slaverys Descendants series, among others. We wanted to spotlight Underground Railroad sites in Illinois, explore the histories surrounding them and provide travel details, while centering the stories of freedom seekers, formerly enslaved African Americans who escaped bondage in search of freedom in the United States and abroad.

Black history is American history. What started in 1619  when the first Africans were brought to America for enslavement  or earlier is neither new or forgotten. In the foreword of Unsung: Unheralded Narratives of American Slavery & Abolition, Kevin Young writes, Slavery wasnt all that long ago. Its lingering effects can be felt in everything from extrajudicial violence to police patrols, from unfounded attitudes about Black people to opportunities denied some 400 years after our ancestors arrival on these shores.

This project aims to reframe the narrative, to amplify the names and efforts of those who lived it and steer away from the lens of white abolitionists. By centering freedom seekers, we see their agency. To reach that goal, we toured the locations, spoke to members of historical societies, docents of landmarked areas, academics, historians and descendants of the enslaved.

Freedom seekers did not gain freedom because of the Underground Railroad; but through their actions, the idea of the Underground Railroad network came to be. In Free Black Communities and the Underground Railroad: The Geography of Resistance, author Cheryl Janifer LaRoche writes, The Underground Railroad was a movement  once defined as an outgrowth of self-liberators and abolitionists efforts that was later defined as a mode of operation rather than as a structured organization.

Given that a site in Downers Grove was added to the Network to Freedom roster in April, that New Philadelphia is in the planning process to transition from a historic site to a national park, and that September festivals honoring the heritage of freedom are set for Otterville and Princeton, what better time to dive into freedom seekers stories?

This endeavor will be an ongoing one. The National Park Service Network to Freedom lists 25 Illinois sites (we visited 18), and according to historian Larry McClellan, even more communities can be identified as places with freedom seeker movement in northeastern Illinois. Despite all the documentation and source material we gathered for this project, exploration and research on freedom seekers and the Underground Railroad in Illinois continues.

The Tribune series begins Sunday with the stories of descendants of freedom seekers who crossed through Illinois. Check this page or chicagotribune.com/undergroundrailroad throughout the week for more coverage, which will be featured in our Sept. 17 print edition.

Clockwise from top left: Juliet Lavon Wilson, of Springfield; Bruce Purnell of Washington, D.C.; Ronald Gaines Jr. and his father, Ronald Gaines Sr., of Chicago; and Kimberly Simmons, of Wisconsin. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

The struggle to become free and make a life after bondage was not easy, but thousands did it. To this day, were still seeing the bounty of their journey through the lens of their descendants.

A biker rides the I&M Canal Trail as it passes through Utica on Aug. 31, 2012. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

There are many Underground Railroad sites in Illinois that were used in the 19th century, before and during the Civil War. Theres even a memorial in a Maywood McDonalds restaurant parking lot that honors journeys through the Underground Railroad.

Heres a look at some of the sites and what to expect if you decide to visit.

Too often, details about the hundreds of years of bondage, trauma and disenfranchisement have been avoided, ignored or blatantly misrepresented. This project was conceived with the goal of centering stories from the Black community, with narratives about enslaved peoples paths to freedom, be it a first-person account, oral history passed through generations, or documentation that shares a glimpse of that journey.

In an effort to do that, here are useful terms important to our reporting and research. Many are preferred terms for those seeking to shift the way we view history, which often comes from the perspective of white abolitionists or historians, rather than from the enslaved people who were denied their most basic right to freedom.

Freedom seekers traveled in two streams of movement through northeastern Illinois: by roads paralleling and in the I&M Canal corridor to and through Chicago and by following the Sauk Trail corridor across Will and southern Cook Counties. (Larry McClellan)

By any means necessary was no overstatement when it came to the life-or-death flight to freedom through Illinois Underground Railroad.

As the Chicago Tribune embarked on an in-depth examination of Underground Railroad journeys through Illinois, it became apparent early in our reporting the stories should center around the freedom seekers themselves. While white abolitionists were a vital part of many escapes, evolving beyond their lens changes the narrative, placing it in the hands of the people whose lives and families were stolen  and who gave everything to try and get them back.

We selected these seven accounts  several of which are first-person retellings  because they offer a wide-spanning look into the multifaceted lives of freedom seekers who passed through Illinois on their way to better lives. And many, in due course, became history makers in their own right.

With more than 50 sites on our map of Illinois Underground Railroad, it would be quite challenging to make the 1,100-mile round trip in a single vacation.

But as September is International Underground Railroad Month, if youve got a few days free, plan a weekender to visit the places where freedom seekers took refuge in their escapes from enslavement and get to know the stories of how they made new lives for themselves in Illinois communities.

For years, Rockford resident Atwood Forten Jacobs carried around his family Bible wrapped in wax paper and bubble wrap to make sure silverfish didnt get to it. He said he knew its importance, and he didnt want it to get damaged.

But it wasnt until his then-school-age daughter was on the hunt for a book report subject that Jacobs suggested writing about their ancestor James Forten, a free man in Philadelphia who was a business owner, a philanthropist and an abolitionist.

At the library, he and his daughter stumbled across Julie Winchs book, A Gentleman of Color: The Life of James Forten. His daughter got an A on the book report, and Jacobs got an in-depth look at his great-great-great-great-grandfathers significance in American history.

Jacobs reached out to Winch to tell her about his Bible, which lists the births, deaths and marriages of family members, some of whom eventually migrated west. Jacobs landed in Illinois. In sharing that material, his family tree become more real.







This coverage is presented by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

This project was made possible with the help of people and organizations throughout Illinois, including Roberta Rogers; Robert White III; Nathaniel OBannon III; Landmarks Illinois; Charlotte E. Johnson; Renee B. Johnson; Dr. Bruce Purnell; Ronald Gaines Sr.; Ronald Gaines Jr.; Connie McGee; Leanna McGee; Gerald McWorter; Kate Williams; Nalo Mitchell; Juliet Lavon Wilson; Allan Woodson; Glennette Tilley Turner; Kate Masur; James Terry Ransom; Larry A. McClellan; Marshall Gibson; Heather Bangert; Barbara Suelter; Sonny Renken; Jeanne Marshall; Mary Drainer; Rev. Troy K. Venning; Will Miller; Tony Burroughs; Christoper Reed; Atwood Kip Forten Jacobs; Kathy Pardi; Sylvia England; Joe Lodesky; Otha Davis; Tom Aussem; Rae Slowik; the staff at the Blodgett House in Downers Grove; John Ackerman; Teri Gage; Illinois Sens. Dave Koehler (46th), Mike Simmons (7th) and Mattie Hunter (3rd); Illinois State Rep. LaShawn Ford (8th); Owen Muelder; Barry Jurgensen; Paul Ernst; Lenora Carey; Magnolia Johnson; Belva Smith; Rev. Aurelia Jackson; Art Wilson; the Chicago History Museum; Southern Illinois University Press, and the Museum of the American Revolution.

Tribune reporter Jenna Smith contributed.

(The maps are courtesy of Southern Illinois University Press from Larry McClellans book, Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois.)
Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modis statements at the G20 Summit and other global conferences over climate change were a sheer hypocrisy, the Congress Party has hit out at the Centre and said that the "global talk" is completely at odds from the "local walk". Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, in an official statement, accused the Modi government of comprehensively dismantling India's environmental protections and snatching away the rights of the most vulnerable communities dependent on forests. The PMs statements at the G20 and other summits globally are sheer hypocrisy. While destroying protections for Indias forests and biodiversity, and diluting the rights of Adivasis and forest-dwelling communities, he talks of environment, climate action and equity. The Global Talk is completely at odds from the Local Walk, Jairam Ramesh said. Coming down heavily on PM Modi, the Congress MP said that he used the G20 Summit to make big and empty statements about the importance of the environment. During a Doordarshan chat with students in 2014, the Prime Minister saidThe climate has not changed, we have changed. The self-styled Vishwaguru has come a long way in hypocrisy. The Prime Minister has used the G20 Summit to make big, empty statements about the importance of the environment. At the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Meet, he said, --We have consistently been at the forefront in taking action on biodiversity conservation, protection, restoration, and enrichment. Protecting and caring for Mother Earth is our fundamental responsibility. He (Modi) also said thatClimate action must follow antyodaya we must ensure the rise and development of the last person in society. The truth is, the Modi Government is comprehensively dismantling Indias environmental protections and snatching away the rights of the most vulnerable communities dependent on forests, the Congress leader added. G20 countries on Saturday said they will aim to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and expedite efforts to phase down coal power in line with national circumstances but did not commit to a phase-out of all polluting fossil fuels, including oil and gas. Further, the statement said the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, was a massive dilution of the original laws provisions, and that it enabled the Modi government to continue the reckless destruction of biodiversity across India. In contrast to the PMs claims of biodiversity conservation, the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act of 2023 is a massive dilution of the original 2002 law. The 2023 Act does away with any criminal offence provisions, allowing those who destroy biodiversity and engage in biopiracy to get away scot-free. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), formerly an independent body with the powers to act as a check and balance, has been completely put under the control of the Environment Ministry, he added. Jairam Ramesh also criticised the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023. Further, the claims of emphasizing equity are shown to be completely hollow by the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of 2023. This Act will be disastrous for the Adivasi and other forest-dwelling communities in India, as it undermines the Forest Rights Act of 2006. It does away with provisions for the consent of local communities and requirements for forest clearance in vast areas. The National Commission on Scheduled Tribes raised objections to this in 2022, the Congress MP said. He further said that the Act is only paving the way for the Modi government to exploit forests and hand them over to a few select crony capitalist friends. Tribal communities in the Northeast are particularly vulnerable, as this Act will strip protections from forests within 100km of the nations borders. Despite being under NDA rule, Mizoram has passed a resolution in the Assembly opposing the Act and Nagaland is soon expected to do the same. The new law removes protections for up to 25 per cent of Indias forest cover, in violation of the 1996 TN Godavarman Supreme Court judgment. It is only paving the way for the Modi government to exploit forests and hand them over to a select few crony capitalist friends, the statement issued by the Congress MP added. (ANI)
Due to the ongoing work, it has been decided to cancel many trains passing through this (VGLJ) station, which includes train number 12155/12156 Rani Kamlapati-Hazrat Nizamuddin-Rani Kamlapati Shan-e-Bhopal Express, said the official statement.

Train No. 12155 Rani Kamalapati-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express from September 11 to September 28 and Train No. 12156 Hazrat Nizamuddin-Rani Kamalapati Express from September 12 to September 29 will each have 18 trips cancelled from their originating station, mentioned the official statement.

The press release further urged the passengers to check the exact status of the train from the railway inquiry service NTES/139 authorized by the Railways and start the journey accordingly in order to avoid inconvenience. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh CPI(M) state secretary Onkar Shad on Sunday lashed out at Professor Laxmidhar Behera, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, for claiming that incidents of landslides and cloud bursts in the state are taking place due to "killing of animals" here. Calling his views "unscientific' and "insensitive" and "drive to influence" students, Shad asked the professor to offer an immediate unconditional apology to the people of Himachal Pradesh. He also called for his resignation for forcing his personal views on students, 'not to eat meat'. "Resign from your office with immediate effect so that the institute can be saved fromfurther damages your unscientific leadership will cause," Shad said in a letter addressed to Professor Behera. "Your views and sermons on meat eating to students IIT, Mandi, are not only unscientific, contradictory to your professional values and ethics of leadership of an institute, but your conduct was unprofessional in forcing your personal views on students, not to eat meat? More so, you have created a special mess for students where only a special kind of food isserved. In the zeal to force your views on students you have acted against the Constitution of India which provides freedom to liberty". "People of Himachal Pradesh have been eating meat for ages. Why did not cloudbursts and landslides of the present magnitude happen for centuries, and why only now? You have wilfully skirted the issueof climate change, unimaginable rainfall, the fragile nature of the Himalayas, and anthropogenic causes behind this recent disaster. Do you not see blunders of reckless hill-cutting by NHAI for four-lanning of roads, adverse impact of hydroelectric dams ignoring ecological issues, and depleted carrying capacity of the hills due to undue expansion and unplanned growth of hill towns, including Shimla?", Shad said in a letter written to Professor Behera. "You warned that Himachal Pradesh will have a significant downfall if the butchering of innocent animals goes on. It is suggested that to prove your poor thesis you initiate a project to study per capita raising/culling of animals for meat, say since the last 50 years, at a gap of ten years to systematically study how many natural disasters happened over these years and how the meat-eating pattern changed since then? Or, you can expand the study period to a hundred years or reduce it to less than fifty years, whatsoever suits you". The CPI(M) leader also marked Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Ramesh Pokhriyal and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. (ANI)
Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, a distinguished Padma Vibhushan awardee, presented the award to Professor Akhtar at an illustrious ceremony held on Friday here, a release said.

This recognition was part of the Grand Conference and Award Function titled "Making India Employable," organised by TeamLease EdTech.

A panel of educationists and industry experts convened to select Professor Akhtar for this accolade in recognition of her outstanding contributions towards bridging the gap between education and employment, the release said.

Her relentless efforts to align academic pursuits with the practical demands of the workforce have made a significant impact on education in India, it said.

The 'Making India Employable Awards' stand as a tribute to individual excellence, innovation, and tangible outcomes in the realms of education, employability, and skill development.

These awards celebrate individuals who have made exemplary contributions toward the shared objective of enhancing employability in India.

TeamLease EdTech, the driving force behind this initiative, is committed to establishing an ecosystem that empowers every learner with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the job market.

Professor Najma Akhtar's lifetime achievement award not only recognizes her tireless dedication to advancing education but also underscores the importance of aligning educational institutions with the evolving needs of the workforce.

Her work serves as an inspiration to educators and leaders striving to empower individuals with the skills required to excel in their careers and contribute to the nation's growth, it said. (ANI)
A 20-year-old man has been stabbed to death at Sangam Vihar in Delhi, said police on Sunday. Eight minors have been apprehended in connection with the incident, the police added. According to Delhi Police, a PCR call was received at Sangam Vihar Police Station on Saturday at around 7.30 p.m. that a person named Dilshad, 20, a resident of Sangam Vihar, was admitted to Majidia Hospital near Tughlakabad with stab injuries and his condition is critical. On receipt of the PCR call a police team reached Majidia Hospital and found the injured Dilshad admitted and under treatment in critical condition with multiple stab injuries on the chest and other parts of the body. He was on a ventilator and was later admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. He was unfit to give his statement, said the police. A case under sections 307/34 of IPC was registered and an investigation was taken up. "During the investigation of the case, the scene of the crime was inspected by the crime team, and the DVR (digital video recorder) capturing the scene of the crime was seized. The weapon of offence (knife) has been recovered and eight persons seen in the CCTV footage have been apprehended. All are minors. The injured succumbed to his injuries on Sunday," said a statement from the police. According to the police past rivalry led to the alleged murder of the deceased. Further investigation is on. (ANI)
Lashing out at the Centre for not extending an invite to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge to the G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, party leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said "no other democracy would snub its own parliamentary colleagues on a global stage like this". Taking to his official handle on X, formerly Twitter, the Congress MP posted, "This diplomatic triumph makes it all the more a pity that the government does not bring the same attitude of conciliation & co-operation to bear in its domestic dealings. The failure to invite the Leader of the Opposition, and indeed any Opposition MP, to any of the G20 events, receptions, dinner, underscores my point. No other democracy would snub its own Parliamentary colleagues on a global stage like this. A pity that the spirit of accommodation that prevailed at G20 is absent within Indian politics! Several leaders of the Opposition bloc INDIA including from the Congress, skipped the presidential dinner at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam in the national capital in protest against the non-inclusion of Kharge in the list of invitees for the event. Earlier on Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also came down hard on the Centre for not inviting Kharge, also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, to the G20 dinner. Addressing a press conference in Brussels, who is currently touring Europe, said, "They decided not to invite the Leader of the Opposition. This tells you something. It tells you that they don't value the leader of 60 per cent of India's population. It's something that people should think about why they are feeling the need to do this and the thinking behind it." Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also weighed in on the issue earlier, terming Kharge non-invite unfortunate. "It's unfortunate that he hasn't been invited to the summit. The Opposition's place in a democracy should be respected. Opposition leaders have a very important role to play in a polity,"Baghel told reporters in Raipur. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and accused him of promoting nepotism and working towards dividing the nation. "Their first scam was started with the title of Gandhi. They did only Parivarvad and worked on breaking the country. I request Rahul Gandhi to give away the Gandhi title, Himanta Biswa Sarma said during the National Executive Meeting of BJP Mahila Morcha at the Assam BJP Headquarters in Guwahati "Kamakhya corridor will come into reality in the next two years. Only because of PM Modi, the Delhi Declaration happen following the Ukraine and Russia war. All leaders gathered at Rajghat today. Congress didn't celebrate 25 years, 50 years of independence of the country. But, Modi ji celebrated 75 years of independence and everyone feels that we are Bharatiya. The great reformer Mahapurusha Sankaradeva wrote about Bharat Bhumi 500 years ago. This is our Bharat Bhumi," Himanta Biswa Sarma said. He also said that PM Modi is working on to make Bharat as Vishwaguru. "When yesterday I saw Modi ji while he talked with global leaders I think that Bharat has now become Vishwaguru, Sarma added. The Assam CM stressed the importance of women's empowerment and called for an end to practices like polygamy and instant divorce (talaq) in the Muslim community. He highlighted PM Modi's focus on women's empowerment and mentioned recent efforts to combat child marriage in Assam. PM Modi gives more concentration on Nari Shakti women empowerment. A few days ago we launched an operation against Child Marriage. Marriage at 9 years and giving birth to child at 12 years is most common in a particular community in Assam. No Hindus endorse casteism, but one Tamil Nadu minister (Udhyanidhi Stalin) talked against Hindus. But I want to say polygamy and talaq should be ended in Muslims, Himanta Biswa Sarma said. He also said that 2000-3000 more people will be arrested and we will launch another massive operation against Child Marriage in the next 10 days. "Mahila Morcha should launch a campaign against child marriage and polygamy across the country. We will bring an act against polygamy in December. The nation now again needs Modi ji. We will have to make Modi ji PM for 10 years," Himanta Biswa Sarma added. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday praised PM Modi for organizing G20 grand event through a series of posts on social media adding that this summit will prove to be 'milestone' in achieving goal of One Earth-One Family-One Future. CM Yogi wrote in his first post using the #G20, The G20 summit, which has successfully concluded under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has moved forward strongly towards achieving its targeted objectives. This summit will prove to be a 'milestone' in the realization of One Earth-One Family-One Future sentiment. In his second post, CM Yogi expressed his gratitude to the member countries. The unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration by G20 members under India's chairmanship is historic. I convey my gratitude to all G20 members along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for these efforts made in the spirit of cooperation for a prosperous future, he wrote. In the third post, the CM also expressed happiness over the African Union being made a permanent member of G20 due to India's efforts at the summit. He wrote, The mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become a beacon of light for humanity. The permanent membership of G20 achieved by the African Union due to the special efforts of India is the result of this all-inclusive spirit. He further wrote that permanent solutions to many problems like food, water, education, medicine, terrorism, unstable economy, unrest, distrust are also inherent in this mantra. All nations will have to imbibe the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and move forward with a human-centric approach for the welfare of the world, he stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit here and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation. Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. (ANI)
Wishing peace to the departed soul, the Chief Minister has expressed condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased, according to an official release.

CM Yogi has directed the district administration officials to immediately release the relief amounts to the families of the deceased.

The Chief Minister has also given instructions to provide proper treatment to the people injured by this disaster, as per the release.

A lightning strike caused two deaths and injured two women in different parts of Pratapgarh district on Saturday.

According to the officials, Dinesh Pal (22) was killed in Suwansa area of Fatehpur, while his neighbour Mamta (60) suffered burn injuries.

In the Ramakapurwa area of Kunda, Heera Lal (50), also lost his life due to the lightning strike. Another woman was burnt in the same area, they said. (ANI)
The US, India, Brazil, and South Africa reaffirmed their shared commitment to the G20, which is to deliver solutions for the shared world. US President Joe Biden on Saturday posted on X, formerly Twitter, "Together, the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa reaffirm our shared commitment to the G20 delivering solutions for our shared world." The leaders of the four countries, who met on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, vowed tobuild on the "historic progress" of Indias G20 Presidency to address global challenges. "In this spirit, together with the World Bank President, we welcome the G20s commitment to build better, bigger, and more effective multilateral development banks. This commitment underscores what we can do, by working together through the G20, to support our people toward a better future," a joint statement read. The opening day of the G20 summit on Saturday witnessed several crucial developments, including the formal induction of the African Union to the group, 100 per cent consensus on the Delhi Declaration, a biofuel alliance andthe announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IECC EC). India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union, on Saturday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the IECC EC. The corridor will encourage and provide impetus to economic development through enhanced connectivity and economic integration between Asia, West Asia/ Middle East and Europe, sources said. The IMCC EC will consist of two separate corridors East corridor connecting India to West Asia /Middle East and the Northern corridor connecting West Asia / Middle East to Europe. It will include a rail line that, which upon completion, will provide a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement the existing multi-modal transport routes enhancing transshipment of goods and services between Southeast Asia through India to West Asia /Middle East Europe. Connectivity with countries of the region remains a key priority for India and is deeply rooted in Indian civilizational history, read the statement, adding that India has always stood to invest, cooperate and build connectivity as part of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. While expanding connectivity, it is important to ensure that the initiatives in this direction are consultative, transparent and participatory with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, sources said, adding that adhering to the principles of financial responsibility and economic viability are key to avoiding an unsustainable debt burden on the recipients. Conforming to ecological and environmental standards must also be ensured, sources added. "The objective of development cooperation is that it would stand out as a symbol of an alternate approach, cement our relationship with key actors in the region and beyond, and provide our industry and business new opportunities to plug into international trade and logistics corridors," the statement read. India stands to gain significantly as the deal places the country firmly on the route of trade flows from South East Asia to the Gulf, West Asia and Europe, giving it significant strategic and economic advantage, besides creating huge opportunities in the logistics and transportation sector, sources added. (ANI)
Joseph W. Polisi, president emeritus and chief China officer of the Juilliard School in the United States, was awarded the Lifetime Honorary Prize at China's inaugural Orchid Awards on Friday.

Music transcends national boundaries to connect people from different backgrounds, said Polisi, who is also chairman of the board of directors of the Tianjin Juilliard School.

Selection for the Orchid Awards started last August, aiming to honor non-Chinese nationals and organizations around the world that have made significant contributions to cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, and to promote mutual learning between Chinese and other civilizations.

"It's only with communication and understanding of each other that we're going to make progress," Polisi said. "Instead of dwelling on the negative, let's dwell on the positive."

Located in the Binhai New Area of north China's Tianjin Municipality, the Tianjin Juilliard School is the first and so far the only branch campus of the Juilliard School in the world, with music students enrolled from all over the world.

"We are seeing an increase in the number of applications, especially in the number of enrolled students from outside of China," Polisi said in an interview with Xinhua.

Strengthening artistic and cultural exchanges is one of the basic goals of the Tianjin Juilliard School. "We emphasize the interchanges with major cities around China and with countries all around the world," Polisi said.

He mentioned an orchestral symposium in May to which many young artists from various conservatories in China and other countries had been invited to rehearse and perform.

"Students didn't necessarily speak English or speak Chinese, but as soon as they started playing together, they understood each other," he said. "It's a wonderful and magical connection."

Polisi said he plans to give the award money to the Tianjin Juilliard School for use in special projects, such as inviting international teachers to the school and launching exchange concerts.

"So, already, I think that the school has created the bridge, and that bridge will be used over and over again," he said.
At the G20 Summit on Saturday, US President Joe Biden took a selfie with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Abdul Momen, expressed that it was a joyful moment, with everyone feeling happy, and President Biden appeared quite excited while taking the selfie. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister said, "Yes, President Biden was so excited, he took the phone from a friend of mine..because he was finding it difficult to take the picture, so took it...it was fun, it was really good. I feel the equation is very good...you can see the faces, everybody was very happy, wonderful time I would say." The minister also spoke on the New Delhi Leaders' Summit Declaration and said that it was because of the commendable leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that everybody agreed to the declaration. "It is because of the leadership of Prime Minister Modi there is an agreement for the declaration and it is because of his dynamism and personal charisma that everybody agreed to the declaration...There was a lot of doubt whether there will be any declaration, but I must thank the Indian leadership that did an excellent job," he said. Notably, US President Joe Biden and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday shared a candid moment as they took a selfie at Bharat Mandapam at the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Joe Biden, Sheikh Hasina on Friday arrived in India to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi. India is hosting the G20 Leaders Summit in the national capital at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam on September 9-10. The summit is being attended by more than 30 heads of state and top officials from the European Union and invited guest countries and 14 heads of international organisations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the first session of theG20Summit and called for the need to further human-centric development. He noted that India with a spirit of One Earth has worked on initiatives like the LiFE Mission and emphasised on International Year of Millets. Sharing a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, PM Modi stated, "Spoke at Session 1 of theG20Summit on the subject of One Earth. Highlighted the need to further human-centric development, which is also something Indian culture has always emphasised. It is with a spirit of One Earth that India has worked on initiatives such as the LiFE Mission, emphasised on International Year of Millets, launched the Green Grids Initiative - One Sun, One World, One Grid, harnessed solar power, encouraged natural farming and the National Green Hydrogen Mission." PM Modi said that he had a "productive meeting" at theG20Summitin Delhi. He shared glimpses of himself along with world leaders when he welcomed them at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan. He also welcomed the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member in theG20grouping. PM Modi in a post on X stated, "Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of theG20Family. This will strengthen theG20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South." (ANI)
"Lovely to interact with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"India and Singapore will continue to deepen our bilateral relations for the betterment of our people," PM Modi said.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrived in New Delhi on Friday to participate in the upcoming G20 Summit which is being held on September 9 and 10.

Prime Minister Loong was received by L Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting of India.

This is the first time that the G20 Summit is taking place under Indias presidency. The event will be graced by many global leaders and delegates. Extensive preparations and arrangements have been made for the summit, with the intention of showcasing both Indias soft power as well as modern face.

A G20 Leaders declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of theG20 Summit, stating Leaders commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings.

Earlier this year, India and Singapore linked their respective online payment systems -- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India and PayNow of Singapore -- for seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries.

The virtual launch function was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong. The linkage of these two payment systems of both countries would enable residents of both countries to the faster and more cost-efficient transfer of cross-border remittances.

People in both countries will be able to send money in real-time via QR-code-based or simply by entering mobile numbers linked to the bank account.

This collaboration will also help theIndian diaspora inSingapore, especially migrant workers and students through instantaneous and low-cost transfer of money fromSingaporetoIndia and vice-versa. (ANI)
US President Joe Biden on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Morocco earthquake which resulted in the death of more than 2000 people. The US President said that he is "deeply saddened" by the loss of lives and massive devastation that was caused by the quake in Morocco. In a post on X, Biden wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco." "The United States stands by Morocco and my friend King Mohammed VI at this difficult moment. And, my Administration is ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people," he added. After the magnitude 6.8 earthquake, which claimed the lives of more than 2,012 people and injured 2,059 others while also leaving many homeless, authorities on Saturday proclaimed three days of national mourning in the country. According to a statement from the military, King Mohammed VI of Morocco directed the armed forces to deploy specialized search and rescue teams and a surgical field hospital. Historic structures in Marrakesh, the closest city to the epicentre, were damaged by the earthquake that shook Morocco's High Atlas mountains late on Friday night, but the majority of casualties were recorded in mountainous regions to the south in the Al-Haouz and Taroudant provinces, reported Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, the efforts to clear roads for search and rescue operations are underway. The earthquake took place at 03:41:01 (UTC+05:30) at a depth of 18.5 km. The magnitude of the earthquake caused pulses to travel from Sidi Ifni in the south to Rabat in the north and beyond. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the quake. Taking to X, PM Modi said, Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time. (ANI)
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met the President-designate of COP28, Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam during G20India. The meeting between the two ministers took place on the same day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Global Biofuels Alliance at G20 in the national capital. "Met my friend HE Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry & Advanced Technology of UAE; MD & Group CEO of @ADNOCGroup & President-Designate for #COP28 at #BharatMandapam during #G20India on the day PM @narendramodi Ji launched the #GlobalBiofuelsAllianceAtG20," Hardeep Singh Puri posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of world leaders, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India Hardeep Singh Puri has said that it is a moment for celebration and rejoicing, adding that India has set a target of achieving 20 per cent biofuels blending by 2025. I can tell you as someone who has been associated with the ethanol and biofuels story for something like a decade and a half, today is a historic day. A moment for celebration and rejoicing, because the Global Biofuels Alliance, has just been announced by the Prime Minister, who along with other world leaders, including two of the world's major biofuel producers-the United States and Brazil and others who are consuming and producing countries of biofuels. 19 countries in all and 12 international organisations have got together to form the International Biofuels Alliance," he said. The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency. Hardeep Singh Puri further elaborated on the targets India had for biofuels and said that up to 2014, we had only 1.5 per cent of biofuels blending in our fuels. Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries. This Alliance will be aimed at facilitating cooperation and intensifying the use of sustainable biofuels, including in the transportation sector. It will place emphasis on strengthening markets, facilitating global biofuels trade, developing concrete policy lesson-sharing and providing technical support for national biofuels programs worldwide. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], September 10 (ANI/TPS): Israel is preparing to send search and rescue personnel and humanitarian aid to Morocco after an earthquake killed more than 1,000 in the North African country on Friday. The earthquakes epicentre was in the Atlas Mountains southwest of Marrakech and measured 6.8 on the Richter scale. More than 1,000 have been injured, according to Moroccos Interior Ministry. The number is expected climb as rescue workers reach isolated areas. Following the tragic earthquake in Morocco, the Prime Minister has instructed all government bodies and forces to provide any necessary assistance to the people of Morocco, including preparations for sending an aid delegation to the area, said a statement issued by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office on Saturday night. The people of Israel extend their hands to our friends, the people of Morocco, at this difficult time and pray for their well-being. We will help in any way we can, the statement added. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare to provide immediate emergency assistance via the rescue bodies in the Home Front Command. However, the search and rescue teams and humanitarian relief delegations were waiting for a response from Moroccan officials before leaving Israel. Israels Foreign Ministry said that so far, there are no reports of Israeli casualties, adding that it working to contact with Israelis in Morocco to ensure their safety. The ministry also said that Israeli consul in Rabat Dorit Avidani has been dispatched to the western Moroccan region to assess needs. Israel and Morocco normalized relations in December 2020 as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords. In July, Israel recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, which has paved the way for Morocco to upgrade its liaison office in Tel Aviv to an embassy. An estimated one million Israelis are either from Morocco or are of Moroccan descent. Approximately 3,000 Jews currently live in the North African country. More than 200,000 Israelis visited Morocco in 2022, as coronavirus travel restrictions came to an end. (ANI/TPS)
With respect to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor which came into being at the G20 Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, US President Joe Biden has said that it is a "game-changing" regional investment. Biden said that this project is about more than just laying tracks. "I'm proud to announce that the U.S., India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU finalized a historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor," the US President posted on X. "This project is about more than just laying tracks. This is a game-changing regional investment," he added. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress." The corridor, according to him, is evidence of human endeavour and unity across continents. Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, theIndia-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridorpromises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents,PM Modiwrote on X formerly Twitter on Saturday. India, theUnited States, Saudi Arabia and the European Union on Saturday announced a historic agreement to soon launch a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railwayconnectivitycorridor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement for the ambitious project on the sidelines of theG20Summit and was flanked by US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of the EU. This is a historic and first-of-its-kind initiative on cooperation onconnectivityand infrastructure involving India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany and theUS. Speaking after the launch,PM Modisaid, I cordially welcome you all at this event. I am very happy to co-chair this event with my friend President Joe Biden. Today we all have seen the conclusion of a historic and important agreement. In the coming days, it will be an effective medium of economic integration between India, South Asia, and Europe. Speaking at the Bharat Mandapam venue of theG20Summit here,PM Modisaid the mega-deal will give a sustainable direction toconnectivityand sustainability across the world. He also congratulated all the leaders who were part of theconnectivitycorridor. Strong connectivity and infrastructure are the foundation of the development of human civilisation. India has given this issue utmost priority during its course of development. Along with physical infrastructure, unprecedented investments are being made in social, economic and financial infrastructure as well,PM Modisaid. The Prime Minister further stressed respectingsovereigntyand regional integrity and stated thatconnectivitybetween different countries not only increases business but also trust between them. "We believeconnectivitybetween different countries increases not only business but trust between them. By promotingconnectivityinitiative, we need to ensure we stick to philosophies, that is, adhesion to international rules, respect for all nations'sovereigntyand regional integrity,"PM Modi said. (ANI)
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) arrived at Akshardham Temple in New Delhi on Sunday morning to offer prayers. Ahead of the UK Prime Minister's visit, elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple. While speaking to ANI on Saturday, the UK PM had said that he will visit Delhi's Akshardham temple today. Rishi Sunak also expressed his hope that he will find time to visit a temple, here in India, during his stay for the G20 Summit.He had said that he has enormous respect for PM Modi and that he is keen to support him in making the G20 an enormous success. I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis, Rishi Sunak said. I didnt have time to celebrate Janmashtami. But hopefully, as I said I can make up for that if we visit a Mandir this time, he added. He further said that faith is something very important as it gives strength and resilience during stress. Akshardham temple is fully prepared to welcome United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Narayana Murty on Sunday, a temple official told ANI. "We are prepared for the visit (of UK PMRishi Sunak). We will welcome him and his wife at the main gate called Mayur Dwar and lead him to the mainAkshardham temple. If they want to do aarti we will arrange it. In our temple, there are deities of Radha-Krishna, Sita Ram, Lakshmi Narayana, Parvathi Parameshwara, and Ganapathi. If they want to do Pooja, we will arrange for it," saidJoytindra Dave, an Akshardham official. Sunak, accompanied by wife Akshata Murty had arrived in Delhi on Friday. This is Rishi Sunak's first visit to India as Prime Minister since he assumed the office of Prime Minister of the UK in October last year. Indiaand theUKare bound by strong ties of history and culture, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.Indias multifaceted bilateral relationship with theUKintensified with its upgradation to a Strategic Partnership in 2004. (ANI)
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Rishi Sunak, offered prayers at Akshardham Temple on Sunday morning. After offering prayers, Sunak left the Akshardham Temple premises to accompany world leaders at Rajghat. Ahead of the UK Prime Minister's visit, elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple. While speaking to ANI on Saturday, the UK PM had said that he will visit Delhi's Akshardham temple today. Rishi Sunak also expressed his hope that he will find time to visit a temple, here in India, during his stay for the G20 Summit. He had said that he has enormous respect for PM Modi and that he is keen to support him in making the G20 an enormous success. I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis, Rishi Sunak said. I didnt have time to celebrate Janmashtami. But hopefully, as I said I can make up for that if we visit a Mandir this time, he added. He further said that faith is something very important as it gives strength and resilience during stress. An Akshardham temple official had earlier told ANI that preparations were fully done to welcome United Kingdom Prime MinisterRishi Sunakand his wife Akshata Narayana Murty on Sunday. Sunak, accompanied by wife Akshata Murty had arrived in Delhi on Friday. This isRishi Sunak's first visit to India as Prime Minister since he assumed the office of Prime Minister of the UK in October last year. Indiaand theUKare bound by strong ties of history and culture, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.Indias multifaceted bilateral relationship with theUKintensified with its upgradation to a Strategic Partnership in 2004. (ANI)
United Kingdom Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty on Sunday offered prayers at Akshardham Temple in Delhi. Sunak, who is on an official visit to the city for the G20 Summit arrived with wife Akshata at the Akshardham Temple early this morning to offer prayers before heading to Rajghat. Akshata was seen in a traditional salwar kurta and both she and Sunak were photographed barefoot inside the temple premises. Earlier on Friday, Sunak had in an interaction with ANI called himself a proud Hindu and said he wished to visit the Mandir during his stay in the capital. Elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around the temple. In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Akshardham Temple stated, "Honoured to welcome Prime Minister @RishiSunak and #AkshataMurthy to celebrate the shared cultural heritage between India and the UK." PM Sunak and his convoy arrived at 6.45 in the morning and were warmly welcomed in a traditional Hindu manner symbolising goodwill and friendship, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple said in a statement. Sunak was then greeted by swamis, as well as senior leaders from the Temple who relayed a special message on behalf of Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS. The spiritual leader extended his personal wishes and prayers for Sunak and the other delegates, the temple authorities said. In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we pray for you and all the attendees: May the summit be a resounding success in collectively helping the whole world towards peace, righteous prosperity, and global harmony, the message from Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS read. The UK Prime Minister was given an overview of the 100-acre spiritual and cultural complex that portrays the traditions and ancient architecture of India and promotes the timeless Hindu spiritual messages of faith, devotion and harmony, the statement read. Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the sacred images in the and admired the art and architecture. The couple also performed abhishek (ritual pouring of water) on the murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, and offered prayers for world peace, progress and harmony, the BAPS said. Speaking to ANI, the Akshardham Temple Director Jyotindra Dave said Sunak had an extraordinary experience at the temple. He enjoyed every minute here. He went on extending the time and the people were really worried that he had so many programs but nobody can say that we have to go out. It is he who decides and his wife also was very happy. He performed the Pooja and Aarti with a lot of faith...We showed him the temple and also gave him a model of the temple as a gift." While speaking to ANI on Friday, Rishi Sunak had expressed his hope that he will find time to visit a temple, here in India, during his stay for the G20 Summit. I am a proud Hindu. Thats how I was raised, thats how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis, Rishi Sunak said. I didnt have time to celebrate Janmashtami. But hopefully, as I said I can make up for that if we visit a Mandir this time, he added. He further said that faith is something very important as it gives strength and resilience during stress. It is something that is important to me. I think faith is something that helps everybody who has faith in their lives, particularly when you have these stressful jobs like I do. Having faith gives you resilience, gives you strength that is important and it provides an outlook on life which I find particularly valuable, Sunak added. Rishi Sunak along with his wife Akshata Murty arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the G20 Summit hosted by India under its Presidency. (ANI)
The name "Bai Peilan" stands out on the list of winners of the inaugural Orchid Awards, its classical Chinese quality contrasting with the names of other foreigners honored for fostering cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

Bai Peilan is the Chinese name of Mexican academic Flora Botton Beja, a professor at the Center for Asian and African Studies at EI Colegio de Mexico. The Chinese character "lan" in her name stands for orchid in English. In traditional Chinese culture, the orchid symbolizes elegance, nobility and friendship.

Now in her 90s, Botton was honored with the outstanding achievement award at the Orchid Awards on Friday, recognizing her decades of dedication to studying and introducing China to not only Mexico, but to all Spanish-speaking countries.

Born in Greece, Botton moved to Mexico with her family at the age of 15, where she embarked on a remarkable journey that ultimately tied her destiny to that of China. Botton is now revered as one of the founding figures in the field of sinology in Mexico. For her, what started out as a suitable academic arrangement eventually blossomed into a profound love affair with China.

As one of the first academics in Mexico to focus on China in the 1960s, Botton chose to delve into the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture, reflecting her belief that "knowing about the past is necessary to understand the present."

Botton first traveled to China in 1975, and she later worked at the Mexican Embassy in China, actively engaging in cultural exchange efforts.

After her diplomatic tenure, she continued promoting cultural exchanges between China and Mexico through translation, teaching and writing. She translated Chinese classics into Spanish, such as "Mencius," "Xunzi," and "Mozi," as well as Tang Dynasty stories, enriching the understanding of Chinese culture among Spanish-speaking readers.

Throughout her teaching career, Botton's classroom was a hub of knowledge, from which she imparted Chinese philosophy and history to her students. She also dealt with modern and contemporary China, conducting research on society, family and women.

Navigating seamlessly between two distinct cultures, Botton has concluded that Mexico and China share traditional values of family ties and solidarity, as well as respect for the elderly and for regional cultures.

Botton has revisited China multiple times over the past four decades, and has been astonished by the achievements the country has made in every area. Today, cultural exchanges between Mexico and China are flourishing, she said, noting that young Mexicans now have more opportunities to explore the distant land of China through avenues like Chinese-manufactured products and technology.

"My students are attracted to the Chinese Studies program because of China's economic success and its importance as a world power," she added.

Botton has worked tirelessly to introduce China to the world through her writing. Her Spanish-language works, including one on the history of China, have been instrumental in building a solid bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Mexico.

When asked what the greatest motivation is that fuels her writing, Botton's answer is simple yet profound. "I love China," she said. "It has been my life's work."
US President Joe Biden on Saturday said that this year's G20 summit has proved that the group can still drive solutions to the most pressing issues of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict. Taking to X, US President said, At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues. India is hosting the G20 Summit this year in New Delhi on September 9-10. On September 9, the Delhi Declaration was adopted. It called on nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. The declaration envisages a green development pact for a sustainable future, it endorses high level principles on lifestyle for sustainable development, voluntary principles of hydrogen, the Chennai principles for a sustainable resilient blue economy and the Deccan principles on food security and nutrition among others The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that all 83 paras of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100 per cent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. For the first time, the declaration contained no footnote or Chairs Summary. The G20 meeting on Saturday also saw the African Union being inducted as the new permanent member of G20 thereby offering developing nations a greater say in global decision-making PM Narendra Modi on Saturday also launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio, President of Argentina, Alberto Fernndez and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni. The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency.. Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries. Another major takeaway from Day 1 of the summit, was the announcement launch of a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor by India, the US, Saudi Arabia and the European Union. (ANI)
After attending the G20 Summit in India, US President Joe Biden on Sunday departed for Vietnam. During his visit, he is due to meet Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trng and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the two nations. US Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam in a statement on September 6 said, "President Joseph R Biden Jr will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam on September 10, 2023. While in Hanoi, President Biden will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam." According to the statement, the two leaderswill explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, expand people-to-people ties through education exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region. As Biden departs for Vietnam, here is a look at the key takeaways of his 3-day visit to India, which included a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit to Delhi, Biden attended the G20 Summit under India's Presidency. Biden said that the G20 Summit held in India proved that the group can still drive solutions to "most pressing issues." He noted that the global economy is suffering from overlapping shocks of the climate crisis. Sharing a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, US President Joe Biden stated, At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues. At the G20 Summit, India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Biden called it a "game-changing" regional investment. Biden said that this project is about more than just laying tracks. "I'm proud to announce that the US, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU finalized a historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor," the US President posted on X. "This project is about more than just laying tracks. This is a game-changing regional investment," he added. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress." The corridor, according to him, is evidence of human endeavour and unity across continents. Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents, PM Modi wrote on X formerly Twitter on Saturday. PM Modi made the announcement for the ambitious project on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and was flanked by US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of the EU. Speaking after the launch, PM Modi said, "I cordially welcome you all at this event. I am very happy to co-chair this event with my friend President Joe Biden. Today we all have seen the conclusion of a historic and important agreement. In the coming days, it will be an effective medium of economic integration between India, South Asia, and Europe." PM Modi on Saturday launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentina President Alberto Fernandez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency. Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries. On Friday, PM Modi and US President Joe Biden held a bilateral meeting. During the meeting, India and the US settled the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute. US President Biden and PM Modi welcomed the completion of the notification process regarding negotiations for a commercial agreement between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, the White House said in a statement. The two leaders commended the progress in implementing the futuristic and wide-ranging outcomes of PM Modi's historic State visit to the US in June 2023, including under the India-U.S. Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). The India-US joint further said that the leaders also welcomed the sustained momentum in bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence, trade, investment, education, health, research, innovation, culture and people-to-people ties. The two leaders also reiterated the importance of nuclear energy as a necessary resource to meet the climate, energy transition, and energy security needs of both nations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen and diversify the India-US defence partnership through expanded cooperation in new and emerging domains such as space and artificial intelligence, and accelerated defence industrial collaboration. PM Modi and US President Biden welcomed intensified consultations between the relevant entities on both sides to expand opportunities for facilitating India-US collaboration in nuclear energy, including in the development of next-generation small modular reactor technologies in a collaborative mode. The US reaffirmed its support for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and committed to continue engagement with like-minded partners to advance this goal. Biden welcomed the issuance of a Letter of Request from the Ministry of Defence to procure 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment. After the meeting, both the leaders lauded the India-US relations and said that the friendship between the two nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good. Happy to have welcomed @POTUS @JoeBidento 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Our meeting was very productive. We were able to discuss numerous topics which will further economic and people-to-people linkages between India and USA. The friendship between our nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good, PM Modi said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Biden also affirmed support towards making the India-US partnership stronger, closer, and more dynamic. Great seeing you, Mr Prime Minister. Today, and throughout the G20, we'll affirm that the United States-India partnership is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history, US President Biden posted on X. Apart from attending the G20 Summit and his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, US President Joe Biden visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He also attended the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday night. Biden engaged with world leaders at the dinner organised at Bharat Mandapam. Biden also met with the US Embassy staffers and their families after arriving in New Delhi, the White House informed. In a post on X, the White House stated, "President Biden met with US Embassy staff and their families today after arriving in New Delhi." (ANI)
"I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said minutes before the New Delhi G20 Summit concluded.

Earlier Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva handed over saplings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Session 3 of the G20 Summit.

While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India.

India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year at the G20 Summit at Bali in Indonesia and will continue to hold it till the end of November.

The New Delhi Declaration was adopted by G20 leaders on Saturday, the first day of the Summit.

The G20 leaders visited Rajghat on Sunday morning to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. (ANI)
The ambitious transport and energy corridor between India and Europe via the Middle East is a transformative partnership with the potential to unleash a new era of economic activities from Europe to Asia, a senior US official said on Sunday. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor of the White House told media on board Air Force One that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE-EC) will create a novel interconnected corridor to facilitate global trade, expand reliance access to electricity, facilitate clean energy distribution and strengthen telecommunication links. "US President Joe Biden along with India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and European Union, announced a landmark commitment to work together to develop a new India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor," Finer said. The US officials statement follows Saturdays announcement of the historic agreement between India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany and the US to soon launch the mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made the announcement for the ambitious project on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and was flanked by US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of the EU. Speaking after the launch, PM Modi said, "Today we all have seen the conclusion of a historic and important agreement. In the coming days, it will be an effective medium of economic integration between India, South Asia, and Europe." PM Modi said the mega-deal will give a sustainable direction to connectivity and sustainability across the world. He also congratulated all the leaders who were part of the connectivity corridor. Strong connectivity and infrastructure are the foundation of the development of human civilisation. India has given this issue utmost priority during its course of development. Along with physical infrastructure, unprecedented investments are being made in social, economic and financial infrastructure as well, PM Modi said. US President Joe Biden called it a "game-changing" regional investment. Biden said that this project is about more than just laying tracks but a game-changing regional investment." (ANI)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday described the New Delhi G20 Summit as a milestone and said the active role of the Indian presidency "has genuinely consolidated" the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the G20 Summit here, Lavrov said a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest. "It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone... I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners - Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests, he said. I think that a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest. It is one of the decent purposes and we are already on track. In our turn, we will continue strengthening these positive trends including during Brazil's presidency next year and in 2025 during South Africa's presidency, he added. Lavrov also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modis proposal to hold a virtual G20 session in November towards the end of Indias G20 presidency to review the proposals made at the New Delhi Summit. While closing today's session, PM Modi said that he would convene another G20 Summit via video conferencing in late November. It will be another opportunity for us to review the implementation of the agreements that we have reached today," Lavrov said. The Russian leader accused the Western countries of not fulfilling their promise about funds to deal with climate change. The West also had long ago promised even 100 billion US dollars per year to counter the negative consequences of climate change, but nothing on that has been done. The declaration also mentions the tasks that need to be done in accordance with the long-standing promises in order to ensure a balance of interest in the global economy, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation. Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva." The G20 declaration was adopted on Saturday, the first day of the Summit. (ANI)
Two other people were injured and are currently in light and moderate condition.

Three suspects are under arrest. Police officials said the shooting was related to a dispute between two criminals.

Also on Saturday, a woman in the northern Arab-Israeli town of Umm al-Fahm was hospitalized after being critically wounded by a gunshot. Police are investigating but have made no arrests.

According to the Abraham Initiative, a Jewish-Arab organization that promotes Arab integration into Israeli society, 171 Arab Israelis have been killed in criminal violence since the beginning of 2023.

This years spike in violence is attributed to organized crime groups fighting turf battles and trying to eliminate rivals. Arab criminal organizations have been involved in extortion, money laundering, trafficking in weapons, drugs, women and more.

The Tazpit Press Service reported on Thursday that the rising crime is fueling a migration of Arabs to Jewish neighbourhoods. The phenomenon is shown in Haifa, Beer Sheva and various localities in Galilee.

Local leaders have called on the government to take action.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports giving the Shin Bet security agency a more active role in fighting the rising crime, but this suggestion is opposed by Arab leaders and Shin Bet officials. (ANI/TPS)
Calling the consensus on G20 Leaders declaration a truly meaningful achievement, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Sunday said that the member countries were able to agree under the leadership of India as this years chair. "Under the leadership of India as this year's chair, we were able to agree on the G20 Leaders' declaration which is a truly meaningful achievement, said Kishida while addressing a press conference on the conclusion of the G20 Summit. India passed the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazil on Sunday while the New Delhi Declaration was adopted by G20 leaders on Saturday, the first day of the Summit. The Japanese PM also said that his country was involved in negotiations with the intent to pass on the outcome of the G7 and G20 summits. Japan has been engaged in the negotiations with the intent to pass on the outcome of the G7 to the G20 and we were able to hand over to the G20 points that were confirmed at the Hiroshima Summit. I look forward to working with other leaders to follow up on the outcomes delivered by the G7 and G20...," he said. Kishida also said, "Over the course of the past five days, I attended ASEAN-related summits in Jakarta and the G 20 New Delhi Summit. First and foremost, I extend my deep respect and appreciation to President Joko of Indonesia and Prime Minister Modi of India for exercising outstanding leadership as chairs of the Summits and to the members of both governments..." Japan has pressed for immediate withdrawal of Russian troops, said Kishida, adding, The realization of just and durable peace in Ukraine. We underscored our position that Russia's nuclear threat let alone its use of nuclear weapons is absolutely unacceptable. I also highlighted the importance of assistance from the global community to vulnerable populations under conflict..." The "use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible", G20 nations said Saturday in a New Delhi Leaders' Declaration under the mention of the Ukraine war. Without mentioning Russia, the G20 member countries recalled the Bali declaration and underscored that all States must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety and called for a "comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine" and reminded member states to "refrain from the threat, or use of force, to seek territorial acquisition." India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial, wrote PM Modi on X. "I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said minutes before the New Delhi G20 Summit concluded. While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India. India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year at the G20 Summit at Bali in Indonesia and will continue to hold it till the end of November. (ANI)
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak concluded his two-day long visit to India as he departed on Sunday after attending a successful G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi. As UK Prime minister departs from India. Congratulations to the G20 presidency, the G20 summit, which has been ambitious, inclusive, determined and action-oriented. A huge thank you to all of those involved. To our Indian hosts, who once again have shown atiti Devo Bhava, British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said today. Sunak who arrived in the national capital on Friday, accompanied by wife Akshata Murty earlier today offered prayers at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple before paying his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Earlier on Friday, Sunak had in an interaction with ANI called himself a proud Hindu and said he wished to visit the Mandir during his stay in the capital. In a significant announcement, the UK PM also announced a USD 2 billion to the UN-backed Green Climate Fund the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change. The UK will contribute USD 2 billion to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which was established by 194 countries following the Copenhagen Accord at COP15, which was established by 194 countries following the Copenhagen Accord at COP15. The GCF is the largest global fund dedicated to supporting developing countries to reduce global emissions and helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change. Todays pledge represents a 12.7 per cent increase on the UKs previous contribution to the GCF for the period of 2020-2023, which was itself a doubling of our initial funding to establish the fund in 2014, according to a statement. During the G20 Summit, the UK PM has called on leaders to work together ahead of the COP28 Summit this December to both reduce their countries own carbon emissions and support vulnerable economies to deal with the consequences of climate change. The UK has led international efforts to help developing countries tackle climate change, including by pledging to spend 11.6 billion pounds on international climate finance between 2021 and 2026. This announcement marks a major contribution towards this commitment and follows the Prime Ministers announcement at COP27 that the UK would triple our funding for climate adaptation, according to a statement. The UK is stepping up and delivering on our climate commitments, both by decarbonising our own economy and supporting the worlds most vulnerable to deal with the impact of climate change, Sunak said in his address to G20 leaders. The Group of 20 nations had on Saturday adopted a declaration that included reiterating its commitment to scale up sustainable finance to help developing countries reduce their carbon footprints. (ANI)
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the country's teachers to make greater contributions to building a stronger China and realizing the national rejuvenation.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a letter sent to representatives of outstanding teachers attending a meeting in Beijing on Saturday.

In the letter, Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, sent greetings to teachers and all the other people working in the education sector across the country ahead of Teachers' Day, which falls on Sept. 10.

For a long time, teachers across the country, as represented by the outstanding members, have cultivated a significant number of capable individuals who can take on important responsibilities, Xi said in the letter.

Xi noted that China has witnessed the emergence of a group of educationists and excellent teachers in its teaching community, who have demonstrated the country's distinctive ethos of educationists.

Xi expressed his hope for nationwide teachers to carry forward the ethos of educationists and make new and greater contributions to building China into a stronger country and realizing the national rejuvenation.

Premier Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made instructions and called for efforts to strengthen the ability of teachers and improve the teachers education system with Chinese characteristics.

He stressed the need to increase the support for ensuring benefits and improve the awarding and honoring system for teachers to make teaching a profession that enjoys the greatest respect and admiration of society.

Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, conveyed Xi's letter and Li's instructions and made remarks at the meeting.

Ding called on teachers across the country to earnestly implement the Party's educational policy and cultivate more capable personnel who can undertake great responsibilities.

Fostering more competent teachers should be taken as a basic task of local governments and related authorities, Ding stressed.

Eight representatives of outstanding teachers attending the meeting also made speeches.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a meeting attended by representatives of outstanding teachers in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the New Delhi Declaration at the G20 Summit is about the awakening of the Global South which is no longer willing to be lectured about Russia complying with Zelenskyy formula. Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the G20 Summit here, Lavrov said that the declaration is about the consolidation of the Global South that is willing to work to achieve its goals. When they agreed to that, perhaps it was the voice of their conscience. Speaking frankly, we didn't expect that. We were 100 per cent ready to defend our honest wording of the text, and it was truly honest and fair, he said. He further said that the main content of the declaration is all about the awakening of the Global South and one should not isolate the paragraph on Russia-Ukraine war. Let me underline that we cannot isolate that paragraph (on Ukraine and Russia) from the rest of the work on the declaration. The main content of the declaration this year is all about the awakening of the Global South and the consolidation of the Global South that is truly willing for the G20 to work for its main goals, Lavrov said. The Russian Foreign Minister added that the Global South is not willing to enforce Russia to comply with the Zelenskyy formula to end the conflict. The Global South is no longer willing to be lectured. They dont want to hear anything about Russia enforcing Russia to comply with the Zelenskyy formula. I dont want to talk about it, this formula is unrealistic. This approach is simple, it is disrespectful for the developing nationssane people cannot say such things. I think this is nothing but a new expression of neo-colonialism, he further added. Russian Foreign Minister described the New Delhi G20 Summit as a milestone and said the active role of the Indian presidency "has genuinely consolidated" the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. "It is a long way to go but this Summit has been a milestone... I would also like to mention the active role of the Indian presidency that has genuinely consolidated the G20 countries from the Global South for the first time in history. Our BRICS partners - Brazil, India, China, South Africa have been particularly active and thanks to these consolidated positions taken by the Global South countries to uphold and protect their legitimate interests, he said. I think that a healthy solution has been found in the declaration regarding the need to strive for a clear and equitable balance of interest. It is one of the decent purposes and we are already on track. In our turn, we will continue strengthening these positive trends including during Brazil's presidency next year and in 2025 during South Africa's presidency, he added. Lavrov also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modis proposal to hold a virtual G20 session in November towards the end of Indias G20 presidency to review the proposals made at the New Delhi Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation. Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva." The G20 declaration was adopted on Saturday, the first day of the Summit. (ANI)
Following the working lunch meeting with the French President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that they would take India-France relations to newer heights of progress. PM Modi took to his social media 'X', and tweeted, "A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress." https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1700809335604146588?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet Macron arrived in New Delhi a day ago to attend the two-day-long G20 Summit hosted by India under its Presidency. Macron is due to hold bilateral meetings over the two-day summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva among others. According to the French Presidents office Macron leaves for Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon. A statement from Macrons office said, "The G20 Summit will enable Frances Head of State to continue his ongoing dialogue with his counterparts from every continent, so as to combat the risks of fragmentation of the world. It will also be an opportunity to make progress in implementing joint responses to the major global challenges that can only be tackled effectively through multilateral action: peace and stability, poverty alleviation, protection of climate and our planet, food security, and digital regulation." It further said, "The Summit will also provide an opportunity to follow up on the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact held in Paris last June. This led to the establishment of the Paris Agenda for People and the Planet, providing a framework for collective action to ensure that no country has to choose between fighting poverty and protecting the planet." Prior to his departure, Macron is likely to hold a press conference at the venue on Sunday afternoon, according to the Embassy of France in India. He will depart for Bangladesh for a bilateral visit on Sunday afternoon. (ANI)
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move to include the African Union in G20, he said that Comoros is vital to Indias SAGAR Vision and the deliberations have included ways to boost cooperation in areas like shipping and trade. PM Modi on Sunday held a meeting with Azali Assoumani, the President of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), and congratulated him for joining the G20 family. Taking to his social media 'X', PM Modi tweeted, "Had a very fruitful meeting with @PR_AZALI. Congratulated him once again on @_AfricanUnion joining the G20 family. Comoros is vital to Indias SAGAR Vision. Our deliberations included ways to enhance cooperation in areas like shipping, trade and more." Earlier on Saturday, African Union Chairperson Assoumani expressed gratitude to all the G20 member countries for the historical inclusion of AU in the G20 family. He further stressed that the G20 has ratified through the voice of PM Modi. Assoumani took to his social media 'X', and tweeted, "The G20 has just ratified, through the voice of the Prime Minister of India, @narendramodi, the admission of the @_AfricanUnion into its fold. On behalf of the African continent, I sincerely thank all the member countries of the @g20org for this historic admission." Earlier in the day, PM Modi called the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 a "significant stride" towards a more inclusive global dialogue. PM Modi stated that India looks forward to collaborative efforts that benefit the entire world. PM Modi made the statement regarding the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 in a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. He made the statement in response to Kenyan President William Ruto's statement on the inclusion of the African Union in the G20. The statement of leaders comes after the African Union was made a full member of the Group of Twenty (G20) under Indias presidency. In the first session of 'One Earth' of the G20 on Saturday, PM Modi announced that the African Union has been made a full member of the G20. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Indeed, the inclusion of the @_AfricanUnion in the G20 is a significant stride towards a more inclusive global dialogue. We look forward to collaborative efforts that benefit not only our respective continents but also the entire world." In another post shared on X, PM Modi stated that the inclusion of the African Union in the G2O underscores its pivotal role in global progress. In his opening remarks at the 18th G20 Leaders Summit, PM Modi invited the African Union, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member. "With everyone's approval, I request the AU head to take his seat as a permanent G20 member," Modi said in his address. African Union is a continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. The move to include the African Union in the G20 grouping was proposed by PM Modi earlier this June. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with Brazil President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi and discussed ways to boost trade and cooperation in agriculture, technology. "Excellent meeting with President @LulaOficial. Ties between India and Brazil are very strong. We talked about ways to boost trade and cooperation in agriculture, technology and more. I also conveyed my best wishes for Brazils upcoming G20 Presidency," PM Modi wrote on 'X' formerly Twitter on Sunday. Meanwhile, PM Modi has expressed unwavering faith in Brazil for leading the Group of Twenty (G20) presidency with dedication, and vision and has also assured all possible cooperation to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. India has passed the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazil on Sunday. India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, and vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial, wrote PM Modi on X. "I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said minutes before the New Delhi G20 Summit concluded. "Earlier Lula da Silvahanded over saplings to Prime MinisterNarendra Modiahead of Session 3 of theG20 Summit. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modis efforts in conducting the G20 Summit and set forth three priorities under his countrys presidency of the grouping. These, the Brazil President said include social inclusion and the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development and reform of global governance institutions. At the closing session of theG20 Summitin New Delhi, Luiz InacioLula da Silvasaid, "All these priorities are part of the Brazilian presidency motto which says 'Building a fair world and a sustainable planet'. Two task forces will be created - Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and the Global Mobilisation against Climate Change." His remarks came afterPM Modihanded over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to him. TheBrazilian Presidentsaid that the world needs to redouble its efforts to achieve the goal of ending world hunger by 2030. "Shared my thoughts during Session 3 of the G20 Summit. This Session focussed on the theme of One Future. Emphasized the need of the hour being to look beyond the idea of a Global Village and make the vision of Global Family a reality," posted PM Modi on X after the closing ceremony. While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who came to India to attend the 18th G20 Summit. In a post shared on social media X, PM Modi said that the meeting was "extensive." "The deliberations with @President_KR Yoon Suk Yeol were extensive. Reviewing the complete spectrum of bilateral relations, we agreed to further boost commercial and cultural ties between India and the Republic of Korea," PM Modi said in a tweet. Notably, India and South Korea celebrated the 50 anniversary of diplomatic relations. On Friday, Yoon arrived in India along with his wife and attended the three sessions of the G20 Summit at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. On the second day of the Summit, the South Korean President visited the Rajghat memorial with other world leaders. Earlier, on Saturday, a picture of India and South Korean friendship was seen in New Delhi as an ambient advertising campaign titled '50 Years of friendship and Trust to the Shining Future of Korea and India' caught everyone's attention. In anticipation of President Yoon Suk Yeol's participation in the India G20 Summit beginning on September 9 and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and India, the Office of the Overseas Public Relations Secretary organized an ambient advertising campaign titled "50 Years of friendship and trust, to the shining future of Korea and India', according to a statement issued by Korean Embassy. This promotion campaign, emphasizing the longstanding friendship and trust between the two nations, was installed in two locations in New Delhi on Wednesday last during the presidential visit. The campaign features the commemorative slogan for the 50th anniversary of Korea-India diplomatic relations: "50 years of friendship and trust, to the shining future of Korea and India" It carries a message of moving toward a bright future based on the 50 years of friendship and trust between both countries Ambient advertising leverages the characteristics of specific locations or environments for advertising. The campaign utilized the architectural and environmental features of the South Korean Embassy in India's main entrance and exterior walls, as well as the exterior walls and rooftop of the Korean Cultural Center India. After completing its presidency, India passed the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazil on Sunday. India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial, wrote PM Modi on X. "I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency," PM Modi said minutes before the New Delhi G20 Summit concluded. (ANI)
Calling the consensus on the G20 Leaders Declaration a "positive development", Director General International Labour Organization Gilbert F Houngbo on Sunday said it is not easy to negotiate, but I was glad that there was a consensus that fast. "I want to congratulate the Indian presidency for this declaration. It is not easy to negotiate but I was glad that there was a consensus that fast which is a positive development," Gilbert F Houngbo said. India passed the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazil on Sunday while the New Delhi Declaration was adopted by G20 leaders on Saturday, the first day of the Summit. Director General International Labour Organization said that not only one planet, one family one future but also we are looking at a future. "Through this where we can drive the whole economy, whole life toward much more use of technology and artificial intelligence is important to make sure that while we are in that drive, it is really human centred. It will be beneficial not only to India but to the whole world. He further said that the G20 started after the 2008 financial crisis, not only for India but for the whole world. G20 is 80 per cent of the world GDP. International Labour Organisation, the only tripartite UN agency, brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men. On September 9, the Delhi Declaration was adopted. It called on nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability. The declaration envisages a green development pact for a sustainable future, it endorses high-level principles on lifestyle for sustainable development, voluntary principles of hydrogen, the Chennai principles for a sustainable resilient blue economy and the Deccan principles on food security and nutrition among others. The biggest takeaway of the declaration was that all 83 paragraphs of the declaration were passed unanimously with a 100 per cent consensus along with China and Russia in agreement. For the first time, the declaration contained no footnote or Chairs Summary. The G20 meeting on Saturday also saw the African Union being inducted as the new permanent member of G20 thereby offering developing nations a greater say in global decision-making PM Narendra Modi on Saturday also launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio, President of Argentina, Alberto Fernndez and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni. The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency. Another major takeaway from Day 1 of the summit, was the announcement launch of a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor by India, the US, Saudi Arabia and the European Union. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Council President Charles Michel and EU President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in the national capital. Both visitors congratulated the Prime Minister on the success of Indias G20 Presidency. They held a discussion on various aspects of the India EU Strategic Partnership, including the next India - EU Summit, ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations, climate change and LiFE, digital technology, and Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The leaders also discussed the India- Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor that was launched on 9 September 2023. They felt that there should be expeditious implementation of the Corridor. PM Modi also highlighted the possibilities of solar projects under the Corridor. Earlier today, the European Commission President said that a strong partnership with India is paramount for Europe. She also shared her delight at the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Taking to her social media 'X', Ursula tweeted, "Thank you for your skillful leadership of the G20, @narandramodi. A strong partnership with India is paramount for Europe. Glad to see our Trade & Tech Council in action. And to have launched with you an historic project, the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor." European Commission President also highlighted the Free Trade Agreement and said, "We also look forward to progress on a Free Trade Agreement. This would unlock the great potential in our partnership." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the new economic corridor "historic" and said that these are state-of-the-art connections for the world of tomorrow, faster, shorter and cleaner. India, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the European Union on Saturday announced a historic agreement to soon launch a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor. India and the EU have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development in a multi-polar world. Both India and the EU agreed to further build on these convergences and foster new synergies for jointly contributing to a safer, greener, cleaner, more digital, resilient and stable world, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. The EU is Indias second-largest trading partner (after the US) and Indias second-largest export market. India is the EU's 10th largest trading partner, accounting for 2 per cent of EU total trade in goods. Trade in services between the EU and India reached 40 billion euros in 2021. (ANI)
 Flash

A children's care center in the Angolan capital of Luanda has received a donation of materials worth 9,000 U.S. dollars from a Chinese company that won praise for improving the living conditions of local vulnerable children.

Chinese oil giant Sinopec on Friday delivered educational supplies, food, clothing, and baby products to Lar Kuzola, an official institution that provides social assistance to underprivileged children in Angola.

Elisa Kuzola, head of the Pedagogical Department at Lar Kuzola, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the children who benefited from the social responsibility initiative of the Chinese company. She said these materials will "ensure a better quality of the children's future life."

"We greatly appreciate the presence of Chinese companies engaging in economic activities here to assist in the social sphere. It is very beneficial to us, especially because there are many vulnerable children and families at risk," she said.

She said Lar Kuzola has been operating in Luanda for more than 35 years, providing shelter for over 300 at-risk Angolan children, encompassing those under 14 who have been abandoned and teenagers with congenital diseases whose parents lack the means to care for them.

"We welcome the donations as we receive children daily and aim to provide them with dignified care and accommodation," Kuzola added.

According to Paulo Pizarro, vice president of Sinopec Angola, the company has a long-standing commitment to Angola, actively participating in various social projects.

"We contribute to the petroleum sector, pay taxes, and promote our social responsibility through social projects. This is a way to support the economic and social development of Angola," he said.

This is the first donation from this Chinese company to Lar Kuzola. Previously, the Chinese Embassy in Angola also offered food and toys to this childcare institution ahead of International Children's Day, receiving a warm welcome from the children.
Police are searching for shooting suspects after a person was shot in Panorama City on Saturday afternoon.

Officers responded to a shooting on the 8400 block of Cedros Avenue around 3:51 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Arriving officers found one person with injuries at the scene. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their current condition is unknown.

Police are searching for shooting suspects after a person was shot in Panorama City on Sept. 9, 2023. (Citizen)

Police are searching for shooting suspects after a person was shot in Panorama City on Sept. 9, 2023. (Citizen)

Police are searching for shooting suspects after a person was shot in Panorama City on Sept. 9, 2023. (Citizen)

Police are searching for shooting suspects after a person was shot in Panorama City on Sept. 9, 2023. (Citizen)

Citizen video showed a large police presence near an area with multiple apartment complexes. A crowd of bystanders can be seen surrounding the scene.

Its unclear how many suspects were involved. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear as authorities continue investigating.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
About 100 pounds of marijuana were confiscated and a South Carolina man was charged with multiple crimes following a drug bust, the Florence County Sheriffs Office said.

On Wednesday, 24-year-old Michael McKenzie was charged with trafficking in marijuana, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

McKenzie was arrested after narcotics investigators searched his Florence home on East National Cemetery Road, according to the release. In addition to the marijuana, deputies also found an AR pistol (5.56 cal.) which was reported stolen out of Florence County, the sheriffs office said.

Sheriffs deputies confiscated drugs and a gun following a recent arrest.

McKenzie was taken to the Florence County Detention Center, where bond was set at $15,000 on the combined charges, jail records show.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

McKenzie was released after posting bond Thursday, according to jail records. Hes scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 21, Florence County judicial records show.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted in the investigation that the sheriffs office said remains ongoing despite McKenzies arrest.
A 16-year-old boy and his 19-year-old brother were killed in a shooting on Saturday afternoon in Southwest Miami-Dade County, police say.

Osvaldo Martinez Marquez and his older sibling, Alexis Martinez Marquez, were killed around 5:30 p.m. at an abandoned house, 10214 SW 175th St., in the West Perrine community, Miami-Dade police said in a news release.

Miami-Dade Police Department responded to 10214 SW 175th St. to reports of a shooting, Det. Angel Rodriguez told the Miami Herald in an email on Sunday. Upon arrival, they discovered two, unidentified white males with apparent gunshot wounds.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue determined both were dead, Rodriguez added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for anonymous tips leading to the arrest of the killer or killers of the Martinez Marquez brothers, according to Miami-Dade & The Florida Keys Crime Stoppers.

#DoubleHomicide #AlexisAndOsvaldoMartinezMarquez #SouthDade #Brothers - We are reposting this because these young men were brothers. Imagine the family who has to deal with this senseless #GunViolence. pic.twitter.com/6CGWyK5d8U  Crime Stoppers Miami & FL Keys (@CrimeStopper305) September 10, 2023

Anyone with information about homicide is encouraged to contact Miami-Dade Police Department Homicide Detective R. Riveron at 305-471-2400. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by dialing 305-471-8477.

This embedded content is not available in your region.
Dennis Harper and Wade Sokolosky know the Civil War Battle of Wyse Fork as well as anyone.

Harper, 72, grew up on the battlefield east of Kinston and has found more than 15,000 bullets, belt buckles and other artifacts from the conflict since he came across his first Minie ball at age 11. Sokolosky, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Army, co-authored a book on Wyse Fork, where more men were killed, wounded or captured than in any Civil War battle in North Carolina except one.

They know precisely where Confederate and Union soldiers were over those four days in March 1865. They know where they dug trenches or hastily built bridges over creeks, where the lines began and ended and where men died and were buried in mass or unmarked graves.

Where some see only a soybean field or a tree line, they see regiments from distant places hunkering down or moving to attack.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The 23rd Massachusetts was all in this place right here where the mobile homes are, Harper said at one point as he drove a visitor around the battlefield.

The battle ranged over 4,069 acres, but these days Harper and Sokolosky are worried about one place in particular. The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to convert U.S. 70 into an interstate highway, I-42, through the battlefield and proposes building an interchange at Caswell Station and Wyse Fork roads.

Thats the spot where three regiments of North Carolina Confederates charged into a line of Union soldiers from Ohio, Indiana and New York on the final, decisive day of the battle. NCDOTs initial plans for the interchange cover 55 acres where Union Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox repelled the Confederate attack.

That one interchange literally wipes out a good part of Coxs defensive line. It just wipes it out, Sokolosky said. Losing that very key piece of battlefield ground, where American soldiers fought and died, thats what spurs me on.

NCDOT has looked at alternatives

Harper and Sokolosky created the Save Wyse Fork Battlefield Commission, a branch of a local preservation group, in hopes of persuading NCDOT to move the planned interchange a mile or so east or perhaps do without it altogether. Theyve erected a billboard near the site and solicited letters of support, including from legislators such as Republican Rep. Jon Hardister of Greensboro, the second-highest ranking member in the House.

The battlefield is rich with history, and the loss of it would be devastating to the tourism of the area and the state as a whole, Hardister wrote to state Board of Transportation members earlier this year. We still have time. There are many other alternatives that will save this treasure of the counties of Lenoir and Jones and the state of North Carolina.

In late July, Harper and Sokolosky met with now outgoing Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette and came away encouraged that he might intercede.

But NCDOT has ruled out moving the interchange. There are no good roads to connect the relocated interchange to surrounding parts of Jones County, and building them would be expensive and eat up more land, says Heather Lane, an NCDOT engineer involved with the project.

As for not building an interchange at all, thats still an option, Lane said, but it would mean people in northwest Jones County would have to drive farther to access the future interstate. Even without the interchange, NCDOT would build a bridge connecting Casewell Station and Wyse Fork roads over the highway and to new service roads on either side, taking about 12 acres of the battlefield.

A third option is to redesign the interchange to make it smaller, something NCDOT estimates it could do in about 30.5 acres.

Were looking at shrinking the interchange and seeing what ways we can optimize it to be the least impactful, Lane said.

The conversion of U.S. 70 into I-42 includes a new bypass around Kinston. In 2018, NCDOT presented a dozen options for taking the road south of the city and asked for the publics feedback. It also weighed each routes impact on farmland, wetlands, streams, homes, businesses and Kinston itself.

The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to convert U.S. 70 into a four-lane divided highway around Kinston, including a 6.5-mile section of new roadway south of town.

In early 2020, NCDOT announced that it had chosen the shortest, most direct route around the city. The 6.5 miles of new roadway would have the least impact on wetlands and had the most public support, in part because it would provide the easiest access to restaurants, hotels and other businesses on the stretch of U.S. 70 that will be bypassed.

But it also meant bringing the interstate through the heart of the battlefield, with the interchange at Casewell Station and Wyse Fork roads. Lane said each route had advantages and tradeoffs and that picking one was bound to upset someone.

Everyone has a different perspective on that, so we have to thread the needle to find the best solution out there for our project, she said. The process takes time, and were working through it.





Confederates attack to try to stop Union advance

The Union and Confederate armies met outside Kinston in 1865 because of William Tecumseh Sherman. Having burned Atlanta and cut his way across Georgia to the sea, the Union general was bringing his army north through the Carolinas to help defeat the Confederates under Robert E. Lee in Virginia.

His 60,000 men needed food, shoes and other material, and Sherman asked that those supplies be waiting for him at the rail hub in Goldsboro. To get it there from the port at Morehead City, the Union army had to rebuild 17 miles of tracks east of Kinston. They were busy doing that when Confederate generals Robert F. Hoke and Daniel Harvey Hill attacked near Southwest Creek east of Kinston on March 8, 1865.

After losing more than 1,000 soldiers, most captured, the Union army pulled back and dug in, cutting trees and using plates, bayonets and boards to dig trenches near the crossroads area known as Wyse Fork. It was there, from a piece of high ground near where U.S. 70 runs today, that they rained bullets and shells on three regiments of charging North Carolina soldiers led by Brig. Gen. William W. Kirkland.

More than 300 Tar Heels were killed, wounded or captured, as the Confederate attack on March 10 failed. Their names are listed on a black granite monument to Kirklands Attack that local preservation groups commissioned and placed at the Wyse Fork crossroads, at the base of a sign advertising gas prices at the Mallard convenience store. The store and the monument will likely have to be moved when the interstate highway is built.

Altogether, about 2,600 Confederate and Union soldiers were killed, wounded or captured at Wyse Fork, eclipsed only by the Battle of Bentonville less than two weeks later.

The Battle of Wyse Fork was largely overlooked until recent years. Harper, Sokolosky and others in Eastern North Carolina have helped bring attention to the conflict, through research, battlefield tours, local exhibits and a successful effort to have the battlefield added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. Brochures for a 12-stop driving tour around the Wyse Fork Battlefield are found in visitors centers throughout the state.

Jan Parson, who heads the local visitors bureau, says people going to and from the beach will stop at Kings Barbecue, Neuse Sport Shop or other businesses in Kinston. But the people most likely to spend a night or two are there to see the CSS Neuse ironclad and sites associated with Wyse Fork and The First Battle of Kinston in 1862. Many come from out of state wanting to see where their ancestors fought.

Theyre not just daytrippers, Parson said.

NCDOT hopes to finish the highway designs next year

About 231 acres of the Wyse Fork Battlefield have been protected from development. More than a decade ago, a local organization, the Historical Preservation Group, bought 57 acres laced with undisturbed trenches and redoubts. More recently, the state and American Battlefield Trust have purchased conservation easements, including on farmland near the planned interchange.

Harper says the easements will help prevent some of the development that can be expected to surround an interchange.

Let me put it this way, there wont be no Bojangles on it, he said. Itll be just what you see  a corn field or a bean field.

Its not clear when NCDOT will get started on the new interstate highway. The state is building the road in stages between I-40 near Raleigh and Morehead City, and it doesnt have enough money to begin the Kinston segment.

But NCDOT wants to settle on a route and finish its designs so that its ready to begin construction when the money is available, Lane said. For now, the fate of the interchange remains unsettled.

Because NCDOT needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the federal government must review the Kinston projects potential impact on historic properties and come up with strategies for minimizing it. Among the organizations weighing in on that process is the State Historical Preservation Office, which helped get the battlefield added to the National Register of Historic Places.

In a statement, the historical preservation office said it is working with other state and federal agencies to minimize and mitigate any potential impacts of the highway on the battlefield.

As this work continues and decisions are made, the statement concludes, we are hopeful that continued discussions and collaboration will balance the preservation and transportation needs.
Two foreign aid workers were killed Sunday after a van with four workers was hit by Russian shelling in eastern Ukraine.

Road to Relief, a Ukrainian nongovernmental organization (NGO), said a van carrying four of their team members left from Slovyansk in Ukraine towards Bakhmut when the vehicle came under Russian attack near Chasiv Yar, a city 10 kilometers west of Bakhmut. The vehicle flipped over and lit on fire, the organization said in an Instagram post.

Canadian volunteer Anthony Ihnat was confirmed to be dead, while German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr were both injured but in stable condition at separate hospitals, the organization said.

The organization said the status of Emma Igual, a Spanish volunteer who served as the director of Road to Relief, is still unknown. Spains acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spanish media that officials in Madrid received verbal confirmation of Iguals death, according to The Associated Press (AP).

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Road to Relief said the volunteers were heading to the front-line villages in Bakhmut, a town in eastern Ukraine that was captured by Russian forces in May. Russias capture of the town marked a major win for the country after more than a year of setbacks in its war. Prior to Russias occupation of Bakhmut, the town symbolized freedom and resistance for Ukraine.

According to Road to Reliefs website, the NGO was created in March 2022 to assist civil populations impacted by the Russian invasion and serves a total of 112 villages.

The teams efforts have resulted in numerous evacuations and crucial aid deliveries over the 18 months that we have been in operation, the organization wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Ukraines air force said Sunday it took down 26 out of a total of 33 Russian drones in the Kyiv region. Serhii Popko, the head of Kyivs military administration, reported that debris from Iranian-made Shahed drones fell in multiple districts, injuring at least one civilian, according to the AP.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko also said one civilian was wounded in the citys historic center and was treated on the scene.

Ruslan Kravchenko, the governor of the Kyiv region, reported four people were injured in the drone strike, with one of the individuals hospitalized with brain and limb injuries. The others had minor injuries, Kravchenko said in a Facebook post.

Kravchenko said an infrastructure facility and several other buildings were damaged.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A crash involving an ambulance and a pickup truck sent four people to the hospital, including two responding paramedics, early Sunday morning.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, an LAFD Paramedic Rescue ambulance was responding to a medical emergency when it was broadsided by the pickup at the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and San Fernando Road around 12:35 a.m.

As a result of the collision, the pickup truck careened into a nearby utility pole, trapping two men who were inside the vehicle.

2 LAFD paramedics among 4 hospitalized in overnight crash in Pacoima

The two adult male occupantswere badly trapped in the wreckage of their severely damaged truck before being freed by a team of LAFD responders, LAFD said in a release.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Escaped murderer on the run in Pennsylvania now spotted nearly a dozen times

Both men were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

The two LAFD paramedics were able to remove themselves from the wreckage of the ambulance. They sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were also transported to a nearby hospital.

The initial medical emergency that the paramedic team was headed to was quickly handled successfully by another LAFD crew, the fire department said.

2 LAFD paramedics among 4 hospitalized in overnight crash in Pacoima

Video posted to the Citizen App shows the mangled pickup truck next to several responding LAFD units with witnesses looking on.

Alexis Lewis contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Chifles CEO Tony Rivas Jr. ambled around the plantain chip companys headquarters and production area near North Miami, as if he was Willy Wonka at the chocolate factory.

He quickly washed his hands, put on a hairnet to go inside the packing area. He told a recent visitor to follow him into the area of machines whirring and plantain chips moving along conveyor belts, before they were bagged for shipping to supermarkets and food retailers in various parts of the United States, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

Plantains are a heartier type of banana grown in tropical environments in Central and South America. They are eaten in a variety of ways or used to make a salty snack food. Chifles plantain chips are packaged inside green and yellow bags that resemble the colors of plantains. Sixteen chip varieties can be found on store shelves at Publix, Walmart, Sedanos, or other local food stores in 11 states mostly on the East Coast and in the Southeast.

This summer, the 40-employee snack food company marked 60 years in business. Thats quite an achievement after the harrowing event that occurred six years ago.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

One Friday night in November 2017 at Chifles former company headquarters in Tampa, drums of leftover plantain chips that needed to be disposed caught fire.

If youre not putting water in those drums filled with those hot chips, instead of cooling down with time, they actually get hotter, Rivas, 44, recalled. Theres a chemical reaction. They get hotter and hotter until they ignite.

While no one was in the Tampa building when the fire started, the 800-degree blaze burned nonstop for 14 hours. The Rivas family ended up losing everything four months after putting enough money together to buy the Chifles plantain chip company from its founders Segundo and Peggy Argudo.

After the plant burned to the ground, Chifles was on the verge of going out of business. Because many of the companys distributors lived solely off selling the plantain chips, they also would have gone under. To find an immediate solution, Rivas, a distributor prior to becoming an owner, worked with a competitor to package Chifles chips. But that didnt last long, forcing Rivas to look for another way to keep his company afloat.

One of the guys that was sourcing me fruit asked if he could just send the chips already made and we pack them here, he said. I said that well do that as a kind of a stopgap, until we build our new plant.

Distributors handled packing the plantain snacks after the fire, until Chifles moved its entire operation to Miami in March 2020 to a new plant built using insurance coverage on the Tampa property.

While the 2017 fire was a horrible event for the company, it ended up positively changing the course of Chifles. Before it happened, the chip maker would acquire plantains that were sometimes 10 days old to cook into chips. Since plantains can ripen over ten days, the transit process made it difficult to preserve their freshness upon arrival in the United States.

By having a contractor make and send the chips already prepared in their country of origin to Chifles for packaging, Rivas found a way to produce fresher, more flavorful chips that come in garlic, lime, gluten free, sweet and several other varieties.

By March 2018, the companys leader knew there was no going back to the old way of doing business. Cooking the chips in Ecuador and other South American locations resulted in a better taste  and ultimately higher profit margins for the company.

The minute that it turned around, it was just like this brilliant, beautiful golden yellow color, he said. There was this crunch, this texture.

Cultural customer connection

Plantain chip eaters like Little Havana technologist Ashley Caines, 34, got hooked on the crunchy snack. She grew up in the Bronx, New York and has a sentimental connection to plantain chips. With her Puerto Rican mother Yolanda and father Wesley from St. Kitts, Caines often ate platanos maduro, which are ripe plantains, and tostones, plantain pieces that are flattened and fried hard. When she began taking the bus to school from the sixth to eighth grades, she would go into her neighborhood deli for Chifles plantain chips to eat along the way and enjoyed how they reminded her of her familys food.

It was a faster way to get that flavor of the thing that I was making with my grandmother or making with my mom at home, she said. And then it was off to the races wherever I moved and moved around a lot. I went to boarding school. I lived in different cities and stuff like that that dont necessarily have Caribbean influence.

When Caines attended Milton Academy, a boarding high school 10 miles outside of Boston, she remembers receiving special care packages from her mother during her freshman year.

I would get these wonderful gifts and she would send me plantain chips in my care box, she recalled. That was like my most coveted thing in my dorm until the bag was done. I just loved it so much.

From distributor to owners

The Rivas familys connection to Chifles chips goes back a generation. Rivas father Tony Rivas Sr., 70, owned Borges Distributors and distributed the plantain chips to grocers for 50 years. The elder Rivas, who emigrated to the United States from Cuba at the age of 14, was proud of the work his company did to become the largest Chifles distributor in Florida. When the Argudo family sought a buyer for the Tampa business they started in 1963, the Rivas family saw a natural opportunity.

The companys move to its North Miami headquarters after the 2017 fire also allowed the younger Rivas to have a better quality of life for his growing family. When the company was based in Tampa, he would commute from Miami to work at the Tampa plant. The first of his Tony Rivas Jr.s two sons was born two weeks after his family bought Chifles and he credited his wife, Frances, with helping him realize his entrepreneurial dream.

Tony Rivas, CEO of Chifles, stands inside the plantain chips warehouse area near North Miami.

As Chifles works to get its chips into the hands  and mouths  of more hungry consumers, Rivas turned to a U.S. airline to help with that. The company struck a deal in 2022 with New York-based JetBlue Airways to hand out the salty snacks on its flights. Rivas estimated that a million JetBlue passengers a month get to munch on the plantain chips on JetBlue flights.

We are very proud to have partnered with Chifles last year to bring their savory, low-sodium and gluten-free plantain chips to customers at 35,000 feet, making us the only U.S. airline to carry plantain chips, A JetBlue spokesperson said. When rotating our onboard snack offerings, we are always looking to introduce customers to new products ... such as Chifles. Chifles brings a traditionally Hispanic snack into the mainstream and we are proud to serve them.

Stella Quintero, a Florida Atlantic University hospitality management instructor, attributed Chifles success to an emergence of diverse consumer tastes over the past 15 years.

Plantain chips are consumed by many countries around the world, she said. If you look at trends for growth through 2030 but the potential for growth is huge.

A 2021 study by a snack food industry consultant estimated the global snack food market is valued at $18 billion and expected to increase to $27 billion by 2028.

Plantain chips represent a fraction of the overall snack food market. Research shows that the global plantain chip market reached a value of $422 million in 2022, and is expected to reach a valuation of $556 million by 2028.

Citing the National Restaurant Associations three culinary trends in 2023 of Southeast Asian, Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, Quintero said plantain chips reflect two of the three trends and indicate that a consumer shift is happening in snack food consumption.

Leaning into growth

Meanwhile, as Rivas showed off art from Miami artists on the companys walls at the Miami home office, hes optimistic about Chifles brands growth prospects. There are new varieties of Chifles chips in the works that he wouldnt divulge and plenty of room to expand the brands reach to many of the 39 states in America where the chips are not sold. He also declined to disclose annual revenue of the nations top plantain chip maker.

I just put my head down, he said. I keep doing whats been working for us for the last 60 years, and Im confident that its going to continue to work.

Chifles plantain chips are sorted as they moved along the conveyor belt to be dropped into bags at the factory near North Miami on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.
HAMPTON  Saturday marked the second day of three for the 34th Hampton Beach Seafood Festival in 2023, bringing crowds and food vendors from all over the country to enjoy the end-of-the-summer party.

Over a half-mile stretch of Ocean Boulevard  from Hillcrest Inn to Ashworth by the Sea  there were more than 50 food vendors, 70-plus artisans and thousands of visitors. Out-of-state license plates such as Massachusetts, New Jersey and Wyoming filled the Ashworth Avenue parking lot.

From live music to lobsters, aerobatic air shows to artisans, here are five reasons why you should consider attending the final day of the event on Sunday, Sept. 10:

A seafood galore for foodies

Long-time Seafood Festival patrons Bette-Jean Tousley, Laura Barrero and Elliot Tousley show off their packed lobster rolls at the 34th Hampton Beach Seafood Festival.

New Jersey-based Seashore Seafood offers more than 10 seafood dishes, serving customers food that came fresh off the pan. One of many vendors at the festival, Seashore's offering include everything from its popular jambalaya (with mussels, shrimp and crawfish) to coconut shrimp.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The crowd here is fantastic, said Mindy McPherson of Seashore Seafood. We love the people, the weather is beautiful, the area is very hospitable and we have a great relationship with the committee.

A Hampton Beach Seafood Festival veteran of four years, McPherson said preparation begins between 5 and 6 a.m. each day with the help of 16 staff members. All of its ingredients are sourced locally, she added.

You better believe it, said McPherson, about returning to Hampton Beach next year.

College friends Lindsey Scheivert, AJ Schejtman and Allison Mozzicato show off their cooked red lobster at the 34th annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival.

Other dishes Seashore is serving include fried calamari and the Admiral platter (with lobster, Cajun shrimp and coconut shrimp).

Britney Hopkins of The Jolly Lobster was seen Saturday presenting a fresh batch of 15 lobster rolls for the long line of awaiting customers. Within minutes, it was gone, leaving the 16th person in line having to wait for the next batch.

Kate and Mary Boulanger, of Western, Massachusetts, with fried clams and onion rings at the 34th Hampton Beach Seafood Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

Hopkins said the family-run eatery from Lowell, Massachusetts, has been participating in the festival for the past 15 years. She said it is the one time of the year where we all can enjoy, but also work in a fun setting.

The Jolly Lobster also serves clam chowder, crab cakes, shrimp cocktail and lobster bisque.

Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings

It is Bearded Baking Co.s inaugural year at the festival in 2023, offering its wide-array of award-winning pastries. The Manchester-based bakery opened a second location in Hampton six months ago.

We found out a week ago that there was someone who backed out, said owner Jon Buatti, on how the business landed a spot in the festival. We jumped in, were selling pastries and were having fun.

By 11 a.m., just an hour after the gates opened, Buatti said hed sold more than 100 products. The homemade sweets include bismarks (raspberry or fresh whipped-cream-filled donuts), Parisian tortes and its bestseller, lobster tails  a lobster-shaped pate a choux with ricotta or chocolate filling.

The afternoon heat inspired a long line of customers waiting for liquid nitrogen-infused desserts from another vendor.

Its kind of like a fruit loop-type ball, said Chris Gines. Its crunchy  once you freeze them the nitrogen soaks into the ball and when you bite into it it evaporates. Its a nice, refreshing dessert.

Other offerings include donut ice cream cones. Gines said the two bestselling flavors are apple pie (cinnamon sugar cone lined with caramel, apple pie filling, streusel topping and vanilla ice cream) and pumpkin pie (cinnamon sugar cone lined with pumpkin pie, pumpkin sauce, graham cracker and vanilla ice cream).

Rob Hollands aerobatic air show

Rob Holland, a highly accomplished aerobatic pilot, performs aerial tricks in his stunt plane at the 34th Hampton Beach Seafood Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

Local band All Day Fire had just finished performing its cover of Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville at the festival's Beach Bar as Rob Holland arrived in his plane over the ocean to perform his aerobatic air show.

The 49-year-old pilot from Nashua arrived in Hampton Beach around 1:15 p.m. He also performed Saturday at the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth. His nonstop, action-packed 13-minute act includes flying sideways, rolling the plane and coming in close contact with the water.

Holland has performed in past editions of the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show, but it was his first time putting his aerobatic skills on display over Hampton Beach.

Holland is scheduled to perform again Sunday, Sept. 10, arriving between 1 and 1:15 p.m. Visitors at the Beach Bar or along the sidewalk will have the best view of the act.

The largest beach bar in New England and 'immersive' art gallery

For those who are 21-plus, admission to the festival includes the festival's 40,000-square-foot Beach Bar  billed as the largest in New England  offering more than 12 options of adult beverages, live music and a sandy dance floor.

Sundays performances will include Dave Macklin Band from noon to 2:30 p.m. and Freight Train from 3 to 5 p.m.

More: Thunder Over NH Air Show at Pease draws thousands: Here's what it's like to be there

This year marks the festival's third annual Pop-up Art Show Contest, where 17 local artists created immersive arts that are being voted on and available for auction.

With her painting titled Ethereal, first-timer Gina Tetreault created an ode to the universe. Her painting, which took 11 hours, features a woman at the back of a mountain with jet-black hair resembling the galaxy.

Its all connected, she said.

Local artist Alyssa Pine, who founded the contest, said the event has grown bigger over the years, starting with 10 contestants in the first year. Each visitor gets a ticket to vote for their favorite painting.

Every artist always tells me that its their favorite event of the year, she said. You get to paint in the sun, you get to talk to people and they can enjoy your art.

Local artisans selling goods

Aside from food, there are many local artisans at the festival, one of them being Koastal Kooks, a garment company that was started by University of New Hampshire students in 2020. From hoodies to T-shirts and hats to sweatpants, the idea behind the company is celebrating efforts in trying something new.

A Kook is a term used to describe a beginner surfer, someone that doesnt have a clue what theyre doing, said Luke Bednarek. But the important part is that theyre trying  I guess the abstract meaning behind it is the idea of going and trying things.

Bednarek said 2023 is the business' second time at the festival, and it definitely wont be the last.

First-time participant Susan Swietek of Hubba Hubba Food, known for its spice mixes, said everything she sells is homemade. Her best-seller is a bread-dipping mix called Dip Me Daddio, she added.

Ive been doing this for 20 years and attending (other events) for years, she said. Its a new event for me and a lot of people are new people.

Danny Garcia, of Eva's Pastries in Peabody, Mass., prepares his famous Spicy Shrimp at 34th Hampton Beach Seafood Festival on Saturday Sept. 9, 2023.

Sunday's Hampton Beach Seafood Festival schedule

Beach Bar Stage

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  5K Awards and Art Show Ceremony

12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Dave Macklin Band

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Freight Train

Seashell Stage

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The Bel Airs

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Lobster Roll Eating Contest

3:40 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Brandy

Cash is needed for some vendors who do not accept credit cards. ATM machines are available throughout the festival.

Rob Holland, a highly accomplished aerobatic pilot, performs aerial tricks in his stunt plane at the 34th Hampton Beach Seafood Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

Information: seafoodfestivalnh.com

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: 2023 Hampton Beach Seafood Festival: 5 reasons to go on final day
A 26-year-old man is dead after Phoenix police said he pointed his gun at a "number of officers" who then fired at him.

The Phoenix Police Department received reports of an aggravated assault near West Indian School Road and 83rd Avenue on Saturday. Officers learned that a ride-share employee was robbed of his car at gunpoint. The suspect was later identified as 26-year-old Robert Crockett.

Patrol officers gathered information from the victim and learned that the car had GPS tracking capabilities and the car was found near 91st and Glendale avenues in Glendale, Phoenix police said.

Officers were able to identify a house in the neighborhood that the suspect was seen going into, police said. Officers then positioned themselves surrounding the home and confirmed with a woman leaving the home that the suspect was inside, police said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to a Phoenix Police Department statement, negotiations continued until the man came out and walked to the driveway. As officers were giving commands, he took out a handgun and pointed it at a number of officers, police said. Three Phoenix officers fired their duty weapons at the suspect, police said.

Officers noticed a strong odor of gas coming from the house, so they put on gas masks and cleared the home making the scene safe for medical personnel to respond, police said. Fire personnel pronounced the man dead on scene.

The Glendale Police Department responded and took over this investigation, while the Phoenix Police Department conducted a separate administrative investigation.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man shot by Phoenix police following ride-share car robbery
 Flash

The first edition of the Russian-Chinese forum "Rostki" concluded on Friday in Kazan, the capital city of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, after participants discussed ways to boost practical cooperation between China and Russia.

During the two-day forum, participants engaged in dialogues regarding cooperation in various fields such as engineering, transportation, tourism, culture, and healthcare. They also visited exhibitions related to metalworking, welding, and the automotive industry.

Over 5,000 representatives from over 20 countries attended the event, and various cultural exchange and showcase events were organized throughout the forum.

In recent years, Russia-China economic and trade cooperation has developed steadily, Maxim Reshetnikov, Russia's minister of economic development, said at the plenary session.

Many Russian enterprises are reorienting themselves to suppliers from China, integrating them into their own production chains, and integrating themselves into the production chains of Chinese companies, which creates great potential for further trade growth, Reshetnikov noted.

Russia and China have more opportunities to carry out local cooperation and strengthen regional exchanges, Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Republic of Tatarstan, said at the forum, adding that under the Belt and Road Initiative, the M12 Moscow-Kazan highway is scheduled to open to traffic by the end of this year.
Brooke Jurges, publications administrative assistant, watches a handoff of Volume 15 of the Joseph Smith Papers during a Church History Department event to commemorate the final print volume of the Joseph Smith Papers at the Church History Library in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Over two decades and 27 volumes later, the final volume of the Joseph Smith Papers released on June 27.

Historians transcribed and provided commentary on thousands of historical records  from journals to manuscripts to legal cases  housed both in volumes published by the Church Historians Press and available online at JosephSmithPapers.org.

The Joseph Smith Papers includes documents that were created by Joseph Smith, whether written or dictated by him or created by others under his direction, or that were owned by Smith, that is, received by him and kept in his office, the FAQ for Joseph Smith Papers said.

Ranging from speeches Joseph Smith gave to the Relief Society to accounts of women participating in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Joseph Smith Papers offers insight into the early history of Latter-day Saint women.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Heres seven insights about Latter-day Saint womens history from the Joseph Smith Papers.

Related

1. Emma Smith as an elect lady

Now known as Doctrine and Covenants 25, this revelation was originally titled 27th Commandment AD 1830. In a revelation given through Joseph Smith, Emma Smith is told, Behold thy sins are for given thee & thou art an Elect Lady whom I have called.

This revelation forecasts Emma Smiths role as the first Relief Society president.

Shes also told to make a selection of Sacred Hymns, which becomes the hymnal early Latter-day Saints used.

2. Establishment of the Relief Society

The Relief Society, a Latter-day Saint womens organization oriented toward community service, was organized on March 17, 1842.

The meeting minutes from the day it was established are contained in the Joseph Smith Papers. The meeting began when the group sang the hymn The Spirit of God and then the society was established.

Twenty women, including Emma Smith, Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Eliza R. Snow. were present and admitted into the society. Another six were also admitted.

At the meeting, Joseph Smith said the purpose of the Relief Society was to create a community to serve the poor, preserve morality and strengthen virtue.

3. The Relief Society is described as an important organization

After its formation, the Relief Society began making significant strides to help the poor. Joseph Smith saw the organization as having the ability to contribute a lot of good.

In a discourse on April 28, 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois, Eliza R. Snow recorded Joseph Smith saying, I now deliver it as a prophecy that before ten years shall roll round, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this Society  they shall come with their millions and shall contribute of their abundance for the relief of the poor.

Later, the Relief Society and, in particular, a Latter-day Saint womens publication known as the Womans Exponent would be key in women receiving the right to vote in Utah.

Related

4. Women were included in voting on church matters

Documents like the minutes from a Nov. 7, 1837, meeting at Far West, Missouri, specify that women were included in voting on church business matters. In 19th-century America, women were typically not allowed to teach from the pulpit and had limited public participation in religion.

The church was reorganized in Kirtland and all were requested, (males and females), to vote, the transcript says.

5. Women were also scribes.

Women like Martha Jane Knowlton Coray and Eliza R. Snow were among the female scribes who recorded historical accounts from Lucy Mack Smith, discourses from Joseph Smith and other documents.

Their work to scribe documents led to the documents existing to become part of the Joseph Smith Papers.

6. Women were focusing on helping the poor.

The minutes from Relief Society meetings provide insight into what work and service women were doing at the time.

At the meeting on March 24, 1842, Mary Smith said, nothing was more laudable than feeding the hungry, clothing the naked &c.  that she desired to aid in accomplishing objects so generous.

According to the meeting minutes, Lucy Smith said, she was advancd in years and could not stay long  hopd the Lord would bless and aid the Society in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked  that her work was nearly done  felt to pray that the blessings of heaven might rest upon the Society.

Related

7. Women helped to build the temple.

The Kirtland Temple was built in part because of donations. One such donation came from Vienna Jacques, who moved from Boston to be with the Latter-day Saints after she was converted to the church from a Methodist Episcopal church. She donated a generous amount, which contributed to the building of the temple.

Joseph Smith wrote a letter to acknowledge her contribution. I have often felt a whispering since I received your letter, like this Joseph thou art indebted to thy God for the offering of thy Sister Viana (Vienna Jaques) which proved a Savior of life.

Jacques is told she should not be forgotten.

Joseph Smith Papers conference

The Joseph Smith Papers contained other insights about womens history as well. At a 2023 conference commemorating the completion of the project, which will be held on Sept. 15-16, theres a panel called Women, Gender, and Family in Joseph Smiths America.

Scholars Kathleen Flake, Sarah M.S. Pearsall and Laurel Thatcher Ulrich will deliver their papers on: Temple, Priesthood, and the Joseph Smith Papers, Plural Marriage and the Joseph Smith Papers and The Nauvoo Relief Society and the Myth of Seneca Falls: New Insights from the Joseph Smith Smith Papers Project.

More information about the conference can be found on the Joseph Smith Papers website.
An 87-year-old woman returning to her home after church died after police say an accused drunk driver hit the car dropping her off, a California family said.

The crash knocked Aurora Reynozo of Sylmar to the ground, killing her, at 8:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, Los Angeles police told KTLA.

The driver accused of hitting the car, a 33-year-old man, drove off, striking five more parked vehicles before coming to a stop, police told KNBC. He faces a charge of driving under the influence.

The friend dropping Reynozo off after a Bible study session also was injured, KABC reported.

Reynozo was loved by many, granddaughter Felicia Reynozo told KNBC.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I had friends that would call her grandmother, she told KABC. She was the person that would raise other peoples children. She would feed you. It didnt matter what you did, who you were, she would treat you like royalty.

Lorraine Aceves, Reynozos niece, told KTLA that her aunt meant so much to her family.

She was just a ray of light, Aceves told the station. The moment she walked into a room, she brought so much beauty to everybody.

Sylmar is about 25 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

He ran out of gas on a California road trip 27 years ago  and hasnt been seen since

Naked intruder walks into room with three sleeping kids, California police say

Driver orders lunch after fleeing fiery crash that killed one, Arizona police say
Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan and other American institutions.

Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attack, including in the twin towers and at the Pentagon.

Events in the Sacramento area aim to pay tribute to victims and survivors of the national tragedy. Heres when and where:

Inderkum High stair climb

Inderkum High School in the Natomas Unified School District will host its fifth-annual memorial stair climb Monday.

The event will start about 6:45 a.m. and run until 8:15 a.m. at the schools football stadium.

The organizer can be contacted at ihssitecal@natomasunified.org.

Sacramento firefighters 9/11 memorial climb

A memorial climb for firefighters, put on by the Sacramento Area Firefighters Benevolent Fund, starts its check-in at 7 a.m. Monday, and the climb begins at 8 a.m.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It will be at the Sacramento Convention Center, 1401 K St. in downtown Sacramento, according to the functions website.

We will be climbing a total of 110 stories to remember our 343 brothers that made the ultimate sacrifice and had their lives taken from them 22 years ago, the organization posted in statement.

Firefighters are encouraged to register for the climb at www.sac911memorialclimb.com.

Cal Expo memorial ceremony

Cal Expo will pay tribute with a public ceremony.

Officials said, in observance of the 22nd anniversary of the attacks, the September 11 Memorial Plaza will be open Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A ceremony will also highlight the end of 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts, according to event officials.

Admission and parking in Lot B next to the Main Gate are free. Event officials said a clear bag policy will be enforced.

Gates will open at 8:30 a.m., and several local and state officials are slated to speak between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., including Mindi Russell, the executive director of the California Chaplain Corps, U.S. Congressman Ami Bera and Sacramento Police Department Captain Vance Chandler.

Californias capital memorial began construction a year after the attack, according to the agencys website. An I-beam that served as horizontal support for the north tower was among the debris transported to California via train.

Also on display at Cal Expo on Monday will be a granite sphere containing names of 9/11 victims and individual memorials to American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93, believed to be en route to the White House before crashing into an open field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

Veteran Tim Young and veteran spouse Dana Almora, both of Pride Industries, carry the memorial wreath forward followed by Cal Expo police chief Craig Walton during the ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022, remembering the events of 9/11 at Cal Expos September 11 Memorial Plaza.

Folsoms 9/11 remembrance

The city of Folsom said its first responders will host a 9/11 memorial Monday morning.

The Folsom fire and police departments will gather around 8:45 a.m. at Folsom City Lions Park.

City officials said the event will honor victims and commemorate the ultimate sacrifices made by first responders 22 years ago.

Move America Forwards Packathon

Move America Forward, a nonprofit military charity based in Sacramento, will assemble care packages Monday in the Rancho Cordova city limits for overseas deployment to commemerate 9/11.

Volunteers will join 9/11 survivor Richard Hannaford, who was in the south tower on Sept. 11, 2001, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3105 Fite Circle Suite #108 off Folsom Boulevard.

The packages consist of gourmet coffee, snacks, sunscreen, bug repellent, personal hygiene kits and more.

Rocklins Patriot Day

The city of Rocklin commemorated 9/11 on Sunday at Rocklin Quarry Park.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4000 Rocklin Road, the city recognized and honored police officers, firefighters, first responders and members of the military.

We use this rare opportunity to join with neighbors and friends to express our gratitude to those who enrich our community and safeguard us, the city said in a statement.

Patriot Day falls on Sept. 11 every year thanks to a Congressional resolution approved on Dec. 18, 2001. The approval recognizes the day as a national one of both service and remembrance.
When the 9/11 terrorists murdered my nephew, Karleton Fyfe, and nearly 3,000 other people 22 years ago this week, the families of victims had no immediate idea who had done it or why.

In many ways, we still dont. Once the plot leaders were captured (and sometimes tortured), we learned very little about what motivated them and who exactly did what. Today, the five plotters still held in the prison at Guantanamo Bay have yet to be brought to justice in a setting in which such questions could be resolved.

My hope  and the hope of many 9/11 families, especially those of us connected with September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows  has been that plea bargains, called pretrial agreements, would provide answers by allowing the perpetrators to plead guilty and to describe their roles and motives in exchange for the removal of the death penalty as their punishment.

That possibility seemed to edge closer and closer until a few days ago, when President Joe Biden elected not to go along with certain aspects of the agreements. As first reported by The New York Times, Biden accepted a recommendation by the secretary of defense to decline the additional conditions of the agreements. But, as Carol Rosenberg and Charlie Savage reported, an offer by military prosecutors, made in March 2022, that would spare them death sentences if they admitted to their alleged roles in the hijackings, remains on the table.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Biden should find a way to get the plea deals done and should ignore such vengeful voices as that of Sen. Ted Cruz , a Texas Republican, who, in one of his typical pro-death-penalty rants, declared that accepting plea deals would have been outrageous.

Information about CIA torture still classified

No. Whats outrageous is that after all this time the case still is in pretrial hearings. Mostly thats because our government classified whats known about how the defendants were tortured at so-called Central Intelligence Agency black sites before they were imprisoned at Gitmo.

Whats outrageous is that people like Cruz imagine that the death penalty will solve anything or provide any answers about exactly what happened on 9/11 and why.

Whats outrageous is that when I recently visited Karletons parents (my sister and her husband) and one of Karletons sisters and her children in the Boston area, our family still had received nothing that looks like justice for the spectacular death of a wise, loving, young husband, father, son, brother, nephew. . .

Beyond that, the continued operation of the Gitmo prison has stained Americas soul. As I wrote recently on my Faith Matters blog, What has happened  and continues to happen  at Guantanamo in our name as Americans has been a stream of flagrant violations of basic human rights and a repudiation of almost every good thing American citizens think our country stands for  the rule of law, basic human rights, humane treatment of prisoners, a rejection of torture as a tool and simple human decency.

I pointed readers to a recently released report from a United Nations special investigator that described in horrifying detail what I called the profound human rights violations that have occurred there and their reparable harms to the lives and health of the 780 Muslim men who have been detained there, including 30 men who remain.

Ted Cruzs bloodthirsty howls only hurt

What the world knows now about the 9/11 hijackings and the deaths that resulted is that a small group of men claiming to be followers of Islam followed, instead, a radically twisted version of that ancient and honorable religion that was spoon-fed to them by the late Osama bin Laden.

But we deserve to know exactly who did what that malevolent day and why. Bidens rejection of conditions for potential plea agreements is not helping. The bloodthirsty howls of Cruz and others just make things worse.

Karletons widow, their two now-adult sons (one born some eight-plus months after his fathers death), other members of our family and thousands of other families deserve to know the detailed truth about why our people were murdered and who was responsible.

Now. Not another 20-plus years from now when many of us also will be gone.

Bill Tammeus, a former Kansas City Star columnist, now writes for Flatland, KCPT-TVs digital magazine. His latest book is Love, Loss and Endurance: A 9-11 Story of Resilience and Hope in an Age of Anxiety. Email him at wtammeus@gmail.com
Happy 173rd birthday, California!

On Sept. 9, 1850, California became the 31st state to be admitted to the Union after the Compromise of 1850 was signed by then-President Millard Fillmore.

California became a state relatively quickly, as the Gold Rush that started in 1848  just days after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed between the U.S. and Mexico, which ceded most of the Southwest and all of present-day California to the states  led to an influx of settlers, and a hasty constitutional convention was held the following year.

It was at this convention that the state seal that we all know today was created. The seal features 31 stars, symbolizing Californias admission as the 31st state, as well as the Greek goddess Athena, a grizzly bear feeding on grape vines and the state motto Eureka.

Also included in the seals complex imagery are nods to what the states founders thought were important issues, including mining, farming and water transportation, the California Capitol Museum said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The seal itself was designed by a career military officer named Robert S. Garnett, who later fought in the Civil War in Virginia for the Confederacy and died during the Battle of Corricks Ford near present-day Parsons, West Virginia.

Homeowner scares off bear that pushed through screen door in South Lake Tahoe

In the Golden States early days, the capital moved frequently; by the time Sacramento was designated as the center of the state government in 1854, the state legislature had already convened in San Jose, Vallejo and the small town of Benicia, according to the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

And while Admission Day is now a little-known holiday, it used to be quite a large celebration, the Los Angeles Times said.

An undated photo of Echo Lake cityscape over Los Angeles skyline. (Getty Images)

A view of Half Dome on June 11, 2020 in Yosemite National Park, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

On the road through Joshua Tree National Park, a sign indicates the turn for Lost Horse Mine Road. (Getty)

Downtown San Francisco, California. Median home prices in the S.F. Bay Area were $1.25 million in August 2023. (Getty Images)

California State Capitol. (Getty Images)

A full moon is pictured over the San Diego skyline.

Mount Shasta is seen in a file photo. (Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Standing water from recent flooding forms a lake near Badwater in Death Valley. Aug. 2023 (NPS)

In 1925, Orange County was decorated with Diamond Jubilee colors commemorating the states 75th anniversary, and nearly 200,000 people flocked to the streets of Santa Monica in 1937 to watch a five-mile parade depicting periods of California history.

California nearing decriminalization of mushrooms, other natural psychedelics

By the mid-1970s, a bill that would have killed off Admission Day made its way to Gov. Jerry Browns desk, but he vetoed it in 1976.

However, the holiday was scrapped in 1984 by Gov. George Deukmejian and turned into a flabby, floating day off work for state employees, the L.A. Times said.

Regardless of how large  or small  the festivities are, a lot has happened since the birth of what has now become the most populated state in the country.

Complete with multiple metropolises and a gross domestic product that would rank 5th in the world if it were an independent nation, California has flourished into one of the most important parts of not just the United States, but the entire globe.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Main Pakistan-Afghan border crossing closed for second day after clashes in Torkham

KABUL (Reuters) - The Afghan Taliban criticised the closure of its main border crossing with Pakistan this week after clashes between security forces, saying the halt in trade would see heavy losses for businesses.

The busy Torkham border crossing closed on Wednesday after Pakistani and Afghan Taliban forces started firing at each other, according to local officials.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan deems the closure of Torkham gate and opening of fire on Afghan security forces by the Pakistani side contrary to good neighbourliness," Taliban administration's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement late on Saturday.

The statement said the incident had started after Pakistani security forces fired at Afghan Taliban forces fixing an old security outpost near the border. Pakistan's foreign office did not immediately respond to request for comment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Hundreds of trucks laden with goods have been halted and traders have complained that trade is affected.

"The closure of Torkham gate can adversely affect bilateral and regional trade, and cause trade and financial losses to common mercantile class on both sides," the statement said, adding many travellers were also stuck on each side of the border.

Disputes linked to the 2,600 km (1,615 mile) border have been a bone of contention between the neighbours for decades.

(Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Michael Perry)
FILE - Afghans gather under a bridge to consume drugs, mostly heroin and methamphetamines in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sept. 30, 2021. Afghanistan is the worlds fastest-growing maker of methamphetamine, a report from the United Nations drug agency said Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. The country is also a major opium producer and heroin source, even though the Taliban declared a war on narcotics after they returned to power in August 2021.(AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File)

ISLAMABAD (AP)  Afghanistan is the worlds fastest-growing maker of methamphetamine, a report from the United Nations drug agency said Sunday. The country is also a major opium producer and heroin source, even though the Taliban declared a war on narcotics after they returned to power in August 2021.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, which published the report, said meth in Afghanistan is mostly made from legally available substances or extracted from the ephedra plant, which grows in the wild.

The report called Afghanistans meth manufacturing a growing threat to national and regional health and security because it could disrupt the synthetic drug market and fuel addiction. It said seizures of meth suspected to have come from Afghanistan have been reported from the European Union and east Africa.

Annual meth seizure totals from inside the country rose from less than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) in 2019 to nearly 2,700 kilograms (6,000 pounds) in 2021, suggesting increased production, the report said. But it couldn't give a value for the country's meth supply, the quantities being produced, nor its domestic usage, because it doesn't have the data.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Angela Me, the chief of the UNODCs Research and Trend Analysis Branch, told The Associated Press that making meth, especially in Afghanistan, had several advantages over heroin or cocaine production.

You dont need to wait for something to grow," said Me. "You don't need land. You just need the cooks and the know-how. Meth labs are mobile, theyre hidden. Afghanistan also has the ephedra plant, which is not found in the biggest meth-producing countries: Myanmar and Mexico. Its legal in Afghanistan and it grows everywhere. But you need a lot of it.

Me said it was too early to assess what impact the Talibans drug crackdown has had on meth supplies.

A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, Abdul Mateen Qani, told the AP that the Taliban-run government has prohibited the cultivation, production, sale and use of all intoxicants and narcotics in Afghanistan.

He said authorities have destroyed 644 factories and around 12,000 acres of land where prohibited narcotics were cultivated, processed or produced. There have been more than 5,000 raids in which 6,000 people have been arrested.

We cannot claim 100% that it is finished because people can still do these activities in secret. It is not possible to bring it to zero in such a short time," said Qani. "But we have a four-year strategic plan that narcotics in general and meth in particular will be finished.

A U.N. report published in November said that opium cultivation since the Taliban takeover increased by 32% over the previous year, and that opium prices rose following authorities' announcement of a cultivation ban in April 2022. Farmers' income from opium sales tripled from $425 million in 2021 to $1.4 billion in 2022.

The 2022 report also said that the illicit drug market thrived as Afghanistan's economy sharply contracted, making people open to illegal cultivation and trafficking for their survival.

Afghans are dealing with drought, severe economic hardship and the continued consequences of decades of war and natural disasters.

The downturn, along with the halt of international financing that propped up the economy of the former Western-backed government, is driving people into poverty, hunger, and addiction.

An Afghan health official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said around 20,000 people are in hospitals for drug addiction, mostly to crystal meth. Of these patients, 350 are women. He said children are also being treated, but did not give the number nor their ages.
FILE PHOTO: Taliban soldiers celebrate on the second anniversary of the fall of Kabul on a street near the US embassy in Kabul

(Reuters) - Methamphetamine trafficking in and around Afghanistan has surged in recent years, even as the Taliban has curbed heroin trafficking since taking power, a United Nations report said on Sunday.

"The surge in methamphetamine trafficking in Afghanistan and the region suggests a significant shift in the illicit drug market and demands our immediate attention," said Ghada Waly, executive director of the U.N. Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The Taliban, which regained power in August 2021, announced a ban the following April on the production of narcotics in Afghanistan, the world's main opium producer. Taliban officials say its security forces are clamping down on Afghan poppy farmers and destroying crops.

While heroin trafficking has slowed, the UNODC said in a statement, meth trafficking "has intensified since the ban".

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Meth seizures in and around Afghanistan jumped 12-fold in the five years through 2021. Between 2019 and 2022, nearby countries such as Iran and Pakistan also reported increased seizures. Countries as far away as France and Australia have reported seizing methamphetamine that likely originated in Afghanistan it said.

The UNODC said much of the meth from Afghanistan was made with pre-cursor ingredients such as those found in some cold and flu medication.

Afghanistan is home to the ephedra plant, which can be used to make methamphetamine, but the UNODC said the quantities needed to produce the drug and the risk of unreliable crops meant that Afghanistan's production did not depend on the plant alone.

"Common cold medications and industrial-grade chemicals are more efficient and cost effective for the manufacture of methamphetamine and thus pose a far bigger threat," the UNODC said.

(Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by William Mallard)
The end of the U.S.-led military intervention in Afghanistan resulted in the withdrawal of most foreign aid workers and contractors.

It may well also spell the demise of the countrys war rug industry.

As a specialist in the visual and material culture of the Islamic world, I first became aware of war rugs when I was working on a book on truck decoration in Pakistan and Afghanistan in the 1990s.

Since that time, Ive followed changes in this industry and cultivated relationships with Pakistani and Afghan rug sellers.

War rugs  with symbols of war  are distinctive and dynamic in their styles. But theyre often misunderstood by buyers, journalists and curators.

The growth of the war rug market

There is no evidence of the existence of Afghan war rugs prior to the late-20th century.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The earliest rugs seem to have emerged shortly after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 from refugee camps in Pakistan, where millions of Afghans had relocated. Featuring guns, helicopters and tanks, they were small and shoddily made with coarse wool. Rug sellers and souvenir shops pitched them to workers for non-government organizations and Western government officials.

The designs have become more sophisticated over the years.

English words were added, intentionally or accidentally garbled with Cyrillic words and letters to evoke a Soviet connection. After 9/11, fixed patterns started to emerge  a sign that weavers were adhering to templates provided by rug merchants. The images made it clear that they were hoping to primarily appeal to an American souvenir market.

One popular design commemorates the 9/11 attacks, pointing out that it was not Afghans who were responsible, but terrorists from other countries.

Another depicts a map of Afghanistan, professing Afghanistans friendship with the U.S. with text and images. It has the misspelled word terrarism written on the region of the country associated with the Taliban.

After 9/11, merchants started trying to appeal to an American souvenir market. Kevin Sudeith, courtesy of WarRug.com, CC BY-SA

The writing on some rugs declares that theyre made in Sheberghan, a city in northern Afghanistan famous for its Turkmen weavers.

Its unlikely that theyre all made there. However, whether theyre made in northern Afghanistan or in Afghan settlements in Pakistan, the word Shebergan, written in English, is supposed to signal that these rugs are authentically Afghan.

Such rugs are readily available on eBay and were  until recently  sold by souvenir sellers in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistans cities with the largest number of foreign workers and tourists. With the Talibans return to power, it remains unclear what the future of rug making and its market will be.

Over the years, war motifs have found their way into higher-quality, larger carpets, with small tanks appearing where rows of medallions might traditionally have been. Other rugs feature a more comprehensive integration of modern and traditional patterns.

While these larger carpets take substantially more time to make and cost more money than the far more common smaller, coarser rugs, they nevertheless dont meet the standards of fine carpets, which suggests theyre geared more to souvenir collectors than those seeking luxury home furnishings.

Misreading the meaning of the rugs

Over the past 20 years, Afghan war rugs have garnered considerable attention.

Books in German and English describe, catalog and contextualize them. Magazines and major newspapers have run features on them, and university art galleries have exhibited them.

Within the coverage, theres a tendency to see war rugs as a reflection of the emotional lives of the weavers, who, wracked by war and violence, felt compelled to incorporate these motifs into their designs.

Some rugs incorporate war motifs, like tanks, into traditional designs. Kevin Sudeith, courtesy of WarRug.com, CC BY-SA

Articles and exhibits often ignore the reality that rug brokers and dealers  not weavers  are the ones who are attuned to fickle market tastes. Studies on labor in the rug industry note that theyre normally the ones who supply weavers with new patterns, color schemes and yarn. Ive seen the same dynamic in my own long-term observations.

Ultimately, Afghan war rugs are produced for the market. Its that simple.

Yet youll still see exhibit curators describe war rugs as combining ancient practice with the latest in the daily lives of the weavers, or as windows into the perspectives of everyday Afghans  the underdogs in a country subsumed by strife.

In 2014, The New York Times reported that weavers had incorporated the grim realities of life in a war zone into their traditional craft. Six years earlier, Smithsonian Magazine buried a brief acknowledgment that the rugs are for tourists under claims  with scant evidence  that the earliest war rugs were intended for Afghan buyers who resented the Soviet invasion. Later, the writer notes that female weavers drew from their own lives when they incorporated symbols of violence.

The appeal of the trauma market

With so much evidence showing that Afghan war rugs are produced in response to market demand, why do claims that theyre based on the weavers experiences of war persist?

Part of the answer lies in the global market for handicrafts. Buyers want to feel like theyre purchasing artisanal products when, in reality, theyre sold by the thousands in chain stores and through online storefronts such as Ten Thousand Villages or Etsy.

Implying that rugs are a source of income for traumatized and destitute Afghan women ignores the reality that the overwhelming majority of profits go to middlemen and dealers. A work-from-home model encourages workers to devote all available time to rug production. It also encourages child labor: Children are either tasked with making the crude rugs or are forced to take up the responsibilities of adults.

The appeal of war rugs  and the insistence that their designs represent a victims experience of war  seems to reflect a vicarious desire to peer into the emotional experience of Afghan civilians.

In reality, though, this gives primacy not to the actual experiences of Afghans, but to the viewers and customers ideas of victimhood. The granular realities of the loss of home and animals, family deaths or food insecurity arent represented in the rugs. Nor should we assume weavers would wish to put their own traumas on display for the world.

Modern rugs are not venues for self-expression, and the designs tend to contain an index of symbols that reflect an outsiders understanding of war: AK-47s, 9/11, security politics and drones.

Nowhere in the rugs do we see the well-documented psychological and health impacts on Afghanistans population caused by decades of deprivation and violence.

Real trauma is not only hard to turn into a commodity, it is also hard to live with  even in souvenirs.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation has a variety of fascinating free newsletters.

It was written by: Jamal J. Elias, University of Pennsylvania.

Read more:



Jamal J. Elias does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is extremely skeptical of the possibility of achieving peace in Ukraine as long as the regime of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin remains in power.

Johnson voiced the sentiment during his address at the Annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES), titled "The Future Is Being Decided in Ukraine." The event, organized by YES in partnership with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, was held in Kyiv on Sept. 8-9.

Read also: Boris Johnson warns Washington against Ukraine fatigue after NATO summit

"A peaceful solution with Putin cannot be achieved," Johnson said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Johnson stressed that it was imperative for the world to demonstrate the efficacy of democratic values and freedom. To achieve this, he said the Western nations must provide unwavering support to defend Ukraine until the last Russian soldier exits its territory.

According to Johnson, Ukraine's best security assurance lies in membership in NATO.

Read also: Boris Johnson chastises NATO leaders for demanding gratitude from Ukraine

"We need to have Ukraine in NATO as fast as possible, Johnson said. What works is NATO. It has proved that it works. The argument was that Putin might get provoked, but look what has happened without NATO. Only Ukraine's membership of the alliance is a long-term solution for the Russian problem."

The former UK Prime Minister also called on Ukraines Western partners to intensify sanctions against Russia and transfer $300 billion of frozen Russian funds to Ukraine for reconstruction.

We always end up giving what is needed but we always do it months and months too late, Johnson said.

My question to friends from other Western countries is simply why are we waiting? Get on with it now and we will save lives and bring this disastrous conflict to an end.

After his visit to Kyiv, Johnson traveled to Lviv, arriving via the Intercity+ train from the Ukrainian capital, alongside regular passengers. This visit marked Johnson's fifth trip to Ukraine by train.

Read also: Boris Johnson calls for fighter jets and more tanks for Ukraine

In Lviv, Johnson, in the company of Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, paid tribute to Ukraine's fallen defenders and the heroes of the Heavenly Hundred at a memorial in Lviv.

Later, Johnson visited Ivan Franko Lviv National University, where he had been bestowed with an honorary doctorate in October of the previous year. The former UK Prime Minister personally accepted this honorary title, as confirmed by Maxim Kozytskyi, the head of the Lviv Oblast Military Administration.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
AU hails its entry into G20 as full member

Xinhua) 10:08, September 10, 2023

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki on Saturday hailed the decision to grant the continental body permanent membership in the Group of 20 (G20).

"I welcome the AU's entry into the G20 as (a) full member. The membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favor of the continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges," Faki wrote on social media X, formerly known as Twitter.

Earlier on Saturday, the G20 members agreed to grant permanent membership to the AU in an effort to make the group more representative.

The agreement was reached at the inaugural session of the two-day G20 summit held in the Indian capital of New Delhi during the weekend.

Azali Assoumani, president of the Union of the Comoros and current AU chairperson, then assumed his seat representing the 55-member continental body for the session.

China is the first country that explicitly expressed its support for the AU's membership in the G20.

The G20 meeting, which started on Saturday, is expected to continue until Sunday.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chaolan)
 Flash

Children stand by a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

Morocco on Saturday declared three days of national mourning after a devastating earthquake jolted the kingdom late Friday night.



Flags will fly at half-mast on all public facilities during the national mourning, according to a statement released by the Royal Office after Moroccan King Mohammed VI chaired a meeting on the disaster.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 km, said the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter of the earthquake was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70 km southwest of Marrakesh.

The quake has claimed the lives of 2,012 people and injured 2,059, with 1,404 of them in serious condition, according to the latest update from the country's Interior Ministry on Saturday.

Morocco has not experienced a disaster of this magnitude since 2004 when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the port city of Al Hoceima, killing around 630 people.

The Moroccan state TV said the majority of casualties in the earthquake were from the remote and inaccessible mountainous regions near the epicenter, with damaged roads further hindering rescue efforts.

Rescuers have been sent to the quake-hit areas to search for survivors, local media reported. TV footage showed rescuers digging through rubbles and debris in an effort to save survivors.

The earthquake was felt in many cities across Morocco, including the capital Rabat and Casablanca. Numerous houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh, local media reported.

Rows of buildings were leveled to the ground in Imlil, a small village in the High Atlas mountains about 60 km south of Marrakesh, video footage showed.

The earthquake damaged many buildings in the old city of Marrakesh, the nearest big city to the epicenter, and many residents had to spend the night in the open space for fear of potential aftershocks, said Zhang Kai, an overseas Chinese living in Marrakesh.

Xinhua correspondents at Ouarzazate, about 190 km southeast of Marrakesh, saw residents taking shelter in an open space after the earthquake.

"There have been earthquakes before, but none of them were as strong as this one," said a resident who requires anonymity.

On the way from Ouarzazate to the epicenter, rocks and rubbles from the mountains and buildings were seen scattered along the road.

COUNTRIES OFFER SOLIDARITY, AID

The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) announced on Saturday that it would provide the Moroccan Red Crescent with 200,000 U.S. dollars in cash as emergency humanitarian assistance to assist in its rescue operations.

The RCSC said it would keep abreast of the relief needs in Morocco and pledged to offer assistance to the best of its ability.

Arab countries and organizations, including the Arab League (AL), Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Tunisia, Algeria, Lebanon and Libya, on Saturday sent condolences to Morocco over the devastating earthquake. They have expressed solidarity with Morocco and pledged support for its rescue and relief efforts.

Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, secretary-general of the Cairo-based AL, said he hoped Morocco would quickly overcome the crisis.

Other countries that have offered condolences or assistance include Iran, Turkiye, Israel, France, Germany, the U.S., etc.
Russians attacked Ukraine with 32 Shahed drones, 25 of which were destroyed by air defence at night.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, information as of 06:00 on 10 September

Quote: "Last night, the invaders attacked Ukraine with 32 Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones, 25 of which were downed by Ukrainian air defence forces. The Russian occupiers targeted most of the attack UAVs to Kyiv Oblast."

Details: During the day, over 34 combat clashes took place.

Russia launched 2 missile attacks, 40 airstrikes and over 38 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of our forces and settlements.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Russian airstrikes hit the settlements of Budarky, Ambarne, Synkivka, Kyslivka, Cherneshchyna in Kharkiv Oblast, Novoselivske, Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast, Siversk, Andriivka, Krasnohorivka, Staromaiorske, Spirne, Vesele, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva in Donetsk Oblast, Robotyne, Kamianka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and Arkhanhelske in Kherson Oblast.

Over 45 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts came under Russian artillery fire.

On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russians continue to maintain a group of troops to cover the state border and conduct active sabotage activities in the border areas to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to fronts under threat.

On the Kupiansk, Lyman and Bakhmut fronts that are within the scope of responsibility of the Khortytsia operational-strategic group of troops, the Russians are continuing to attempt to break through the defences of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Berestove, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka. Heavy fighting continues in the area of Klishchiivka.

In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia operational-strategic group of troops on the Avdiivka, Marinka and Shakhtarsk fronts, the Defence Forces are holding the initiative and are continuing to put pressure on the Russians, conducting assault operations and recapturing Ukrainian land metre by metre. In particular, Ukrainian soldiers repelled about 15 Russian attacks near Marinka.

On the Melitopol front, the Ukrainian defence forces continue their offensive, inflicting significant losses in manpower and equipment on the occupation forces, making the Russians withdraw from their positions.

On the Kherson front, the defenders continue to conduct counter-battery measures, destroying ammunition storage points and successfully striking at the Russians rear.

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Air Force carried out eight strikes on areas where Russian military personnel and equipment were concentrated. In addition, the air defence forces destroyed three reconnaissance UAVs.

Ukraines Rocket and Artillery Forces hit six artillery pieces, one anti-aircraft missile system, one cluster of Russian manpower, and a fuel and lubricant depot of the Russians.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Kyiv Oblast Military Administration and the Kyiv City Military Administration reported that air defence systems responded to Russian attack drones on the night of 9-10 September.

Source: the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration and the Kyiv City Military Administration

Quote: "UAVs were detected in the airspace. Air defence forces are responding to targets.

Stay in shelters and other safe places during the air-raid warning."

Details: At 01:33, the Kyiv City Military Administration reported on air defence operations in the city of Kyiv. Explosions were heard in the capital.

Background: Russian forces launched attack drones from the north.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Immediately after midnight, a message appeared, saying "a group of attack UAVs is approaching Kyiv Oblast", and an air-raid warning was issued in the oblast.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Air defence forces destroyed more than 20 Russian Shahed kamikaze drones in the skies over Kyiv on the night of 9-10 September.

Source: Serhii Popko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration

Quote: "Last night, the enemy attacked Kyiv with unmanned aerial vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that these were Shahed loitering munitions.

The drones entered the capital in groups and from different directions. Air defence forces managed to destroy more than two dozen enemy UAVs (the exact number and type will be shared by the Air Force)."

Details: Popko noted that the debris fell in several districts of the capital.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the Shevchenkivskyi district, they damaged an apartment in a high-rise building.

But most of the debris fell on an open area.

"Cars, trolleybus power lines and the road surface were damaged. At the moment, we know about one casualty, but his injuries are not life-threatening," Popko said.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Air Force of Ukraine reported that the eastern oblasts were under threat of Russian ballistic missile attacks on the night of 9-10 September.

Source: the Air Force of Ukraine's Armed Forces

Quote: "There is a threat of ballistic weapons use in the eastern oblasts."

Details: An air-raid warning was issued in the eastern oblasts.

Update: Later, the Air Force reported that the threat was over, and the all-clear was given in the oblasts.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Air Forces has confirmed information about the overnight attack by Shahed UAVs- the Russians launched 33 kamikaze drones in Kyiv Oblast, 26 of which were destroyed.

Source: Air Forces of Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Quote from Air Forces: "33 Shaheds were launched in the direction of Kyiv Oblast overnight on 9-10 September. 26 Shahed-136/131s were destroyed as a result of combat work by Air Force assets and personnel, in cooperation with the air defence of other components of the Defence Forces of Ukraine."

Details: It is noted that the Russian drones were flying from the northern direction  from Kursk in Russia.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

In early reports, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russia attacked Ukraine overnight with 32 Shaheds, 25 of which were destroyed by air defence.

Drone wreckage fell in several districts of Kyiv: in Shevchenko, it damaged an apartment in a high-rise building in Shevchenkivskyi District.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
An air-raid warning was issued in the capital and a number of oblasts because of the threat of Russian drones attack on the night of 9-10 September 2023.

Source: Air Force; an air-raid warning map

Details: An air-raid warning was issued in the city of Kyiv after 01:00.

Earlier, the warning was also issued in Sumy, Poltava, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr and Kyiv oblasts.

Later, it was also issued in Kirovohrad and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

Background: Russian forces launched attack drones from the north.

Kyiv City Military Administration reported that air defence was responding to Russian drones.

Update: After 02:00, the all-clear was given in some oblasts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After 03:00, the all-clear was given in Kyiv and other oblasts.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
A new study says short-term rentals like Airbnbs are not to blame for the housing crisis  at least not in San Luis Obispo County.

If there are concerns that STR (short-term rental) activity reduces community housing supplies, there are more direct ways to increase those supplies through zoning reform, concludes the study by Beacon Economics, which was commissioned by the marketing organization Visit SLO CAL.

Its a rosy picture for the short-rental industry  but its at odds with a growing perception that AirBnbs are pushing out locals who need housing.

I saw what it was doing to local housing markets, including my home in New York City, where there were more Airbnb listings than available apartments in 2022, attorney Isabel Heine wrote in an article for Insider.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She felt morally sketchy about booking Airbnbs, she wrote, and now stays at hotels.

And hows this for a proactive headline by Substack writer Jared Brock, directed at Airbnb users: Your family vacations are destroying other families.

Statewide study: Only 1% of California homes are short-term rentals

According to Beacon Economics  one of Californias leading economic consulting firms  only 2.7% of the countys housing units operate as short-term rentals.

And those are primarily expensive homes  the average value is $1.2 million  that would not be affordable to most local households anyway.

While it focused on San Luis Obispo County, a similar study by the nonprofit Milken Institute reached the same conclusion for the entire state.

STRs (short-term rentals) account for about only 1% of Californias housing stock, and most are expensive single-family homes that would not otherwise add to needed affordable housing supply, the 2022 study found.

Not all vacation rentals are million-dollar homes

Still, theres no question that vacation rentals reduce the supply of housing for permanent residents  even if its only to a small degree.

Heres how Krista Jeffries of the SLO County housing advocacy group YIMBY Action puts it: The YIMBY position is that short-term rentals are not the major driver of the housing crisis, but they are certainly not helping.

Another thing: Its not just high-end housing thats taken off the permanent housing market.

Check out Airbnb listings and youll find a variety of housing types: mobile homes, travel trailers, cottages, apartments, condos, modest tract homes, along with some luxury homes  mansions even  that drive up the average value of Airbnbs.

To conclude that short-term rentals are predominately high-end homes that are out of the price range of most households is misleading. At least a portion of those rentals would be reasonably affordable to residents.

No, vacation rentals arent destroying families

While its hyperbole  and grossly unfair  to claim that Airbnbs are destroying families, its imperative that local governments enforce limits on short-term rentals so the percentages dont creep beyond the current 2% or 3% to 5% or 6%.

Its one thing to rent out a spare bedroom for some additional cash to help cover the mortgage, but its another when entire houses that were intended for local families  because isnt that what R-1 zoning implies?  are snapped up by investors and converted into vacation rentals.

Not only does that lock out locals, but also, too many vacation rentals in one area can create a nuisance for neighbors. Sometimes even one Airbnb can be a hassle.

Reining in vacation rentals

Several jurisdictions are indeed cracking down by placing a ceiling on short-term rentals, as well as putting restrictions on how existing ones operate.

Santa Barbara recently announced a pilot program aimed at uncovering unpermitted short-term vacation rentals.

Owners of rental units have found that its more economically advantageous to rent their units as a vacation rental for 30 days, or less, than for a longer term, City Attorney Sarah Knecht told KCBX Radio.

The Milken Institute study is correct in concluding that short-term rentals are not a significant driver of Californias housing crisis, which is instead driven by decades of underdevelopment, especially of affordable multifamily units.

But that should not be interpreted as permission to allow the number of vacation homes to inch up over time, especially new housing thats been approved with the understanding that it will be for local residents.

After all, whats the point of building more houses if were going to turn around and allow them to be turned into vacation homes?

Until Californias housing shortage eases  if that ever happens  new developments intended as single-family housing must remain single-family housing.

Local agencies also should be conservative in the number of short-term rental permits they allow in existing neighborhoods, particularly when entire homes are used as rentals.

Consider making the permits good for a limited number of years, so that one or two homeowners cant hold them in perpetuity, freezing out all other applicants.

Whether thats a home that a family has owned for generations, or a newly built ADU or cottage on site, allowing people to take turns recouping their home investment before that home is returned to the long-term rental market is an equitable solution that would also incentivize ADU construction, Jeffries wrote.

Long-term rentals still make money; they just dont make as much money as quickly as short-term rentals.
TORONTO (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed strong concerns about protests in Canada against India to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, according a statement by India.

New Delhi has been long sensitive to Sikh protesters in Canada. In June, India criticized Canada for allowing a float in a parade depicting the 1984 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards, perceived to be glorification of violence by Sikh separatists.

"They are promoting secessionism and inciting violence against Indian diplomats, damaging diplomatic premises and threatening the Indian community in Canada and their places of worship," the Indian statement said.

Relations between India and Canada remain tense, and Ottawa this month paused talks on a proposed trade treaty with India, just three months after the two nations said they aimed to seal an initial agreement this year. Modi, who held bilateral meetings with many world leaders during the G20 summit, did not hold one with Trudeau.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984 by two Sikh bodyguards after she allowed the storming of the holiest Sikh temple in northern India, aiming to flush out Sikh separatists who demanded an independent homeland to be known as Khalistan.

Canada has the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab in India, and the country has been the site of many protests that have irked India.

Canada will always defend "freedom of expression, freedom of conscience and peaceful protest," Trudeau said at a press conference in New Delhi.

"At the same time as we are always there to prevent violence, to push back against hatred," he said, adding that the actions of the few "do not represent the entire community or Canada."

Trudeau's departure from the G20 summit was delayed on Sunday by a technical problem with the Canadian delegation's aircraft, a statement from the prime minister's office said. The delegation will stay in India until alternate arrangements are made, it added.

(Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Will Dunham and Cynthia Osterman)
The Alachua County School Board will vote on a final budget for the next fiscal year on Monday.

Budgeting documents show the district will have a total operational budget of about $604 million, which translates to an increase of about 13% from the year prior.

Though the total budget is jumping almost $70 million, the district's general fund budget for the fiscal year is around $315 million. It's an increase of about $24 million from last year.

In July, the Alachua County School Board proposed to advertise the tentative budget and mileage rate for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Since then, the district has held several meetings to flesh out the details, setting up a Sept. 11 deadline to cast one of the needed two approval votes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Among the priorities for the upcoming, according to chairwoman Tina Certain, who gave a presentation at the Sept. 5 meeting, the district intends to: involve stakeholders in planning; communicate regularly about policies, programs and fiscal conditions; develop and maintain transparent systems; and processes to monitor results of programs and projects, adjusting as needed.

The Alachua County School District Building in Gainesville, Fla. on April 23, 2020. [Sam Thomas/The Gainesville Sun]

The presentation also highlighted around 20 challenges facing the district, including rising costs of construction and maintenance of facilities, transportation costs exceeding the reimbursed amounts, timely and accurate reports and supporting documents.

The school board also is still waiting to for the district to embark on a strategic planning process to cement its future direction and goals.

Numbers of the budget

A tentative budget and millage were presented at the ACPS budget workshop on July 24, where Superintendent Shane Andrew proposed the budget and property tax rates. It was established that property tax rates could be reduced but not increased from the level set during that July meeting.

The proposed property tax millage is 6.432 mills, which is a 7.96% increase from the roll-back rate of 5.958 mills. The roll-back rate is the rate that would generate the same amount of revenue as the prior year, if applied to the current tax roll, with no new construction, additions and adjustments.

City taxes: Gainesville passes tentative budget with property tax hike after pressure from lawmakers

The proposed rate is a slight decrease, however, from last years rate of 6.498.

An increase in taxable value will make property taxes increase slightly. For example, a home worth around $200,000 with a homestead exemption will have an annual increase of around $27.

The 2022-2023 ad valorem total tax revenue was $139,126,350. The district expects a $14,816,480 increase in total revenue for the 2023-2024 year.

The board's budget meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the district's administration building, located at 620 E University Ave. in Gainesville.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Alachua County School Board to vote on new 2023-24 budget
Alastair Stewart has announced he has been diagnosed with early onset vascular dementia.

The former ITV News presenter, 71, shared the news on Sunday (10 September) on GB News.

Appearing on The Camilla Tominey Show, Stewart, who retired earlier this year after almost five decades of being on TV, said: I mean, the headline story, and it is relatively dramatic, I suppose, is that about six, nine months ago, I began to feel one of my favourite words, a bit discombobulated.

He said that that, after seeing his GP, he was sent for a scan that revealed he had had a series of minor strokes that are called infarct strokes. Stewart revealed that a diagnosis of vascular demantia followed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Speaking about noticing early signs, he explained: I wasnt becoming forgetful but things like doing your shoelaces properly  thats how I wear these lovely moccasins now  making sure your tie was straight, remembering that the call time for your programme is four oclock and not five oclock, not turning up early or late, and stuff like that.

I then decided at my ripe old age of late 50s, early 60s, that I might have something wrong.

According to the NHS, the common condition is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which has symptoms including slowness of thought and problems with concentration.

Stewart said that, following the news, he moved to a contributor contract at GB News and has appeared as a commentator on major news events such as the Kings Coronation for the channel.

He added: The thing I have found most difficult to deal with, genuinely, is the impact its had on Sally, my wife. Weve been married for nearly half a century, and, you know, your life partner, your lover, all of those descriptions that are personal and intimate, that person is reduced  I choose my words very carefully  almost to a carer.

Stewart said his wife, who has worked as a production assistant, and with whom he has four children, had to make sure his tie was done properly before the interview.

Alastair Stewart reveals dementia diagnosis on GB News (GB News)

He added: So, if you do think that theres something wrong with you, go and see the GP, listen to what he or she says. But also do remember that the people you work with and the people you live with and share your life with are the most important people in the entire world. And they are there if youre lucky enough, as I was, to help you.

Stewart left ITV in 2020, where he had presented a range of news and current affairs programmes including the evening news, lunchtime news and News At Ten, after more than 35 years with the broadcaster.

He hosted his final episode of Alastair Stewart And Friends, a discussion programme on GB News, in March. During the interview on Sunday, Stewart grew tearful after Tominey told him the channels new Westminster studio will be named in his honour.

Throughout his career, Stewart has covered stories such as the Beslan school siege in Russia, the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany, and various royal weddings.

Alastair Stewart (Getty Images)

He was named Presenter of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2004, and two years later was made an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity.

He started his career in 1976 at ITVs Southern Television in Southampton, where he served as a general reporter, industrial correspondent, presenter and documentary-maker.

In 1980 he joined ITN as industrial correspondent and a decade later became Washington correspondent.

He went on to anchor ITNs coverage of the first Gulf War and became the first UK TV reporter to broadcast live from the liberated Kuwait City.

Stewart has also chaired debates with political figures, including Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg ahead of the 2010 General Election for ITV, and for GB News when Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss were bidding for the Conservative Party leadership.

Former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips recently said she has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, and the family of American actor Bruce Willis revealed the Die Hard star has frontotemporal dementia.

Phillips, 62, said in July that she hopes her involvement in clinical trials will be a step towards defeating Alzheimers, telling Daily Mirror: I cant just lie down and accept it.

Speaking about Stewarts diagnoses, Dementia UKs Senior Consultant Admiral Nurse Victoria Lyons said:

Were sorry to hear that Alastair Stewart has been diagnosed with dementia, and hope that he and his family are receiving the support and assistance they need at this time.

By choosing to speak publicly about his diagnosis, Alastair will raise vital awareness of dementia and we hope that this will encourage others to seek advice if they have concerns for their brain health.

We urge families affected by dementia to reach out to our specialist Helpline. Staffed by dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, our Helpline offers support and guidance on all stages of dementia, including grieving for a loved one. Anyone affected by dementia can contact the Helpline by calling 0800 888 6678 or emailing helpline@dementiauk.org .

Additional reporting by Agencies
 Flash

Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the first session of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged on Saturday the Group of 20 (G20) members to resolutely advance economic globalization and promote unity, cooperation and inclusion within the G20.



Keeping in mind the future of humanity, Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Li said at the first session of the 18th G20 Summit.

Noting that humanity shares a common destiny, Li urged all countries to respect one another, seek common ground while shelving differences, and live together peacefully, adding that no one can remain immune in the face of major crises and common challenges.

Solidarity and cooperation is the right path for the world, he added.

The G20 members should stick to the original aspiration of unity and cooperation, and shoulder the responsibility of the times for peace and development, Li said.

He urged the G20 members to act as partners in promoting global economic recovery through effectively strengthening macro-economic policy coordination to convey confidence and provide impetus for world economic growth.

The G20 members should resolutely promote economic globalization, jointly maintain the stability and smoothness of industrial and supply chains, and be partners in promoting global open cooperation, Li said.

The G20 members should also work together to protect the earth's green home, promote green and low-carbon development, protect the marine ecological environment, and be partners in promoting global sustainable development, he said.

The G20 needs unity instead of division, cooperation instead of confrontation, and inclusion instead of exclusion, he added.

Li stressed that China will steadfastly deepen reforms, expand opening-up, promote high-quality development, and advance the Chinese modernization.

The bright prospect of China's development will surely inject more new vitality into global economic recovery and sustainable development, Li said, adding that China is ready to work with all parties to make greater efforts and contributions for the shared Earth, the shared homeland, and the shared future of humanity.

Leaders of G20 members, leaders of guest countries, and heads of relevant international organizations attended the session. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, which holds this year's G20 presidency, chaired the meeting.

Leaders at the meeting welcomed the African Union to join the G20, saying that G20 cooperation determines the direction of the world.

They said it is necessary to build partnerships, take concrete actions and mobilize all resources to advance green and low-carbon transition, jointly address global challenges including climate change, as well as energy and food security, and accelerate the realization of strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth, so as to build a better future together.
Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker (30) high-fives Michael Brantley (23) after scoring on a single by Jose Abreu during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox)

HOUSTON (AP)  Yordan Alvarez and the Houston Astros talked about the need to improve their record at home as the regular season winds down.

Then they went out and did just that.

Alvarez homered and Kyle Tucker added two RBIs to give him an American League-leading 101 as the Astros used a big fifth inning to rally past the San Diego Padres 7-5 on Saturday night.

The Astros bounced back after losing the series opener 11-2 to get their fourth win in five games and increase their lead in the AL West to 1 1/2 games over Seattle.

It was just the third win in their last 13 home games for the Astros, who are 36-35 at Minute Maid Park this season.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Its no secret that this team has been battling all year in terms of health," said Alvarez, who missed six weeks with an oblique injury. And its also not a secret of the quality team that we know that we are. So its one of those things ... where if we just continued working hard ... wed (be) back in first place.

The Padres led by two after four innings before the Astros scored five runs in the fifth to take a 7-4 lead. Alvarez, who hit a solo homer in the third, had an RBI double in the fifth before Tucker's two-run double put Houston on top.

We got a lot of hits and we kept the line moving, manager Dusty Baker said. You don't hardly see a bunch of consecutive hits like that anymore. It just shows what happens when you make contact and you get momentum going.

Its the second consecutive 100-RBI season for Tucker, who had 107 last season. He moved past injured Texas star Adolis Garcia (100) for the AL lead in RBIs.

Closer Ryan Pressly walked Ha-Seong Kim to start the ninth before giving up a single to Juan Soto with one out. But he struck out Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts to end the threat and get his 30th save.

Jurickson Profar had three hits, highlighted by a two-run homer and Luis Campusano added two hits and an RBI for the the Padres, who went 3 for 12 with runners in scoring position.

The Astros went to their bullpen early after starter Cristian Javier allowed four hits and four runs in just four innings. Phil Maton (4-3) pitched a perfect fifth for the win.

San Diegos Seth Lugo (6-7) gave up seven hits and six runs in 4 1/3 innings.

There were two outs in the third when Alvarez connected off Lugo on his soaring shot to the second deck in right-center to put the Astros on top 1-0.

Soto walked to open the fourth before scoring on a two-out single by Campusano that tied it at 1-1.

Profar, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A El Paso Friday, followed with his home run to right field to give San Diego a 3-1 lead.

Javier walked Matthew Batten and he stole second base. Trent Grisham smacked a liner to right field for a double to score him and make it 4-1.

The Astros added a run in the fourth when Abreu walked and later scored on a groundout by Mauricio Dubon that cut the lead to 4-2.

There were two on and no outs in the fifth when Alvarez hit a ground-rule double that bounced off the track in center field and into the seats to score 1 and get the Astros within 4-3.

Alex Bregman grounded out before Tucker drove in two more with a ground-rule double to the corner of right field to put Houston on top 5-4 and chase Lugo.

Nick Martinez took over and was greeted by an RBI single by Abreu. Michael Brantley and Dubon hit consecutive singles to load the bases before Martin Maldonados single extended the lead to 7-4.

The Padres finally got out of the inning when Jose Altuve grounded into a double play.

San Diego hit three straight singles with one out in the sixth to add a run and cut the lead to 7-5. Kendall Graveman then walked Grisham to load the bases and end his night. Hector Neris came in and retired Kim and Fernando Tatis Jr. on pop ups to preserve the lead.

Baker said the performance of Neris was a key to the game.

It's the job of the bullpen to come in and support the team, Neris said. It's my job to keep the game like that and ... help us win.

UP NEXT

Houston RHP J.P. France (10-5, 3.72 ERA) opposes RHP Matt Waldron (0-2, 5.12) in series finale Sunday.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
American arms dealer Marc Morales makes millions on supplying Ukraine with armament with the help of a senior sergeant of the Ukrainian army who is paid to arrange meetings with his contacts in the government.

Source: The New York Times

Details: NYT writes that Florida arms dealer Marc Morales, 51, has been paying Volodymyr Koyfman, chief sergeant of the Ukrainian army, to arrange meetings with the officials government contacts.

"That unusual arrangement, legal experts say, tests the boundaries of American and Ukrainian corruption laws prohibiting payments to government officials," it is stated in the article.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Last month, about six men met at the penthouse bar of one of Kyivs most luxurious hotels to discuss the lucrative business of arming Ukrainian troops, as reported by NYT with reference to two participants of the meeting. Morales, Koyfman and Ukrainian military and government officials were present there. The meeting showed the quiet parts of the Biden administrations war strategy.

The US has provided Ukraine with over US$40 billion of security aid, advanced armament included. But the Pentagon depends on little-known arms dealers with connections necessary for obtaining ammunition, like Morales. The ammunition is mainly that of low quality or Soviet calibre, taken from all over the world. Morales and his colleagues arms trade is "notoriously shadowy" and "clubby", but it has become even less transparent with Ukraine cancelling anti-corruption rules that had been in place for years.

Morales is one of the key dealers for Ukraine. The Pentagon has signed contracts worth about US$1 billion with his company Global Ordnance, mainly for ammunition supply. According to records, Morales has made US$200 million on his side business of supplying weapons directly to Ukraine.

However, Moraless company is being investigated by Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies in connection with the agreement that government officials called a failure. In 2009, the US Justice Department accused him of conspiracy and money laundering after he was allegedly caught discussing methods of bribing foreign officials on tape. "You just got to be smarter than the government," he said on one recording. The charges were dropped later.

Bryan Van Brunt, the general counsel for Moraless company, Global Ordnance, said the company followed the law.

Sergeant Koyfman, who has a years-long experience as an adviser to Ukraines national guard, went to fight for Ukraine when Russia first invaded in February of 2022, documents reviewed by The New York Times show, though his duties are unspecified. Koyfman himself said he is the chief sergeant in the Territorial Defence Forces of Ukraine and that he trains and supervises a unit of soldiers.

Koyfman is a key figure to turn to about armament, one government official said, though it is unclear whether it is because of his military position or his role in Global Ordnance. In Moraless company, Koyfman's role is managing Ukrainian contractors and setting up "meetings between our staff and the Ukraine Ministry of Defense," Van Brunt said.

Koyfman claims his military work is not paid. Van Brunt stressed that the two jobs had nothing to do with the other. "Global does not pay for access," he said. "Not before. Not now. Not ever."

Sergeant Koyfman reiterated Van Brunts point: "We do training on it every year and sign documents about it."

American companies are prohibited by law from paying foreign officials with the goal of them benefiting their business in exchange. Sergeant Koyfman would not be exempt simply because he is a volunteer, the deciding factor is whether they have influence, said Daniel Richman, a Columbia Law School professor.

Ukrainian law generally prohibits military officials from engaging in other paid work. Whether that law affects Sergeant Koyfman depends not only on his rank but on his military duties. Early in the war, Sergeant Koyfman said that he was a "civilian warfighter" rather than a government employee in a letter to Global Ordnance.

The Ukrainian government allegedly knew about Koyfmans work for Global Ordnance. Van Brunt said that Sergeant Koyfman has been vetted by the state department responsible for American weaponry exports.

Early into the full-scale war, Morales also hired Denys Vanash, a longtime adviser to the defence minister, to communicate with the Defence Ministry on behalf of Global Ordnance. Van Brunt said Ukraines Defence Ministry confirmed the legality of the hiring.

Morales is said to have an unfair advantage over his competitors, but not due to his ties to Koyfman or Vanash, but thanks to his connection with the Pentagon. Several sources revealed that he "outbid rivals to buy explosive shells from Bulgarian arms factories".

Government documents and interviews with arms dealers indicate that he has been supplying missiles, shells, grenades and armoured vehicles to Ukraine from Bulgaria, Egypt, Jordan and Pakistan. And he is not unique in his position as a dealer with connections in the Ukrainian government.

Ukraines frantic buying unexpectedly resulted in state-owned firms and private dealers being in competition with each other, which made the prices spike, costing Ukraine money. The government profits when buying weapons from state-owned companies; brokers profit when it buys from private sellers.

One example involved armoured vehicles desperately needed by the military. Early in the war, Ukrinmash, a government-owned export company, negotiated a roughly US$65 million deal with an Egyptian seller to buy nearly 200 vehicles, a person involved in the deal says, but the deal stalled. At that point, Global Ordnance offered to provide similar vehicles at similar prices, earning the profits instead of the government-owned company.

However, the deal caused problems for the military. The vehicles arrived improperly outfitted, said Volodymyr Havrylov, an assistant defence minister in Ukraine. Anti-corruption bodies began looking into the agreement then, with Morales and the Defense Ministry officials who authorised the contract being investigated as well, one source says.

The Defense Ministry said that the investigation had been "eliminated", NYT reports. Anti-corruption officials would not confirm that.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The majority of fatal dog attacks in the UK since 2021 involved the American Bully XL, data showed

American XL Bully dogs are set to be banned after the latest attack saw an out-of-control pet go on the rampage in Birmingham.

Suella Braverman , the Home Secretary, announced that she had commissioned urgent advice on outlawing the breed after she highlighted the appalling attack on an 11-year-old girl during the incident.

West Midlands Police were investigating after the girl and two men who intervened were injured in the attack in the Bordesley Green area on Saturday.

This is appalling. The American XL Bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children, Ms Braverman wrote on social media. We cant go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them.

WARNING DISTRESSING VIDEO - out of control bully breed attacking multiple people in Birmingham today. pic.twitter.com/Gm1wRApetH  Bully Watch (@BullyWatchUK) September 9, 2023

The advice was commissioned last week by Mrs Braverman and policing minister Chris Philp after data showed the breed had been involved in the majority of fatal dog attacks in the UK since 2021. Two in four that year involved the XL bulldog  rising to six in 10 in 2022.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Animal experts fear there could be many more fatalities if urgent action is not taken to stop the rise of the genetically engineered American crosses from reaching Britains shores.

Although Mrs Braverman has requested the advice it will be the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to add the breed to the banned list.

The latest attack in Birmingham unfolded on Saturday afternoon as the animals owner was taking it for a walk. A video circulating online which was taken from the top deck of a bus showed the rampage erupt.

The little girls arms were bitten by the animal before a man managed to pull the dog off her. She ran into a shop for safety as the XL Bully was held on the ground but it then managed to escape.

The dog sprinted after another man wearing a white T-shirt and shorts. He was chased onto a petrol station forecourt where he was attacked before the animal was hit and stopped.

Police spoke to owner

West Midlands Police said the dog had been taken to secure kennels pending the outcome of the investigation and the owner had been spoken to by officers.

Footage on social media shows how the dogs chase down some of their victims, with one video in London capturing the moment one of the dogs tackles a screaming woman to the floor while it tears off chunks of her flesh.

Last week it was revealed two Bully XLs were responsible for killing 22 pregnant sheep and injuring 48 others in a frenzied attack in Wales that forced a farmer to shoot both dogs.

Despite being outlawed in the UK almost 200 years ago, authorities have warned dog fighting in Britain is on the rise and these types of breeds are the first choice.

The muscular American Bully XL can display unnatural savagery because it has been instilled through violent training and years of inbreeding.

Evade dangerous dog laws

Underground breeders are creating giant mutant crossbreeds by mating banned pitbulls with legal mastiffs and bulldogs to evade dangerous dogs laws.

Saturdays attack was the latest in a series of similar incidents in the hot weather. As the temperature has risen so have the reports of dogs setting upon victims. A woman died after being mauled by Rottweilers and several children have been scarred for life.

Emma Chandley, a practising vet with Perfect Pet Insurance, said that summer highs lower the thresholds for violence in humans and animals.

She said: Dogs are more likely to attack and bite in the warmer summer months. As with humans, tensions tend to rise as the temperature does.

From my experience, dogs are more likely to bite on hotter days and when the air pollution is higher, she added.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
McALLEN, Texas (Border Report)  A street shooting early Saturday in the border town of Miguel Aleman, Mexico, resulted in several injuries, including U.S. citizens, who were brought across the border to Texas hospitals, Border Report has learned.

Texas border crossings to temporarily close for 9/11 anniversary ceremonies

The shooting happened around 5:30 a.m. Saturday in the dangerous northern Mexican border state of Tamaulipas.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said seven of the victims were transported in two Mexican ambulances via the port of entry in Roma, Texas, to hospitals in the United States. Victims transported across the border into Texas included U.S. citizens and Mexican nationals, CBP officials said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to a report obtained by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, whose district includes Starr County where the border town of Roma is located, CBP officers were told by victims that their vehicle was struck by a truck near the Mexican city of Miguel Aleman, after which, they received crossfire from a gun battle by unknown assailants.

Cuellar said five U.S. citizens were involved, one suffering minor injuries. Four of the other injured Americans suffered:

Gunshot to the right foot.

Gunshot to the upper back.

A severe sprained ankle.

Lacerations on arms and legs to a U.S. citizen.

A Mexican national suffered a laceration on the hand, Cuellar said.

We know that the injured individuals, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent U.S. residents, are getting medical care. I will continue to monitor this situation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Cuellar said.

Four Americans were sent to Starr County Memorial Hospital; three other victims were transported to McAllen Medical Center.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
FILE PHOTO: A injection pen of Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug Wegovy is shown in this photo illustration in Oslo

By Maggie Fick

LONDON (Reuters) - Novo Nordisk's decision to launch its weight-loss drug Wegovy in Britain last week despite severe supply constraints may partly have been motivated by a desire to get ahead of rival Eli Lilly's own similar drug, industry sources said.

They said Novo may also have been responding to concerns voiced by the British government and patient advocacy groups over the off-label use for weight loss of its diabetes drug Ozempic, which contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy.

The Danish company has said it wants to get Wegovy to those most in need.

"Even though the launch is limited and controlled, we are doing our best to get access to Wegovy for people with obesity in the UK," a Novo spokesperson said. "It is important that people with obesity have access to this medication and that our semaglutide products are used for their appropriate indication."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Wegovy has helped Novo become Europe's most valuable listed company, even though it has been unable to produce enough to meet demand in its existing markets. Before Monday's British launch, the self-injection drug was already being sold in the United States, Norway, Denmark and Germany.

Based on obesity statistics and prescription criteria, several million Britons could potentially be eligible for Wegovy. A 2019 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report said nearly one in three adults are obese in Britain, the highest level in Europe.

CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen told Reuters on Aug. 25 that while supplies are limited, Novo would "constrain" and "target" launches to ensure Wegovy reaches the neediest patients.

But some medical experts warned its decision to distribute Wegovy in Britain through private prescribers as well as the National Health Service (NHS) could stoke demand and mean people who can afford to pay themselves find it easier to access.

Novo has had to limit supplies of starter doses in the United States as demand gallops ahead of supply while German doctors also say stocks are low.

Three private companies now prescribing Wegovy in Britain told Reuters the amounts they had received last week from a wholesaler were a small fraction of the demand they had registered from potential patients.

The figures they gave Reuters suggested deliveries of several thousand per provider, while the NHS has repeatedly declined to comment this week on volumes it has received.

Novo said on Monday that it would allocate a portion of available supply to the NHS, which said at present around 50,000 patients could be eligible in England.

CONTINUITY OF SUPPLY

An industry source, who did not have knowledge of Novo's decision-making process, said wanting to stay ahead of Lilly could have been a contributing factor.

Lilly's drug, Mounjaro, launched in the United States last year for type 2 diabetes but is expected to be approved there for weight-loss by year-end. Studies have demonstrated more weight loss than with Wegovy.

Mounjaro is expected to become available through the NHS for the treatment of type 2 diabetes later this year. On Friday Britain's drug cost-effectiveness watchdog NICE endorsed Mounjaro as a good option for patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Novo's type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic has been on the market in Britain since 2019.

A Lilly spokesperson declined to comment on Wegovy's launch or when exactly it would launch Mounjaro for diabetes treatment.

In July, Britain's Department of Health and Social Care issued a medicine supply notification which did not name Ozempic but said there were "very limited, intermittent" supplies of the GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs approved to treat Type 2 diabetes.

"The thing that (Novo) has pulled off with Ozempic is they are the brand name associated with weight loss, and if they lose that market because they can't get continuity of supply and Eli Lilly take it, that would be seriously concerning for them," the industry source, who declined to be named, told Reuters.

To increase production, Novo is spending billions on new plants and hiring additional contract manufacturers.

Another factor behind the timing of the Wegovy launch could have been criticism by advocacy groups like Diabetes UK - and the government - over the widespread off-label use of Ozempic for weight loss and shortages for diabetes patients.

UBS analysts this week predicted that as U.S. and other insurers restrict access to weight loss drugs because widespread use at current prices is too costly, "more efficacious products will likely gain greater new patient share".

Studies have shown that, used alongside exercise and lifestyle changes, Wegovy led to 15% weight loss over 68 weeks, while Mounjaro led to more than 22% over 72 weeks.

UBS, which rates Novo shares a "sell", said that given Mounjaro's higher efficacy, it is unlikely the Danish company will ultimately dominate the obesity market.

(Reporting by Maggie Fick; Editing by Alexander Smith and Catherine Evans)
The history of Apple in photos, from the early Steve Jobs era and iPhone launch to crossing the $3 trillion milestone under Tim Cook

Apple hit a $3 trillion market cap for the first time in 2023.

But the iPhone-maker struggled in the 1990s until Steve Jobs returned as CEO.

Apple has weathered hits and flops, from the influential Apple II to the misguided Newton MessagePad.

Apple's market cap is close to $3 trillion, a threshold it hit in June, and carried through to the market's close. The company briefly hit that milestone once last year, too, but didn't sustain.

The consumer electronics juggernaut previously reached a $2 trillion valuation in 2020, becoming the first US company to hit that mark. Apple has cemented its dominance as customers continue to buy iPhones  with the iPhone 15 expected later this year.

When Steve Jobs took over as CEO of Apple in 1997, the company had been struggling to find its legs in a market increasingly dominated by Microsoft and its partners.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Michael Dell himself once quipped that if he were in Jobs' shoes, he'd shut Apple down and return the money to the shareholders.

Here's a look into the history of Apple in photos, from its inception, through its hard times, to the triumphant return of Jobs.

Apple was cofounded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in Los Altos, California.

Kimberly White/Reuters

There was a third cofounder, too: Ronald Wayne. Jobs brought Wayne on board to provide business guidance for the two young cofounders. Wayne sketched the first Apple logo by hand.

MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images

Source: Business Insider

Wayne ended up leaving the company before it was even officially incorporated. He took an $800 check for his shares in the company.

Ronald Wayne looks over the blueprint papers of his design of the Apple I that was never built. MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images

Source: Business Insider

Apple's first "office" was the garage at Jobs' parents' house.

The home and garage where Jobs and Wozniak founded Apple Computer in Los Altos, California. Dino Vournas/AP

Source: Business Insider

The company's first product was the Apple I, which was just a motherboard with a processor and some memory, intended for hobbyists. Customers had to build their own case and add their own keyboard and monitor, as seen in the picture. It sold for $666.66  seriously. The Apple I was invented by Wozniak, who also hand-built every kit.

An Apple-1 computer. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Source: CNET

Meanwhile, Jobs handled the business end, mainly trying to convince would-be investors that the personal computer market was primed to explode. Eventually, Jobs would bring in Mike Markkula, who made a crucial $250,000 angel investment and came to work for Apple as employee No. 3, with a one-third share in the company.

Mike Markkula. Paul Sakuma/AP

Source: The New York Times, CNBC

Apple would officially incorporate in 1977, thanks to guidance from Markkula. A man named Michael Scott (no, not the one from "The Office") was brought in at Markkula's suggestion to serve as the company's first president and CEO. The thought was that Jobs was too young and undisciplined to serve as CEO.

Michael Scott

Source: Business Insider

1977 also saw the introduction of the Apple II, the personal computer designed by Wozniak that would go on to take the world by storm.

Eric Risberg/AP

Source: National Museum of American History

The Apple II's killer app was VisiCalc, a groundbreaking spreadsheet software that propelled the computer ahead of market leaders Tandy and Commodore. With VisiCalc, Apple could sell the Apple II to the business customer.

Owen Franken/Corbis via Getty Images

Source: National Museum of American History

By 1978, Apple would actually have a real office, with employees and an Apple II production line.

Production engineer Tom Beier examines a new Apple IIC keyboard at the Apple Computer plant. Bettmann/CORBIS/Bettmann Archive

Source: Business Insider

The Xerox PARC lab is world-famous for its technological accomplishments, which include the laser printer, mouse, and ethernet networking. In 1979, Apple engineers were allowed to visit the PARC campus for three days, in exchange for the option to buy 100,000 shares of Apple for $10 a share.

Xerox/Getty Images

Source: Newsweek

In 1980, Apple released the Apple III, a business-focused computer that was supposed to compete with the growing threat of IBM and Microsoft. But the Apple III was only a stopgap, and Xerox PARC had gotten the young Jobs thinking in a different direction.

SSPL/Getty Images

Source: Byte Magazine, Newsweek

Xerox PARC convinced Jobs that the future of computing was with a graphical user interface (GUI), like the kind we're used to today.

Steve Jobs with the Lisa computer in 1983. Ted Thai/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Jobs spearheaded the effort to equip Apple's next-generation Lisa computer with a GUI, but was bumped from the project thanks to infighting. Lisa was released in 1983 to much fanfare, but disastrous sales  it was too expensive and didn't have enough software support.

Source: Newsweek, CNBC

Jobs ended up leading the second project, the Apple Macintosh, billed as the most user-friendly computer to date. It would go on to become popular with graphic-design professionals, who liked its visual chops (even though it was in black and white). It was still very expensive, however.

Jobs, chairman of the board of Apple Computer, and the new Macintosh personal computer following a shareholder's meeting in Cupertino, circa 1984. AP Photo/Paul Sakuma

Source: The Guardian

Around the time of the launch of the first Macintosh in 1983, Apple got a new CEO: John Sculley.

Steve Jobs and John Sculley, Apple's president, pose with the new Macintosh personal computer. Marilyn K. Yee/New York Times Co./Getty Images

Sculley was serving as Pepsi's youngest-ever CEO, but Jobs managed to bring him to Apple with the now-legendary pitch: "Do you want to sell sugared water for the rest of your life? Or do you want to come with me and change the world?"

Source: Forbes

In 1984, Apple would release the TV commercial that would make it a household name. This ad, appropriately called "1984," was directed by Ridley Scott and cost the company $1.5 million. It aired during the third quarter of Super Bowl XVIII, and never again.

Source: Business Insider

This was also when tensions between Jobs and Bill Gates started to run high. Originally, Microsoft was working hard at making software for the Macintosh. But those plans were scuttled in 1983 when Microsoft revealed that it, too, was working on a graphical user interface called Windows.

Kristy MacDonald/AP; Gary Stewart/AP

Source: Business Insider

The Macintosh had strong sales, but not enough to break IBM's dominance. This led to a lot of friction between Jobs  the head of the Macintosh group who liked doing things his own way  and Sculley, who wanted stricter oversight on future products in light of the Lisa disaster and disappointment of the Macintosh. It got to the point that Apple's board specifically instructed Sculley to "contain" Jobs.

Jobs, Sculley, and Wozniak. Sal Veder/AP Images

Source: Business Insider, Fortune

Things came to a head in 1985 when Jobs tried to stage a coup and oust Sculley  but Apple's board of directors took Sculley's side and removed Jobs from his managerial duties. A furious Jobs quit and went on to found NeXT, a computer company making advanced workstations where he had total control.

In this April 4, 1991, photo, Steve Jobs of NeXT Computer poses for the press with his NeXTstation color computer at the NeXT facility in Redwood City. AP Images

Source: Fortune, Business Insider

Wozniak left around the same time in 1985, saying that the company was going in the wrong direction. He sold most of his shares.

Wozniak (center) with concert promoter Bill Graham (left) and the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart (right). Lennox McLendon/AP Images

Source: CNN

With Jobs gone, Sculley had a free hand at Apple. At first, things seemed great, and Apple introduced its PowerBook laptop and System 7 operating system in 1991. System 7 introduced color to the Macintosh operating system, and would stick around (with updates) until OS X was released in 2001.

Associated Press

Source: Engadget, Cult of Mac

The 1990s would see Apple get into lots of new markets, none of which really worked out. Possibly the most famous Apple flop of the '90s was 1993's Newton MessagePad, which was Sculley's own brainchild. It literally created the market for "personal digital assistants," but it was $700 and did little more than take notes and keep track of your contacts.

SSPL/Getty Images

Source: Baltimore Sun, Time, MacWorld

But Sculley's longest-lasting mistake was in spending lots of time and lots of Apple's cash on bringing System 7 to the brand-new IBM/Motorola PowerPC microprocessor instead of the dominant Intel processor architecture. Most software was written for Intel processors, plus they got cheaper and cheaper over the years.

Rob Kinmonth/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images/Getty Images

Source: Cult of Mac

At the same time, Microsoft's influence was on the rise. Macs offered an excellent, but limited, library of software on expensive computers. Meanwhile, Microsoft was selling Windows 3.0 on cheap, commodity computers.

Bill Gates in 1992. AP Photo

Source: Microsoft

Between the high-profile flops and the costly decision to move to PowerPC, Apple's board had had enough. After Apple missed on its first quarter earnings in 1993, Sculley stepped down and was replaced as CEO by Michael Spindler, a German expatriate who had been with Apple since 1980.

Luc Novovitch/AP

Source: Washington Post, Los Angeles Times

Spindler had the unfortunate job of following through with Sculley's big PowerPC mistake. In 1994, the first Macintosh running on a PowerPC was released. But Apple's fortunes continued to sag as Windows took off. After acquisition talks with IBM, Sun MicroSystems, and Philips all fell through, Apple's board replaced Spindler with Gil Amelio in 1996.

Gil Amelio, left, and Steve Jobs. AP

Source: The New York Times

Amelio's tenure was equally troubled. Under his reign, Apple stock hit a 12-year low (largely because Steve Jobs himself sold 1.5 million Apple shares in a single transaction). Amelio decided to just purchase Jobs' NeXT Computer for $429 million in February 1997 to bring him back to Apple.

Dick Drew/AP

Source: CNET, CNET

On the July 4 weekend that same year, Jobs would stage a boardroom coup and convince Apple's board to install him as interim CEO. Amelio resigned a week later.

Lou Dematteis/Reuters

Source: The New York Times

1997 would also see the introduction of Apple's famous "Think Different" ad campaign, celebrating famous artists, scientists, and musicians.

Gilles Mingasson/Liaison/Getty Images

Source: Cult of Mac

Under the new era of Jobs' leadership, the company would make nice with Microsoft, which invested $150 million in Apple circa 1997.

Jim Bourg/Reuters

Source: CNBC

It was a new era for hardware and software, too. Jobs had Jony Ive spearhead the design of the iMac, an all-in-one computer released in 1998. In 2000, Jobs introduced Mac OS X, based on the operating system from NeXT Computers, finally replacing System 7. And in 2006, Apple finally moved to an Intel-based system architecture.

Mousse Mousse/Reuters

Source: CNET, Apple, Apple

Apple had two massively influential product releases in the 2000s, beginning with the iPod in 2001. It blew other MP3 players out of the water and radically altered the way we listen to music. The iPod also launched Apple's white earbuds as a status symbol.

Steve Jobs, John Mayer, and the iPod. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Source: Business Insider

But the single biggest victory for Apple  and arguably the world of technology as a whole  was 2007's introduction of the iPhone. When it went on sale, customers lined up outside stores in the US to get their hands on one.

Alessia Pierdomenico / Reuters

Source: Cult of Mac

Since then, Apple has gone on to release 17 more models and, under CEO Tim Cook  who took over after Jobs' death in 2011  Apple has introduced new hardware product lines, including the Apple Watch and AirPods.

Stephen Lam / Stringer / Getty Images

Source: CNBC

The company has also expanded into services, which has helped fuel Apple's growth as iPhone sales have lagged. Apple now offers its own music- and video-streaming services, its own payments system and credit card, and other subscription offerings in news and gaming.

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Source: Business Insider

In August 2020, Apple hit a new milestone: It became a $2 trillion company, just 24 months after reaching the $1 trillion threshold.

AP

Source: Business Insider

Apple's chief design officer Jony Ive left Apple in 2019, setting up his own design shop LoveFrom. Apple said at the time that it would be one of his company's "primary clients," though that relationship wound down in 2022, according to The New York Times, which reported there were frustrations on both sides about the arrangement.

Jony Ive at the 2016 Met Gala. Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Source: Insider; The New York Times.

Apple's programming has also received critical nods, including the movie "CODA" which is streaming on Apple TV+ and won the Oscar for best picture in last year's Academy Awards. The beloved Apple comedy series "Ted Lasso" also won four Emmys last year.

The cast and director of "CODA," which won best picture at the 2022 Oscars. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Source: Apple

Apple's second quarter earnings this year showed strong iPhone sales ($51.3 billion, which CEO Tim Cook said in a statement reflected a "March quarter record") and a high for its services revenue. The company had previously said that pandemic-related delays had affected production of some of its devices, including the iPhone 14 Pro.

Getty Images

Source: Apple earnings report and release.

Apple unveiled its nearly $3,500 Vision Pro headset in June, an AI-driven "mixed-reality" headset that allows users to toggle between the digital and real worlds. The product is slated for a 2024 release.

Apple's new headset lets you see your surroundings with breakthrough 'EyeSight' tech. Apple

Source: Insider.

Apple became the first public company to close with a market cap above $3 trillion on June 30 when the stock closed at $193.97.

(Photo by Eduardo MunozAlvarez/VIEWpress)

Source: Insider; Yahoo Finance.

Apple is now worth $2.8 trillion ahead of the iPhone 15 launch in September.

(Photo by Fernando Gutierrez-Juarez/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo

Read the original article on Business Insider
Metro Phoenix emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic a deadlier, more violent place, as homicides climbed to historic highs and the rates of violent crimes ticked upward.

Gun violence, in particular, drove the homicides to levels not seen in Phoenix since 2004. Experts believe economic stress, spikes in gun ownership and the fentanyl crisis all contributed, but warn longer-term trends are not yet clear.

And even though violent crime rates remain historically low compared with the bloodshed in the early 1970s and early 1990s, four separate crime statistics from recent years make for grim reading:

Arizona's homicide rate in 2022 rose for a third year in a row, according to available data.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office says gun-related deaths are at an all-time high.

Phoenix alone logged 223 murders in 2022, the highest number of homicides in 15 years.

At least 494 people were murdered in Arizona in 2022, according to Arizona Department of Public Safety data. That's the second highest number since state and federal agencies began tracking homicides in the 1960s. That could yet get worse, since all the data for that year hasnt been updated.

The patterns of violent crime in Phoenix and throughout the state are slightly worse but generally mimic what the rest of the country experienced during the COVID-19 era.

In 2020, Arizona's violent crime rate, which comprises homicides, aggravated assaults, sexual assaults and robberies, was 21% higher than the national rate, making it the 10th highest crime rate in the country according to FBI data. That was the last year for which comparable data was available.

Although elevated in recent years, the violent crime rates in Arizona are historically low when compared with peaks in the early 1990s and early 1970s.

Neither Phoenix, Mesa or Tempe police responded to questions for this article seeking explanation for the crime trends.

However, Phoenix pointed to the plan Interim Phoenix police Chief Michael Sullivan released in June to combat the increasing crime in the state.

Sullivan told The Arizona Republic in August that Phoenix has unique challenges when it comes to policing. It's close to the border and its population is spread out but there has also been a mix of increased gun use and drug trafficking.

When you talk about narcotics trafficking and go ahead and throw in the readily accessible firearms into that mix, certainly there's a recipe for challenges, Sullivan said in August.

Crime in the Valley: Metro Phoenix malls calls to police range from place to place

How the COVID-19 era affected crime

As the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown began it made matters worse, made life more violent and added to a country already teetering on the edge of violent crime.

Experts explained that it is still too soon to pinpoint the reasons that caused the jump during the pandemic's start, but they do point to a set of possible factors: rising gun sales, economic instability, a deepening fentanyl crisis, pandemic closures and violent national rhetoric.

ASU Criminologist Jesenia Pizarro described how different issues stacked one on top of another in 2020.

Violent crime was tracking up even before the nation was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, Pizarro said.

We know that when things get uncertain, and when things are bad, economically, a whole host of things that are bad happen socially, she said.

A national emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic only increased economic instability, isolated people from community support and created general unrest.

But there's more to it.

According to ASU criminologist Charles Katz, whose team has analyzed homicide data for the state, there has been a substantial shift in murders since 2015.

"And that is more than simply COVID," he said.

In Arizona, like in the rest of the country, violent crime rates hit a 60-year low in 2014 before picking back up in 2017 and dipping again slightly in 2018.

Made with Flourish

Experts point to a flourishing economy in 2014 as a reason behind the national dip.

But by 2020, the violent crime rate continued to rise, showing a 5% increase nationally and a 9% increase in Arizona.

At 484.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2020, Arizona's crime rate was higher than any of the other most populated states in the country and it remained high in 2021.

A year after pandemic restrictions lifted, violent crime seems to have eased, according to DPS data. However, it's not clear if the numbers will stay the same or if the lower numbers in 2022 might change once more data is available. Still, some agencies have yet to submit their totals for 2022 and 2023.

But from the reliable data that is public, the first six months of 2023 showed lower violent crime numbers compared with the same time for the past four years.

Solving crimes isn't like on TV: A peek inside Mesa's crime lab

Homicides break records

The available data on murder during the pandemic years points to the deadliest in Arizona history, with experts suggesting increased gun use and the fentanyl crisis as possible reasons.

So far in 2023, there have been more murders in the past six months than in the same time for 2022, when Arizona logged the second-highest number of murders in state records.

The highest number came in 2021 when the state saw 533 murders.

Arizona's homicide rate jumped 49% between 2019 and 2021 to about 7.34 per 100,000 people, according to DPS data. 2021 saw the highest murder rate since the mid-1990s.

2022 saw the second-highest rate, with 6.71 homicides per 100,000 people.

One reason behind the increase could be the rising gun possession, several experts explained.

According to the FBI, between 2013 and 2019, the country saw about 13 million gun sales each year. The number almost doubled during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, to about 20 million in sales each year.

Made with Flourish

During that time, one in five people bought a gun in the U.S.

Gun-related homicides across the country have never been higher, according to the CDC. The department explained that 80% of all homicides involved a gun in 2021  the highest percentage in the last decade.

Arizona had the seventh-highest ownership of firearms in the country in 2021, according to data pulled from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and from the RAND Corporations survey on gun ownership.

We have a free gun market in Arizona. We know that when we have more guns, we're going to have more problems, period, Katz said.

Pizarro, who has published a study on the relationship between guns and death, explained that research shows that states with more restrictive gun laws also have lower crime rates.

States that have things like permit-to-carry laws, or extreme risk protection orders, or domestic violence restraining orders, those states tend to be safer, she said.

Aggravated assaults up during pandemic closures

Aggravated assaults have always represented the largest number of violent crimes in Arizona and those numbers jumped during the start of pandemic. Some believe that quarantining made matters worse.

From 2019 to 2021, the rate of assaults jumped about 21%.

A significant part of aggravated assaults come from domestic violence calls.

Between June 2020 and July 2021, about 22,000 calls related to domestic violence were made in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

There's a lot of reason and a lot of evidence to believe that rates of family violence, and domestic violence, child abuse, intimate partner homicides did increase during the pandemic, Pizarro said. Now, individuals are stuck at home with their abusers and social services are not readily available.

Rates of reported rape or sexual assault continue to increase in Arizona.

Kristen Zgoba, criminal justice professor at Florida International University, explained that during the 2020 lockdown, many were at risk.

The vast majority of sexual assaults take place with family members, friends and acquaintances, so being in the home is a risk factor, she said.

Rapes have historically gone underreported in the U.S., but Zgoba explained that when the media spotlights this crime as they did during the #MeToo movement, researchers see a jump in the number of reports because more people feel supported enough to open up.

Where are we headed?

Katz explained that homicides began to see a shift in 2015, but it's too early to say where the trends are going, because for the past decade the numbers have been fluctuating. They could be flattening out, continuing to bounce around, or starting to climb again.

Katz explained that the shift also could be due to the shift in drug policy and enforcement after the spike in fentanyl use across the country. He said that it parallels what was happening in the country during the 1990s "War on Drugs" campaigns to combat crack cocaine.

Katz also pointed out that authorities charged and jailed fewer people in 2020 and 2021 when the pandemic had taken hold. The incoming population slowed, and the total jail population dropped by about 24% in Maricopa County.

At the time, Sheriff Paul Penzone explained at a news conference that the decrease was due to police making fewer arrests as part of an effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

Though then Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey refused to release any at-risk prisoners at the time, local jails released around 300 non-violent inmates by mid-2020 to lower virus risks.

Jared Keenan, the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Arizona chapter, believes those numbers were too small to have an impact, and the people who were released were significantly older, non-violent people for whom the virus posed a serious health risk.

Since the pandemic, the violent crime rate has eased even as the murders pile up. Arizona and the country did see an overall decrease in violent crime rates in 2022.

It's not so much a decrease but a slowdown, Pizarro said. She thinks it could be due to numbers coming back to the average. "What goes up, must come down.

Katz also believes that the slowdown could be a return to statistical normal, but it's really hard to determine what normal is unless you're looking at a fairly long time span.

The question is, Where was the floor? Where was the bottom? And it may be that we hit the bottom. And now we're going to be starting to plateau. And the question is, Where will it stop? he said.

Another factor could be the increasing employment numbers according to Pizarro.

National employment numbers have increased overall since 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We know from employment numbers that even though the economy is not great, we have seen some improvements, Pizarro said.

Reach crime reporter Miguel Torres at miguel.torres@arizonarepublic.com or on X, formerly Twitter, @TheMiguelTorres.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona crime sees historic spike after COVID-19 pandemic
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket blasted off and boosted multiple National Reconnaissance Office satellites into space Sunday to keep tabs on the behavior of potential enemy spacecraft in the high orbit favored by spy satellites, communications stations and other high-priority U.S. assets.

The NROL-107 payload, made up of an unknown number of satellites built to operate in geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the equator, is known as "Silent Barker."

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket thunders away from its firing stand at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying multiple National Reconnaissance Office and Space Force satellites designed to keep tabs on the activities of potential adversary spacecraft in the orbit used by many high-priority national security satellites. / Credit: United Launch Alliance

"The idea of the mission is to put a satellite in geosynchronous orbit, and then to be looking at that orbital regime and get a sense of what's happening day to day," said NRO Director Chris Scolese.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Along with tracking routine satellite movements, "we also want to know if there is something going on that is unexpected, or shouldn't be going on that could potentially represent a threat to a high-value asset, either ours or one of our allies," Scolese said.

"So that's the purpose of it. It's really to be a watchdog in that orbital regime, the geosynchronous orbit."

The Atlas 5, powered by a Russian-built RD-180 first stage engine and five GEM-63 strap-on solid-fuel boosters, roared to life and climbed away from pad 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 8:47 a.m. ET.

The launching, delayed from Aug. 29 by Hurricane Idalia and then by a technical issue, marked the 18th and final Atlas 5 NRO flight as ULA continues its on-going transition to the company's new Vulcan rocket.

The Atlas 5 is silhouetted across the face of the sun on its way to space. / Credit: Michael Cain/Spaceflight Now)

While the general purpose of the NROL-107 payload was openly discussed by the NRO, details about the ascent and the orbital parameters of the Silent Barker satellites were classified. As a result, ULA ended its launch commentary as the rocket's first stage was finishing it's "burn" and no other details about the flight were immediately available.

But the nature of geosynchronous orbit is well understood. At that altitude, satellites take 24 hours to complete one orbit, rotating in lockstep with Earth and appearing stationary in the sky. That allows hemispheric coverage for electronic eavesdropping spy satellites, for example, military and commercial data relay stations, weather satellites and others.

In a major conflict, military reconnaissance and communications satellites would be prime targets for anti-satellite weapons and before that, targets for close-range inspection by adversary spacecraft. China and Russia both are thought to have satellites able to maneuver, rendezvous with, inspect and possibly interfere with U.S. and ally spacecraft.

The secretive NRO seldom discusses its payloads, but in the case of Silent Barker, officials said they wanted potential adversaries to understand America's ability to keep tabs on any such threats to in the so-called "geo belt," which is difficult to monitor from Earth's surface given the distances involved and the vagaries of weather and lighting.

"A huge element of deterrence is the ability for the adversary to know what we can and cannot see," said Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein, commander of Space Systems Command for the U.S. Space Force. "So we actually want our competitors to know that we have eyes in geo, that we can see what's happening.

"Not only are we going to maintain the custody and the ability to detect what's going on in geo, but we'll have the indications and warnings to know there's something out of the normal occurring. And that goes a long way towards deterrence."

Sunday's launch was the first of at least two planned Silent Barker-type missions. The program is expected to be fully operational in 2026.

"What Silent Barker is going to do is provide that indication and warning so it can inform decisions about what we do or don't need to do in terms of maneuver or awareness," Scolese said. "So it's a great increase in our understanding of what we'll be able to do and will greatly improve our ability to determine future courses of action."

Pennsylvania authorities concerned escaped killer will try to steal another vehicle

Everything we know about Putin and Kim Jong Un's planned meeting

Survivors of Morocco earthquake building makeshift encampments, multiple factors slowing relief
The Augusta County Sheriff's Office requested the public's help in reporting information on Erica Ortiz, who has not been seen since Sep. 7, 2023.

UPDATE 9/11 3:30 p.m.: Ms. Ortiz has been safely located, according to the Augusta County Sheriff's Office.

The Augusta County Sheriffs Office is asking the public for information regardsing a missing person who was last seen by a family member on September 7, 2023.Erica Dawn Ortiz's whereabouts are unknown, according to the release. The 37 year old, described in the release as 5'4" and 120 pounds with brown hair and green eyes, could possibly be driving a blue 2010 Honda CRV with Virginia plate UBU-1122.

Ms. Ortiz is from the Grottoes or Crimora area, according to the release, "but it is unknown where Ms. Ortiz is currently living."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Anyone with information about Ms. Ortiz can contact the Augusta County Sheriff's Office at (540) 245-5333, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 322-2017.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta County Sheriff: Grottoes area woman safely located
(Bloomberg) -- Australias transport minister blocked a request from Qatar Airways to operate more flights into the country without consulting Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles .

Most Read from Bloomberg

Marles, who was standing in for the prime minister when the decision was made in July, said in an interview with Sky News on Sunday that the call was within the purview of Transport Minister Catherine King.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She makes the decision on any specific application, Marles said, adding that we want to see greater access into the Australian market.

The refusal of the Qatar request has come under intense political scrutiny. Australias aviation market is highly consolidated and public anger toward Qantas Airways Ltd., which controls about 61% of the domestic market, has been growing for months. Outrage over fake-ticket allegations, exorbitant fares and canceled flights culminated in the airlines chief executive officer, Alan Joyce, stepping down on Tuesday, two months earlier than expected.

Traveler rage reached its peak in July last year, when Joyces Sydney home was pelted with eggs and toilet paper.

The Qatar request was blocked after lobbying by Qantas and fueled the perception that the government was protecting the dominant carrier at the expense of rival airlines and consumers.

Bridget McKenzie, deputy leader of the opposition National Party and chair of a government inquiry into the decision over Qatar Airways, told Sky News that the governments approach to the airline was inconsistent. She said the aviation sector was not included in a two-year review of competition laws and policy that was announced last month. I believe theyre running a protection racket for Qantas, she said on Sunday.

Marles cited our national aviation interest as one of a range of factors behind the decision and said that a 2020 incident at Qatars main airport, during which five Australian women were strip-searched, was also a factor.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously said he did not know about the Qatar decision until after it was made.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The SunZia Transmission project will send wind energy generated in southern New Mexico across the state into Arizona where it could be used to power urban communities and supply markets further west in California.

The project was developed over more than a decade with federal reviews beginning in 2009 and a federal right of way approved in 2015.

Since then, the project went through several route adjustments, regulatory changes and shifted ownership to Pattern Energy last year to complete and operate the project.

More: Nuclear waste site near Carlsbad used to generate renewable energy via federal plan

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Last week, Pattern received its final approval to begin construction from the Bureau of Land Management, and work began on both the transmission line and windfarm.

Its expected to go into commercial service by 2026.

Heres what to know about the SunZia wind project as construction begins.

A map of the Sun Zia Transmission line's route through southern New Mexico to Arizona. The project will connect wind power generated in southeast New Mexico with markets to the west.

Where will it start and where will it end?

More: President Biden faces criticism from oil and gas, environmentalist after New Mexico visit

The SunZia Wind Project will feature about 900 wind turbines spread across several counties in south-central New Mexico.

These include Lincoln, San Miguel and Torrance counties.

From the windfarm, a transmission line will travel about 550 miles southwest, terminating at a facility in Pinal County, Arizona where the energy could be sent into urban areas like Tucson or Phoenix in that state, or be sent into California.

More: Solar power facilities coming to southeast New Mexico. States, feds push renewable energy

How much energy will SunZia provide?

The wind farm was expected to generate 3,500 megawatts (MW) of wind power, enough to meet the power needs of up to 3 million people, according to Patterns website.

The transmission line will be capable of moving up to 3,000 MW of wind power.

Who initially signed on as customers?

More: Solar power jobs stagnate in New Mexico as leaders hope community solar will lead growth

Shell Energy and the University of California earlier this year signed on as the first customers of the SunZia project, after the BLM gave its final environmental approval to the project.

What benefits does Pattern Energy say the project will bring to local communities?

Pattern said the project all together marked a $10 billion investment by the company but was expected to provide $20.5 billion in local economic benefits.

Together, the projects were estimated to provide $1.3 billion to local governments, communities, schools and landowners in New Mexico and Arizona via sales and property taxes, and direct payments to landowners along the route.

More: Xcel Energy plans solar power sites in southeast New Mexico amid shift toward renewables

About 100 permanent jobs were predicted to support the project, along with 2,000 temporary construction jobs as the facilities are built.

What kinds of concerns did the project create?

Throughout the projects lifetime, environmental and conservation groups worried it could impact wildlife in both states.

In New Mexico concerns were primarily for a river crossing previously proposed at Escondido, near Socorro, where opponents argued the project could prove problematic for migratory birds in the area, as it would cross between the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge to the north and Bosque del Apache to the south.

More: Oil giant Shell to buy power from New Mexico wind farm amid transition to renewable energy

Arizona groups worried for similar reasons for the projects crossing through riparian habitats in the San Pedro River Basin.

The company hoped to allay these concerns through several route changes and adjustments to the line, including shift the route to avoid crossing through portions of White Sands Missile Range.

What are government officials saying about the project?

At a recent ribbon cutting, New Mexico congresspeople and federal officials touted the SunZia project as marking needed progress to increasing renewable energy and taking action on climate change.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said SunZia showed that environmental and economic concerns were not mutually exclusive.

More: Martin Heinrich touts energy transition in reelection bid for New Mexico U.S. Senate seat

"New Mexico is beyond proud to be the home of such monumental work by Pattern Energy that is truly powering the future  all while creating hundreds of jobs and elevating our economy," she said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) said SunZia would mitigate climate change and pollution, while providing a massive economic impact to New Mexico.

Thats why I fought hard for this project through a whole series of obstacles, and it's why Im thrilled to welcome the start of construction, he said in a statement. The proof is everywhere: the climate crisis is here, and it is the greatest threat we face. But solving the climate crisis by building out clean energy infrastructure like SunZia will also be the greatest economic opportunity of our lifetime."

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, herself a native New Mexican and former congresswoman said the project would advance the federal administrations goals of increasing renewable energy and transitions away from more pollutive energy forms like fossil fuels.

The SunZia Transmission Project will accelerate our nations transition to a clean energy economy by unlocking renewable resources, creating jobs, lowering costs, and boosting local economies, she said in a statement.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Here's what to know about the SunZia wind energy project in New Mexico
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden failed at a weekend summit in India to unite world leaders around a condemnation of Russia's war in Ukraine, drawing a rebuke from Kyiv and putting him on the defensive as he wrapped up a trip abroad.

Neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the New Delhi gathering for leaders of the world's most powerful economies, but even in their absence, Russia and China notched a win against the U.S. when it came to rallying the international community against the war that began more than a year and a half ago.

Group of 20 nations declined to explicitly chide Russia for the invasion, saying instead that countries "must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition" and lamented "the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war."

After attending the New Delhi summit, Biden traveled to Hanoi in a visit aimed at strengthening ties with Vietnam. He is scheduled to depart Vietnam on Monday to head to Alaska, where he plans to mark the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Here are some takeaways from his overseas trip:

Ukraine says G20 has 'nothing to be proud of'

Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended last year's G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, he was not present at the New Delhi gathering.

India, which is not aligned in the war, did not invite Ukraine, despite a request from U.S. officials who argued that Ukrainian officials should have the ability at the forum to rebut Russia's narrative about the war.

Ukraine's foreign affairs ministry voiced disappointment on social media with the G20 statement, sharing a mockup of changes it would have liked to have seen that would have pinpointed Russia as the aggressor nation.

US President Joe Biden holds a news conference in Hanoi on Sept. 10, 2023, after attending a summit of G20 leaders in India.

"We are grateful to the partners who tried to include strong wording in the text. However, in terms of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of," ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Biden defends G20 statement; GOP's McCaul calls it 'slap in the face'

Biden pressed Ukraine's case in Zelenskyy's absence to little avail.

At a news conference in Vietnam after the summit, Biden said the war is not a "wedge" issue with most G20 nations  it was a problem with Russia and China, which had high-ranking representatives at the summit.

Appearing on CNN's "State of the Union" program, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it was "very important that the G20 spoke as one." That presented a complication, Blinken said, because Russia is part of the group.

"I think, if you are on the receiving end of what so many of them said, if you were in the Russian seat, it's pretty clear where the rest of the world stands," Blinken said.

The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said on same program that the statement was "a major departure from last year and a real slap in the face to Zelenskyy as they're conducting the counteroffensive."

GOP presidential candidate and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called it a victory for Russia and China and criticized Biden for not pushing the G20 to stick to the tougher language.

"China is gloating, because they're looking at Taiwan as this is happening, and it's a shame," Haley said.

Biden undeterred on Ukraine aid

U.S. officials underscored their support for Ukraine over the weekend, promising to stand by the country for as long as necessary.

Biden is pushing Congress to allocate $20.6 billion for military assistance and humanitarian relief for Ukraine before the end of the year. The financial package has the support of the Senate but will face difficulty passing the House, which will begin spending talks when its members return this week from summer break.

US President Joe Biden holds a press conference in Hanoi on September 10, 2023, on the first day of a visit in Vietnam following a trip to India, where he attended the annual G20 summit.

"There has been bipartisan support for this funding to date, and its critical that we continue to provide timely economic assistance," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told reporters in India.

Biden says he doesn't 'want to contain China,' he wants it to play by the rules

In Vietnam, Biden spent the better part of a news conference outlining his vision for the U.S. relationship with China. Biden said he does not want to harm the economic competitor. Instead, he wants China to play by established international norms.

"I don't want to contain China. I just want to make sure we have a relationship with China that is on the up and up, squared away, everybody knows what it's all about," Biden said.

Biden and Xi have not spoken since last year's G20 summit, and Biden downplayed his counterpart's absence. China has a chilly relationship with India, though Biden suggested that Xi's decision to skip the G20 may have been in part due to economic turmoil at home.

"I just think there's other things on leaders' minds and they respond to what is needed at the time," Biden said.

G20 still effective, US says

U.S. officials defended the G20's effectiveness at tackling global challenges, despite Russia and China's lack of participation at the leader level and their efforts to build out a competing organization with several G20 members. India and the next two host nations , Brazil and South Africa, are a part of the informal group of emerging economies referred to as BRICS, an acronym for their country names.

Those nations are committed to the G20, Biden's deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told reporters. "So is the United States."

"And if China is not, thats unfortunate for everyone, but much more unfortunate, we believe, for China," he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden on defensive after G20 declines to criticize Russia over Ukraine
President Joe Biden arrived at Chinese leader Xi Jinpings doorstep on Sunday with a deal in hand to draw yet another one of Chinas neighbors closer to the United States.

In just the last five months, Biden has hosted the Philippines president at the White House for the first time in over a decade; he has feted the Indian prime minister with a lavish state dinner; and he has hosted his Japanese and South Korean counterparts for a summit ripe with symbolism at the storied Camp David presidential retreat.

At each turn, Bidens courtship and his teams steadfast diplomacy have secured stronger diplomatic, military and economic ties with a network of allies and partners joined if not by an outright sense of alarm at Chinas increasingly aggressive military and economic posture, then at least by a growing sense of caution and concern.

The latest page in the USs Indo-Pacific playbook will come via the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership that will put the US on par with Vietnams highest tier of partners, including China, according to US officials familiar with the matter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It marks a new period of fundamental reorientation between the United States and Vietnam, a senior administration official said ahead of Bidens arrival in Hanoi, saying it would expand a range of issues between the two countries.

Its not going to be easy for Vietnam, because theyre under enormous pressure from China, the official went on. We realize the stakes and the President is going to be very careful how he engages with Vietnamese friends.

The US increasingly tight-knit web of partnerships in the region is just one side of the USs diplomatic strategy vis-a-vis China. On a separate track, the Biden administration has also pursued more stable ties and improved communication with Beijing over the last year, with a series of top Cabinet secretaries making the trip to the Chinese capital in just the last few months.

The latter part of that playbook has delivered fewer results thus far than Bidens entreaties to Chinas wary neighbors, a dichotomy that was on stark display as Biden attended the G20 in New Delhi, while Chinese leader Xi Jinping did not.

US President Joe Biden attends the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9, 2023 - Evelyn Hockstein/AFP/Getty Images

The president did not appear overly concerned when questioned Saturday about his Chinese counterparts absence at the summit.

It would be nice to have him here, Biden said, with Modi and a handful of other world leaders by his side. But, no, the summit is going well.

As Biden and Xi jockey for influence in Asia and beyond, merely showing up can be seen as a power play and Biden sought to make the most of Xis absence, seizing the opening to pitch the United States sustained commitment both to the region and to developing nations around the world.

In Vietnam, its not only China whose influence Biden is competing with. As he arrived, reports suggested Hanoi was preparing a secret purchase of weapons from Russia, its longtime arms supplier.

On Monday, Biden plans to announce steps to help Vietnam diversify away from an over-reliance on Russian arms, a senior administration official said.

As Chinas economy slows down and its leader ratchets up military aggressions, Biden hopes to make the United States appear a more attractive and reliable partner. In New Delhi, he did so by wielding proposals to boost global infrastructure and development programs as a counterweight to China.

Beijing and Moscow have both condemned a so-called Cold War mentality that divides the world into blocks. The White House insists it is seeking only competition, not conflict. Biden told reporters on Sunday that he is sincere about improving the United States relationship with China.

I dont want to contain China, I just want to make sure we have a relationship with China that is on the up-and-up, squared away, and everyone knows what its all about, Biden said. We have an opportunity to strengthen alliances around the world to maintain stability. Thats what this trip is all about, having India cooperate much more with the United States, be closer to the United States, Vietnam being closer with the United States. Its not about containing China. Its about having a stable base  a stable base in the Indo-Pacific.

Still, the desire to pull nations into the fold has been evident.

Traffic whizzes through Hanoi's old quarter - Didier Marti/Moment RF/Getty Images

Squeezed by rival giants

On Saturday, Biden held a photo op with the leaders of India, Brazil and South Africa  three members of the BRICS grouping that Xi has sought to elevate as a rival to US-dominated summits like the G20.

If there is a risk in that approach, it is leaving nations feeling squeezed by rival giants. For Biden, however, there is an imperative in at least offering poorer nations an alternative to China when it comes to investments and development. The president on Sunday acknowledged that Chinas economy has faced some difficulties recently, noting stalled growth and an unfolding real estate crisis in the country, but attempted to tamp down the idea that the United States was rooting against Chinas economic success, telling reporters, I want to see China succeed economically, but I want to see them succeed by the rules.

Were not looking to hurt China, sincerely, were all better off if China does well  China does well by the international rules, he added.

But increasingly, Chinas neighbors  like Vietnam  are seeking a counterweight to Beijings muscular and often unforgiving presence in the region, even if they are not prepared to entirely abandon Chinas sphere of influence in favor of the US.

Were not asking or expecting the Vietnamese to make a choice, the senior administration official said. We understand and know clearly that they need and want a strategic partnership with China. Thats just the nature of the beast.

Days before Bidens visit and the expected strategic partnership announcement, China sent a senior Communist Party official to Vietnam to enhance political mutual trust between the two communist neighbors, the official Chinese Xinhua news agency reported.

Asked about Bidens upcoming visit to Vietnam, Chinas Foreign Ministry on Monday warned the US against using its relations with individual Asian countries to target a third party.

The United States should abandon Cold War zero-sum game mentality, abide by the basic norms of international relations, not target a third party, and not undermine regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily briefing.

Vietnam has also sought to maintain good ties with China. Its Communist Party chief was the first foreign leader to call on Xi in Beijing after the Chinese leader secured an unprecedented third term last October. In June, Vietnams prime minister met Xi during a state visit to China.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with Chairman of the Communist Party of Vietnam's Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung at the Department of State. - US Department of State

But even as it seeks to avoid Chinas wrath, Vietnam is increasingly pulled toward the US out of economic self-interest  its trade with the US has ballooned in recent years and it is eager to benefit from American efforts to diversify supply chains outside of China  as well as concern over Chinas military build-up in the South China Sea.

Experts say those tightened partnerships are as much a credit to the Biden administrations comprehensive China strategy as it is a consequence of the way China has increasingly aggressively wielded its military and economic might in the region.

China has long complained about the US alliance network in its backyard. It has said that these are vestiges of the Cold War, that the US needs to stop encircling China, but its really Chinas own behavior and its choices that have driven these countries together, said Patricia Kim, a China expert at the Brookings Institution.

So in many ways, Chinas foreign policy has backfired.

From foes to friends

The upgrading of the US-Vietnam relationship carries huge significance given Washingtons complicated history with Hanoi.

The two countries have gone from mortal enemies that fought a devastating war to increasingly close partners, even with Vietnam still run by the same Communist forces that ultimately prevailed and sent the US military packing.

There were signs during Bidens visit that some of those differences remain. Reporters representing US media outlets were physically held back from covering events at the Communist Party Headquarters  an event the White House and Vietnamese officials had agreed would be covered by the American press.

The episode only served to underscore the extent to which Biden is elevating US strategic and economic interests despite human rights and press freedom concerns.

Vietnam is the worlds third-largest jailer of journalists, according to Reporters Without Borders, and the country ranks 178th out of 180 countries on the organizations World Press Freedom Index.

The White House has defended its engagement with autocratic regimes around the world, insisting that Biden raises human rights and democracy issues privately.

While the upgrading of that relationship has been a decade in the making, US officials say a concerted drive to take the relationship to new heights carried that years-long momentum over the line.

A late June visit to Washington by Vietnams top diplomat, Chairman Le Hoai Trung, crystallized that possibility. During a meeting with national security adviser Jake Sullivan, the two first discussed the possibility of upgrading the relationship, according to a Biden administration official.

As he walked back to his office, Sullivan wondered whether the US could be more ambitious than a one-step upgrade in the relationship  to strategic partner  and directed his team to travel to the region and deliver a letter to Trung proposing a two-step upgrade that would take the relations to their highest-possible level, putting the US on par with Vietnams other comprehensive strategic partners: China, Russia, India and South Korea.

Sullivan would speak again with Trung on July 13 while traveling with Biden to a NATO summit in Helsinki.

The conversation pushed the possibility of a two-step upgrade in a positive direction, but it wasnt until a mid-August visit to the White House by Vietnams ambassador to Washington that an agreement was in hand. Inside Sullivans West Wing office, the two finalized plans to take the US-Vietnam relationship to new heights and for Biden and Vietnams leader, General Secreatary Nguyen Phu Trong, to shake hands in Hanoi.

The trip was still being finalized when Biden revealed during an off-camera fundraiser that he was planning to visit. The remark sent the planning into overdrive.

Still, US officials are careful not to characterize the rapprochement with Vietnam  or with the Philippines, India, Japan and Korea, or its AUKUS security partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom  as part of a comprehensive strategy to counter Chinas military and economic heft in the Indo-Pacific.

I think thats a deliberate design by the Biden administration, said Yun Sun, the China program director at the Stimson Center. You dont want countries in the region or African countries to feel that the US cares about them only because of China because that shows a lack of commitment. That shows that, Well, we care about you only because we dont want you to go to the Chinese.

CNNs Nectar Gan contributed to this report

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
US President Joe Biden is close to making a decision on supplying Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles.

Source: The Financial Times, citing an unnamed senior official in the Biden administration, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The source said the decision to provide Kyiv with ATACMS missiles may be adopted shortly.

The US President has faced growing pressure from both parties in Congress to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles.

The advantage of ATACMS over the UK's Storm Shadow, also known as France's SCALP missiles, which are already in service in Kyiv, is that they may be fired from HIMARS launchers rather than from Ukraine's outdated Soviet-era fighter jets.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Kyiv has long been asking the US for ATACMS missiles, which would allow Ukraine to strike deeper into the Russian rear.

Background:

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
President Biden on Sunday said hes not looking to contain Chinas economy, but that he wants Beijing to succeed by following international rules and ensure the two have a relationship on the up and up.

Biden spoke at a press conference in Vietnam, the second stop on a trip to Asia in which much of the focus was on how the U.S. and its allies can build up the world economy without other nations relying on China.

Questions about China dominated the press conference, where Biden was asked about relations with Beijing and his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who did not attend this weeks Group of 20 (G-20) Summit in India.

Really what this trip is about, its less about containing China. I dont want to contain China. I just want to make sure that we have a relationship with China that is on the up and up, squared away, everybody knows what its all about, Biden told reporters in Hanoi.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Biden argued China is facing significant economic challenges because of a lack of international growth and domestic policies. The president earlier this year referred to Chinas economy as a ticking time bomb.

By contrast, Biden argued Sunday that the U.S. has the strongest economy in the world, giving his administration an ability to act from a position of strength.

Were not looking to hurt China. Sincerely. Were all better off if China does well, if China does well by the international rules, Biden said.

Biden arrived in Vietnam on Sunday fresh off of two days of meetings at the G-20 in India.

One of the focuses while he was there was on building up support for the World Bank. White House officials have said providing financing for projects in developing nations through the World Bank would create an alternative so that those countries are less reliant on borrowing from China.

Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also co-hosted a meeting on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, a project designed to accelerate investments and narrow the infrastructure gap in low- and middle-income countries.

Xi did not attend the summit in New Delhi. While Biden officials like Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo have traveled to China in recent weeks to meet with leaders there, Biden has not met with Xi face-to-face since they spoke last November at a gathering in Bali, Indonesia.

I hope I get to see Mr. Xi sooner rather than later, Biden said Sunday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Washington  President Biden said Sunday that he is seeking stability in the contentious U.S.-China relationship while he visited the region to strengthen U.S. ties with China's neighbors.

"I don't want to contain China," Mr. Biden told reporters during a news conference in Hanoi, Vietnam. "I just want to make sure that we have a relationship with China that is on the up and up squared away, everybody knows what it's all about."

Mr. Biden visited India for the G20 summit before traveling to Vietnam to upgrade the relationship between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The designation puts the U.S. on the same level with Hanoi as China and Russia.

"Having India cooperate much more with the United States, be closer to the United States, Vietnam being closer with the United States, it's not about containing China. It's about having a stable base, a stable base in Indo-Pacific," he said.

President Biden holds a press conference in Hanoi on Sept. 10, 2023, on the first day of a visit in Vietnam. Biden travels to Vietnam to deepen cooperation between the two nations, in the face of China's growing ambitions in the region. / Credit: Getty Images

Mr. Biden insisted that building partnerships in the region was not about isolating or hurting China, saying "we think too much in Cold War terms." Chinese President Xi Jinping was absent from the G20 summit in New Delhi, but Mr. Biden said he met with Premier Li Qiang, who serves in the country's No. 2 post. Mr. Biden said the two discussed "stability."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"I want to see China succeed economically," Mr. Biden said. "But I want to see them succeed by the rules."

Vice President Kamala Harris, who met last week with Asian leaders at a summit in Jakarta, said tension in any relationship should be expected when there's "competition of any sort."

"But that does not mean that we are seeking conflict," she told "Face the Nation" in an interview that aired Sunday.

Plea negotiations underway for 9/11 defendants though survivors' families want trial

NFL Week 1 wraps up with Aaron Rodgers' Jets debut

Most say top elected positions "too demanding" for those older than 75, poll finds
(FOX40.COM)  A bill designed to prevent book banning in California schools has passed the State Assembly and the state Senate.

Assembly Bill 1078 passed on Thursday and prohibits any censorship or removal of books, instructional materials, or curriculum resources that state law requires to be reflected in instructional materials, according to a press release from the bills author, Assembly member Dr. Corey Jackson.

I am thrilled to see AB 1078 progressing through the legislative process, Jackson said.

Bill that decriminalizes psychedelic mushrooms passes State Assembly

He continued, Were taking a firm stand against book banning in Californias schools, ensuring that our students have access to a broad range of educational materials that accurately represent the rich cultural and racial diversity of our society.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The bill now heads to Governor Gavin Newsoms desk for final approval.

In response to the bill passing both houses, Newsom said, California is the true freedom state: a place where families  not political fanatics  have the freedom to decide whats right for them.

All students deserve the freedom to read and learn about the truth, the world, and themselves, the governor added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Inspectors visiting The Fresh Market in Coral Springs found not-so-fresh food and enough cleanliness problems to give the store the lowest inspection result, Re-Inspection Required.

That re-inspection will occur before Sept. 20. In the interim, the store at 4633 N. University Dr. will continue to be open for $6.99 per bottle weekend wine sales and Chuck and Chicken Tuesday.

READ MORE: Outback roaches. Rodents return to a restaurant. Filth at Miami to Palm Beach eateries

The Florida Department of Agriculture inspects packaged food sellers, from supermarkets down to FedEx shipping centers, wholesale and retail bakeries and food processing, distribution and storage facilities. Unlike restaurants inspected by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, failed Department of Agriculture inspections dont close the establishment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But, an inspector can put Stop-Use Orders on equipment and areas. Enough of those and the business might decide it cant or shouldnt open.

Inspectors Pedro Llanos and Terri Rainey didnt have to drop any Stop-Use Orders, but did fire the Stop Sale gun a few times. Here are some of the problems they found during Wednesdays Fresh Market inspection:

 Someone working in the produce area changed tasks without washing hands and changing gloves. Then again, the handwash sink in the produce prep area was blocked by equipment.

 Out in the retail produce area, watermelon that had been cut for more than a day measured 45 degrees inside. Thats four degrees above the maximum temperature to keep cold storage food from being a bacteria boat. Theres a reason you put fruit under refrigeration after its cut. Stop Sale on the watermelon.

 The same problem at the same temperature got Stop Sales slapped on packages of ham and turkey for sale in the deli area.

 Also in the deli area, containers of cooked onion had been there longer than seven days.

 The produce cooler in the backroom had standing water. The walk-in freezer used for deli products had a build up of ice.

 In the backroom, there was a build up of black matter inside of the ice machine.

READ MORE: Vote in finals of South Floridas favorite grocery store  Publix vs. The Fresh Market

This embedded content is not available in your region.
LANSING  As lakes and rivers cool with the arrival of fall, avid swimmers may be at risk for illnesses due to contact with contaminated water.

Thats because of a health threat from Escherichia coli  familiarly known as E. coli. Its a bacteria from raw meat or fecal matter, which in the case of Michigan rivers and lakes usually is caused by waste from animals like geese.

The state has had numerous outbreaks this year, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy beach guard system. And as many as half of the states rivers and streams are contaminated with E. coli, one expert said.

In July, over 12 beaches were closed at the same time due to outbreaks, including ones in Oakland, Macomb, Arenac, Roscommon and Cheboygan counties, according to press reports.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Megan Tinsley, the water policy director for the Michigan Environmental Council, says the state needs to do better.

To me its absolutely shocking, considering we bill ourselves as Pure Michigan and we are advertising across the nation to come here for the clean water, for fishing and all those sorts of things, Tinsley said.

While there are only four beach closures now, Michigan has had over 140 closures in 2023 from elevated E. coli levels and has issued many more health advisories, according to the departments beach guard system.

One current closure is at Singing Bridge Beach on Lake Huron in Arenac County. The beach has been closed for over 73 days and is still testing high levels of E. coli.

After testing a drain outlet on Aug. 7, the beach was set at a level four risk  the most severe level, which is considered gross contamination and a health risk, according to the beach guard website.

The director of environmental health for the Central Michigan District Health Department, Steve King, says that is because of contaminated rivers from rural areas connecting with Lake Huron.

Well go out and sample the beaches and run our normal testing. Well create what we call filters  filtering water and then sending those out where the DNA is analyzed, King said.

Saginaw Valley State University can tell us if DNA is either human-sourced or comes from cattle, pigs or deer, King said. If we identify geese, weve worked with beach managers and control measures (recommended by the departments of Natural Resource and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) to make the beach less attractive to geese.

Lakeview Waterfront Park on Houghton Lake in Roscommon County has been closed for over 64 days after test results from July 7 appeared to be three times over the states standard for E. coli. Four days later, the condition worsened to over 10 times the standard and is still at high levels.

Roscommon Township Supervisor Diane Randall blames geese.

We have a huge amount of geese there. The park is all natural  theres no seawall or anything  and the first phase of that park even put a fishing dock out because its really wonderful for wildlife like the geese and the fish, she said.

But the bad part of that is geese arent really potty trained, Randall said.

Michigans E. coli standard for safe swimming is substantially higher than that of some other states, like New Hampshire and New York.

We have such a big tourism-based economy in Michigan, and thats also a point I try to highlight frequently, said Tinsley, of the Environmental Council.

I think its predicted that half of Michigans rivers and streams are out of compliance for what would be a level of E. coli in the waters thats safe for either body contact, or swimming.

An August outbreak occurred at Traverse Citys Haserot Beach, East Bay Park and Sunset Park, but the swimming ban was lifted after the Grand Traverse County Health Department announced they had met the state standards for safe swimming.

However, East Bay Park was closed again after an advisory about contamination from an unknown pollution source. The park has been closed for only one to two days at a time since 2011, mostly due to storm water runoff.

There is also a contamination advisory in effect at Four Mile Beach in Chippewa County due to sanitary sewer overflow and storm water runoff.

King encouraged those who are looking to get some last-minute swimming in, to check the beach guard website beforehand.

People can see for themselves whether or not the most recent testing is a relatively safe environment, if youre going out to their beach or if theres some concerns about what those E. coli levels might be, he said. I think thats really great that the state helps out local health departments to do that.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Blame the geese as E. coli close beaches
Secretary of State Antony Blinken refused to mention Elon Musk when asked about reports that the tech CEO denied Ukrainians access to the Starlink network before a planned attack on Russian forces.

Blinken seemed to sidestep journalist Jake Tappers questions when he was pressed on if Musk should face repercussions for his rogue foray into foreign affairs during an appearance on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday.

The head of the State Department said he couldnt speak to any specific episode but did call for Starlinks satellite network to be fully available to the Ukrainian military and civilians.

Tapper pushed back on Blinkens cautious response by asking the Secretary of State to address claims Musk spoke with senior Russian officials about denying Ukrainians emergency request for Starlink access.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Really, none of this concerns you? the CNN correspondent asked.

Antony Blinken avoided directly answering questions about Elon Musk and reports he denied Ukraine access to his Starlink satellite internet network before a planned attack on Russian forces.

Antony Blinken avoided directly answering questions about Elon Musk and reports he denied Ukraine access to his Starlink satellite internet network before a planned attack on Russian forces.

Again avoiding an opinion, Blinken said he couldnt speak to conversations that may or may not have happened before returning to Starlinks strategic importance to Ukraine.

Theyre now engaged in a critical counteroffensive, he said. And were doing everything we can to maximize our support for them, along with many other countries, so that they can be successful. Starlink is an important part of their success.

CNN was the first to report on Musks private attempt at international diplomacy. Excerpts from Walter Isaacsons forthcoming biography of the billionaire reveal Musk worried Ukraines plans to attack Russias Black Sea Fleet with sea-drones in the disputed region of Crimea could have triggered a mini-Pearl Harbor.

Addressing CNNs report in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, he wrote, The obvious intent being to sink most of the Russian fleet at anchor. If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.

Prior to Blinkens comments, a Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the matter but said, The Department continues to work closely with commercial industry to ensure we have the right capabilities the Ukrainians need to defend themselves.

Watch Antony Blinkens full interview on CNNs State of the Union below. Tappers question about Musk comes at the 4:20 mark.

Related...
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already lost his invasion of Ukraine, which Blinken says he remains confident will come out victorious in the war.

And the reason that I remain very confident in Ukraines ultimate success, which is that theyre fighting for their country, for their future for their freedom, the Russians are not, Blinken told ABCs Jonathan Karl on This Week. And keep in mind, Putin has already lost in what he was trying to achieve. He was trying to erase Ukraine from the map and its independence, subsume it into Russia. That has already been a failure.

The comments come after Blinken arrived in Ukraine in a surprise visit to the country last week. He announced an additional $1 billion in U.S. aid to Ukraine during the trip, which will include air support and other resources he says will build a force for the future, a military force of the future, that is capable of deterring future aggression, and if necessary, defending and defeating it.

Blinken also said that he has seen no indication that Putin wants to engage in meaningful diplomacy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It takes two to tango and thus far, we see no indication that Vladimir Putin has any interest in meaningful diplomacy, he said. If he does, I think the Ukrainians will be the first to engage and well be right behind them. Everyone wants this war to end, but it has stand on just terms and on durable terms that reflect Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity.

When asked about increasing Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow soil, Blinken maintained that the U.S. has not encouraged or enabled the use of weapons outside of Ukraines territory, but noted that Russians are attacking indiscriminately throughout Ukraine.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
State Secretary Antony Blinken said Sunday he cant speak to Elon Musk turning off Starlink internet access during a Ukrainian attack on Russia last year.

When asked on CNNs State of The Union, about the reports, Blinken said, I cant speak to a specific episode.

Heres what I can tell you  Starlink has been a vital tool for Ukrainians to be able to communicate with each other and particularly for the military to communicate in their efforts to defend all of Ukraines territory. It remains so and I would expect it to continue to be critical to their efforts, Blinken said.

Blinkens comments come days after Musk acknowledged he blocked off internet access from his Starlink satellites during a Ukrainian raid last year on a Russian naval fleet. Musk claimed he did so to prevent SpaceX from being complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Musk was responding to details from an upcoming book that indicated he ordered engineers to shut off the communications network prior to the attack.

An excerpt about the raid from American author and journalist Walter Isaacsons upcoming biography on Musk, titled Elon Musk, was published by CNN. According to CNN, the tech billionaire said he was concerned Russia would respond to the naval attack with a nuclear weapon.

Starlink has been a service for Ukrainian troops in the countrys fight against Russia and was provided to Kyiv in early 2022 after Russia disrupted Ukraines communications systems.

When asked if Musk apparently conducting his own diplomatic outreach to the Russian government concerns him, Blinken said, I cant speak to conversations that may or may have not happened, I dont know.

We ourselves, Ive always had to factor in what Russia may do in response to any given thing that we or others do or the Ukrainians do, Blinken continued. And we have, but whats so critical now is that Ukraine has had real success over the past year.

Blinken visited Ukraine last week, where he said he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about long-term security arrangements and announced an additional $1 billion in aid for the embattled country.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson cemented his place as front runner for Washington governor in 2024 Saturday with a cross state campaign sweep to officially announce his candidacy.

The launch tour began in Spokane, continued to Pasco and wrapped up at a rally in Seattle.

The move by the states most prominent Democrat after Gov. Jay Inslee was widely expected.

Inslee announced in May he would not seek a fourth term. Ferguson immediately formed an exploratory committee to consider his own run.

Saturdays launch tour merely made it official.

The new candidate acknowledged his front runner status, but pledged to campaign like an underdog. He intended to knock on doors in Whatcom County on Sunday.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, flanked by supporters at Local 598 in Pasco, formally kicked off his campaign for governor Sept. 9 with a cross state tour that also included stops in Spokane and Seattle.

The two-term attorney general joins a crowded race that includes Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, a Democrat, state Sen. Mark Mullet, an Issaquah Democrat, former U.S. Rep. David Reichert, a King County Republican, and Semi Bird, a Richland Republican who was recently recalled from his school board seat by voters.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The field will be narrowed to two in the August 2024 primary election. The top two will advance to the November 2024 general election.

Ferguson campaign

Ferguson has the twin advantages of high name recognition and a robust campaign chest to carry him through the 11 months leading up to the primary.

He has raised $3.85 million, three times the $1.46 million raised by the other current candidates  Democrat, Republican and other  combined, according to the most recent campaign finance figures reported to the Washington Public Disclosure Commission.

The figure does not include the nearly $1 million previously raised by Inslee.

Ferguson vowed that as governor, he will prioritize the issues raised by voters during a pre-campaign tour of all 39 counties

They include affordable housing, strengthening law enforcement, improving access to health care, including reproductive services, behavioral and substance abuse care, tackling climate change by transitioning Washington to green energy sources and investing in workforce development, with an emphasis on outreach to underrepresented populations.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson hopes to succeed Gov. Jay Inslee, who announced in May he would not seek a fourth term.

Ferguson pledged to stand up to any future presidential administration that threatens the rights of citizens. he noted hes experienced at suing presidents, from Barack Obama to Donald Trump.

We need a governor who will push back and as it happens. I have experience in that, he said.

Ferguson said he doesnt have a position on the Snake River dams, but noted they cant be breached without first replacing the benefits, including the power they generate. That falls under the green energy transformation, he said.

He declined to comment on the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council process as it relates to the controversial Horse Heaven Clean Energy Project, which would install wind turbines and solar facilities in Benton County, citing ongoing work by his office.
Jordan Chadwick, 31, defended Ukraine in the ranks of the International Legion

The body of 31-year-old British volunteer Jordan Chadwick, who had been fighting with the International Legion in Ukraine, was discovered in a body of water with his hands bound behind his back, UK media have reported for the first time.

The UK Foreign Ministry later confirmed the British nationals death to Sky News on Sept. 9, stating, We are providing assistance to the family of the British citizen who died in Ukraine and are in contact with local authorities.

Chadwicks death was initially reported on June 26, and his body was repatriated to his homeland on Aug. 7.

Further details about the circumstances of his death have not been disclosed at this time, and it has not been specified where precisely the body was found or whether this occurred in a conflict area.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Another French fighter, from International Legion, killed in Ukraine

According to the BBC, an investigation into the cause of Chadwicks death is scheduled to take place in February.

In a statement to the BBC, Chadwicks mother expressed her devastation at the loss of her son, affectionately known as Joe to their family.

Read also: International Legion confirms death of British volunteer captured by Russia

Jordan Chadwick, aged 31, hailed from the town of Burnley in Lancashire, located in the northwest of England. He served in the Scots Guards in the British Army from 2011 to 2015 and, in 2022, amid Russias full-scale war against Ukraine, he joined the International Legion to defend Ukraine.

Read also: Polish platoon commander of Ukraines International Legion killed in action

His mother, Brenda Chadwick, revealed that her son had harbored a childhood dream of becoming a military man.

His passion to support freedom and assist others with his skills led him to leave the UK and travel to the Ukraine in early October 2022, she said.

Read also: Ukraine invites F-16 pilots to join its International Legion

Although we are extremely proud of his unwavering courage and resilience, his death has been devastating. No words can be found to describe the loss of such a short life. A son, brother, grandson, nephew and uncle, who was loved immensely.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
We may receive an affiliate commission from anything you buy from this article.

Bestselling author Walter Isaacson has previously written biographies of inventive and dynamic personalities, from Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein to Steve Jobs. For his latest, "Elon Musk" (published September 12 by Simon & Schuster, a division of CBS' parent company, Paramount Global), Isaacson received unparalleled access with the billionaire entrepreneur.

The result is a psychological portrait of a visionary whose projects speak to a traumatic and violent childhood and the abusive father that shaped his psyche.

Read an excerpt below, and don't miss David Pogue's interview with Walter Isaacson on "CBS News Sunday Morning" September 10!

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson

Prefer to listen? Audible has a 30-day free trial available right now.

Muse of Fire

As a kid growing up in South Africa, Elon Musk knew pain and learned how to survive it.

When he was twelve, he was taken by bus to a wilderness survival camp, known as a veldskool. "It was a paramilitary Lord of the Flies," he recalls. The kids were each given small rations of food and water, and they were allowedindeed encouragedto fight over them. "Bullying was considered a virtue," his younger brother Kimbal says. The big kids quickly learned to punch the little ones in the face and take their stuff. Elon, who was small and emotionally awkward, got beaten up twice. He would end up losing ten pounds.

Near the end of the first week, the boys were divided into two groups and told to attack each other. "It was so insane, mind-blowing," Musk recalls. Every few years, one of the kids would die. The counselors would recount such stories as warnings. "Don't be stupid like that dumb f**k who died last year," they would say. "Don't be the weak dumb f**k."

The second time Elon went to veldskool, he was about to turn sixteen. He had gotten much bigger, bursting up to six feet with a bearlike frame, and had learned some judo. So veldskool wasn't so bad. "I realized by then that if someone bullied me, I could punch them very hard in the nose, and then they wouldn't bully me again. They might beat the s**t out of me, but if I had punched them hard in the nose, they wouldn't come after me again."



South Africa in the 1980s was a violent place, with machine-gun attacks and knife killings common. Once, when Elon and Kimbal got off a train on their way to an anti-apartheid music concert, they had to wade through a pool of blood next to a dead person with a knife still sticking out of his brain. For the rest of the evening, the blood on the soles of their sneakers made a sticky sound against the pavement.

The Musk family kept German Shepherd dogs that were trained to attack anyone running by the house. When he was six, Elon was racing down the driveway and his favorite dog attacked him, taking a massive bite out of his back. In the emergency room, when they were preparing to stitch him up, he resisted being treated until he was promised that the dog would not be punished. "You're not going to kill him, are you?" Elon asked. They swore that they wouldn't. In recounting the story, Musk pauses and stares vacantly for a very long time. "Then they damn well shot the dog dead."

His most searing experiences came at school. For a long time, he was the youngest and smallest student in his class. He had trouble picking up social cues. Empathy did not come naturally, and he had neither the desire nor the instinct to be ingratiating. As a result, he was regularly picked on by bullies, who would come up and punch him in the face. "If you have never been punched in the nose, you have no idea how it affects you the rest of your life," he says.

At assembly one morning, a student who was horsing around with a gang of friends bumped into him. Elon pushed him back. Words were exchanged. The boy and his friends hunted Elon down at recess and found him eating a sandwich. They came up from behind, kicked him in the head, and pushed him down a set of concrete steps. "They sat on him and just kept beating the s**t out of him and kicking him in the head," says Kimbal, who had been sitting with him. "When they got finished, I couldn't even recognize his face. It was such a swollen ball of flesh that you could barely see his eyes." He was taken to the hospital and was out of school for a week. Decades later, he was still getting corrective surgery to try to fix the tissues inside his nose.

But those scars were minor compared to the emotional ones inflicted by his father, Errol Musk, an engineer, rogue, and charismatic fantasist who to this day bedevils Elon. After the school fight, Errol sided with the kid who pummeled Elon's face. "The boy had just lost his father to suicide, and Elon had called him stupid," Errol says. "Elon had this tendency to call people stupid. How could I possibly blame that child?"

When Elon finally came home from the hospital, his father berated him. "I had to stand for an hour as he yelled at me and called me an idiot and told me that I was just worthless," Elon recalls. Kimbal, who had to watch the tirade, says it was the worst memory of his life. "My father just lost it, went ballistic, as he often did. He had zero compassion."

Both Elon and Kimbal, who no longer speak to their father, say his claim that Elon provoked the attack is unhinged and that the perpetrator ended up being sent to juvenile prison for it. They say their father is a volatile fabulist, regularly spinning tales that are larded with fantasies, sometimes calculated and at other times delusional. He has a Jekyll-and-Hyde nature, they say. One minute he would be friendly, the next he would launch into an hour or more of unrelenting abuse. He would end every tirade by telling Elon how pathetic he was. Elon would just have to stand there, not allowed to leave. "It was mental torture," Elon says, pausing for a long time and choking up slightly. "He sure knew how to make anything terrible."

When I call Errol, he talks to me for almost three hours and then follows up regularly with calls and texts over the next two years. He is eager to describe and send me photos of the nice things he provided to his kids, at least during the periods when his engineering business was doing well. At one point he drove a Rolls-Royce, built a wilderness lodge with his boys, and got raw emeralds from a mine owner in Zambia, until that business collapsed.

But he admits that he encouraged a physical and emotional toughness. "Their experiences with me would have made veldskool quite tame," he says, adding that violence was simply part of the learning experience in South Africa. "Two held you down while another pummeled your face with a log and so on. New boys were forced to fight the school thug on their first day at a new school." He proudly concedes that he exercised "an extremely stern streetwise autocracy" with his boys. Then he makes a point of adding, "Elon would later apply that same stern autocracy to himself and others."



"Someone once said that every man is trying to live up to his father's expectations or make up for his father's mistakes," Barack Obama wrote in his memoirs, "and I suppose that may explain my particular malady." In Elon Musk's case, his father's impact on his psyche would linger, despite many attempts to banish him, both physically and psychologically. Elon's moods would cycle through light and dark, intense and goofy, detached and emotional, with occasional plunges into what those around him dreaded as "demon mode." He would be caring with his kids, craving their affection, but in other ways, his behavior would hint at a danger that needed to be constantly battled: the specter that, as his mother put it, "he might become his father." It's one of the most resonant tropes in mythology. To what extent does the epic quest of the Star Wars hero require exorcising demons bequeathed by Darth Vader and wrestling with the dark side of the Force?

"With a childhood like his in South Africa, I think you have to shut yourself down emotionally in some ways," says his first wife Justine, the mother of five of his surviving ten children. "If your father is always calling you a moron and idiot, maybe the only response is to turn off anything inside that would've opened up an emotional dimension that he didn't have tools to deal with." This emotional shutoff valve could make him callous, but it also made him a risk-seeking innovator. "He learned to shut down fear," she says. "If you turn off fear, then maybe you have to turn off other things, like joy or empathy."

The PTSD from his childhood also instilled in him an aversion to contentment. "I just don't think he knows how to savor success and smell the flowers," says Claire Boucher, the artist known as Grimes, who is the mother of three of his other children. "I think he got conditioned in childhood that life is pain." Musk agrees. "Adversity shaped me," he says. "My pain threshold became very high."

During a particularly hellish period of his life in 2008, after the first three launches of his SpaceX rockets exploded and Tesla was about to go bankrupt, he would wake up thrashing and recount to Talulah Riley, who became his second wife, the things his father had once said. "I'd heard him use those phrases himself," she says. "It had a profound effect on how he operates." When he recalled these memories, he would zone out and seem to disappear behind his steel-colored eyes. "I think he wasn't conscious of how that still affected him, because he thought of it as something in his childhood," Riley says. "But he's retained a childlike, almost stunted side. Inside the man, he's still there as a child, a child standing in front of his dad."

Out of this cauldron, Musk developed an aura that made him seem, at times, like an alien, as if his Mars mission were an aspiration to return home and his desire to build humanoid robots were a quest for kinship. But his childhood also made him all too human, a tough yet vulnerable boy who decided to embark on epic quests.

He developed a fervor that cloaked his goofiness, and a goofiness that cloaked his fervor. Slightly uncomfortable in his own body, like a big man who was never an athlete, he would walk with the stride of a mission-driven bear and dance jigs that seemed taught by a robot. With the conviction of a prophet, he would speak about the need to nurture the flame of human consciousness, fathom the universe, and save our planet. At first I thought this was mainly role-playing, the team-boosting pep talks and podcast fantasies of a man-child who had read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy once too often. But the more I encountered it, the more I came to believe that his sense of mission was part of what drove him. While other entrepreneurs struggled to develop a worldview, he developed a cosmic view.

His heritage and breeding made him at times callous and impulsive. It also led to an exceedingly high tolerance for risk. He could calculate it coldly and also embrace it feverishly. "Elon wants risk for its own sake," says Peter Thiel, who became his partner in the early days of PayPal. "He seems to enjoy it, indeed at times be addicted to it."

He became one of those people who feels most alive when a hurricane is coming. "I was born for a storm, and a calm does not suit me," Andrew Jackson once said. Likewise with Musk. He developed a siege mentality that included an attraction, sometimes a craving, for storm and drama, both at work and in the romantic relationships he struggled and failed to maintain. He thrived on crises, deadlines, and wild surges of work. When he faced tortuous challenges, the strain would often keep him awake at night and make him vomit. But it also energized him. "He is a drama magnet," says Kimbal. "That's his compulsion, the theme of his life."



At the beginning of 2022after a year marked by SpaceX making thirty-one successful rocket launches, Tesla selling close to a million cars, and him becoming the richest man on EarthMusk spoke ruefully about his compulsion to stir up dramas. "I need to shift my mindset away from being in crisis mode," he told me, "which it has been in for about fourteen years now, or arguably most of my life."

It was a wistful comment, not a New Year's resolution. Even as he made the pledge, he was secretly buying up shares of Twitter, the world's ultimate playground. That April, he snuck away to the Hawaiian house of his mentor Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, accompanied by the actress Natasha Bassett, an occasional girlfriend. He had been offered a board seat at Twitter, but over the weekend he concluded that wasn't enough. It was in his nature to want total control. So he decided he would make a hostile bid to buy the company outright. Then he flew to Vancouver to meet Grimes. There he stayed up with her until past 5 a.m. playing a new war-and-empire-building game, Elden Ring. Right after he finished, he pulled the trigger on his plan and went on Twitter. "I made an offer," he announced.

Over the years, whenever he was in a dark place or felt threatened, it took him back to the horrors of being bullied on the playground. Now he had the chance to own the playground.

From "Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson. Copyright  2023 by Walter Isaacson. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Get the book here:

"Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson

Buy locally from Bookshop.org

For more info:

"Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson (Simon & Schuster), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available September 12 via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.orgFollow Walter Isaacson on Twitter (X)

Face The Nation: Harris, McKenzi, Sanger

Level of secrecy within Chinese President Xi Jinping's regime is "unprecedented"

Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie says ISIS is a more "enduring" threat than al Qaeda
Yolexi Cubillan trekked by foot, bus and train over 4,000 miles from Venezuela to Chicago in part so her baby could have a better future.

And last Sunday, the 19-year-old gave birth around 10 a.m. to a 7-pound boy in a hospital room in Hyde Park, with the help from doctors who didnt speak her language using medical procedures she had never heard of. She was in labor for over 21 hours without her mother  whom she missed terribly  by her bedside.

By that Sunday afternoon, she and her partner Fabian Mendez, 20, sat in the visitation room at a hospital at the University of Chicago Medical Center, adjusting to the new tiny person they called Derick who slept in a plastic carrier on top of a wooden bureau across from them.

I never get tired of looking at him, she said in Spanish. It makes me want to cry. Hes so beautiful, so little, so fragile.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Mendez family is among the more than 13,500 migrants who have arrived in Chicago since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bused the first group of asylum-seekers to Chicago one year ago. Since then, asylum-seekers have arrived not only on buses sent by Republican governors  who argue liberal northern cities that profess to be sanctuaries should welcome them  but on their own or with the help of charities.

In July, the Tribune followed Yolexi and her boyfriends family (plus a dog) on their journey from the border town of El Paso, Texas, to Chicago. On Labor Day weekend their story began a new chapter, with the beating heart from their son, a United States citizen.

In those first weeks, I suffered a lot.

The family of five  Yolexi, Fabian, his mother Esperanza and his two younger siblings  have been in the city since mid-July, when they walked through Chicagos Union Station after traveling more than two days from El Paso by bus and train. Their overland trip from Maracaibo, Venezuela, took 52 days.

Little by little, were learning to adjust to life in Chicago. But theres just so much to do, Esperanza said in Spanish.

Theyve settled on the second floor of a house in Englewood with Hugo Sanchez, the younger childrens father, who arrived last October from Venezuela. But it hasnt been easy.

They said theyve had to move multiple times because Hugos first apartment didnt originally have space for them; they dont know how to ride the bus or train because they cant read English; and have been rejected from medical and Illinois Department of Human Services appointments because they didnt know what paperwork to bring with them. They are sometimes scared to leave their newest home because of gang activity in the area.

And as theyve adjusted to their new home, they are unsure about the process for how to plead asylum, a form of protection that allows those who face persecution or harm in their country of origin to remain in the United States. Esperanza is worried about whether Hugo will make enough painting houses to be able to pay for their rent and food.

And then on Aug. 1, their beloved, part-Chihuahua puppy Milo, who they brought all the way from Venezuela  who survived crossing the Darien Gap, a jungle that is said to be one of the most treacherous migration routes in the world  escaped through a back door after 9-year-old Pedro let him out by accident. He hasnt been seen since.

While in the jungle on their journey, the family had rescued Milo after he fell in a river. The little dog had crossed through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection port. He had slept at Esperanzas feet for 18 hours on a train to Chicago.

They searched for him in their new neighborhood, but to no avail.

En esas primeras semanas, sufri mucho. Me deprimio. In those first weeks, I suffered a lot. It depressed me, Esperanza recounted, looking at a photo of the brown-eyed dog on her phone.

In late August, Fabian celebrated his 20th birthday. They made a mountain of arepas  or traditional Venezuelan crispy white corn cakes  and Fabian ate enough to make himself sick.

On another occasion, all five family members took a trip downtown to see The Bean in Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. They have discovered where their neighborhood corner store is, the tree behind the gas station that grows apples and the closest health clinic.

The buildings here are enormous, the skyline tremendous. But everything is different here. How people speak. How people dress. The customs. Even what type of trash youre allowed to throw in the street, Esperanza said.

The streets are so much cleaner here than they are at home, she said.

All of my family is over there

The uncertainty and fear underlying their new living situation did not make for a comfortable third trimester for 19-year-old Yolexi Cubillan.

Without her mother and the familiarity of her hometown Maracaibo, Yolexi had to find comfort elsewhere. She helped Esperanza cook chicken, potatoes and onions for almuerzo, lunch. She hugged Fabian often, flashing braces each time she smiled or laughed.

A week before giving birth, Yolexi chopped onions and stirred a pot of rice on the stove, tossing her head back to flip her long, curly hair out of her face. She said she had been in excruciating pain for days. She grimaced, then put her chin out determinedly and grabbed two freshly made arepas from the stovetop.

Se la hice a ella, ella, she sang along to a song by Karol G on her phone, one of her all-time favorite artists, who was performing at Soldier Field on Sept. 15, the day before her due date.

Yolexi hadnt seen her family for over three months since she left Venezuela with Fabian at the end of May. Her feet were swollen under the weight of her stomach.

She pulled up photos of her family on her phone  her 21-year-old sister Genesis and 14-year-old brother Eudervis. Her cousin, Carla Fernandez, 20, is one of her best friends in the world, she said. Carla has a 3-year-old daughter named Aranza, and Yolexi said she liked watching Carla take care of her.

All of my family is over there, Yolexi said. But in Venezuela, we dont have good health care.

Yolexi wanted to have her own child, but was nervous. When she found out she was pregnant, she said she was apprehensive at first. She couldnt bear the possibility that something bad could, conceivably, happen to her baby.

In her home country, she said, there arent resources or supplies to respond to pregnancies like there are in the United States. Women sometimes give birth in the seat of a car or even on the ground, and they dont receive care afterward. She said many women lose their children.

The sociopolitical and economic crises that has been roiling Venezuela has caused more than 7 million refugees and migrants to flee the country of 29 million, making their exodus the second-largest external displacement crisis in the world, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.

While the majority of them have landed in Latin American and Caribbean countries, more than 500,000 have made their way into the United States, primarily to cities such as New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.

The U.S. government currently allows up to 30,000 individuals per month  from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela  to come to the United States for a period of two years. More than 48,000 Venezuelans have arrived since Jan. 5, according to Department of Homeland Security data from the end of July.

Adrienne Pine, an anthropologist and professor at California Institute of Integral Studies, who focuses on cross-cultural approaches to nursing and who recently returned from a trip to Venezuela, said that Venezuelan women, especially in rural areas, are currently struggling to get access to basic medications and health care. Many women she met told her they desperately wanted birth control pills.

It costs $2 a month, but thats outside the budget that a lot of women have, so theyre just risking it, she said.

Venezuelas social programs have in the past been funded by oil revenues, which have been drastically cut by unilateral sanctions by the United States over nearly two decades, according to a report by United Nations Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan. This has led to a devastating effect on social programs serving the entire population, but especially those living in poverty, women and children.

Venezuela had some of the best indices in the hemisphere in terms of maternal health care. In terms of pregnancy related care, child mortality and child health, said Pine. Infant mortality goes up with the sanctions.

In Chicago, Yolexi had a health consultation at a local clinic, where nurses gave her the address of a hospital across town that could take her when she went into labor.

Esperanza, a mother of three, also comforted Yolexi in the days leading up to her due date.

I remember holding my first one. I told Yole that, she said. Yo se que es eso. Lo que esta pasando. I know what that is like. What is happening.

Mami, listen to the sounds of its heart

Cook County Health, the lead medical provider as part of Chicagos response to migrants arriving on buses from the border, has seen over 200 pregnant women among the thousands of migrants who have come to the city since last fall, according to CCH spokesperson Alexandra Normington.

But this does not include the pregnant women among the 1,581 new arrivals in police districts or the 472 at OHare, awaiting placement in one of the 18 city-run shelters.

CCH provides prenatal care to new arrivals at outpatient health centers across the city, and transportation to and from all medical visits, Normington said.

Because the United States is not seen favorably in Venezuela due to its long-standing sanctions against the country, a baby who is a U.S. citizen may be viewed in the eyes of the Venezuelan government as an enemy, according to Keith Southam, immigration attorney and founder of Southam Law LLC.

It could help in the asylum application itself, he said. So you can tug on the heartstrings of a judge by saying its more likely shell be harmed in Venezuela because now her child is a citizen of the enemy.

Early Saturday Sept. 2, Yolexi was going to the bathroom before bed when her water broke. She put her arms up against the door over her head to stabilize her legs and hips, and cried out to Esperanza.

Fabian immediately called an ambulance, which brought her to University of Chicago Medicine Comer Childrens Hospital. It wasnt the hospital she had been referred to, but it was nearby. There were two nurses in the ambulance who assisted the young family, one who spoke Spanish.

She really helped both of them, said Esperanza. Or rather, the three of them.

Esperanza wasnt allowed in the ambulance, and didnt get to Comer until five hours later when Hugo was able to drive her to the hospital in his car. She barely slept, thinking about Yolexis crying gasps of pain and Fabians nervous energy getting into the flashing ambulance after her.

The feeling of longing was mutual.

I didnt have my mom, but I have her, said Yolexi about Esperanza. She helped me go to the bathroom. She helped me with everything. She held my hand.

The number of doctors, large hospital rooms and machines amazed Esperanza. When Fabian saw the support Yolexi would receive at the hospital, he calmed down.

Mami, listen to the sounds of its heart, you can feel it! Esperanza recounted him saying, pointing at the doppler transducer used to monitor the babys heartbeat.

In Venezuela, family members arent allowed into the room during childbirth, she said. They come after the baby is born, cramming in all at once to give a first round of hellos.

Everyone in your house, your friends. The whole world comes, she said, laughing.

At Comer, Esperanza and Fabian sat in chairs, watching the birth unfold from start to finish.

Despite Esperanzas encouragement and assurance, Yolexi felt scared and alone.

Her own mother had warned her that having a child is one of the hardest things someone can do, but that it would all be worth it when she held the baby in her arms.

Era complicado y doloroso. It was so complicated and painful, she said later about the process.

After 21 hours of labor, at 10:04 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3, Derick Alexander Cubillan entered the world, held by the hands of doctors on United States soil.

There are no words for this feeling

Yolexi was grateful it was all over, and for the care she received. And when asked how she felt about having a baby born as a citizen of the United States, Yolexi said it was unbelievable.

Pero me hubiera gustado si el fuera venezolano. But I would have liked it if he were Venezuelan, she said.

Later, in the quiet visitation room, Yolexi and Fabian adjusted to the reality that they had just four visitors instead of dozens. Yolexi FaceTimed her mom, holding Derick tightly to her chest. He slept soundly.

The room was still, and Yolexi glowed with pride. Her curls frizzed in a halo around her head. Fabian gently picked his son up to set him back down in the plastic padded case.

After running a series of blood work and other tests, doctors at the hospital discharged Yolexi two days later with a new bed for infants and tubes of Similac. They told her that after giving birth, she could now be eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC.

Truthfully, we dont have everything we need. No blanket, no clothes, nothing, she said. We havent had time or resources to plan anything.

Once they got back home, she shuffled around the kitchen, preparing rice and meat and salad. Fabian sat at the table, watching her.

Es un sentimiento no puedo explicar, he said about Derick. There are no words for this feeling.

Yolexi said Derick cries all night and sleeps all day. His first night at home, she barely slept.

Now, I will always be there for my child and I will always have this feeling, she said. It gives us a reason to live.

Miles from her family in Venezuela, cradling her baby, shes singularly focused on the family shes creating in her new home.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said he intends to bring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin "to the negotiating table" at the UN General Assembly.

Source: Lula in an interview to Indian media, quoted by CNN

Quote: "We will have the United Nations General Assembly on 19 September. This is the place to discuss war. This is the place to discuss peace. This is the place to bring Putin and Zelenskyy to the negotiating table."

"The G20 was created after the 2008 crisis and facilitated discussions on economic issues, the Bretton Woods institutions, the World Bank and the IMF. So we don't think it's the right place to discuss war here in India."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Details: Lula reiterated that Brazil "will not be drawn into a war" but intends to be present at peace talks.

The G20 managed to break the deadlock between the G7 and the Russia-China alliance and reached a consensus on the publication of the final document of the leaders' summit held in New Delhi, India.

The document, however, was not firm on the war in Ukraine and did not contain the tone of condemnation of the Russian invasion that the United States, the G7 and the European Union have been advocating for.

Russia is mentioned in the document only in the context of the Black Sea Grain Initiative that was suspended in July this year.

Background: Lula da Silva said that Putin would not be arrested in Brazil if he attended the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next year.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva welcomed France's candidacy to the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), French President Emmanuel Macron 's office said in a statement on Sunday, after the two leaders met in New Delhi.

Lula had invited France, which has territory in the Amazon through its overseas territory of French Guiana, to attend a summit of the countries of the Amazon forest last month.

French officials said Macron had not travelled to the summit in Belen, at the mouth of the Amazon river, because France was not a full member of the organisation of eight countries.

(Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
Romania's Foreign Ministry summoned the head of the Russian mission in the country to answer for how Russian drone debris ended up in Romanian territory on Sept. 9.

Fragments of a drone were found on the Romanian side of its border with Ukraine after explosions. The Romanian statement called it a violation of its airspace and condemned Russia's systematic, unwarranted, and barbaric attacks against Ukraine's people and civilian infrastructure.

The Russian drones were believed to be targeting Ukrainian ports on the Danube River, which flows through the area.

According to the Romanian statement, the country's strategic affairs secretary demanded that Russia stop attacking Ukrainians, including in a way that threatens Romanian people near the border.



This is not the first time that Russian drone debris has been discovered on Romanian territory.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After Moscow's unilateral termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports on the Danube River located near the Romanian border.

Following a drone attack overnight on Sept. 4, Ukraine said that some unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) had fallen and detonated on Romanian soil.

Bucharest initially denied the report, only to change their statement on Sept. 6, when Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar confirmed that what appears to be drone fragments had been found on Romania's side of the Danube River.

Romania's President Klaus Iohannis condemned the incident "caused by the Russian attacks on the Ukrainian ports on the Danube. "

"The identification today by the Romanian authorities (...) of new fragments of a drone, similar to those used by the Russian army, indicates that there has been an absolutely unacceptable violation of the sovereign airspace of Romania, a NATO member state," Iohannis said.

"These deeply unjustified attacks violate the norms of international law and constitute war crimes," he said.

Romania will introduce new security measures to protect the civilian population near the Danube River in response to Russian strikes against Ukrainian ports, based on a document issued on Sept. 7 by Romania's National Committee for Emergency Situations.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine controls most of Klishchiivka south of Bakhmut, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
According to Ukraine, debris from the Russian Shahed fell on the territory of Romania

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Federation after more fragments of a drone similar to those used by the Russian army were found on Romanian territory, local outlet Agerpres reported on Sept. 10.

Earlier, Romania discovered the wreckage of a second drone in the space of one week amid Russian attacks on Ukraine's river ports, located a few hundred meters from the Romanian border.

Read also: Romania to consider evacuating village near Ukrainian border

On the same day, the Russian ambassador to Bucharest was urgently summoned to the country's Foreign Ministry Secretary, the news agency writes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"State Secretary for Strategic Affairs Iulian Fota conveyed the Romanian side's protest over the violation of Romanian airspace after the discovery of some fragments of drones similar to those used by Russian troops in the aggression against Ukraine on (Romanian) territory, near the border with Ukraine," the statement reads.

Read also: Romania to strengthen airspace protection after admitting Russian drone crash on its NATO territory

The Romanian official also condemned the systematic, unjustified, and brutal attacks by Russian troops on the Ukrainian population and civilian infrastructure, particularly on the Danube, near the Romanian border, which threaten the security of Romanian citizens in the region.

Russian drones crash in Romania  What is known

In the early hours of Sept. 4, Russia launched a massive attack southern Odesa Oblast with drones.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, citing border guards, said that Russian drones had also crashed and detonated on the territory of Romania, a NATO member state.

Read also: Residents of Romanias border zone with Ukraine to receive mobile air raid alert notifications

However, the Romanian Ministry of Defense first "categorically denied this information" and stated that the Russian attacks did not pose a direct threat to the country's territory.

In response, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine has photographic evidence of the fall of Russian drones in Romania.

Then, on Sept. 6, Romanian National Defense Minister Angel Tilvar admitted for the first time that parts of a drone launched by Russia into Ukraine had fallen on his country's territory.

On the same day, Bucharest reported the incident to NATO. President Klaus Iohannis called the falling debris a "serious violation of sovereignty."

NATO member states expressed "strong solidarity" with Romania in a statement. At the same time, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Sept. 7 that the alliance sees no signs that there was a deliberate Russian attack on Romania.

Fragments of another drone similar to those used by the Russian military were found in Romania on Sept. 9.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Heres a roundup of the latest retail, business and restaurant activity in and around Whatcom County:

Darach Brewing announces closure

Darach Brewing Company, a Bellingham brewery that opened in December 2022, announced that it is going out of business and will be closing its doors on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Darach Brewing Company is open from 4-9 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday, 3-9 p.m. Saturday and 3-8 p.m. Sunday and is at 1015 N. State St. in Bellingham.

New snack shop opening

The Meryenda Shop, a snack shop that recently sold its wares out of a walk-up location is now opening a full shop in downtown Bellingham.

The shop will open Thursday, Sept. 14 and feature a variety of snacks such as fruits, jerky, cookies, bars, chips, cheese and crackers and drinks.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The shop will be open 2-5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at 1226 Cornwall Ave.

Bakery opens brick and mortar location

Antler Baking Company, a bakery that typically can be found at the Bellingham Farmers Market, is opening its own retail location on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The shop will be open from noon to 6 p.m. for the grand opening, and then will be open by appointment only.

The shop is at 1301 Fraser St., Building A, in Bellingham.

Westside Pizza opening new Bellingham store

Westside Pizza, a national pizza chain is opening a new Bellingham location, according to the companys website. The website does not list an address, operating hours or opening day.

Westside Pizza has another Bellingham location at 4260 Cordata Parkway #107.

Food truck closes for the season

Alaska Wild Fish & Chip Co., a seafood food truck in Blaine, is closing for the season and will have its last operating day on Sunday, Sept. 24.

The truck is open from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily at 277 Marine Drive in Blaine.

Latitude Kitchen and Bar apparently closed

Latitude Kitchen and Bar, a restaurant in Sunset Square, has apparently closed. The restaurants Facebook page and website have been taken down. The restaurants status is also listed as Permanently closed on Google.

Latitude Kitchen and Bar on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 1065 E Sunset Dr. in Bellingham, Wash. Alyse Smith/The Bellingham Herald

As of Sept. 7, the restaurants outdoor signage was removed and the building was wrapped in protection film.

The restaurant was located at 1065 E Sunset Drive in Bellingham.

Chicago Joes and Underground Burger grand opening

Chicago Joes, a Chicago style restaurant, celebrated the grand opening of Underground Burger at its location on Friday, Sept. 8.

Chicago Joes originally opened on June 16. The restaurants are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 8082 Guide Meridian, Suite 103, in Lynden.

Celebrate Eat Local Month during September

Eat Local Month is taking place throughout the month of September.

Local restaurants and farms will be offering special meals, farm tours and more.

Heres your guide to the month-long celebration of local farmers, fishers, chefs and restaurant owners.

Bellinghams September events, trivia, live music and more

Bellingham is full of local festivals, bingo nights, trivia competitions, live music and more. Heres your guide to Bellinghams events this month.
A fire damaged Hopewell Junior School in the Lakota Local School District on Monday, September 4, leaving hundreds of students without a place to learn, according to our media partners in Cincinnati, WCPO-9.

>>RELATED: In-person classes canceled after fire breaks out at Butler Co. middle school

When school principal Jeff Rouff learned that the building would require extensive repairs before students could return, he was left telling families that he didnt know what the future of learning would look like.

The lead past at West Chester Nazarene Alex Mahaffey, quickly decided to welcome the school into his facility, which is a few blocks away from the school.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When somebody reached out to us, we said thats a no-brainer, Mahaffey said. Were here to serve.

School administration toured the church on Thursday, September 7, and teachers prepared makeshift classrooms on Friday, September 8.

Its something that they can use and keep the kids in-person and connecting with their teachers, Mahaffey said. I know my son will love being back.

>>Beach Brothers Barbecue turns to community to keep doors open

Mahaffey has four children in the Lakota School District, including a seventh grader at Hopewell Junior.

Rouff said teachers will go through a practice run of a school day on Monday, September 11, and then welcome students back in person on Tuesday, September 12.

It could take a week and a half before students are able to go into a portion of Hopewell Junior, but it could take more than a month before the school is fully accessible, the station said.

Mahaffey said the church would be open to students for as long as they need.

While the school undergoes repairs, the Hopewell Junior PTO has created a fundraiser to help pay for repairs.
Gavin Newsom said that he'd appoint a caretaker to replace Feinstein should she leave office early.

Newsom said he didn't want to "tip the balance" of the 2024 Senate primary by tapping a candidate.

Feinstein, who has served in the Senate since 1992, is set to retire after the 2024 elections.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, in an interview that aired on Sunday, said he would appoint a caretaker to the Senate if Dianne Feinstein steps down before her term ends, arguing that it would be "unfair" to appoint a current primary candidate and "tip the balance" of the race.

While speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," the California Democrat said that he hoped he wouldn't have to make an appointment, given his long-standing relationship with Feinstein, a fellow former San Francisco mayor whom he once interned for and has known for decades. But he felt strongly that it wouldn't be right to intervene in the contested primary, which features high-profile Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff, Barbara Lee, and Katie Porter, among other candidates.

"I don't want to get involved in the primary," Newsom told host Chuck Todd. "It would be completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off. That primary is just a matter of months away. I don't want to tip the balance of that."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Newsom previously said that he'd appoint a Black woman to a vacancy should one come open, and he remained committed to that pledge.

"We hope we never have to make this decision, but I abide by what I've said very publicly on a consistent basis. Yes," he told Todd.

The latest Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll released in September shows Schiff ahead in the Senate primary with 20% support  followed by Porter at 17% and Lee at 7%  with 32% of respondents undecided. California's top-two system mandates that candidates from all political parties run on the same primary ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election regardless of their party preference.

The 90-year-old Feinstein, who has served in the Senate since 1992, is set to retire after the 2024 elections.

But after a monthslong absence from the Senate earlier this year, along with questions about Feinstein's health, some have called on the veteran lawmaker to step down.

"I'm the most subjective human being in the world on this topic. I have no objectivity whatsoever," Newsom said of the senator. "I've known Dianne Feinstein since I was a kid. I interned with her in college. I still have a signed book from my days when she was mayor."

"I don't want to make another appointment, and I don't think the people of California want me to make another appointment. I've made plenty of appointments," Newsom said, alluding to his selection of Alex Padilla for the US Senate, Rob Bonta as state attorney general, and Shirley Weber as California's secretary of state.

But, he added: "It's my job, it's my responsibility. If we have to do it, we'll do it."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said Sunday that lawmaker health records should be mandatory disclosures amid recent health scares in Congress.

I would be okay with that. I think if you want to be the president of the United States, or a senator, or a House member, then there is a responsibility over and above that of just offering yourself, Cassidy said on NBCs Meet the Press of requiring medical records to be disclosed. It has to be that you can show that you have clarity. Now, we could define what that means.

He said that handing over health records should certainly be a House rule. He also said that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) handled his latest medical issue perfectly after he froze for the second time while taking questions from reporters last month.

By the way, I think Mitch McConnells handled it perfectly. His doctor is releasing not just the tests but the results of the tests, he said. And with that, there is a transparency that allows people to move beyond a number into, What is actually the kind of science, if you will, the medical science, of how to evaluate?. And I think that should be the standard that folks are held to, and I think hes responded.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

McConnells office released a letter from Dr. Brian Monahan, the Capitols attending physician, Tuesday that outlined the results of his exam following the incident.

There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinsons disease, Monahan said.

When pressed by host Chuck Todd on whether that letter was full transparency, Cassidy said that receiving the results of medical tests is a good start.

At some point, you have to say, Okay, wait a second. He said he had an EEG, an MRI, a this, a that, a that, a this, and theyre all normal. Thats pretty good. Now, you may decide that the doctor is lying. But at some point, you have to have faith in somebody, and I think somebody whos not out of politics, being honest, giving you the results of the tests is a good start, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WARSAW (Reuters) -The Catholic Church beatified on Sunday a Polish family of nine, including a new-born baby, who died at the hands of Nazi Germans during World War Two for sheltering a Jewish family from the Holocaust.

The beatification service for Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children was held in the southeastern Polish town of Markowa where they died in March 1944 at the hands of German military police.

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read a letter from Pope Francis during a mass attended by Poland's president and prime minister, among others.

"We authorise that from now on the venerable Servants of God, Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma, spouses and their seven children... (who) fearlessly sacrificed their lives for the sake of love for their brothers and welcomed into their home those who suffered persecution, be given the title of blessed," the Pope wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After the announcement of the beatification, a painting of the family was unveiled and a reliquary containing their remains was brought to the centre of the stage.

Beatification is the last step before sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican media have noted that it is the first time that an entire family has been honoured together in this manner.

Speaking at the Vatican, Pope Francis described the Polish family as a "ray of light" in the darkness of World War Two and said they should serve as a model for others to follow.

He initiated a round of applause for them from pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square to hear his Angelus message.

Polish President Andrzej Duda thanked the Catholic church for the beatification on behalf of the nation.

"Thank you for showing the historical truth about that time, about the fate of Poles and Jews on this land under German occupation, who all wanted to survive and yet did not shrink from such ultimate acts of brotherhood and mercy," he said.

HOLOCAUST

Some three million Jews who lived in pre-war Poland were murdered during the Nazi German Holocaust, accounting for about half of all Jews killed during World War Two.

Jews from across the continent were sent to be killed at death camps built and operated by Germans in occupied Poland - home to Europe's biggest Jewish community at the time - including Auschwitz, Treblinka, Belzec and Sobibor.

The Ulma family has been at the heart of the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government's efforts to highlight the courage of those thousands of Poles who had sought to help Jews escape the Holocaust.

The policy has driven condemnation from Jewish organisations and some historians for minimising the role of those who collaborated with the Germans. PiS says commemorating those dishonours the country.

In the region of Markowa, some historians have said witness testimonies show some local residents looted Jewish houses, denounced Jews to Germans, or even killed them themselves.

"How we discuss the history of this region is a wasted opportunity. If we showed what some Poles did then, we would be showing the heroism of the Ulmas to its full extent," said Dariusz Libionka, a historian with the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Poland's Institute for National Remembrance (IPN) has said that research by Libionka and fellow historian Jan Grabowski contains factual errors and denies that a museum in Markowa has omitted or concealed information about Polish involvement in the deaths of Jews.

Thousands of Poles risked their lives to protect Jewish neighbours during the war. But research published since the fall of communism in 1989 showed that thousands also killed Jews, or denounced those who hid them to the Nazi occupiers, challenging the national narrative that Poland was solely a victim.

"We have an obligation to remember the righteous and have them as role models of who we want to be. And have to remember the collaborators because they are also role models of who we don't want to be," said Michael Schudrich, the chief rabbi of Poland.

(Reporting by Justyna Pawlak, Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk, Alan Charlish and Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
The Catholic Church beatified on Sunday a Polish family of nine, including a new-born baby, who died at the hands of Nazi Germans during World War Two for sheltering a Jewish family from the Holocaust.

The beatification service for Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children was held in the southeastern Polish town of Markowa where they died in March 1944 at the hands of German military police.

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read a letter from Pope Francis during a mass attended by Polands president and prime minister, among others.

We authorise that from now on the venerable Servants of God, Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma, spouses and their seven children (who) fearlessly sacrificed their lives for the sake of love for their brothers and welcomed into their home those who suffered persecution, be given the title of blessed, the Pope wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After the announcement of the beatification, a painting of the family was unveiled and a reliquary containing their remains was brought to the center of the stage.

Beatification is the last step before sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican media have noted that it is the first time that an entire family has been honored together in this manner.

Speaking at the Vatican, Pope Francis described the Polish family as a ray of light in the darkness of World War Two and said they should serve as a model for others to follow.

He initiated a round of applause for them from pilgrims gathered in St Peters Square to hear his Angelus message.

Polish President Andrzej Duda thanked the Catholic church for the beatification on behalf of the nation.

Thank you for showing the historical truth about that time, about the fate of Poles and Jews on this land under German occupation, who all wanted to survive and yet did not shrink from such ultimate acts of brotherhood and mercy, he said.

People stand at the family grave of the Ulma family, who Pope Francis described as a "ray of light" in the darkness of World War Two and said they should serve as a model for others to follow. - Bartosz Siedlik/AFP/Getty Images

Holocaust

Some three million Jews who lived in pre-war Poland were murdered during the Nazi German Holocaust, accounting for about half of all Jews killed during World War Two.

Jews from across the continent were sent to be killed at death camps built and operated by Germans in occupied Poland  home to Europes biggest Jewish community at the time  including Auschwitz, Treblinka, Belzec and Sobibor.

The Ulma family has been at the heart of the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) governments efforts to highlight the courage of those thousands of Poles who had sought to help Jews escape the Holocaust.

The policy has driven condemnation from Jewish organizations and some historians for minimizing the role of those who collaborated with the Germans. PiS says commemorating those dishonors the country.

In the region of Markowa, some historians have said witness testimonies show some local residents looted Jewish houses, denounced Jews to Germans, or even killed them themselves.

The Pope initiated a round of applause for the family from pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square to hear his Angelus message. - Patryk Ogorzalek/Agencja Wyborcza.pl/Reuters

How we discuss the history of this region is a wasted opportunity. If we showed what some Poles did then, we would be showing the heroism of the Ulmas to its full extent, said Dariusz Libionka, a historian with the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Polands Institute for National Remembrance (IPN) has said that research by Libionka and fellow historian Jan Grabowski contains factual errors and denies that a museum in Markowa has omitted or concealed information about Polish involvement in the deaths of Jews.

Thousands of Poles risked their lives to protect Jewish neighbors during the war. But research published since the fall of communism in 1989 showed that thousands also killed Jews, or denounced those who hid them to the Nazi occupiers, challenging the national narrative that Poland was solely a victim.

We have an obligation to remember the righteous and have them as role models of who we want to be. And have to remember the collaborators because they are also role models of who we dont want to be, said Michael Schudrich, the chief rabbi of Poland.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
This article was provided by HappyValley Industry, an online platform that amplifies Happy Valleys success and opportunities in business, industry, talent and quality of life. Read more and sign up for the weekly newsletter at happyvalleyindustry.com.

In October, Greg Scott will mark two years as the president and CEO of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County. The Centre County native has experience in business and higher ed, bringing a unique combination of town and gown insight  so when he had the chance to serve the countys business community and move back to the area in 2021, he jumped at it.

Scott has big aspirations for Happy Valleys future, envisioning the county attracting international companies and talent, growing into a tech hub and continuing to support Happy Valleys already robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. So whats his plan for making it happen?

HappyValley Industry recently caught up with Scott to discuss why he took on a new role in his hometown and the CBICCs latest efforts to take the Happy Valley economy to new heights.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

Let me start from the beginning. I grew up in Centre County, in the Milesburg area. Im a graduate of the Bald Eagle Area High School. I went to Penn State and received a civil engineering degree. After Penn State, I went into the Navy and was a naval officer for seven years.

Then, I started a 25-year career in higher education administration and leadership at three different institutions. I was at Rutgers University for five years. From there, I came back to Happy Valley and was at Penn State for 15 years. That led to an opportunity at the University of Pittsburgh and I was there for five years as the chief business officer.

How did you come into your role at the CBICC?

I was ready to do something different after 25 years of working in higher ed and wanted to get back to the area. I received a call from the previous CBICC president who said he was retiring and that he thought I would be good at this job.

After some due diligence, I really felt like the job was like nothing Id ever done. It excited me for a few different reasons. One, theres the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in and to help this community be even better than it is, to grow the economy and make it great. Two, I really felt my experience in working for universities would allow me to bring that experience needed to work with Penn State. I can both communicate the communitys needs, as well as understand whats going on inside the universitys walls and how decisions are made. Third, I felt like the diversity of my experience and my focus on building relationships would serve me and the community well.

Those three reasons really brought me back and it hasnt disappointed me. Its been great over the last two years.

The CBICC recently published a press release on attracting global business to Centre County. Why is that necessary and how is the CBICC advancing this initiative?

There are things happening worldwide in the economy  the war in Ukraine, logistical challenges, labor issues, energy costs  that mean companies that have previously looked to offshore outside of the United States are now looking to either stay or locate here. Weve developed a strong relationship with the states Office of International Business Development and their team to highlight and showcase what we can do here in Centre County for prospective companies who want to relocate to Pennsylvania from other countries.

Weve been working with some specific companies, and I cant go into detail on them yet, but some are really big opportunities, with potentially 500 new jobs, massive investment in the community  good companies, and environmentally sustainable companies, that are looking to do it right and provide good benefits and wages.

The university provides a big opportunity for us as well, in attracting international companies. I was meeting with one company recently that was really interested in being here because of the large international community that we have due to Penn State. They really felt like they could bring their families and employees and not feel like they were just plopped in the middle of nowhere with no one to affiliate with.

Were looking for smart growth. We dont want to bring just any company here. Were looking for high-value companies that we can bring in, that will help our economy and make this a great place for our families to live and for kids to grow up, and keep making it a healthy, well-rounded place to live and work.

The CBICC also announced the creation of its new Economic Development Council earlier this summer. Can you talk about this launch?

Were really proud to get that up and running. This was a vision of mine  to create a group of community stakeholders and influencers who are really interested in keeping our economy strong. We have a belief that, if were not growing our economy, were regressing. There is no staying still. So, what I wanted to do was assemble this group of regional stakeholders and influencers to create a countywide vision for what we want to do and develop an economic development strategy  a plan that really lays out clearly what we want to be, where we want to go and how were going to get there.

That plan will come together over the next nine months. It will focus on specific areas that we feel are opportunities, such as looking at our infrastructure around the area  our roads, our airport system, our housing issues. What are the things that, from an infrastructure standpoint, help us move forward or are holding us back? Workforce is another area well focus on. Were looking at how we can help the entrepreneurial system. We want to have a great attraction strategy. How do we position Centre County for being an attractive place for companies? We also think one focus will be revitalization.

Under these focus areas, there will be strategies and the idea is, with this group around the table, Ill be able to gather volunteers who will work on these initiatives that will improve our position.

What its going to do is set our agenda for the next three to five to 10 years. Its a strategic plan specifically focused on economic development.

What would you say is the most exciting thing happening in Happy Valley business right now, and where do you see our greatest opportunities?

There are tremendous opportunities in and around Penn State. The Bellefonte area is really hot right now. Theres a lot happening there and a lot of opportunities there. Theres a lot of good things happening in the Philipsburg area and thats an opportunity we may see become stronger over the next several years. In the tech space, theres opportunity for tech companies to call Centre County home. We could become a hub for that and were starting to see it.
Welcome to The Check-In, our weekend feature focusing on all things travel.

Experts share tips on staying safe while traveling

When you're trying to make it through the security line at the airport without losing your luggage, kids or sanity, it can be easy to let your guard down; predators know this. In their new book, "Smart Safety for Women: Your Guide to Defensive Living," out Oct. 3, Joy Farrow and Laura Frombach share their tips on how to stay alert, vigilant and persuasion-proof while traveling.

Farrow, a retired deputy sheriff, and Frombach, a technologist, recommend developing your safety intuition before you leave home. This involves reading body language and picking up on people's microexpressions, which "flit across someone's face in less than a second," Farrow told The Week. Your brain and eyes are reading these expressions without you consciously being aware "and saying to you something about this person makes me uneasy." If you feel a pit in your stomach or the hair on your neck goes up, this is your safety intuition warning you something is wrong.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ensure a secure connection while using public WiFi by putting a virtual private network (VPN) on your phone, and enable Face ID so someone watching you can't figure out your password. Thieves "shoulder surf," Farrow and Frombach said, so they can try to steal your phone's data. While in a public area, never leave your suitcases alone, because "not only could someone take something away from you, they could put something unwanted in your luggage," Frombach said.

When it comes to staying safe in a ride-share vehicle, make sure the license plate matches what is shown on the app once the car arrives. Check the vehicle to see if anything is altered, like a door handle was removed or the child safety lock is on.

If you're staying at a hotel, bring a door stop alarm. Should someone knock on the door, you don't have to open it, and can call the front desk to make sure it is a hotel staffer on the other side. Farrow and Frombach recommend carrying a tactical pen and small flashlight, which can both be used as weapons, and keeping hornet's spray on the nightstand.

Women are socialized to pay attention and focus on other people, Farrow and Frombach said, and it's important to be persuasion-proof. "Remember, personal safety comes before politeness," Farrow said. That means if someone comes to your car and asks for help, do not roll your window down; instead, offer to call for help. "Women tend to always want to give an excuse," Farrow and Frombach explained, but all that needs to be said is, "No. That's all. No, no, no way, nada."

These indulgent hotel packages are just for solo travelers

Solo travel is on the rise and hotels around the world are taking notice, offering special packages for parties of one. At Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives, the Gili Solo Experience Package has a little bit of everything; the itinerary includes a spa treatment, photography session, sunset sail, Maldivian cooking class, snorkeling excursion with the resort's marine biologist, daily sunrise yoga sessions, and a "dine in the dark" dinner experience. There is a minimum four-night stay, with guests choosing their villa accommodation.

A beach in the Maldives

DEA / M. Borchi / De Agostini via Getty Images

The three-night Almanac Solo package at Almanac Barcelona opens the city up for guests looking to have an immersive experience. At the hotel, you'll have a private 60-minute sunrise yoga session, but most of the time you'll be exploring the city, armed with a curated list of shopping recommendations from the concierge and a Barcelona City Pass that grants access to landmarks like the Sagrada Familia. Be sure to add the three-hour tapas tour that goes to hidden gems across Barcelona and the private shopping experience at La Manual Alpargatera, where you'll customize a pair of espadrilles.

A view of the Barcelona skyline

Jim Bennett / Getty Images

It's going to be hard to go back to "we" after all the "me" time at The Wauwinet in Nantucket. The Take Time for Yourself package includes accommodations for three nights, as well as a $200 spa credit to the White Elephant Spa by Darya, a $50 voucher to spend at Nantucket Bookworks, a sailing excursion, a private guided hike to the Coskata Coatue Wildlife Refuge, a trip to the Whaling Museum, and a welcome basket filled with self-care items.

Crashing waves

Robert Nickelsberg / Getty Images

In case you missed it ...

Turkish carrier Corendon Airlines announced some of its planes will have adult-only sections where, for a fee, passengers 16 and up can sit in a child-free space, The Washington Post reported.



Summer is still hanging on, but you can use this round-up from Travel + Leisure to start planning your fall foliage routes now.



If you want to get into The Vault, a new cocktail club at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, you have to know somebody who knows somebody else who knows that guy (no, not him  the other one). It's that exclusive.

You may also like

Homepage
A search warrant at the Green Hill Juvenile Detention Facility in Chehalis uncovered stashes of drugs and weapons on Thursday, according to police.

The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team raided the detention center as part of an ongoing investigation into drug dealing and employee misconduct within the facility.

Two years earlier, a staff member had been charged with taking bribes in exchange for smuggling drugs into the building.

The investigation follows an incident that happened in November of last year when a resident overdosed in his cell. The boy was taken to St. Peters Hospital in Olympia where doctors discovered he had used fentanyl. The boy survived and the ensuing investigation led to the arrest of four student inmates.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A letter was then sent to the Office of Governor Jay Inslee requesting that the Attorney General conduct an investigation into the facility following the reports of drug dealing with the addition of several personnel concerns.

During 2022, three significant incidents connected to the Green Hill School have had negative impacts on communities in Washington. wrote Chehalis police in their letter to Inslee. These three incidents appear systemic and directly related to the operating practices and procedures of the Juvenile Justice Program. Even though we only cite three incidents, we believe many other failures are regularly occurring in this and other Juvenile Justice facilities.

The request was denied on the grounds that the state had already implemented changes to the facilitys security practices. These additions include the use of full body and bag scanners along with new employee and supervisor training.

The Governors Office is declining to refer this matter to the Attorney Generals Office for further investigation. We encourage you to connect with the Department of Youth of Family Services to discuss any remaining concerns, explore potential partnership opportunities, and learn more about how the agency is transforming its service delivery in response to an older population, wrote Deputy General Taylor K. Wonhoff.

The investigation then continued through collaboration with DCYF, Chehalis Police, and other local agencies.

However, In August of this year, police heard that not only were drug overdoses continuing, but they were being handled without involving law enforcement. Detectives also learned that Child Protective Services got a tip that a staff member was providing a student inmate with drugs, said the Chehalis Police Department.

On Aug. 17 after speaking to a witness, a detective learned that staff members had taken suspected fentanyl from multiple student inmates. When detectives reached out asking for the drugs, the Green Hill administrator briefly agreed but, then failed to comply with police direction.

13 days later on Aug. 31, the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team raided the facility with Chief Denham of the Centralia Police Department and Deputy Chief McKnight of the Chehalis Police Department. The search uncovered lockers where staff had allegedly stored contraband found in the facility dating back to 2017.

Among the contraband police found, improvised knives, cell phones, vape pens, and handwritten documents arranging illegal drug transactions. Several substances were also uncovered including green leafy substances believed to be marijuana, a crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine, and substances believed to be fentanyl.

The charges filed after the search are as follows:

Possession of narcotic drugs, controlled substances, alcohol, cannabis, other intoxicant, cell phone, or other form of electronic telecommunications devices by prisoners.

Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Introducing contraband in the second degree.

Chehalis police said the investigation is still ongoing. They ask that you contact Detective Sergeant Tracy Murphy with any additional information.




Leaders of six tribal nations sat together in the House chambers Feb. 6 at the Oklahoma Capitol to listen to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitts State of the State address. They included Peoria Tribe Chief Craig Harper, front row, at left; Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, front row, second from right; Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., back row, second from right; and back row, from left to right: Muscogee Nation Second Chief Del Beaver; Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Governmental Affairs Liaison LaRenda Morgan and Gov. Reggie Wassana; Seminole Nation Chief Lewis Johnson and Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill.

Oklahomans rightly expect their leaders to govern as sensible representatives who seek collaboration and compromise for the greater good. Unfortunately, our current governor's behavior is more schoolyard bully than diplomat. His belief seems to be "finders keepers, losers weepers" when it comes to the state's past illegal disregard of tribal jurisdiction. But as all bullies eventually do, Gov. Kevin Stitt is finding out there are consequences for his actions  consequences the residents and taxpayers of our state ultimately suffer.

The governor recently said he would "not let Eastern Oklahoma become a reservation." It's not. The reality is that nearly every reservation in our state today has existed since before Oklahoma became a state, but politicians like Stitt and others before him chose to act as though they didn't. The same is true for other issues Stitt raises as things the tribes are "asking the courts" to give them. Tribes have not sought any new jurisdiction. From taxation authority to criminal and civil jurisdictions, Stitt has tried to ignore or deny legal authorities that have been well-established for decades; tribes have simply been asking for him to follow those laws.

Now, the governor is reaping what he has sown and grappling with the costs his actions impose on Oklahomans.

He claims the state is losing toll money because its brand-new license plate readers can't read tribal tags. If they are, it is because the governor pretended tribal authority didn't exist and implemented a system with those limitations rather than working with tribal leaders to find a solution.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More: Clash over jurisdiction: What tribal leaders, Gov. Stitt, others say will move Oklahoma forward

Gov. Stitt argues that tribes exercising traffic jurisdiction over their citizens will cost the state money. If that happens, it will be because the state and municipalities have chosen to ignore long-established laws and refused to negotiate in good faith with tribes to develop agreements that work for everyone.

Every issue the governor seeks to lay at the feet of tribal sovereignty is, in truth, an outcome of his own making. But it doesn't have to be this way.

The relationship between the state and tribes is meant to be one of collaboration and cooperation between sovereigns, not a winner-take-all scenario. The presence of sovereign tribes within our state offers a unique opportunity. One need look no further than the billions of dollars tribes have contributed to the economy and directly into the state's account, which the governor recently praised, for things like highways and schools.

Tribes' criminal jurisdiction can and should mean more coordination to benefit from more police on the streets, more courtrooms to try criminals, and more public safety. Collaboration around tribal authorities in other areas can and should mean more economic prosperity and opportunity for everyone in Oklahoma.

But it takes everyone believing in us, together. Unfortunately, Gov. Stitt has refused to engage tribal leaders in meaningful dialogue. Instead, he has chosen false rhetoric and fearful speech. The consequences of his actions will only increase over time.

Tribes did not choose to be in Oklahoma. But we have been here for nearly 200 years and aren't going anywhere.

It remains the hope of many tribal leaders in Oklahoma that the governor will see the damage his actions are causing and change course. Our doors are open, and our hands extended. We stand ready to work with Gov. Stitt when he is prepared to respect our nations and work with us, but that decision is his alone to make. Until then, we all will continue to pay the price of his poor choices.

David Hill

David Hill is principal chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma tribal leaders ready to work with Gov. Kevin Stitt
SANTIAGO (Reuters) - The presidents of Chile and Mexico called for the strengthening of democracy in Latin America during a joint address on Sunday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a 1973 coup in Chile, hours after a peaceful march culminated in violent clashes with police.

Monday will mark half a century since the overthrow of President Salvador Allende by the regime of General Augusto Pinochet , which ushered in 17 years of brutal military rule that saw some 40,000 people imprisoned, disappeared, tortured or killed.

Mexico gave political refuge to 3,000 Chileans during the Pinochet regime.

"The visit of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador ... is a concrete example of this history that unites us and of his commitment to strengthening democracy in Latin America," said Chilean President Gabriel Boric, referring to his Mexican counterpart.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lopez Obrador recalled how Pinochet's coup impacted him while he was a university student. He praised Allende and called his death during the coup a "horrendous crime."

"We are united by history, brotherhood and the desire to continue building an authentic democracy," said Lopez Obrador.

The address by the two presidents at the La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago came hours after a peaceful march past the building erupted in clashes between civilians and law enforcement.

The annual march, composed of relatives of victims of Pinochet's dictatorship, turned violent when small groups of people "sought to break up the demonstration," attacked other demonstrators and "brutally violated graves in the general cemetery," said Boric in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Civilians threw Molotov cocktails at police vehicles and police fired water cannons at demonstrators, according to a Reuters witness.

"I categorically condemn these events," Boris said in the post, noting that he had "proudly" participated in the march. "Their intolerance and violence should have no place in democracy and those who have participated in these acts must face the rule of law."

Local security authorities said there was also damage to La Moneda, including broken windows, and the government would press charges for public disorder.

In 2019, widespread protests against inequality in Chile left more than 30 people dead. Human rights groups have questioned the police response during those protests, which left hundreds of protesters blinded by rubber bullets and tens of thousands of people detained.

(Reporting by Jackie Botts and Raul Cortes; Editing by Leslie Adler)
By Yew Lun Tian

BEIJING (Reuters) - China and Europe should "unite and co-operate" against global uncertainties, Premier Li Qiang told the European Union chief on the sidelines of the annual G20 summit in New Delhi.

Li's call came as the European bloc grows warier of the risks of engaging China, defined as its partner, competitor and "systemic rival" since 2019.

"Risk prevention does not preclude co-operation, interdependence should not be equated with insecurity," Li told EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Li urged the bloc to provide a non-discriminatory environment for Chinese firms, adding that China was willing to strengthen dialogue and co-operation in areas such clean energy and green finance, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

"China and the EU should further unite and co-operate, and use the stability of China-EU relations as a hedge against the uncertainty of the world situation," it quoted Li as saying.

Li was attending the summit as a representative of President Xi Jinping, who did not attend.

In June, the EU adopted a strategy of "de-risking" to manage its dependence on the Asian giant, which is the world's second largest economy.

(Reporting by Yew Lun Tian; Editing by Michael Perry and Clarence Fernandez)
HONG KONG  President Joe Bidens visit to Vietnam this weekend may be short, but it has major implications for American efforts to push back against China.

Vietnam, a one-party communist state that borders China, has emerged as one of the United States most important partners in Southeast Asia, a region on the front line of the competition between the worlds two largest economies.

Washington and Hanoi normalized relations in 1995, 22 years after the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, and have been comprehensive partners since 2013. During Bidens visit, the relationship is expected to be bumped up two notches to comprehensive strategic partner, Vietnams highest level of diplomatic ties, putting the U.S. at the same level as China, Russia, India and South Korea.

The upgrade is a big diplomatic victory for the U.S., said Alexander Vuving, a professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It sends the message that the U.S. is able to attract many important countries in the region, even Vietnam, which is ruled by the Communist Party and which is thought to be close to China, he said.

In recent years China has been gaining influence across Southeast Asia, Vuving said, particularly in countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The upgrade in the U.S.-Vietnam relationship, he said, to some extent redresses the regional balance of power.

Kurt Campbell, the National Security Councils coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs, has described Vietnam, a country of about 100 million people, as a regional swing state.

That is partly because the U.S. and Vietnam share a common commitment to preventing Chinese hegemony in Asia, Vuving said.

Vietnam wants to benefit from the Chinese market, from trade with China, but at the same time they want to reduce their vulnerability to China, he said.

Vietnam is important to the U.S. both economically and strategically.

Last year, it overtook Britain as the United States seventh-largest partner in the trade of goods, according to the Census Bureau. Meanwhile, the U.S. is Vietnams largest export market.

The U.S. was also Vietnams second-biggest source of tourists last year after South Korea, the national tourism agency reported.

Vietnam, Asias fastest-growing economy last year, seeks to become the next global semiconductor hub, and it has a growing electric vehicle industry. Vietnamese EV maker VinFast is now one of the worlds most valuable car companies after a U.S. trading debut last month that saw its valuation soar past those of companies such as Ford and General Motors.

VinFast Ships its First Shipment of Vehicles to US (Linh Pham / Bloomberg via Getty Images file)

Vietnam is also becoming an increasingly important destination for U.S. investment, especially as the U.S.-China trade war leads some American companies to relocate parts of their manufacturing operations.

Vietnam will become an increasingly important link in the global supply chain, said Le Hong Hiep, a senior fellow in Vietnam studies at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

Washington, which lifted a ban on arms sales to Vietnam in 2016, also considers it a promising market for weapons and military equipment as Hanoi tries to reduce its reliance on Moscow.

Strategically, experts say, the U.S. sees Vietnam as an important partner in its effort to counter the rise of China, particularly its expansive claims in the South China Sea, a resource-rich waterway through which trillions of dollars in trade flows each year.

Matthew Turpin, who served as director for China in the National Security Council in the Trump White House, said that Bidens quick trip to Hanoi is undoubtedly intended as a signal to Beijing.

By shoring up ties with Vietnam, the Biden administration is putting pressure on China, he said in an interview with NBC News.

South China Sea (Aaron Favila / AP)

It shows the administration does understand whats going on here, Turpin said.

In some respects, the U.S. has been an ardent suitor when it comes to China, he added, sending a series of senior officials to Beijing in an effort to improve ties.

The U.S. is also dating around, to torture the ardent suitor metaphor, Turpin said. Were trying to make this other side jealous as well.

Hiep, however, said Bidens visit to Vietnam is not all about China. The two countries have enormous interest in working together on issues such as trade, investment, technology and climate change mitigation, he said.

Its true that China has a role to play in all these developments, but its just part of the picture, he said. There are other, more important things in this evolving partnership.

Hanoi and Washington are also unlikely to mention China in relation to their upgraded relationship, Hiep said, particularly as Vietnam wants to maintain a balance in its relations with the two powers.

China has warned the U.S. against using its relations with individual countries in Asia to target a third party.

The U.S. needs to give up the zero-sum game and Cold War mentality, observe the basic norms governing international relations, refrain from targeting any third party, and avoid undermining regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular briefing in Beijing on Monday.

Advocacy groups have urged Biden to use his visit to raise Vietnams worsening human rights record and press for the release of more than 150 political prisoners.

Last year, the State Department added Vietnam to its special watch list for violations of religious freedom, and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said in a report Tuesday that while Vietnam had made some progress in the last decade, a recent crackdown on civil society and increasing violations of religious freedom indicated a clear reversal in that once-positive trajectory.

Human rights appear to have taken a back seat amid U.S. competition with adversaries such as China and Russia, Hiep said.

The U.S. now seems to prioritize its strategic interests over value considerations, he said, so they have still paid attention to Vietnams human rights record, but they seem to adopt a less critical approach.

Broader regional ties

There was some disappointment in the region that Biden, who arrived in India on Friday for the annual summit of the Group of 20 economies, opted to skip a gathering of Southeast Asian leaders in Indonesia this week after attending the event in Cambodia last year. Vice President Kamala Harris represented the U.S. instead at the annual summit of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, in what was her third visit to the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was expected to be absent from both events.

The White House denies that the Biden administration has been insufficiently engaged in the region, noting that last year Biden became the first president to host ASEAN member states at the White House. The U.S. and ASEAN also upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the Cambodian summit last year.

ASEAN summit Indonesia (Achmad Ibrahim / AP)

I would argue that Americas commitment to and our relationship with ASEAN and its member states has never been stronger, Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asia, told reporters Thursday.

Hiep said U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia had improved in recent years, especially under the Biden administration. He pointed to Bidens Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, as well as efforts to strengthen ties with countries such as the Philippines, which agreed this year to an expanded American military presence.

While the U.S. has the edge over China in most of Southeast Asia when it comes to soft power and popularity, the region generally views China as the predominant economic power in Asia, according to a comprehensive polling analysis released last month by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank based in Washington.

The report warned that the gap in economic influence is only widening in favor of China, which is the biggest trading partner for all 10 ASEAN member states and the largest investor for most of them. But growing regional concerns about Chinas rhetoric and actions are creating opportunities for the U.S. to strengthen ties, it said.

Washington should advance a positive political, security, and economic agenda to meet the moment, the report said.

CORRECTION (Sept. 12, 2023, 1:46 p.m. ET): This article misattributed a quote about Bidens trip to Vietnam and India. It was from Matthew Turpin, former China director for the National Security Council in the Trump White House, not Matthew Pottinger, former deputy national security adviser in the Trump White House.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie blasted his primary opponent Vivek Ramaswamy on Sunday, labeling him as not a serious contender.

No. What hes become is someone who, you know, likes to get interviewed on TV. But no, I dont think hes a serious contender, Christie said when asked by Fox Newss Media Buzz host Howard Kurtz if Ramaswamy was a serious contender.

Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, appeared to take aim at Ramaswamys foreign policy proposal  a platform that has been ridiculed by critics as criminally stupid and always wrong. Ramaswamy, who has not held public office, released his foreign policy platform late last month after facing criticism on the GOP debate stage for a lack of experience.

Anybody who wants to treat Israel like we treat any other country in the Middle East, anybody who wants to give away Taiwan to the Chinese by 2028, anybody who thinks that, you know, as  Howie, as this week Vladimir Putin meets with Kim Jong-un, that he thinks hes going to be able to go over to Russia and convince Vladimir Putin to break from Kim Jong-un, the mullahs in Iran and President [Xi Jinping] of China, all autocratic leaders, to be friends with us? Christie said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is a guy who lives in his own world and is not a serious candidate for president of the United States, Christie added.

GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley took aim at Ramaswamy on the debate stage last month, saying that he has no foreign policy experience and it shows. Pence also knocked Ramaswamy, saying that now is not the time for on-the-job training and that they dont need to bring in a rookie.

Ramaswamy has been trailing former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in the polls but remains in third place across many national polls. According to RealClearPoliticss GOP primary polling average, Ramaswamy is polling at about 6.6 percent support.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Christina Ricci urged her fans to 'believe victims' on Instagram Stories on Saturday.

Her posts came after a judge sentenced "The '70s Show" star Danny Masterson to prison for rape.

One of Masterson's accusers shared Ricci's Instagram Stories posts.

Christina Ricci has weighed in on the Danny Masterson sentencing.

Ricci posted to her Instagram Story on Saturday, saying that "awesome guys can be predators and abusers" too. She then urged her fans to "believe victims."

Ricci's comments came two days after a judge sentenced Masterson, a former star of "That '70s Show," to 30 years in prison for rape.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ricci's comments also came after letters of support for Masterson  written by his costars Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis  leaked to the press. Kutcher and Kunis attempted an apology on Kutcher's own Instagram that instead sparked a backlash against the otherwise well-liked stars.

"That '70s Show" cast members Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Danny Masterson in 2000. Photo by Chris Weeks/Liaison

Ricci appeared to reference those letters and the subsequent apology when she wrote that "sometimes people we have loved and admired do horrible things."

"They might not do these things to us, and we only know who they were to us, but that doesn't mean they didn't do the horrible things, and to discredit the abused is a crime," Ricci wrote. "People we know as 'awesome guys' can be predators and abusers."

A screenshot of Christina Ricci's Instagram Stories post. Christina Ricci/Instagram

Ricci acknowledged that she's known "lots of 'awesome guys' who were lovely to me who have been proven to be abusers privately."

"I've also had personal experience with this," Ricci wrote. "Believe victims. It's not easy to come forward. It's not easy to get a conviction."

Christina Richie urged fans to "believe victims." Christina Ricci/Instagram

Chrissie Carnell Bixler, one of Masterson's accusers and his ex-girlfriend, shared Ricci's posts to her Instagram Stories afterward.

Chrissie Carnell Bixler, one of Masterson's accusers and his ex-girlfriend, shared Ricci's posts. Chrissie Carnell Bixler/Instagram

In May, a Los Angeles jury found Masterson guilty of two counts of rape during a retrial after jurors couldn't come to a unanimous decision months earlier. Masterson was accused of rape by at least three women. All of them claimed the Church of Scientology  of which Masterson is a member  tried to silence them.

Read the original article on Insider
NBCs Chuck Todd , a veteran political journalist and D.C. staple, hosted the networks popular Sunday political news show  Meet the Press  for the final time Sunday, marking the end to a nine-year run in that position.

Todd announced in July that he would be stepping down as host of the news program, a role that he has held since 2014. He will be replaced by chief White House correspondent and co-anchor Kristen Welker, who has been with the network since 2010.

To say that this has been the honor and privilege of my lifetime is an understatement, Todd said at the start of Sundays broadcast.

This is simply the pinnacle of political journalism, and something my younger self never imagined. No matter how much of a grind the current political climate is, wearing me down on any given day, I still always have had a pinch me, I cant believe it feeling every time I hear my name introduced as the moderator of the longest-running show in the history of television.



In fact, I used to joke, My goal is not to be the last moderator of the longest-running show in American history. And Ive achieved that goal and then some. I look forward to passing the baton in about 57 minutes, Todd said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On his last show, Todd interviewed Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

Meet the Press is the longest-running political talk show in television history, and serves as one of the leading platforms for lawmakers and policy makers to discuss ongoing issues.

Welker, who will become the second female and first-ever Black host of the program, made an appearance at the end of Sundays broadcast, saying that she is ready to take on her new role.

I am ready Chuck, and I just want to say I am also so thankful and grateful to you for this moment for entrusting me with this monumental, important role, she said. I take this responsibility so seriously. Im ready because you have helped me get ready, Chuck, youre someone who invests in the people that you care about and you have invested in me, and I am just so eternally grateful for that.

She also said she aims to approach her new role as a reporter and will continue to ask tough questions to guests on the show.

I want to approach this as a reporter, she said. Thats who I am, thats who Ive always been. Ive covered three administrations now  the Obama administration, the Trump administration, the Biden administration  Ive traveled all over the world with all of these presidents. And I really want to bring that to the show.

Updated 12:32 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
People praying over the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster at the Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus in Gower, Missouri. Charlie Riedel/AP

A Missouri abbey is allowing people to visit the body of a nun who died four years ago.

The abbey's nuns say Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster may be an "incorruptible."

The term refers to the miracle that some bodies don't decompose all the way after death.

A small abbey in the northern Kansas City metro area says it has a wonderous mystery on its hands: the "miraculous preservation" of the body of a nun who died four years ago.

And you can come see her for yourself at the small abbey in Gower, Missouri, every day from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles, who run the Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus, were shocked when they exhumed Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster and found her body to be almost perfectly preserved after four years in a coffin, The New York Times reported. Even her habit  the headdress often worn by nuns  was considered "immaculate."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The nuns' intent had been to reinter Lancaster, who died in 2019 at age 95, in an honorable place within the church. But finding her preserved body led them to suspect she's an "incorruptible," a Catholic term referring to those whose bodies miraculously don't decompose entirely after death, the Times reported.

"Regarding what seems to be the miraculous preservation of Sister's body, we are given the opportunity to contemplate the great gifts God gives us every day, especially the ones that are literally hidden from our eyes," says an undated letter on the website for the Benedictines of Mary.

Lancaster would be the first Black incorruptible in the world, as well as the first American incorruptible. Most reported cases have been in Europe, the Times wrote.

"I used to think something like this could only happen in Europe, or St. Louis," Edith Riches, a 13-year-old who volunteered to hand out water to people waiting in line to see Lancaster, told the Times.

The sisters wrote on their website that the abbey planned to inquire as to whether Lancaster might be canonized as a saint.

Correction: September 12, 2023  An earlier version of this story imprecisely referred to the location of the Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus. It's in Gower, Missouri, in the Kansas City metropolitan area, not in the city of Kansas City, Missouri.

Read the original article on Insider
Lost in a chaotic hall of mirrors of its own creation, the CIA has generally failed in its one and only legitimate task, to provide U.S. policymakers with accurate intelligence about the world beyond the Washington echo chamber, in order to inform American decision-making.

If, unlike many of his predecessors, President Biden actually wanted to be guided by accurate intelligence  which is by no means certain  his nomination of former Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns as CIA director was an encouraging, although puzzling, appointment. It removed Burns from the State Department's policymaking chain of command, but put him in a position where his decades of diplomatic experience and insight might help to guide Biden's decisions, especially over the crisis in U.S. relations with Russia. Burns, who is fluent in Russian, lived and worked at the U.S. embassy in Moscow for many years, first as a political officer and later as U.S. ambassador.

Related

What's next in Ukraine as U.S.-backed "counteroffensive" grinds to a halt?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It is hard to discern Burns' fingerprints on Biden's Russia policy or on the conduct of NATO's war in Ukraine, where U.S. policy has run headlong into precisely the dangers Burns warned his government about, in cables from Moscow spanning more than a decade. We cannot know what Burns tells the president behind closed doors. But he has not publicly called for peace talks, as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley has done. Admittedly, to do so would be highly unusual for any leading intelligence officer, let alone the CIA director.

In the current environment of pro-war, anti-Russian orthodoxy, if Burns publicly voiced some of the concerns he expressed earlier in his career, he might be ostracized or even fired as an apologist for Vladimir Putin's regime. But his dire warnings about the consequences of inviting Ukraine to join NATO have been quietly tucked in his back pocket, as he condemns Russia as the sole author of the catastrophic war in Ukraine, without mentioning the vital context he has so vividly explained over the past 30 years.

In his memoir "The Back Channel," published in 2019, Burns confirmed that in 1990, Secretary of State James Baker had indeed assured Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that there would be no expansion of the NATO alliance or forces "one inch to the east" of the borders of a reunified Germany. Burns wrote that even though the pledge was never formalized and was made before the breakup of the Soviet Union, the Russians took Baker at his word and felt betrayed by NATO enlargement in the years that followed.

When he was political officer at the U.S. embassy in Moscow in 1995, Burns reported that "hostility to early NATO expansion is almost universally felt across the domestic political spectrum here." When in the late 1990s Bill Clinton's administration moved to bring Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic into NATO, Burns called the decision premature at best and needlessly provocative at worst. "As Russians stewed in their grievance and sense of disadvantage, a gathering storm of 'stab in the back' theories slowly swirled, leaving a mark on Russia's relations with the West that would linger for decades," he wrote.

We need your help to stay independent

Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism

After serving in various posts in the Middle East, including ambassador to Jordan, in 2005 Burns finally got the job he had been eyeing for years: U.S. ambassador to Russia. From thorny trade issues to the conflict in Kosovo and missile defense disputes, he had his hands full. But the issue of NATO expansion was a source of constant friction.

It came to a head in 2008, when officials in the Bush administration were pushing to extend a NATO invitation to Ukraine and Georgia at the Bucharest NATO summit. Burns tried to head it off. Two months before the summit, he penned a no-holds-barred email to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, parts of which he quotes in his book:

Ukrainian entry into NATO is the brightest of all redlines for the Russian elite (not just Putin). In more than two and a half years of conversations with key Russian players, from knuckle-draggers in the dark recesses of the Kremlin to Putin's sharpest liberal critics, I have yet to find anyone who views Ukraine in NATO as anything other than a direct challenge to Russian interests. At this stage, a MAP [Membership Action Plan] offer would be seen not as a technical step along a long road toward membership, but as throwing down the strategic gauntlet. Russia will respond. Russian-Ukrainian relations will go into a deep freeze. It will create fertile soil for Russian meddling in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

In addition to this personal email, he wrote a meticulous 12-point official cable to Secretary Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, which only came to light thanks to a WikiLeaks diplomatic cable dump in 2010.

Dated Feb. 1, 2008, the memo's subject line, in all caps, could not have been more clear: NYET MEANS NYET: RUSSIA'S NATO ENLARGEMENT REDLINES.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

In no uncertain terms, Burns conveyed the intense opposition he had heard from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other senior officials, stressing that Russia would view further NATO eastward expansion as a potential military threat. He said that NATO enlargement, particularly to Ukraine, was "an emotional and neuralgic" issue but also a strategic policy issue:

Not only does Russia perceive encirclement and efforts to undermine Russia's influence in the region, but it also fears unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences which would seriously affect Russian security interests. Experts tell us that Russia is particularly worried that the strong divisions in Ukraine over NATO membership, with much of the ethnic-Russian community against membership, could lead to a major split, involving violence or at worst, civil war. In that eventuality, Russia would have to decide whether to intervene  a decision Russia does not want to have to face.

Six years later, the U.S.-supported Maidan uprising provided the final trigger for the civil war that Russian experts had predicted.

Burns quoted Lavrov as saying that while countries were free to make their own decisions about their security and which political-military structures to join, they needed to keep in mind the impact on their neighbors, and that Russia and Ukraine were bound by bilateral obligations set forth in the 1997 Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership, in which both parties undertook to "refrain from participation in or support of any actions capable of prejudicing the security of the other side."

Burns warned in 2008 that NATO expansion was "an emotional and neuralgic issue" for Russia that could lead to "unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences."

Burns said a Ukrainian move toward the Western sphere would hurt defense industry cooperation between Russia and Ukraine, including a number of factories where Russian weapons were made, and would have a negative impact on the thousands of Ukrainians living and working in Russia and vice versa. Burns quoted Aleksandr Konovalov, director of the Institute for Strategic Assessment, predicting that this issue would become "a boiling cauldron of anger and resentment among the local population."

Russian officials told Burns that NATO expansion would have repercussions throughout the region and into Central and Western Europe, and could even cause Russia to revisit its arms control agreements with the West.

In a rare personal meeting Burns had with Putin just before leaving his post as ambassador in 2008, Putin warned him that "no Russian leader could stand idly by in the face of steps toward NATO membership for Ukraine. That would be a hostile act toward Russia. We would do all in our power to prevent it."

Despite all these warnings, the Bush administration plowed ahead at the 2008 summit in Bucharest. Given objections from several key European countries, no date for membership was set, but NATO issued a statement, saying "we agreed today that Ukraine and Georgia will become members of NATO."

Burns was not happy. "In many ways, Bucharest left us with the worst of both worlds  indulging the Ukrainians and Georgians in hopes of NATO membership on which we were unlikely to deliver, while reinforcing Putin's sense that we were determined to pursue a course he saw as an existential threat," he wrote.

While Ukraine still has hopes to formally enter NATO, Ukraine's former defense minister Oleksii Reznikov has said that Ukraine has already become a de facto member of the alliance, since it receives NATO weapons, NATO training and all-round military and intelligence cooperation. The intelligence sharing is directed by the CIA chief himself, who has been shuttling back and forth to meet with his counterpart in Ukraine.

A much better use of Burns' expertise might be to travel to Moscow and use his considerable expertise in Russian affairs to help negotiate an end to this brutal and unwinnable war. Would that make him a Putin apologist or a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize?

Read more

from Medea Benjamin and Nicolas J.S. Davies
The Co-op is using undercover security guards to patrol aisles on the lookout for thieves, as retailers battle a shoplifting epidemic.

Alongside normal uniformed security guards, the chain on Sunday confirmed it had stepped up the use of covert security staff to catch shoplifters in the act.

The undercover staff, who are supplied by contractor Mitie, are specially trained to confront and hold thieves until police officers get to the scene.

Despite this, in four-fifths of examples where someone is caught police still do not bother to turn up, Co-op claimed.

The extraordinary measures to combat thievery emerge just weeks after Co-op separately revealed it had been forced to resort to dummy, display-only packaging for products in some stores because so many were being stolen.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Empty plastic boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates and jars of Kenco coffee are among those which customers now have to bring to the till first, where they are exchanged for the real thing.

It comes as top retailers have accused police of effectively decriminalising shoplifting.

Across the UK, Co-op says instances of crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in its stores have jumped 35pc higher year-on-year, with more than 175,000 incidents recorded in the first six months of 2023.

Yet police forces failed to respond to 71pc of serious retail crimes reported, the supermarket chain said.

Rival supermarket Tesco has resorted to getting staff to wear body-cameras to help catch shoppers who assault them, while Lord Rose, the chairman of Asda, warned last week theft was just not seen as a crime anymore.

Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, has ordered police forces to investigate every theft as part of a crackdown but her instruction faced pushback from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC). It accused her of meddling in forces operational independence.

Matt Hood, managing director of food at Co-op, said: The rise in shop looting and retail crime, perpetuated by repeat, prolific offenders and organised criminal gangs is becoming one of the most significant issues facing UK communities.

This isnt a victimless crime, as my store colleagues who have been verbally abused and had knives and syringes pulled on them can vouch for, but it is seemingly a consequence-less crime.

The Home Office and NPCC say every crime will be investigated, which are great words, but actions are better and, frankly, yet to be seen, as our stores report serious crimes every single day, but in 71pc of cases, no police turn up.

Co-op has invested over 200m to try and keep our colleagues and stores safe, so I am increasingly frustrated by how our efforts are not being matched by those who have the power to enforce consequences.

In August, Ms Braverman warned it was unacceptable that crimes such as shoplifting, criminal damage and phone or car theft were being treated as less important.

The NPCC has insisted forces must retain responsibility for making difficult decisions around how best to respond to the breadth of priorities of local communities, amid limited resources.

However, Chief Constable Scott Chilton, the NPCCs lead for investigations, has pledged forces will make better use of technology such as video doorbells and dashcams to help solve more crimes.

He said it was important to remember that each and every case is different and has different complexities, but added: There are opportunities to identify offenders that we never had before, and that is something to be very positive about.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Colorados secretary of state has responded after Donald Trump accused her of working to prevent him from taking the presidency once again.

The ex-president has fumed over the last few days in response to a lawsuit filed by a top Washington DC ethics group aimed at preventing Mr Trump from appearing on the 2024 ballot. The lawsuit and CREWs argument are simple: Mr Trump should not be allowed to run, given his support for the armed mob of his own supporters who attacked the US Capitol and attempted, at his urging, to thwart Congress from certifying the 2020 elections results.

Mr Trump, meanwhile, has derided the effort as election interference on social media  which is technically true, though the obvious difference being that filing a lawsuit is legal, while his efforts to pressure Georgia state officials to find thousands of nonexistent votes to add to his total may not have been.

The group suing me in Colorado to ridiculously try and Unconstitutionally keep me off the ballot (I am leading against DeSanctimonious by almost 50 points, and beating Crooked Joe, BIG!), is TRUMP DERANGED CREW, composed of many slime balls, he wrote on Truth Social.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He would go on to baselessly suggest that this lawsuit filed in Colorado was somehow related to the two criminal indictments the Department of Justice has filed against him.

Jena Griswold, Colorados top elections official, ridiculed his Truth Social tantrum during an MSNBC interview on Saturday.

Trump is a liar with no respect for the Constitution, she said.

To say that a section of the 14th Amendment is election interference and considering how to uphold the Constitution is election interference is un-American, she continued. We know that the former president is a liar who will do everything he can to hold onto power.

Her remarks come as Mr Trump is preparing to defend the legality of his efforts to cling to the presidency in 2020, a misadventure that failed to stop Joe Bidens ascendance to the White House and ended with countless officials and appointees resigning in disgrace and disgust after the attack on the Capitol.

Mr Trump has long claimed that he is innocent of all wrongdoing, but faces 91 felony counts of alleged criminal misconduct. In the Georgia case, hes accused of soliciting public officials to violate their oath; at the federal level, hes accused of conspiring to defraud the entire country of a duly elected president  both actions which would likely also fit cleanly under the umbrella of election interference.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton s impeachment trial marches into its second week Monday with more witnesses taking the stand, following the dramatic testimony from the first slate of Paxtons former deputies who reported his alleged wrongdoing to the FBI.

The historic proceedings began Sept. 5 with state senators who will decide the suspended attorney generals fate hearing from whistleblowers who believed their boss was misusing his position to benefit a political donor, Austin real estate developer Nate Paul.

Testimony, perhaps from more of the former employees, will likely pick back up on Monday when the trial resumes. Attorneys for the House impeachment managers were still calling witnesses when the trial paused for the weekend Friday.

Paxton was impeached in the Texas House in late May with 20 articles including disregard of official duty, making false statements in public records, constitutional bribery, obstruction of justice, conspiracy and attempted conspiracy, misapplication of public resources, dereliction of duty, unfitness for office and abuse of public trust.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He is accused of giving Paul special attention and legal help while accepting favors like home renovations and a job for a woman with whom Paxton was having an extramarital affair.

Paxton has denied wrongdoing. He did not attend last weeks proceedings except for the start of the trials first day.

You can watch the trial live on star-telegram.com, follow major developments and read daily analysis of the politics and repercussions of Paxtons impeachment.

What to expect when the trial resumes Monday

Senators, who are acting as jurors, could hear from more of the whistleblowers who reported Paxton to federal law enforcement. There are eight in total, four of whom sued the Attorney Generals Office over allegations of retaliation.

They could also hear from other people connected to the allegations in the articles of impeachment, such as a Paul or women with whom Paxton is accused of having an affair. Both were on a list of possible witnesses obtained by The Dallas Morning News.

Dick DeGuerin, one of the attorneys for the impeachment managers, declined to comment on the trials second week, citing a gag order. Paxtons attorneys did not immediately return an email requesting comment.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick ruled at the trials start that Paxton cannot be compelled to testify.

How does the trial work?

Attorneys for the House impeachment managers and Paxton each have a set amount of time to present evidence before making their closing arguments. Cross examination is allowed.

Once both sides are done making their case, senators will deliberate on whether to convict Paxton. The Senate is made up of 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats. Twenty one votes are needed to convict, which means nine Republicans would have to vote with Democrats to convict Paxton.

Theres no time limit on deliberations.

Paxton could be removed from office and barred from seeking office, which observers say could substantially alter Texas politics for years to come.

The only times weve seen wholesale, major political change in Texas have been because of some major scandal that rocks one party or another, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor, previously told the Star-Telegram. This scandal has the possibility of dramatically changing the course of the Republican Partys reign in Texas.
Last month, it was reported that OpenAI  the company behind the generative AI chatbot ChatGPT  was on track to make $1 billion in revenue this year from user subscriptions and by licensing its technology to other companies. ChatGPT was introduced into the world only last November , and its explosive growth shows the demand for AI-powered chatbots and their potential to transform lives.

But there are still pressing ethical issues that need to be addressed, such as, what do AI companies owe to the creators whose work informs their chatbots?

Generative AI chatbots, which can conduct human-like conversations and generate unique written responses to prompts from users, are taught to communicate using writing samples from hundreds of thousands of writers whose work is available on the web. Even though the written work is publicly available, much of it is protected under copyright law.

Read more: Opinion: I'm co-teaching my college class with ChatGPT. Will it upstage me?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to OpenAI, ChatGPT doesnt produce plagiarized outputs  it only learns from the ideas of the books and articles on which it is trained to produce unique content. That OpenAI could become a billion-dollar corporation by using human writers work to train its artificial intelligence machine does not sit well with many creators. And some writers are asking for compensation for their contributions, as well as ways to opt out of having their data used in this way.

Writers are concerned for a couple of reasons, according to Lila Shroff, a tech ethics and policy fellow at Stanford University. They feel exploited as their painstaking intellectual labor has been used without their permission. And using their data, AI could eventually replace them by automating the writing process. One of the main demands of the Hollywood writers strike has been for the establishment of a contract that protects writers from losing their jobs to artificial intelligence.

Read more: Column: These apps and websites use your data to train AI. You're probably using one right now.

While Congress is alarmed by AI's unconstrained, meteoric rise in the last year, lawmakers find it hard to regulate. Federal authorities have been slow to keep up because AI is such a new technology and is advancing at breakneck pace. Lawmakers are also ill-equipped to deal with the AI boom because most do not have a technical background and struggle to understand the mechanisms by which AI technologies work. But it is clear there need to be laws and regulations to ensure that technological advancement takes shape in a way that is fair.

Although AI chatbots are not good enough yet to completely eliminate the need for writers, they are well on their way. If you ask ChatGPT to generate an article in the voice of any writer, it can do so convincingly and will even send back pointers on why it believes its output is similar to the style of the person being requested. The list of writers it can mimic includes not only acclaimed authors, such as Margaret Atwood and Zadie Smith, but also lesser-known bloggers and emerging voices who have published material on the web  even members of The Times' editorial board.

Read more: Op-Ed: Beware a world where artists are replaced by robots. It's starting now

I tried experimenting with this by plugging in the names of friends and colleagues and asking ChatGPT to generate short essays in their voice based on whatever it knew about them. When I showed the subjects the results, they were impressed and creeped out. Editorial writer Carla Hall, on seeing a ChatGPT-generated article in her voice and under her byline, remarked: "This is kinda wild! I started reading it thinking, 'Wait, what? When did I write this?' But then I thought, 'No this doesn't sound like anything I've written.' And yet, I could have written the lead sentence."

How does an AI seem to know them so well? Will this be part of a writer's life in the 21st century  knowing that AI will learn your voice and continue to generate material in it for all posterity? Or, as Atwood put it, will writers stand to be, in a manner of speaking , murdered by their [AI] replicas?

Read more: Editorial: Newsom throws South L.A. under the broadband bus

At least two groups of authors, including Mona Awad and Paul Tremblay and comedian Sarah Silverman, have filed copyright infringement lawsuits against OpenAI. Silvermans group alleges that OpenAI has fed ChatGPT with copyrighted books to  profit richly  from them. Each group seeks nearly $1 billion in damages.

While technological progress is a matter to celebrate, we need to ensure that this technology is created with guardrails to protect both its users and the creators of the content that the AI was trained on.

To see what ChatGPT had to say about this, I pasted the text of my essay into it and asked the chatbot to respond to my argument in its own words. Here is what it had to say:

"The growth and success of AI, like ChatGPT demonstrate the boundless potential of technology, but it also underscores the importance of ensuring that the rights and efforts of creators are respected and compensated. In our quest for progress, it's crucial that we don't leave our ethical compass behind. There's a need for a balanced dialogue between AI developers and the creators who unintentionally fuel them, ensuring that the benefits of this technology are widely shared without trampling on individual rights.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved a plan to boost the starting salaries for sheriffs deputies and provide pay increases to all county employees.

Commissioners made the announcement Friday, also saying that a special called meeting had included a vote to roll back the countys millage rate.

The votes were unanimous, according to the announcement.

Both the commission and Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds announced the pay increases, noting how it could impact the workforce.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Board of Commissioners said the new millage rate, a decrease from 12.563 to 12.313, was part of adopting the first phase of the countys Douglas Forward Reinvestment Plan.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

County employees will now receive pay increases between 2% and 7%, dependent on tenure and a few other undisclosed factors, starting Sept. 30.

Our employees are our most valuable asset, said Interim County Administrator Dr. David Corbin. An investment in our workforce is an investment in our community and our goal of delivering superior service to the citizens of Douglas County. This investment also aligns with the Douglas Forward 2025 Strategic Plan objective to attract, develop, and retain a great workforce. We appreciate the Board of Commissioners commitment to our team and the value they have placed upon their contributions to our government and our community, Interim County Administrator Dr. David Corbin said in a statement.

The raises for county employees are expected to come from a planned $5.3 million in the budget specifically for salary investment, including for county sheriffs deputies.

TRENDING STORIES:

Sheriffs deputies will see starting salary increases rise nearly $8,000, meaning increases for deputies starting salaries will go from $50,774 to $58,500, which officials said was the second highest start for pay in the Atlanta metro area, only beaten out by Fulton County.

I stand here today extremely grateful for each of and every one of you, Pounds said in a statement. He said the higher salaries would help the sheriffs office both hire and retain a talented team of employees.

Additionally, the sheriff said deputies were not alone when it came to salary increases.

This raise places the Douglas County Sheriffs Office as the third highest paid Sheriffs Office in the Metro Atlanta Area and in the top 10 of all law enforcement agencies in the state. Based on your experience and current POST Certifications our new starting salary range is $58,500-$69,538 for a Deputy Sheriff, Pounds said. We are awaiting confirmation, but our jailer positions got an increase too. We anticipate a certified jailer to start at $52,983.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

OTHER NEWS:
A man is dead after a motorcycle crash in on Route 22 in Washington County on Sunday.

According to PennDOT, the crash happened in the eastbound lanes between the Bavington exit and the McDonald Midway exit in Robinson Township.

Emergency crews said the call came in at around 3:45 p.m.

The Washington County coroner said Martin Cowden, 52, from Midway, lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a guard rail.

All eastbound lanes in the area were closed but reopened at around 7:50 p.m.

Fort Cherry medics and the Midway Fire Department also responded to the scene.

Channel 11 has reached out to the Pennsylvania State Police for more information and is waiting to hear back.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Vehicle stolen by escaped Pennsylvania killer found abandoned in northern Chester County Chiller Theater returning 60 years after original show aired on Channel 11 Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens official cause of death revealed over month after his death VIDEO: 11 Cares collects instruments with Violins of Hope at WPXI studio DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
By Katya Golubkova

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the G20 summit in India a success and said that due to the consolidated position of the countries of the global south, Russia managed to ensure the G20 agenda was not overshadowed by the Ukraine conflict.

The Group of 20 adopted a consensus declaration at a summit on Saturday that avoided condemning Russia for the war in Ukraine but called on all states not to use force to grab territory.

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has left tens of thousands dead, displaced millions and sown economic turmoil across the world. Moscow, which says it is conducting a "special military operation" there, denies committing any atrocities.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lavrov also said the Russia was willing to return to the Black Sea grain deal as soon as its conditions are met.

Russia quit the deal in July, a year after it was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, complaining that its own food and fertiliser exports faced obstacles and insufficient Ukrainian grain was going to countries in need.

Lavrov said Russia values the attempts by the United Nations to facilitate grain talks but called it "west only talks".

(Writing by Swati Bhat, Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Kim Coghill)
A search for a grizzly bear believed to have been shot in an attack on a deer hunter has shut down part of a Montana national forest, officials reported.

A hunting party notified authorities of the attack on Yellow Mule Trail near Big Sky shortly before 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, the Gallatin County Sheriffs Office search and rescue team said in a news release.

A grizzly attacked a hunter who was stalking a deer, sheriffs officials said. The local sheriffs office requested help from Gallatin County.

A helicopter airlifted the injured hunter to a Bozeman medical center, the release said. No information was provided on the hunters medical condition, but the Billings Gazette reported the hunter was severely injured.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Buck Ridge Yellow Mule area in the Custer Gallatin National Forest has been closed to visitors while officials try to track down the bear, rangers said in a news release.

The hunter shot at the grizzly and may have wounded the animal, rangers said.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Forest Service staff are investigating the incident and are trying to locate the bear, the release said.

Call 406-522-2520 for more information on the closure.

What to do if you see a bear

Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.

There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.

Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize youre a human and nonthreatening.

Stay calm: Bears usually dont want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.

Dont scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.

Pick up small children: Dont let kids run away from the bear. It could think theyre small prey.

Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.

Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Dont make any sudden movements.

Dont drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.

Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.

Again, dont run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.

Dont climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

Grizzly killed hiker near Yellowstone, officials say. Then it broke into home for food

Grizzly charges at hunters in thick brush, Idaho officials say. Then its shot dead

Spooked grizzly charges anglers in Montana wilderness. One of the fishermen had a gun
Newly-appointed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Sept. 9 that he plans to introduce a new position of military ombudsman who would "deal with the military needs of our soldiers."

A military ombudsman would ensure fair treatment of concerns raised by the Ukrainian Armed Forces members and defend their rights when they face issues.

Umerov stressed that Ukrainian soldiers have the right to be properly equipped to win the war while assuring everything they need would be purchased.

Ukraine's parliament voted to appoint Rustem Umerov as the new defense minister after Oleksii Reznikov 's resignation on Sept. 6. Umerov was backed by an overwhelming majority, with 338 lawmakers voting in support and one abstaining.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When he was appointed, Umerov announced his intention to introduce an electronic military ID card in Ukraine and launch a unified register of conscripts, saying it was crucial to make all processes of military medical commissions digital.

"The task is to digitize all processes, launch a single register of conscripts, which will eliminate any corruption risks," he said.

Reznikov has held the post of Defense Minister since November 2021. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he has been vital in coordinating military aid from foreign allies, including at multiple Ramstein summits.

However, Reznikov's tenure at the Defense Ministry has been marred by several scandals related to procuring equipment and supplies for Ukrainian soldiers.

Read also: Who is Rustem Umerov, Ukraines soon-to-be defense minister?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that all flags on public buildings and grounds be flown at half-staff in remembrance of those who died during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The order applies to all U.S. and Ohio flags throughout the state.

>> Reward offered after kittens abandoned near busy road in Champaign County

The order will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on the 22nd anniversary of the attacks, Monday, September 11, 2023.

DeWine is also asking all Ohioans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m.
Walter Isaacson 's new biography on Elon Musk contains fresh insights into the world's richest man.

One explosive claim is that Musk thwarted a surprise Ukrainian attack on Crimea.

But on Saturday, Isaacson offered clarification while saying he was "mistaken."

Elon Musk's biographer walked back a narrative of how Elon Musk thwarted a surprise Ukrainian operation to attack Russia's Black Sea Fleet  but both accounts reflect the influence of one billionaire.

An excerpt from Walter Isaacson's upcoming biography on the world's richest man that was published in The Washington Post contained an explosive revelation on how Ukraine's surprise submarine drone attack on a Russian fleet near the Crimean coast was singlehandedly derailed by Musk last year.

According to the excerpt, Isaacson received a frantic text from Musk on a Friday evening around September, raising concerns that a surprise Ukrainian attack could lead to a nuclear war and that Starlink, SpaceX's satellite communication systems, would be responsible.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"'This could be a giant disaster,' he texted," Isaacson wrote.

Isaacson then wrote of Musk: "Throughout the evening and into the night, he personally took charge of the situation. Allowing the use of Starlink for the attack, he concluded, could be a disaster for the world. So he secretly told his engineers to turn off coverage within 100 kilometers of the Crimean coast. As a result, when the Ukrainian drone subs got near the Russian fleet in Sevastopol, they lost connectivity and washed ashore harmlessly."

Isaacson's initial account of the events was widely interpreted as Musk having made a critical decision that evening to cut off vital satellite access to thwart Ukraine's attack.

But on Saturday, Isaacson offered clarification while saying he was "mistaken."

The author wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that, according to Musk, SpaceX had an existing policy that already barred the use of Starlink for an attack on Crimea and that Musk "simply reaffirmed the policy," suggesting that the CEO did not cut off satellite access on the night of the planned attack.

"Based on my conversations with Musk, I mistakenly thought the policy to not allow Starlink to be used for an attack on Crimea had been first decided on the night of the Ukrainian attempted sneak attack that night. He now says that the policy had been implemented earlier, but the Ukrainians did not know it, and that night he simply reaffirmed the policy," Isaacson said.

A spokesperson for Isaacson at Tulane University, where the author teaches history, did not respond to a request for comment sent during the weekend.

Isaacson wrote in another social media post: "To clarify on the Starlink issue: the Ukrainians THOUGHT coverage was enabled all the way to Crimea, but it was not. They asked Musk to enable it for their drone sub attack on the Russian fleet. Musk did not enable it, because he thought, probably correctly, that would cause a major war."

There have been previous reports of Musk rejecting Ukraine's request to enable satellite access in Crimea.

Political analyst Ian Bremmer revealed last October that Musk told him in a conversation about how Ukraine's defense ministry asked the SpaceX CEO to activate Starlink in Crimea. Musk "refused given the potential for escalation," Bremmer said.

The Financial Times also reported that Ukrainian troops were experiencing communication outages in Russian-controlled areas, including Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.

Musk responded to Isaacson's clarification on Saturday, claiming, "At no point did I or anyone at SpaceX promise coverage over Crimea. He added that the company is building a smaller, separate satellite system that will be controlled by the US government.

"The onus is meaningfully different if I refused to act upon a request from Ukraine vs. made a deliberate change to Starlink to thwart Ukraine," Musk wrote.

But the difference may not matter to government officials and critics who have already raised concerns about a single billionaire's outsized role in a conflict with major geopolitical consequences.

Last year, SpaceX had threatened to cut off Starlink access unless the US government began to pay for the services the company was providing to Ukraine, The New Yorker reported.

"We started to get a little panicked," one senior defense official told the publication. Musk "could turn it off at any given moment. And that would have real operational impact for the Ukrainians."

Colin Kahl, the former undersecretary of defense for policy at the Pentagon, acknowledged the impact Musk could have in the war.

"Even though Musk is not technically a diplomat or statesman, I felt it was important to treat him as such, given the influence he had on this issue," he told the magazine.

The Pentagon rushed to create a contract with SpaceX out of concern that Musk could flip the switch at any given moment, according to the New Yorker report.

The contract, which was completed in June, ensured Musk "couldn't wake up one morning and just decide, like, he didn't want to do this anymore," Kahl said. "It was kind of a way for us to lock in services across Ukraine. It could at least prevent Musk from turning off the switch altogether."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), passed into law by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, allows for households making less than 60% of the median income to receive a $30 per month voucher for internet service (or $75 monthly on tribal lands). On top of that voucher, recipients also get $100 credit for a laptop, tablet, or other tech upgrades.

As Florida TaxWatch has opined in the past, the importance of extending this program cannot be overstated  and yet Congress continues not to act. That must change, as the importance of the Internet in our daily lives has never been more pronounced. The internet not only connects people and provides entertainment, but perhaps most importantly, it serves as a powerful economic tool.

Close-up shot of a female learner typing on the laptop keyboard

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people working from home tripled between 2019 and 2021, and while the end of the COVID-19 pandemic somewhat stabilized these numbers, millions of Floridians still work in remote or hybrid positions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The job application process is also primarily conducted online because employers often find the internet provides them with a much larger and more talented applicant pool.

And internet access benefits job applicants as well, helping them find better, higher paying jobs. In fact, in the early days of the internet, it was thought to have been the next great equalizer, democratizing the job searching process and allowing for increased salary transparency.

This stock photo shows a person using a smartphone.

However, many Floridians continue to lack reliable broadband access and have yet to reap these economic benefits  a cause-and-effect relationship magnified in economically depressed and largely rural areas. The U.S. Census Bureau even notes that seven out of the 10 counties with the lowest per capita income also rank among the lowest in terms of broadband access.

The ACP presents an effective solution to this challenge and has already successfully connected the Sunshine State, with recent data showing enrollment in Florida at approximately 1.4 million, or 38 percent of eligible households.

Moreover, a U.S. Government Accountability Office study found that the ACP has proven to help bridge the digital divide. And because closing the digital divide by 10 percentage points has the potential to create an additional 260,000 jobs per year nationally, the advantages of extending the ACP are afforded not just to those who qualify for the program, but all citizens.

Extending the ACP has broad bipartisan support among voters. Not to mention, continuing to fund the program would allow low-income families to participate in the digital marketplace, which has proven to be an extremely important investment in the lives of millions of Floridians.

As the eyes and ears of Floridas taxpayers, Florida TaxWatch urges Congress to act now to continue funding the ACP so that low-income Florida households can remain connected and unlock their full economic potential.

Dominic M. Calabro

Dominic M. Calabro has led Florida TaxWatchs world-class research team as President and CEO for nearly all of the organizations 41-year existence.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Send letters to the editor (up to 200 words) or Your Turn columns (about 500 words) to letters@tallahassee.com. Please include your address for verification purposes only, and if you send a Your Turn, also include a photo and 1-2 line bio of yourself. You can also submit anonymous Zing!s at Tallahassee.com/Zing. Submissions are published on a space-available basis. All submissions may be edited for content, clarity and length, and may also be published by any part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Dominic Calabro: Congress must help low-income Floridians unlock their full economic potential
When most Gulf Coast anglers think of gag grouper fishing, they reminisce of heading offshore to fish deepwater ledges and rock piles where big gag grouper pull hard in an attempt to head for cover.

The majority of the time we usually head offshore, said angler Jacob Crue when asked where he likes to gag grouper fish. But over the past week, Ive been seeing a lot of people on the Skyway catching keeper-sized fish. There might not be as many, but for a quick meat trip, when its good, we go there.

Crue, who lives in St. Petersburg, headed toward the Skyway Fishing Pier early Sunday at 2:30 a.m. after gag grouper opened on Friday, Sept. 1. Fishing the pier allowed Crue to bring his 7-month-old son and fiancee along for the trip with the safety and comfort of the car close. But for a few hours, the fishing was slow.

Even bait was hard to get. Maybe a dozen pinfish and a dozen greenbacks. But once the sun came up, it started getting good.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Using Google Maps, Crue bounced around from rock pile to rock pile. He said with satellite view, the rock piles are visible and allow him to get his bait near the structure-loving gag grouper. Rigged with 50-pound leader on a Shimano Saragosa 10000 spinning reel, he let the outgoing tide bring his pinfish naturally toward the piles without weight.

Around 6:30 I got hit and missed it. I grabbed another bait and then that one got eaten. I had the drag on deadlock and it still pulled out drag. I knew it was a keeper at that point. Smaller ones hit and wont pull any drag and then come up to the surface, described Crue. He was digging down.

Able to turn the fish before it reached rocky salvation, Crue guided it to the surface where it was netted. There it measured just short of 25 inches, clear of the 24-inch size limit needed to keep.

Soon after, Crues friend landed a second fish while using a weighted pinfish on a conventional rod. His measured over 26 inches.

We figured that it would be good around that time. Some days it seems like there are more gag grouper in the bay than offshore, Crue said.

While it can be good for a quick trip with anglers on land, those fishing the Skyway fishing piers will soon need to abide by new rules that start Oct. 1.

An education requirement will need to be completed annually for bridge anglers and all treble/multiple (sabiki rigs) hooks will be banned from Nov. 15 to March 15. Anglers will be limited to using two fishing rods at a time.
Drone attacks on Russian airfields in the deep rear are almost certainly carried out from Russian territory, and the "volunteer security patrols" that the Russian Federation has decided to organise will only partially help combat this, UK intelligence believes.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence review on Twitter for 10 September, as reported by European Pravda

Quote from analytics: "Due to the limited range of quadcopter UAVs, the attacks on the base were almost certainly launched from within the Russian Federation."

Details: UK Defence Intelligence service also drew attention to the statement by the governor of Pskov Oblast of the Russian Federation, who ordered that "volunteer security patrols" be formed to prevent further attacks on the Kresty air base, where two IL-76 cargo aircraft were damaged on 29 August.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

About 800 people have signed up for the anti-drone detachments. They are to be divided into groups of 50 who will patrol certain border areas, important infrastructure facilities and airfields.

UK intelligence believes that these volunteer patrols are likely to become a deterrent and provide some protection against the possible launch of drones directly near the airfield.

However, since it has proved to be difficult to shoot down drones with small arms, the Russians will still need serious air defence systems with radars and more complex devices to lock on targets and protect their own facilities.

UK Defence Intelligence also points out that the involvement of volunteer patrols indicates a lack of trained personnel for such tasks.

Background:

The former head of Finnish intelligence called the Ukrainian attack on the airfield near Pskov the "most successful" of these strikes.

In a previous review, it was reported that the Russians have most likely begun to transfer additional forces to Robotyne, which will reduce Russias offensive capabilities in other sectors of the front.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
A mystery started when construction workers spotted a body floating in the Columbia River by the blue bridge nearly 40 years ago.

Now Benton County Coroner Bill Leach is hoping to find some answers.

On Monday morning, officials will be exhuming the remains of the unknown woman buried in Richland

We need to identify this person so we can find who the family is, Leach told the Herald. I hope that we can find family and provide them with information about what happened to their mom or grandma.

Not much is known about Jane Doe.

The lower part of her body was discovered near the blue bridge on Sept. 2, 1986, according to a Tri-City Herald story at the time. No other remains of her were ever found.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Forensic Pathologist William Brady of Portland believed she had been in the water for at least six months and that shed given birth to at least one child.

Brady told the Herald at that time that the woman was about 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8, about 30 to 35 years old with brownish-blonde hair.

But Brady found no wounds and was not able to determine how she died.

We may never know, Benton County Sheriff Lt. Don Smith told the Herald.

Without more information to go on, she was buried in Resthaven Cemetery on Williams Boulevard, her grave in a now forgotten corner of the central Richland facility.

Nearby markers have been vandalized or damaged by weather. Hers seems to have been protected by luck.

A cemetery marker for Jane Doe from September 1986 in the Resthaven Cemetery off Williams Boulevard in Richland.

Benton County sheriffs investigators at the time submitted what they knew about her into a federal database in hopes of being able to connect her to a missing person case or identify her. But no link was ever found.

Jane Does grave

Leach didnt know anything about Jane Doe when he started working in the coroners office 10 years ago, or when he became the coroner in 2018.

It wasnt until he got a call in July from a man doing cemetery research in Washington, who found a picture of the grave listed on findagrave.com. The caller wanted to know if she was ever entered into a missing person database.

That kicked off months of searching by Leach, who soon discovered not many records existed from 1986. The coroners office didnt have them, and Washington State Archives records dated back to 1990.

Many of the people involved in the investigation, including Brady, have since died.

Leach was able to reach Bradys daughter, who said she had gotten rid of most of her fathers old records. A search there proved fruitless.

Leach wants to end the mystery of Jane Does identity with DNA testing.

With the help of a grant from Spokane, he is exhuming her remains on Monday. A Benton County sheriffs detective also will be on hand to help with the investigation.

The Resthaven Cemetery in Richland has a cemetery marker labeled Jane Doe from September 1986.

Leach said hes also been helped by Einans at Sunset funeral home.

This is the first time Leach has been involved in disinterring someone to identify them, something that is rarely done.

We dont know what were going to encounter. We know she was buried in a wooden casket and placed in a concrete vault, Leach said.

DNA testing

Othram Labs will perform the DNA test with the aim of of finding a relative, possibly her child or grandchild, Leach said.

The companys technology enables the U.S. National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, according to their website.

The death certificate for the unidentified woman has few details.

In 1986, DNA fingerprinting was still relatively new. Its first use in a criminal case was the same year, and no one collected any from the remains in Tri-Cities.

Leach said they hope to find enough information to determine how she died as well, so he can complete the womans death certificate.

He is going to talk to the state anthropologist to see if there is anyone who could perform an examination.
The Mexican Supreme Court of Justice decision decriminalizing abortion last week is a landmark ruling in a country that has historically outlawed the procedure with harsh penalties for the women who sought it and the healthcare professionals who provided it.

The ruling, which governs federal law in a nation of states, makes abortion legal in federal health institutions and requires the public health service to offer it. The decision does not automatically make abortion legal in all of Mexico (the way that the Roe vs. Wade decision had made abortion legal in all of the United States). But it could speed up a movement by Mexican states to legalize the procedure. Currently, 12 out of 32 states have decriminalized abortion.

Read more: Editorial: Beverly Hills city officials say they support abortion access. Their actions say otherwise

The battle for the right to control ones own body continues, but the Mexican judicial ruling is a significant victory for reproductive rights and the increasingly influential feminist movement in Latin America, which has historically been socially and religiously conservative. Argentina, Colombia and other countries in the region have also legalized or decriminalized abortion in the last few years.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Yet, as Mexico and other Latin American countries demonstrate remarkable progress toward protecting the right to bodily autonomy, the U.S. is going backward. Our Supreme Court undid protections for abortion last year when it overturned Roe vs. Wade. And now a growing number of states are working to erode protections of individual rights as their legislators search for more harrowing and surreal ways to criminalize abortions. So much for the USA being a beacon of freedom.

Read more: Opinion: Would a nationwide abortion ban be constitutional?

In Texas, where abortion is illegal unless the pregnant persons life is in danger, a number of cities are considering "trafficking" laws to make it a crime to help a pregnant person travel on roads in that city to get an abortion in another state (like neighboring New Mexico, where abortion is still allowed). Just as the infamous Texas Senate Bill 8 allowed a private citizen to sue someone suspected of having helped a person get an abortion past about six weeks of pregnancy (before Roe vs. Wade was overturned), a private citizen would have the right to sue someone they suspected of helping a person travel on Texas roads and highways out of town for an abortion.

The idea that you could sue someone for legally driving a person to get a procedure that is legal in another state is preposterous and possibly a violation of several constitutional rights, including due process. But as with SB 8, if its enforced only through citizen lawsuits, theres no government official to sue for a constitutional violation. The point is to scare people into not traveling on roads in Texas to get abortions.

Read more: Editorial: When will Republicans get the message that people want their abortion rights?

Even scarier, in Alabama, where abortion is banned unless a person's life is in danger, Atty. Gen. Steve Marshall recently said that groups providing financial or any other kind of assistance to Alabama residents seeking an abortion out of state could be prosecuted on conspiracy charges. No one has been charged yet, but his threats have already caused one abortion assistance fund to stop providing financial help to low-income Alabama residents seeking abortions elsewhere pending a lawsuit it filed asking for court protection from anti-conspiracy laws.

These efforts are as cruel as they are mind-boggling. The Dobbs ruling, which overturned Roe, returned the decision on abortion rights to the states. That didnt mean it gave states the right to thwart its residents travel plans. Pregnant people leaving the state are not fugitive slaves escaping the plantation.

It's heartening to witness the progress Mexico has made in restoring rights  and its maddening to see the destruction of those rights continue in the U.S.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Time and again, Gov. Ron DeSantis has gotten away with actions that few other governors would even consider. Among them: Vendettas against other elected officials that he pursues with the lethal enmity of a Mafia don.

When he set his sights on 9th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell, hed already ejected one duly elected prosecutor  Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren from office. It was a move that a federal judge decried as blatantly illegal (but said he was powerless to stop).

Editorial: DeSantis stages another execution of a duly elected Democrat. This one hits home

The governors lengthy justification of Worrells suspension was tailored to address many of the issues U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle listed in that fiery, despairing order and even the challenge Warren filed at the Florida Supreme Court level.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But now Worrell has fired back with a lawsuit that exposes the many factual inconsistencies in the governors suspension order. She takes devastating aim at the central assumptions DeSantis uses to buttress his wobbly argument. And she elbows aside the weak reasoning the Florida Supreme Court used as it shuffled Warrens complaint aside.

When DeSantis first suspended Worrell, we said she was well-capable of defending herself. Shes proven that beyond the shadow of a doubt.

A prosecutors job

DeSantis order reels off a procession of statistics that he uses to accuse her of neglect of duty and incompetence, including conviction rates for homicides, sexual batteries and other serious violent crimes. In each of those categories, there are other circuits where prosecutors post lower rates, Worrell said in a Thursday press conference. Meanwhile, DeSantis failed to cite specific policies Worrell enacted, or how they relate to those conviction rates.

Thats because there are none, she says. Her office evaluated each case on its own merits. But the parade of statistics is irrelevant, because Worrells prime duty as a prosecutor is not to maximize convictions. Its to seek a just outcome in every case her office handles  one that considers the strength of the evidence in each case, the potential that an accused persons rights have been violated and other factors.

Thats where her argument hits hardest. In blasting her decisions, DeSantis is taking aim at a core component of a state attorneys job: A concept known as prosecutorial discretion.

This requires a basic review of arrests that require prosecution, including all felonies and some misdemeanors. Prosecutors have the sole power to determine which charges should be formally pursued. They are also responsible for evaluating the strength of the evidence behind each case, because while police only have to establish probable cause to arrest someone, the prosecutor will eventually have to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. This review is critical to the American system of justice, because while prosecutors often work closely with law enforcement, their discretion allows them to be a critical backstop against abuse of police power.

DeSantis appointee says he got rid of catch-and-release policy at State Attorneys Office. Did it ever exist?

That sets up an inevitable conflict. Its not uncommon for police agencies to disagree with prosecutors decisions. DeSantis has adroitly exploited that, setting local law-enforcement leaders against both of the suspended prosecutors. From what we can see, that tactic is working. But DeSantis operatives have been caught lying before, and it would not surprise us to learn that strategic falsehood has played a significant role in those apparently fractured alliances.

My way or the highway

The bottom line is this: Voters who elected Worrell to head the Circuit 9 prosecutors office (which includes Orange and Osceola counties) knew she favored a model of prosecuting that puts a heavy emphasis on rehabilitation and violence prevention, with alternatives such as diversion for less-serious offenders and careful consideration of decisions to move juvenile offenders into adult court. With experience as the former head of the Ninth Circuits Conviction Integrity Unit, Worrell came into office understanding the factors that could lead to the worst outcomes of all  cases where an innocent person ends up in prison for a crime they did not commit.

As state attorney, I promised to seek justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly  and that is exactly what I have and will continue to do, she says.

Voters who were paying attention knew all this, and made it overwhelmingly clear that they wanted Worrell in office  she won election with more than 66% of votes cast. DeSantis may disagree with her style of prosecution. In fact, he seems to take issue with the idea that she should exercise any discretion at all. But Worrell doesnt work for him, and her failure to adopt his prosecutorial philosophy doesnt meet the legal requirement for removing her from office.

In essence, he suspended her for doing her job. Thats such a ridiculous over-reach that the most biased observers should be able to see it.

Its governor, not emperor

DeSantis seems increasingly convinced that his wishes and whims should govern each decision that every elected official in Florida makes  starting with the Florida Legislature.

That imperious arrogance has also breached the revered independence of Floridas judicial branch.

Poisoned by politics, courts sacrifice independence | Editorial

Which is why Worrells complaint might be doomed anyway. The state Supreme Court is packed: Five of the seven justices are DeSantis nominees, most of whom were elevated to the court despite a glaring lack of experience. Of the remaining two, one (Charles Canady) has proven to be one of the governors staunchest allies. While DeSantis routinely loses cases at the federal level, the state court has been far more indulgent of his whims.

In this case, however, the governors abuse is so egregious, so obvious that even his hand-picked acolytes will (may) have trouble denying it. Even if they do, Worrells ultimate fate is in the hands of voters. Shes already filed for re-election.

For now, however, shes offered an excellent illumination of just how far DeSantis is willing to go. In that, she retains the status she always claimed: That of public servant, defending the rights of Ninth Circuit residents just as capably as she defends herself.

There are words for times like these, words crafted by one of this nations most revered poets.

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, Ill rise.

Worrell may be out, for now. But she is not down. This time, finally, DeSantis may have picked the wrong fight.

Above excerpt is from the poem And Still I Rise, copyright 1973 by Maya Angelou.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com.
Tesla made waves when it delivered on orders of its all-electric semi truck, aptly called the Semi, last year  and now the company may get funding from the American government to build Megacharging stations for them between California and Texas.

The automaker has requested $100 million from the United States government to build nine charging stations for the Semis, according to CleanTechnica and Bloomberg. The stations will be strategically positioned between Northern California and the southern border of Texas. Each station would feature up to eight individual 750-kilowatt chargers, which means eight Semis could charge simultaneously at each of the nine stations.

The company also urged Texas state officials to send requests to the federal government on its behalf to encourage the approval of the funding.

The Semi prototype was unveiled in 2017, but the truck didnt hit the streets until 2022, when PepsiCo received 15 of the vehicles.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Semi is the first all-electric sixteen-wheeler to hit the market, per CleanTechnica. To slow the dangerous overheating of our planet, its essential that industrial shipping embraces clean energy vehicles like the Semi to curb the amount of pollution we put into the atmosphere as we transport our goods.

In 2015, 49.5 million tons of goods were shipped to and from the United States each day  an amount equivalent to 56 tons per person per year and that requires over a billion barrels of oil, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While this statistic also includes rail and barge movement, the EPA clarifies that trucks are the quickest-growing contributor to dangerous air pollution.

Clean energy vehicles like the Semi will give companies the ability to transport their goods between locations without burning dirty energy sources that directly contribute to the dangerous overheating of our planet. News of Teslas funding approval is expected to come later this year, though its unclear if the company will invest its own money in the plan if the government rejects its request.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.
Escaped convicted killer Danelo Cavalcante has again been caught on camera in Philadelphia and the latest image shows he has altered his appearance. Image courtesy of U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia/Twitter

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Escaped convicted killer Danelo Cavalcante has again been caught on camera in Philadelphia and the latest image shows he has altered his appearance.

Cavalcante, 34, was spotted earlier this week with a beard and long, dark hair. Early Sunday morning, the U.S. Marshals Service of Philadelphia released new images that show Cavalcante clean-shaven in a hooded sweatshirt and ball cap. He is also believed to have stolen a vehicle.

Last night prison escapee Danelo Calvalcante was seen in the Phoexniville area of Chester County. He was clean-shaven, hooded sweatshirt, hat, green pants, and white shoes. He is possibly operating a white vehicle. Call 911 or the PSP Tipline at 717-562-2987 with information. pic.twitter.com/NXn9LHqnuB U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) September 10, 2023

Investigators have asked for the publics assistance in locating a 2020 Ford Transit van that Cavalcante is believed to have stolen. Image courtesy of U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia/Twitter

"Last night prison escapee Danelo Calvalcante was seen in the Phoenixville area of Chester County. He was clean-shaven, hooded sweatshirt, hat, green pants, and white shoes," the U.S. Marshals tweeted. "He is possibly operating a white vehicle. Call 911 or the PSP Tipline at 717-562-2987 with information."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Pennsylvania State Police said Sunday that residents in the Phoenixville area "may no longer see a large law enforcement presence" as leads have indicated Cavalcante is no longer in the area.

Dylan Cavalcante, 34, is about 5 feet tall and weighs about 120 pounds. Investigators say he has changed his appearance and stolen a white 2020 Ford Transit van. Image courtesy of U.S. Marshal Service Philadelphia/Twitter

Cavalcante is about 5 feet tall and weighs about 120 pounds. There is a $20,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

Phoenixville is approximately 23 miles from the Chester County Prison, where Cavalcante escaped from on Aug. 31.

He was serving a life sentence for killing his ex-girlfriend Deborah Brandao in 2021. Brandoa's two young children were in the home when Cavalcante stabbed Brandao to death.

Cavalcante is also wanted in Brazil where he faces charges related to a 2017 killing.

Investigators have asked for the public's assistance in locating a 2020 Ford Transit van that Cavalcante is believed to have stolen. The van was reported stolen by Baily's Dairy in West Chester, Pa., according to the Chester County District Attorney.

@USMS_Philly and @PAStatePolice seek the public's assistance in locating a 2020 Ford Transit van. Investigators believe fugitive Danelo Calvalcante stole the van. There is damage on the left rear fender and a cooling unit on top. Anyone with info is asked to call 717-562-2987. pic.twitter.com/JoP7Z66kKo U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) September 10, 2023

The van has damage on its left rear fender, a cooling unit on top and Pennsylvania license plate ZST-8818.
Power grid attacks doubled from the first quarter of 2022 to the same period in 2023, Politico reported.

Many of these attacks can be traced to right-wing extremism.

One expert also told Politico that spikes have coincided with the 2020 and 2022 election seasons.

The number of attacks on power infrastructure across the United States is on the rise, a new report from Politico says, and political extremism is playing a role.

Politico found that the number of power grid attacks in the first three months of 2023 had doubled compared to the same time period in 2022. In 2022, the biggest attack on a power grid affected 45,000 people in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Insider previously reported.

Right-wing extremism has played a major role, Insider reported, as neo-Nazi groups target power grids because of their belief in "accelerationism," that is, the theory that destabilizing acts will catalyze a race war.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Power grid attacks spiked during both the 2020 and 2022 election seasons, Manny Cancel, senior vice president at the North American Electric Reliability Corp, told Politico.

Power grids have suffered from both physical and cyber attacks in recent years. The FBI has warned power executives to remain diligent and aware of threats to the grid, Politico reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Members of the Qatar Emiri Air Force load up Lekhwiya's International Search and Rescue Group equipments onto a military cargo aircraft headed to Morocco to provide support on the ground, in Doha

Members of the Qatar Emiri Air Force load up Lekhwiya's International Search and Rescue Group equipments onto a military cargo aircraft headed to Morocco to provide support on the ground, in Doha

(Reuters) - Following are some of the offers of aid and support from foreign governments following the powerful earthquake that struck Morocco late on Friday.

SPAIN

A Spanish military search and rescue unit with 56 officers and four sniffer dogs arrived in Morocco on Sunday, Spains Defence Minister Margarita Robles said. The unit from the Spanish Emergency Military Unit will work about 100 km (60 miles) south of Marrakech. A second team of 30 people and 4 dogs was heading to Morocco.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said earlier that Spain had received a formal request for help from Morocco, in a call from his Moroccan counterpart.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

UNITED STATES

The United States dispatched a small team of disaster experts to Morocco to assess the situation, identify unmet humanitarian needs and work with the government of Morocco to identify additional support. A U.S. official said the team arrived on the ground on Sunday.

BRITAIN

Britain said it was deploying 60 search and rescue specialists and 4 dogs on Sunday, as well as a four person medical assessment team.

FRANCE

France said on Sunday it is ready to help Morocco and is awaiting a formal request for assistance.

"Moroccan authorities know exactly what can be delivered, the nature (of what can be delivered) and the timing ... We are at their disposal. We did everything we could do ... The second they request this aid, it will be deployed," President Emmanuel Macron said during a news conference at the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Separately, the Foreign Ministry said it was activating a fund of local government contributions to support solidarity actions. At this stage nearly 2 million euros ($2.14 million)have been pledged, it said. Additionally, many French companies have contacted the ministry to say they intend to contribute to France's support efforts.

Telecoms group Orange said on Saturday that it would lift charges for its mobile clients for fixed and mobile calls as well as SMS to Morocco, until Sept. 16. Its units in Belgium, Poland, Romania and Slovakia have also announced free communications to Morocco for a week.

ISRAEL

Israel's Magen David Adom national medical and disaster emergency service said on Saturday that its head contacted the president of Moroccan Red Crescent with an offer of help.

"Representatives from Magen David Adom are gearing up to depart within the next few hours," it said in a statement. "They will be joining hands with delegations from the Ministry of Health and the Israel Defense Forces."

ALGERIA

Algeria, which broke off ties with Morocco two years ago, said it would open its air space for humanitarian and medical flights to Morocco. In a statement on Saturday, Algeria's presidency said it was ready to provide humanitarian aid and offer all its material and human capabilities in solidarity with the Moroccan people, if Morocco requests such help.

On Sunday, the Foreign Ministry said Algiers has prepared emergency and medical teams along with humanitarian aid, to be dispatched to Morocco if Rabat approved.

TUNISIA

Tunisia has assembled a team, which is waiting to depart pending authorisation from Morocco, to support search and rescue efforts, a spokesperson for the country's civil protection agency said on Sunday. Interior Ministry officials said earlier that the team had already arrived in Morocco. The team includes about 50 paramedics and personnel from a specialized unit, and search dogs, as well as advanced thermal monitoring devices, a drone to detect victims under the rubble and a field hospital.

TURKEY

Turkey's AFAD disaster management authority said on Saturday that 265 aid workers from AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent and other Turkish NGOs were ready to travel to the quake region if Morocco calls for international assistance. It also said that Turkey was ready to deliver 1,000 tents to the affected areas. By Sunday the team had not yet departed.

KUWAIT

Kuwaits Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah directed the government to provide all necessary relief supplies for Morocco, the state news agency (KUNA) said on Saturday.

OMAN

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman ordered rescue teams and urgent relief and medical aid to be sent to Morocco, the Omani state news agency said on Sunday.

TAIWAN

Taiwans fire department said on Saturday it had put a team of 120 rescuers on standby to go to Morocco the moment they get instructions from Taiwans foreign ministry.

($1 = 0.9347 euros)

(Reporting by Reuters bureaus; Compiled by Frances Kerry; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle and Giles Elgood)
HANOI (Reuters) - The United States and Vietnam announced new deals and partnerships as U.S. President Joe Biden visited Hanoi on Sunday including billions of dollars in plane orders, heightened human rights discussions, digital economy education and semiconductor design centers.

Here are the highlights:

BOEING AND VIETNAM AIR

Vietnam Airlines has agreed to buy about 50 Boeing 737 Max jets in a deal valued at about $7.5 billion. The deal will support "over 33,000 direct and indirect jobs" in the U.S., the White House said in a statement.

AMKOR, MARVELL, SYNOPSIS INVEST IN VIETNAM

Arizona's Amkor Technology will start operations at a new $1.6 billion factory in Bac Ninh Province in October, the White House said. Delaware's Marvell Technology and California's Synopsys, will invest in semiconductor design and incubation centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon, respectively.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

AI FOR EMERGING MARKETS

Microsoft will make a "generative AI-based solution tailored for Vietnam and emerging markets," the White House said, while NVIDIA will partner with Vietnam's FPT, Viettel and Vingroup on AI in the country.

HUMAN RIGHTS

The two countries have an "enhanced commitment" to talking about human rights, the U.S. said, building on the decades-old U.S.-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue, an annual meeting.

The United States and the United Nations recently criticized Vietnam's detention of members of an environmental group as part of a wider trend of Vietnamese authorities targeting free speech.

ILLEGAL FISHING

The U.S. is helping to "build Vietnamese capacity to fight regional and international transnational crime," the White House said, including "illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing."

China and Vietnam have a long-simmering dispute about fishing and other rights in the South China Sea; Beijing claims the waters almost entirely, ignoring other nations' exclusive economic zones.

US WAR LEGACY

The U.S. will expand its efforts to address lingering damage from the Vietnam war, which ended in 1975, including increasing funding from $183 million to $300 million for a dioxin remediation project in the Bien Hoa Air Base area.

Dioxin is a component of agent orange toxic herbicides sprayed by the U.S. during the war.

The U.S. will also provide an additional $25 million to clear unexploded ordnances in Vietnam; these efforts have totaled more than $230 million since 1993, the White House said.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose, Doina Chiacu. Editing by Heather Timmons and Cynthia Osterman)
This June, a teen named Jayden Cannon in Hoover, Alabama, received a notice from the Ross Bridge homeowners association that he would have to give up his beloved pet tortoise, Fred, because it wasnt on the list of approved pets, AL.com reported.

One Redditor shared the news on r/Birmingham alongside the headline, Ross Bridge HOA serves eviction notice to pet tortoise. This is why everyone hates HOAs.

The story gained traction online thanks to an Instagram page  @save_fredthetortoise  which is raising funds to fight the HOAs decision. As of July 1, it had gathered $1,200 in donations and presales of Save Fred t-shirts, according to AL.com.

According to Cannon and his family, the tortoise isnt loud, dangerous, messy, or any kind of a nuisance to the neighborhood. Hes even useful because he eats the grass in their backyard  a zero-effort, zero-pollution plan for lawn maintenance. I havent had to cut the grass in three years, Cannon said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The family isnt sure who contacted the HOA about their pet. We think they just saw him in the neighborhood, and someone reported it, Cannon told AL.com.

According to the news report, Cannon has had Fred since Christmas 2015. While the Sulcata tortoise isnt on the HOAs list of approved pets, Cannon believes he should be grandfathered in since the list was created after he got Fred. He also pointed out that there are many other unapproved pets in the neighborhood, like ferrets and snakes.

In a case like this, where a community disagrees with an HOAs rules, it is often possible to change the rules using the associations own internal procedures. The family could also appeal for an exception, which would be up to the HOA to grant.

Reddit commenters hated seeing what the Ross Bridge HOA was doing to Cannon and to Fred. Thats so petty! said one user.

Luckily, this time, the media attention seems to have paid off. The family later received word that the HOA had reversed its decision, AL.com reported. The Cannons will use the money they raised for a party where community members can meet Fred.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.
A hiker was lost in Katmai National Park due to poor visibility and bad weather.

The stranded man came across a wildlife camera and signaled desperately for help.

Fans watching the camera to catch a glimpse of fat bears alerted authorities and the man was rescued.

A hiker lost in the Alaskan wilderness has fat bears to thank for his rescue.

The man got lost while hiking in Katmai National Park due to poor visibility and bad weather conditions. With no cell signal and worsening weather on the trail, he was stuck in a situation mountain hikers recognize as dangerous whether they're taking on Everest or the Dumpling Mountain overlook trail described by Katmai National Park Service as "moderately strenuous."

When the hiker came across a wildlife camera operated by Explore.org, he signaled for help, giving the camera a thumbs down and audibly asked for help, a representative the organization told Insider.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Thankfully, the camera he came across was one seeing an increase in live viewership ahead of the national park's annual Fat Bear Week, preparations for which begin ramping up at the end of September. The fat bear competition encourages fans of wildlife to try to identify the largest bear spotted on wildlife cameras as the creatures bulk up ahead of their winter hibernation, ultimately crowning one fan-favorite bear fattest of them all.

Fans of Fat Bear Week who were watching the wildlife camera's livestream alerted authorities shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, that they'd seen the stranded hiker signing for help. Within four hours of being spotted, the Explore.org representative told Insider, Katmai park rangers launched a search, found the man unharmed, and brought him back to safety.

Explore.org posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, praising the bear cam fans and Katmai park rangers, saying: "Bear Cam saves a hiker's life!"

"That was a first for the bear cams for sure," Mike Fitz, a naturalist with Explore.org and creator of Fat Bear Week, told The Washington Post, adding that there was only about 50 feet of visibility that day due to the rain and wind, and thanking fan cam watchers for aiding in the man's rescue.

Representatives for Katmai National Park did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.

Through the livestream, anxious viewers who had alerted authorities of the man's plight were able to watch as rangers located and rescued the man, bringing him back to safety, The Post reported.

"Aaaand I'm crying because I'm so relieved. I first noticed that hiker about 3.5 hrs ago," one commenter posted in the livestream chat, per The Post. "Those rangers made it up there fast!"

Read the original article on Insider
Training of Ukrainian military from the 3rd separate air assault brigade near Bakhmut, September 7, 2023

Over 30 military clashes took place on Sept. 9 as Ukrainian forces continued to repel Russian attacks in the east, while themselves continuing the offensive in the south, reads the morning summary by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posted on Facebook.

On the Siverskyi and Slobozhanskyi sections of the front in the north, the enemy continues to maintain a group of troops covering the state border, conducting active subversive activities in the border areas to prevent the deployment of Ukrainian troops to threatened areas, Ukraines General Staff said.

On the Kupyansk, Lyman and Bakhmut sections of the front in the northeast of the country, Russian invasion forces unsuccessfully tried to break through the Ukrainian defenses in the areas of Berestove, Orikhovo-Vasylivka and Bohdanivka. Fierce fighting continues in the area of Klishchiyivka.

Read also: Ukraines counter-offensive is an active, dynamic, but very long process  Malyar

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On the Avdiivka, Maryinka and Shakhtarsk sections of the front in east-central part of the front, Ukrainian forces continue to hold the initiative: they are holding back the enemy, conducting assault operations and recapturing the occupied territories meter by meter, the General Staff said. In particular, Ukrainian soldiers repelled about 15 enemy attacks in the vicinity of Maryinka.

Ukrainian forces are also continuing the offensive on the Melitopol section of the front, inflicting significant losses in manpower and equipment on Russian invasion forces, forcing the enemy to withdraw from their positions.

On the Kherson section of the front in the south, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct counter-battery combat, destroying enemy depots and successfully striking at the enemys rear.

Ukrainian aviation carried out eight strikes over the day on areas where enemy personnel and military equipment were concentrated.

Read also: Russia transferring additional forces to southern Ukraine, says senior national guard officer

Missile troops meanwhile hit six artillery pieces, one surface-to-air missile system, one concentration of enemy personnel and one enemy fuel and lubricant depot.

Meanwhile, the Russians continue their terror tactics, launching missile and air strikes and firing multiple rocket launchers not only at military but also at civilian targets.

Over the last day, the enemy launched two missile and 40 air strikes, and fired over 38 times with multiple rocket launchers. Settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson oblasts came under enemy fire.

Also at night, the Russian military attacked Ukraine with 32 Shahed drones, 25 of which were destroyed by air defenses. The enemy launched most of the drones at Kyiv Oblast.

The General Staff noted that the occupation authorities continue to hold sham elections for "heads and members of local councils" in the occupied territories

Read also: US mulls inclusion of ATACMS missiles in Ukraines upcoming aid package

Reportedly, the vast majority of candidates do not even have a university degree and work as janitors, security guards, and cleaners.

"The occupiers are simply using the identities (of the sham election candidates) to hide the real leaders of the occupied territories," the General Staff said.

The occupation administration is using the elections to gather data on human resources for further mobilization of residents in the occupied territories, the General Staff said.

The mobilization by an occupying power of the population under occupation for that powers own armed forces is a breach of the Geneva conventions.

The General Staff called on Ukrainians in areas currently under Russian military occupation not to participate in the Russian sham elections, and to avoid being conscripted into the Russian invasion army.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
One foreign volunteer has been confirmed killed, one missing, and two others injured in Donetsk Oblast after their van came under Russian artillery fire on Sept. 9. The volunteers, from the NGO Road to Relief were driving near the front-line town of Chasiv Yar around 10 a.m. when the attack took place, the organization reported.

According to the organization's Instagram page, there were four volunteers inside the vehicle: German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick, Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr, Canadian volunteer Anthony Tonko Ihnat, and Spanish volunteer and Road to Relief Director Emma Igual.

Mawick and Thyr were severely injured with shrapnel wounds and burns, but are both in a stable condition in separate hospitals in the area. Ihnat has been confirmed dead and his body has been retrieved, according to the organization. The status of the fourth member, Igual, remains unknown.

Road to Relief is a Ukrainian humanitarian NGO that was established in March 2022 to provide aid and support to the civilian population of Ukraine affected by the Russian invasion. According to the NGO's website, its volunteers are active in Donetsk and Kherson oblasts, "serving a total of 112 villages with a combined population of over 30,000 people."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Inching forward in Bakhmut counteroffensive, Ukraines hardened units look ahead to long, grim war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Two foreign volunteers were killed and two more were hospitalized when their car was struck by Russian shelling while driving through Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast on Sept. 9.



The slain volunteers, Emma Igual of Spain and Anthony Ignat of Canada, represented the foreign NGO Road to Relief, which helps civilians affected by the fighting in the Donbas and Kherson Oblast. Igual was the organization's director.



Road to Relief's two other representatives who were in the car, Swedish volunteer Johan Thyr and German volunteer Ruben Mawick, are hospitalized in stable condition after being "badly injured" by shrapnel and burns, according to a statement by the organization.



The group was driving from Sloviansk towards Bakhmut to assess the needs of civilians caught in crossfires in Ivanivske, Bakhmut District.



In a description of its work, the organization wrote: "At Road to Relief, the Needs Assessment team are often the first to go into front-line villages to gain clarity about the current situation, and the teams efforts have resulted in numerous evacuations and crucial aid deliveries over the 18 months that we have been in operation."



Chasiv Yar is a small town near the edge of Bakhmut. It's served as a fortress and staging ground for Ukrainian forces fighting in the area.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine controls most of Klishchiivka south of Bakhmut, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Gen. Frank McKenzie, a former commander of the United States Central Command, said Sunday the Talibans relationship with al-Qaeda is far stronger than with the United States.

McKenzie was shown a clip of President Biden in June where he responded to some of the documented failures of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, telling reporters, Remember what I said about Afghanistan? I said al-Qaeda would not be there. I said it wouldnt be there. I said we get help from the Taliban. I was right.

When asked on CBSs Face The Nation about Bidens description of the U.S. working with the Taliban, McKenzie said, While [the Taliban] might  make some temporary accommodation as they did when we withdrew from Afghanistan, they werent to be trusted, and they actually have a long-term familial and customary relationship with al-Qaeda, and its very difficult to think that would change. I think that relationship is far stronger than any potential relationship they choose with the United States.

McKenzie said everything he read in intelligence reporting up until April 2022 led him to believe the Taliban would act only in the light of their very best interests.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In February 2020, the U.S. reached a deal with the Taliban, known as the Doha Agreement, wherein the U.S. agreed to withdraw all U.S. forces from Afghanistan by May 2021. In exchange, the Taliban agreed to participate in a peace process and refrain from attacking U.S. troopers and threatening Afghanistans major cities.

More than a year later, the Biden administration withdrew U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021 in a chaotic two-week evacuation, promoting later criticism from House Republicans over how the administration handled the situation.

McKenzie retired from active duty in April, months after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He previously said he advised Biden to maintain 2,500 troopers in the country, but Biden instead pursued a complete withdrawal.

Last year, McKenzie warned of a reduced intelligence capability in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal, saying he believes the U.S. has a very, very limited ability to see into Afghanistan.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The new head of the Fort Worth Chamber is aiming to focus the organization more on supporting small businesses and increasing the value of a chamber membership.

Steve Montgomery was announced as the chambers new chief executive officer in June after a months-long search for a new leader. His appointment came after a restructuring that spun off economic development efforts to a new organization.

In recent sign of the chambers new focus, it announced in August a new chief operations officer who will oversee membership engagement. Jared Sloane, the former Accelerate DFW CEO, will also work to grow business retention and expansion operations and initiatives in business intelligence.

With all of our big, major, local employers, Montgomery told the Star-Telegram, I want to make sure I nurture those relationships and continue to grow them, but also focus on small businesses. We have a lot of companies in this town that are members of the chamber that need attention. We need to show them that we appreciate their membership and that we can bring value to them.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Fort Worth Chamber, which is the largest in Tarrant County, has about 2,000 investor businesses.

Early on in his career, Montgomery worked on Capitol Hill after receiving a political science degree from UT Austin. After spending a few years on the East Coast, he returned to his hometown of Fort Worth and has been in the city for more than three decades.

Over the years, Montgomery spent time in the public sector, doing government policy and advocacy work, and the private sector as an executive to a small healthcare data business for nearly two decades.

I honestly feel like Ive been training for this my entire career, Montgomery said.

When Montgomery started at OZ Systems, the company had three employees and no revenue. Over 17 years, Montgomery helped grow the business to generate $10 million to $11 million in revenue and employ more than 50 people. His duties ranged from government sales, finance and accounting to human resources and operations.

I can credibly look business owners in the eye and say, I know what youre going through, I know your challenges, Montgomery said. I can relate to that and hopefully help advocate for them, understanding their challenges and their priorities.

Montgomery said he hopes advocacy for small businesses will help grow a vibrant economy in Fort Worth.

Montgomery also spent six years running his own consulting firm. Some of his clients included Trinity Metro and the Fort Worth Chamber on a contract that ended in June. He was also on the JPS Hospital board for several years.

My commitment and fidelity to Fort Worth runs deep, Montgomery said. Ive spent my life here. Ive built my businesses here. All my extended family is in the area, so this is home. This may sound corny, but I truly believe a well functioning chamber has true civic value.

The chambers former leader, Brandom Gengelbach, stepped down in February after seven years with the organization. In March, the chamber announced the restructuring that created the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, led by Robert Allen, a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Greg Abbott. The partnership now focuses more on business attraction and recruitment, while the chamber emphasizes business retention.

Montgomery said chamber investors can expect collaboration with the Economic Development Partnership, but not a duplication of services.

(Allen) is trying to establish his budget and figure out how we can staff it, and Im coming in to sort of restructure an organization, Montgomery said. So we have a little bit different tasks at hand, but were running in parallel.

The partnership will get the majority of revenue generated by both entities in the beginning as the organization gets up and running, Montgomery said. Investors will be made aware what percentage of their contributions are going towards each entity, Montgomery said. And smaller investors will have the option for their funds to stay within the chamber.

Theres total transparency on that. There has to be, Montgomery said.

It remains to be determined when funding would shift from majority focus on the FWEDP to a more even distribution, Montgomery said.

It just really depends on how the investments come and how quickly he can get set up and start getting some successes under his belt, Montgomery said. Were going to depend on each others success. I cant be successful without him being successful, and we both realize that.

Allen said the chambers existing work is critically important.

Servicing the business community thats here, the advocacy work, the infrastructure work, the awareness piece those are critically important as we move forward with the workforce talent development piece, Allen said.

While the FWEDP is governed by a separate board of directors, Allen said he hopes the organizations will complement each other and work so closely that the community cannot see a difference on the outside.

When youre talking about putting together the team thats going to respond to a new business inquiry, thats going to be something the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership handles, Allen said. But again, to reinforce very importantly, in very close coordination with our partners across the board. I think the community may not see much tangible difference frankly.

Advanced manufacturing, healthcare innovation and aerospace and aviation are a few of the first industries Allen hopes to target with the FWEDP. The organization will also aim to work together with the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

In early August, the FWEDP announced Jessica Heer, the Dallas Regional Chambers former senior vice president for regional marketing, would become the Fort Worth organizations new executive vice president. Heers work will focus on creating groundbreaking strategies that position Fort Worth at the forefront of economic progress.
MANHATTAN  It hasn't been two years since he arrived in the Sunflower State, and Richard Linton has already been in more than 80 of Kansas 105 counties.

The Kansas State University president has walked through the wheat fields of far western Kansas. Hes stepped through each of the states public universities and most of the community colleges.

And in meeting with ground-level community members and statewide leaders, Linton has come away with one impression.

K-State can do better  and be better  as it, the nations first land-grant university, redefines what it means to educate and serve the people of Kansas.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Its about re-envisioning and re-imagining what the general foundation is of a land-grant university, which is around research, teaching and outreach and engagement through cooperative extension, Linton said. All were doing is if we could have that foundation and create a land-grant university from scratch and knowing whats important, what might that look like?

Kansas State University leaders on Friday formally unveiled Next-Gen K-State, the universitys ambitious plan to reinvent the concept of the land-grant mission and propel the university to be a national and world-leading institution by the year 2030.

K-State president Richard Linton receives a standing ovation as he makes a brief appearance at the 2023 State of the University on Friday afternoon in the K-State student union. Linton is undergoing treatment for throat and tongue cancer, a diagnosis he shared with the K-State community in August.

Linton spoke with The Capital-Journal ahead of Fridays State of the University address, which was given by chief of staff Marshall Stewart. Although he attended and spoke briefly at the address, the president is delegating some university leadership duties to Stewart while he undergoes treatment for tongue and throat cancer  news of which he shared with the K-State community over the summer.

But the plan, Linton points out, is much more than a single leader or even team.

To thrust K-State into the future, it will take university administration, faculty, staff, students, industry leaders and community stakeholders.

Its been a great year and a half, and to work at Kansas State, its just been an incredibly supportive network as we all try to work to make the institution better, Linton said. Our goal is to be the best land-grant university we can for the state of Kansas, and were calling that Next-Gen K-State.

After years of enrollment slide, K-State plan is 30,000 students by 2030

The university-wide vision and plan, as unveiled Friday, focuses on several measures to grow the universitys size, scope and vision as it seeks to fulfill its academic and research mission.

Linton, however, outlined three main areas of focus for K-State  teaching, research activity and community engagement through extension.

As far as student service, the past decade has been unkind to K-State in terms of enrollment. While many universities across the Midwest have seen slides in student counts as more high schoolers opt against pursuing higher education, K-State has been disproportionately affected, dropping gains over the past two decades and falling to enrollment levels not seen since the turn of the millennium.

The Next-Gen K-State plan, however, will hold university leaders accountable to reversing that trend by rethinking the universitys enrollment, which traditionally has been Kansas high school students seeking four-year undergraduate degrees across K-States Manhattan, Salina and Olathe campuses.

K-State chief of staff Marshall Stewart delivers remarks as he hosts the 2023 State of the University.

The plan calls for the university to reach 30,000 students by the year 2030  split between 23,000 to 25,000 students pursuing traditional college degrees either in-person on campus or online, and 5,000 to 7,000 students looking for alternative credentials.

On the teaching side, we typically think of students who physically come onto campus to get a four-year degree and graduate with that degree, when the actual true mission of a land-grant university is to provide education, Linton said. And its to provide education to all of Kansas.

The K-State student of 2030 will be that undergraduate student, looking for a four-year degree.

But they will also be the student who transfers in from a partner community college, where they completed the first two years of a degree.

They will also be the nontraditional student who comes onto campus not even looking for a degree but simply needing a credit-bearing class that makes sense for their career.

It might even be someone who is not looking for a degree at all, Linton said. Lets say for example theres someone who is 45 years old and working for Cargill who wants to elevate his career through data analytics. Well, data analytics didnt exist 20 years ago, so how can we create certificates or microcredentials to help elevate someone in their career? How can we provide certificates and microcredentials that help someone who wants to get a job but doesnt need a degree for that job?

Competing for the same, dwindling pool of traditional undergraduate students in Kansas simply doesn't make sense, Linton said.

To an extent, it is a zero-sum game.

We dont have enough of a population in this state to fully fill all of the universities, whether theyre four-year degree providers, community colleges or private universities, he said. We just dont have enough of a population. So if thats the case, we need to think about how that number can be different, and we need to look at learners outside of the state.

Over the past few years and amid ongoing efforts, K-State has created several programs to market itself at a more national level, drawing student interest from states around the country in a strategic way. Compared to land-grant universities in several other states, K-State can be the better option for many students, Linton said.

Next-Gen K-State includes a plan to boost enrollment to 30,000 "learners" by 2030.

Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, Oklahoma, California  these are all examples of states that are high target states for different reasons, the president said. Kids want to come from California to Kansas for very different reasons than the kids who come from Illinois.

Were actually cheaper out-of-state for high-achieving students than it is for in-state students at the land-grant in Illinois, Linton continued. Knowing that, and knowing there are so many students who dont get accepted into those land-grants, it becomes an opportunity for us to offer those students opportunities.

Its lead to a 26% increase in out-of-state applications for the university, Linton said, and its a number he hopes to increase in the coming years.

And although fewer students from Kansas are pursuing higher education, K-State hopes to at least mitigate that number by focusing more keenly on affordability and student support.

The university in August announced an expansion to the entire state of its Land Grant Promise Act scholarship program, which guarantees free tuition for Pell-eligible students, once scholarships and other grants are considered.

Separately, but just as importantly, Linton said the university is focusing on improving its retention and graduation rates. Fewer than 50% of students graduate within four years of starting, and K-States goal is to bring that rate up to 55%, which is relatively high for most universities. The university will particularly target success for historically underrepresented students, including Hispanic students  who are one of the only growing demographics in the state.

When they do graduate, Linton said K-State will begin expecting every student to have some type of applied learning experience  be it an internship, practicum, apprenticeship, studies abroad or other type of real-world education.

Altogether, Linton expects the universitys efforts  combined with a $100 million push in new scholarships this past year  can make K-State more attractive for students, of all kinds.

I dont want you to be misled to think were going to go from 19,000 students to 26,000 of the same kind of students, Linton said, although he does hope to see an approximate increase of 5,000 students at K-States Manhattan campus.

What we need to do is we need to think differently, and instead of defining it as 'students,' we need to define them as learners, the president continued. Within those learners, there are students and other kinds of individuals who need education in a different way.

2030 plan calls for K-State to be a global leader in research

The second broad theme of Next-Gen K-State, Linton said, centers on the universitys research model, and how well the universitys academic output reflects the needs of the state.

When we take a look at doing research at a land-grant university, it should be first for the good of the state of Kansas, he said. When we answer that question now on what is good for the state of Kansas, we have to ask, can we help the state? Can we create jobs? Can we bolster the economy?

Much of Lintons tenure so far has been traveling across the state and meeting with industry and state government leaders, who have pointed out that Kansas economy is trending towards growth in jobs in food and advanced manufacturing, biomanufacturing and animal health and diagnosics, among other fields.

To meet that need, K-State will have to dramatically boost its research expenditures, which it will do by focusing resources on research activity and soliciting and winning state and federal grants to support that work.

The goal is $300 million in research expenditures by 2030  of which the university is making meaningful progress toward already. Compared to expenditures of about $180 million last year, K-State is already at $225 million this year.

Weve had a really strong research year, and in order for us to continue to expect that climb, its on us to be able to support the institution, Linton said. That means hiring more faculty, supporting the great faculty we already have and providing them with resources and programmatic incentives, enhancing and modernizing our research and laboratory spaces.

K-State president Richard Linton rejoins the stage at the end of the 2023 State of the University address, given by his chief of staff, Friday afternon.

Tied to enrollment as well, the university also hopes to focus on expanding its pool of graduate students who can help with tuition revenue but also boost the universitys research profile.

In terms of existing research, Linton said K-State is also rethinking how it approaches departments. Instead of singular professors or researchers siloed in separate academic units, K-State is focusing big on interdisciplinary studies, research and work.

That work, cumulatively, can establish K-State as an even bigger player at the national and worldwide levels, especially as that work pertains to agriculture.

With (the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility) coming here and with all thats being done with the strengthening of our faculty relative to global food systems, Kansas State University ought to be known as one of the very top land-grant universities for global engagement, specifically around agriculture food systems and animal health and diagnostics, Linton said.

Thats in many cases our global bread and butter, and with the food animal corridor stretching from Kansas to Missouri, this is a space that we have to take great advantage of moving forward.

Kansas communities want K-State to tackle health, housing and childcare issues

The third category of planning is engagement, which involves the universitys research and extension arm.

Traditionally, that branch of university service has been about creating a sense of better well-being and opportunities both economically and in improving the quality of life in those communities, including agribusiness, adult education and youth programs like 4-H.

But really, what cooperative extension should be is to listen to what the state, counties and communities need right now, Linton said. And as we go across the state and we ask these questions to our external stakeholders, what they really need right now is in three areas: community health, child care and housing.

K-State is framing its engagement strategy around what it is calling the "K-State Opportunity Agenda," which includes community health and well-being, sustainability, global food and biosecurity and enabling technologies.

Another issue that has come out as a pressing community need, particularly in western Kansas, is water.

(Communities) expect Kansas State to lead a major water initiative that enables our state to be prepared for the water shortage challenges of today and tomorrow, Linton said, referring to the university's efforts to develop a water institute to lead and solve water shortage solutions. Its taking a look at programs that help maximize the water we have in the state, and its going to vitally important for so many industries.

Prioritizing those programs doesnt mean leaving those traditional avenues of service behind, the president said. It will, however, mean more of a focus on creating those interdisciplinary teams to tackle pressing community and societal issues.

Engagement will also mean more than going out into communities, such as through the K-State 105 initiative to enhance the universitys presence in each county.

It will also mean inviting more industry and business leaders onto K-States campuses and hosting them alongside faculty to work together on solving economic and community issues.

Its listening to stakeholders across the state, Linton said. Its listening to faculty about what they think is important. Its about melting that together, and thats your sweet spot in the work you need to do. Two things are going to be important in that spot: large, bold interdisciplinary teams and private-public partnerships.

For too long, higher education institutions have been slow or reticent to adopt that model of working with industry, and the university has to make one message clear to the state, Linton said: K-State is open for business.

With public-private partnerships, imagine the possibility of having a new building with these interdisciplinary teams and having industry in the building that gains value from working with these interdisciplinary teams, or working with students so that they can work every day on real, applied problems, Linton said.

Thats where change is made.

How K-State will held itself accountable to 2030

The Next-Gen K-State strategic vision builds on and replaces K-State 2025, a similar plan started by former president Kirk Schulz in 2010 to take the university to greater heights within the next 15 years.

That plan, while foundational in the way it involved every single sector across the university, ran into various roadblocks, including stagnant state support and dwindling tuition dollars.

Where we were challenged in that plan, is we had a financial catastrophe that happened right afterward, and it was difficult to provide the resources that would enable us to get there, Linton said. "And because we didnt have the resources, we didnt have a watchdog team that could always be watching and thinking on how we were doing in meeting the metrics  how much progress we made.

Next-Gen K-State will have an appointed team of university leaders to hold the university accountable to its goals, Linton said.

Additionally, K-State will compare its progress to peer universities with similar profiles as K-State is today  such as Auburn University, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, the University of Arkansas and the University of Nebraska  and aspirational institutions that reflect how K-State wishes to see itself.

Those include Colorado State, Louisiana State, North Carolina State, Oregon State, Purdue and Georgia universities.

Right now, K-State is marketing itself around the state as the University for Kansans, a tagline that perhaps sounds much like the name of its peer institution down the Kansas River.

K-State president Richard Linton and his chief of staff Marshall Stewart urge the university community to buy into the university's Next-Gen K-State plan to redefine the mission of a land-grant institution.

Any suggestion aside, Linton says that push is part of a larger effort to reclaim Kansas and let the state know that it is first and foremost, a land-grant university by the state and for the state. Later on, that marketing effort will reflect that K-State is also a university for the nation, and ultimately, for the world.

As Linton reflected on his travels around the state so far, he said hes found an incredible passion by Kansans for K-State  asking what the university can do for them, and what they can do for the university.

At the top of that list is building a talent pipeline, stimulating the economy and creating jobs.

People are very happy to see a president going around the state, the president said. We werent as present as we could have been, and certainly COVID was a big part of that. But I noticed that the resilience in people around the state to support the land-grant is very strong, and it doesnt take much."

"It takes being present, and listening," he added, "and doing what people would you to do to make the difference."

Rafael Garcia is an education reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached at rgarcia@cjonline.com or by phone at 785-289-5325. Follow him on Twitter at @byRafaelGarcia.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Next-Gen K-State 2030 promises student enrollment, research growth
GOP casino plan

Regarding Adding 4 new casinos will cause harm to my community, others, (Sept. 8 Opinion):

Republicans leaders in North Carolina want to lower taxes for the rich. They want the hard-working middle class and the poor people to foot the bill to support our state government.

Adding four casinos is just a way for the Republican leadership, House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger, to justify lowering the income tax. They make up revenue losses by increasing fees, which the rest of us have to pay for.

When will the voters of North Carolina realize that Republicans do not care about the working class in our state?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ted Dunn, Pittsboro

Budget delay

Thank you for reporting on the NC GOP leadership focus on casinos. This might explain why they havent yet passed a budget. Maybe someone can get then to re-focus on whats important?

John Price, Cary

Canceling school

Aug. 31 was a beautiful day in Raleigh and yet school was canceled. Why? There was a chance of a hurricane, and also a chance that someone somewhere in our far flung school system may have trouble getting to school. So let us be safe and cancel

We are finally seeing the problems that result from our huge unified school system. Let us go back to separate school systems in Cary, Raleigh, Garner, Wake Forest and maybe other places. Some benefits: less distances to cover, more neighborhood schools, less busing, and more local control.

Ben Owens, Raleigh

Clean energy?

The writer is a former visiting professor in UNCs Department of Sociology.

Regarding Proposed NC bill defines nuclear power as clean energy, (Sept. 6):

As any critically trained ecologist knows, technologies like natural gas fracking and nuclear power are neither clean nor sustainable. With informed political leadership and directed investments in solar, wind, bio-fuels, geothermal, and serious conservation policies, hundreds of academic studies show that the U.S. could be largely carbon-free and off the fossil fuel treadmill by 2050 or 2060  without building one more coal, gas or nuclear plant.

Before the N.C. legislature votes on this risky and deceptive bill, I suggest they study the health problems of the tens of thousands of citizens impacted by the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl or Fukushima nuclear disasters.

Clean energy? I think not.

Anthony Ladd, Carrboro

Gun violence

The writer is a minister and activist in Durham.

Following the tragic Aug. 28 shooting at UNC-Chapel Hill there was a renewed call to stop gun violence. Yet, in the days that followed there were several deadly shootings in Durham, less than 20 minutes away. Few raised an eyebrow, as the murder of African-American men seems to have been normalized.

Most disturbing is the silence among those running for office this fall, as far as offering new answers to a question that has plagued the Bull City for more than two decades. How do we effectively stop the gun violence on the streets?

The city has spent millions of taxpayer dollars on solutions, such as the Bull City United violence interruption program, that have yielded dubious tangible results. Meanwhile, blood is spilled daily on Durham streets.

Durham voters must demand to know if the current candidates plan to reassess the money being funneled to current solutions. Or, will it be business as usual in the Bull-et City?

Paul Scott, Durham

Southern dialect

Regarding Well help you talk the talk like youre from around here, even if youre from Oregon, (Aug. 26):

It was not until I started in the sociolinguistic program at N.C. State University that I learned that having an accent or dialect was not something to be ashamed of. Whether you are from Oregon or North Carolina, language is meant to be celebrated. The words and phrases we use tell stories about our cultures and local histories. So when you hear one of those Southern phrases remember the importance of language diversity and education. We should celebrate our cultural and historical legacy, but we must also eliminate the discrimination and prejudice that has been associated with Southern varieties of English.

Haley M. Kinsler, Raleigh
(Bloomberg) -- Group of 20 leaders agreed on a joint statement including compromise language on Russias invasion of Ukraine that won praise from the US and its allies but drew bitter criticism from Kyiv.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The phrasing was hammered out in eleventh-hour negotiations and largely repeated the references used in last years text. But efforts by the US and its allies to toughen criticism of Russias invasion ran into fierce opposition from Moscow  and for a time  China. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping both skipped the New Delhi summit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Seeking to prevent a diplomatic failure for India, this years G-20 host and a key partner, the US and its allies agreed to language that focused on points that enjoyed unanimous support from the groups members, leaving out some phrasing from last years statement describing their opposition to the war that was more critical of Russia.

US and European diplomats hailed the compromise as tough on Moscow, highlighting the importance of the broad support for key points. But Ukraine was disappointed in the outcome of a meeting that left out President Volodomyr Zelenskiy, who virtually addressed last years G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Nothing to be proud of, Oleg Nikolenko, spokesman at the Foreign Ministry, said in a Facebook post. While he said Kyiv was grateful to allies who tried to include stronger wording, he said Ukraine wanted to see explicit reference to Russias war of aggression against Ukraine.

The latest text removed a reference to the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine used last year when citing a UN resolution. While this years statement mentioned the resolution, it didnt quote from it directly.

The agreed text allowed India to claim a diplomatic success from the meeting, a key showcase for Prime Minister Narendra Modi .

This is a complete statement with 100% unanimity, said Amitabh Kant, Indias top G-20 negotiator. This demonstrates both the prime ministers and Indias great ability to bring all developing countries, all emerging markets, all developed countries, China, Russia, everybody together on the same table and bring consensus.

The US and other Group of Seven nations also praised the outcome, rejecting assertions that it watered down support for Ukraine.

This is good and is a success because for a long time, it wasnt apparent that we would get this far, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters.

Russias chief negotiator, Svetlana Lukash, also praised the agreed text on Ukraine as balanced, the result of very difficult negotiations, according to a video from state news agency Tass.

The main difference in the text agreed to this year is the removal of most phrasing that expressed divergent opinions over issues such as sanctions and direct condemnation of Russias war, replacing it with unanimously supported views backed up with references to United Nations principles.

The line in last years text that said most members strongly condemned the war isnt repeated in this years draft, which instead highlights areas of agreement including the tenets of the UN Charter against using force and in favor of territorial integrity. Unlike last years text, it also left out the controversial issue of sanctions, on which the members couldnt agree.

Allies of Ukraine highlighted a part of the new text that welcomes efforts to reach a comprehensive, just and durable peace in Ukraine. The final statement again referred to Russias war in Ukraine, rather than the war against Ukraine, phrasing that the US and its allies had sought and Moscow opposed.

This years version also includes todays era must not be of war  a phrase Modi has frequently repeated since the invasion.

Disagreements over the phrasing had threatened to derail efforts to produce an agreed communique. Diplomats worked nearly around the clock in recent days to hammer out the text. Host country India had pushed to ensure a deal was reached, participants said.

The Ukraine references are a relatively small part of the document, which covers issues from the global economic outlook to climate change.

The text warns that cascading crises have posed challenges to long-term economic growth and calls for coordinated macroeconomic policies to support the world economy. It warns that uncertainty on the economic outlook remains high and the balance of risks is tilted to the downside.

The G-20 agreed on measures to expand lending by multilateral institutions like the World Bank. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the steps could yield as much as $200 billion in extra funding over a decade.

China dropped initial resistance to language on climate change, diplomats said.

The final text also mentions US plans to host the G-20 summit in 2026, something that Beijing had initially questioned.

--With assistance from Kateryna Choursina and Samy Adghirni.

(Updates with German, Russian reaction from tenth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Xi sends congratulatory letter to 2023 Pujiang Innovation Forum

Xinhua) 13:20, September 10, 2023

BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 2023 Pujiang Innovation Forum which opened Sunday in Shanghai.

In his letter, Xi noted that the world today is living through accelerating changes unseen in a century, and a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is gaining momentum. Scientific and technological innovation is an important force for humankind to jointly address risks and challenges and promote peace and development.

China will firmly pursue a mutually beneficial and win-win strategy of opening up, continue to expand high-level opening up, continue to promote international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation with a more open mindset and a broader range of measures, build a globally competitive open innovation ecosystem, and work with other countries to create an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for scientific and technological development, Xi said.

It is hoped that the Pujiang Innovation Forum will adhere to the theme of innovation, inspire innovative ideas, spread innovative thoughts, augment innovative spirits, and make new contributions to advancing international scientific and technological cooperation and enhancing the common well-being of humankind, Xi added.

Themed "Open Innovation Ecosystem: Innovation for Global Connectivity," the 2023 Pujiang Innovation Forum is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai municipal government.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chaolan)
The G20 summit in India has ended without the usual family photo, as some members questioned the watered-down language used in the joint declaration issued by leaders in relation to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Most of the leaders departed from Delhi earlier in the day, having paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial on the banks of the Yamuna River. The absence of the customary group photograph  intended to signify unity between the worlds largest economies  exemplified the fact that deep divisions still remain over the Ukraine war.

The leaders declaration, which was formally adopted on Sunday, bemoans the human suffering caused by the Ukraine conflict, but contains no direct mention or condemnation of Russia having started the war, and speaks only in general terms about the need to respect the territorial integrity of other nations. Kyiv said the declaration was nothing to be proud of.

Earlier drafts of the declaration are reported to have featured stronger language in relation to Russia, but a senior European Union official who was part of the negotiations said that it would have spelt the end of the G20 as an organisation if the leaders had not agreed to the watered-down version.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ukraine was the most contentious issue. Extremely different positions were on the table to find the consensus, but it was Indias presidency and we believe in consensus, so we had to accept that, the official said.

If the EU had written it, it would have been quite different and quite strong.

Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida said Russias aggression in Ukraine had shaken the foundations of the G20.

Today, as the world faces compounding crises, collaboration at the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation is becoming increasingly important. Russias aggression on Ukraine is shaking the very foundation of cooperation at the G20 ... [and] it is causing an enormous impact to the world economy, he said.

Some of the leaders present, including Rishi Sunak, have praised the wording of the declaration while going much further themselves in condemning Russia. The British prime minister insisted that the statement included very strong language about Russias illegal war in Ukraine, adding: As you can see from this summit, Russia is completely isolated.

French president Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that a vast majority of G20 members condemned Russias war and aggression, even if this was not explicitly stated in the declaration. The G20 confirms the isolation of Russia, he said. And the entire G20 also commits to just and lasting peace in Ukraine ... [as well as] a reminder of our support for territorial integrity.

That is not how the summit will be remembered by Russia, however: the countrys foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, boasted to journalists of a diplomatic victory for Vladimir Putin.

The declaration is not a condemnation of Russia. It does not even mention Russia. I express gratitude to our Indian partners for not politicising the G20, he told a press conference, adding that Western allies of Ukraine had failed to Ukrainianise the agenda of the summit.

British prime minister Rishi Sunak signs the Peace Wall at the Raj Ghat (Anadolu Agency via Getty)

Derek Grossman, a senior defence analyst at the US-based Rand Corporation, said that the summit had been a big win for Moscow. New Delhi took the lowest common denominator approach of not even mentioning Russia as the aggressor, he said.

At the same time, he described the adoption of the New Delhi declaration as a truly remarkable feat, considering the deepening divisions over Ukraine.

Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington DC, told The Independent: The only way there was going to be a declaration was if there was no denunciation of Russia. That was Moscows red line.

So it may be a watered-down document, but that was necessary for a consensus. The US and its Western allies were likely appeased by the inclusion of language referring to the damaging economic consequences of the war and the need to abide by UN principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

With the declaration having been published on Saturday, a day earlier than expected, arguably the main event of Sundays agenda was the group visit to the Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat.

Some leaders, including Mr Sunak, the German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Indonesias Joko Widodo, walked barefoot at the memorial in a customary show of respect. Many others, including Joe Biden and EU president Ursula von der Leyen, wore slippers that were offered to the visitors as they walked on wet ground after a morning of heavy rain.

Mr Biden, who left for Hanoi before the last G20 session, said on Twitter/X that the summit had proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi (front right) walks with US president Joe Biden and others at the Gandhi memorial yesterday (EPA)

He said it had happened as the global economy was suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict.

Mr Modi concluded the summit on Sunday after chairing the third and final session, which was dubbed One Future, and handed the G20 gavel to Brazil, Indias successor in the revolving presidency.

Mr Modi nonetheless noted that there are still more than two months to go before Indias presidency ends in November, and proposed hosting a final, virtual G20 summit that month to check on the progress made on the resolutions and proposals offered by world leaders this weekend.

Brazils president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said his country was not interested in a divided G20 and called on members not to let geopolitical issues hijack discussions under its presidency. And he said that Brazil would need the support of all countries in the same way that India has been supported during the past year.
NEW DELHI  Much of New Delhi came to a halt this weekend as presidents, prime ministers and monarchs descended on Indias capital for the Group of 20 summit.

The meeting of rich and developing nations showcased Indias burgeoning economic and geopolitical clout but also raised a growing critique of the countrys Hindu nationalist government, specifically, its approach to press freedom.

The worlds largest democracy has emerged as a partner of the U.S. and has promoted itself as a mediator between the West and Russia. It also provides an important counterweight to communist Chinas flourishing ambitions.

Despite proclaiming itself The Mother of Democracy on posters across the capital, hundreds of journalists were largely kept away from the leaders whom they had traveled to cover at the summit, which wrapped up Sunday with President Joe Bidens arrival in Vietnam.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In an extremely rare departure from the usual protocol, not a single independent journalist was allowed to cover Bidens meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday night. As a result, the only images of that meeting that will enter the historical record are from official government photographers.

Happy to have welcomed @POTUS @JoeBiden to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Our meeting was very productive. We were able to discuss numerous topics which will further economic and people-to-people linkages between India and USA. The friendship between our nations will continue to play a pic.twitter.com/Yg1tz9kGwQ  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2023

With very few exceptions, when an American president holds a formal bilateral meeting with a fellow world leader, a pool of White House print and TV reporters and photographers are allowed to briefly cover, or spray, the start of the meeting. The rest of the meeting is then conducted in private.

Journalists often use those brief moments to shout questions at the leaders in the hope they might respond.

Major summits like the G20 often involve painstaking behind-closed-doors negotiations to produce official communiques, whose language on important issues such as the war in Ukraine, and how that language was reached, is painstakingly scrutinized. This year India, the U.S. and the European Union also presented plans for a rail and shipping corridor between India, the Middle East and Europe.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan had earlier told reporters aboard Air Force One that the administration had requested access for the press pool.

This is the host of the G20 hosting a significant number of leaders, doing so in his home, and he has set out the protocols hes set out, Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the administration had requested that journalists be given access as usual, but since the meeting was at Modis residence, the decision to bar the media was a circumstance-based issue, not some larger issue.

This is not your typical bilateral visit to India with meetings taking place in the prime ministers office and an entire program, Sullivan said. This is the host of the G20 hosting a significant number of leaders, doing so in his home, and he has set out the protocols hes set out.

The deputy secretary of Indias Foreign Ministry, Vasudev Ravi, who was in charge of press relations at the International Media Center, declined to comment on the restrictions.

Journalists watch a screen showing live telecast of first session of the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 9, 2023. (Tauseef Mustafa / AFP - Getty Images)

The administrations handling of the Modi-Biden bilateral stood in stark contrast to how it dealt with a similar issue during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday.

After Indonesian security officials surrounded and then threatened to ban Voice of America reporter Patsy Widakuswara from entering the summit room after she shouted two questions at President Joko Widodo during a spray, U.S. officials pressured their Indonesian counterparts to let Widakuswara in.

Emphasizing the point, Vice President Kamala Harris refused to enter until the entire press pool, which included Widakuswara, was allowed into the room.

Ultimately, the Indonesians relented, and the questions went on as planned.

It is a source of pride for us as American diplomats and civil servants to stand up for the freedom of the press overseas, and as part of that, for access for the traveling White House press corps, Dean Lieberman, deputy national security adviser to the vice president, told VOA in a statement at the time.

A European delegation in New Delhi complained about the press restrictions put in place by Indian officials, saying that even photographers traveling with diplomats faced restrictions.

Its not the first time that India has caused problems. They just dont want journalists close to the meetings, an official from the delegation said at the summit.

We had to push our arguments and they were eventually allowed, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on sensitive issues, told NBC News.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the media center during the G20 summit in New Delhi on Sept. 10, 2023. (Money Sharma / AFP - Getty Images)

Thapanut Nookuea, a correspondent for the Japanese broadcast network Nippon TV, said he and others were limited to official handouts and video feed of brief portions of meetings.

Usually, they briefly let the media in to capture the moment, he said.

Modi has never given a solo press conference since assuming office in 2014. Meanwhile, India ranks 161st out of 180 countries on this years World Press Freedom Index, down from 150th last year.

Ahead of a state visit to the U.S. in June, the Committee to Protect Journalists called on Bidens government to urge India to end a media crackdown and release six detained journalists.

Journalists critical of the government and the BJP party have been jailed, harassed, and surveilled in retaliation for their work, CPJ President Jodie Ginsberg said in a statement, referring to Modis Bharatiya Janata Party.

To add insult to injury from the perspective of the members of the media trying to cover the G20, some of the dozens of volunteers from Delhi University who were assisting the police in guiding visitors around various venues had much better access to the main summit area than journalists did.

We have teams at the main venue, around where Biden is staying and even around the prime ministers office, said economics student Sahil Pathak, 20, who was stationed at the stadium.

The White House Correspondents Association has issued no public comment on the situation.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WASHINGTON  The man who federal authorities say set off a brutal battle with police at the lower west tunnel of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 was arrested Friday, nearly two years after he was identified by online sleuths.

Gregory Mijares was identified by online "Sedition Hunters" in 2021. An FBI affidavit said the bureau received a tip in October 2021, and then interviewed Mijares in March 2023.

Mijares was arrested in Crown Point, Indiana, on Friday, according to court records, and charged with felony civil disorder along with two misdemeanor charges.

A man in a gas mask faces off with police on Jan. 6 2021 at the U.S. Capitol. (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)

Video footage shows Mijares was the first rioter to enter the Capitol through the lower west terrace doors on Jan. 6, 2021. The lower west terrace was the site of some of the worst violence at the Capitol that day. Several police officers sustained major injuries, and rioter Rosanne Boyland died amid the chaos.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mijares earned the nickname "Gas Hat" because footage showed him wearing his gas mask like a hat during part of the battle inside the tunnel.

A man in a gas mask faces off with police on Jan. 6 2021 at the U.S. Capitol. (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)

A FBI affidavit states Mijares told the bureau he rented a car in Indiana, drove to D.C. with a friend, and stayed at an Airbnb in Virginia. Mijares, they said, "admitted to entering Capitol grounds, wearing a gas mask, seeing law enforcement launch tear gas into the crowd, and getting into altercations with police officers both outside and inside the Tunnel."

The FBI said Mijares "held up his middle finger at officers" before he opened a door that had been broken by rioters, and then confronted police before he "began to physically fight officers."

Online sleuths were able to identify Mijares with the help of a photo posted by a journalist that shows him posing near the Capitol after the attack when he was not wearing his mask.

The FBI has arrested more than 1,100 people in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol. More than 600 have been sentenced, including more than 370 defendants to periods of incarceration and more than 120 to periods of home detention.

"The Department of Justices resolve to hold accountable those who committed crimes on January 6, 2021, has not, and will not, wane," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement this week.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
California Governor Gavin Newsom will only appoint an interim replacement for US Senator Dianne Feinstein if she steps down from office before finishing her term, not looking to the three Democratic candidates vying for an election to replace her.

The governor likely will not appoint any of them, including current US Rep Barbara Lee, widely speculated as Mr Newsoms choice to fill a potential vacancy after he had indicated that he would appoint a Black woman to the seat.

Fellow Democratic US Reps Adam Schiff and Katie Porter are also lining up for the seat currently held by Ms Feinstein, 90, who has refused to step down following calls for her resignation after a series of health incidents. Her term ends in January 2025.

Mr Newsom told NBCs Meet the Press on 10 September that he doesnt want to get involved with the primary race.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Interim appointment, he said. It would be completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off. That primary is just a matter of months away. I dont want to tip the balance of that.

Should Ms Feinstein step down before her term expires, a replacement appointed by the governor to serve the remainder of her term could presumably get a leg up over other candidates. The governor had previously picked current US Senator Alex Padilla to fill a seat vacated by now-Vice President Kamala Harris after she joined President Joe Bidens administration. Mr Newsom said he doesnt want to make another, and I dont think the people of California want me to make another appointment, he added.

We hope we never have to make this decision, but I abide by what Ive said very publicly on a consistent basis, said Mr Newsom when asked whether he will commit to his pledge to appoint a Black woman.

Following Ms Harriss departure, no Black woman is serving in the upper chamber of Congress.

WATCH: Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) says Sen. Dianne Feinsteins (D-Calif.) should decide her future, saying, I leave it to her.@GavinNewsom: I dont want to make another [Senate] appointment, and I dont think the people of California want me to make another appointment. pic.twitter.com/1Nz15mL5QW  Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) September 10, 2023

A recent poll from the Institute of Government Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, found Reps Schiff and Porter polling at roughly 20 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively, with Rep Lee trailing at 7 per cent. Roughly one-third of respondents remain undecided.

Meanwhile, a majority of California voters would prefer that Mr Newsom appoint someone who is prepared to serve a full term, not just a caretaker role before another election, according to the Berkeley poll.

That demand is more pronounced among Democratic voters  60 per cent want Mr Newsom to appoint someone who will run for a fuller term in 2024, while only 16 per cent prefer an interim appointee.

Mr Newsom told Meet the Press that he retains productive working relationships with both Mr Padillas and Ms Feinsteins offices.

Following at least two freezing incidents, 81-year-old Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also has faced calls from members of both parties for the longtime GOP tactician to step down, as far-right members of Congress who support Donald Trump point to the Kentucky senators latest health issues to renew their demands for his departure.

The longest-serving party leader in US history has pledged to finish his term.

Louisiana US Senator Bill Cassidy told Meet the Press on Sunday that the GOP leader, who has largely brushed off questions about his recent incidents, has handled questions about his health perfectly.
Ron DeSantis is fundamentally authoritarian, but Donald Trump s quest for vengeance poses an even greater threat to democracy, Californias Democratic governor Gavin Newsom said on Sunday.

Newsom took aim at the leading two candidates for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination during a hard-hitting and wide-ranging interview on NBCs Meet the Press, the final episode with its long-time host Chuck Todd.

Related: DeSantis backs Florida surgeon general in urging residents against new Covid vaccines

I worry about democracy, he said. I worry about the fetishness for autocracy that were seeing not just from Trump, but around the world, and notably across this country.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ive made the point about DeSantis that I think hes functionally authoritarian. Im worried more, in many respects, about Trumpism, which transcends well beyond his term and time in tenure.

Newsom added: The vengeance in Donald Trumps heart right now is more of a threat.

The governor, seen as a rising star in the Democratic party and a likely future presidential candidate, was referring to the former presidents often-voiced promises to gain revenge  if he wins back the White House  over political rivals he blames for the multiple criminal indictments against him.

If Trump does win the 2024 general election, Newsom said, he would work with his administration for the sake of California residents, as he said he did during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the end of the day, these are the cards that are dealt. And I want to do the best for the people that I represent, 40 million Americans that happen to live in California, he told Todd, who is standing down as host of Meet the Press after almost a decade.

Many support him. Im not going to oppose someone just to oppose them  I dont come into a relationship with closed fists, but an open hand. I call balls and strikes, and few people were more aggressive at calling balls and strikes against Donald Trump. I called California the most un-Trump state in America, and I hold to that.

Newsom saved his harshest criticism, however, for DeSantis, the rightwing Republican governor of Florida, with whom he has frequently clashed. He disagreed with DeSantiss strategy of lifting lockdowns and banning mask mandates, and attacked the Florida leaders partisanship  most recently on display when he snubbed Joe Bidens visit to the state in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia.

I dont like the partisanship. And I thought it was demonstrably displayed by what I thought was a very weak exercise by governor DeSantis, Newsom said regarding the Floridians snub of the president.

Newsom and DeSantis have agreed to a televised debate on Fox TV this fall. An impasse over logistics might soon clear, Newsom said.

The California governor said he was fine with the rightwing Fox personality Sean Hannity as moderator, making it effectively a two-on-one debate in Newsoms words. But Newsom said he was still not happy with the proposed venue and sizable public audience.

They wanted thousands of people and [to] make it a performance. I wasnt interested in that. We were pretty clear on that. [But] were getting closer, he said.

Other subjects covered during the interview included who might run as the Democratic partys candidate in the 2024 presidential election if Biden  who will be 81 on polling day  drops out.

Newsom said he doesnt expect that to happen, but if it does, the candidate will not be him.

Wont happen, he replied when Todd asked him if he would ever run against the vice-president, Kamala Harris, a former California senator with whom he said he has a very good relationship.

Related: DeSantis eyes revoking constitutional safeguard for Floridas Black voters

Its the Biden-Harris administration. Maybe Im a little old-fashioned about presidents and vice-presidents. We need to move past this notion that hes not going to run. President Biden is going to run, and [Im] looking forward to getting him re-elected, Newsom said.

Newsom was also questioned on the future of the veteran California senator Dianne Feinstein, 90, whose recent health issues have led to long absences from the chamber and prompted calls for her to stand down.

He refused to be drawn on whether he would appoint a replacement, as he did when elevating Alex Padilla, Californias secretary of state, to the senate when Harris became Bidens running mate in 2020.

Her staff is still extraordinarily active and we wish her only the best, he said, insisting that Feinstein could still represent the state until next year.

Her term expires  shes not running for re-election. So this time next year well be in a very different place. I dont want to make another appointment, and I dont think the people of California want me to make another appointment.

That said, [if] we have to do it, well do it.
The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Sept. 10 that Ukrainian forces have had "partial success" in the villages of Klishchiivka and Robotyne, which are in Donetsk Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast, respectively.

According to the report, Ukrainian forces managed to "dislodge the enemy from their occupied positions and entrench themselves at the achieved boundaries."

The Ukrainian military are also continuing to conduct an offensive operation in the direction of Melitopol, as well as in the direction of Bakhmut.

The report also noted that Russia carried out five missile attacks and 81 airstrikes across Ukraine. Russian forces also launched 27 attacks via Multiple Launch Rocket Systems on Ukrainain military positions and civilian infrastructure.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As a result of Russia's attacks over the past day, over 100 residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were damaged or destroyed.

Earlier in the day, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military said Ukrainian forces liberated 1.5 square kilometers of territory near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast over the past day.

After months of grueling combat, Ukrainians liberated Robotyne and pierced the first Russian defensive line in the past several weeks. Western OSINT observers have reported that Ukrainian forces are now engaging Russia's second line near Verbove.

Read also: Foreign volunteers car struck by Russian artillery in Chasiv Yar: 2 killed, 2 wounded

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Georgia is the only state to indict Donald Trump for trying to overturn the 2020 election.

But Trump also tried to declare victory in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and other states he lost.

Why Georgia? Because of its wide-ranging RICO statute, and because Trump went further there than anywhere else.

Why Georgia?

Donald Trump and his merry band of indicted lawyers and fake electors tried to overturn the 2020 election results in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, New Mexico, and Michigan.

But only the Peach State has brought criminal charges against them.

The criminal indictment against Trump and his 18 co-defendants from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has many wondering: Why is a local prosecutor in Atlanta in charge of bringing a sprawling criminal case over the former president's scheme to overturn the 2020 election?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the words of David Graham in The Atlantic, Willis's indictment "gives a fuller picture of Trump's attack on American democracy than any other indictment so far." It "is the first to plumb the full depths, through a state-focused bathyscaph, of the conspiracy," Norm Eisen and Amy Lee Copeland wrote in The New York Times.

Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith, after all, identified Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wisconsin as places where Trump tried to stop electoral votes from being counted, and is still reportedly examining the role of fake electors in those states. All of those places have been sites of civil lawsuits and legislative tussles over election results. So why haven't any of those states brought criminal charges against Trump?

The answer is twofold, experts say.

Trump went further in Georgia than in any other state to overturn the results of the election.

And, unfortunately for him, Georgia's laws against criminal conspiracy have sharper teeth.

At the DOJ, Jack Smith is in charge

The Justice Department is taking action  just not at the same rhythm as Georgia.

Its prosecution of people who participated in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol has been described as the biggest investigation in the department's history, with more than 1,100 people charged so far. But while many defendants say Trump marshalled them to the Capitol that day, prosecutors haven't held Trump directly accountable for their actions.

Smith's July indictment against Trump gets close to blaming him directly for the riot, saying he "directed the crowd in front of him to go to the Capitol as a means to obstruct the certification and pressure the Vice President to fraudulently obstruct the certification" of votes, and "attempted to exploit the violence and chaos at the Capitol" once the chaos was underway by pressuring lawmakers not to certify Biden's victory.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks to the media after a grand jury brought back indictments against former president Donald Trump and 18 of his allies. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage

In addition to bringing criminal charges against Trump personally, Smith is examining other modes of interference in the 2020 election. His office has met with state election officials and subpoenaed records and testimony to obtain information about fake electors, Trump's lawyers, breaches of election equipment, and fundraising efforts.

The Justice Department has separately brought criminal cases against people accused of threatening election officials. Many of those defendants falsely insist that Trump was the true winner of the 2020 election.

Kathy Boockvar, Pennsylvania's secretary of state during the 2020 election, told Insider that Trump's lies about his loss to now-President Joe Biden have led to threats against election workers across the country.

"People's lives and their families have been threatened as a result of this deliberate dissemination of lies and hostility," Boockvar said. "The level of hostility that has followed the last couple of years  it didn't exist before 2020. Our leaders empowered that, encouraged that."

There needs to be "accountability," she added.

Yes, there's action happening in other states

Law enforcement officials in different swing states have investigated plots to overturn election results, though it's not clear if any of them will bring charges against Trump himself.

Attorneys general in Michigan, Wisconsin, and New Mexico  all of whom are Democrats  have referred information about fake elector schemes to the Justice Department, according to the Washington Post.

Aside from Georgia, Michigan has made the furthest strides in its criminal investigation into election interference.

In July, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced charges against 16 fake electors who met in secret and fabricated documents stating Trump won the state, even though he lost by more than 150,000 votes.

"This remains an ongoing investigation, and our department has not ruled out potential charges against additional defendants," Nessel said in a statement at the time.

In May, Arizona's attorney general assigned a team of prosecutors to examine the state's fake electors. Officials have requested records from election officials and asked about evidence that Smith has already collected, according to the Washington Post.

Former President Donald Trump following his booking in Fulton County jail. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has declined to say whether his office would investigate efforts to overturn election results. But publicly available information about the state's fake electors demonstrates a solid basis for state-level criminal charges, according to an analysis from Just Security.

"What we already know is sufficient to tell us that some sort of judicial reckoning must take place," the authors wrote in an analysis of a potential criminal case.

Nevada's attorney general has said the state's fake electors would not face state-level charges.

"We ascertained that current state statutes did not directly address the conduct in question," the state's attorney general, Aaron Ford, said at a May legislative hearing for a law that would criminalize fake electors.

The law passed in the legislature later that month but was vetoed by Nevada's Republican governor, who endorsed one of the state's fake electors for a Republican county chair position.

New Mexico's attorney general opened an investigation into the state's fake electors that remains ongoing.

Pennsylvania's former attorney general Josh Shapiro, who is now the state's governor, said his state's fake elector scheme was "intentionally misleading and purposefully damaging to our democracy" but did not meet "the legal standards for forgery."

In Pennsylvania and New Mexico, the pro-Trump electors used provisional language in their certification documents, saying their votes should be counted by Congress only if a court were to find Biden's victory illegitimate. Since that never happened, those schemes could be less vulnerable to claims that they were criminal attempts to supplant legitimate electors.

Georgia's RICO law is uniquely suited to the case

In Georgia, finding the right laws to charge Trump was never a problem.

From early in the investigation, it was clear Willis would consider bringing charges under Georgia's RICO  or racketeering  statute.

Each state has its own RICO statute, which were generally passed throughout the 20th century to crack down on mob organizations. In general, the laws allow prosecutors to bring criminal charges against people involved in a pattern of illegal activity.

A mugshot of Donald Trump taken at the Fulton County Sheriff's Office on August 24, 2023. Fulton County Sheriff's Office

Willis has called herself "a fan" of the statute. Georgia's version of the law is exceptionally flexible. In her time as district attorney, Willis has used it to bring criminal charges against schoolteachers who participated in a cheating scandal and members of a record label she alleges functioned as a criminal gang. In 2021, she hired John E. Floyd, the author of a widely used textbook on RICO laws, to join her office.

According to a Brookings Institution analysis, Georgia's RICO statute includes an unusually large number of potential crimes that can form the basis of a RICO indictment. Any "attempt, solicitation, coercion, and intimidation" of another person to commit those crimes is also wrapped into the statute, which makes it particularly potent for the conspiracy to overturn the election results.

"Georgia's RICO statute fits those facts like a glove," Eisen, a co-author of the analysis, previously told Insider. "That's because the attempted coup DA Willis is investigating was a comprehensive assault on our democracy, and doing a larger case under RICO would better get at that and would achieve broad accountability against those responsible, above all Donald Trump."

Trump went further in Georgia than in other states

Trump's actions in Georgia also set the state apart. Willis's investigation began after Trump told Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia secretary of state, to "find" him the votes that would close the gap of his loss to Biden in the state. Raffensperger's office recorded that call, which made its way to media outlets.

"So far as I know, in none of these other investigations do they have a recording of former President Trump trying to persuade officials to take certain actions," Ronald Carlson, a professor at the University of Georgia School of Law, previously told Insider. "The secretary of state of Georgia is responsible for that. He's the one that recorded the phone call, which said, 'Brad, I want you to find me 11,780 new votes.'"

Trump wasn't as explicit in other states  or if he was, no evidence of it has been turned up in the exhaustive investigations that followed the January 6 riots.

"The facts that happened in Georgia, with the former president calling up the secretary of state and telling him to find 11,000-odd votes  that didn't happen in Pennsylvania," Boockvar told Insider. "I never received a call from the former president asking me to do anything."

Former US President Donald Trump boards his private airplane, also known as Trump Force One, as he departs Atlanta. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

In a letter to Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio this week, Willis noted that, if Trump didn't want to get charged in Georgia, he shouldn't have sought to interfere in the election.

"Those who wish to avoid felony charges in Fulton County, Georgia  including violations of Georgia RICO law  should not commit felonies in Fulton County, Georgia," Willis wrote. "In this jurisdiction, every person is subject to the same laws and the same process, because every person is entitled to the same dignity and is held to the same standard of responsibility."

Willis also helpfully pointed to a resource that would help Jordan, who has railed against the indictment, to learn more about Georgia's version of criminal law.

"For a more thorough understanding of Georgia's RICO statute, its application and similar laws in other states, I encourage you to read 'RICO State-by-State,'" she wrote. "As a non-member of the bar, you can purchase a copy for two hundred forty-nine dollars [$249]."

The book was written by John E. Floyd  the same RICO expert she hired to join her office.

He was assigned to the Trump case.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) said Sunday the House should not repeat the mistakes of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi s (D-Calif.) impeachment inquiry into former President Trump when weighing the same for President Biden.

We dont want to repeat the mistakes we think that Nancy Pelosi made by prematurely moving to impeachment during the Trump administration, Hill said in an interview on CBSs Face the Nation.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has suggested the House could hold a vote to launch an impeachment inquiry as soon as this month, despite hesitation from some GOP moderates.

House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), who is leading a congressional investigation into Bidens family and business dealings, said last week he believes there are enough votes in the House to open an impeachment inquiry.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Hill said he does not believe Comer nor House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) have even remotely completed the investigations into the Biden familys foreign business dealings.

I dont believe theyve even remotely completed their work on the kind of detailed investigations and quality work that Speaker McCarthy is expecting both those committees to produce before someone goes to, you know, an impeachment activity, the Arkansas representative said.

While investigations have not implicated Biden of illegal activity, Comer and other GOP members argue an impeachment inquiry would provide them with the tools to investigate more thoroughly.

In July, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) expressed similar concerns over a Biden impeachment, warning Republicans against falling into the trap of impeachment. Trump was impeached twice by a majority-Democratic House, with 10 Republicans voting in favor the second time after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Republicans in the Senate acquitted Trump in both instances.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz, who is being targeted for possible impeachment by Republican lawmakers because of donations she received from the Democratic Party and comments she made during her campaign, attends her first hearing as a justice Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin Republicans have enjoyed outsize control of the Legislature in one of the most closely divided states for a dozen years. Maintaining that power is now at the heart of a drama involving the state Supreme Court that has national political implications.

A new liberal tilt to the court is driving Republican fears of losing their large legislative majorities, which were built under some of the most gerrymandered political maps in the country. Republicans have threatened to impeach the justice who was elected earlier this year and flipped the court to a 4-3 liberal majority, unless she withdraws from any case involving redistricting. The GOP is citing concerns about her campaign statements and fundraising.

Democratic leaders have decried that threat as political extortion and are mobilizing voters to pressure Republicans in districts won by the new justice and to back down.

Impeachment is an act of pure power politics, said Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Its a desperate gambit to avoid accountability to voters who choose their state representatives, their state senators and their Supreme Court justices.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Altering the makeup of the Wisconsin Supreme Court also holds the potential to affect the 2024 presidential election in the perennial battleground.

Four of the past six presidential contests in the state have been decided by less than a percentage point. In 2020, the state Supreme Court, then controlled 4-3 by conservatives, came within one vote of overturning Democrat Joe Biden's nearly 21,000 vote victory over then-President Donald Trump.

Wisconsin Republicans, who hold majorities of 64-35 in the state Assembly and 22-11 in the Senate, are squarely focused on their own futures. The political maps they drew that helped them win near veto-proof supermajorities are at risk of being overturned under the newly left-leaning Supreme Court.

Two lawsuits challenging the gerrymandered maps as unconstitutional were filed the first week after the new justice was seated. The Supreme Court has yet to decide whether it will take either case.

Republicans, and even Democrats the last time they had majority control of the Legislature 14 years ago, have resisted moves to give up their power to draw electoral district boundaries.

States that have shifted responsibility for redistricting from partisan legislatures to independent commissions generally have seen a reduction in gerrymandering, in which lines are drawn in a way that expands or cements one party's grip on power. Districts drawn by independent commissions generally result in election outcomes more closely aligned with the will of voters.

Neighboring Michigan stands as a stark example of what can happen under independent redistricting.

Republican lawmakers, who then controlled Michigans redistricting process, drew maps after the 2010 census that gave them an enduring advantage for the next decade. In 2020, for example, Democratic legislative candidates received a slight majority of votes, yet Republicans won a 58-52 majority in the Michigan House and a 22-16 majority in the Senate under the maps they had drawn.

Unlike Wisconsin, Michigan allows its residents to propose their own laws or constitutional amendments and put those proposals on the ballot for a statewide vote. In 2018, voters approved a citizen-led effort to take redistricting away from state lawmakers and give the task to an independent commission. That commission, which is instructed to be guided by partisan fairness, drew the current legislative and congressional maps after the 2020 census.

The 2022 midterm election was the first to use Michigan's new districts, resulting in a flip of legislative control. Democratic legislative candidates received just under 51% of the total statewide votes, translating to a 56-54 House majority and a 20-18 Senate majority.

In Wisconsin, it is impossible to change the redistricting process unless lawmakers voluntarily relinquish their power. Thats because Wisconsin is among 26 states that do not allow citizens to bypass their legislature through ballot initiatives.

The result is that Wisconsin continues to operate under legislative districts shaped by Republican lawmakers, who have built lopsided majorities that do not reflect the state's overall political leanings.

While Republicans have used partisan gerrymandering to maintain their large majorities in the Legislature, voters have elected Democrats to all but one of the statewide executive offices that are decided on a partisan basis, including governor and attorney general. They also have elected a Republican and a Democrat to the U.S. Senate  votes that also are done on a statewide basis.

Republican leadership in Wisconsin has worked hard over the past decade to insulate themselves from the will of the voters, said Democratic Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer.

In the 2022 election, Wisconsins Assembly districts had the nations second-largest Republican tilt behind only West Virginia, according to an Associated Press statistical analysis that was designed to detect potential gerrymandering. Republicans received less than 55% of the votes cast for major party Assembly candidates, yet they won 65% of the seats.

That's what you call rigged, said Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, a former Wisconsin state Assembly member. Its not a Democratic or Republican issue. It shows that theres an imbalance in the math of a 50-50 state.

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, in testimony he gave in 2021 when introducing the latest maps, noted that the U.S. Supreme Court allowed for partisanship to be a factor when drawing lines.

Was partisanship considered as a consideration in the map? Yes, Vos testified.

The Wisconsin Legislature is effectively really no longer a democracy, said Nick Seabrook, a redistricting researcher and department chair at the University of North Florida. There is no plausible popular vote result thats ever going to lead to anything other than a Republican majority in the Wisconsin state legislature.

With no avenue for a public referendum and faced with Republican dominance in the Legislature, Wisconsin Democrats shifted their focus to winning a majority of seats on the state Supreme Court with the hope of overturning the maps through a legal challenge.

The election of Janet Protasiewicz in April delivered the long-sought majority on the state's highest court that Democrats have fought to win back over the past 15 years.

Protasiewicz made her position on redistricting clear during the campaign, calling the GOP maps approved by the conservative-controlled state Supreme Court unfair and rigged. The Wisconsin Democratic Party donated nearly $10 million to her campaign. She won by 11 percentage points during an April election and took her seat in August.

Legislative Republicans immediately called on Protasiewicz to step aside from redistricting cases, citing her comments during the campaign and donations from the Democratic Party. She never said during the race how she would rule, and in the past week released a letter from the state commission that investigates complaints against judges that said it had dismissed ones related to her comments on redistricting.

Still, Vos continues to threaten impeachment. It is up to each justice to decide whether to recuse, and a Supreme Court rule adopted by conservative justices more than a decade ago explicitly allows justices to hear cases involving campaign donors. All but one of the current members of the court has taken money from political parties, but Republican lawmakers have voiced no complaints about conservative justices accepting money from the GOP.

Wisconsin Assembly Republican Majority Leader Tyler August dismissed the comparison this week.

She has clearly prejudged the case, he said of Protasiewicz. Were talking about this case, this justice, and Ill leave it at that.

___

Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri.
A 61-year-old man was wounded by an anti-personnel mine in Ternova, a village in Kharkiv Oblast near the Russian border, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on Sept. 10.

The victim stepped on the PFM-1 "butterfly" mine at around 12 p.m. on Sept. 9 while mowing the grass, according to Syniehubov. He was evacuated to a hospital.

Like much of the liberated territories in Ukraine, retaken parts of Kharkiv Oblast are also still littered with dangerous explosives that Russian forces left behind.

Through nine years of Russia's brutal war, Ukraine has become the most mined country in the world, former defense minister Oleksii Reznikov told the Guardian in August.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Injuries caused by mines are reported daily in Ukraine, with Kharkiv and the southern Kherson oblasts being the worst affected areas, according to the U.K. Defense Ministry's Aug. 17 intelligence bulletin.

The ministry predicted that the risk of mine-related casualties has increased as more people engage in agricultural activities since Spring.

More than 750 mine-related civilian casualties have been reported since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war, with one in eight involving a child, according to the report.

"It will likely take at least a decade to clear Ukraine of mines," the ministry wrote.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine controls most of Klishchiivka south of Bakhmut, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
With Congressional hearings into UFOs currently on the backburner, more than a few questions have been left hanging about alien life and unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), a more formal and accurate term for unidentified flying object (UFO).

In the meantime, however, the U.S. Department of Defense launched a new website last week where the public can report new UAP sightings, and where the department says it will continue to publish new findings as they become declassified.

While we're waiting for new information from Congress and NASA, here are some of the most frequently asked questions  and the answers we can offer so far  about the continued search for non-human intelligent life.

What is a UAP?

UFO; Pentagon

UAP is an acronym for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, which is used by NASA to describe events or objects that have previously been referred to as Unidentified Aerial Phenomena or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO). The term Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena is also used in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. Read more: "We are not alone": Intelligence whistleblower says "non-human" UFO craft retrieved

What is the interdimensional UFO hypothesis?

U.S. Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Scott Bray explains a video of unidentified aerial phenomena, as he testifies before a House Intelligence Committee subcommittee hearing at the U.S. Capitol on May 17, 2022 in Washington, DC.

Space is big and it can take decades or longer to travel between solar systems. So if aliens came to visit Earth, they might travel between dimensions instead.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The interdimensional UFO hypothesis proposes that UAP sightings are the result of non-human intelligent life which exists in dimensions that coexist with our own, but which remain largely out of normal human view. The theory stands in contrast to the extraterrestrial UFO hypothesis which maintains that UFO sightings are the result of non-human intelligent life which physically travel to earth from another planet or physical location.

In media interviews, former US Intelligence official and whistleblower David Grusch has suggested that, regarding the origin of UAP, "it could be that this is not necessarily extraterrestrial, and it's actually coming from a higher dimensional physical space that might be co-located right here."

The interdimensional UFO or UAP hypothesis has a considerable history in academia and has been advanced by renown scientists such as Jacques Vallee. Some have theorized that multidimensional non-human intelligent life may be able to exist across dimensions not accessible to the three spatial dimensions typically observable by humans.

Read more: Why people tend to believe UFOs are extraterrestrial

What does the government say about aliens?

At present, U.S. government officials in both executive and legislative branches have acknowledged the existence of UAP and UAP-related government programs, but remain widely divided on the specific nature of the phenomena. In other words, they are very much still "unidentified" and may not be aliens at all.

Former high-ranking government officials and members of the US military and intelligence communities have publicly testified to having either seen first-hand aerial craft, or been made party to documented evidence of non-human intelligent life.

NASA has publicly documented its study into UAP through independent review boards and publicly available reports. Congressional inquiry into the nature of UAP and claims made by former government officials continue to garner interest among lawmakers. White House officials have acknowledged the need for ongoing evaluation of the nature of UAP.

On Sept. 1, the Pentagon launched a public-facing website for UAP reporting, which also contains information about its ongoing investigations into the phenomena as they become declassified. As of September 7, the Defense Department has continued to deny the existence of any UAP crash-retrieval program.

Read more: Pentagon report reveals over 500 new UFO sightings  and experts have no explanation for 171 of them

What is AARO?

The Pentagon

Image_placeholder

AARO is an acronym for the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office, a body organized under the US Department of Defense which investigates UAP (or UFO). The office is headed by Director Sean Kirkpatrick and was created in collaboration with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence under the 2022 National Defense Authorizations Act, following the 2021 release of the UAP Task Force Preliminary Assessment.

Read more: Whistleblower calls for government transparency as Congress digs for the truth about UFOs

Read more

about the search for answers about UAPs and UFOs
Explore Fort Worth: Sign up here for our Eats Beat newsletter  the best in what to eat and drink in the Fort Worth area.

Fort Worth has five neighborhoods generally considered the most affluent: Westlake, Westover Hills, Rivercrest, Tanglewood and Fairmount.

Where are Fort Worths richest neighborhoods?

A half hour drive from Fort Worth is the town of Westlake, named the most affluent community in the country by Forbes magazine in 2011, with an estimated annual median household income of $250,000. At the time, the suburb was home to the Jonas Brothers, famous athletes like Josh Hamilton and K.J. Choi and CEOs like Matthew Rose. The seven square miles between Tarrant and Denton counties continue to grow and develop.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Another Tarrant County town only about six miles from downtown Fort Worth, Westover Hills, is known for being one of the wealthiest areas in Texas. With large trees and spacious lawns, the community has 277 homes and approximately 700 people.

One of the most coveted and exclusive places in North Texas, Rivercrest has the highest average household income in the Fort Worth area. The neighborhood is close to downtown and has historical significance, with a community dating back to 1918.

The Fort Worth neighborhood of Tanglewood, southwest of downtown, is family friendly with tons of natural beauty to see along the many biking and walking trails.

Two miles south of downtown, Fairmount is the largest historic neighborhood in the southwestern United States. On the 375 acres, there are mostly bungalow and four square homes from the late 1800s through early 1920s. The neighborhood is known for its annual Tour of Historic Homes event, which takes place Mothers Day Weekend.

Activities in Westlake, Westover Hills, Rivercrest, Tanglewood and Fairmount

Who lives here

Westlake: Westlake had 992 residents in 2010. Since then, the population has been increasing at 0.70% annually, with 1,768 residents as of 2020. The population is expected to reach 7,000 by 2040. The median home value in the town is $2 million.

Westover Hills: Population of 745 people with a median age of 58.6 and a median household income of $232,000. The median property value was $1.62 million and the home ownership rate was 89%.

Rivercrest: The population is 2,260, median age is 35.2. There are 813 households, with an average household size of 3.





Tanglewood: The population is 2,060. The average age is 38 years old and average household earnings are $118,000.





Fairmount: There are 3,877 residents in the neighborhood, with a median age of 34. The median household income is $78,479 and the median home price is $404,741.

How to get around

Westlake is 12 miles west of DFW International Airport (11 minute drive), 7 miles east of Fort Worth Alliance Airport (15 minute drive) and 30-40 minutes from Denton, Dallas and Fort Worth.

Westover Hills residents average commute time was 14.4 minutes.

Rivercrests walk score is 20, transit score is 33 and bike score is 40.

Tanglewoods walk score is 32, meaning it is car-dependent. With a transit score of 21, there is minimal transit. The bike score is 39, as there is a minimal amount of infrastructure for biking.

Fairmount is the 11th most walkable neighborhood in Fort Worth, with a walk score of 67, transit score of 41 and bike score of 84. It has some public transportation and is very bikeable. Trinity Metro bus lines 004 and 001 pass through the area.
Gunfire erupted within 20 seconds of San Diego Police Officer Darwin Anderson's arrival at the Encanto home.

A neighbor had called 911. A woman and her dog were lying in a driveway, shot. As Anderson pulled up, a man approached, distraught.

"I see my mother dead right there!" he shouted, pointing to a home on Iona Drive .

The officer made his way toward the 74-year-old woman. As he began to kneel next to her, a gunshot rang out. Anderson jumped up. Another shot.

"Oh my god, they're shooting at the police officer," the 911 caller told a dispatcher.

The Aug. 28 incident was the fourth time last month and the eighth time this year that someone used a gun to threaten or shoot at a San Diego police officer. In June, an officer was shot in the arm while chasing a man who ran from a stolen vehicle. Less than a month later, a gunman fatally shot a 4-year-old police dog named Sir.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officers have faced more gun threats in 2023 than the previous two years combined, according to data maintained by the department's homicide unit. The figures include incidents when people allegedly threaten officers with guns, point guns at officers or shoot at officers. This year's total was the highest seen over five years.

"It's horrifying," San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit said. "It just seems like I'm getting more and more calls. 'Chief, we had an officer-involved shooting. We have officers being fired upon. A canine was just killed.' It's just all too common."

It's a phenomenon that's touched other departments as well. In June, a man wanted in his girlfriend's murder opened fire on Riverside County sheriff's deputies and Oceanside police officers at the tail end of a pursuit, police said. Less than a month later, a man wanted on a felony warrant tried to fire a gun at a La Mesa police officer, but the weapon malfunctioned.

Like other forms of crime, deciphering why violence against officers rises or falls is nuanced. Homicide investigators noted that ghost guns, drug use and mental health struggles were regularly involved when officers faced gun threats. The District Attorney's Office found that drug use and/or mental health played a role in nearly 80% of officer-involved shootings from 1993 to 2017.

Criminologists who study violence against police noted that high-profile cases that fuel existing feelings of injustice  like the murder of George Floyd  can also lead to increases, as can increases in crime.

While overall crime fell across San Diego in 2022, violent crime, fueled by a double-digit jump in robberies, inched up.

Police leaders, on the other hand, placed the blame on laws they say do a poor job at keeping habitual violent offenders  who might be quicker to use a firearm  behind bars.

The department's data zero in on a specific kind of assault against police  threats involving guns  but overall assaults against San Diego officers have held fairly steady over the last two decades. In 2022, the most recent year that's available, about 275 San Diego officers reported being assaulted in some way, according to FBI data. In 2000, about 285 officers reported assaults.

And across the nation, it's generally a safer time to wear a badge, according to statistics kept by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund . In the 1970s, more than 2,300 officers were killed in the line of duty. That figure had fallen nearly 30% in the 2010s to about 1,700. Some of that decrease is likely attributed to better gear, better training and better trauma care when officers are injured, experts say.

Rise in ghost guns

During the hours-long incident in Encanto, 43-year-old Jesse Nelson would go on to fire multiple weapons at police, including the officer who tried to rescue Nelson's dying mother, whom he'd shot. They were weapons he shouldn't have had.

In 2000, Nelson was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for second-degree murder. He got another two years for possessing drugs, a sentence he served concurrently. He was released in 2015, and his parole supervision ended in 2020 without any violations, prison officials said.

Convicted felons are barred by state law from owning or possessing firearms. But there were at least five firearms in Nelson's home, including two AR-15-style ghost guns. He was carrying one of the rifles when a police sniper fatally shot him.

Of the eight gun threats officers have faced this year, five of them involved non-serialized firearms, San Diego Police Lt. Steve Shebloski said.

Ghosts guns are do-it-yourself firearms assembled by hand from parts that often come in prepackaged kits. Because the pieces  like an unfinished gun frame  were not classified as guns, they didn't have serial numbers. And, until recently, anyone could legally buy the parts.

Last year, however, the Biden administration changed the definition of a firearm under federal law to include its pieces so they can be tracked more easily. Those parts must now be licensed and include serial numbers, and manufacturers are required to run background checks before a sale. The requirement applies, no matter how the firearm is made  whether that be from individual pieces, a kit or 3-D printers.

The new rules are being challenged in court.

San Diego, both the city and county, as well as the state of California have also implemented laws to make the firearms more traceable.

Despite these changes, ghost guns have continued to crop up at crime scenes across the nation. So far this year, the San Diego Police Department has seized about 1,600 firearms  more than 20% of which were non-serialized, officials said.

"I think the biggest issue that I've noticed, at least this last year, is the availability of ghost guns and the the amount of people that are using them," Shebloski said.

A decade ago, acquiring a gun typically meant purchasing one, the lieutenant said. For convicted felons, this posed a challenge. While criminals had the option to steal or illegally buy guns, today they have the means to produce them directly.

"They literally can go on YouTube and find how to make a ghost gun," Shebloski said.

Community leaders who work to reduce gun violence agreed that more firearms on the street puts everyone at risk  including police officers.

"I believe guns can get into the wrong hands," said Cornelius Bowser , founder of Shaphat Outreach. "We have too many guns on the streets, and too many people have access to them. That makes things dangerous for everyone."

Repeat offenders

When questioned about what he thought was driving an increase in gun threats, Nisleit pointed to the case of Justin Teague.

Police shot the 39-year-old after he opened fire on officers responding to a report of car burglaries in a University City parking garage on Aug. 11 , department officials said.

It wasn't Teague's first police shooting. In 2003, when he was just 19, he was shot by police who said he drove a stolen Honda at them as he tried to flee. A year later he was was sentenced for driving or taking a vehicle without consent. And in 2017, he was sentenced for charges that included identity theft and buying or receiving a stolen vehicle.

When police confronted Teague last month, he was out on $50,000 bail for a July incident involving a car theft and evading police.

Nisleit argued that many of the people shooting at officers are "hardened criminals who are constantly coming in and out of the system."

"They really don't have much fear of shooting at us."

Nisleit blamed a lax criminal justice system for taking a softer stance on repeat offenders like Teague who too often wind up in altercations with officers. He added that such encounters can be particularly demoralizing for officers.

"The morale is hurt by the fact that officers do not feel that these criminals are being held accountable, that jails have become a revolving door, that the justice system is not sentencing these people to the appropriate amount of time," he said.

After George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, protesters challenged law enforcement agencies across the nation to rethink public safety. Critics argued that the current system is inherently racist, which leads to racial profiling, over-policing and use of excessive force  especially in communities of color.

Some demanded that departments be defunded, while others called for getting rid of certain police protections like qualified immunity, a legal defense which shields officers and deputies who are accused of violating constitutional rights.

Dr. Maria Haberfeld , professor and chair of the Department of Law, Police Science and Criminal Justice Administration at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said tensions between communities and police departments can be inflamed by politicians and the media who amplify and normalize anti-police sentiments. Sentiments that could lead to an increase in crimes against police, she said.

"Each time that there is a high-profile event that is perceived as an overreach by the government, the police is on the receiving end of the public's frustration and anger," she said. "When these high-profile events confirm the feelings of injustice, like racism for example, the anger escalates."

Nisleit, whose department has been criticized for failing to aggressively tackle issues such as racial disparities in police stops, said he supports "smart, intentional police reform." But he argued some new laws place the rights of suspects over victims.

"Having to go to the loved ones of the officers who get shot, seeing the trauma, the fear on their faces  it sucks," Nisleit said. "They're no different than any other victim of violent crime. I don't think people are paying attention to that."





Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A group of gunmen attacked a convoy of vehicles traveling into Mexico from the United States, wounding three people, including some Americans.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that the attack Saturday occurred on the bridge that connects the town of Miguel Aleman with Roma, Texas, according to the Tamaulipas state security department. The department initially reported that nine people were wounded, but later confirmed that three had suffered from gunshots and another six had panic attacks, the AP reported.

A state official told the AP on the condition of anonymity that the injured included both Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Jorge Cuellar, a Tamaulipas state security spokesman, told the AP that those injured were brought to U.S. authorities.

Mexicos National Migration Institute said in a press release that the convoy included 20 people, with 16 Mexicans and four Americans. They were traveling in two vehicles, a van and a pickup truck.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The convoy was crossing into the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, where violence and crime have become a rising issue in the region. Four Americans were kidnapped earlier this year when crossing into the state, for which the State Department has issued a Do Not Travel advisory due to crime and kidnapping.

Violent crime  such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery  is widespread and common in Mexico, the State Departments advisory reads. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

The Hill has reached out to the State Department for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Born with cerebral palsy and a build-up of fluid in his brain, Wasserman, 7 years old, hadnt eaten in days when he and two other severely disabled children were rushed from their orphanage outside Port-au-Prince to a hospital in the Haitian capital because they were suffering from uncontrollable seizures.

As they passed a soccer field near a shantytown along a major thoroughfare, their truck suddenly stopped. Heavily armed men had taken over the road and were ordering traffic to turn back.

The gangs cracked our windshield and threatened to shoot our tires if we didnt turn around, said Susie Krabacher, who has been caring for Haitis disabled, abandoned and orphaned children since 1994 and was tracking the trip three weeks ago from her home in Aspen, Colorado. Even though we had a dying kid in the car, they were just laughing at us.

By the time the truck made the hour-long trip back to Krabachers HaitiChildren orphanage, Wasserman was dead. The other two, Jean Claude, 14, and Babette, 20, died soon after.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Weve had three kids die within three days of each other and another one this morning because of all this violence, said Krabacher, who co-founded the orphanage with her husband.

Susie Krabacher, the founder of HaitiChildren, has been caring for disabled, abandoned and orphaned children in Haiti since 1994. The current gang-fueled crisis, she said, is leading to needled deaths because her kids cannot get to doctors in the capital, and she is pushing to have them temporarily move to Jamaica.

Two years after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, the violence in Haiti by all accounts grows worse daily. More than 80% of the capital is controlled by armed gangs continually battling over turf. Children are unable to go to school, families are starving and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes amid an unending frenzy of rapes, kidnappings and killings.

And yet, even among a population facing daily depredations, the countrys abandoned and disabled children stand out.

There is a solution at hand for the 62 disabled kids and adults at HaitiChildren, a lifesaving opportunity that would get them out of the country and into the care of an internationally renowned charity in Jamaica until it is safe to return. A respected Catholic priest, a former U.S. ambassador and the prime minister and foreign minister of Jamaica are pushing for the move.

But as with all things in Haiti, nothing is easy.

Krabacher has been trying to move the kids, many of whom she has been watching over since they were infants, into the care of Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica since June.

But her efforts are being blocked by an entrenched Haitian bureaucracy, a troubled child-welfare system and a disturbing history of children being whisked out of the country in times of crisis never to be seen or heard from again.

Abandoned by their families in hospital wards or on roadways, the kids at HaitiChildren have been diagnosed with a variety of disabilities, including Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, autism and brain injury from seizures. At least one little boy is HIV positive. Those who do not use a wheelchair have difficulty walking. They are conditions that not only require specialized care but also make them outcasts. Stigmatized, they are called kokobe, meaning cripple in Creole.

A gang invaded the orphanage last week, pointing their guns and searching the place as they taunted the kids in wheelchairs.

The gangs have been shouting, You need to put those kids out of their misery or we will put them out,  Krabacher said.

Children who left after the earthquake

Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin, the director of Haitis child welfare agency, the Institute for Social Welfare and Research, said the matter is very complicated.

Other than a letter from Mustard Seed and a single phone call from Krabacher, Villedrouin says she doesnt have anything official from the Jamaican government and no one has come to see her about moving the children. Instead, she said, Krabacher and her supporters have pursued a pressure campaign involving Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry, believing it will get her to agree to ship the children off to another country.

Henry, one of the countrys few neurosurgeons, has spoken to Villedrouin about the request but has not said what he plans to do. She calls the situation problematic.

Villedrouin said if she were to open this door she doesnt know what will happen to the children. I have no control over what is happening in the other country, and I dont know what they will do with the children.

Its not that she isnt sympathetic to the plight of children caught in the cross-hairs of Haitis violent armed gangs, Villedrouin said. She has agreed in some circumstances to allow sick children to leave Haiti, but decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and after doctors and caregivers have come and explained the situation.

Trish, who is 18-months old, is the youngest of 62 disabled children that HaitiChildren, a non-profit that runs an orphanage in Haiti, has been trying to temporarily relocate to Jamaica since June. She has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid on the brain. Susie Krabacher, the founder of HaitiChildren, says she is desperately trying to move her disabled residents to Jamaica but the Haitian government is not responding to her request.

In their telephone conversation, Villedrouin said she explained to Krabacher that as the chief protector of Haitis children, she just cant throw the countrys doors open for everyone who wants to leave. She also noted that every time Haiti finds itself in crisis, children become prey for exploitation and traffickers. That was the case after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake when children, in an unprecedented baby airlift, were taken out of Haiti, some without the consent of the government or their parents.

Up to this day, we are trying to document children who left after the earthquake, Villedrouin said. We dont know who left and who didnt.

There is also another complication: Some of the children are technically not orphans.

A 2017 study by the London-based nonprofit Lumos, founded by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, estimated that there were at least 30,000 children living in orphanages in Haiti. However, more than 80% are not actually orphans because they have at least one living parent, the study said. Because of the countrys deep poverty, parents often place their children in these institutions believing they will be better cared for.

Villedrouin, who has prioritized the removal of children from orphanages and reuniting them with their parents, said that before the kids at HaitiChildren could be sent to Jamaica she would need to contact every parent to get their consent.

I just cant take peoples children and send them to another country, she said.

Villedrouin said she has a bunch of requests on her desk from orphanages seeking to relocate children out of Haiti. With the exception of Krabacher, all are trying to go across the border to the Dominican Republic.

The question she asks, Villedrouin said, is why cant they do what others have done and relocate to Haitian cities where the gang violence isnt as intense as in Port-au-Prince?

Krabacher responds that most of the kids in her care are in need of specialized care that is available only in the Haitian capital.

Our once-thriving children are dying due to lack of medical services, Krabacher said. We will not become a hospice center for children who have an opportunity to thrive if allowed to leave Haiti temporarily.

We just really want to assist

Mustard Seed Communities was founded in 1978 by Roman Catholic Rev. Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon when he was still a university student and saw disabled children abandoned on the streets of Jamaica. Today, what the Trinidad-born priest began in one wooden building is now a nonprofit operating 13 group homes across Jamaica.

The Catholic charity also has homes in Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Zimbabwe, and will soon open a home in Malawi. All are administered from Jamaica, said David Silvera, Mustard Seeds head of business development.

We just really want to assist in caring for these disabled children, he said about the HaitiChildren kids.

Six-year-old Nono got his name because the only words he would say during the first two years of his life while at an orphanage run by HaitiChildren, north of Port-au-Prince, were No No! He is among dozens of children the nonprofit is trying to temporarily relocate to Jamaica because of the ongoing gang crisis in Haiti. So far, the Haitian government hasnt given the go-ahead.

Krabacher first sought Mustard Seeds help on May 30. She wrote Ramkissoon, saying that she had 62 disabled children and dependents who were at risk of disease or death because food, critical medicine and medical care were being blockaded by military-style gang interference.

Ramkissoon wrote to Jamaica Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith seeking her assistance with the Haitian government. The outreach was timed to a recent visit by Henry to Kingston.

Everywhere Henry went, Silvera said, he was being told, Let Mustard Seed help you. 

The charity also reached out to a former U.S. ambassador to Jamaica, Luis Moreno. A retired diplomat, Moreno had also served as deputy chief of mission in Port-au-Prince.

Working with Haitian entities at the best of times can be incredibly difficult. Under the present circumstances, it is nearly impossible, said Moreno, who wrote to the Haitian government vouching for the organization and Ramkissoon. We are determined to exhaust every possibility to get the severely disabled children and some adults to Mustard Seed in Jamaica, where I know they will be taken incredibly good care of.

Ramkisson is one of the few people who I would totally put my hand in the fire for, Moreno added. His dedication is unmatched.

Silvera said Villedrouin initially asked for an ironclad guarantee that Mustard Seed would not put any of the children up for adoption and that they would returned to Haiti once the situation improves.

Silvera said after giving their word, he thought they were in the clear to start getting the group to Jamaica. Then Villedrouin made a third request: He must fly to Haiti to discuss the matter with her.

That was two days before an American nurse from New Hampshire and her daughter were kidnapped in Port-au-Prince. That same day, the U.S. Embassy, ordered the withdrawal of non-emergency personnel due to the escalating violence and kidnappings.

Silvera, whose own family migrated to Jamaica from Haiti, said not even his Haitian roots were enough to convince his advisers, or his wife, that he should make the trip.

As he considers the plight of the children, he said, he cant help but think: Theyd rather the children die than leave Haiti.

From slave route to gang crossroads

Arcahaie, the town where HaitiChildren is located, is on the edge of the west regional department that encompasses Port-au-Prince, and it borders the Artibonite mountains.

Today Arcahaie, a historic city where the leader of Haitis successful slave revolution created the countrys two-colored flag, is smack in the middle of Haitis gang warfare.

In recent weeks, several disabled children at one orphanage in Haiti have died after being unable to get medical care in time. Susie Krabacher, the founder of HaitiChildren, says she is desperately trying to move her disabled residents to Jamaica but the Haitian government is not responding to her request.

In November, gangs cut off access to Route National 1 connecting the city to Port-au-Prince, and that same month, eight of the orphanages employees, including four nurses, were kidnapped and their bus taken.

The kidnapping occurred on the same Port-au-Prince road where Wasserman, Babette and Jean-Claude were prevented from crossing, Krabacher said, when they were only two miles from the trauma hospital.

We have so many needless deaths and its just unfathomable to me that nobody will let us get those kids out of there, she said.

In March, not far from the orphanage, two popular beach resorts, Wahoo Bay Beach and Ouanga Bay Beach, were attacked and looted by gangs along the white-sand beach of Cote-des-Arcadins, also known as the Haitian Riviera. In July, two gangs operating in the Artibonite Valley carried out summary executions, killing at least 29 people during what one watchdog group described as a real nightmare month. In August, escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince catapulted most of the capital into a no-go war zone.

Were getting harassed all of the time, Krabacher said, noting that armed men patrol the streets around her orphanage blocking access to both the main road and the sea, which they sometimes use to circumvent the gangs. When weve pulled out of the gate, many times in the past month, they stop the car. They wont let us pass to get to the hospital in Port-au-Prince.

If we can get them to a hospital within an hour, she added, weve always been able to save them, but were not equipped to save them without critical care.

Late last month, the consequences of this turned into another round of tears when another one of her kids, Pedro, 27, died in his sleep.

The founder of Mustard Seed Communities, a Catholic charity in Jamaica, has offered to care for some 62 disabled children in Haiti, whose orphanage, HaitiChildren, is feeling the brunt of Haitis gang crisis. In recent weeks, several disabled children have died they were prevented by gangs from getting to the hospital in time, says HaitiChildren founder Susie Krabacher.

Speaking about the gangs, Krabacher, who hasnt been able to visit the facility since March, said she has never seen such demonic behavior in my life.

The children are dying terrible deaths, she added.

Krabacher, who knows Henry, said she has tried to appeal to the prime minister directly but has had no luck. Villedrouin, she said, told her she would need to go to court to adopt each of the children into her custody.

What courts? Krabacher said, referring to the dysfunctional judicial system that has been in tatters since the violence began.

She says even though she is not the kids biological mother, she has raised them since they were infants, and most of them call her Mom.

Do you know how it feels to lose four in two weeks? We had a triple funeral and our poor little kids... those who are mentally impaired they dont understand it, she said. And Im not able to go and bury my own kids.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley said Sunday that recent trips by President Bidens Cabinet members to China are embarrassing and a way to appease the country.

For Biden to realize, you dont send Cabinet members over to China to appease them, Haley, a former ambassador to the United Nations, said in an interview on CNNs State of The Union. You start getting serious with China and say were not going to put up with it. They keep sending different Cabinet officials overand its embarrassing.

Haleys comments follow recent trips to China by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Jane in an effort to improve relations with China.

You sent Raimondo right after she got hacked, her emails got hacked by the Chinese, Haley said, in reference to Raimondos email being a part of Chinese hackers breach in July.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You sent all of these Cabinet officials over after the Chinese spy balloon went over our country? Haley continued. They are putting a Chinese spy base up inCuba, off the coast of Florida and dont wait for the fact that they are going to be sending Chinese military troopers there. What are we doing appeasing China instead?

Tensions between the U.S. and China have since risen on various issues, including technology, espionage, economic competition, and military power. Multiple close military confrontations in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait have also contributed to these tensions, in addition to a surveillance balloon incident last February and recent reports that China has operated a spy base in Cuba since 2019.

We should say youre [China] not buying any more U.S. soil and were going to take back what youve already bought. Were gonna go and make sure that we dont have Chinese infiltration in our universities because our universities are going to have to pick between Chinese money or American money, were going to end all normal trade relations with China until they stop killing Americans with fentanyl. And then were going to build up our military because China now has the strongest naval fleet in the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Nikki Haley is facing a critical moment for her presidential campaign with the second GOP debate in California this month.

Polling has indicated Haley saw a bump after a strong performance at last months event in Milwaukee, and her campaign has touted its post-debate momentum.

But the former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador still faces an uphill battle as she jostles with her GOP rivals in a crowded field long led by former President Trump, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis locked in second in most polls  making her showing at the upcoming second debate all the more important.

Republican strategist Rina Shah said that Haley without a doubt has a chance to move up in the GOP field and even knock DeSantis out of his second-place status, especially after her performance in that first debate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But the only female candidate on the GOP stage is going to have to follow it up with another good performance, another rock-solid performance at the second debate Sept. 27 to make sure that momentum keeps building, Shah said.

Haley was the first major Republican candidate to jump into the primary race alongside the former president, launching her bid in February. Shes pitched herself as a new generation of GOP leadership, touting her work as governor and her experience in the U.N. She quipped at the first debate that if you want something done, ask a woman.

Haley on the debate stage also torched entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy  who had reached third place in some polls before the debate  over his foreign policy experience and clashed with with former Vice President Mike Pences stance on a federal abortion ban.

Polling afterward revealed that GOP voters thought Haley was among the top performers of the night.

Two weeks after the first debate in Milwaukee, its clear that momentum is with Nikki Haley, campaign manager Betsy Ankney said in a new memo, touting Haleys progress in polls.

A Washington Post/FiveThirtyEight/Ipsos survey found that the share of Republican primary voters who said they were considering voting for Haley jumped from 29 percent before the debate to 46 percent after they watched it, the biggest improvement of any of the candidates on stage.

Tony Fabrizio, the lead pollster for Trumps last two presidential campaigns, said in a memo reported this week by Axios that Haley has surged in Iowa polls after the debate, while DeSantis has flatlined.

The memo found Haley in third place in Iowa with 10 percent, compared to Ramaswamys 7 percent, DeSantiss 18 percent and Trumps 44 percent. In a New Hampshire survey from Fabrizio, Haley was tied with Ramaswamy for third with 9 percent each, behind DeSantiss 11 percent and Trumps 48 percent.

But despite Haleys progress in the polls after the debate, the numbers show that she and the rest of the White House hopefuls still lag far behind Trump.

Many consider the field to be in a race for second place, hoping GOP support eventually consolidates behind one of Trumps rival candidates to make the contest more competitive.

For Haley and other second-tier candidates, the debates are an opportunity to attempt to jump into the top tier with DeSantis and Trump, said Justin Sayfie, a Florida-based Republican strategist.

Sayfie said he hasnt seen evidence that anyone other than DeSantis will be in that top tier with Trump come 2024, but as the Florida governors polling numbers dip, other strategists suggest theres an avenue for Haley to move up.

I wouldnt believe much of this polling thats out there entirely about DeSantis being a firm second place. I think anyone could knock him out of that any time, Shah said.

A lot can change in the coming months as the 2024 cycle warms up and approaches the first caucuses early next year, GOP strategist Saul Anuzis said.

I think that anything is still possible, Anuzis said. I think [Haleys] very credible. Shes one of the people who got a bump from the debate, and most of the others cant say that. So I think thats a huge advantage to her.

For the second debate, in Simi Valley, Calif., strategists say Haley needs to maintain the level of calm and collectedness that boosted her presence in Milwaukee, and to lean into her measured stances on issues including abortion and foreign policy.

Coming off her momentum of the last debate, I think thats why its going to be incumbent upon her to perform well again. Because its like once you give the audience a taste, they want to see what else is there. So shes going to have to follow up, Shah said.

Anuzis added that Haley needs to stay in the top four or five candidates as the leading candidates solidify and the field narrows in the coming months.

Some have said Haley appeared to be reaching for the general electorate during the first debate, rather than just GOP primary voters  and Shah said that strategy indicates Haley understands the assignment of beating Biden next year.

In a new CNN poll, Haley was the only GOP presidential candidate who led President Biden in a hypothetical general election matchup, with 49 percent to Bidens 43 percent.

No other Republican candidate  including Ramaswamy, DeSantis and Trump  led by more than a 2-point margin in a contest against Biden.

Haley has dismissed suggestions that shes running in the GOP presidential race to ultimately become Trumps vice presidential pick, saying instead that shes doing this to win it.

I dont believe Haley is running for VP anymore. I think she understands that this could be a reality for her. And shes up to the task, Shah said.

She referenced Haleys tense exchanges with fellow candidates during the debate last month.

To call out your colleague on a stage like that shows youre not there to play. It shows youre there to actually deliver a death blow. She wants to eliminate people from that stage, Shah said.

The second debate is slated for Sept. 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, hosted by Fox hosts Stuart Varney and Dana Perino, with Univisions Ilia Calderon. It is set to air on Fox Business and in Spanish on Univision.

Haley has had a busy schedule on the campaign trail with stops this week in New Hampshire and her state of South Carolina in the lead-up to the looming debate later this month.

While other campaigns have had multiple reboots and excessive campaign and super PAC spending, our campaign is lean and mean and fighting for every inch. Candidates and campaigns matter, and Nikki and our entire operation are focused on the mission and will get the job done, her campaign manager said in the recent memo.

Jim Merrill, a veteran Republican consultant in New Hampshire, said he thinks the first debate clearly helped seal some deals for Haley among GOP voters in his state and elsewhere.

Shes got room to grow. And I think the numbers bear out that shes got opportunity to grow, Merrill said, though he noted that theres a long way to go for anybody to catch Trump and that DeSantis has room to grow, too. I think the question for her now is: where does she go from here?

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Hard-line Republicans in the House are itching for fights over opening an impeachment inquiry into President Biden and extracting deep spending cuts even at the risk of a government shutdown.

Their eagerness to fight isnt just with Biden and Democrats, but also with Republicans in their conference worried about the political risks of an impeachment fight and a shutdown.

Those dynamics pose yet another challenge for Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), whose job is to unify his conference.

Im tired of all these Republicans hiding behind, Oh, but theyll say its a shutdown. And theyll say that youre defunding law enforcement with [the Department of Homeland Security]. That is all bullshit, said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a member of the House Freedom Caucus.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The truth is were using the power that we were given to force change because you dont pay people not to do their job.

Allies of McCarthy are among those putting the pressure on him.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has repeatedly offered support for McCarthy, said she will not vote to fund the government unless the House opens an impeachment inquiry into Biden.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), decidedly not a McCarthy ally, suggested he could force a vote on ousting the Speaker if he does not push forward on investigations of Biden and other officials.

[I]f Speaker McCarthy stands in our way, he may not have the job long, Gaetz wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

More moderate members of the House say there is not enough evidence to move forward on an impeachment inquiry and are pushing leadership to reach a compromise with Democrats to keep the government open.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said the GOP needs more concrete evidence to open an impeachment inquiry. And last week, the executive counsel of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus sent Congressional leaders a letter urging them to put differences aside and sit down together in the spirit of bipartisanship every single day until a solution is reached on appropriations bills.

Lawmakers have precious little time to reach a funding deal. When the House returns Tuesday, there will be only 11 legislative days left before the end-of-month deadline.

Most agree a continuing resolution or CR will be needed to keep the government open and buy more time to negotiate annual funding measures.

But even that will be tough because the House Freedom Caucus last month said it would not support a short-term measure to fund the government unless it addresses the situation at the border, the weaponization of the Department of Justice and woke policies in the Pentagon.

Separately, the Republican Study Committee, a group a vast majority of 175 House Republicans belong to, said it wanted to ensure a stopgap measure was filled with high priority conservative policies and funded the government at levels in line with the Limit, Save, Grow Act  a spending cuts and policy reforms bill that Republicans passed as a starting point for debt ceiling increase negotiations with Democrats.

Some hard-liners say policy concessions wont be enough.

Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) called the policy asks a distraction and a decoy, explaining that he did sign on to the Freedom Caucus position even though he is a member of the group.

I told everyone at that time, do you think that these are truly  these policies are truly going to be implemented? And no one said that they thought that they were. And I was like, then lets be honest with the American people, Rosendale said.

Adding to the funding mess is the White Houses $40 billion supplemental request, which is already causing a stir on Capitol Hill.

The White House request unveiled last month includes $24 billion for Ukraine  sparking another controversy. Senate leaders from both parties want to pass the full supplemental, which also includes disaster funding. But many House Republicans in the right flank are vehemently opposed to any more funding for Ukraine.

Some conservatives say they arent worried about a shutdown, either, if it stops the government from continuing on its current spending trajectory. Yet history suggests if a shutdown is blamed on the GOP, it will not be good politics  particularly for vulnerable Republican moderates in swing districts.

Democrats are already working to pin the blame on Republicans if the government shuts down.

I think Leader McCarthy knows that if a shutdown happens, itll be caused by House Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said last week. Itll be bad for the country, but itll also be very bad for them.

McCarthy has argued against bringing Washington to a screeching halt by saying it would in turn hurt GOP-led investigations into Biden that are fueling calls for an impeachment inquiry.

If we shut down, all the government shuts it down, investigation and everything else. It hurts the American public, McCarthy said on Foxs Sunday Morning Futures in August.

But that line of reasoning is not flying with hard-line conservatives like Rosendale.

I will not be intimidated into falling for this false argument that we cant continue to pursue impeachment inquiries or issue subpoenas, Rosendale said.

The House this week will resume consideration of individual appropriations bills, with a measure to fund the Department of Defense on deck. More than 330 amendments to the legislation have been submitted.

Some hard-liners, however, are signaling they will withhold support from any funding bills unless they see the total spending for all 12 appropriations bills  a figure they have been requesting for months.

It all points to a tempestuous September, increased worries about a shutdown and another difficult stretch for McCarthy as conservatives prime themselves for battle.

September is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. As we head into this government funding battle, I urge my @HouseGOP colleagues to stay vigilant and not lose their backbones this time. #NoSecurityNoFunding, Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) wrote on X.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Washington  Vice President Kamala Harris pushed back on Republican claims that Democrats support abortions up until birth, but repeatedly declined to say how far into a pregnancy abortion access should be denied.

In an interview with "Face the Nation" on Thursday in Jakarta, Harris called on Congress to enshrine abortion rights into law after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which established the constitutional right to abortion. Since then, a number of states have rolled back abortion rights.

"Congress has the ability to put back in place the rights that the Supreme Court took from the women of America," she said.

Transcript: Vice President Kamala Harris on "Face the Nation"Harris pushes back on GOP criticism: "We're delivering for the American people"



ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But Democrats need 60 votes in the Senate to avoid a filibuster as well as a majority in the House, making it unlikely that legislation to codify Roe into law will pass anytime soon. The Women's Health Protection Act, which was endorsed by the president and vice president, to codify Roe failed in the Senate last year when it was put up for a vote.

When "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan asked Harris what week of pregnancy abortion access should be cut off, the vice president repeatedly said "the protections of Roe v. Wade" need to be put back in place, but did not directly answer the question. Roe v. Wade guaranteed abortion access up to the point of "viability," which can fall anytime between 20 and 24 weeks given scientific advancements.

"We're not trying to do anything that did not exist before June of last year," Harris said.

"It wasn't crafted into law. And that's why I'm asking you for the specifics there  because Republicans say the lack of a precise date in cutting it off  you know this  they say that allows Democrats to perform abortions up until birth," Brennan said, noting that the claim is not statistically accurate. In 2020, less than 1% of abortions were performed after 21 weeks and a majority were performed before 13 weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Harris called the claim "ridiculous" and a "mischaracterization of the point," but declined to be more specific. Some progressive Democrats oppose any legal definition defining a permitted window for abortion access, stipulating that the decision should solely be between a woman and her doctor.

"I believe that we should put the protections of Roe v. Wade into law, and the way that will happen is if we have a United States Congress, who regardless of their personal view for themselves or their family, would agree that the women of America should be trusted to make decisions about their life and their body based on what they know to be in their best interest. It's that simple," Harris said.

In June, President Biden offered more insight into where he stands on the issue, saying he's not "big on abortion" but the landmark 1973 decision governing abortion limits "got it right."

"Roe v. Wade cut in a place where the vast majority of religions have reached agreement," Mr. Biden said at a fundraiser for his reelection campaign.

The president said during "the first three months or thereabouts, in all major religions" the decision to obtain an abortion is between a woman and her family.

"Next three months is between a woman and her doctor. The last three months have to be negotiated, because you can't  unless you are in a position where your physical health is at stake  you can't do it," he said.

9/11: The FDNY | 60 Minutes

Colorado animal shelter tackling surging pet surrenders with new tactic

Western officials take on 9th Circuit ruling on homeless
Vice President Kamala Harris said Sunday North Korean Kim Jong Uns potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin would be a huge mistake.

When asked about the meeting by CBS Face the Nation anchor Margaret Brennan , Harris said, I think it would be a huge mistake.

First of all, when you look at Russias unprovoked war on Ukraine, and the idea that they would supply ammunition to Russia, well, its predictable where that ends up, Harris continued. I also believe very strongly that for both Russia and North Korea, this will further isolate them.

A U.S. official said last week Kim expects to make a visit to Russia to meet with Putin within the month.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We are all absolutely clear and unequivocal about our goal of the complete denuclearization of North Korea, Harris said. But when we think about the- Russias aggression in Ukraine  Its an absolute violation of one of the most important agreements that we have around the world in terms of international rules and norms, which is the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Harris called the meeting an act of desperation for Russia while a huge mistake on North Koreas part.

A U.S. official told The Associated Press the U.S. isnt sure exactly where or when the meeting would take place, but the Pacific port city of Vladivostok could be likely due to its relative proximity to North Korea.

Both Kim and Putin are scheduled to attend the Eastern Economic Forum at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, which runs Sept. 10-13, though it is not immediately clear if this is when the leaders will meet.

U.S. officials said Russia is looking to buy ammunition from North Korea to refill reserves drained by its war in Ukraine, according to The AP. In exchange, North Korea would likely want food and energy shipments and transfers of sophisticated weapons technologies.

U.S. officials have suspected over the past year North Korea is providing Russia with a variety of ammunition, and would likely fuel ongoing U.S. concerns of a deepening cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting would mark Kims first summit with a foreign leader since North Korea closed its borders in January 2020.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
June Proctor delivered her son, John, on Sept. 9, 1981, in a small Northern Ireland hospital. Five days later her husband, Johnnie Proctor, was surprised that he had been able to visit the mother and baby longer than usual, because the strict Sister Woods had been on duty when he had arrived about 6:45 p.m.

After about two hours the 25-year-old Johnnie, who had taken a job as a local constable, said goodbye and headed downstairs toward his car. June watched out the window, hoping to see him driving away. Instead, out of sight, she heard multiple gunshots.

June Proctors husband, Johnnie, a law enforcement officer, was ambushed and killed in 1981 by a member of the Irish Republican Army.

Johnnie had been murdered by members of the Irish Republican Army, and his familys story was chronicled later in the Belfast Telegraph.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He was one of about 3,600 people who were killed on both sides of the brutal conflict between nationalists, also called republicans, who were mostly Catholic, and loyalists, also called unionists, who were mostly Protestant, from the late 1960s to 1998.

IRA members were considered terrorists by Protestants and freedom fighters by Catholics. The same was true of paramilitary groups on the other side.

For the most part, the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 ended those decades of back-and-forth violence that came to be called the Troubles. The main dispute was between those in Northern Ireland who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom as they had been officially since the 1920s and those who wanted to unite with the rest of their island, the Republic of Ireland.

Residents of separate Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods in urban Belfast and other northern regions hurled doctrinal insults at each other, but the main quarrel was more political and societal than spiritual.

Catholics claimed discrimination in jobs, voting and their place in the culture. Civil rights protests evolved into violence by paramilitary groups on both sides  the Irish Republican Army (Catholic) and groups such as the Ulster Volunteer Force (Protestant).

With street fighting, shootings and bombings becoming common, British troops were sent in to keep the peace; Catholics and the IRA saw the soldiers  as well as local law enforcement officers such as Johnnie Proctor  as the enemy.

A British soldier patrols in a Belfast neighborhood in 1969 during the Troubles.

The suffering went both ways. Ten-year-old Richard Moore, headed home from school in 1972, ran past a British army lookout post. A soldier fired a rubber bullet that hit Richard in the face. He was blinded for life. In 2006 Richard tracked down the soldier, Charles, forgave him, and the two men became friends.

Another young boy, Buddy, fares better in Kenneth Branaghs 2021 outstanding fictional movie, Belfast. Based on Branaghs childhood, it illustrates the effect of the Troubles on one family. And even more poignant is the PBS documentary, Once Upon A Time In Northern Ireland.

The five hour-long episodes, also available on Amazon Prime and PBS Passport, consist of interviews with men and women  including June and Richard  from both sides who lived through that chaotic period. Whether you identify more with Protestants or Catholics, British or Irish, establishment supporters or social activists, its hard not to empathize with the tears that still flow from Irish eyes 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement.

One woman recalls a bomb she planted in a department store, assuming it would go off after hours. She admits that had it been set to explode when customers were there, she still would have done it for the nationalist cause.

Mike Haynes

Another woman, Fiona, was Miss Derry 1986. She recalls how she didnt mention to other contestants in the Miss Ireland pageant that her brother had been murdered by the IRA.

Religious zeal has been the rationale for many a conflict throughout history  usually resulting from distorted interpretations of spiritual teachings. The 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks will arrive Monday, and families, friends and politicians will memorialize the 2,977 people who were killed in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania by Islamic extremists motivated by politics but primarily by zeal for their religion.

In the case of the Troubles, the sides that opposed each other were split more by governance issues and civil rights disparities than by their two versions of Christianity. Sometimes, people believe in their causes so strongly that they think anything, including murder of innocent people, is justified to achieve what they consider justice. Once Upon A Time in Northern Ireland reveals the personal cost of such thinking. The emotion in the recent interviews is that of people who have not forgotten their pain.

One of my friends who is helping plan a 2025 Christian retreat in Belfast says the organizers will urge those attending not to bring up politics with the Irish locals they meet  and certainly not to ask whether they are Protestant or Catholic.

The Irish band U2 wrote about Bloody Sunday, when in 1972 British paratroopers shot 14 Catholic protesters to death: How long, how long must we sing this song? How long? How long?

The real battle just begun  To claim the victory Jesus won  On Sunday, Bloody Sunday

Mike Haynes taught journalism at Amarillo College from 1991 to 2016 and has written for the Faith section since 1997. He can be reached at haynescolumn@gmail.com. Go to www.haynescolumn.blogspot.com for other recent columns.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Haynes: Ireland has cautionary tale of conflict, enemies, violence
More than 2,000 people have died after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook Morocco on Friday night, making it the biggest quake to impact the country in 120 years.

Some 380,000 people live within 50 km (or about 31 miles) of the earthquakes epicenter in the High Atlas mountains, which is less than 50 miles southwest of the highly-populated city of Marrakech. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing throughout the country, and Interior Ministry officials said the death toll is expected to rise.

At least two aftershocks exacerbated the disaster, with the latest being a 3.9 aftershock on Sunday.

More From TIME

Some residents are still awaiting help, partly because roads have been blocked from reaching more remote areas of the country due to debris. Spain and Israel have sent forward international aid, but additional help from countries like France and Tunisia is stalled because the Moroccan government has not yet requested it, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Sunday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

President Joe Biden said that the United States is ready to provide help to Morocco when necessary, and is working with officials to ensure American citizens in the country are safe. I want to express my sadness by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco, Biden said on Sunday during a news conference in Vietnam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Morocco.

Heres some organizations that are helping Morocco:

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The IFRC sent staff on the ground shortly after the earthquake to help provide first aid, assist with search and rescue, and help local authorities assess the need for aid. They are supporting the Moroccan Red Crescent and are ready to deploy emergency response teams if necessary.

We are mobilizing now to support the Moroccan Red Crescent, said Dr. Hossam Elsharkawi, Regional Director of Middle East and North Africa for the IFRC. This will not be a week or two of response as our region has seen with the big Turkiye and Syrian earthquake earlier this year. Again we are looking at many months if not years of response.

Donations are being accepted here.

Islamic Relief USA

Islamic Relief USA is a nonprofit organization working with local organizations to assist with food, shelter, and healthcare.

Find out more about their work, here.

Global Giving

Global Giving has launched a fund to support relief and recovery efforts and assist with the most immediate needs of survivors. They are using donations to provide shelter and temporary housing, mental health support and support long-term recovery in the country.

They are accepting donations here.

UNICEF

The United Nations Children's Fund is providing emergency support for families that were impacted by the earthquake and is in communication with authorities. You can make a financial contribution here.

CARE

CARE, which stands for the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, has a base in Morocco near the epicenter of the earthquake, focuses on working with women, girls and other disadvantaged groups to provide aid. Many already struggled in Morocco prior to the earthquake. Now, hundreds of thousands have lost everything in a matter of seconds, said Deepmala Mahla, CAREs Vice President of Humanitarian Affairs.

Consider donating here.

Doctors Without Borders

In collaboration with local authorities, Doctors Without Borders is planning on sending emergency medical and humanitarian teams to Morocco to provide support, despite not having an established presence in the country. The organization says its priority will be providing supplies and helping restore health services. You can support their work here.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Hurricane Lee expected to regain strength as storm spins way from East Coast: Live

After exploding from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm within 24 hours last week, Hurricane Lee has downgraded to a Category 3 storm, though forecasters predict the storm could regain strength as it whirls across the open Atlantic Ocean in the coming days.

Lee is slowing down as it moves well north of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the northern Leeward Islands, though it still remains too early to determine its course and whether the northeastern US coast and Canada could see any impacts, according to an advisory from the National Hurricane Center on 10 September.

But life-threatening surf and rip conditions are expected along the East Coast, while dangerous swells generated by the storm are spreading to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

Lees historic intensification from an 80 mph Category 1 to a Category 5 with 160 mph winds last week makes it one the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storms on record. Warm waters are a potent fuel for hurricanes to gain strength, a phenomenon expected to accelerate amid a growing climate crisis.

Key Points

Lee is slowing down and likely regaining strength as it steers north

How Lee shattered rapid intensification standards

Heres how quickly the storm picked up speed

Spaghetti models show Hurricane Lees potential paths

Lee is in rare company during an already-historic storm year

Can Hurricane Lee become Category 5 again?

09:00 , Stuti Mishra

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lee is going through another phase of intensification over the warm Atlantic waters, nearing Category 4 strength now after it was downgraded to Category 2 on Saturday.

National Hurricane Center has said the storm could intensify further on Monday morning, which means it could once again become a Category 5 storm.Last week the storm went from Category 1 to Category 5 within 24 hours.

Path of Hurricane Lee: Will it make landfall?

08:04 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Lee is projected to stay in open waters, according to the National Hurricane Center but its impact is being felt in the Caribbean with rainfall and large swells and the same could be experienced in the US East Coast.

Lee is expected to take a turn to the north by Wednesday. However, its path after that remained unclear.

Here is the projected path of the hurricane:

Hurricane Lee, 10 September (NOAA)

Hurricane Lee 'growing larger' as US east coast braces for large swells

07:15 , Stuti Mishra

The centre of Hurricane Lee is growing in size, the National Hurricane Center has said in its latest advisory, after the storm once again intensified to Category 3 from Category 2 on Sunday night.

Lee has hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 75 miles (120 kilometres) from the centre and tropical storm-force winds extending outward up to 175 miles (280 kilometres).

The NHC also said that dangerous surf and rip currents were expected to hit most of the US East Coast starting on Sunday night and Monday morning, but that the hurricane's impact beyond that was still unclear.

"It is way too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the US East Coast, Atlantic Canada, or Bermuda, especially since the hurricane is expected to slow down considerably over the southwestern Atlantic." the centre said.

Hurricane #Lee Advisory 23: Lee Growing Larger But Maximum Sustained Winds Have Not Yet Increased. Hazardous Beach Conditions Expected to Spread Through the Western Atlantic During the Week. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 11, 2023

Hurricane Lee unleashes heavy swell on northern Caribbean as it restrengthens over open waters

06:32 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Lee barrelled over open waters late night just northeast of the Caribbean, unleashing heavy swell on several islands as it regained some strength and expanded in size.

Lee has again intensified to a Category 3 storm after reducing to Category 2 earlier on Saturday, but it is not forecast to make landfall and it is staying over open waters. However, its bands brought heavy rains and hazardous beach conditions.

The impacted regions include the Lesser Antilles, the British and US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas and Bermuda.

Late Sunday, it was centred about 310miles (500kilometres) north of the northern Leeward Islands. Its maximum sustained winds were clocked at 120mph (195kph) and it was moving northwest at 8mph (13kph).

We had the perfection conditions for a hurricane: warm waters and hardly any wind shear, said Lee Ingles, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in San Juan.

Rapid intensification of storms likely to accelerate with warming waters

06:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee is in rare company. Only two recorded storms  Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Felix in 2007  strengthened faster than Lee over a 24-hour period, as Lee developed from a Cat 1 to a Cat 5 last week before degrading into its current Cat 3 status.

The storm is predicted to continue to regain strength after slowing down over the weekend.

Brian McNoldy with the University of Miami told NBC News that the warm conditions in the Atlantic were ripe for the storms rapid intensification last week.

The vertical wind shear was very low and the water temperature under it was very warm, he said, adding that Lee took full advantage of both.

Last year, Hurricane Ian rapidly intensified over two separate periods before striking Florida. Hurricane Idalia recently strengthened from a Cat 1 to a Cat 4 within 24 hours.

Its a huge problem, and the past is not a good guide to what we should expect going forward, Jeff Masters, a former hurricane scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told NBC.

Forecasters predoct another rapid intensification cycle for Lee

04:00 , Alex Woodward

Lee made history last week after it rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 within 24 hours.

The hurricane could enter another period of rapid intensification this week after slowing down over the weekend.

In the last 12 hours, NHC has recorded a 15 knot increase for #HurricaneLee, confirming that #Lee is steadily re-intensifying. The next 36 hours are looking like medium-low shear so I wouldnt be surprised if we get near a rapid intensification cycle between today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/OYPoaxFCux  Kieran Bhatia (@BhatiaKieran) September 10, 2023

East Coast likely to avoid Lee landfall, but hazardous beach conditions are incoming

02:00 , Alex Woodward

It appears that Hurricane Lee will likely avoid making any landfall in the US, but life-threatening rip currents and dangerous beaches conditions along the East Coast are expected over the next couple of days.

Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected to begin along much of the US East Coast later today and worsen through this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Beach erosion and some coastal flooding is also possible, the center reported.

The Category 3 storm is predicted to continue gaining strength as it moves north this week.

5pm AST Sun Sep 10th Key Messages for #Hurricane #Lee.



Hazardous beach conditions to spread across the western Atlantic this week. Too soon to know level of impacts for US East coast or Atlantic Canada late this week, so stay tuned for updates. https://t.co/w5INoaj9KX pic.twitter.com/NaXXHp21Mz  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 10, 2023

Atlantic will see two simultaneous hurricanes this week, forecasters predict

00:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee is expected to continue to gain strength as it cruises across the Atlantic Ocean, and just behind it is Tropical Storm Margot, which forecasters predict will reach hurricane strength on 11 September.

Its unclear what path they will take in the coming days, and whether they will pose a threat to the East Coast.

But they could get close enough for a phenomenon called the Fujiwhara effect, in which two storms rotate around each other and spin in the same direction. The National Weather Service describes it as an intense dance around their common center.

The phenomenon occured with hurricanes Hilary and Irwin in the East Pacific in 2017.

Tropical Storm Margot is growing stronger and better organized and predicted to turn into a hurricane on Monday

22:30 , Alex Woodward

Just behind Hurricane Lee is Tropical Storm Margot, which has grown stronger and better organized over the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Margot is expected to continue moving north in the next few days and potentially intensify into a hurricane on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 65 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the storms center, according to the advisory.

A forecast model from the National Hurricane Center predicts Tropical Storm Margot will intensify into a hurricane on 11 September. (NOAA)

Latest Lee update: Hurricane restrengthening as Category 3 storm

21:50 , Alex Woodward

As predicted, Hurricane Lee has intensified into a Category 3 storm after slowing down overnight and into Sunday.

Lee is expected to take a slow west-northwestward track in the coming days, passing well north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during the next day or two, according to a Sunday afternoon advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

The storm has returned to Category 3 strength and additional strengthening is forcast within the next day or so, the NHC is reporting.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and it remains unclear whether the storm will reach the northeastern US coast and Canada or continue spinning into the Atlantic on that western track. It still remains too early to tell, according to forecasters.

5pm AST Sun Sep 10th Key Messages for #Hurricane #Lee.



Hazardous beach conditions to spread across the western Atlantic this week. Too soon to know level of impacts for US East coast or Atlantic Canada late this week, so stay tuned for updates. https://t.co/w5INoaj9KX pic.twitter.com/NaXXHp21Mz  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 10, 2023

Watch: Atlantic storm activity at the peak of hurricane season

20:30 , Alex Woodward

Take a look at the Atlantic activity with Hurricane Lee, Tropical Storm Margot and two disturbances behind them with a chance of developing into storms in the coming days

The storms and storms-to-be are taking shape during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

NOAA forecasts 12 to 17 total named storms this year, with five to nine of those storms turning into hurricanes, including up to four major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.

There's no shortage of activity in the Atlantic Basin! Along with named storms Hurricane #Lee and Tropical Storm #Margot, the #NHC is monitoring a pair of disturbances in the Main Development Region that each have a 30% chance of development over the next 7 days. pic.twitter.com/rZpRxTeOmW  RadarOmega (@RadarOmega) September 10, 2023

Hurricane Lee is a Category 2 storm, but its still unclear where its headed

19:55 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee was downgraded to a Category 2 on Sunday, slowing down as it rears northwest along the eastern seaboard.

Its expected to strengthen in the coming days, but Lee is not projected to strike land, and there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, for now.

It remains too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the US East Coast, Atlantic Canada or Bermuda late next week, especially since the hurricane is expected to slow down considerably over the southwestern Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Dangerous surf conditions are expected along parts of the East Coast and around the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as well as Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

But the storm, roughly 270 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands, is expected to steer away from Caribbean islands as it makes its northern turn.

Why Hurricane Lee has shattered rapid intensification standards

18:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lees acceleration from an 80 mph Cat 1 to a Cat 5 with 160 mph winds within 24 hours has surpassed the standards meteorologists typically associate with rapid intensification, or when winds increase by 35 mph within that same time period.

It not only makes Lee the one of the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storms on record, it has set a new threshold that scientists see as a potential harbinger for whats to come as the climate crisis accelerates.

This one increased by 80 mph, Marshall Shepherd, director of the University of Georgias Atmospheric Sciences Program and a past president of the American Meteorological Society told the Associated Press. I cant emphasize this enough  we used to have this metric of 35 mph, and heres a storm that did twice that amount and were seeing that happen more frequently.

September 10 is peak hurricane season, as more Atlantic storms are brewing

17:00 , Alex Woodward

Today is the peak date for the Atlantic hurricane season, and it couldnt come at a more-active time, with Hurricane Lee likely gaining strength as Tropical Storm Margot and two brewing storms pop up behind it.

September 10 is basically when you still have low vertical wind shear, plenty of moisture and increasing sea surface temperatures, Colorado State meteorologist Philip Klotzbach told AccuWeather. The increasing vertical wind shear tends to dominate over the continued warming sea surface temperatures as you move later in September.

On the heels of #Lee and Margot is #invest97L and its larger relative near Africa. These two should blend in time. Given its the heart of the hurricane season and the entire basin is ripe, this new system may follow a similar path that Lee has traveled thus far. By NEXT pic.twitter.com/O4SitQiZ5x  Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) September 10, 2023

While the climate crisis and warming waters have indicated that hurricane seasons are trending longer than the official six-month window typically observed, that peak date is likely to remain.

While Atlantic sea surface temperatures typically continue to warm until late September/early October, vertical wind shear starts to increase relatively quickly in late September, knocking down storm activity, Mr Klotzbach added.

A composite image from NOAA shows Hurricane Lee churning towards the Caribbean after intensifying into a major storm on 8 September. (via REUTERS)

Latest Lee update: Storm to pass well north of Leeward Islands, Virgin Island and Puerto Rico

16:32 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee, now a Category 2 storm, is expected to spin outwards as it approaches the eastern seaboard, and the storm is moving well north of the northern Leeward Island, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in the coming days, according to an 11am ET update from the National Hurricane Center.

Still, it remains too early to tell what impacts, if any, will be felt along the US East Coast and Canada, especially as the hurricane is expected to slow down considerably as it moves over the southwestern Atlantic, according to the advisory.

Data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to nearly 110 mph with higher gusts, and some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days.

Dangerous waves are expected along the East Coast throughout the weekend, with potentially life-threatening rip currents and dangerous surf hitting northern Leeward Island, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as well as Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

11AM AST Sep 10: #Lee is passing well north of the northern Leeward Islands. Hazardous beach conditions are forecast to spread across the western Atlantic this week. Stay up to date with the latest at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/FSB4BYvbIQ  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 10, 2023

Latest Lee update: Storm is slowing down and likely regaining strength as it steers north

14:30 , Alex Woodward

After it was downgraded from a Category 3 storm, Hurricane Lee is predicted to regain strength as it travels along warm Atlantic waters in the coming days.

Lee is slowing down as it moves well north of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the northern Leeward Islands, though it still remains too early to determine its course and whether the northeastern US coast and Canada could see any impacts, according to an advisory from the National Hurricane Center on 10 September.

But life-threatening surf and rip conditions are expected along the East Coast, while dangerous swells generated by the storm are spreading to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

5 AM AST - Sept 10: #Lee slowing down...Deteriorating seas and beach conditions expected this week for PR/USVI.

|#Lee esta desacelerando...Se esperan condiciones maritimas y costeras deterioradas esta semana para PR/USVI.#PRwx #USVIwx pic.twitter.com/WFwxiTULEG  NWS San Juan (@NWSSanJuan) September 10, 2023

Will Lee and Margot collide in the Atlantic?

11:00 , Alex Woodward

Newly formed Tropical Storm Margot is expected to grow into a hurricane next week, raising the possibility that it could mingle or alter Hurricane Lees path, though it is still far too soon to project whether the two major storms could get close to one another any time soon in the Atlantic Ocean.

Such a phenomenon, when two storms rotate around each other and spin in the same direction, is called the Fujiwhara effect. The National Weather Service describes it as an intense dance around their common center.

That could then push them both around the Atlantic and alter their paths.

The phenomenon occured with hurricanes Hilary and Irwin in the East Pacific in 2017.

Rapid intensification of storms likely to accelerate with warming waters

09:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee is in rare company. Only two recorded storms  Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Felix in 2007  strengthened faster than Lee over a 24-hour period, as Lee developed from a Cat 1 to a Cat 5 last week before degrading into its current Cat 3 status.

Brian McNoldy with the University of Miami told NBC News that the warm conditions in the Atlantic were ripe for the storms rapid intensification.

The vertical wind shear was very low and the water temperature under it was very warm, he said, adding that Lee took full advantage of both.

Warm waters are a potent fuel for hurricanes to gain strength, a phenomenon likely to accelerate amid a growing climate crisis and warming waters.

Last year, Hurricane Ian rapidly intensified over two separate periods before striking Florida. Hurricane Idalia recently strengthened from a Cat 1 to a Cat 4 within 24 hours.

Its a huge problem, and the past is not a good guide to what we should expect going forward, Jeff Masters, a former hurricane scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told NBC.

Hurricane Lee is pictured by NOAA satellite in the Atlantic Ocean on 8 September. (AP)

Why Lee is blowing meteorologists minds before it even makes landfall

07:00 , Alex Woodward

The first Category 5 storm of the Atlantic hurricane season didnt stay that way very long, but Hurricane Lees rapid intensification from a Category 1 into a Category 5 within 24 hours from Thursday into Friday is likely a record-breaking event in modern meteorological history.

The storm then degraded into a Cat 4 then a Cat 3, though it is likely to gather strength as it moves northeast.

Cat 5 storms already are rare, but inreasingly more common, relative to the history books. According to University of Miami hurricane expert Brian McNoldy, roughly 4 per cent of named storms in the Atlantic basin have reached that threshold since the early 1920s.

Category 5 hurricanes are rare... these are tropical cyclones with 157mph+ sustained winds in the eyewall. Meteorological perfection. What percentage of Atlantic named storms is known to have reached Cat 5 intensity?

1923-2023: 3.8%

1973-2023: 3.5%

1993-2023: 3.6%

2013-2023: 4.5%  Brian McNoldy (@BMcNoldy) September 8, 2023

Lees intensification from an 80 mph Cat 1 to a Cat 5 with 160 mph winds has likely made it the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storm on record.

Not only that, for the first time on record, Cat 5 storms have formed in every tropical ocean basin within one year.

This is one of the most impressive rapid intensification episodes I've ever seen in the Atlantic. Hurricane #Lee went from having no eye this morning to possibly Cat 5 intensity this evening. Absolutely incredible. pic.twitter.com/49NmtkIJO2  Dr. Levi Cowan (@TropicalTidbits) September 8, 2023

FEMA stocks up food and water for potential Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands response

03:00 , Alex Woodward

The USS Federal Emergency Management Agency has roughly 4.5 million meals and nearly 8.9 million liters of water in Puerto Rico as Hurricane Lee rears eastward as a powerful Category 3 storm that could gain strength over the weekend.

The storm is not yet predicted to make landfall, if it does at all, but emergency responders and national weather agencies are keeping a close watch.

Roughly 250,000 meals and more than 600,000 liters of water are prepared to support the US Virgin Islands, FEMA also announced on Friday.

A major wave producer'

01:00 , Alex Woodward

It still remains far too early to tell what Lee will look like for the East Coast as it creeps along a northeastern track, but forecasters predict high seas and rip currents up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

What we are going to see from Lee  and were very confident  is its going to be a major wave producer, National Hurricane Center director Mike Brennan said in a Friday briefing.

On Saturday, large swells battered the northeast Caribbean as Lee churned through open waters hundreds of miles off the northern Leeward Islands, the Associated Press reported.

The highest waves recorded by the center were at about 45 and 50 feet, and the highest waves could even be double that, Mr Brennan said.

So we could be looking at 80-, 90-foot waves associated with Lee, he added.

A satellite image from NOAA shows Category 3 Hurricane Lee in the Atlanic Oean on 9 September. (NOAA/GOES/AFP via Getty Images)

How close will Lee get to the US?

Saturday 9 September 2023 23:00 , Alex Woodward

Exactly when or how Lee will travel northeast is still too early to tell. What happens next is up to a combination of atmospheric factors, including an area of high pressure in the Atlantic Ocean and a jet stream to its west.

That area of high pressure is likely to play a major role in Lees track, and is expected to keep Lee on its current west-northwestward path over the weekend. That scenario would keep the storm rotating out to sea, or send it closer to Bermuda.

The storm is still roughly one week from posing a potential threat to the East Coast of the US, if it poses any at all.

Latest Lee advisory: Hurricane expected to pass north of Leeward Islands while generating dangerous waves over weekend

Saturday 9 September 2023 22:10 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee, still a Category 3 storm, is expected to pass pass well to the north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico into early next week, according to an afternoon advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph with higher gusts, and gradual restrengthening is possible during the next couple of days, the center predicts.

Swells generated by Lee are affecting portions of the Lesser Antilles and will spread westward to the British and US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda through the weekend. Those swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, according to the report.

Dangerous surf and rip currents are also expected along the US East Coast on Sunday and Monday and then worsen through the week.

Hurricane #Lee Advisory 18: Lee to Pass Well North of the Leeward Islands During the Next Day Or So. Hazardous Beach Conditions Expected to Develop Around the Western Atlantic Through Next Week. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2023

Too soon to tell but too soon to rule out significant impacts, forecasters say

Saturday 9 September 2023 22:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee was significantly disrupted by wind shear within the 24 hours after it accelerated into a Category 5 hurricane, as it then degraded into a Category 4 then Category 3 into Saturday morning.

Models are suggesting that the shear will subside by Sunday morning, which could allow Lee to gain more strength as it continues to track east, according to Levi Cowan with Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

Regardless of Lees exact intensity, it will be a major hurricane tracking north of the Caribbean and then turning northward over the western Atlantic over the next week, he said.

It remains too soon to rule out impacts from Lee as models predict it could track forwards Bermuda, Canada and the northeastern US, he added.

Hurricane #Lee has been disrupted significantly by some mid-level wind shear in the past 24 hours, with max winds down to 115 mph after being as high as 160 mph at one point. Models suggest that the shear will subside by Sunday morning, probably allowing Lee to regain strength. pic.twitter.com/vOikNUrYQs  Dr. Levi Cowan (@TropicalTidbits) September 9, 2023

Lee shattered rapid intensification standards, a warning of future storms amid growing climate crisis

Saturday 9 September 2023 21:02 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lees acceleration from an 80 mph Cat 1 to a Cat 5 with 160 mph winds within 24 hours has surpassed the standards meteorologists typically associate with rapid intensification, or when winds increase by 35 mph within that same time period.

It not only makes Lee the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storm on record, it has set a new threshold that scientists see as a potential harbinger for whats to come as the climate crisis accelerates.

This one increased by 80 mph, Marshall Shepherd, director of the University of Georgias Atmospheric Sciences Program and a past president of the American Meteorological Society told the Associated Press. I cant emphasize this enough  we used to have this metric of 35 mph, and heres a storm that did twice that amount and were seeing that happen more frequently.

Lee and Margot could mingle in the Atlantic

Saturday 9 September 2023 18:57 , Alex Woodward

Newly formed Tropical Storm Margot is expected to grow into a hurricane next week, raising the possibility that Hurricane Lees path could be changed, though it is still far too soon to project whether the two major storms could get close to one another in the Atlantic.

Such a phenomenon, when two storms rotate around each other and spin in the same direction, is called the Fujiwhara effect. The National Weather Service describes it as an intense dance around their common center.

That could then push them both around the Atlantic and alter their paths.

The phenomenon occured with hurricanes Hilary and Irwin in the East Pacific in 2017.

Watch Lee intensify from Category 1 to Category 5 storm

Saturday 9 September 2023 18:04 , Alex Woodward

Lee marked the first Category 5 hurricane of this years Atlantic season when it rapidly grew from a Category 1 within 24 hours this week. There have been seven other Cat 5 storms from the Atlantic since 2016, with one  Michael  making landfall in the US in 2018.

Within thouse 24 hours, Hurricane Lee intensified from an 80 mph Cat 1 to a Cat 5 with 160 mph winds, likely making it the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storm on record.

Lee has since diminished to a Cat 3 storm and is expected to maintain its strength over the weekend.

#Lee's life story, Chapter 1: From African easterly wave to sudden extreme intensification into a Category 5 #hurricane (wait for it) pic.twitter.com/1EWakTRkBe  Stu Ostro (@StuOstro) September 8, 2023

Lee maintaining strength but little change expected on Saturday

Saturday 9 September 2023 16:25 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee is maintaing strength as a recently downgraded Category 3 storm as it moves across the Atlanta Ocean with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph with higher gusts, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Little change in strength is expected today, but gradual restrengthening is forecast to occur on Sunday and Monday, according to the advisory.

11AM AST Sep 9: @NOAA_HurrHunter & @53rdWRS find #Lee maintaining strength this morning. Hazardous beach conditions are expected around the western Atlantic through next week. Visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for the latest information pic.twitter.com/xXiy8NY8Ux  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2023

Lee is in rare company during an already-historic storm year

Saturday 9 September 2023 15:35 , Alex Woodward

For the first time on record, Category 5 storms have formed in every tropical ocean basin within one year.

Lee, which has since downgraded to a Category 3 as it tracks along open Atlantic Ocean, accelerated from Category 1 strength into a Category 5 this week.

I think its reasonable to hypothesize that the abnormally warm ocean temperatures around the world made this more likely to happen, University of Miami, hurricane expert Brian McNoldy told The Washington Post. Gives everything a boost.

Saturday, Sept 9th 5 AM AST Key Messages for Hurricane #Lee: It is too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the U.S. East Coast, Atlantic Canada, or Bermuda late next week. Continue to monitor forecasts at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for the latest. pic.twitter.com/2106DvFQFh  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2023

Way too soon to chart US impacts, if any, but Lee could strengthen as it moves across open ocean

Saturday 9 September 2023 14:30 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee ramped up to a Category 5 storm within 24 hours this week, but it has been downgraded to a Category 3 and will likely lose strength over the course of the day as it struggles with wind shear.

The National Hurricane Center continues to stress it is still way too soon to know what impacts, if any, the storm could have along the East Coast of the US, and the storm could gain strength as it continues to move with sustained winds at 115 mph as of Saturday morning.

Dangerous and life-threatening rip currents are affecting parts of the Leeward Islands, according to NHC. Those conditions are expected to impact parts of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas and Bermuda over the weekend.

Saturday, Sept 9th 5 AM AST Key Messages for Hurricane #Lee: It is too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the U.S. East Coast, Atlantic Canada, or Bermuda late next week. Continue to monitor forecasts at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for the latest. pic.twitter.com/2106DvFQFh  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2023

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Saturday 9 September 2023 11:06 , Louise Boyle

Some forecast models suggest that Hurricane Lee could graze the US East Coast - but the jury is still out.

Regardless, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along most of the US East Coast beginning Sunday, the National Hurricane Center warned.

Joe Sommerlad reports

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Watch: Inside the eye of Hurricane Lee

Saturday 9 September 2023 10:07 , Louise Boyle

Lee gains elite status

Saturday 9 September 2023 09:03 , Louise Boyle

Lee is expected to keep strengthening and reach winds of up to 180mph (290kph).

Only seven Atlantic hurricanes have had winds of that magnitude since 1966, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

Among those was Hurricane Dorian, which pummeled the northern Bahamas in 2019 as a Category 5 storm, hovering over small islands for some two days.

The Associated Press

Lee gains elite status

Saturday 9 September 2023 05:05 , Louise Boyle

Lee is expected to keep strengthening and reach winds of up to 180mph (290kph).

Only seven Atlantic hurricanes have had winds of that magnitude since 1966, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

Among those was Hurricane Dorian, which pummeled the northern Bahamas in 2019 as a Category 5 storm, hovering over small islands for some two days.

The Associated Press

Watch: Inside the eye of Hurricane Lee

Saturday 9 September 2023 04:04 , Louise Boyle

Hurricane Lee powers through Caribbean as forecasters warn too soon to know of US impact next week

Saturday 9 September 2023 01:01 , Graeme Massie

We will see waves between 10 and 15 feet, so we dont want anyone on the beaches.

Hurricane Lee powers through Caribbean as too soon to know on US impacts next week

Ocean warnings

Saturday 9 September 2023 00:03 , Louise Boyle

The National Hurricane Center said that dangerous surf and deadly rip currents will likely hit the northern Leeward Islands later Friday from Hurricane Lee.

They would spread to Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Bermuda over the weekend.

We will see waves between 10 and 15 feet (3 and 5 meters), so we dont want anyone on the beaches, said Ernesto Morales with the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The National Hurricane Center said dangerous surf and rip currents were forecast for most of the US East Coast starting Sunday. (AP)

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Friday 8 September 2023 23:02 , Louise Boyle

Some forecast models suggest that Hurricane Lee could graze the US East Coast - but the jury is still out.

Regardless, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along most of the US East Coast beginning Sunday, the National Hurricane Center warned.

Joe Sommerlad reports

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

FEMA prepared for worst-case scenario in Puerto Rico in response to Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

Hurricane Lee strengthened to a Category 5 storm on Thursday evening. The same day, Joe Biden was briefed by the Federal Emergecy Management Agency about its preparations in the event the storms force caused disruptions in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

FEMA said it had prepared approximately 4.5 million meals and nearly 8.9 million liters of water for Puerto Rico. Another 250,000 meals and more than 600,000 liters of water were made available for the US Virgin Islands.

The agency also deployed rapid response teams to both of the US territories in the event the storm turned and threatened the islands.

Thankfully, Hurricane Lee did not make landfall on any of the islands and is continuing north along the US east coast.

No reason for east coast US residents to be fearful of Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 21:40 , Graig Graziosi

Jamie Rhome, the director of the National Hurricane Centre, said that right now there is no reason for east coast US residents to fear Hurricane Lees trajectory outside of rip current risks.

Theres absolutely no indication in front of us that this is going to be a huge threat to Florida, other than its going to be a huge rip current risk, Mr Rhome told USA Today. Right now, save the rip current risk, which is extreme, theres no reason for people on the East Coast to be fearful. We need them to be informed and aware and check back for details but right now theres no reason other than rip currents for people to be fearful.

Hurricane Lee underwent rapid intensification, strengthening from a Category 2 to Category 4 storm in just six hours, according to the National Hurricane Centre.

The storm became a Category 5 hurricane on Thursday night, but has since weakened to a Category 4.

Tracking Hurricane Lees evolution

Friday 8 September 2023 21:10 , Graig Graziosi

Tropical Storm Lee formed in the Atlantic Ocean and under went rapid intensification into an extremely dangerous hurricane, eventually reaching Category 5 before it slowed to Category 4 on Friday morning.

Tropical Storm Lee was announced by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 5pm (eastern time) on Tuesday.

Its wind speeds picked up on Tuesday afternoon and was forecast to become a major hurricane.

The depression is forecast to become a major hurricane by this weekend and could bring impacts to the Leeward Islands by that time, NHC reported at the time.

READ MORE:

Tropical Storm Lee expected to become extremely dangerous hurricane by weekend

Hurricane Lee: What is the path of the monster storm?

Friday 8 September 2023 20:50 , Graig Graziosi

Hurricane Lee reached Category 5 on Friday, after rapidly strengthening as it stirred through the Caribbean, the US National Hurricane Center reported on Thursday.

Hurricane Lee began to strengthen over the very warm waters of the Atlantic, growing from a tropical storm into a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday and by late Thursday night, it had grown to Category 5, with maximum sustained winds of 160mph.

By Friday morning, forecasters said Lee could become a monster 180mph storm.

The storm reached its peak Thursday night and became to be a vicious hurricane over the southwestern Atlantic before weakening to a Category 4 on Friday morning.

READ MORE:

Tracking Hurricane Lee: What is the path of the monster storm?

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Friday 8 September 2023 20:30 , Graig Graziosi

Hurricane Lee, currently barreling westwards through the Atlantic towards the Caribbean islands, rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm on Thursday night and it is feared the storm could soon work up to wind speeds of 180mph.

It is expected to pass well to the north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the weekend and into early next week, according to forecasters.

After that, however, its path is less clear cut, with different models reaching different verdicts as to precisely how close it could pass along the US East Coast as it steers northwards, already inspiring some premature and slightly hysterical tabloid headlines.

More credibly, CBS has warned that Hurricane Lees path might bring it to New York City and the Tri-State Area, reporting that initial forecasts suggested a landfall in the Mid-Atlantic region, and then riding up the coastline towards New York before drifting out to sea.

READ MORE:

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

National Hurricane Centre warns of surf, rip currents in the Caribbean, US east coast

Friday 8 September 2023 20:07 , Graig Graziosi

The National Hurricane Centre has warned that Hurricane Lee  now a Category 4 storm after it strengthened into a Category 5 storm on Thursday  could produce high surf and life-threatening rip currents in the northeastern Caribbean on Friday and throughout the weekend.

The centre also said that rough surf and hazardous ocean conditions were likely along much of the US east coast by Sunday evening.

Hurricane Lee is continuing to churn in the Atlantic basin, with spaghetti models predicting a northern track, with a possible threat to New England and Canadas east coast.

Hurricane Lee still very powerful despite weakening

Friday 8 September 2023 19:30 , Graig Graziosi

The National Hurricane Centre said that Hurricane Lee is still a very powerful storm despite weakening from a Category 5 to a Category 4 storm between Thursday night and Friday morning.

Although Lees current intensity is lower than the overnight peak, the hurricane remains very powerful, the centre said.

Hurricane Lee is expected to remain a strong storm into early next week as it continues north through the Atlantic. It is still unclear what impact it might have on the US, but some spaghetti models show the storm on a course for New England and Canadas east coast.

Half of worlds population suffered under climate crisis-fuelled extreme heat this year

Friday 8 September 2023 19:10 , Louise Boyle

Half the world was exposed to at least 30 days of extreme heat driven by the climate crisis between June and August, a new study has found.

Over 3.8 billion people suffered extreme temperatures for more than a month, while nearly every living human  around 98 per cent of the world  was exposed to extreme heat at least once between June and August 2023, an analysis released on Thursday by the nonprofit Climate Central showed.

The longest duration of extreme temperatures, approximately three months, was experienced by at least 1.5 billion people, the study says.

Virtually no one on Earth escaped the influence of global warming during the past three months, Dr Andrew Pershing, vice president for science at Climate Central, said.

Stuti Mishra reports

Half of worlds population suffered under extreme heat this summer, study says

Hurricane hunter' pilot captures lightning show inside Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 19:00 , Graig Graziosi

A user on X/Twitter recorded video from the inside of Hurricane Lee, capturing a stunning lightning storm inside the churning storm.

Hurricane Lee underwent rapid intensification yesterday, strengthening from a Category 2 to a Category 4 storm in just six hours.

The storm reached Category 5 on Thursday night before weakening back to a Category 4 on Friday.

Nice lighting show in the eye of #HurricaneLee this morning pic.twitter.com/F3Spj54syS  FlyAnon (@FlynonymousWX) September 8, 2023

Ocean warnings

Friday 8 September 2023 18:38 , Louise Boyle

The National Hurricane Center said that dangerous surf and deadly rip currents will likely hit the northern Leeward Islands later Friday from Hurricane Lee.

They would spread to Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Bermuda over the weekend.

We will see waves between 10 and 15 feet (3 and 5 meters), so we dont want anyone on the beaches, said Ernesto Morales with the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The National Hurricane Center said dangerous surf and rip currents were forecast for most of the US East Coast starting Sunday. (AP)

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Friday 8 September 2023 18:05 , Louise Boyle

Some forecast models suggest that Hurricane Lee could graze the US East Coast - but the jury is still out.

Regardless, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along most of the US East Coast beginning Sunday, the National Hurricane Center warned.

Joe Sommerlad reports

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Watch: Inside the eye of Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 17:33 , Louise Boyle

Lee gains elite status

Friday 8 September 2023 17:10 , Louise Boyle

Lee is expected to keep strengthening and reach winds of up to 180mph (290kph).

Only seven Atlantic hurricanes have had winds of that magnitude since 1966, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

Among those was Hurricane Dorian, which pummeled the northern Bahamas in 2019 as a Category 5 storm, hovering over small islands for some two days.

The Associated Press

Distant but deadly'

Friday 8 September 2023 16:40 , Louise Boyle

US forecasters had this warning for Americans on Friday as Category 5 Hurricane Lee roars through the Caribbean.

Distant hurricanes can be deadly, NOAA warned and said that beach-goers should be aware of rip currents and powerful waves.

Distant hurricanes can be deadly, NOAA warned on Friday (NOAA)

Inside the eye of Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 16:15 , Louise Boyle

The US Air Force Reserves Hurricane Hunters shared dramatic footage from inside Hurricane Lee on Thursday night.

The 403rd Wing Reserves posted on X, formerly Twitter, footage of the rotating thick clouds with lightning bursts.

Heres last nights flight inside the eye of Cat 5 Hurricane Lee, they wrote.

Heres last nights flight inside the eye of Cat 5 #hurricaneLee pic.twitter.com/I9Gmy4sHut  Hurricane Hunters (@53rdWRS) September 8, 2023

Will Hurricane Lee make landfall?

Friday 8 September 2023 15:43 , Louise Boyle

The current forecasts show that Hurricane Lee is not expected to make landfall in the coming days - but that doesnt rule out life-threatening impacts.

The storm is forecast to pass well to the north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico over the weekend and into early next week.

However, it is way too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the US East Coast, Atlantic Canada or Bermuda, late next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Watch: Hurricane Lee gathering strength in Caribbean waters

Friday 8 September 2023 15:27 , Louise Boyle
Hurricane Lee is picking up intensity as a Category 3 storm as it whirls across the open Atlantic Ocean, with additional strengthening expected within the coming days.

Lee exploded to a Category 5 storm within 24 hours last week before slowing down and reorganizing over the weekend. Just behind Lee is Tropical Storm Margot, which is predicted to reach hurricane status by Monday afternoon.

Hurricane Lee is moving well north of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the northern Leeward Islands, though it still remains too early to determine whether the northeastern US coast and Canada could see any impacts, according to advisories from the National Hurricane Center on Sunday.

Life-threatening surf and rip conditions are expected along the East Coast, while dangerous swells generated by the storm are spreading to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lees historic intensification from an 80 mph Category 1 to a Category 5 with 160 mph winds last week makes it one the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storms on record. Warm waters are a potent fuel for hurricanes to gain strength, a phenomenon expected to accelerate amid a growing climate crisis.

Key Points

Latest Lee update: Hurricane restrengthening as Category 3 storm

Tropical Storm Margot predicted to turn into a hurricane on Monday

How Lee shattered rapid intensification standards

Heres how quickly the storm picked up speed

Can Hurricane Lee become Category 5 again?

09:00 , Stuti Mishra

Lee is going through another phase of intensification over the warm Atlantic waters, nearing Category 4 strength now after it was downgraded to Category 2 on Saturday.

National Hurricane Center has said the storm could intensify further on Monday morning, which means it could once again become a Category 5 storm.Last week the storm went from Category 1 to Category 5 within 24 hours.

Path of Hurricane Lee: Will it make landfall?

08:04 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Lee is projected to stay in open waters, according to the National Hurricane Center but its impact is being felt in the Caribbean with rainfall and large swells and the same could be experienced in the US East Coast.

Lee is expected to take a turn to the north by Wednesday. However, its path after that remained unclear.

Here is the projected path of the hurricane:

Hurricane Lee, 10 September (NOAA)

Hurricane Lee 'growing larger' as US east coast braces for large swells

07:15 , Stuti Mishra

The centre of Hurricane Lee is growing in size, the National Hurricane Center has said in its latest advisory, after the storm once again intensified to Category 3 from Category 2 on Sunday night.

Lee has hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 75 miles (120 kilometres) from the centre and tropical storm-force winds extending outward up to 175 miles (280 kilometres).

The NHC also said that dangerous surf and rip currents were expected to hit most of the US East Coast starting on Sunday night and Monday morning, but that the hurricane's impact beyond that was still unclear.

"It is way too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the US East Coast, Atlantic Canada, or Bermuda, especially since the hurricane is expected to slow down considerably over the southwestern Atlantic." the centre said.

Hurricane #Lee Advisory 23: Lee Growing Larger But Maximum Sustained Winds Have Not Yet Increased. Hazardous Beach Conditions Expected to Spread Through the Western Atlantic During the Week. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 11, 2023

Hurricane Lee unleashes heavy swell on northern Caribbean as it restrengthens over open waters

06:32 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Lee barrelled over open waters late night just northeast of the Caribbean, unleashing heavy swell on several islands as it regained some strength and expanded in size.

Lee has again intensified to a Category 3 storm after reducing to Category 2 earlier on Saturday, but it is not forecast to make landfall and it is staying over open waters. However, its bands brought heavy rains and hazardous beach conditions.

The impacted regions include the Lesser Antilles, the British and US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas and Bermuda.

Late Sunday, it was centred about 310miles (500kilometres) north of the northern Leeward Islands. Its maximum sustained winds were clocked at 120mph (195kph) and it was moving northwest at 8mph (13kph).

We had the perfection conditions for a hurricane: warm waters and hardly any wind shear, said Lee Ingles, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in San Juan.

Rapid intensification of storms likely to accelerate with warming waters

06:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee is in rare company. Only two recorded storms  Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Felix in 2007  strengthened faster than Lee over a 24-hour period, as Lee developed from a Cat 1 to a Cat 5 last week before degrading into its current Cat 3 status.

The storm is predicted to continue to regain strength after slowing down over the weekend.

Brian McNoldy with the University of Miami told NBC News that the warm conditions in the Atlantic were ripe for the storms rapid intensification last week.

The vertical wind shear was very low and the water temperature under it was very warm, he said, adding that Lee took full advantage of both.

Last year, Hurricane Ian rapidly intensified over two separate periods before striking Florida. Hurricane Idalia recently strengthened from a Cat 1 to a Cat 4 within 24 hours.

Its a huge problem, and the past is not a good guide to what we should expect going forward, Jeff Masters, a former hurricane scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told NBC.

Forecasters predoct another rapid intensification cycle for Lee

04:00 , Alex Woodward

Lee made history last week after it rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 within 24 hours.

The hurricane could enter another period of rapid intensification this week after slowing down over the weekend.

In the last 12 hours, NHC has recorded a 15 knot increase for #HurricaneLee, confirming that #Lee is steadily re-intensifying. The next 36 hours are looking like medium-low shear so I wouldnt be surprised if we get near a rapid intensification cycle between today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/OYPoaxFCux  Kieran Bhatia (@BhatiaKieran) September 10, 2023

East Coast likely to avoid Lee landfall, but hazardous beach conditions are incoming

02:00 , Alex Woodward

It appears that Hurricane Lee will likely avoid making any landfall in the US, but life-threatening rip currents and dangerous beaches conditions along the East Coast are expected over the next couple of days.

Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected to begin along much of the US East Coast later today and worsen through this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Beach erosion and some coastal flooding is also possible, the center reported.

The Category 3 storm is predicted to continue gaining strength as it moves north this week.

5pm AST Sun Sep 10th Key Messages for #Hurricane #Lee.



Hazardous beach conditions to spread across the western Atlantic this week. Too soon to know level of impacts for US East coast or Atlantic Canada late this week, so stay tuned for updates. https://t.co/w5INoaj9KX pic.twitter.com/NaXXHp21Mz  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 10, 2023

Atlantic will see two simultaneous hurricanes this week, forecasters predict

Monday 11 September 2023 00:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee is expected to continue to gain strength as it cruises across the Atlantic Ocean, and just behind it is Tropical Storm Margot, which forecasters predict will reach hurricane strength on 11 September.

Its unclear what path they will take in the coming days, and whether they will pose a threat to the East Coast.

But they could get close enough for a phenomenon called the Fujiwhara effect, in which two storms rotate around each other and spin in the same direction. The National Weather Service describes it as an intense dance around their common center.

The phenomenon occured with hurricanes Hilary and Irwin in the East Pacific in 2017.

Tropical Storm Margot is growing stronger and better organized and predicted to turn into a hurricane on Monday

Sunday 10 September 2023 22:30 , Alex Woodward

Just behind Hurricane Lee is Tropical Storm Margot, which has grown stronger and better organized over the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Margot is expected to continue moving north in the next few days and potentially intensify into a hurricane on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 65 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the storms center, according to the advisory.

A forecast model from the National Hurricane Center predicts Tropical Storm Margot will intensify into a hurricane on 11 September. (NOAA)

Latest Lee update: Hurricane restrengthening as Category 3 storm

Sunday 10 September 2023 21:50 , Alex Woodward

As predicted, Hurricane Lee has intensified into a Category 3 storm after slowing down overnight and into Sunday.

Lee is expected to take a slow west-northwestward track in the coming days, passing well north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during the next day or two, according to a Sunday afternoon advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

The storm has returned to Category 3 strength and additional strengthening is forcast within the next day or so, the NHC is reporting.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and it remains unclear whether the storm will reach the northeastern US coast and Canada or continue spinning into the Atlantic on that western track. It still remains too early to tell, according to forecasters.

5pm AST Sun Sep 10th Key Messages for #Hurricane #Lee.



Hazardous beach conditions to spread across the western Atlantic this week. Too soon to know level of impacts for US East coast or Atlantic Canada late this week, so stay tuned for updates. https://t.co/w5INoaj9KX pic.twitter.com/NaXXHp21Mz  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 10, 2023

Watch: Atlantic storm activity at the peak of hurricane season

Sunday 10 September 2023 20:30 , Alex Woodward

Take a look at the Atlantic activity with Hurricane Lee, Tropical Storm Margot and two disturbances behind them with a chance of developing into storms in the coming days

The storms and storms-to-be are taking shape during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

NOAA forecasts 12 to 17 total named storms this year, with five to nine of those storms turning into hurricanes, including up to four major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.

There's no shortage of activity in the Atlantic Basin! Along with named storms Hurricane #Lee and Tropical Storm #Margot, the #NHC is monitoring a pair of disturbances in the Main Development Region that each have a 30% chance of development over the next 7 days. pic.twitter.com/rZpRxTeOmW  RadarOmega (@RadarOmega) September 10, 2023

Hurricane Lee is a Category 2 storm, but its still unclear where its headed

Sunday 10 September 2023 19:55 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee was downgraded to a Category 2 on Sunday, slowing down as it rears northwest along the eastern seaboard.

Its expected to strengthen in the coming days, but Lee is not projected to strike land, and there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, for now.

It remains too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the US East Coast, Atlantic Canada or Bermuda late next week, especially since the hurricane is expected to slow down considerably over the southwestern Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Dangerous surf conditions are expected along parts of the East Coast and around the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as well as Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

But the storm, roughly 270 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands, is expected to steer away from Caribbean islands as it makes its northern turn.

Why Hurricane Lee has shattered rapid intensification standards

Sunday 10 September 2023 18:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lees acceleration from an 80 mph Cat 1 to a Cat 5 with 160 mph winds within 24 hours has surpassed the standards meteorologists typically associate with rapid intensification, or when winds increase by 35 mph within that same time period.

It not only makes Lee the one of the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storms on record, it has set a new threshold that scientists see as a potential harbinger for whats to come as the climate crisis accelerates.

This one increased by 80 mph, Marshall Shepherd, director of the University of Georgias Atmospheric Sciences Program and a past president of the American Meteorological Society told the Associated Press. I cant emphasize this enough  we used to have this metric of 35 mph, and heres a storm that did twice that amount and were seeing that happen more frequently.

September 10 is peak hurricane season, as more Atlantic storms are brewing

Sunday 10 September 2023 17:00 , Alex Woodward

Today is the peak date for the Atlantic hurricane season, and it couldnt come at a more-active time, with Hurricane Lee likely gaining strength as Tropical Storm Margot and two brewing storms pop up behind it.

September 10 is basically when you still have low vertical wind shear, plenty of moisture and increasing sea surface temperatures, Colorado State meteorologist Philip Klotzbach told AccuWeather. The increasing vertical wind shear tends to dominate over the continued warming sea surface temperatures as you move later in September.

On the heels of #Lee and Margot is #invest97L and its larger relative near Africa. These two should blend in time. Given its the heart of the hurricane season and the entire basin is ripe, this new system may follow a similar path that Lee has traveled thus far. By NEXT pic.twitter.com/O4SitQiZ5x  Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) September 10, 2023

While the climate crisis and warming waters have indicated that hurricane seasons are trending longer than the official six-month window typically observed, that peak date is likely to remain.

While Atlantic sea surface temperatures typically continue to warm until late September/early October, vertical wind shear starts to increase relatively quickly in late September, knocking down storm activity, Mr Klotzbach added.

A composite image from NOAA shows Hurricane Lee churning towards the Caribbean after intensifying into a major storm on 8 September. (via REUTERS)

Latest Lee update: Storm to pass well north of Leeward Islands, Virgin Island and Puerto Rico

Sunday 10 September 2023 16:32 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee, now a Category 2 storm, is expected to spin outwards as it approaches the eastern seaboard, and the storm is moving well north of the northern Leeward Island, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in the coming days, according to an 11am ET update from the National Hurricane Center.

Still, it remains too early to tell what impacts, if any, will be felt along the US East Coast and Canada, especially as the hurricane is expected to slow down considerably as it moves over the southwestern Atlantic, according to the advisory.

Data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to nearly 110 mph with higher gusts, and some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days.

Dangerous waves are expected along the East Coast throughout the weekend, with potentially life-threatening rip currents and dangerous surf hitting northern Leeward Island, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as well as Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

11AM AST Sep 10: #Lee is passing well north of the northern Leeward Islands. Hazardous beach conditions are forecast to spread across the western Atlantic this week. Stay up to date with the latest at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/FSB4BYvbIQ  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 10, 2023

Latest Lee update: Storm is slowing down and likely regaining strength as it steers north

Sunday 10 September 2023 14:30 , Alex Woodward

After it was downgraded from a Category 3 storm, Hurricane Lee is predicted to regain strength as it travels along warm Atlantic waters in the coming days.

Lee is slowing down as it moves well north of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the northern Leeward Islands, though it still remains too early to determine its course and whether the northeastern US coast and Canada could see any impacts, according to an advisory from the National Hurricane Center on 10 September.

But life-threatening surf and rip conditions are expected along the East Coast, while dangerous swells generated by the storm are spreading to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

5 AM AST - Sept 10: #Lee slowing down...Deteriorating seas and beach conditions expected this week for PR/USVI.

|#Lee esta desacelerando...Se esperan condiciones maritimas y costeras deterioradas esta semana para PR/USVI.#PRwx #USVIwx pic.twitter.com/WFwxiTULEG  NWS San Juan (@NWSSanJuan) September 10, 2023

Will Lee and Margot collide in the Atlantic?

Sunday 10 September 2023 11:00 , Alex Woodward

Newly formed Tropical Storm Margot is expected to grow into a hurricane next week, raising the possibility that it could mingle or alter Hurricane Lees path, though it is still far too soon to project whether the two major storms could get close to one another any time soon in the Atlantic Ocean.

Such a phenomenon, when two storms rotate around each other and spin in the same direction, is called the Fujiwhara effect. The National Weather Service describes it as an intense dance around their common center.

That could then push them both around the Atlantic and alter their paths.

The phenomenon occured with hurricanes Hilary and Irwin in the East Pacific in 2017.

Rapid intensification of storms likely to accelerate with warming waters

Sunday 10 September 2023 09:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee is in rare company. Only two recorded storms  Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Felix in 2007  strengthened faster than Lee over a 24-hour period, as Lee developed from a Cat 1 to a Cat 5 last week before degrading into its current Cat 3 status.

Brian McNoldy with the University of Miami told NBC News that the warm conditions in the Atlantic were ripe for the storms rapid intensification.

The vertical wind shear was very low and the water temperature under it was very warm, he said, adding that Lee took full advantage of both.

Warm waters are a potent fuel for hurricanes to gain strength, a phenomenon likely to accelerate amid a growing climate crisis and warming waters.

Last year, Hurricane Ian rapidly intensified over two separate periods before striking Florida. Hurricane Idalia recently strengthened from a Cat 1 to a Cat 4 within 24 hours.

Its a huge problem, and the past is not a good guide to what we should expect going forward, Jeff Masters, a former hurricane scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told NBC.

Hurricane Lee is pictured by NOAA satellite in the Atlantic Ocean on 8 September. (AP)

Why Lee is blowing meteorologists minds before it even makes landfall

Sunday 10 September 2023 07:00 , Alex Woodward

The first Category 5 storm of the Atlantic hurricane season didnt stay that way very long, but Hurricane Lees rapid intensification from a Category 1 into a Category 5 within 24 hours from Thursday into Friday is likely a record-breaking event in modern meteorological history.

The storm then degraded into a Cat 4 then a Cat 3, though it is likely to gather strength as it moves northeast.

Cat 5 storms already are rare, but inreasingly more common, relative to the history books. According to University of Miami hurricane expert Brian McNoldy, roughly 4 per cent of named storms in the Atlantic basin have reached that threshold since the early 1920s.

Category 5 hurricanes are rare... these are tropical cyclones with 157mph+ sustained winds in the eyewall. Meteorological perfection. What percentage of Atlantic named storms is known to have reached Cat 5 intensity?

1923-2023: 3.8%

1973-2023: 3.5%

1993-2023: 3.6%

2013-2023: 4.5%  Brian McNoldy (@BMcNoldy) September 8, 2023

Lees intensification from an 80 mph Cat 1 to a Cat 5 with 160 mph winds has likely made it the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storm on record.

Not only that, for the first time on record, Cat 5 storms have formed in every tropical ocean basin within one year.

This is one of the most impressive rapid intensification episodes I've ever seen in the Atlantic. Hurricane #Lee went from having no eye this morning to possibly Cat 5 intensity this evening. Absolutely incredible. pic.twitter.com/49NmtkIJO2  Dr. Levi Cowan (@TropicalTidbits) September 8, 2023

FEMA stocks up food and water for potential Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands response

Sunday 10 September 2023 03:00 , Alex Woodward

The USS Federal Emergency Management Agency has roughly 4.5 million meals and nearly 8.9 million liters of water in Puerto Rico as Hurricane Lee rears eastward as a powerful Category 3 storm that could gain strength over the weekend.

The storm is not yet predicted to make landfall, if it does at all, but emergency responders and national weather agencies are keeping a close watch.

Roughly 250,000 meals and more than 600,000 liters of water are prepared to support the US Virgin Islands, FEMA also announced on Friday.

A major wave producer'

Sunday 10 September 2023 01:00 , Alex Woodward

It still remains far too early to tell what Lee will look like for the East Coast as it creeps along a northeastern track, but forecasters predict high seas and rip currents up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

What we are going to see from Lee  and were very confident  is its going to be a major wave producer, National Hurricane Center director Mike Brennan said in a Friday briefing.

On Saturday, large swells battered the northeast Caribbean as Lee churned through open waters hundreds of miles off the northern Leeward Islands, the Associated Press reported.

The highest waves recorded by the center were at about 45 and 50 feet, and the highest waves could even be double that, Mr Brennan said.

So we could be looking at 80-, 90-foot waves associated with Lee, he added.

A satellite image from NOAA shows Category 3 Hurricane Lee in the Atlanic Oean on 9 September. (NOAA/GOES/AFP via Getty Images)

How close will Lee get to the US?

Saturday 9 September 2023 23:00 , Alex Woodward

Exactly when or how Lee will travel northeast is still too early to tell. What happens next is up to a combination of atmospheric factors, including an area of high pressure in the Atlantic Ocean and a jet stream to its west.

That area of high pressure is likely to play a major role in Lees track, and is expected to keep Lee on its current west-northwestward path over the weekend. That scenario would keep the storm rotating out to sea, or send it closer to Bermuda.

The storm is still roughly one week from posing a potential threat to the East Coast of the US, if it poses any at all.

Latest Lee advisory: Hurricane expected to pass north of Leeward Islands while generating dangerous waves over weekend

Saturday 9 September 2023 22:10 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee, still a Category 3 storm, is expected to pass pass well to the north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico into early next week, according to an afternoon advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph with higher gusts, and gradual restrengthening is possible during the next couple of days, the center predicts.

Swells generated by Lee are affecting portions of the Lesser Antilles and will spread westward to the British and US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda through the weekend. Those swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, according to the report.

Dangerous surf and rip currents are also expected along the US East Coast on Sunday and Monday and then worsen through the week.

Hurricane #Lee Advisory 18: Lee to Pass Well North of the Leeward Islands During the Next Day Or So. Hazardous Beach Conditions Expected to Develop Around the Western Atlantic Through Next Week. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2023

Too soon to tell but too soon to rule out significant impacts, forecasters say

Saturday 9 September 2023 22:00 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee was significantly disrupted by wind shear within the 24 hours after it accelerated into a Category 5 hurricane, as it then degraded into a Category 4 then Category 3 into Saturday morning.

Models are suggesting that the shear will subside by Sunday morning, which could allow Lee to gain more strength as it continues to track east, according to Levi Cowan with Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

Regardless of Lees exact intensity, it will be a major hurricane tracking north of the Caribbean and then turning northward over the western Atlantic over the next week, he said.

It remains too soon to rule out impacts from Lee as models predict it could track forwards Bermuda, Canada and the northeastern US, he added.

Hurricane #Lee has been disrupted significantly by some mid-level wind shear in the past 24 hours, with max winds down to 115 mph after being as high as 160 mph at one point. Models suggest that the shear will subside by Sunday morning, probably allowing Lee to regain strength. pic.twitter.com/vOikNUrYQs  Dr. Levi Cowan (@TropicalTidbits) September 9, 2023

Lee shattered rapid intensification standards, a warning of future storms amid growing climate crisis

Saturday 9 September 2023 21:02 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lees acceleration from an 80 mph Cat 1 to a Cat 5 with 160 mph winds within 24 hours has surpassed the standards meteorologists typically associate with rapid intensification, or when winds increase by 35 mph within that same time period.

It not only makes Lee the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storm on record, it has set a new threshold that scientists see as a potential harbinger for whats to come as the climate crisis accelerates.

This one increased by 80 mph, Marshall Shepherd, director of the University of Georgias Atmospheric Sciences Program and a past president of the American Meteorological Society told the Associated Press. I cant emphasize this enough  we used to have this metric of 35 mph, and heres a storm that did twice that amount and were seeing that happen more frequently.

Lee and Margot could mingle in the Atlantic

Saturday 9 September 2023 18:57 , Alex Woodward

Newly formed Tropical Storm Margot is expected to grow into a hurricane next week, raising the possibility that Hurricane Lees path could be changed, though it is still far too soon to project whether the two major storms could get close to one another in the Atlantic.

Such a phenomenon, when two storms rotate around each other and spin in the same direction, is called the Fujiwhara effect. The National Weather Service describes it as an intense dance around their common center.

That could then push them both around the Atlantic and alter their paths.

The phenomenon occured with hurricanes Hilary and Irwin in the East Pacific in 2017.

Watch Lee intensify from Category 1 to Category 5 storm

Saturday 9 September 2023 18:04 , Alex Woodward

Lee marked the first Category 5 hurricane of this years Atlantic season when it rapidly grew from a Category 1 within 24 hours this week. There have been seven other Cat 5 storms from the Atlantic since 2016, with one  Michael  making landfall in the US in 2018.

Within thouse 24 hours, Hurricane Lee intensified from an 80 mph Cat 1 to a Cat 5 with 160 mph winds, likely making it the fastest-intensifying Atlantic storm on record.

Lee has since diminished to a Cat 3 storm and is expected to maintain its strength over the weekend.

#Lee's life story, Chapter 1: From African easterly wave to sudden extreme intensification into a Category 5 #hurricane (wait for it) pic.twitter.com/1EWakTRkBe  Stu Ostro (@StuOstro) September 8, 2023

Lee maintaining strength but little change expected on Saturday

Saturday 9 September 2023 16:25 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee is maintaing strength as a recently downgraded Category 3 storm as it moves across the Atlanta Ocean with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph with higher gusts, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Little change in strength is expected today, but gradual restrengthening is forecast to occur on Sunday and Monday, according to the advisory.

11AM AST Sep 9: @NOAA_HurrHunter & @53rdWRS find #Lee maintaining strength this morning. Hazardous beach conditions are expected around the western Atlantic through next week. Visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for the latest information pic.twitter.com/xXiy8NY8Ux  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2023

Lee is in rare company during an already-historic storm year

Saturday 9 September 2023 15:35 , Alex Woodward

For the first time on record, Category 5 storms have formed in every tropical ocean basin within one year.

Lee, which has since downgraded to a Category 3 as it tracks along open Atlantic Ocean, accelerated from Category 1 strength into a Category 5 this week.

I think its reasonable to hypothesize that the abnormally warm ocean temperatures around the world made this more likely to happen, University of Miami, hurricane expert Brian McNoldy told The Washington Post. Gives everything a boost.

Saturday, Sept 9th 5 AM AST Key Messages for Hurricane #Lee: It is too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the U.S. East Coast, Atlantic Canada, or Bermuda late next week. Continue to monitor forecasts at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for the latest. pic.twitter.com/2106DvFQFh  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2023

Way too soon to chart US impacts, if any, but Lee could strengthen as it moves across open ocean

Saturday 9 September 2023 14:30 , Alex Woodward

Hurricane Lee ramped up to a Category 5 storm within 24 hours this week, but it has been downgraded to a Category 3 and will likely lose strength over the course of the day as it struggles with wind shear.

The National Hurricane Center continues to stress it is still way too soon to know what impacts, if any, the storm could have along the East Coast of the US, and the storm could gain strength as it continues to move with sustained winds at 115 mph as of Saturday morning.

Dangerous and life-threatening rip currents are affecting parts of the Leeward Islands, according to NHC. Those conditions are expected to impact parts of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas and Bermuda over the weekend.

Saturday, Sept 9th 5 AM AST Key Messages for Hurricane #Lee: It is too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the U.S. East Coast, Atlantic Canada, or Bermuda late next week. Continue to monitor forecasts at https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for the latest. pic.twitter.com/2106DvFQFh  National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2023

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Saturday 9 September 2023 11:06 , Louise Boyle

Some forecast models suggest that Hurricane Lee could graze the US East Coast - but the jury is still out.

Regardless, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along most of the US East Coast beginning Sunday, the National Hurricane Center warned.

Joe Sommerlad reports

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Watch: Inside the eye of Hurricane Lee

Saturday 9 September 2023 10:07 , Louise Boyle

Lee gains elite status

Saturday 9 September 2023 09:03 , Louise Boyle

Lee is expected to keep strengthening and reach winds of up to 180mph (290kph).

Only seven Atlantic hurricanes have had winds of that magnitude since 1966, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

Among those was Hurricane Dorian, which pummeled the northern Bahamas in 2019 as a Category 5 storm, hovering over small islands for some two days.

The Associated Press

Lee gains elite status

Saturday 9 September 2023 05:05 , Louise Boyle

Lee is expected to keep strengthening and reach winds of up to 180mph (290kph).

Only seven Atlantic hurricanes have had winds of that magnitude since 1966, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

Among those was Hurricane Dorian, which pummeled the northern Bahamas in 2019 as a Category 5 storm, hovering over small islands for some two days.

The Associated Press

Watch: Inside the eye of Hurricane Lee

Saturday 9 September 2023 04:04 , Louise Boyle

Hurricane Lee powers through Caribbean as forecasters warn too soon to know of US impact next week

Saturday 9 September 2023 01:01 , Graeme Massie

We will see waves between 10 and 15 feet, so we dont want anyone on the beaches.

Hurricane Lee powers through Caribbean as too soon to know on US impacts next week

Ocean warnings

Saturday 9 September 2023 00:03 , Louise Boyle

The National Hurricane Center said that dangerous surf and deadly rip currents will likely hit the northern Leeward Islands later Friday from Hurricane Lee.

They would spread to Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Bermuda over the weekend.

We will see waves between 10 and 15 feet (3 and 5 meters), so we dont want anyone on the beaches, said Ernesto Morales with the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The National Hurricane Center said dangerous surf and rip currents were forecast for most of the US East Coast starting Sunday. (AP)

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Friday 8 September 2023 23:02 , Louise Boyle

Some forecast models suggest that Hurricane Lee could graze the US East Coast - but the jury is still out.

Regardless, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along most of the US East Coast beginning Sunday, the National Hurricane Center warned.

Joe Sommerlad reports

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

FEMA prepared for worst-case scenario in Puerto Rico in response to Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

Hurricane Lee strengthened to a Category 5 storm on Thursday evening. The same day, Joe Biden was briefed by the Federal Emergecy Management Agency about its preparations in the event the storms force caused disruptions in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

FEMA said it had prepared approximately 4.5 million meals and nearly 8.9 million liters of water for Puerto Rico. Another 250,000 meals and more than 600,000 liters of water were made available for the US Virgin Islands.

The agency also deployed rapid response teams to both of the US territories in the event the storm turned and threatened the islands.

Thankfully, Hurricane Lee did not make landfall on any of the islands and is continuing north along the US east coast.

No reason for east coast US residents to be fearful of Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 21:40 , Graig Graziosi

Jamie Rhome, the director of the National Hurricane Centre, said that right now there is no reason for east coast US residents to fear Hurricane Lees trajectory outside of rip current risks.

Theres absolutely no indication in front of us that this is going to be a huge threat to Florida, other than its going to be a huge rip current risk, Mr Rhome told USA Today. Right now, save the rip current risk, which is extreme, theres no reason for people on the East Coast to be fearful. We need them to be informed and aware and check back for details but right now theres no reason other than rip currents for people to be fearful.

Hurricane Lee underwent rapid intensification, strengthening from a Category 2 to Category 4 storm in just six hours, according to the National Hurricane Centre.

The storm became a Category 5 hurricane on Thursday night, but has since weakened to a Category 4.

Tracking Hurricane Lees evolution

Friday 8 September 2023 21:10 , Graig Graziosi

Tropical Storm Lee formed in the Atlantic Ocean and under went rapid intensification into an extremely dangerous hurricane, eventually reaching Category 5 before it slowed to Category 4 on Friday morning.

Tropical Storm Lee was announced by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 5pm (eastern time) on Tuesday.

Its wind speeds picked up on Tuesday afternoon and was forecast to become a major hurricane.

The depression is forecast to become a major hurricane by this weekend and could bring impacts to the Leeward Islands by that time, NHC reported at the time.

READ MORE:

Tropical Storm Lee expected to become extremely dangerous hurricane by weekend

Hurricane Lee: What is the path of the monster storm?

Friday 8 September 2023 20:50 , Graig Graziosi

Hurricane Lee reached Category 5 on Friday, after rapidly strengthening as it stirred through the Caribbean, the US National Hurricane Center reported on Thursday.

Hurricane Lee began to strengthen over the very warm waters of the Atlantic, growing from a tropical storm into a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday and by late Thursday night, it had grown to Category 5, with maximum sustained winds of 160mph.

By Friday morning, forecasters said Lee could become a monster 180mph storm.

The storm reached its peak Thursday night and became to be a vicious hurricane over the southwestern Atlantic before weakening to a Category 4 on Friday morning.

READ MORE:

Tracking Hurricane Lee: What is the path of the monster storm?

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Friday 8 September 2023 20:30 , Graig Graziosi

Hurricane Lee, currently barreling westwards through the Atlantic towards the Caribbean islands, rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm on Thursday night and it is feared the storm could soon work up to wind speeds of 180mph.

It is expected to pass well to the north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the weekend and into early next week, according to forecasters.

After that, however, its path is less clear cut, with different models reaching different verdicts as to precisely how close it could pass along the US East Coast as it steers northwards, already inspiring some premature and slightly hysterical tabloid headlines.

More credibly, CBS has warned that Hurricane Lees path might bring it to New York City and the Tri-State Area, reporting that initial forecasts suggested a landfall in the Mid-Atlantic region, and then riding up the coastline towards New York before drifting out to sea.

READ MORE:

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

National Hurricane Centre warns of surf, rip currents in the Caribbean, US east coast

Friday 8 September 2023 20:07 , Graig Graziosi

The National Hurricane Centre has warned that Hurricane Lee  now a Category 4 storm after it strengthened into a Category 5 storm on Thursday  could produce high surf and life-threatening rip currents in the northeastern Caribbean on Friday and throughout the weekend.

The centre also said that rough surf and hazardous ocean conditions were likely along much of the US east coast by Sunday evening.

Hurricane Lee is continuing to churn in the Atlantic basin, with spaghetti models predicting a northern track, with a possible threat to New England and Canadas east coast.

Hurricane Lee still very powerful despite weakening

Friday 8 September 2023 19:30 , Graig Graziosi

The National Hurricane Centre said that Hurricane Lee is still a very powerful storm despite weakening from a Category 5 to a Category 4 storm between Thursday night and Friday morning.

Although Lees current intensity is lower than the overnight peak, the hurricane remains very powerful, the centre said.

Hurricane Lee is expected to remain a strong storm into early next week as it continues north through the Atlantic. It is still unclear what impact it might have on the US, but some spaghetti models show the storm on a course for New England and Canadas east coast.

Half of worlds population suffered under climate crisis-fuelled extreme heat this year

Friday 8 September 2023 19:10 , Louise Boyle

Half the world was exposed to at least 30 days of extreme heat driven by the climate crisis between June and August, a new study has found.

Over 3.8 billion people suffered extreme temperatures for more than a month, while nearly every living human  around 98 per cent of the world  was exposed to extreme heat at least once between June and August 2023, an analysis released on Thursday by the nonprofit Climate Central showed.

The longest duration of extreme temperatures, approximately three months, was experienced by at least 1.5 billion people, the study says.

Virtually no one on Earth escaped the influence of global warming during the past three months, Dr Andrew Pershing, vice president for science at Climate Central, said.

Stuti Mishra reports

Half of worlds population suffered under extreme heat this summer, study says

Hurricane hunter' pilot captures lightning show inside Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 19:00 , Graig Graziosi

A user on X/Twitter recorded video from the inside of Hurricane Lee, capturing a stunning lightning storm inside the churning storm.

Hurricane Lee underwent rapid intensification yesterday, strengthening from a Category 2 to a Category 4 storm in just six hours.

The storm reached Category 5 on Thursday night before weakening back to a Category 4 on Friday.

Nice lighting show in the eye of #HurricaneLee this morning pic.twitter.com/F3Spj54syS  FlyAnon (@FlynonymousWX) September 8, 2023

Ocean warnings

Friday 8 September 2023 18:38 , Louise Boyle

The National Hurricane Center said that dangerous surf and deadly rip currents will likely hit the northern Leeward Islands later Friday from Hurricane Lee.

They would spread to Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Bermuda over the weekend.

We will see waves between 10 and 15 feet (3 and 5 meters), so we dont want anyone on the beaches, said Ernesto Morales with the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The National Hurricane Center said dangerous surf and rip currents were forecast for most of the US East Coast starting Sunday. (AP)

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Friday 8 September 2023 18:05 , Louise Boyle

Some forecast models suggest that Hurricane Lee could graze the US East Coast - but the jury is still out.

Regardless, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along most of the US East Coast beginning Sunday, the National Hurricane Center warned.

Joe Sommerlad reports

Will Hurricane Lee reach New York?

Watch: Inside the eye of Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 17:33 , Louise Boyle

Lee gains elite status

Friday 8 September 2023 17:10 , Louise Boyle

Lee is expected to keep strengthening and reach winds of up to 180mph (290kph).

Only seven Atlantic hurricanes have had winds of that magnitude since 1966, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.

Among those was Hurricane Dorian, which pummeled the northern Bahamas in 2019 as a Category 5 storm, hovering over small islands for some two days.

The Associated Press

Distant but deadly'

Friday 8 September 2023 16:40 , Louise Boyle

US forecasters had this warning for Americans on Friday as Category 5 Hurricane Lee roars through the Caribbean.

Distant hurricanes can be deadly, NOAA warned and said that beach-goers should be aware of rip currents and powerful waves.

Distant hurricanes can be deadly, NOAA warned on Friday (NOAA)

Inside the eye of Hurricane Lee

Friday 8 September 2023 16:15 , Louise Boyle

The US Air Force Reserves Hurricane Hunters shared dramatic footage from inside Hurricane Lee on Thursday night.

The 403rd Wing Reserves posted on X, formerly Twitter, footage of the rotating thick clouds with lightning bursts.

Heres last nights flight inside the eye of Cat 5 Hurricane Lee, they wrote.

Heres last nights flight inside the eye of Cat 5 #hurricaneLee pic.twitter.com/I9Gmy4sHut  Hurricane Hunters (@53rdWRS) September 8, 2023

Will Hurricane Lee make landfall?

Friday 8 September 2023 15:43 , Louise Boyle

The current forecasts show that Hurricane Lee is not expected to make landfall in the coming days - but that doesnt rule out life-threatening impacts.

The storm is forecast to pass well to the north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico over the weekend and into early next week.

However, it is way too soon to know what level of impacts, if any, Lee might have along the US East Coast, Atlantic Canada or Bermuda, late next week, according to the National Weather Service.

Watch: Hurricane Lee gathering strength in Caribbean waters

Friday 8 September 2023 15:27 , Louise Boyle
Jessica Rinker and her husband, Joe. Courtesy of Jess Rinker

Jess Rinker moved to rural West Virginia in 2019.

Her husband was found to have cancer in January 2023.

His appointments were 90 minutes away from their house.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jess Rinker . It has been edited for length and clarity.

Nature has always been important in my life  so important that I've written children's books that are heavily focused on the natural world. My husband, Joe, and I love to hike and be surrounded by mountains. In 2019, we moved from our home in New Jersey to a rural area in West Virginia.

Our cabin there became a sanctuary for us. We lived on 8 acres, up a dirt road. We grew our own vegetables and cut trails into the forest. During the winter, we heated using a wood stove.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was bliss until Joe was found to have stage 4 esophageal cancer in January 2023. The news came entirely out of the blue  he had no risk factors that might explain this. But amid the terror of that diagnosis, I immediately knew we needed to give up our rural home.

Joe's appointments were 90 minutes away from our home

Our town had a tiny, 25-bed hospital that was about the size of a grocery store. But to get cancer treatment, Joe needed to see doctors who were 90 minutes away. I was terrified of driving through West Virginia's mountain roads in bad weather. Even worse, I worried that if there were a medical emergency at home, no ambulance would be able to get up our dirt road.

The medical system can be challenging anywhere. But it's even more so in rural areas. Rural America holds 15% of the population, according to the CDC, but access to doctors is scarce. Specialists like the doctors who would treat Joe's cancer are even less likely to practice in rural regions.

After Joe's diagnosis, his doctors said he needed eight weeks of daily radiation. I would need to drive him to and from those appointments, spending three hours each day on mountain roads. It seemed impossible.

I was grateful for resources but still overwhelmed

Luckily, our friends and family were able to help. They crowdfunded enough money for Joe and me to stay at a hotel near the hospital. I was so grateful. After a long day of radiation, I couldn't imagine Joe needing to endure a mountainous car ride. I knew that many rural Americans  who have higher poverty rates than their urban counterparts  wouldn't have a network of people with the resources to help them financially.

Having access to cancer treatment is a blessing. But people don't realize the effort that it takes to get to treatment. There's the physical toll, of course. There's also a financial toll (payments for gas, hotels, and food) and the time of the caregiver. While I helped Joe through treatment, there was no way I could have held a full-time job.

Some days, I didn't know where to find the motivation to keep going. But I knew it had to be done, so I did it. A mentor from Cancer Hope Network , a peer-support community, helped me focus on what was most important, from securing hotel discounts to finding great doctors. That guidance was helpful and grounding when things felt overwhelming.

We moved back to New Jersey

Even with all our support, it wasn't feasible to stay in West Virginia. I knew that we couldn't spend another winter in the cabin. We would be too far from Joe's care team, and I couldn't physically take care of the homestead  chopping wood and cutting fallen trees  without Joe's help.

So, we moved back to New Jersey into my dad's basement. Leaving our home was another loss, but it's what we need to do to get Joe the best care possible. Luckily, we're very adaptable people. We're taking on this new normal together, even if we don't know what the future will bring.

Joe has more good days than bad at this stage. I do, too. We listed our little house in the mountains, but it didn't sell, so now we're renting it out. I still have a pipe dream of being able to keep our sanctuary, but I know that's unlikely. I'm grateful that when rural life was standing in the way of Joe's care, we had the privilege and means to leave.

Read the original article on Insider
Lost in Translation

Bad AI has a price  and in the case of the United States immigration system, that price could cost people their freedom.

As The Guardian reports, immigration officials have been instructed to use free programs like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator to communicate with the people they detain, which can result in inaccurate or confusing information being given to detainees or put down on their applications.

One agency, Customs and Border Patrol, has created its own translation app, known as "CBP One," but as the report notes, it can only translate to and from a handful of languages, and even in the tongues it recognizes, there are errors.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The report cites a number of examples of this effect, from an FAQ page being transformed into a string of letters when the app is asked to translate into Haitian Creole to asylum applicants being denied because of small grammatical discrepancies.

In one such case recounted by Ariel Koren, the founder of the Respond Crisis Translation emergency interpreter network, an asylum-seeker who was trying to flee her abusive father described the man in colloquial Spanish as "mi jefe," which the translation app took literally to mean her "boss." Her application for asylum was thusly denied.

"Not only do the asylum applications have to be translated, but the government will frequently weaponize small language technicalities to justify deporting someone," Koren, who once worked at Google Translate, told The Guardian. "The application needs to be absolutely perfect."

Dialectics

If things are that bad for Spanish speakers, one can imagine they're worse for those who speak lesser-known dialects. Indeed, as Respond Crisis Translation told The Guardian, there are often issues across agencies and translation apps for Afghan refugees who speak Dari, one of the region's two major dialects. Google Translate, the report notes, doesn't recognize Dari at all.

"Afghan languages are not highly resourced in terms of technology, in particular local dialects," Uma Mirkhail, RCT's lead for Afghan languages, told the British newspaper. "Its almost impossible for a machine to convey the same message that a professional interpreter with awareness about the country of origin can do, including cultural context."

With systemic biases against non-English speakers in both government and machine learning abounding, it's heartbreaking but not surprising that the tools meant to help immigration officials and the people under their charge communicate end up causing harm and headaches.

"AI translation tools should never be used in a way that is unsupervised," Koren, the RCT founder, said. "They should never be used to replace translators and interpreters and they should not be used in high-stakes situations  not in any language and especially not for languages that are marginalized."

More on AI fails: Gannett Promised to Be Super Responsible With AI Before Completely Bungling It
U.S. President Joe Biden, center, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other G20 leaders arrive to pay their tributes at the Rajghat, a Mahatma Gandhi memorial, in New Delhi, India, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Kenny Holston, Pool)

NEW DELHI (AP)  Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi touted his country as well-placed to bridge gaps in the Group of 20 top economies and solve global problems, but many were skeptical ahead of the weekend's summit given grave divisions within the bloc over the Russias war in Ukraine.

He was able to dispel those doubts, announcing a unanimous final agreement a day before the G20 summit ended Sunday that included language on the European war which both Russia and China signed off on.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the group agreed to a very strong message. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it a success of Indian diplomacy, adding many did not think that would be possible beforehand. And Indias foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, said the declaration responds to the situation as it stands today.

The statement had softer wording than last years G20 communique and failed to directly denounce Moscow. Instead, it cited a United Nations charter, saying all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But all countries agreed on the declaration, allowing India to claim diplomatic success.

This is the first declaration without a single footnote or a chairs summary, said Amitabh Kant, Indias top G20 negotiator.

Some experts saw the agreement as a win for Russia, while others read it as an achievement for the West. But most concurred it was a foreign policy triumph for Modi as he pushes to increase Indias influence on the world stage.

Indias statement embodies the voice of the emerging Global South said Derek Grossman, an analyst focused on the Indo-Pacific at the RAND Corporation. That is a coup for New Delhi, especially within the context of strategic competition against Beijing, helping it to become the leader of this bloc.

At the summit Modi also announced the group had agreed to add the African Union as a permanent member and made progress on other key issues important to the developing nations of the Global South.

We are seeing the G20 finally come into its own as a truly global entity, and emerging from the shadow of the G7, said Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Centers South Asia Institute, referring to the Group of Seven major industrial nations.

Its emerging as a successful case study of Western and non-Western powers and the Global South working together to pursue shared goals, he said.

The summit came at a time when Russia and China have been trying to put more emphasis on the more like-minded BRICS group  made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  which agreed at its summit last month to expand with six new members. Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's leader Xi Jinping skipped the G20 summit this year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who took Putin's place at the summit, told reporters the G20 is going through a crisis and likened India's absolute success to an internal reform."

This was manifested in the significant activation of members of the Group of 20 from the Global South with the leading role of India, who, very clearly and persistently, sought to take into account their interests, Lavrov said.

Beijing has been seeking to rally the Global South around a China-centric bloc, and Xi's absence from the meetings meant that Modi and others were able to promote their own ideas and goals, said Michael Schuman, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Councils Global China Hub.

With his diplomatic approach, Modi emerged as probably the summits big winner, and someone who is becoming an increasingly important player in international affairs, he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed that he is a force in the developing world as well and has a different vision of the relationship between the developed and developing worlds that is not as confrontational, Schuman said.

A senior European Union official who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to speak candidly about the talks said it was important not to have ended the summit for the first time without a final communique.

I think Indias strong leadership has preserved the G20 and opened the space for Brazil in the next presidency to work on global issues, he told reporters in New Delhi.

Heading into the summit, Modi had argued that the developing countries should have more say, noting that they are disproportionately impacted by many crises including climate change, food shortages and rising energy prices.

Many see that India has laid the groundwork for Brazil and South Africa  both influential members of the Global South  to continue along the same path as they take the G20 presidency for next two years.

With the world facing so many borderless challenges and shortages of multilateralism, that type of truly global cooperation is the need of the hour, Kugelman said.



Associated Press writers Krutika Pathi and Adam Schreck, and Joanna Kozlowska in London contributed to this report.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigating is looking into the death of an inmate who died at Troup County Jail on Thursday night.

At around 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, a detention officer with the Troup County Sheriffs Office found an inmate, identified as 33-year-old Aaron Martinette, who appeared to be unresponsive in his cell.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Medical and fire officials then responded to the cell to try and perform life-saving measures. The measures continued as Martinette was taken to a hospital.

Martinette was pronounced dead at 4:30 a.m. on Friday.

TRENDING STORIES:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It remains unclear how he died.

Deputies said Martinette was being held on disorderly conduct charges.

The GBI said it will conduct a private investigation.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
By Parisa Hafezi and Andrew Mills

DUBAI/DOHA (Reuters) -When $6 billion of unfrozen Iranian funds are wired to banks in Qatar as early as next week, it will trigger a carefully choreographed sequence that will see as many as five detained U.S. dual nationals leave Iran and a similar number of Iranian prisoners held in the U.S. fly home, according to eight Iranian and other sources familiar with the negotiations who spoke to Reuters.

As a first step, Iran on Aug. 10 released four U.S. citizens from Tehrans Evin prison into house arrest, where they joined a fifth, who was already under house arrest. Later that day U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the move the first step of a process that would lead to their return home.

They include businessmen Siamak Namazi, 51, and Emad Sharqi, 59, as well as environmentalist Morad Tahbaz, 67, who also holds British nationality, the U.S. administration has said. The Tahbaz and Shargi families did not respond to requests for comment. A lawyer for the Namazi family declined to comment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The identities of the fourth and fifth Americans, one of whom according to two sources is a woman, have not been disclosed. Reuters couldn't establish which Iranian prisoners, in turn, would be swapped by the U.S.

Iran said on Monday it was optimistic the prisoner swap with Washington would happen "in the near future".

At the centre of the negotiations that forged this deal between the superpower which Iran brands the "Great Satan" and the Islamic Republic which Washington calls a state sponsor of terrorism is the tiny but hugely rich state of Qatar.

Doha hosted at least eight rounds of talks involving Iranian and U.S. negotiators sitting in separate hotels speaking via shuttle diplomacy, a source briefed on the discussions said, with the earlier sessions focused mainly on the thorny nuclear issue and the later ones on the prisoner releases.

Doha will implement a financial arrangement under which it will pay banking fees and monitor how Iran spends the unfrozen cash to ensure no money is spent on items under U.S. sanctions, and the prisoners will transit Qatar when they are swapped, according to three of the sources.

"Iran initially wanted direct access to the funds but in the end agreed to having access via Qatar," said a senior diplomat. "Iran will purchase food and medicine and Qatar will pay directly."

Reuters pieced together this account of previously unreported details about the extent of Qatari mediation of the secret talks, how the deal unfolded and the expediency that motivated both parties to clinch the prisoner swap deal. Reuters interviewed four Iranian officials, two U.S. sources, a senior Western diplomat, a Gulf government adviser and the person familiar with the negotiations.

All of the sources requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of a deal which hasnt been fully implemented.

A State Department spokesperson said the U.S. was not ready to announce the exact timing of the prisoner release. The Department also declined to discuss the details of what the spokesperson termed "an ongoing and highly sensitive negotiation.

YOU CAN BUILD TRUST

The U.S. administration has not commented on the timing of the funds transfer. However, on Sept 5, South Korean foreign minister Park Jin said efforts were under way to transfer Iran's funds.

"The U.S.-Iran relationship is not one characterized by trust. We judge Iran by its actions, nothing else," the State Department spokesperson added.

Washington consented to the movement of Iranian funds from South Korea to restricted accounts held by financial institutions in Qatar, but no money is going to Iran directly, the spokesperson added.

Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Reuters' request for comment on the details of negotiations, Qatars role in the talks or the terms of the final agreement.

Nasser Kanaani, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, said when asked about this story in a televised news conference that Tehran would free the Americans on "humanitarian grounds".

The sources' account of the negotiation shows how the deal sidestepped the main U.S.-Iran dispute over Iran's nuclear aims, culminating in a rare moment of cooperation between the long-time adversaries, at odds on a host of issues from Iran's nuclear program to the U.S. military presence in the Gulf.

Ties between the U.S. and Iran have been at boiling point since Donald Trump quit a nuclear deal with Iran as U.S. president in 2018. Reaching another nuclear deal has gained little traction since then, as President Joe Biden prepares for the 2024 U.S. election.

The State Department spokesperson also said there had been no change in Washington's overall approach to Iran, "which continues to be focused on deterrence, pressure and diplomacy."

Once the funds are transferred, they will be held in restricted accounts in Qatar, and the U.S. will have oversight as to how and when these funds are used, the State Department spokesperson added.

The potential transfer has drawn Republican criticism that Biden, a Democrat, is in effect paying ransom for U.S. citizens. But Blinken told reporters on Aug 10 the deal does not mean that Iran would be getting any sanctions relief, explaining that Washington would continue to push back "resolutely against Irans destabilising activities in the region".

The Qatari-led mediation gained momentum in June 2023, said the source briefed on the discussions, adding at least eight rounds of talks were held since March 2022, with earlier rounds devoted mainly to the nuclear issue and later ones to prisoners.

"They all realised that nuclear (negotiation) is a dead end and shifted focus to prisoners. Prisoners is more simple. Its easy to get and you can build trust," he said. "This is when things got serious again."

PRISONERS EXPECTED TO TRANSIT QATAR

The Iranian, diplomatic and regional sources said that once the money reaches Qatar from South Korea via Switzerland, Qatari officials will instruct Tehran and Washington to proceed with the releases under the terms of a document signed by both sides and Qatar in late July or early August. Reuters has not seen the document.

The transfer to banks in Qatar is expected to conclude as early as next week if all goes to plan, the source briefed on the talks said. Reuters was unable to identify the banks involved.

American prisoners will fly to Qatar from Tehran and Iranian prisoners will fly from the U.S. to Qatar, and then be transferred to Iran, the source briefed on the talks told Reuters.

According to two Iranian insiders, the source briefed on the negotiations and the senior Western diplomat, the talks' most complex part was arranging a mechanism to ensure transparency in the money transfer and respect for U.S. sanctions. The $6 billion in Iranian assets  the proceeds of oil sales  were frozen under sweeping U.S. oil and financial sanctions against Iran. Then president Trump in 2018 reimposed the sanctions when he pulled Washington out of a deal under which Iran had restricted its nuclear program.

Issues discussed included how to ensure Iran only spent the money on humanitarian goods and securing guarantees from Qatar on its monitoring of the process.

"To salvage the negotiations from collapse, Qatar pledged to cover the banking fees for the funds' transfer from Seoul to Switzerland, and subsequently to Qatari banks, while also taking on the responsibility of expense oversight," an Iranian insider briefed about the talks told Reuters.

The central bank governors of Iran and Qatar met in Doha on June 14 to discuss the funds transfer, a second Iranian insider and the source briefed on the talks said.

The Central Bank of Iran and the Qatar central bank declined to comment .

The talks were led by U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley -- now on unpaid leave because his security clearance is under review -- and by U.S. Deputy Special Envoy Abram Paley and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, said one Iranian official, two sources briefed on the negotiations and the Western diplomat.

Mehdi Safari, Irans deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, joined the Iranian delegation at two meetings in Qatar for talks on the funds transfer, one senior Iranian diplomat told Reuters. Qatari Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry Mohammed Al-Khulaifi was the go-between mediator.

Malley declined to comment. Paley, Kani and Al Khulaifi could not be reached directly for comment.

(Additional reporting by Laila Bassam in Beirut and Washington bureau, Writing by Samia Nakhoul; Editing by William Maclean)
This is a locator map for Saudi Arabia with its capital, Riyadh. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

JERUSALEM (AP)  An Israeli delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to attend a U.N. conference on world heritage sites, in the first public visit by government officials to the kingdom, an Israeli official said.

The delegation is led by the head of Israel's Antiquities Authority, Eli Escusido, and includes diplomats, the official said. It is not a bilateral visit, and it was unclear whether they would meet with Saudi officials.

The official was not authorized to discuss the matter with media and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official noted that Israel took part in a video game competition in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

The visit comes as Washington is pushing to broker normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which are believed to have quietly cultivated ties in recent years over their shared suspicion of Iran. A formal agreement would be a historic step toward integrating Israel into the wider region, but it faces major challenges.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Saudis are reportedly demanding significant progress on resolving the conflict with the Palestinians  a hard sell for the most right-wing government in Israel's history  as well as U.S. defense guarantees and aid in establishing a civilian nuclear program.

The 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is being held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, from Sunday through Sept. 25. The committee determines which sites are added to the World Heritage List and supervises their conservation.

Israel announced it was quitting UNESCO in 2017, accusing the international body of being biased against it and diminishing its historical connection to the Holy Land. But Israel remains a party to the World Heritage Convention.

Saudi Arabia has been developing and promoting its own heritage sites in recent years as the kingdom seeks to transform itself into a prime destination for tourists and investment.
Ukraine made advances in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and claimed advances south of Bakhmut, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote in its Sept. 9 report.

Earlier this week, Ukraine's General Staff reported that Ukrainian armed forces made gains south of Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast and south of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Additionally, the war in Ukraine is increasingly constraining Russian local and regional politics, with even minimal pre-war competition suppressed and regional governments increasingly focused on their ability to generate resources for the war.

Russian forces are also conducting offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line. Russian occupation authorities also continue to force sham elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Voting in these local elections opened on Aug. 31 and are due to end on Sept. 10.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Finally, ISW reported that the war in Ukraine and its drain on Russian regions has contributed to a "more muted political atmosphere within Russia." Local leaders appear more concerned with their ability to provide resources for the war and local political competition has become very minimal.

Read also: General Staff: Ukrainian forces make gains near Robotyne, Klishchiivka

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ROME (Reuters) - Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Sunday there was more to Italy's relationship with China than the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), adding that a final decision on whether to leave the BRI was still to be taken.

Italian media reported earlier in the day that Italy would quit the BRI and instead seek to revitalise a strategic partnership agreement with China, aimed at fostering economic cooperation, that it first signed in 2004.

Italy is the only G7 nation to sign up to the BRI, a global trade and infrastructure plan modelled on the old Silk Road that linked imperial China and the West.

Italy has the G7 presidency next year and recasting its relationship with Beijing would placate its Western allies, who are fearful of Chinese influence, while reducing the risk of a backlash from Beijing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"There are European nations which in recent years haven't been part of the Belt and Road but have been able to forge more favourable relations (with China) than we have sometimes managed," Meloni told a press conference at the end of the G20 summit of the world's major economies in New Delhi.

Meloni met Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday on the G20 sidelines and described the talks as polite and constructive.

"The issue is how to guarantee a partnership that is beneficial for both sides, leaving aside the decision that we will take on the BRI," she added.

China has always believed that further tapping into potential cooperation under the BRI is in the interests of countries, said Mao Ning, a spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry, when asked on Monday at a regular news conference about Italy's deliberations.

Italy has repeatedly stressed that any exit would not mean its relationship with China would depreciate. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who recently visited China, said a strategic partnership would be more valuable than the BRI.

So far, China has not publicly pushed Italy to stay, choosing instead to focus on their bilateral ties.

"We believe China and Italy should further deepen practical cooperation in various fields and promote greater development of their comprehensive strategic partnership," Mao told reporters.

Meloni said the Chinese had renewed an invitation for her to visit Beijing but that no date had been set.

The Italian government has also been invited to a BRI Forum that China will host in October, she added.

Italian politicians have questioned the value of the BRI agreement signed by a previous administration in 2019.

In its statement on Saturday, Meloni's office mentioned the 20th anniversary next year of a separate Global Strategic Partnership signed by China and a government led by Silvio Berlusconi in 2004.

(Reporting by Keith Weir and Giuseppe Fonte; Additional reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing; editing by Mark Heinrich and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
When Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made an official visit to the crime-ridden Neapolitan suburb of Caivano last week, she promised a radical reclamation of a territory she admitted the state had failed.

Meloni, the countrys first female prime minister, was there to draw attention to an alleged systematic gang rape of pre-teen cousins by a group of delinquents.

The alleged repeated rapes of the two girls  aged 10 and 12 at the time and now in protective custody out of fear their families cant protect them  capped a summer of headlines about sexual violence and gender-related killings of women and girls.

Neither of these issues has so far been a focus of Melonis Italy-first traditional family agenda, which has focused on removing same sex parents from birth certificates, clamping down on inheritance rights for gay couples, and seeking to criminalize surrogacy with prison terms even if it is carried out abroad.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Her trip to Caivano was overshadowed by comments made by her partner, Andrea Giambruno, an Italian journalist with whom she shares a daughter but to whom she is not married, who suggested some of the sexual violence over the summer was the fault of the victims.

If you go dancing you are fully entitled to get drunk, he said on his television program. But if you avoid getting drunk and losing consciousness, perhaps youd also avoid getting into trouble, because then youll find the wolf.

His comments came while discussing the case of a 19-year-old woman who was allegedly gang-raped by seven men at a party near the Sicilian city of Palermo in August.

Giorgia Meloni, center, walks in Caivano on August 31, 2023. Her visit was prompted by concerns over drug use and crime in the town, including the alleged rape of two girls by a group of boys. - Ivan Romano/Getty Images

When questioned by a guest on the program, Giambruno tried to defend his words by digging in deeper: (A man) might say to his daughter, Look, dont get in a car with a stranger. Because it is very true that you should not be raped because it is an abominable thing. But if you avoid getting into the car with a stranger, maybe you wont run into that danger, he said by way of clarification, failing to blame the young men who allegedly committed the crime.

Perhaps we should start passing this message across and be a little more protective, in terms of vocabulary and language, he added.

He might have been thinking of his own 7-year-old daughter, Ginevra, who is Melonis constant companion, traveling with her to the United States to meet President Joe Biden as well as tagging along when Meloni met Pope Francis earlier this year.

I do everything possible to take my daughter to when I can, and to go home in the evening to put her to bed, as I have always tried to do, Meloni, who often talks about what being a mother means to her, told Donna Moderna (Modern Woman) magazine earlier this year.

She defended Giambrunos victim-blaming comments during a press conference Thursday, saying they had been misunderstood.

I think that Andrea Giambruno hastily and assertively said something different from what most people interpreted, she said.

I dont read in those words if you walk around in a miniskirt theyll rape you but something similar to what my mother told me: eyes open and head on your shoulders. Rapists exist and we must not let our guard down, she said at the press conference.

My mother always told me that. We must always be aware, do our best not to put ourselves in a position to allow these animals to do what they would like to do. I think it is advice that many parents would give to their children, this does not give any justification to rapists.

Giorgia Meloni and Andrea Giambruno are pictured at an event on December 7, 2022. - Gian Mattia D'Alberto/LaPresse/Shutterstock

Gang-related violence

Meloni has focused on coming down hard on organized criminality in areas where offenses are taking place.

However, she has barely mentioned a documented rise in reported gender-related violence in Italy this summer, which included the killing of a 52-year-old nurse in Rome this week.

The mother of two daughters was stabbed 20 times in the foyer of her apartment building in the capital, allegedly by a man who had just this summer vandalized her car with red spray paint with which he wrote, I love you a lot, according to Rome city police who published a photo of her car. Lawyers for the suspect declined to comment on the case.

According to the Telefono Rosa hotline for domestic violence, there has been a 25% increase in gang-related gender-based violence in 2023 in Italy compared to the same period last year. The organization notes that the increase is primarily by younger offenders  sometimes, as in the case of the alleged gang rape in Palermo, of which footage was published on social media, including young men under the age of 18.

This Sunday, the women of the opposition Democratic party, led by Elly Shlein, are meeting to form a response to what they say is the systematic punishment of women in the first year of Melonis premiership.

We are faced with a patriarchal, illiberal right and enemy of diversity. We dont know what to do with a woman in government who penalizes women, the Democratic Women caucus said in a statement to CNN.

Atavistic impulses are re-emerging in society and, above all, regulatory proposals are emerging that erase womens laborious achievements of self-determination: from the right to health, to education, to work without a modern and dynamic welfare system, to abortion, but also to maternity and parenthood, despite proclamations about birth rates; among the new generations we are witnessing an explosion of violence towards young women, and we could continue. This is why we need to put our analytical and proposal-making thinking back at the center.

Nepotism concerns

Meloni has yet to comment on the killing of the nurse in Rome, which was the 78th gender-related killing of a woman this year, according to the Differenza Donna association. It estimates that one woman is murdered by someone she knows every three days in Italy.

Instead, Meloni has focused on her own family, which is increasingly prominent in party politics. During her August holiday, she was photographed at a lunch with relatives holding a plate of cooked blue crabs, currently the chief enemy to Italian mussel and clam fishermen after destroying millions of euros worth of shellfish.

The photo was taken by her brother-in-law Francesco Lollobridgida, Italys minister of agriculture, who is married to her sister Arianna, who in August was promoted to lead Melonis Brothers of Italy partys membership arm and political secretariat division  a move that raised eyebrows within the party ranks.

Brothers of Italy member Massimo Milani called for a special congress within the party to discuss the matter.

Giorgia Meloni and Francesco Lollobrigida talk during the election of the new President of the Chamber of Deputies, on October 14, 2022 in Rome, Italy. - Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis/Getty Images

On Tuesday, Meloni posted a selfie on Instagram smiling among party faithful at a dinner that drew more comments about nepotism than about the cohesion of her party, from opposition party members and the general public alike.

Repeated calls and messages by CNN to her party spokespeople for a comment about the uptick in violence and her sisters appointment in the party were not answered.

But in Romes Garbatella neighborhood, where Meloni grew up with a single mother, she is lauded. She has proven herself to be a stateswoman, she has made us proud, said Giovanni Montuori, who runs a local favorite restaurant, Da Giovanni. Her mother still lives here, she is raising her own daughter in spite of challenges. Shes the real thing.

When asked about her partners comments on the gang rape, the restaurateur said simply, There is truth to it, simply put.

The Brothers of Italy have also retained their popularity. Melonis party won the September 22 elections last year with nearly 26% of the vote. As of late July, her party had surpassed 29% support in opinion polling, dropping about a point by late August, according to a SWG poll for La7 television.

Despite her success, Melonis first year in office has been challenging. She has faced record-breaking arrivals of irregular migrants and the loss of Silvio Berlusconi, a key coalition partner.

But the steady drumbeat of opposition to perceived nepotism and her reluctance to push gender issues is likely to dominate her tenure in office, however long it may last.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Jeremy Hunt raised the case of his constituent at the beginning of April but only received a reply last month - Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency

Jeremy Hunt raised the alarm over extremely worrying conditions and staff problems at Wandsworth prison just months before terror suspect Daniel Khalife escaped from the jail.

The Chancellor passed a detailed set of allegations about the state of the prison, in south-west London, and lax standards of staff, to Wandsworths governor. The allegations were made by a constituent who had been on remand there for eight months.

After failing to get a reply from Katie Price, the prisons governor, to his submission in April, Mr Hunt escalated the complaint to Damian Hinds, the prisons minister, and the Prison Service headquarters in June, but only finally received a response last month.

The allegations by the constituent, a former businessman, centred on the conditions, including overcrowding, violence and filthy cells as well as demotivated and under-performing staff who failed to carry out their duties.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The disclosure will pile pressure on the Government over whether it should have acted earlier to tackle the crisis at Wandsworth, which contains nearly 670 more prisoners than it was designed for and has staff absence rates of 30 to 44 per cent.

The disclosure came as Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, revealed that 40 prisoners had been moved out of Wandsworth prison since Khalifes escape last Wednesday morning.

He said the 40 had been transferred out of an abundance of caution after criticism that former soldier Khalife should not have been placed in a category B jail such as Wandsworth but in a high security category A prison.

The authorities have faced criticism that Khalife was placed in a category B jail like Wandsworth, rather than in a high security category A prison - Eddie Mulholland For The Telegraph

Mr Chalk also hinted that the investigation into Khalifes escape was focusing on human error and said preliminary findings suggested all staff and relevant security protocols were in place when Khalife escaped by strapping himself to the underside of a delivery truck.

Khalife, 21, was arrested on a canal towpath in west London at 10.41am on Saturday after being pulled off a push bike by a plain clothes counter-terrorism officer. His capture followed a four-day search, and he will appear before Westminster magistrates on Monday, charged with escape from prison.

Mr Hunt raised the case of his constituent at the beginning of April after receiving a six-page detailed log of his time on remand in Wandsworth.

Thank you for taking the time to write to me about the conditions at HMP Wandsworth  this is extremely worrying, replied Mr Hunt.

I fully understand your reasons for raising a complaint, so I have brought your concerns to the urgent attention of Katie Price, Prison Governor at HMP Wandsworth.

The ex-prisoner claimed staff did as little as possible when there was no manager on duty, and there were no consequences for poor performance. One officer, he claimed, stole a jacket from him.

Mr Hunt also raised a serious incident at the prison with Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, after being alerted to an alleged attack on a prisoner in a cell.

By the beginning of last month, the Chancellor admitted to the ex-prisoner that he was disappointed and very concerned by the lack of responses.

A Prison Service spokesman said the service had apologised for the delay in responding to the ex-prisoners complaints, which it said had been caused by an administrative error. The Ministry of Justice is also understood to have responded to Mr Hunt.

The Wandsworth prison response insisted that it aimed to provide the best regime possible for inmates, and that staff who failed to improve their performance could face the sack.

Last week, Mr Tyalor said that HMP Wandsworth should in an ideal world be shut down amid a damning series of watchdog reports saying its performance was a cause of serious concern.

It comes as an inmate at HMP Wandsworth is in a critical condition in hospital after being stabbed in the prison on Sunday.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Today, cities around the country are revisiting a question previously seen as unchangeable here in the Kansas City metropolitan area: Who gets to live in Johnson County? Who gets to live in the most progressive county in Kansas?  the same county that Rep. Sharice Davids has held onto for three cycles and the backbone of last years monumental no vote upholding abortion rights.

Its an uncomfortable question. The mere exploration has already triggered fearmongering about increased crime and decreased property values (proven to be artificial concerns) in neighborhood associations and city council meetings, all while failing to address the fundamental question: Who gets to live in Johnson County? And even more, do our progressive politics stop at our property lines?

Its tempting to dismiss the necessity of the conversation. After all, Johnson County is the wealthiest county in the state, boasting the highest property values that in turn fund paved streets, manicured green spaces and top-ranked public schools.

In other words, why fix whats not broken? That begs perhaps the more urgent question: Who is it working for?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We dont have to look much further than the numbers. About 79% of Johnson County is white, with Black and Hispanic residents representing just 5% and 8%, respectively. In the countys most affluent areas  Mission Hills, Prairie Village, Fairway  white residents account for more than 90% of the population, with Black residents less than 1%, and Hispanic residents no more than 6%.

Fifty-five years since the Fair Housing Act made residential segregation illegal, shouldnt our population reflect this?

Some argue its personal preference, that communities of color choose to live among themselves. Others point to the high cost of entry into Johnson County neighborhoods, as if these financial barriers are naturally occurring phenomena. In either case, the acceptance of this status quo betrays an unfortunate lack of imagination.

However, there is an intervention that can redefine who gets to live in Johnson County: Eliminating single-family-only zoning.

Ostensibly a race-neutral zoning tool to regulate the aesthetic consistency of neighborhoods, for a century, this policy has excluded many while hoarding opportunity for others.

Born from government and developer motives to exclude Black and Jewish families from suburbs, single-family-only zoning, paired with redlining and deed restrictions, codified residential segregation in Johnson County. It continues to govern land use today. Some 89% of Prairie Village for instance, is zoned for single-family use only.

Because of single-family-only zoning, the primary entrance into our communities is home ownership (even as Black families are disproportionately likely to be renters and have one-eighth the net worth of white families). But like much of the nation, we face a historic shortage of affordable homes, that are increasingly being replaced by McMansion rebuilds.

What if we began building low-rise duplexes for families  headed by teachers or police officers to raise their children in the communities they work in? Or instead, its you, looking to keep your aging parents close by building a backyard accessory dwelling unit.

Additional housing can unlock new paths into our communities, at the expense of none, and benefit to all. Thats right  we all stand to benefit from a socioeconomically diverse community. More housing types get us there.

I am proud to be a beneficiary of Kansas forming promise of access and opportunity for all. The same promise inspired my great-grandmother Annie Alcorn to leave Jim Crow Arkansas for Kansas City, and I believe we can once again live up to that same promise today.

So, who gets to live in Johnson County? We should answer this question with fortitude and vision of a county that is a reality for all who wish to call it home.

Stephonn Alcorn of Gardner is a 2017 graduate of the University of Kansas, where he was student body president. He served as the Associate Director for Racial Justice and Equity in the Biden-Harris White House Domestic Policy Council until July 2022. He works in New York City as an affordable housing asset manager .
The campaigns for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R ) and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) are both pushing back on former President Trumps COVID Tyrant claims.

Kemp responded to a video of Trump where the former president said that COIVD Tyrant[s] want to take away Americans freedoms and called on people to not comply.

Kemp appeared to take the video as an attack on how he handled COVID-19 and blasted the former president for not supporting his decision to roll back pandemic restrictions in 2020.

The fact is former president Trump led the opposition to my decision to reopen Georgia  the first state in the country to do so, Kemp wrote in response to the video on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. While he listened to Fauci & parroted media talking points, I listened to hardworking Georgians. He may not remember, but I sure as hell do.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

At the time, Trump said he disagreed strongly with Kemps decision to start reopening the economy in April 2020. DeSantis also moved to lift the lockdown in Florida around that time and officially ended the lockdown in September 2020.

@BrianKempGA and @RonDeSantis were right and Donald Trump was wrong, James Uthmeier, DeSantiss chief of staff and campaign manager, posted in response to Kemp.

Over the weekend, Trump took aim at some governors for their pandemic policies as he praised South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R ), who endorsed the former president at a campaign event Friday. Noem was one of a few governors who did not impose stay-at-home orders during the pandemic.

Unlike other governors, she never locked down South Dakota, Trump said. They all say, Oh, I kept it open, I kept it open. They didnt keep it open.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) on Sunday pushed back against claims from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) that getting involved in a state election process is consistent with the job of a U.S. senator.

In an interview on MSNBCs Inside with Jen Psaki, Klobuchar refrained from commenting explicitly on Graham, noting that prosecutors decided not to move forward with an indictment against him and that, as a former prosecutor, she said, I believe in the actual evidence and facts.

But his point about elections, Klobuchar said, I mean, come on now.

Klobuchar made the general case against those who claim an indictment was unfair and noted that former President Trump faces four separate indictments in cases with constituencies that are vastly different from one another.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We have a presidential candidate, Donald Trump, thats been indicted in four different places, with different people, grand jurors, and I have seen this grand jury system up close. From different walks of life in states from Georgia, to New York, in places from Florida, as different as that is from D.C. that have decided to indict the former president on various charges. So thats what Im looking at right now, she said.

In America, the law is king. The president isnt king, no matter how much money and how much rhetoric and how much he throws at things, Klobuchar said. It is the law thats king, and thats what you see happening right now with the prosecutions of those that participated in an insurrection on the United States Capitol and what you see in the ongoing proceedings.

Klobuchars comments come after reports Friday that revealed the Fulton County grand jury recommended charges against Graham, but prosecutors declined to pursue them.

Graham had defended the highly publicized call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) at the time and claimed his actions were consistent with his role as senator and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also noted that he voted to certify the election ultimately for President Biden.

What I did was consistent with my job as being United States senator, chairman of the Judiciary Committee. I think this system, this country is getting off the rails. And we have to be careful not to use the legal system as a political tool, Graham told reporters in response to the news Friday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A big shake-up is headed for grocery shoppers as Kroger and Albertsons announced their plan to possibly sell 413 grocery stores across 17 states and the District of Columbia.

The sale, which includes other assets and is valued at $1.9 billion, is intended to help create a clear path for the merger with antitrust regulators reviewing the deal. The grocery chains say its an effort to compete with Walmart, Amazon, and other major companies.

Kroger and Albertsons agreed to merge last October after the former bid $20 billion for the latter. As part of the deal, Kroger would also assume $4.7 billion of Albertsons debt. However, the move will require federal approval, meaning the closures could take months. Officials say a decision may not be made until 2024.

Aldi to buy 400 Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarkets

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

If accepted, Kroger would sell more than 400 of its current stores and Albertsons locations to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a company that supplies independent grocers like Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly, military bases, and corporate-owned stores.

Doing so will help them manage prices, according to Russell Redman, the executive editor for Winsight Grocery Business Magazine and a grocery business analyst covering the merger.

Theyll be able to do more investment in their stores and create better shopping experiences with cost savings from larger scale and better able to compete with large companies like Walmart and Amazon, Redman said.

It is not yet clear which locations would be affected, though its likely that some grocery stores may keep the same name. The fuel centers and pharmacies associated with the chosen stores are also expected to continue to operate.

Kroger released a list of how many stores per state would be part of the divesture:

Alaska: 14 Albertsons Cos. stores

Arizona: 24 Albertsons Cos. stores

California: 66 Albertsons Cos. and Kroger stores

Colorado: 52 Albertsons Cos. stores

District of Columbia/Maryland/Virginia: 10 Harris Teeter stores

Idaho: 13 Albertsons Cos. stores

Illinois: 14 Kroger stores

Montana/Utah/Wyoming: 12 Albertsons Cos. stores

Nevada: 15 Albertsons Cos. stores

New Mexico: 12 Albertsons Cos. stores

Oregon: 49 Albertsons Cos. and Kroger stores

Texas/Louisiana: 28 Albertsons Cos. stores

Washington: 104 Albertsons Cos. and Kroger stores

As for union worker agreements, Rodney McMullen, Krogers chairman and CEO, says C&S will honor all collective bargaining agreements.

How big will Facebook settlement checks be? Lawyers reveal estimated payment per person

Before the deal with C&S closes, Kroger may, in connection with securing Federal Trade Commission and other governmental clearance, require C&S to buy up to an additional 237 stores in certain regions. If more stores are added to the agreement, C&S will pay Kroger an additional as-yet-to-be-determined financial amount.

C&S has prior experience with divestitures related to mergers and has successfully transitioned union employees and their associated collective bargaining agreements in the past.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
Kim Zolciak said she and Kroy Biermann are "working on our marriage" in a recent post on social media.

The " Real Housewives of Atlanta " star shared a video to her Instagram story Sept. 8 of a closet full of high-heeled shoes and wrote over it, "I'm living here not going anywhere! Been working on our marriage and have been living as husband and wife. The lies daily are too much."

Kim Zolciak's latest update. (Instagram)

Her post comes just a few weeks after Biermann filed for divorce from Zolciak for the second time this year.

A representative for Zolciak and Biermann did not immediately respond to TODAY.com's request for comment about the status of their relationship.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The former Atlanta Falcons player filed his latest petition for divorce in Georgia's Fulton County Superior Court on Aug. 24, according to documents obtained by NBC News.

Biermann, 37, who appeared alongside his soon-to-be ex-wife, 45, on "RHOA," and also on their own reality show, "Don't Be Tardy," said in his petition that the former couple's nearly 12-year marriage was "irretrievably broken."

Biermann and Zolciak both filed for divorce in May but later called off the divorce.

Here's a timeline of the couple's marriage and breakups.

Biermann and Zolciak tie the knot in November 2011

The couple walked down the aisle in November 2011, a year and a half after meeting at a Dancing with Atlanta Stars charity event

Kroy Biermann and Kim Zolciak-Biermann (Paras Griffin / GC Images)

Fans of the show saw the pairs love story come to life on screen on "RHOA." They later starred together as newlyweds in their own reality series, Dont Be Tardy, which ran for eight seasons on Bravo.

Biermann and Zolciak share six children: Kroy KJ Jagger, Kash Kade, Kaia Rose and Kane Ren, as well as Zolciak's two older daughters, Brielle and Ariana Biermann, who Biermann adopted after they married.

The couple file for divorce in May

Biermann and Zolciak both filed for divorce in early May after more than 11 years of marriage.

NBC News obtained a petition for divorce filed by Biermann on May 5 and another filed by Zolciak on May 8.

News of the couple's plans to divorce came three months after a foreclosure notice was issued in February announcing that the couple's mansion would be auctioned off after they allegedly defaulted on a $1.65 million loan.

Later that month, People reported that a source close to the Bravo star said the couple had "taken the action to clear this up" and would not be foreclosing on their home.

Andy Cohen says he's 'very surprised' by the couple's split

In May, days after Biermann and Zolciak filed for divorce, "Real Housewives" host Andy Cohen revealed on his SiriusXM program Andy Cohen Live that he was "very surprised" by the couple's split.

That was not the news I ever expected to get," said Cohen. "They seemed so much in love and just together. I mean, they were a couple that  yeah, I thought they were in it for the long haul,

Cohen added that he reached out to Zolciak to offer support.

Texted a little bit with Kim yesterday, sent my condolences because its a sad thing, he said. They have kids and that was just a couple that seemed very much in love.

Zolciak's 'RHOA' co-star Sheree Whitfield says she's 'shocked' by the split too

Sheree Whitfield, who stars alongside Zolciak on "RHOA," said she, too, was shocked by Zolciak and Biermann's split during an appearance on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen."

I am in touch with her, and I was shocked, she said. I thought her and Kroy (were) gonna be forever. Im really sad for them.

Whitfield went on to say that Zolciak was in poor spirits following the couple's breakup. Ive been in contact with her and shes not doing well. Shes not doing well. No, shes taking it really bad," she said.

Zolciak stops using Biermann's surname

In June, fans noted that Zolciak, who was previously known as Kim Zolciak-Biermann, had stopped using Biermann's surname when she shared a post on Instagram teasing her return to "RHOA."

The couple calls off the divorce in July

In early July, Zolciak and Biermann called off their divorce.

According to court documents obtained by NBC News at the time, Zolciak filed on June 7 to dismiss her divorce complaint without prejudice."

Shortly after news of the filing was reported, the couple's daughter Ariana Biermann posted a selfie in her Instagram Story with a message that said, God is so good, according to People.

Amid reports of a reconciliation, Zolciak re-added Biermanns surname to hers and has continued to use it.

Biermann files for divorce a second time on Aug. 24.

Biermann's latest petition to divorce, filed just this week, again states that the couple's minor children are currently in his care, and that he is seeking the "temporary and permanent sole legal and sole physical custody" of them.

Bravo is part of NBCUniversal, TODAYs parent company.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Volunteer fire departments and fire rescue in Lancaster County honored those who died in the 9/11 attacks by participating in the Memorial Stair Climb in Charlotte on Saturday.

A team from Lancaster County participates every year. This years team was named the Sleepless Nights.

The event is held in honor of the 343 FDNY firefighters who died in 9/11. It also raises money for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The donations help the families and co-workers of the fallen firefighters.

ALSO READ: Community honors Charlotte firefighters following deadly SouthPark fire

A photo of a firefighter who died in 9/11 was given to the firefighters who participated in the climb.

People can donate year-round to the National Firefighters Foundation. To learn more about the climb and how to donate, click here.

(WATCH BELOW: SC firefighters buck muddy creek to save trapped fawn)
As Washington barrels toward a looming deadline to prevent a government shutdown, Democrats and Republicans alike want to set the record straight in case the lights go out: Its the other sides fault.

Three weeks remain until government funding is set to run out, and the House hasnt even returned from a monthlong summer recess, but senators are already offering a preview of what is sure to be a major blame game in Congress this month should lawmakers fail to prevent a lapse in funding.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a letter to his Democratic colleagues earlier this month that a shutdown would be the fault of political games by House Republicans.

When the Senate returns next week, our focus will be on funding the government and preventing House Republican extremists from forcing a government shutdown, Schumer wrote in the letter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Schumer went after House conservatives again in a speech on the Senate floor last week, calling out their demands and urging both parties to get on the same page about keeping the government open.

The only way we will finish the appropriations process is through bipartisanship, Schumer said. The idea of both parties working together, not one party, particularly a party governed by an extreme 30 or 40 members filling out a wish list that they know can pass.

The hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus last month vowed to vote against any government funding bill, including a stopgap measure, that doesnt include a list of GOP policy priorities.

Some House conservatives have gone even further in recent months to dial up pressure by threatening a shutdown and downplaying the potential consequences, prompting uneasiness among Democrats and, in some cases, Republicans wary of a funding lapse.

But that doesnt mean Republicans arent also putting the blame on Democrats.

I think the Democrats are itching for a fight, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) told reporters. They know that spending and debt accumulation is out of control, and the Republicans have offered solutions and they refused to even consider them.

I think Chuck Schumer and Joe Biden want to force a shutdown. I think thats the mistake if they did it, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told The Hill on Wednesday.

Leaders in both chambers are eyeing a short-term funding patch known as a continuing resolution (CR), which will freeze spending at levels last hashed out by the previous Democratic-led Congress, to buy time for negotiations.

Not all Republicans are happy with the idea, as the party focuses much of its attention on the national debt, which stands at more than $30 trillion, to press for more aggressive cuts to spending.

Other issues also stand as possible holdups to an agreement that both parties could use to bludgeon the other.

Ukraine aid is expected to dominate a chunk of attention this month, after the White House previously requested $13.1 billion in supplemental funding for the Department of Defense in response to the war in Ukraine, as well as additional funding for the State Department and other agencies.

The White House is looking for the assistance to be approved as part of a CR deal, along with aid requested for disaster relief. But some Republicans have called for the disaster funding to be delinked from Ukraine aid, particularly as the continued military assistance has seen increased scrutiny among some conservatives.

Last month, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) pushed for funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) disaster relief fund to see priority over Ukraine aid, arguing then that the funding should be considered separately.

But as many Republicans doubled down for further support for Ukraine, Rubio acknowledged to The Hill on Thursday that he doesnt know how you pass a supplemental as part of a spending deal that doesnt include Ukraine.

You need 60 votes in the Senate, he said. I dont know how you get to that vote threshold with the number of people that support that without that being in there. My view is that we should just do the funding to replenish the emergency fund.

Weve got all these obligations from previous storms that are not being met now. That should have been done back in June or July, he said. We knew this was going to be a problem.

Punchbowl News reported earlier this week that House GOP leadership was considering bringing up a CR that included disaster relief and zero dollars for Ukraine. But there are Republicans and Democrats hopeful of seeing the aid pass soon.

I think we would have the capacity to continue past this month, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-R.I.) told The Hill on Thursday, when pressed about the remaining aid.

But the sooner we do it, the more efficient well be in getting the aid there, and giving them, not only financial, but also political support, Reed added.

At the same time, much work remains on the table in both chambers efforts to make progress toward a larger deal on how to fund the government for fiscal 2024.

With about three weeks until government funding is set to lapse, the Senate is expected to pass its first minibus of three funding bills next week. That includes dollars for the departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Food and Drug Administration.

The House already passed its first appropriations bill, allocating funding for military construction and the VA, along party lines before summer recess. But Republicans scrapped plans to pass their agricultural funding bill amid intraparty disagreements  raising concerns about the challenges the chamber will face in passing the remaining 12 partisan funding bills with a slim majority.

Asked if he thinks the party will bear the blame if a potential shutdown is on the horizon this fall, Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters this week: Well, we usually get blamed for it  irrespective of whos really at fault.

But I think most people just want to see us try and figure out a way to keep the trains running, he said. And so, who is blamed, I think, is probably the least of our concerns right now. Its how do we come up with a solution that keeps the government open?

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Nearly three years after sheriff's deputies fatally shot a suicidal Camarillo man who ran toward them with weapons, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko's office has found the lethal use of force was legally justified.

The DA's report issued Friday recounted the Oct. 4, 2020 incident, during which a 24-year-old man who claimed to have a loaded gun told a dispatcher he wanted to shoot people. He also told her he was suicidal and wanted deputies to shoot him.

The document provides some new details, including that the man painted a blue replica gun with black makeup to make it appear more realistic.

The investigation was one of several involving the matter and focused solely on whether the two deputies had acted lawfully. As is standard with any peace officer's deadly use of force, the incident was subject to multiple probes, including the DA's review.

Early morning 911 call

The shooting unfolded in a matter of minutes after the 24-year-old Camarillo resident, Austin Manzano, called 911 around 1:10 a.m. on Oct. 4, 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The events that followed were made public a month later when the Ventura County Sheriff's Office released footage from the two deputies' body-worn cameras, along with a recording of Manzano's 911 call.

"Yeah, I have a gun, and I'm out here on Ripley Street in Camarillo," Manzano said as he began his conversation with the dispatcher. "I'm going to start f---in' shooting some people."

He was near the intersection of Bradford Avenue and Calle La Sombra in a residential area north of Ponderosa Drive.

Before the first deputy arrived four minutes later, Manzano told the dispatcher he had a loaded SIG Sauer pistol in his hand along with a "big" knife, "like a Bowie knife."

He described what he was wearing  a brown shirt and khaki shorts  and told the dispatcher he'd been suicidal all day. He said he was going to start hurting people. His responses were mostly polite and direct as the dispatcher continued to ask questions, her voice calm. The dispatcher's typing can be heard in the background.

As Deputy Robert Medina pulled up around 1:14 a.m., the dispatcher can be heard coaxing Manzano to put down the gun.

Manzano told the dispatcher he could put it down, "but then I wouldn't be able to have them shoot me."

As he closed out the conversation, Manzano asked the dispatcher's name. "I'm sorry about this," he told her before abandoning the call.

An image of the blue replica handgun from a deputy-involved shooting in Camarillo in 2020, with black makeup applied to portions that were visible to deputies.

90 seconds

Medina, who had 12 years of service with the sheriff's office at the time, was told on the radio he would be encountering a suicidal subject with a gun. When he turned onto Bradford Avenue, he saw Manzano in the street holding a handgun, according to the DA's report.

Less than 90 seconds elapsed before Medina and another deputy opened fire.

Medina had backed up and opened his patrol vehicle door for cover. He got his rifle from the rear cargo area and returned to the crook of the open door. On the body-worn camera audio, he can be heard requesting other responding deputies to use so-called "less lethal" weapons, such as beanbag guns.

"Just put the gun down, dude," Medina can be heard saying to Manzano. "You got a lot to live for, dude. Just relax."

About a minute after Medina's arrival, Senior Deputy Greg Tougas pulled up. Tougas, who then had 31 years service with the agency, intended to get his beanbag shotgun from the rear of his patrol vehicle, according to the DA report.

But before Tougas could grab the beanbag shotgun, he saw Manzano running toward his colleague, aiming the handgun at him and holding the knife.

Both deputies can be heard shouting at Manzano to stop. "Don't do it! Don't do it!" Medina called out.

Their gunfire followed, knocking Manzano to the street, where the deputies provided medical aid.

Medina, using his patrol rifle, had fired twice. Both rounds struck Manzano in the abdomen, the DA report said. Tougas fired one shot with his service weapon but didn't hit Manzano.

Manzano was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, where he died on Oct. 17. He had gone through multiple surgeries and survived the injuries but became septic, according to autopsy information in the report.

Story continues below.

Imminent threat

The report, which has some redactions, mostly in sections about family interactions that day, said investigators found two handwritten suicide notes in the home on Ripley Street that Manzano shared with his father. One was for his family, the other for a friend.

Detectives also found a tube of black makeup Manzano used to cover the blue replica gun. A photo from the scene shows the grip of the gun blue, but the barrel and other portions that were visible to deputies blackened. Makeup from the grip rubbed off onto Manzano's right hand, something hospital staff noticed while treating him, the DA report notes.

The knife he carried measured 12 inches total with a fixed 7-inch blade. A toxicology report showed Manzano had a blood alcohol level of 0.089, just over what would be the legal limit for a driver. There were no citizen witnesses to the incident.

The report, written by Senior Deputy DA Melissa Suttner, follows an investigation completed by the sheriff's office in June 2021. Sheriff's officials typically review significant use-of-force incidents to make sure a deputy's actions are within department policy.

Suttner's report concluded both deputies reasonably believed they were under imminent threat of death or significant injury. Neither used more force than was reasonably necessary, she wrote.

Medina's fatal shooting of Manzano was found to be justifiable homicide. Tougas' attempted shooting was classified as justifiable use of deadly force.

If you're feeling despondent, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for both English and Spanish speakers, can be reached by calling 988 and can be found on the web at https://988lifeline.org.

Gretchen Wenner is the breaking news and city editor at the Star. She can be reached at gretchen.wenner@vcstar.com.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Deputies' lethal force justified in 2020 Camarillo shooting, DA says
A letter soliciting donations for a new political group has caused a stir in Chapel Hill heading into the fall elections.

The letter, first reported by Triangle Blog Blog, is seeking 12 couples to donate the maximum amount, $6,400 per person, to a yet-to-be-created political action committee. That committee would support candidates who promise to overturn Chapel Hills new Missing Middle housing policy that allows duplexes in single-family neighborhoods, according to the letter.

The two candidates for mayor, Jess Anderson and Adam Searing, both currently serve on the Chapel Hill Town Council. Anderson voted for the changes. Searing voted against.

The email was reportedly sent by Julia Grumbles, a former UNC-Chapel Hill trustee. Grumbles did not respond to an email sent by The News & Observer.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We met with Adam Searing, the one Council member who consistently opposed it, and encouraged him to run for Mayor, along with a slate of candidates he would recruit to fill the four open Council seats in the November election, the email stated. If successful, they will hold a 5-4 majority and are committed to reversing this policy and finding housing solutions that are driven by practicality rather than ideology.

Searing confirmed that Grumbles encouraged him to run for mayor and wanted to support him but said he didnt recall if she mentioned forming a PAC.

I dont remember, he said. But if anybody brings that up Im just going to say, again, what I say to everybody. Which is I do not (and) cannot coordinate. I do not want to do anything with a PAC. I take the law very seriously. Im not going to do it.

Subvert democracy

The letter listed other supporters of the PAC who also did not respond to emails and phone calls from The N&O. It also said Brent Comstock, a UNC alumnus, had been recruited to run the campaign. In an email to The N&O, Comstock said neither he nor his company is engaged in this project.

The plan is to form a political entity and run a targeted, get-out-the-vote (GOTV) campaign around this issue, targeting single-family homeowners in Chapel Hill, the solicitation letter stated. The turnout for the last election was only 17% and the margin between winning and losing candidates was only about 50 votes in some cases.

In other words, a modest boost in turnout would make all the difference, the letter continued. The big public outcry around this issue suggests thats entirely possible, but we need to make sure it happens and that the voters are crystal clear on where the candidates stand on this issue. A campaign to do that is estimated to cost $120k, which we hope to raise from about a dozen or so couples who feel strongly that Chapel Hill needs new leadership.

Anderson said she was sent the letter by a handful of people and was horrified and disturbed.

Its really troubling that 12 couples could subvert democracy like this and, you know, that they could influence an election and predetermine the actions of a majority on a council is just really deeply concerning, she said.

She sent out a fundraising email saying the integrity of our local election is under attack and linking to the Triangle Blog Blog post about the reported PAC.

Dark money

Searing said hes focusing on his own campaign and doesnt have enough time to worry about the state of dark money.

I honestly cannot worry about what all these other groups are doing, Searing said. Whether theyre required to be open like PACs are or whether these (are) dark money groups that hide their donors, I cant worry about any of that. I just have to focus on what I can control. Which is my own election, my own volunteers, my donations.

The first time Searing said he saw the letter was in the dark money groups email, referencing the Triangle Blog Blog post.

Triangle Blog Blog describes itself as a progressive group blog covering civics and news in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Its run by Shameful Nuisance, a 501(c)(4) or social welfare organization, which does not list its donors.

Many of our donors are graduate students and faculty at the earliest stages of their career, according to Shameful Nuisances website. Doing this work in a college town where many people work at the same institution is hard. We keep our donors private to protect them and to ensure that they are not harassed.

In a newsletter Wednesday, Triangle Blog Blog said it was seeking $12,000 in donations to mail a progressive voter guide to households in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Mayor speaks out

Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger, who was first elected in 2015 and owns a commercial property firm, is not seeking another term. She saw a copy of the letter and said she was appalled.

How did we come to this place in Chapel Hill that individuals think they should dominate a race because they have the means to do so? she asked.

Hemminger said the most she ever spent to get elected mayor was about $20,000 the first time she ran and that mayoral races in Chapel Hill have tended to cost $20,000 to $24,000 and council races $12,000 to $14,000 or less.

The letter is inaccurate when it says the zoning changes, which apply only when local covenants dont prohibit them, will destroy neighborhoods, Hemminger said.

The need for more housing and more types of housing is a national issue, she said.

Its not just about affordable (housing). Its about housing options. Its about all levels of folks having options to live here, she said. By opposing the changes youre saying no to young families. Youre saying no downsizing.

But, the mayor added, I will say we didnt do a very good job of explaining the why we are doing this.

It is also inaccurate to say the towns new housing initiative wasnt a democratic process, she said, since the council members who voted for it were elected.

Election day is Nov. 7 with early voting starting Oct. 19.

Mark Schultz contributed to this report.

The Orange Report

Calling Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough readers. Check out The Orange Report, a free weekly digest of some of the top stories for and about Orange County published in The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun. Get your newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday featuring stories by our local journalists. Sign up for our newsletter here. For even more Orange-focused news and conversation, join our Facebook group "Chapel Hill Carrboro Chat."
To the editor: Ah, Democrats, always looking to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory. ("Bidenomics just had its first birthday. Why are so few people celebrating?" Opinion, Sept. 4)

Democrats don't know how to fight. They have a president who has accomplished more during his first term than any president of the last 50 years, yet they worry over every lunatic squawk from some MAGA backbencher.

The Democrats have to sell this president as they have to sell themselves.

If you are running to retain a seat or to gain one, go stand in front of something, in your district, that is going to be or has been repaired or built new in your district due to this president. Be positive and let people know what actually is happening on the ground and how you will participate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Is President Biden old? Yes. Is he a movie star? No. Does he suck up all the oxygen in a room? No. He just keeps getting things done and giving credit to the other people who helped. This country doesn't deserve this guy.

The 2024 election is the Democrats' to lose. If they don't change their ways, they are right on track.

Larry Margo, Valley Village

..

To the editor: I'm afraid I cant "party on" with columnist Jackie Calmes. Every time I go to the market or buy gas, I get reminded of the "positive" effects of Bidenomics.

I realize that Calmes and her progressive friends thought that the Trump era was hell on Earth and things are much better now. But for whom exactly?

It would seem to me that after four years of criticizing former President Trump, the elites and their friends in the media would have put their money and influence behind a better candidate than the current president, who has been a bust.

Mark Walker, Yorba Linda

..

To the editor: I am envisioning a commercial in which the president's anti-hero alter ego "Dark Brandon," channeling Clint Eastwood, peers into the camera in a tight shot and delivers the cold, hard facts about the success of Bidenomics.

Go ahead, make my day. And get off my lawn while you're at it.

Susan Hanger, Topanga

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR  Two men who allegedly forced a third man to transfer money through a mobile phone app, then later shot him, were arrested and charged in connection with the incident, officials said on Sunday.

The events began at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday when the shooting victim, whose identity was not released, visited the suspects at a home on East Hudson Drive, according to a joint release from Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Little Egg Harbor Township Chief of Police James Hawkins.

The suspects were identified as Christopher Miller, 36, of Paterson, and Marc Manfredonia, 32, of Little Egg Harbor.

The incident began when the victim, a 36-year-old man, visited Miller and Manfredonia - both of whom he apparently knew - at the East Hudson Drive home where they were staying, police said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Soon after, Miller and Manfredonia allegedly forced the victim out of the home and demanded money. Miller allegedly pulled a handgun on the victim, threatening to shoot him if he did not transfer money through a mobile phone app, officials said.

The victim eventually completed two cash transfers through the app, police said. But that was apparently not enough for the suspects, who sought more money, police said.

When he refused, a fight occurred and Miller allegedly fired four shots, hitting the victim in the leg, groin and ear.

Manfredonia and Miller continued to physically assault the victim before retreating to the inside of the residence, the release said. The victim thereafter ran to a nearby home and called the police.

The victim was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Pomona for treatment and is listed in stable condition, investigators said.

More local news: Island Heights NJ police detective indicted on charges of filing false report

Miller and Manfredonia were taken into custody without incident at the location where the events occurred and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they are currently being held pending a detention hearing.

Miller was charged with attempted murder, robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Manfredonia was also charged with attempted murder and robbery.

Joe Strupp is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience who covers education and several local communities for APP.com and the Asbury Park Press. He is also the author of three books, including Killing Journalism on the state of the news media, and an adjunct media professor at Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Reach him at jstrupp@gannettnj.com and at 732-413-3840. Follow him on Twitter at @joestrupp

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Victim claims he was beaten, shot and forced to transfer money
Take a look at Poland's fast-expanding military that aims to become Europe's 'largest land force'

Poland is spending big on military hardware in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Polish defense minister said it aims to build "the largest land force in Europe."

Take a look inside the NATO member's fast-expanding military arsenal.

Poland is spending big on building up its military arsenal as it looks to bolster its defenses in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Polish defense minister, Mariusz Moszkowski, has said that the NATO member wants to have Europe's largest land force  including doubling its defence forces to 300,000 personnel  to counter the threat posed by Russia.

"Our goal is to create such a strong Polish army that a possible aggressor would not dare to attack our homeland," he said during a press conference in May.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Here's a look at some of the key pieces of military hardware heading to Poland.

Forecasts show that Poland, which joined NATO in 1999, is due to spend 3.9% of its GDP on defense this year  almost double the NATO target of 2%.

Roman Baluk/Reuters

Source: Insider

Only 11 member states are meeting that 2% target, Reuters reported.

National leaders pose for a group photo at the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11, 2023. LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Reuters

Finland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia have all boosted their spending above 2%, highlighting rising security concerns in Europe.

US Army Green Berets with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and Finnish soldiers in Lapland in March. US Army/Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryant

Poland signed two deals worth $6 billion to buy about 350 M1 Abrams tanks from the US.

Nicolas Armer/Getty Images

The M1 is armed with a 120mm cannon, a .50 caliber machine gun, and a 7.62 mm machine gun.

Daniel Brown/Insider

The US State Department also approved Poland's $12 billion purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.

Wojtek Radwanski/AFP/Getty Images

Apache helicopters are fitted with an M230 30-mm cannon, Hydra-70 2.75-inch rockets, and Hellfire missiles.

Getty Images

Source: United States Army Acquisition Support Center

It's also spending $10 billion on 18 HIMARS launchers.

Serhii Mykhalchuk/Getty Images

HIMARS are long-range missile launchers with a range of just over 180 miles. They can carry six GMLRS rockets or one TACMS missile.

Reuters

Source: Lockheed Martin

Poland has also ordered 1,000 K2 Black Panther tanks from South Korea.

Reuters

The tank's main armament is a 120mm smoothbore gun, which can fire about 10 rounds a minute. It also has a Browning M2 .50 machine gun and a 7.62mm machine gun, per 19FortyFive.

Reuters

Source: 19FortyFive

Poland also has nearly 700 K9 Howitzers.

Reuters

The 155mm self-propelled gun has a range of almost 25 miles.

Reuters

Source: Hanwha Aerospace

It's part of a deal that could be worth up to $14 billion for South Korea to send Poland artillery, tanks, and aircraft, including the FA-50 fighter jet.

A Philippine Air Force pilot walks by a FA-50 fighter jet during Philippine Air Force 70th anniversary events at Clark Air Base in Angeles city north of Manila on July 4, 2017. Romeo Ranoco/Reuters

Source: The Japan Times

The two-seater fighter jet can hit supersonic speeds. It's equipped with a 20mm three-barreled gun and can carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air and the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles.

Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images

Source: Korea Aerospace Industries

MIG-29 and FA-50 aircraft take part in a display to celebrate Polish Army Day in Warsaw in August. It was the biggest such event in years and was intended to send a message to Moscow about Poland's defense capabilities.

Dominika Zarzycka/Getty Images

Read the original article on Business Insider
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) announced on Sunday it was leaving Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim 's ruling coalition, citing corruption concerns after graft charges were dropped against the country's deputy premier.

The youth-centric MUDA has just one elected lawmaker and its move to quit will not affect the government alliance's stability, but could deny Anwar a two-thirds majority in parliament - a necessity for passing constitutional amendments and other key reforms.

MUDA's move comes after prosecutors last week dropped dozens of charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi  the head of the graft-tainted United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) party, whose support Anwar needs to maintain a parliamentary majority.

Anwar has maintained that the move to drop the case, which triggered a widespread public backlash, was made without his interference.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

MUDA said dropping the case had raised many questions and was against the government's commitment to fight graft and uphold the rule of law.

"As a result of the decision, MUDA believes the legal institutions of the country have been tainted and it is as if the government is normalising the culture of corruption," the party said in a statement Sunday.

MUDA said it would join the opposition as a third force, but would continue to support the government if it needs a two-thirds majority vote to carry out institutional reforms.

The prime minister's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Anwar took office after a divisive general election in November last year, partnering with one-time rival UMNO to break a hung parliament and form a government.

UMNO was voted out for power for the first time in Malaysia's history in 2018 due to widespread anger over corruption allegations against Ahmad Zahid and former premier Najib Razak. Both have consistently denied wrongdoing.

Najib is now serving a 12-year prison sentence for graft linked to the multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB and faces more bribery charges.

(Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar announced on Sept. 10 that Ukraine and Sweden plan to jointly produce 1,000 CV-90 combat vehicles.

While Maliar said both countries have agreed on the matter, she did not provide any details regarding the timeline or production plans.

"The CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle is called the best combat vehicle in the world, Maliar said.

"Designed and manufactured in Sweden, it has everything that a modern combat vehicle should have," she continued, adding that the vehicle protects its crew from bullets, shrapnel, detonated mines, artillery fire, and drone attacks.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to her, the first of the vehicles arrived in the summer of 2023 and are already at the front line near Lyman in Donetsk Oblast.

"Soon, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive many more such machines, because Ukraine and Sweden have agreed on the joint production of the CV-90. And the nearest goal is 1,000 Swedish BMPs for the Ukrainian army!"

On Aug.19, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Sweden, where he met Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and discussed the production of CV-90s .

In January, the Swedish government announced it would provide Ukraine with up to 50 CV90 combat vehicles as well as some of the country's Archer mobile howitzers, Forbes reported.

Read also: My body, my business: Ukrainian lawmakers move to legalize pornography

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Glenshaw man is facing charges after police say he punched a vendor at Acrisure Stadium and tried to steal beer.

The assault happened while Pitt was playing Cincinnati on Saturday.

Court documents say Ryan McKinley, 22, was stopped by a vendor when he tried to walk away with four beers without paying.

McKinley then allegedly shoved the vendor up against a cooler and then knocked him to the ground. Once the vendor was knocked on the ground McKinley punched him twice in the back of the head.

Police say two witnesses were able to confirm the vendors claims when he told them what happened.

McKinley faces simple assault and robbery charges.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Man accused of leading Pennsylvania state police trooper on high-speed chase on Parkway East Chiller Theater returning 60 years after original show aired on Channel 11 Man dies after being shot in Mercer County VIDEO: Channel 11 speaks with 2 new WPIAL coaches in 6A division DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
A Fourth of July celebration turned deadly after a man was convicted of killing his own brother.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On July 4, 2021, just after 8 p.m., brothers Shaquell Fisher, 26 at the time, and Deondre Fisher, 25 at the time, were celebrating Independence Day at their mothers house in Newton County.

According to Newton County District Attorneys Office, around midnight, the brothers left with another friend to go to another party. They later came back to the house and began arguing.

Newton officials said the argument then led to a physical fight, in which Shaquell, pulled out his .22 caliber handgun and shot his younger brother, Deondre nine times, emptying the clip.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

TRENDING STORIES:

A friend called 911, begging for help, according to authorities.

The attorneys office said Shaquell then went upstairs, grabbed a second gun, a 9mm handgun, came back downstairs, and shot his brother four more times, just as their mother and friends begged Shaquell to stop.

The autopsy revealed that Deondre was slumped on the ground when Shaquell shot him the second time. Those shots led to Deondres death.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Newton officials said Shaquell was granted a bond but later it was revoked when he violated the conditions of his bond. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing. The court ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed and for sentencing to be determined after that report is prepared.

All cases involving a death are sad, but those involving siblings are especially tragic. A decision to unnecessarily resort to gun violence has led to a family forever losing one loved one and losing another to a lengthy prison sentence. My hope is that a case like this will illustrate to people, especially young people, that quickly turning to deadly force because of anger or embarrassment is not the answer, said District Attorney Randy McGinley.

IN OTHER NEWS:








Russian invasion forces shelled a residential area of the village of Sonyachne in the Ukrainian-controlled part of Kherson Oblast on Sept. 9, resulting in the death of a 48-year-old man, the head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration, Alexander Prokudin, reported on his Telegram channel.

Russian forces specifically targeted private residences in their attack, said Prokudin.

The incident was reported to the Kherson Prosecutors Office at 2 p.m.

Read also:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A criminal investigation has been initiated concerning the violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional homicide, as stipulated by Article 438, Paragraph 2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.

Russian frequently shells civilian areas in Ukraine, targeting areas far from the frontlines with no apparent military purpose.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to a series of charges including rape, aggravated sodomy, and kidnapping.

On September 24, 2021, Columbus police officers responded to a report of a sexual assault that happened on the Chattahoochee RiverWalk.

Investigators identified Shaquille Tyree Smith as the suspect.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

In October 2021, Smith was arrested by the Phenix City Police Department with assistance from Columbus police officers.

On September 7, 2023, Smith pleaded guilty to rape, kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated sodomy, and interference with a 911 call.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Smith was sentenced to a combined total of 25 years.

When he is released he will be on parole indefinitely and must register as a sex offender.

TRENDING STORIES:

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
A man was shot and injured at Mike's Tavern in West Peoria Saturday night, according to the Peoria County Sheriff's Office.

Anthony Gates, 43, was arrested and faces five charges, including aggravated battery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Police responded to Mike's Tavern, located at 626 N. Cedar Street, at 11:50 p.m. Saturday to a report of a male shot in the stomach. When police arrived, they found the victim with a gunshot wound in the abdomen.

The victim suffered nonlife-threatening injuries. A vehicle and home were also struck by gunfire, according to the Sheriff's Office.

More: Police make arrest after two victims injured in hit-and-run in Peoria

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Man arrested after shooting at bar near Peoria
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man stole an entire tray of diamond rings from Mufasa Memphis Jeweler, but weeks later, Memphis police are still searching for the thief.

The jewelry store theft occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Aug. 17.

Officers were advised that a man came into the store to inquire about some jewelry. The man pretended to exit the store by opening the door and sounding the door alarm, but he hid inside the business, police say.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While the worker was distracted, the man allegedly stole an entire tray of rings from behind the counter.

MPD says that theft was not apparent until an inventory check when workers at the jewelry store noticed several rings were missing.

Video surveillance showed the man as he walked slowly to the counter, looked around, and reached over the display case to open the door.

 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox.

 Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid South.

The male removed a tray which contained 12 diamond rings, put the rings into his pants and walked out of the business, police say.

The suspect is described as a male with long dreads, between 27-37 years old, between 5-foot-8 and 6-foot-2, and around 150-180 pounds. MPD says he was wearing a black muscle shirt, dark jean pants, and black and white shoes.

No arrest has been made and the investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information about this incident, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Gwinnett County police were able to identify the man suspected of stealing a watch from a jewelry store and hes already in jail on other non-related charges.

On May 9, a man was seen on surveillance video entering Kay Jewelers at the Sugarloaf Mills Mall, trying on a watch, and then running out of the store with the watch.

The watch is valued at $2,000.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On August 24, officers assigned to the East Precinct Community Response Team identified the suspect as John Casey Rooks, 37, of Lawrenceville.

Rooks was already being held at the Gwinnett County Jail on other non-related charges.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He was charged with felony theft by shoplifting for stealing the watch.

TRENDING STORIES:

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
"I remember when I was still a student, few universities in China had Italian majors, but now many universities offer Italian programs," Chen Ying, an Italian language professor in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, told Xinhua.

In Milan, Giovanni Goffredo, a Chinese language teacher has lately shared his observations on the trend of Italians learning Chinese in recent years.

They are of the same opinion that language can be a bridge for communication and exchanges between China and Italy in various fields, and over the past years the two languages and cultures have shown increasing appeal for their respective peoples.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service


GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WLNS)  Jim The Shark Dreyer had intended to complete his Silver Sequel swim across Lake Michigan this summer to mark 25 years since his first swim across the Great Lake, but  twice  lake conditions were a bit too brutal.

It was a 25-hour beatdown, but I did not call for rescue, the 60-year-old from Grand Haven said of his Labor Day attempt at the swim, in a news release Sept. 9. Lake Michigan landed a flurry of punches, but I can take a punch and I was still in the fight.

Dreyers first attempt this year was on Aug. 1, during which he aborted the quest 10 miles east of Milwaukee when worsening lake conditions had swept him and his escort boat 2.3 miles off course.

Ex-NFL receiver Mike Williams needs Hail Mary, mother says

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On his Labor Day attempt, Dreyer set out at about 5 p.m. CT from Milwaukee, with Grand Haven as his intended destination, and without an escort boat. Nearly 30 miles out from Milwaukee and in eight-foot waves, Dreyers team sent out a boat to check on him. Ultimately, Dreyer decided to end his crossing attempt.

The route Dreyer swam in worsening Lake Michigan conditions before his rescue Sept. 5. (Image/Jim Dreyer)

The consensus was that these were the roughest conditions any of my teams boats could endure, and conditions would get worse, as 10-12 foot waves were forecasted for the next two days, Dreyer said. I was informed that if I turned down this rescue and needed rescue later, it would be left to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The boat crew had also discovered that Dreyers supply dinghy, which he was pulling from his waist along with 225 pounds of supplies, had endured about as much as it could and was coming apart at the seams.

I am swimming to support the Coast Guards Chief Petty Officers Association, not lean on them for rescue and spend taxpayers money. That is the last thing I wanted to do, Dreyer said. My supply dinghy was on borrowed time, and with worsening conditions for a prolonged period, I was in real danger of losing my supplies.

Dreyer was 14.2 miles off the coast of Wisconsin and 18.5 miles off course to the north when his boat crew pulled him from the water. It was about 6:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Sept. 5, more than 25 hours since he had started out from Milwaukee.

Another challenge to Dreyers lake-crossing attempt came when one of Dreyers three battery packs shorted out. That had left him with a lower amount of battery power to continue viewing the swim course on his goggles using Vuzix Smart Swim technology.

VIDEO: Family rushing to save dogs life held at gunpoint by police

Dreyer is the only person to swim the width of Lake Michigan between Wisconsin and Michigan, having swum from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan, in 1998. In the 2023 swim, he was attempting to beat his own record by swimming 25 miles further in the route from Milwaukee to Grand Haven.

He started beginner swimming lessons at age 32, overcoming a lifelong fear of open water after a childhood near-drowning incident, according to his website. Since then, hes gone on to swim across all five of the Great Lakes.

This years attempts are likely not the end for Dreyers Lake Michigan sequel.

While I am very disappointed this swim ended as it did, I am more confident than ever that I can do this, Dreyer said in the news release Saturday. I really wanted to get it done this year, but am out of time. I have other plans for 2024, but somehow, I believe I will find a way to juggle everything and get it done.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
Palanivel Thiaga Rajan in 2018. Credit - Courtesy office of Thiaga Rajan

If Prime Minister Narendra Modi s state visit to Washington earlier this year was cast by the Indian prime ministers boosters as confirmation of his popularity in the United States, the G20 meeting in New Delhi this weekend is being promoted as consecration of his status as vishvagurua mentor to the world. India may be hosting by virtue of gaining the groups rotating presidency, but the center of attentionat home and abroadis the man some exalt as the hope of the democratic world and others decry as a strongman. Either way, to equate Indiaa federal union of more than two dozen stateswith one individual is to obscure the many voices of opposition that are questioning Modis record, challenging his sectarian ideology and factious politics, and advancing an alternative vision of India that is competent, open, and humane.

One of the most commanding opposition voices is the rich baritone of Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. In the maelstrom of Indian politics, PTR, as everyone calls him, is an improbable figure. Regally portly, imperturbably placid, and savagely articulate, the man who until recently was responsible for managing the finances of Tamil NaduIndias second largest economyis now on a new mission: to make Chennai, the capital of his state, the next IT capital of India. PTR did not seek this assignment. His performance as Tamil Nadus finance minister was so consummate that it earned him a national profilea rarity for a politician from southern India, the more industrious and prosperous yet politically less powerful half of the country. As the manager of an economy almost twice the size of Hungarys, PTR was everywhere, forcefully demystifying recondite economic jargon for the general public, deflating Modis claim to be converting India into an economic superpower, and defending Indias secular character from the assaults of the Hindu-first politics of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Read More: Bharat or India? The Controversy Over Some Hindu Nationalists' Push to Rename India

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When I met him at his sprawling government mansion in Chennai earlier this year, PTR told me that the suffering of ordinary people during the financial crisis of 2008, when he was a banker, haunted him. If ever he was in a position of authority, he told himself, he would prioritize the least powerful. And that is what he did in the pandemic, allocating billions to fight COVID-19, before providing 8 million women in Tamil Nadu a monthly cash transfer of 1,000 rupeesall while reducing the states deficit and debt-to-GDP ratio. But the velocity of PTRs rise and his closeness to the leadership of Tamil Nadus ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party also drew the resentful notice of older colleagues.

People look at a large screen displaying India's benchmark share index on the facade of the Bombay Stock Exchange building in Mumbai on Nov. 20, 2008. India's main share index fell 3.7 percent on Thursday to its lowest close in more than three years, as jittery investors crammed the exit as a broad sell-off gripped world markets on a worsening global economy. Arko DattaReuters

Until 2016, when he won his first election to the state legislature, PTR had been a privileged yet largely unknown private citizen. He was born into an aristocratic family that traces its origins to the Chola Empire, which dominated southern India and east Asia in the 11th century. PTRs grandfather, Sir Ponnambala Thiaga Rajan, was one of the most pre-eminent politicians in British India. Educated at Oxford and trained as a barrister in London, the old man had made enemies of hidebound Hindus by appointing members of lower castes to high-ranking positions in some of the most venerated Hindu temples in southern India. But his late father, Palanivel, a much admired lawyer and politician, was determined not to build a political dynasty.

Born in 1966, PTR was expected to work hard, get into the best schools and universities, and settle into a high-paying job. And that is what he did. Exiled to boarding school at age six, he attended the National Institute of Technology in India and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, before taking a job as a banker at Lehman Brothers in New York. By his mid-thirties, PTR had made his first million, married his American girlfriend, Margaret, and fathered a son. The man now regarded as one of the most scrupulous Indian politicians of his generation had no clear plan to return to India, much less to run for public office. Then, in 2006, he received news that his father had died of a heart attack. An only child, he moved to India to be near his elderly mother. Lehman opened an office for him in India, an unprecedented arrangement that collapsed with the firm in 2008. Now jobless (having turned down an offer from the DMK to run for his fathers vacant seat), PTR moved to Singapore to work for Standard Chartered Bank. His family remained in India.

This time, distance deepened his attachment to India. PTR followed its politics closely and observed Modis untrammeled rise from provincial politics to national prominence. The way to challenge Modi, he felt, was to fortify the federal structure of India: only the states could most effectively check Modis power in Delhi. In 2015, he gave up banking, returned to India and a year later ran for Tamil Nadus state legislature from the historic temple town of Madurai. Though his party lost, PTR took the seat by a small margin. And for the next five years, he devoted himself to modernizing the partys IT wing. At the next election, in 2021, the DMK won decisively. PTR, to the astonishment of his colleagues, was given the finance ministryone of the weightiest portfolios in government, and a system governed by its own archaic rules. I want to make this department efficient and modern, he told me. I want it to be able to function on autopilot, should the need arise.

Workers install a billboard with a portrait of India' Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the G20 summit in New Delhi on Sept. 8. Tauseef MustafaAFP/Getty Images

The job served as a showcase. With it came membership on Indias powerful panel on goods and service taxes (GST Council), where he began working closely with Indias finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman. Even as he castigated the social policies of Sitharamans boss, he acquired a reputation in Delhi as a consensus builder on economic policy, effectively emerging as the most influential voice in the GST Council. (The Modi government even agreed to convene the GST Council in PTRs hometown of Madurai.) Just over two years into his job, PTR had simultaneously established himself as one of the most trenchant national critics of Modi and as a bridge between the federal government and the states. At the same time, he attracted an enthusiastic support base locally. At a public meeting in Chennai one February evening, I saw women cheer every sentence of his speech and mob him affectionately afterwards. In a political culture animated by envy, PTR was flying at a dangerously high altitude.

This summer, a mysterious audiotape was leaked to the press by the head of Tamil Nadus BJP unit and broadcast on every news network. In it, PTR could be heard complaining about corruption in his own government. A politician privately appalled by graft is a rare creature, but PTR denied the voice was hisand then put on a detailed presentation demonstrating how it could have been created using sophisticated AI tools.

The integrity of Indian democracy, already deformed by a deluge of disinformation and illicit cash, faces a grave threat from advances in AI, as do other Western-style democracies. In PTRs case, his allegation of duplicity was essentially vindicated in August, when the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition demanding a probe into the tapes, saying they amounted to hearsay and had no evidentiary value. But that was only the legal outcome. Politically, the damage had been done.

In May, PTR was relieved of his duties as Tamil Nadus finance minister, and moved to the ministry of Information Technology and Digital Services. Cabinet reshuffles seldom provoke controversies, but this one triggered a torrent of criticism. When I reached out to him shortly after the reappointment, however, PTR was unfazed, even cheerful with the demotion. He had modernized the finance ministry and upheld the promise to balance the budget and channel cash to women. Now, this new role is a blessing, he said.

PTRs command of economics, which had won him the grudging respect even of the BJP, is no match for his passion for technology. Weeks into his new job, he was on a tour of the US, arriving in New York just before Modis state visit to drum up investment. Silicon Valley is replete with CEOs from Tamil Nadu, PTR said with some pride, and foreign investors, tech companies, and manufacturers are now looking at what he reminded me had been the first Indian state to set up a ministry dedicated exclusively to IT affairs, only to fall behind Hyderabad and Bangalore, the two cities where almost all the major transnational tech companies are headquartered. I am going to drag Chennai ahead of those two cities, he told me. Just wait and watch. Modi may absorb all the credit. But the hard work of raising India up is being done by those the world does not yet know.

Correction, Sept. 11

The original version of this story misstated the name of PTR's late father. It is Palanivel, not Ponnambala.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Here are this weeks letters to the editor of the Herald Times Reporter. See our letters policy below for details about how to share your views.

We should demand an end to the War on Drugs

I read the article about the shortage of cancer drugs ("You need an antibiotic, but it's not available. How drug shortages force doctors to pick frustrating alternatives," online Aug. 25). That isnt the only drug that people are having problems getting access to. There are a bunch of drugs that are critical to a persons well-being that have been difficult for people to get. There are many reasons for these problems.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

For the longest time, our government didnt negotiate prices for drugs. Most other countries did. That made drug prices in the U.S. higher than everywhere else. I understand the whole free-market philosophy they espouse. Drug companies need to be rewarded for their efforts to create and manufacture quality drugs. However, the majority of people in need of those drugs cant afford them.

People in other countries have more access to the same quality drugs at a much cheaper price. It is encouraging that Medicare is going to start negotiating prices.

With how litigious our government is, it has made doing business in this country more costly and risky for drug companies and their employees. That is why there have been supply chain issues and companies have problems retaining quality employees. All of it is caused by the War on Drugs.

There should be no excuse for a person to not have access to drugs that could either save or improve their life. For that to happen, we have to demand an end to the entire misguided War on Drugs and the demonizing of people with health issues.

Tom Denk

Reedsville

More letters to the editor: Manitowoc letter-writers on eliminating electoral college, thanking fish derby supporters

Move to impeach Wisconsin Supreme Court justice is 'irresponsible'

As a Wisconsin voter and resident of Manitowoc County, I am outraged by the threat to impeach Justice Janet Protasiewicz from the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Our Founding Fathers intended for the three branches of government to remain separate, as a check on each other. Separation of powers is a foundation of our democracy. It is irresponsible for the Legislature to consider compromising this bedrock principle for selfish political goals.

The stated grounds for impeachment are that Judge Protasiewicz has stated her views on our voter maps in Wisconsin. But this is precisely why she was elected by such an overwhelming margin earlier this year. Polls have clearly shown that the majority of voters in Wisconsin want fair voting maps. We dont want Democratic or Republican maps  we just want them to be fair. How can any reasonable person argue with this?

Impeachment should be reserved for true misconduct. It is not intended to be used to remove those whose views do not agree with a partisan Legislature, particularly when the voters have clearly stated which views they want for this important seat on the Supreme Court.

Democracy is based on the will of the voters, not the will of the Legislature. The proposed impeachment of Justice Protasiewicz is overtly political and patently outrageous, and will further embarrass Wisconsin in the eyes of the nation. The Legislature should stand down, and allow us voters to fairly and democratically elect our leaders in all three branches of Wisconsin government.

Steve Lankton

Manitowoc County

More letters to the editor: A response to concerns about Manitowoc's Narcan vending machine, in this week's letter to the editor

Our letters policy

Letters to the editor are published in the order in which they are received and letter-writers are limited to having one letter published per month. Letters can be emailed to htrnews@htrnews.com and Editor Brandon Reid at breid@gannett.com. Letters must meet specific guidelines, including being no more than 250 words and be from local authors or on topics of local interest. All submissions must include the name of the person who wrote the letter, their city of residence and a contact phone number. Letters are edited as needed for style, grammar, length, fairness, accuracy and libel.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc letters on ending War on Drugs, Supreme Court impeachment
Each week, Marion Technical College shares MarionMade! stories of our many wonderful people, places, products and programs in the greater Marion community. To read more positive stories of Marion, or to share some of your own, visit us at marionmade.org or on social media.

For generations, Marion workers have helped manufacture products used by millions of people in their homes, on the roads and at their workplaces. A quarter of Marions workforce is in manufacturing, according to the Ohio Department of Job Office of Workforce Developments 2021 Economic Profile. That is the largest industry in the county, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In 1846, Marion had 800 residents and a sawmill, a fulling mill and a carding mill, according to the Ohio History Connection. Later, quarrying limestone was one of Marions first industries. Marion continued to grow due to its two railroads, making it an ideal spot for building and moving products. Today, two-thirds of the U.S. and Canadian markets are within a days drive of Marion.

A farming revolution

In 1863, inventor Edward Huber revolutionized the farming industry with the revolving hay rake. The tool allowed one person to do in three hours the same work that traditionally took three people a full day to do by hand. Hubers cousins convinced him to open a factory in Marion due to its plentiful workers and abundant local hardwood. The Huber Manufacturing Company produced more than 200,000 hay rakes used by farmers around the United States.

This Marion Steam Shovel Model 21 sits outside the Huber Machinery Museum at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Edward Huber was the first president of Marion Steam Shovel which was renamed Marion Power Shovel.

I think Huber made Marion, said Karen Zucker, a volunteer guide at the Huber Machinery Museum.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is a huge piece of Marions history and identity. We need to educate youth and celebrate this history, descendant Ed Huber said.

Huber earned more than 100 patents for his inventions. Huber made the first working steam tractor engine in Marion in 1874. He helped found the Marion Steam Shovel Company in 1884, which made agricultural and road equipment. It eventually was renamed Marion Power Shovel and employed 2,500 people at its peak, according to the Ohio History Connection. Marion-built equipment helped dig the Panama Canal and the Hoover Dam.

For more than 85 years, Marion workers have made popcorn and other snack products at the Wyandot plant. Today, the company is focusing on better-for-you snacks. They also donate products to many local groups.

Local entrepreneurs thrive in Marion

Other entrepreneurs were also at work in Marion. In 1936, local couple Hoover and Ava Brown founded Wyandot Popcorn to make extra funds during the Great Depression. A decade later, they opened the Popped Right company which produced puffed snacks, tortilla chips and corn chips. In 1989, the two companies merged to become Wyandot Inc. Still operating today, Wyandot Snacks is a national manufacturer of high-quality snack foods, cereals and products for leading national brands.

During World War II, Marion Power Shovel made road equipment for the military to build airstrips. In 1947, just down the road, the Isaly family expanded the Marion Pure Milk Company. The company opened what they called Americas most modern dairy plant. The Isaly Dairy on East Center Street provided milk to customers and stores across three states.

When I was growing up in the 1960s or 1970s, I would run into people all of the time who said, I used to work at the dairy, recalls Lorraine Isaly Barker.

The Isaly Family bought the Marion Pure Milk Company in 1914. At the time, it delivered glass bottles of milk by wagon to residents each day. The Isalys declared the new plant on East Center Street that opened in 1947 was the most modern dairy plant.

Whirlpool is city's largest employer

In 1955, Whirlpool opened a plant with 235 employees. It became the largest dryer manufacturing plant in the world. With more than 2,300 employees, Whirlpool is Marions largest employer. Other major employers include Silver Line Windows, Piston Automotive, Nucor Steel, Mennel Milling, Union Tank Car and Graphic Packaging.

While some of the players have changed, the community is thriving with five busy industrial parks that house a variety of manufacturers including ArcelorMittal, Marion Industries, U.S. Yachiyo, Sika Corporation and Murphy Industries, Inc. These manufacturers produce a number of products including car parts, cardboard packaging, high-quality cables and steel tubing.

Marions rich industrial tradition gave birth to many nicknames over the years, including Shovel City, the Popcorn Capital of the World and now Americas Workforce Development Capital. Throughout the decades, Marion residents have rolled up their sleeves to make products from car brakes to pancakes that have enhanced the lives of people around the country and the world.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Manufacturing in Marion continues to boom
The fiance of a caver who fell ill on an expedition in Turkey is assisting with a massive rescue effort to save him.

Mark Dickeys partner and fellow caver Jessica Van Ord was with him when he began suffering gastrointestinal bleeding more than 1,000m below ground in the Morca cave complex on 2 September, according to Reuters.

Ms Van Ord remained by Mr Dickeys side as an Italian rescue team with medical personnel reached the 40-year-old New Yorker and gave him IV fluids and blood inside the cave.

She has been staying at a base camp near the mouth of the cave, and working with the 150-strong team of cavers who have travelled to Turkey to help bring Mr Dickey out by stretcher.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Sunday, the Speleological Federation of Turkey wrote on X/Twitter that rescue teams had brought Mr Dickey to 500m below the surface just after 7pm local time (2pm EST).

Half of the rescue distance is over, the federation wrote.

The operation began on Saturday afternoon with doctors, paramedics and experienced cavers began carrying Mr Dickey on a stretcher from a depth of just below 1,000m.

Medical base camps were set up along the shaft, where the stricken caver could rest during the slow and arduous extrication.

Turkish authorities said 190 personnel from eight countries were taking part in the operation, which is expected to take up to 10 days.

Mr Dickey thanked the Turkish government and rescuers in a video message on Thursday.

Prior to embarking on the expedition, Mr Dickey posted several photos on Facebook with Ms Van Ord showing the pair making last-minute preparations.

Caving Academy gear being inspected and marked before heading off to the MORCA expedition, Mr Dickey wrote on 13 August.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas.), the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs committee, said Sunday that his panel wants to talk with current and former members of the Biden administration, including former White House press secretary Jen Psaki , about the bombing that killed 13 service members during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Yes, we want to talk to Jen Psaki, yes, McCaul said in response to a question by CNNs Jake Tapper about whether he wants transcribed interviews with members of the Biden administration.

The messages she was sending out from the White House were so different from what was happening on the ground. John Kirby made the comment that no weapons were left behind, which is insane. There are $7 billion of weapons. And I can show you the tapes of the weapons and the cash that were left behind, Ned Price at the State Department making rosy comments, he added.

And we need to  we sent letters to have them testify, all giving a rosy picture, while at the same time what was happening on the ground was very different, McCaul added. I dont know where this is going to end, Jake, but, as a former federal prosecutor, Im going to follow all the facts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

McCaul told Tapper that he and his committee have issued subpoenas to members of the administration on the matter, saying that its the administrations duty to give families of the fallen service members answers on the matter.

And when they dont do that, it makes them wonder, Why are you hiding things, right? So I feel like Im the advocate on behalf of the Gold Star families, McCaul told Tapper. They deserve to get access to [Lt. Col. Rye Whitehead], who did not give permission to [Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews] to take out the suicide bomber.

But I would ask that they give these families answers. I mean, in a way, they have more power than I do. Its easy for them to say no to me. Its very hard for them to say no to these families.

Thirteen American service members and dozens of Afghan residents were killed in August 2021 when two suicide bombers attacked Abbey Gate at the Kabul Airport. The attack occurred as the U.S. was withdrawing its last troops from the country after a nearly a two decade-long war.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee is undergoing an investigation of what was largely seen as a botched exit by the U.S. from Kabul amid a swift takeover by the Taliban more than two years. ago. The panel recently conducted hearings on the incident, where McCaul also butted heads with Secretary of State Antony Blinken over retrieving the necessary documents and information.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said Sunday that Sen. Tommy Tubervilles (R-Ala.) holds on the confirmations of more than 300 military officers is paralyzing the Department of Defense.

This is paralyzing the Department of Defense, McCaul said on CNNs State of The Union. This idea that one man in the Senate can hold this up for months, I understand maybe promotions, but nominations, is paralyzing the Department of Defense.

The six-month hold on more than 300 senior military officers confirmations has drawn fresh criticism from both sides of the aisle as the Senate returned from a monthlong recess.

The policy Tuberville is protesting allows for paid leave and travel reimbursement for service members seeking an abortion, which Tuberville argues is a violation of the Hyde Amendment, a rule that prohibits federal funds from being used for abortion.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Calling the holds a national security problem, McCaul said he wishes Tuberville would reconsider it as the issue has been worked out on the House side in reference to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual defense policy package.

The House passed its version of the annual defense policy in July, including several conservative amendments that featured a measure to reverse the Pentagons abortion travel policy. The Democratic-majority Senate later passed its version, which did not include several GOP-led provisions in the House version, including the abortion policy.

Were going to conference in the Senate, were going to work out this abortion issue that has been a tradition within the NDAA, McCaul said.

The House will return from recess Tuesday, setting up for a showdown between the congressional chambers. Tuberville has said he hopes the NDAA will incorporate the language used in the House version regarding the abortion policy.

McCaul spoke out about the importance of the NDAA bill in July, stressing service members readiness and our ability to fight the war should not be politicized at the end of the day.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russia has begun stocking its military bases on the Finnish border, according to satellite images posted by Finnish publication Yle.



The images show new warehouses to store and service military vehicles and equipment going up at the military depot in Petrozavodsk and the Alakurtti military base.



These are the first visible signs that Russia has begun investing in the readiness of its border bases near Finland after many years of inactivity, Yle reported. Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said they don't present an immediate threat to his country's security.



The improvements may be connected to Russia's intention to supply equipment to the Ukrainian front, from the Petrozavodsk base. A retired Finnish major told Yle that a warehouse there looks like it's built for maintenance.



Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu talked about plans to bolster border forces in the area.



Finland officially joined NATO on April 4, becoming the 31st member of the alliance. Sweden is on the path to join as well after Turkey publicly dropped its objections.



For most of the second half of the 20th century, Finland held to a neutrality agreement imposed by the Soviet Union in 1948. This agreement fell apart at the same time as the Soviet Union, which had previously threatened and invaded Finland.



Moscow blamed its Ukraine invasions on NATO, claiming it was trying to contain the alliance's dangerous expansion into Russia's backyard. These supposed justifications backfired, fueling the Northern European states' renewed interest in NATO membership.



Ukraine was promised a seat in the alliance in the future during a July summit in Vilnius. However, allies did not explain when this would happen or what Ukraine would have to do first. This caused frustration among Ukraine's national leadership.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine controls most of Klishchiivka south of Bakhmut, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Helena, 58, has $145,000 in student debt that she's struggling to pay off.

She's been unable to hold steady employment and turned to multiple forms of work for income.

Things may get worse now that loan payments are set to resume in October.

When Helena, now 58, was in fourth grade, she had a pen pal in Ohio  and she remembers her mother instructing her to write and rewrite the letters to her pen pal until it best reflected her education at that point.

"My mother made me practice again and again to perfection because she wanted the person who received the letter to be like, 'Wow, this is amazing,'" Helena said. Insider granted her request that her last name be withheld for privacy. Her full identity is known to Insider.

After that, Helena knew she wanted to pursue higher education. Since she could not afford to finance her programs out of pocket, she took out about $80,000 in student loans for her bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology, the latter of which she earned in 2009. Initially, she was confident she could find a job that would allow her to pay off those loans. But graduating in the aftermath of the Great Recession  and caring for her three young children  Helena couldn't find a steady career and accepted a part-time job in retail.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Because of her minimal income, she could not afford to pay off any of her student loans for a period, and interest accrued. Her balance now stands at $145,000, according to documents reviewed by Insider.

"It was a bleak time where I couldn't make a payment," she said, adding that she paid medical bills instead. "But sometimes I would sell stuff on eBay, and I would make a $500 payment or a $1,000 payment. But as much as I would pay, it would get nowhere because the interest kept growing."

Since Helena files taxes jointly with her husband, her payments on income-driven repayment plans are calculated based on both incomes, and she's unable to afford the monthly payment on her own. Her concerns are even more heightened with federal payments about to resume after a more than three-year pause.

Interest on student loans began accruing again last week, and borrowers' first bills are due in October. Helena is still waiting to see what her monthly payment will be once her income-driven-repayment form is processed, she said, but she knows that whatever it is, it will strain her and her family's finances and retirement outlook.

"I firmly believe in paying," Helena said. "It's just been very painful because I have the disappointment of not getting the career that I want, and then having so much debt."

'I didn't understand how burdensome the interest would be'

Since Helena earned her degrees, she said she'd been doing everything in her power to gain a steady stream of income, to no avail.

"I didn't understand how burdensome the interest would be," she said.

After her retail job, she turned to companies such as Instacart and Amazon Flex for work, but those jobs are on a first-come, first-served basis, making income from them unreliable.

"It's, like, $7 a job, which means you go to the location, you shop for the person, which may take an hour, and then you drive it to that location, which may be way out of bounds," Helena said, adding that she was "just trying to come up with something so I could pay all my loans."

What's more, she believes it's harder to get a job as she ages "because no one wants you," she said.

As an older borrower, Helena is far from alone in her concerns. Insider previously spoke with a variety of borrowers approaching retirement still dealing with significant debt burdens. One 70-year-old borrower said in 2021: "When student loans took over my life, I stopped looking forward to anything. You are on a hamster wheel, and you will not get off."

'It makes me feel tremendously hopeless'

The Education Department has implemented a few measures to make the transition back into repayment a bit easier for borrowers since payments are set to resume in October. Those include a 12-month "on-ramp" period starting in October, during which any missed payments will not be reported to credit agencies, though interest will still accrue.

The department also announced the new SAVE income-driven repayment plan, which aims to lower borrowers' monthly payments, and it said that 4 million borrowers were already enrolled. The plan is also meant to prevent interest from building on balances if the borrower continues to make monthly payments.

Still, many borrowers  including Helena  are hoping for more-substantive relief, even though the Supreme Court struck down President Joe Biden's first plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt per borrower. He's trying again using a different law, but it'll take time. Meanwhile, Helena hopes one day she can enjoy time with her family without her debt hanging over her head. If she knew she would be in this situation, she said she would never have pursued higher education.

"I'm not looking forward to retirement, and I think more help needs to go to older people who are unemployed, sitting on the sidelines, and just trying to survive," Helena said.

"It's my faith. That's the thing that's sustained me," she added. "Because otherwise, if I look at the debt, it makes me feel tremendously hopeless."

Read the original article on Business Insider
JERUSALEM/RAMALLAH, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian militants from the West Bank city of Jenin fired a rocket toward a nearby Israeli settlement on Sunday, but the projectile fell short of reaching Israel, according to the Israeli military.

Claiming the attack, Palestinian armed group Ayyash Brigades said in a statement that the attack was "a response to the ongoing crimes and violations committed by the Israeli enemy."

The group, affiliated with Hamas' Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades military wing and located in the flashpoint city of Jenin in the northern West Bank, released video footage showing it prepared to launch a small rocket at the Ram On settlement in the Gilboa Regional Council in northern Israel.

However, according to the Israeli military, the "failed rocket launch attempt" did not reach any Israeli community.

The military said in a statement that an inspection of remnants of the launch collected by the Palestinian Authority shows that the group used an "improvised launcher" near Silat al-Harithiya, a town 10 km northwest of Jenin.

No injuries were reported on both sides.

Head of the Gilboa Regional Council Oved Noor said in a statement that the incident was the latest in "repeated" attempts by Palestinians in the West Bank to fire rockets at northern Israel over the past year.

He urged the military to deploy Iron Dome batteries in the Gilboa region to protect against occasional rockets from the Gaza Strip, a coastal Palestinian enclave.

The West Bank has witnessed escalating tensions between Palestinians and Israel over the last 18 months amid long-stalled peace talks. 
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  An officer is recovering in the hospital after being shot inside their own Las Vegas home. The Las Vegas Metro Police Department confirmed to 8 News Now it is investigating a shooting in the Lone Mountain area that occurred on Friday afternoon near Lone Mountain Road and the 215.

The incident appeared to be a robbery gone wrong, with the officers family saying they believe the cop was targeted.

8 News Now isnt identifying the officer or their unit out of a request from the family.

During a bedside phone interview on Saturday, the officer said they had two bullet wounds in their leg after two people tried robbing their home. As a result of the shooting, safety concerns are top of mind in the northwest valley neighborhood where the officer lived.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Chris Ideker lives near the scene of the shooting.

One of the things I would like to see put up are some of the security cameras, and things like that, around the neighborhood so we can keep an eye on it, Ideker said on Saturday.

Several neighbors described a chaotic scene to 8 News Now of marked and unmarked police vehicles. They say theyre concerned an officer could be shot in broad daylight while inside their home.

I happened to see the officer sitting over there on the planter by his house, and I could see there was a little bit of blood on the side. I knew hed been wounded, Ideker said.

What isnt clear is whether the officer was on duty or off-duty at the time. That officer told 8 News Now theyre undergoing surgery Saturday due to the shooting.

Several neighbors said detectives told them theyre looking into whether the suspects climbed over a wall to get into that officers home, which is in a gated community.

As police started fanning out, they started interviewing people who were out there on whether or not we had seen anything, Ideker said. Obviously, most of us have not seen anything.

Ideker, like his other neighbors, told 8 News Now he didnt hear the gunshots.

Please contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 if you have any video that may have captured the suspects on Friday near 215 and Lone Mountain Road. You can report crimes anonymously.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Miami Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla has asked a judge to postpone proceedings in a lawsuit alleging that he attempted to shake down the operator of a city marina, arguing that the case ought to be paused until after voters decide this November whether to give him four more years in office.

The commissioner, who is running to retain his seat representing District 1, responded for the first time on Saturday to the lawsuit by lobbyist and former state lawmaker Manuel Prieguez, who says Diaz de la Portilla tried to squeeze his client during a contentious battle over a lucrative contract to operate and redevelop the city-owned Rickenbacker Marina. In a court filing, the commissioners lawyer called the lawsuit politically motivated.

This is a libelous lawsuit by a disgruntled and dishonest lobbyist who didnt get his way at City Hall, Diaz de la Portilla said in a written statement.

In his lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, Prieguez accused Diaz de la Portilla, former Miami Commissioner Humberto Bert Hernandez, and attorney and real estate agent Anibal Duarte-Viera of pressuring him and the marinas longtime operator in 2020 to add Duarte-Viera as a partner on the marina project in exchange for the commissioners vote.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ultimately, Prieguez says, he and the marina operator, Aabad Melwani, rejected the overtures, and the commissioner then supported a competitors bid.

Diaz de la Portilla and Hernandez deny the allegations. Duarte-Viera has declined to comment.

Melwani, who continues to run the marina, has said he had nothing to do with the lawsuit and declined to answer questions regarding the accusations. Prieguez no longer works as a lobbyist for Melwani.

Read more: Miami commissioner sued for alleged shakedown of Rickenbacker Marinas operator

For days following the filing of Prieguezs lawsuit, Diaz de la Portilla did not respond to questions posed directly to him and his staff by Herald reporters.

He declined again to speak to reporters Saturday during and after a public hearing on the citys annual budget, during which he announced that he planned that afternoon to eat Flanigans ribs and watch the University of Miami Hurricanes football game. After the hearing concluded, however, staffers told the Miami Herald the commissioner was busy working on the budget and could not grant an interview.

Hours after the budget hearing adjourned, Diaz de la Portilla texted a reporter his statement and shared a court filing that criticizes Prieguez and his lawsuit. Without offering backup, the motion casts Prieguez, a former friend and political ally of the commissioner, as a failed and ill-regarded lobbyist with a reputation for lying, misleading elected officials and the public, and falsely guaranteeing results.

With the motion, Diaz de la Portillas attorney, Benedict Kuehne, sought to pause the legal proceedings until after the results of the Nov. 7 election are certified. Kuehne argued that Prieguezs lawsuit is a political attack designed to create a public spectacle and use the courts to influence the upcoming election while drumming up support for one of Diaz de la Portillas challengers.

City of Miami Commissioner Alex Diaz De La Portilla, (who entered late to the chambers) reacts during the first City Commission budget hearing at city hall, on Saturday September 09, 2023.

Prieguez, who is supporting auto parts retailer Miguel Gabela in the District 1 election, has acknowledged that he timed the filing of his lawsuit to hurt the commissioners reelection bid. But he denied working on Gabelas campaign. And on Saturday, he said he stood by the lawsuit, which he signed himself, signifying that the complaint is a statement made under oath.

I stand by every single solitary word that is in there because I was a victim of a crime and this is what happened, Prieguez said.

In his statement to the Herald, the commissioner noted that when he voted in 2020 against Melwanis bid, he threw his support to a team recommended by Miamis city manager for the award. The effort to redevelop the marina, like others before it, eventually fell apart.

Contrary to engaging in sordid and behind-the-scenes schemes utilized by a desperate lying lobbyist, I have always conducted the Citys business in the sunshine, endeavoring to advance the interests of the City and its residents, Diaz de la Portilla said.

In the motion, Diaz de la Portilla also states he should be shielded from the lawsuit under a legal principle that grants elected officials immunity in civil litigation from being liable for their conduct as lawmakers.

Court records do not show filings on behalf of the other defendants in the case, Hernandez and Duarte-Viera, as of Saturday evening.
Towboats line the shore near Cairo, Illinois, where the Ohio and Mississippi rivers meet.

ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER  In the wheelhouse high atop the rumbling, 240-foot boat, James Garner perched in a chair surrounded by levers, dials and screens. Below him, the Dredge Potter inched up a remote stretch of khaki-colored water between Missouri and Illinois.

Garner was controlling a bus-sized metal vacuum shaped like a kitchen dustpan submerged just in front of the boat. Its water jets agitated the river bottom before pumping the sediment through a floating pipe that snaked downriver  and to shore.

Thats the color of money, Garner, 47, remarked as he checked to make sure the brown shade of water and mud spewing on the bank was the right mix to avoid a jam.

James Garner, 47, monitors dredging during a shift on the Dredge Potter, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel working to maintain a 9-foot-deep channel in the Mississippi River.

Near him sat a pilot, who, along with two tugs on either side, kept the boat dredging the right coordinates as winches pulled in anchors set far upstream. The dredging crew knows any interruption can have outsize economic consequences.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

For 92 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Depression-era dredge has helped maintain a 9-foot-deep Mississippi channel for tow barges that haul more than 500 million tons of cargo a year on Americas most important maritime highway.

That work has taken on heightened urgency this year, as drought and heat reduce river levels and rekindle worries about a second year of costly shipping delays.

Last fall, drought led to about 40 days of critically low water in parts of the Mississippi that hadnt seen it in years  grounding barges, stalling traffic, blocking river ports at the height of harvest season and causing an estimated $20 billion in losses, according to AccuWeather.

As this years harvest approaches, the river is again on the decline.

A discharge pipe snakes out from behind the Dredge Potter, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel working to maintain a channel deep enough for shipping on the Mississippi River.

Its still not known whether the river will drop as low as last year. But Mississippi water levels have been falling since June. The Ohio River  where it meets the Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois, and serves as its largest tributary  dropped almost 10 feet in the last two weeks of August. Levels are predicted to fall farther in the coming weeks.

With 61% of the Midwest classified as abnormally dry or in drought as of late August, most of the Mississippi is expected to face low water in September that will most likely affect industry and navigation, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System.

That is, unless enough rain falls in the right places and amounts.

Right now, theres no rainfall in sight that will turn things around, said David Welch, a National Weather Service hydrologist at the Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center.

Thats worrying farmers who ship grains such as soybeans on the river to New Orleans and, from there, around the globe  relying on lower costs that help keep it competitive for the global export market. They fear another year of backups and spiking costs that eat into profits.

Soybean and corn fields sprawl from the Mississippi River near Perry County, Missouri.

Already barges have had to reduce their loads to float higher in the water. Meantime, 17 dredges work to maintain the navigation channel. In Louisiana, the Corps is building an underwater sill for the second year in a row to keep seawater from pushing upstream and damaging drinking water systems.

Uncertainty about weather and water has always flowed through the livelihoods of those along the Mississippi, who are no strangers to cycles of drought and flood and the wide mix of factors that impact river conditions.

Short-term climate cycles such as El Nino are part of the reason for drier conditions this year. But more heat and extreme weather may translate into wider and more frequent swings on a river that helps carry a nations economy.

Yes, we have that normal water cycle. But we're seeing an acceleration of how fast water moves through the cycle due to warmer temperatures in general, said Mark Svoboda, director of the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Up and down the river basin, those who depend on it were watching the forecasts: A towboat captain who has plied the river for decades. An Army Corps officer looking out over the water in Memphis, Tennessee. And farmers just beyond the levees, their grain ripening in the field as both harvest and rising freight costs loomed.

A worker prepares to check equipment aboard the Dredge Potter, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel working to maintain the Mississippi River shipping channel.

On the Dredge Potter, the challenges could be seen in often-submerged dikes that now protrude from the river nearby  as well as the vast fields of ripening soybeans and corn that sat green in the late-summer sun.

It's a really critical period. We need to have our supply chain operating and firing on all cylinders, said Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Council. The crystal ball is not very encouraging. And what that portends is that we could be in a situation similar to where we were last year.

How a dwindling river impacts commerce and shipping

Eric Badeaux, whose Louisiana roots are evident in his accent, followed his father into the towboat profession when he was still a teenager.

Eric Badeaux, 59, has spent decades pushing barges up and down the Mississippi River.

Now 59, Badeaux has logged decades pushing barges on a river basin that drains 41% of the country. In some years, he transited the 800-mile stretch between St. Paul, Minnesota, and New Orleans up to a dozen times.

He learned to read the waters ripples and shades to discern shallows on an ever-changing river bottom, one whose lower portion flows free of locks and dams but where river engineering, including levees and dredging, has increased flood risk.

The barges, each nearly 200 feet long, are lashed together  often both end-to-end and side-to-side  to form huge floating shipments. Badeaux has pushed them through both high and low waters, including sharp drops in 1988 and 2012.

But last year, he said, was different.

Last year was the worst its ever been, Badeaux told USA TODAY late last month while loading rock for concrete onto barges on the Tennessee River near Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

In a normal year, a 10,000-horsepower towboat on portions of the lower Mississippi might push as many as 42 barges at once. During the critically low water last year, that same boat could only push about half that number, with each barge loaded with less weight to limit its draft, said Jennifer Carpenter, president and CEO of the industry group American Waterways Operators.

Towboats line a service facility on the Mississippi River near Wickliffe, Kentucky.

We saw lower water levels on the Mississippi River and its tributaries, in some places, than had been seen since 1988, she said. Others saw the lowest ever recorded.

In some spots, towboats could not reach granary ports. Near Memphis, multiple barges were temporarily grounded on shoals, blocking the river and forcing emergency dredging. In Vicksburg, Mississippi, a river cruise ship couldnt get to a ramp that normally loads passengers. Smaller loads meant more boats and river congestion.

Nearly 60% of all U.S. grain exports are transported by barge.

You could just look out at the river and know that something really, really strange was happening, said Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Mayor Stacy Kinder.

All that meant backups for Badeaux, whose trip carrying cargo between Cairo and Baton Rouge took nearly a month, more than twice as long as normal.

We would stay and stop somewhere in the middle of nowhere and just wait a week at a time, he said. The river was pinned down tight.

The low water eventually eased. And by late August of this year, he was leading a smaller cargo load down the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to reach the Gulf, a shorter loop that let him remain closer to his ailing mother.

But Badeaux was still thinking about the time he spent last year looking through his wheelhouse windows, pondering how it all fit into historic cycles that have faded into the past, as well as heat that seemed to be increasing everywhere.

A towboat passes the river level gauge at Cairo, Illinois, where the Ohio and Mississippi rivers meet.

It brought to mind lyrics of a Hank Williams Jr. song, he said, one that he said everyone was singing: The preacher man says its the end of time, and the Mississippi River, shes a-goin dry.

Farmers near the Mississippi face yet another uncertainty

In a metal-sided barn near Cairo, Adam Thomas, 36, had been readying his hulking John Deere combine and thresher.

Just outside were acres of knee-high soybean plants, their emerald green leaves yellowing  signaling it would soon be time to harvest.

Adam Thomas, 36, who farms nearly 2,500 acres in Southern Illinois, examines his soybean crop that is almost ready to harvest.

Across the road and over an earthen levee, almost within eyesight, was the Mississippi  where hed take his crop to granaries to be loaded onto fleets of towboats.

Thomas, a father of three who scrapped plans to become a history teacher to join his own father in farming, now grows 2,500 acres. One of his plots is here  atop a former neighborhood, along with a nearby Sears factory that once made prefabricated homes. They were torn down as Cairo fell on hard times and never recovered.

But being close to the river  especially at Cairo, perched at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, whose famous river water gauge is a bellwether for the system  remains valuable and the go-to shipping option for farmers within hundreds of miles.

Barges, less expensive than trains, can each carry 70 semi-trucks worth of grain. Industry officials said its a key reason U.S. soybeans are globally competitive.

Last year, stymied barge traffic meant nearby granaries filled up, leaving some farmers scrambling for more expensive or distant storage options. By October, barge prices for moving grain downriver from St. Louis shot up 383%, according to the USDA.

Its a pretty big price punch against some of your crops, Thomas said.

Many areas of the Midwest faced periods of drought this year and low waters have already impacted shipping prices. Thomas also saw instances of short, hard rain that caused their own problems. In mid-July, he said, 6 inches of rain in 18 hours wiped out 300 acres of soybeans.

Hes still not sure it will drive any lasting changes in his operation or harvest or selling strategies.

You sit here and go OK, is it climate change? What's going on? he said. And then the next two years are fine.

On the other side of the river in Kentucky, a similar calculation is being made.

Allen Pace, 60, a fourth-generation soybean farmer, sat in a wood-paneled office near his barns, farm equipment and a series of grain bins, large circular metal storage containers, on his roughly 2,600 acres of soybeans and corn.

Last year, the river levels left him earning $1.80 less a bushel for what I could have gotten had the river been up, he said. That doesn't sound like much. But times that by 1,000 acres, now we're talking big money.

Allen Pace, 60, a fourth-generation Kentucky soybean farmer, relies on the Mississippi River to get his crop to global markets.

Already his corn yield will be lower this year because of the dry weather, he said. His soybean crop will be average, he said.

Hes considering investing in another $120,000 grain bin to ensure he has enough storage on his farm. That way, he would be more insulated from spikes in shipping prices, able to hold more grain to sell when such costs decline. On the other hand, he said, the need might not arise again for many years.

The only certainty when it comes to weather patterns, he said, is change.

Theres not one year here thats the same, he said. Its always been that way. Its what weve always had to deal with, he said.

As he walked across a gravel drive to a series of grain bins, Pace said hes keeping a close eye on not just river dredging, and granary capacity but shipping costs.

According to the US Department of Agriculture update on Aug. 31, barge freight rates for grain from St. Louis had risen nearly 50% from the previous week and were 85% above the three-year average. If these conditions persist, the tight barge supply could be especially problematic as the corn and soybean harvests progress, the agency said.

I was checking with my guy on the corn, Pace said of a worker at a nearby granary on the river, who told him barge drafts were being cut along with load capacity. That, in turn, will drive up demand and prices for shipping, and reduce what granaries pay for crops.

The American Commercial Barge Lines, for example, a major shipping company, by Sept. 5 had reduced barge loads between Cairo and the Gulf of Mexico  and warned to expect delays because of reduced navigable space.

Is there a reason to panic yet? No, Pace said. Could there be a reason to panic? Yes.

Will climate change drive wider swings in a critical river?

Dredge workers hike down a muddy shore, where a launch can ferry them to their shift aboard the dredging ship in the river channel.

Brian Sawser, commander of the Memphis District of the Army Corps of Engineers, can see the river clearly from his office in Memphis.

As he looked out at the river on a late August day, water levels were forecast to fall in the coming weeks unless a tropical storm or other well-placed rainfall arrived. The river might not reach levels seen last year, he said, but the worries remained.

The next few weeks look challenging, he said.

Still, a year after officials had to close the river repeatedly amid a spate of 26 groundings, emergency dredging and impassable harbors. Four times, the river closed for more than 24 hours. His district has been working since summer to deepen harbors and trouble spots.

Sawser and others say thats just one reason to hope this year wont be as bad. For one thing, spring flooding was tamer than usual, which means less river sediment pushed into new shoals.

Carpenter, the head of American Waterways Operators, said lessons learned last year  including improvements in the Coast Guards deployment of navigation buoys to help towboat captains see new shoals or channel patterns  have also bolstered preparations.

But more needs to be done, such as extending equipment at ports to reach barges during low water or fostering wetlands to hold water during dry periods, said Colin Wellenkamp, head of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, a coalition of mayors of towns and cities along the river.

The cities group has called for reducing bureaucratic hurdles to speed financial and other help to cities and states where drought effects get less attention than floods.

We have a 40-day drought and we run up a bill of $20 billion. No other area of the country can come anywhere near that kind of price tag for drought, he said. So if we don't want that price tag to start becoming an annual thing that's just getting more and more expensive, we've got to come to some solutions.

The crew aboard the Dredge Potter, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel, works to maintain a 9-foot-deep channel in the Mississippi River.

In Germany, after low water levels have similarly stymied Rhine river cargo vessels, the shipping industry has moved to design new barges to better operate in low water, The Washington Post reported.

In the U.S., Svoboda, of the National Drought Mitigation Center, said whatever happens in the near term, a warming climate is generally expected to tighten and amplify existing cycles of flood and drought.

The National Climate Assessment projected more heavy rain events and elongated dry spells with intensifying droughts in many areas of the United States.

For now, Justin Giles, chief of Water Management for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg, Mississippi, says he is hoping for a nice average year without either.

It does seem like it's difficult to find that happy medium here lately, he said.

Meantime, the harvest from farmers  and steeper pressure on river transport  are fast approaching. And while this years levels may or may not drop as low as last year, fall is typically the rivers low-flow season.

The discharge pipe from the Dredge Potter, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel, sends dredged sediment onto the Mississippi River shore south of Chester, Illinois.

Back on the Dredge Potter, the crew was working 24 hours a day, removing 50,000 cubic yards a day to maintain a 9-foot-deep channel.

On the nearby shore, about 90 miles south of St. Louis in a rural stretch of river, cars belonging to some of the boats 50 crew  deckhands, mechanics, cooks and tender operators  were lined up on a levee.

They work in three shifts.

To reach the boat  only upgraded to diesel from steam power in 2001  they hike down a grassy hill and through a line of trees to the muddy shore, where a launch zips them to the dredge.

A control panel on the Dredge Potter, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel working to maintain a 9-foot-deep channel in the Mississippi River.

Among them is Andy Kotlarz, 42, who traveled from Asia to Africa as a merchant crewman before joining the dredge six years ago and becoming assistant captain. On a recent day, he stood on the bridge deck in cap, sunglasses and life vest.

Below, crews pulled up the metal dredge to check for jammed logs and rock as giant generators hummed. Once back underwater, the dredge sucked up water and mud before spraying it onto the shore.

In some cases, those pipes are placed so that the dredged sediment will offer new habitats for animals, said Lance Engle, dredging project manager with the St. Louis District.

The dredge crew knows it could be another long season before the vessel goes back in for repairs. Last year, they dredged nearly 9 million cubic yards, double their average, equivalent to about 2,700 Olympic-size swimming pools.

On the bridge, Garner says he loves working on the peaceful river and watching sunsets and sunrises  and the big economic stakes of the crews work.

Outside, the crops stretching to the horizon would soon be heading down the muddy river to the Gulf of Mexico.

For now, the boat just had to do what its done for 92 years: Keep digging.

The Dredge Potter, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel, works to maintain a 9-foot-deep channel in the Mississippi River South of Chester, Illinois.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Mississippi River's water level could snarl harvest season again
A young migrant mother from Venezuela is facing felony charges after she allegedly blocked traffic and scuffled with police officers outside a Southwest Side police station on Saturday, apparently in protest over access to bathrooms.

Dayrelys Yojana Coy, 21, was arrested shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday outside the 8th District police station in the 3400 block of West 63rd Street, according to a police report on the incident.

Coy, whose address is listed as the Casa Michaoacan nonprofit facility in the 1600 block of South Blue Island Avenue, was charged with three counts of resisting or obstructing police, which is a Class 4 felony, as well as a misdemeanor citation of obstructing traffic, according to the report.

Coy was released Sunday afternoon on a recognizance bond and ordered by Cook County Judge Maryam Ahmad to have no unlawful contact with the 8th District, records show. Her next court date is Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She was represented by a public defender whose name was not listed in the court record. No one answered the phone Sunday at the Cook County public defenders office.

According to the police report, Coy was confronted as she stood in the middle of West 63rd Street along with physical barriers that were completely blocking traffic.

After officers ordered her to get out of the street, she went to the sidewalk and shouted in Spanish, If you dont like the uproar today, there will be an uproar if the bathrooms dont open, according to the report.

When an officer told her she was being placed under arrest for blocking traffic, Coy allegedly pulled away and flailed her arms and then stiffened her body in order to defeat the arrest, according to the report.

Three of the arresting officers suffered minor injuries in the scuffle, according to the report. The court sheet from Sundays bond hearing noted that officers injuries included a puncture wound, abrasion and laceration.

The police report stated Coys toddler-age child was left in the care of a fellow migrant following her arrest.

Video of the incident sent to the Tribune by a source showed several migrants arguing with police at the desk about access to the bathrooms in the station. A higher-ranking officer speaking in English could be seen telling the migrants through another officer translating into Spanish that there were portable toilets for them outside and to take it up with the city if they had an issue.

As the argument grew heated, the ranking officer said, It is what it is, and thats it. They gotta go.

Another part of the video from outside the station showed a group of at least five officers around Coy, who briefly whips her arms away from them as they try to handcuff her behind her back. A child could be heard screaming as she is led away, with a supporter shouting, You told her she had one more time to do it, and then you arrested her out of nowhere.

Chicago police stations have become a symbol of the growing migrant crisis as hundreds of asylum-seekers have been sleeping on the floors of police facilities around the city. As of a week ago, 1,576 migrants were living in Chicago police stations and another 418 were sleeping inside OHare International Airport, according to city data.

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday offered a peek at his plans to move the migrants into large tent camps throughout the city before winter  his administrations boldest effort yet to get a handle on a humanitarian crisis that has left local officials vexed.

The mayor said he will move with expediency to transition asylum-seekers into more suitable base camps as migrants wait for spots in city-run shelters.

Chicago Tribunes Gregory Royal Pratt contributed.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
The Rankin County Sheriff's Office has been at the center of a series of violent incidents.

In one case, the family of Pierre Woods is suing Rankin police for killing Woods in 2019.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey is now fighting for immunity from that lawsuit.

A Mississippi sheriff  who oversees a department in which multiple deputies have been convicted of torturing and sexually assaulting Black men  is fighting for qualified immunity in yet another case where his deputies are accused of using excessive force.

A state judge denied Sheriff Bryan Bailey immunity in March after a lawsuit named him and a dozen other officers for the wrongful death of Pierre Woods, a mentally disabled Black man who police shot and killed in 2019 in Rankin County, Mississippi.

"Qualified immunity" is a legal doctrine that excludes public officials from being sued based on actions that they take while in their official capacity. Critics say the doctrine was designed to shield police from liability.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bailey appealed the decision to Mississippi's Fifth Circuit Court, which caused the lower court last month to issue an indefinite stay in the case, pending the decision of the appeals court.

The Rankin County Sheriff's Department, under Bailey's leadership, has been at the center of multiple acts of violence in recent years. A jury convicted five officers in August for torturing and sexually assaulting two Black men. Five people also died after interactions with Rankin County deputies during an eight-month span in 2021. Insider sued the sheriff's department to obtain records related to three of those deaths.

Bailey is up for reelection in November and is running unopposed.

The shooting of Pierre Woods in Rankin County, Mississippi

Police responded to Pierre Woods's home in February 2019 after a call came in that he was firing a gun on the property where he was staying, the Associated Press reported at the time.

After they arrived, police said Woods fired more shots. They said law enforcement attempted to negotiate with Woods for more than an hour before using tear gas to force him from the home, at which point they shot him multiple times, killing him.

Dris Mitchell and Vanessa Barrett, two women who have children with Woods, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bailey and the other officers involved in 2021.

Attorneys for Mitchell and Barrett said Woods was "physically disoriented and visually impaired" from tear gas when he ran to the front door of his house with his hands above his head, according to the lawsuit. The attorneys said Woods had a gun in his hand when he ran to the door but threw the gun to the ground as soon as he got outside.

According to appeals court documents filed on August 14 by attorneys for Barrett and Mitchell, Bailey was "solely responsible" for supervising the Rankin County "Special Response Team" that day.

Bailey said he heard Woods fire three gunshots inside the house. He then heard officers "return fire" while he was hiding behind a response team vehicle, the document states.

According to the document, Bailey said he did not instruct the officers to start shooting, did not see the shooting, and "never fired a shot."

The document says Bailey claims he told officers to "cease fire" as soon as he saw Woods lying on the ground.

According to the filing, Mitchell and Barrett's attorneys say Bailey allowed the officers to shoot Woods even though he no longer posed a threat.

"Bailey gave the defendant officers authority to shoot Woods, positioned himself where he could no longer see Woods, and allowed the officers to continue to shoot Woods after he fell to the ground and clearly was no longer a threat before he issued the command to "cease fire," the brief says.

When Bailey was asked in a deposition about whether the sheriff's office trains its officers to stop shooting after a threat is over, he responded: "No, ma'am, I don't  I don't guess we train them to stop shooting," Bailey said. "When the threat is over with is when they stop shooting."

History of violence at the Rankin County Sheriff's Office

The department overseen by Bailey has a disturbing history of violence.

Five Rankin Sheriff's deputies pleaded guilty on August 3 to federal charges related to the attack on two Black men earlier in the year.

That group called themselves the "goon squad" for their willingness to secretly use excessive force. Without a warrant, the team broke into the home of Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker in Braxton, Mississippi on January 24. The officers then beat and sexually assaulted the two men before one officer  Hunter Elward  eventually shot Jenkins in the mouth, according to court documents obtained by Insider.

Two of the convicted "goon squad" officers, Elward and Christian Dedmon, were also present during Woods's shooting in 2019, according to the lawsuit.

Insider also previously reported the deaths of Damien Cameron, Cory Jackson, and Trevor McKinley .

Cameron, a Black man, died while in the custody of the sheriff's department in July 2021. Cameron's mother told Insider police beat and tased him and knelt on his back for 15 minutes while he complained he could not breathe.

Jackson died in May 2021 after a sheriff's deputy arrested him while he was experiencing hallucinations and refused to take him to the hospital, his family told Insider. In August 2021, deputies shot McKinley, Cameron's high-school classmate, inside his grandparents' home.

In December 2021, while responding to a call of a drug overdose, deputies also shot and killed Robert Rushton, who police said was armed with two knives. A fifth man, Adam Coker, died in the Rankin County Jail in September 2021.

Read the original article on Insider
Eligible Oregon employees were able to start taking paid leave as of Sept. 3 and the Oregon Employment Department is in the midst of processing hundreds of pending applications.

In a media briefing Thursday, the department said more than 10,000 have applied and 1,828 applications for Paid Leave Oregon have been approved. Benefits should begin to be paid out Sept. 13.

Employees in Oregon are entitled to 12 weeks of paid leave within a 52-week period. They can take a week or a single day off at a time.

The program was created in 2019 through House Bill 2005 and Oregon became one of only 11 states to offer paid family and medical leave. The program also offers safe leave for victims of domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault or harassment. More information on the application is available on the Paid Leave Oregon website.

How Paid Leave Oregon works

The state Legislature provided $15.6 million in start-up funds for the program. That initial general fund loan has since been repaid and all employees working in Oregon, regardless of their employer's size, began paying into the program this year.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Large employers with more than 25 employees also began contributing in January. Smaller employers with fewer than 25 workers can opt out of paying into the program but are still required to withhold employee contributions.

Employers that already offer their own paid leave or paid time off plans with equal or greater benefits can apply to the state to qualify as offering an "equivalent plan."

In an email Thursday, Angela Yeager with the Oregon Employment Department said 3,160 employers have applied for equivalent plans. Of those, 3,090 have been approved.

The number represents .02% of Oregon employers but 15% of the total workforce because many employers that have equivalent plans are larger employers, Yeager said.

Employees and employers contribute 1% of the employee's gross wages to the program for up to $132,900 in wages. Employers pay 40% of the contribution rate while employees pay 60%.

The exact amount paid out to someone on leave depend on an employee's earnings the year before. Minimum-wage employees are eligible for their full paychecks while on leave while a high-income employee who earned $132,000 or more will receive an estimated $1,400 a week. A calculator is available online to provide amount information.

Oregon receives more than 10,000 applications

Applications for paid leave opened Aug. 14.

The Paid Leave Oregon webpage has a guidebook and other resources for employees related to eligibility and how to apply for family, medical and safe leave. A person should apply no earlier than 30 days before they need to take leave and no later than 30 days after starting leave.

According to the department, 10,222 applications have been received. There are 9,063 applications pending.

The department received about 700 filings a day during the first week, according to Yeager. They are now averaging about 580 daily, she said.

Paid Leave Oregon director Karen Madden Humelbaugh said rollout has been "going well" and that as paid leave begins, staff will focus on processing remaining applications and processing new applications that are filed daily.

Call wait time averaged 23 seconds, she added.

In a media briefing last month, Humelbaugh said 250 program employees were assisting in the rollout. Wait time has gone to two minutes this week "when calls went up quite a bit, but it is still a fairly low wait time," Yeager said.

Humelbaugh said a common reason for longer processing of an application is employees not attaching the necessary supporting documents for their specific type of leave.

"We really want to emphasize that people should go to our employee toolkit on our website and review the checklist and the employee guidebook so that they're prepared with the correct documents when they apply for benefits," Humelbaugh said.

Participants' jobs are protected by law while they are on paid leave if they have worked at least 90 consecutive days for that employer.

When an employee applies for paid leave benefits, an employer will receive a letter in the mail notifying them of their employee's application. On an employer's Frances Online account, they will also receive notifications and questionnaires after an employee applies, including a request to confirm that the person applying is currently working for the company.

"[Employers] have a very important role in making sure their employees have the time and support they need to care for themselves and their loved ones when they need it most," she said.

Humelbaugh encouraged employers to check Frances Online weekly or to check in on the system if they know an employee has applied.

"If we have not heard from an employer in a two-week period then we're going to start moving the claim regardless so that it is not a sort of a punishment or something punitive to the claimant," she added.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on Twitter @DianneLugo

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Paid Leave Oregon benefits gets more than 10K applications
Children stand by a damaged building after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Tahannaout, Morocco on Sept. 9, 2023. (Photo by Saouri Aissa/Xinhua)

RABAT, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A powerful quake struck Morocco Friday night, claiming the lives of more than 2,000 people, with the toll expected to rise as rescuers struggle to reach hard-hit remote areas.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed sorrow at the loss of life from the earthquake, according to his spokesperson on Saturday.

"The secretary-general expresses his solidarity with the government and people of Morocco in these difficult times," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, in a statement.

"He addresses his most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," he added.

The United Nations is ready to assist the government of Morocco in helping the impacted population, said the statement.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 kilometers. The death toll has risen to 2,012, local media reported.

The epicenter of Friday's tremor was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, roughly 70 kilometers (44 miles) south of Marrakech.

Neighboring Algeria expressed readiness to assist Morocco, saying it will open its airspace to flights carrying humanitarian aid, a state-owned news agency reported Saturday, citing a presidency statement.

Tunisia announced on Saturday that a rescue team has left for Morocco to offer search and rescue efforts, the official TAP news agency reported.

The team comprises more than 50 professional rescue experts and will work with local Moroccan rescue agencies during its search operations.

A statement released by The Tunisian Presidency said that the country will use all its capabilities to support Morocco.

The statement confirmed that Tunisia will dispatch urgent aid and civil protection teams to help in search and rescue, as well as a delegation from the Tunisian Red Crescent to participate in the relief operations.

In a phone call with his Moroccan counterpart, the Qatari prime minister expressed his condolences and wished "a speedy recovery for the injured," vowing to "provide all necessary assistance."

Turkiye, which suffered massive earthquakes in February, said it was "ready to provide all kinds of support to heal the wounds," its state-run Anadolu news agency reported Saturday, citing the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

The earthquake damaged many buildings in the old city of Marrakesh, the nearest big city to the epicenter, and many residents had to spend the night in the open space for fear of potential aftershocks, said an overseas Chinese living in the city.

Many residents spent Friday night outdoors, as witnessed by Xinhua reporters in Ouarzazate, about 190 kilometers southeast of Marrakesh.

The Moroccan state TV said most of the earthquake casualties were from remote and inaccessible mountainous regions near the epicenter, with damaged roads and further hindered rescue efforts.

Remote villages were largely cut off from the world when they lost electricity and cellphone service. Facing the devastating aftermath, people were outside mourning neighbors and surveying the damage on their camera phones.

In the hardest-hit rural areas, Moroccans climbed through the canyons between collapsed homes that cascaded across roads and towns and tried to retrieve their dead.

In addition to human casualties, the earthquake destroyed several structures and parts of the city walls, as witnessed by Xinhua reporters.

Some of the historic red walls that encircle the ancient city center, built in the early 12th century, crumbled in the powerful tremor. At the same time, squares and traffic roundabouts were crowded with people seeking refuge.

TV footage showed many collapsed buildings near the epicenter, with people trapped under the rubble awaiting the arrival of heavy machinery.

On Saturday, the Red Cross Society of China announced that it would provide the Moroccan Red Crescent with 200,000 U.S. dollars in cash as emergency humanitarian assistance for its rescue operations and would keep abreast of the relief needs in the country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday extended condolences to Moroccan King Mohammed VI over the devastating earthquake in the country.

In his message, Xi said he was shocked to learn of the intense earthquake that brought heavy casualties and property loss.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, the Chinese president expressed deep sorrow for the victims and offered sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.

Xi also expressed his belief that under the leadership of His Majesty the King, the Moroccan government and people will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland at an early date.

Global leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Russian President Vladimir Putin have also offered their condolences.

Morocco declared three days of national mourning, during which the national flag will be flown at half-staff throughout the country, according to local reports. 
SAN DIEGO  A motorcyclist was killed in a solo-vehicle collision in a Point Loma neighborhood Saturday morning, San Diego police said.

Around 6 a.m., the motorcyclist, identified as a man in his mid-20s was traveling westbound on Chatsworth Boulevard through Loma Portal on his 2007 Harley Davidson bike, according to law enforcement.

As he neared the intersection with Clove Street, authorities said he crossed into the eastbound lanes after failing to get around a curve in the road. After cutting over to the other side of the road, the motorcyclist collided with the south, raised curb line of Chatsworth Boulevard.

Family of teens killed in 2018 DUI crash protesting after driver arrested again

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The rider, who was ejected from the vehicle in the collision, sustained life-threatening injuries and was declared dead on scene. According to SDPD, the rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

There were no other motorists involved in the crash, authorities said.

The series of events that led to the crash remain under investigation by the SDPD Traffic Division. At this stage, it is unknown if driving under the influence was a factor in the collision.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to call the Traffic Division at 858-495-7807 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
CEREDO, W.Va. (WOWK)  A man wanted for murder and several alleged kidnappings is dead, and the three hostages he took at a West Virginia gas station early Sunday morning are all safe, according to Kenova Police Chief Bob Sullivan.

Sullivan said David Maynard took the hostages at a gas station in Ceredo around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10.

The West Virginia State Police said a state trooper went to the gas station and saw Maynard behind the counter. Maynard then allegedly pointed a pistol at the trooper, which started the hostage situation.

2 injured in South Nashville shooting; suspect in custody

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sullivan told News 2s sister station, WOWK, that a hostage negotiator with the West Virginia State Police Special Response Team talked with Maynard for an hour and a half. At one point, it was believed one of the hostage victims had been shot. However, that was not the case.

The situation ended when Maynard came to the door of the gas station with only one hostage still inside. Maynard was shot by authorities and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police were able to rescue the hostage, who they said was the clerk.

Two other hostages  who were customers, according to officials  had previously been let go by Maynard.

Vehicle sought after woman injured in suspected road rage shooting on I-440W in Berry Hill

Sullivan said none of the three hostages had visible injuries.

On Friday, Sept. 8, police in Ironton, Ohio, had asked the public to be on the lookout for Maynard after a woman was found tied up in a home, along with a man who had been shot and killed. The man was Maynards stepfather, authorities said, and the woman was unharmed.

During the late night hours on Saturday, Sept. 9, someone spotted Maynard roughly 13 miles away in the Kenova area of West Virginia, so a shelter-in-place was put into effect as police looked for him. Shortly afterward, the hostage situation began.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Maynard was also suspected of kidnapping two women in two different cars in Kentucky, authorities said Saturday. One woman and vehicle have been located as of early Sunday, but police are still searching for the second woman and vehicle.

Authorities have not yet released a motive in any of the incidents.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
(Reuters) - Myanmar has received the first shipment of two Russian Su-30 fighter jets, Charlie Than, Myanmar's trade minister, told the Russian RIA state news agency in remarks published on Sunday.

"Two aircraft have already been delivered," Than told RIA on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, Russia's annual forum aimed at developing economic cooperation in the region and encouraging foreign investment, which starts on Sunday in the port of Vladivostok.

Russia and Myanmar signed a contract in September 2022 for the delivery of six Su-30SME fighter jets, RIA said.

The Sukhoi Su-30SME multi-role fighter jet is designed for enemy's aerial targets engagement, aerial reconnaissance, combat employment and pilot training, according to Rosoboronexport, Russia's state-controlled arms exporter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Separately, Than told the Russian TASS state news agency that a number of bilateral agreements will be signed at the East Economic Forum, including on developing tourism between the two countries.

The Russian defence ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The United States has warned that Russia's backing for Myanmar's military rulers is unacceptable and destabilising, with its supply of weapons helping to fuel a conflict that has become a catastrophe for the country.

Russia's defence minister and top diplomat have visited Myanmar, while junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has been to Russia several times since 2021 and was given an honorary doctorate.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
DUGWAY, Utah (KTVX)  A 30-minute drive into the remote Dugway Proving Grounds is a patch of desert that is expecting a unique package drop. A package that has taken 7 years to deliver.

This package, rather than coming from FedEx or UPS, is coming from a near-Earth asteroid named Bennu and is being delivered by the spacecraft OSIRIS-Rex.

The package is a large space capsule that holds a sample container filled with regolith (loose rocks and soil) from the asteroids surface.

The spacecraft OSIRIS-RExOrigins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorerwas launched on September 8, 2016, and headed out into the asteroid belt seeking to meet up with and explore Bennu.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The trip to Bennu took a year and a half, and once there, the spacecraft studied the asteroid and took photos. It then landed on the asteroid for approximately 5 seconds before pushing off and snapping a few more photos. Afterward, the spacecraft returned to Earth.

This test capsule is a replica of the one that will land on September 24 in Utahs West Desert. Photo courtesy NASA.

A view of the 250 square miles landing ellipse at the Utah Test and Training Range on Dugway Proving Grounds.

On September 24 at approximately 4:45 a.m. the OSIRIS-REx will release the capsule containing the sample a mere 63,000 miles from Earth. Around 8:40 a.m. the capsule will enter the Earths atmosphere and scream toward the planet at 27,650 mph, before deploying parachutes meant to slow it down. It will touch down somewhere in the landing area at the Utah Test and Training Range at Dugway at speeds of about 11 mph.

Crews from NASA preparing for the landing had their final test on August 28. Scientists and Media toured the overlook of the landing sitea 37-mile by 9-mile ellipse (250 square miles)and got a peak at the clean room that will house the sample while it is being prepped for the journey to Houstons Johnson Space Center.

Top Photo Pieces of the stand that will hold the capsule while in the Clean Room. Bottom Photo: The temporary Clean Room facility is located at Dugway Proving Grounds. Asteroid samples will be curated here before being secured and moved to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. (Photos courtesy ABC4)

The sample asteroid was chosen for several factors, the primary being its near proximity to Earth and its richness in carbon, meaning it could contain the chemical building blocks of life.

We are literally looking at geological materials that formed before the earth even existed, Dante Lauretta, OSIRIS-REx principal investigator relates.

The sample traveling to the desert of Utah is the largest Asteroid sample to ever reach Earth and the first such sample for NASA. The United States has brought back moon samples, comet samples, and ionic samples but this is the first asteroid sample. The scientists involved could not be more excited.

I personally wanted to be out there to greet these pieces of Bennu to our home planet, said Lauretta. To welcome them to the curation facility at Johnson Space Center and get them ready for the adventure we are about to put them on.

(Courtesy of NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center)

Lauretta was instrumental in the creation of the mission back in 2008 and has dedicated the last 15 years to the success of OSIRIS-REx. His enthusiasm was contagious during the press conference last week.

We are going back to the dawn of the solar system. We are looking for clues as to why Earth is a habitable world. This rare jewel in outer space that has oceans, it has a protective atmosphere, and we think all of those materials were brought by these carbon-rich asteroids very early in our planetary system formation, Lauretta said.

He continued to say they hope the sample provides more clues to the following questions: What is life? How did it originate? and why was the Earth the place that it occurred?

Lauretta further explained the composition of Bennu was a perfect combination to answer multiple scientific questions.

Scientist during a test landing of the OSIRIS-REx sample capsule at the Utah Test and Training Range at Dugway Proving Grounds. Photo courtesy NASA.

Because Bennu is so rich in carbonaceous compounds, we believe that we are bringing back [the] kind of material [that] literally may be representative of the seeds of life that these asteroids delivered at the beginning of our planet, that led to this amazing biosphere, biological evolution and to us being here today to look back on that amazing history, Lauretta said.

The sample will be eventually curated, examined, and studied by scientific teams all over the world. The largest portion will remain with NASA scientists and a portion will be stored in a secure facility.

Portions of the asteroid sample will be given to Canada and Japan and the remainder of the sample will be publicly available for analysis by request by scientists around the world.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
Michael White had only recently arrived in a grim Iranian jail when a curious fellow prisoner, an English-speaking Iranian, approached him in the courtyard for a conversation.

The American did not reveal much at first, but it was the beginning of an unlikely friendship between White, a Navy veteran imprisoned on spying charges he says were unfounded, and Mahdi Vatankhah, a young Iranian political activist whose positions on social issues had drawn his governments ire.

As the men connected behind bars over a shared interest in politics and human rights, they developed a bond that proved vital for both.

Michael White, a Navy veteran who was jailed in Iran for several years on spying charges, right, Michael's former fellow prisoner and Iranian political activist Mahdi Vatankhah, center, and Jonathan Franks, a consultant in the U.S. for families of American hostages and detainees, leave a terminal at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, Thursday, June 1, 2023. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

Vatankhah, while in custody and after his release, helped White by providing Whites mother with crucial, firsthand accounts about her sons status in prison and by passing along letters White had written while he was locked up. Once freed, White did not forget. He pushed successfully this year for Vatankhahs admission to the United States, allowing the men to be reunited last spring inside a Los Angeles airport, something neither could have envisioned when they first met in prison years earlier.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He risked his life to get the information out for me when I was in the prison in Iran. He really, really did, White said in an interview alongside Vatankhah. I told him I would do everything I could in my power to get him here because I felt, one, that would be for his safety in his own life. And I also felt he could get a great contributing member of society here.

This year, White received permission for Vatankhah to live temporarily in the U.S. under a government program known as humanitarian parole, which allows people in for urgent humanitarian reasons or if there is a significant public benefit.

Vatankhah told AP he had dreamed about coming to the U.S. ever since he could remember. When he landed, It was like the best moment of my life. My whole life changed.

White, 50, a Southern California native who spent 13 years in the Navy, was arrested in Iran in 2018 after traveling to the country to pursue a romantic relationship with a woman he met online. He was jailed on various charges, including espionage accusations that he calls bogus, as well as allegations of insulting Irans supreme leader.

He endured what he says was torture and sexual abuse, an ordeal he documented in a handwritten diary that he secretly maintained behind bars, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in what the U.S. government has said was a wrongful detention.

Vatankhah, now 24, said he had been in and out of prison since he was a teenager because of his involvement in left-leaning causes and vocal criticism of the Iranian government, including through protests, social media posts and university newspaper pieces. He met White in 2018 after one such arrest when Vatankhah faced accusations of spreading propaganda against Tehrans government.

Though Vatankhah was later released, he was arrested again, this time winding up in the same cell as White in Irans Mashhad prison.

During the course of their friendship, Vatankhah helped White navigate his imprisonment and better understand the judicial system, functioning as an interpreter to help him communicate with guards and inmates. In early 2020, while Vatankhah was out on furlough, he also became a vital conduit to the outside world for White.

Using contact information White had given him, Vatankhah got in touch with Jonathan Franks, a consultant in the U.S. for families of American hostages and detainees who was working on Whites case and later helped spearhead the humanitarian parole process for Vatankhah. He also spoke with Whites mother and smuggled out Whites letters.

The detailed information about White, his status and his health  he suffered from cancer and COVID-19 in prison  came at a crucial time, providing a proof-of-life of sorts at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran due to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who led the expeditionary Quds Force of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

White was released in a June 2020 prisoner swap, exchanged for an American-Iranian physician imprisoned in the U.S. for violating American sanctions laws. Vatankhah, released the same year, made his way to Turkey.

White argued in his March application on Vatankhahs behalf that his friend met the criteria for humanitarian parole because, despite having relocated to Turkey, he was continuing to face harassment on account of his political viewpoints. Vatankhah wrote in his own petition that the situation was unsafe for him in Turkey. He noted that Turkish police had raided his home and that he remained at risk of deportation to Iran.

Paris Etemadi Scott, a California lawyer who has worked with White and Vatankhah and filed the humanitarian parole application on the Iranians behalf, said Vatankhahs assistance to an American  a veteran, no less  enhanced the legitimacy and urgency of his petition because it added to the potential that Vatankhah could face imminent harm.

While many applicants do not have significant supporting documentation, Mahdi had this amazing amount of evidence to show that he was in fact incarcerated over and over again, she said.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it does not discuss individual humanitarian parole cases. A State Department spokesman said in a statement that the office of the departments special presidential envoy for hostage affairs had worked hard to secure Whites release in 2020, and after learning of Vatankhahs case, worked hand-in-hand with multiple partners in the U.S. government to secure the parole.

Vatankhah is now living in San Diego, where White is from. Vatankhah said his humanitarian parole is good for one year, but he already has applied for asylum, which would allow him to remain in the U.S. Hes obtained a work permit and has found work as a caregiver.

Hes also enjoying freedom to share his political views freely without fear of retribution.

I like to express my ideas here where I can. I can continue to use my freedom to talk against the Iranian regime,:
A fire at a Gainesville apartment complex has left nearly a dozen residents in need of shelter.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the Hall County Fire Rescue, crews were called to Tulip Drive in Gainesville just before 8:30 a.m. in reference to an apartment fire.

When firefighters arrived, they reportedly found a small apartment building with heavy smoke showing.

TRENDING STORIES:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fire officials said the majority of the fire was contained in one apartment on the second floor. Hall County fire crews were able to quickly extinguish the flames.

No residents were injured. The American Red Cross is assisting 10 residents who were displaced from three separate apartments due to the damages.

The cause of the fire is unknown and currently under investigation by the Hall County Fire Marshals Office.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
Detectives are investigating a Thursday morning home invasion in South Seattle.

Officers drove to the 5000 block of South Wallace Street near I-5 around 5 a.m. after getting reports of a break-in.

When police arrived, residents said five men had broken into the house and demanded money. They said that three of the men were armed.

During the robbery, one man ripped a gold necklace from a womans neck. The suspects took electronics, jewelry, and cash before driving away.

The Robbery Unit is leading the investigation.

If you have information related to this investigation, Seattle Police ask that you call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line.
Another national story, this time in The New York Times, illustrates the impact of Idahos restrictive abortion ban.

The Times documented the plight and flight of maternal-health doctors in Idaho because of the potential of criminal charges associated with Idahos trigger law, which criminalized abortion once the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

The Times talked to Dr. Caitlin Gustafson, a family doctor who also delivers babies in McCall  and thinks about leaving Idaho every day.

Two doctors have already left Idaho: Dr. Kylie Cooper, who moved to Minnesota, and Dr. Lauren Miller, who left for Colorado.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Two small hospitals in Idaho closed their labor and delivery units this year, including Bonner General Health, in North Idaho, citing the states legal and political climate and the departure of highly respected, talented physicians.

Dr. James Souza, the chief physician executive for St. Lukes Health System, told The Times that the states laws have had a profound chilling effect on recruitment and retention and that St. Lukes is now relying in part on traveling doctors to fill the gap.

Idaho sets one of the highest bars in the nation for abortion, allowing it only when a victim of rape or incest provides a police report of the crime, or to save the life of the mother.

Doctors in Idaho are now fearful of finding themselves in a situation where providing necessary medical care for a pregnant patient means they could be charged with a crime, punishable by up to two to five years in prison.

So, as The Times reported, doctors are referring patients out of Idaho for maternity care.

Its a disastrous situation.

The impacts of the abortion ban reach more than just people who seek to have an elective abortion. It also affects basic, life-saving medical care for anyone who is pregnant. Further, as Idaho doctors flee the state, and hospitals shut down labor and delivery units, it creates maternity care deserts, making it difficult if not impossible to find a doctor.

And once again, Idahos Republican legislators are demonstrating a complete lack of forethought when making new laws.

We never looked that close, and what exactly that bill said and how it was written and language that was in it, Idaho Rep. John Vander Woude, R-Nampa, told The Times. We did that thinking Roe v. Wade was never going to get overturned. And then when it got overturned, we said, OK, now we have to take a really close look at the definitions.

What an embarrassment. This is how we legislate in Idaho.

Its harder to get a conditional use permit through a city planning process than it is to get a Republican-backed bill passed through the Legislature.

Vander Woude cast doubt on claims that doctors were leaving Idaho, apparently unaware of the facts.

Vander Woude also suggested no one would ever get in trouble under the law he passed.

I dont see any doctor ever getting prosecuted, he said.

First, how could a prosecutor not prosecute someone who is found to have broken the law? Second, why pass a law that you think no one would be prosecuted for?

Meanwhile, the Statesmans Gabe Barnard reported that hundreds of Idaho residents have traveled out of state for an abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The article illustrates that abortion bans dont really reduce the number of abortions; they just change where they happen and make it more difficult for people in certain states.

The situation were in illustrates the dangers of a one-party state. The Republican Party has absolutely no incentive to compromise or even consider the impact of awful legislation. They simply pass bills without having to think  about consequences or their constituents.

A poll commissioned by the Idaho Statesman in November showed theres a moderate majority that favors more access to abortion than what legislators passed. A majority (61%) of Idahoans said doctors who perform abortions should not face criminal charges, yet legislators passed a bill criminalizing doctors.

Idaho law allows for an abortion only to save the mothers life, not preserve her health, yet 85% of respondents said abortion should be legal to preserve the health of the mother.

Respondents saying abortion should always be legal vastly outweighed those who said it should always be illegal: 26% always legal to only 7% always illegal.

Its time for legislators to listen to reason, listen to compromise and listen to voters.

And most importantly, to think about the consequences before passing extremist legislation.

Statesman editorials are the unsigned opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members Mary Rohlfing and Patricia Nilsson.
Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison on two counts of rape on Thursday.

Some fans of "That 70s Show" wonder if the series will get pulled from syndication as a result.

TV networks removed " The Cosby Show " after Bill Cosby 's sexual assault conviction.

For now, "That '70s Show" is still available on streaming sites and a digital network. But some fans wonder for how long.

"That '70s Show" ended after season eight in May 2006 but continues to be syndicated. It is now available to stream on Peacock and for purchase on Amazon. It also airs on Laff, a digital network owned by Katz Broadcasting, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The show has been in the headlines after a judge sentenced one of its stars, Danny Masterson, to 30 years in prison on Thursday for two counts of rape. The show catapulted much of its cast into stardom, including Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, and Topher Grace.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After Masterson's conviction, and backlash to revelations that some of his castmates supported him, the show is being analyzed through a new, more critical lens. Online, some fans are speculating whether "That '70s Show" should be pulled from streaming and syndication altogether.

Actor Danny Masterson will serve 30 years in prison. Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

"Did Peacock remove "That 70s Show" from their streaming platform yet?" one person asked.

Another wrote: "So basically the ENTIRE ass cast of that 70s show has decided to defend Danny then? @peacock - remove the show from your platform."

Others compared the situation to "The Cosby Show," which some networks pulled from syndication after its star, Bill Cosby, was convicted of sexual assault in 2018.

The cast of "The Cosby Show." NBC/Getty Images

According to Refinery 29, TV Land became one of the first networks to stop showing reruns in November 2014 once the allegations against Cosby resurfaced. Aspire and BET's Centric followed suit, and Bounce TV announced they also stopped syndication in April 2018 after Cosby's guilty verdict. Around this time, Cosby also lost work on a potential NBC sitcom. Netflix indefinitely postponed a stand-up comedy special, CBS reported.

It appears "The Cosby Show" can still be purchased on Amazon or streamed through Philo. TV One also airs the show, according to its schedule.

"If the Cosby Show is off air That 70s Show needs scrubbing too!" one person on X wrote.

Representatives for Peacock, Amazon, and Laff did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

Read the original article on Insider
CHENGDU, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- An Air China flight from southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu landed safely in Singapore on Sunday afternoon after smoke was found in the cabin, the airline said.

All 155 people on board are safe. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway. 
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) defended Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) on Sunday, saying in an interview that he wont appoint another person in her position despite growing concerns about her health.

I dont want to make another appointment, and I dont think the people of California want me to make another appointment. Ive made plenty of appointments, Newsom told NBCs Chuck Todd on Meet the Press

Newsom said that his office is working closely with her Senate staff and that he was in touch with her personally not long ago but was not definitive on that time frame.

Yes. But Ill tell you, I mean, it wasnt that long ago where she would call me up, read me the riot act on issues related to forest management, vegetation management, what were doing in the central valley on drought and water issues, Newsom said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Again, that wasnt the black-and-white movie days. That was not too long ago. Her staff is still extraordinarily active and we wish her only the best. Her term expires, shes not running for reelection.

Feinstein announced that she will not seek reelection in 2024. The veteran lawmaker returned to the Senate earlier this year after a months-long absence due to a bout with shingles.

Some progressive lawmakers have called for her to step down due to her health. A competitive Democratic primary is underway for her seat, with candidates including House Democratic Reps. Barbara Lee and Adam Schiff.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has ruled out appointing Rep. Barbara Lee to the U.S. Senate should Dianne Feinstein leave before her term is up.

I don't want to get involved in the primary, Newsom said in a taped interview that's set to air Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press. It was the clearest hes been in terms of opting for a Senate placeholder.

Newsom, a California Democrat, told host Chuck Todd that it would be unjust to the other 2024 candidates, including Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, if he were to appoint someone who would run for reelection.

It would be completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off. That primary is just a matter of months away. I don't want to tip the balance of that, Newsom said in the interview.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Asked whether he intended to stick by his pledge to appoint a Black woman to the seat, Newsom said he did. We hope we never have to make this decision, but I abide by what I've said very publicly on a consistent basis. Yes, he said.

Lee trails her Democratic opponents Porter and Schiff by double-digits in public and private polls. Some of her supporters have held out the hope that  should it need to happen  Lee would be Newsoms pick to serve out the remainder of Feinsteins term. With that possibility seemingly dashed, Lee will face a steep climb given the others significant financial advantages.

Newsom, who has been close to Feinstein for decades, suggested several reasons he hopes not to have to make the appointment. He stressed hes leaving it up to Feinstein on whether she should still be serving in Washington, likening her to a member of his own family. Feinstein, 90, has had significant health issues and a recent fall at her San Francisco home. Her family is locked in a bitter legal battle over her late husbands estate. He died last year.

Im the most subjective human being in the world on this topic. I have no objectivity whatsoever, Newsom said of the senator. I've known Dianne Feinstein since I was a kid. I interned with her in college. I still have a signed book from my days when she was mayor.

Newsom has already appointed the states junior senator, Democrat Alex Padilla, to fill the seat of Vice President Kamala Harris. Down-ballot, Newsom also tapped Attorney General Rob Bonta when Xavier Becerra returned to Washington to join the Biden administration as Health and Human Services secretary. And Newsom picked Shirley Weber to replace Padilla as Californias Secretary of State  the first African American to serve as the states top elections chief.

I don't want to make another appointment, and I don't think the people of California want me to make another appointment, Newsom said. Ive made plenty of appointments.

But, he added, it's my job, it's my responsibility. If we have to do it, we'll do it.
Efforts to restore abortion rights in Missouri through ballot initiatives will face their next legal challenge Monday.

Two cases will be heard in one virtual hearing: one disputing the ballot summary language written by the Secretary of States office and another challenging the fiscal note prepared by the Missouri Auditors office.

Dr. Anna Fitz-James, represented by counsel from the Missouri ACLU, challenged Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft s ballot summary language. She argues it would be misleading to voters and sway them to vote against the measure.

An abortion rights activist photographed on Springfield's Park Central Square on Friday, June 24, 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Part of Ashcrofts ballot language indicates that supporting the measure would allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth, without requiring a medical license or potentially being subject to medical malpractice.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The language I wrote is based on the language of the initiative petition, Ashcroft said. And if someone actually reads to see exactly what that would allow, and would look frankly at what's happened in other states, I think they'd have to agree that the language that I wrote is accurate.

Ashcroft pointed to an example of Dr. Kermit Gosnell in Pennsylvania, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2013 after aborting several babies near their due date. Ashcroft said that the current ballot language would make actions like Gosnells legal due to what he described as ambiguity about who is authorized to perform abortions and at what point in the pregnancy a fetus could be aborted.

I understand the people that wrote the amendment were trying to be very broad, but I'm not sure they realize how much conduct they would legalize and allow, Ashcroft said.

The ACLU has suggested a ballot summary that asks voters to establish the right to reproductive freedom that includes the right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion care, miscarriage care, and respectful birthing conditions.

At the end of the day, what we really want is fair and sufficient language to be on Missouri voters ballot boxes, if this measure is to make it on the ballot in 2024, said Tori Shafer, the deputy director of policy and campaigns for Missouri ACLU.

This is the second filing of the lawsuit since Cole County Circuit Court Judge Jon Beetem dismissed the same lawsuit in late July, as it was filed before Ashcroft had officially certified the measure.

If the courts disagree with the language filed by Ashcroft, they have the opportunity to either adopt some or all of the language proposed by the ACLU or propose their own ballot summary language.

In this case, the Secretary of States language is so egregious and misleading that we believe the courts will be able to come in and decide their own language, Shafer said.

New challengers emerge to contest the fiscal note summary

After clearing legal hurdles in the Missouri Supreme Court in July, the fiscal note summary prepared by State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has once again come under fire  this time from Republican legislators and anti-abortion activists.

Rep. Hannah Kelly, R-Mountain Grove, and Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, and Kathy Forck, an anti-abortion advocate from New Bloomfield, filed a lawsuit against state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

There is a key difference between this lawsuit and the case involving Attorney General Andrew Bailey in July. In the case against Bailey, the Missouri ACLU insisted that his refusal to approve the fiscal note summary because he believed the cost estimate too low was outside the realm of his authority.

The Missouri Supreme Court building in Jefferson City.

The Missouri Supreme Court agreed that the role of the state Attorney General in the ballot initiative process was to ensure that the fiscal note summary met legal language requirements, not to verify the content. That responsibility falls to the state auditor.

The states highest court ordered Bailey to approve the fiscal note summary so that the ballot initiatives could progress. However, any Missouri resident has the right to contest the content of that fiscal note after it has been approved.

The auditor decides the fiscal note, the attorney general signs off, the secretary of state certifies, and then anybody can come forward and challenge the fiscal note, Shafer said. So the groups that didnt like the auditors original fiscal note are now challenging that.

As one of the defendants in the case, auditor Fitzpatrick continues to stand by his work on the fiscal note summary, despite his own personal position on abortion.

As someone who is unwavering in my commitment to protecting life and who has a long track record of sponsoring and supporting pro-life measures during my time in public office, I would love to be able to say these initiative petitions would cost the state billions of dollars per year, Fitzpatrick said.

The plaintiffs think that federal Medicaid funding could be at stake, which equals more than $12 billion. In the first lawsuit about the fiscal note, Greene County estimated that it would lose $51,000  based on estimates of lost tax revenue that would have been paid by future taxpayers  and the plaintiffs think that cost should be extrapolated statewide.

My office has found no information to support that claim, Fitzpatrick said. I have a duty to taxpayers to provide analysis that is as accurate as possible without letting my personal policy preferences be a consideration.

Secretary of State Ashcroft is also listed as a defendant in this case, but his inclusion is more of a formality due to his offices role in certifying the fiscal note.

I'm just looking for the court to give clarity on whether or not the fiscal note is accurate, Ashcroft said. And of course, I will follow the law, as I do on all this stuff.

More: Missouri Supreme Court orders AG to stop delaying abortion-rights amendment

New ballot initiatives face scrutiny from both sides of abortion argument

The language and fiscal note being contested only apply to the 11 ballot initiatives filed by Dr. Fitz-James. An additional six ballot initiatives aimed at reinstating some abortion rights were filed last week by the Missouri Women and Family Research Fund.

These proposals were pitched as a middle-ground to the other ballot initiatives already seeking to reinstate abortion rights in Missouri. However, they have come under fire from anti-abortion and pro-abortion advocates.

In a Facebook post, Missouri Healthcare Professionals for Reproductive Rights said, While we applaud their recognition that our current laws 'make Missouri [look] draconian, punitive and unsafe for families,' we find their proposals dangerous substitutes for the petitions currently making their way through our courts.

The group, which favors a right to choice in abortion, said in a written statement that it is concerned about the fact that a right to abortion exists only in cases of rape or incest, threats to the mother's health, or fatal fetal anomalies. This would require the mother to have reported their rape to a sexual assault hotline, which the group argues would be hard to verify.

Three versions of the six new ballot initiatives would prohibit the government from interfering with a womans right to access abortion before 12 weeks of pregnancy. All of the initiatives would provide immunity to women seeking abortions outside the state and to healthcare professionals who help them.

While some of these new measures would allow access to abortions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, some anti-abortion activists worry that a clause allowing for abortions up to the point of viability for the health of the mother are too ambiguous.

It would allow for abortions at any time in pregnancy, for the health or safety of the mother with no determination, whether that's from a physician or any healthcare provider, what threatens health or safety, said Samual Lee of Campaign Life Missouri, a group opposed to abortion.

Lee feels that passing any of the new ballot initiatives would leave too much room for interpretation of broad language enshrining abortion rights into the state constitution.

This is what I call Roe vs. Wade on steroids, Lee said. Because even under Roe vs. Wade, we had a lot of regulation of abortion, parental consent, and doctors had to have local hospital privileges, and restrictions on funding for abortion.

More: Education advocates cite Missouri as a top battleground in fight over public schools

With 19 ballot initiatives competing for enough signatures to qualify for inclusion on the November 2024 ballot, there is the possibility of more than one abortion rights amendment for voters to decide upon.

Any one of the ballot initiatives will need to collect more than 171,000 valid signatures before the filing date in May.

If more than one is approved, the Missouri Constitution and other state laws say that the amendment receiving the largest affirmative vote shall prevail, even if that amendment did not receive the greatest majority of affirmative votes.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri abortion ballot initiatives face next legal hurdle on Monday
FILE - French Barkhane Air Force mechanics maintain a Mirage 2000 on the Niamey, Niger base, on June 5, 2021. Nigeriens are preparing for war against regional countries threatening to invade, three weeks after mutinous soldiers ousted the nations democratically elected president. Residents in the capital, Niamey, are calling for the mass recruitment of volunteers to assist the army in the face of a growing threat by the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, which says it will use military force if the junta doesnt reinstate the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP)  Niger's new military leaders accused France of amassing forces for a possible military intervention in the country following the coup in July. French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that he would only take action at the demand of deposed Nigerien leader Mohamed Bazoum .

Niger's junta spokesman, Maj. Amadou Abdramane, said that France is also considering collaborating in such an intervention with the Economic Community of West African States, a regional bloc known as ECOWAS.

France continues to deploy its forces in several ECOWAS countries as part of preparations for an aggression against Niger, Abdramane said late Saturday in a statement broadcast on state television.

Macron said he wouldn't directly respond to the junta's claim when asked about it after the Group of 20 summit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"If we redeploy anything, it will only be at the demand of Bazoum and in coordination with him, not with those people who are holding a president hostage," he said.

Macron, however, added that France fully supports the position of ECOWAS, which has said it's considering a military intervention as an option to reinstate Bazoum as president.

Since toppling Bazoum, the junta in Niger, a former French colony, has leveraged anti-French sentiment among the population  asking the French ambassador and troops to leave  to shore up its support in resistance to regional and international pressure to reinstate the president. The country had been a strategic partner of France and the West in the fight against growing jihadi violence in the conflict-ridden Sahel region, the arid expanse below the Sahara Desert.

The junta spokesman said that France has deployed military aircraft and armored vehicles in countries like Ivory Coast, Senegal and Benin for such an aggression, a claim that The Associated Press couldn't independently verify.

This is why the National Council for the Protection of the Fatherland and the transitional government launch a solemn appeal to the great people of Niger to be vigilant and never to demobilize until the inevitable departure of French troops from our territory, he said.

French military spokesperson Col. Pierre Gaudilliere, meanwhile, said Thursday that there is now a little less than its 1,500 troops in Niger who had been working with Nigerien security forces to beat back the jihadi violence.

All French activities have been suspended since the coup, therefore, declarations that have been made (earlier by the French) are about exploring what were going to do with these capabilities, Gaudilliere said.

___

Angela Charlton contributed to this report from Paris.
(Bloomberg) --

Most Read from Bloomberg

Nigeria said it was rallying support to join the Group of 20 as a permanent member, seizing on a moment to lay its claim after the global bloc admitted the 55-member African Union at a summit this weekend.

South Africa is the only individual member nation from the continent in the G-20. Nigeria argues that as the largest African economy with growing geopolitical influence, it also should also be part of it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

G-20 Welcomes African Union as Member in Nod to Emerging World

Nigeria is poised, able and willing to be a major player in this family of the G-20 and in shaping a new world, without whom, the family will remain incomplete, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu told world leaders in New Delhi.

How Nigerias Leader Is Shaking Up a Shaky Economy: QuickTake

Nigeria, like Egypt and Mauritius, was one of nine guest countries invited by India to the meeting.

The West African nation of 200 million people could play a major role within the group, and wants to contribute to shaping a more equitable world by joining it, said Tinubu, who since coming to power in May has pledged to double the annual growth rate to 6% and started to overhaul economic policy.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
An infrastructure facility, a school, a kindergarten, an educational rehabilitation centre and eight residential buildings were damaged in a Russian attack in Kyiv Oblast on 9-10 September.

Source: Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, on Facebook; Ukraines National Police in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote from Kravchenko: "The Russian enemy has once again resorted to an attack. Last night, the air raid lasted for more than 3 hours. The enemy attacked Kyiv Oblast with UAVs. Air defence was actively responding in Kyiv Oblast overnight.

As a result of the attack, an infrastructure facility was damaged in one district. There are no casualties. All emergency services have arrived at the scene and are responding."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Details: As Kravchenko said, eight private residential buildings were damaged by the blast wave in one of the oblast's districts, with windows and doors broken, and facades and roofs slashed.

   .

In addition, the premises of a school, a kindergarten and the village council building in one hromada [an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories - ed.] were damaged by the blast wave. In another hromada, an education and rehabilitation centre were damaged.

Forest litter also caught fire.

Kravchenko said that the aftermath of the attack are currently being dealt with, and the owners of the damaged facilities will be provided with all necessary assistance.

The police added that a man, 20, was hospitalised with an arm injury caused by glass.

Background:

Earlier, the Air Force reported that the Russians had launched 33 kamikaze drones in Kyiv Oblast, 26 of which were destroyed.

The fall of debris from Russian drones was recorded in four districts of Kyiv on the night of 9-10 September as a result of an overnight attack by Shahed UAVs. The debris caused damage to an apartment, cars, trolleybus power lines and road signs, and set grass and railway sleepers on fire.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
(Bloomberg) -- Mike Pence drives his Ford pickup truck to meet donors near his hometown in Indiana. For the first Republican debate in Milwaukee, Nikki Haley stayed at a hotel that typically charges about $100 a day.

Most Read from Bloomberg

These Republican presidential candidates running low-budget campaigns are climbing in the polls, at the same time that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis  the candidate whose operation started with the most money  is seeing his support fade away.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After noteworthy performances at the August debate, former South Carolina governor Haley is polling at 6.1% and former Vice President Pence at 4.9%, according to RealClearPolitics averages. Haley is even beating President Joe Biden in a hypothetical 2024 match, according to a CNN/SSRS poll released Thursday.

Meanwhile, DeSantiss share of support has shrunk to 14.9% from 31.3% in January, widening the gap between him and frontrunner Donald Trump. His campaign, which officially launched in May, has been beset by tumult, including his missteps, donor worries about spending and firings.

Watching costs is a necessity for many Republican presidential campaigns since candidates are competing for donations. But for Haley and Pence, frugality has been a point of pride  and a way to distinguish themselves.

That draws a contrast with frontrunners Trump and DeSantis. The former president, whos been indicted four times this year, has been criticized for using campaign funds to cover his legal fees. DeSantiss penchant for private planes and a large cadre of paid advisers have quickly drained the bank balances of his campaign and super political action committee, prompting one official to plead for another $50 million from donors.

There are a number of candidates who have spent millions of dollars, and Im not sure if the fruits of that spending have been seen or felt by those candidates, said Devin OMalley, a spokesperson for the Pence campaign, which is prioritizing media interviews over advertising.

Even Vivek Ramaswamy, whose fund company just notched $1 billion in assets and who is mostly self-financing his 2024 bid, is touting the importance of a return on investment. The campaign is conscientious about spending contributions from grassroots donors, a spokesperson said.

Haleys and Pences campaigns have spent $103,000 and $43,000 respectively on advertising as of early September, according to AdImpact  the fifth and sixth-smallest amount of the eight candidates on the August debate stage, which didnt include Trump.

In contrast, the DeSantis campaign and super PAC have dished out $37.2 million on advertisements and plan to spend tens of millions more in the coming weeks. The top spender on commercials is Tim Scott, whose campaign and super PAC have laid out $51.2 million. The South Carolina senators polling behind Haley and Pence at 2.1% in the RealClearPolitics average.

Budget spending also comes with risks. Haley and Pence still trail Trump and DeSantis by double digits, and they need to reach  and win over  primary voters once they start casting ballots. Thats a formidable challenge given how Trump has turned even indictments to his advantage since they earn him millions of dollars in free media.

A DeSantis campaign spokesperson pointed to a recent poll of likely Iowa Republican caucus-goers that showed the governor and Trump drawing identical approval ratings. DeSantis officials are focusing their strategy on that caucus in January, the first GOP nominating contest.

For now, conserving cash for the long haul is working out for Pence and Haley.

Haley knows how important it is to have a budget and stick to it, said her spokesperson Ken Farnaso. Weve seen other candidates waste their donors money and get little to no return on their investment.

Thats politically an effective strategy, said Erika Franklin Fowler, co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project at Wesleyan University.

Luxury travel is generally not seen as a good look, she said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley said Sunday it was a mistake to use military families as political pawns in response to Sen. Tommy Tubervilles (R-Ala.) holds on the confirmations of more than 300 military officers to protest the Pentagons new abortion policy.

We dont need to be using military families as political pawns, Haley said in an interview on CNNs State of the Union. Thats a mistakethe military members and families  they sacrifice enough. They dont need to be a pawn in Congress. But look at the political games that continue to play.

The six-month hold on over 300 senior military officers promotions has drawn fresh criticism from both sides of the aisle as the Senate returns from a monthlong recess.

The policy Tuberville is protesting allows for paid leave and travel reimbursement for service members seeking an abortion, which Tuberville argues is a violation of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funds from being used for abortion.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, blamed the Department of Justice for adding the reimbursement policy and vowed to put an end to it as president.

Because you have to do these things through Congress, we have three branches of government for a reason, Haley said. You cant slip something in there like that and think that Congress is not going to be upset.

Haley, whose husband is in the military, suggested Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) hold a vote on each military member, to which CNN anchor Jake Tapper argued would go against the tradition of the Senates unanimous vote of consent for the promotions.

If youre going to talk about tradition, shouldnt the Department of Defense do things the right way so were never in this mess to start with? Haley said. Lets, I mean, lets call it like we see it  Department of Defense started this. Im not saying Sen. Tuberville is right and doing this because I dont want to use them as pawns.

But if you love our military, if you are so adamant about it, then go and make Congress  Republicans and Democrats  have to go through person by person. Do you honestly think they wont say okay, this is ridiculous, lets put an end to it,? They will, she continued.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Airline to use 3rd C919 for new flights

13:22, September 10, 2023 By WANG YING in Shanghai ( China Daily

A C919 aircraft leaves Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. YIN LIQIN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

Commercial Aircraft Corp of China, or COMAC, will deliver the third Chinese-developed C919 aircraft next month to China Eastern Airlines, sources at the Shanghai-based airline told local media.

"China Eastern is scheduled to receive its third C919 in October, and a few more new flights are going to be launched before June next year, to enable more Chinese passengers to take flights on the Chinese-developed passenger aircraft," an executive in charge of the airline's aircraft operations was quoted as saying by local media Jiefang Daily on Thursday.

China Eastern said it plans to expand commercial services of the C919 to more Chinese cities.

The C919 is China's first self-developed trunk liner with international airworthiness standards and owning independent intellectual property rights, comparable to the Airbus A320 and Boeing B737 series.

The first C919 plane was delivered to China Eastern Airlines in December 2022. The aircraft's maiden commercial flight was from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport on May 28.

With 164 passenger seats, including eight in the business class and 156 in the economy section, the first C919 has been in use for commercial flights between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Sichuan province.

Since Thursday, the second C919, which was delivered to China Eastern on July 16, joined the first one for daily flights between Shanghai and Chengdu, according to information on the public domain.

Lin Zhijie, an aviation analyst, said he has learned from industry sources and travel agencies that many Chinese flyers book C919 flight tickets just to experience the homegrown jet.

Lin, who contributes a column to carnoc.com, a well-known aviation website, said he expects the C919 to make the industry more competitive, thereby promoting the healthy development of the world's civil aviation market.

Zheng Hongfeng, founder and CEO of VariFlight, a provider of aviation data and related solutions, said China is entering the stage of having more Chinese-developed jets.

As C919 flights increase, the experience gathered would help in making future Chinese aircraft safer, thus helping its manufacturer COMAC to meet market demand better, Zheng said.

In an unrelated development, a model of the narrow-body C919 jet has been put on display at the three-day 2023 Inclusion Conference on the Bund that started in Shanghai on Thursday.

The 3.8-meter-long model, which is one-tenth the size of the first C919, features all the details of the jet's appearance, including the "world's first" sign.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chaolan)
Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi speaks during the opening ceremony of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Educational and Cultural Exchange Base and the first Open Day for Rail Enthusiasts event in Bandung, Indonesia, Sept. 9, 2023. The opening ceremony of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Educational and Cultural Exchange Base, along with the first Open Day for Rail Enthusiasts event, was held in Indonesia's Bandung on Saturday.

Nearly 500 people, including railway enthusiasts and students from across Indonesia, attended the event, which was the first occasion for Indonesian people to step inside the train maintenance facility of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR and observe the EMUs up close. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

JAKARTA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- The opening ceremony of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Educational and Cultural Exchange Base, along with the first Open Day for Rail Enthusiasts event, was held in Indonesia's Bandung on Saturday.

Nearly 500 people, including railway enthusiasts and students from across Indonesia, attended the event, which was the first occasion for Indonesian people to step inside the train maintenance facility of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR and observe the EMUs up close.

"It's my first time stepping inside a Jakarta-Bandung HSR EMU. The train is incredibly modern. Its sleek appearance, coupled with its comfortable interior amenities and an array of advanced technologies, left me amazed," said Danny, a blogger residing in Bandung, as he gave a thumbs-up to the Jakarta-Bandung HSR train on site.

The Educational and Cultural Exchange Base is aimed at bringing more people closer to the Jakarta-Bandung HSR, facilitating their understanding of Chinese high-speed rail technology, as well as showcasing the achievements of bilateral cooperation.

The base is situated at the Tegalluar EMU Depot Joint Maintenance Facility, where maintenance is conducted for 11 EMUs used for passenger operations, along with one comprehensive inspection train.

It features an exhibition hall, covering an area of nearly 200 square meters, which has video and VR presentations to display the related technological achievements, 40 different models of Chinese trains, and various Chinese books.

Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said at the event that the Jakarta-Bandung HSR exemplifies win-win cooperation between the two countries, and would bring tangible benefits to Indonesia's transportation sector and drive economic development.

He also expressed his hope for further strengthening the practical cooperation with China in the field of transportation technology.

A landmark project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the high-speed line connects Indonesia's capital Jakarta and another major city Bandung.

With a design speed of 350 km per hour, the railway spanning 142.3 km will cut the journey between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to around 40 minutes. 

Staff members pose for photos with Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway Electrical Multiple Units and a comprehensive inspection train in Bandung, Indonesia, Sept. 9, 2023. The opening ceremony of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Educational and Cultural Exchange Base, along with the first Open Day for Rail Enthusiasts event, was held in Indonesia's Bandung on Saturday.

Nearly 500 people, including railway enthusiasts and students from across Indonesia, attended the event, which was the first occasion for Indonesian people to step inside the train maintenance facility of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR and observe the EMUs up close. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Crew members welcome guests who are about to board a train of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway to go to Bandung in Halim Station, Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 9, 2023. The opening ceremony of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Educational and Cultural Exchange Base, along with the first Open Day for Rail Enthusiasts event, was held in Indonesia's Bandung on Saturday.

Nearly 500 people, including railway enthusiasts and students from across Indonesia, attended the event, which was the first occasion for Indonesian people to step inside the train maintenance facility of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR and observe the EMUs up close. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

A journalist takes photos for train models at the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway Electric Multiple Unit Educational and Cultural Exchange Base in Bandung, Indonesia, Sept. 9, 2023. The opening ceremony of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Educational and Cultural Exchange Base, along with the first Open Day for Rail Enthusiasts event, was held in Indonesia's Bandung on Saturday.

Nearly 500 people, including railway enthusiasts and students from across Indonesia, attended the event, which was the first occasion for Indonesian people to step inside the train maintenance facility of the Jakarta-Bandung HSR and observe the EMUs up close. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)
Kyrylo Budanov , Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, has said that no civilians were injured in the attacks by "unknown drones" in Russia, and that the attacks targeted Russian military industry facilities.

Source: Budanov at the annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES), quoted by Interfax-Ukraine news agency

Quote: "You have to consider, let's say, which targets are being affected.

These are, first of all, facilities of the military industry. For example, recently, some drones attacked the Kremnyi EL enterprise. This is a company that produces the main, let's say, microcircuits, which are not purchased [anywhere else], and [they] are used in Iskander missiles.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The choice of target for these unknown drones is quite understandable. And so it is everywhere. If you analyse what has been targeted in Moscow Oblast, Tula Oblast, etc., these are all military industry facilities."

Details: He stressed that "this is the difference that distinguishes us from the Russians": no civilians have been injured.

"There are explosions. There are very large, let's say, sabotage actions and events. But people do not suffer," Budanov said.

He stressed that the explosions in the aggressor country "sober up the society a bit", but there is still no mass effect for Ukraine. However, the oblasts where military facilities are located are affected, indeed.

"At the same time, the first signs of small shifts towards panic have begun. For example, Russian insurance companies have started insuring civilians against drone attacks. Since no civilians have been injured, this is a sign of panic," he explained.

Budanov also noted that the attacks have resulted in constant disruptions to civilian aviation in Russia. He said that some airlines have already officially withdrawn from Moscow airports and stopped flying there.

"This is a matter of time. I think that significant problems will be created in this way. And this will have a direct impact on people, who, in turn, will start to talk about their dissatisfaction at least a little bit, let's say, at least in the kitchen. This will be a step forward," Budanov added.

Background: Budanov believes that Russia's war against Ukraine will not last long.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Marylands top utility regulator was watching the news one February morning when a headline blindsided him: Two suspects with neo-Nazi ties had been charged with plotting to take down Baltimores power grid.

Jason Stanek, the then-chair of the states Public Service Commission, said Maryland regulators were caught flat-footed, not hearing a word from law enforcement before the news broke  or in the months afterward. Federal prosecutors have alleged the defendants were driven by racially motivated hatred to try to cut power to hundreds of thousands of people in the states largest city, which has a predominantly Black population.

The FBI declined to comment on its communications with the Maryland commission. But Staneks experience is not uncommon.

A POLITICO analysis of federal data and interviews with a dozen security, extremism and electricity experts revealed that despite a record surge in attacks on the grid nationwide, communication gaps between law enforcement and state and federal regulators have left many officials largely in the dark about the extent of the threat. They have also hampered efforts to safeguard the power network.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Adding to the difficulties, no single agency keeps a complete record of all such incidents. But the attacks they know about have regulators and other power experts alarmed:

 Utilities reported 60 incidents they characterized as physical threats or attacks on major grid infrastructure, in addition to two cyberattacks, during the first three months of 2023 alone, according to mandatory disclosures they filed with the Department of Energy. Thats more than double the number from the same period last year. DOE has not yet released data past March.

 Nine of this years attacks led to power disruptions, the DOE records indicate.

 The U.S. is on pace to meet or exceed last years record of 164 major cyber and physical attacks.

 And additional analyses imply that the true number of incidents for both 2022 and 2023 is probably even higher. POLITICOs analysis found several incidents that utilities had reported to homeland security officials but did not show up in DOE data.



According to a report on grid security compiled by a power industry cyber clearinghouse, obtained by POLITICO, a total of 1,665 security incidents involving the U.S. and Canadian power grids occurred last year. That count included 60 incidents that led to outages, 71 percent more than in 2021.

While that report does not break down how many of those incidents occurred in which country, the U.S. has a significantly larger grid, serving 145 million homes and businesses, with nearly seven times Canadas power-generating capacity.

Law enforcement officials have blamed much of the rise in grid assaults on white nationalist and far-right extremists, who they say are using online forums to spread tactical advice on how to shut down the power supply.

Concerns about the attacks have continued in recent months, with incidents including a June indictment of an Idaho man accused of shooting two hydroelectric stations in the state.

But law enforcement officers investigating alleged plots against the grid dont necessarily alert the Energy Department or other regulatory bodies.

We have no idea how many attacks on the grid are occurring, said Jon Wellinghoff, a former chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates the U.S. electric grid. It looks like theyre escalating if you look at the data. But if you dont have enough data, you cant discern patterns and proactively work to stop these things from happening.

Wellinghoff was FERCs chair when an unknown sniper attacked a Pacific Gas and Electric substation in San Jose, Calif., in 2013  an incident regulators have described as a wake-up call on the electricity supplys vulnerability to sabotage.



Last years record number of physical and cyber disruptions to the U.S. power system included several incidents that captured public attention, such as a December shooting attack against two North Carolina substations that left 45,000 people without power for four days. The states medical examiner has blamed the attack for the death of an 87-year-old woman who died after her oxygen machine failed, ruling it a homicide. Nobody has been charged.

There is no doubt there's been an uptick over the last three years in the amount of incidents and also the severity of the incidents, said Manny Cancel, senior vice president at the North American Electric Reliability Corp., the nonprofit body in charge of setting reliability standards for the bulk power system. He is also CEO of its Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center, which gathers and analyzes data from power companies.

Cancel said NERC has seen two pretty substantial increases in incidents coinciding with the 2020 and 2022 election cycles.

Grid attacks that led to power outages increased 71 percent from 2021 to 2022, totaling 55 incidents in 2022, according to a NERC briefing to utilities that POLITICO obtained. That increase was primarily due to a rise in gunfire assaults against critical infrastructure.

The largest outage reported from a physical attack early this year  which occurred in March in Clark County, Nev.  affected more than 11,000 people, according to DOE data.

But the state Public Utilities Commission was not aware of any outage due to an attack occurring that day, spokesperson Peter Kostes told POLITICO by email. Thats even though state regulations require utilities to contact the commission within four hours of a significant outage.

The states largest utility, NV Energy, said in a statement that it had reported the incident to local law enforcement as soon as we learned about this incident ... so we can continue to increase our resilience against ongoing threats to the energy industry. A spokesperson for the utility did not respond to multiple requests for comment on whether it had informed the commission.

Federal regulations also require utilities to report cyber or physical attacks to DOE, including physical attacks that cause major interruptions or impacts to operations.

They must also tell the department about disruptions from weather or other causes that meet certain criteria, such as those that cut off service to more than 50,000 customers for at least an hour, an uncontrolled loss of more than 200 megawatts of power, or a utility voluntarily shutting more than 100 megawatts, according to an Energy Department spokesperson. The spokesperson provided the information on the condition that they not be identified by name.

The Energy Departments records dont include at least seven reported physical assaults last year and this year that the Department of Homeland Security and the affected utilities said caused substantive economic damage or cut off power to thousands of customers. POLITICO found these incidents by cross-checking the departments data against warnings issued by DHS and the FBIs Office of the Private Sector.

DOE said the incidents may not meet its reporting thresholds.

Several of the incidents missing from DOEs data involved clear physical attacks, based on other agencies descriptions. But the utilities involved said they did not report the incidents to the department because the attacks did not affect the kind of major equipment that could lead to widespread, regional power failures.

One of the incidents not found in DOEs records cut off power to about 12,000 people for roughly two hours in Maysville, N.C., after a shooting damaged a substation in November, according to a DHS report. The FBIs investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the intelligence agency.

The utility affected by the incident, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, reported the incident to NERC's Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center, but didnt report the attack to DOE because it was a distribution-level incident, said Melissa Glenn, a spokesperson for the utility. That means the outages caused by the damage would have been limited to local power customers and not lead to the wider blackouts federal regulators are most concerned with.

In another case unreported to the Energy Department, a substation owned by the East River Electric Cooperative serving the Keystone oil pipeline in South Dakota was attacked by gunfire late at night in July 2022, according to DHS. The incident caused more than $1 million in damage and forced the pipeline to reduce operations while repairs were underway.

East River co-op spokesperson Chris Studer said the utility reported the incident to local law enforcement, which brought in the FBI. East River also reported the incident to NERC and its E-ISAC, along with regional grid agencies, but said it did not report it to DOE because the attack did not affect the bulk power system.

Brian Harrell, a former assistant secretary for infrastructure protection at DHS, said in an email that utilities have too many competing agencies to report to, and suggested reporting be streamlined to NERCs E-ISAC.

This lack of consistency, by no fault of the utility, suggests that the numbers may not paint a complete picture, he said.

Grid experts said these data gaps clearly indicate a lack of understanding about which agencies utilities need to report to and when.

Utilities may be using a loophole based on definitions of what constitutes critical infrastructure, said Jonathon Monken, a grid security expert with the consulting firm Converge Strategies. He was previously senior director of system resilience and strategic coordination for the PJM Interconnection, the nations largest power market.

There are lots of ways to work around DOE requirements, Monken added, but as he reads the regulation, utilities are required to report any operational disruptions caused by a physical attack.

[I]t appears the information you collected shows that companies are still missing the boat when it comes to mandatory reporting, he said. Not good.

One former FERC official who was granted anonymity to speak about a sensitive security issue said the commission also received no alerts from law enforcement officials about the planned and actual attacks that took place last year. That omission hinders agencies ability to respond to these kinds of events, the person said.

A spokesperson for FERC declined to comment on the commissions communications with law enforcement.

But Cancel defended government agencies response to these incidents, and said federal investigators may have had specific intelligence reasons for keeping FERC and state utility agencies out of the loop.

I'm not a lawyer or a law enforcement professional, but you had an active criminal investigation going on, he said. I don't think they wanted to sort of blow the horn on that and compromise the integrity of the investigation.

An FBI spokesperson offered no direct response to these criticisms in an email, but said the agency views cybersecurity as a team sport. The person commented on the condition that the remark be attributed to the bureau.

The FBI urged utility executives last month to attend security training hosted by intelligence agents in order to ensure they are up to speed on the threats posed by bad actors.

We can't do it without you, Matthew Fodor, deputy assistant director of the FBIs counterterrorism division, said during an all-day FERC technical conference on Aug. 10. The challenges that we have  and DOE can probably speak to this better than anybody  is limited resources.

People attacking the electricity supply have thousands of potential targets, including power substations and smaller but critical pieces of utility infrastructure. The smaller pieces often go unprotected because federal standards do not require utilities to secure them.

Nearly half of the 4,493 attacks from 2020 to 2022 targeted substations, according to the NERC briefing from February, making them the most frequent targets for perpetrators over that period.

Details on how to carry out these kinds of attacks are available from extremist messaging boards and other online content, researchers and federal security officials say. These include maps of critical entry points to the grid, along with advice that extremists have gleaned from incidents like the assault in North Carolina.

Stanek, the Maryland electricity regulator, said he was disappointed with the level of coordination and communication that federal and state law enforcement displayed in handling the alleged plot in Baltimore. No trial date has been announced for the case, which is in U.S. District Court in Maryland.

Marylands Public Service Commission is in charge of ensuring that the states power system keeps the lights on. Regulators need to be kept informed of threats to the system so they can coordinate with other agencies in case an attack succeeds, Stanek said.

At the same time, he quipped, maybe he was better off in the dark after all.

There's a lot of colorful details in [the FBI report], Stanek said. He paused, thinking. And honestly, as a regulator, had I received these details in advance and shared the information with trusted sources within state government, I would have had sleepless nights.

So perhaps the feds did a favor by only sharing this information after everything was all said and done, he added.



CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misidentified the location of the largest power outage from a physical attack.
WELLFLEET  Out of 19 articles on the special town meeting warrant, one would establish a town planner position that would carry salary and benefits worth $145,000 a year.

Article two would authorize amending the source of borrowing money for a cluster wastewater treatment facility to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to access better interest rates. The same article asks for the authorization of an additional $2.6 million for the design, permitting and construction of the facility. The town will learn in November if a grant from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program is approved, which could potentially fund the project in full or in part.

Wellfleet Town Hall

Why does Wellfleet want to hire a town planner?

Currently, planning duties fall under the domain of the assistant town administrator, but that position is "overburdened," according to Select Board Chair Barbara Carboni. Carboni is the town planner for Truro.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Many projects and goals have been discussed and agreed upon but we can't go forward because of lack of staffing," she said. "There is no one in place to shepherd those projects through."

A planner is the project manager for the town's housing production, open space, and local comprehensive plans that are required by the state, Carboni said. They are procurement agents who hire and manage consultants on town projects.

Town staff have come and gone over the years, something far too common on the Outer Cape. That has left Wellfleet with fewer staff to take on more roles and responsibilities.

The Select Board and Wellfleet Housing Authority have recommended passage of the article. The Finance Committee will vote whether or not to recommend the article at the town meeting.

Why does it matter to voters?

Wellfleet has had several fiscal crises over the last several years, compounded by employee turnover in certain high-level professional positions. With the departure of Assistant Town Administrator Rebecca Roughley, there is no one on staff with the training and capacity to carry the Maurice's Campground project forward and committee work has been suspended, Carboni said.

Funding of the position would require a Proposition 2  override. The annual tax impact on the average home valued at $789,700 is approximately $32/year, according to the warrant.

What is a town meeting?

A town meeting is both an event and an entity, according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website. As an event, it is a gathering of a towns eligible voters, and is referred to as the town meeting. As an entity, it is the legislative body for towns in Massachusetts, and is referred to simply as town meeting. Thirteen of the 15 Cape Cod towns including Wellfleet have open town meetings, meaning all voters who live in that town may vote on all matters. Falmouth, though, has a representative town meeting, where all voters elect town meeting members who then vote on all town meeting matters. The town of Barnstable is governed by an elected town council rather than by a town meeting.

When and where is the Wellfleet town meeting?

Wellfleet's town meeting is at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Wellfleet Elementary School gymnasium. The address is 100 Lawrence Road in Wellfleet.

Where can I find the warrant?

For warrant information, go to https://www.wellfleet-ma.gov/home/pages/special-town-meeting. Child care will be provided for children ages 3 and up, but sign-up is required prior to the meeting.

Denise Coffey writes about business and tourism. Contact her at dcoffey@capecodonline.com.

The Cape Cod Times is providing this coverage for free as a public service. Please take a moment to support local journalism.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Wellfleet considers hiring a town planner. Town meeting will decide.
North Koreas latest weapon system puts a new spin on the age-old concept of camouflage.

In its latest parade through Pyongyangs Kim Il-Sung Square marking the 75th Anniversary of North Koreas founding, the Worker-Peasant Red Guards paramilitary force unveiled a fleet of multiple rocket launchers disguised as civilian trucks. The box trucks and dump trucks had 12 tubes each of what appeared to be 122mm artillery rockets deployed via their pop-up and slide door roofs. The dump truck crews even sported yellow hardhats with their rifles.

Fake dump trucks that can have rocket artillery concealed inside. KCNA

The parade heavily featured the paramilitary force, with a fleet of tractors pulling rocket-launchers and anti-tank guided missiles on trailers. North Korea displayed similar systems towing guided missile launchers in the same parade two years ago . The tractors are a clear representation of a very real North Korean operational tactic  using these civilian instruments for all-out war should a conflict kick off. This heavy weaponry also underlines how North Koreas civil defense possesses significant firepower.

Civilian tractors were seen pulling trailers with anti-tank missiles, rocket artillery, and anti-aircraft guns attached. (KCNA)

https://twitter.com/nknewsorg/status/1700376452808765546 https://twitter.com/nknewsorg/status/1700375804902031582

Worker-Peasant Red Guard rocket launchers disguised as dump trucks during a parade in Pyongyang on September 9. KCNA.

Worker-Peasant Red Guard rocket launchers concealed within container trucks during a parade in Pyongyang on September 9. KCNA.

The trucks also are indicative of a growing rebirth of old deception tactics to further conceal military equipment on the battlefield. The U.S. is viewing similar tactics as critical to a fight in the Pacific. But, above all useless, Russias invasion of Ukraine has clearly demonstrated the the changing nature of how and what constitutes an intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) asset and how those assets detect enemy units and directing fires on them. ISTAR capabilities have largely been democratized via the proliferation of relatively cheap unmanned systems.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1700101416377872789 https://twitter.com/Arslon_Xudosi/status/1698690899046228280 https://twitter.com/Veteransforukr1/status/1698351650417631591

Beyond just intelligence gathering, first-person view and other kamikaze drones and drone-dropped bomblets have drastically increased the risk to forces even behind the front lines. Air-to-ground precision guided weapons, once limited to only wealthier powers, especially in large numbers, can now be had for the cost of a hobby drone and some creativity. And a single drone can be both the hunter and the killer.

https://twitter.com/NakedPueblo63/status/1700560661867372638 https://twitter.com/Europe_Defence/status/1697423744392728699 https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1698331819282718772

In terms of North Korea, they are up against a far more expansive surveillance capability. The U.S. and South Korea are constantly monitoring activity and posture across the DMZ, down to patterns of movement of fighting vehicles and artillery and their locations. You can read about how a part of this is done from the air here . During war, this surveillance would be ratcheted-up to a level never seen before in modern warfare. So playing on the U.S. and South Korea's weaknesses  the lack of being able distinguish civilian from military vehicles that appear the same  is clearly the goal here. As is vastly increasing the targeting sets that would need to be addressed during a conflict. If any truck can be an artillery rocket launcher, the numbers of targets that need to be struck grows rapidly, and it's already a gigantic list in that theater.

Whether in Ukraine or South Korea, if it is near the front and can be seen and identified, it can be killed. This puts immense pressure to keep equipment out of sight as much as possible, or at least confuse the enemy as to what they are seeing. As part of its strategy for defending against a potential Chinese invasion , Taiwan has previously concealed its armored vehicles as construction equipment during exercises .

In some applications, though, the solution may be hiding in plain sight. The U.S. , Israel , and Russia have all developed missile launchers disguised to look like shipping containers, able to blend in among deck cargo or within industrial areas from which to launch attacks. The U.S. Air Forces stealthy XQ-58A Valkyrie drones also have the potential to be deployed via a containerized system .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRClbgBaYko

Two Navy Mk 70 launchers, or variants or derivatives thereof, on trailers in a ground-based capacity during a test in Europe in 2022. USN

This is far from North Koreas first foray into extreme methods of concealment to enhance survivability. Deterrence constitutes a significant portion of the nuclear-armed states strategy, designed to make it difficult if not impossible for any preemptive strike to take out all of North Koreas nuclear warheads and delivery systems.

We wrote two years ago about Pyongyang testing short-range ballistic missiles fired from aboard modified railcars , as well as last years test launch from within a lake .

KCNA

Disguised launchers create a deadly shell game for any opponent. Which trucks, train cars, or lakes have launchers in them? Missing even one can have costly results. From the North Korean perspective, this ties-up additional ISTAR resources from the enemy that would otherwise be used elsewhere.

For that matter, if North Korea has invested in this technology for its paramilitary forces rocket launchers, whats to stop them from similarly adopting it for long-range fires like nuclear-armed cruise missiles ? It will be interesting to see how North Korea and other nations develop similar these systems in the coming years as concealment and guile become more necessary than ever to fight and win on the modern, ultra-surveilled battlefield.

Contact the author: stetson.payne@thewarzone.com
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a photo session with participants celebrating the 75th anniversary of the country's founding but stayed away from other events amid reports that he would soon leave for a trip to Russia.

Celebrations on Saturday were packed with dedications of floral baskets to past leaders, banquets, concerts for a visiting Chinese delegation, and a performance by Russian army song and dance ensemble, KCNA news agency reported on Sunday.

KCNA made no mention of Kim other than attending a photo session at the courtyard of the mausoleum that houses the bodies of his father and grandfather, as he praised the people "who put state affairs above their family affairs in good or bad days".

"The patriots are the best assets representing the very might of the country ... as the Workers' Party of Korea is ushering in the era of great transformation unprecedented in the history of the country by relying on such people," he said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Kim was expected to travel to Russia's far-eastern city of Vladivostok to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss weapons supplies and other military cooperation, likely on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to start on Sunday.

North Korea's state media have been silent about the trip, first reported by the New York Times citing U.S. officials, which South Korea's intelligence agency said was possible. The Kremlin said it had "nothing to say" on the matter.

If he makes the trip, probably by his armoured train, it would be just the second visit to Russia for Kim as he looks to forge deeper ties with an increasingly isolated Moscow when Pyongyang can reap clear benefits from Putin's need for friends.

North Korea and Russia have denied they were in arms negotiations but the United States last week said such talks are actively advancing and warned it would be a mistake for Kim to supply weapons that Putin can use in Ukraine.

North Korea in turn may be looking to fill shortfalls in military resources such as in its development of nuclear weapons that can be delivered by ballistic missiles and nuclear submarines, analysts have said.

North Korea last week launched with great fanfare and attended by Kim what it called its first "tactical nuclear attack submarine," a vessel that appeared to be a modified Soviet-era submarine with 10 launch tube hatches.

South Korea's military said the submarine did not appear ready for normal operations, and that there were signs North Korea was attempting to fabricate or exaggerate its capabilities.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Michael Perry)
Russia has amassed over 420,000 troops in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) reports.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine news agency with reference to a statement by Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of the DIU, during the annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES) in Kyiv

Quote from the DIU official: "The Russian Federation has amassed over 420,000 troops in our temporarily occupied territories and on the Crimean Peninsula. That's apart from the Russian National Guard, other bodies, special units, and the Russian security forces that support the occupying power in our territories."

Details: He emphasised that Russia has a very powerful contingent in Ukraine, which includes numerous tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery systems, multiple-launch rocket systems and missile systems.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

However, Skibitskyi says, despite such a large number of occupiers, more than a year and a half after the start of the full-scale aggression, Russia has still been unable to achieve its strategic goal of the full occupation of Ukraine.

And it has started to change its goals. Currently, the occupiers are trying to capture Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts in their entirety.

Skibitskyi noted that the Russian occupiers are currently conducting the most active combat operations on two fronts - Kupiansk-Lyman and Marinka-Donetsk - in order to complete at least one task and make it to the administrative borders of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The U.S. Department of Defense has paid about $1 billion to an arms dealer who was once indicted for allegedly bribing foreign officials and has built a $200 million side business selling ammunition directly to Ukraine, the investigation published by the New York Times revealed.

Florida-based military contractor Marc Morales, leads Global Ordnance company which was awarded about $1 billion in contracts from the Pentagon.

According to the investigation, Morales paid a senior sergeant in the Ukrainian army, Volodymyr Koyfman, to arrange meetings in the Ukrainian government for his own contacts shedding light on a quiet aspect of the Biden administrations war strategy.

They operate in a notoriously shadowy, clubby arms trade, an industry made even more opaque as Ukraine rolled back years of anti corruption rules, the report reads.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In total, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with more than $40 billion in military assistance, including HIMARS missiles and Patriot air defense systems.

Bryan Van Brunt, the general counsel for Global Ordnance, said the company followed the law and the Ukrainian government was aware of Koyfman's work at Global Ordnance.

At the same time, according to two of Morales's competitors, he has an unfair advantage, not because of his ties to Koyfman, but because of his ties to the Pentagon. In addition, the investigation showed that Morales was far from the only arms dealer with connections in the Ukrainian government.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Top US general says Ukraine has 30-45 days for the offensive before weather worsens

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
For more than 30 years, Odland Music Shop fed the musical needs of the people of Sioux Falls and surrounding areas. The store was located at 109 W. 9th St., just south of the Cataract Hotel. Its proprietor was Earl Odland.

Earl Odland was born in Meckling, South Dakota on May 8, 1903. He attended public schools and later Sioux Falls Business College. In 1926, he started putting this knowledge to use in Sioux City at Odland Radio Studio, where he sold and serviced radios. Business was brisk enough that he was able to buy a delivery truck the following year. On July 20, 1931, Earl was united in marriage to Rosalie Lanott, a native of Salix, Iowa, 15 miles south of Sioux City.

In 1932, Earl sold Odland Radio Studio to Home Appliance Co., an established Sioux City firm. Earl and Rosalie then moved to Sioux Falls, and with some help from Ernest Aegerter, who had owned a music shop in Yankton over the prior 16 years, opened the Aegerter & Odland Music Shoppe. They used the shoppe spelling interchangeably with its more conventional spelling as late as 1940.

The image is from the little Odland Music Shop in 1944.

Aegerter & Odland Music Shop sold, as its motto claimed, Everything Musical. This included instruments, sheet music, radios, phonographs, records, and even tickets for local performances. Odland believed that music could bring people together and solve the problems of juvenile delinquency, feeling that idle hands were the main cause of that issue.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On May 2, 1936, Ernest Aegerter died and his name was removed from the business. It is assumed that Earl bought Ernests portion of the business from his family.

In 1938, record sales started to take off. There were advancements in recording and playback technology that really made the music come to life. Better tone quality could finally be provided in recorded media.

More: Herberger's closed because Sioux Falls was 'over-retailed': Looking back

In 1942, the American Federation of Musicians, realizing that musicians were getting no compensation for the increased record sales, went on strike. No new musical recordings were made in the United States from that point until 1944. This came at a time when the world was at war. Soldiers began collecting all the records they could find, and classical music was enjoying a resurgence, though the jazz hits of the day were also selling well. Odland Music Shop sold and shipped instruments to soldiers who needed something to occupy themselves between times of conflict. During the war, manufacturers refitted their manufacturing processes to benefit the war effort, which meant that new instruments, phonographs, and radios were not being produced. The shop did its best to repair damaged instruments and find new homes for used instruments. Odland made sure the music never stopped.

After the war, supplies began returning to normal pre-war levels, but the demand was even greater than before. Odland Music Shop kept a list of customers to call when stock arrived. No obligation, of course.

On May 14, 1952, Rosalie Odland died suddenly at a local hospital. On Oct. 31, 1953, Earl Odland married Madalene Boyington. It was the second marriage for both. He was 50 and she was 41. Neither had children.

More: How Dairy Queen expanded into Sioux Falls and the rest of South Dakota: Looking back

On June 11, 1956, Earl Odland was found dead in his car, 3 miles south of Sioux Falls. He was parked on an abandoned road, just across the Lincoln county line, having taken his own life. He had reportedly been despondent for some time.

Madalene continued to run Odland Music Shop until late 1964, at which point she held a going out of business sale. The ad said she was closing the store due to ill health. She died suddenly on Nov. 26, 1966. People still have fond memories of Odland Music Shop and all the records purchased there. The store had listening booths, and if a particular item was not in stock, they would order it for you. That kind of memory sticks with you and stays warm in your heart.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Odland Music Shop helped carry Sioux Falls through war and death: Looking back
When I was 23 my mom called to let me know my dad needed open heart surgery.

I've been preparing for "the call" all my life because my parents are older than my peers' parents.

I've been dealing with anticipatory grief for years.

Most 20-somethings aren't expecting the call. You know, the call where you find out that you might lose a parent. When I got the call a year ago, I was 23 years old and settling into my new apartment in New York City. I was standing on the precipice of my adult life, with grad school and a new job on the horizon.

It was my mom on the other end of the line. My dad needed emergency open heart surgery to save his life. I got on the next flight home and tried to wrap my head around the horrifying news. But in many ways, I had been preparing for that phone call my entire life.

Unlike most emerging adults  whose parents are in their 40s or 50s  my parents are already senior citizens. I always knew my parents' decision to have their first child in their 40s would shorten the amount of time I had with them  especially with my dad.

He made a full recovery, but I still carry grief

Thankfully, the surgery worked, and my dad has made a full recovery. But since then, I've agonized over my decision to move away from home, wondering if something will happen to them while I'm gone. It's been difficult to embrace my newfound independence and enjoy the life I'm building for myself.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mostly, I grapple with profound grief at the thought of everything my parents might miss out on, like my wedding day or future children. But can we truly grieve the living?

Apparently, we can. Anticipatory grief is the experience of grieving an inevitable future loss. Counselor educator and anticipatory grief expert Kylie Rogalla can speak to this experience from both an academic and personal perspective. "The first diaper I ever changed was that of my own father. Watching his mobility and his functionality go down the drain so quickly  it was grief in the present time," she said.

What is anticipatory grief?

Anticipatory grief is the mind's way of preparing us for an upcoming loss. It doesn't make the grief we feel after the loss any less difficult, but it gives us an opportunity to spend time with our loved ones, gather support, and say goodbye, according to Rogalla.

For children of older parents, anticipatory grief can plague our 20s. While most people won't worry about losing their parents until their 40s or 50s, others don't have as much time. Emerging adulthood is filled with growth, uncertainty, and change. Adding anticipatory grief into that mix creates a number of challenges.

Emerging adulthood is a time of independently building an adult life, says Jeffrey Arnett, originator of the concept. Throwing an aging parent's ill health into that process creates a disruption. Emerging adults with older parents may feel restricted when making certain decisions, such as where to live or whether to pursue higher education. Anticipatory grief can make them feel torn between choosing what is best for their own growth and what's best for their parents.

It can be isolating

It can also be isolating. When most of your peers have parents much younger than yours, it's difficult to find people who understand what you're going through. That's why it's important to connect with people who can empathize with your experience. Actively seeking social support is the most effective coping mechanism for people struggling with anticipatory grief, according to Rogalla's research.

For me, coping with anticipatory grief has meant going back to therapy, telling close friends how I feel  even those who can't relate  and having some tough conversations with my parents. While acknowledging the impermanence of our relationship is difficult for all three of us, those conversations helped me find ways to make the most of our time together without sacrificing my goals. Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience; learning to live with it  rather than trying to avoid it  is the only way.

"We're not moving on. We're not getting over it. We're making room," said Rogalla.

Read the original article on Insider
The City of Olympia and its partners have made progress on several initiatives to respond to impending sea level rise that could leave parts of downtown underwater in the future, but the work is far from complete.

Pamela Braff, the citys Climate Program manager, outlined the 2024 work plan and budget for the Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative earlier this month, and both were unanimously approved by the collaboratives executive committee. It includes continuing work from 2023, and a request of $180,000 to make it happen.

Braff said one of the three goals includes establishing a public financing ad hoc committee to research ways to bring in more funding.

Research to come

The second goal is to continue monitoring for a land subsidence survey. James Sommer, manager of the Port of Olympias Capital Assets Program, said the port is taking on the survey, which will use satellite imaging to determine how much the ground in downtown is moving due to sea level rise.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He said the city is planning to partner with 3vGeomatics, a Vancouver company that was used in Seattle during the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project to measure how much the ground was being moved by Big Bertha, which was at the time the worlds largest boring machine.

Essentially, what were hoping to gain by that is, we know that the (downtown) peninsula and the earth around it is moving, Sommer said. And so confounding with the sea level rise, were trying to get an understanding of how fast or how slow that ground is moving. If its going down, obviously, that is going to leave us more vulnerable to the sea level rise.

Sommer said the city is working on a three-year timeline with the company to gather data in order to get a wide range of results, which will lead to a clearer picture of the effects of sea level rise in Olympia.

The third goal is to complete the third phase of a groundwater study. Wendy Steffensen, environmental project manager for LOTT Clean Water Alliance, said the purpose is to assess how sea level rise could affect groundwater elevations and utilities and how those effects could be alleviated.

She said the city already has a very high groundwater table, higher than the surface water level in Capitol Lake and Budd Inlet, which means flooding is already a problem. And future sea level rise will only make it harder to create shoreline barriers.

Steffensen said the citys response plan proposes building sea walls with elevated berms and boardwalks to both protect the city and make it a place people will want to visit. But before any construction happens, the city needs to do more measuring.

She said the city still needs to measure the salinity of the 12 wells located along the shoreline. They need to be measured both during low tide and high tide to gather initial tidal influence data, she said. Braff said a lot of this measuring will take place during the wet winter and spring seasons.

Response Collaborative Chair Dani Madrone said she has concerns about the artesian well downtown if theres going to be more intense flooding in the future.

Ive got old pipes in my house, so I get my water downtown at the artesian well, and part of me is wondering if thats going to go salty on me at some point, Madrone said.

She said the well is a popular gathering place and many people get their water there. She said the city should verify if there are going to be impacts to the well, and if so, there would likely be more community interest in the topic of sea level rise.

Steffensen said the city has an online model it will use to evaluate groundwater rise due to sea level rise. She said the model allows them to plug in a level of sea rise, such as 12 inches, and see what that would do to downtown. Its another tool that will allow the city to accurately depict the problem and address it.

She said filling those information gaps will happen through March 2024, and the hope is to have a final report on sea level rise and the appropriate response by October of that year.

Braff said a new thing thats being requested in the 2024 budget is funding for administrative support provided by City of Olympia staff. She said this includes handling meeting logistics and technical support, as well as grant writing for more funding opportunities.

Funding for these initiatives totals $180,000 for 2024, Braff said. Olympia is responsible for 50%, or $90,000, and LOTT and the Port of Olympia are responsible for 25%, or $45,000, each.

Climate Resilience funding

Braff said the city is still looking for more funding opportunities, including federal, state and private grants, and potential legislative action. The ad hoc committee may also research the viability of a new taxing district to bring in more money.

And Braff said the city is hoping to be awarded a grant through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Climate Resilience Regional Challenge to further its work. She said $575 million was made available for projects that build up coastal communities resilience to extreme weather events.

She said the focus of the program is on collaborative approaches to these challenges, and theres a project in our region that matches almost perfectly: Restoration of the Deschutes Estuary, which has five jurisdictions involved  the state Department of Enterprise Services, Olympia, the Squaxin Island Tribe, LOTT, and the Port of Olympia.

Braff said the jurisdictions already submitted a letter of intent and are hoping to be invited to submit a full grant application.

The funds are split into two different categories, one ultimately for establishing a collaborative, and the other for implementing adaptation actions. Braff said the city is going for the latter, since a collaborative has already been formed, and the city is asking for the full $75 million available to 15 applicants each.

Braff said the jurisdictions included a graphic of projects they plan to tackle from the Port of Olympia, up through the Capitol Campus. Projects include finishing the restoration design and permitting schedule, and some habitat restoration prior to removal of the 5th Avenue dam.

Another aspect of the project is raising much of the land around Capitol Lake and Percival Landing and planting native vegetation. Raised planters and flood gates would also be installed to keep water at bay, and the city would buy vulnerable waterfront properties to restore and protect them.

Braff said the city may also need to analyze its combined stormwater and sewer system to see if they need to construct more peak flow management systems. They may also look at the costs and benefits of separating portions of the combined system.

Lastly, Braff said theyre asking for funding for three full-time positions to get this work implemented. The positions would be in place for five years. She said the jurisdictions are hoping to hear back on the grant proposal within the next month or so.

Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser said during the meeting the grant opportunity is the most important thing the jurisdictions could be going for, and that its an all-hands-on-deck situation.

Whatever the county can do, whatever anyone needs to do to strengthen the application, please, you know, all out effort, because this could be game changing, Menser said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10)  The Makabayan bloc maintains that the Office of the Presidents (OP) transfer of 125 million to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022 is illegal and unconstitutional.

Ilegal ang paglipat ng pangulo ng 125 million mula sa contingent fund para bigyan ang bise presidente ng confidential funds. Mula sa contingent fund, gagamitin mo as confidential fund? ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said Saturday.

Bakit dadaanin mo pa sa confidential funds, eh hindi ba dapat nasa regular fund itong mga offices na ito? At hindi ito new office, itong OVP na satellite. Kaya sinasabi natin na parang nagkakabuhol-buhol na ang kanilang paliwanag.

[Translation: The OPs transfer of 125 million from the contingent fund to give the OVP confidential funds was illegal. Can contingent funds be used as confidential funds?

Why will you use confidential funds, arent these offices supposed to be under the regular funds? These OVP satellites arent new offices either. This is why we say their explanation is tangled.]

Citing the special provision on contingent funds under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin earlier said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. authorized the release of 221.4 million to the OVP in 2022, including 125 million in confidential funds for its newly created satellite offices.

READ: COA flags OVP over immediate establishment of satellite offices

However, Castro said the OP is not authorized to transfer funds to OVP under the 2023 General Appropriations Act.

Furthermore, Makabayan said the transfer might have violated Article 6, Section 25.6 of the Constitution, which states that discretionary funds appropriated for particular officials shall be disbursed only for public purposes to be supported by appropriate vouchers and subject to such guidelines as may be prescribed by law.

The party also cited Article 6, Section 29 as another constitutional provision violated by the transfer. It reads: No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.

Makabayan also called out Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, senior vice chairperson of the House Appropriations Committee, for saying the fund transfer to a budget item was authorized even if its allocation was zero.

Castro added that Quimbo was spreading misinformation.

Quimbo earlier denied she was spreading misinformation and said that a transfer from the special purpose funds, such as contingent funds, to an existing budgetary item is expressly allowed, whether the item has zero allocation or not.

This is not a new practice. Such has been happening in past administrations. And it is always reported in the National Expenditure Program when it is sent to Congress, Quimbo said.
Members of the CNSAS, Italian alpine and speleological rescuers, carry a stretcher with American researcher Mark Dickey during a rescue operation in the Morca cave, near Anamur, southern Turkey, Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. A rescue operation is underway in Turkeys Taurus Mountains to bring out an American researcher who fell seriously ill at a depth of some 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) from the entrance of one of worlds deepest caves last week and was unable to climb out himself. Mark Dickey is being assisted by international rescuers who by Monday had brought him up to 300 meters (nearly 1,000 feet). (CNSAS Via AP)

TASELI PLATEAU, Turkey (AP)  Rescuers pulled an American researcher out of a Turkish cave early Tuesday, more than a week after he became seriously ill 1,000 meters (more than 3,000 feet) below its entrance, officials said.

Teams from across Europe had rushed to Morca cave in southern Turkeys Taurus Mountains to aid Mark Dickey, a 40-year-old experienced caver who became seriously ill on Sept. 2 with stomach bleeding. He was on an expedition to map the cave, which is the countrys third deepest.

Dickey was t oo frail to climb out himself, so rescuers carried him with the help of a stretcher, making frequent stops at temporary camps set up along the way before he finally reached the surface early Tuesday.

Mark Dickey is out of the Morca cave," said a statement from the Speleological Federation of Turkey. It said that Dickey was removed from the last exit of the cave at 12:37 a.m. local time Tuesday, or 9:37 p.m. GMT Monday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"He is fine and is being tended to by emergency medical workers in the encampment above, the statement said.

Lying on a stretcher surrounded by reporters following his rescue , Dickey described the ordeal as a crazy, crazy adventure.

It is amazing to be above ground again," he said, thanking the Turkish government for saving his life with its rapid response. He also thanked the international caving community, Turkish cavers and Hungarian Cave Rescue, among others.

The American was first treated inside the cave by a Hungarian doctor who went down the cave on Sept. 3. Doctors and rescuers then took turns caring for him. The cause of Dickeys illness was not clear.

On Tuesday, Dickey said that in the cave he had started to throw up large quantities of blood.

"My consciousness started to get harder to hold on to, and I reached the point where I thought Im not going to live, he told reporters.

The biggest challenges for the rescuers getting him out of the cave were the steep vertical sections and navigating through mud and water at low temperatures in the horizontal sections. There was also the psychological toll of staying inside a dark, damp cave for extended periods of time.

Around 190 experts from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Turkey took part in the rescue, including doctors, paramedics and experienced cavers. Teams comprised of a doctor and three to four other rescuers took turns staying by his side at all times.

The rescue began on Saturday after doctors, who administered IV fluids and blood, determined that Dickey could make the arduous ascent.

Before the evacuation could begin, rescuers first had to widen some of the caves narrow passages, install ropes to pull him up vertical shafts on a stretcher and set up temporary camps along the way.

Dickey, who is from Croton-on-Hudson, New York, is a well-known cave researcher and a cave rescuer himself who had participated in many international expeditions.

He and several other people on the expedition were mapping the 1,276-meter (4,186-foot) deep Morca cave system for the Anatolian Speleology Group Association. Dickey became ill on Sept. 2, but it took until the next morning to notify people above ground.

Turkish authorities made a video message available that showed Dickey standing and moving around on Thursday. While alert and talking, he said he was not healed on the inside and needed a lot of help to get out of the cave.

After his rescue, the head of Turkeys Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, Okay Memis, told a news conference that the health of Dickey was very good.

The European Cave Rescue Association said many cave rescuers remained in the cave to remove rope and rescue equipment used during the operation.

The association expressed its "huge gratitude to the many cave rescuers from seven different countries who contributed to the success of this cave rescue operation.

The fact that our son, Mark Dickey, has been moved out of Morca Cave in stable condition is indescribably relieving and fills us with incredible joy, Marks parents. Debbie and Andy Dickey, said in a statement.
Scientists are researching ways to cool the atmosphere by injecting aerosols up to 12 miles above Earth's surface to reflect sunlight back to space. (REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

When a modified Korean War-era aircraft bearing an unusual payload began crisscrossing the skies over Alaska in March, it opened a new frontier in the fight against climate change. During a dozen flights in a WB-57 bomber, 17 instruments customized for the mission spent 60 hours collecting trace gases in the Arctic stratosphere.

The goal is to acquire baseline observations of the stratosphere that would lay the groundwork for climate intervention should current efforts to stop burning fossil fuels fall short and global-warming-related catastrophes worsen.

Call it Plan B: a Hail Mary attempt to cool the atmosphere by injecting aerosols up to 12 miles above Earths surface to reflect sunlight back to space.

Read more: Opinion: On the climate crisis, it's time to lean into pessimism

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Plan A, of course, is to slash our use of gas, oil and coal  the indisputable way to eventually slow and stop climate change. But in the wake of this years killer heat waves and other extreme-weather disasters, discussions about geoengineering are growing, although confined mostly to scientists and policymakers.

Whats lacking is sufficient public awareness of that debate, much less citizen engagement in it.

Driving the notion of climate intervention is the reality that, even if the world stopped spewing another molecule of carbon dioxide tomorrow, weve generated more than enough (1.8 trillion tons and counting) to guarantee that conditions will worsen.

Therein lies the allure of a techno fix to chill our planet. As the United Nations Environment Program framed it in February:

Should the effects of climate change become broadly perceived to be unbearable, and the political pressure for governments to cool the Earth become intense, some form of geoengineering is the only known means available for governments that might feasibly cool the Earth on politically relevant time scales.

Read more: Second Opinion: On the climate crisis, delay has become the new form of denial

Plan B, though, comes with risks that are poorly understood  and untested. Chief among them is the potentially destabilizing effects of tinkering with the climate.

The cluster of geoengineering approaches now drawing the most attention is broadly called solar radiation modification.

Solar aerosol injection would deploy airplanes, balloons or rockets to spread droplets of sulfuric acid particles in the stratosphere. By reflecting more sunlight, they would provide a thin sunshade to lower atmospheric temperatures  perhaps in a years time, maybe less.

Marine cloud brightening calls for spraying sea salt aerosols into low clouds over the ocean to enhance condensation and brighten the clouds, causing them to also reflect more sunlight.

Read more: Climate change boosts risk of explosive wildfire growth in California by 25%, study says

A third technique is cirrus cloud thinning. Instead of reflecting sunlight, tiny specks of ice nuclei would be launched into high-altitude cirrus clouds, forming ice crystals that allow infrared radiation (heat) to escape from the Earth. Scientists are also exploring ways to genetically modify food crops to make them more reflective  akin to painting rooftops white.

The best any of these techniques could do is buy us time to transition to clean, renewal sources of energy while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

There is still so much unknown about the consequences of geoengineering that scientists in discussing this approach avoid using a risks versus benefits framework, but rather a risk versus risk proposition. What is known about solar radiation modification is its limitations.

None of the techniques addresses the intensifying acidification of our oceans  a major threat to coral reefs and marine life as sea temperatures have reached their highest ever. Reflecting sunlight also wont appreciably reverse the loss of land ice or limit greenhouse gas emissions from fast-thawing permafrost.

Read more: Opinion: California's pension funds are wrecking the planet and losing billions. It's quite a trick

But such shortcomings pale in comparison to the serious, even deadly, risks posed by geoengineering, which could cause uneven local and regional impacts around the world.

These include more acid rain. Greater air pollution. Increased malaria in developing countries. Heavier precipitation and devastating floods in northern Europe. More monsoon and drought in some parts of the world, less in others.

Solar radiation modification could renew the deterioration of our protective ozone layer. Diffusing sunlight could worsen soil acidity and lower the yield of corn, rice and soy  crops that prefer direct sunlight. Spraying droplets of sulfuric acid into the stratosphere also may cause the disappearance of blue skies.

Most scientists, unsurprisingly, are only calling for more research. Already, tens of millions of dollars are funding geoengineering research, limited largely to computer modeling work in laboratories.

The aerosol-gathering flights, such as those over Alaska, represent rare, actual fieldwork. That basic research project, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will resume in 2025, focusing on the tropics and the Southern Hemisphere.

Looming over the entire debate is the absence of any political structure to set rules, with socioeconomic and equity guardrails.

Without international standards, might an aggrieved nation experiencing disproportionate climate change impacts or some rogue Greenfinger take unilateral action that could possibly trigger irreversible changes to our planet and even provoke armed conflict?

To address those concerns, an independent 16-member Global Commission on Governing Risks from Climate Overshoot was formed in 2022 to war-game the geopolitical and scientific ramifications if the world were to exceed  overshoot  its goal of limiting atmospheric warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, a target widely embraced in Paris in 2015.

Aside from the debate over the pros and cons of geoengineering, the discussion has already given rise to two camps. One fears that any talk of climate intervention represents a step toward action. The other fears that the mere prospect of a quick fix would sap the will to slash CO2 emissions or, worse, increase fossil fuel use.

One who harbors such ambivalence is Frances Beinecke, a longtime climate activist and former president of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Nonetheless, she joined the overshoot commission, which plans to release its report this month.

Theres no substitute for drastically reducing our carbon dioxide emissions and aggressively phasing out fossil fuels, she told me. But we also must prepare for the worst-case scenarios. That means conducting research on technologies and designing governance mechanisms to minimize and manage the increasing risks of a dangerous future.

In 1965, President Johnson was advised that reflecting sunlight could cool Earths atmosphere. After decades of inaction and complacency about climate change, we now have little choice but to debate what seemed so outlandishly risky just a few short years ago.

Edwin Chen is a former Times reporter in Washington and is now writing a climate change novel.







If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian troops will continue during the cold and wet weather later this year, despite the fact that it will become harder to fight.

Source: Kyrylo Budanov , Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) meeting, quoted by Reuters

Quote: "Combat actions will continue in one way or another. In the cold, wet and mud, it is more difficult to fight. Fighting will continue. The counteroffensive will continue."

Details: Reuters pointed out that in the summer, Ukraine launched a much anticipated counteroffensive, which resulted in the liberation of more than a dozen villages in the country's south and east within three months, but it is complicated by minefields and the deep fortifications of the Russian troops.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The West has provided billions of dollars worth of military equipment and trained thousands of Ukrainian fighters for a counteroffensive to help Kyiv liberate its territory.

However, the slow progress of the counteroffensive has raised concerns among Kyiv's supporters that the West may not be able to sustain the scale of military assistance needed to keep Ukraine fighting with the same intensity.

"Our counteroffensive is happening in several directions," Budanov said, admitting that progress has been slower than he would have liked and describing the situation as difficult.

In addition to the huge concentration of Russian mines, Budanov cited the large number of small Russian kamikaze drones as a key factor that has so far slowed the progress of the counteroffensive.

Background: Budanov believes that Russia's war against Ukraine will not last long.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Damage from the overnight drone attack on Kyiv Oblast is more serious than previously reported, according to the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration.

Four people were wounded; 100 private homes and 30 apartments were damaged, along with a kindergarten building, a town administration building, a rehab center, two stores, a storage building, and a parking lot. 

Most of the damage consisted of broken windows and doors, with some damage to facades and roofs. One of the victims has serious head trauma, the rest got off with light injuries.

Overnight on Sept. 10, Ukraine's air defenses shot down 26 of 33 of the Shahed type drones that Russia used to attack the capital from multiple directions. Some buildings in the city were damaged, according to initial reports.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Shahed series consists of cheap, single-use, triangle-shaped loitering munitions powered by a single propeller. They carry a moderately powerful warhead that can demolish a small building with a direct hit. They are easier to destroy but more cost-effective than ballistic or cruise missiles.

Russia bought Shaheds en masse from Iran, rebranding them as the Geran series. Over the past year, Russia launched Shahed production on its own territory and regularly uses them to strike at civilian targets in Ukraine.

Read also: Investigation: EU inability to ramp up production behind acute ammunition shortages in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The owners of a family-owned Franklin Street business died in a head-on car crash last week.

Dhruva Chellani and his son, Kris, were the owners of Classic Carolina, a UNC-themed apparel shop at 171 E. Franklin St.

Dhruva and his wife, Nina, and Kris were driving home on Sept. 6 when they were killed in a car wreck, according to a Classic Carolina Facebook post. Nina was taken to a nearby hospital and is in stable condition, according to the post.

A GoFundMe for the family has already raised more than $55,000 from more than 700 donors.

The sudden and unexpected loss of Kris and his father has left their family not only emotionally devastated but also facing the overwhelming burden of funeral expenses, outstanding bills and the uncertain road ahead, the GoFundMe post says. As a community, we have the power to come together and provide much-needed support during this incredibly difficult time.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Classic Carolina was originally called Classic Fashions and opened in 1993. It mostly sold womens apparel before 2012, according to the businesss website.

Many students loved our UNC dresses and anything UNC we had since it was unique and different than anything they could find at other UNC stores, Classic Carolinas website says. We started slowly transitioning to more and more UNC apparel after 2012, as we noticed more demand for it. We expanded our UNC apparel from dresses to classic shirts, funny shirts, jackets and accessories! Now our entire store is UNC blue!

Kris was in the process of taking over the store from his father, according to the businesss Facebook page. A grand re-opening of the store was planned for Saturday.

Kris and his dad worked extremely hard to renovate the entire store and give it a complete makeover, the Facebook page says. They had many exciting plans set for the success of Classic, and its very devastating to have had to cancel the grand re-opening and keep the store closed indefinitely.

We're sad to report that Dhruva and Kris Chellani, owners of Classic Carolina, lost their lives in a car accident this week. Our thoughts are with the Chellani family and their Classic Carolina family. Please consider donating to the GoFundMe https://t.co/SgSjKT18z5  Downtown Chapel Hill (@DCHP_ChapelHill) September 9, 2023
This is a locator map for Pakistan with its capital, Islamabad, and the Kashmir region. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

ISLAMABAD (AP)  A Pakistani soldier was killed in an overnight shootout with militants in the country's northwest, near the border with Afghanistan, the military said.

A military statement late Saturday said the shootout took place in Mir Ali, a major town of North Waziristan that served as a safe haven for militants for decades. It said the military had been searching for terrorists there.

The shootout took place days after Pakistan closed the key northwestern Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan after border guards from the two sides exchanged fire Wednesday. Clashes that same day in the northwestern Chitral district near the border killed four Pakistani soldiers and 12 militants.

Scores of trucks loaded with goods, many carrying perishable items including vegetables and fruits, were still lined up on both sides of the Torkham border point Sunday, waiting for the crossing to reopen.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Torkham witnessed previous clashes in February and the town remained closed for several days after the two sides accused each other of trying to build new posts along the border.

Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, a senior official of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged authorities to prioritize solving the border issue as traders stand to lose millions of dollars in perishable goods if Torkham is not opened soon.

Pakistani authorities said they were in talks with the Afghan interim government over the Torkham border clash and increasing cross-border militant attacks.

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani termed the the incident very unfortunate and said Pakistan is taking the rise in terrorism very seriously, and it is the responsibility of Afghanistan to stop the attacks emerging from their soil.

The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, have intensified their attacks over the past months on Pakistani security forces. They are a separate group but an ally of the Afghan Taliban.

On Sunday, the military said a shootout a day earlier in Ursoon, Chitral, killed seven militants and critically injured another six. It said sanitization of the area was being carried out to eliminate any other militants in the area.
(The Conversation)  Among people, mostly Republicans, who remain the most suspicious of the 2020 presidential election results, theres something of a movement to return to the days when election ballots in the United States were counted by hand. One 67,000-person county in Georgia recently required a hand count of all ballots, for instance. But they, and others seeking similar changes around the country, are likely to find themselves disappointed  either by failure to mandate hand-counting or by how election results are handled if they succeed.

Requiring hand-counting of all ballots would take elections back many decades to practices that were common in the mid-1800s. In that era, political parties produced a variety of paper tickets that were counted at polling places on election night. When states started taking responsibility for producing ballots in the late 19th century, automated machines began to be used for both casting and tabulating votes.

In a 1930s review of voting processes, political scientist Joseph Harris concluded that [p]robably no part of election administration is conducted so poorly as the count of ballots. Several of the improvements he suggested were in fact adopted after World War II, helped along by new technologies that were faster, more consistent and less prone to error  like optical scanning systems. Today, the overwhelmingly dominant technology uses paper marked ballots that are tabulated by scanner machines.

It is easy to see why a hand-count system seems appealing to many people today. Having ballots scrutinized in person by representatives from the parties provides obvious transparency and accountability. The true result of the infamous 2000 Bush-Gore contest in Florida remains in doubt, in part, because a hand recount of this kind was not ultimately conducted. States such as Georgia and Wisconsin have undergone hand recounts of the votes cast in their presidential elections. And other democracies such as France hand-count ballots. In short, it seems possible.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But as a scholar of elections, I know that despite the intuitive appeal of people physically counting pieces of paper, there are two good reasons to avoid hand-counting ballots: speed and accuracy.

A person sits at a table with a long strip of paper running over the edge toward the floor.

Hand counting is slower

It takes a long time to count ballots by hand. Counters must pause for regular breaks to stay rested and sharp. Counting must periodically stop to resolve challenges and questions from observers. It is painstaking work. But, in part thanks to mechanical and technological counting systems, Americans have come to expect election results to be available very quickly, even just a few hours after the polls close.

Most U.S. election ballots are long and would require counting of many contests, from president down to county commissioner and probate judge. In other countries where hand counting is used, there is typically just one race on the ballot. But in many parts of the U.S., it is common for there to be a dozen contests or many more during each election  and on a single piece of paper. Sometimes a ballot paper has two columns for voting, with candidates or ballot questions on both the front and the back of the ballot page.

In recent high-profile recounts, usually only one office is being recounted, so the rest of the ballot is ignored. When Georgia officials recounted the 2020 presidential race, it required thousands of ballot counters working long shifts that spanned multiple days for just that one contest. Even with such a dedicated effort, the hand count took almost a week to complete  and cost the state millions of dollars.

A hand count of more than one contest multiplies the amount of time needed to produce a preliminary election result. It might seem like having 10 races on the ballot would take about 10 times as long as counting a single contest. However, it is likely to take much longer than that.

This is because ballots are printed for very small groups of voters, and include only the specific legislative and municipal districts in which they live. Recounting a single statewide election is one thing, but hand-counting the entire ballot actually requires a different, more cumbersome procedure because hundreds or thousands of combinations of other contests need to be broken out. If only a presidential race is being counted, workers can use a simpler stack and count procedure to make piles of votes for each candidate. But if multiple races are being counted, a more complex read and mark procedure is required. The reader must call out each race  from president down to probate judge  marked on the ballot so that other workers can keep tallies. This process requires more people and more time.

Hand counting is less accurate

Even if the public and the candidates were willing to tolerate the slowness of a hand count, its lower level of accuracy is a serious problem. The point, after all, is to get the result right.

Humans are better than machines at many tasks, but people are not good at highly repetitive tasks such as ballot counting that require extreme accuracy. Humans reviewing thousands of ballots become tired and make many different kinds of mistakes, such as losing track of their counts.

In contrast, dedicated tabulator machines, which are used after voters have marked their ballots, are excellent at counting. The tabulators used in most election districts around the country are optical scanners that read standardized ballots and have lower error rates than most other technologies. More importantly, detailed data from recounts shows that scanners and other tabulation devices are significantly more accurate than counting the same ballots by hand.

A person sits by a machine with a stack of ballots.

A place for hand counts

Although hand-counting ballots on election night does not make sense in terms of speed or accuracy, there are parts of the election process where hand counts are extremely helpful.

Most states conduct post-election audits that review ballots to ensure that they were correctly tabulated. Recounts after close elections also frequently entail human review of ballots to verify the initial results.

In both of these situations, many of the problems of hand-counting are rendered irrelevant. For instance, many recounts focus on small batches of ballots rather than the full statewide collection of votes. Recounts also typically focus on a single contest and do not require a review of the entire ballot. With both audits and recounts, the speed of the count is not as important, so most participants are willing to wait a bit longer to verify the election night counts.

Nearly every voter in the next U.S. presidential election will be casting votes either on paper or on an electronic machine that has a paper backup. And almost all of those ballots will be counted by a machine. This approach balances security, accuracy, speed and voter confidence  and still allows for selected hand counts after election day.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Three years ago, Carlos Bajana was still living in New Jersey, with several voices in his ear telling him in Spanish to move down south.

I used to come down here to visit some friends from Ecuador, Bajana, 50, told The News & Observer in Spanish. Every time we visited, we liked the quality of life more. The people are nicer here.

Smiling toward his three-bedroom home in the rural city of Henderson on a warm afternoon, Bajana said hes happy to be part of a newer wave of Latino residents in the greater Triangle area.

This is like paradise, he said. This is the kind of life I was wishing for when I was living back up north.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bajana moved to Henderson about two years ago from North Bergen, a New Jersey township with one of the highest population densities in the U.S. and a Hispanic-majority population.

Hes since traded life in a cramped apartment with loud traffic and high density for comfy, small-town living on 1.5 acres in spacious Vance County, about one hour north of Raleigh.

Its a 360-degree change, Andrea Bajana, his wife, said.

At their new home, their 4-year-old daughter Cassandra can play safely in the yard with her cousins and the Bajanas can have family barbecues in the backyard.

Four-year old Cassandra Bajana plays at her home in Henderson. The rate of Latino homeowners has steadily risen in the in North Carolina, with homeownership rates increasing in 95 of the states 100 counties over the last decade, Census data shows.

The rate of Latino homeowners has steadily risen in North Carolina, with homeownership rates increasing in 95 of the states 100 counties over the past decade, Census data shows.

Thats because Latinos, either born in the U.S. or migrating from across the Americas and the Caribbean, are the fastest-growing population in the state.

The Hispanic population grew by 40% from about 800,000 to 1.12 million in 2020 from a decade before, and is projected to grow to 1.4 million by 2023, according to state demographers.

North Carolina has had a net migration of about 54,000 Latino residents from 2018 to 2022, according to a Freddie Mac calculation of Census data.

For Bajana, who migrated from Ecuador to New Jersey as a teenager, homeownership is part of the coveted American Dream.

My mother moved here in the 70s, Bajana said. When she got her papers, she brought us over here with her residency.

Bajanas family first lived in an apartment in the U.S. but moved into their first house through the earnings of his mother, who worked long hours cleaning houses.

I was shown by example that it was possible to obtain the American Dream working honestly and saving money, he said.

A change in demographics of Latino homebuyers

A cultural motivation to buy a home in the U.S. is generational. It once led Otto Cedeno to buy his first home in the U.S.

Cedeno founded Movil Realty, a Triangle-based real estate agency that primarily serves Hispanic clients, many of them first-time homebuyers.

The demographics of Latino homebuyers in the Triangle area have changed, he said.

Its no longer just the typical Latino who worked in construction and then bought a house, Cedeno said in Spanish. Theyre people who are moving from elsewhere and they have money for a home they have more buying power when coming from bigger cities.

Latino homebuyers nationally trend younger: nearly three-quarters of Latinos who purchased a home in 2021 were under the age of 45.

Thats compared to two-thirds of the general population and more than half of non-Hispanic White buyers, according to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP).

One key factor behind this growth is cultural and ethnic in nature  Latino real estate agents in the U.S. predominantly serve Latino clients and more than a third of agents conduct at least half of their transactions entirely in Spanish, according to a 2023 survey by NAHREP.

Cedeno, who is also Ecuadorian-American, said word of mouth is a big part of it.

Ecuadorian families progressively began to move to the Triangle from New York and New Jersey after Cedeno sold a few families their first homes here about a decade ago.

That group brought several other families around 200 people from that community alone moved here in a period of about eight years, he said.

Bajana, who bought his home in Henderson with the help of Cedeno, has his eyes set on investment and flipping houses.

He spent a year fixing up his home, has put it on the market through Cedeno, and plans to buy another.

Were people who know how to work with our hands, Cedeno said. If you throw a barbecue with some Coronas, youll get 20 people who will volunteer to help you work on your home. Its a marvel of our community, we help each other.

Whats the housing market like for Latinos in NC?

North Carolina saw a high year-over-year home price appreciation of 13.1% in North Carolina in 2022. So first-time homebuyers are getting priced out of the Triangle, The News & Observer reported previously.

But homeownership has grown among Latinos through areas adjacent to the Triangles main counties in rural areas, where homes are more affordable.

Moreover, Ceden argues that Latino residents migrating from out of state are the main drivers behind real estate and economic growth in rural areas adjacent to the Triangle.

The (Latino) community is driving economic growth in rural areas that typically dont grow, Cedeno said. Some were already homeowners (in other states), but here they can buy a newer home.

Many people are calling agents like Oscar Corrales, who works at CASA123, a Raleigh-based real estate firm whose clients are virtually all Hispanic, with eager plans.

Some are longtime residents and former construction workers who became skilled subcontractors and work on lucrative job sites, boosting their buying power, he said.

Corrales, who is the president of the Raleigh-Durham chapter of NAHREP, said many of the Latino homebuyers in North Carolina are younger and often second- or third-generation Americans.

English may be their primary language, and they often have a college education and good credit scores.

As the housing market has roared, CASA123 has increasingly focused on exterior counties of the Triangle to sell homes. Those areas include Alamance, Lee, Person, Harnett, Wilson and Nash Counties.

Weve expanded a bit to allow Latinos to have more access to homes and not lose their opportunity, Corrales said.

Many Latin American expats often tell Corrales how they never planned to buy a home in the U.S., but then decided to plant roots here since their children grew up American.

First-generation Latino immigrants often had a thought of Im going to return to my country, Corrales said. But that first generation had children here, and the second generation grew... they felt more American, and wanted to stay.

Other buyers are business people with white-collar backgrounds anywhere from Central to South America who are looking to diversify their real estate portfolios or settle down in a place with a lower cost of living.

Theyre saying, Im at a point in my life where I dont want Miami, I dont want New York City, I dont want Los Angeles, Corrales said. and I heard that North Carolina was a good place.

Latino homeownership in NC by the numbers

People of Latin American descent are buying homes more than ever in North Carolina. Census data suggests noteworthy upward trends for Latino real estate in North Carolina:

Latino or Hispanic homeownership rate increased by 4.4 percentage points from 2010 to 2020, with 47% of Latino households occupied by owners.

The majority of Latinos are renters, but the rate of renter households dropped from 57% to 53% in 2020.

White homeownership didnt grow and instead decreased by one percentage point to 73% . White renter housing units increased by one point to 27% .

The portion of Latino homeowner households was greater than the portion of Black homeowner households in proportion to their population. Black homeownership rose by just one percentage point to 46.2% in 2020. The rate of Black renter households increased from 47.5% to 53.8% .

Overall, the homeownership rate of non-Latino households in the state decreased by two points, and non-Latino renter households increased by two points.

The biggest gains were in the smaller or rural counties: Wake increased only 1.3 points but Johnston County increased by 11 points; Perquimans increased by 22 points; Mecklenburg decreased by 1 point; Durham, 6.5 points; Orange, 6 points.
Officials said a passenger was removed from a United Airlines flight on September 8. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

United Airlines said a passenger was removed from a Los Angeles-bound flight on Friday.

The passenger tried to enter the cockpit and open the exit doors before takeoff.

The FAA said the flight returned to the gate where law enforcement met the "unruly" passenger.

A United Airlines passenger forced a flight to return to the gate after trying to enter the cockpit and opening the exit doors before takeoff on Friday.

The Federal Aviation Administration and United Airlines told Insider that the incident happened Friday on United Airlines flight 1641 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. According to officials, the disruption occurred while the plane was taxiing on the runway at about 9 p.m.

"The passenger was not successful, and law enforcement greeted the unruly passenger at the gate," the FAA said in a statement.

The passenger tried to enter the cockpit. NurPhoto/Getty Images

United Airlines said the flight was canceled.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Representatives for the Chicago Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

It's not the first time this summer that passengers have misbehaved on flights.

In July, a Sun Country Airlines passenger climbed out of an emergency exit and jumped off the plane wing. A month later, a Delta Air Lines passenger threatened a flight attendant and put her in a chokehold during a flight.

As of September 3, the FAA has recorded 1,384 reports of unruly passengers in 2023 so far. That's way more than typical pre-pandemic numbers but a far cry from 2022 when the FAA recorded a whopping 5,973 reports of unruly passengers.

Read the original article on Insider
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 10)  While the state weather bureau said the fog that has been hovering over Metro Manila recently is normal, the Health department advised the public to wear masks in smoggy areas due to various air contaminants.

In an interview over the weekend, Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said smog, a mix of smoke and fog, contains a combination of various pollutants in the air that could cause damage to the lungs.

So ang protection diyan kung mataas ang smog, dust and particles, mag-mask, Herbosa said. "Kung maghihintay ka diyan sa EDSA, binubugahan ka ng mga usok, ay mag-mask kayo. Mag-mask in areas na mataas ang [smog]."

[Translation: If the level of smog, dust and particles, is high, the protection is wearing a mask. If you're going to wait there on EDSA, fumes are blowing at you, wear a mask. Mask in areas with thick smog.]

Parts of Metro Manila were covered with what seems to be smog over the last few days, with some netizens even calling the haze a sea of smog.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the phenomenon is normal and is just an effect of thermal inversion  which happens when cool air, usually found in higher altitudes, remains nearer the surface of the earth than warm air.

PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres said fog forms when a cool air mass is trapped underneath a warm air mass.

Ito naman po ay normal naman po siya na nangyayari. Di naman po tayo dapat masyado mabahala. Pero dapat mag-ingat pa rin tayo kasi pag may mga fog, narereduce yung visibility po natin, Torres said in a separate interview.

[Translation: This is a normal occurence. We shouldn't worry too much. But we should still be careful because when there is fog, our visibility is reduced.]

With reports from CNN Philippines correspondent EJ Gomez.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner watches the body camera footage of former officer Mark Dials partner at a press conference announcing murder and other charges against Dial in the shooting and killing of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry .



Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner watches the body camera footage of former officer Mark Dials partner at a press conference announcing murder and other charges against Dial in the shooting and killing of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry .

Mark Dial, the Philadelphia cop who shot a man to death while he was sitting in his car on Aug. 14, surrendered to authorities Friday on murder charges. In addition, Dial was also charged with voluntary manslaughter, simple assault, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment of another person and official oppression.

Dial was arraigned and court documents reveal 10% of $500,000 bail was posted. During a press conference, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner showed unedited body camera footage from the fatal incident. At first, police claimed that Irizarry was outside the car and was killed after he lunged at authorities with a knife.

Read more

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More from The Root

Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Students made up to resemble the Hindu goddess Kali take part in an event ahead of the Janmashtami festival in Mumbai, India (Reuters)

Each week the picture editors at The Independent sort through hundreds of thousands images sent into us by photography agencies from all around the world.

These are some of the most eye-catching and the most striking images from culture, news, politics, sport and lifestyle.

You can also keep up with the latest photography making headlines via our Instagram.

(EPA)

A pedestrian walks past a clean-up operation in a mud-covered street, following torrential rains that brought widespread floods to the city of Hong Kong.

(AP)

A Ukrainian boy attends his first day at a cadet lyceum in Kyiv.

(Reuters)

A woman confesses outside the Steppe Arena ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis to celebrate the holy mass, during his apostolic journey in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

(EPA)

Jacky, a male orangutan, picks from fruit gifts during his 46th birthday celebration at Bali Zoo in Indonesia.

(EPA)

Members of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery prepare ahead of a gun salute to Britains King Charles at Wellington Barracks.

(EPA)

A Pakistani boy poses for a photograph while attending a class during International Literacy Day in Peshawar.

(PA)

A carrot cake for horses, designed by former Bake Off contestant Rosie Brandreth, is unveiled at Fergal OBrien Racing near Cheltenham to mark the first day of National Racehorse Week.

(EPA)

Indian army training cadets perform Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art from Kerala, during a combined display ahead of their graduation ceremony, at the Officers Training Academy.

(PA)

Young racers compete in the Settrington Cup at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex.
JULIAN, Calif.  Its unlikely that youll stumble across a pack of wolves in San Diego County, but not impossible.

In fact, there are 29 wolves in six packs inhabiting a space in Julian thats open to the public.

The California Wolf Center (CWC), a conservation and research facility, is welcoming guests to come learn about wolves and their role in the ecosystem.

Last week, the center announced upcoming tours that will launch this fall. Guests will be given an opportunity to interact with the wolves.

Affordable housing coming to Mission Valley along San Diego River trail

Heres a breakdown of those tours:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

 Apple Days Enrichment Tours: CWC says this tour is returning this fall with additional dates added due to its popularity. During these special tours visitors will have a chance to toss apple-based enrichment items to the wolves. The dates for this tour are Sept. 16, 23 and 24.

Howl-o-Ween Tours: CWC will host its third annual Howl-O-Ween tours on Oct. 28 and 29. During this event, wolves will be treated by guests to special Halloween-themed enrichment items like pumpkins. The center says a spooky setting will be presented and costumes are welcomed.

 Wolf Tours in Spanish: CWC will begin offering its wolf conservation tours in Spanish this fall. The Recorrido de la Conservation de Lobos tours will be offered on the first Sunday of each month. The center says this tour was created in an effort to share their conservation message with additional audiences.

We all know that fall is the perfect time to explore Julian, as the days shorten, the weather cools off and the colors start to change, said CWC Executive Director, Theresa Kosen. Whether youre a local or a visitor, a tour of the California Wolf Center is a great addition to your Julian trip, offering a rare opportunity to experience wolves up close and learn more about these incredible, but often misunderstood, creatures and what is being done to help protect them.

California Wolf Center wolves are seen. v

California Wolf Center wolves are seen. (California Wolf Center)

California Wolf Center wolves are seen. (Courtesy of Betty Bird)

Advanced reservations are required to visit CWCs conservation facility. For those who cant make it to one of the above tour dates, public guided tours are offered Friday through Monday. Private group tours are available on weekdays.

CWC will also host a special edition of its ongoing webinar series entitled Wolf Myths & Legends during Wolf Awareness Week on Oct. 17. The event will delve into wolf myths and legends from around the world.

For animal-lovers, this is a unique addition to your bucket list and an experience you wont find anywhere else, said Kosen.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
HUMPHREYS COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Deputies say a man is now custody after he fled from a crash, which led to a search in a neighboring county on Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday, Sept. 9 deputies with the Humphreys County Sheriffs Office urged residents to secure your doors and vehicle after a man fled from a crash in Hickman County and crashed in the 4400 block of Highway 230.

Vehicle sought after woman injured in suspected road rage shooting on I-440W in Berry Hill

According to the Humphreys County Sheriffs Office, the man from the vehicle reportedly ran into the woods. However, when authorities searched the area, they couldnt find him.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officials described the man as approximately 5-feet 11-inches tall with a red beard, black shirt, and gym shorts.

Justin Jones (Courtesy: Humphreys County Sheriffs Office)

Student charged with threatening school in Trousdale County

Then, on Sunday, Sept. 10, deputies announced that the man  identified as Justin Jones, of Burns  was located and taken into custody.

It remains unclear why Jones allegedly fled from Hickman County authorities, or what charges he is facing at this time.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man was killed inside of a car in the western valley last night, police stated.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 7800 block of Rainshower Drive at 9:46 p.m. on Sept 9. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound inside of a car, according to a release.

Medical personnel took the man to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

This is an ongoing investigation led by the LVMPD Homicide Section.

The victims identity and cause of death will be released by the Clark County Coroners office.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide

Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain

anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the Crime Stoppers website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Irvine police say a puppy may have gotten into its owner's fentanyl stash. (Irvine Police Department)

Last week, Irvine police officers gave the overdose-reversing drug naloxone to a pit bull puppy that they believed might have been exposed to fentanyl.

The animal made a quick recovery, but authorities said its owners were arrested and could now face charges.

The incident began Wednesday when Irvine officers began talking to a man and a woman outside a Walmart. The pair were in the parking lot, where they had their months-old puppy in the car. The interaction with police began as a "consensual" encounter, said an Irvine Police Department spokesman, and ended in the arrest of the pair after officers' discovery of what they said was fentanyl.

It's not clear how much of the substance police recovered, or whether they found it on the suspects or in their vehicle. But afterward, police drove both arrestees and their dog to the station.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Then the female said, 'Oh, I think my dog is overdosing,'" department spokesman Kyle Oldoerp told The Times on Saturday. "She knew the symptoms because it was the second time the dog had overdosed."

A pit bull puppy who was potentially exposed to fentanyl received a dose of naloxone. (Irvine Police Department)

He said it wasn't immediately clear how the dog would have been exposed to the drug, which is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A dose as small as 2 milligrams can be fatal to a human, though dogs are much less sensitive to the drug.

"Maybe it was a baggie on the ground of the car; we really dont know," Oldoerp said. "If theyre using drugs in their car, we can only speculate."

At the station, officers administered naloxone to the dog, who made a "pretty quick" turnaround, Oldoerp said.

Afterward, the couple were cited and released, though police have asked the Orange County district attorney to charge them both with felony animal cruelty and possession of narcotics.

"We wanted to be sure we knew the outcome of the dog before we actually charged them," Oldoerp said.

He added that authorities held on to the puppy, who will stay in city custody until there is a hearing to determine whether to give the animal back.

Fentanyl has been infiltrating illicit-drug supplies across the U.S. for roughly a decade, since traffickers seized on it as a cheaper alternative to traditional opiates. Authorities have repeatedly warned that many pills and powders sold as other opioids are now tainted with fentanyl.

Experts say that the drug's strength has fueled an increase in opioid fatalities. In 2021, federal data showed that more than 70,000 people died of opioid overdoses, primarily after ingesting fentanyl.

To combat the growing problem, in March the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a nasal spray version of naloxone for over-the-counter sales. The drug works to reverse overdoses by binding to the body's opioid receptors and blocking other opioids such as heroin or fentanyl. It also works in animals and has been used in veterinary and hospital settings for years.

There is a common misconception  often spread by police and reported in the media  that people can overdose from touching or inhaling the drug. Medical experts say that is not true.

"It is not possible to overdose by touching or accidentally inhaling fentanyl, and the same would apply to non-human animals as well," Leo Beletsky, a professor of law and health sciences at Northeastern University, told The Times on Saturday. Because the drug is poorly absorbed through the stomach, he said, an animal would probably have to ingest the substance through its nose in order to overdose.





Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
OCEANSIDE, Calif.  A 14-year-old was arrested in connection to a shooting in an Oceanside parking lot Saturday evening that left one person dead, authorities confirmed.

The incident was reported around 4:36 p.m. after an altercation between three juvenile suspects and 29-year-old man in a parking lot on N Redondo Drive near Vandegrift Boulevard, according to Jennifer Atenza with the Oceanside Police Department.

Multiple shots were reportedly fired by one of the juveniles as the altercation escalated. According to OPD, the suspect chased the victim and fired again, striking the victim in the upper torso area. All three suspects then fled north from the parking lot.

Motorcyclist killed in solo-vehicle crash in Point Loma

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The victim, a resident of Oceanside, sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead on scene. His identity has not been released.

The motive and circumstances that led up to the shooting are still under investigation.

The San Diego County Sheriffs Office ASTREA helicopter assisted officers in searching for the suspects throughout the evening. Police say multiple witnesses provided suspect descriptions with the juveniles believed to be around 15-years-old.

The first suspect was last seen with a long ponytail and was wearing a black long sleeve shirt, gray pants and white shoes. He was armed with a semi-automatic pistol, OPD said.

The second suspect was also described with a long dark brown ponytail. He was last seen wearing a white long-sleeve shirt under a black shirt with long dark pants.

The third suspect was last seen wearing a black baseball cap with white writing on the front, as well as a black hooded shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He was also carrying a red backpack, authorities said.

Police eventually located the suspected shooter at a residence nearby. Oceanside SWAT, Crisis

Negotiation Team (CNT), and the Unmanned Arial Support (UAS) Team responded to the scene to apprehend the suspect.

Pedestrian, 70, hospitalized in felony hit-and-run: SDPD

A 14-year-old resident of Oceanside who matched the description of the shooter was detained and booked into East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility for on suspicion of murder, police said.

According to Atenza, the shooting had no connection to another incident in Carlsbad on Saturday where a 16-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being shot by a police officer.

Its concerning when hearing of young juvenile running around with firearms, she added.

Members of the public are asked to call OPD investigators at 760-435-4900 if they have any information about the incident or where the suspects may be.

FOX 5s Amber Coakley contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey gives his inaugural remarks after being sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2023 at the Missouri Supreme Court in Jefferson City.

On a hot July afternoon, the Missouri Supreme Court handed down a judgment ordering Attorney General Andrew Bailey to approve a fiscal note summary in a case involving abortion ballot initiative measures.

Bailey had withheld approval due to his disagreement with the cost assessment prepared by Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick but the courts ruled the move was outside the scope of his office's authority.

Actions such as this by Bailey and several of his predecessors have led some to question whether the attorney general's office has become more focused on politics than it ought to be.

Former Attorney General Eric Schmitt , now a U.S. Senator, earned a reputation for filing lawsuits against local school districts, along with at least 25 cases his office filed against the federal government.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

During U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley s abbreviated tenure as attorney general prior to Schmitt, he fulfilled his campaign promises to take the federal government to court any time he felt they had overstepped their authority.

Both Schmitt and Hawley did not respond to requests for comments in time for inclusion in this story.

Hawleys campaign for attorney general coincided with former President Donald Trumps rise to power in 2016. He was quoted by the Kansas City Star shortly after taking office saying that he planned to help Trump by suing him, in an effort to use the legal action to quickly roll back Obama-era environmental and business policies.

President Trump and Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley appear at Trump's rally at JQH Arena in Springfield on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018.

While suing the federal government is nothing new for state attorney generals, the frequency with which these lawsuits have been filed in recent years has increased.

I think Hawley started this kind of suing the federal government business, that Schmitt then did in larger measure and that Bailey is continuing to do, said Harvey Tettlebaum, a lawyer who worked under Republican Attorney General John Danforth from 1969 to 1976. But that's a national trend. That's not just a local trend.

In fact, many of the federal lawsuits that Hawley, Schmitt and Bailey have been involved with were part of a multi-state coalition of attorney generals. For example, Schmitt was one of 10 attorney generals to bring suit against the Biden administrations Covid-19 vaccine mandates.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general, speaks to reporters in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Monday, Sept. 9, 2019.

When you look at attorney generals across the rest of the nation, both Republicans and Democrats, you see far more aggressive actions to sort of insert themselves into partisan politics in a way that that didn't used to be the case a generation ago, said Peverill Squire, a political science professor at the University of Missouri.

Bailey contests claims that his actions were taken in the interest of playing partisan politics.

"Im motivated by one thing: doing the right thing for the right reasons," Bailey said. "In this role, that looks like maximizing the legal authority granted to the AGs office to protect the people of Missouri and their constitutional rights."

What exactly is the role of the Missouri Attorney General?

Missouri has had an attorney general since 1806, while it was still part of the Louisiana Territory prior to being established as an individual state. Since the 1865 state constitution, it has been an elected position.

The Missouri Attorney General can represent the legal interests of the state or its people, though individual people cannot be represented in private legal actions. It is the responsibility of the office to represent the state in all appeals cases involving felony criminal charges.

As the states attorney, the office of the attorney general represents the states interests in civil suits and any other matters of interest to the state, including consumer protection and environmental laws.

It also has the power to institute quo warranto proceedings capable of ousting businesses guilty of misconduct from the state and removing politicians from office for wrongdoing.

Bailey has described the role as maximizing "the legal authority granted to the Attorney Generals Office to protect the people of Missouri and their constitutional rights."

Although the responsibilities of the office are apolitical, it is an office that must be won through the popular vote, meaning that the winning candidate must campaign.

You can't get there without winning a statewide election and being involved in party politics, said Thomas Ringenberg, a political science professor at the University of Kansas.

Additionally, many of the former attorney generals have launched successful political careers after holding that office. Schmitt and Hawley, who now represent Missouri in the U.S. Senate, are the most recent examples.

Our statewide elected offices are, for a lot of folks, the springboard for hopefully being a governor or senator or even something beyond that, Ringenberg said.

With that comes the need to establish a strong track record while in office for use in campaigning for future political positions, both statewide and national, some political experts say.

As in other states, the office of the attorney general has become a partisan tool to use against the national presidential administration, Squire said. Democratic attorney generals used it against the Trump administration, and Republicans have certainly been quite active in trying to use it against the Biden administration.

While former President Trump was in office, at least 156 multi-state lawsuits were filed against his administration. Thats more than three times as many as were filed during the eight years of the Obama administration, when Republican attorney generals brought just 46 multi-state lawsuits.

It mirrors the more divisive, polarized culture war battles that we've been fighting, especially, but not exclusively, over the last seven or eight years, said Daniel Ponder, a professor of political science at Drury University.

As of Sept. 2, the Biden administration has faced 68 multi-state lawsuits. Among those, Schmitt involved Missouri in at least 25 before he was elected to the Senate. Bailey has continued Schmitts work, finishing up cases that were still being litigated and filing new ones.

Some of these lawsuits, we just would never have done that, said Danforth, who served two terms as Missouri Attorney General before he was elected to the U.S. Senate. I didn't have time to do it.

More: No Labels push for independent 2024 presidential ticket yields mixed reactions, concerns

The offices unique position to do battle with the president

The nature of the attorney generals office puts it in a unique position to earn both statewide and national recognition for the cases it tries.

It's an opportunity to be the voice of the state of Missouri before the Supreme Court and do battle directly with the president, Ringenberg said.

Bailey counts several such cases among his top achievements while in office so far.

"Im extremely proud that we obtained an unprecedented court order halting the Biden Administration from violating our right to free speech on social media platforms," Bailey said. "The case is likely to head all the way to the United States Supreme Court, and is undoubtedly the most important First Amendment case in a generation."

Bailey refers to the recently decided Missouri v. Biden case that prohibited government from removing content it deems misinformation from social media platforms. On Friday, an appeals court upheld a significantly narrower version of the prohibition, which has yet to take effect and could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Schmitt, like Bailey, declared it a "massive victory for free speech" nonetheless.

"Because of Missouri v. Biden, the federal government is prohibited yet again from colluding with social media giants to censor freedom of speech online," Schmitt said in a statement. "Im proud to have filed Missouri v. Biden when I was Missouris Attorney General, and I will continue to fight for freedom of speech here in the Senate.

Another case started by Schmitt and continued by Bailey when he took office shot down the Biden administration's student loan forgiveness program.

People demonstrate outside the Supreme Court, Friday, June 30, 2023, in Washington. Two conservative groups are asking a federal court to block the Biden administrations plan to cancel $39 billion in student loans for more than 800,000 borrowers.

"We landed a massive win at the United States Supreme Court halting Bidens unlawful student loan plan that would have cost Missouri taxpayers $44 million," Bailey said.

However, experts see one drawback to Missouris continued involvement in these lawsuits  the attorney generals office is, like any other branch of state government, funded by the taxpayers.

Schmitt became well known for bringing lawsuits against school districts and other local entities for imposing COVID-19 restrictions and other matters, a part of his platform in his Senate campaign.

During the pandemic, Schmitt lost a lot of those lawsuits and it cost the state of Missouri money, Ringenberg said.

These lawsuits continue to cost taxpayer money, even though Missouri would still have to abide by the judgments of these federal cases, whether they were involved or not.

This was a major factor in former Missouri Attorney General Chris Kosters decision not to join other state attorney generals or former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder in lawsuits disputing the Affordable Care Act in 2010, although he did file two amicus briefs in support of the lawsuits.

Koster, a Democrat, did bring other charges against the federal government, including two in 2015. One was against the USDA for denying an extension on crop insurance for farmers and another against the EPA for imposing carbon emission restrictions.

More: Education advocates cite Missouri as a top battleground in fight over public schools

Reflections on earlier days in the attorney generals office

Some political experts think the everyday responsibilities of the attorney generals office are sometimes overlooked while the more polarizing cases draw public attention.

A lot of the things that we've seen with the last three attorneys generals seem to be very political, Ringenberg said. I think they're doing other things, but it's just kind of where the light gets attracted to.

Just last week, Bailey brought charges against a Nixa-based contractor who had reportedly scammed Missourians. His office also recently assisted Henry County authorities in sentencing a man who killed a police officer.

"Weve received more requests to assist with prosecutions across the state than any time in recent history," Bailey said. "In partnership with the Henry County Prosecuting Attorney, we obtained a sentence of life without parole for a man who murdered a police officer. As a former prosecutor myself, Im committed to partnering with local prosecutors and law enforcement to obtain justice for victims and put the bad guys away."

Bailey has also returned more than $4 million in restitution to Missourians who were victims of consumer fraud through the office's Consumer Protection Division. His office joined with other attorney generals to stop a Texas robocalling center from blasting Missourians with spam calls.

These are the kind of cases some political experts feel exemplify the legacy of former attorney generals' terms.

It was more focused on state politics and state policies and less on national policies and didn't quite have the partisan edge as it does now, Squire said.

Danforth, who served as attorney general from 1969 to 1976, recalled his time in office and the standard he felt was set.

Former U.S. Senator John Danforth speaks at the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Friday, May 5, 2017, in St. Louis.

It was a standard of excellence, Danforth said. It was a standard of doing the people's business, of professionalism, of creating a really good law office. It was the opposite of just making everything partisan.

When elected, Danforth was the first Republican to serve as attorney general since 1933, and the only one to hold statewide office in an otherwise Democratic administration.

We were on a very tight leash with the state legislature, Danforth said. As far as the budget was concerned, I had to do an enormous amount of work on a limited budget. The only way to do it was to hire really good young lawyers.

During his time in office, he brought former Missouri Treasurer Bill Robinson to trial. According to Tettlebaum, who worked in Danforths office all eight years, Robinson allegedly was seen accepting a bribe at the now-closed Ramada Inn in Jefferson City.

Although they ultimately lost the case, the evidence presented was covered heavily by the press, which unveiled deeply ingrained corruption in Missouri state politics, leading to subsequent reforms.

It became very obvious that this was a very corrupt system, and so we were able to get it changed, Tettlebaum said. So we lost the battle but we won the war.

Tettlebaum and Danforth recalled other cases from their time in the office. Tettlebaum told of a years-long undercover operation to ferret out a bootleg liquor ring in the Bootheel, and remove the Missouri sheriff behind it all from office.

Danforth remembers using antitrust law to halt a nationwide trucking strike impeding refueling stations, making Missouri an oasis for truck transportation in America, at that time.

It was the most fun I've had as a lawyer, Tettlebaum said. And Ive had a lot of fun as a lawyer. Im still practicing after 54 years.

Overall, Danforth felt that his responsibilities as attorney general came down to just a few points.

We operated a law office, and our client was the state, Danforth said. The objective was to provide a very high level of legal work on a very limited budget, primarily relying on young people who were very good at what they did.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: The changing role of the Missouri Attorney General
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 9)  The National Security Council (NSC) is considering a ban on Tiktok, the short-form video sharing platform run by China-based ByteDance, for government employees involved in national security to avoid data leak.

"We know for a fact that there are information operations and psychological warfare and other stuff being done," NSC Assistant Director Jonathan Malaya said Saturday. "So siguro [maybe] if there is a need for banning it would not be for public school teachers, it would not be for those in the civilian, it would be for the security sector,"

"I'm talking about the Armed Forces [of the Philippines], the uniformed personnel, and in particular, the intelligence entities of the government, the National Security Council," he added.

Malaya clarified that the move would not cover the "civilian agencies of government which are not part of the security sector."

He said the matter would be discussed with National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano.

"I can raise this with the National Security Adviser if it would be proper for us to do so kasi alam mo naman dito sa Pilipinas, sasabihin na naman 'yan [because you know that here in the Philippines, it will be called] a curtailment of the freedom of expression, curtailment of freedom of speech," he explained.

A recent study by the Reuters Institute found that Tiktok was gaining more popularity as a news source in the Philippines.

This comes amid heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing, as the latter continues to lead incursions into the West Philippine Sea and harass Filipino civilian and government vessels.

READ: PH concludes new resupply mission to Ayungin after continued harassment by China

Meanwhile, numerous governments and countries around the world have already banned Tiktok on government-issued devices over cybersecurity concerns.

The European Union in March banned the app from staff devices across all three of its main institutions.

The United States and Canada have likewise restricted Tiktok on government-issued devices.

India completely banned Tiktok and other similar applications throughout the country in 2020.
It is a fact of human civilization that money and power are inextricably intertwined and widely desired. As the richest and most powerful nation on Earth, the United States faces unique challenges managing its wealth and influence while maintaining its status as a democracy that represents and serves its citizens.

There are two global indices that measure countries by their levels of corruption and the fullness of their democratic systems. The United States is not at the top of either list.

Merritt Hamilton Allen

Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index ranks the U.S. 27th out of 180 countries for public corruption. Our score of 69 points out of 100 and rank of #24 is up slightly over the previous year due to accountability efforts after the January 6 riots, increased funding to combat corruption from foreign sources, and state initiatives to improve voter participation. However, we are ranked below nearly every other western European nation, Japan, Canada, and Uruguay, and are nearly equally ranked with Chile. This ranking does not fill me with optimism.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The other index I looked at is the Democracy Index put out by the Economic Intelligence Unit, a sister company to The Economist. The Democracy index measures 167 countries from 0-10, with 0 being fully authoritarian, and 10 being fully democratic. Here the U.S. falls in the band described as flawed democracies with a rank of #27 and score of 7.85. Again, we finish behind most of Western Europe, Japan, Uruguay and even Chile this time. I know Chile has come a long way but 40 years ago their government was torturing citizens.

One only has to look at the families of our last two presidents and Congress to see that power and wealth are linked. The main difference between Jared Kushner and Hunter Biden is that Kushner has made more money and has a better tax attorney; he scored $2 billion for one of his companies in a transfer directly from the government of Saudi Arabia in 2021. Kushner was a Middle East policy adviser for his father-in-law during the Trump administration. Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said earlier this month that Kushner crossed the line of ethics by accepting the $2 billion, which was greenlighted by Kushners pal Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (who by the way, tortures people in the present era).

Comer has been busy with money-for-influence issues as he is leading the investigation into Hunter Bidens payments from foreign interests originating in Ukraine, Romania and China. The original figure for these foreign payments was around $11 million. The Congressional investigation has turned up records that show over $20 million paid to Hunter Biden or his associates, $8 million of which is from China.

None of this is acceptable. Then you loop in the added murk of what did what president know about what deal and when, and you can see why we arent a shining example of a corruption-free democracy. And of course, the Republican-led House is investigating Hunter Biden. Should the Democrats take back the House in 2024, you can bet they will investigate Jared Kushner. Can either investigation be unbiased?

It is patently obvious that Jared and Hunter cashed in on their famous family connections. Perhaps if Congress put a moratorium on partisan investigations to show us the obvious and took up policy matters again, we could have actual immigration legislation as opposed to revolving executive orders. Just a thought.

And Congress is making money  from insider trading. Its been well documented that members of Congress on both sides of the aisle trade stocks based on information gathered in committee hearings and other proceedings. Last year, the New York Times documented 97 members who traded stocks that year with conflicts of interest (none from New Mexico). Congresswoman Nancy Pelosis husband Paul is such a prolific day trader that there are entire social media channels devoted to his trades for stock tips.

Pelosi has taken a brave stand regarding Congressional stock trading. She firmly supports it, stating resolutely that were a free market economy. She almost sounds like a Republican. 86% of voters support a ban on members of Congress, the president, vice-president, and Cabinet members from trading individual stocks. One bill to do just that, the Ban Stock Trading for Government Officials Act, was introduced by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) in late July. It is moving through the Senate now; two previous bills have failed.

It's possible for a nation to be wealthy and operate with less corruption and more democracy. The wealthiest European nations manage this. Those nations are not burdened with being a global superpower as America is, however. But that role should not be a limitation for governmental ethics; it should be an impetus.

In the coming election, which will be a multi-billion-dollar industry in itself, our presidential front-runners both have family members who have exploited their connection to make millions or billions. Our Congress and executive branch are able to enrich themselves with inside information obtained from the work we elected them to do. Instead of making us complacent, these sad facts should make us more engaged and interrogative voters.

Merritt Hamilton Allen is a PR executive and former Navy officer. She appears regularly as a panelist on NM PBS and is a frequent guest on News Radio KKOB. A Republican, she lives amicably with her Democratic husband north of I-40 where they run one head of dog, and two of cat. She can be reached at news.ind.merritt@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Politics, power and money
(NEXSTAR)  Theres a special connection between grandparents and their grandkids made only stronger with each wink, hug, present and surreptitious candy slipped into a small hand.

When it comes to nicknames that children develop for their grandparents a new survey by Preply found that popularity varies by state. The dive into Americans terms of endearment for their grandparents comes in anticipation of National Grandparents Day, on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 2024 increase: reports

One grandchilds beloved Nana in Nevada may have been referred to as Bubbe if they lived in New Jersey, for instance. When it comes to the overall most popular nicknames, excluding just Grandma and Grandpa, the survey found that Nana and Papa dominate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The most popular nicknames for Grandma. (Preply)

The most popular nicknames for Grandpa. (Preply)

When it comes to affectionate terms for grandmothers, Nana was the most popular in 12 states, followed by a three-way tie for second by Grammy; Granny, which is Tennessees top nickname; and Gran. Abuela, Spanish for grandmother, tied with the formal Grandmother and Mamaw for third place.

Pets are great, but they can really cost you

When it comes to grandfathers, Papa was tops in 13 states, followed by Granddad in 11 states  including Tennessee  and Pop-pop.

The August survey of 1,500 Americans across all 50 states also found that a whopping 44% said their maternal grandmother was their favorite, followed by their paternal grandmother at 23%. Fifteen percent said it was their maternal grandfather, followed by 11% for their paternal grandfather and another 7% who chose other.

| Check out more lists and rankings from across Tennessee 

The history of National Grandparents Day dates back to 1978, when President Jimmy Carter signed legislation making the first Sunday after Labor Day a holiday to honor Nana and Papa (in some states, of course).

Find more information about the surveys results and methodology here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The most powerful verison of United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket leapt off its Cape Canaveral pad Sunday morning, for a national security mission for the U.S. Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office.

ULA teams scrubbed the first launch attempt early Saturday morning due to "an issue found during a prelaunch ordnance circuit continuity check." A day later, the countdown proceeded without issue, and the mission was able to launch into a cloudless sky arcing away from the Space Coast on an easterly trajectory over the Atlantic Ocean.

The 196-foot rocket took to the skies at 8:47 a.m. EDT on Sunday with the SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 payloads destined for geosynchronous orbit. The flight came after teams were forced to stand down last month to roll the rocket back to ULA's vertical integration facility for protection from Hurricane Idalia.

What was the SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 mission payload?

Sunday's mission featured multiple payloads as a joint effort for the U.S. Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office. The spacecraft were part of the Space Force's SILENTBARKER satellite constellation network intended to provide space situational awareness, orbital surveillance, and tracking.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to a statement by ULA, "SILENTBARKER is designed to detect and maintain custody of space objects. This capability enables indications & warnings of threats against high-value assets in geosynchronous orbit."

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Sunday morning, September 10, 2023 carrying the SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 mission for the US Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

The mission's destination of geosynchronous orbit, about 24,000 miles above the Earth, required ULA's most powerful variation of its Atlas V rocket, the 551, capable of 2.3 million pounds of thrust courtesy of one main engine and five add-on solid rocket boosters.

"This is our "Bruiser" configuration of the Atlas," ULA CEO Tory Bruno said.

Sunday's flight marked the 48th launch from Florida's Space Coast this year as well as ULA's 18th and final NRO mission aboard an Atlas V rocket since 2007. Going forward, national security missions launched by ULA will fly aboard the company's next-generation Vulcan Centaur rocket.

The debut test flight of that vehicle is expected to happen from the Cape sometime before the end of this year.

When is the next rocket launch from Florida?

Though still unconfirmed by SpaceX, federal filings point to the next launch from Florida's Space Coast to be another Falcon 9 Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Liftoff of the Starlink 6-16 mission with another batch of the company's flat-pack, internet-beaming satellites from Launch Complex 40 is set to occur during a four-hour launch window that opens at 8:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday.

When that mission does launch, follow FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team live launch coverage beginning 90 minutes liftoff. For the latest schedule updates, visit floridatoday.com/launchschedule.

Contact Jamie Groh at JGroh@floridatoday.com and follow her on X at @AlteredJamie.

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

Launch Thursday, September 14

Company / Agency: Internal SpaceX mission

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Window: 8:30 p.m. to 1:02 a.m. EDT Friday, Sept. 15

Trajectory: Southeast

Weather: TBD

Landing: Drone ship

Live coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space

About: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the company's latest batch of Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: After a scrub and hurricane delay ULA launched a Space Force mission
Vadim Krasikov, the hitman jailed in Germany for the assassination of a Chechen dissident - Rex

Moscow is seeking the return of Vadim Krasikov, the hitman jailed in Germany for the assassination of a Chechen dissident as part of a prisoner swap, according to reports.

Krasikovs name has been raised by the Kremlin in negotiations with Western officials.

He is seen as vital in American efforts to secure the release of prisoners including Evan Gershkovich, a 31-year-old Wall Street Journal reporter accused of espionage and former US marine Paul Whelan who was convicted of spying charges in 2020.

Only a week ago Mr Whelan was seen in a video on a Russian news channel. He is serving a 16-year term in a penal colony in the Russian region of Mordovia.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Biden administration said the detention of both men, who it described as innocent, was politically motivated.

Paul Whelan, a former US marine who was arrested for alleged spying in Moscow in 2018 - AP

Krasikov, 58, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2021 for the state-ordered killing of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a Georgian national of Chechen heritage.

Mr Khangoshvili was shot dead in a childrens playground in Berlins Kleiner Tiergarten park in 2019.

He had been targeted by the Russians since fleeing to Germany from Georgia in 2016. He allegedly led a 2004 raid by Chechens in which several security officials were killed,

Russia included his name on a list of the countrys 19 most wanted terrorists which it sent to other countries, including Germany in 2012.

His application for asylum was rejected by Germany, but he was nevertheless able to remain in the country.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich stands in a glass cage in a courtroom at the Moscow City Court - AP

Krasikov, who was travelling on a false passport in the name of Vadim Sokolov, was caught trying to escape on an electric scooter, having dumped a bike and gun in the River Spree and discarding his disguise.

He was convicted thanks to fingerprints and DNA found by police on the discarded items.

Krasikov insisted he was an innocent Russian tourist with no connection to the Kremlin.

But German prosecutors, aided by the authorities in Kyiv and the investigative website, Bellingcat, established he was a veteran agent working for the secretive Vympel department of the FSB, the Russian security service.

Moscow condemned the trial, saying it was politically motivated, insisting that its citizen was innocent.

Within hours of Krasikovs conviction, Germany expelled two Russian diplomats.

Vadim Krasikov, the hitman jailed in Germany for the assassination of a Chechen dissident - Rex

The case was likened to the poisoning of Russian dissidents Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury in 2018.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Putin first sought Krasikovs release shortly after his conviction, reportedly tasking top security adviser Nikolai Patrushev to conduct the negotiations.

Although Putin has sought the return of other agents, Krasikov was identified as a top priority by the Russian leader.

In July US president Joe Biden confirmed he was interested in a prisoner swap for Mr Gershkovich, but he did not elaborate further on the negotiations with the Kremlin.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russias deputy foreign minister, said it would only discuss the fate of Mr Gershkovich after his trial was completed.

It is understood that more negotiations are taking place which would involve swapping Western detainees held in Russia and Russians held in the West.

There has even been speculation that a deal could be reached to release imprisoned Russian dissidents, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

One major obstacle in negotiations involving Krasikov is German reluctance to release a man who was convicted of murder on its soil.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Vladimir Putins candidates in Russian regional elections have dropped pro-war slogans over fears of losing votes.

Instead, United Russia candidates in governor, mayoral, MP and local assembly elections have campaigned on slogans emphasising unity and duty.

Even Putin, who voted online on Saturday, avoided mentioning his invasion of Ukraine during a 90-second video aimed at encouraging Russians to vote.

I count that each of you will show a responsible civic position, he said before turning to a desktop computer, jerking a mouse up and down and thumping the left-click button. Putin then smiled at the camera before it cut away to a screenshot from his computer congratulating him on voting.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The awkward voting video appears to be a Kremlin response to opinion polls that showed that its invasion of Ukraine is losing popularity.

A poll published this week showed that 38 per cent of Russians definitely support the war, compared to 48 per cent in February.

Bring our guys home!

This frustration at the war has seeped into the election, with photographs posted on the Telegram social media channel showing some voters voicing their opposition to the war on their ballot papers. Public protests against the war are banned.

Return our mobilised men home, if your word means anything, somebody had written on their ballot paper in the Kemerovo region in Siberia.

In Voronezh, in south-west Russia, a ballot paper had been defaced with: Bring our guys home!

Meanwhile, in the Omsk region, someone wrote: This is not an election, this is a lie!!!

Ukrainian drones are now regularly hitting Moscow and other Russian cities, the Russian economy has shrunk and hundreds of thousands of men have been mobilised, undermining the Kremlins claim that its invasion will not impact ordinary Russians.

United Russia, Putins political party, had told its candidates to campaign heavily on the war earlier this year, but then dropped this advice. It controls most of the governor and mayoral positions in Russia, as well as local assemblies, with a handful of exceptions.

Analysts have said that the only genuinely competitive election is being fought in Khakassia, a remote region of Siberia where a Communist Party candidate unexpectedly won the governorship in 2019 because of frustration at the Kremlin raising the age of retirement.

The Kremlin had plotted to unseat him with a pro-war insider, but the plan has flopped and its candidate has pulled out.

Elections are also being held in parts of Ukraine that the Kremlin captured and annexed last year.

It wants to legitimise its annexation of the regions with a popular show of support, but reports have said that there is massive fraud and that people are being bribed to vote with promises of food, or threatened and forced to vote.

The West has described the elections in occupied Ukraine as a sham.

This is nothing more than a propaganda exercise, said Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State.

Voting closes on Sunday and results are expected on Monday.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that Canada will never recognise the results of the sham elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine and that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be able to "redraw the map".

Source: a statement by Trudeau

Quote: "This week, Vladimir Putin attempted to hold so-called elections in occupied Ukrainian territories  a cynical attempt to legitimize military conquest under the guise of democracy. But Ukrainians are not fooled, and neither are we. Canada does not, and will not ever, recognize the results of these sham elections or Russias attempted illegal annexation of Ukraine."

Details: Trudeau added that the sham elections in the occupied territories "are serious violations of international law, including the United Nations Charter."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In addition, these so-called elections are "an attack on Ukraines sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence."

Quote: "We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Russias illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and its attempted annexation of Ukraines territory. Canada will remain united with our G7 partners to ensure that Vladimir Putin and the Russian regimes collaborators face consequences for their actions.

To all Ukrainians who continue to defy the Russian regimes authoritarianism, know that Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

We see through the lies. Putin will not redraw the map as he pleases, and Ukraines territory shall remain Ukraines."

Background: European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano condemned Russia's holding of elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington would never recognise the results of these sham elections.

UK intelligence claimed that by holding sham elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine, Putin's United Russia party seeks to consolidate the Kremlin's influence there.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
In a flash, Christian Love Baptist Church in Modesto got a demonstration Saturday night of Gods power and his grace, one of its leaders said Sunday.

Associate minister Charles Genratt, who works as a bus driver for Turlock Unified School District, had just returned from a field trip when a church deacon called to tell him the roof had been struck by lightning. He quickly was assured that the building did not catch fire, but he was asked to head there to check on the extent of damage.

Driving from Turlock to Modesto, the lightning strikes all around were terrible, Genratt said, and he felt he couldnt get to the church fast enough. After an alarm alerted other church leaders, he got the call maybe around 7:30 p.m. and arrived at Christian Love, which is at H and Second streets, around 8.

The power was out at the church and in the surrounding area, and Genratt said he is thankful that neighbors who heard what happened and came out to see stayed on watch till someone got here to share their information with us.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He used a flashlight to see what he could, and said he thought, Thank you, Lord, that the church is still standing and didnt catch on fire, because if it was powerful enough to knock a hole in the roof, it could have struck down below and set something on fire.

But beyond the tower, there is no interior damage, he said. When the power was restored, there were no sparks or any other signs that wiring was damaged, he said.

It was strange and, at the same time, being the believer that I am, I can say thank you, Lord, because when we hear of lightning strikes, we hear of fires afterward, or complete destruction, and it only went through there, Genratt said, his eyes toward the steeple. It is a reminder that God is in control of all things. His mercy and his grace was with us on this one, and were thankful for that.

Inspectors will assess the damage Monday, he said, and the congregation will waste no time in getting repairs made.

Genratt said he believes the building will sooner or later receive historic designation. So we as a congregation do our best to keep it up and make sure its standing on a strong foundation, with prayer that it will get that historical recognition not just as a building but as a spiritual church reaching out to the community.
Nursing student Kira Fujikawa hangs a fluid bag as she and Rachel Sessions and other nursing students work in the simulation lab in the Marriott Health Building at Weber State University in Ogden on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A new Utah Foundation report affirms the more postsecondary education a person has, theres a better return on investment.

But the report, titled Bang for your buck: Which Utah schools have the best return on investment, also indicates much depends on what a student studies and the workforce demand for those credentials.

The report, which examined return on investment at Utahs public and private colleges and universities, found Weber State University is tops for students 10-year net present value of their education. This was calculated by how much a certain sum of money  in this case, the future earnings of additional education minus the cost of that education  would be worth today.

The report shows that the first-year returns of graduates of some Weber State University associate degree programs  computer science, industrial production technologies, nursing and allied health professions  outstrip the median bachelors degree programs.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related

Graduates of Weber States manufacturing engineering technology associate degree program  its plastics and composites concentration, for one  experience first-year median returns of nearly $69,000, according to the report.

The median return on investment for those who earn associate degrees in computer science from Weber State is $58,224 and $48,672 for nursing.

Nursing students Kalley Jaques and Aisha Holts work on a central line change as students work in the simulation lab in the Marriott Health Building at Weber State University in Ogden on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Bachelors degrees in Utah are more likely to pay off in the longer run  though Weber State University defies this trend. The most common credential from Weber State University is an associates degree, though they also offer certifications and bachelors degrees, the report states. The university also offers a wide array of graduate degree programs, including a doctorate of nursing practice and a physician assistant program.

Weber State University Provost Ravi Krovi said the report was welcome news to administrators and educators striving to offer programs that meet workforce needs and help graduates earn higher wages.

We were thrilled but were not altogether surprised. Its sort of validating, quite honestly. We certainly want to tell our story but when you have data which comes in and proves it, thats great. Thats even better, he said.

Krovi said Weber State University has made a conscious attempt to really focus on cost from a tuition and fees perspective. Our tuition and fees have not gone up that much. If you go back to the last 10 years, its less than the overall increase in the consumer price index.

The university has made guided pathways a priority, too, he said.

As students come in, we try to give them a better perspective of what are the options and so I think its one thing to give advice, but its also important to have the right type of programming. Stackable programs really help us from that standpoint, he said.

A student might come to Weber State with the goal of earning a certificate, which are short-term programs. Once they grow accustomed to the college experience, the hope is they will feel more comfortable and confident about seeking an associate degree or even a bachelors degree, he said.

That transition and transfer is a lot more seamless because its all our curriculum, our program. So I think that mission, the dual mission for us, is really helpful for students, Krovi said.

Nursing student Whitney Weston works out a few mathematical problems as she and other students go about their work in the simulation lab in the Marriott Health Building at Weber State University in Ogden on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

The report also notes Salt Lake Community Colleges large variety of associate degrees. Its computer and information sciences program, for example, has a first-year return on investment of a whopping $53,628, the report states.

Associate degrees with the highest median earnings include engineering and architecture. Median earnings are also higher than average for public safety, nursing, construction and manufacturing, business and agriculture degrees, according to the report.

The report also found that the private, for-profit Neumont College of Computer Science had the highest ranked 40-year net present value of any college in Utah, followed by Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, Weber State and Westminster University.

The report explores the financial return on investment for education beyond high school  or whether pursuing certificates, certification, associate degrees and bachelors degrees make financial sense.

Research suggests that the return on investment for education beyond high school is generally worth the time and effort, the report states.

But degree selection and workforce and industry needs can make a difference.

According to the report, more than a quarter of those with associate degrees earn more than the median bachelors degree wage and 35% of those with bachelors degrees earn more than the median masters degree wage.

Nursing student Tia Judd works in the simulation lab in the Marriott Health Building at Weber State University in Ogden on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Talk about bias





When does a group of Republicans and unaffiliated voters become a liberal group? According to Associated Press reporter Nicholas Riccardi, it is when they file a lawsuit that, if successful, would keep Donald Trump off the ballot in Colorado. (Sept. 7, 1A, Lawsuit challenges Trumps eligibility for presidency)

Your bias is showing. And it certainly isnt a mainstream media liberal bias that many conservatives claim.

- Mark Phillips, Kansas City

Teaching clarity

When Melinda Henneberger recently quoted me saying, We do it so wrong in public classrooms, I was referring to the techniques that fellow teachers and I employed to determine mastery of a concept. (Sept. 5, 7A, Kansas lawmakers disparage public ed to home schoolers)

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Home-schooling my son made me realize that classroom students during the formative elementary school years are often given content assessments using answer formats of multiple choice, fill in the blank, listing components or matching, as those are easier for teachers to grade.

Therefore, answering orally in complete sentences to explain a concept is difficult for children, because they are seldom called on to do that. I explained this is why I advocate for more volunteers in the classroom to give more one-on-one interaction.

I applaud parents who are willing to devote time to educating their children and sharing resources, but I have never bashed public schools. As district manager for Sylvan Learning Centers for 10 years, I cooperated with classroom teachers to help struggling students succeed. Not all children thrive in a public school environment. It is important for parents to have options.

All four of my children graduated from public schools. They are all successful. Adam, my youngest whom I home schooled during some years from fourth grade through his sophomore year, graduated from public school.

- State Sen. Beverly Gossage, Eudora

Equal treatment?

If any other of us U.S. citizens were issued prosecutions like those against Donald Trump, would we be allowed to extend the court hearings and serve time no time in jail?

- Jack Lee Hatchitt, Lees Summit

Workers welfare

I wonder how many Americans enjoy the labors of U.S. farm workers? Some 70% of those workers are foreign born, meaning that many came looking for a better life in this country. As with many in industries such as roofing, lawn care and more, farm workers do their jobs in very harsh conditions.

Two years ago, President Joe Biden asked the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for rules to address heat injury and illness issues for workers who pick lettuce, grapes and other produce that many enjoy as a nice salad and glass of wine for dinner. This request has been ignored, and farm workers with no health care are working in 100-plus-degree heat because trade organizations and landowners call the rules costly and burdensome. Really?

Think about the cost of enjoying a good glass of wine that a farm worker picked the grapes in 105-degree heat. These workers need the benefits of time off and health care for their labors.

Farmers get subsidies when their crops fail. Why cant the workers get help when their health fails for doing the work?

- Larry Miller, Overland Park

Crucial need filled

Since 2013, over-the-counter emergency contraception has been available for people of all ages. Emergency contraception is birth control that can be taken after unprotected or under-protected sex to prevent pregnancy. Its a great medication to keep on hand.

But for many people, emergency contraception is out of reach. Out-of-pocket costs can be up to $60, which is unaffordable for many individuals. Additionally, this medication is frequently kept behind the pharmacy counter in most retail stores, meaning customers have to ask for it. Especially in rural parts of the state, this presents considerable confidentiality concerns.

Finally, knowledge gaps about emergency contraception hinder access. It is not the same thing as medication abortion. Emergency contraception does not terminate a pregnancy.

Through its Free EC project, Missouri Family Health Council Inc. is reducing cost and confidentiality barriers to emergency contraception while working toward a reduction in public misconceptions about the medication. The project has been tremendously successful in the two months since it launched: More than 6,000 Free EC kits have been distributed in nearly every area of the state.

Free EC is filling a gap in Missouris health care safety net system.

- Betsey Lasister, Board member, Missouri Family Health Council Inc., Lenexa

Too taxing

Last Friday, my local grocery store offered a deal for a bucket of boneless chicken wings for $10. I decided to pay cash and got out $11, since I know the sales tax approaches 10%. How wrong I was. I was charged a total rate of 10.725%. And the Royals want to add 1% to that for a stadium for millionaires to play a game and billionaire owners to make more money.

As we know, sales taxes are regressive, affecting the poor more. Imagine a person living on Social Security having to subsidize the Royals.

I was one of the 70% who responded no to a recent poll about whether Clay County residents support the tax. (Sept. 8, 1A, Whos behind poll, ad campaign about Royals stadium in NKC?) I was disappointed the answers didnt have a hell no option.

- Michael Jaromin, Kansas City
WASHINGTON - At the heart of Donald Trumps two 2020 election interference indictments was his alleged strategy to replace legitimate electors in seven key battleground states with fake ones who met on a certain date to cast fraudulent votes for the former president.

But some conservatives argue that Democrats deployed a similar tactic in Hawaii during the 1960 election between then Vice President Richard Nixon and Democratic challenger John F. Kennedy - a comparison that holds no water.

Though Kennedy beat Nixon in the 1960 election, Hawaiis results remained largely uncertain since the initial count found that Nixon beat Kennedy in the state by less than 150 votes - a narrow margin that was originally certified by the Hawaii's Republican lieutenant governor.

A lawsuit was soon filed and a court ordered a recount of votes in the state, which was still taking place on Dec. 19, 1960 - the date set for electors to meet and cast their ballots. On that day, Republican electors sent a certificate to Congress with their three votes for Nixon.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But at the same time, Democrat electors cast their three votes for Kennedy and sent their own documents to Congress. The recount found that Kennedy won Hawaii by 115 votes and a court ordered his win to be certified, according to Joan Meyer, a partner at the law firm Thompson Hine.

But the 1960 case and what happened in the aftermath of 2020 are noticeably different.

In Trump's case there were no genuine grounds for uncertainty about the outcome of the election, no ongoing recount, and Trump's slates of fake electors were assembled with the intent to sow confusion, buffalo Congress and the Vice President, and stop them from certifying the genuine election results, said David Alan Sklansky, a law professor at Stanford University.

Heres a closer look at the two cases.

What are legal experts saying about the two cases?

The differences in both cases can be viewed in several ways, including the timing of the recount, the nature of the electors meetings and the vice presidents' approval.

Unlike any of the contested states in 2020, the 1960 outcome in Hawaii was genuinely in doubt since the margin of victory was within 100 to 200 votes, according to George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin. It was reasonable for both sides to have electors prepared since it was unclear who the real electors were, he said.

The 1960 Hawaii dispute had no chance of overturning the overall election result and was not part of a general scheme to rig or steal the election, Somin said.

By contrast, the margin in all the disputed states in 2020 were vastly larger, and there was no real chance of those results being overturned, Somin said. Trump allegedly continued his fake elector schemes on false claims that the 2020 election was rigged - which the indictments claim he knowingly spread and officials insisted there was no evidence of.

In Georgia where Biden had won by nearly 12,000 votes, for instance, Trumps electors still allegedly met even after Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said that legally cast ballots were counted three times and votes remain unchanged.

"Trump challenged the Georgia results and failed to get any traction, Meyer said. In Hawaii in 1960, a court was overseeing the recount process which resulted in the reversal of the win from Nixon to Kennedy.

In Hawaii, the two slates of electors met openly and transparently, Meyer said. But Trump and his allies in 2020 allegedly selected a Republican slate secretly in Georgia who met in secret, voted secretly and were told not to mention what they were doing or talk to the media.

This surreptitious behavior indicates that this was not an honest disagreement or a back up plan to keep options open, it was a plot to substitute legitimate electors with fake ones, Meyer said.

She added that the certificates that the electors sent to Congress in 1960 were intended to be a backstop utilized after a court ordered recount declaring the real victor of the presidential election," unlike the certificates allegedly signed in 2020 by the fake electors.

After the recount, the Republican Governor of Hawaii at the time, William Quinn, sent a new certificate to Congress dated Jan. 4, 1961, certifying that the Democratic electors - who had previously cast their votes for Kennedy unofficially - were elected. Nixon, who presided over the congressional session to count the electoral votes on Jan. 6 of that year, accepted the governor's certificate "without the intent of establishing a precedent."

It is hard to convince a jury that there was fraudulent intent by the Democrat electors when it turned out that Kennedy had won and they substituted a correct certificate approved by the Governor of Hawaii, said Marc Scholl, a former prosecutor in New York now counsel to the firm Lewis Baach Kaufmann & Middlemiss.

In contrast, Trump and his allies allegedly tried to pressure former Vice President Mike Pence to use Trump's fake electors and reject the legitimate electoral votes, and Pence had refused.

Fani Willis pushes back against claims that 1960 case is a legal precedent

Along with Trump, Georgias Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis also indicted 18 of his allies - from prominent figures like Rudy Giuliani to lesser known individuals - last month for their alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election in the state.

Cathleen Latham and David Shafer, both of whom were fake electors, requested in court filings last month that their cases be moved from state court to federal court and cited the 1960 Hawaii case as a "legal precedent."

However, Willis denied Latham's motion in a court filing on Thursday, arguing that claims the Hawaii case is precedent "misses the mark by a wide margin."

"Actions that did not result in prosecution 60 years ago - in a different jurisdiction with different election code and criminal statutes, presided over by different prosecuting agencies, and with differing substantive evidence of criminal intent - provides zero protection" for Latham, Willis wrote.

Willis also argued that when Latham allegedly met with other fake electors, two recounts had already been completed and both reaffirmed Biden's victory, and that her losing effort was never certified by the governor or validated through any other means.

"There is no guiding precedent to be found here," Willis wrote.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Trump and his allies' fake electors bid compares to a 1960 case
(CNN)  Leaders gathered here for the annual Group of 20 summit managed to agree on a joint statement laying out shared views on climate change and economic development but showed the fractures within the group by stopping short of explicitly condemning Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Diplomats had been working furiously to draft a final joint statement in the lead-up to the summit but hit snags on language to describe the Ukraine war. The eventual compromise statement amounted to a coup for the summits host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but still reflected a position far softer those the United States and its Western allies have adopted individually.

US President Joe Biden was hoping to convince the worlds largest economies to rally behind Ukraine during his two-night stay in India for the summit. He also pressed his case for American investment in the developing world.

On Saturday, as the summit was still underway, the leaders agreed to the joint declaration acknowledging the situation in Ukraine while not papering over the groups major divides.

All states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition, the declaration read, without explicitly singling out Russia for its invasion. The document also stated opposition to the use of nuclear weapons and highlighted the economic effects of the war.

In a reflection of the deep fractures among the G20 nations, the statement acknowledged there were different views and assessments of the situation.

The declaration earned the praise of the United States. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan called the statement a significant milestone for Indias chairmanship and a vote of confidence that the G20 can come together to address a pressing range of issues.

The G20 statement includes a set of consequential paragraphs on the war in Ukraine. And from our perspective, it does a very good job of standing up for the principle that states cannot use force to seek territorial acquisition, Sullivan said.

Still, the language differed from last years G20 declaration, which stated most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine.

Russia, as a member of the G20, would have to agree on any consensus statement on Ukraine. Russia and China had resisted stronger language in a final statement, making any kind of agreement difficult. No G20 summit has concluded without a joint declaration of some type.

Ukraines Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko criticized the declaration.

Ukraine is grateful to its partners who tried to include strong wording in the text, he wrote on Facebook. At the same time, the G20 has nothing to be proud of in the part about Russias aggression against Ukraine. Obviously, the participation of the Ukrainian side would have allowed the participants to better understand the situation. The principle of nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine remains as key as ever.

The absence at the summit of two of Bidens chief global rivals  Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin  provided opportunities for Biden to make a more affirmative case at the summit, White House officials said as the gathering was getting underway in New Delhi.

Biden said Saturday he would have welcomed the presence of his Chinese counterpart at the summit, but that positive outcomes were still possible.

It would be nice to have him here but, no, the summit is going well, Biden said when questioned about the impact of Xis absence.

Biden was hoping to use the gathering to portray the United States as a credible counterweight to Chinas economic outreach.

He announced new plans with partner nations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia to construct a major new transit corridor connecting the regions, a challenge to Beijings own efforts at expanding global trade.

And he unveiled new reforms and investments in the World Bank, which the White House says could unlock hundreds of billions of dollars in grants and loans for the developing world  providing an alternative to Chinas economic ambitions in those regions.

Biden was welcomed by the summits host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a smile and a warm handshake.

India calls upon the world to come together to transform the global trust deficit into one of trust and reliance. This is the time for all of us to move together, Modi said as the gathering got underway.

Be it the divide between North and South, the distance between the East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we must find a solid solution to this for future generations, he added.

It was a message of unity at a markedly fractured moment for the grouping.

While Biden has enjoyed ample success at other summits convincing fellow leaders to step up their military support for Ukraine and tighten their punishment of Russia, many nations, particularly in the Global South, havent been as convinced.

They view the billions of dollars in Western assistance pouring into Ukraine skeptically, and have sought a more balanced relationship with Moscow.

Bidens aides say the president welcomes the opportunity to continue making the case for Ukraine, including to audiences that arent necessarily on the same page.

Part of what makes the G20 an appealing format for the United States is it gives us a chance to interact with and work with and take constructive steps with a wider range of countries, including some, frankly, that we dont see eye to eye with on every issue, US deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told reporters on Saturday.

An alternative to Chinas Belt and Road?

Biden hopes to use new announcements on new infrastructure and investments as demonstration of US commitment to the developing world, and a better option for partnership than China.

He announced the launch of a new economic corridor that will connect India, the Middle East and Europe on Saturday. The plans could potentially transform global trade and directly challenge Chinas own sprawling overseas development initiative, known as the Belt and Road, which has poured billions of dollars into infrastructure projects each year.

Biden along with the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the European Union signed a memorandum of understanding laying out the new project on Saturday.

While the project will include building integrated infrastructure, the president said it was far from just laying tracks, speaking with a group of global leaders that included the United Kingdom, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

Its about creating jobs, increasing trade, strengthening supply chains, boosting connectivity, laying foundations that will strengthen commerce and food security for people across multiple countries, Biden said. This is a game changing regional investment and  huge steps forward.

When we invest in low middle income countries, all countries benefit, Biden added. When we invest in emerging economies, all economies benefit, and when we invest in the future of people anywhere, people everywhere benefit.

The plans could pose a challenge to Chinas Belt and Road initiative, which the US says uses coercive lending practices for infrastructure projects in developing countries, an accusation Beijing has repeatedly denied. Bidens proposals on World Bank reform similarly aim to offer a better deal to emerging economies.

During his remarks at the event, Biden singled out particular leaders to thank  including bin Salman. The leaders shook hands afterward, a decidedly different approach than the fist bump Biden offered the prince during a visit to Saudi Arabia last summer.

Speaking to reporters in India ahead of the announcement, Sullivan said the project was about strategically layering transformative investments across multiple sectors across multiple countries, basically to leverage the broader effects of boosting economic development, securing supply chains and bolstering regional connectivity.

He called it a big deal, and important moment, and a milestone, that would translate to a concrete outcome.

Without Xi attending, Biden had the implicit opportunity to demonstrate sustained American commitment while questioning Chinas. American officials said Saturday it wasnt clear to them why Xi decided to skip the G20 for the first time.

Im not sure we have a clear answer to that question, but really its incumbent upon the Chinese government to explain why a leader would or would not participate, Finer said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "G20 stops short of condemning Russias invasion of Ukraine in joint declaration"
Photo confirming the downing of a Russian drone in Romania, published by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

Residents of Romanias border zone with Ukraine will now receive mobile phone warnings about possible air raids, Radio Romania International has reported, referring to Romanias National Committee for Emergency Situations.

The move comes after a Russian suicide drone crashed and exploded on Romanian territory during a Russian air attack on Ukraine on Sept. 4.

In areas without mobile phone signal, teams will be deployed to alert the civilian population, the Romanian committee said. On Sept. 9, new fragments of UAVs resembling those used by Russia were found approximately 2.5 kilometers southeast of the Romanian settlement of Plauru, which is located on the banks of the Danube.

The Ukrainian city of Izmail and the Izmail Sea Trade Port lies on the opposite bank of the Danube from the area where the explosion was observed on Sept. 4, and where drone debris was subsequently discovered.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stated earlier that the impact on of the Russian attack drone on Romanian territory constitutes an unacceptable violation of Romanias airspace, and poses real risks to the safety of residents in this region.

Shaheds in Romania: What is Known

Russia carried out another massive air attack on southern Ukraine using Iranian-made Shahed drones on the night of Sept. 4.

Some of these drones fell and detonated on the territory of Romania, a NATO member state, according to Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 23 out of 32 Shaheds were shot down during the raid, during which Russia targeted the infrastructure of Izmail District of Odesa Oblast, which borders Romania.

Read also: Romania to consider evacuating village near Ukrainian border

At the time, the Romanian Defense Ministry categorically denied reports about the falling debris. According to the ministry, Russias attack never created a direct military threat to the national territory or territorial waters of Romania.

However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded that Ukraine possessed photographic evidence that proved Shahed drones had come down over Romanian territory.

Then, on Sept. 6, Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar acknowledged for the first time that parts of a Russian drone used to attack Ukraine had indeed fallen on his countrys territory.

NATO member countries expressed strong solidarity with Romania in a statement published by Romanias ambassador to NATO, Dan Neculescu. However, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated on Sept. 7 that the alliance did not see any indication that there had been a deliberate Russian attack on Romania.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Vice President Kamala Harris rejected accusations from some Republican officials that Democrats want to allow abortion procedures up until a person gives birth, calling the claim ridiculous.

Harris on CBS' Face the Nation called on lawmakers to codify the rights provided in Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that brought abortion protections from coast to coast. Before the case was overturned, virtually every state in the country allowed people to have abortions at least until a point of viability, typically about 24 weeks into a pregnancy.

Asked by CBS Margaret Brennan what week of pregnancy Harris believes a potential abortion law should protect, the vice president repeatedly said We need to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade and that the Biden administration is not trying to do anything that did not exist before June of last year.

Brennan explained that she asked the vice president about a specific week because "Republicans say the lack of a precise date in cutting it off  you know this  they say that allows Democrats to perform abortions up until, you know, birth.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Which is ridiculous, Harris said, calling the argument a mischaracterization of the point.

Washington: Biden lawyers ask Supreme Court to maintain access for abortion pill mifepristone

Some Republican lawmakers and candidates across the country have alleged that Democrats widely want people who are pregnant to be able to obtain an abortion at any time, even if they are weeks from potentially giving birth.

Abortions in the third trimester of pregnancy are already rare, and they typically occur because of serious fetal abnormalities. In 2019, about 93% of abortions occurred at or before 13 weeks of gestation. About 1% of abortions occurred at 21 weeks or later, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Abortions that do occur later in a pregnancy usually involve medication to induce birth early, which experts point out is different than a surgical abortion.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Harris rejects GOP claim Democrats want abortion rights until birth
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Sunday that he had raised "very strong concerns" with Chinese Premier Li Qiang about allegations of a spy within the U.K.'s Parliament.

During a press conference following the pair's meeting at the G20 conference in New Delhi, Sunak said that he warned Li "about any interference in our parliamentary democracy, which is obviously unacceptable." Sunak added that the pair "discussed a range of things and I raised areas where there are disagreements. This is just part of our strategy to protect ourselves, protect our values and our interests, to align our approach to China with that of our allies like America, Australia, Canada, Japan and others."

Sunak's comments came hours after a report in The Sunday Times revealed that a British parliamentary researcher was arrested earlier this year for allegedly spying on Parliament for China, along with another man who was arrested in connection. The prime suspect was "understood to be linked to a number of senior Tory [politicians], including several who are privy to classified or highly sensitive information," according to the Times. This reportedly included U.K. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat. The alleged spy represented "a major escalation by China. We have never seen anything like this before," one parliamentary source told the Times.

The meeting between Sunak and Li was not originally scheduled, but occurred early Sunday morning after news of the alleged spy's arrest broke, The Guardian reported. The allegations were reportedly the first topic that Sunak and Li discussed; Li said that the two countries had "differences in opinion." A report in Chinese media also said that Li told Sunak that the U.K. and China "should properly handle disagreements, respect each other's core interests and major concerns."

Chinese officials have not directly addressed the spying allegations.

You may also like

Homepage




Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts has married her longtime partner Amber Laign.

The two, who have been together 18 years, announced the news on the Instagram account they run for their dog, Lil Man Lukas, on Friday.

"My mommies are MARRIED!!!! Married?yes.married!!!" the caption of the post reads with their dog wearing a bowtie.

In another Instagram post, this time from her own account, Roberts shared a picture of the two in their dresses while holding hands.

An intimate, magical wedding ceremony in our backyard followed by a joyous receptionohhhh the dancing!! We are immensely grateful to all for making it a day and a night to remember. Honeymoon here we come! Roberts wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Congratulations were shared by weekend GMA anchor Gio Benitez, who wrote, Just so much beauty inside and out. From the dresses to the joy on your facesand ours. Best wedding ever.

Law & Order SVU actor Mariska Hargitay wrote, Huuuuuge congratulations to you beautiful souls.

The LGBTQ+ rights group The Human Rights Campaign posted, Congratulations! Wishing you both so much love, joy and happiness.

Roberts also posted a video of her siblings surprising the couple by entering to This Is How We Do It before giving their toast.

Thought for sure theyd go with a gospel tune, nope! Roberts wrote.

www.instagram.com

Earlier this year, Roberts discussed her marriage plans on GMA.

Roberts initially said she was "hesitating because I haven't said it out loud yet."

"I'm saying 'yes' to marriage," Roberts continued. "We're getting married this year."

She and Laign have been together since 2005.

Roberts said at the time, "It was something we had talked about but we had put it off. She became ill."

Laign was battling breast cancer. Roberts is also a cancer survivor.

In the lead-up to the wedding, GMA hosted a bachelorette party for the couple. They were treated to a Key West-inspired tropical party in the shows Times Square studios in New York.

Could 14-year-old Robin Roberts have imagined shed be having a bachelorette party on national television? asked fellow GMA host George Stephanopoulos.

Uh-uh, no, Roberts remarked as she shook her head. Especially to a woman.

Check out more images of the celebration and more pictures and video leading up to the couple's big day below.

www.instagram.com

www.instagram.com

www.instagram.com

www.instagram.com

www.instagram.com

www.instagram.com

www.instagram.com

www.instagram.com
Tragic waste

Rocklin school board approves parent trans notification policy, (sacbee.com, Sept. 7)

Are parents that support this rule expecting schools to police their children? Are they incapable of talking with their children? If kids know they are unconditionally loved even when parents disagree, theyll tell the truth if asked. With this board policy in place, kids who are afraid to discuss identity issues with their parents will certainly not do so now out of fear they would put a target on their own back. It was an ugly vote, a tragic waste of emotional energy and likely wasted money when the district is sued. Sounds like its time for recalls unless the majority of the Rocklin community is happy with the waste.

Karen Ives

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sacramento

Opinion

The jig is up

Sacramento city manager delays pay raise, vacation package, (sacbee.com, Aug. 31)

Thank you to The Bee Editorial Board for reminding readers that Sacramento City Manager Howard Chan is already the highest paid city manager in the state. When the city manager moved to continue the matter of his raise, Mayor Darrell Steinberg praised it as an act of leadership. More likely, the decision was made for reasons of political expediency.

The mayor continues to make proposals inimical to the long term welfare of city residents, including asking voters to raise sales taxes  a move, as the editorial states, that would have a disproportionate impact on the most economically stressed residents of the county.

This jig is up, the Editorial Board writes. Its long past time that Chan and the mayor bow out gracefully.

Bill Motmans

Sacramento

Hypocritical Ho

Sacramento DAs recent threat, demands on homelessness divide observers as deadline arrives, (sacbee.com, Sept. 5)

Thien Ho ran for Sacramento district attorney promising to advocate for laws to arrest and convict more criminals who commit hate crimes. But he never lifted a finger this year to support two major bills to do exactly that, despite repeated requests for his help.

One bill by Assemblyman Evan Low died in its first committee. The other, by Assemblyman Phil Ting, is headed for passage  despite, believe it or not, opposition from the California District Attorneys Association.

Instead of advocating for this legislation, Ho is threatening to arrest city leaders if they dont meet his demand to force homeless people to pack up their tents and all their meager belongings from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day and take them somewhere else. Where? He doesnt say.

Greg deGiere

Sacramento

Reject ACA 1

California Republicans decry constitutional amendment aimed at increasing affordable housing, (sacbee.com, Aug. 17)

The California Legislatures Republican delegation is rejecting efforts to weaken taxpayer protections in Proposition 13 and roll back the two-thirds vote requirement for local transactions and use taxes, property taxes and general obligation bonds.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 would undermine Prop. 13 and make it easier to raise taxes by lowering the voter approval threshold from a two-thirds requirement to just 55% of the voters. ACA 1 will make it easier for local entities to raise taxes if they finance public infrastructure projects. However, the definition of public infrastructure is beyond broad. This would give local governments freedom to use this lower vote threshold for most tax increases under the pretense of public infrastructure project investment.

Proponents argue that this will allow for more affordable housing, but that simply does not add up. When you increase the cost of building supplies and the taxes on the end product the word affordable seems a stretch.

California Sen. Roger Niello

Sacramento
Romania has summoned the head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Bucharest and reprimanded him for the use of drones launched by Russia to attack Ukrainian ports on the Danube.

Source: Digi24; European Pravda

The Foreign Ministry said that they summoned the charge d'affaires of the Russian Federation in Bucharest on Saturday.

"Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs Julian Fota protested on behalf of the Romanian side in connection with the violation of Romanian airspace after discovering fragments of drones near the border with Ukraine  similar to those used by Russian forces for aggression against Ukraine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

At the same time, the Romanian official condemned the systematic, unjustified and barbaric attacks by Russian forces against the Ukrainian population and civilian infrastructure, including that over the Danube near the Romanian border, which threatens Romanian citizens," the statement said.

Fota passed the Russian side his government's demand to stop attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, including those threatening fellow Romanians.

Note: On Saturday, the Romanian Defence Ministry reported that specialists found the wreckage of another drone similar to those used by Russia, 2.5 km southeast of the village of Plauru, opposite the Ukrainian city of Izmail.

President Klaus Iohannis called it "an unacceptable violation of the sovereign airspace of Romania, a NATO country," and stressed that it was an immediate threat to residents.

Romanian experts are still investigating the wreckage and establishing details of their fall on the territory of Romania. The representative of the Ministry of Defence did not name the distance between the two points where the drone wreckage was found, but confirmed that these are two different places.

On 4 September, Ukraine reported that during the Shahed attack on Izmail and Reni, two drones fell on the territory of Romania.

The Romanian side first categorically denied the incident but, on 6 September, confirmed the discovery of fragments that looked like the wreckage of a drone.

The country also announced measures to protect residents of settlements over the Danube opposite the Ukrainian ports.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
LONDON  British lawmakers say the Royal Air Force now lacks capabilities across combat, air transport and early warning aircraft.

A Ministry of Defence command paper in 2021 ordered cuts to aircraft numbers that are creating a combat air shortfall in jet numbers that will persist into the 2030s, the Parliamentary defence committee said in a report on aviation procurement released Sept. 10.

The committee said the British combat jet fleet now only provides a boutique capability and lacks numerical depth and an inadequate attrition reserve.

Combat aircraft numbers are already low. The defence command paper cuts will create a combat air capability gap which, on current plans, will persist well into the 2030s. This is unacceptable. The [Ministry of Defence] and RAF must consider as a matter of urgency how they can increase combat air mass in the short term, said the report.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Figures in the report show Britain having the smallest number of jets among the four major European military powers with a fleet of 169 aircraft made up of Typhoons and F-35s.

The next smallest is Italy with 199 jets, while Germany and France each have over 200 combat aircraft.

Since the end of the Cold War, the RAFs fleet has taken a nosedive in numbers, down to just a third of its previous size. Our report found that budget cuts  including those in the last defence command paper  have led to gaps in air capability that will persist into the next decade, said committee chair Tobias Ellwood.

The RAF has prioritized quality at the expense of quantity, leaving us with a fleet of combat aircraft that are high-spec and expensive yet alarmingly low in number. Our current fleet fails to reach the mass necessary to survive the attrition of an all-out war with a peer adversary. Fixing this is a matter of urgency, he said.

The MoD updated the 2021 command paper earlier this year in light of the changed security situation in Europe since Russias invasion of Ukraine, but left aircraft deletions untouched.

The committee saved much of its criticism for the MoDs decision to reduce an order for airborne early warning aircraft and the axing of an entire fleet of Hercules C-130s earlier than planned.

An order for five Boeing Wedgetail E-7 was cut from five aircraft to three to save money.

Reducing the fleet size to three was labeled by the Parliamentarians as the most perverse decision in the command paper.

The 40% reduction in Wedgetail fleet size resulted in a cost saving of just 12%, said the report.

The committee, which has influence but no actual teeth, said the cut needs to be reversed with a new commitment to at least five of the airborne early warning and control jets .

Shrinking the fleet will leave Britain unable to meet its NATO commitments and its own sovereign needs, said the Parliamentarians.

The MoD has committed almost 2 billion [$2.5 billion] for a fleet of aircraft that, due to its reduced size, will be unable to meet the basic capability requirement, said the lawmakers.

Perhaps the most controversial decision of the 2021 command paper was the move to stand down the RAFs C-130J Hercules fleet some seven years before its planned out-of-service date.

Witnesses giving evidence to the committee were almost unanimously critical of this decision, which significantly reduced the overall capacity of the air mobility fleet and created a capability gap that could hamper special forces who widely use the aircraft, said the report.

The fleet of aircraft were finally withdrawn earlier this summer and are now up for sale.

The RAF has been left scrambling to migrate essential capabilities onto the A400M Atlas and will be reliant on this aircraft which, however capable it may be on paper, has a poor track record of reliability, said the Parliamentarians.
By Katya Golubkova

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Russia will return to the Black Sea grain deal 'the same day' as Moscow's conditions for export of its own grain and fertilisers to the global markets are met, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters on Sunday.

Russia quit the deal in July, a year after it was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, complaining that its own food and fertiliser exports faced obstacles and that insufficient Ukrainian grain was going to countries in need.

"When all the necessary actions for removing obstacles for our grain and fertiliser exports are implemented, the same day we will return to the collective implementation of the Ukrainian part of the 'Black Sea initiative'", Lavrov told a briefing after attending a two-day G20 summit in New Delhi.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The G20 declaration on Saturday called for 'full, timely and effective implementation to ensure the immediate and unimpeded deliveries of grain, foodstuffs, and fertilizers/inputs' from Russia and Ukraine to meet demand in developing countries.

Supplies were obstructed after Russia invaded Ukraine last year in what Moscow calls a 'special military operation'. The United Nations, Turkey and this year's G7 chair Japan are trying to facilitate the resumption of grain supplies.

Ukraine opposes the idea of easing sanctions on Russia in order to revive a grain deal. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday he was not 'hopeless' about reviving the deal, and Russia, Ukraine and Turkey would continue to discuss it.

In a letter seen by Reuters this week, the UN told Russia a unit of Russian Agricultural Bank in Luxembourg could immediately apply to SWIFT to "effectively enable access" for the bank to the SWIFT international payments system within 30 days - the idea Lavrov has dismissed on Sunday.

Lavrov said that 'no-one, including (U.N. Secretary-General Antonio) Guterres,' has promised that the Russian Agricultural Bank would be reconnected to SWIFT, and that the bank's Luxembourg unit has no license for banking operations and plans to close down.

"All the idea of his (Guterres) letter is that we should resume the Ukraine part of the grain deal and in return, in a month, something would be done for someone to be connected to SWIFT, in two-three months there would be some attempt to agree with Lloyd's insurance company," Lavrov said.

(Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Editing by Christina Fincher)
Russia has recently begun arranging its military bases near its Finnish border.

Source: Finnish media outlet Yle, which published pictures indicating the changes, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Satellite images depict newly constructed facilities for maintaining and storing equipment at the Alakurtti garrison and military depot in the city of Petrozavodsk.

The media outlet points out that a growing number of equipment is being moved from Petrozavodsk to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the article says, these construction projects are the first tangible sign that Russia has started investing in military bases near the Finnish border again after many years.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said the changes observed in the satellite images do not pose a threat to Finland.

Retired Finnish Army Major Marko Eklund believes the priority task of the military depot in Petrozavodsk is likely to be the refurbishment and supply of equipment to the Ukrainian front.

The facility built there is probably a maintenance one, Eklund said. In other words, it's a covered premises for the autumn and winter cold weather so that the equipment can be serviced.

Following Finland's accession to NATO, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to reinforce its armed forces near the Finnish border.

Background:

The Finnish government's draft budget for 2024 envisages spending 2.3% of GDP on defence in line with the requirements of the North Atlantic Alliance, as the country has now become the latest member of the military-political bloc.

Before that, Finland will reportedly decide in autumn how it will contribute to NATO's common defence in peacetime.

Finland officially joined NATO on 4 April.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
After a year and a half of fighting in Ukraine, Russia needs to replenish its supplies of ammunition for what could be a long war of attrition. Along with ramping up its domestic arms production, Moscow is turning to an old ally with a vast arsenal  North Korea.

Estimates say the reclusive and isolated Asian country has tens of millions of artillery shells and rockets that could give a huge boost to the Russian army.

U.S. officials expect North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to visit Russia in the coming days to seal a possible deal on munitions transfer with President Vladimir Putin. That would be a remarkable reversal from the 1950-53 Korean War, when the Soviet Union provided the communist North with weapons and ammunition.

We know that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited recently for artillery shells predominantly, and most likely that will be discussed between Putin and Kim Jong Un, said Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.

FILE - In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center right, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, front left, visit an arms exhibition in Pyongyang, North Korea Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Shoigu visited Pyongyang in what the U.S. saw as part of Moscow's efforts to negotiate for supplies of North Korean munitions. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

Shoigu became the first Russian defense chief to visit North Korea since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Images of him at a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, in July, alongside Kim and the medal-laden North Korean military brass, was a strong sign of a vigorous effort by Moscow to reach out to the North. Shoigu said that joint military drills were possible.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Asked about a possible visit by Kim and a deal that would see North Korean arms supplies to Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment.

But he emphasized that Moscow cherishes ties with Pyongyang, adding: North Korea is our neighbor, and we will further develop our relations without looking back at other countries opinion.

Kim made his first visit to Russia in 2019 and held talks with Putin that included pledges of closer cooperation but werent followed by any visible breakthroughs.

While the bulk of the Korean Peoples Army arsenals are dated, their enormous size would offer the Russian military a potential key lifeline amid Europes largest land conflict since World War II.

Hong Min, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification, said that Russia could seek to establish North Korea as a rear base for its war efforts, providing a major flow of munitions.

Russia is hoping that North Korea could swiftly establish support channels to provide it with war materials like ammunition, bombs and other supplies, Hong said.

The U.S. said North Korea sold some munitions to Russias private military contractor, Wagner, in November. Both Russian and North Korean officials have denied that Pyongyang has shipped any weapons or munitions to Russia or intends to do so.

U.S. officials have cast Moscows reach for North Korean weapons as a reflection of Russian military problems. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the quality of North Korean weapons was an open question.

It says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defense capacity in a war that it expected be over in a week, Sullivan said.

Jon Finer, U.S. President Joe Bidens chief deputy national security adviser, told reporters on Sunday that buying weapons from Pyongyang may be the best and may be the only option open to Moscow as it tries to keep its war effort going. Finer made the remarks aboard Bidens flight from India to Vietnam.

While Washington has warned Pyongyang against sending weapons to Russia, which would violate a U.N. embargo on any arms shipments to and from North Korea, observers say there is little the U.S. could do in response.

They note that Moscow could share advanced nuclear, missile and submarine technology with Pyongyang in exchange for arms supplies, a move that could embolden Kim and raise major threats to regional security.

See North Koreas new ballistic missile submarine

The United States and its allies have limited policy options in addressing this new challenge, Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said in an analysis.

While the Norths enormous stockpiles could boost the Russian war effort, Moscow has imported drones from another ally, Iran, that have played a significant role in the fighting.

Russia has used Shahed exploding drones to strike Ukraines infrastructure for more than a year. After the initial surprise, Ukrainian air defenses have honed their skills in engaging them. But the cheap and simple drones that have a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) continue to inflict significant damage.

Russia reportedly has bought a production license from Iran and built its own factory to assemble the drones and churn out thousands of them a year. Iran is expected to initially provide the materials and technology, with the plant gradually shifting to domestically produced components.

Russian arms manufacturers have compensated for at least some of the equipment losses in the conflict and developed some new products, including satellite-guided gliding bombs and other precision weapons to fight back against Ukraines summer counteroffensive.

Early in the war, broad use of drones by Ukraine inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces and played a significant role in Moscows military setbacks. Russian officials acknowledged they hadnt paid enough attention to drones before the war and vowed to fill the gap quickly.

One type of mass-produced exploding drone that made a visible impact is the Lancet, capable of lurking over the battlefield before hitting its target. Cheap and compact, it has become prolific, allowing the Russian military to strike Ukrainian tanks and artillery systems on a wide scale.

Russia has increasingly used another new asset in recent months: gliding aerial bombs. With a pair of winglets and a satellite navigation module, old Soviet-made bombs have been transformed into highly efficient smart weapons. They have a range of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) and allow the Russian air force to step up attacks on Ukrainian forces along the front line without putting warplanes at risk.

Russia has adapted 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) bombs, using them to fend off the Ukrainian counteroffensive. It has worked to design a similar conversion for a 1,500-kilogram (3,300-pound) bomb, reportedly using it for the first time this month. Transformed into a gliding bomb, it is reportedly precise to five meters (16 feet) and leaves a 15-meter (50-foot) crater  a powerful weapon against Ukrainian military assets.

Another addition to the Russian arsenal is the Vikhr anti-tank missile used by Russian helicopter gunships. It has an extended range that allows pilots to take out Ukrainian armor while staying out of reach of air defenses and has seen wide use during the summer.

The use of attack aviation has posed a consistent challenge for Ukrainian forces throughout the counteroffensive, the Royal United Services Institute said in an analysis.

While developing new munitions, Russian manufacturers also bolstered production of tanks and other weapons, and the military has increasingly tapped its storage bases of thousands of armored vehicles dating to the Cold War. Some have been upgraded with protective shields and other equipment to increase their survivability.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russias Security Council, has said Russia will produce 1,500 battle tanks in 2023.

Conveyer belts of our military industrial complex are working in three shifts, and it will produce as many weapons as needed to efficiently protect the fatherland, he said.

Emma Burrows in Tallinn, Estonia, and Kim Tong-Hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
A Russian attack on the city of Kherson on Sept. 10 injured a woman, the Kherson Military Administration reported.

Russian forces reportedly hit the city's Suvorovskyi district at around 5:30 p.m. local time.

According to the authorities, a 69-year-old woman received a mine blast wound and an injury to her neck.

Ukraine liberated Kherson and other regional settlements on the Dnipro Rivers west bank in November 2022.

Russian forces were pushed to the river's east bank, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.

Russian troops shelled the village of Soniachne in Kherson Oblast the day prior on Sept. 9, killing a 48-year-old man.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Meanwhile, an attack on Kherson Oblast on Sept. 8 killed three people and injured five.

Read also: Foreign volunteers car struck by Russian artillery in Chasiv Yar: 2 killed, 2 wounded

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian soldiers in the occupied territories of Ukraine's south are stationed in functioning civilian facilities, such as educational institutions, hospitals and churches.

Source: Ukraines National Resistance Center

Quote: "The Russians are disregarding international humanitarian law and deploying their soldiers in functioning civilian facilities.

Thus, in the temporarily occupied territories of the south, new cases of deployment of equipment and personnel in educational institutions have been recorded, despite the start of the school year."

Details: Ukraines National Resistance Center said that the wounded occupiers are being placed in civilian hospitals, despite the presence of local inpatients.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

They noted that cases of Russian military personnel being stationed in churches have been recorded in several villages.

"Officially, the occupiers explain the deployment of the military on school grounds as paramilitary security for the safety of children. In reality, Russian armed forces combat units are using vacant floors," the National Resistance Center stated.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Russian troops attacked Ukraine with Shahed combat drones from the north on 10 September. An air-raid warning was sounded in Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force

Quote: "A group of Shaheds in Sumy Oblast, moving towards the west!

An air-raid warning may be spreading according to the vector of the attack UAVs movement".

Details: Later, the Air Force reported a threat of combat drones in Chernihiv Oblast.

Background:

Overnight on Sunday, the Russians launched 33 kamikaze drones in Kyiv Oblast, 26 of which were destroyed.

Fallen debris from Russian drones was recorded in four districts of the city of Kyiv on the night of 9-10 September as a result of an overnight attack by Shahed UAVs and air defence operations, causing damage to an apartment, cars, trolleybus power lines and road signs and setting grass and railway sleepers on fire.

Four people were injured in a nighttime Shahed drone attack on Kyiv Oblast, and over 100 private houses and 30 apartments in 7 residential buildings were damaged, as were educational and medical facilities.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Russian Ministry of Defence has claimed that Russian forces have downed eight drones over the Black Sea and destroyed three small gunboats that had supposedly attacked occupied Crimea.

Source: Russian Ministry of Defence

Quote: "An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using UAVs against targets in the Russian Federation was intercepted on the night of 9-10 September."

Details: The Russian Ministry said that eight UAVs were supposedly destroyed by regular air defence systems over the Black Sea near the coast of the Republic of Crimea.

Update: Later, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that it had supposedly destroyed three fast military boats carrying Ukrainian army landing groups in the Black Sea.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Quote: "Black Sea Fleet naval aircraft destroyed three US-made Willard Sea Force fast military boats with Ukrainian Armed Forces landing groups on board heading towards the Crimean coast tonight, in the western part of the Black Sea northeast of Zmiinyi (Snake) Island."

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Ivan Fedorov, the official mayor of temporarily occupied Melitopol, has said that Russians have installed video cameras and telephone towers in the city to keep a closer eye on local residents.

Source: Ivan Fedorov, the legitimately elected mayor of Melitopol, on Telegram

Quote from Fedorov: "Big Brother [Russia] likes not only to peep, but also to eavesdrop. The Russian invaders of Melitopol are keeping a close eye on those "dissenters". First they placed video cameras around the city, and then switched to telephone communications. They were unable to reconfigure the Ukrainian towers, so they set up their own. But there's a catch: [this was done] to listen to conversations."

Details: Ivan Fedorov added that the Russians had recently installed a new telephone tower near the hospital campus, and another in the district opposite School No.24.

PHOTO: IVAN FEDOROV'S TELEGRAM

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"At the same time, for a year and a half, they have not provided normal communication and the Internet for people. The enemy towers are only serving enemy purposes," said Fedorov.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Russians attacked Ukraine in August using missile weapons produced in the third quarter of 2023.

Source: Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, at a meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES), quoted by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency

Quote: "Last year, they [the Russians  ed.] completely switched the economy to military mode. The defence industry is now trying to increase its efforts to produce what they call high-tech weapons.

And we see that whatever is produced at their facilities immediately goes to the army and is being used [to attack] our country, especially in the attacks that are being carried now and since May."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The same applies to missile strikes in August, and missile weapons used there were produced in the third quarter of this year."

Details: Skibitskyi also cited the Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih in May as an example, noting that the missiles were produced in April.

Defence Intelligence stressed that in order to stop Russian attacks, it is necessary to neutralise the production of such products used for military purposes.

"We are working together with the international community here because there are many aspects to it. These include international sanctions on the supply of relevant used components.

This is the closure of all supply channels through other countries, through some countries that have not joined international sanctions.

And the third aspect is the [Ukrainian] military, which is striking and destroying firms that produce lethal weapons," Skibitskyi said.

He added that at the moment, the entire state of Russia is involved in the war against Ukraine.

"This involves the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and powerful conscription measures. They have mobilised 310,000 servicemen in just three months, as they 'joined' the armed forces," Skibitskyi pointed out.

Commenting on the situation with the use of drones at the front, he stressed that "the battlefield is now absolutely open to both sides".

"The reason it is difficult to carry out any offensive or counteroffensive operations and actions now is because modern unmanned aerial vehicles are allowing us to capture all information very quickly.

Detecting a convoy of tanks takes two or three minutes, and the artillery unit will already have information about the movement of that convoy of tanks.

Two or three minutes more, and it will be ready to launch a strike. This means that a decision is made within ten minutes, and strikes are launched," Skibitskyi explained.

He also noted that the effective range of UAVs is now very large, and "none of the units go to the battlefield if they do not have their own UAVs".

"A single drone can disable equipment worth millions of dollars," Skibitskyi added.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
A magazine from an assault rifle and a bank card near the body of a Russian soldier in Blahodatne, Donetsk Oblast, September 8, 2023

Russia has failed to achieve any of its strategic goals in Ukraine, despite deploying almost half-a-million troops to the parts of Ukraine under occupation, a Ukrainian defense official has said.

Russia has deployed more than 420,000 of its military personnel in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine or HUR said at the annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy conference organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation in Kyiv, news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported on Sept. 10.

Read also: Russia loses 220,000 troops in Ukraine  UK Defense Ministry

Skibitskyi added that this number does not include the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardia), special units and other Russian security forces, "which (support) the occupation authorities in (Ukrainian) territories."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The deputy chief of the HUR said that more than a year-and-a-half after the beginning of the full-scale aggression, Russia had completely failed to achieve its strategic goal  the full occupation of Ukraine's territory.

"Then other strategic goals followed," he said.

Read also: Russia transferring additional forces to southern Ukraine, says senior national guard officer

First, the full occupation of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts. And right now, as of today, Russia is conducting the most active hostilities in two areas - Kupyansk-Lyman and Maryinka-Donetsk - in order to accomplish at least some task and fully reach the administrative borders of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.

Skibitskyi said that the Russian troop grouping in the Donbas area is a very powerful contingent, which includes a large number of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, multiple launch rocket systems and missile systems.

Meanwhile, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as of the morning of Sept. 9, Russia has lost more than 268,000 soldiers in Ukraine since launching its full-scale invasion of the country.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Last winter, Sacramento faced a three-week series of atmospheric rivers that brought flooding across the Valley and downed trees and branches.

As the region gets closer to another rainy season, Sacramentos utility department is preparing by shoring up critical flood control infrastructure across the city.

The maintenance is similar to work done in years past, according to a news release, and to work done in March.

Work will begin Sept. 18 at a ditch near Winters Street, before moving to Strawberry Creek, the 5-B detention basin in North Natomas, Lower and Upper Morrison creeks and ditches near the Sacramento Northern Bike Trail.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The work is expected to take several weeks to complete and involve:

Vegetation management

Removing debris that could block service roads

Removing debris that could block access gates

Repairing fencing

Utilities staff are aware that there could be unhoused people camping in the areas where maintenance will be taking place, according to the release, and they are working with the city manager and city attorney offices, as well as the Department of Community Response, to ensure the safety of those camping.

Resources and support will be provided to the most vulnerable members of our community while our partners in the Department of Utilities make sure our critical infrastructure receives the maintenance that it needs, City Homeless Services Manager Nick Golling said in the release.. The Department of Community Response will be reaching out to those experiencing homelessness, providing referral and connection to safe and stable programs in the community.

Below is a timeline with dates and locations throughout Sacramento city that will be worked on.
The Sagamore Bridge heading toward the Cape is now reopened after being closed down due to localized flooding, according to Bourne Police.

Police are also urging residents to be careful driving in the Sagamore Beach/Sagamore area due to severe flooding and inundated roads.

Parts of Massachusetts are under a Flash Flood Warning on Sunday due to heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Middlesex and Worcester counties are under warning until 6:15 p.m. while Norfolk and Plymouth counties are under warning until 5:45 p.m., according to National Weather Service.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for parts of Massachusetts

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
National Guardsmen, the members of a K9 unit from Mykolaiv, Ukraine's south, have completed the training course of providing service dogs with the first veterinary and medical care.

During training, the soldiers learned to tie up the heads and paws quickly and apply a bandage to a dog in case of injury during an attack or an emergency, the National Guard of Ukraine reports.

The authoritative body reports that four-legged defenders help them search for survivors under the rubble, participate in mine clearance, patrol the streets and serve at roadblocks.

Dogs check people and vehicles for explosive substances and prohibited items.

National Guard's dog handlers from Mykolaiv passed a training course in first aid for dogs

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While performing service and combat tasks, the dog may cut its paws and body, get burns, or suffer blast injuries or gunshot wounds.

While performing service and combat tasks, a dog may cut its paws and body, or get burns

"The dog is our fighting companion, he is a loyal assistant with superears and a supernose. The tasks became much more numerous and more complex and dangerous, when the full-scale invasion began. That is why our task is to make every effort to save the life of our furry friend, with whom we stand side by side every day", noted dog handler Volodymyr.

"Our task is to make every effort to save the life of our furry companion"

While training, soldiers of the 19th Regiment of Public Order Protection of the National Guard of Ukraine performed exercises, guided by the manual Recommendations for Tactical Combat Care for Dogs from the US Army's K9 Group of the Committee for Assistance to the Wounded in Combat Operations.

"The dog is our comrade-in-arms, he is a loyal assistant with superears and a supernose"

As of May 2023, the Armed Forces of Ukraine report that 25 service dogs were killed since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Debunk Science

Harvard's resident alien hunter believes he's found evidence of something from outside our Solar System at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean  but one of his fellow scientists isn't convinced.

In a detailed takedown published by The Conversation, British planetary scientist Monica Grady wrote that the conclusions drawn by Harvard's Avi Loeb are a "little inconsistent."

Grady takes issue specifically with Loeb's assertion that the tiny "spherules" he found at the bottom of the Pacific, based on an analysis of their chemical composition, are tiny pieces of either IM1, an interstellar meteorite that crash-landed in the ocean in 2014  an object, he's suggested, could be the remains of a probe from an intelligence civilization.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As the British researcher notes, Loeb's chemical analysis is sound  but he may have been looking in the wrong direction for the spherules' source.

There were, as Grady notes, dozens of nuclear tests conducted by the US military more than half a century ago on the Marshall Islands, which are located only a few hundred kilometers from the region off the coast of Papua New Guinea where Loeb and his team found the itty-bitty fragments.

"The spherules could be fallout from these tests  a type of human-generated supernova," she wrote.

Go Forth

To test the theory out, Loeb  or another enterprising scientist  would need only to "look for spherules in the beach sands and ocean floor around Bikini Atoll and Enewetak, where the nuclear tests took place," the Open University planetary science professor wrote.

Grady also noted that there's another "obvious" method that doesn't require travel to try to determine the spherules' origin, too: measuring their "oxygen isotopic composition."

"This parameter is based on the three stable isotopes of oxygen," she wrote. "The ratios between those can be used to conclusively determine whether material is terrestrial or extraterrestrial."

"Assuming the spherules are not radioactive," Grady added, "I would be happy to facilitate their analysis."

Though she admits that her explanation is as "speculative" as Loeb's, Grady  who has been unconvinced by the Harvard astronomer's claims about the spherules for a while now  says that after learning more about them, she remains skeptical.

"I am afraid that I come to the same conclusion that I did last time," she wrote. "Loeb has recovered some interesting particles, but none of the evidence he presents is sufficiently convincing to infer that the materials are either connected with IM1, or are from an alien spaceship."

More on off-world rocks: AI Is Now Identifying Killer Asteroids Before They Approach Earth
American Sean Strickland celebrates defeating Nigerian-born New Zealander Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight title by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 293 in Sydney, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP Image via AP)

SYDNEY (AP)  American Sean Strickland stunned Nigerian-born New Zealander Israel Adesanya to take the middleweight title by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 293, the first UFC event in Australia's largest city in six years.

The 32-year-old Strickland (28-5), who caused a stir in the lead-up to the fight with sexist and misogynistic comments at a press conference promoting the bout, won a five-round decision with all three judges scoring it 49-46.

Am I dreaming? Am I going to wake up? Someone hit me. ... I dont cry much but Im trying to keep it together right now," an emotional Strickland said immediately after the bout. I give up so many brain cells to the MMA gods... I thought Id be walking away a little bloody, a little broken up. Im a little shocked that didnt happen.

Backed by strong vocal support at Qudos Bank Arena, Adesanya (24-3) was a clear favorite to subdue his controversial American opponent and retain the title he won from Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in April.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But the 32-year-old Strickland's defensive, counterattacking style was brutally effective with the American landing the more telling shots throughout the fight with Adesanya struggling to find a way to hurt Strickland.

After a patient start by both fighters which saw Adesanya probing Strickland's unusual defensive style, it was the American that found the first telling strike with a clean straight shot that felled Adesanya. Strickland quickly moved in on the 34-year-old New Zealander's back with a flurry of strikes to close out the first round in the American's favor.

Adesanya was the more assertive in the second and third rounds, finding his range with his kicks and right-hand shots but continued to leave himself open for Strickland to strike at his body and head.

The final rounds saw Adesanya move more into his shell as the New Zealander struggled to make any imprint on the American's defense. Strickland sensed the opportunity to go after the champion and a flurry of punches and kicks in the final minute helped ensure the decision and the middleweight title.

"You dont fight that guy with that many highlight-reel knockouts, Strickland said about Adesanya. Hes beat  the majority of my friends, hes beat pretty easily. I was even kind of doubting myself at times.

But Ive got to say, the fans in Australia, you guys motivated me. When Im walking in here and I heard you guys yelling. In that fourth round I heard you guys yelling. It fueled me.

The UFC fight made news in the New South Wales state legislature, where the leading government lawmaker was forced to defend his states payment of about $10 million to help ensure the UFC event came to Sydney, for the first time since 2017, after Strickland made sexist and misogynistic comments during a media conference this week, echoing comments hes made previously.

In the co-main event, Alexander Volkov (37-10) won his heavyweight bout by submission in the second round against 30-year-old Sydney-born Tai Tuivasa.

The 34-year-old Russian dominated the fight despite an injury to his front leg which Tuivasa had targeted earlier in the round, with a lopsided strike count as he landed hit after hit on the Australian before trapping him in a choke hold which forced Tuivasa to tap out.

Australian Tyson Pedro opened the main card knocking out Sweden's Anton Turkalj in the first round, before New Zealander Justin Tafa did the same to American Austen Lane in a heavyweight bout and Manel Kape beat Felipe dos Santos by a five-round unanimous decision in an entertaining flyweight match.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
The Seattle Gun Violence Reduction Unit is currently investigating a South Seattle shooting that left a man in critical condition on Friday, according to the Seattle Police Department.

Officers said they arrived near the intersection of 25th Avenue South and South McClellan Street near the Lowes Home Improvement Store just before 6 p.m. after hearing reports that a man had been shot.

Shortly after the Police found the man, the Seattle Fire Department arrived and took him to the hospital in critical condition.

Police said they currently have no suspects and that the cause of the shooting is unknown.

If you have information regarding this investigation, police ask that you call the SPD violent crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.
A Nikola electric semi-truck caught fire during a battery test outside its Phoenix headquarters.

It comes after another Nikola Tre truck caught alight this week in Tempe, Arizona.

Nikola recalled about 209 trucks and suspended sales following two battery fires in June.

A Nikola electric semi-truck caught fire in a "thermal incident" near its headquarters in Phoenix on Friday.

The electric vehicle maker was testing why a battery pack on another of its trucks caught fire this week when the incident occurred.



The semi-truck was undergoing a "battery fire investigation and testing" when it caught alight in its second fire incident this week, the company told Bloomberg in an email.

In the first fire, a Tre battery-electric vehicle caught alight in Tempe, Arizona, Reuters reported. No one was injured in either incident.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It comes after two battery fires on its trucks in June that prompted the company to recall about 209 trucks in August and suspend sales. A coolant leak inside a battery pack was identified as a probable cause of the June fire, an external investigator found.

Nikola shares have fallen about 55% since the August recall and closed on Friday at 88 cents, valuing the company at about $750 million. The stock peaked in 2020 at almost $66.

Steve Girsky, who took over as CEO after Michael Lohscheller stepped down on August 31, is set to speak in a fireside chat with investors on Wednesday.

Girsky has been chairman since 2020 after he led the special-purpose acquisition company, VectoIQ, that merged with Nikola to become a listed company, per The Wall Street Journal .



He had been at General Motors for almost five years in various roles, including vice chairman, its website states.

Nikola didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A second suspect has been arrested in the murder of a 69-year-old man.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Aug. 28, around 8 a.m., LaGrange Police responded to a person shot at Sunny Point Access on Mooty Bridge Road.

Officers found 69-year-old Kenneth Stanley Dial suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

Police said Dial went to the park earlier in the morning to walk, which was routine for him. An acquaintance of Dial found him just before 8 a.m. and called 911 for help, according to LaGrange officials.

TRENDING STORIES:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Later Monday night, police arrested Billy Joe Tyler III for the murder of Dial.

The investigation revealed that Tyler tried to rob Dial before shooting him and running away.

Police said Tyler was on active felony probation for a robbery that occurred in the metro Atlanta area.

He was taken to the Troup County Jail.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

On Friday, LaGrange Police arrested and charged a second suspect, Jennifer McGowan with felony murder and criminal attempt robbery.

During the investigation, police learned that McGowan and Tyler had been together during the night and at the time of the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LaGrange Police Department at 706-883-2603 or Troup County Crime Stoppers at 706-812-1000.

IN OTHER NEWS:




A 22-year-old Lakes Stevens man was arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of a Snohomish corrections officer that happened Thursday night.

Snohomish County Sheriffs Office deputies were dispatched to a drive-by shooting call on the 600th block of South Machias Road in the city of Snohomish at 7:45 p.m.

A man was found dead in Snohomish Thursday night after shots were fired by a passing car.

A man was found dead in Snohomish Thursday night after shots were fired by a passing car.

A man was found dead in Snohomish Thursday night after shots were fired by a passing car.

A man was found dead in Snohomish Thursday night after shots were fired by a passing car.

A man was found dead in Snohomish Thursday night after shots were fired by a passing car.

A man was found dead in Snohomish Thursday night after shots were fired by a passing car.

When deputies arrived, a man in his 30s was found dead in the middle of the road. Witnesses said the man lived nearby and was slowing traffic to help a deer cross the road when he was gunned down.

A representative for the Washington State Department of Corrections identified the man as a correction officer at the Monroe Correctional Complex who has been employed there for the last year and a half.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Tuesday, the officers family sent this statement:

First of all, we would like to say, on behalf of our family, friends, and everyone whose lives were touched by Dan. For every kind word of support, for every thought and gesture, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. The outpouring of generosity throughout our community has provided a much-needed stage of warmth while we process this devastating tragedy. It is through each and every one of you, that Dans light shines on.

We would also like to extend our limitless gratitude to the first responders, who went above and beyond the call of duty. And continue to do so, day in and day out.

To the D.O.C. community, we extend our deepest sympathies. Dans goal was to make a difference and give back to the community he was born and raised in and make a difference in peoples lives. By working side by side with each and every one of you, towards something greater than himself, we believe he was able to accomplish just that. There are no words to accurately express our gratitude.

And finally, Kendra Conley, and the Snohomish County detectives, who worked tirelessly and selflessly to catch the suspect in less than 24 hours. Who has made every effort to keep us informed, updated, and cared for, to answer any question, and have been there every step of the way. We thank you.

We also cannot express enough gratitude for all who have contributed, shared, and supported the GoFundMe and Back the Blue accounts.

In the midst of tragedy, it is easy to turn to hatred and anger. Neither of which resided in Dan. With the help of every one of you, we can pull together, and not let either guide how we process this senseless tragedy. Dans light still shines. - Family of Dan

After the shooting, police said the car fled northbound. Officers then caught and arrested the 22-year-old suspect. He was then taken into custody on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. and booked on suspicion of second-degree murder.

The suspects vehicle, a silver 2001 Lexus GS3000, was impounded as evidence.

Detectives also cleared the occupants of a Jeep Cherokee believed to be previously correlated to the shooting on Saturday.

The Snohomish County Sheriffs Office asks people to call (425) 388-3845 with any information about the shooting. They also encourage nearby neighbors to check their cameras for surveillance video of the shooting that may help in the investigation.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged $2.3 billion in aid for Ukraine to help the country rebuild itself and provide humanitarian support to those in need amid Russia's ongoing full-scale war, Seoul-based news agency Yonhap reported on Sept. 10.

South Korea will provide the first $300 million as humanitarian aid in 2024, and the rest will be given to Ukraine as long-term, low-interest loans through the country's aid fund, Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), according to Yonhap.

"This will demonstrate our responsible role as a global pivotal state in leading assistance for the restoration of peace in Ukraine and lay the foundation for our full-fledged participation in Ukraine's future reconstruction," an unnamed presidential official told Yonhap.

In July, Yoon visited Kyiv for the first time to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

During the visit, Yoon, whose country's policy bans the export of arms to a country at war, said that Seoul would expand the scale of (non-lethal military) supplies from last year, when we provided materials such as helmets and bullet-proof vests." He also announced a $150 million humanitarian aid for 2023 at a press conference with Zelensky.

According to a Wall Street Journal report published in May, South Korea, the eighth largest arms exporter worldwide, is transferring hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds to Ukraine through the U.S. under a confidential agreement.

Neither Seoul nor the White House responded to a request for comment from the WSJ.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine controls most of Klishchiivka south of Bakhmut, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A growing restaurant chain that dishes up brunch with a Southern flair expects to open its first of several locations in the Charlotte market next year.

Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly bills itself as a craft casual spot with a menu centered around its scratch-made biscuits  a recipe perfected by acclaimed chef Tavis Rockwell, according to the restaurants website.

ALSO READ: Local chef to bring upscale lounge, speakeasy to downtown Rock Hill

Aside from its gourmet biscuit sandwiches and gravy-smothered biscuits, offerings include pancakes, parfaits, a classic breakfast plate with eggs, meat and potatoes, and brekkie bowls  home fries or cheese grits topped with vegetables, goat cheese and a poblano-tomato sauce. And, in a nod to its home states spirit-making heritage, some flavors are complemented with bourbon-infused maple syrup or cream cheese.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The company has signed a franchisee to open six restaurants in the local marked, with the first two at 1949 E. Seventh St. in Charlottes Elizabeth neighborhood and 2147 W. Highway 160 in Fort Mill.

Read more here.

(WATCH BELOW: Team behind Leah & Louise to open new concept in Midtown)
FILE - Workers assemble floating barges with solar panels on the 'Lac des Toules', an alpine reservoir lake, in Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019. Voters in a southern Swiss region cast their ballots Sunday, Sept. 10 2023, to decide whether to allow large solar parks on their sun-baked Alpine mountainsides as part of the federal governments push to develop renewable energies. (Valentin Flauraud/Keystone via AP, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

GENEVA (AP)  Voters in a southern Swiss region on Sunday rejected a plan to allow large solar parks on their sun-baked Alpine mountainsides as part of the federal governments push to develop renewable energy sources.

The referendum in the Valais canton centered on economic and environmental interests at a time of high and rising concerns about climate change. The canton wrote on its official website that 53.94% voted against the proposal. Turnout was 35.72%.

The vote was a noteworthy test of public opinion. Not-in-my-backyard-style opposition to the plan over a presumed blight on bucolic Swiss mountain vistas had made for some unusual political allies in the Alpine country.

The rejection doesn't torpedo solar parks entirely if the private sector wants to develop them. But the no did set back the region, seen as one of the sunniest and most apt for solar parks in Switzerland, against others like central Bern Oberland or eastern Graubunden vying for generous federal funding for such projects. At stake is up to 60% of financing for big solar parks.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Proponents had said Switzerland benefits from hydropower  its main source of energy  mostly in the summer, and high-altitude solar parks situated above the typical cloud cover would provide a steady, renewable-energy alternative in the winter, when the country needs to import electricity. They said that federal funding would have sped up development of solar power.

Opposition to the plan had seen some environmental groups align with Switzerland's conservative populist party. They had said solar parks would be an industrial eyesore on pristine Swiss mountains and argued that outfitting more buildings and homes in towns and cities  closer to where the energy would be used  is preferable.

Through its giant dams, Valais has already given a large share of its electricity to the country, the local chapter of the Swiss People's Party said on its website. Adding another environmental degradation to this first one is unacceptable.

Ransacking our Alps for the benefit of greedy foreign operators and their no-less-greedy local affiliates can only be an evil enterprise and be to our detriment, it added.

Valais lawmakers and officials had been urging a yes vote on the proposal, which asked voters to agree to a decree  which the regional council passed 87-41 in February  authorizing construction of big solar parks that can produce 10 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year.

The federal energy department estimates that about 40 to 50 proposals for large solar parks have been made across the country.

Overall, Swiss federal authorities have set a target of 2 billion GWh in new solar energy under legislation promoting development of solar energy, adopted in September 2022. Some areas, like nature reserves, are excluded from possible development.

With concerns about climate change and their much-vaunted glaciers in mind, Swiss lawmakers have also already approved a plan that requires Switzerland to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It also set aside more than 3 billion Swiss francs (about $3.4 billion) to help wean companies and homeowners off fossil fuels.
A Spanish director of an NGO assisting Ukraine and a Canadian volunteer have been killed in a Russian shelling attack in Donetsk Oblast, while two additional volunteers sustained injuries.

These individuals were volunteers associated with the NGO Road to Relief.

Read also: Ukraine to identify perpetrators of UK volunteers death in Russian captivity, says FM Kuleba

According to information shared on the organizations Instagram page, departing from Sloviansk and en route to the village of Ivanivske in the direction of Bakhmut on the morning of September 9, their minibus was targeted by Russian forces in the vicinity of Chasiv Yar. The attack caused the vehicle to overturn and catch fire.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Inside the vehicle were Ruben Mavik, a German medical volunteer, Johan Matias Tyr, a Swedish volunteer, Anthony (Tonko) Ihnat, a Canadian volunteer, and Emma Igual, a Spanish volunteer who also served as the director of the Road to Relief organization.

Read also: Belarusian volunteer and former Tornado battalion member, Danylo Modzhakhed Liashuk, killed on frontline

The German and Swedish volunteers sustained severe shrapnel wounds and burns but are currently in stable conditions in hospitals.

Regrettably, Iguals death was confirmed by the Spanish publication CatalanNews on Sept. 10.

The organization Brave to Restore, for which Tonko also volunteered, has also confirmed his death, and that his body was recovered from the scene.

Read also: Volunteers injured by Russian artillery strike on Khersons Korabelnyi district while assisting flood victims

Ihnat, 58, was a Canadian citizen with Slovakian heritage who lived in the province of Ontario, where he worked as a laborer. In 2022, he sold his truck and came to Ukraine to provide assistance during the full-scale war.

I was deeply moved by the news of what is happening here, Tonko told journalists when he arrived.

My parents are originally from Slovakia, which is nearby, even though I never got to visit. I have warm feelings for Ukraine, and thats why Im here, doing what I can.

Throughout his time in Ukraine, he helped refugees at the Polish border, delivered humanitarian aid, evacuated people, repaired schools, and rebuilt houses.

He was a wonderful, sensitive, always cheerful, bright, caring, hardworking man, those who knew Tonko in the organization said.

Read also: Ukrainian soldier released from captivity sees apple for first time in almost a year  photo of the week

Road to Relief is a Ukrainian humanitarian public organization established in March 2022 to provide assistance and support to the civilian population of Ukraine affected by the Russian invasion. Its volunteers operate in the Donetsk and Kherson oblasts.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Erin Connolly Autenreith, Republican candidate in a special election to fill a vacant Pennsylvania House seat, sits at a coffee shop in the strip district of downtown Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. Majority control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will once again come down to a special election later this month. Republican voters face a strongly Democratic lean in a Pittsburgh district to flip power back to their caucus. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) 

Photos PAGP501-504

Majority control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will again come down to a special election later this month, when Republican voters attempt to flip power back to their caucus while facing a strongly Democratic lean in a Pittsburgh district.

The race pits a former Democratic congressional staffer against the daughter of two local officials who were politically active.

Democrat Lindsay Powell, 32, and Republican Erin Connolly Autenreith, 65, will face off for the Allegheny County state House seat on Sept. 19, one week before the chamber is scheduled to return to floor session in Harrisburg.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

They are vying to replace a progressive Democrat, former state Rep. Sara Innamorato, who resigned in July to seek the county executive job. Her departure left the House at a 101-101 tie.

The district is a Democratic stronghold Democratic strategists predict their party will be able to retain. A previous special election in which the Republican candidate lost by a wide margin may be why the GOP hasnt drained its coffers to try to flip the seat, said Trevor Southerland, House Democratic campaign strategist.

Because its a special (election), it would be easier for them to do in a general, but theyd have to be up on TV, theyd have to have an army of field organizers knocking on doors, ton of mailers and digital ads, he said. Were just not seeing that.

Republicans in Allegheny County know they are fighting an uphill battle.

Even in a regular election year, it would be very, very difficult for a Republican to win this. However it remains to be seen how the electorate feels, said Sam DeMarco, chair of the Republican Committee of Allegheny County, adding that Autenreith "is working very hard.

Powell is seeking office for the first time but jokes she has worked in every job in government except for the one she is seeking. She previously worked as an aide to U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, both New York Democrats.

Constituents say they want more affordable housing, a strong local economy and improved community assets, Powell said.

People are concerned about making sure they can stay in their community and make Pittsburgh home, and keep Pittsburgh home, she said.

Several Democrat-led initiatives, such as whole home repair and broader protections for LGBTQ+ people, were critical pieces of legislation that didnt move until Democrats reclaimed control of the state House earlier this year, she said.

We wont continue to see this progress if we dont retain it, Powell said.

Democrats barely flipped the number of districts needed to control the House in November. It was their first claim to the majority in 12 years, with a 102-101 margin they have since maintained through several special elections. Having first-year Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in office has aided their agenda.

This year, Democrats have used their newfound power to advance a number of the caucus priorities. But the Legislature remains politically divided, with a firm Republican majority in the Senate that has sought to advance its own priorities, including school vouchers and constitutional amendments. Passing such measures would be easier with a favorable House.

Autenreith's potential election, flipping party control to the Republicans, would not change things very much in the Capitol, she said.

I think it would boost the Republican Party, of course, but thats not the reason Im running, she said.

Autenreith comes from a political background: Her father was a mayor of McKees Rocks near Pittsburgh and her mother served on a borough council. She previously ran for the state House in 2000 but lost to the Democrat seeking reelection. Autenreith currently serves as Republican committee chair in Shaler.

Education is a central political issue for her, she said. Autenreith supports vouchers for private school and said she thinks education is vital to get at other challenges facing the district, including housing and crime.

I think theres going to be a shift in this country in the next year or two because its hit a boiling point, she said. People dont want to live like this, live to be afraid to go downtown, to go to major events.

The House isnt due back until a week after the special election decides the fate of the majority, leaving aspects of the final state budget undone. Innamoratos departure makes advancing measures on party-line votes more difficult for Democrats.

Innamorato won a contested Democratic primary for Alleghenys county executive in May as part of a progressive slate in local elections. She will face the lone Republican primary contender, Joseph Rockey, in the November general election.

Another Democratic state representative, longtime Bucks County incumbent John Galloway, is running for district judge, meaning early next year the Democrats will likely face another race in which their majority is at stake.

___

Brooke Schultz is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
How am I? asked Saleemah Graham-Fleming, whose daughter, Sanaa Amenhotep, was abducted, tortured and murdered by three fellow teenagers she thought were her friends. What a question.

How am I? Im here and thats the message I want to send to grieving parents in my position: Survive.

Survive, survive, survive, she repeated as a prayer, a mantra, and a commandment.

Survival is a triumph for the mother, who endured three weeks of uncertainty and despair after her 15-year-old daughter vanished on the evening April 5, 2021, in the middle of her spring break.

Family of Sanaa Amenhotep and supporters gather in Martin Luther King Park in Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday, May 1. People from across the country came to Columbia to show the Amenhotep family support.

She told her story to a small group of reporters in an intimate interview inside the personal office of Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, whose department spearheaded the search for her daughter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sitting on the couch, less than two weeks after Nicolle Sanchez-Peralta, Treveon J. Nelson and Jaylen S. Wilson were sentenced to a collective 185 years in prison for Sanaas abduction and murder, Graham-Fleming reflected that the last time she had sat there was when Lott told her they had found her daughters body.

It was a full circle moment, Graham-Fleming said.

The sentences brought a turbulent mix of emotions for Graham-Fleming.

I was mad because I actually felt sorry for those kids. Because I felt like I was betraying my daughter, Graham-Fleming said. I was quickly reminded that Im not just Sanaas mother. Im a mother. So I can never celebrate the demise of children, of young people.

Sanaa had gone outside to take pictures and never returned, Graham-Fleming told media in 2021. Unknown to her at the time, Sanaa had been abducted by Sanchez-Peralta, Nelson and Wilson, who convinced Sanaa to get in a stolen car with them.

Her daughter loved and trusted all three teens, Graham-Fleming said, but she was especially close to Sanchez-Peralta. Even though Graham-Fleming didnt approve of the relationship, her daughter would say, She doesnt have anybody, Im going to be her friend.

What was going through Sanaas mind when she (Sanchez-Peralta) threw her (Sanaas) phone out of the window while I was calling her? Graham-Fleming asked.

The three teens drove Sanaa at gunpoint 46 minutes away to a secluded, wooded area near Batesburg-Leesville in Lexington County. Once there, the three teens violently beat Sanaa before shooting her 14 times.

Five broken ribs. A broken femur. Two fractured bones in the legs. An eye out of the socket and a broken face, Graham-Fleming said. Her daughter was alive for 90 percent of her torture. A 15-year-old girl had to run to her death with those injuries.

Her body was left in a shallow grave until she was found three weeks later.

Sanchez-Peralta, 19, was found guilty of kidnapping and murder following a trial in May. She was sentenced to 65 years.

Nelson, 20, and Wilson, 20, pleaded guilty early this year to charges of murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Both were sentenced to 60 years in prison. The sentences must be served in their entirety and do not allow for parole.

But the sentence was not the end for the mother who has found faith and purpose as an advocate in the years since her daughters death.

Justice expands beyond the courtroom, Graham-Fleming said. The sentence is just a morsel of work that needs to be done, not just here, but nationwide with the way that young people treat each other.

Friends and family of Sanaa Amenhotep release balloons in her memory at Doko Meadows in Blythewood.

Shortly after Sanaas murder, Graham-Fleming founded M.O.S.T. Outreach, which stands for Mothers of Slain Teens, to help advocate for other parents whose children have been killed or gone missing.

This is a club that nobody wants to join, Graham-Fleming said. The encouragement I would give to a family is to not give up and to lean in on law enforcement and even to reach out to private investigators if you can.

Drawing on the model she said Lott set in the search for her daughter, she has advocated for law enforcement to treat every missing child case as if it was a worst case scenario. More than anything, she emphasized that families needed and deserved closure when a loved one goes missing.

The worst feeling in the world is to not know where your loved one is, Graham-Fleming said, I had a sigh of relief when Sanaa was at least located and I knew where she was. I was devastated at what happened, but at least I can say Oh my baby is here.

Sanaa Amenhotep and her mother, Saleemeh Graham-Flemming. Amenhotep was killed on April 5, 2021.

This message has been well-received, Graham-Fleming said. Members of law enforcement have reached out to her to say that theyve changed their policies since hearing from her.

But Graham-Fleming is also eager to expand her groups work into helping troubled teens and their families. Its easier to build children than it is to repair adults, Graham-Fleming said, paraphrasing Frederick Douglass, the social reformer and abolitionist who died in 1895.

As part of this effort, she founded the Cakie Scholarship in Sanaas memory  Cakie was Graham-Flemings nickname for her daughter. The scholarship provides money for a Columbia-area student to attend a trade school.

But the scholarship and M.O.S.T. are just one part of Sanaas legacy. For Graham-Fleming, her daughter lives on in family Girl Nights, every Friday, in birds and butterflies, and sometimes the smell of her daughter that washes over her like she could reach out and touch her.

You can end the body, you can you can damage flesh, said Graham-Fleming, but spirit never dies.
The United States incarcerates a larger proportion of its citizens than any other developed country in the world, with around 1.5 million people serving time in prison. But to anyone who doesnt work or live in a facility, life behind bars largely remains a mystery. The public gets a glimpse of life on the inside only when there are riots, executions or scandals.

As criminologists, we spent nine months interviewing over 800 prisoners in Texas in 2016. They told us about their lives before and during prison, as well as their impending return to the community, a journey shared by over 600,000 people each year.

We also learned about a significant reality in prisons: gangs.

Our book, published in 2020, pulls back the curtain on how gangs compete for control and structure prison life. Gangs wield power behind bars, but they are more fractured and have less control than people believe.

Getting in, getting out

Despite fairly extensive research on street gangs, there is little research on gangs in prison.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Conducting research in prisons is rare because it is hard to gain access. Prison officials tend to be risk-averse and loathe to let outsiders inside the walls. Even if researchers get inside, theres the possibility that prisoners will not participate in interviews. When the topic is gangs, these issues are even bigger.

That was not our experience. About half of the people we interviewed were affiliated with gangs. Gang and nongang prisoners told us, Id rather talk to you than sit in my cell. They saw the interview as cathartic; they were able to get things off their chest to a neutral party.

The war years

Prison gangs exploded across the U.S. with the rise of mass incarceration in the 1980s. Texas prisons were mostly gang-free until bloody battles broke out in 1984-85 between the Mexican Mafia and Texas Syndicate as well as the Aryan Brotherhood and Mandingo Warriors. Fifty-two prisoners were murdered in a 21-month period that became known as the war years.

Over 50 different gangs were represented in our study. Most of these gangs were active in prison and on the street. All of the 12 security threat groups, or STGs as they are termed by prison officials, fit the classic view of prison gangs: organized, conspiratorial and violent. The remaining gangs are called cliques. If security threat groups are like criminal organizations, cliques are like a band of criminals without clear leadership, direction or structure.

Race and ethnicity mattered to all gangs. Geographic proximity is the great social sorter for street gangs; it is race and ethnicity for prison gangs. Nearly all of the prison gangs were composed of a single race or ethnicity.

The people we spoke with made it clear that prison gangs in Texas are not what they used to be. Prison gangs were described as watered down, no longer having the teeth to enforce rules, especially the security threat groups. Few prisoners, including gang members, believed that gangs brought order to prisons or made prisons safer, a claim often made about prison gangs. The perception of power is stronger than its reality.

Wielding power

While gangs may not have iron-fisted control over prison life, it would be wrong to think they lack influence. If gang members compose only a minority of prisoners, around 20% in Texas according to our research, how do they wield power?

Violence.

Gangs use violence to resolve disputes, discipline members and protect their interests. Stories of violence are passed down across generations to ensure the memory lives on. The war years occurred more than 30 years ago, yet still loom large in the minds of the people we interviewed.

Gangs bring a different flavor to prison violence. There is a multiplier effect. A violent incident involving a gang member expands the pool of future victims and offenders because of the collective gang identity. Being in a gang means assuming these liabilities.

Joining the gang

For the uninitiated, prison is scary. People are stripped of their identity, roles and status from the outside. About half of the prison population is convicted of a violent offense. Joining a gang would seem like a pretty good decision.

Our research reveals that about 10% of inmates in Texas joined a gang for the first time in prison, while another 10% imported their gang affiliation from the street. Status and protection were common reasons for joining a gang in prison, much like on the street. But ideology was also important, such as race supremacy or vigilantism, which we rarely observe in street gangs.

Still, most prisoners dont end up in gangs. Thats true even though avoiding gangs is harder in prison than on the street. Nongang members get their affiliations checked and are often recruited when they step onto a prison unit. Those that want to avoid gangs cite their religion, homosexuality or even status as sex offenders  most gangs ban inmates convicted of sex crimes  as reasons to not to join.

Blood in, blood out

It was once believed that once you join a gang you could never leave. Criminologists have dispelled this myth among street gangs; young people leave gangs regularly, and usually without repercussions like violence. We also found this to be the case in prison, even for the security threat groups.

Disillusionment is the leading reason for leaving. Gang members eventually realize they are sold a bill of goods on gangs. Snitching, victimization, solitary confinement and delayed parole crystallize discontent with gang life.

Leaving a gang is more difficult in prison. Walking away is not a credible option. Gang members sought permission or gave notice of intentions to leave, or enrolled in the prison systems two-year exit program.

Block the on-ramps, open the off-ramps

Despite decades of effort, breaking the grip of gangs on prison has been unsuccessful. The silver bullet simply doesnt exist.

Placing gang members in solitary confinement is thought to be a solution, but thats a management approach. It applies a Band-Aid to a bullet wound that could hurt more than help. And one-size-fits-all approaches to rehabilitation ignore the baggage of gang affiliation. [Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversations newsletter.]

To compete for control, gangs need numbers, which is why focusing on points of entry and exit offers hope for reducing the power of gangs in attracting new members and encouraging current members to leave.

Doing nothing only allows the problem to fester and grow. Prisoners today will eventually become the neighbors, religious congregants and employees of tomorrow. We want people to leave prison in a condition better than they arrived. That means effective responses to gangs.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: David Pyrooz, University of Colorado Boulder and Scott H. Decker, Arizona State University.

Read more:



David Pyrooz has received research grant funding in last five years from the City of Denver's Department of Public Safety, the National Institute of Justice (US Department of Justice), the Charles Koch Foundation, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

Scott H Decker has received funding from the National Institute of Justice and the Arizona State University Foundation.
FILE- In this April 21, 2019 file photo, Sri Lankan army soldiers secure the area around St. Anthony's Shrine after a blast on Easter Sunday in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sri Lankas president said Sunday he will appoint a committee chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate allegations made in a British television report that the South Asian countrys intelligence was complicit in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 269 people. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP)  Sri Lankas president said Sunday he will appoint a committee chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate allegations made in a British television report that the South Asian countrys intelligence was complicit in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 269 people.

The attacks, which included simultaneous suicide bombings, targeted three churches and three tourist hotels. The dead included 42 foreigners from 14 countries.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe 's decision to appoint a committee headed by a judge to investigate claims that Sri Lankan intelligence had a hand in the bombings that were carried out by Islamic militants came under pressure from opposition lawmakers, religious leaders, activists as well as the victims' relatives. They say that previous probes failed to reveal the truth behind the bombings.

The committee's primary mission is to investigate the serious allegations recently brought to light by Channel 4 in a broadcast video, the president's office said in a statement Sunday. It said that the allegations have added fuel to the fire.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The statement said that a former attorney general has made similar claims, suggesting the existence of a mastermind behind the devastating Easter bomb attack. It said that a parliamentary committee would separately investigate and address these concerns comprehensively.

In a program broadcast Tuesday, Channel 4 interviewed a man who said had arranged a meeting between a local Islamic State-inspired group, National Thowheed Jamath, and a top state intelligence official loyal to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to formulate a plot to create instability and enable Rajapaksa, a former senior defense official, to win the 2019 presidential election.

Rajapaksa was forced to resign in mid-2022 after mass protests over the countrys worst economic crisis.

Rajapaksa on Thursday denied the allegations against him, saying that the claim that a group of Islamic extremists launched suicide attacks in order to make me president is absurd.
Elon Musk s Starlink satellite systems are being used by Ukrainian forces on all front lines in the war with Russia, the countrys spy chief has said.

They have proven themselves on the front lines. You can say what you want about whether [Starlink systems] are good or bad, but facts are facts. Absolutely all front lines are using them, Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Ukrainian Intelligence Directorate, said Saturday, according to Interfax Ukraine.

Budanov was speaking at the annual Yalta European Strategy meeting organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.

The spy chief also gave a positive account of the difference Starlink is making in the war.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

They have played and continue to play a significant role, because so many systems use the antennas, use the Starlink systems themselves, for communications, for drone transmissions, especially in terms of a remote command post and so on.

Budanov also said Starlink coverage did not work for some time in Russian-occupied Crimea, without elaborating.

I can absolutely confirm that Starlink systems did not work for a certain period of time near Crimea. We immediately realized that there was simply no coverage there. Thats probably all I can tell you, Budanov said.

The spy chiefs speech follows revelations about the satellite systems use in the war made in a new biography of Starlinks owner, written by Walter Isaacson and titled simply Elon Musk.

According to an excerpt from the book, Musk secretly ordered his engineers to turn off his companys Starlink satellite communications network near the Crimean coast last year to disrupt a Ukrainian sneak attack on the Russian naval fleet.

As Ukrainian submarine drones strapped with explosives approached the Russian fleet, they lost connectivity and washed ashore harmlessly, Isaacson writes.

Musks decision, which left Ukrainian officials begging him to turn the satellites back on, was driven by an acute fear that Russia would respond to a Ukrainian attack on Crimea with nuclear weapons, a fear driven home by Musks conversations with senior Russian officials, according to Isaacson.

Musk did not respond to CNNs request for comment before publication. But he did respond to the Isaacson book excerpt late Thursday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter that he owns, by asserting that the Starlink service provided by his company SpaceX was never active over Crimea and that the Ukrainian government made an emergency request to him to turn on service.

There was an emergency request from government authorities to activate Starlink all the way to Sevastopol, Musk posted on X. Sevastopol is a port city in Crimea.

The obvious intent being to sink most of the Russian fleet at anchor. If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Colorado has a popular Democratic governor, Jared Polis.

He's a rare Democrat who says, "I'm for more freedom and lower taxes."

But is he really?

John Stossel

At least he's willing to come to Stossel TV to debate.

Refreshingly, Polis supports charter schools. He even founded two. Unfortunately, his state's school choice program only applies to government schools. Florida, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, West Virginia, Iowa and Arkansas now help parents send their kids to any school.

When I tell Polis that Colorado lags, he responds, "I'm not a fan of these voucher programs with no accountability where it can be Joe's Taco Shop and K-8 academy and they're getting taxpayer money."

Polis supports charter schools but wants accountability

But it's not true that independent schools have "no accountability." They are accountable to parents, which is better than being "accountable" to sleepy government bureaucrats.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

His state also launched universal preschool. But why? Even the much-praised Head Start program doesn't help kids. A federal study found that by third grade, there was no difference between those who attend Head Start and those who don't.

"Why fund something that makes no difference?" I ask.

Polis responds: "High-quality early childhood education leads to better outcomes."

It probably would. But rarely does government offer "high quality."

Another Polis mistake: He supported a higher tax on vape products.

"Vaping saves lives," I point out. "It's better than smoking."

Gov. Jared Polis speaks with Wes and Bre Latka of Stoke Pizza during the Governor's Plate competition at the Colorado State Fair on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

"Even though vaping has been effective in helping people get off of smoking," Polis responds, "it's also led to more nicotine addiction, especially among young people."

But nicotine isn't what kills.

At least, when it comes to legalizing marijuana and psychedelics, Colorado leads the country.

"It's ultimately a matter of personal responsibility," says Polis. "If you want to use marijuana, if you want to drink, if you want to smoke, that's your prerogative. The government shouldn't be deciding that for you."

That's good to hear.

Colorado produces lots of oil and gas. Polis is requiring 30% reductions for nitrous oxide emissions.

"Sounds like it will cripple the business," I tell him.

"The oil and gas companies are going to be able to reach that," Polis responds. "It simply means rather than moving oil and gas on trucks, they use pipelines."

We'll see how that works out.

Another area where we disagree: Polis opposed the recent Supreme Court decision that ruled a website designer should not be forced to create a wedding site for a gay couple.

"It's OK to force me to make a website or cake for your marriage?" I ask.

"If you're a public accommodation or storefront, you can't say no Blacks, no Jews, no gays," Polis responds.

"Obviously, you don't accept a commission to paint something or do something that you don't agree with. There's a gray area  what's creative, and what's public accommodation."

I don't think it's a gray area. Business owners should be free to make their own rules. They created the business. Consumers have choices. There's more than one bakery or website designer.

Polis also criticized the court for declaring President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness unconstitutional.I ask, "Why should someone who doesn't go to college  have to pay for people like you and me who went to the same overpriced college (Princeton)?"

"There is a problem with costs in higher education," replies Polis, dodging my question but admitting that government handouts raise prices. "Federal policy  helps fuel the increase in costs."

Polis sees Democrats more pro-freedom than Republicans

Polis then claimed that Democrats are "more pro-freedom than Republicans."

But most Democrats don't want people left free to own guns, choose their kids' schools, hire whom they want or not bake cakes for people with whom they disagree. Sometimes I think abortion is the only choice Democrats support.I complain to Polis, "Democrats got me pretty much banned from Facebook because I say climate change is not an emergency."

"Why do you say it's Democrats?" Polis replies, arguing that Republicans are more eager to ban social media. He points to Montana's ban of TikTok. But of course, that's not about censoring content; it's about China's ownership.Polis and I talked for almost an hour about crime, equity versus equality, entrepreneurship and more. We disagree but also find common ground. I'm glad he's willing to debate. You can watch the whole interview at JohnStossel.com.

Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Stossel, Colorado Governor discuss taxes, charter schools and more
Clovis parents and others spoke for almost an hour at the latest school board meeting, demanding that elected officials create a written policy to notify parents when students at school decide to change their pronouns, names and gender identity.

If such a policy is established, transgender and gender-nonconforming students could be outed if they were keeping their gender identity private from their parents or guardians. Other students who change their names or pronouns could also be reported.

More than 20 people took the podium at the Clovis Unified School Districts board of trustees meeting this week, voicing concerns that California school districts were taking away parental rights and failing to keep parents properly updated on child development.

Many of the commenters used their allotted two minutes of speaking time to expand on their reasoning for requesting a written parental notification policy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We should not be teaching this stuff to our children, said one commenter who did not give her full name. If they have to sneak and hide all of this from their parents, then that means that its not right.

Across the state, there are ongoing debates in various school districts about whether parents should be notified by the school if their childs gender identity or presentation changes, such as when a student decides to use different pronouns to describe themselves.

At the Clovis meeting, most of the commenters expressed concern or fear that they might not know that their children could be changing gender identities and presentation.

Children dont know what they want, said a district grandmother who didnt identify herself. Thankfully none of my grandchildren want to change their gender because God made them who they are.

Clovis Unified board members did not respond to the commenters during the public comment period of Wednesdays meeting because its policy and also because a parental notification item wasnt on the agenda.

Jason Scott, a Clovis parent and executive director of the LGBT Community Network, a local nonprofit that connects LGBTQ people with resources, said forced outing policies can be dangerous for students.

They very much endanger the physical, mental and emotional well-being of these students, Scott said.

He said that school might be the only safe haven for LGBTQ children who might be living in homes where they dont feel safe being their authentic selves.

We hope Clovis doesnt move forward with anything like this, he said. And I dont think it should even be up for discussion.

The Bee sent written questions to the school districts spokesperson, Kelly Avants, asking if such a policy was being considered, among other questions.

Avants responded but did not specifically say if the district is considering establishing a parental notice policy. She wrote that Clovis Unifieds practices are firmly centered on balancing the rights of students to access facilities and programs based on their identified gender and the rights held by parents and guardians in the upbringing of their children, she said. In her response, Avants also encouraged parents to talk to their local principal if they have questions about their childs well-being at school.

Pronoun stickers are laid out for students and staff in the Academic Center at Clovis Community College in Clovis following a ceremony to recognize June as Pride Month at the campus on Thursday, June 1, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS/ckohlruss@fresnobee.com

Do schools need to notify parents when a child changes pronouns?

Public commenters frequently referenced state interference and the Chico Unified School District, in Butte County, where a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Chico Unifieds policy of not disclosing the gender identities of students.

Chino Valley Unified School District, in San Bernardino County, in July was the first to adopt a policy requiring schools to notify parents if a student identified as transgender or gender-nonconforming, reported the Los Angeles Times.

However, a San Bernardino County Superior Court judge recently paused Chino Valley Unifieds new policy, the first legal setback for an effort to implement this type of policy in school districts across the state, The Sacramento Bee reported .

Rocklin Unified School District, northeast of Sacramento in Placer County, voted 4-1 in favor of changing their Parent Rights and Responsibilities policy on Wednesday evening. The district now requires schools to notify parents if their child changes their name, pronouns, gender expression or shows any indication of experimenting with or changing their gender identity.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta condemned the Rocklin Unified School District board of trustees. In a statement, Bonta said the state will not tolerate any policy that perpetuates discrimination, harassment, or exclusion within our educational institutions.

The California Department of Education (CDE) strongly recommends that schools keep records that reflect a transgender students birth name and assigned sex (like a copy of a birth certificate) apart from the students school records to prevent accidental disclosure of a students transgender status.

On its FAQ page, the CDE answered what steps should a school or school district take to protect a transgender or gender-nonconforming students right to privacy.

Schools must consult with a transgender student to determine who can or will be informed of the students transgender status, if anyone, including the students family, the CDE states. With rare exceptions, schools are required to respect the limitations that a student places on the disclosure of their transgender status, including not sharing that information with the students parents.

The Trevor Project, a national organization focused on suicide prevention organization among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) youth, polled 716 LGBTQ people ages 13 to 24 last year. An overwhelming majority responded that they have been negatively impacted by recent debates and laws around anti-LGBTQ policies, the group reported.

In the first two weeks of 2023, more than 150 anti-LGBTQ bills were prefiled or introduced across 23 states, according to The Trevor Project.

We must consider the negative toll of these ugly public debates on youth mental health and well-being, said Kasey Suffredini, the organizations vice president of advocacy and government affairs.

LGBTQ young people are watching, and internalizing the anti-LGBTQ messages they see in the media and from their elected officials, Suffredini said.
(Bloomberg) -- UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would attend the United Nations COP28 climate change conference in the UAE this winter, though warned against a hair shirt approach to green policies.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Net zero done in the right way can be very beneficial for jobs, Sunak said to reporters at the G-20 summit in New Delhi, India. The net zero story for me shouldnt be a hair-shirt story of giving everything up and your bills going up.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The premier is attempting a delicate balancing act with his green agenda, encouraging action on climate change on the world stage, while adopting more critical rhetoric at home, where he faces pressure from Conservative lawmakers to slow the pace of the green transition.

Sunak announced that the UK would commit 1.62 billion ($2 billion) to the Green Climate Fund, established at COP16 to finance developing countries response to the climate crisis, over the next four years. His office said the move continues to show global climate leadership, having cut emissions faster than any other G-7 country, according to a statement emailed on Saturday.

The pledge comes just weeks after Sunak announced he would approve hundreds of new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea in an effort to strengthen energy security. It followed a narrow victory in a special election in London, fueled by local opposition to new charges for vehicles falling below emissions standards. Tories interpreted the win as a sign that skepticism about green policies could be fertile ground ahead of a general election expected next year.

Read more: Britain Wobbles on Green Policies That Built Climate Legacy

Sunak had faced calls from lawmakers to attend the COP28 meeting in Dubai, which starts in November. He went to the COP27 event in Egypt in 2022, but only after u-turning on a previous decision not to go.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Maybe evangelicals forgot to tell their favorite libertine that its only in heaven that the last shall be first, and the first last. But at some point, the party of Donald J. Trump stopped believing that its up to voters to decide who gets to govern.

I say this as folks who only call themselves conservative  coups detat are never that  strategize about how to impeach Joe Biden for fun and profit. They have no high or low crimes or misdemeanors to cite. But they do have a reason, which as the light of their world wrote on Truth Social is THEY DID IT TO US!

In Wisconsin, the former Grand Old Party is, according to The New York Times coalescing around the prospect of impeaching a newly seated liberal justice on the states Supreme Court, whose victory in a costly, high-stakes election this spring swung the court in Democrats favor.

Justice Janet Protasiewicz has not yet heard a single case, but the pretext for her hoped-for removal, which has been under discussion since before her election, is that she has been open about seeing the electoral congressional maps drawn in her state as rigged.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

(Should she instead have winked into the camera and emulated all those U.S. Supreme Court justices who pretended during their confirmation hearings that Roe v. Wade wasnt going anywhere? Presumably, yes.)

Republicans target Fani Willis

In Georgia, meanwhile, a new law that Gov. Brian Kemp signed this May makes it possible for a commission appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, state House speaker and a state Senate committee on assignments to investigate and remove prosecutors they see as failing to properly enforce laws. When Kemp signed it, he said it was intended to rein in far-left prosecutors.

Georgia state Sen. Colton Moore will not, it seems, be able to immediately defund or derail the efforts of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is prosecuting Trump for pressuring Kemp and others to overturn his 2020 loss in their state.

But like other radicals, Moore is still warning that extreme measures are justified because thats the only way to avoid the civil war that he and his fellow extremists miss no opportunity to incite.

If we dont keep Willis from doing her job by prosecuting Trump, Moore reasoned, our constituencies are gonna be fighting it in the streets. Do you want a civil war? I dont want a civil war. I dont want to have to draw my rifle. I want to make this problem go away with my legislative means of doing so.

Legislative, but not legal, even under the highly partisan new law.

Alabama defies courts on voting rights

In Alabama, lawmakers who think elections shouldnt necessarily have the consequences intended by voters not only drew an illegal congressional map, but then refused to respond to the federal judges who told them to fix it.

Even when told to try again, they couldnt bring themselves to create a second majority-Black district in the state, or anything close to that.

In response, the three-judge panel said in a new ruling that it is deeply troubled by Alabamas antidemocratic refusal: The law requires the creation of an additional district that affords Black Alabamians, like everyone else, a fair and reasonable opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. The 2023 Plan plainly fails to do so. Just as intended.

Across the country, the party of honest Abe has become the party of performance artists like Vivek Ramaswamy. The former national security party has allowed Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville to block military promotions for the last eight months. The former law and order party promises to pardon a large portion of cop-beating Jan. 6 insurrectionists.

Missouris GOP AG wants to overturn KCPD conviction

Yet in Missouri, the party that so steadfastly fights freeing the wrongfully convicted is determined to overturn the conviction of former KCPD detective Eric DeValkenaere, the one Kansas City cop ever convicted of killing a Black man.

In our state, too, all of the most prominent members of the DJT Party continue to undermine our democracy with the lie that wont die, that Trump wuz robbed in 2020. Oh, and that he is being prosecuted now for reasons that have nothing to do with the multiple ways in which he tried to end America as weve known it by staying in office after an election he knew he had lost.

If you really thought you won, why would you give up on winning at the polls ever again? If you believed in either the idea or ideals of America, would an ally be on TV saying, as Mike Huckabee recently did, that unless you win next time, it is going to be the last American election that will be decided by ballots rather than bullets.

Nice country you got there, and itd be a shame if anything were to happen to it.

The problem underneath all of this is not that the boy who was never held accountable for any lie he ever told or con he ever sold is now, as a 77-year-old adolescent, testing our system as never before. Its that the former Daddy Party collapsed more spectacularly than I would have believed possible instead of ever standing up to him either.

I used to think its adherents were better than this, and maybe still harbor some fumes of hope that this whole sad devolution ends Capra style, with the justices Trump put on the Supreme Court disqualifying him from office.

But would Josh Hawley then admit that he knew all along who our most cynical president was and was not? We all know the answer. Which is why so many defectors from the old Republican Party have realized that only voting Trumps many courtiers out of office can save us from Trumpism.
ANKARA (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden 's administration is linking F-16 fighter jet sales to Turkey with Turkish ratification of Sweden's NATO membership bid, and this "seriously upsets" Ankara, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference after a G20 summit in the Indian capital New Delhi, Erdogan said he had a "pull-aside" meeting with Biden on the sidelines of the gathering and they discussed the transfer of F-16s to Turkey.

Biden made a connection between the supply of F-16s and Turkish action in ratifying Sweden's application to join NATO, Erdogan said. "This approach seriously upsets us," he said.

Turkey, which had been the main stumbling block in Sweden's path towards NATO, asked in October 2021 to buy $20 billion worth of Lockheed Martin Corp's F-16s and nearly 80 modernisation kits for its existing warplanes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After months of objections, Erdogan agreed at a NATO summit in July to forward Sweden's NATO bid to the Turkish parliament for ratification.

A day later, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Washington would proceed with the transfer of F-16s to Turkey in consultation with Congress.

However, the timing of both the F-16 transaction and the Turkish parliament's green light for Sweden remains unclear.

"If you say that Congress will decide (on sales of F-16s to Turkey), then we have a Congress in Turkey as well - it is the Turkish parliament," Erdogan told reporters. "It is not possible for me to say 'yes' (to Sweden's NATO membership bid) alone unless such a decision is approved by (our) parliament."

Ankara has accused Sweden of harbouring militants hostile to the Turkish state, mainly members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), deemed a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the European Union and United States.

Erdogan also said Sweden should "keep its promises" and take more steps - which would include extraditing alleged PKK militants and preventing pro-PKK rallies in Sweden - before Turkey clears its NATO bid.

To address Turkish concerns, Stockholm passed legislation in June outlawing being a member of a terrorist group or providing logistical and financial help to proscribed groups.

Stockholm recently voiced hope that Turkish lawmakers would ratify its NATO bid when they reconvene in October, as agreed at the NATO summit in July.

Sweden and Finland applied last year to enter NATO after Russia invaded Ukraine. While Finnish membership was sealed in April, Sweden's bid remains held up by Turkey and Hungary.

Turkish Foreign Minister has said Ankara and Budapest are working in close coordination on the issue.

(Reporting by Krishn Kaushik and Aftab Ahmed in New Delhi; writing by Huseyin Hayatsever; editing by Mark Heinrich)
A 19-year-old wanted on a murder charge was arrested in Dorchester Saturday, according to Boston police.

Trevon Wideman, 19, was arrested on murder, armed assault to rob with a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm warrants from Dorchester District Court in relation to the February 2023 homicide of Mario Santos.

Police investigating another deadly shooting in a Boston neighborhood

On February 21, Santos, 22, and another man were found with gunshot wounds at 7:39 p.m. on Wilrose Street. Santos was pronounced dead at the scene while the other victim was transported to a local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Wideman will be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Harmony Fletcher likes to read and does so every night, but that was not enough to help her pass the English-Language Arts portion of Tennessees assessment exam (TCAP) last spring, her mother, Shaneta Fletcher, said.

Now the nine-year-old is one of eight students repeating third grade at the public charter school she attends in Memphis.

Shes dealing with it, but she dont like that she failed third grade, Fletcher said. I think it was the test. She reads to me every evening. She can read fine and write sentences fine.

Test-based promotion  or third grade retention  laws are not new, but while many states allow children to be held back, Tennessee is the latest to require that children who cannot read proficiently by third grade be retained, part of an effort to reverse severe learning loss from the Covid-19 pandemic.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Forty percent of Tennessee third graders scored proficient in reading last spring, a jump from previous years. Still, that means some 60% were not proficient and while statewide data is not yet available, the three largest school districts told CNN they retained less than 1.5% of third graders.

Why the focus on third grade?

Tennessees legislature passed the new law in 2021, as the nation was emerging from months of disruption caused by the pandemic. Children like Harmony were in first grade when the pandemic struck and missed vital classroom instruction in the fundamentals of reading.

Kids lost a lot of ground. I think a lot of states are moving toward this because were having to bring out a big treatment to try and remediate a years loss, said Gregory Cizek, a professor of educational measurement and evaluation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A student practices their reading at a school in Knoxville, Tennessee, in May 2023. - WVLT

Reading proficiently by the end of third grade is essential to keeping up later, research shows, but a June report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showed just a third of US fourth graders were proficient in reading last year. US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has said it will take years of effort and investment to reverse the damage from pandemic learning loss.

Retention can work, but there are caveats

Many parents question whether holding back children is the right answer. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer repealed a similar law in March after a backlash.

Under the Tennessee law, struggling students can still be promoted if they meet conditions like passing a retake of the test, completing summer school with 90% attendance and agreeing to tutoring throughout fourth grade. Parents could also appeal retention if they can show the child performed well on one of the screener reading tests taken several times a year.

Harmony attended summer school, which her mother said was more like summer camp, but did not pass the retake.

They say that for them repeating the third grade, it would be a chance for them to become a better reader. The principal was saying Dont look at it as a bad thing. They should pass the test this time, she said.

A student reads at a school in Knoxville, Tennessee in May 2023. - WVLT

Tamara Adams worried retention would affect her son emotionally among his peers in their small mountainside community in Sparta, Tennessee. She opted to send him to summer school after he scored approaching proficiency on TCAP, but said it was too short and was not focused on reading.

Yes, my kid needs extra help in reading and retention, but he didnt get it in summer school, she said. At the end of 16 days, they re-tested them. My son did not meet the 5% growth [in reading skills benchmark]. I dont know many who did. He was promoted to fourth grade because he did not miss a single day.

He is now tutored before and after school, but Adams said she is terrified about the TCAP test he must take at the end of fourth grade. He will have to show adequate growth to move on to fifth grade.

Some studies suggest academic gains from retention are short-lived and the practice increases drop-out rates and bullying. In a 2021 brief, researchers at the University of Connecticut advised districts to instead rely on research-supported interventions for students like tutoring, socio-emotional support and teacher training.

It will take time to measure the impact of Tennessees law, but a similar law adopted in Mississippi in 2013, as part of a comprehensive push to improve literacy outcomes, has shown promise. Boston University researchers found retained third graders who got extra support saw substantial gains in their English-Language Arts skills by sixth grade compared to students narrowly promoted to fourth grade. Average fourth grade reading scores on the NAEP rose by 10 points between 2013 and 2019, more than any other state, according to the study.

Mississippi holds back between 4 and 10 percent of third graders annually due to reading and other issues, state officials said.

No intervention works for every child, said Cizek. But in general, we know the difference between highly effective and less effective interventions and if youre going to engage in a retention policy, its key to pair that up with the required effective intervention.

Bob Nardo, the executive director at Libertas School of Memphis, where Harmony is a student, said students being retained will have a modified curriculum to keep them engaged and will receive what he called high dosage tutoring  30 minutes two to three times a week in a group of no more than three students  during the day or after school.

It all comes down to one test

The TCAP English-Language Arts assessment is a three-hour, four-part exam that requires third graders to demonstrate an ability to read and understand texts, provide a written response to prompts and show command of the English language. Students vocabulary is also tested, with sample multiple choice questions asking them to define words like discontinue and gadget used in a sentence.

But some parents say too much is riding on TCAP.

Echo Sides-Shaw speaks during an interview with CNN. - CNN

In Nashville, Marthia Sides-Shaws daughter Echo is a straight-A student and an avid reader, but she was flagged as not proficient during the school year.

[In] December we got this note that says your child is not proficient in reading, which was really kind of a joke, because she reads at like a sixth grade level, Sides-Shaw said. Echos teachers. I contacted them first. And they said that this was ridiculousshes one of the best readers in the third grade. So this didnt really make sense.

Sides-Shaw said her daughter was not used to timed exams. Echo passed the assessment in May but her mother still worries about the outsized focus on a single exam and wants more consideration given to a childs grades and what their teachers have to say about their readiness to move on to fourth grade.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A few years ago, I did an experiment. I had ten people review different policies about key issues facing our state. There was one condition  they couldnt see who the legislation was written by. Interestingly, most people preferred the same bills. Once completed, I shared which legislator wrote them. Participants were surprised they voted for something submitted by that person.

I ran the same experiment but allowed participants to see who drafted the bill. Sadly, almost no one agreed on a single bill.

The experiment showed me that people make the best decisions when they are not jaded by their preconceptions.

There is a rising trend in Idaho of people who are unwilling to work together for the betterment of our citizens. Some even make money intentionally trying to cause strife. I once had a county chairman tell me the best way to raise money was to go negative.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He said: Make them afraid and tell them who to blame. I am sad to say that it has worked for his cause, but Idaho suffers as a result.

The Idaho I know isnt something to be feared. It is a beacon of light  which is why so many relocate here. I recognize that some fear we can become California, but they fail to realize that we arent California. We are Idaho. True, we dont want Californias policies, but we dont want their tactics either.

Real leadership isnt writing a weekly article blaming others. It isnt doxing people behind unnamed social media accounts. It isnt changing rules to force those you disagree with into submission. That is what happens in China and Russia.

We may share the same conservative beliefs, but the way those beliefs are pursued varies greatly. If not careful, those intent on purging others will become so full of their own supposed virtue that they alienate many and become insignificant to our fellow Idahoans. They lose elections.

Now to be clear, it is also not compromising your deeply held beliefs.

Changing someones mind is never easy. It takes time to build a relationship. The people we disagree with are not our enemy. They are the mission field of hearts and minds to be won. They are those we should be engaging in hopes of persuading. Remember 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong; do everything in love.

We also need to solve real problems in common sense ways. And by working together, we find small things we agree on, which opens the possibility of agreeing on larger things.

Here is a recent example with the so-called library bill. No rational person wants sexually explicit materials in the childrens section of a library. And yet no rational person believes jailing librarians, banning books and closing libraries is the right solution either. Rather than focus on the extremes, the better question is how do we make these materials hidden from unsuspecting children, while still protecting free speech? Lets put common sense boundaries on materials, but also trust parents to do their job as parents.

I know many are fed up with the tactics of some, but recognize those groups are a vocal minority who hide their real names.

There are still many good people who dont play those childish games. We dont spend time trolling on social media worrying about pageviews. For us, winning means the betterment of Idaho. We work with whoever and wherever we can to solve problems facing our communities. We dont let the 10% we disagree about stop us from making a 90% improvement. We focus on ensuring as many Idahoans have an opportunity for their voice to be heard. It doesnt matter if it is a local election or voting for president of the United States.

If you want to change culture, you dont give up. You must do it from the inside. Get involved. Run for a precinct committee role. Become a candidate for city council. Get out and vote in every election. (We should have more than 15% of Idahoans voting in local elections.)

Remember, ordinary individuals can make extraordinary impacts if they get involved. Now go make your voice heard.

God Bless Idaho.

Daniel Silver is the 1st Vice Chairman for the Idaho Republican Party. He is the former Chairman for Idaho Young Republicans and former Regional Director for the Young Republican National Federation.
Ted Cruz , Texas drinkers and a laugh





I got a chuckle from Ryan Rusaks Sept. 3 column that gave kudos to Sen. Ted Cruz for his impassioned stand against perceived government overreach into the amount of beer we should drink. (5C, Cruz is right: Feds, leave us alone about beer drinking)

At first, I thought the commentary was tongue-in-cheek, especially after having seen the funny video of Cruzs ardent defense of hard-drinking Texans and our love of beer. But then I realized that Rusak was serious. Would the Biden administration really try to keep Texans sober? Not if Cruz has his way.

I can only wonder if this staunch defender of beer is the same Ted Cruz as the one who failed to stand by his wifes side after Donald Trump attacked her appearance. Perhaps it takes a cold beer to get Ted Cruz in a lather.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

- Michael Putnam, Arlington

Unruly behavior merited ban

The ban of Bob Willoughby and Adrian Smith from personal appearances at Fort Worth City Council sessions is years overdue. (Aug. 30, 1A, Fort Worth bans 2 residents from council meetings until 2024) Disruptive, rude, slanderous and aggressive behavior will get you terminated from jobs and barred from airlines, churches, concerts, sporting events and more.

It is about time basic guidelines for public behavior apply to City Council chambers, and finally city leadership has made that bold and necessary move. Hats off to our mayor and city manager.

- Dave Fulson, Fort Worth

Just be fair with electric vehicles

A new state law requires that owners of electric vehicles pay a flat fee each year to compensate for lost gas-tax revenue that funds highway maintenance. But the gas taxes you pay depends on the weight and therefore the miles per gallon  of the vehicle and how much you drive.

I find a flat fee for electric vehicles to be unfair. How about charging electric vehicles the same way as their gas-powered counterparts? The weight of the vehicle is known, and the mileage is taken every time it is inspected.

- Jack Brocious, Grapevine

Real Texas history, told right

I read Richard Selcers Sept. 3 Fort Worth History column with pleasure. (1C, After Civil War, veteran groups from both sides coexisted) It is not often that we see the history of the 19th and early 20th centuries told without large doses of 21st century bias.

Union and Confederate veterans, Americans all, got along well with each other after the war. Perhaps we could learn something from them. As a proud descendant of several Confederate and Union veterans, one of whom gave his life in the service of Texas, and a member of the R.E. Lee Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, I am gratified that Selcer and the Star-Telegram offered such an unbiased account of Fort Worth history.

- Daniel L. Nation, Fort Worth

Could Paxton be tricked into lying?

So, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wont testify on his own behalf in his impeachment trial. (Sept. 8, 1A, Ex-staffer: Paxtons office spent too much time on donor) It sure seems to me that if hes not guilty, he would want to be heard.

Please dont give me the nonsense that he and his legal team are afraid he might be tricked into lying. It mystifies me to think that thats possible.

- Graham Donathan, Benbrook

Dont confuse Gods laws, mans

In his Sept. 6 commentary, American conservatives are not more Catholic than the pope, David Gibson wrote about Pope Francis criticisms of a reactionary philosophy dominating the U.S. church. (15A)

It is Catholic teaching that man changes. God does not. Gods law does not change, no matter how much anyone, including the pope, may wish to make it so.

- Valerie Jo Remley, Colleyville
ATHENS (Reuters) -Greek rescue teams recovered the bodies of four more people in central Greece on Sunday, raising the death toll to 15 from the country's most intense rain storm since records began in 1930.

Two other people are still missing, according to authorities. Storm Daniel pummelled Greece for three days from Tuesday at the end of the hottest summer ever recorded, leaving a fresh trail of ruin after deadly wildfires.

Homes and bridges collapsed, schools, roads and power poles were destroyed, animals drowned and crops in the fertile Thessaly plain were wiped out.

The bodies of an 88-year-old woman and two men, aged 58 and 65, were found near the city of Karditsa, one of the worst-hit areas on Sunday. Later rescue teams found the body of a 42-year old man in the area of Volos.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Flood-stricken residents were being airlifted or transferred in lifeboats across the region.

So far, more than 4,250 people have been evacuated, authorities said, as efforts were focused on villages near the city of Larissa and close to the River Pineios, parts of which have overflowed damaging villages further.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the main operation centre in Thessaly on Sunday evening and announced that a mix of financial relief measures would be offered to those hit by the storm.

He said that the state's priority was "to cure the serious wounds this calamity has left".

Mitsotakis will meet EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Strasbourg on Tuesday. He said he wants to ensure Greece can get extra funds to tackle the impact of the storm, the extent of which he said "was beyond any prediction".

The conservative leader said that his annual keynote speech on economic policy, which was postponed due to the storm, would be held on Sept. 16. Greece's economy, which has emerged from a decade-long debt crisis, is stronger, he added, and with support from the European Union it can weather the impact of such a disaster.

The deluge in Greece followed a huge wildfire in the north. Scientists say Greece's arid Mediterranean climate puts it on the front line of global climate change, with freak weather incidents increasingly common.

Extreme weather events have struck across the globe in recent weeks, with floods in Scandinavia, southeast Europe and Hong Kong. India had its driest August since records began more than a century ago.

(Reporting by Renee Maltezou and Alkis KonstantinidisEditing by Peter Graff)
TechCrunch

The Chevy Equinox EV, an all-electric compact SUV that General Motors has aimed squarely at the mass market, will arrive in dealerships in 2024 with a battery range and sticker price that could propel its EV sales and even compete with Tesla. The Chevy Equinox EV base model will be priced at $34,995  higher than the targeted $30,000  and will come with a 319-mile range that beat out the company's original estimates. The base price model includes the destination fee.
Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said on Sept. 10 that Ukraine likely has about 30 to 45 days for the counteroffensive before the weather worsens on the ground.

The summer counteroffensive, which has seen Ukraine liberate more than a dozen villages in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts, is going slower than expected, Milley said, but he added that Ukraine is still "progressing at a very steady pace through the Russian front lines."

"There's still a reasonable amount of time, probably about 30 to 45 days' worth of fighting weather left, so the Ukrainians aren't done," Milley said in the BBC's Sunday program.

"I said at the very beginning of this (war) that this was going to be long, slow, hard, and high-casualty-producing, and that's exactly what it is," he added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More than three months into the counteroffensive, raging in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and two axes in Donetsk Oblast  Bakhmut and Velyka Novosilka, Western skepticism grows as to whether Ukraine will achieve its goals set for the high-stakes operation.

Thwarted by heavily mined fields and incessant artillery, Ukrainian soldiers on the ground say that everything is done slowly to minimize casualties.

However, on Sept. 9, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov told Reuters on the sidelines of the annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference that Ukraine plans to continue the counteroffensive no matter the weather conditions.

"Combat actions will continue in one way or another," Budanov said. "In the cold, wet, and mud, it is more difficult to fight. Fighting will continue. The counteroffensive will continue."

Read also: As counteroffensive presses forward in southeast, every meter costs a life

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The following is a transcript of an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris that aired on "Face the Nation" on Sept. 10, 2023.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, you're 58 now. If you win a second term, as you and the president are running to do, he would be 86 at the end of it. And we are seeing Republican candidates hone in on you, in particular, as being next up for that job. Nikki Haley says

NIKKI HALEY: A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for a President Kamala Harris.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Chris Christie

CHRIS CHRISTIE: I want to be clear that I pray every night for Joe Biden's good health, not only because he's our president, but because of who our vice president is.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

MARGARET BRENNAN: Ron DeSantis

RON DESANTIS: Harris is his impeachment insurance.people know if she were president  Katie bar the door. As bad as Biden did, it would get worse.

MARGARET BRENNAN: How do you respond to all of that?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: We're delivering for the American people. And the reality of it is that, unfortunately, very few of those who challenge our administration actually have a plan for America. You look at what we have accomplished, Margaret. We have created over 800,000 new manufacturing jobs in America, 13 million new jobs, unemployment at record lows. We have capped the cost of insulin for seniors at $35 a month. Capped the cost of prescription drugs on an annual basis at $2,000.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They're talking about--

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: -- For seniors--

MARGARET BRENNAN: -- What you would do as president as being a risk. They're honing in on you. Why do you think that is? How do you respond to those attacks? That's not about policy, that's about you.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Listen, this is not new. There's nothing new about that. I mean, listen, I am-- in my career, I was a career prosecutor. I was the first woman elected district attorney of San Francisco, a major city in this country and reelected. I was the first woman attorney general of the second largest Department of Justice in the United States and reelected. I was a United States senator. I represented one in eight Americans, and I'm now vice president of the United States. They feel the need to attack because they're scared that we will win based on the merit of the work that Joe Biden and I, and our administration, has done.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But even Democrats are worried about the president's age. The Wall Street Journal had a poll showing two thirds of Democrats say Joe Biden is too old to run again. Are you prepared to be commander-in-chief?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Yes I am, if necessary. But Joe Biden is going to be fine. And let me tell you something: I work with Joe Biden every day. Under Joe Biden's leadership, we have transformed and are in the process of transforming America's infrastructure with an historic investment in, not only roads and bridges, but high speed internet, what we are doing around issues like lead pipes, and I could go on and on.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Are you taking the threat of a second Trump presidency seriously enough?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: I don't understand the question.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You were dismissive of some of the Republican criticism of you and the president. When you look at current polling, the front-runner for the Republican nomination is the former president, the 45th president.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: We will win reelection-

MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you feel--

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: We will win, we will win reelection. There is too much at stake and the American people know it.

MARGARET BRENNAN: In terms of delivering on promises, you in your portfolio have tackled the issue of the root cause of migration. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol saw a record number of migrant families cross the border in the month of August, this despite that record level of heat. Why is that happening now? You've rolled out new policies.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Around the globe, we are seeing an increase in irregular migration. And there are a number of factors at play: an increase in authoritarian regimes, what we're seeing in terms of extreme weather occurrences, what we're seeing in terms of, in many places around the globe, increasing food insecurity. So there are many reasons for why this is happening and- and America is- is not immune to that. The point has to be then to understand what we must do to deal with, one, ensuring that we have a secure, humane and orderly policy about the border, but also what we must do in the long term to address the root causes of migration. The work that I've been doing in that regard has been to build public-private partnerships to the extent that we have now raised over $4 billion to invest in the countries in that region.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But that migration data according to CBP is showing migrants from Guatemala are up. Honduras, Ecuador, Peru. So, when the border crossings went down earlier in the summer, the administration said it was due to your policies working. Now, they're going back up as they did in the month of August. Does that show the strategy is no longer working?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Absolutely not. What it means is that we have to stay focused on a number of issues related to the irregular migration that again, we're seeing around the world and America is not immune. You know my philos-

MARGARET BRENNAN: So you think the strategy is working despite the numbers being up?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Overall, we are seeing progress, but there is- we're not going to have a constant, there are going to be fluctuations. That is normal, just like the weather fluctuates and- and circumstances fluctuate, such as elections in those regions and what that might mean. It doesn't mean that we keep our foot off the gas, we have to stay focused and understand there has to be a long-term strategy, as well as a short-term strategy. And here's the- the bottom--

MARGARET BRENNAN: So was it too early to say that the strategy was working when the numbers went down for two months?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: My point is that focusing on root causes, and doing the work that we have been doing to bring U.S. investment into those countries, in a way that is supportive of their economies and supportive of fighting corruption, actually works.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You have been very active on the issue of abortion and rallying behind the idea of this federal law to restore what was upheld in Roe v. Wade. But to do that, Democrats need 60 votes in the Senate, they need a majority in the House they don't have, they need the presidency. The math doesn't add up. So don't you need to level with the American people and say this is not a realistic promise to make for 2024?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Congress has the ability to put back in place the rights that the Supreme Court took from the women of America.

MARGARET BRENNAN: In theory. It doesn't have the votes to do that.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: But that's why we have elections. And that's why we are seeing, around this country, that when this issue is on the ballot, from Kansas to California, people vote in favor of upholding basic freedoms. The vast majority of Americans agree that the government should not be making this decision for the women of America.

MARGARET BRENNAN: What is it that you believe? I mean, what week of pregnancy should abortion access be cut off?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: We need to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Which was

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: We're not trying to do something new--

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, that was nebulous, because it was about viability, which could be anywhere between 20 to 24 weeks--

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: -- No, no, no, no, no. Let me be very clear--

MARGARET BRENNAN: -- That's, that was in the Women's Health Protection Act that the White House also endorsed--

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: -- Let me be- let me be very clear. From day one, the president has been clear, I have been clear. We need to put back the protections that are in Roe v. Wade into law. Since the Supreme Court took it, Congress has the power and ability to pass legislation to put those protections back in law and Joe Biden will sign that bill. So, that is what we want.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But does it need to be specific in terms of defining where that guarantee goes up to and where it does not, at which week of pregnancy?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: We need to put back in place the protections of Roe v. Wade--

MARGARET BRENNAN: -- You know why I'm asking you this question though, because --

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: We're not trying to- we're not trying to do anything that did not exist before June of last year. We are saying--

MARGARET BRENNAN:-- It wasn't crafted into law. And that's why I'm asking you for the specifics there, because Republicans say the lack of a precise date in cutting it off - you know this - they say that allows Democrats to perform abortions up until, you know, birth.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Which is ridiculous--

MARGARET BRENNAN: Which is statistically not accurate--

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:-- And it's ridiculous.

MARGARET BRENNAN: -- I understand that--

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: -- And it's a mischaracterization of the point. No, the point is--

MARGARET BRENNAN: But- but do you need to be more precise?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: I am being precise. We need to put into law the protections of Roe v. Wade. And that is about going back to where we were before the Dobbs decision.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But if- if there is the possibility through legislation to provide any kind of guarantee at the federal level, any kind of protection like the Republican proposal, 15 weeks protection--

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:-- The Republicans are also--

MARGARET BRENNAN: -- Is it worth doing something?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: -- Members of the Republican Party are also proposing a national ban. The thing that--

MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm talking about the Lindsey Graham bill, as you know, and- and those proposals of giving some access, though that's 15 weeks. Why do you think it shouldn't be specific? You know, out in- out in New Mexico, for example, the governor there says it shouldn't be nailed down to a week because it should be a private matter between a woman and her doctor. There shouldn't be a precise number put on that. Is that what you believe as well?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: I believe that we should put the protections of Roe v. Wade into law, and the way that will happen is if we have a United States Congress, who regardless of their personal view for themselves or their family, would agree that the women of America should be trusted to make decisions about their life and their body based on what they know to be in their best interest. It's that simple.

MARGARET BRENNAN: China's rewriting the global order. Your national security strategy says they are the only power in the world with the intent and the ability to do that.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: There's no question that we are very concerned about the Chinese government's actions on the South China Sea and how that is impacting the security and the future prosperity of the nations that are affected. For example, I was recently in the Philippines and I've been spending a lot of time with President Marcos. The- what is happening in terms of unprovoked actions against the Philippine interests in the South China Sea is significant and we have been very clear that we stand with the Philippines.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They're a treaty ally.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: -- They are absolutely- yes they are.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The U.S. would have to militarily defend them --

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Not only is there a treaty relationship, but the very basic issue that the American people will experience and feel if we're not- if we're not on top of it is what that will mean in terms of commerce flowing freely through those waters.

MARGARET BRENNAN: How concerned are the leaders you spoke with here about the potential for a military clash?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: I think the issue that is most present here among the Southeast Asian leaders is that there be a respect for and enforcement of international rules and norms. But they hope that there will be an avoidance of conflict. And that- there's a great symmetry between that and our policy toward China. We do not invite conflict, but we absolutely are prepared to and engaged in what is necessary to compete.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So when President Biden said the other day that China was a ticking time bomb, he was talking about their current economic problems that they are experiencing. He said, "That's not good, because when bad folks have problems, they do bad things." What is the scenario that you are thinking about and worried about the most?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: We, as the United States, in our policy, it is not about decoupling, it is about de-risking. It is about understanding.

MARGARET BRENNAN: It's not about pulling out.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: It's not about pulling out, but it is about ensuring that we are protecting American interests, and that we are a leader in terms of the rules of the road, as opposed to following others' rules.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But President Biden was, I think, he was talking about the economic problems within China right now. He seemed to be suggesting that Xi Jinping might take some kind of action.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: It's no secret that China is experiencing economic problems. And- and what you will find is - certainly in my conversations with American business leaders - is that they are looking at the future in terms of their capital investments and taking into account which countries are engaged in practices that are about abiding by the rule of law and international rules and norms in a way that they can be guaranteed that there will be some stability so they can make long-term investments. There is increasingly an understanding that China may not be the best bet when you are looking for stability, when you are looking for an investment in- in a place where there is an adherence to and respect for international rules and norms.

MARGARET BRENNAN: This November, the United States will host a big summit of leaders in San Francisco. China said a few days ago - their state security service - the U.S. needs to show sufficient sincerity before Xi Jinping agrees to visit. How important is it for Xi Jinping to come to America in November?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Well, it is important to the order of things, if you will, the stability of things that we keep open lines of communication.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You were in the same room with China's number two, today--

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Yes. I have- and I've actually met with President Xi as well--

MARGARET BRENNAN: -- Did you talk to him? Did you talk to him today?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Well, we exchanged pleasantries. Yes, yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But it's still a little tense?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: I don't think it's as simple if you will, as whether there's tension. Yes, there's tension when you are in a competition of any sort. But that does not mean that we are seeking conflict.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: And I think it's important to not conflate the two. Do we have disagreements, for example, very serious disagreements about what's happening in the South China Sea? Yes and we're very clear about that. So one could argue that there's tension there, but you look for example, at trade, 99 percent of our trade is not influenced by what we are doing in terms of the restrictions on exports.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So you want Xi Jinping to come in November?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: I think he is absolutely an important player in this region of the world. And if he comes, then that will be, I'm sure, something that could be productive.

MARGARET BRENNAN: North Korea's Kim Jong Un, as you know, is expected, according to U.S. intelligence, to go meet with Vladimir Putin in Russia in exchange for some military support potentially here. How destabilizing would that be for Asia?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: I think it would be a huge mistake. I think it would be a huge mistake. First of all, when you look at Russia's unprovoked war on Ukraine, and the idea that they would supply ammunition to Russia, well, it's predictable where that ends up. I also believe very strongly that for both Russia and North Korea, this will further isolate them.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Some of the most sanctioned countries in the world at this point.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: But at some point, it's just a step too far.

MARGARET BRENNAN: What is that step too far? I mean, what is it that Kim Jong Un is seeking? Is it nuclear submarines, as our allies in Seoul have said they're concerned about? Is it satellites? What does that do here in Asia?

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Our allies are telling you- us, about their concern about what's happening in terms of North Korea. We are all absolutely clear and unequivocal about our goal of the complete denuclearization of North Korea. But when we think about the- Russia's aggression in Ukraine, we're- many- most are very clear also. It's an absolute violation of one of the most important agreements that we have around the world in terms of international rules and norms, which is the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity. And, Margaret, on that matter, I- it is very clear that Russia has clearly- they're very desperate, they have already experienced a strategic failure. So clearly, this is an act of desperation on the part of Russia, but it would be a huge mistake for Korea to do this - for North Korea to do this.

Full interview: Vice President Kamala Harris on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"

Nature: Shorebirds in North Carolina

Advice to survive online job-hunting: Think dating apps
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Sept. 9 in response to the "sham elections" held by Russia in occupied regions of Ukraine.

"Canada does not, and will not ever, recognize the results of these sham elections or Russias attempted illegal annexation of Ukraine," the statement reads. These sham elections are serious violations of international law, including the United Nations Charter...Putin will not redraw the map as he pleases, and Ukraines territory shall remain Ukraines."

The illegal elections in occupied territories, which began on Aug. 31 and are scheduled to end on Sept. 10, come nearly a year after Russia held sham annexation referendums in Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Luhansk, and Donetsk oblasts, which Moscow only partially controls, and nine years after Russia illegally annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula.

Earlier this summer, at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 541 million Canadian dollars ($410 million) in aid to support Ukraine and strengthen transatlantic security.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The new package built upon the already provided support, such as training for Ukrainian soldiers, and addresses specific requests from Ukraine like drone cameras. The prime minister's office noted that the latest package builds on already provided aid since February 2022, amounting to over $6 billion.

Read also: National Resistance Center: Partisans blow up soldiers who protected sham elections in occupied areas

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  Donald Trump likes to put his name on everything  except his taxpayer-funded, post-presidential office here on North Flagler Drive.

Trumps website doesnt list the address, which is about a 10-minute drive from his Mar-a-Lago club. The nameplate on the hallway wall is blank. There is no seal, official or unofficial, on the frosted-glass door. And the name Trump  a brand the former president estimates to be worth billions of dollars  is nowhere to be found.

Its so hush-hush that his spokesman, Steven Cheung, claimed no knowledge of its existence.

Ive never heard of a North Flagler office, Cheung said, when NBC News asked about the suite Wednesday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But its here, across the hall from an IRS suite with a door marked criminal investigation and one floor below an outpost for Trumps Secret Service detail. Three sources confirmed the location of the office.

Under the Former Presidents Act, the federal General Services Administration provides funding for post-presidential offices, including money to pay staff. There are reasons  including security  that some ex-presidents choose to shine less light on their offices than Bill Clinton did when he moved into a space on West 125th Street in New York's Harlem more than two decades ago.

What stands out about this suite is that it has played a little-noticed role in Trumps affairs as he takes the unusual step of seeking a return to the White House following his 2020 defeat.

It has apparently housed classified material and, according to a person familiar with Trumps operation, been searched by a private firm at the direction of Trumps lawyers. Long after that inspection, bankers' boxes were still piled against the wall and in the middle of the main room, according to two sources familiar with the office.

Boxes everywhere, one of the sources said. The state of that office is generally cluttered. If there werent boxes and bins, Id think that something happened.

There's no indication that Trump has used the office himself. It is not clear what is currently in the boxes, and it is not clear whether he knows what is in them.

Former President Donald Trump's post-presidential office in West Palm Beach, Fla. Suite number obscured by NBC News. (NBC News)

In June, Trump pleaded not guilty in federal court in Miami to charges that he unlawfully held and hid classified documents after he left the White House. A spokesperson for special counsel Jack Smith declined to comment on what prosecutors know about the office and its contents.

Aside from the classified-documents case, Trumps unique triple-hatted role as former president, candidate and defendant raises questions about whether and how his aides keep their work separated.

Several Trump aides on the payroll of his Save America political action committee, his 2024 presidential campaign or both have worked at the post-presidential office since it opened two years ago, according to campaign finance records and people familiar with the office. Cheung did not respond to a follow-up email seeking details about the office and its operations, including whether aides on Trumps political payroll who have worked there are also paid by the government or a private noncampaign entity.

It is possible for one person to split time between a campaign and government work, according to election finance experts. For example, most executive branch employees  including political appointees  can participate in certain partisan political activities outside of work, so long as they dont use government resources. And it could be that Trumps aides are careful not to mix political work with official business.

But there is a strict prohibition on performing political duties on government time  or in a government-occupied building or room. It is not clear what steps Trump is taking to ensure a wall of separation between official and campaign business for aides who are on his political payroll.

The general rule is, even where dual-hatting is allowed, and even when its being done without pay on either or both jobs, you definitely cannot conduct [political] work in your government office, said a former Federal Election Commission lawyer who asked to remain anonymous to discuss the Trump situation. That is pretty close to an ironclad rule.

Most former presidents dont have to contemplate mounting a legal defense and a presidential campaign as their aides reply to correspondence from fans and dignitaries.

Donald Trump is the first ex-president of our time who has declared for re-election. At the same time, his political fundraising committees are contributing money to his personal legal defense, said Michael Beschloss, a presidential historian.

Since Nixons rocky and much-criticized first months out of office, American ex-presidents have abided by fairly strict traditions and practices, Beschloss said. Such practices would not include non-government officials using American taxpayer-funded office space and services to conduct an ex-presidents campaign or to work on his private legal defense, if either of those things happened.

Political Payroll

When a surprised-to-be-packing Trump left the White House in January 2021, his aides scrambled to collect the items he wanted to take with him and ship them to multiple locations, including Mar-a-Lago and a temporary transition office in the Washington suburbs.

Toward the end of the six-month transition process, Trump aides worked with GSA to relocate the office in the Washington suburbs to West Palm Beach. Kathy Geisler, the GSA point person for the transition, noted in an email to Trump aides that the agency would pay for only one location  meaning that the correspondence office had to be either at a West Palm Beach suite or at Mar-a-Lago, not both.

If the Former Presidents Office determines that the Correspondence Office in West Palm Beach will be the single office that GSA provides and furnishes, furniture and other items from the Mar-a-lago location will need to be moved [from] the existing location to the new location, Geisler wrote to Trumps team in June 2021.

The office on North Flagler Drive appears to be the final location for that correspondence office, also known as the office of the former president. Trump, who continues to falsely claim that he won the 2020 election, does not refer to himself as a former president and his staff generally avoid that construction, as well.

It is "the only office space that GSA has rented for Former President Trumps Office," a GSA spokesperson said.

Several of his aides, all of whom worked in operations or correspondence roles at the White House, have been seen at the North Flagler Drive office since it opened in late 2021, according to two of the people familiar with the office. The set includes Beau Harrison, Molly Michael and Desiree Thompson, these people said.

Michael, who no longer works for Trump, was on the payroll of his Save America political action committee from July 2021 until September 2022, the month after the FBI raided Mar-a-Lago in search of classified documents. An attorney for Michael did not respond to questions about the work she did for Trump at the North Flagler Drive office.

Harrison was at times paid by Save America  for advance work, a year-end bonus, basic pay and reimbursement for travel and office expenses  according to the PACs federal finance disclosures. The last payment was on Aug. 15, 2022, a week after the raid on Mar-a-Lago. Harrison did not respond to a text message from NBC.

Cheung, the Trump spokesman, confirmed Wednesday that Thompson still works for Trump. She remains on Save Americas payroll, earning a salary of about $120,000 per year, according to the PACs most recent filing. Reached briefly by phone Friday, Thompson politely said she had to refer questions about the office. She did not call back.

Classified material

When the FBI raided Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8, 2022, a box that contained Trump White House schedules, including some with classified markings, was sitting at a West Palm Beach office uninspected, The Guardian reported earlier this year.

According to the newspaper, a junior aide who went by the nickname ROTUS  receptionist of the United States  had moved the box from a Mar-a-Lago workspace to a government-leased West Palm Beach office when she was relocated to the office in 2022. She was later moved back to Mar-a-Lago, along with the schedules, and she had also scanned them into a laptop, the paper reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

ROTUS is a moniker used by Chamberlain Harris, who held the informal title at the tail end of the Trump administration. One of the people familiar with the office confirmed that she worked there for a time. Harris did not reply to a text message or a LinkedIn message seeking comment on her work at the North Flagler Drive office and asking her whether she moved the box of schedules to Mar-a-Lago.

Harris has been on the Save America payroll since July 2021 and has been on Trumps re-election payroll since December 2022, according to campaign finance records. Together, Trump-affiliated political committees paid her $163,000, including travel reimbursements, from July 2021 through June 30, 2023, which is the last date for which campaign finance records are available.

In late 2022, federal investigators pressed Trumps lawyers to turn over any remaining classified material in the former presidents possession. That prompted his legal team to hire a private firm to conduct searches at several locations, including the North Flagler Drive office, according to a person familiar with the probes.

The person said there were no additional classified materials discovered by the private team. There is no indication that the FBI ever searched the premises for classified documents or other materials that belong to the government under the Presidential Records Act.

The FBI did not respond to a request for comment.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Anti-submarine aircraft in multi-subject training exercise

China Military Online) 13:52, September 10, 2023

An anti-submarine aircraft attached to a naval aviation unit under the PLA Northern Theater Command speeds up before taking off during a multi-subject training exercise in August 15, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Bu Lingbin)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chaolan)
Former President Trump is fueling questions over how hell approach the second GOP presidential primary debate later this month as his lead in polls appears to be solidifying.

The former presidents allies have already signaled hell skip the next debate, which is being hosted Sept. 27 by Fox Business at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif.

But speculation is also growing as to how Trump will seek to counterprogram the event, where most of his rivals  including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and former Vice President Mike Pence  are expected to gather.

President Trump usually comes up with something creative, but also its not really necessary, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), a prominent Trump ally, told The Hill.  He has been out and about with the people for nearly three years now since he left the White House. He has still had a very strong presence throughout our nation,

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Members of the party anticipate the former president will likely counterprogram the event after he snubbed the first debate, when he sat down for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in a video that was released on X, formerly Twitter, instead.

I dont think that he has any other court appearances that he can try to strategically time and line up to kind of interfere with it, but I think theyre gonna have to try to counterprogram it in some way to try to steal some of the headlines away from the folks who are on the debate stage, said Sarah Matthews, former Trump White House deputy secretary.

If theres anything I know about Trump, its that he loves attention, she added.

Alex Conant, a Republican strategist who worked on Sen. Marco Rubios (R-Fla.) 2016 presidential campaign, also said he expected Trump to counterprogram the event, suggesting the possibility of a rally or another interview.

Still, he said that regardless of how Trump counters the second debate, it wont deter the significant amount of attention the second debate will attract.

The entire Republican Party is gonna be focused on the debate stage at the Reagan Library. And if youre not on the debate stage, youre not top of mind that night, so I dont think it really matters what he does, because I dont think you can distract from it, Conant said.

If the candidates on the stage arent going to attack him, then he doesnt need to distract from it, he added.

Trump fueled weeks of speculation over whether he would attend the first GOP debate hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee last month. Eventually, he posted on his Truth Social platform he would not participate, pointing to his poll numbers showing him still widely leading the rest of the 2024 GOP primary field.

His team has signaled Trump is likely to not stray from that strategy given his strength among the primary electorate.

[Trump is] up by a lot, I dont think he needs to [debate] right now. I think hes in the drivers seat, Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller told NewsNations The Hill on Wednesday. And  until some of these guys actually show that they belong even on the same stage as him, then I would say he doesnt need to.

Miller said Trumps assertion that hes not doing the debates should be taken at face value until he says something differently. Earlier that day, the former president suggested in an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt that he might be open to doing a debate in Alabama.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung suggested in an email to The Hill that Trumps counterprogramming with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson got considerable views on X, despite not being at the debate, and hes even expanded his lead since the debate.

One poll by The Wall Street Journal earlier this month showed Trump widening his lead against DeSantis since a similar one conducted in April, showing the former president at 59 percent among GOP primary voters and DeSantis at 13 percent.

A CNN poll this week found Trump leading DeSantis by 34 points, compared to a June poll that had Trump leading DeSantis by 21 points.

One survey from Emerson College Polling showed a 6-percent dip for Trump after the debate, though executive director Spencer Kimball noted at the time that the question from this poll is whether this is a blip for Trump or if the other Republican candidates will be able to rally enough support to be competitive for the caucus and primary season. Most polls have not shown Trumps numbers dropping noticeably in the wake of the Milwaukee event.

President Trump won the first debate, and he didnt even need to be there, Cheung said, who called the counterprogramming a substantive discussion about what he would do in his second term.

Post-debate, President Trumps poll numbers grew even more, and he now holds the biggest leads hes had in the primary and general elections. President Trump is always right, he added.

Cheung declined to answer a question about the former presidents plans or possible counterprogramming around the second debate.

Allies of the former president maintain that the primary isnt even a contest  a sentiment that comes as his primary challengers, including DeSantis, have struggled to close the gap against Trump.

There is no debate. It has been clear for months that President Trump will be the Republican nominee, House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) told The Hill in a statement. This election is the most important election in our lifetime, and I will continue to call on Republicans to coalesce our entire party apparatus behind President Trumps campaign which is facing unprecedented, unconstitutional, and illegal attacks from Bidens weaponized Department of Justice.

Other Republicans concede that Trumps decision not to participate in the debates is unlikely to affect his standing in the primary and is probably the safest option for him anyway.

From a strategic perspective, absolutely not, GOP strategist and Trump campaign alum Brian Seitchik said when asked if Trump should attend the second debate.

He paid no penalty in recent polling for skipping the first debate. There was no breakout performance in that debate where someone has appeared as a primary rival. So until theres a political price to pay, I suspect hes going to continue skipping debates, he added.

Still, some Republicans say his effort to undercut the first debate with the Carlson interview was largely overshadowed by the news coverage of his legal woes.

While he tried to counterprogram with the Tucker Carlson interview, I think that was actually pretty ineffective, Matthews said. I dont think that anyone was really talking about the news [that] came out of that interview. The best counterprogramming he had was when he went the following day to be arraigned in Georgia. Like, everyone was talking about that and talking less about the debate.

But some argue the approach of not participating in any of the debates is not sustainable even if its politically the safest option for Trump at this point. Sam Nunberg, a former adviser on Trumps 2016 campaign, noted that the former presidents decision to forgo the first debate in Iowa hurt him during the first-in-the-nation caucus when he ended up placing second that year.

It remains to be seen that any candidate will win a presidential primary without debating. Its never happened, said Nunberg, whos supporting DeSantis this cycle.

I dont think its sustainable not to debate, but once again, he doesnt want to go up there and defend his record or his actions, and I dont blame him. Theres only one place to go if hes up there, and thats down, he added.

But Trumps closest allies see few, if any, downsides to him skipping the debates.

He does not need to debate his merits because he has shown everything that he stands for, not just through words on a pulpit grinning at the cameras, hes done it through action, Boebert said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Shortly after Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announced he was dropping his presidential bid, he found himself on the phone with someone who had paid him little attention up to that point: Donald Trump .

Suarez, who ran as a traditional conservative and did not vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020, had barely registered in the polls and spent all of 11 weeks campaigning. His departure from the race created nary a ripple. Those familiar with the call declined to reveal the specifics of what was discussed. But the fact that the runaway Republican frontrunner felt compelled to touch base with the also-ran offered a window into how Trump and his team view the race.

Trump is on what seems like a glidepath to the nomination. He has largely eschewed traditional day-to-day campaigning. And his social media missives toggle between attacks on his political opponents and laments about the legal troubles surrounding him.

But hes not taking his eye entirely off the primary. In fact, he and his team are heavily engaged behind the scenes.



ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In recent weeks, Trump allies have worked with officials in various states to ensure that rules around the rewarding of delegates benefit them. Trumps campaign has warned state party officials against dealing with super PACs, with an eye on choking off the efforts of Never Back Down, the super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis . Trump has worked donors in an attempt to either get their money or persuade them not to give to others. Hes had meetings with policy advisers and has churned out policy videos. Hes done tele-rallies. And Trump has made countless personal calls to Republican officials, like Suarez, in an effort to win their support.

One thing is certain, no one is taking their eye off the ball, which right now, is about winning the nomination, said an adviser to Trump, granted anonymity to speak more freely about the campaigns approach.

The approach Trumps team has adopted is a reflection of the unprecedented and unorthodox place his campaign is in. He has publicly taken on the posture of an incumbent, privately adopted the mindset of a fighter, all while trying to avoid the fate of a convict.

The results: A man who once couldnt resist a camera or crowd is doing a lot of his work outside of public view. While he has worked the phones, Trump has done far less on-the-ground campaigning than his competitors, his campaign says in part due to his near-universal name recognition and constant media attention. He rejected the opportunity to appear at the first GOP debate and is unlikely to appear at the second debate, in California, which is hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, an institution he has feuded with in the past.

President Trump is outworking every single person in this race and it shows  hes dominating in every single poll both nationally and statewide, said Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung. There is nobody who can come close to everything he has done and will do to ensure hes the nominee and turn the focus to prosecuting Joe Bidens disastrous record.

Instead, hes done spot appearances publicly. During the last debate, he counter-programmed the event by sitting for an interview with Tucker Carlson. According to one person close to the campaign, he might choose to hold a rally the evening of the second debate, although no decisions have been made.

Trumps allied super PAC is largely mirroring this pick-and-choose your spots approach. Maga Inc. has spent more than $22 million on national advertising this year  more than any other campaign, and much of it focused on attacking DeSantis. But it has also periodically gone dark. And since Aug. 27, the super PAC has not aired a TV ad, according to ad tracking data. They stopped airing ads about DeSantis in late June.

Trumps campaign insists hes neither taking the primary lightly nor shifting his attention to the general. Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, the veteran GOP strategists running Trumps campaign, blasted out a campaign memo to supporters this past week that boasted of Trumps lead, but notably kept their target squarely on DeSantis and his operation.

Trump, ever superstitious, echoed the approach during a rally on Friday night in South Dakota with Gov. Kristi Noem, openly grappling with how much to shift his attention to the general.

"He's gone so low in the polls. I'm not really watching him, Trump said of DeSantis. They say 'sir, forget about him, he's gone.' I say nobody's gone until it's over, right?"



Noem endorsed Trump at the rally, where there were signs saying TRUMP NOEM. Their appearance on stage together fueled a round of veepstakes speculation, but his advisers say that such talk is wildly premature. Theyve taken notice of those Republicans who have  sometimes overtly  tried to position themselves to serve as a running mate. But they also note that Trump himself has seemed outright disinterested in the idea.

The one thing I would say, nobody ever votes for the vice president, Trump told POLITICO this spring when asked who he would want as running mate.

Trumps team isnt the only one trying to downplay the notion that the primary is all but decided. The candidates lagging behind him are too, pointing to evidence that Trump does not poll as strongly in early states as he does nationally. Hanging over the entire election are his numerous legal troubles, some aides privately note, which are unpredictable.

Still, Trumps support among Republicans has only strengthened after each indictment. And in recent weeks, both he and his allies have called on others in the field to drop out or stop spending millions on their campaigns when that money could be used to thwart President Joe Biden.

Im of the mindset the rest of the field should just drop out, said Ric Grenell, Trumps former acting Director of the U.S. National Intelligence on Newsmax. Let's save the money to go after Joe Biden, Trump is so far ahead that it's not even close."

This primary is over, Kari Lake, the firebrand former gubernatorial candidate from Arizona, declared on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. If the candidates at the kids table are truly interested in saving our country, they will suspend their campaigns & stop wasting donor money. It's time to focus our energies on voter registration, lawfare, & ballot chasing.



A winnowed field is what Trumps GOP opponents want, too. Republican New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah)  neither fans of Trump  have both called for the low polling candidates to drop out before Trump has the nomination locked down. The New Hampshire governor has said he plans to make an endorsement to help whittle down the field in an effort to defeat Trump.

There are plenty of people that remember that snakebite of 2016 when Donald Trump wins the nomination, because there's a lot of candidates that wouldn't get out of that race, said Matthew Bartlett, a Republican strategist and New Hampshire native.

If you're not viable, I think it is in their interest to be coalescing earlier than ever before, he said. And I think candidates and campaigns kind of get that  whether that happens is another question.

But what actual impact a smaller field would have on Trumps lead is difficult to know, and will depend, in part, on how alliances form once more candidates drop out. Trump wasnt the only candidate to call Suarez after he dropped out. Others did too, with one notable exception. DeSantis, who has tussled with the Miami mayor, did not make a call.

A Suarez spokesperson declined to comment.

Alex Isenstadt contributed to this report.
A Spanish and a Canadian volunteer have been killed in Ukraine by a Russian bombardment.

Source: Reuters, citing Spanish and Ukrainian authorities, as reported by European Pravda

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Road to Relief (@road2relief_ua)

Details: During the G20 summit, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares reported the death of a humanitarian worker from Spain without revealing her name.

"Unfortunately, I can confirm a missile hit a vehicle in which this Spanish worker was travelling who was working for a humanitarian NGO in Ukraine. We have verbal confirmation of her death," Albares said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A Canadian humanitarian worker was killed in a Russian attack on 9 September in the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast in Ukraine's east. Road2Relief organisation reports that Anthony "Tonko" Ihnat is the volunteer in question.

On the morning of 9 September, four members of the Road2Relief team reportedly came under Russian fire on their way to the city of Bakhmut. The attack left German medical volunteer Ruben Mawick and Swedish volunteer Johan Mathias Thyr with severe shrapnel injuries and burns.

The organisation said the fourth victim was Spanish volunteer and Road2Relief director Emma Igual, whose condition is unknown.

Background: Earlier, the UK Foreign Office confirmed the death of Samuel Newey, 22, in action in Ukraine's east, where he fought on the side of the Ukrainian military.

The last public report of a UK citizen being killed in action in Ukraine was in February this year.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
LONDON (Reuters) - British foreign minister James Cleverly will travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories this week, where he will press for renewed dialogue on a two-state solution and commit to tackling threats to regional security, including from Iran.

On the visit that begins on Monday, Cleverly will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh.

In a speech at an international security conference on Tuesday, Cleverly will discuss the security challenges facing Israel and the Palestinian territories, as well as the importance of a two-state solution.

He will accuse Iran of "enabling terrorism" through its support of the militant groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, according to a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The UK and Israel work closely together to keep our people safe," Cleverly said ahead of his trip. He pledged "to renew our close security partnership, in the face of unacceptable threats from the Iranian regime".

He will hold talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and attend a demonstration of Israel's "Iron Dome" missile defence system.

During a visit to the Palestinian territories, Cleverly will visit the Jalazone refugee camp in the West Bank to see Palestinian refugees.

Violence in the West Bank has worsened over the past year with frequent Israeli raids and Palestinian street attacks.

Prospects of reviving U.S.-brokered peace talks that aimed to establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem remain low almost a decade after their collapse.

The Palestinians have limited self-rule in the West Bank and remain split between a Western-backed administration and armed Hamas Islamists who reject coexistence with Israel. Many in Israel's current government reject Palestinian statehood.

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; Editing by Edmund Blair)
Ukraine appears to be repurposing and using Russian mines against Putin's forces.

Video footage appears to show Ukraine dropping TM-62 anti-tank mines on Russian positions.

Russian mines have been a significant obstacle to Ukraine's counteroffensive.

Ukraine appears to be repurposing Russian anti-tank mines and using drones to drop them on Russian forces.

Video footage shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, claims to show a Ukrainian drone dropping a powerful grenade-fused TM-62 anti-tank blast mine on an enemy position.

The TM-62M is a Russian high-explosive, anti-vehicle blast landmine that can be laid mechanically or by hand, according to CAT-UXO, a site that collates information on explosive hazards.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The mine can be used against tanks, self-propelled rockets, artillery stands, and armored trucks, per Atlas Internazionale, a defense equipment supplier.

They contain about eight kilograms, or around 18 pounds of TNT, enough to cause extensive damage to enemy vehicles that trigger them, per the site.

Russia's prolific use of landmines has left Ukraine as the most mined country in the world, with an area the size of Uruguay or Florida now contaminated with mines, shells, and bombs, The Washington Post reported.

"The sheer quantity of ordnance in Ukraine is just unprecedented in the last 30 years. There's nothing like it," Greg Crowther, the director of programs for the Mines Advisory Group, told The Post.

Approximately 30% of Ukraine's territory has been enveloped by fierce fighting, according to a recent report by GLOBSEC, a think tank based in Slovakia.

From the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to July 2023, the United Nations reported 298 civilian deaths and 632 civilian injuries from military explosives, per The Post.

"Russian minefields are a serious obstacle for our troops, but not insurmountable," former Ukrainian minister of defense Oleksii Reznikov told The Guardian.

"We have skilled sappers and modern equipment, but they are extremely insufficient for the front that stretches hundreds of kilometers in the east and south of Ukraine," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Time is running out for Ukraine. After 18 months of war, it is no longer a question of if the Western alliance will falter, but when. Since the start, despite making many of the right noises and supplying some military hardware, France and Germany, in particular, have been reluctant partners. Their leaders have often seemed more concerned with finding an off-ramp for Vladimir Putin than ejecting his forces from Ukraine. As well as dependency on Russian energy, a pacifist instinct among Western European political classes has led to neglect of their armed forces and a corresponding fear of escalation.

As the provider of the lions share of backing for Ukraine, it is the US calling the shots in this war. Yet, since the earliest days, President Biden, too, has been dragging his heels, giving just about enough military assistance to keep Ukraine fighting, but intentionally not enough to enable a victory.

Like his Western European allies, Biden has been successfully deterred by Putins empty threats of widening the war. Faint-hearted concerns over provoking Putin explains his failure to provide urgently-needed weapons, including combat planes and long-range missiles, and for his obstinate resistance against Nato membership for Ukraine.

Now, polls in both Europe and the US show public support for military aid to Kyiv dropping away, with one recent survey indicating that less than 50 per cent of Americans are in favour of additional funding. This at least partially reflects sluggish progress in Ukraines counter-offensive, which has seen only limited gains so far.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Western military analysts and the media built expectations that, this summer, Kyiv would repeat its striking victories of last autumn at Kharkiv and Kherson. Now, people are wondering how much bang they are getting for their buck, and whether the significant investment made by their countries will ever achieve anything concrete.

There is also growing disquiet about Ukrainian corruption, amplified by those voices who oppose American engagement in Europe for other reasons. Corruption concerns do need to be addressed, but they do not trump the Wests overriding strategic interest in preventing a Russian victory.

Zelensky obviously recognises the coming hinge point in Western support, and his recent actions may indicate a degree of alarm. He has, for example, jailed the allegedly corrupt tycoon and former provincial governor Igor Kolomoisky, a long-term ally and supporter. He sacked defence minister Oleksii Reznikov at the height of the war, again amid corruption allegations. The latter may signal a coming change to Ukraines military strategy.

None of this will make a significant difference. No strategic adjustment can turn the war around without dramatically increased military aid. And whether or not corruption is tackled, Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron and, most importantly, Biden will be exerting pressure on Kyiv to come to terms, sooner or later. Biden foretold this last summer, when he wrote that the US was arming Ukraine not to defeat Russian aggression, but to fight on the battlefield and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table. Putin is only likely to play ball  though this is far from certain  provided he can keep the Ukrainian territory he has illegally annexed, and Ukraines Nato membership is kept permanently off the table.

That would obviously be a disaster for Ukraine, but it would also be a defeat for Nato. For Putin, it would be a victory that would encourage further aggression against Ukraine and the West in the coming years.

If anything like this scenario plays out, a humiliated West will need a robust damage-limitation strategy. This would involve building up Nato forces, which still has not yet been seriously approached on either side of the Atlantic. There is no indication, for example, that Germany is budgeting to reach the minimum Nato defence spend of 2 per cent of GDP, despite promises. The UK continues to make further cuts to its undersized army.

A second prong would be continued economic warfare against a weakened Russian economy, to emphasise the price for waging aggressive war and undermine Moscows ability to rearm. This is highly problematic. No doubt any peace deal would entail lifting sanctions, so more imaginative means of stifling Russias war economy are needed. Interdiction of weapons supply from Iran and North Korea  which both present a grave threat to the West  should be seriously explored.

Another important track is for Western states to sponsor civil legal action against frozen Russian assets, which currently amount to about 600 billion globally. An example of this is the current effort by the British not-for-profit initiative PayBack4Ukraine, which is seeking to seize assets through the courts to fund reparations for victims of Putins aggression. This form of lawfare could be a game-changer in clipping Russias wings and would also send a clear signal against future aggression to states such as China and Iran. But a strategic approach is needed, such as the establishment of an international tribunal dedicated specifically to such litigation. To maximise effect in the face of sanctions removal, this needs to be set up before any peace talks.

If the West cant find the backbone to help Ukraine put a stop to Russias seizure of its territory, then it needs to be planning decisive measures for the day after, rather than simply repeating the errors that followed Putins Crimean land grab in 2014 and led directly to the 2022 invasion.

Colonel Richard Kemp is a former British Army officer

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
The Ukrainian military leadership expects that its Armed Forces will be able to use F-16 fighter jets on the battlefield this winter.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Details: According to military officials in Kyiv, Ukrainian pilots might be flying F-16s in combat as early as this winter. This is a more optimistic schedule than prior predictions, and it could provide Ukrainian troops a substantial new advantage on the battlefield next year.

As The Wall Street Journal reports with reference to Ukrainian and American officials, Ukraine believes that since American training will begin this month or next, several Ukrainian pilots may be ready to fly F-16s in February.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The United States can train experienced Ukrainian pilots who speak English in just five months.

At the same time, the publication notes that American officials were more conservative in their plans regarding the timing of the preparation of the F-16s for battle. They said that Ukraine would not be ready for combat using F-16s until at least mid-2024, possibly much later.

According to a representative of the US Defense Department, within the next several weeks, dozens of Ukrainian pilots will start their English language lessons at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio,Texas. According to a US defence official, pilots who already speak English will begin flight training at the 162nd Wing's home base, Morris Air National Guard Base near Tucson, Arizona.

According to Ben Hodges , a retired commander of the US Army forces in Europe, officials are overly concerned about the Ukrainians' English competence. He mentioned a private chat he had with a top Air Force official who predicted that the flight training might be finished in just three months, which is two months sooner than even the Ukrainians expect.

"They need to fly a plane, they don't need to be able to read Shakespeare," Hodges said.

At the same time, representatives of the US Defense Department said that the training of pilots is only one of many obstacles that prevent the F-16s from entering the battlefield in Ukraine. Currently, Ukrainian pilots are using Soviet-era MiG and Sukhoi aircraft to attack Russian ground targets and defend Ukrainian airspace. Uncertainty surrounds the number of seasoned pilots that Kyiv is willing to remove from combat zones in order to train them in Europe and the United States.

In addition, US officials warn that finding and training maintenance crews, who must also be proficient in English, could prove even more challenging than training pilots.

Earlier: In early September, Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraines then Minister of Defence, said that he believes the Armed Forces of Ukraine will have F-16s for use at the front in the spring of 2024.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
(Bloomberg) -- Ukraine probably has just 30 to 45 days of fighting weather left for its counteroffensive this year before conditions worsen, said General Mark Milley , chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. His comments to the BBC came as Ukraines southern commander pointed to further advances in the Zaporizhzhia region. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it was Ukraines call on how to use weapons, including potential long-range missile systems, being provided by allies. In terms of their targeting decisions, its their decision, not ours, he said on ABC.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In an interview with CNN, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy again rejected a suggestion that Ukraine would need to cede territory to Russia to end the war. Did you see any compromises from Putin in other issues? the Ukrainian leader said. Russia on Sunday wrapped up elections in the four Ukrainian regions  Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson  that Moscow annexed a year ago. The votes have been denounced by Kyiv and its allies.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi wound down, French President Emmanuel Macron said the annual gathering isnt the right place to seek diplomatic progress on ending Russias war in Ukraine. The G-20 is not a forum for political discussion, he said. The host of next years gathering, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said Russian President Vladimir Putin would be safe to travel to his country.

Latest Coverage

Erdogan Urges G-20 to Meet Russian Demands on Grain Deal

Blinken Says Musks Starlink Should Keep Giving Ukraine Full Use

Dont Look to G-20 For Progress on Ukraine, Macron Says

Vote Counting Underway in Ukraines Russian-Occupied Regions

Russia Will Make Soviet-Era Tanks Again as War Depletes Stocks

Lula Says Putin Can Visit Brazil for G-20 Without Fear of Arrest

Coming Up

Putin summit with Kim Jong Un likely in Vladivostok in next few days

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Ukrainian pilots could be ready to fly F-16 fighter jets by early February, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Officials in Kyiv said the initial group of F-16 pilots would likely number fewer than 10.

Ukrainian pilots began their F-16 training just last month.

Ukrainian officials say at least a few of their combat pilots could be ready to fly F-16s by early February, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.

In August, after finally approving Ukrainian requests for the advanced fighter jet, the Biden administration said training could take many months.

"To get proficient in the F-16, that's not going to happen overnight," Gen. James Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe, said in August. "You can get proficient on some weapons systems fairly quickly, but ones like F-16s, that takes a while to build a couple squadrons of F-16s and to get their readiness high enough and their proficiency high enough," he said, adding that would be "four or five years down the road."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

That assessment is not necessarily inconsistent with the timeline shared by Ukrainian officials.

According to the Journal, Kyiv thinks "a handful" of pilots could be ready to go by February. The bottleneck, officials on both sides of the Atlantic say, is the English language: Pilots have had to brush up on the technical jargon used in F-16 trainings, and only a few now have a strong enough grasp on the vocabulary to advance. Indeed, Ukraine expects its first graduating class of F-16 pilots to contain "fewer than" 10 people, the Journal reported.

The US Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ukrainian pilots are undertaking their training in a number of European countries that have pledged to transfer their own F-16s to Kyiv. In October, the Pentagon said it also plans to begin training at a base in Arizona.

Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ukraine and Sweden have a goal to jointly produce 1,000 CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles for the Ukrainian army.

Source: Hanna Maliar , Deputy Minister of Defence, on Telegram

Quote: "The Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive way more of such vehicles soon, since Ukraine and Sweden have agreed to jointly manufacture CV-90s. The closest goal is 1,000 Swedish infantry fighting vehicles for the Ukrainian army!"

Details: Maliar remarked that the CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle is considered the best combat vehicle in the world.

"Designed and produced in Sweden, it has everything a modern fighting vehicle must have, with its main advantage being the care for the crew (three people) and landing party (up to eight people), since no other infantry fighting vehicle has such a level of protection as the CV-90,"she explained.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Maliar also recalled that Ukraines Armed Forces received CV-90s in the summer of 2023, and are already performing combat missions on the front. She stated they were first distinguished on the Lyman front.

"In one of the fights, a Swedish fighting vehicle covered infantry units from tank attacks and was struck with a Russian Lantset kamikaze drone. Yet neither the crew nor the landing party were injured  they moved into another vehicle and continued performing combat missions. Were they using a Soviet BMP-1 or BMP-2, no one would have stayed alive since there is basically no armour on these vehicles," Maliar explained.

She added that the Swedish vehicle has effective anti-tank means and a powerful automatic 40-mm gun which can launch attacks at a distance of up to 3 km, and its max range is over 12 km.

Maliar also recalled that Ukraines Armed Forces received CV-90s in the summer of 2023, and they are already performing combat missions on the front. She stated they were first distinguished on the Lyman front.

"In one of the fights, a Swedish fighting vehicle covered infantry units from tank attacks and was struck with a Russian Lantset kamikaze drone. Yet neither the crew nor the landing party were injured  they moved into another vehicle and continued performing combat missions. If they had been using a Soviet BMP-1 or BMP-2, no one would have survived because those vehicles have virtually no armour," Maliar explained.

She added that the Swedish vehicle has effective anti-tank weapons and a powerful automatic 40-mm gun which can fire at a distance of up to 3 km, and its maximum range is over 12 km.

The CV-90 is equipped with a revolutionary chassis based on Formula-1 technologies with suspension automatically adapting to the terrain. This facilitates high mobility, and rubber inserts in the tracks significantly reduce the noise level during movement.

"Ukrainian troops say you cannot hear a CV-90 from a distance of 200 metres," Maliar wrote.

Background: In August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The two agreed on the localization of production of Swedish CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles and discussed the possible supply of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Key developments on Sept. 10:

Top US General: Ukraine has about 30-45 days for the offensive before weather worsens

Foreign volunteers' car struck by Russian shelling near Chasiv Yar: 2 killed, 2 wounded

Local authorities: Russian overnight drone attack wounds 4 in Kyiv Oblast

Military: Southern forces liberate another 1.5 square kilometers near Robotyne

Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said on Sept. 10 that Ukraine likely has about 30 to 45 days for the counteroffensive before the weather worsens on the ground.

The summer counteroffensive, which has seen Ukraine liberate more than a dozen villages in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts, is going slower than expected, Milley said, but he added that Ukraine is still "progressing at a very steady pace through the Russian front lines."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"There's still a reasonable amount of time, probably about 30 to 45 days' worth of fighting weather left, so the Ukrainians aren't done," Milley said in the BBC's Sunday program.

"I said at the very beginning of this (war) that this was going to be long, slow, hard, and high-casualty-producing, and that's exactly what it is," he added.

More than three months into the counteroffensive, raging in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and two axes in Donetsk Oblast  Bakhmut and Velyka Novosilka, Western skepticism grows as to whether Ukraine will achieve its goals set for the high-stakes operation.

Thwarted by heavily mined fields and incessant artillery, Ukrainian soldiers on the ground say that everything is done slowly to minimize casualties.

However, on Sept. 9, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov told Reuters on the sidelines of the annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference that Ukraine plans to continue the counteroffensive no matter the weather conditions.

"Combat actions will continue in one way or another," Budanov said. "In the cold, wet, and mud, it is more difficult to fight. Fighting will continue. The counteroffensive will continue."

Read also: As counteroffensive presses forward in southeast, every meter costs a life

Foreign volunteers' car struck by Russian shelling near Chasiv Yar: 2 killed, 2 wounded

Two foreign volunteers were killed and two others were severely wounded on Sept. 9 while driving near Chasiv Yar, close to Bakhmut.

The killed volunteers were Emma Igual of Spain, the director of the NGO Road to Relief, and her colleague Anthony Ignat of Canada.

Road to Relief's two other representatives who were in the car, Swedish volunteer Johan Thyr and German volunteer Ruben Mawick, are hospitalized in stable condition after being "badly injured" by shrapnel and burns, according to a statement by the organization.

At around 10 a.m. on Sept. 9, the Road to Relief team headed toward Bakhmut from their base in Sloviansk to assess the civilian situation in Ivanivske  a village about eight kilometers southwest of the Russian-occupied city of Bakhmut.

The team came under a direct Russian attack, according to Road to Relief, flipping the vehicle over and causing it to erupt fire.

In the statement released on Sept. 10, Road to Relief said that the Needs Assessment team are often the first to go into front-line villages to gain clarity about the current situation.

The teams efforts have resulted in numerous evacuations and crucial aid deliveries over the 18 months that we have been in operation, it added.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Igual came to Ukraine and soon co-founded Road to Relief with Henri Camenen from France.

I felt I needed to put all the experiences I had already had to good use, and to apply my humanitarian and Jewish ethos, she told the London-based weekly newspaper Jewish Chronicle in July.

She added that she had been extremely lucky thus far, as she has been able to work throughout the full-scale war without even a scratch.

The report about more foreign volunteers deaths comes as Russia continues to attack civilian and near front-line areas indiscriminately, killing and wounding civilians, human aid workers, and journalists on the ground.

Earlier in May, Arman Soldin, a 32-year-old Bosnian-born video journalist with news agency Agence France Presse (AFP), was killed near Chasiv Yar by a Russian rocket fire.

In January, 28-year-old Christopher Parry from the U.K. and 47-year-old Andrew Bagshaw, a dual New Zealand and British citizen, were killed during an evacuation mission in the Bakhmut area.

Drone attack on Kyiv

Russian forces unleashed a few dozen drones toward the capital overnight, wounding four people in Kyiv Oblast and damaging scores of civilian infrastructure, the regional military administration reported on Sept. 10.

One of the victims has serious head trauma, the rest got off with light injuries.

The report said that 100 houses, 30 apartments, a kindergarten building, a town administration building, a rehab center, two stores, a storage building, and a parking lot in Kyiv Oblast were damaged.

Most of the damage consisted of broken windows and doors, with some damage to facades and roofs.

The debris from the downed drones, according to local authorities, also caused a threat to civilians in Kyiv overnight. Earlier in the day, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that debris fell in four districts in the western part of the city.

According to the Air Force, 26 of the 33 Iranian-made Shahed drones heading toward Kyiv Oblast were shot down by the air defense. The attack, the report said, was carried out from Russia's Kursk Oblast, located about 450 kilometers north of Kyiv.

Read also: As their kids find refuge abroad, Ukrainian fathers struggle with separation

Military claims success near Robotyne

Ukrainian forces liberated 1.5 square kilometers of territory near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast in the past 24 hours, Tavria grouping spokesman Oleksandr Shtupun said on Sept. 10.

He said that the Russians are clinging tenaciously to every square meter of captured soil, but Ukraine's defenders are making that very difficult for the enemy.



In a separate comment, the commander of Ukraine's southern forces, also known as the Tavria grouping, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, said they have advanced by another kilometer over the past day.

According to Tarnavskyi, the Ukrainian artillery conducted 1,391 engagements in the past 24 hours.



He said that 72 Russian personnel were taken out, 149 were wounded and five were taken prisoner, while 27 units of equipment were destroyed, including three tanks. Ukrainians also took out six Russian supply depots, he said.

After months of grueling combat, Ukrainians liberated Robotyne and pierced the first Russian defensive line in the past several weeks. Western OSINT observers have reported that Ukrainian forces are now engaging Russia's second line near Verbove.



The main prong of the southern counteroffensive is pushing onto the occupied city of Melitopol. Western experts and Ukrainian commanders have noted that the Russians concentrated so much strength on the first line, their second line should be easier to penetrate.

Read also: Inching forward in Bakhmut counteroffensive, Ukraines hardened units look ahead to long, grim war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine counteroffensive could have only 30 days before autumn weather starts, says US military's top general.

The counteroffensive has been "long, slow, hard, and high-casualty-producing," said General Mark Milley .

Ukraine's military intelligence chief said the "fighting will continue one way or another."

US Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told BBC News that Ukraine's counteroffensive has little more than 30 days before the weather hindering military efforts.

He acknowledged that the offensive had lagged but said, "The Ukrainians are still plugging away with steady progress."

Ukraine's counteroffensive has been underway since June, CNN reported. Despite initial skepticism about the sluggish pace of the offensive's progress, war analyst Jan Kallberg said "substantial progress" has been made. Ukrainian forces recently broke through Russia's first line of defense, said to be the most formidable obstacle in liberating southeastern Ukraine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Gen. Milley said it was too early to comment on whether the counteroffensive had failed but said Ukraine was "progressing at a very steady pace through the Russian front lines."

"There's battles not done. They haven't finished the fighting part of what they're trying to accomplish," said the US military's top general.

"There's still a reasonable amount of time, probably about 30 to 45 days' worth of fighting weather left, so the Ukrainians aren't done," Gen. Milley told BBC News.

"Ukraine is winning"

Ukrainian soldiers fire toward Russian position on the frontline in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Saturday, June 24, 2023. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky, File

At the beginning of the war, Gen. Milley predicted that the road ahead would be "long, slow, hard, and high-casualty-producing" for Ukraine  a forecast he says has proven true.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK chief of defense staff, told BBC News, "Ukraine is winning and Russia is losing."

"That is because the aim of Russia was to subjugate Ukraine and to put it under Russia's control," he said.

Russia is also suffering from economic and diplomatic pressure from the international community, said Adm. Radakin.

Ukraine was making progress in its quest to regain territory, having recovered 50% of the ground seized by Russia, said the British admiral.

Though the weather will stall the counteroffensive, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, told Reuters that "the fighting will continue one way or another." He said fighting is harder in cold, wet weather, but this would call for adjustment, not a complete halt.

Correction: September 10, 2023  An earlier version of this story inaccurately described the status of General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is the US military's top general, not the US Army chief.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ukraine's partisans have been sabotaging Russia's sham elections in occupied territories.

Resistance efforts have included blowing up a polling station and mass distributing leaflets via drones calling on people to ignore the elections.

The pseudo-elections are "a flagrant violation of international law," says the Council of Europe.

Ukraine has been sabotaging Russia's "sham elections" being held in occupied regions of Ukraine, The Kyiv Post reports.

Russia is holding elections this weekend in occupied Ukrainian territories, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea, The Guardian reports.

Kremlin polls are projecting that United Russia, the Russian ruling party, will win at least 70-80% of the vote, Reuters reports. A Russian analyst told The Kyiv Independent that if competing parties "even exist," we can "expect a pitiful outcome for them."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Interventions to sabotage the elections have included Ukraine's Security Service blowing up a polling station in Zaporizhzhia with drones.

"Elections here ended prematurely," a Security Service of Ukraine source told the Kyiv Post. "After the explosions, the occupiers got nervous."

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have launched major leaflet campaign drops.

A video posted by the National Resistance Center of Ukraine appears to show the defense forces dropping leaflets via drones with a call to ignore the "elections."

It read: "We will save you and protect you! Do not participate in the 'election' farce. Do not play along with the invaders! Today we are in Tokmak, tomorrow we will be in Berdiansk!"

The international community has condemned the elections. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, called the elections "illegitimate," while the Council of Europe called them "a flagrant violation of international law," per The Guardian.

Oleh Nikolenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says the elections violate the UN Charter and Ukrainian and international law.

Meanwhile, local populations are also largely ignoring the elections, according to the National Resistance Center.

Ukrainian resistance has ranged from mass leaflet distribution to passing on information about those complicit in the elections to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, per The Kyiv Post.

"Some of the names of collaborators and traitors, as well as the invaders involved in the organization of these pseudo-elections, have been established, and some have already been liquidated. Further work is underway," said Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Directorate.

At least 3,000 Ukrainians in the Zaporizhzhia region are said to be implicated in helping Russians with the pseudo-elections, The Kyiv Post cites from authorities.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ukraine's counter-offensive against the Russian invasion forces will continue even after the onset of cold and wet weather, and even if it becomes more difficult to fight, the head of Ukraines Defense Intelligence or HUR Kyrylo Budanov has said.

"Combat actions will continue in one way or another," the HUR chief told news agency Reuters.

In the cold, wet and mud, its more difficult to fight. (But) fighting will continue. The counter-offensive will continue.

He added that the counter-offensive is taking place in several areas, while acknowledging that progress is slower than he had wanted, and describing the situation as difficult.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In addition to the huge concentration of Russian mines, he cited the large number of small Russian kamikaze drones as a key factor that has slowed Ukraine's progress so far.

Ukrainian counteroffensive  Latest

Earlier, U.S. newspaper the New York Times reported that a new phase of Ukraine's counter-offensive has begun, with the main thrust coming from the southeast, where Ukrainian soldiers are gradually advancing through minefields while under attack by Russian aircraft.

According to UK newspaper the Financial Times, Ukraine changed its tactics after "chaos" at the beginning of the counter-offensive, and now Ukrainian forces are focusing on striking Russian defensive positions with heavy artillery and are achieving tangible results.

U.S. newspaper the Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed U.S. official, earlier reported that Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, while commenting on criticism of the "slow pace" of the counter-offensive, told U.S. officials that Ukrainian forces were on the verge of a breakthrough.

Read also: Ukrainian Special Forces video shows liberation of Robotyne from Russian military

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense officially confirmed on Aug. 28 the liberation of the village of Robotyne village in Zaporizhzhya Oblast. Now the Ukrainian troops are moving further towards Novoprokopivka, Ocheretuvate, and have been successful near Verbove.

In early September, the commander of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had broken through the first line of Russian defense on the southern section of the front line.

On Sept. 5, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said that the offensive would be a long process, and that war is not quick.

NV

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukrainian filmmaker and activist Oleh Sentsov said in a post on Facebook on Sept. 10 that he was injured on the front line.

According to Sentsov, who joined the military in February 2022, he has a "light contusion and another membrane tear."

He noted that he does not need to be hospitalized, adding that "there is a lot of work to be done, and not only near Robotyne," referring to the village in Zaporizhzhia Oblast near which there is active fighting.

Earlier on Sept. 10, the General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces had "partial success" in the villages of Klishchiivka and Robotyne, which are in Donetsk Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast, respectively.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"I am fine now. I am grateful to those who supported me and my family during this difficult time," Sentsov said.

Sentsov also added that "the next position has been taken," although he did not elaborate on the statement.

Each fight always seems more difficult than the last, but this one really was, Sentsov said.

This is not the filmmaker's first wound on the battlefield.

He received shrapnel wounds in early- and mid-July, which reportedly led to related health issues.

Sentsov was one of the most high-profile political prisoners held by Russia. He was arrested in Crimea in 2014 by the Russian authorities on the occupied peninsula and later sentenced to 20 years in prison for so-called "terrorism," charges internationally recognized to have been politically motivated. He was released in 2019 during a prisoner swap.

Read also: Russia holds sham elections in occupied Ukrainian territory

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The 128th Mountain Assault Brigade has used a trophy kamikaze tank against the Russian troops in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, blowing it up with a landmine near Russian positions.

Source: Yaroslav Halas, Spokesman for the 128th Brigade, on Facebook

Quote from Halas: "The 128th Brigade used a new tactic against the Russians in Zaporizhzhia Oblast  a trophy kamikaze tank. The tank hit a mine before the enemy fortifications, but the explosion from the planted munitions was so severe that nobody disturbed our infantry from those positions anymore."

Details: Halas added that the driver performed the riskiest role in the operation. He had to drive the tank stuffed with explosives to the Russian positions within shooting distance.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Vasyl Dudynets from the city of Mukachevo in Zakarpattia Oblast, "a simple man, a migrant worker who had worked in Czechia for many years," undertook this task. He came to the military enlistment office in early March 2022, the day after his daughter was baptised.

Quote from Dudynets: "Naturally, I was fully aware that I might not make it back. But it would have been instant death if the tank had been hit and the explosives had gone off. I mean, it's clear  you're either alive or dead. This is not the case when your arm and leg are torn off, and then your wife or children help you around in a wheelchair and wait on you hand and foot. I prefer to come back unharmed or die instantly. That is why I signed up right away when the commanders told me about the combat mission."

Details: The soldier stressed that he had joined the army to fight the Russians. He also pointed out that the war must be "ended as soon as possible so that we could go home and raise our children".

Halas noted that the nickname "Kamikaze" had stuck to Dudynets after successfully completing the mission.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
(Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that Ukrainian troops pressing a counter offensive against Russian occupying forces had advanced on the southern front in the past week while there had also been movement near Bakhmut in the east.

Zelenskiy's latest comments on the state of the three-month-old counter offensive appeared to confirm assessments by other officials of gains, however modest, in the east and south.

"Over the past seven days we have made an advance in the Tavria (southern) sector," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. "There is movement in the Bakhmut sector. Yes, there is movement."

Zelenskiy said Ukrainian forces were holding their ground on other fronts in the east -- Avdiivka and Maryinka near the focus of Russia's main attacks, and Lyman and Kupiansk, also subject to Russian attempts to advance further north.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Near Avdiivka, the head of the local military administration said Ukrainian troops took advantage of Russian forces focusing on one sector to advance and capture part of the village of Opytne south of the city.

"In my opinion, this is very significant," Vitaliy Barabash told national television. "To be frank, the enemy overlooked this southern direction a bit."

Barabash called the advance a "thunderous assault operation" and said fighting was underway in the settlement.

Avdiivka, site of a major coking plant, has been under near-constant Russian attack for many months.

The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces reported successes near Bakhmut -- theatre of nearly a year of pitched battles until it was captured by Russian troops in May.

In its evening report, the General Staff reported "partial success as a result of assault operations" near Klishchiivka, a village on heights south of Bakhmut -- seen as critical to recapturing the town.

The report also described a measure of success near Robotyne -- a settlement Ukraine captured late last month -- as part of its drive southward through Russian-held areas to the Sea of Azov.

Zelenskiy and other officials have said the counter offensive requires time, and they have dismissed criticism in the Western media that it is proceeding too slowly because of tactical errors, like placing troops in the wrong locations.

In an interview with The Economist published on Sunday, Zelenskiy said making steady progress was essential to maintaining morale.

"Now we have movement. Its important," the publication quoted him as saying.

He suggested a big breakthrough could lie ahead.

"If we push them from the south, they will run," he was quoted as saying.

(Reporting by Nick Starkov and Ron Popeski; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have analysed data concerning recent advances of Ukrainian defenders in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

Source: ISW

Details: The analysts note that Ukrainian forces have made confirmed advances near the border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts and in the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast and have claimed they have made advances south of Bakhmut on 9 September.

Geolocation data for 9 September shows that Ukrainian forces have advanced north-west of Novomaiorske (18 km south-east of Velyka Novosilka) along the border between Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, where, Russian sources report, fighting has intensified in recent days.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ukrainian forces also advanced to the northeast and east of Novoprokopivka (13 km south of Orikhiv) and west of Verbove (20 km southeast of Orikhiv), in the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Ukraine's General Staff reported that the Defence Forces had made certain gains to the south of Robotyne (10 km south of Orikhiv).

A Kremlin-linked Russian milblogger said Ukrainian forces had forced the Russians to withdraw from Andriivka (9 km southwest of Bakhmut), and another blogger said that Andriivka is now a controversial "grey zone".

At the same time, Ukrainian officials said that Ukrainian troops had also witnessed some success south of Klishchiivka.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways for 9 September:

Ukrainian forces made confirmed advances in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and made claimed advances south of Bakhmut on 9 September.

Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) Spokesperson Vadym Skibitskyi reemphasized Ukraines right to target critical Russian strategic and military objects in rear areas.

Russias war in Ukraine is increasingly constraining Russian local and regional politics, with even the minimal pre-war competition suppressed and regional governments increasingly focused on their ability to generate resources for the war.

The Kremlin continues to refuse to rejoin the Black Sea Grain Initiative in an attempt to extract maximum concessions from the West and may believe that apparent support or acceptance for its demands from some international actors offers it more leverage in renegotiating the deal.

Russian forces conducted offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line, in the western Donetsk-eastern Zaporizhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhia and advanced in some areas on 9 September.

Russian occupation authorities continue efforts to manufacture a guise of legitimacy and legality around ongoing local elections in occupied regions of Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Ukrainian troops advanced by over 1 kilometer on the Tavria axis in the south, Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi , commander of the Tavria operational and strategic group of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said on Sept. 10.

Read also: Ukrainian Special Forces video shows liberation of Robotyne from Russian military

The official summary of the joint press center of the Tavria Defense Forces states that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are conducting an offensive operation on the Melitopol axis, "succeeding in the area south of Robotyne, inflicting significant losses in manpower and equipment on the occupation forces, and forcing the enemy to withdraw from their positions."

The advance was confirmed by the representative of the joint press center of the Tavria Defense Forces Oleksandr Shtupun on Ukrainian national television.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We continue to make small advances in the area of Robotyne," Shtupun said.

Read also: Ukrainian forces achieve breakthrough at Robotyne, General Staff reports

About 1.5 square kilometers of our Ukrainian territory have been liberated. The Russians are clinging to every meter of our Ukrainian land... but the Ukrainian Defense Forces are trying to make it as difficult as possible to supply the Russian army, and in certain areas it is paying off.

Tarnavskyi said that over the past day, artillery units of the forces under his command have carried out 1,391 fire missions. The enemy's losses in this sector amounted to 226 people over the last day (72 killed, 149 wounded, and five captured). Also the following were destroyed:

27 units of enemy military equipment (including three tanks, two armored personnel carriers, three artillery systems and mortars, two multiple launch rocket systems, nine UAVs, five vehicles, and three units of special equipment)

six enemy ammunition depots.

Read also: Military explains effect of liberation of Robotyne in southern Ukraine

In addition, in the area of responsibility of the Tavria operational and strategic group of troops, the Defense Forces continue to hold the initiative on the Avdiyivka, Maryinka, and Shakhtarsk axes: they are holding back the enemy, conducting assault operations and winning back Ukrainian land meter by meter.

In particular, Ukrainian soldiers repelled about 15 enemy attacks in the vicinity of Maryinka, the press center of the Tavria Defense Forces reported.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine  The United Nations atomic watchdog warned of a potential threat to nuclear safety from a spike in fighting near Europes largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine, whose forces continued pressing their counteroffensive Saturday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said its experts deployed at the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant reported hearing numerous explosions over the past week, in a possible indication of increased military activity in the region. There was no damage to the plant.

I remain deeply concerned about the possible dangers facing the plant at this time of heightened military tension in the region, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned in a statement issued late Friday.

He noted that the IAEA team was informed that staff at the nuclear power plant had been reduced temporarily to minimum levels due to concerns of more military activity in the area.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Whatever happens in a conflict zone, wherever it may be, everybody would stand to lose from a nuclear accident, and I urge that all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid it happening," Grossi said.

The IAEA has repeatedly expressed concern that the fighting could cause a potential radiation leak from the facility, which is one of the worlds 10 biggest nuclear power stations. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features.

As Ukrainian forces pressed to expand their gains after recently capturing the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region, the U.K. Defense Ministry noted in its latest report that Russia has brought in reinforcements to stymie the Ukrainian advances.

It is highly likely that Russia has redeployed forces from other areas of the frontline to replace degraded units around Robotyne, it said. These redeployments are likely limiting Russias ability to carry out offensive operations of its own along other areas of the front line.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted that the Russian military has made notable changes to its command and control structure to protect command infrastructure and improve information sharing.

Russian forces have continued their barrage across Ukraine. The regional authorities in the northeastern region of Sumy that borders Russia said that the latest Russian shelling left four people wounded, one of whom later died in a hospital.

The Kremlin reaffirmed Saturday that Russia will not extend a landmark deal allowing Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea until the West fully meets Moscows demands regarding its own agricultural exports.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on reports that Western powers were allegedly discussing a deal that would allow the Russian Agricultural Bank to open a subsidiary that would be reconnected to the SWIFT payment system and meet other Russian demands. He said that Moscow expects the West to fulfill the original agreements to facilitate Russian agricultural exports that were reached in July 2022.

For instance, they are now saying that the West is allegedly ready to promise to open SWIFT for a subsidiary of the Russian Agricultural Bank, but the thing is that the agreements envisage SWIFT access for the Russian Agricultural Bank, not its subsidiary, Peskov said in a conference call with reporters.

He added that because they have already made a lot of promises, we considered ourselves entitled and obligated to wait first for the implementation before resuming the deal.

Russia refused to extend the deal in July, complaining that a parallel agreement promising to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertilizer hadnt been honored. It said restrictions on shipping and insurance hampered its agricultural trade, though it has shipped record amounts of wheat since last year.

Ukraine and its Western allies have dismissed the Kremlins demands as a ploy to advance its own interests.

On Saturday, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi arrived to Ukraine for an official visit and prayed at a church in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, where some of the worst atrocities of Russias war occurred early during the invasion.

"I am grateful to Japan for remaining our key partner in Asia and supporting Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Speaking after talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Hayashi pledged that Japan will go hand in hand with Ukraine until peace returns to its beautiful land.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that while Japan cannot provide Ukraine with lethal weapons, it has "already demonstrated that it can do many other important things to improve our security.

Japan has given Ukraine more than $7 billion in assistance since the start of the full-scale invasion. As part of its assistance, Tokyo provided two transformers to help Ukraine restore its energy systems after relentless Russian strikes, and donated 24 trucks to help Ukraine clear unexploded ordnance.
Authorities are on high alert after signs bearing the website of the white supremacist group Patriot Front were discovered outside two Black-owned businesses in Oak Bluffs on Marthas Vineyard.

Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois says he informed all 22 district police chiefs while collaborating with Massachusetts State Police detectives to address this matter.

Signs promoting Patriot Front near Black Businesses in Oak Bluffs. (Facebook/Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J Galibois/Arthur Hardy-Doubleday)

If you observe any of these signs on public property or private property without the owners permission, then please notify your local police department, the DAs office posted.

The Oak Bluffs Police Department is also currently looking for whoever posted the signs, officials say.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related: White Nationalist Group Patriot Front Accused of Violating the Ku Klux Klan Act In New Lawsuit After Allegedly Vandalizing Businesses and Public Property In North Dakota

Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle said the three signs were spotted on Sunday, Sept. 3, in the historically Black community and have since been removed. The signs were found at the intersection of Dukes County Avenue and Siloam Avenue, near the Black-owned businesses Biscuits and Eleven Circuit Avenue Restaurant and Bar.

Two of them were featured on the departments website.

One sign said AMERICA FIRST in big, bright red letters over the blue lettering of the organizations website address. The other sign said, STRONG FAMILIES, STRONG NATIONS in the same colors. This sign included a blue sketch of a child, a woman, and a man. This sign also featured the groups web address.

On Tuesday, Searle said a fourth sign was discovered at Circuit Avenue Extension, and the department is engaged in an active and thorough investigation.

Arthur Hardy-Doubleday said he was walking to brunch when he saw the signs promoting the group and called Oak Bluffs Police. However, he said he was disappointed with the agencys lackluster response.

The officer who answered the phone was already aware of the hate group sign. In fact, the officer stated that he normally removes signs from telephone poles, but because the sign was placed too high, there was nothing he could do, Hardy-Doubleday wrote on Facebook. I asked him to repeat that, and he stated the highway department would likely take it down on Tuesday. I couldnt let this go.

Hardy-Doubleday said he asked a man who walked by for a ladder. When he returned with a ladder, the man took down the sign. Hardy-Doubleday sent a letter with a formal complaint to the police department on Sept. 6.

I hope the department changes its policy very soon. This was unacceptable, Hardy-Doubleday wrote on social media.

Oak Bluffs, located on Marthas Vineyards northern tip, has been a historic gathering place for Black families during summers.

The islands Black presence began with enslaved individuals, servants, and whalers in the mid-1800s when whaling was prominent in the Northeast. After the decline of the whale oil trade, Marthas Vineyard became a vacation destination.

When Massachusetts abolished slavery in 1783, it provided a safe haven for free Black people in the 18th and 19th centuries.

After the Fugitive Slave Act was enacted, islanders like Rev. William Jackson made it their mission to stop hunters of free Blacks who would take them down South to be enslaved. He and others contributed immensely to the islands roots with the Underground Railroad.

After World War II, as the Black population grew and became more affluent, families purchased cottages and vacation homes on the island. Many of these properties remain in their descendants hands today.

The Patriot Front, founded after the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, is classified as a white supremacist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. It advocates for establishing a white ethnostate in the United States.

The Texas-based organization led a 100-man flash demonstration in Boston in July 2022. They marched along the Freedom Trail and selected famous Boston landmarks, dressed uniformly in khaki pants, dark shirts, hats, sunglasses, and face coverings, and shouted their mantra, Reclaim America.

A Black special education teacher whos also a musician says members of the white nationalist group assaulted him during the demonstration.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
Ben Sasse told The New York Times that professors shouldn't feel stifled by a new Florida law.

"You want to actually be teaching debates that allow people to get inside texts and wrestle," he said.

Sasse, a former Nebraska senator, took over the reins of the University of Florida earlier this year.

Ben Sasse, the former Nebraska Republican senator who assumed the presidency of the University of Florida in February, arrived on campus amid continued controversy over Gov. Ron DeSantis' education policies.

Republicans in the state have pushed through a slew of legislation aimed at restricting the teaching of subjects, including sexual orientation and racial inequality, and at the university level, there has been angst about how the GOP-crafted laws would impact how professors teach their students.

In July, SB 266, which mandates that professors cannot "distort" historical events, became Florida law. The legislation, as written, stated that general education core classes "may not distort significant historical events or include a curriculum that teaches identity politics" or teach that "systemic racism, sexism, oppression and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political and economic inequities."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But Sasse, who holds a doctorate in history from Yale University, told The New York Times in a recent interview that professors shouldn't feel stifled by SB 266, arguing that the past "totally does have an impact on the present."

"There's nothing that's going to keep a University of Florida professor from teaching that," he told the newspaper. "But you want to actually be teaching debates that allow people to get inside texts and wrestle. Because we don't know the right answer on everything."

"I want more curiosity and less dogma. I want less indoctrination," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The U.S. and Vietnam on Sunday announced that the two nations would advance their diplomatic relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, leading to increased engagement between the two countries.

The announcement came as President Biden visited Hanoi, where he met with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and was set to meet other Vietnamese leaders and business officials.

As part of the increased diplomatic ties, the two sides outlined increasead efforts to expand the capacity of the semiconductor industry in Vietnam, which would be used to support U.S. industrial needs.

The two countries also announced plans to expand bilateral joint research to identify potential areas of collaboration in artificial intelligence, health and medical science, climate science and biotechnology.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The two sides also outlined plans to expand agricultural trade, and for an enhanced commitment to meaningful dialogue on human rights and labor issues.

This is Vietnams highest tier of international partnership. Its important to make this more than words, deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told reporters on Air Force One en route to Vietnam. In a system like Vietnam, its a signal to the entire government, to their entire bureaucracy, about the depth of cooperation and alignment with another country.

The move comes as the U.S. seeks to deepen its alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter Chinese influence in the region. Vietnam has been a particular focus, as the Biden administration has looked to expand cooperation with the nation of roughly 100 million people.

Vice President Harris traveled to the country in 2021 prior to Bidens visit this week.

The decision to elevate the U.S.-Vietnam partnership is likely to draw criticism from human rights groups and some lawmakers.

The State Departments 2022 report on human rights in Vietnam noted that national elections were neither free nor fair, it cited credible reports of abuse by the government security agency, and it highlighted concerns about violations of privacy.

The government occasionally took corrective action, including prosecutions against officials who abused human rights or engaged in corruption, but police officers and state officials frequently acted with impunity, the report read.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
US caver Mark Dickey is seen in Morca Cave, days before he fell ill and became trapped 3,280 ft underground. REUTERS

A rescue operation to save an ailing American researcher from a cave in Turkey has begun.

Mark Dickey, 40, started vomiting while exploring a deep Turkish cave a week ago.

A team of 190 people is working to save Dickey, in a rescue that could take up to 10 days.

Rescuers are working to save a US scientist who has been stranded in a cave in Turkey for a week, The Associated Press reports.

Mark Dickey fell ill while he was 3,280 feet below the entrance of the Morca cave in southern Turkey. The 40-year-old caver was on a research mission when he began vomiting because of stomach bleeding.

The rescue operation includes 190 personnel from eight countries, including paramedics, experienced cavers, and doctors, Mersin Gov. Ali Hamza Pehlivan told the media. Of the 190, 153 are search and rescue experts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Rescuers will pull Dickey to the surface through the narrow passages on a stretcher. The rescue effort could take days, and workers anticipate Dickey will have to take breaks and rest at makeshift camps along the way, per AP.

Federico Catania, the spokesman for Italy's National Alpine and Speleological Rescue, said, "The cave is made up of many vertical shafts, so many sections that are extremely vertical with few horizontal sections where rescuers are setting up temporary camps," AP reports.

Yusuf Ogrenecek of the Speleological Federation of Turkey says that one of the most challenging aspects of cave rescues is widening the narrow passages to make way for stretchers at low depths, AP reports.

"Stretcher lines are labor intensive and require experienced cave rescuers working long hours," Ogrenecek said. He added that other obstacles would include the psychological toll of staying in the cave for a long period and navigating through mud and water at low temperatures.

Dickey is a speleologist, a person who studies caves, and a cave rescuer

In this screen grab from video, American caver Mark Dickey, 40, talks to camera next to a colleague inside the Morca cave near Anamur, southern Turkey, Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. urkish Government Directorate of Communications via AP

The cave is located deep in Turkey's Taurus Mountains. The Turkish Caving Federation has said that in ideal conditions, an experienced caver can reach the surface in about 15 hours, per The Telegraph.

However, Recep Salci, head of AFAD's search and rescue department, told AP that it could take up to 10 days to bring Dickey back to the surface, depending on his condition.

"We have received information that his condition is getting better thanks to medical intervention. He has been in stable condition as of yesterday," said Gov. Pehlivan.

Doctors have been assisting Dickey in the past few days, giving him IV fluids and four liters of blood, AP reports. Teams of a doctor with three or four other personnel have been taking turns always accompanying Dickey.

A video released by Turkish authorities shows Dickey standing and moving about on Thursday. Dickey, who has been suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding, said he was not "healed on the inside" and needed a lot of help to reach the cave's surface, AP reports.

According to a GoFundMe set up for the rescue teams, Dickey is a speleologist, a person who studies caves, and a cave rescuer.

"He has participated in caving expeditions in many karst areas of the world for many years," according to the fundraising page. "In addition to his activities as a speleologist, he is also the secretary of the ECRA medical committee and an instructor for cave rescue organizations in the USA."

Read the original article on Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Top elected officials such as the US president and members of Congress should release health records, including neurological tests, so people know whether theyre mentally up to the job, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Asked about his colleague Mitch McConnell on NBCs Meet the Press, Cassidy said the Senate minority leader has handled it perfectly by having his doctor release neurological test information after questions arose about his recent public freezing episodes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A congressional physician said last week his exams of McConnell included brain imaging and consultations with several neurologists. No evidence of a seizure disorder or a stroke was detected, the Capitols attending physician, Brian Monahan, said in a three-sentence summary of the tests.

Top elected officials should routinely release more medical records confirming their mental capacity, the Louisiana Republican said.

That should be the standard that folks are held to, he said. Shouldnt there be transparency? Shouldnt President Biden, for example, release a full kind of neurologic evaluation of his cognitive ability? Such transparency should also apply to members of the US House and Senate, he said.

McConnell, 81, froze up twice in public over the past two months, igniting concern about his health after he suffered a concussion in March. The Capitols attending physician said that McConnell exhibited no signs of a stroke or seizure disorder after an evaluations last week. The minority leader said he would continue to hold his role through the 2024 elections.

Polls also consistently suggest US voters are concerned about President Joe Bidens age. A CNN poll released Thursday said 73% of Americans are seriously concerned the 80-year-old presidents age might negatively impact his competence, while 76% said they worry he could be too old to serve another full term if he won reelection in 2024.

Vice President Kamala Harris defended Biden in an interview CBS News interview aired Sunday, saying he is going to be fine. Bidens doctor said after a routine physical exam in February that the president is healthy and vigorous.

Cassidy, a gastroenterologist, has a reputation as a moderate Republican. Hes one of seven GOP members who voted to convict former President Donald Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial.

--With assistance from Alicia Diaz.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Crowd attending a Mass in which the Vatican beatified the Polish Ulma family, including small children, who were killed by the Nazis in 1944 for having sheltered Jews, in the Ulmas' home village of Markowa Poland, on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. The Vatican beatified also the Ulmas' unborn child, saying it was born during the killings and was baptized in the martyred mother's blood. (AP Photo)

WARSAW, Poland (AP)  In an unprecedented move, the Vatican on Sunday beatified a Polish family of nine  a married couple and their small children  who were executed by the Nazis during World War II for sheltering Jews.

During a ceremonious Mass in the village of Markowa, in southeastern Poland, papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro read out the Latin formula of the beatification of the Ulma family signed last month by Pope Francis .

In his homily Semeraro noted that for their gesture of hospitality and care, of mercy the Ulmas paid the highest price of martyrdom.

A contemporary painting representing Jozef and a pregnant Wiktoria Ulma with their children was revealed near the altar. A procession brought relics taken from their grave to the altar. It was the first time that an entire family has been beatified.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

At the Vatican, speaking to the public from a window in St. Peters Square, Pope Francis said the Ulmas represented a ray of light in the darkness of the war and should be a model for everyone in "doing good and in the service of those in need.

The pope then invited the crowd below to applaud the family, and he clapped his hands. Those gathered in Markowa watched Francis' address on giant screens placed by the altar.

Last year, Francis pronounced the deeply Catholic Ulma family, including the child that Wiktoria Ulma was pregnant with, martyrs for the faith. The Ulmas were killed at home by German Nazi troops and by Nazi-controlled local police in the small hours of March 24, 1944, together with the eight Jews they were hiding at their home, after they were apparently betrayed.

Jozef Ulma, 44, was a farmer, Catholic activist and amateur photographer who documented family and village life. He lived with his 31-year-old wife Wiktoria; their daughters Stanislawa, 7; Barbara, 6; Maria, 18 months; and sons Wladyslaw, 5; Franciszek, 3; and Antoni, 2.

With them were killed 70-year-old Saul Goldman with his sons Baruch, Mechel, Joachim and Mojzesz, along with Golda Grunfeld and her sister Lea Didner with her little daughter Reszla, according to Polands state Institute of National Remembrance, IPN, which has meticulously documented the Ulmas story.

Giving the orders was Lt. Eilert Dieken, head of the regional Nazi military police. After the war he served in the police in Germany. Only one of his subordinates, Josef Kokott, was convicted in Poland over the killings, dying in prison in 1980. The suspected betrayer was Wlodzimierz Les, a member of the Nazi-controlled local police. Poland's wartime resistance sentenced him to death and executed him in September 1944, according to IPN.

The Catholic Church had faced a dilemma in beatifying Wiktoria's unborn child and declaring it a martyr because, among other things, it had not been baptized, which is a requirement for beatification.

The Vaticans Dicastery for the Causes of Saints issued a clarification saying the child was actually born during the horror of the killings and received baptism by blood of its martyred mother.

The clarification was issued Sept. 5 by Cardinal Semeraro, who is the prefect of the Vatican's saint-making office.

Polish President Andrzej Duda along with the ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, as well as Polands chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich, attended the celebration in Markowa, and thousands of pilgrims came from across Poland to take part.

Poland's conservative ruling party has been stressing family values and also the heroism of Poles during the war and the beatification ceremony added to its intense political campaigning ahead of the Oct. 15 parliamentary elections in which the Law and Justice party wants to win an unprecedented third term.

After the Mass, Duda, who is the ruling party's ally, spoke to thank Francis for beatifying the Ulmas. He also stressed that the ceremony had a political dimension because it told the truth about the Nazi German occupation of Poland during the war. Poland's government is seeking reparations from Germany for wartime damages, but Berlin says the matter had been closed.

The Ulma beatification poses several new theological concepts about the Catholic Churchs ideas of saints and martyrs that also have implications for the anti-abortion movement because of the baby in the mothers womb, said the Rev. Robert Gahl, a professor of ethics at the Catholic University of America and Romes Pontifical Holy Cross University.

The Vatican stated that the child was born at the moment the mother was executed. In doing so, the Vatican also affirmed that the killers intended to kill the child out of hatred for the faith, a requirement for a martyrdom and beatification declaration, Gahl told The Associated Press.

After beatification, a miracle attributed to the Ulmas' intercession would be necessary for their eventual canonization, as the churchs sainthood process is called.

Israel's Yad Vashem Institute in 1995 recognized the Ulmas as Righteous Among Nations who gave their lives trying to save Jews during the Holocaust.

In Poland, they are a symbol of the bravery of thousands of Poles who took the utmost risk while helping Jews. By the occupying Nazis' decree, any assistance to Jews was punished with summary execution. A Museum of Poles Saving Jews During World War II was opened in Markowa in 2016.

Poland was the first country to be invaded by Nazi Germany, on Sept. 1, 1939. Around 6 million of its citizens were killed during the war, half of them Jews.

___

Nicole Winfield and Frances D'Emilio contributed to this report from Rome.
SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  Dollywood hosted the Golden Ticket Awards Saturday, where the park took home five awards.

In addition to the park awards, Dolly Parton and her business partners, Jack and Pete Herschend, were named Golden Ticket legends. Parton said the park had always been a dream of hers.

We have so many wonderful things happening here, I have wonderful partners with the Herschends, but Ive been blessed to do tons of stuff, and at my age Im still doing it and Im as excited about everything as I was back when I left the Smokies dreaming years ago, Parton said.

Dolly Partons iconic outfits to be displayed at Lipscomb University this fall

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She said shes proud of more than just the park.

A lot of my own relatives even work on the park, which is great, especially in the show, the family show. Im proud of all of that, but Im just proud of the whole area. Dollywood is just the star of the area, of course I would think that, or I want to believe that, Parton said. I just think the whole area, from Sevierville through Pigeon Forge through Gatlinburg, Im proud of this whole area.

Parton has many projects outside of music that showcase her love for East Tennessee.

Im just proud to be a Tennessee girl, so of course I wanted something in my own hometown. I always used to think, If I make it big, if I make it like Im dreaming of doing, I want to go back home and do something great for the people in my hometown,' she said.

Spotless giraffe spotted in Africa shortly after calf born at East Tennessee zoo, foundation says

Thats exactly what she did. Dollywood employs thousands of people and has been ranked a top workplace in America.

Its something I can always be proud of, something my relatives can be proud of, and all my neighbors, the people I grew up with. Just to say thats my hometown, I got something special here, and that has all come true, and I cannot tell you how proud I am of that.

She and her business partners at Dollywood, Jack and Pete Herschend, were also named Golden Ticket Legends at the awards ceremony.

Dolly releases Beatles cover with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr

At Dollywood, we give back too. Of course we make money. If you go in business, youre hoping to make money, but its not about the money at this point in my life as much as it is about making sure that I show my gratitude toward life and toward God and toward the people that have made life good, she said.

At the end of the day, she has one goal for visitors at Dollywood.

Well, hope they go away thinking, Ive never has so much fun in my life,' Parton said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
(Bloomberg) -- Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro said he wants Chinas support for his country to join the block of emerging-market nations known as BRICS.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The relationship between China and Venezuela can serve to strengthen the BRICS group, and to promote Venezuelas entry into block, Maduro said in an interview on Saturday with the official Xinhua News Agency.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Maduro, who is in an official visit to China, said the Asian nation can help to achieve Venezuelas request to enter the group as the country with the largest oil reserves in the world.

Maduro said the ties between China and Venezuela can help strengthen the relationship between China and the CELAC group of nations

Maduro also said he wants Chinas investment in Latin America and the Caribbean to increase

NOTE: Venezuelas Maduro Visits China for Help Before Election

NOTE: Lula Says He Is in Favor of Venezuela Joining the BRICS

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The father of a teenage sexual assault victim who was convicted of disorderly conduct after angrily confronting school officials has been pardoned by Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin.

Scott Smith made national headlines when he was arrested by sheriffs deputies during a heated exchange at a Loudoun County School Board meeting in 2021.

Mr Smith had been protesting how a student who had previously assaulted a female classmate at a Stone Bridge High School was allowed to transfer to Broad Run High School, where he abducted and sexually assaulted his daughter in October that year.

The teenager was convicted of two sexual assaults and to sentenced to confinement in a locked residential programme.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The father was convicted of disorderly conduct, and a second charge of resisting arrest was later thrown out.

The incident became a flashpoint during the Virginia governors election after Mr Smith claimed that the transgressor was gender fluid and that a school policy allowing transgender people to use the bathroom matching their gender identity was to blame for the attacks.

Mr Youngkin announced the pardon on Fox News Sunday with host Shannon Bream .

Scott Smith, who was convicted of disorderly conduct at a Loudon County school meeting in 2021, has been pardoned by Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin (ABC7)

In a statement, he said: Scott Smith is a dedicated parent whos faced unwarranted charges in his pursuit to protect his daughter. Scotts commitment to his child despite the immense obstacles is emblematic of the parental empowerment movement that started in Virginia.

Mr Scott thanked the governor in a statement released through his lawyers to NBC4 for his absolute and unconditional pardon.

My family has been living a nightmare that no family in America should have to endure, the statement read.

But rather than sit quietly and take it, I decided to stand up against the government  and for that I was branded a domestic terrorist and charged with crimes that I did not commit.

Glenn Youngkin announced the pardon in a Fox News interview (2023 Atlanta Journal Constitution)

A scathing special grand jury report released last year found that the second attack could have been avoided.

The report showed there was no cover up of the assaults by Loudon County school administrators or the board.

Former superintendent Scott Ziegler and spokesperson Wayde Byard were indicted by a grand jury last year over their handling of the assaults.

Mr Byard was found not guilty of perjury during a trial this year. Mr Ziegler is due to go on trial this month on misdemeanour counts of false publication, prohibited conduct and penalising an employee for a court appearance.
Guest Opinion. Cherokee Nations government has the essential task of serving more than 460,000 citizens across the world. Whether its providing life-saving health care, training Cherokees for good jobs, giving access to safe, affordable housing, providing cultural and language programs, and more, everything we accomplish depends on hard-working tribal employees.

We need their skills, and they deserve our support. Thats why I am proud to announce a major investment of $10.6 million to increase salaries for over 80% of our government and health care employees.

Our journey toward improving compensation began with a commitment to steadily raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025. All workers deserve at least a living wage, but we need to offer competitive salaries across the board. That's why Deputy Chief Bryan Warner and I called on Cherokee Nations Human Resources Department to conduct a comprehensive market study across all job descriptions.

Under my executive order, most of our government workforce is already at $15 per hour under a special program for those below that rate. Over 90% of our government workforce signed up for a program that offers financial literacy and other skills classes in exchange for a wage subsidy, an additional multi-million-dollar investment in our workforce.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This new market analysis ensures that our employees are paid not only in line with their skills and experience, but with the competitive market rates in northeast Oklahoma. The study examined what municipalities and companies in our region paid for similar positions. It also considered several long-term factors: the regional economic landscape, cost of living adjustments, employee retention goals, and the lasting impacts from the COVID-19 crisis.

The results

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.

Without a doubt, Cherokee Nation remains a top employer of choice in northeast Oklahoma. Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for our tribes progress, and fair compensation will always be key to this goal.

The pay boost is only the latest improvement in employee support we have implemented over the past few years. Other successful endeavors include mental wellness leave, paid family leave for childbirth, adoption or foster placement family leave, hazard pay during the pandemic, and new flexible spending accounts that are seeded with $2,000 per child to all eligible employees. These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to employee well-being. We want to make sure our team can support their families financially and be there for them in times of need.

The investment in employees reflects our Cherokee value of lifting up one another. As a sovereign nation and a responsible employer, we will always value our workforce and lead the way in supporting them as individuals, team members and family.

Powered by our employees, Cherokee Nation is a government of progress, unity and prosperity, building a brighter future for Cherokees everywhere.

Chuck Hoskin, Jr. is the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
(KTLA)  An eight-week-old puppy is in good spirits after police in Irvine, California, had to give it an overdose-reversing drug for possible fentanyl exposure.

Video showed the moment the pit bull puppy was rescued by police, who had already arrested the dogs owners for possession of narcotics found inside their vehicle that was parked outside a Walmart earlier this month.

After transporting the suspects to the police station, the puppy began exhibiting signs of opioid overdose, police said.

As the couple was being booked, it became obvious the puppy was in distress, Sgt. Karie Davies with Irvine Police told Nexstars KTLA. She was panting very rapidly, she was lethargic, her tongue was hanging out of her mouth, her eyes kept closing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Thinking quickly, officers, who believe the pup may have ingested some loose fentanyl from inside the vehicle, administered Narcan to the dog.

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an opioid overdose treatment that can rapidly reduce overdosing effects. It can be given as a nasal spray or it can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, or into the veins.

Dramatic video shows the moment an eight-week-old puppy was saved from an overdose by officers during an arrest in Irvine. (Irvine Police Department)

Dramatic video shows the moment an eight-week-old puppy was saved from an overdose by officers during an arrest in Irvine. (Irvine Police Department)

Dramatic video shows the moment an eight-week-old puppy was saved from an overdose by officers during an arrest in Irvine. (Irvine Police Department)

Veterinarians tell KTLA that using Narcan on animals is not a new procedure, with many vets successfully saving dogs lives with the overdose treatment.

The Irvine officers, however, didnt know whether Narcan would be successful on the dog, but acted quickly and thankfully, made the right call.

I wasnt aware of any prior cases of us using Narcan on an animal, said Sgt. Davies. So it was sort of improvised at the moment.

Davies notes, however, that trainers at the police department were aware of the successful use of Narcan on dogs.

Man survives 5 days trapped in California ravine after crash

Ultimately, it was the right decision because the puppy was clearly in distress and the Narcan was able to turn her around pretty quickly, Davies said.

One of the dogs owners told police it was the second time the dog had overdosed, according to an Irvine Police spokesperson who spoke with the Los Angeles Times.

The pit bull puppy was treated and later released. Police said the dog appeared to be healthy and in good spirits.

The dogs owners, only identified as a man and a woman, are facing several charges related to their arrest. Meanwhile, the puppy remains in the citys custody.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
Vice President Kamala Harris threw a celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at the Naval Observatory on September 9, 2023. Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Kamala Harris on Saturday honored the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at an event in Washington.

The vice president was seen enjoying the scene and dancing to Q-Tip's 1990s classic "Vivrant Thing."

"Hip-hop is the ultimate American art form," Harris said in her remarks to guests at the event.

As Q-Tip's "Vivrant Thing" took guests back to the 1990s at an event at the Naval Observatory, Vice President Kamala Harris was right there with them, dancing to the classic song.

The lyrics flowed: "Imprinted on my mind every minute / Make my plans and you always in it / It's such a vivrant thing / Vivrant thing, a vivrant thing / And even though we both fly / Give each other space and not the evil eye."

Harris on Saturday hosted an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop on the grounds of the vice president's residence in Washington, DC, which was attended by Common, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, Lil' Wayne, Fat Joe, and Jeezy, among others.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In honoring the unique and ever-evolving genre, Harris paid homage to its outsized influence on American culture.

"Hip-hop is the ultimate American art form," Harris said in her remarks, per a pool report. "It tells the stories that don't make the news. But as the great Chuck D once said, rap is Black America's CNN. And by telling the truth, hip-hop calls us to action."

High-profile politicians at the event included Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland, and Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri.

Harris partnered with the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective and Live Nation Urban for the event.

The vice president, by far the most prominent anchor in the Biden administration's political outreach to Black voters ahead of the 2024 presidential campaign, is also a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

"Every day, Vice President Harris is fighting for the people," Harvey Mason, Jr., chief executive of The Recording Academy, said at the event. "She's fighting for our people. Our vice president was rooted in hip-hop, and it's essential to who she is."

Read the original article on Business Insider
William Faulkner famously wrote, The past is never dead. Its not even past. The recent Republican presidential candidate debate proves that he was correct, as many participants demonstrated a profound misunderstanding of the current reality provoked by Putin s invasion of Ukraine.

Michael Finkel, M.D.

Lets review the past.

In September 1931, Imperial Japan seized Manchuria and annexed it. The world did nothing.

In January 1933, Adolf Hitler was named chancellor of Germany. He wasted no time in taking over the government of Germany and outlawing other political parties. His regime began its oppression of minorities and members of the outlawed political parties. Concentration camps were opened. The world did nothing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In March 1936, Hitler marched troops into the Rhineland, which had been demilitarized as condition of Imperial Germanys capitulation to the Treaty of Versailles. France and the United Kingdom were unprepared and did not respond to this defiant act of aggression.

In July 1937, Imperial Japan invaded China, with no strong resistance from the world, even as reports of hideous atrocities kept appearing.

In March 1938, Hitler annexed and militarily occupied the Federal State of Austria. The United Kingdom and France did not react forcibly again.

In September 1938, Hitler forcibly seized the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia, with the complicity of France and the United Kingdom.

In September 1939, Hitler invaded Poland and the world became involved in the most vicious war in history.

Up to the time that the Second World War began, the United States had followed an isolationist and non-interventionist policy. Recognizing that the U.S. would eventually be pulled into the war if Britain was defeated, President Roosevelt made his famous Arsenal of Democracy speech in December 1940, in which he pledged that the U.S. would support the warring democracies with weapons to resist the fascist countries.

The United States was propelled into the world war on December 7, 1941.

This series of slow, daring annexations with increasingly dangerous escalation is occurring again. It was begun by Vladimir Putin and the same international response pattern is developing.

Vladimir Putin became president of Russia in 1999.

In December 1999, Russia invaded and savaged Chechnya. The world looked on.

In August 2008, Russia invaded the Republic of Georgia and seized territory. The West responded by brokering a peace treaty that was greatly in Russias favor.

Vladimir Putin continued to accrue total power.

In February 2014, Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine and annexed it in March 2014. The attempted seizure of eastern Ukraine began in March 2014. The West responded with sanctions.

In February 2022, Putin invaded Ukraine with the expressed intention of annexing the country. This time, the West responded by supplying weapons as well as sanctions. Supplying weapons has helped Ukraine defend itself. This decision occurred without the occurrence of another world war as the reason to supply help.

On Wednesday August 23, it was deja vu all over again. The profound ignorance of history and lack of critical thinking skills was on full display at the Republican presidential candidates debate. Calls for stopping supplies to Ukraine for domestic reasons, or trading land for peace, ignore what eventually happened when these options were tried in the 1930s. This time, the West has been the arsenal of democracy before a world war has started, and with the recognition that this is the better act against aggression. Putin will not stop with land he has seized thus far. He has made clear his intentions to annex the whole country, and has suggested that other now independent states, many of which are NATO members, should be brought back into control by Russia.

Any presidential or congressional hopeful who advocate stopping the support for Ukraine has no business being in our government.

The governor and the Florida Legislature want to sanitize history that is taught in our schools. Current events show that a lack of knowledge about history produces presidential candidates like we saw in Milwaukee.

Michael F. Finkel, M.D., of Naples practiced adult and child neurology for 40 years, including Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic appointments. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, a Fellow of the Florida Society of Neurology, and a retired member of the Child Neurology Society.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: West must remain the arsenal of democracy in Ukraine
The White House came to the defense of the G20 summits final declaration, which has been under fire for not explicitly condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Representatives from the worlds wealthiest nations gathered for the summit in New Delhi, where over the weekend they concluded many hours of negotiations and drafts to eventually release a statement that contained watered-down language about Russias war in Ukraine.

All states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state, the declaration read, citing the United Nations charter. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

The statement also mentioned the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine, but did not specifically call out the Russian invasion.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Members of the summit found it difficult to agree on how strong the wording should be, particularly given Russia and Chinas involvement in the summit. As the gathering began coming to a close, representatives faced the possibility that the groups fractures could result in having no final declaration at all  a move that would have hit the summits credibility and embarrassed host Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the end, nations opted for the softened statement.

By contrast, the G20 declaration last year in Bali was more explicit about the war, condemning the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and stressing that most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine.

But despite the drastic change in condemnation from the group, the White House has praised the declaration for highlighting the importance of a countrys sovereignty.

Sec. Blinken defends language in G20 statement that doesnt explicitly call out Russia's aggression, telling @JonKarl that leaders here are all stood up very clearly, including in the statement, for Ukraine's sovereignty, for its territorial integrity. https://t.co/NRyofYZn9gpic.twitter.com/oTnoDSY86m  This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 10, 2023

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told ABCs This Week on Sunday that the G20 leaders, minus Russia, are intent on making sure that there is a just and durable end to this Russian aggression. The shows host, Jon Karl, responded by highlighting that the statement did not explicitly condemn said Russian aggression, which was done in last years G20 declaration.

I think its very important that the G20 spoke as one, Blinken, who had just visited Ukraine, told Jake Tapper on CNNs State of the Union. I mean, to some extent, maybe its the G19, because obviously Russias also here. Its part of the G20. But the fact that we have a statement coming out collectively, again, affirming the importance of Ukraine, its territorial integrity, its sovereignty, that speaks loudly.

But what really speaks loudly, again, are the leaders in the room itself, he continued. And I think if you are on the receiving end of what so many of them said, if you were in the Russian seat, its pretty clear where the rest of the world stands.

At a press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the summit was an unconditional success, not just for India but for all of us.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko criticized the summits declaration, saying the country is grateful to its partners who tried to include strong wording in the text.

However, in terms of Russias aggression against Ukraine, G20 has nothing to be proud of, Nikolenko tweeted, attaching the declaration edited with more direct language in red to reflect how the main elements of the text could look to be closer to reality.
An employee at a supermarket in Seoul checks stocks of liquid urea on shelves, Friday. Yonhap



Gov't downplays supply concerns



By Ko Dong-hwan



Diesel car owners and retailers selling liquid urea in import-dependent Korea are concerned about a possible shortage of the substance after news reports surfaced that China has limited exports of the organic compound, according to industry officials, Sunday.



However, the government has downplayed the concerns, dismissing the possibility that the country's urea import routes will be blocked. Officials assured the public that the nation has enough urea stocks for the next two months and further needs will be secured without any difficulty.



Local concerns arose following news reports from outside the country last week saying the Chinese government has suspended a local fertilizer producer from exporting urea for fertilizers. Korea imports up to 17 percent of its urea for fertilizers from China and the rest from other countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. But when it comes to urea for diesel vehicles and other industrial purposes, Korea depends on China for over 90 percent of its imports.



Some Koreans already started stockpiling industrial urea solutions from gas stations, supermarkets and other local retailers in Korea. They were afraid another urea shortage crisis could emerge following the time in 2021 when China curbed shipments sending Koreans into a state of mayhem. For those whose livelihoods depended on using diesel-running vehicles  like construction or other large trucks  the impact was particularly significant.



While monitoring the simmering public scare, the central government has made announcements to abate rising concerns.



The Ministry of Economy and Finance said Friday that they confirmed China has not implemented an official ban on shipments of urea by fertilizer firms. The authority added that the domestic supply would remain stable even if there were any curbs.





Ministry of Economy and Finance official Kang Jong-seok, speaks about the Chinese government's latest suspension of the export of urea for fertilizers at the ministry's building in Sejong, Friday. Yonhap
Touting the cartoon videos created for school kids by conservative nonprofit PragerU, Oklahoma state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters said recently that he particularly liked the ones about great speeches in U.S. history.

I love the deep dive into the speeches, he told PragerU CEO Marissa Streit in a video posted on the groups website. I love being able to look and see  Heres some of the words from the speeches you all know, but lets provide some context.

That context comes from a group with a clear agenda: to counter what it calls the dominant left-wing ideology in culture, media and education."

And many of the videos now linked to the Oklahoma State Department of Education website aren't about the real words spoken by historical figures. They are words written by PragerU and put into the mouths of historical figures.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

How can you come here to the 15th century and judge me by your standards in the 21st century? Christopher Columbus says, in an accent apparently meant to be Italian, in one video. For those in the future to look back and do this is, well, its stupido.

Before judging, the cartoon Columbus tells two cartoon school kids, You must ask yourself: What did the culture and society at the time treat as no big deal?

Slavery, PragerUs Columbus says, is as old as time and is better than being killed, no? I dont see the problem.

Children's learning content about Frederick Douglass offered on the PragerU website.

Cartoon Frederick Douglass is certainly not okay with slavery in the PragerU Kids video. But, the abolitionist says things are often more complicated than they seem, and the Founding Fathers had to compromise with the Southern colonies to achieve something great, the making of the United States.

Walters gushed about the videos to PragerUs president, and he put out a news release announcing a partnership with the conservative nonprofit, which is not a university.

The news release included a link to a state Education Department webpage called Social Studies, where links to PragerU Kids now reside with links to several other websites, including C-SPAN, the National Archives and the American Bar Association. Those who might wonder if it poses a First Amendment issue when Christopher Columbus says in the PragerU video that only Jesus Christ is perfect can peruse the videos on the page linked to the Bill of Rights Institute. That group was founded by the Koch brothers, who are prominent backers of conservative advocacy.

While Ryan Walters endorses PragerU content, Oklahoma educators won't change curriculum

Walters' endorsement of PragerU and his suggestion that teachers use it as an instructional aid was the latest foray in his battle against what he calls liberal indoctrination in public schools. He embraced PragerU's mission well before linking the group's videos to the state website.

There is no contract between the organization and the state and no requirement that teachers use the free PragerU content or even look at it on the Social Studies page. The statewide teachers organization and some local school districts said they would stick to material that meets Oklahomas academic standards.

Katherine Bishop, president of the Oklahoma Education Association, said, OEA continues to believe that curriculum offered in Oklahoma classrooms should meet the high standards set by our local education professionals. PragerU isnt a legitimate accredited education organization; it is a media organization, whose creator has admitted PragerU material indoctrinates kids.

More: PragerU Kids, controversial conservative group, to partner with Oklahoma schools

It is important to understand that districts do not have to use this material and parents or guardians can opt-out of their children receiving PragerU content. However, it is deeply concerning that the State Department of Education would even endorse this unvetted, non-evidence-based material to be able to reach students in Oklahoma.

Members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education did not respond to emailed questions about whether they knew Walters was going to announce the partnership or whether they believed board action was required before teachers could use the videos in class. One member referred questions to the Education Departments press office.

A spokesman for the department said Walters' announcement "was of the partnership with PragerU to make their materials available as a supplement and to develop additional materials. There is no state board action necessary.

Shawn Hime, executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, said, "School boards are responsible for working with local educators who are experts in their subject areas to determine the curriculum that will best allow students to meet the states academic standards."

Oklahoma City Public Schools said, The endorsement of PragerU by our State Superintendent doesnt change anything we are doing in the classroom. We trust our teachers to do everything they can to help our students grow. Our instructional staff uses the Oklahoma Academic Standards and we believe that our teachers are the experts. We also trust that they will use both curriculum resources provided to them by our district and any other appropriate supplemental materials needed to support student growth.

A statement from Edmond Public Schools said they will continue to follow our policy for selecting district adopted curriculum materials which includes a textbook committee with teachers and parents.

Pacing guides, district curriculum and teacher resources for the 23-24 school year are already in place and available for our teachers. No resources from PragerU are included in these resources. If a teacher uses additional supplemental materials, they must review materials before theyre presented in the classroom, and the materials must be aligned with the district curriculum and support Oklahoma Academic Standards.

Norman Public Schools Superintendent Nick Migliorino sent a letter to staff on Thursday saying PragerU "has not been adopted or vetted by our district.

"In Norman Public Schools, all district-adopted curriculum undergoes the districts approval process, which takes time and input," he wrote. "That process involves our content coordinators and teachers. This ensures that our curriculum is of high quality, accurate, and in alignment with the Oklahoma Academic Standards."

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks July 27 during an Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting.

In announcing PragerU partnership, Oklahoma follows in Florida's footsteps

Walters gesture of adding PragerU Kids links to a department web page came just weeks after Floridas board of education approved the voluntary use of PragerU material in classrooms. It was the first state to do so.

Walters has previously aligned himself with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Gov. Kevin Stitt is backing DeSantis for president.

Walters told a KTUL reporter earlier this year that he was regularly in communication with Gov. DeSantis' team about diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which are strongly opposed by Stitt and Walters.

More: Black-owned newspaper denied interview with Ryan Walters about PragerU partnership

So you know, I get updates from them and talk to them about what they're finding, Walters said in February.

Walters and Stitt have complained repeatedly about what they contend is liberal indoctrination in schools. Critics of PragerU say the organizations goal is plainly conservative indoctrination.

At a recent conference sponsored by Moms for Liberty, PragerU cofounder Dennis Prager, a conservative talk show host, said he responded to an accusation of indoctrinating kids by saying, Which is true. We bring doctrines to children. Thats a very fair statement. I said, What is the bad of our indoctrination? So, no answer.

A Twitter spat between Ryan Walters, California Gov. Gavin Newsom over a PragerU climate change video

After Walters announcement about his partnership with PragerU, California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X, formerly Twitter: Politicians in Oklahoma now plan to indoctrinate kids with cartoons that teach slavery was no big deal and equate climate change believers to Nazis. Disgusting.

Walters responded, Simmer down @GavinNewsom, along with a graphic that shows people moving away from California.

The climate change video referred to by Newsom is often cited by critics of PragerU. The video depicts a female student in Poland  after Russias invasion of Ukraine last year disrupted energy supplies  being shunned by her friends for pointing out that renewables couldnt make up for the loss of Russian coal and natural gas.

More: How much did Ryan Walters, OSDE pay for video blasting Oklahoma teacher union?

The video equates her social isolation with the oppression of her grandfather by the Nazis and of her father by the Soviet Union. The videos happy ending is that Poland last year allowed the distribution of brown coal, which had been banned for home use because of its contribution to air pollution.

Two years ago, PragerU posted a video claiming it was changing the narrative on climate change and fighting back against the left with content for everyone from 9 to 99 years old.

Photos of the PragerU website and its content.

PragerUs funding comes from a variety of sources, according to media reports and tax returns filed by charitable organizations. Some major early funding  the group was founded in 2009, with the content for students coming later  came from conservative foundations, including one started by the founder of a fracking company.

However, recent tax returns show PragerU has received millions of dollars from huge charitable organizations affiliated with financial and retirement account services like Fidelity and Schwab.

Fidelity gave $2.4 million to the organization in its 2022 fiscal year, while Schwab donated $1.4 million in the same fiscal year. Those funds charities gave to thousands of organizations, including universities in Oklahoma, and including many groups with agendas that directly conflict with that of PragerU.

Fidelity, for instance, gave $4 million in its 2022 fiscal year to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which said of PragerU: Most hosts are establishment conservatives, but many videos feature extremist far-right talking points, including anti-immigrant rants and anti-trans rhetoric.

PragerU responded with a video calling the Southern Poverty Law Center a political attack group that directly incites hate and violence.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma teachers opt to skip PragerU Kids' cartoon version of history
Anytime were talking about a president whos a septuagenarian or an octogenarian, we have to have a conversation about a succession plan, political scientist Christina M. Greer told theGrio.

With questions of President Joe Bidens age dominating aspects of the 2024 presidential election, Americas historic vice president, Kamala Harris, is under the microscope as the constitutional successor to the Oval Office.

Biden, who turns 81 in November, is already the oldest person to serve as president in U.S. history. If he is re-elected to office in November 2024 as Democrats hope, his second term as commander-in-chief will last until he is 86.

However, doubts about Bidens ability to or interest in serving a full second term have placed a spotlight, unduly or otherwise, on Harris, 58, who is first in line to presidential succession.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris walk to the Rose Garden for an event on high speed internet access for low-income Americans, at the White House May 9, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Anytime were talking about a president whos a septuagenarian or an octogenarian, we have to have a conversation about a succession plan, Christina M. Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, told theGrio.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Harris was asked in a series of interviews last week about concerns over Bidens age and whether or not she is prepared to step into the role of president.

Yes, I am, if necessary, Harris told CBS News directly.

However, the California Democrat gave another message to the Associated Press: Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition.

Despite those assurances, national polling shows Americans hold concerns about Bidens age and what it means for the countrys leadership. A poll conducted by CNN found that 62% of Democrats and 76% of Americans are seriously concerned about Bidens ability to serve a full second term.

Under the U.S. Constitution, Section 2 of the 25th Amendment states, In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an event promoting lower healthcare costs in the East Room of the White House on August 29, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

If Biden is not able to serve a full second term, Harris, the first woman, first Black person and first South Asian to serve as vice president, would become the nations first female president and first Asian president, as well as just the second Black person to hold the office in U.S. history.

But Democrats and political experts say that the public shouldnt read too deeply into Harris remarks regarding the potential of succession.

The role of vice president is that  to be able to be prepared for any occurrence, and so, this should not be taken out of context, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Texas, told theGrio. She asked the simple question, Are you prepared? She gave a simple answer, I am prepared.

Jackson Lee said she sees no reason to be concerned about the statement, whether shes prepared or the question itself, adding, I think as the campaign continues, everyone will see that the president is prepared to run a vigorous and will run a vigorous re-election campaign.

Democratic strategist Alencia Johnson said that despite public scrutiny over Bidens age and whether Harris could one day soon become President Harris, I dont think the conversations are happening [internally] at a different scale than they were in any other administration.

However, she said, if such a line of succession were to occur, she is capable from day one to do that work. Johnson continued, As a campaign strategist and political operative, campaigns know exactly what theyre doing when theyre picking a vice president.

If anything, Johnson said she believes Harris speaking directly to concerns over Biden or her own fitness for the presidency is a reflection of the re-election campaign preparing themselves for an onslaught of attacks from the Republican Party.

Greer, the Fordham instructor, noted that the Republican Partys strategy as it relates to Harris has been to scare their voters, as well as independents, who could abstain from voting against the Republican presidential nominee.

What youre essentially voting for is a Black woman, Greer said of the message Republicans are trying to send to their voting base.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks as she honors the 2022 WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces during a ceremony in the East Room on August 25, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Earlier this year, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley tweeted, If you vote for Joe Biden, you really are counting on a President Harris because the idea that he would make it until 86 years old is not something that I think is likely.

She just said the quiet part out loud, Greer said. Republicans are using Kamala Harris as a motivator for the racist foundation of their party and the racist wing, which is an ever-growing wing of their party.

Whether or not Vice President Harris becomes President Harris, Democrats dismiss any suggestions that she is not able to perform the job and perform it well.

From her, as a woman, to the lead on the world stage, from her ability to understand issues that are impacting our democracy, she is more than qualified, said Johnson.

Any suggestion that Harris is not capable of serving as president is ultimately seen as sexist in nature  something Johnson said feels eerily familiar.

The conversation that we had around Hillary Clinton when she was running for president, there was this extra scrutiny of if a woman is capable of being president of the United States, she recalled.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton attends a campaign rally, November 7, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brooks Kraft/ Getty Images)

She added, When Hillary Clinton ran, there was nobody as qualified as her as a former secretary of state, senator and had been in the White House as first lady.

When asked if Democrats could use Harris to mobilize Black voters who may want to see a Black woman potentially become president sooner than expected, Greer said its complicated.

The political scientist said that due to misinformation and disinformation, as well as some resistance from progressive Democrats, some hold Harris accountable for her tenure as California attorney general and district attorney in San Francisco. She acknowledged that theres a certain standard Harris is held to that white male prosecutors dont get held to in the Democratic Party.

For an example, she recalled how white politicians and even Black congressmen pushed and voted for the now-controversial 1994 crime bill that led to the mass incarceration of Black Americans.

They arent sort of penalized in the same way as Black women when it comes to past practices in different roles, Greer said.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Broadband Event at the White House in Washington D.C., United States on June 26, 2023. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Hypothetical presidency aside, Harris continues to be out front as a valued proxy for Biden. This week, the vice president will embark on a college tour to mobilize students and young voters. Her first stop will be Hampton University, a historically Black university in Virginia.

It is critically important for Vice President Harris to be talking about what this administration is doing to address the needs of young people and for them to see that someone like them, an HBCU grad, as well as a Black Greek, has been able to reach one of the highest positions in this country and that she is fighting for them, said Johnson, who said she is excited to see how the tour goes.

I am sure that this administration will also do a lot of listening, she told theGrio. Johnson said its critical to hear directly from the students on what they are concerned about and what they want to see this administration continue to do.

She added, Not only as they continue this first term but also as they are going around the country asking to be reelected.

Gerren Keith Gaynor

Gerren Keith Gaynor is a White House Correspondent and the Managing Editor of Politics at theGrio. He is based in Washington, D.C.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Why are there talks of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming President Harris? appeared first on TheGrio.
Historical buildings and structures carry meaning to the community, hence why it's important to preserve their history.

In March, Wilmington City Council designated Giblem Lodge as a local landmark, giving it greater protection and recognition, according to a news release from the Historic Wilmington Foundation. This designation ensures a 365-day stay of demolition for the lodge and bolsters the Historic Wilmington Foundations pursuit of grants to fund upcoming restoration phases.

More: Dozens of Wilmington's Black historic sites have been demolished. What's being done to save the rest?

Giblem Lodge, built in 1871, is the second-oldest Black Masonic Temple in the state. The Prince Hall Masons are still meeting at Giblem on the first floor. The Masons want to rehabilitate the upper floors of the three-story building to better serve the community.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In August, work was done to protect the lodge's roof, which will help prevent further deterioration.

Here are four other historic structures in Brunswick and New Hanover counties currently undergoing renovations.

Reaves Chapel, Brunswick

Restoration on historic Reaves Chapel near Navassa is nearing completion.

Reaves Chapel Church was built near Navassa shortly after the Civil War by formerly enslaved people who worked on nearby rice plantations. A project to restore the church broke ground in late 2021 and is now "in the home stretch," according to Jesica Blake, associate director and director of stewardship and community conservation at the Coastal Land Trust.

Temple of Israel, Wilmington

The Temple of Israel, a Jewish house of prayer located on the corner of Fourth and Market streets in Wilmington, was built in 1876. Its the oldest synagogue in North Carolina and one of the earliest Reform synagogues in the South. After a successful fundraising campaign to restore the historic Temple of Israel building, renovations to the historic building are scheduled to be completed this summer. The Temple of Israel will open on Friday, Sept. 15 for Rosh Hashanah services.

More: Ballast, but not the hotel: Rare stones found during Wilmington synagogue renovations

Bald Head Island Lighthouse, Bald Head Island

The Bald Head Island Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina.

North Carolina's oldest lighthouse, Old Baldy, will receive restoration work due to damages suffered from Hurricane Florence. For more on its history, a "historic happy hour" will be held Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m. on the lighthouse grounds.

Alton Lennon Federal Building, Wilmington

The front steps of the Alton Lennon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse as seen on July 25, 2022. The building has been closed for repairs since Hurricane Florence in 2018.

The 60,000-square-foot Alton Lennon Federal Building, which opened in 1919, was damaged by Hurricane Florence, but the Wilmington's federal courthouse still has existing issues. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The U.S. General Services Administration, the federal building's caretaker, is in charge of the historic building's renovations.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Giblem Lodge in Wilmington receives landmark status
A Texas woman was shot and killed while trying to help a friend escape an abusive relationship, according to Houston-area police.

Deputies responded to an apartment complex in Spring on Sept. 9 and found a woman dead at the scene, with multiple gunshot wounds, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a news release.

Investigators say the woman, who was in her 20s, was trying to help a friend leaving an alleged abusive relationship, Gonzalez said.

The boyfriend is accused of fatally shooting the woman and her dog, according to Gonzalez.

First responders found the woman unresponsive next to an elevator on the sixth floor of a parking garage, officials told KPRC.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The boyfriend ran away from the scene and authorities are searching for him, Gonzalez said. He was seen driving a white Jeep Wrangler, license plate number TFN-4278.

Please be on the lookout for Dmitri Humphrey, wanted in connection with the shooting death of a female and her dog. Shooting occurred at 2323 E Mossy Oaks. Humphrey fled the scene in White Jeep Wrangler, TX LP: TFN-4278. If you know his whereabouts, call us at 713-274-9100

1/2 https://t.co/ZuX1UGrRXL pic.twitter.com/BjMtO5pqRO  Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) September 9, 2023

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Harris County Sheriffs Office at 713-274-9100.

Spring is roughly 25 miles north of downtown Houston.

Teen wakes up to gunfire, screams as deputy fatally shoots wife, OK officials say

Woman finds parents dead after they miss lunch, Ohio cops say. Her brother is charged

Teen girl fatally shot after 15-year-old sneaks into bedroom at night, OK officials say

Two brothers mauled when pet dog turns aggressive while playing, Texas officials say
The Ukrainian military's top brass expect to use U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets in combat as early as this winter, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Sept. 10.

According to Kyiv's military leadership, this optimistic schedule could give Ukrainian troops a significant new advantage on the battlefield next year.

Training for Ukrainian troops to operate the aircraft, which will take place at the Morris National Guard Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, will begin in either September or October.

WSJ reported, citing U.S. and Ukrainian officials, that Kyiv believes several Ukrainian pilots who are well-versed in English may be prepared to operate F-16s by February.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Language courses for those who do not speak English will reportedly behin in a few weeks in San Antonio, Texas.

However, WSJ said U.S. sources were more pessimistic regarding the timeline, suggesting the pilots would not be prepared until at least mid-2024.

Meanwhile, U.S. General (ret.) Ben Hodges reportedly believes U.S. officials have placed too much emphasis on language and believes flight training can be completed in just three months.

They need to fly a plane, they don't need to be able to read Shakespeare, Hodges said.

Ukraine had been asking for F-16 fighter jets since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

On Aug. 22, the first Ukrainian pilots began training on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said it would take at least six to seven months before Ukrainian pilots and technicians are ready to operate the aircraft.

During the NATO summit in Vilnius in mid-July, Reznikov announced the official formation of the "fighter jet coalition," a group of 11 countries that will assist Kyiv with training its pilots on F-16s and acquiring the aircraft.

Greece and the U.S. have also pledged to join the training efforts. So far, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have promised to provide dozens of their own F-16s to bolster the Ukrainian Air Force.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that a Russian missile hitting a car of foreign volunteers in the city of Chasiv Yar, killing two of them and injuring two more, confirms how close the war against Ukraine is to the world.

Source: President's evening address

Quote: "Today, near the city of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast, Russian terrorists hit a car with volunteers. A direct hit from an anti-tank missile system. As of this time, we know for sure that Anthony Ihnat of Canada was killed [in this attack  ed.]. Unfortunately, Emma Igual of Spain is also likely to have been killed. My condolences to their families.

Two other volunteers were taken to hospital in [the city of] Dnipro - German citizen Mawick Ruben and Swedish citizen Johan Mathias - and they are being provided with the necessary assistance.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This Russian attack once again confirms how close the war against Ukraine is to everyone in the world who truly values human life and who believes it is the common moral duty of humanity to stop terror and defeat evil."

Earlier: On Sunday, a Spanish and a Canadian volunteer were killed in Ukraine in a Russian bombardment.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Amherst County Public Schools announced Sept. 7 the division is accredited based on data the Virginia Department of Education released earlier in the day.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, educators, and staff, the release said. The accreditation of Amherst County Public Schools reflects our commitment to maintaining high academic standards and providing a quality education to our students. This achievement is the result of the collective effort of our entire school community, including our outstanding educators, supportive families, and resilient students.

While the achievement is a significant milestone, the release said the division acknowledges there still is work to be done to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its roughly 4,000 students and to ensure their continued success.

The disruptions caused by the pandemic have affected students learning experiences and well-being, the release said. Amherst County Public Schools remains dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our students, including academic remediation, mental health resources, and innovative learning opportunities. We are committed to helping our students overcome the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic and ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive academically.

One critical factor in student academic success is regular attendance.

We want to emphasize that attending school regularly is essential for students to fully benefit from the educational opportunities we provide, the release said. Consistent attendance ensures that students stay engaged in their learning, build strong foundations in various subjects, and develop essential life skills. Parents and guardians play a vital role in ensuring their childrens attendance at school. We encourage families to prioritize school attendance and communicate with our schools if they encounter any challenges that may affect their childs ability to attend regularly.

ACPS said in the release the division remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.
"I do not feel strong or brave or anything close to a warrior. I feel like a mother trying to release a sense of control and protection into the hands of the Life Giver. Its time to trust what I can no longer control. What I never had control over in the first place."  Johanna Calfee

After a four-year battle with cancer, Johanna Calfee, 42, died Aug. 30.

The legacy she leaves behind is one of courage, of trying things, of facing fears and leaning into life, her husband of 20 years, Daryl Calfee said.

I told the kids the other day, we are a living memorial to her right now in the way that we love each other and treat each other, he said.

Johanna was the mother of three children, Ella, Easton and Emmanuel. She wore many hats and excelled at everything she did.

With a love of storytelling and journalism from a young age, Johanna was writing book and movie reviews for the Richmond Times-Dispatch as a teenager.

"She said when she was a little girl, she used to love to go through magazines, not for the pictures, but the way that the story was laid out," Daryl said.

She went on to major in broadcast journalism at Liberty University and was an adjunct professor there for two years. She also worked as an anchor, producer, reporter and weather forecaster. In 2007, Johanna and her news team won national Emmy and Peabody awards. During her days being a one-woman-band reporter for WSLS, she even worked out of The News & Advance offices.

She also was the former owner and editor of five regional magazines, including Lynchburg Living.

The Calfees, who met in the communications school at Liberty University, have been working together since day one.

She was my creative partner, Daryl said. I have come to realize that in the last couple of days, thats what I miss so much already. She was my creative equal and we let each other lead in the area that we were most gifted in.

Imagine that getting played out across an entire marriage.

We never overlapped in our skill sets but yet were creative partners the whole time, he said.

Johanna carried the room on her own without any help.

If Jo was a part of the conversation or part of dinner or a part of the table, it was always an added bonus," he said. We joked about it, but I felt like I was good at setting up the relationships, but people really stayed in the relationship because of Jo because she had this ability to ask questions about you that looked deeply into who you were.

Johanna wanted to figure out who people were or why they did what they did and created a beautiful story out of it to inspire people, Daryl said.

Beyond her professional career, he said she made everything into a joke.

That's how we dealt with everything. Everything was laughter, everything was dark humor. Everything was sarcasm. She was so quick with it, Daryl said. And she was the first person to get the joke right.

She and Daryl also won Dancing with the Lynchburg Stars in 2018.

"You did it scared. All of it. You dont have to work so hard, to worry so much about the rightness of each decision. Relax into the beauty of being here. You are still here. Keep going."  Johanna Calfee

Johanna saw things  future things  a vision for what they could be in both buildings and people.

The Calfees already were rebuilding and restoring forgotten homes and buildings through their company, Penny Lane Properties, for a decade when Johanna decided to get her Realtors license and started working under Lauren Bell, owner of Lauren Bell Real Estate in 2019.

Johanna was working with clients just days before she died, Bell said.

Johanna is an extremely hard worker, she said. And so, she always continued to work because that was somewhat of an escape for her to keep her mind off things.

During various treatments, Bell said she would take over Johanna's listings but said Johanna always wanted to stay involved.

Never once did I have to dive in and take over it all, which was incredible because she went through chemo and even radiation and underwent a single mastectomy while she was pregnant, she said. But shed be like, Hey, I might not feel well tomorrow and if Im sleeping, Im going to connect you with my buyer or seller. She was always there for her clients and wanted them taken care of.

Bell said thats what made Johanna such a great Realtor, she genuinely cared not just for her clients but for all people.

Johanna wasnt one to make excuses or complain. The clients she was working with when she died, didnt even know she had cancer, Bell said.

She was always good at fighting through it and putting on a good face, Bell said. If anyone had the excuse, she had it, but she never used it.

If you knew her, you knew the real her, Bell said.

She was just an incredible person. She was like a very good listener and very in tune with other people's feelings, she said. She was so patient and an incredible mom, wife and friend. I could always confide in her and trust her. She gave the best advice because she truly listened and cared.

Johanna was beloved by all of her friends because she was the kind of person who made everyone feel like they were her best friend.

She always wanted to help people become the best they could be, Bell said.

"It is okay to be terrified, to scream out loud, to weep, to question, to seek, to wrestle, to find ... to journey."  Johanna Calfee

Joy Cover, president of Freedom 4/24, an organization that works to prevent and end sexual exploitation and trafficking locally and globally, met Johanna when they both were hired at the nonprofit in 2015.

At the time, Johanna was the director of marketing and communications and her passion for the non-trafficking organization was fierce, leading to trips to both India and Thailand.

Her righteous anger and rage around that issue was pretty evident, Cover said.

The two also formed a sisterhood as they were fighting this monster that people were unaware of, Cover said referring to traffickers.

After serving as interim director for the nonprofit for two months and then remaining on as a volunteer and board member, Johanna stepped down after she was diagnosed with cancer in 2019.

Johanna has always been an advocate for the work that we do and has always had a heart for the girls who nobody cares about, Cover sad. It's not recognized as a problem. And so even after rolling off the board, even with cancer and pregnancy and having a baby, she was always a sounding board for me.

One of Covers favorite memories with Johanna was on Covers birthday one year. Johanna brought Cover a hamster in a box to work for her friends birthday.

I hate rodents, Cover said. I think its weird that people have them as pets and she and her kids always had weird pets like hamsters and chickens. She knew I hated them and borrowed one of Ellas hamsters and she was bent over with laughter. It was ridiculous.

Johanna found the thing she loved  advocating and fighting for those impacted by human trafficking  and she pursued it wholeheartedly, Cover said.

As a result of her investment, women and girls around the world have been given a chance to have freedom, choice and a new life. She believed deeply in the work we do and made it her mission to be part of that work, even if the capacity within which she did that changed. If we can learn anything from Jo, it's to find the thing you can do to make the world better and do it."

What she will miss most about her friend is how Johanna loved.

Johanna loved people in the way they needed to be loved, she said. She had the unique ability to morph to people's wavelength, to make them feel truly seen, and to love them with their own special brand of love. She let people have the space to be their true selves without judgment and was able to connect in ways that were honoring people's individuality. She fully embraced you.

Johanna taught compassion to her friends, family, community and anyone who crossed her path.

She became more compassionate through her own pain, Daryl said. She became more compassionate through every story that she told.

The more experiences, the more stories, the more pain she experienced on her own, the more caring she can become for other people, he said. She knew them so deeply, because she truly was compassionate.

Johanna posted a powerful message on her Instagram seven weeks ago: "What if this could actually be the happiest time of my life? The most relaxed and peaceful? Open-handed and feeling it all as it comes, bypassing nothing, even bringing pain and grief in for a long embrace. Because it's part of the human experience and to feel those things means I'm still alive. What a gift. Now to actually do it , "

"Life after. I think for the rest of my life I will think of it in two parts. BC, before cancer, and everything after. It has been a death and rebirth. Death is ugly and painful and scary. So is rebirth. But its also beautiful and big and hopeful."  Johanna Calfee
A Wednesday morning raid last week in Charlottesvilles Frys Spring neighborhood was one of many that day in Central Virginia, the conclusion of a monthslong federal investigation into a local drug ring with ties to Mexican cartels.

Operation Rock Bottom resulted in the execution of nine search warrants and the arrest of 17 individuals who now face federal charges, according to Christopher Kavanaugh, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia.

Those search warrants resulted in the seizure of 20 firearms, which included sawed off shotguns and assault rifles, 1.7 kilograms of powered fentanyl, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, a pound of meth, 5,000 press fentanyl pills and over $70,000 in cash, Kavanaugh said at a press conference at the federal courthouse in downtown Charlottesville on Thursday. Thats a Wednesday.

The extensive drug ring, he said, operated almost exclusively in the city of Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County.

Twelve different agencies were involved in the investigation that began last March, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Albemarle County Police Department and the Charlottesville Police Department.

There have been 17 individuals charged with federal crimes, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday morning. Those charges include the illegal possession of firearms and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl.

The search warrants executed Wednesday uncovered additional evidence against two additional co-conspirators, Kavanaugh said, including one who is believed to be a ringleader in the drug ring. Those two additional individuals bring the total number of conspirators to 19.

However, those two were still at large as of Thursday afternoon.

Kavanaugh said he expects them to be in custody very soon.

The operation is evidence that the DEA, in tandem with state and local law enforcement partners, is working hard to systematically dismantle street gangs and drug trafficking networks that cause violent crime and death, said Jared Forget, the DEA special agent in charge.

As part of the operation, over the course of several months, investigators purchased more than 30 pounds of narcotics from the drug ring, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.

And thats just what we purchased, Kavanaugh said. That doesnt include other wholesale sales and distributions that we know about.

The 1.7 kilograms of powdered fentanyl translates to 850,000 lethal doses, enough to kill the entire population of Charlottesville and Albemarle County five times over, Kavanaugh said.

Fentanyl caused or contributed to 74% of all fatal overdoses in Virginia in 2021, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

The operation was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, a joint mission between local and federal authorities to rid communities of illegal narcotics. Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis announced the city had joined the program earlier this summer.

I think that Operation Rock Bottom is precisely the type of case that we had envisioned when we formed this partnership, Kavanaugh said.

Virginia State Police Superintendent Gary Settle hinted that their work is not done.

We know that these 17 arrests and indictments cant fix all the problems. But we do know that Operation Rock Bottom has removed from the local streets multiple violent criminals, illegal firearms and substantial amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other illicit narcotics, Settle said. The success and impact of Operation Rock Bottom is just beginning.

The indictment unsealed Thursday provided an incomplete picture of who has been charged and who remains at large. There were 15 names provided in the indictment, with some ages and residences not included, with two names redacted. Those included were:

DuShaun Lamont Gregory, 36, Henrico County

Tyquane Pertell Gregory, 27

Fields Devon Landon, 29, Charlottesville

Bobby Eugene Christmas, 36, Charlottesville

Michael Edward Cornett, 29, Charlottesville

Antone Laron Harris, 41, Charlottesville

Brooks Lorenzo Woodfolk, 41, Charlottesville

Ashlee Renee Morris, 37

Shaheim Taishaun Michie, 18, Arlington

John Ellis Turner III, 42

Gary Wayne Woodson, 66, Crozet

Caleb Andrew Herndon, 26

Dashard Brown, 29

Cedric Trent, 25

Dustin Lee Welch
Figure North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, left, toasts Russian President Vladimir Putin during a post-summit dinner at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia, April 25, 2019, in this photo carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. Yonhap



Russia kicked off an economic forum in Vladivostok on Sunday, but there was no word from both Moscow and Pyongyang on a possible visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the forum.



The New York Times earlier reported that Kim may travel to Vladivostok on his armored train to meet with Putin on the margins of the Eastern Economic Forum, which will run through Wednesday at the Far Eastern Federal University.



The report on the possible summit, which would mark their first meeting in four years, came amid speculation North Korea may supply arms for Russia's use in its war in Ukraine in return for food, energy and advanced technology for weapons development.



Sources, however, said unusual signs of Kim's possible trip had not been detected in railway stations in Vladivostok and the border city of Khasan, where his train would likely pass through, as of Sunday morning.






TOKYO, Sep 10 ( News On Japan ) - A 24-year-old man has been arrested after turning himself in on suspicion of murdering a woman whose body was discovered in a Yokohama hotel closet.

The suspect, Kyotaro Tsuchiya from Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, is believed to have assaulted and killed a woman at a hotel in Minato-Kita Ward, Yokohama City, on September 7, then abandoned the body.

The woman's body was found inside a closet, and her identity is currently unknown.

According to the police, after leaving the hotel, Tsuchiya fled to Shizuoka Prefecture. However, on Saturday morning, he surrendered to a police station in the prefecture with relatives accompanying him, stating that the woman had died after being assaulted.

During further interrogation following his arrest, he went on to deny the allegations, claiming he didn't do it.
Advertisement

New Delhi: After attending the G20 Summit in India, US President Joe Biden on Sunday departed for Vietnam. During his visit, he is due to meet Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the two nations.

US Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam in a statement on September 6 said, President Joseph R Biden Jr will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam on September 10, 2023. While in Hanoi, President Biden will meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders to discuss ways to further deepen cooperation between the United States and Vietnam.

According to the statement, the two leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy, expand people-to-people ties through education exchanges and workforce development programs, combat climate change, and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

As Biden departs for Vietnam, here is a look at the key takeaways of his 3-day visit to India, which included a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit to Delhi, Biden attended the G20 Summit under Indias Presidency.

Biden said that the G20 Summit held in India proved that the group can still drive solutions to most pressing issues. He noted that the global economy is suffering from overlapping shocks of the climate crisis.

Sharing a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, US President Joe Biden stated, At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this years Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues.

At the G20 Summit, India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Biden called it a game-changing regional investment.

Biden said that this project is about more than just laying tracks. Im proud to announce that the US, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and EU finalized a historic agreement for a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the US President posted on X.

Ready for a productive day two in India, Mr. Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/9Ll9WPNeMs  President Biden (@POTUS) September 9, 2023

This project is about more than just laying tracks. This is a game-changing regional investment, he added.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress. The corridor, according to him, is evidence of human endeavour and unity across continents.

Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents, PM Modi wrote on X formerly Twitter on Saturday.

PM Modi made the announcement for the ambitious project on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and was flanked by US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and leaders of the EU.

Speaking after the launch, PM Modi said, I cordially welcome you all at this event. I am very happy to co-chair this event with my friend President Joe Biden. Today we all have seen the conclusion of a historic and important agreement. In the coming days, it will be an effective medium of economic integration between India, South Asia, and Europe.

PM Modi on Saturday launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in the presence of US President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentina President Alberto Fernandez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The Global Biofuel Alliance is one of the priorities under Indias G20 Presidency. Brazil, India, and the United States, as leading biofuel producers and consumers, will work together during the next few months towards the development of a Global Biofuels Alliance along with other interested countries.

On Friday, PM Modi and US President Joe Biden held a bilateral meeting. During the meeting, India and the US settled the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute.

US President Biden and PM Modi welcomed the completion of the notification process regarding negotiations for a commercial agreement between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, the White House said in a statement.

The two leaders commended the progress in implementing the futuristic and wide-ranging outcomes of PM Modis historic State visit to the US in June 2023, including under the India-U.S. Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

The India-US joint further said that the leaders also welcomed the sustained momentum in bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence, trade, investment, education, health, research, innovation, culture and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders also reiterated the importance of nuclear energy as a necessary resource to meet the climate, energy transition, and energy security needs of both nations. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen and diversify the India-US defence partnership through expanded cooperation in new and emerging domains such as space and artificial intelligence, and accelerated defence industrial collaboration.

PM Modi and US President Biden welcomed intensified consultations between the relevant entities on both sides to expand opportunities for facilitating India-US collaboration in nuclear energy, including in the development of next-generation small modular reactor technologies in a collaborative mode.

The US reaffirmed its support for Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and committed to continue engagement with like-minded partners to advance this goal. Biden welcomed the issuance of a Letter of Request from the Ministry of Defence to procure 31 General Atomics MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) remotely piloted aircraft and their associated equipment.

After the meeting, both the leaders lauded the India-US relations and said that the friendship between the two nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good.

Happy to have welcomed @POTUS @JoeBidento 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Our meeting was very productive. We were able to discuss numerous topics which will further economic and people-to-people linkages between India and USA. The friendship between our nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good, PM Modi said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Biden also affirmed support towards making the India-US partnership stronger, closer, and more dynamic. Great seeing you, Mr Prime Minister. Today, and throughout the G20, well affirm that the United States-India partnership is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history, US President Biden posted on X.

Apart from attending the G20 Summit and his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, US President Joe Biden visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He also attended the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday night. Biden engaged with world leaders at the dinner organised at Bharat Mandapam.

Biden also met with the US Embassy staffers and their families after arriving in New Delhi, the White House informed. In a post on X, the White House stated, President Biden met with US Embassy staff and their families today after arriving in New Delhi.
India-France Joint Statement

New Delhi, Sun, 10 Sep 2023 NI Wire

Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi had a bilateral meeting over lunch with the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron during the G-20 Leaders' Summit at New Delhi on September 10, 2023. The two leaders discussed, assessed and reviewed the progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in July, 2023 in Paris. They also exchanged views on important international and regional developments.

President Macron's visit to India comes after the historic visit of Prime Minister Modi to Paris on July 13-14, 2023 as the Guest of Honour on the occasion of French National Day on 14 July 2023, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the India-France strategic partnership.

Acknowledging the strength of India France partnership, founded in deep trust, shared values, belief in sovereignty and strategic autonomy, a resolute commitment to international law and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, an abiding faith in multilateralism and a mutual pursuit of a stable multi-polar world, both leaders emphasized the need to expand their collaboration to address regional and global challenges. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to collectively serve as a force of good, carrying the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' i.e. 'one earth, one family, one future', during tumultuous times reshaping the global order.

With the 'Horizon 2047' Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap and other outcomes during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit serving as recent points of reference, the two leaders discussed overall progress and next steps on the implementation of the new and ambitious goals for cooperation in areas of defense, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts. They also carried forward their discussions on India-France partnership in the Indo Pacific region and Africa, including in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability and industrial projects. They underlined their role of providers of solutions for the Indo-Pacific through their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

President Macron congratulated Prime Minister Modi on India's success of Mission Chandrayaan 3. The two leaders recalled six decades of India-France Space cooperation and reviewed the progress since holding of the first Strategic Space Dialogue in June 2023. They acknowledged the strong India-France civil nuclear ties, good progress in the discussion for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project and welcomed the continuing engagement of both sides to expand bilateral cooperation to establish a partnership for co-developing SMR and AMR technologies as well as the forthcoming signature of a dedicated declaration of intent. France reiterated its steadfast and unwavering support for India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthen the defence cooperation through partnership in design, development, testing and manufacture of advanced defence technologies and platforms, and expand production in India, including for third countries in Indo-Pacific and beyond. In this context, they also called for early finalisation of the Defence Industrial Roadmap.

Laying emphasis on areas such as digital, science, technological innovation, education, culture, health and environment cooperation, both leaders called for strengthening of institutional linkages in these domains, on the model of the Indo-French Campus for the Indo-Pacific. In this context, they also reaffirmed commitment to expand cultural exchanges and work together in development of museums.

Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for France's continued support to India's Presidency of G-20, which had advanced inclusiveness, unity and cohesion in international efforts to address global challenges and build a more stable global order. India and France also welcomed African Union's membership to the G-20 and look to work with AU, for the progress, prosperity and development of Africa.

Source: PIB
By Michael Ovat The United Nigeria Airlines, one of the leading airlines in the country, has received approval for operation of international flights. According to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Developments approval, the airline would operate international flights to United States of America, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A letter dated September 8, 2023 conveying this approval from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, signed by Director, Air Transport Management, Mr. H.T. Ejiburu, on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, to the United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited, said the approval was in line with subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and each of the countries. The letter reads: I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 2nd August 2023 on the above subject and convey the Honourable Ministers approval for the designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited to operate international flight operations to the undermentioned countries and cities: Netherlands (Amsterdam), Italy (Rome), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Dubai), United Kingdom (London), United States of America (USA) (Houston) and Ireland (Dublin). The designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited is in line with the subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the governments of the six mentioned countries. Consequently, the airline is hereby advised to liaise with the Civil Aviation Authorities of the aforementioned countries for documentation prior to commencement of scheduled flight operations. However, you are obliged to comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CARs (2023) Part 18.5.1.1 A-C by taking further steps to liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in fulfilling the requirements if necessary. Kindly note that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary actions. Nigerian Tribune gathered that United Nigeria Airlines, with Prof Obiora Okonkwo OFR as Chairman, started flight operations in 2021 and operates scheduled flights in major Nigerian cities. The Airline had earlier obtained approval for Regional flights based on which that they are finalising arrangements to commence regional operations in couple of weeks upon arrival of their additional aircraft from middle of October. NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

NEWS SECTIONS
The East African countries have not done enough to make sufficient progress in delivering on the pending actions outlined in the East African Monetary Union roadmap for a regions single currency, according to the East African Budget Network (EABN).

Therefore, East African Community (EAC) governments have been urged to fast-track the implementation of a single East African currency to facilitate trade and economic integration.

These concerns have been voiced during the East African Monetary Union Civil Society Summit that was recently held in Ugandas capital Kampala. We find that countries are still lagging behind, Julius Mukunda, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), said. All the targets we were supposed to have by 2024 have now been pushed to 2031. We believe the way we do work, we might not even achieve that.

The initial plan to have a single East African currency in 2024 faced a setback in 2019 after the EAC Council of Ministers, the groupings central decision-making and governing organ, resolved the deadline was not attainable. It decided to extend the timeline for implementing a single currency to 2031 with the goal of eliminating transaction costs associated with currency exchange and reducing volatility in cross-border trade.

In the run-up to achieving a single currency, the EAC partner states aimed at harmonize monetary and fiscal policies; harmonize financial, payment and settlement systems; harmonize financial accounting and reporting practices; harmonies policies and establish an East African Central Bank.
Almost $1 billion will be disbursed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to young entrepreneurs to help tackle climate change on the continent, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina announced, noting that failing to invest in the youth will hurt Africa.

In an effort to combat climate change, the AfDB and the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) have pledged $996.6 million to encourage young entrepreneurs throughout the continent. GCA is a global organization that prioritizes quickening climate change solutions. The capital infusion will empower young entrepreneurs across Africa. Its an exciting step towards economic growth, according to the AfDBs statement.

Youth investment is essential to promoting prosperity and stability on the continent, said Adesina, who was speaking at the Africa Youth Climate Assembly. The AfDB will also provide additional financing, totalling $4 million to boost the GCA-affiliated YouthADAPT, a joint initiative between the bank and GCA.

YouthADAPT invites young entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises in Africa to submit innovative solutions and business ideas that have the potential to drive climate change adaptation and resilience across the continent.

Despite producing only 4% of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions, Africa suffers disproportionately from climate change. This issue jeopardizes the welfare and advancement of people on the continent. Many African countries rely heavily on industries that are vulnerable to climate change, such as energy, tourism, water resources, and agriculture, as the cornerstones of their economic development and survival.
The Spanish National Police on Friday announced the arrest in Pamplona (capital city of the Chartered Community of Navarre) of an individual for his alleged involvement in terrorist collaboration crimes, including indoctrination and recruitment for the terrorist organization Daesh.

This operation was carried out jointly by Spanish security services, Moroccos General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) and Europol, the Spanish police said in a press release.

Influenced by Daesh ideology, the individual disseminated, through his social networks, radical and violent jihadist material encouraging terrorist actions, the Spanish police underlined, adding that the individual has pledged allegiance to Daesh. He has thus recognized his belonging to the terrorist organization, aligning himself with its objectives and carrying out activities in its favor.

The detainee maintained, for the duration of the investigation, a massive and frenetic virtual activity in accordance with his jihadist ideology, according to the Spanish police.

Thus, he researched, consumed and then distributed to other users thousands of multimedia files of radical nature, containing executions, assassinations, exaltations of leaders

During this operation, the Spanish police seized hundreds of terrorist self-training manuals relating in particular to the manufacture of explosives, detonators and poisons, as well as advices on how to conceal terrorist activities on the Internet, to carry out secure financial transactions, to use and handle all kinds of weapons, to recruit new fightersetc.
The death toll from the devastating earthquake, which hit Friday night Morocco and was centered in the Igil commune in the Hawz region, has jumped to 2,122 deaths and the number of injured to 2,421, including over 1,000 in critical condition, according to an updated report from the Ministry of the Interior.

The number of deaths reached 1,293 in the most seriously affected province of Al Haouz, while the province of Taroudant recorded 452 deaths, 41 in the Ouarzazate region, and 15 in the Marrakech municipality, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Meanwhile, no new deaths were reported in the Chichaoua, Azilal, Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane, Casablanca, Youssoufia, and Tinghir regions, the statement said, adding that authorities continue their efforts to rescue and evacuate the injured and provide care to the victims, mobilizing all necessary resources to address the painful aftermath of this tragedy.

On Saturday afternoon, King Mohammed VI, who was accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, chaired a working session to assess the situation following the deadly powerful quake. He gave his instructions to provide care to the victims and to expeditiously continue field relief efforts and assist the victims.

The Monarch declared three days of national mourning with the half-masting of national flags on all public facilities.

During this session, the Monarch was briefed by the officials on the latest developments in the affected prefectures and provinces, notably in some localities that were inaccessible during the evening and where the situation point and relief intervention were not possible until sunrise, said a press release issued by the Royal Office.

The King was also informed about the measures taken to quickly address this large-scale natural catastrophe. These emergency measures, subject to royal instructions and constant follow-up by since the first moments that followed the earthquake and witnessed the intervention of the Royal Armed Forces, local authorities, security services, Protection civil units as well as the ministries concerned.

The emergency measures focused on reinforcing the national blood stock, supplying drinking water to affected areas, distributing food kits, tents and blankets to the affected population, quickly resuming public services.

Upon the Instructions of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the Royal Armed Forces urgently deployed significant human and logistical air and land resources, as well as specialized intervention modules based on search and rescue teams and a medical-surgical field hospital.

King Mohammed VI has given his instructions to immediately set up an inter-ministerial commission in charge of carrying out an emergency rehabilitation and aid program to reconstruct as soon as possible the destroyed homes in the affected areas.

The goal is to encourage economic operators for a quick resumption of activities in the affected. It was also decided to open a special bank account at Treasury and Bank Al Maghrib to receive the voluntary solidarity contributions of citizens as well as private and public instructions.

With all its components, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity will ensure full mobilization to support citizens in affected areas. The emphasis has also been placed on creating stocks of basic necessities (medicines, tents, beds, foodetc.) in every region of the Kingdom to prepare for any type of disaster.

The King, Commander of the Faithful, also gave his Instructions to the minister of Islamic Affairs to perform the Absent Prayer (Salat Al Ghaib) this Sunday noon in all mosques throughout the Kingdom, for the rest of the victims souls.

The Sovereign also expressed the sincere thanks of the kingdom of Morocco to all brotherly and friendly countries that expressed their solidarity with the Moroccan people on this situation, and many of which expressed their readiness to provide aid in these special circumstances.

The Friday 7-magnitude earthquake is believed to be the deadliest and most powerful tremor hitting the country in decades.
Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chair of the African Union & Pdt. of the Comoros Azali Assoumani, President of France Emmanuel Macron, World Bank Chief Ajay Banga, IMF Managing Director Ms. Kristalina Georgieva and Head of European Commission Ms. Ursula von der Leyen have expressed full solidarity with the Moroccan authorities and people following the deadly powerful quake that hit the North African Kingdom on September 9.

In their joint solidarity statement issued Sunday on the sidelines of G20 Summit held in India, they said we offer our condolences to the families of the victims and express our willingness to support Morocco in the best possible way.

We have been and continue to be committed partners of Morocco, supporting the authorities as they have built an inclusive and resilient economy with strong institutions, said the joint statement.

With all our international partners, we stand by Morocco to provide all the necessary support for any urgent short term financial needs and for the reconstruction efforts, added the statement.

We will mobilize our technical and financial tools and assistance in a coordinated way to help the people of Morocco overcome this terrible tragedy, underlined the statement.
Editors note: The following is excerpted from The Telegraphs North Platte Centennial Special of Sept. 17, 1973.

***

By the spring of 1867, North Platte boasted a population of nearly 4,000, although it had neither a municipal government nor peace officers of any kind.

In May of that year, the Missouri Democrat newspaper sent a reporter to the place to write a story of Indian depredations, the killing of settlers and burning of ranches in that section. The reporter was H. (Henry) Stanley, who became famous a few years later by going to the aid of Dr. David Livingstone in Tanganyika (Tanzania), Africa.

The following is a part of Stanleys report: The trip was made from Omaha on a fast passenger train in 15 hours at the speed of 19 mph. The country as seen from the train appears to offer meager opportunities for the agriculturalist. The whole region is a vast pasture trod over by buffalo and ranged over by hostile Indians.

He described North Platte as a gay frontier hamlet with the days of Pikes Peak and the California Gold Rush revived. Its citizens (were) a motley crowd of construction camp denizens, roughs, toughs and gamblers, emigrants but a few months from the countries of the Old World.

Women from the dance halls, bullwhackers and teamsters would line the tracks to see the train in. Timid passengers, fearing to face so desperate appearing a multitude, were glad to follow hotel runners to a hastily constructed hostelry that charged a lot but gave little in the way of comfort. A gambling establishment was conducted in a huge tent where games of chance seemed never to stop. 

A few days later, on June 3, Bishop D.S. Tuttle of New York City, traveling westward with two other ministers and two ladies to engage in missionary work in Montana, Idaho and Utah, arrived in North Platte. Their journey from Omaha by railroad had also taken 15 hours. 

In recounting the story of the trip 55 years later, the bishop said they spent five days in North Platte, which was mostly a town of tents and covered wagons. 

At North Platte no religious services of any kind are held on Sunday, Tuttle wrote his wife afterward. Men work and trade and buy and sell just as usual and gamble and quarrel more than usual.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang meet in the leaders' lounge at the Raj Ghat memorial in New Delhi, Sept. 10. Yonhap



South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met briefly on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit in New Delhi on Sunday, the presidential office said.



The two met in a lounge at the Raj Ghat memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi before joining other world leaders in paying tribute to the late Indian anti-colonial nationalist, according to senior presidential secretary for press affairs Kim Eun-hye.






SUNDAY, Sept. 10, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- When someone has surgery, pain may be top of mind.

An expert in managing post-op pain offers three tips for keeping it under control, safely.

Pain can inhibit recovery, but good pain control can be an accelerator of a patients recovery, said Dr. Jonah Stulberg, a member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Patient Education Committee and vice chair of research for the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center of Houston.

While for most people pain will be either mild or relieved within a few days following surgery, some patients have lingering pain that may develop into chronic pain.

First, patients should begin by discussing pain control with their health providers before surgery.

Bringing up pain control with your care team before surgery will help you come up with a plan and understand how much pain you can expect to have after surgery, Stulberg said in an ACS news release. Having these conversations upfront can save you a lot of time and a lot of headaches after surgery, and it definitely helps with safety.

Stulberg recommends asking a series of questions:

How much pain should I expect after my surgery?

How should I manage that pain after surgery?

When do I call if the pain is becoming too much or if Im having trouble completing my daily activities?

Second, know your medication or therapies.

Some effective ways to manage pain that dont include taking opioids are taking over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These can be taken separately or together, and they have been shown to be as effective as opioids for managing pain.

But these medications also need to be limited in certain instances and should only be used as prescribed, Stulberg added.

Some basics like heat, ice and elevation, or complementary therapies like acupuncture and massage, may also help with pain.

Exercise and rehabilitation therapies may be done in conjunction with occupational or physical therapy.

Certain movements will be allowed, while others may need to be restricted to allow time for your body to heal, Stulberg said. These are conversations you can have with your doctor before surgery to help manage your pain.

Opioid medications, such as oxycodone and tramadol, may be prescribed for severe pain after surgery in some cases. However, these should be used with strict caution, stored safely and properly disposed of following recovery.

Opioid medications are really prescribed to that specific individual for the purposes of pain control from that specific surgery, Stulberg said. As weve seen with the opioid crisis, when those opioids are not used for the specific purpose that was prescribed by the physician, it can lead to misuse and tragic consequences.

Third, it's important to talk with your surgeon about your pain.

Describing pain can be incredibly challenging because it is so subjective.

Stulberg recommends speaking to your care team about pain as it relates to function, such as youre having trouble taking a deep breath because of the pain or having trouble getting out of bed or walking to the bathroom.

That type of pain can be severe pain and suggests we may need to control your pain better, he said. If your pain is constant but youre able to take deep breaths and go about your day, that might be a level of pain you may need to tolerate for a short time after your surgery. That is the conversation to have with your surgeon.

Stulberg suggests some other questions patients can ask the care team, including what they should be able to do after surgery, whether they can wait to fill an opioid prescription until they know if theyll need it, what return to function they should expect over days and weeks and how much pain should limit them.

Always seek help if you feel that your pain has become severe or if you have a fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, a fast heart rate felt in the chest or throat, nausea or vomiting.

Those are all signs you should really be calling your doctor, Stulberg said.

Weve learned a lot in the past decade, and many providers do a better job of checking things like prescription monitoring programs before prescribing opioids, Stulberg said. But each patient has unique pain needs -- some patients do require more assistance with pain control, while others may have a higher pain tolerance or less of a sensation from the surgeries. Patient education continues to be front and center as an important component to creating a safer environment for pain control.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers more on managing pain without opioids.

SOURCE: American College of Surgeons, news release, Sept. 6, 2023
With the help of community partners, Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity has started a project to build three homes for families in Opelika.

Executive Director Mark Grantham said this would not be possible without the Stone Martin Builders team, the City of Opelika, West Fraser Lumber and Wells Fargo.

It would have taken our Habitat affiliate three years to build these homes. But thanks to our partnership with the City of Opelika and the Stone Martin Builders Team, three hardworking families will become homeowners this year, Grantham said.

Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning at the site on 226 Cherry Ave. in Opelika to celebrate the project. This will be organizations 74th, 75th and 76th home. Theyre also in the process of building home No. 77 in Auburn on Bedell Avenue.

Grantham said AOHFH usually builds one home a year. With the help of Stone Martin, the organization has been able to work on more projects. Last year, they were able to build two homes in the Auburn Westview subdivision in partnership with the City of Auburn.

With Stone Martins support, home No. 72 on Foster Street was completed in December 2022. With the help of Auburn University students, home No. 73 on Bedell Avenue was completed in July 2023.

Construction on the three Opelika homes is expected to begin in October and reach completion in December. Grantham said the goal is to have it done by Christmas.

The three families that will be moving into the homes have been selected, and Grantham said the new homeowners will be revealed at a later date.

Major Daniel P. Hatcher, a retired U.S. Army veteran and current Habitat board president, said people coming together for a goal such as this is what America is supposed to represent. He commended the community, companies, churches, banks and city government for the unity.

What youre seeing here today is my America. This is the United States of America. This is what we do, Hatcher said.

Grantham thanked God for providing community members to support the project and for providing all the resources that are needed to make it possible.

You all are helping families  real families  feel real equity through homeownership in their life, Grantham said.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, who has been recovering from appendix surgery, attended the groundbreaking event. He described it as a significant day for Opelika.

Part of the American dream for many of us is homeownership. So because of Habitat, Stone Martin, the bank, (theyre) all part of making sure three more hard working Opelika families will realize that American dream of homeownership, Fuller said.

Frank Plan, president of Stone Martin Builders, feels blessed to have the opportunity to partner with AOHFH. After looking at the Habitat for Humanity national website, Plan said the organizations mission hit home for him.

Plan quoted the website, Habitat for Humanity builds more than houses. Together were helping families build: strength, stability and self-reliance. He went on to repeat, together we build better lives, not houses. Together we build better lives.

Plan said its a mission that Stone Martin shares building quality, affordable homes.

The Stone Martin Builders team is a nationally recognized homebuilder with local offices in Opelika. The company supports AOHFH, Opelika Ball Fields, Storybook Farm and other local nonprofits.

Grantham recognized West Fraser Lumber, a sawmill company in Opelika, for providing the lumber for the three house project and Wells Fargo for donating the land for the new homes.

Rev. Clifford Jones of Greater Peace Baptist Church concluded the ceremony with prayer. He asked God to bless the project, the new homes, the families and the workers involved.
Somebody with a conscience

Reply

Thread

Link

I feel like this is only the tip of the iceberg. Sounds like they were blackmailed into writing the letter but also they're not apologetic over it at all?



SUMMER DRAMA LIVES ON ETC ETC.

Reply

Thread

Link

meh it sounds like blackmail in the sense that hes prob done very similar things that they are keeping secret. and if hes done similar things then yeah, he wouldnt be sorry for defending his buddy over the same shit.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

It's weird they wrote a letter but Wilmer didn't even though they were super tight and we know Wilmer's history with girls.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

idk. if you read Ashton's actual letter he states that Danny has never ever EVER lied to him in 25 years. Which means Ashton either believed it when Danny lied and said he was innocent or Ashton still thinks Danny is not guilty despite the conviction



that or he's declaring that Danny told him the truth about the assaults but that seems unlikely given it's a letter trying to convince the judge

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

As someone who remembers how much shit the cast of 70s show gave Topher, I'm glad he's the only one looking good right now. King shit.

Reply

Thread

Link

They openly gave him shit? I thought it was essentially a rumor (now proven true) to paint Topher as a ~diva or something. I never cared tho cause I've always loved Eric lol





Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I don't remember them openly shitting on him but the image given off was that Topher was a party-pooper or stuck-up.



I personally never got that and believed him when he said he was just boring lol.



Edited at 2023-09-10 03:23 am (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I mentioned it in one of the other posts, but it was pretty open. There were clips behind the scenes that showed him separated from the rest of the cast (like off to the side) as they spoke about him being distant too serious etc while theyre just this cozy little party group.



I think (not 100% because I dont follow any of them) hes mainly kept his mouth shut and just let people believe what they wanted.



That takes some major willpower because Id be all over the news airing out all of their dirty laundry, lol.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I used to visit fanforums during the height of that 70s shows popularity and it was common knowledge that Danny and Topher didn't get along



I remember reading that Topher took his job seriously and would get frustrated when takes were messed up



Danny and Ahston would egg each other on to mess with Topher while filming

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

i think some producers from the show were interview for the E! True Hollywood Story episode on the show and they were all like "Topher was a loner on set, he just went home at the end of the day instead of partying like everyone else." he was, rather pointedly, the only one of the younger cast members that Ashton did not feature on Punk'd, and people didn't like that he left the show early. there were rumors that the showrunners even wanted recast his role like they did with Laurie (Josh Meyers was supposedly who they wanted as a replacement, but they just wrote a new character for him)

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I remember an e entertainment behind the scenes kinda show from those times that already said this so I dont think it was ever a rumor and more of a fact that he was the outlier of that tight knit cast

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link





Nah he left the show thinking he was going to blow up and be a huge movie star.



He was friends with the other cast members and even reunited with them multiple times over the years



https://www.instagram.com/p/fPcJDrEuXK/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== It's weird how everyone on the internet is suddenly trying to push the narrative that Topher knew and was silently protesting.Nah he left the show thinking he was going to blow up and be a huge movie star.He was friends with the other cast members and even reunited with them multiple times over the years

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Not just the cast but the fans were awful to Topher as well. Treating him like he was a stuck up asshole.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I don't understand the bit about older Mila interviews. What happened?

Reply

Thread

Link





mila kunis i was a 14 year old little girl

ashton kutcher & danny masterson betting $10 for a grown man to stick his tongue in a childs mouth knowing it was first kiss & she had to do it for the show..literally so disgusting pic.twitter.com/Xydpo2MisP    (@iamthecrg) September 9, 2023



Edited at 2023-09-10 02:58 am (UTC) Danny and Ashton were creeps to her. Ashton was 20, Danny was 22, and Mila was 15 when That 70s Show started.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

The pilot was shot in spring 1998 and they began filming the rest of S1 over the summer. Mila's birthday is August 14 so she was 14 when the show began filming. Ashton's birthday is February 7 so he was 20 when they began filming.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

omg talk about epitome of thinking something is a cute funny story but actually it's like assault and fucked up behavior

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This is the first time I'm seeing this wow beyond disgusting

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This is awful but tbh this is also the fault of producers and whoever cast the show. The second they realized she was 14 - which would have been realized well before they got to shooting - she should have been fired. Instead, they kept her cast and from the very first season had her constantly making out with older guys

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

ashton was mila's first kiss on that 70s show. she was 14. danny said he'd give ashton $10 to french kiss her/shove his tongue in her mouth.





Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

https://twitter.com/koliikat/status/1700515038706991316?s=20





These maybe? These maybe?

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

There also a clip floating around of Mila sitting on Ashton's lap and he is going on about how it feels good having her in his lap

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

oh he also commented about 15-year-old hilary duff on punk'd on how she's 15 and the whole world is waiting for her to turn 18. he brought up the olsens right after.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link





February 21, 2001. pic.twitter.com/pKbzA2wGTz  Sarah McGonagall (@gothspiderbitch) September 9, 2023 ummm that twitter thread connects the date she states... wtf

Reply

Thread

Link

what

WHAT

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

....waiddaminute



a suspicious/damning phone call ade the same night that a woman he was seeing was murdered???





dammit now I really want to know what was said

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I'm guessing it's that he found her body or evidence that something was really fucking wrong and instead of calling the cops he called Danny, who told him to protect his reputation and pretend he saw nothing

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I remember reading about the Ashley Ellerin murder in magazines in the early 2000s. This is so wild.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

WHUTTTTT

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This is clearly not over but it brings me immense joy knowing this piece of shit was convicted. I know he'll most likely not serve the whole time but his life as an actor is ruined, and the long sentence itself sends a pretty necessary message.



Also, with what she's implying about Ashton, his work on sex trafficking is suddenly getting a pretty awful meaning now.

Reply

Thread

Link

Was the conan clip posted?





Reply

Thread

Link

I wonder if Conan actually heard stuff or was taking the opportunity to joke and now it's prophetic.



I feel like it's the latter.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Most likely opportunity to joke. I've heard Conan makes similar jokes before when people (men) bring up a topic like that.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Late reply, but Im an older ontder who loves and grew up watching Conan- yeah, he makes jokes like that a lot, but hes usually looking at the person and smiling-this exchange he was looking down at his papers the whole time, wasnt smiling and his tone was not what it usually is. I think at least he didnt like Danny

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I didn't care about Ashton one way or the other but I started disliking him/thought he was gross when he acted like he was humping Nicki Minaj(she was turned away from him) at some award show.

I'm sad to hear that there was some type of cult like situation on the set. That's disturbing. I remember Mila talking about her experience on that 70s shows and she spoke at being 14 there as a fun antidote and it seemed off to me.



Anyway, I'm glad that Danny is being sent to prison. I hope that it gives his victims relief and strength.



It was kind of Topher's wife to post a message of support.

Reply

Thread

Link





Idk how to embed but heres him sexualizing a 15yo Hillary Duff



https://twitter.com/princess_antifa/status/1700394641487699986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1700394641487699986%7Ctwgr%5E1315e7825d478016b05c599255d7c60d6d92c87b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com%2F126802531.html Hes been telling us how gross he was for so long, its wild how most of us (here, not the wider world) had a distaste for him but the whole picture was somehow obscured. All the little instances of him being a total creep just keep piling up.Idk how to embed but heres him sexualizing a 15yo Hillary Duff

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i'm really stunned so much seems to be coming out and about to come out about Ashton. It's also sad to be reminded how much toxic shit was just everywhere and accepted in the 90's/00's, like the Punk'd clips of him being revisited. I watched shows like that all the time as a high school girl and i guess i never batted an eye because all men spoke that way about teen girls?

Reply

Thread

Link

I never thought twice about Punk'd, the prank aspect made me far more uncomfortable (but back then just slightly) than anything they were saying tbh. Thank fuck for feminism bc seeing some of the pieces of misogynistic media I gladly consumed in my teens is a fucking miracle I didn't end up completely brainwashed.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i think i definitely had my pick me girl era unfortunately, but i feel i outgrew it decently early, like early to mid-20s. sometimes i think i would've been much happier growing up Gen Z, but nah, 24/7 social media and filtering would just fuck me up in other fun and different ways

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I never like Punk'd (Ashton & his stupid trucker hats) and don't know what Demi Moore saw in him. Other than him being a young guy.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Also Ashton of that era reminded me of guys I went to High School with. They'd say or do something rude/cruel & claim it was a joke. And they looked drunk or stoned half of the time.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

a few years back Bill Hader talked about doing an episode of Punk'd, and how awful he felt for making Ashlee Simpson cry. he said that he kept apologizing to her after the reveal and the show never asked him back.



didn't Ashton once say that there were episodes they could never show, that he destroyed tapes of certain celebs because the reactions were too real? all of the episodes were bad tbh



Edited at 2023-09-10 03:29 am (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

It's amazing that if he had just sat there and ate his salad, none of this would be coming out about him.



I used to watch Punk'd. I can't remember if I enjoyed it, but I definitely would hate it now. Shows like that never should've been made.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

A lot of the media I saw when I was growing up, especially around late 90s to early 00s, told me as a tween/teen girl/growing up as a teen period that the affections of older men (or older teens even) should be welcomed and in fact we should be grateful for men like that. Looking back, it was wild!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I completely understand that shes still hurting and I have never liked Mila (and now Im truly disgusted by her), but she has no right to bring up something private about Mila.



I also dont like that her posts are fueling the conspiracy theorists about Ashtons involvement in how his late girlfriend passed.



So this is leaving a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. BUT. I want to see the whole cast answer for any and all of their harmful actions, so if there are receipts bring them on.



Thats a great message from Tophers wife. I hope their family isnt too affected from all of this.

Reply

Thread

Link

Idt she's bringing up anything private tho the interviews are public and she's just pointing out he was no big brother figure like Mila might suggest, as illustrated by the gross bet he and Ashton made (at least that's how I read it).

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Its the part about Toronto that feels like something may have happened between Masterson and Kunis that we (as the public) are clearly not aware of. Shes telling Mila to get therapy for it (and her time on the set), so its clearly something big. But, without saying what it is people can (and easily will) just jump to conclusions.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

I don't think that she's implying he killed her, I think she's implying he saw more than he admitted to the police or in court but kept quiet about those details for his career.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

ew. are we really platforming yashar again??



Edited at 2023-09-10 03:17 am (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

He's a mess but since he's friendly with Leah, he was talking about this case before anyone else tbh.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

unfortunately he's been getting scoops. I have no idea why.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

in my first year of college back in 2012, we had like these large lectures every quarter and one of the first ones was someone coming in and discussing racism in the media or something like that. and it was over that summer that the Ashton Kutcher did those Popchips ads (side note: Popchips were so disgusting, i will never understand why they were being pushed so hard on us in the early 2010s. like literally they were in every sandwich shop, they were always displayed so prominently in Target and Walmart and by 2015 they were nowhere to be seen lol, it's been a long time since i've seen them anywhere). i was a Tumblr Girlie so i was plugged into the discourse, but seeing this woman speak so passionately about what was wrong with the commercials lowkey made me hate Ashton forever lmao.



he played into and then tried so hard to pivot from the Kelso/Dude Where's My Car image and become like a respectable actor and when that didn't work he tried to be a tech guy (remember his Twitter phase?) and then a fucking crusader. there's no honor in anything he does and there's no honor being loyal to someone like Danny Masterson. these two self-righteous ignorant fools can't see that.

Reply

Thread

Link

omg I am just now realizing I havent seen Popchips in a while

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I didn't know that Popchips ad existed until I did a post on yellowface and started searching for more examples. I was shocked that it was so recent and everyone involved in producing thought it was totally fine.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I have never heard of popchips before and never seen this ad

how tf was this conceptualized and produced and aired?? so many ppl have to sign off on this kinda shit, this is insane

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I still see pop chips all the time lol someone brought a giant bag to the barn recently

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Doing brownface and tanking your rep to promote the inferior Popcorners (now that's a good chip!)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

he also was heavily involved w wework lmao

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

On FauxMoi they were talking about when Ashton and Demi were together he apparently didn't think alcoholism was a thing and that she should be able to drink in moderation without a problem. Well Demi would drink, go too far because she had a problem with it, and then he'd take videos/photos to shame her. Knowing he's this self-righteous and egotistical to think he could give that type of advice and be that cruel afterwards and that's a publicly available example makes my skin crawl. I can understand Chrissie being absolutely fed with him in particular, but also don't want her to get in legal trouble for posting this. The stuff about Mila could have been left more vague.

Reply

Thread

Link

He did things like this with so many women in his life! He told January Jones to give up acting.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

im super suspicious now if ashton was trying to recruit Demi and if the destruction of their relationship from his side was a deliberate tactic to punish her for refusing or resisting

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Recruit for what?

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Ashton isnt a Scientologist

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I can't help but feel like Danny's sentencing is the beginning of more shit coming out, and maybe the crack of $ientology's hold (I'm still shocked that a member got that long sentence).



And I wonder if people bringing up Mila's interview clips will have her looking back at her time on the show with a different eye.



I've always side-eyed "That 70's Show" showrunners for casting 14-year-old Mila Kunis to kiss a grown man. I side-eyed her parents, too.



Her casting always made me uncomfortable, and to hear Danny and Ashton betting on how the latter will kiss her... good God.



I don't think their acting careers are dead, but I do think they're philanthropy and businesses are going to suffer.

Reply

Thread

Link

I doubt she will see anything in a new light, mainly because she still hasn't left her pick-me Era behind. Some people might not want to pick apart their trauma because that would be admitting that they too were victimized by the very people they stuck up for and also might be married to one. That's hard pill to swallow.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I honestly wonder how much her marrying Ashton was to further solidify the creepy way they met into a meet cute rather than address the trauma of it all.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link







i googled the pilot episode and she really did look like a baby

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I assume Co$ is losing its power if he got this sentence.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I just learned that Taylor Momsen was 12 when she shot the Gossip Girl pilot... It's just too young! I just can't.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link
Africa is a treasure trove of metals and minerals and home to some of the world's best natural resources, including wind and solar.

Africa currently accounts for a measly 4% of global carbon dioxide emissions. A variety of organizations want it to stay that way.

From the International Energy Agency, the IMF, and the World Bank to private businesses and nonprofits, transition advocates want Africa to go straight from pre-industrial to net-zero, skipping the oil and gas era.

That would be quite a feat.

The reason Africa has the lowest emission footprint is that hundreds of millions of people on the continent has no access to electricity. The reason they don't have access to electricity is that there is no power generation capacity or transmission infrastructure and not enough cheap coal and gas to power it.

Of course, there is also the case of South Africa, where years of mismanagement left the country in the dark last year, or Nigeria, which can only generate enough electricity for not even half its population despite its significant oil wealth. On the whole, however, Africans are short on power because they don't have enough capacity to generate it. And nowhere near enough money to build it.

It is in this context that the International Energy Agency this week reminded the world that Africa is ripe for a wind and solar revolution, at least when it comes to resources. The IEA also noted, however, that Africa is only getting 2% of global investments in low-carbon energy, just as it gets a tiny sliver of overall energy investments. Related: Russia Set To Slash Diesel Exports In September

This, the IEA said, needs to change if Africa is to exploit these massive resources for low-carbon energy, as it should, according to the agency. Because, right now, "The cost of capital for utility-scale clean energy projects on the continent is at least two to three times higher than in advanced economies. This prevents developers from pursuing commercially viable projects that can deliver affordable energy solutions."

This much higher cost of capital has to do with real and perceived risks that are holding investors back. These risks have a lot to do with the uncertainty of returns on these hypothetical investments, given the high poverty levels across most of Africa.

Low-carbon energy may be good for the environment, but it also costs money. Building the infrastructure necessary to bring this energy to people also costs money. A lot of it. There are many in Africa who cannot afford such energy when the cost is calculated on a basis that is more realistic than the highly popular levelized cost of electricity.

On that more realistic basis, wind and solar require dispatchable backup generation capacity as well. Or massive batteries. Neither option comes free. And African governments are up to their necks in debt already.

Indeed, the high levels of debt in African countries were recently noted as one of the obstacles to the continent's full utilization of low-carbon resources. And it's a big one.

"At the moment, we've got developing countries paying way more in debt repayments back to richer countries than they ever hope to receive in climate finance or support," Tom Mitchell, director of sustainability think tank the International Institute for Environment and Development, said at an event in the UK, as quoted by Reuters.

Despite this state of affairs, those same richer countries, through their lending institutions, have essentially told African governments that they will not receive any financial support for developing their oil and gas resources. In other words, either invest in wind and solarwhile repaying your debtsor sink because you can't finance oil and gas exploration.

Many African leaders have called out the hypocrisy: Europe and North America reaped the full range of benefits from hydrocarbons for decades, and now they want to deny Africa those same benefits.

There are now oil and gas activists in Africa who advocate for more, not less, hydrocarbons for African countries because of all the benefits they provide, from automation of many tasks that are now done manually to fertilizers, which would greatly improve crop yields like they do in Europe and North America.

There are also the international oil companies, which, despite their appearance as an industry in its own transition, somehow still manage to do some oil and gas exploration. Including in Africa.

TotalEnergies started drilling at the Tilenga oil project in Uganda in August, even though it is subjected to considerable pressure from environmentalists, including through a couple of lawsuits.

ADVERTISEMENT

Namibia is shaping up as the next Guyana, with discoveries made by Shell and TotalEnergies suggesting reserves of at least 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

Earlier this year, an Australian company, Invictus Energy, drilled a wildcat in Zimbabwe that confirmed the presence of light oil and condensate.

Oil and gas exploration in Africa is progressing without much media noise but with what appears to be strong government support, even as some of these governments are also 100% pro-transition.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Via Metal Miner

The Construction MMI (Monthly Metal Index) rose for the first time in five months, welcoming a 3.97% increase. However, this rise could prove deceiving as the index still faces numerous bearish sentiments. Bar fuel surcharges rising helped the index rise month-over-month, along with did aluminum bar prices. Steel rebar and h-beam steel prices, on the other hand, moved sideways. Indeed, China is their primary source, and the weakening of Chinese imports caused both to suffer. In total, Chinese imports into the U.S. fell 7.9% compared to August 2022. Buyers who purchase these particular forms of steel are encouraged to place other sources outside of China on the back burner in case sourcing from China becomes infeasible. To get a scope of metal market price forecasts and the best sourcing tactics for 2024, subscribe to the Annual Metals Outlook.

Slumping Chinese Demand Continues to Impact Steel Prices

Chinas economic downturn and the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S. continue to cause drops in steel demand. According to Reuters, any indications of true contraction in China, which continues to be the main driver of demand growth worldwide, are particularly bad news for the metals industry. Chinas first-quarter trade numbers reflect the rising supply pressures, with imports of ores and concentrates declining in volume and flow.

The delayed rebound in Chinas economy weighed on demand, resulting in gloomy sentiment in industrial metals markets. Consensus price projections barely moved in May 2023. This was most likely because the continuous volatility and unpredictability of the macroeconomic environment directly impacts the cost of commodities, steel, and other metals sourced from China.

Steel Demand in China Could Rise

Some experts project that Chinas pent-up demand for steel will continue in the second half of 2023. In Marchs policy meetings, there was a call to slow down Chinas conservative economic policy program for 2023. However, concerns over demand from a pivotal buyer persist, even though Bloomberg reports that Chinas industrial downturn slowed slightly. Despite this, Chinas economy continues to create an overall slump in global base metals.

Impacts on U.S. Construction

The downturn in Chinese manufacturing also affects U.S. builders, with the decline in Chinese imports into the U.S. being one of the primary results. Indeed, government officials continue to prepare for economic damage as Chinas imports of everything from electronics to building materials decline.

Since China is a significant steel exporter, the decline in Chinese imports has resulted in lower steel prices in the U.S. As demand growth slows and the surplus supply burdens the market, analysts predict that Chinese steel prices will decline until 2024. Given that steel goods like rebar are a significant part of the building process, this decline in steel prices directly impacts the construction industry.

However, the impact of the decline in Chinese imports goes beyond steel prices alone. For instance, the cost of building materials in the U.S. has increased by around 2% due to the trade war. The additional taxes on Chinese imports, which have raised the price of building supplies, are also to blame for this rise. The decline in Chinese imports has also caused a glut of Chinese steel throughout Asia. As a result, Indonesia, Thailand, and India continue to prepare to support their players as they fend off price declines.

By Jennifer Kary

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
In the coming weeks, Kurdistan's oil and gas sector faces a pivotal moment that could reshape the region's geopolitical landscape. Since March 25, 2023, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government have struggled to resume oil exports from Kurdistan, following a ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration court. This impasse has significant implications for the KRG's economy and administration, leaving the path forward shrouded in uncertainty.

In 2007, a new chapter began for Kurdistan when its regional parliament approved the production of the region's oil and gas resources. Subsequently, the Ministry of Natural Resources was established to oversee these valuable assets. However, tensions escalated between Baghdad and Erbil due to Kurdistan's independent oil and gas exports via the Kurdistan pipeline, connected to the Turkish pipeline leading to the Ceyhan port on the Mediterranean Sea. This led Baghdad to sever the KRG's share of the federal budget and initiate legal proceedings against Turkey, ultimately culminating in the suspension of oil supplies on March 25, 2023.

Five months after oil shipments from Kurdistan were halted, at the start of September 2023, despite a quick agreement between the KRG and the Iraqi federal government and both sides' hopeful positive remarks on quickly restarting the export process, the trilateral or bilateral meetings between the parties in this dossier not only failed to reach a new agreement to resolve the disputes but also pushed a real trilateral solution further out of reach.

Related: Large Crude Draw Lifts Oil Prices

In light of this, it is evident that the future of Kurdistan's oil exports is extremely nuanced and depends on the interests of all actors, including global and regional major powers.

To be candid, the fate of Kurdistans oil is primarily shaped by regional and international interests rather than the local governments needs. The two major parties leading the Kurdistan regional government are no longer the sole major participants in Kurdistan's oil destiny. As local party battles have intensified over the last several months, a lack of oil revenue has driven them farther apart, diminishing their ability to stand up to foreign interests in decisions about Kurdistan's oil.

Below are a number of key points to consider in Iraqi Kurdistans oil exports:

Politicking in the Kurdish Region: The divide among the main Kurdish parties, especially those within the KRG, makes it easier for external factors to undermine the constitutionally granted autonomy of the territory. Uniting the largest Kurdish parties may serve the region's interests in passing the ongoing state's hydrocarbon law.

Compliance with Commitments by Erbil and Baghdad: Adherence to the interim agreement, especially regarding budget legislation and the formation of a federal hydrocarbon law, will likely determine the future of the petroleum sector in Kurdistan. Any deviations from the agreement could force radical choices.

The Presence of Kurdistan Oil in Global Markets: The timing and feasibility of Kurdistan's oil production resumption and access to international buyers now depend on Baghdad and Ankara. Cooperation among Kurdish parties may influence Baghdad's decision to support exports, while domestic usage of Kurdistan's oil could raise financial and administrative challenges.

The KRG's Readiness for Resuming or Maintaining Oil Production: The KRG should be aware that oil-exporting governments with higher export capacities tend to have more influence in international politics. If the KRG's role in global energy security continues to be marginalized, it could impact international partners' willingness to invest in the region, potentially accelerating the decline of the territory's oil industry.

Global Powers Interests in Kurdistans Oil Flow: The interests of global powers, notably the United States and Russia, in the region's oil and gas industry will be influential. Convincing these nations that Kurdish oil and gas pose no threat to their interests is a key international strategy for Kurdish leaders.

International Market Factors: Future shifts in the international oil market's balance could impact the decision to restart Kurdistan's oil production, potentially driven by significant changes in oil prices or global market dynamics.

Kurdish and Iraqi Opposition Roles: The reactions of Kurdish and Iraqi opposition groups to the Baghdad-Erbil oil accord and potential challenges in the federal supreme court could temporarily halt oil production.

Europes Energy Security and Access to Natural Gas Sources: Europe's gas market balance may hold significance for the future of Kurdistans oil industry, depending on Europe's natural gas demand in the coming years.

IOCs Interests between Erbil and Baghdad: How oil firms in Kurdistan respond to contracts with the KRG if the Iraqi federal government offers them direct engagement with Baghdad may impact the industry's dynamics and lead to potential conflicts.

Turkish Interests: The possibility of returning to independent oil exports for Turkey may influence the financial attractiveness of different agreements for Ankara.

Possible scenarios for Kurdistan's oil and gas industry vary widely, from a resumption of exports under the Erbil-Baghdad deal to a continued halt in oil flow with increased pressure from Baghdad. The outcome depends on the intricate interplay of these factors, and the future of Kurdistan's oil sector remains deeply uncertain.

By Shahriar Sheikhlar for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Germany is facing severe challenges as its manufacturing output drops, forcing it to import more goods, with strong economic repercussions. Much of this stems from Germanys reliance on Russian energy, having made a significant attempt to diversify its energy sources over the last year. Oil and gas shortages since the Russian invasion of Ukraine early last year have sent energy prices rocketing and encouraged many companies to move operations to countries with cheaper gas and electricity as well as better energy security, hitting Germanys economy hard.

In May 2022, Germany reported a foreign trade deficit of $1.03 billion. It was forced to import more goods than it exported for the first time in decades. It is now experiencing a trade surplus, but its exports remain low. Companies are increasingly moving to countries offering lower and more stable energy prices. Germany is expected to lose between 2 and 3 percent of its industrial capacity due to this trend, with the U.S. becoming a major attraction for manufacturing thanks to its tax breaks and other incentives for companies willing to use green technologies.

In July, German factory orders fell further, which is expected to hit the countrys economy hard throughout the rest of the year. Demand dropped by 11.7 percent in June, far higher than the anticipated decrease of 4.3 percent. This marks the biggest decline since the height of the pandemic in 2020. Output of everything, including machinery, tools, vehicles, consumer goods and intermediate goods, all decreased. The economy is still recovering from the winter recession and is now expected to barely expand in the second half of 2023, with the potential to fall into another recession. Related: Russia Set To Slash Diesel Exports In September

In addition to companies leaving the German market, the countrys poor performance is closely linked to the low demand from China for German exports. China is Germanys fourth-biggest export market. However, its slow recovery following the Covid pandemic has weakened demand for imported goods. In 2021, China was Germanys second-biggest export market, but it has since become a competitor and simply doesnt need as many German-produced goods as it did in the past, according to Carsten Brzeski, the global head of macroeconomic research at ING.

Many have also questioned the attainability of Germanys ambitious green transition goals, intending to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by as early as 2045. Given its strong reliance on Russian gas, and scramble to find new suppliers last year, as well as the governments anti-nuclear power sentiment, this is looking increasingly unlikely. Germany continues to rely heavily on wind, solar and hydro power as its main renewable resources. However, these are volatile sources, which will continue to provide only intermittent energy until Germany can substantially increase its battery storage capacity.

Recent reports from German government climate advisers and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) suggest that the countrys goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 65 precent by 2030 is likely to be missed. Before the Russian-Ukraine war, Germany was well on its way to a successful decarbonisation. In 2022, its carbon dioxide levels were 40 percent lower than the 1990 level. However, the scramble to ensure consumer energy security last year has meant the government has somewhat deprioritised its green transition. According to the analyses, the buildings sector could fall short of its 2030 target by 35 million tonnes of CO2, with the transport sector missing it by between 117 million and 191 million tonnes.

Within Germany, the shift to renewable energy is causing a political backlash, as consumers are facing higher energy prices and greater uncertainty. This has created a greenlash, encouraging many Germans to turn to right-wing political parties, such as the Alternative for Germany party.

On the European scale, there are fears that the ongoing energy and economic crises being faced in Germany could pull down other EU member states. Some are now referring to Germany as the sick man of Europe due to its ongoing poor economic performance, a gesture to its re-unification days. Eurozone growth was shown to be weaker than initially estimated for the second quarter of the year, with Eurostat decreasing its GDP estimate from 0.3 percent to 0.1 percent.

However, some are optimistic about Germanys ability to rapidly adapt to new circumstances. Holger Schmieding, the economist who first called Germany the sick man of Europe in 1998, believes that there is too much pessimism around Germanys economy at present. Its economy remains much stronger than in the 1990s, with high levels of employment. Last year, Germany rapidly responded to sanctions on Russian energy by developing a new LNG terminal in just a few months. In addition, its large number of small and medium-sized businesses are able to react nimbly to a shifting competitive landscape, according to Schmieding.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, Nebraska will have more than 34,000 annual openings in high-skill, high-demand, high-wage jobs in the years ahead.

Many of them are in STEM fields  science, technology, engineering and math  that are critical to Nebraska's future economic growth; and more than two-thirds will require higher education.

The Omaha STEM Ecosystem's STEM Speaker Connect Event, Lighting the Spark, will connect youth and their parents with key business industry experts, educational leaders and young adults in the STEM workforce who can help pave the way to a meaningful career in STEM.

This event will be held at Metropolitan Community College, Fort Omaha Campus on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Representatives from business organizations will be on hand for interviews and to answer any questions from parents and students about STEM resources in the community.

This event is perfect for young adults who have an interest in pursuing STEM careers in the future, and were excited to welcome students and their families as we help them along their professional journey. Through engagement and education initiatives such as Lighting the Spark, the Omaha STEM Ecosystem works to ensure that we close the STEM talent gap in our community," said Julie Sigmon, executive director of the Omaha STEM Ecosystem.

Linda George was proud to be a 'Valley girl'

One acquaintance called her a jewel. Another said she never walked away from a challenge.

In what a former co-worker says is a long overdue award, the late Linda Sake George will be honored with a flag ceremony Sept. 16.

A short program will be held and a stone dedicated in her honor during the ceremony at Valley Cemetery at 11 a.m.

George worked for the Douglas County West and Valley schools as an assistant librarian and as the computer whiz. She also was the secretary for both the high school principal and superintendent of DC West.

She also volunteered for both the Boy and Girl Scouts, was a computer teacher, a cemetery board member, president of the Friends of the Valley Library, a hairdresser and on the council of St. Marks Lutheran Church.

She was proud to be called a Valley girl, said Gerri Nordell, a member of the Valley cemetery committee. Everyone who knew her and worked for her admired and loved being around her.

George died in 2019.

Scooter's donates $58,960 to Wounded Warriors

Through a $58,960 check donation presented to Wounded Warriors Family Support, Scooters Coffee will help the organization provide valuable resources and programs to combat-wounded veterans and families of veterans wounded, injured or killed in action.

Between Aug. 2-11 and in connection with Purple Heart Day on Aug. 7, customers across the 29-state Scooters Coffee footprint had the option to add a $1 or more donation to their order. All proceeds support Wounded Warriors Family Support to help hometown heroes heal, recover and achieve freedom and independence in their everyday lives.

Since 2018, Scooters Coffee has raised nearly $215,000 to help Wounded Warriors Family Support provide caregiver respite services and other programs to military families. The Caregiver Respite Program is designed to provide respite and supplemental services to wounded veterans, which allows them to enjoy a higher quality of life. Resources include meals, housekeeping, medical travel grants and in-home care services. These services help relieve the physical, mental and emotional burdens of family members who navigate the caregiver role for their loved one.

Scooters Coffee has made a direct and meaningful impact in the lives of combat-wounded veterans and their families, said Kate McCauley, CEO and President of Wounded Warriors Family Support. We are extremely thankful for the support of Scooters Coffee franchisees, employees and loyal customers who support our military families.

Homestead Park plans campfire series

Join Homestead National Historical Park, in Beatrice, Nebraska, for its Fall Campfire Series throughout the month of September. These programs are scheduled for 7 p.m.

Sept: 16: Games and Activities of the Nighttime Homestead, the history of homesteader activities.

Sept: 30: Who Goes There? ranger-led hike to listen for owls.

These campfire programs will be held at the fire pit behind the Education Center. Folding chairs will be available to guests, but lawn chairs and blankets are welcomed as well. Insect repellant and water are highly recommended. Admission to the park and to all park events is free.

Refugee group is holding open house

Refugee Women Rising is holding an open house Thursday.

Learn about its programs, listen to stories and enjoy a bread-baking demonstration from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Joslyn Castle grounds at 3902 Davenport St.

Attendees will be able to sample tea and snacks from around the world.
The Douglas County Health Department has been selected to receive a federal grant worth $890,000 a year for each of the next five years to strengthen overdose prevention efforts in the community.

The grant comes through the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Overdose Data to Action program, which is part of the nations response to the opioid epidemic. It supports the implementation of prevention activities and the collection of accurate, comprehensive and timely data on fatal and nonfatal overdoses.

For the past several years, state health departments have received the funding and local health departments could apply for a share, said Leah Casanave, the Douglas County Health Departments division chief for community health, nutrition and clinical services. Typically, the local health department has received about $50,000 a year for the work.

This year, however, local health departments were able to apply for grants on their own, she said. Some 40 local departments in the U.S. received funding through the local grant program, according to the CDCs website. Nebraska will still receive funds and distribute grants to other local health departments.

The new grant will allow the local health department to significantly ramp up its efforts, Casanave said. Most of the additional funding, however, wont stay with the agency but instead will be used to help community groups already involved in substance use prevention and treatment expand their services.

Lindsay Huse, Douglas Countys health director, said in an email, We are really excited to have the opportunity to partner with a variety of local organizations to make this work happen and are even more excited to see positive outcomes for those in our community that are experiencing substance use and are at risk for overdose.

Casanave said the funding essentially will be spread among four areas. The first involves beefing up the use of peer navigators by community partners, including training more of them, to connect people with substance use treatment and keep them engaged in it.

A second will focus on harm reduction by providing education on naloxone, also known as Narcan, a quick-acting drug sold as a nasal spray that can reverse overdoses. A report published earlier this year by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers estimated that between a quarter and a third of Nebraskans dont understand the drug and that only 10% and 20% know how to get it.

A standing order from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services allows residents to purchase the drug from any licensed pharmacist without a prescription. Nebraska residents also can get naloxone free of charge at 94 participating pharmacies across the state. Theyre listed at www.stopodne.com.

Grant funding also will be used to educate health care providers on best clinical care practices for those experiencing substance use and to beef up surveillance programs. The surveillance piece will include figuring out how to gather the right data and determine how to use it to drive prevention efforts.

Better data-gathering will aid the work of the Douglas County Overdose Fatality Review team, which was formed by the health department and backed by local partner Coalition Rx. The teams aim is to conduct confidential case reviews of overdose deaths in the county with the goal of trying to figure out how they might have been prevented.

A measure approved by the Nebraska Legislature last spring created a template for county-level teams in the state, allowing them to obtain and review records and other documentation related to overdoses from relevant agencies, entities and individuals while remaining in compliance with confidentiality laws.

This grant will make a lasting impact and provide hope to those affected by substance use disorders, Huse said.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2023
Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP Welcomes Attorneys Josh R. Baumann and Georgia R. Rice Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP (LDM) welcomes attorneys Josh R. Baumann and Georgia R. Rice. Josh Baumann is a litigation attorney in LDM's Omaha office. Prior to joining the Firm, Josh was a Deputy County Attorney for the Douglas County Attorney's Office and subsequently practiced in civil matters for several years. He is, also, a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Syracuse College of Law. Georgia Rice is a litigation attorney in LDM's West Des Moines office. Prior to joining LDM, Georgia was a law clerk for Justice David May of the Iowa Supreme Court during the 2022-23 term. As a law clerk, she drafted opinions and conducted research memorandum on criminal, civil, and attorney disciplinary issues. About Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP Headquartered in Omaha, NE, Lamson Dugan & Murray (LDM) has more than 40 attorneys practicing within the areas of Litigation and Corporate Law. LDM's extensive experience enables the Firm to offer expertise in 26 different practice areas, allowing the Firm to remain committed to quality representation, accessibility, and relentless hard work on behalf of clients. LDM also has a growing office in West Des Moines, IA.
Ryba joins Nebraska Community Foundation Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) welcomes Shawn Ryba to its talented team of professionals committed to building stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. As NCF's new affiliated fund development coordinator for Southeast Nebraska, Ryba will work with volunteer leaders to build community awareness, conduct fundraising efforts and increase community impact through grantmaking and citizen engagement. Ryba has extensive experience in community building organizations in Lincoln. Immediately before joining NCF, he served as the executive director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln. From 2017 through 2022, he played an integral role in establishing the South of Downtown Community Development Organization, which followed a similar philosophy to NCF in its mission to build a stronger community in the historic Lincoln neighborhoods of Near South and Everett. Ryba earned a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He currently serves as a board member at the LUX Center for the Arts. He has also served as a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln and as a board member at NeighborWorks Lincoln. About Nebraska Community Foundation Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving 270 communities. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.
Omaha police said Sunday that a 27-year-old man pointed a gun at bystanders and then officers before being killed by gunfire from the officers.

The incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. near 101st and Pacific Streets, a police spokesman said. The deceased has been identified as Matthew X. Johnson of Omaha.

Johnsons father, Aric Johnson of Omaha, said Sunday morning in a phone message to The World-Herald that the family was just starting to learn the details of the incident. He asked that the family be allowed to grieve and process the situation.

The only comment that Ill make about Matt is that we love our son very much, he said in a voicemail. This is a tragedy that is going to be felt far and wide through the family and friends that he has known for years.

Officers were called to the area of 101st and Pacific Streets at 1:08 a.m. for a report of an armed man who was possibly suicidal, the police spokesman said. Officers made contact with Johnson, who they said was holding a handgun to his head.

Officers negotiated with the subject for over five minutes, at which time the suspect pointed his weapon at a bystander, and then the officers, according to an Omaha police statement. The officers then discharged their firearms striking the suspect.

Omaha Fire Department medics transported Johnson to the Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy, where he was pronounced deceased. There were no reports of injuries to officers or bystanders.

Police have not identified the officers involved or said how many officers fired their weapons. A police spokesman said the officers who fired will be on administrative duty pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The Omaha Police Departments officer-involved shooting investigation team is being assisted by investigators from the Douglas and Sarpy County Sheriffs Offices.
Stephen Decatur was good at ditching.

Ditched his real last name. Ditched wives more than once. Ditched Nebraska Territory.

His short time in the state has been commemorated through the naming of an Omaha street and the Burt County village on the Missouri River that he helped found.

But if Decatur had kept his last name, those would be known as Bross Street and Bross, Nebraska.

Stephen Decatur Bross in all likelihood was named for the American naval officer and commodore killed in a duel in 1820. Its unlikely Bross was related to him, although once he came to the West he referred to himself as Commodore Stephen Decatur and claimed he was his nephew.

From an early autobiographical paragraph, he was born in November 1815 in a log cabin in Montigue, New Jersey. I was bread (sic) a shoemaker and earned money enough to go to College, he wrote in 1843, when he was principal of Farmers Hall Academy in Goshen, New York.

Two years later, Decatur  from here on, well call him that  was married with one child and a second on the way. He left them.

He told his wife he was going on business to New York City, took a few clothes and bade her goodbye. He stayed a night or two in the city. One evening, he walked out of his hotel and so began his double life. One that now needs facts separated from romantic fiction.

Much of Decaturs biography comes from Alfred Sorensons 1923 The Story of Omaha, but even Sorensons chapter devoted to A Man of Mystery contains some errors. Such as placing Decatur in the region in 1841  while Decatur clearly was still in the East.

Decatur fought in the Mexican War with Alexander Doniphans regiment, marching under the command of Stephen Kearny to Santa Fe and Chihuahua. He was known as a brave and gallant soldier.

By 1851 Decatur as on the west bank of the Missouri, working for Peter Sarpys trading post at Bellevue. He spoke the languages of the Omaha, Ponca, Pottawattamie and Sioux peoples.

He is most courteous and obliging, observed Swiss artist Rudolph Kurz on an 1851 visit. Two months ago he served as sailor on a ship because, owing to the illness of his comrades on their way to California, he got stuck fast in this region.

He operated a Sarpy-owned ferry on the Loup River in 1853 near present-day Columbus.

On Feb. 9, 1854, Decatur and Sarpy were among the 11 incorporators of the Bellevue Town Company. It fulfilled Decaturs ambition of locating a town at the trading post.

In his buckskin clothes, Commodore Decatur became well-known among the first settlers of Bellevue and Omaha. At the new territorys first Fourth of July celebration, Decaturs toast to Nebraska! The Keystone of the Federal arch was received with the wildest applause of the day.

He presided, but with incident, at the funeral of Logan Fontenelle, who was killed in a fight with a band of Sioux.

While reading the Episcopal church burial service, he was interrupted. Cried out a Mrs. Sloan, Stephen Decatur, a man of your character ought to be ashamed of yourself to make a mockery of the Christian religion by reading the solemn service of the church.

She favored temperance, and because of his drinking and other habits, considered him unfit as a minister. He finished the burial ceremony.

Decatur and Sarpy were among those in the Decatur Town and Ferry Company that sited the town of Decatur in 1855. It was where Sarpy had an Indian trading post and Decatur was its manager.

Curiosity was building. Who was this Stephen Decatur? He dressed like a frontiersman, but quoted Horace in Latin. Whispers began that he was using an assumed name, that he was no relation to the famous commodore.

Family members from home were coming out west, including future Chicago Tribune newspaperman and Illinois Lt. Gov. William Bross . One narrative has William meeting Stephen at the Bellevue trading post in 1855, but Decatur would not recognize William as his brother and the chagrined brother left with a sorrowful heart.

Another story has a former pupil from New York, David Moffat, recognizing Decatur at a public meeting in Omaha and informing William, who sent brother John, a prominent lawyer in Chicago, to Nebraska.

The latter version might lead into Sorensons take, that one of the Bross brothers  which one, he doesnt identify  unsuccessfully tried to uncover Decaturs identity at a saloon in downtown Omaha. Decatur became enraged. The brother, said to be an army officer, demanded that Decatur show him his left hand. Was there a scar, which the brother said he made with a hatchet?

Decatur wanted to fight. The brother retreated from the saloon and the affair was hushed up, the author wrote.

Decatur took a second wife. In 1855 he met Margaret (Waldo) Thompson, a widowed mother of three, when she was trying to recover her late husbands claim between Omaha and Bellevue, and between claims of Sarpy and Decatur. Her oldest son, Waldo, was the first page in the Nebraska territorial legislature.

The Nebraska chapter of Decaturs double life ends in 1859 when he succumbed to the Colorado gold rush fever. He left his second family behind, this one in a cabin on Decatur Spring. James Godfrey Decatur was Decaturs only offspring. A son and daughter died in infancy and were buried on the Decatur farm.

He enlisted in the Third Regiment of the Colorado Cavalry during the Civil War and was the acting battalion adjutant during the controversial Sand Creek Massacre in November 1864.

Decatur settled in the Georgetown mining district. A flowery writer and a first-rate drinker, Old Sulphurets was his nom de plume when writing for the Georgetown Miner as its associate editor. He served two years in the Colorado territorial legislature.

The Bross brothers, especially William, kept trying to get Decatur to admit to his true identity. One effort was in the early 1870s. Bross was on a trip to the Pacific Coast when he purportedly was met at the door by a Native American woman who said she was Mrs. Decatur.

For those counting, shes wife No. 3. With nary a divorce.

When Decatur was appointed Colorados commissioner to the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876, he stopped off in Chicago to see William Bross and met other relatives, a sister and two more brothers. Didnt budge on his alter ego.

In Philadelphia, the children of the son born after he left his New York family visited him. So did some townspeople from Goshen, who recognized him. He remained in denial.

Decatur lived out his years in mining camps in the Sangre de Cristo mountains west of Pueblo, Colorado. The commodore died almost penniless on June 3, 1888, in Rosita, Colorado.

Why he should persist in denying his identity was his secret, wrote the Chicago Journal in 1890. He died in the arms of his Indian wife in 1888, taking the secret with him.
Responding to a report of a stray dog, Nebraska Humane Society animal control officer Becky McMahon pulled up near 30th and Lake Streets to find the vagrant canine standing by the street.

Hey buddy, what is this? McMahon asked after she exited her utility van, her tone sounding much like a mother addressing a young child.

McMahon quickly sized up the English bulldog mix, who had cuts on his ears, some kind of skin condition and flies buzzing around his head. He clearly wasnt in the best of shape.

Then with tail wagging and a soft glint in his eye, the mutt sauntered right up to McMahon.

Good boy, McMahon said as she dropped her catch pole  the classic dogcatchers tool with a rope loop at the end  and instead slipped a short lead around the dogs neck. After asking the dog if he wanted a ride, she lifted him into a kennel for a trip to the animal shelter.

It was all in a days work for McMahon, who during that same shift would pick up another stray, remove two bats from homes, investigate a dog bite incident, track a report of a dog abandoned when its owner went to jail, pick up two dead animals, and whisk a sick raccoon from a yard.

For more than a century, the Nebraska Humane Society has provided animal control services for the City of Omaha  not only dealing with domestic and wild critters run amok, but also investigating humans suspected of animal abuse and neglect.

That city service is also currently stressed and financially underwater, in part due to a post-pandemic surge of unwanted pets.

Nationwide, people who adopted pets when staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic have frequently decided they cant care for them, often due to a return to work, other life changes or financial problems.

We are seeing people surrendering their animals because they cant afford to keep them, said Nancy Hintz, president and CEO of NHS. Everybody (nationally) is experiencing the same issue  more animals than they know what to do with.

Figures from the Humane Society suggest that current funding from the city falls almost $1 million short of the nearly $6 million cost of providing the service.

To help meet the gap, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has endorsed a $600,000 increase in direct city funding to the nonprofit, along with a modest boost in the citys annual pet licensing fees that would raise hundreds of thousands more.

Stothert said its a price worth paying for a vital city service.

If we didnt have the Humane Society doing animal control for us, it would be the Omaha Police Department or Public Works just picking them up off the street, and wed have nothing to do with them, Stothert said. So the service that they provide is great, and we need to be partners with them.

Speaking to the emotional pull of animal welfare issues, the Humane Society funding was the most-commented-on piece of the entire $500 million city budget during a hearing before the Omaha City Council last month.

Two testifiers questioned the increased funding  reflecting recent criticism of the Humane Society in the wake of the pandemic pet surge.

I do not support the amount of money going to the Humane Society, said Kyra Britt, addressing her comments both to the council and Hintz, who had just spoken in support of the funding. I dont think theyre using their funds like they should.

Some animal rescue groups and other animal advocates have particularly expressed concerns about Hintzs decision in May 2022 to close the NHS clinic that offered low-cost spay and neuter services. They say that loss has only added to the glut of unwanted pets.

Animal advocates also express concern about the high employee turnover rate at NHS, which is markedly above the national shelter average.

Hintz in an interview acknowledged that the clinics closure has been counterproductive when it comes to controlling animal populations.

But she also said the decision was unrelated to funding from the city and not driven by finances at all. The clinic closed because of an inability to hire the veterinary staff to run it, she said, with vet techs particularly in short supply throughout the region.

We would love to reopen it, Hintz said. But we dont have the staffing.

Despite the recent tensions with some rescue groups, Hintz defended how the nonprofit has navigated the recent animal surge. In the end, the rescue groups and NHS have the same goal.

We all want to save lives, she said.

* * *

Many people are familiar with the Nebraska Humane Society and its complex of buildings near 90th and Fort Streets  the place to go to adopt a dog or cat. But there are actually two distinct sides to the animal welfare nonprofit.

NHS contracts to serve as the official animal control agency for not only Omaha, but all of Sarpy County, too. Its been providing that service in Omaha since 1909.

Those animal control duties include picking up and housing stray animals, answering calls for animal control problems, licensing pets, removing dead animals from roadways, dealing with dangerous dogs, controlling rabies, and investigating reports of animal abuse and neglect.

The organization employs 20 animal control officers who last year responded to more than 28,000 calls in Omaha and Sarpy County, including nearly 5,000 strays, 1,700 animal bites and almost 2,300 cases of animal abuse or neglect. The officers also frequently are requested to assist police and fire personnel if animals are present at the scene of a call.

NHS kennel workers, veterinary staff, maintenance workers, administrative staff and others also devote part of their time to the municipal animal control services.

In Omaha, those services are primarily funded by the $3 million in annual pet licensing fees paid by dog and cat owners  a city-charged fee that flows directly to the Humane Society  along with about $800,000 in other fees and a $1 million direct appropriation from the city.

The other side of NHS runs a shelter for lost, abandoned and surrendered animals, housing them in its kennels, evaluating them to see if they would make good adoptive pets, training them to deal with behavioral issues, and finding new adoptive homes.

The shelter side of NHS is primarily funded by charitable donations, with adoption fees also playing a part.

While separate for budgeting purposes, the two sides of the organization are also inextricably linked.

For example, a stray dog picked up by animal control officers is housed at city expense for up to three days. If unclaimed in that time, the cost of the dogs care transfers to the shelter side of the organization, which prepares the animal for potential adoption.

Hintz said the shelter side of the Humane Society budget is healthy and on target, thanks to the generous support of many donors. The organizations overall annual budget is almost $17 million.

But NHS figures show the money it receives from the city for animal control in recent years has been falling short of the actual cost of the service: by nearly $500,000 in 2022, and almost $1 million this year.

Hintz cited a couple of prime reasons for the funding gap.

Since the pandemic spike in unwanted pets, she said the Humane Society is seeing an increase in stray and abandoned animals, as well as more reports of animal abuse and neglect. It issued 28 misdemeanor and felony warrants for abuse and neglect in 2022, up from 10 in 2021.

Annual shelter statistics show the Humane Societys annual intake of dogs spiked from 4,800 in 2020 to 5,700 in 2022. And the length of stay has increased, too.

That keeps our kennels full and keeps us busy, Hintz said.

The influx came just after the Humane Society had completed a $14 million renovation of its headquarters. But that overhaul was aimed at improving public adoption areas to reduce animal stress and promote more adoptions, not increasing overall capacity.

Its kennels overflowing, the Humane Society altered its policy on voluntary surrender of animals.

Instead of automatically accepting surrenders, it sought to limit them to true emergencies and otherwise work with pet owners on alternatives: offering free feed and other resources to allow owners to continue to care for their animals at home; referring them to a pet rehoming website; or putting them on a wait list based on shelter availability.

The Humane Society also shut down after-hours drop boxes for animals, saying such unmonitored intake runs counter to the surrender policy and is no longer considered good industry practice.

The changes raised concerns among some animal rescue groups, who say they put more pressure on them to accept unwanted animals, and could put animals at risk. The rescue groups say the Humane Society, with its large donor base, is in a much better position to provide for the animals than they are.

The rescues are full and the shelters are full, and that leaves pet owners no option at all other than releasing their pet on a dirt road, said Terri Larson, founder of Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue. That is horrible for me to think about.

Humane Society officials continue to defend the changes, saying its better for animals welfare to work to keep them in homes than in an overcrowded shelter.

Warehousing is not the best thing for animals, said Pam Wiese, the Humane Societys vice president for public relations. If we can keep them in their homes and do more outreach and help people keep their pets, that makes a bigger difference in the life of the pet and pet owner.

While the Humane Society could have euthanized unwanted animals to make room, shelter statistics through 2022 show the number of dogs and cats euthanized in Omaha has been trending down for more than a decade, and now is roughly at one-third the level it was in 2011. The standing policy has not changed in 2023, Hintz said.

Hintz said another factor in the budget gap has been the regions tight labor market, which has required higher pay to attract the workers the Humane Society needs.

Pay at the Humane Society has been historically low, with animal advocates frequently noting that animal care workers often can qualify for food stamps.

In response to the poor pay and other conditions, the animal control officers like McMahon voted to form a union. Through collective bargaining in 2021, they earned pay increases from the previous $14.50 an hour to $18, as well as other benefits.

Hintz said she recognized not long after she was hired in 2016 that pay was an issue throughout the organization. NHS got aggressive on the issue in the wake of the pandemic, commissioning a study comparing pay for all NHS workers to the market.

By this year, all workers have been brought up to at least the midpoint of the market, said Hintz, who called the pay boost the right thing to do.

The pay increases, however, have not stopped high employee turnover at NHS, which some animal advocates worry is hurting animal welfare.

Shelter work nationally is known for high burnout due to compassion fatigue and the physical intensity of the work. But the Nebraska Humane Societys 46% employee turnover rate in 2022 is notably higher than the 38% national rate.

With the current three-year animal control contract with the city set to expire, the Humane Society went to Stothert earlier this year with a request that the city nearly double its current $1 million in direct budget support for the agency.

NHS indicated that without more dollars, it would face the possibility of cutting a number of positions and services. We were open with the city about our needs, Hintz said.

Stothert said she was surprised and taken aback by the size of Hintzs hefty request.

Eventually, Stothert said, she agreed to meet them in the middle with a $600,000 increase in direct city funding in 2024 to $1.6 million. The figure would rise to $1.7 million by 2026.

In addition, Stothert is proposing to council members that Omaha increase its annual pet licensing fees, ultimately bringing in about $400,000 more to NHS each year.

The current $27.25 license fee for altered dogs and $14.25 for altered cats would go up by $1.25 in 2024 and another $1 in 2026. They would be the first license fee changes since 2017.

Hintz said she appreciated Stotherts willingness to help, calling the discussions productive.

Stothert also has offered to explore other ways to assist NHS financially, including making joint purchases of big-ticket items like vehicles to take advantage of the citys buying power.

The city and NHS also may explore how to increase compliance with the citys pet licensing ordinance. Currently, payment of the fees is largely on the honor system based on notices mailed out by the Humane Society under the citys seal, making it likely tens of thousands of pets arent properly licensed each year.

In Omaha, the Humane Society funding will be voted on with the rest of the city budget on Tuesday. As the recent hearing on the budget showed, the added dollars are not likely to alleviate recent concerns among animal rescue groups.

One of the big recurring things all the small rescue groups talk about is the lack of support from NHS after their spay and neuter clinic closed, Eryn Swan, an Omahan active in a number of rescue groups, said in an interview. That put us all in a crunch.

Not only did rescue organizations rely on the low-cost service the clinic provided, but the closure also is adding more and more to the horrendous animal overpopulation we have, she said.

One of the testifiers at the budget hearing said any new city money to the Humane Society should go toward reopening the clinic.

The closing of the center has resulted in a community cat population explosion that cat rescue groups cant keep up with, said Lawrence Shackman.

The signs on the door of the spay and neuter clinic still say it is temporarily closed. But its now been 16 months.

Nonetheless, it will remain closed until it can be staffed, Hintz said. She said the Humane Society isnt the only one in need of additional veterinary techs, as many veterinarian offices are also short-staffed.

Even despite increasing pay, and being very competitive, were all after the same people, she said.

Hintz also noted the spay and neuter clinic is unrelated to the funding request before the council.

The city doesnt fund the spay-neuter clinic, she said.

Larson, of the Muddy Paws rescue group, said her organization generally enjoys a good relationship with NHS, and together they save the lives of many dogs. But with the current tensions, she suggested they should work more closely to deal with the surge of unwanted pets.

Stothert said she has not heard concerns about the spay and neuter clinic but agreed it was an important service, especially for people who cant afford to take a pet to a vet for the procedure.

Overall, she said she believes the Humane Society is providing good service. As someone with two dogs of her own, Stothert said, its work that is important to both people and animals of Omaha.

Some of the animals they get are in such poor shape, she said, it breaks your heart.

* * *

Becky McMahon doesnt mind being called a dogcatcher, though anyone can see the animal control officers duties extend far beyond that.

As she started her shift on a recent weekday, the first call came up in the queue on her laptop: a bat in a home in Dundee. This call was in red type, indicating a priority call because of the potential threat to human health should the bat be rabid.

The homeowner near 52nd and Farnam had already captured the bat and passed it off to McMahon, who put it in a ventilated coffee can. Since the bat had potential human contact, it would have to be later euthanized and tested for rabies.

McMahon then went to pick up a dead rabbit she had earlier spotted in the road on the way to the bat house. As soon as she had knotted the sad, grisly remains into a garbage bag, another priority call popped up: Another bat, this one in a home just six blocks from the first.

Bats are part of the charm of living in Dundee, said McMahon, who lives in the neighborhood.

This bat in a home near 57th and Farnam was on the loose, its flight startling a woman into falling down stairs and hurting her back.

Im sure hes as scared of me as I am of him, the woman acknowledged.

After McMahon first tried to corner the bat behind the fridge, the critter later resurfaced on a drape in a nearby sun room. McMahon quickly netted it and popped it into another coffee can.

Happily, since there had been no potential human contact, this brown bat was free to return to the wild. McMahon drove into nearby Elmwood Park and watched the bat flutter off into the trees.

We moved into their home and took their spaces, McMahon said of wildlife. We can peacefully coexist.

McMahon had another wild animal encounter later in the day, responding to a report of a sick raccoon in the backyard of a home near 120th and Blondo.

She found the critter lying by a back deck, looking limp and lifeless. But as she picked up the raccoon with her catch pole, he instantly turned fierce, baring teeth and snarling like a gremlin. It was actually a good sign.

I hear you, said McMahon, unfazed, as she lifted the unhappy animal off the ground. Your complaints have been noted.

This guy was bound not for the shelter but for Nebraska Wildlife Rehabs facility near 96th and L. There, the raccoon would be evaluated, cared for, and hopefully returned to the wild.

McMahons work that day also showed Omahas animal cops need to be just as adept at dealing with humans.

McMahon stopped at a row of low-rent apartments near downtown to follow up on a dog bite incident from days earlier. She would be meeting with the offending dogs owner.

The thin woman in her 40s assured McMahon that the Australian shepherd named Gizmo had been vaccinated for rabies. But after looking over the record, McMahon saw the dog was two months past due for his next shot.

McMahon told the woman shed have to impound Gizmo for 10 days of quarantine to ensure he didnt have rabies.

The woman instantly broke down in tears, distraught.

Please dont, she pleaded. She told McMahon that she recently came out of homelessness and that the dog was all she had. Without Gizmo, she said, Id kill myself.

McMahon fetched a box of tissues from her van. Then she phoned her supervisor. They had the discretion to allow the dog to quarantine at home, so they discussed it.

In the end, they decided that since the dog was leashed at the time of the bite, and because the woman had been cooperative and had already muzzled the dog on her own, they would allow home quarantine.

But they also made an appointment for her to take Gizmo to the vet to be vaccinated for rabies as soon as the quarantine ended.

In addition, McMahon wrote the woman a $35 citation for the lack of rabies vaccination and a $30 ticket for lack of current dog license, plus court costs.

She also issued a notice that Gizmo was a potentially dangerous dog  essentially putting him on two years of probation. Any more problems could lead to serious consequences, including permanent seizure through a court proceeding.

I trust you. Dont make an ass of me, McMahon told the woman. I dont want to see you again.

Even with the citations in hand, by the end, McMahon had the woman smiling and laughing.

One of McMahons last calls of the day was picking up that friendly stray English bulldog.

I want to be very clear, strays are usually not so easy, she said as she drove him to the shelter.

After pulling into a bay in back, she took the dog to a temporary holding pen, snapped some pictures for her records, and left him in the care of a shelter employee there.

Given the dismal shape the dog was found in, it seemed unlikely any owner would step forward to claim him. She teased the dog about how gross he looked.

But given his friendly, gentle demeanor, McMahon was also confident the staff and volunteers would get him cleaned up and ready for a new adoptive home. Shes seen them work wonders, she said, even with strays who tried to bite her when she first met them on the street.

He just needs some TLC, she said. Thats one of the things that keeps me going. He could be somebodys best friend.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2023
The last year has been painful for drivers on South 42nd Street in Omaha.

From Dodge Street south to the city limits, motorists have been compelled to navigate a gauntlet of detours, lane closures and lane shifts while road crews and utility workers bring a major street and its aging infrastructure up to modern standards.

But winter might bring some relief.

This summer has seen two disruptive road closures due to water-main breaks on 42nd Street, each lasting several weeks.

In June, a ruptured pipe at Marcy Street shut down traffic between Pacific and Leavenworth Streets, near the VA Nebraska/Western Iowa Health Care System complex.

And in August, a broken main at Harney Street halted traffic for three weeks between Farnam Street and Dewey Avenue, in the middle of the Nebraska Medical Center campus.

More recently, additional utility work on 42nd has closed one southbound lane between Pacific and Center Streets (until Oct. 17), and caused varying lane restrictions between Center and Grover Streets (until Sept. 20).

Other repaving projects have taken place on the south end of the corridor.

The biggest project, though, is the replacement of two old bridges over the railroad tracks just south of Interstate 80 with one brand-new one.

When the $12.5 million project began in October 2022, Omaha Public Works decided to close 42nd Street south of the freeway  a vital connection used by 30,000 vehicles a day, according to an information sheet on the citys website.

It was a hard call, but engineers decided closing the road completely for 15 months was the least-painful option. The work could get done faster, cheaper, and more safely than if they tried to keep traffic flowing.

Eleven months ago, contractors began tearing down the old span, which was built in 1960 and had reached the end of its useful life, said Austin Rowser, Omahas assistant public works director.

Its just replacing an old bridge, he said. Being a feeder (road) for the med center and the VA, and with the I-80 interchange, we need to be sure we keep it in good condition.

Traffic was detoured via Center Street, South 60th Street and L Street. Demolition was completed early this year, and workers began to put down a new foundation and retaining wall. This month, the concrete bridge deck is being laid down.

The project is hitting the homestretch.

Right now were on schedule to finish by December, Rowser said. Were looking forward to having that guy open up again soon.

For about 30,000 daily drivers on 42nd Street, that day can hardly come soon enough.

Whats New

Miracle Hills Drive between North 120th and Nicholas Streets will be restricted to one lane eastbound for utility work in the inside lane until Wednesday.

Varying lane restrictions can be expected along Sorenson Parkway between North 78th and North 30th Streets for curb ramp construction until Sept. 26.

for curb ramp construction until Sept. 26. North 156th Street will be restricted to one lane northbound at Binney Street/Spencer Street for utility work in the inside lane until Tuesday.

will be restricted to one lane northbound for utility work in the inside lane until Tuesday. The intersection of North 94th and Blondo Streets will have various lane restrictions for sewer repair until Thursday.

will have various lane restrictions for sewer repair until Thursday. Douglas Street between South 87th and South 88th Streets  including the intersection of South 88th and Douglas Street  will be closed for street repair from a water-main break until Sept. 18.

will be closed for street repair from a water-main break until Sept. 18. Traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction and the westbound lanes are closed on Cass Street between North 74th and North 76th Streets for utility work until Nov. 5.

for utility work until Nov. 5. North 30th Street between Ida Street and Titus Avenue will be restricted to one lane southbound for utility work in the outside curb lane until Sept. 20.

North 30th Street, 250 feet north of Sorensen Parkway, will be restricted to one lane southbound for utility work in the outside curb lane until Tuesday.

Cumberland Drive at North 204th Avenue will be restricted to one lane eastbound until Wednesday.

South 96th Street between L and F Streets will have various lane restrictions for sidewalk replacement until Sept. 20.

South 20th Street between Castelar and Dupont Streets will have northbound traffic shifted into the southbound lane for panel replacement until Friday.

Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the center lane on Capitol Avenue between North 17th and North 18th Streets for utility work until Thursday.

for utility work until Thursday. Lane restrictions are in place at 17th and Dodge Streets because of fiber-optic installation until Sept. 19 .

because of fiber-optic installation until Sept. 19 Nicholas Street between 11th and 16th Streets is closed for street repair until Tuesday.

is closed for street repair until Tuesday. South 13th Street between Pine and William Streets will be restricted to one lane northbound for utility work in the outside curb lane until Wednesday.

Around Omaha

Intermittent lane and shoulder closures will take place on I-80 at the Giles Road, 84th Street, 72nd Street, 60th Street and 13th Street exits for a project to create accident investigation sites. Completion is expected in the fall.

Northwest (north of West Dodge Road and west of I-680)

Eagle Run Drive between North 140th Street and Binney Street will be closed for street panel replacement until Sept. 21.

will be closed for street panel replacement until Sept. 21. The eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 64/West Maple Road over the Elkhorn River will be closed through the fall to remove and replace pavement and improve lighting. Traffic will be shifted to one of the westbound lanes. The access to JC Robinson Boulevard, leading to Waterloo, will be closed.

will be closed through the fall to remove and replace pavement and improve lighting. Traffic will be shifted to one of the westbound lanes. The access to leading to Waterloo, will be closed. Blondo Street between North 117th Street and Papillion Parkway will have various lane restrictions for bridge repair until Nov. 10.

will have various lane restrictions for bridge repair until Nov. 10. West Maple Road between North 180th and North 177th Streets will be restricted to one lane eastbound until Sept. 25 for roadwork related to the construction of a Costco warehouse store. The right lane of northbound 180th Street from Emmet Street to just north of Evans Street also is closed as part of the same project.

will be restricted to one lane eastbound until Sept. 25 for roadwork related to the construction of a Costco warehouse store. The right lane of northbound also is closed as part of the same project. Expect lane restrictions on 156th Street south of Bennington Road near Kempten Creek Drive until late September. Lanes will be narrowed, and flaggers may be used at times.

until late September. Lanes will be narrowed, and flaggers may be used at times. State Street is closed from 156th to 147th Streets due to grading and paving of the three-lane roadway until fall.

is closed from due to grading and paving of the three-lane roadway until fall. Fort Street is closed from 183rd to 195th Streets due to grading and paving of the three-lane roadway until fall.

is closed from due to grading and paving of the three-lane roadway until fall. North 108th Street between Burt Circle and Decatur Street will be closed with local access only for street widening until Nov. 30.

Northeast (north of Dodge Street and east of I-680)

Leavenworth Street between Saddle Creek Road and South 49th Street will be restricted to one lane westbound for utility work until Sept. 24.

will be restricted to one lane westbound for utility work until Sept. 24. The right lane on Interstate 680 is closed from the 31st Street interchange east to the Iowa state line until Dec. 29 while workers repair a damaged expansion joint on the west end of the Mormon Bridge.

is closed until Dec. 29 while workers repair a damaged expansion joint on the The Parker Street bridge over U.S. Highway 75 (North Freeway) will be closed for road improvements and repair through September. One northbound lane of U.S. 75 between Hamilton and Fort Streets also will be closed while workers paint the bridges at Lake and Binney Streets until early November. The entrance ramp from Lake Street to northbound Highway 75 also will be closed during the project.

will be closed for road improvements and repair through September. One also will be closed while workers paint the bridges at Lake and Binney Streets until early November. The also will be closed during the project. Dodge Street between North 72nd Street and North 76th Street/Rose Blumkin Drive will have varying lane restrictions for street improvements connected to the Crossroads redevelopment through December.

will have varying lane restrictions for street improvements connected to the Crossroads redevelopment through December. Traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction on North 72nd Street between Bedford Avenue and Pinkney Street until Sept. 29 because of a water-main break.

until Sept. 29 because of a water-main break. North 65th Avenue between Miami and Lake Streets is closed until Sept. 19 for a sanitary sewer separation project.

is closed until Sept. 19 for a sanitary sewer separation project. Dodge Street between Fairacres Drive and 62nd Street will have lane restrictions for utility work until Tuesday.

will have lane restrictions for utility work until Tuesday. Binney Street between North 48th Avenue and North 48th Street is closed for utility work until Wednesday.

is closed for utility work until Wednesday. Westbound Dodge Street between North 38th Avenue and North 41st Street will be restricted for building construction in the outside curb lane until Nov 7.

will be restricted for building construction in the outside curb lane until Nov 7. Martin Avenue between North 36th and North 34th Streets will be closed to through traffic for street repair until Sept. 28.

will be closed to through traffic for street repair until Sept. 28. North 29th Street between Blondo and Burdette Streets is closed until Sept. 19 because of sewer improvements.

is closed until Sept. 19 because of sewer improvements. North 20th Street between Burdette and Grace Streets will have various lane restrictions for speed bump installation until Saturday.

will have various lane restrictions for speed bump installation until Saturday. The intersection of North 18th and Grace Streets will be closed for sewer work until Nov. 28.

will be closed for sewer work until Nov. 28. North 16th Street will be closed at various points between Burdette and Ohio Streets for CSO sewer separation improvements through December. Truck detour routes will be posted.

will be closed at various points between for CSO sewer separation improvements through December. Truck detour routes will be posted. Because of construction at the Kiewit corporate campus, North 15th Street between Mike Fahey and California Streets will be restricted southbound, and Mike Fahey Street between North 16th and North 15th Streets will have eastbound traffic shifted to the center lane until March 15, 2024.

will be restricted southbound, and will have eastbound traffic shifted to the center lane until March 15, 2024. Grace Street between North 16th and North 18th Streets is closed for CSO storm sewer upgrades until Sept. 26.

is closed for CSO storm sewer upgrades until Sept. 26. The right lanes of the I-480 westbound ramp to Dodge Street, and the Douglas Street on-ramp to eastbound I-480 , will be closed until 9 a.m. Tuesday.

, will be closed until 9 a.m. Tuesday. The I-480 westbound ramp to Dodge Street will be closed from 9 a.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Friday.

will be closed from 9 a.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Friday. Riverfront Drive between North Eighth Street and the Kiewit Luminarium parking lot is closed until Friday because of overhead bridge repair.

Southwest (south of West Dodge Road and west of I-680/80)

Nighttime lane closures (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) can be expected on Interstate 80 eastbound at the I-680 interchange through the fall while workers install high-friction traffic surface to improve traction. Traffic on I-80 eastbound and I-680 northbound will be rerouted to the L-I-Center bypass ramp.

through the fall while workers install high-friction traffic surface to improve traction. Traffic on I-80 eastbound and I-680 northbound will be rerouted to the L-I-Center bypass ramp. South 156th Street between Pacific Street and Wycliffe Drive/Nottingham Drive will have closures for street widening until November.

will have closures for street widening until November. Pacific Street between South 155th and South 157th Streets will have lane restrictions for street widening until November.

will have lane restrictions for street widening until November. South 168th Street between Q Street and West Center Road will have lane restrictions for street widening until December 2024.

will have lane restrictions for street widening until December 2024. Arbor Street between South 117th and South 119th Streets, and South 117th Street between Arbor Street and West Center Road, are closed because of street repair until Wednesday.

Southeast (south of Dodge Street and east of I-680/80)

Nighttime lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. are planned on the Kennedy Freeway (U.S. Highway 75) between Q and F Streets, including entrance and exit ramps, to allow for milling and resurfacing of the roadway, through the fall.

including entrance and exit ramps, to allow for milling and resurfacing of the roadway, through the fall. The West Dodge Frontage Road South between 84th and 86th Streets is closed for building construction until Sept. 25.

is closed for building construction until Sept. 25. Westbound traffic is shifted to the center lane on Q Street between South 84th and South 87th Streets for water-main replacement until Sept. 21.

for water-main replacement until Sept. 21. Mercy Road between 72nd Street and Aksarben Drive is restricted to one lane eastbound until Sept. 21.

is restricted to one lane eastbound until Sept. 21. Mercy Road from Aksarben Drive to 68th Street will have various lane restrictions because of bridge repair until Tuesday.

will have various lane restrictions because of bridge repair until Tuesday. Poppleton Avenue between Loveland Drive and Ridgewood Avenue is closed for street improvements until Wednesday.

is closed for street improvements until Wednesday. South 48th Street between Howard and Leavenworth Streets will be closed for utility work until Sept. 21.

will be closed for utility work until Sept. 21.



South 27th Street between I and J Streets is closed until Monday for manhole installation.

is closed until Monday for manhole installation. 14th Street will be closed between Farnam and Douglas Streets, and curbside lanes will be closed on Farnam, Douglas and 15th Street until early 2026 because of construction of the new Mutual of Omaha tower.

will be closed and curbside lanes will be closed on until early 2026 because of construction of the new Mutual of Omaha tower. South 101st Street between Krug Avenue and Hascall Street will be closed to through traffic for street repair until Friday.

will be closed to through traffic for street repair until Friday. Krug Avenue between South 45th and South 48th Streets will be closed to through traffic for street repair until Wednesday.

will be closed to through traffic for street repair until Wednesday. Hascall Street between South 45th and South 48th Streets will be closed to through traffic for street repair until Wednesday.

will be closed to through traffic for street repair until Wednesday. The eastbound curb lane on Douglas Street will be closed between 44th and Saddle Creek Road for construction until December.

will be closed between for construction until December. I Street between South 108th and South 102nd Streets will be closed to through traffic for street widening until November.

will be closed to through traffic for street widening until November. Grover Street between South 56th Street and South 59th Avenue will be closed for street reconstruction through December.

will be closed for street reconstruction through December.

Q Street between South 61st and South 72nd Streets is closed for street improvements until Thursday, except for access to local businesses.

is closed for street improvements until Thursday, except for access to local businesses. Lanes will be restricted on South 25th Street from Deer Park Boulevard south to the dead end due to brick street repair until Friday.

due to brick street repair until Friday. Traffic in the east curb lane is restricted on South 24th Street between Landon Court and Howard Street due to building construction until Sept. 19.

due to building construction until Sept. 19. South 20th Street between F and G Streets is closed for sewer repairs until Wednesday.

is closed for sewer repairs until Wednesday. Missouri Avenue between South 18th and South 16th Streets will be restricted to one lane eastbound for utility work in the outside curb lane until Wednesday.

will be restricted to one lane eastbound for utility work in the outside curb lane until Wednesday. The eastbound lane on Farnam Street between 10th and Eighth Streets is restricted because of building construction until Thursday.

Sarpy/Cass Counties

Capehart Road from Highway 6 to 213th Street and 204th Street from Westridge Road to Jansen Drive are closed for construction until Saturday, when Gretna Crossing Park celebrates its opening day. The intersection of 204th and Capehart Road, and Capehart Road east of 204th Street, are closed as part of the same project until mid-November.

192nd Street from Lincoln Road to the railroad bridge is closed through the fall for paving and bridge replacement as part of the CONNECTSarpy project.

is closed through the fall for paving and bridge replacement as part of the CONNECTSarpy project. Platteview Road from Highway 31 to 210th Street is closed through January to allow construction of a three-lane road. Pflug Road is suggested as an alternate route.

is closed through January to allow construction of a three-lane road. Pflug Road is suggested as an alternate route. Lane restrictions can be expected on U.S. 34/75 from Plattsmouth to the Bellevue bridges through September to allow for bridge deck repairs, and from Nebraska Highway 1 to Oak Hill Road in Plattsmouth through November 2024 to allow for road construction.

through September to allow for bridge deck repairs, and from through November 2024 to allow for road construction. U.S. 34 will have a lane closed in each direction over U.S. 75 and over the Union Pacific Railroad/BNSF Railway and South Fifth Street .

will have a lane closed in each direction and over the Union Pacific Railroad/BNSF Railway . The right lane is closed in both directions on Nebraska Highway 370/Cornhusker Road from 192nd to 180th Streets east of Gretna due to road construction.

due to road construction. A portion of 234th Street north of Schram Road just west of Gretna is closed for replacement of a 550-foot area of culvert until December.

Around Nebraska

Lane restrictions are planned on I-80 between Phillips and Giltner (reference posts 318.58 to 324.55) for road resurfacing, bridge repair and replacement of culverts and guardrails. Work will be performed from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., through November.

(reference posts 318.58 to 324.55) for road resurfacing, bridge repair and replacement of culverts and guardrails. Work will be performed from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., through November. Lane closures also are planned on I-80 between the Utica and Pleasant Dale exits (reference posts 365.14 to 387.27) while contractors install guardrails in the median. Work will be performed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday through Friday. Completion is expected in November.

(reference posts 365.14 to 387.27) while contractors install guardrails in the median. Work will be performed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday through Friday. Completion is expected in November. Alternating lane closures are planned overnight on I-80 between Exit 382 (Milford) and Exit 395 (Northwest 48th Street) west of Lincoln because of bridge reconstruction and guardrail repair.

west of Lincoln because of bridge reconstruction and guardrail repair. Lane closures are planned on U.S. Highway 275 from Nebraska Highway 36 to U.S. 30/East 23rd Street in Fremont while workers repair pavement and bridges. Completion is expected in fall.

while workers repair pavement and bridges. Completion is expected in fall. Nebraska Highway 79 is closed in Dodge County at North Bend from U.S. 30 to County Road R , with detours in place through the fall.

is closed in Dodge County at , with detours in place through the fall. U.S. Highway 77 between Winnebago and Walthill is closed until November while two box culverts are replaced, with traffic detoured via U.S. Highway 75 and Nebraska Highway 94. Then one lane will reopen, and traffic will be maintained with temporary traffic signals, flaggers, and a pilot car until the project is completed in mid-2024.

In Iowa

The Interstate 29 southbound ramp to Interstate 480/U.S. Highway 6 Omaha in Council Bluffs is closed for construction until Oct. 6.

in Council Bluffs is closed for construction until Oct. 6. Occasional nighttime lane and ramp closures may occur on Interstate 80 at the Madison Avenue interchange in Council Bluffs through June 2026 while the interchange is being rebuilt.

through June 2026 while the interchange is being rebuilt. The South Expressway from I-80 to 19th Avenue in Council Bluffs will be rebuilt until November, with lane closures expected while one-lane traffic is maintained in each direction.

will be rebuilt until November, with lane closures expected while one-lane traffic is maintained in each direction. Ninth Avenue in Council Bluffs will be closed for road construction in both directions at Interstate 29, and westbound west of South 36th Street to Harrah's Boulevard, until late October.

Close A crew from Hawkins Construction demolishes the old westbound Interstate 80 bridge over Harry Langdon Boulevard on Saturday. A crew demolishes the old westbound Interstate 80 bridge over Harry Langdon Boulevard in Council Bluffs on Saturday. A westbound Interstate 80 bridge in Council Bluffs comes down Saturday, part of a years-long reconstruction project of I-80 and I-29 roadways and bridges. An old Interstate 80 bridge is torn down in Council Bluffs on Saturday. Hawkins Construction demolishes an old westbound Interstate 80 bridge in Council Bluffs on Saturday. Photos: Old I-80 bridge in Council Bluffs is torn down A crew from Hawkins Construction demolishes the old westbound Interstate 80 bridge over Harry Langdon Boulevard on Saturday. A crew demolishes the old westbound Interstate 80 bridge over Harry Langdon Boulevard in Council Bluffs on Saturday. A westbound Interstate 80 bridge in Council Bluffs comes down Saturday, part of a years-long reconstruction project of I-80 and I-29 roadways and bridges. An old Interstate 80 bridge is torn down in Council Bluffs on Saturday. Hawkins Construction demolishes an old westbound Interstate 80 bridge in Council Bluffs on Saturday.
A 47-year-old man is expected to survive after being shot early Sunday in the 1600 block of Knox Street in northwest Lincoln.

Lincoln police were called to an area about a mile north of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus about 5:10 a.m. for a report of a shooting. Officers located a Lincoln man suffering from "at least one gunshot," a police spokesman said.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue personnel took the man to an area hospital with injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening, he said. Police said it's believed the person responsible for the shooting is known to the victim.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to call 402-441-6000. Those who wish to stay anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.
LINCOLN  As the Omaha public school district resorts to reassigning special needs students to different schools, Nebraska lawmakers are concerned that a lack of a clear plan to resolve the districts staffing shortages means theres no end in sight.

Members of the Legislatures Education Committee grilled three OPS officials Friday for more than an hour about the districts staffing struggles, mainly focusing on the districts recent decision to reassign students at three North Omaha schools due to a lack of special education teachers.

OPS, the largest school district in the state, has employed several measures to recruit more staff, but the depth of the nationwide teacher shortage has proved to be a challenge.

I dont think theres an easy answer, said Charles Wakefield, chief operations and talent officer for OPS.

The teacher shortages are nothing new for OPS, particularly among special education staff. But the issue has worsened in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it reached a new height at the start of the current school year.

Just before the school year began, the district notified roughly 140 families with special needs students at three of its elementary schools that the schools didnt have special education teachers, leaving those families with the choice of transferring their student to a different school, or keeping them at a school without special education services. Spencer Head, president of the OPS school board, said this affected about 137 students.

Then, earlier this week, news broke that OPS was switching roughly 1,200 students to virtual speech therapy options due to a lack of speech language pathologists across the district.

Head said OPS has a higher than average amount of special needs students, accounting for about 21% of the districts roughly 52,000 students. Along with that, the district has also struggled with vacancies in its special education department, with 133 unfilled special education classroom teachers as of this year, he said.

This combination has resulted in increasing caseloads for teachers, which, in turn, adds pressure to existing teachers and often contributes to burnout and more resignations, Head said. Five years ago, he said an average OPS special education teacher had 21 students. This school year, he said the average is up to 31 students.

Resignations were the reason for the lack of special education staff at the three OPS elementary schools, Wakefield said. At the end of last school year, he said, four of the five teachers across the three schools resigned for varying reasons. While OPS worked to recruit new staff over the summer, the district was unsuccessful.

Several committee members pressed OPS about why it didnt reassign teachers to fill the open posts at those three schools, rather than forcing students to transfer. Wakefield said the district was concerned about the ripple effects that would have on other students. Almost every school in the district has a teacher shortage, he said, and moving teachers would just exacerbate the problem at those schools, and take educators away from students theyve built relationships with.

Teachers also have the right to choose where they want to work, Head added. There was concern that transferring staff to different schools could lead to further resignations.

State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, a member of the Education Committee, said he expects more drastic measures in the districts future if nothing changes. He said hes spoken with special education teachers within his legislative district, which is in OPSs boundaries, and they shared that their main concerns are low pay and high amounts of paperwork in their positions.

Head said if resignations continue, the board may consider offering to reassign students to different schools again. However, he said they consider each school individually, so that all depends on the severity of the issues faced at each school. Reassigning students is not a desired outcome, he said.

We absolutely hated moving those students, he said.

OPS has taken several measures to recruit more special education staff, including easing barriers for qualified applicants and increasing salaries, Wakefield said. The problem is there isnt enough qualified teachers to fill those positions, he said, citing a drop in teaching degrees sought by college students.

We scavenge everywhere we can  but no matter how much money we actually contract, weve got to have the people to do it, Wakefield said.

This problem isnt unique to OPS. Jack Moles, executive director of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association, said rural districts also struggle with staffing shortages. Of 71 open positions posted across 56 districts, Moles said there were just 77 applications submitted. Many districts reported they didnt receive any qualified applicants, he said.

The Legislature stepped in this year and passed multiple bills intended to support education, including easing the burden of special education funding on districts by mandating that 80% of that funding must be covered through state or federal sources. Lawmakers also passed multiple bills aimed at addressing the teacher shortage.

While those bills were helpful, Head said they didnt do a lot to aid OPS with its special education problem. Unfortunately, he said much of the power to change things lies with the federal government.

Theres not a lot that the State Legislature can do, Head said.

Head and Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, another committee member, both expressed disappointment that no members of the Nebraska Department of Education were present at Fridays hearing. Head said OPS sent a laundry list of ideas to the department for ways it could help, most of which were focused on easing barriers to obtaining special education certification.

Wayne also expressed interest in focusing on the education department for solutions. He said lawmakers could look into ways they can allow the department to intervene more rapidly when such issues arise.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2023
Covered swine barns dot the landscape near Platte Center, where tens of thousands of hogs are raised.

Many of these barns are owned by a local boy who grew up a few miles from here, built his small family farm into a global pork empire and then became governor.

Gov. Jim Pillens hog operations bring jobs and prosperity to this area near his hometown. They also may bring risk to Platte Centers drinking water.

The town had to dig a new well three years ago, after another well recorded nitrate at nearly 12 parts per million. Thats higher than the level the federal government says is safe to drink.

High nitrate has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including cancer in children.

Nebraska has the highest pediatric cancer rate west of Pennsylvania. Counties with higher nitrate levels often have higher rates of pediatric cancer, a recent University of Nebraska Medical Center study shows.

Andrew Greisen, Platte Centers water operator, says the area surrounding town has seen several cancer cases this year.

Prostate cancer, breast cancer and brain cancer, just everything, he said. I just think its got to be the food were eating or the water were drinking.

Greisen is now working with natural resources district experts as they map nitrate inside Platte Center-area aquifers  studying where it may be flowing from.

One potential culprit: The nitrogen fertilizer applied for decades to corn fields surrounding this small town.

Another: The Platte Center West hog farm. The farm, six miles northwest of town, recorded a 61-parts-per-million nitrate level  six times above the legal drinking water limit  in a monitoring well last year.

Another nearby hog farm, Janssen Platte Center Nursery, has shown strong elevated nitrates and chloride levels, according to a recent Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy groundwater review.

Both these hog farms are registered to an owner at 4438 Old Mill Court in Columbus, the headquarters of Pillen Family Farms.

Greisen suspects most nitrate comes from fertilizer dumped on cornfields long ago. He also said that theres a good possibility that hog farms with high nitrate readings affect the areas water quality.

It throws a red flag, it really does, he said.

Since 1993, Pillen and his family have owned or operated at least 108 livestock facilities  mostly hog barns  across Nebraska, according to permitting records.

Only 27 of these facilities are required by the state to have monitoring wells installed on them.

Sixteen of those 27 have recorded nitrate levels higher than 50 parts per million at least once since monitoring began, according to a Flatwater Free Press review.

A few have violated the states livestock waste control rules. They have housed more hogs than permitted, the state alleged, failed to report spills and submitted groundwater test results late  all of which could increase nitrate risks, research shows.

Pillen is far from the only big hog producer facing these issues. In many places, concentrated livestock operations contribute to nitrate pollution, the research noted.

To be clear: No one is directly drinking from these monitoring wells on Pillen hog farms. But some of that nitrate will move along with groundwater, experts say, potentially contributing to Nebraskas nitrate problem and posing a risk to residents.

Pillen didnt respond to interview requests from Flatwater Free Press and Investigate Midwest about his hog operations.

In a December 2022 interview with the Nebraska Examiner, Pillen portrayed nitrate pollution as a problem largely stemming from the past. And if there are a few silly things going on, its easy to be able to identify that and granularly fix that, he said.

A spokesperson for the governor directed all questions to Pillen Family Farms.

Pillen Family Farms co-CEO Sarah Pillen, the governors daughter, emailed a statement in response to an interview request, noting the company employs a 17-member team that works to protect Nebraskas groundwater. The company, she wrote, has always placed a strong commitment on being positive environmental stewards of the land.

She and other Pillen Family Farms executives did not respond to questions about high nitrate detected on specific hog farms, potential causes of high readings and the companys remediation efforts.

Many Pillen hog barns have few to no known nitrate issues, data show. Other Pillen hog barns look much like the hundreds of other pig farms spread across Nebraska, which tend to show at least slightly elevated nitrate levels at some points.

Still other Pillen operations, like a Holt County hog farm, have recorded nitrate levels higher than Chris Jones, a former University of Iowa water researcher, says hes ever seen.

The Holt County farm, called CRB Finish, recorded a reading of 445 parts per million in 2016.

If youve got a monitoring well thats 400 parts per million and theres drinking water wells in the area, that should be a 911, Jones said.

Another expert, Rebecca Muenich of the University of Arkansas, said its a huge, huge, huge human health concern if nitrate near this level makes it into nearby drinking wells.

Thats water that you can sell as fertilizer for sure, said Muenich, who specializes in analyzing water quality data near livestock facilities.

The nitrate levels in that Holt County hog farm monitoring well have dropped markedly since 2020, dipping to near zero in November 2022.

Many other livestock facilities tied to Pillen Family Farms continue to show flashing nitrate warning signs.

Nine different hog farms that the state lists as being Pillen-affiliated reported nitrate higher than 70 parts per million this year, according to an Flatwater Free Press review of groundwater reports.

Two of those are near Platte Center.

The 355-person village Platte Center is surrounded by nearly 50 livestock facilities within a five-mile radius, including feedlots and hog barns. The three that have monitoring wells on site, including one not owned by Pillen Family Farms, all show significantly elevated nitrate levels.

The town recently drilled a new, deeper well thats currently delivering clean water.

The price tag: Roughly $500,000. The state footed nearly half the bill.

Greisen is worried about Platte Centers future. One municipal well in the nearby village of Lindsay has regularly violated the safe drinking water standard since 2010.

Greisen wonders: Is more polluted water coming Platte Centers way?

A Nitrate Mystery

Sometimes called liquid gold, hog manure contains much nitrogen matter, which converts to nitrate when exposed to oxygen. Nitrate is great fertilizer for crops. But it can also easily find its way into groundwater, which supplies drinking water to 85% of Nebraskans.

Experts say monitoring wells on hog farms sometimes detect nitrate plumes generated decades ago. They could detect nitrate from fertilizer, since many hog farms are near cornfields.

But sometimes hog operations are the direct source of nitrate, depending on how they store feed, manage wastewater and apply manure to surrounding land, experts say.

Thats why the NDEE often requires multiple-well monitoring programs  at least one well upstream that indicates background contaminant levels, and two downstream.

High nitrate readings in a downstream well can indicate that the feedlot or hog barn has released large amounts of nitrogen into the aquifer, said Dan Snow, director of the University of Nebraska Water Sciences Laboratory.

Snow said spiking nitrate and ammonia at CRB Finish, the Pillen hog farm in Holt County, suggests there were multiple leaks in the wastewater distribution system. It appeared a spill allowed the ammonia and other contaminants to flow directly into the aquifer, he told the Flatwater Free Press after reviewing monitoring data.

Pillen Family Farms executives didnt respond to emails asking about the potential cause of high nitrate there.

Holt Countys sandy soil means that nitrate can get quickly washed into the water table, Snow said. Maybe having animal feeding operations in that part of the state is not a good idea, just because its much easier to contaminate the local groundwater, he said.

Hog manure is often applied to nearby fields to avoid transportation costs, thus exposing nearby water to contamination risks, said Muenich, the University of Arkansas water expert.

It can be accidental application or deliberate; it doesnt matter, Snow said. If its at the surface  and the plant doesnt use it, it can eventually end up at the water table.

State regulators point out that livestock facilities like the Pillen Family Farms hog barns must sit at least 100 feet from existing domestic wells and 1,000 feet from municipal wells.

Some animal feeding operations are also asked to monitor nearby drinking wells, said Carla Felix, NDEE spokesperson, in an email.

No hog barn is known to have contaminated a rural residents drinking water, Felix said.

NDEE is not aware of any documented incidences where a private well was impacted by a (Livestock Waste Control Facility), she wrote.

And she noted that any investigation isnt guaranteed to identify the source of high nitrate for a simple reason: Groundwater moves.

Jones, the Iowa water expert, suspects that any mystery about high nitrate isnt one regulators are clamoring to solve.

The uncertainty about individual operations  the industry uses that  to avoid responsibility and make the case that it cant be regulated, he said.

Problems in Hastings

In 2006, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife employee reported that workers at a Hastings-area hog farm were pumping hog waste onto a nearby federal wetlands area. In a separate incident, state regulators alleged, farm employees used a PVC pipe to drain a storage pit into a freshwater channel.

The operation near Hastings, named Inland Foods, eventually entered a court-ordered agreement with state regulators and paid a civil penalty.

Inland Foods is one of a dozen Pillen Family Farms livestock operations that have violated state regulations in the past three decades, NDEE documents show.

Current executives at Pillen Family Farms didnt respond when asked about specific violations of state rules.

In a statement, Sarah Pillen touted the companys general environmental protection measures, describing them as far beyond regulatory requirements. The company works closely with state regulators, she said. In the companys history, she said, it has never had a permit revoked.

In 2011, state regulators recommended the installation of monitoring wells on the Hastings-area farm. The nitrate readings came back high.

An inspection then suggested the hog farm violated state rules by housing more hogs than allowed.

High nitrate on site has continued. A downstream monitoring well detected a level of 77.8 parts per million in May. A 2021 NDEE report concluded that this facility is impacting groundwater quality with a depth to water of 85-100 feet.

Marty Stange, Hastings environmental supervisor, said high nitrate levels may not reflect the hog farms manure management. Local construction projects might have altered groundwater flow, he said.

The Flatwater Free Press found no public record suggesting that NDEE further investigated or acted on its 2021 report. An NDEE spokesperson declined to specifically discuss the Inland Foods hog farm.

Generally, the NDEE can order livestock operations it believes is impacting groundwater to increase monitoring, plant trees or relocate lagoons, Felix said.

State rules require hog barns to document where manure is applied. This is meant to prevent overapplication, when leached nitrate can kill fish, cause algae bloom and threaten drinking water.

But Anthony Schutz, a UNL law professor and board member of the Lower Platte South NRD, said such paperwork doesnt guarantee good stewardship. Its nearly impossible for NDEE inspectors to watch every acre.

You keep a bunch of records. You do a bunch of monitoring. You follow all of the rules that are in the permit. But it turns out the rules in the permit dont actually require you to not pollute. And so you wind up with  where we are today, said Schutz.

Stronger Guardrails Needed?

Some Nebraskans, including grassroots organizers and those who farm near large livestock operations, say the state needs to hold these operations more accountable.

As governor, Pillen could strengthen rules and stop the bleeding, said Graham Christensen, an Oakland-area farmer who focuses on regenerative agriculture and runs a consulting firm.

He could tap into federal funding to promote farming practices that can reduce nitrate leaching, such as planting cover crops, Christensen said. He could step up state regulations such as requiring buffer strips when manure is applied.

Hes ignoring the issue. Hes not wanting to meet with anybody on this thing. Hes not publicly addressing our concerns, Christensen said.

But many others inside Nebraskas ag industry are dubious of increased regulation.

Osceola farmer Kevin Peterson owns a 4,800-head hog farm and serves on the State Environmental Quality Council, a board that adopts some NDEE regulations. He thinks the current regulations, and a heavy emphasis on education, are working as intended.

After all, overapplying manure is expensive, he said. And Nebraska farmers are increasingly heeding the nitrate problem and taking voluntary action to address it, Peterson said.

Its a lot easier to envision a robber baron sitting in the office  twisting his evil mustache and thinking about how they could destroy the environment in order to make an extra penny, said Peterson. Ive yet to run into any of those folks  I do not think Gov. Pillen is one of those.

Theres little debate on one point: The state regulatory framework over hog barns like Jim Pillens hasnt changed much since Pillen became governor.

This April, the NDEE published a letter to Nebraskans concerned about the feedlots, hog barns and chicken farms that surround small towns like Platte Center.

The document summarized the agencys response to 11 different points of concern over water quality and waste control, after some commenters said the agency didnt adequately address concerns raised in the rule-making process.

Theres a spot in the document where the NDEE listed any changes it has made in the permit rules in response to these concerns.

In all 11 areas where potential change could occur, the state agency responded with a single word.

None.

Sky Chadde of Investigate Midwest contributed to this story.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2023
Staffing shortages

Most Americans want to live out their old age in their own homes enjoying family and their community. Older adults or their families choose nursing home placement when the physical or cognitive decline causes a need for caregiving that is more than the family can handle. One study stated that almost 50% of nursing home placements were caused by the family being unable to cope with the behaviors associated with Alzheimers disease.

President Bidens administration has a proposed staffing ratio aimed at improving the care in nursing homes. This initiative is well-intentioned, but it will have unintended consequences that the public needs to be aware of, given the vital role of nursing homes.

The truth is that there is a serious staffing shortage in nursing homes. In rural parts of Nebraska, we are seeing nursing homes limiting admissions because of inadequate number of staff. If the Biden administration staffing ratio is implemented now, more nursing homes will be forced to limit admissions. We need to address the staffing crisis first, and then consider staffing ratio mandates.

In the coming session, our legislature will need to continue to address the ongoing struggle between hospitals and nursing homes in our state as well as the shortage of healthcare personnel. We need to be doing all we can to fortify nursing homes because we need to ensure they are there when a family makes the tough decision for nursing home placement. We need to ask our federal legislators to put the brakes on staffing ratios and instead develop a plan to recruit and retain staff for long-term care.

Kierstin Reed, Lincoln

President, LeadingAge Nebraska

Afghan Adjustment Act

I have been advocating for the Afghan Adjustment Act for over a year. Its an important immigration bill with bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. The bill will provide a pathway to legal permanent residence for our Afghan allies who were promised a secure new life in the U.S. I was thrilled to learn that Rep. Don Bacon recently signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill and is helping to bring the legislation across the finish line. Having a politician who truly serves the many diverse members of his community, including refugees and veterans, is very appreciated. I'm also thankful for Bacon's willingness to join colleagues across the political aisle to get work done. The greater Omaha metro area will very much benefit from the passage of this bill. Thank you, Mr. Bacon, for honoring our allies and supporting principled immigration legislation.

Rachel Bonar, Omaha

Clock's ticking

How much longer does Matt Rhule have? The clock is ticking.

Brian Hunter, Council Bluffs

Sour grapes

An article in the Omaha World-Herald article about ranked choice voting (RCV) includes a sour grapes comment from former Alaska Gov. Sara Palin about the supposedly complicated and inadequate nature of the RCV process (Aug. 28). That comment is inaccurate and should be disregarded.

Palin was a poor candidate. When she resigned the governorship in Alaska before her term was up, she moved to Arizona. She did not come back to Alaska until the opportunity arose to run for Congress. Alaskans were clearly tired of her carpetbagger behavior.

Further, even if the old system had been in place, Palin would have lost, 48.64% to 25.83%. Under the RCV process, she lost 54.94% to 45.06%. Sara Palin lost, not because of RCV, but because she was a bad candidate. She lost, period.

Oh, and by the way, the exit polling done after the election in Alaska showed an overwhelming majority of their voters thought RCV was easy and they liked it. Maybe we should try it in Nebraska, too.

Larry Bradley, Omaha

Political process

The American political process has been separated into two opposing forces, conservatives and progressives. Progressive is a new word for socialist, because socialism does not work so they changed the name. Progressives enforce a regimen of continuous socialist modernity based on their assumption that the status quo is failing. Conservatives pretend to prevent this process, however a 1950 conservative today is a 1970 progressive.

Elites have thus established a political left and a political right in continuous conflict so as to take your attention away from what the system is doing. While conservatives pretend to defend tradition, they in fact are simply a part of the Republocrat machine. Bipartisanship is akin to a handshake between God and the devil.

Greg Weldon, Papillion

Dishonorable Biden

The recent awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Army Cpt. Larry L. Taylor for bravery and valor was truly a moment of America at its best. Unfortunately, the prime example of America at its worst, in my opinion, was the master of the event  President Joe Biden. A botched withdrawal of troops in Afghanistan, billions of dollars in military equipment left behind, Americans held hostage, and 13 American soldiers killed in their effort to help evacuees.

How does Joe Biden deserve such a privilege as presenting a medal of honor? I think he is a complete incompetent, embarrassment and one of the most corrupt individuals to occupy the Oval Office. And Donald is a bad man?

Charlie Aliano, Omaha
President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during their summit at the Bharat Mandapam International Convention Center in New Delhi, Sunday (local time). Joint Press Corps



By Nam Hyun-woo



NEW DELHI  President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shared their commitment to holding a trilateral summit between Korea, Japan and China, during a meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in New Delhi, India, Sunday.



Yoon and Kishida held a 20-minute summit around noon, marking their sixth meeting over the past six months.



According to Seoul's presidential office, Yoon told Kishida that they should combine efforts to pursue the Korea-Japan-China summit. Kishida expressed his intention to take proactive steps to support that goal.



"The leaders recognized the recent developments in bilateral relations and discussed ways to improve their two-way partnership," the office said in a press release. "The leaders also promised to coordinate with each other on pending global issues."




How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.

100 years ago

Sept. 10, 1923: The route that the Chicago-St. Louis highway will take through Bloomington and Normal will be the first matter considered by a committee that will be appointed at the next meeting of the McLean County Automobile Club. The club plans to signpost all routes through the two cities, but the form and working of the signs has not as yet been definitely decided.

75 years ago

Sept. 10, 1948: The Bloomington city government has sanctioned an experiment to determine whether Bloomingtonians would rather put waste paper into a can or drop it onto the street. One waste paper receptacle has been placed at the Walgreen corner and one in front of the Grisheim building on the square.

50 years ago

Sept. 10, 1973: Bergner's, the first major department store to locate in Bloomington in more than one third of a century, will open Wednesday at Eastland Shopping Center. From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, the department store will be open for browsing.

25 years ago

Sept. 10, 1998: Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America will pay $3 million total to 87 job applicants who were denied positions at the Normal auto plant because of disabilities ranging from diabetes to back problems, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced. In what amounts to the largest out-of-court monetary settlement of a case filed with the EEOC under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Mitsubishi will pay between $10,000 and $120,000 to each applicant denied a job.

101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922 Gerthart's Union Gas and Electric Co. Hoover Dr. J.A. Moore Dentists Moberly & Klenner W.P. Garretson W.H. Roland Pease's Candy Thor 32 Electric Washing Machine The Kaiser's Story of the War Ike Livingston & Sons Gossard Corsets Cat'n Fiddle 'Stolen Moments' Case Model X The Johnson Transfer & Fuel Co. The Pantagraph want ads Franklin Motor Car Co. 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' Calumet Baking Powder Mayer Livingston & Co. Newsmarket 'The Emperor Jones' 'California Fig Syrup'
CINCINNATI  Brynn Schulte nearly died twice when she was a baby, at one point needing emergency surgery for massive bleeding in her brain.

No one knew what was wrong until a test that looked at her full genetic blueprint found a rare bleeding disorder called factor XIII deficiency  an early diagnosis that saved her life.

You have this hopeless feeling when you dont really know whats going on, said her father, Mike Schulte. Casting a wide net really made a world of difference figuring this out quickly and getting her the right care that she needed almost immediately.

Brynn, now 4, got the genetic testing as part of a clinical trial, the results of which were published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Whole genome tests are nearly twice as good as narrower tests at unearthing genetic abnormalities that can cause disease in infants  the study found 49% of abnormalities, compared to 27% with more commonly used tests targeting particular types of genetic diseases.

Whole genome tests could solve the problem of doing several narrowly targeted tests on babies, which still might not find the disorder. Experts caution there are some issues, because labs vary in how they interpret results, and whole genome tests are costlier and less likely to be covered by insurance.

But researchers envision that whole genome tests eventually will be used for millions of hospitalized babies with confounding, sometimes life-threatening conditions. According to the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute, around 350 million people worldwide live with rare disorders, and about 80% of the more than 7,000 conditions are genetic.

Ive been doing clinical trials of babies for over 40 years, said study author Dr. Jon Davis, chief of newborn medicine at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Its not often that you can do something that you feel is going to really change the world and change clinical practice for everyone.

A memory Ill never erase

The night after Brynn was born, her mother Lindsay noticed her skin was gray, her breathing labored. Blood had pooled beneath Brynn's scalp, causing two bulges on her head.

Doctors transferred her to the neonatal intensive care unit at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, where she got blood transfusions and tests for different bleeding problems.

She improved and went home  only to wind up back in the hospital when she was about a month old for a massive brain bleed. A doctor warned she likely wouldnt make it. A pastor prayed with the family.

After her surgery, Brynn stayed in the NICU for two months. At various points, doctors thought she might have a vascular problem or a mass in her liver.

Everybody was very unsettled because nobody knew what the heck was going on, Lindsay Schulte recalled. I dont think we slept. I mean, watching your child nearly die in front of your eyes twice is a memory Ill never erase.

Then the Schultes learned about the clinical trial, which involved 400 hospitalized infants.

Brynn and both parents got the whole genome testing. The diagnosis came in less than a week: She had the rare bleeding disorder, which affects an estimated 1 in 2 million to 1 in 3 million live births, and another condition causing a severe reaction to certain anesthesia drugs.

Doctors said that diagnosis would likely have been delayed  or even missed  with multiple narrower tests.

Many babies in the trial had genetic variants that narrower tests just couldnt detect, said Dr. Jill Maron, a study author and chief of pediatrics at Women & Infants Hospital in Rhode Island.

Thats because targeted tests cover maybe 1,700 out of 20,000 genes, so whole genome testing simply captures more things, said Dr. Paul Kruszka of GeneDx, a company that provides whole genome testing but wasnt involved in the study.

Ive been doing clinical trials of babies for over 40 years. Its not often that you can do something that you feel is going to really change the world and change clinical practice for everyone.  study author Dr. Jon Davis

Another child in the clinical trial, 2-year-old Cash Denaro of Oceanside, California, was found to have a genetic condition called Noonan syndrome, which involves heart defects, developmental delays and other problems.

His mom, Amanda Denaro, said that with the diagnosis, we know what they think he may be delayed on, so we can work on these more  not just kind of push it under the rug.

Whole genome testing made all the difference

Broader access to full genome tests is necessary if more kids are going to be helped, experts like Maron said. Full genome tests generally cost about three times more than narrower tests, she said, and aren't covered by Medicaid in most states.

Then there's the question of interpreting test results: More than 40% of the time in the study, labs found the same genetic variant, but one considered it the cause of disease while the other saw it as insignificant. Philip Brooks at the National Institutes of Health, which helped pay for the research, said it remains a topic to be addressed.

One reason for the differing interpretations is that science is moving so quickly linking genes to disorders and there isn't a comprehensive international system where doctors can check for the latest information, said Mara Aspinall, who teaches biomedical diagnostics at Arizona State University. She was not involved in the study.

Despite such hurdles, some kids are already benefitting from whole genome testing. It made all the difference in ensuring Brynn got the right treatment so she could thrive, said Dr. Cristina Tarango, her hematologist at Cincinnati Childrens.

Today, Brynn lives like any active preschooler except for regular infusions of factor XIII replacement.

On a recent morning, Lindsay Schulte put Sleeping Beauty on the television and laid Brynn on a blanket on the kitchen counter. A visiting nurse took blood from a port implanted in her chest and Schulte slowly administered the medication through a syringe.

Like usual, Brynn chose the bandage to put over her port  one featuring a cat from her favorite show.

All done! her mom chirped, and soon Brynn was running barefoot across a couch, gleefully chasing her older brother.

10 traits you may not know can be tied to genetics 10 traits you may not know can be tied to genetics Facial expressions Deviated septum Childrens insomnia Widows peak Caffeine response Sensitivity to bitter food Sneezing in the sun Optimism Pain tolerance Life satisfaction
The EKAJ Education Fund has distributed close to 5,000 customized exercise books to all eight (8) Senior High Schools in the Asante Akim South Municipality to support needy students in the beneficiary schools.



The distribution of the books is the first major activity being undertaken by the EKAJ Education Fund to support all Senior High Schools (SHS) in the Municipality including private secondary schools in its operational area.



The beneficiary Senior High Schools were the Juaso Senior High and Technical School, Banka Community Day Senior High School, Morso Community Senior High School, Dampong Senior High School, Bompata Presbyterian Senior High School, Ofoase Senior High School, Krofa Senior High School and the Oduro Apenteng Senior High School.



At separate ceremonies to present the exercise books to the beneficiary schools, the Founder of the EKAJ Education Fund, Mr. Eric Kofi Amofa Junior who is also the Managing Director of Seabiege Ghana Limited  producers of Safare Tissues indicated that the distribution of the book was just one of the numerous activities lined up by the Foundation to ensuring quality education and human resource development in the area.



The ceremonies were attended by the various chiefs, queen mothers, community leaders, parents, teachers and students who are the direct beneficiaries of the learning materials.



Mr. Eric Amofa said that his decision to distribute the exercise books was a testament of how he struggled at the basic and secondary school levels to acquire even basic necessities like exercise books for his studies.



I cannot forget my bitter experience in secondary school where my parents could only afford one exercise book for all seven subjects. So, I divided the book by pages for the various subjects, and I remember how I jealously guarded the book from being stolen or missing because that was very crucial for my revisions during exams.



Accompanied by some of the Trustee Board members of the Fund, Mr. Eric Amofa took the opportunity to encourage and inspire the senior high school students in the Asante Akim South Municipality to aspire to become great and impactful members of society.



He further encouraged them to take their studies seriously and desist from any activities such as alcoholism, smoking, homosexuality and other social vices that would jeopardize their future.



Mr. Eric Amofa pledged the commitment of the EKAJ Education Fund to support more needy but brilliant students in the Asante Akim area who want to pursue tertiary or vocational education.



Receiving the exercise books on behalf of their schools, the various heads of the beneficiary schools expressed their profound gratitude to Mr. Eric Amofa and his EKAJ Education Fund for the kind gesture.



Some of the heads asserted that many of their students sit in classrooms without exercise books to copy notes or do class exercises.



The Queen Mother of the Morso Traditional Area, Obaahema Acheampomaa Anima Kotoka II, who graced the presentation of the exercise books to the Morso Senior High School with all his cabinet members applauded the EKAJ Foundation for such a massive donation.



She also applauded the Founder, Mr. Eric Amofa for touching many lives in the Municipality in recent years.



The Queen Mother who pledged her readiness to support the EKAJ Education Fund, challenged other influential people in the Asante Akim South to emulate the shining examples of Mr. Eric Amofa and also contribute to the Fund to ensure more needy students are supported.



The EKAJ Education Fund was established in early 2023 by Mr Eric Amofa with a seed capital of One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC100,000.00) to give educational scholarships to needy but brilliant students in the Asante Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti Region.



The Fund is governed and managed by some prominent personalities in the area as Trustee Board members and patrons.

Source: Peacefmonline.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
The African Union Commission (AUC) has commended Ghana for ratifying the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation.



By ratifying the Convention, Ghana becomes the eighth country after Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal to have ratified the convention.



Ghana had signed the agreement on July 4, 2017, and the Convention was further ratified by the Parliament of Ghana on February 9, 2023.



A ceremony was held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, September 4, 2023, to deposit the Instruments of the Convention signaling Ghana's commitment to its willingness to work with other countries to achieve the goals ascribed by the Convention.



The delegation was led by the National Coordinator of the Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC) Major General Emmanuel Kotia; the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Mr Opoku Danquah, as well as officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ghana Embassy in Ethiopia.



Ratification



The African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation (Niamey Convention) is a treaty that was adopted by the African Union in 2006.



The Convention which is a legal instrument aimed to promote cross-border cooperation between African countries provides a framework for cooperation in a variety of areas, including trade, investment, transportation, energy, and environment.



It also establishes mechanisms for resolving border disputes and promoting peace and security.



The ratification of the Convention is a significant step for Ghana in promoting peace, security, and stability in the region.



Ghana by the ratification has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the peaceful and efficient management of the countrys borders.



AU Commission



The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission (AUC), Bankole Adeoye, who received the instrument, congratulated the Commission for the strides it has made in these few years.



Mr Adeoye who also commended President Akufo-Addo and the Ghanaian public for the lead role they continue to play in safeguarding peace, security, and stability in Africa also praised the Boundary Commission for its decision to hold a conference on Maritime Boundaries and International Law.



The conference which seeks to identify and address challenges to maritime boundary delimitation in Africa, such as overlapping claims, disputed islands, and the presence of natural resources also intend to reinforce the African Union's commitment to promoting the peaceful resolution of maritime boundary disputes in Africa and to strengthening cooperation between African countries on maritime issues.



The AU Commission, he emphasized would continue to support its activities through the African Union Border Programme.



Ghana



Major General Kotia praised the AU Commission for its dedication to the tenets of the African Union Convention on Border and Boundary Management which he said is key for promoting peace, security, and stability on the continent.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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
The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Appointed Time, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, has donated laboratory equipment worth over 27,000 ( equivalent to GHS 317,000.00) to the Pentecost Hospital at Madina in the Greater Accra Region.



The donation was to fulfil a request by the management of the hospital to meet the demand for services from the growing number of patients who visit the facility daily.



Presenting the equipment to the hospital on behalf of GIZ and Jospong Group, the Chief Corporate Communication Officer at Jospong Group of Companies, Madam Sophia Kudjordji, said the donation was to help management address the pressure on the facility.



Madam Kudjordji said some philanthropists personally brought 20 thermometers to the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyapong, which he added to the other items presented.



This afternoon, we are here with our colleagues from GIZ to do this presentation and we hope this will help management in taking care of their portion of the numerous challenges many hospitals are facing because of lack of resources, Madam Kudjordj stated



We believe this our widows mite will help solve some of your challenges," she added.



Some of the equipment donated are ph meter, urine analyzer, water bath, water distiller, vein finder, Coombs machine and microscope-eyepieces.



The rest are centrifuged, roller haematology 5 part, micropipette and glassware kits.



Receiving the items on behalf of the facility, it's Medical Director, Apostle Dr. Edward Arko Kwarteng, said the equipment was going to complement management efforts in handling basic laboratory stuff.



We are happy to receive these items and assure you and GIZ that management are going to put them to the best of use.



We also trust that there will be post-donation maintenance relationship, including the supply of reagents so that these machines can enjoy their life span and serve the community, Dr. Kwarteng stated.



On behalf of the management and the Board of the hospital, Apostle Dr. Kwarteng thanked GIZ and the Jospong Group for the gift and asked for future collaboration.



Present at the ceremony were Pastor Daniel Danso, Chaplain of the Group, Thomas Korley, Head of Zoomlion Foundation and other executives of the Jospong Group.



Before the donation to the Pentecost Hospital, GIZ and the Jospong Group had made similar gestures in Yilo Krobo District in the Eastern Region, with both donations costing 70,000, equivalent to GHS 860,116.99.

Source: Peacefmonline.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
Seasoned journalist, Kwesi Pratt has advised Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen to draw lessons from the situation that has led to his decision to withdraw from the New Patriotic Party's upcoming presidential election.



Alan Kyerematen has withdrawn from the NPP flagbearer race accusing the party of unfair treatment to him.



He raised his concerns in a press statement on Tuesday, September 5, saying "after having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant".



He also said "the level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party" and added "the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable".



Alan polled 95 votes in the NPP super delegates election to come third on the list of the top five candidates to contest the party's November 4th primary; something that many people find very surprising looking at his popularity and influence within the NPP.



To Mr. Pratt, what has happened to Alan should be a big lesson to him and every person.



He outlined the lessons and advised every person, particularly Alan Kyerematen, to take note of them.



"Not every person who follows you singing hosanna likes you or accepts your message. The lot of people following you, singing hosanna and hailing you are doing so for their selfish interest; not because they love you. This is a big lesson for everyone", he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/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.

Featured Video
Seasoned journalist, Kwesi Pratt and Charles Owusu, a former worker at the Forestry Commission, on Friday, September 8, 2023 engaged in heated clash during Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo".



The two locked horns while discussing the decision taken by NPP presidential aspirant and former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen, to withdraw from his party's presidential contest.



Charles Owusu, who supported Alan's presidential ambition, felt Alan has betrayed his trust in him by his sudden decision.



"I'm disappointed...Hon. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen must apologize to his followers...This is the first thing he must do because he is a leader and people have suffered because of him", he said.



During the turn of Kwesi Pratt to share his thoughts, Mr. Pratt advised Alan to learn his lessons saying "not every person who follows you singing hosanna likes you or accepts your message. The lot of people following you, singing hosanna and hailing you are doing so for their selfish interest; not because they love you".



What seemed to be peaceful submissions by the two panelists on the show quickly took a different turn as they sharply unleashed anger on each other with Kwesi Pratt becoming very infuriated when in the middle of his submissions, Charles Owusu interjected.



He had said, during his comments, that some of Alan's supporters are not even members of the New Patriotic Party and was about to make his point clear when Charles Owusu answered; "I am one of them".



Charles Owusu's retort attracted a sudden response from Mr. Pratt who said; "it's your business".



This is where things got heated up as Charles Owusu wouldn't accept Mr. Pratt's tone of voice. Charles Owusu asked; "Is it wrong for me to say this? I said of course, I am a part of it. What are you saying? Are we fighting?"



"Charles, I'm not going to tolerate this", Kwesi Pratt replied.



It took the intervention of the host, Nana Yaw Kesseh, to calm tempers and ensure a smooth running of the programme till conclusion.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/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.

Featured Video
In a surprising turn of events, the camp of former flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has denied endorsing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the November 4, 2023 Presidential election.



The team described publications on social as well as traditional media platforms as fake news.



Despite claims on various news portals and social media platforms, a member of Alan Kyerematens campaign team, Solomon Owusu, clarified that Kyerematen has not endorsed the Vice President and will not do so for any reason.



Owusu went on to state that the rumors of endorsement were attempts by Nana Akufo-Addo and Bawumia to gain sympathy after their actions had allegedly caused harm to the party. He also mentioned that Alan Kyerematen would soon address the nation and reveal his plans for Ghanaian politics.



It should be noted that Alan Kyerematen announced his withdrawal from the NPP Flagbearership race on September 5, 2023.



The former Trade and Industry Minister cited the intimidation of his agents as the reason behind his decision. Additionally, Kyerematen expressed concern over the Special Delegates Conference, claiming that it was unfairly biased towards a specific aspirant.



As the November 4, 2023 Presidential election approaches, these developments will certainly impact the dynamics within the NPP. Voters and party members will be closely watching to see how the candidates navigate these circumstances and whether any further endorsements or withdrawals will occur in the coming days.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.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
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A tagged Laysan albatross on Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. The movement of tagged animals helped scientists estimate their reaction to changing conditions. Credit: Scott Shaffer/San Jose State University

Forecasts can now predict the location and onset of marine heat waves that can disrupt marine ecosystems. Scientists say the next step is to forecast what happens to top predators that inhabit those ecosystems.

New research published in Nature Communications finds that the effects on marine predators such as sharks, tuna, and mammals vary widely and can redistribute species across international boundaries. Scientists predicted these shifts using species distribution models that account for changes in temperature and other environmental conditions.

"The goal is to provide forward-looking tools to help managers think ahead about how species could redistribute during heat waves and how they may need to proactively adjust regulations to account for these shifts," said Heather Welch, an affiliate researcher at NOAA Fisheries' Southwest Fisheries Science Center, a project scientist at U.C. Santa Cruz and lead author of the new research. "Predators often support important commercial fisheries, so it's important to understand how they respond to changes in their surroundings."

Marine heat waves have become a regular occurrence in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the West Coast in the last decade starting with a massive heat wave around 2014 to 2016. Some studies suggest they may become more common and severe with climate change. NOAA Fisheries is increasingly pursuing "climate-ready fisheries" by developing management strategies that can adjust to changes in ecosystems and their inhabitants.

Scientists used data collected from radio-tagged elephant seals to gauge the reaction of the species to changing ocean conditions. Credit: Dan Costa/UC Santa Cruz

Shifting regulations

Climate-ready fisheries management decisions could include, for example, open fishing seasons, quotas, and boundaries that adjust to changing distributions of species. These decisions are especially important for species such as tuna, which fleets want to catch, as well as others such as endangered sea turtles they want to avoid. The approach hinges on good information about how the species distributions are changing.

"How do we keep fishing sustainably and continue to protect important species in a world with a changing climate?" Welch asked. "We need to be prepared to change our approach as species move and shift. Fortunately, we can develop the tools to help do that in real time."

Scientists examined the effects of four major marine heat waves in the northeastern Pacific Ocean on 14 different predators including sea lions, bluefin tuna, mako sharks, and albatrosses. The effects on distributions varied across heat waves and species. In some cases the habitat of species came close to disappearing while in other cases it nearly doubled in area.

The researchers looked at how to develop an early-warning system that could alert managers to such changes before or as they happen.

"We are seeing large-scale changes in where and when predators go as a result of climate variability and change. Forecasting potential changes before they happen is critical for proactive climate-ready management," said Elliott Hazen, a research ecologist at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. "That is how we can protect the species that need protection and ensure the sustainability of our fisheries and other ocean-based economies."

Scientists tracked animals including blue whales to understand their likely reactions to marine heat waves. Credit: Elliott Hazen/SW Fisheries Science Center

Habitat on the move

Almost 40% of the habitat of great white sharks shifted during marine heat waves from international waters into U.S. territorial waters. This could also affect other species they prey on. Between 10 and 31% of predicted habitat of commercially valuable albacore, bluefin, and yellowfin tuna shifted from Mexico to U.S. waters. This shift is reflected by an unusual abundance of yellowfin and bluefin tuna reported by California commercial and recreational fishers in 2014 and 2015.

"That gives an idea of the scale of the changes that management may have to adjust to in relatively short periods," Welch said.

In 2016, a marine heat wave along the California Coast brought many humpback whales into coastal waters. They fed on abundant anchovy that had shifted and multiplied with the unusual ocean conditions. The delayed Dungeness crab season then opened in the same waters, resulting in many humpback whales getting entangled in the lines from crab traps.

Since then the fishing fleet has worked with fisheries managers to evaluate and adjust to the presence of whales off the coast before going fishing. Confirmed entanglements have dropped.

As part of the new research, scientists developed models that track ocean temperatures and other factors to provide real-time predictions of how top predators shift during marine heat waves. These predictions could be further tailored to the needs of fisheries or other ocean managers, providing an early warning system that alerts them to ecological changes, the scientists said.

More information: Heather Welch et al, Impacts of marine heatwaves on top predator distributions are variable but predictable, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40849-y Journal information: Nature Communications
President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral summit held on the sidelines of the Group of 20 meeting at the Bharat Mandapam International Convention Center in New Delhi, India, Sunday (local time). Joint Press Corps





By Nam Hyun-woo







NEW DELHI  President Yoon Suk Yeol and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a summit in New Delhi, Sunday, and explored ways to improve their economic partnership by improving a free trade agreement Korea and India signed, known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and lowering non-tariff barriers.







The leaders met on the occasion of Yoon's participation in the Group of 20 (G20) Summit hosted by India. The bilateral summit also marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.







According to Seoul's presidential office, the leaders agreed to pursue progress in negotiations improve the CEPA and recognized the anticipated benefits of the upcoming Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES) between their customs authorities.







The Korea-India CEPA took effect in 2010.






This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Germany's Roncalli circus removed animals from its program in 2018 for animal welfare reasons.

The smell of sawdust and popcorn fills the air. The clowns, acrobats and magicians are all in place.

As the audience are guided to their seats inside the big top, all the classic elements of the circus are thereexcept one. The live animals have been replaced by holograms.

Due to concerns over animal welfare, Germany's Roncalli circus stopped using lions and elephants in its shows in 1991.

But it went further in 2018 and completely removed live animals from its program.

"It is no longer appropriate for Roncalli to show real animals in the ring," circus boss Patrick Philadelphia, 49, told AFP.

Over the last years, circuses have found themselves increasingly constrained by space.

"If you're setting up in the middle of a marketplace in the center of town, there is no space for outdoor enclosures for animal runs," said Philadelphia.

The nomadic character of circus life was also a strain for animals like horses which had to be loaded onto wagons and then driven to the next town.

"This no longer made sense for an animal-protecting circus," said Philadelphia.

As Roncalli looked for ways to preserve the magic of animals for children, a show in which Justin Timberlake "collaborates" with a hologram of the late Prince triggered the idea to turn to 3D imagery.

"If you can project someone who's no longer living onto a holographic screen, why can't you do it with an animal, a horse, an elephant? So that's where the idea came from," said Philadelphia.

The circus replaced its live animals with holograms.

Something unexpected

In Luebeck, a steam train circling the ring kicks off the show to the sound of "Sunday Morning" by Nico and The Velvet Underground, before a bright green parrot appears.

The bird gives way to an elephant and her baby, who stomp and trumpet at the audience, only to be chased by a herd of galloping horses.

Designing the visual illusion was a technical challenge, as the circus seats its audience in a circle, unlike a theatre where the public sits in front of the stage.

Using 11 cameras, arranged on the ceiling of the big top around the ring, the high-resolution images are projected onto a fine-mesh netting which surrounds the performance space.

When the lights go down, the netting becomes almost invisible, but the images pop out.

While live animals gave a thrill, the new technology also makes it possible for Roncalli to do something unexpected.

"Whatever you can imagine, it can be created by an animator, by a graphic designer, then it can also be shown up in a circus show," said Toni Munar, the technical director of the circus.

Spectators say the absence of live animals have become a draw in itself to Roncalli's shows.

Good without animals

The absence of animals has become a draw in itself.

"I had never heard of Roncalli before. And then all I found out was that there were definitely no animals. That was especially important to me," said student Sophie Schult, 29.

Previous visits to the circus with her family had left a bad impression with Schult.

"I always saw the narrow cages where they (the animals) were all kept. That is basically animal cruelty," she said during the intermission.

Despite the absence of real elephants or lions, the show still manages to enthuse Andreas Domke and his two sons.

"I think it's good without (animals), because they really try to make the rest of the show special," said the 39-year-old doctor.

The performance works its magic on older audience members, too. Mathias and Marina Martens, both 63, said the spectacle made them feel like children again.

"The acrobatics on show here are amazing," said Mathias Martens, before his wife chimed in: "You do not need the animals there. For that you can go to the zoo and see them."

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Ukraine has been trying to protect its sites from Russian attack, like this statue in Lviv.

More than 50 world sites hope for inclusion on the UN's coveted heritage list at a meeting opening in Riyadh Sunday, while some incumbents, including Venice and Kyiv, face the risk of a downgrade.

UNESCO, the United Nation's educational, scientific and cultural organization, keeps the world heritage list, which it says is a reflection of the planet's cultural and natural diversity.

The agency meets once a year to update the list, the inclusion on which is seen by many countries as crucial for tourism and the ability to source funding for the preservation of sites.

Conversely, countries are eager to avoid being dropped from the list, including Australia which has recently made major efforts to avoid the exclusion of the Great Barrier Reef because of the government's shortcomings in protecting the natural site from the impact of climate change and tourism.

At the meeting in Saudi Arabia some well established sites, including Venice and Kyiv, will be in the spotlight for a possible "at risk" qualification, the first stop towards exclusion from the list that features 1,157 sites, of which 900 are cultural, 218 natural and 39 mixed.

Six sites could be declared "in danger" at the Riyadh meeting, joining the 55 already on that watchlist.

Venice is in danger from rising water levels, attributed to climate change, and excessive numbers of tourists, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, UNESCO's Director of World Heritage, told AFP.

Ukrainian sites Kyiv and Lviv are "threatened by destruction" in the ongoing war with Russia. "We don't know what will happen," he said.

Too many tourists and rising water: Venice could see a heritage list downgrade.

'Our humanity'

This year's applicants for inclusion on the list53 including a backlog from last year when the meeting, scheduled in Russia, was canceled because of the warfeatures a large number of little known venues, such as Koh Ker, a remote site in the northern Cambodian jungle with several archaeological sites dating back to the Khmer empire.

Turkey is hoping for recognition of its medieval mosques featuring wooden structures, while France has entered the Maison Carree (Square House) in the southwestern city of Nimes, a well preserved ancient Roman temple.

Tunisia meanwhile hopes that the island of Djerba will get a listing, not for the mass tourism it is famous for, but for its "cultural landscape".

Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan filed a joint application for the Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor, a 900-kilometer (600-mile) stretch along the ancient Silk Road.

Inclusion on the heritage list is a "recognition" that the countries concerned have sites that "are important and contribute to the development of our humanity", Eloundou Assomo said.

This year's applications reflect a trend towards more memorial sites, such as the application by Rwanda for four sites commemorating the genocide of the country's Tutsi population.

Argentina is proposing a site commemorating the victims of the military dictatorship in the 1970s and 80s, and France and Belgium are proposing sites of World War I remembrance.

The World Heritage Committee meeting ends on September 25.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

An artists rendering of XRISM, a satellite that will take groundbreaking new readings of hot and energetic places in the universe. Credit: NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

On Sept. 6, a new satellite left Earth; its mission is to tell us about the motions of hot plasma flows in the universe.

Launched from Tanegashima Space Center in Japan, the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) satellite will detect X-ray wavelengths with unprecedented precision to peer into the hearts of galaxy clusters, reveal the workings of black holes and supernovae, as well as to tell us about the elemental makeup of the universe.

XRISM, pronounced "crism," is a collaborative mission between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NASA, with participation by the European Space Agency.

Unlike existing X-ray telescopes, XRISM will be able to distinguish different colors of X-ray light, unlocking an extraordinary amount of information for scientists. It carries a new type of instrument that detects X-rays through tiny temperature shifts. It will be able to identify what chemical elements are present in the object it's looking atlike iron, nickel, oxygen, or siliconas well as their abundances. XRISM will also be able to read the velocities of gas motions.

"With XRISM, we will have a whole new view of the hot and energetic universe," said University of Chicago astrophysicist Irina Zhuravleva, who is a NASA participating scientist for the project and a chair of the diffuse extragalactic science team within the collaboration. "We will observe stellar explosions, interactions of black holes with their host galaxies, and violent mergers of galaxy clusters in unprecedented details, but most excitingthe unexpected discoveries that always accompany new missions."

Extreme questions

X-rays are produced by some of the most energetic, extreme phenomena in space: exploding stars, the matter circling around supermassive black holes, and mergers of galaxy clustersthe largest objects in the universe containing thousands of galaxies tied by gravity.

Scientists at UChicago will be analyzing the first observations of several massive galaxy clusters and galaxy groups. A big question relates to supermassive black holes, which sit in the centers of galaxy clusters. Scientists know these black holes release energy into the environment around them, which regulates the rate of star formation. But how exactly these black holes interact with their host galaxies remains an open question.

"So far, we studied the physics of these interactions by looking at 'static' imaging data," explained Zhuravleva, who is the Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics. "With XRISM, we will measure velocities of gas motions driven by supermassive black holes and study the mixing of different gases and metals."

Making similar measurements of the outer regions of galaxy clusters will also reveal how energy is transferred within the universe.

In addition, XRISM will precisely measure the abundances of different chemical elements and the distribution of metals within and outside galaxiesrevealing what type of exploding stars are responsible for the current chemical makeup of the universe.

The Perseus (left) and Virgo (right) galaxy clusters have long been of interest to scientists. XRISM will build on these past observations (such as the images taken by Chandra X-ray Observatory, above) in order to better understand the physics at play in these massive objects. Credit: NASA/CXC/Stanford/I.Zhuravleva et al

A new era

Because the Earth's atmosphere blocks X-rays, these observations have to be made from space. Launching a satellite and controlling all the instruments from space in an extraordinary challenge. Three attempts have been made previously to launch and operate similar satellites but failed; scientists are hoping the fourth time is the charm for the mission's success.

After its launch, the XRISM satellite will be tested and calibrated to ensure all instruments are ready to begin the observing program later this year.

"XRISM will open a new era of high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy," said Zhuravleva. "We're very excited about this mission and getting ready to analyze highly anticipated data."
  ,  Cookies        .          cookies.




Nora Fatehi, an actress of Moroccan descent, has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his heartfelt condolences and support to Morocco in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that left the country reeling.

The magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Morocco with such force brought a wave of destruction and despair, but it also highlighted the power of global unity and the importance of lending a helping hand in times of crisis. The earthquake, which was felt in many Moroccan cities including Rabat and Casablanca, has taken the lives of 2,000 people so far. PM Modi extended his condolences and support to the earthquake-hit country in a touching show of solidarity and compassion.

PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Extremely saddened by the loss of life due to an earthquake in Morocco." My thoughts are with the people of Morocco at this tragic time. Sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones. May the injured recover as soon as possible. In this difficult time, India stands ready to provide Morocco with all possible assistance."

Nora took to Instagram Stories to thank the Prime Minister, writing, "Thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this big support! You were one of the first countries to raise awareness and extend a helping hand! The Moroccan people are very thankful and grateful! Jai Hind!
By: Yashpal Sonkamble and Rahul Deshmukh

PHOTOS : RAHUL DESHMUKH

Activists and citizens were appalled at the nonchalance of the Pune Municipal Corporation on the hundreds of flexes and banners that were put up at every nook and corner of the city by the Nationalist Congress Party workers to welcome deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. In a show of strength, Pawar did a 20-kilometre-long roadshow on Sunday.

SSPMS COLLEGE

On the other hand, Punekars were at their wits end when they faced perennial traffic jams for hours due to the roadshow that started from the leaders residence at Ganesh Khind at 7 a.m., travelling through Shivaji Road and Katraj Chowk and ended at Narhe Chowk. The whole stretch, as opposed to the recent PMC decision of not allowing illegal banners in the city, was dotted with those  be it on the street poles, footpaths, Metro pillars, bridges and flyovers, and so much so, on the PMC building parking protection wall.

According to the anti-encroachment squad and sky signs department of PMC, over 1,000 flexes were pulled down from different parts of the city in the past two days. However, this claim does not seem to hold ground as was evident on Sunday at Ganesh Khind Road, Jangli Maharaj Road, Shivaji Road, Swargate Jedhe Chowk, Bibvewadi, Padmavati, KK Market Chowk of Pune-Satara Road, Katraj Dairy Chowk, Narhe Bridge and towards Khed Shivapur toll plaza areas.

JM ROAD

The department has been facing criticism from concerned citizens with many of them using social media platforms to highlight footpaths encroached upon by posters of political leaders with birthday messages and advertisements.

Makarand Joshi, a senior citizen, told Mirror: We condemn the illegal flexes and banners placed on public places like footpaths and bus stops. If we want to stop the disfigurement of the city, then, first of all, we should meet the political parties, corporators, and other public representatives and request them to not install flexes. Along with that, it is necessary to discuss with PMCs sky signs department about where the flexes should be placed, if at all.

Speaking to Mirror, social activist Ganesh Patil said, Many citizens do not know that there is a sky signs department in PMC. The corporation earns a lot of revenue through it. But the flexes are a cause of distraction for drivers near traffic signals. Many of them are illegal. There is a need to take a stance against this, and the citizens will probably support it.

CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ BRIDGE

Sangita Kulkarni, another Pune resident, told Mirror: This is not the only time a political party has put up flexes mindlessly. It happens time and again. When Pandharpur's Waris and Palkhis came, then too political parties put up banners in all the squares in the city welcoming them. They do create a mess.

Meanwhile, the PMC has assured that the guilty will be brought to book.

Deputy commissioner Madhav Jagtap, who is the head of the anti-encroachment and sky sign department, said, We will send our special squad for inspection and we will take appropriate action against the persons concerned if they are found guilty. Action will be undertaken as per the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) Act.

After Ajit Pawar joined the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government and took oath as the deputy chief minister, he received a grand welcome in some districts including Baramati. However, when Pune decided to welcome him, it turned out to be a roadshow covering Shivaji Road to Fadgate Chowk, Satara Road to Dhankawadi, Katraj to Narhe Ambegaon via External Pune Bangalore Express Highway Road, Navle Bridge to Khed Shivapur toll booth.

Pune NCPs working president Pradeep Deshmukh informed that a meeting was held recently under party city president Deepak Mankar's leadership to plan this 'roadshow'. Initially, Pawar paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Shivaji Nagar statue and then offered prayers at the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati.

A large number of police personnel were deployed during the deputy chief minister's roadshow.
A Davenport man is accused of taking nude photos of a teenage girl with a camera he hid in her bedroom, police said.

Nathaniel Wade Marchant, 41, is charged in Scott County District Court with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Each of the charges is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 10 years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Detective Sean Johnson, on Sept. 5, a woman called police to her home after finding nude images of her 13-year-old daughter on Marchants cell phone.

The woman was going through Marchants phone when she discovered the images of her daughter in various conditions of undress.

According to the affidavits, Marchant hid the camera inside a USB charging station that was in the teens bedroom. The teen was not aware the camera was there.

The images were on the device with two different dates in June, 2022.

Marchant was arrested Thursday.

During a first appearance on the charges Friday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Paul Aitken scheduled a preliminary hearing on the charges for Sept. 15.

Marchant was being held Saturday night in the Scott County Jail on a $20,000 cash-only bond.
DES MOINES  Iowa officials are considering taking the lead from a Florida program that connects people who need assistance with food, housing and other essentials with nonprofits and faith groups to meet those needs after Gov. Kim Reynolds expressed interest in it at a campaign event earlier this year.

Iowa Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia, along with a representative from Reynolds office, attended a Florida conference this week focused on Hope Florida, the state program that uses online tools and state "navigators" to help people who need assistance connect with nonprofits and churches with the goal of getting off government assistance programs. Members of the conservative Christian advocacy group The Family Leader also attended the event.

The program, spearheaded by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, uses a service called CarePortal, which allows people to submit requests for assistance. Nonprofits and faith groups that work with the initiative can then see those requests and respond. CarePortal is used in similar programs in other states.

Hope Florida also works with employers to help single parents find schedules that allow them to care for their kids and to provide employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

DeSantis praised Florida program in campaign stop

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is running for the Republican nomination for president, and Casey DeSantis has taken a prominent role in his campaign, often appearing alongside him and campaigning on his behalf in Iowa.

In one appearance in July, the Florida first lady discussed Hope Florida with Reynolds, who heaped praise on the initiative. Reynolds, also a Republican, said she would take some notes and wanted to enact a similar program in Iowa.

The partnership between the faith community, the private sector and government and what you've been able to do with that, I think is really phenomenal, Reynolds told DeSantis at the event. ...And I got my legislators here because we want to implement something very similar.

In a statement, Reynolds spokesperson Kollin Crompton did not specify whether Reynolds plans to introduce legislation to bring a similar program to Iowa, but he said she is interested in learning more about the initiative.

Hope Florida is an amazing initiative that helps transform peoples lives with the help of nonprofits and faith-based communities, Crompton said. The program helps people transition off government assistance and puts them on a path of economic self-sufficiency. Overall, it saves taxpayer dollars and creates a meaningful impact in peoples lives. The Governor is inspired by the program and will take any opportunity to learn more about it.

Speaking at the conference this week, Casey DeSantis described the program as a different philosophical approach to government and an alternative to state-funded assistance programs. Because people using the program have transitioned off government assistance programs, she said it would save Florida taxpayers millions of dollars a year.

Legislators considering emulating Hope Florida

Iowa state Rep. Jon Dunwell, a Republican from Newton who has endorsed Ron DeSantis and was at the Casey DeSantis campaign event, said the idea of using government resources to connect nonprofits with people who need assistance is exciting. he said he's spoken with other lawmakers who are interested in bringing something like Hope Florida to Iowa.

It seems to kind of scratch where theres an itch with my colleagues, to where were providing services that are really equipping, and encouraging and really allowing people to find success rather than just merely saying were going to write checks, Dunwell said.

Iowa Republican lawmakers this year enacted stricter requirements to qualify for Medicaid and supplemental nutrition benefits, a move that is expected to make thousands ineligible for the assistance programs. Democrats and other critics of the law said it will disqualify low-income families who should be receiving government assistance from the programs without a significant cost saving to the state.

Dunwell, who was one of five House Republicans who voted against that bill, said he does not think a program like Hope Florida would serve to replace government assistance programs, but would supplement them and provide residents with social workers who can help them navigate complex state programs.

"This is a program that's saying, 'We're going to try to use all the resources we have.'" Dunwell said. "Business, government, nonprofit, religious, whatever it may be, with a navigator to help them get every resource they need, and encouragement they need, and support they need."

Greg Baker, the executive director of the Family Leaders Church Ambassador Network, attended the Florida conference and said the organization has been in talks with state officials about how religious groups can work more closely with the state to respond to community needs. He said both the state and churches can benefit from the collaboration.

The group has been influential in lobbying the state on policy changes in the past, including a six-week abortion ban, currently blocked in the courts, that Reynolds signed into law at the group's annual conference in July.

It's a great way to get churches an opportunity to serve their neighbors," Baker said. "And it brings a comprehensive change in people's lives, too. So many problems are just because of social isolation."

Photos: Gov. Reynolds tours site of The Davenport collapse
On Thursday night, the Davenport City Council voted 7-3 to remove 7th Ward Alderman Derek Cornette from office on allegations of sexual harassment and intoxication at council meetings.

One day prior, the city blasted one or more city council members for leaking a confidential email concerning two employees. The statement came from Davenport City Administrator Corri Spiegel and City Attorney Tom Warner and went on to accuse local media of fueling unwarranted speculation about the employees absence by pursuing the story.

The story local media were pursuing was why two city staff members would be out of the office indefinitely and why council members were instructed not to communicate with the two employees. An internal email carrying this message was sent from Spiegel to the council members and the mayor on Friday, Sept. 1.

The email was leaked to the media, which is what spurred the statement from Spiegel and Warner on Wednesday calling the release of confidential information a grievous violation of the employees rights and an egregious dereliction of duty.

We dont condone leaking personal information, but perhaps the cryptic nature of the email contributed to the events that followed. No reasoning was provided why these two employees would be out indefinitely and why elected officials wouldnt be able to talk with them. We believe the lack of information in the email caused council members and media to think the employees were on administrative leave or fired. But why? And why the communication blockade between the employees and council members? These questions begged to be answered.

At the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus, we began pursuing the story in hopes of finding out what was behind this email. We decided against reporting the leaked email because we didnt have context, and publishing a vague memo would simply move the speculation to the public.

Then the citys public statement arrived Wednesday. We were surprised to see details in the statement that had not been included in the email to the council. The statement said the two employees were on leave because their work environment was no longer tolerable due to the actions of multiple elected officials, who had victimized them.

With information comes understanding. Our course changed immediately. A story about two employees who are away from work due to hostile conditions is a much different story than one about employees being fired and council members who are prevented from talking with them.

On Thursday, we learned that the city was accusing Cornette of sexual harassment, which is why the work environment for these two employees was no longer tolerable.

The chain of events speaks to a lack of trust between the administration and council members. Perhaps those who leaked the memo would not have done so if they had the information that was released Wednesday.

As for the media, Spiegel and Warner said local media are more focused on sensational journalism than ethical fact-finding and have been used as an instrument to exacerbate harm.

Spiegel and Warner are wrong. Local media were doing their jobs, following leads and trying to answer questions for the public. That is our charge, and we take it seriously.




Korea's Prime Minister Han Duck-soo met with Uzbekistan's foreign minister Sunday and discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation on energy, key minerals, defense, and a wider range of economic and industry fields, Han's office said.







During the meeting with the Uzbek minister, Baxtiyor Saidov, in Seoul, Han voiced hope for their relationship to develop further in a mutually beneficial, future-oriented way based on their 30 years of diplomatic ties.







Han particularly called for stronger cooperation on energy, infrastructure, supply chains of key minerals, medical services, national defense and the arms industry, among other fields, through high-level exchanges and communications, according to his office.







The prime minister also asked for the Uzbek government's support for Korean companies seeking to take part in major projects in the Central Asian nation.







In response, Saidov delivered Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's special attention to the bilateral relationship and stressed that his government will continue to work closely with Korean businesses.







Uzbekistan will send an economic delegation to Korea for a business forum later this week, which is expected to help further their economic and industry ties, the Uzbek minister said. Bilateral trade came to $2.21 billion in 2022, sharply up from $3 million tallied in 1992, according to government data. (Yonhap)


Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy




By Kevin Liptak, CNN





Leaders gathered here for the annual Group of 20 summit managed to agree on a joint statement laying out shared views on climate change and economic development but showed the fractures within the group by stopping short of explicitly condemning Russias invasion of Ukraine.





Diplomats had been working furiously to draft a final joint statement in the lead-up to the summit but hit snags on language to describe the Ukraine war. The eventual compromise statement amounted to a coup for the summits host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but still reflected a position far softer those the United States and its Western allies have adopted individually.





US President Joe Biden was hoping to convince the worlds largest economies to rally behind Ukraine during his two-night stay in India for the summit. He also pressed his case for American investment in the developing world.





On Saturday, as the summit was still underway, the leaders agreed to the joint declaration acknowledging the situation in Ukraine while not papering over the groups major divides.





All states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition, the declaration read, without explicitly singling out Russia for its invasion. The document also stated opposition to the use of nuclear weapons and highlighted the economic effects of the war.





In a reflection of the deep fractures among the G20 nations, the statement acknowledged there were different views and assessments of the situation.





The declaration earned the praise of the United States. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan called the statement a significant milestone for Indias chairmanship and a vote of confidence that the G20 can come together to address a pressing range of issues.





The G20 statement includes a set of consequential paragraphs on the war in Ukraine. And from our perspective, it does a very good job of standing up for the principle that states cannot use force to seek territorial acquisition, Sullivan said.





Still, the language differed from last years G20 declaration, which stated most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine.





Russia, as a member of the G20, would have to agree on any consensus statement on Ukraine. Russia and China had resisted stronger language in a final statement, making any kind of agreement difficult. No G20 summit has concluded without a joint declaration of some type.





Ukraines Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko criticized the declaration.





Ukraine is grateful to its partners who tried to include strong wording in the text, he wrote on Facebook. At the same time, the G20 has nothing to be proud of in the part about Russias aggression against Ukraine. Obviously, the participation of the Ukrainian side would have allowed the participants to better understand the situation. The principle of nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine remains as key as ever.





The absence at the summit of two of Bidens chief global rivals  Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin  provided opportunities for Biden to make a more affirmative case at the summit, White House officials said as the gathering was getting underway in New Delhi.





Biden said Saturday he would have welcomed the presence of his Chinese counterpart at the summit, but that positive outcomes were still possible.





It would be nice to have him here but, no, the summit is going well, Biden said when questioned about the impact of Xis absence.





Biden was hoping to use the gathering to portray the United States as a credible counterweight to Chinas economic outreach.





He announced new plans with partner nations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia to construct a major new transit corridor connecting the regions, a challenge to Beijings own efforts at expanding global trade.





And he unveiled new reforms and investments in the World Bank, which the White House says could unlock hundreds of billions of dollars in grants and loans for the developing world  providing an alternative to Chinas economic ambitions in those regions.





Biden was welcomed by the summits host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a smile and a warm handshake.





India calls upon the world to come together to transform the global trust deficit into one of trust and reliance. This is the time for all of us to move together, Modi said as the gathering got underway.





Be it the divide between North and South, the distance between the East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we must find a solid solution to this for future generations, he added.





It was a message of unity at a markedly fractured moment for the grouping.





While Biden has enjoyed ample success at other summits convincing fellow leaders to step up their military support for Ukraine and tighten their punishment of Russia, many nations, particularly in the Global South, havent been as convinced.





They view the billions of dollars in Western assistance pouring into Ukraine skeptically, and have sought a more balanced relationship with Moscow.





Bidens aides say the president welcomes the opportunity to continue making the case for Ukraine, including to audiences that arent necessarily on the same page.





Part of what makes the G20 an appealing format for the United States is it gives us a chance to interact with and work with and take constructive steps with a wider range of countries, including some, frankly, that we dont see eye to eye with on every issue, US deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told reporters on Saturday.





An alternative to Chinas Belt and Road?





Biden hopes to use new announcements on new infrastructure and investments as demonstration of US commitment to the developing world, and a better option for partnership than China.





He announced the launch of a new economic corridor that will connect India, the Middle East and Europe on Saturday. The plans could potentially transform global trade and directly challenge Chinas own sprawling overseas development initiative, known as the Belt and Road, which has poured billions of dollars into infrastructure projects each year.





Biden along with the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the European Union signed a memorandum of understanding laying out the new project on Saturday.





While the project will include building integrated infrastructure, the president said it was far from just laying tracks, speaking with a group of global leaders that included the United Kingdom, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.





Its about creating jobs, increasing trade, strengthening supply chains, boosting connectivity, laying foundations that will strengthen commerce and food security for people across multiple countries, Biden said. This is a game changing regional investment and  huge steps forward.





When we invest in low middle income countries, all countries benefit, Biden added. When we invest in emerging economies, all economies benefit, and when we invest in the future of people anywhere, people everywhere benefit.





The plans could pose a challenge to Chinas Belt and Road initiative, which the US says uses coercive lending practices for infrastructure projects in developing countries, an accusation Beijing has repeatedly denied. Bidens proposals on World Bank reform similarly aim to offer a better deal to emerging economies.





During his remarks at the event, Biden singled out particular leaders to thank  including bin Salman. The leaders shook hands afterward, a decidedly different approach than the fist bump Biden offered the prince during a visit to Saudi Arabia last summer.





Speaking to reporters in India ahead of the announcement, Sullivan said the project was about strategically layering transformative investments across multiple sectors across multiple countries, basically to leverage the broader effects of boosting economic development, securing supply chains and bolstering regional connectivity.





He called it a big deal, and important moment, and a milestone, that would translate to a concrete outcome.





Without Xi attending, Biden had the implicit opportunity to demonstrate sustained American commitment while questioning Chinas. American officials said Saturday it wasnt clear to them why Xi decided to skip the G20 for the first time.




Jack and Ruby Louise Babb Birkett, lived in many states, Panama and Hawaii. After completion of high school in Pensacola, Fl., he joined the Air Force flying combat missions as a gunner on a B26 Bomber in Korea. After serving four years, he joined the civil work force with many varied and interesting jobs. The last and dearest to his heart was owner operator of Garrett's Marina on the Rappahannock River. He is survived by his wife, Valerie, the son of his heart, Brandon Prince (Suzanne) and a special niece, Sylvia Dodge (Kelly) and many cousins in Southampton County. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Marks-Bristow Chapel, Tappahannock. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery, 146 Lebanon Church Road, Upright, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lebanon UMC, P.O. Box 157, Millers Tavern, VA, 23115.
GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador  Men walk through a lush plantation between Ecuador's balmy Pacific coast and its majestic Andes, lopping hundreds of bunches of green bananas from groaning plants twice their height.

Workers haul the bunches to an assembly line, where the bananas are washed, weighed and plastered with stickers for European buyers. Owner Franklin Torres is monitoring all activity on a recent morning to make sure the fruit meets international beauty standards  and ever more important, is packed for shipment free of cocaine.

Torres is hypervigilant because Ecuador is increasingly at the confluence of two global trades: bananas and cocaine.

The South American country is the world's largest exporter of bananas, shipping about 7.2 tons a year by sea. It is also wedged between the world's largest cocaine producers, Peru and Colombia, and drug traffickers find containers filled with bananas the perfect vehicle to smuggle their product.

Drug traffickers' infiltration of the industry that is responsible for about 30% of the world's bananas has contributed to unprecedented violence across this once-peaceful nation. Shootings, homicides, kidnappings and extortions have become part of daily life, particularly in the Pacific port city and banana-shipping hub of Guayaquil.

"This is everyone's responsibility: the person who transports it, the person who buys it, the person who consumes it," vendor Dalia Chang, 59, a lifelong resident of Guayaquil, said of the cocaine trade. "They all share responsibility. They have ruined our country."

The country, which is not a major cocaine producer, was especially rattled when a presidential candidate known for his tough stance on organized crime and corruption  Fernado Villavicencio  was fatally shot at the end of an Aug. 9 campaign rally. He had accused the Ecuadorian Los Choneros gang and its imprisoned leader, whom he linked to Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, of threatening him and his campaign team days before the assassination.

In addition to its proximity to cocaine production, cartels from Mexico, Colombia and the Balkans have settled in Ecuador because it uses the U.S. dollar and has weak laws and institutions, along with a network of long-established gangs like Los Choneros that are eager for work.

Authorities say Ecuador also gained prominence in the global cocaine trade after political changes in Colombia last decade. Coca bush fields in Colombia have been moving closer to the border with Ecuador due to the breakup of criminal groups after the 2016 demobilization of the rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better-known by their Spanish acronym FARC.

A record 2,304 metric tons of cocaine was manufactured in 2021 around the world, mostly in Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. That year, nearly a third of the cocaine seized by customs authorities in Western and Central Europe came from Ecuador, double the amount reported in 2018, according to a United Nations report citing data from the World Customs Organization. Large drug busts have become more frequent and within the past month, European authorities have made record-setting busts after inspecting containers carrying bananas from Ecuador.

Authorities on Aug. 25 announced Spain's biggest cocaine haul yet: 9.5 metric tons hidden among cardboard boxes of bananas from Ecuador in a refrigerated container. Dutch officials also made their country's largest-ever cocaine seizure last month  nearly 8 metric tons  in a container of Ecuadorian bananas. Authorities in Greece and Italy also announced seizures of cocaine hidden in Ecuadorian bananas this year.

Bananas headed to Europe are boxed at plantations, loaded into trucks that take them to massive warehouses in and around Guayaquil and transferred to maritime containers driven to an area port.

Then the ships head northeast to the Panama Canal, cross to the Caribbean Sea, and go east across the Atlantic.

Knowingly or not, banana growers, exporters, shipping corporations, port operators, private security companies, customs agents, agriculture officials, police and buyers offer opportunities that drug traffickers have exploited.

Some traffickers have created front companies to mimic legitimate banana exporters, while others have acquired legitimate businesses, including plantations. They have found companies willing to be complicit in trafficking. They also have paid off, threatened or kidnapped truck drivers and other workers to help get cocaine into shipments.

Other traffickers have corrupted or intimidated police, customs agents, security guards and port workers to assist with  or ignore  tampering with containers at the ports.

Drug trafficking has contributed to the number of violent deaths in Ecuador, which doubled from 2021 to 2022, when 4,600 died, the most ever recorded in a year. The country is on track to break the annual record again, with 3,568 violent deaths tallied in the first half of 2023.

In Guayaquil, where maritime shipping containers are part of the landscape, people live in fear these days. Pedestrians don't dare take their phones out of their pockets. Convenience stores have floor to-ceiling metal bars that prevent customers from entering from the sidewalk. Restaurants that survived the pandemic close early.

Along with the rise in homicides, the amount of cocaine seized at the country's ports has increased, too, reaching 77.4 metric tons last year. That is more than three times the amount seized in 2020.

National Police Gen. Pablo Ramirez, Ecuador's national director of anti-drug investigations, attributed the change to increased smuggling, not better enforcement.
EELLS, David "Dave" William, ended his earthly labors and was called to the Celestial Lodge above on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Born on January 4, 1945, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, he was the only child of William "Pete" and Marion Scheller Eells. Dave was raised in Richmond, Virginia, and attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he was an accomplished gymnast. A Vietnam veteran, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a firefighter, rising to the rank of Sargeant. Upon his discharge, he worked for Philco-Ford where he trained as a communications technician and spent two years in Iran working on that country's communications infrastructure. Subsequently, he worked for several construction companies as a project manager on some major ventures, including the building of the Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida. Returning to Richmond, he was a regional sales manager for Flow-Tech, where he became an expert in instrumentation. After his retirement, Dave worked as a valet at Mercedes-Benz of Richmond. Dave was a member of numerous Masonic organizations including Glen Allen Lodge No. 131, where he served as treasurer; Richmond Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; Samis Grotto; Acca Shriners, where he was a Past Major of the Provost Guard and member of the Hillbilly Unit; and Royal Order of Jesters, Court No. 16. He was also a member of American Legion Post 175 in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Dave's true passion and his legacy will be that of helping children with medical needs. For many years, he was an active member of the Acca Shriners Transportation Committee, driving patients and their families to appointments at Shriners Hospitals in Philadelphia, Greenville, and Cincinnati. Since 2017, Dave served on the Board of Governors of Shriners Children's Philadelphia, most recently as Chairman of the Plant and Facilities Committee. Over the course of his long Shrine career, he touched the lives of countless children and their families. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carol Downs Eells, and their beloved dog, Ming. He is survived by several cousins and his lady, Sandra Herrington. Dave loved cars, country music, back roads, diners, and especially spending time with Lady Sandy. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Acca Shrine Center, 1712 Bellevue Ave, Richmond, VA. His ashes will be interred at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Richmond, VA. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Shriners Children's Philadelphia, Attn: Ms. Terry Diamond, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140-4131.
Coming into the Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes held for the first time at Colonial Downs last month, no one expected Gigante to win the race with 22-1 odds. However, the Virginia-bred 3-year-old made history by winning the stakes in the state where he was born.

Now Gigante is making his return to Colonial Downs for the second time this year to compete in the Virginia Derby on Saturday, which also marks the 20th year the event has been held at the New Kent County venue.

The Secretariat Stakes was moved with the Arlington Million and Beverly D. to the New Kent racetrack after Arlington Park in Chicago was bought out and is now being developed into a new stadium site for the Chicago Bears. Churchill Downs hosted the 2022 editions.

The Secretariat Stakes was also run on the Secretariat turf course at the racetrack which is considered one of the widest turf courses in the country.

VIRGINIA DERBY

Saturday: Post time approx. 6:23 p.m.

Where: Colonial Downs

Page B6: Derby Bill's picks

"It's the Secretariat turf course. We finally get the Secretariat Stakes, which is a Grade 2 stakes, here in Virginia and then in Virginia bred wins it, which is hard to do," said Debbie Easter, who is the executive director of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association.

The tradition of the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs continues for its 20th year, even after the track was acquired by Churchill Downs Inc., owner of the Kentucky Derby. The $2.5 billion transaction was announced in February 2022 and included various other tracks and gambling businesses.

"I am very happy with how he has trained since (the Secretariat Stakes) and he's going into the Virginia Derby," said Gigante's trainer, Steve Asmussen. "I thought that he drew very well in a competitive field."

This year, the horse that races for Iapetus Racing and Diamond T Racing will have plenty of competition, as the purse for the stakes was raised to $500,000 after last year's renewal.

"This race is attracting quite a few good horses from around the East Coast," Easter said. "He's got some real competition coming in to run against him in this race."

The favorite is Program Trading, who won the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby on Aug. 5 and will go off at 7-2 odds. Salute The Stars is the second choice at 4-1, with Mondego at 5-1 and Gigante 6-1 in the 11-horse field.

The 3-year-old is no stranger to Colonial Downs, winning his first race at the Kitten's Joy Stakes there in 2022.

"He won in an open maiden special weight on the dirt , and then he won the turf steak last year as a 2-year-old there," Asmussen said. "So he obviously has quite the affinity for Colonial downs, especially their turf course."

Despite his familiarity and "affinity" with the course, this race will be a challenge for Gigante as he has never raced more than 1116 miles  and the Virginia Derby is run on a 1mile course.

"(A) concern obviously is the extra eighth of a mile," Asmussen said. "Both of his stakes wins this year have been at the 1-mile distance and the Virginia Derby is a mile and an eighth."

Despite the extra length, Asmussen, the all-time leading trainer in Thoroughbred racing, said he hopes the race will be similar to the Secretariat Stakes, no matter the odds.

"Both of his victories this year have been at long odds when he seemed up against it," he said. "So he has come through for us on very big moments and both victories this year have been extremely exciting races to watch."

Easter said Gigante has become the poster child for Virginia breeding in 2023, showing that while Virginia breeders may not be the largest breeding state in the country, there is "quite a bit of quality."

"Our Virginia breds continue to be very popular at the horse sales and they do very well on the race track," Easter said.

No matter the result on Saturday, Asmussen is excited to see where Gigante's career continues as he turns into an older horse with even more experience.

"As good as he is as a 3-year-old, everything about him makes us think that he's even going to be a better older horse," he said.

Melanie Martinez-Lopez(804) 649-6442 mmartinez @timesdispatch.com

'Derby Bill' makes his Virginia Derby picks
As Israel marked 75 years of independence this spring  and the wars it has fought and won against its neighboring Arab states  it simultaneously acknowledged the continuing threat to its survival.

The anniversary coincided with the publication of the second installment in Richmonder David L. Robbins projected multivolume series The Promised Wars  a history of Israels creation and a gift to enthusiasts of historical fiction.

With a cast that blends fictional characters with real-life figures, Robbins infuses The Shortest Road  set in 1948  with authenticity.

He includes the early accomplishments of factual characters, such as David Ben-Gurion, the first Israeli prime minister; Moshe Dayan, later the eye-patched hero of the Six-Day War in 1967; and Menachem Begin, a future prime minister.

The author delves deeply into the military aspects of his subject and updates readers of the first entry, 2021s Isaacs Beacon, on the lives and status of pivotal fictional characters, such as these two intertwined examples in The Shortest Road:

Rivkah, a pregnant Jewish immigrant from Austria who works as a farmer on a kibbutz, is captured and sent to Transjordan before being freed when all women prisoners are released.

Vince Haas, a German-born naturalized American and Marine Corps veteran  and the father of Rivkahs child  continues to report from the Mideast for the New York Herald Tribune News Service. In doing so, he tries to defuse a fight between the Israeli government and an underground Jewish organization over guns, puts himself in deadly danger to try to save a Bedouin whos friendly to Jews, and interacts with leaders and combatants on all sides.

Chillingly graphic descriptions of the conflict dominate Robbins narrative. But in this passage depicting a beach scene in Tel Aviv, he depicts the nations twin reality of peril and pleasure:

Sunday families splashed in the surf. Hundreds more took their leisure on the sand. The Jews in Israel didnt go in for umbrellas and beach chairs like they did on Coney Island. Here, in their own country, they sat on blankets in the sizzling sand.

The Shortest Road David L. Robbins 448 pages, Wicked Son, $18.99 Published: May 16, 2023

50 classics from (almost) everyone's high school reading list 50 classics from (almost) everyone's high school reading list #50. Their Eyes Were Watching God #49. Mythology #47. Oedipus Rex (The Theban Plays, #1) #46. Moby-Dick or, the Whale #44. The Importance of Being Earnest #43. The Red Badge of Courage #42. The Taming of the Shrew #41. Slaughterhouse-Five #40. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer #39. Crime and Punishment #38. A Separate Peace #37. Death of a Salesman #36. The Little Prince #35. The Old Man and the Sea #34. The Canterbury Tales #33. Othello #32. Flowers for Algernon #31. Beowulf #30. A Tale of Two Cities #29. Wuthering Heights #28. The Hobbit (The Lord of the Rings, #0) #27. A Midsummer Night's Dream #26. The Grapes of Wrath #25. Great Expectations #24. Frankenstein: The 1818 Text #23. Julius Caesar #22. The Outsiders #21. Brave New World #20. Night (The Night Trilogy, #1) #19. The Crucible #18. The Giver (The Giver, #1) #17. Jane Eyre #16. Fahrenheit 451 #15. Pride and Prejudice #14. The Odyssey #13. The Diary of a Young Girl #12. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn #11. 1984 #10. The Scarlet Letter #9. Hamlet #8. The Catcher in the Rye #7. Of Mice and Men #6. Macbeth #5. Animal Farm #4. Lord of the Flies #3. The Great Gatsby #2. Romeo and Juliet #1. To Kill a Mockingbird
QUESTION: I took Xyzal nightly for months and noticed my weight creeping up, so I stopped cold turkey. Within 48 hours, my whole body started itching. Another few tries showed me I needed a better plan.

To taper off this medicine SLOWLY without discontinuation symptoms, I bought the liquid form of Xyzal. This allowed me to measure out smaller and smaller doses.

The first month, I cut my dose in half to  teaspoon nightly. After that, I took a  teaspoon every other night for a few weeks. Then I cut the dose to  teaspoon every night. Several weeks later, I went to  teaspoon every other night for two weeks. Last,  teaspoon every night for two weeks then  teaspoon every other night. At that point, I was able to stop completely with no itching.

This took forever, but going slowly and getting my body used to smaller and smaller doses made it tolerable.

ANSWER: Thank you for sharing your creative solution to this unpleasant problem. We have heard from many readers who experienced unrelenting itching after stopping levocetirizine (Xyzal) or cetirizine (Zyrtec).

After we prodded the Food and Drug Administration, it investigated this discontinuation syndrome. The agency reviewed its database of adverse events and found an association. It was written up in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, July 5, 2019. The authors concluded: Patients and prescribers should have knowledge of this adverse event, given the widespread use and availability of cetirizine and potential impact on patient quality of life.

Neither the FDA nor the drug company provides helpful information on how to taper off such antihistamines without itching. Your protocol could be helpful for others.

QUESTION: I have been on lisinopril for at least five years and had no problems until today. I took my medicine around 2 p.m., and by 2:30 p.m., my tongue had swollen so much that I had to hold it down with my finger to get a breath.

When I called my sister, she rushed me to the emergency room. As soon as I said I was on lisinopril, the ER doctor knew exactly what it was and administered an IV medication to stop the swelling.

Before starting the IV, the doctor asked me if I would agree to being intubated if the med did not work. I said yes, as a tear rolled down my cheek and I asked my sister to call my son.

I was very scared and will forever be grateful to the ER team that quickly diagnosed the problem and got it under control. I was discharged within four hours, more than a little shaken. No more lisinopril for me.

ANSWER: What you experienced is called angioedema. It involves the buildup of fluid in the lips, tongue or throat and can lead to life-threatening blockage of the airways. What makes this adverse reaction so challenging is that it can occur even after taking the drug safely for years.

One class of medications that is especially likely to trigger this reaction is called ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors. This includes drugs such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Zestril) and quinapril (Accupril).

Although angioedema is considered a relatively rare side effect, 40 million Americans take an ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicine. It can also affect the intestines, a complication that is difficult to diagnose.

What drug ads disclose to consumers  and what they don't What drug ads disclose to consumersand what they don't Benefits, risks, and side effects Approved use of a drug Who shouldn't take it and when you shouldn't take it Generic name of drug What they don't have to tell you
Its hard not to get excited about easy money.

The latest iteration of the previously voted down casino resort on the citys South Side is back in play, and earlier this week Mayor Levar Stoney couldnt wait to announce the goodie package: An upfront $26 million to build two new child care facilities at city community centers, money for parks and $5 million to set up a child care and education trust for low-income families.

And thats not even the big bucks: $19 million of the projected $30 million in annual casino tax revenues will be funneled to the trust, which will dole out early education tuition assistance to low-income families and grant funds to community child care providers to increase capacity in areas where school readiness data indicates greatest need, according to city officials.

Thats not all. Theres an additional $16 million promised by the projects developers for local nonprofits, not to mention all the leftover tax revenues  more than $10 million from meals, admissions and gaming  along with 1,300 jobs where the average pay, according to the developers, will be $55,000 a year. The veritable money machine that is the rechristened Richmond Grand Resort & Casino isnt just about craps and roulette: There will be a 250-room hotel, music and production venues, an outdoor pool, cabanas, more than a dozen new bars and restaurants and a 55-acre park with walking trails, spaces for community events and pickleball courts.

In other words, if you were on the fence about supporting the $562 million casino project  51% of city voters did not in 2021  maybe you should adjust your moral compass. Still feeling queasy about a gaming mecca in economically disenfranchised South Side, the potential for increased crime and/or incentivizing gambling addiction? But what if it means tens of millions for child care in a city with disproportionately high levels of poverty?

Stoneys track record when it comes to economic development is, to put it generously, mixed. And the clock is ticking. Stoneys second term as mayor ends in 16 months and hes weighing a bid for governor in 2025. The $1.5 billion Navy Hill project failed and the $2.4 billion Diamond District development remains an open question, along with that stalled $200 million-plus slavery museum in Shockoe Bottom. So, yes, a shiny new casino  the surest bet of the bunch, so long as the second referendum passes  appears to be pretty important to Stoney. He certainly didnt mince words on Tuesday.

Weve identified the (child care) crisis in the city. And weve also presented a solution to fix that crisis, he said pointedly. And its my hope that if you agree with this solution, you come out and support and vote yes in November.

If this latest proposal smacks of desperation, or perhaps economic blackmail, theres a good reason for it: Casinos, especially in a state that tightly regulates where they are located, are bona fide goldmines. That no one blinks at the promise of $30 million in annual tax revenues is a sure tell.

I totally understand We can site a casino in Richmond and make a significant profit, says economist Robert McNab, a professor and director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy at Old Dominion University. But where does the money come from?

Its a critically important question, but one that doesnt have a clear answer. A 2019 analysis by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found that a casino in Richmond would gross $300 million a year, but only between 4% and 10% of that revenue would come from outside the local market area. Four others have already been approved by Virginia voters (in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth), so the state is reaching a critical mass. A fifth casino in Richmond cannot reasonably serve as an out-of-state draw. That means the money spent on casino gambling, as far as the states tax base is concerned, is simply shifting from one place to the next.

In Richmond, that means most of the spending will come from within the metro region, McNab points out. Casinos tend to have a catchment area of about a two-hour drive, says McNab, who has studied Virginias casino proposals for ODUs Dragas Center, but most of the patrons will likely come from within a much closer proximity.

Yes, Richmond will dip into the pockets of Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, the Tri-Cities, and other jurisdictions in central Virginia, but the same will be true of Richmond residents, particularly those living within a few miles of the proposed site off Wagner Road near Interstate 95.

Casinos in the U.S. tend to be located in lower-income communities, and studies have found that gambling disproportionately impacts households at or below the poverty level. But the research is limited in this area, partly because casino operators tend not to release detailed customer data.

Internationally, studies have found a more direct correlation between casinos and poverty  lower-income households tend to spend disproportionally more on gambling  but whether casinos lead to higher rates of poverty in surrounding neighborhoods in U.S. markets isnt conclusive.

But what is clear is that gambling tax revenue is regressive, McNab says, which would appear to undercut the casino-for-child-care argument.

To me, the child care discussion is inefficiently wedged into an argument about the casino, he says. Theres no such thing as a free lunch. The question is: If somebodys promising something, who pays?

When politicians show up and start waving around millions of dollars, we should know by now to take a deep breath. Richmond cannot afford a shiny new casino that preys on those who can least afford it, even if it means tens of millions for child care.

Between now and Nov. 7, Richmonders have a decision to make. But dont conflate the two: The casino  not funding for child care  will be on the ballot.
As we approach the remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on our nation, memory itself is under siege.

We are in a pivotal moment when Americans have starkly different visions of observable reality. This phenomenon coincides with an aggressive effort to tamp down on historical facts deemed politically incorrect or inconvenient.

If we cant reach a consensus on what we thought was settled history, what are the prospects for sustaining a coherent narrative of remembrance of the attack by al-Qaida?

Jonathan Zur, president and CEO of Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, was reminded several months ago how complex this moment remains while facilitating a workshop.

One attendee expressed a hope for greater unity within our society, harkening to the feelings that she had immediately after Sept. 11, 2001. She reflected on that moment as a time when she thought all Americans came together in the aftermath of tragedy, with great patriotism and a sense of genuine care for one another, he recalled.

A little while later, another participant shared that, as a Muslim American, the aftermath of 9/11 was an especially frightening time for him and his family. In addition to mourning the tragic attack on the United States, he thought that moment catalyzed a rise in Islamophobia that continues to the present day.

In those two responses, I think we can see the complicated and nuanced nature of remembrance, Zur said. There is no one right and absolute way to remember a tragedy. Certainly, I believe the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, should be a moment to reflect on and honor the innocent lives lost. I hope it can also be a time to honestly and broadly consider the legacy of that day, and its continued impact on how we see one another in the United States and around the world over the last 22 years.

As America puts chronological distance between itself and an attack that took nearly 3,000 lives, a generation of young people have no memory of that day. How theyre learning about it in the classroom remains an open question.

Imad Damaj, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, said his own children grew up in the shadow of 9/11. Our biggest concern at the time (was) our children being labeled, indirectly, as terrorists. You know, that theyre responsible for all this, he said.

Damaj, outreach coordinator for the Islamic Center of Virginia, said hes almost certain that the classroom situation has improved, but challenges still exist.

Virginias History and Social Science Standards of Learning, adopted in April, charges sixth graders with describing how the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including the heroic sacrifices of Flight 93 passengers, significantly impacted domestic policies, American society, and global perspectives on the war on terror.

Eleventh graders should be able to analyze key events and conditions that have given rise to terrorism as an attack on democracy and the United States role in defending democracy, including, but not limited to the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, attacks on U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, and the 9/11 attacks on the United States in 2001.

Today, the attack on democracy is not only internal, but stoked by a former president. The FBI has declared domestic terrorism the greatest threat we face. Eleventh graders, in the history standards, are asked to explain the rise of antisemitism and hate crimes, and domestic terrorism.

Teachers must impart this knowledge without running afoul of inherently divisive concepts and other restrictions imposed by elected officials, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

No wonder their ranks are thinning.

Theres no explicit mention in the history standards of the widespread demonization of U.S. Muslims following the attack, including a spike in hate crime reports. Damaj said Muslims, in the aftermath the attack, became a community that went from barely noticeable to really under the microscope at all levels.

Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama sought to cool anti-Muslim sentiment. Donald Trump, after taking office, made the banning of Muslim immigrants from select countries a centerpiece of his domestic policy.

The environment has since shifted in other ways.

Rudy Giulianis leadership after 9/11 earned him the moniker Americas mayor. But today, hes a disgraced defendant charged with aiding and abetting a scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

GOP presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy voiced skepticism of the governments version of what transpired on 9/11. That pronouncement put little dent in his buzz. Why would it? The political right is enamored of conspiracy theories, including the lie of the stolen presidential election.

We can romanticize the national unity following 9/11  a consensus exploited toward destructive ends, including the shredding of civil liberties and the invasion of Iraq. But the nation did effectively gird itself against another foreign attack.

But who could have foreseen that a prolonged domestic assault on our institutions would represent a more existential threat to America? Or that a substantial swath of Americans would embrace insurrection, censorship or even the prospect of civil war?

Damaj remains optimistic about the future, and convinced that people, overall, want to do the right thing. He and his fellow Muslims still believe in an American dream that so many of our fellow citizens seem willing to reject.

His community, in the aftermath of 9/11, learned to more effectively organize, engage and form alliances, he said. Muslims are now represented both in the Virginia General Assembly and in Congress. But that progress  and perhaps, Mondays commemoration  is obscured by our national dysfunction.

Now were finding ourselves in the middle of culture wars on race, gender, religion, you name it, he said.

We fought a so-called war on terror abroad only to now have to confront one at home. The concurrent war on memory is jeopardizing the tenets of our democracy. Our current path is a debasement of the memory of those who perished in the attack, and the countless first responders who risked or sacrificed their lives in response. Mondays commemoration should be a time to reflect, but also to remember how to pull together.

Emerging from our horror, anger and grief 22 years ago, we resolved to learn more about the world around us.

Now is the time to learn more about ourselves.

Close Three hundred and forty three flags representing the 343 firemen who died ten years during the attack on the World Trade Towers were placed in front of Richmond Fire Dept. The flags were arranged to spell out FDNY 343. Firefighters wore black bands on their badges as a sign of mourning for the New York City firefighters who lost thier lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Mayor Dwight Jones spoke during the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony at the Carillon at Byrd Park ten years after the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Max Frayser, Hanover assistant district fire chief, Co. 10, salutes with others. Mayor Dwight Jones spoke during the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony at the Carillon at Byrd Park ten years after the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Susan Haydel and her granddaughter, Britney Blowers, 10, read the names of victims of the Flight 93 crash at Hanover Fire Co. 10. Guests photograph a Sept. 11 memorial which was dedicated at the Hanover Fire Co. 10 Sunday afternoon. The memorial includes a piece of the World Trade Center (left, front) from Tower (L-R) Karl Leonard and daughters Conor Leonard and Alex Leonard bow their heads during the benediction at the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony at the Carillon at Byrd Park. Karl Leonard was a first responder in NYC when the Twin Towers were attacked ten years ago today. Toulaphone Chittavoravong of Northern Va. helps wash a fire truck at Richmond Fire Dept. 17 as part of 9/11 Remembrance and Service Week. A guest photographs the Sept. 11 memorial at Hanover Fire Co. 10. Kathleen Romero teared up during the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony at the Carillon as she remembered being in Washington, D.C. ten years ago. She drove past the Pentagon before the plane hit it and afterward she gave rides to people walking out of D.C. that day. A piece of a beam from Tower 1 of the World Trade Center is part of the Sept. 11 Memorial at the Hanover Fire Co. 10. PHOTO GALLERY: Richmond remembers 9/11 Three hundred and forty three flags representing the 343 firemen who died ten years during the attack on the World Trade Towers were placed in front of Richmond Fire Dept. The flags were arranged to spell out FDNY 343. Firefighters wore black bands on their badges as a sign of mourning for the New York City firefighters who lost thier lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Mayor Dwight Jones spoke during the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony at the Carillon at Byrd Park ten years after the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Max Frayser, Hanover assistant district fire chief, Co. 10, salutes with others. Mayor Dwight Jones spoke during the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony at the Carillon at Byrd Park ten years after the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Susan Haydel and her granddaughter, Britney Blowers, 10, read the names of victims of the Flight 93 crash at Hanover Fire Co. 10. Guests photograph a Sept. 11 memorial which was dedicated at the Hanover Fire Co. 10 Sunday afternoon. The memorial includes a piece of the World Trade Center (left, front) from Tower (L-R) Karl Leonard and daughters Conor Leonard and Alex Leonard bow their heads during the benediction at the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony at the Carillon at Byrd Park. Karl Leonard was a first responder in NYC when the Twin Towers were attacked ten years ago today. Toulaphone Chittavoravong of Northern Va. helps wash a fire truck at Richmond Fire Dept. 17 as part of 9/11 Remembrance and Service Week. A guest photographs the Sept. 11 memorial at Hanover Fire Co. 10. Kathleen Romero teared up during the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony at the Carillon as she remembered being in Washington, D.C. ten years ago. She drove past the Pentagon before the plane hit it and afterward she gave rides to people walking out of D.C. that day. A piece of a beam from Tower 1 of the World Trade Center is part of the Sept. 11 Memorial at the Hanover Fire Co. 10.
Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Lee Jae-myung reclines in his tent in front of the National Assembly, Sunday, marking the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike against the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. Yonhap



By Lee Hae-rin



The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the prosecution traded barbs, Saturday, as questioning over DPK Chairman Lee Jae-myung's alleged involvement in an illegal money transfer to North Korea, ended inconclusively after eight hours. The politician has been summoned again for additional questioning this week.



The prosecution claimed that the politician was uncooperative throughout the questioning and gave unrelated answers to the questions asked, while Lee and the opposition party said the investigators failed to present incriminating evidence.



The two sides also clashed over the prosecution's request for Lee to be questioned again on Tuesday, as the opposition party criticized the prosecution's move as a way to further humiliate its leader.



Saturday's interrogation marked Lee's fifth appearance before the prosecution, as he has faced a series of corruption allegations that he claims were fabricated by what he calls the "political prosecution" of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.



Lee was already indicted in two corruption cases in March, including one related to an apartment development project in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.



In the latest probe, conducted by the Suwon District Prosecutors Office, Lee faces allegations of third-party bribery surrounding the unlawful transfer of $8 million to North Korea by Ssangbangwool Group, an underwear manufacturer, on behalf of Gyeonggi Province between January 2019 and January 2020. At the time, Lee was serving as the governor of the province.



Prosecutors suspect that $3 million was forwarded for Lee's planned visit to Pyongyang, while $5 million was for Gyeonggi Province's smart farm support program in North Korea.



Lee denied the charges against him. In a written statement he uploaded on social media shortly before his appearance for questioning, he said, "When I was serving as Gyeonggi Province governor, I tried to push for businesses with North Korea for humanitarian support and exchanges, but I did not provide, nor ask to provide, money and other goods that violate South Korean laws and U.N. sanctions."



The questioning, which began at 10:30 a.m. was halted at 6:40 p.m. upon Lee's request citing health reasons, as he has been staging an indefinite hunger strike against the Yoon administration since Aug. 31, urging the president to apologize for destroying people's livelihoods and democracy and to oppose Japan's release of treated radioactive wastewater.





Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Lee Jae-myung answers questions from reporters in front of the Suwon District Prosecutors Office in Gyeonggi Province, Saturday, after the prosecution questioned him over his alleged involvement in the illegal transfer of funds to North Korea. Yonhap
YOUNG, Christine Carol Chapman, age 79, died on Monday, September 4, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Cora Lee Young and Calvin Chapman Young of Richmond. Her siblings were older brothers, David Chapman Young (Catherine) and the late Roger Calvin Young (Cheryl and Dawn), twin sister, Martha Lee Young Godsey (Joseph), and younger sister, Phyllis Ann Young Booth (Michael). She had ten nieces and nephews, a blessing for her and several great nieces and nephews.

Christine was born at Stuart Circle Hospital in Richmond, VA, on December 5, 1943 and was a lifelong Richmond resident. She was a 1961 graduate of Richmond's Thomas Jefferson High School where she was elected homeroom secretary and was a member in the high school orchestra, playing the flute in annual evening operettas and school day concerts. She was a 1965 graduate of Longwood College where she received a B.S. in Elementary Education and English. She also pledged Delta Zeta sorority and was a member of the synchronized swimming team, performing an underwater ballet of "The Nutcracker Suite." In 1974, she completed the state certification in library science at Virginia Commonwealth University. She was a 1984 M. Ed. graduate and graduate assistant at the University of Richmond.

Miss Young was a former elementary schoolteacher, a librarian with the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, and an administrative assistant for 25 years. Thereafter, for ten years she was a community volunteer with St. Mary's Hospital, The Richmond Symphony, Virginia Opera, Reveille Church Library, Virginia Historical Society and the University of Richmond, primarily working in development.

Christine was a member of U of R's Theta Theta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi national honor society in education. She was a former 1st Vice Regent in her DAR chapter, historian in her UDC chapter, and treasurer in her UMW circle of the United Methodist Women. She was a regular former member in the Scottish Clan Lamont Society of North America (CLSNA), her father being tenth generation direct descendant of the clan Chieftain, Sir John Lamont and his wife, Mary Young, by way of their son, Andrew Young.

Christine wrote her over 31,000-word 2020 copyrighted book, Rainbow Arcs/Little Book of Memories: The Life Story of a Richmonder. She wrote the music and lyrics to her 1977 copyrighted song, "Thursday's Child (Has Far To Go)."
Despite our myriad differences, we humans all entered this world the same way. And since civilizations dawn, weve focused much of our time and energy on how to live well, and better.

All of us also share an identical fate, which can be a supremely uncomfortable subject. As a result, most of us pay far less attention to leaving this world. But thats another major life milestone, too.

Since 1992, helping dying people pass comfortably and with dignity has been the mission underlying Good Samaritan Hospice. The 31-year-old nonprofit tends to the sickest and most pain-plagued patients around.

Some suffer from cancer, others from heart failure or other terminal ailments. Often, theyre invisible to most of us because theyre bedridden or house-bound.

Last year, nearly 1,300 dying Western Virginians (plus countless numbers of their loved ones) utilized Good Samaritans hospice and bereavement services. Hundreds more who have longer than six months to live, but suffer from end-stage diseases, received palliative care, said Good Samaritan CEO Aaron Housh.

To date, each of those services have been delivered to patients in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living centers or hospitals. Thats going to change next year, when Good Sam opens the first-ever residential hospice center in the Roanoke Valley.

Buoyed by a couple of generous donations, the Good Samaritan Hospice broke ground on its $13 million Center for Caring early this year. The 30,000-square-foot building is now under roof just off Cove Road northwest, on a 6-acre hilltop above Peters Creek Road.

A lead donation (of an undisclosed amount) came from Maury Strauss, 99, the longtime Roanoke businessman and philanthropist. His late wife, Sheila Strauss, who died in 2016, became a Good Samaritan client after she was diagnosed with bladder cancer.

A couple years after her death, Strauss read an article in this newspaper that moved him, about the pending retirement of Good Samaritan co-founder (and then-CEO) Sue Ranson.

In the story, Ranson divulged her sole regret: That Good Samaritan didnt have a residential facility here in the valley. Though that had been a longtime goal, the closest hospice homes currently are two hours away, in either North Carolina or West Virginia.

It means end-stage hospice patients from Western Virginia who face intractable pain often wind up occupying acute-care beds in busy hospitals. Those are far less than ideal for people seeking not treatment, but simply to die peacefully.

After reading that story, Strauss picked up the phone and called the hospices administrative offices, Housh told me.

He said I read the article. Good Sam cared for my wife. I love what the organization does. I want to see this move forward, Housh said. Within a day or two, Strauss showed up at Good Sams headquarters at 2408 Electric Road.

He was ready to write a check, Ranson recalled. Unfortunately, Good Samaritan wasnt in a position to accept it at that time. For one thing, a location for a hospice house hadnt yet been nailed down. (That didnt happen until the end of 2021.) So Strauss gave later, when the hospice was closer to groundbreaking.

He was adamant, Housh said, that I want to see this in my lifetime.

Foundation gave $500,000

Another key donation came from the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, which over the years has been a stalwart supporter of Good Sam. The foundation gave $500,000 toward the project, Housh said. That was the largest single contribution to any cause the foundation has ever made, he added.

The nonprofit itself has contributed the largest share, more than $5 million, which it has amassed more than 30 years of support from the community, plus good financial advice and fortunate investments, Housh said.

Now a capital campaign is underway to raise the remainder thats needed, roughly $2.3 million. Betsy Whitney, a former fundraiser for Carilion Clinic, is in charge of that.

If youre considering a donation, that can be as simple as clicking a button in the upper right-corner of the hospices website, goodsam.care (theres no period on the end).

Wednesday morning, Whitney and Housh led me on a tour of the roughly half-built facility, which is adjacent to New Covenant Christian Church. It was designed by SFCS Architects of Roanoke and is being erected by G&H Construction of Salem.

We really wanted to keep everything local that we could, because this is the community we serve, Housh said.

Besides serving as an administrative headquarters, and offering bereavement services for families whose loved ones are dying, the new facility will sporty 16 spacious private rooms, each with its own bathroom, for residential hospice clients receiving 24-hour care.

Itll have kitchen and laundry facilities, a chapel, and outdoor and indoor spaces where loved ones can spend time with patients. And windows that look out onto the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Some of the patients will be people in their last days, weeks or months of life. Others will be temporary respite care clients, cared for mostly at home by family members who need an occasional break.

Ranson said that right now, pretty much the only alternative for care-giving families who need a break is to find a nursing home that will put them up short-term.

It was like a home

Hospice homes can be lifesavers for family members of dying people, said Kathy Baske Young. Though she lives in Roanoke now, Youngs experience with residential hospice occurred more than 20 years ago.

At the time, she lived in North Carolina, and her widowed mother was dying of liver cancer in a Chicago hospital. Things got to a point at which her mom was in great pain. But the hospital was unwilling to administer any more pain medication than she was already getting. Her closest relative was a son (Baske Youngs brother) who lived about an hour away.

A hospital social worker suggested a nearby hospice house, which had a freer hand with pain meds for the terminally ill. That made sense, Baske Young said, because nothing was going to keep her mom alive.

The hospice said, were going to keep her comfortable, Baske Young told me. Her mom lived there the last week of her life.

It was wonderful, Baske Young told me. It was like a home. We could sleep there. They had a kitchen so we could warm up meals. And they had people who checked in on us, to make sure that we were OK  I remember it so well. How can you not remember moments like that?

Early next year, the Good Samaritan Hospice will give up the commercial space its leased for decades and move its administration into the Center for Caring. Housh said it expects to be admitting the first hospice patients Aug. 1.

Our goal is the highest-quality end-of-life care possible, he told me. Since Ive been here Ive met families who want this level of care. Its hard to believe its not available here.

Dan Casey (540) 981-3423
Four-term Roanoke Mayor David Bowers  a Democrat for most of his years in office, including his most recent term that ended in 2016  announced that he feels more at home in the Republican Party.

Switching now is the right thing to do, Bowers said in a written statement. I believe the Republican Party is a better choice for my wife, my family and our city.

Bowers, 71, served 24 years as mayor or a city councilman. He won three of his terms as mayor as a Democrat and another as an independent. In recent years, he lost two comeback bids in which he ran as an independent.

Reached by telephone Saturday, Bowers said that he could not rule out another run for office  but also was not ready to declare his candidacy. Roanokes next council elections are more than a year away, he noted.

Not a day goes by that someone doesnt stop me at the store, the Food Lion, the Kroger, on the street, and say, Would you please run for mayor again, Bowers said. My answer consistently has been dont count me in, but dont count me out.

Bowers written statement highlighted ongoing interest in city politics, accusing the super-majority Democrats on City Council of being nationally oriented and pursuing a liberal ideology instead of serving the best interest of us homeowners, home renters, small and local business owners.

City Council should be dealing with local issues like the murder rate, crime, homelessness and economic development in Evans Spring, Bowers said in the statement.

Bowers statement said that his focus was, and still is: Good Jobs, Good Schools, Good Neighborhoods.

Three council seats and the mayors job will be up for election next year. Democrats long have dominated Roanokes council, presently holding the mayors position and five of the six council seats, with the sixth occupied by an independent.

The last Republican to serve on city council was Ralph Smith, who defeated Bowers in 2000 and was in office through 2004.

Bowers said that it was Smith who sparked his thoughts about changing parties by introducing him in April to Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican who has been discussed as a possible candidate for national office. In his written statement, Bowers said that he was impressed by the governors progressive and expansionist vision and referred to him as our young Gov. Youngkin.

The meeting with the governor came about five months after Bowers most recent unsuccessful run for office. Last fall in an race for three council seats, Bowers independent campaign received 8% of the vote and finished seventh behind the three winning Democrats and three Republican candidates. Bowers received more votes than two other independents.

In an Election Night text, Bowers wrote, Maybe my time has come and gone.

On Saturday, Bowers said that perhaps his days of seeking votes were not finished after all.

Sometimes we think we hear the call again  what we think was public service. I mean that in a very sincere way, Bowers said.

In his written statement, Bowers called the decision to change parties conscientious, thoughtful and prayerful. He cited reasons that ranged from disagreement with President Joe Biden to admiration for Youngkin to local Democrats who have not been personally friendly with my wife and me.

Bowers said that he and his wife, Margarita, attended Republican events during the summer. The Republicans seem to prioritize God and country (patriotism) first, which are especially important to us, Bowers said. We have become very comfortable with these local folks and the political positions for which they stand.

Bowers contrasted this with the Democratic Party, which he described as moving from President John Kennedys ideal of asking what one could do for the country to What can the government do for me!

Bowers statement said that he had met Biden many times and that while Biden is one of the friendliest people Ive ever met, he was disappointed that the president did not do more to heal divisions. Bowers said that he thought the president neglected migrant and border issues.

And, by the way, I would not vote for an 82-year-old for president, Bowers said.

Speaking Saturday, Bowers said that he had no comment on Donald Trump and his campaign to run again against Biden, or on the ongoing criminal cases and other fallout from Trumps attempts to remain in office after the 2020 presidential election.

I dont get into a lot of that national stuff. I just have such a scant influence in it. Im one vote. Ive always been very focused on local issues, Bowers said.

In both his statement and on the phone Saturday, the former mayor said that he and his wife experienced unfriendliness from Democrats, with the exception of Mayor Sheman Lea  whom Bowers said he will always honor as our mayor.

Bowers said Democrats changed over the years and now demand strict adherence to liberal ideology and if youre not one of them, then they count you out!

Bowers said that on Saturday morning, he attended a breakfast with Salem Republicans and received a nice welcome, something I have not been getting from the Democrats.

First elected to Roanoke office in 1984, Bowers served two terms as a councilman, then two terms as mayor from 1992 to 2000. In 1998, while mayor, he ran unsuccessfully for the 6h Congressional District seat, losing to Republican Bob Goodlatte.

In 2004, Bowers sought again to become the Democratic candidate for mayor but lost a primary race to Nelson Harris, who ended up winning the mayoral election. In 2006, Bowers ran for a council seat and lost. But in 2008, Bowers made another try for the mayors role, this time campaigning as an independent and defeating Harris.

Bowers rejoined the Democratic Party and won another term as mayor, then decided in 2015 not to seek reelection.

It was nine days after saying that it would be his last term that Bowers briefly became the center of national controversy.

He spoke out against the local resettling of Syrian refugees and referred favorably to the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. The statement attracted widespread condemnation, including from both Democratic and Republican national party leaders. Other Roanoke council members criticized Bowers remarks as irrational and narcissistic.

The outcry faded as Bowers apologized repeatedly for mentioning internment camps.

Four years later, Bowers said that retirement did not agree with him and challenged Lea, who was running for a second term as mayor. As an independent, Bowers took 47% of the vote to Leas 52%.
ANDERSON, S.C.  A microphone in hand, Sen. Tim Scott left the podium at a recent barbecue event in South Carolina and made his way through tables draped in red, white and blue as attendees finished plates of pulled pork and baked beans.

As he talked about his campaign, Scott passed Casey DeSantis, the first lady of Florida, who looked ahead at the empty stage from which she would soon speak. She was there in place of her husband, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was overseeing the response to Hurricane Idalia.

Several hours earlier, former Gov. Nikki Haley packed an event hall about 130 miles to the northeast. An overflow crowd spilled out into the back hallways, with some people having to watch her remarks on a video monitor.

The flurry of activity showed the priority these three campaigns are placing on South Carolina, where the Republican primary is traditionally the last chance for many White House hopefuls to break through before Super Tuesday. If former President Donald Trump maintains his front-runner status here and in the other early voting states, his path to the GOP nomination may be nearly impossible to stop.

In all but one primary since 1980, the Republican winner in South Carolina has gone on to be the partys nominee.

Both in the state and nationally, Trump is far ahead in the Republican field. Battling for a distant second place are the two home-state candidates  Scott and Haley  and DeSantis. A July poll from Fox Business found that Scott, Haley and DeSantis each drew double digits, but Trump still led by more than 30 points.

Scott and Haley face added pressure given the traditional expectation for a presidential candidate to win their home state. But they may also splinter any traditional home turf edge in South Carolina, which could allow DeSantis to relegate them to a potentially embarrassing third or even fourth place.

In a split vote like this, you cant help but think that Donald Trump has the natural advantage over everybody else because he just has to win one more vote than second place, said Dave Wilson, a conservative political strategist in the state.

Several voters considering their options variously praised and criticized the three second-place contenders, reflecting how splintered the field is.

Weve got a lot of good ones, said Debra Donnan, a 52-year-old former postal worker from the city of Laurens. I dont exactly know. Im just watching and learning.

Donnan said she thinks both Trump and DeSantis have a great shot, but that Scott does, too.

Dont discount him, she said of Scott. He is a great American. He is very strong in his belief system, and he is not a wimpy person.

Haley, meanwhile, drew praise from Irene Gatton, a 78-year-old retired nurse, as very down to earth and intelligent.

South Carolinas institutional support is behind Trump. Hes locked up endorsements from Sen. Lindsey Graham and Gov. Henry McMaster, who was lieutenant governor before Trump picked Haley as his United Nations ambassador  something Trump has claimed McMaster asked him to do.

On the July 4 weekend, Trump drew a massive crowd of tens of thousands to tiny Pickens, South Carolina, a feat no other candidate has matched.

He has done far fewer events overall and skipped the first presidential debate, a decision criticized by voters at other candidates events. But Trump remains the top political figure in the party and has kept a strong standing with Republicans, even as he faces four criminal indictments.

Speaking at the Faith & Freedom BBQ last week in South Carolinas Upstate region  invited to speak not as a White House hopeful but as a sitting home state senator  Scott said his campaign was focusing on restoring hope, creating opportunity and protecting the America we all love. He said that includes supporting law enforcement, finishing the U.S.-Mexico border wall and giving parents more choices in their childrens education.

He was followed by Casey DeSantis. From Florida  where he remained, in lieu of delivering the keynote address as had been planned, to help his state prepare for Hurricane Idalia  Ron DeSantis recorded a three-minute introduction video that got roars from the crowd. Casey DeSantis gave familiar one-liners about her children and raising a family in the Florida governors mansion.

But she also hit hard at President Joe Biden. She pledged that her husband would be a president who helps the children in the White House with homework instead of cocaine. That was a reference to the drugs found earlier this year in the White House, as well as the public substance abuse struggles of Bidens son, Hunter.

Haley didnt appear at the barbecue but instead packed an earlier event in Indian Land, a small community near Charlotte, North Carolina. She seemed to be in an especially good mood as she spoke, buoyed by her first debate performance, in which she sharply criticized rival Vivek Ramaswamy on foreign policy and pointedly noted on an otherwise all-male stage that if you want something done, ask a woman.

At her town hall, she went after Ramaswamy again with a double-edged Southerners barb that drew appreciative laughter: Bless his heart.

I know I wear a skirt, she said. But yall see me at work. If you say something that is totally off the wall, Im going to call you out on it every single time.
LYNCHBURG  The Lynchburg area is home to the leading nuclear technology cluster in the U.S., thanks to the more than 70-year history of powerhouse firms BWX Technologies and Framatome.

Lynchburgs nuclear workforce is 8% above the national average and the regions nuclear industry cluster is 34% larger than the national average, providing more than 3,000 local jobs in the nuclear sector, according to Marjette Upshur, director of economic development and tourism.

With nearly 7,600 employees across the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, BWXTs Mount Athos facility is the largest site. Rex Geveden, CEO, said Lynchburgs workforce has grown under his leadership, with about 2,800 employees in the region  representing one third of the companys global workforce.

Geveden said BWXT was no stranger to innovation, as the companys expertise lay in manufacturing components for the naval nuclear program. Drawing parallels between nuclear and conventional power generation, he emphasized how both involved harnessing heat to generate electricity through turbine engines.

Additionally, the company has expanded its business portfolio, securing projects, such as the space-based reactor DRACO and the terrestrial reactor Pele.

The companys involvement in cutting-edge projects such as micro and space reactors, nuclear medicine, specialty materials and fuels research, environmental restoration and clean energy are all a part of the companys mission.

The search for the optimal site for BWXTs operations commenced in 1954, a pivotal era characterized by the burgeoning atomic age. As the world began to recognize the potential of nuclear power for electricity generation and other applications, BWXT, a company originally founded in 1867 and previously engaged in naval nuclear programs, set its sights on a site that could propel commercial nuclear power into the future.

Detailing the site selection process, Geveden said multiple factors influenced the decision. The physical attributes of the site were paramount, considering soil conditions, natural defense and location away from aquifers. The Lynchburg site, situated on a peninsula along the James River at Mount Athos offering natural protection, fit these criteria perfectly. Moreover, the positive living conditions, strong education systems and supportive community weighed in the decision-making process, he said.

Geveden said BWXT has a commitment to community development with its benevolence campaigns, leadership positions in community organizations and scholarships for local students.

Additionally, Geveden emphasized the companys economic impact, providing high-quality jobs and contributing to the regions prosperity.

The Lynchburg workforce at BWXT puts $90 million back into the local economy.

There is an undeniable and extremely powerful economic impact on the region and these jobs that we have range all the way from executive level jobs down to very high-paying craft labor jobs, he said. These are high-quality jobs and they put a ton of money into the local economy and the absence of it would be impactful.

He also stressed BWXTs role in shaping the community culture through stringent employee qualifications, which require security clearance, promoting a sense of responsibility and ethical behavior.

Looking forward, he said he is excited about the thriving nuclear market and the evolving landscape of energy security and urbanization.

Its a very exciting time to be in our business, he said.

Framatones role

Additionally, Framatome has a strong presence in the U.S. nuclear energy market, helping power 36 million American homes. As a reliable partner with a long history of proven performance, it focuses on servicing and supporting secondary license renewal as well as new nuclear reactor development, and advancing the future of nuclear energy globally, Kathy Williams, CEO, said. Framatome was founded in 1958.

Nuclear energy is deeply rooted in the state of Virginia and more importantly, right here in the Lynchburg region, she said. With Lynchburg being the home of our North America headquarters for more than 50 years, our teams lead in advancing the nuclear industry by providing breakthrough innovations in research, development and technology that our customers count on.

She said Framatome is excited about the outpouring of public acceptance for clean, reliable, nuclear energy.

Our employees passion and expertise positions us to lead this industry through the realization of the next generation of nuclear energy production and medical isotopes development, while maintaining the industrys operational nuclear reactors.

She said this is a moment of historic growth for nuclear energy and Framatome with a full pipeline and years of backlog orders to serve the critical mission for the future of the planet and clean energy economy.

Above all, Framatome is proud of its people.

Our workforce is dedicated to upholding strong values of safety, integrity, passion, performance and dedication to the future. To prepare for our future, we are striving for a more inclusive workplace that unites diverse perspectives in our shared mission to deliver clean energy, she said.

Its employees provide time, talent and resources to serve the community throughout the year, she said.

We are currently implementing our Directed Giving campaign  an effort that spotlights our employees support to the communities where we live and work. Employees donate, volunteer and advocate for organizations of their choice, giving them the opportunity to [be] part of something bigger than themselves, Williams said.

One program the company is proud of is the recent relaunch of Framatomes Nuclear Technology Academy. This is a collaborative workforce development partnership with Central Virginia Community College that provides students with hands-on experience in the energy industry.

The program is designed to have students pursue degrees in nuclear technician specialties, rotating each semester between the classroom and working in real-world environments at Framatome customer sites. Students receive full-time pay and benefits, and all tuition and fee costs are covered by Framatome for the duration of the program, Williams said.

This is an excellent opportunity for recent high school graduates as well as individuals interested in a career change opportunity, she said.

She said the company is excited about the future of several ongoing projects. For example, it recently received nuclear regulatory qualification for Framatomes spray-in-place liner for use in buried piping maintenance.

Advancements in nuclear fuel are driving growth as we showcase our expertise with new fuel designs that increase safety and performance and lowers costs for our customers, she said. We are proud of our leading position in aggressively designing, developing and implementing accident tolerant fuel [ATF] as part of the U.S. Department of Energys ATF program. This new fuel design increases the safety of todays plants and improves its performance at a crucial time for the industry. We are also actively developing new fuel technologies for the next generation of nuclear energy generation.

Lynchburg is Americas nuclear city  the center for excellence in nuclear innovation, Megan Lucas, CEO and chief economic development officer of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, said.

We couldnt be prouder to be the home of BWXT and Framatome and working together with them to grow and innovate, she said.

She said nuclear has had a long-standing history in the region as the economic engine of the citys manufacturing industry.

With BWXTs recent expansion of their innovation campus and Framatomes relaunch of the Nuclear Technology Academy, we are seeing continued investments in nuclear at the local level, she said. They continue to choose to invest in the Lynchburg region because they know it is a great place for business with a strong nuclear workforce and resources and we will help them as they continue to grow.

She said the region benefits greatly from BWXT and Framatomes innovation.

Right now, they employ nearly 4,000 people locally in high-paying jobs and their business growth increases our regions tax base and encourages more nuclear providers to do business in our region creating even more jobs and investment in our community, Lucas said.

This summer, with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, the office of economic development formed a consortium called the Lynchburg Regional NITCH  Nuclear Industrial Technology Commercialization Hub  to submit a proposal for the federal EDA Phase 1 Technology Hub Strategy Development Grant.

This planning grant would help create strategies to advance and grow the nuclear technology sector and position the city of Lynchburg for significant economic growth, Upshur said.

Its also important to highlight innovative workforce development strategies that are already in place to bolster the nuclear industry in Lynchburg, she said. Framatome partnered with CVCC to launch the Framatome Nuclear Technology Academy, providing both classroom and hands-on training for those interested in joining the energy sector  it is available to current and future CVCC-enrolled students. Upon successful completion of the program, participants begin their full-time careers as nuclear technicians, growing the next generation of nuclear engineers and streamlining pathways to the nuclear industry.
FLORENCE, S.C.  The Florence Family YMCA, with help from the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, cut a ribbon Friday to mark its 100th birthday  a century that has seen the Y grow and change with Florence.

Just want to thank yall for coming out and supporting the Y, YMCA CEO Brian New said following the ribbon cutting. Its been a great ride.

YMCA 100th Birthday South Carolina Sen. Mike Reichenbach, center, and Florence Mayor Theresa Myers Ervin, right, gather with YMCA supporters to celebrate the faci

Florence County Museums Stephen W. Motte said the YMCAs history mirrors that of Florence from its inception as a railroad YMCA in 1923 to a family YMCA now with a focus on the community and recreation.

The role of the YMCA has changed along with its location. Its difficult for people now to understand the impact and significance the YMCA had in Florence, Motte said. The YMCA was at the center of social life in downtown Florence in the early 20th century.

Because the YMCA and railroad were connected, the YMCA was a focal point of civic life, Motte said.

As for that 100-year thing, Motte said, the Y was a functioning entity as early as the 19-teens, well before the start of the WWI.

It was chartered, though, 100 years ago.
Niger: le regime militaire accuse la France de preparer une "agression"

Le regime militaire nigerien issu d'un coup d'Etat a accuse samedi la France de "deployer ses forces" dans plusieurs pays ouest-africains en vue d'une "agression" contre le Niger.







"La France continue de deployer ses forces dans plusieurs pays de la Cedeao (Communaute economique des Etats d'Afrique de l'Ouest, NDLR) dans le cadre de preparatifs d'une agression contre le Niger, qu'elle envisage en collaboration avec cette organisation communautaire", a declare un membre du regime, le colonel-major Amadou Abdramane, dans un communique lu a la television nationale.





Selon le communique, le regime a constate depuis le 1er septembre que "deux aeronefs de transport militaire type A400M et un Dornier 328 ont ete deployes en renfort en Cote d'Ivoire", et que "deux helicopteres multiroles type Super Puma" et "une quarantaine de vehicules blindes" l'ont ete "a Kandi et Malanville au Benin".





"Le 7 septembre 2023, un navire militaire francais a accoste a Cotonou (Benin, ndlr) avec a son bord, du personnel et des moyens militaires", selon le communique.





Les generaux au pouvoir font egalement etat d'"une centaine de rotations d'avions militaires cargo ayant permis de debarquer d'importantes quantites de materiel et d'equipement de guerre au Senegal, en Cote d'Ivoire et au Benin, pour ne citer que ceux-la".





"Ces manoeuvres" ont pour but de "reussir une intervention militaire contre notre pays", selon eux.





Apres le coup d'Etat du 26 juillet, la Cedeao a brandi la menace d'une intervention militaire au Niger, dont elle avait annonce la preparation, pour retablir l'ordre constitutionnel, liberer le president renverse Mohamed Bazoum et le restaurer dans ses fonctions.





Une decision soutenue par la France, qui compte environ 1.500 soldats dans ce pays sahelien, dans le cadre de la lutte antijihadiste.





Retrait des forces francaises

Le 3 aout, les generaux nigeriens au pouvoir, qui souhaitent le depart des soldats francais, avaient denonce plusieurs accords de cooperation militaire conclus avec l'ex-puissance coloniale.





L'un de ces textes contenait un preavis d'un mois, selon eux.





Le regime a affirme dans le communique que ces forces etaient desormais presentes "illegalement" au Niger.





"Le 1er septembre", le "chef d'etat-major des armees du Niger a recu a Zinder le commandant des forces francaises au Sahel pour discuter d'un plan de desengagement des capacites militaires francaises", a-t-il indique.





Le regime dit avoir ete informe d'"une annonce de retrait (...) qui nous vient d'un niveau operationnel et n'est donc portee ni par l'etat-major des armees francaises, ni par le gouvernement francais et n'a fait l'objet d'aucun communique officiel".





Mardi, Paris affirmait que des "echanges" etaient en cours entre armees nigerienne et francaise pour "faciliter les mouvements de moyens militaires francais", confirmant des propos tenus la veille par le Premier ministre du Niger nomme par le regime, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.





"La question du maintien de certaines de nos forces se pose", avait declare le ministere francais des armees.





Chaque jour depuis plus d'une semaine, des milliers de personnes au total se sont rassemblees dans la capitale nigerienne Niamey, aux abords d'une base militaire abritant des soldats francais pour reclamer leur depart.





De leur cote, les Etats-Unis, qui disposent de quelque 1.100 soldats au Niger, ont commence "par precaution" a repositionner leurs troupes de la base 101 de Niamey a la base 201 d'Agadez, dans le centre du pays, a declare le departement de la Defense jeudi.





Bras de fer

La France est engagee dans un bras de fer avec le Niger, qui a par ailleurs retire l'immunite et le visa diplomatiques de l'ambassadeur francais Sylvain Itte et exige son "expulsion".





Paris, qui ne reconnait pas le regime militaire, a justifie plusieurs fois le maintien de M. Itte.





"La France refuse de rappeler son ambassadeur declare persona non grata par les autorites et la justice nigerienne", a souligne une nouvelle fois le communique du regime.





M. Zeine avait toutefois declare que son gouvernement esperait "si possible maintenir une cooperation avec un pays avec qui on a partage enormement de choses".





Il exprimait egalement qu'il avait "bon espoir" que son pays trouve une "entente" avec la Cedeao, apres que le chef du regime, le general Abdourahamane Tiani, a annonce une transition d'une duree maximum de trois ans.





L'organisation regionale ne veut cependant "pas repeter" dans ce pays "les experiences du Mali, de la Guinee et du Burkina", ou des periodes de transition avaient ete negociees.
The golden orb was resting on the Alskan seafloor, about 2 miles below the surface. NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska

Marine researchers found a mysterious golden orb deep on the Alaskan seafloor.

The team joked it was like something out of a horror movie because it's so puzzling.

A remotely operated vehicle picked up the egg-like object, which scientists will now test.

Earth's oceans are vast and mysterious, and scientists have yet to describe roughly 91% of its species. It's not entirely surprising, then, that deep-sea explorers just found something entirely new during an Alaskan expedition.

But this particular object, what looks like the remains of some type of golden orb or egg, surprised scientists. "I don't know what to make of that," said a researcher during a live stream of the expedition.

The mysterious object that resembles a reject from Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory was discovered on August 30 as part of the Seascape Alaska 5 expedition that's using a remotely operated vehicle to map the Alaska seafloor. The team that found it is with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean Exploration.

Usually, researchers can at least guess how an unknown specimen fits in with other species just by looking at it, Sam Candio, the expedition's coordinator, told Insider via email.

But the orb completely puzzled them. "With this sample, we need that further lab analysis to even begin placing it into any kind of biological group," he said.

An egg casing, a sponge, or something more strange

Using a remotely-operated vehicle 2 miles under the ocean, the researchers were cruising around the KodiakBowie Seamount chain of extinct volcanoes when they saw the orb, Candio said. "Essentially we stumbled across it," he said.

"This is a depth zone with very little data about the species that inhabit it, particularly in the Gulf of Alaska, so we were hopeful that we would find something interesting and new," Candio said.

Team members joked that the orb looked like something out of a horror movie. The orb could be an egg case or sponge, but Candio isn't ruling out "something more strange."

Story continues

Researchers need to perform tests to discover more about the mysterious golden orb. NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska

The remote vehicle comes with a vacuum-like device that its robotic arm used to suction up the squishy egg, which has a skin-like tissue.

"To the touch, it is flimsy on the edges and incredibly delicate and flaky," Candio said. "The center is a concave dome shape and firmer than the edges."

Researchers will need to perform tests  including DNA, dissection, and microscopy, Candio said  before they can determine what species the fleshy orb belongs to.

"The more information we got through visual analysis and sampling of the orb, the less we felt we knew about it, which is exciting!" he said.

Moving around the seafloor as deep as 3.7 miles below the surface, the vehicle has come across something unique or unexpected on every dive, Candio said.

"The diversity and wonder of the waters surrounding Alaska has been nothing short of breathtaking," he added.

You can watch the live stream from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET through September 15 to see other interesting marine life, from carnivorous sponges to octopuses guarding their eggs.

Read the original article on Business Insider
HINTON, Iowa  The Plymouth County Sheriffs Department is investigating a Saturday afternoon crash at the intersection of Highway 75 and County Road C-60 in Hinton.

According to a press release, five vehicles were involved in the collision which was reported at 1:36 p.m. Saturday. The driver of a gold Nissan traveling northbound sideswiped two cars stopped at a red light at the intersection. The vehicle then proceeded to strike a gray GMC Denali traveling westbound on C-60. The Nissan then hit a pickup truck waiting at the red light facing south.

The Nissan finally came to rest in the middle of the roadway, according to the press release.

One individual was taken to Mercy Health Care in Sioux City by Hinton Ambulance. Another victim was transported to Orange City Health Care by Merrill Ambulance.

The names of those involved in the accident are not being released at this time.

The Plymouth County Sheriffs Department was assisted at the scene by Hinton Police Department, Hinton Fire Department, Merrill Fire Department, Plymouth County Conservation Department, Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State Patrol.
HINTON, Iowa  The driver of a stolen vehicle that crashed into four other vehicles in Hinton Saturday afternoon was pronounced dead at the hospital after the collisions.

At around 1:36 p.m. Saturday, Plymouth County 9-1-1 dispatchers received multiple calls of a collision that had occurred at the intersection of Highway 75 and County Road C60 in Hinton.

Witnesses said a gold Nissan Sentra, which had been reported stolen from Sioux City, was being driven by an unidentified man at a high rate of speed through Hinton and sideswiped an SUV driven by Baylie Andersen of Jefferson, S.D., that was stopped at a red light facing northbound, according to a Plymouth County Sheriffs Office press release.

The Nissan then sideswiped a Chevrolet Malibu driven by Evan Wielenga of Hull, Iowa, which was also stopped at the red light. The Nissan continued northbound and struck a GMC Yukon driven by Jeremy Ahlers of Remsen, Iowa, and a GMC Sierra driven by Pat Hoebelheinrich of Le Mars, Iowa.

The Nissan came to rest in the middle of the intersection; the driver was taken to MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center in Sioux City, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Plymouth County Sheriffs Office.

Jamie Ahlers, a passenger in the Yukon, was taken to the Orange City Area Health System by Merrill Ambulance for treatment of minor injuries; four children in the Yukon were treated for their injuries at the scene.

The Nissan had been reported stolen in Sioux City earlier in the day.

The driver has not yet been identified; the Plymouth County Sheriffs Office will be working with the Iowa State Medical Examiners Office to identify him.
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a meeting with overseas Koreans residing in India at a hotel in New Delhi, India, Friday (local time). Joint Press Corps



President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged Sunday to provide active assistance to Korean businesses operating in India, the presidential office said.



Yoon made the pledge during a lunch meeting with a dozen executives from the local divisions or affiliates of South Korean companies, including Hyundai Motor Co., Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc.






Shortly after she realized she might soon die, Kimber King reached into her pocket and pulled out a business card. There was a phone number on it, and a few promises: NO Preaching. NO Shaming. NO Judgement.

She was skeptical, she later told me. I was wary to call. I didnt know what was going to happen with the police and stuff, she said. But she did dial the number.

When she called, a warm voice answered: Let me get my book, Kimber. Ive never talked to you before. Im glad you called. Have you called us before?

No. This is my first time.

You got your door unlocked?

Let me check. Hold on. Yes, its unlocked now.

OK, so make sure Im on speakerphone.

King told the operator she was going to use heroin. Probably fentanyl, she said, with a nervous laugh. Probably fentanyl. OK, the person answered.

On the other end of the line was Jessica Blanchard. Her voice is calm on the call. But she later told me she was worried right away. She was right to be.

I met Blanchard on the front patio of her home in Albany, Georgia. I was about 15 minutes early, and she was still in her pajamas, poking only her head out from the front door to greet us. Im on a call now, she told us, waving us inside. That call, and others like it, was why we came to this backwoods area of Southwest Georgia, the trailer hood, as Blanchard called it, about a three-hour drive from Atlanta.

Advertisement

Blanchard, known by her friends as Jessie B., is an operator and education director for Never Use Alone, a safe-use hotline for drug users. It was conceived of four years ago by a bunch a drug users sick of their friends dying, as she put it.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The hotline serves people who worry using alone makes them vulnerable to dying by overdose. And there is reason for concern. Total overdose deaths have climbed to nearly 110,000 in 2022. Overdoses are often fatal, but the chances of survival go way up with urgent EMS care. Never Use Alone increases a callers chances of survival by promising to stay on the line while you use, and send you help if you become unresponsive.

Advertisement

After Blanchard was finished with the call, she got dressed and met my colleague and me in her office, a modest-sized room with its walls painted black and purple Christmas lights running along the ceiling, with a small desk and two futons. She has a bag with Narcan nailed into her wall by the door, alongside a little plaque that reads, Very little is needed to make a happy life. Never Use Alones coverage area spans North America, and Blanchard receives calls directly to her cellphone, rarely ever missing a call. That can be a matter of life or death.

This piece is a collaboration between This American Life and Slate. Listen to the episode hosted by Mary Harris, from Slates daily news podcast, What Next.

Advertisement

Before we could get started on an interview, she got another NUA call on her phone. Overhearing it, youd be forgiven for thinking she was chitchatting with an old friend.

Thats on purpose. Blanchard wants to keep people talking so she can better monitor their state as callers use drugs. She has her own code for keeping track of how impaired they are. When you call, my hope is that youre speaking in print. Nice print, second-grade letters. Youre gonna use, you may move to cursive, you may move to calligraphy. I try to keep you out of the hieroglyphics. I cant understand that, she said. Thats how I talk to them. Oooo baby, youre already talking in cursive! Lets hurry up and get your address,  she said, Its a nonjudgmental way to say, You sound a lil fucked up. 

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

They chat about anything the caller wants to talk about. It could sound like an impromptu therapy session. But underneath that, there is structure. The first thing Blanchard does when a call comes in is retrieve her small plastic container filled with index cards with the hand-written personal information of past callers, like a physical phone book. She calls it her recipe box. She keeps it so she can expedite the process for repeat callers.

Advertisement

But for new callers, Blanchard has a script that she personally developed over her years of taking NUA calls. Thats how her call with Kimber King begins. With her permission, Blanchard played a recording of that call for us to listen to.

Never Use Alone, its Jessie, the call began.

Hi. My name is Kimber.

Oh hi! How are ya?

You can immediately hear Blanchard shuffling for her recipe box.

I just got out of rehab yesterday, and I dont wanna use by myself.

On the tape, Blanchard continues with her onboarding script. She asks for Kings call-back number, her address, any details about how to find her apartment, and she also asks her to make sure the door is unlocked, to set out Narcan on her coffee table if she has any, and to make sure any pets she might have are locked away someplace safe. This protocol is designed to ensure that if EMS is called, they can get to the caller as quickly as possible, since survival can be a matter of seconds.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

At this point in the recording, you can hear the concern rising in Blanchards voice. So you know your tolerance is in the dirt, right? Were gonna go real slow. Were gonna go real slow, she says.

Blanchard paused the tape, and offered a worried look. You hear my voice change? she asked. I knew she was going to overdose. Shed just gotten out of rehab, had this period of abstinence. She was speaking with some speed, with some urgency. I justI knew she wasnt going to be careful, she said. My mama spirit kicked in. Its a sixth sense you develop when you do these calls. Within about five minutes, I know Im going to have to call EMS.

Advertisement

Before that day in 2020 when she called Blanchard, King had been in rehab. It wasnt the first time. By then, she had been doing heroin for 11 years, and had been averaging about two rehab stays per year over the last six years. I really didnt want to stop back then, she told me over the phone. It was more that I wanted to get sober enough to be able to go to my job, to be able to look like Im functioning from the outside.

She started using as a teenager, after her older brother, 24, was brutally stabbed to death. I thought at the time that I was bipolar, because a lot of people get that, you know? They tell you that because they really dont know whats going on underneath the drug addiction, King said. But really, I was just dealing with a lot of PTSD.

Advertisement

King had become a regular face at the rehab center, but her stay that year would be abruptly cut short. After she was let out on a pass to attend an appointment with her therapist, she stopped in a convenience store on the way to buy a Red Bull. She felt it was harmless, but the rehab center took such violations very seriously after it had made its no-outside-contact rules stricter in response to COVID. And when someone who worked at the rehab saw her stop in the store, they notified the rehab center. By the time I got to the therapy office, King said, my stuff would be waiting outside.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

King was embarrassed. She didnt want to tell anyone that she had gotten kicked out because she was afraid what her family might think. So without speaking with anyone, she went home, where she was alone.

Advertisement

She relapsed almost immediately. She picked up some dope, and took a walk down the street from her apartment to a local needle exchange. They knew her there. Shed typically go once or twice a week to exchange her stuff when she was using, and they didnt expect to see her since they knew she was supposed to be in rehab. Worried for her, they handed her the business card. It read Never Use Alone. She put it in her pocket and returned home, not giving it much more thought.

But as she prepared to use alone in her apartment, she thought back to the card. I knew that I had like 40 days of abstinence. So, I knew how risky it was, she told me, recalling the exact moment she dug into her pocket and took a second look.

When Blanchard references her mama spirit, she is being specific. There are only a few years difference between King and her daughter, Kaylen, who met a boy at 18 who told her he had something for her that would feel better than any hug she got from her mama.

Shes 23 now, Blanchard said. Shes the most magnificent creature Ive ever met in my life. Shes also the raggediest bitch Ive ever met in my life. Shes magnificent  shes magnificent. Kaylen has now overdosed 11 times.

Back then, Blanchard was a nurse and was caught off guard when she learned of her daughters addiction. She regrets that now.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Not long after Kaylen started using, Blanchard found out by word of mouth that she had almost died of an overdose. Blanchard hadnt seen Kaylen in weeks, and she blamed herself. She was hiding from me because every time I saw her, I gave her the business, she said. She recalls driving her car around for three and a half hours each day (an hour before work, an hour at lunch, and an hour and a half after work), hoping to catch just a glimpse of her daughter. One morning, she found her, in the parking lot of a Krispy Kreme.

I drove across five lanes of traffic, me in that little Jeep, and I ran up on her, she said. I ran up on her and I was excited. I meant to touch her shoulder, but I grabbed her shoulder. And when I did, she turned around and hit me. Being from West Tennessee, I hit her back.

They had a fistfight in the parking lot. For a few seconds, she forgot I was her mama, and I forgot I was her mama. And when we got through fighting in the Krispy Kreme parking lot, we were both bleeding, Blanchard said. She threw her hands out to the side and said, Mama, what the F do you want from me? And I threw my hands out and said, If you would just not die, that would be great. 

It was a turning point for Blanchard. Thats when it hit me: Just dont die. That was literally the moment my brain shifted. Because even standing there, bleeding, I was looking at my baby, and she was OK. And that was all that mattered.

In that instant, Blanchard unlearned everything she had been taught in nursing school about drug addiction. Were taught drugs are bad, Just Say No, deputy dog, D.A.R.E. Thats the kind of stuff we were taught. Thats not realistic, she said. We were taught, Well, you did it to yourself. That was the mantra. For some reason, that didnt feel right to me. I was often deemed a soft, bleeding-heart pushover. I thought I was just being nice.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

After that, Blanchard became involved in harm reduction. I didnt want her to die. This whole thingevery fucking thing I do is about her not dying. Then about her and her homie not dying. Now its about the entire town, she said.

Blanchards relationship with her daughter improved when she began supplying Kaylen with clean needles and invited her to use in her home, at her dining table: I would rather my daughter sit at my dining room table and do what shes got to do than hide behind a dumpster or Burger King and die. Absolutely.

Did I ever see myself doing this? No. This is enabling, she conceded. But she thinks of that term differently. It enables health, she said. Folks gonna do what folks gonna do. If youve never watched someone sharpen a used hypodermic needle on a brick to inject a substancewatch that happen. Watch it be your child. Youll change your mind real quick. She is convincing, but her doubts have often been profound. First box of syringes I bought her, I drove around the corner and I puked down the side of my Jeep, she said.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, she saw results immediately. Her daughters arms and skin began looking better, and she started looking healthier. She wasnt complaining of fatigue. What I knew is we were battling infection, and we were getting on top of it quickly. Thats when I knew I was doing the right thing, she said. If what she wants to do is continue to use, she should be alive and healthy to do so. If what she wants to do is one day kick it, she should be healthy.

 Dont die: That would be great,  she repeated. We can work with anything but death.

The abiding belief that alive is better than clean was what led to Never Use Alone. After Blanchards daughter got caught up in addiction, she realized that her community badly needed a regular supply of Narcan. After she wrote to a Georgia overdose prevention center to volunteer as a Narcan distributor, the center placed Never Use Alone cards in her first shipment. She called the number and offered to volunteer for the hotline.

NUA was a scrappy organization in its early days. It started as a simple Google Voice line that was redirected to the cellphones of volunteers. Blanchard originally wasnt given a script or anything to work from. They simply told her shed do fine, and that was it. I got a call within 20 minutes, she remembered. I was like, Wheres the training, dog?

She improvised at first.  Hello, Im trying to reach Never Use Alone. I guess you did!  she said, recalling her first call. By chance, the caller, a man named Steve, was a regular user of the line. He offered to give Blanchard some tips. I knew I needed to get his address. Outside that, he was like, Are you gonna get my information? I was like, What info do I need? He was like, Youre gonna let me die! You gotta tell me to have my door unlocked,  she said.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

She picked it up quickly, and got to answering multiple calls a day. Theyd come in so frequently shed only ever not answer if she was already on the line with another caller. She treats each caller as if she is speaking with her daughter, who also uses the line. (Kaylen gives Blanchard a warning so she isnt the one who answers.)

Our interview with Blanchard in her office was interrupted several times by NUA callers. One man called in from Philadelphia. He told Blanchard he was going to snort something before heading out to work. He sounded hesitant at first, but Blanchard had him chitchatting, and by the end, she asked him to let her go, but not without first making him promise to call the line again if he was thinking about using again.

Other calls are not so sweet. Blanchard played audio from a caller who was already extremely high when they called. So hows your day going? you can hear Blanchard ask in the audio, and the caller mumbles their way through an answer. He called talking hieroglyphics, Blanchard said. That call did result in an overdose, though he survived after Blanchard called EMS for help. Its just somebody elses kid who didnt have to die. Thats it, she said.

On the call that day in 2020, King did become unresponsive. On the recording of the phone conversation, Blanchard calls out Kimbers name over and over again to an eerie, hissing silence. After an excruciating 30-second period, Blanchard offers her one more chance to say anything before she dials for help.

Im not panicked, Blanchard told me about her mind state in that moment. Ive been a nurse 22, 23 years. Worked in an ER. Worked in a correctional facility. I dont get nervous. That doesnt do this caller any good for me to panic.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

About seven minutes after King goes unresponsive on the call, you can hear an EMS worker enter her home, shuffle around, and begin to work to revive her. Thats when the call ends. Blanchard hangs up. I knew he had her, she said. Once I get there, I hang up.

Stephen Murray, a paramedic who Blanchard calls her harm-reduction BF, happened to be the one who entered Kings home and saved her life. An overdose survivor himself, Murray was the one who had left the Never Use Alone cards at the safe-use clinic that King had visited to exchange needles after she relapsed.

You want to talk about full circle? The man that put the card in the syringe access is the man that pulled that baby out of the bathroom! Her heart rate was 34. She was 15 seconds away from being unreversible. From being dead. In-the-dirt dead. If she had not unlocked her door like I asked her to, shed be dead. The rig was still in her arm. She hit her arm. The needle was still in her arm when they pulled her out of the bathroom. Thats how fast she overdosed, Blanchard recalled.

King survived. She later called Blanchard to thank her. But Blanchard remembers telling King that she saved her own life. You called the line. I couldnt have done shit for you, she remembered saying. Kimber calls me Mama. And I found out that Kimbers going to make me a grandmama in September to a baby girl. And Kimber wants me in the delivery room. Thats how much I speak to Kimber.

King is far from the only person to survive an overdose because they called Never Use Alone. Weve detected 97 overdoses on the line, Blanchard said. 97 calls. All 97 people are alive to tell their story today.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Blanchard acknowledges that Never Use Alone is far from the most perfect solution. It is an entirely volunteer operation, with only about 20 people answering between 250 and 300 calls a week.

People ask us all the time: Can you keep us safe? Can you guarantee I wont die? No, Blanchard said. I guarantee if you get unresponsive, Ill call help, because the drug supply is unregulated, because youre having to hide, because you cant tell people what youre doing. There are 1,000 reasons why its dangerous. Youre asking me to walk you successfully through a land-mine field. I can stand on the other side and try to point out some obstacles. I cant guarantee you make it out alive.

Blanchard told me the biggest obstacle is the unpredictability of the supply of drugs. She says not even dealers always know whats in the drugs theyre selling. All you have here is fentanyl, Blanchard said. She knows because she also collects samples from both drug users and dealers in her community to send to a lab in Chicago to get tested. If you find this gray-purple-looking stuff, its gonna have xylazine in it. Itll have xylo, it will have fentanyl, it will have benzos, she said. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer. They are mixing it in the dope. It is causing sores and ulcers. Thats why its so dangerous. They have no idea.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

That gray-purple stuff recently caused two of Kaylens friends to overdose. They didnt survive.

While we talked in her office, Blanchard took three more calls. Each of them ended with the callers using, surviving, and Blanchard smiling. She called her daughter, wanting to introduce us to her, but though we agreed wed meet, it never happened. Probably have to pay her $20, Blanchard said.

Blanchard was circumspect about her relationship with her daughter. Is she living the life Id have her live? Thats an absolute no. Am I living the life my mama would have me live? F no, she said. I tell people all the time, You feel like youve been buried. Youre under the dirt. I get that. But were you buried or planted? I was buried for a while here in this. I chose to see if I could grow. And I did. 

This piece was written by Aymann Ismail and reported by Mary Harris and Aymann Ismail, based on her original episode of This American Life. Listen to the episode now.
A recent case involving Douglas Furnell, the owner and operator of Western Metal Company in Louisburg, Kansas, offers a stern reminder of the dire consequences when one evades their duty to the federal government.

According to the Office of Public Affairs, Furnell, a resident of Leawood, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to deliberately neglecting to submit federal employment taxes for his business. This violation encompasses a duration stretching from the beginning of 2015 through the middle of 2020.

Western Metal Company, known for manufacturing custom metal products, had its owner, Furnell at the helm of its financial operations. One of his crucial duties was to timely remit the federal income and Social Security and Medicare taxes deducted from his employees paychecks. Court records reveal that Furnell did not only withhold the due taxes but also refrained from submitting the necessary quarterly employment tax returns. The resultant tax deficit caused to the IRS by non-compliance is $333,983.

Drive Traffic to Your Website Sell Your Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Advertise Your Business Here

For many small business proprietors, this situation underscores the critical importance of understanding and fulfilling tax obligations. Delays or non-compliance can result in financial penalties and severe legal repercussions. In Furnells case, the sentencing, scheduled for December 14, might lead to a maximum imprisonment of five years. Apart from the incarceration, Furnell is also staring down the barrel of supervised release, restitution, and additional monetary fines. The final decision rests with a federal district court judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

The news of this case was relayed to the public by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Departments Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas.

IRS-Criminal Investigation is currently delving deeper into the case, reminding business owners of the vigilant eye of regulatory bodies. For those in the small business community, this incident serves as a case study of the importance of transparency, ethical financial practices, and ensuring that ones business remains compliant with all tax obligations.

The cases prosecution is in the hands of Trial Attorney Erika V. Suhr of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Christopher Oakley of the District of Kansas.

Small Business Deals

For many, this incident emphasizes the balance that must be maintained between entrepreneurship and legal obligations. As the saga of Western Metal Company unfolds, it might well be a wake-up call for small business owners nationwide about the significance of maintaining financial integrity.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230909/nato-chief-says-no-indication-russia-intended-to-hit-bloc-in-strikes-near-danube-1113242376.html

NATO Chief Says No Indication Russia Intended to Hit Bloc in Strikes Near Danube

NATO Chief Says No Indication Russia Intended to Hit Bloc in Strikes Near Danube

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry alleged that Russian drones fell and detonated in Romanian territory. The Romanian Defense Ministry rejected the allegation.

2023-09-09T20:41+0000

2023-09-09T20:41+0000

2023-09-09T20:41+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

nato

ukraine

romania

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/0e/1110352244_0:0:3106:1748_1920x0_80_0_0_92254df016a5f7bd7299f3637e5dd6e9.jpg

Earlier in the day, the Romanian Defense Ministry said that fragments of a drone "similar to those used by the Russian army" were discovered some 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) southeast of the border village of Plauru, marking the second such incident in a week. On Wednesday, debris from a possible drone was found close to Romania's border with Ukraine, but NATO said it had no information indicating any intentional attack by Russia. The NATO chief added that he welcomed the US decision to deploy more F-16 jets to increase air policing. Iohannis, in turn, said on social media that he "strongly condemned" the latest violation of his country's airspace, describing it as a "threat to Romanian citizens in the area." An air raid alert went off on Monday night in Ukraine's Odesa region. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry alleged that Russian drones fell and detonated in Romanian territory. The Romanian Defense Ministry rejected the allegation, saying that the Russian military never posed direct threats to Romania's territory or territorial waters.

russia

ukraine

romania

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

nato, romania, russia, ukraine, nato secretary general jens stoltenberg
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230909/uk-prime-minister-touts-very-strong-language-in-g20-declaration-on-ukraine--1113242500.html

UK Prime Minister Touts 'Very Strong Language' in G20 Declaration on Ukraine

UK Prime Minister Touts 'Very Strong Language' in G20 Declaration on Ukraine

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko took to social media to point out flaws in the document's language on the crisis in Ukraine, calling it "nothing to be proud of."

2023-09-09T21:26+0000

2023-09-09T21:26+0000

2023-09-09T21:26+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

ukraine

g20

g20 summit

united kingdom (uk)

new delhi

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/07/1110987372_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_cbf3ae1e7d8a229ff69fba1b744de91d.jpg

"The news that we've just had is that under Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi and India's presidency, the G20 have agreed a joint communique with very strong language about [the conflict in Ukraine] So I think that is a good and strong outcome," Sunak was quoted as saying by the iNews daily. Similarly, French diplomatic sources cited by the ANI news agency said that the declaration was very satisfactory. "We had to refer to the United Nations texts, which are indeed mentioned and then we had to affirm a few obvious points for us, but which are not necessarily obvious for everyone, i.e. that a war of territorial conquest is unacceptable, that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be respected, and that a just and lasting peace must respect these principles," the sources were quoted as saying by the news agency. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko took to social media to point out flaws in the document's language on the crisis in Ukraine, calling it "nothing to be proud of," while expressing gratitude "to the partners who tried to include strong wordings in the text." Earlier on Saturday, the G20 leaders adopted the New Delhi Summit Declaration, which received a 100% consensus on all development and geopolitical issues. The leaders of the world's major economies said they had different views on and assessments of the Ukraine conflict during discussions of the issue, while jointly calling for respect for the UN Charter. The Financial Times reported that the declaration was "a blow to Western countries" over the lack of global consensus in support of Ukraine.

russia

ukraine

united kingdom (uk)

new delhi

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

united kingdom, g20 summit, russia, ukraine, uk prime minister rishi sunak, new delhi summit declaration
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/any-grain-route-initiatives-excluding-russias-participation-bound-to-fail---erdogan--1113254540.html

Erdogan Warns Any Grain Route Plans Leaving Out Russia Bound to Fail

Erdogan Warns Any Grain Route Plans Leaving Out Russia Bound to Fail

Turkey is paying great attention to ensuring food security in Africa, but any alternatives to the grain deal that exclude Russia's participation are bound to fail, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.

2023-09-10T12:00+0000

2023-09-10T12:00+0000

2023-09-10T12:43+0000

world

black sea grain deal

recep tayyip erdogan

sergey lavrov

russia

turkiye

the united nations (un)

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/15/1112755868_0:0:3190:1794_1920x0_80_0_0_695efef1d10657c25c6b924cd5118eb9.jpg

"In the grain corridor process, we believe that any initiative that isolates Russia is bound to fail, its success is of very little possibility," the Turkish leader said after the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Erdogan also noted that Turkiye and Qatar were placing great significance on grain supplies to Africa, where food scarcity has had a serious impact. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced after a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that his country would soon ship free grain to six African countries in a bid to alleviate food shortages on the continent.On July 18, the Turkiye- and UN-mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative, or grain deal as it is commonly called, which provided for a humanitarian corridor to enable exports of Ukrainian grain over the past year amid the Russian military operation expired as Moscow did not renew its participation in the deal. The Kremlin said that the deal's component on facilitating Russian grain and fertilizer exports had not been fulfilled.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230831/un-proposals-on-grain-deal-have-no-guarantees-for-russia---lavrov-1113024927.html

russia

turkiye

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

grain route initiatives, turkish president recep tayyip erdogan, grain deal that exclude russia's participation
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/as-russia-easily-destroys-western-armored-vehicles-in-ukraine-us-doubts-its-effectiveness---report--1113244261.html

US Casts Doubt on Tank Supplies to Ukraine as Russia Wipes Out West's Armor - Report

US Casts Doubt on Tank Supplies to Ukraine as Russia Wipes Out West's Armor - Report

The Russian military has destroyed so many Western armored vehicles in Ukraine that the United States and Europe have begun to question their effectiveness, a US magazine reports.

2023-09-10T07:35+0000

2023-09-10T07:35+0000

2023-09-10T09:08+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

ukrainian armed forces

ukraine

russia

russian defense ministry

kiev

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/19/1111456918_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_76ffdd4274b6171bdaef450736ec094a.jpg

The Russian military has destroyed so many Western armored vehicles during the special military operation that the United States and Europe have begun to question their effectiveness, a US magazine reported.As the authors of the publication note, the Russian army has successfully turned Western armor into smoldering junk, as it happens, with its domestic Kornet-model anti-tank units. According to the journalists, the US has long been wary of sending M1A1 Abrams to Ukraine because it was afraid of massive losses of these vehicles on the battlefield, which could make the US military-industrial complex lose face, thereby soiling its much-hyped image. The Ukrainian Armed Forces has already lost a number of German Leopard 2A6s and British Challenger 2 tanks, although experts say they are more likely to endure combat than their US counterparts.As of early September, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had lost more than 66,000 men and 7,600 weapons, including German Leopard tanks, French AMXs, and US Bradley BMPs, in the failed counterattack.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/uk-confirms-challenger-2-tanks-destruction-says-not-planning-to-send-replacement-1113147085.html

ukraine

russia

kiev

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

united states, western armored vehicles, united states and europe, ukrainian forces
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/erdogan-declares-new-era-of-ankara-cairo-ties-during-talks-with-egyptian-leader---govt-1113255556.html

Erdogan Admin. Declares New Era of Ankara-Cairo Ties During Talks With Egyptian Leader

Erdogan Admin. Declares New Era of Ankara-Cairo Ties During Talks With Egyptian Leader

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday held the first talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in many years on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi and announced the beginning of a new era in relations between the two nations, the Turkish presidency said.

2023-09-10T12:56+0000

2023-09-10T12:56+0000

2023-09-10T13:37+0000

world

recep tayyip erdogan

turkiye

egypt

ankara

bilateral relations

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/16/1106594763_0:0:3049:1716_1920x0_80_0_0_950298e4d3b349903f06132c0b67bb53.jpg

"Erdogan announced the beginning of a new phase of relations between the countries after the appointment of the ambassadors, expressing hope that relations would reach the proper level in a short period of time," the Turkish presidency said in a statement seen by Sputnik. During the talks, the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and trade expansion, as well as a number of other issues, with the Turkish president stressing the importance of cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy, liquefied gas supplies, culture and education, the statement read. Relations between Turkiye and Egypt have been gradually improving recently. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry visited the quake-hit zone in Turkiye in late February, while El-Sisi expressed his condolences to Erdogan over the tragedy. After that, then-Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu traveled to Cairo, which was the first visit by a high-ranking Turkish official in 10 years. In April, Shoukry went to Turkiye one more time. As a result of the contacts, Erdogan and El-Sisi agreed in May to upgrade diplomatic ties to the level of ambassadors to restore normal relations between the two nations. In early July, Turkiye and Egypt appointed ambassadors for the first time in a decade. Turkish-Egyptian relations deteriorated in July 2013 after the overthrow of then-Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and the subsequent internal bloody clashes. Erdogan strongly condemned the actions of the Egyptian military against supporters of the ousted leader then. In August 2013, Ankara and Cairo withdrew their ambassadors for consultations, after which Egypt declared the Turkish ambassador persona non grata, prompting Turkiye to respond in a tit-for-tat move.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220417/with-ties-between-egypt--turkey-set-to-restart-what-is-behind-the-move-1094825484.html

turkiye

egypt

ankara

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

turkish president recep tayyip erdogan, g20 summit, new era in relations, ankara-cairo ties
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/erdogan-says-discussed-f-16-jets-supplies-with-biden-during-informal-talks-at-g20-summit-1113258055.html

Erdogan Says Discussed F-16 Jets Supplies With Biden During Informal Talks at G20 Summit

Erdogan Says Discussed F-16 Jets Supplies With Biden During Informal Talks at G20 Summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday he had discussed possible deliveries of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye with US President Joe Biden during informal talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

2023-09-10T15:51+0000

2023-09-10T15:51+0000

2023-09-10T15:51+0000

military

recep tayyip erdogan

sweden

turkiye

joe biden

nato

us congress

f-35

f-16

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105190/97/1051909770_0:0:3000:1688_1920x0_80_0_0_03050e42622a35875e8d08f1907ca7da.jpg

"I did have a pull-aside, informal conversation with President Biden and we did discuss F-16s. But when it comes to the F-16 aircraft, unfortunately, what they do is take this to Sweden [Sweden's accession to NATO]," Erdogan said after the summit, adding that Ankara was upset by such an approach. Sweden "should fulfill the duties it has to fulfill," the Turkish leader said, adding that if it fails to do so, he would be "bound by resolution" coming from the Turkish parliament. In April 2021, the United States excluded Turkiye from the F-35 program after Ankara purchased Russia's S-400 air defense systems. Erdogan said later that year that Washington had offered that Ankara buy F-16 jets instead, one generation behind the F-35s. However, the deal needs approval from the US Congress, with many lawmakers strongly opposing the initiative, in particular, due to Turkey's position on Sweden's NATO bid. Sweden, along with Finland, submitted its NATO application in May 2022, several months after Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine. Finland became a member of the alliance in April 2023. Apart from Turkiye, Sweden's application is still pending ratification by Hungary.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220822/us-senate-committee-head-opposes-selling-f-16s-to-turkey-unless-ankara-changes-policy-1099843625.html

sweden

turkiye

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

turkiey, turkey, us, recep tayyip erdogan, joe biden, f-16, f-35, sweden nato bid, nato accesstion, f-16 supplies, why does turkey want f-16, why turkey won't get f-16, s-400
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/g20-proposed-wto-reform-poses-huge-challenges-for-divided-world-1113243701.html

G20-Proposed WTO Reform Poses 'Huge Challenges' for 'Divided World'

G20-Proposed WTO Reform Poses 'Huge Challenges' for 'Divided World'

Reforming the WTO will present huge challenges, Robinder Sachdev, a geopolitical and economic diplomacy analyst, told Sputnik.

2023-09-10T08:55+0000

2023-09-10T08:55+0000

2023-09-10T09:39+0000

g20

wto

world trade organization (wto)

donald trump

trade

global trade

tariffs

analysis

brics

dedollarisation

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/0a/1113243948_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_07bc33c62d934e8e0ab0fc03a3042fc9.jpg

The attempt to reform the WTO will present huge challenges, Robinder Sachdev, a geopolitical and economic diplomacy analyst, founder and president of the Imagindia Institute, a New Delhi-based think tank, told Sputnik.He applauded the fact that the intent was there, adding that the need for reform of the body was obvious given that the world is getting more complicated, and more divided. Indeed, as the recent BRICS summit showed with particular clarity, Western-centric groups are beginning to cede global leadership to the multipolar world organizations, predominantly spearheaded by Russia, China and India.At the New Delhi Summit on Saturday, G20 members called for reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO).The reforms would include building trust in the multilateral trading system, and dealing with the currently paralyzed WTO dispute settlement mechanism, which should function smoothly and be accessible to all members by 2024, as per the G20 statement. Looking ahead, the G20 leaders voiced their commitment to working constructively to achieve positive outcomes at the WTO's Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13), set to take place next February in Abu Dhabi.However, the WTO has been mired in an internal crisis for years. Under then-US President Donald Trump, Washington blocked new appointments to its Appellate Body amid trade disputes with China. Already during the tenure of the 45th POTUS, it was suggested that the WTO was in need of major reform, with Trump accusing it of "unfair treatment". Furthermore, the Republican president had even warned that Washington might withdraw from the organization, if it didn't "shape up." As a result, the standing body has been unable to review appeals on top international trade disputes given its vacancies for more than two years.The WTO needs reform, without doubt, Robinder Sachdev reiterated. There is a problem in the global trade mechanism," the analyst pointed out, singling out barriers in trade of two kinds: tariff and non-tariff" ones.He went on to clarify that non-tariff barriers, again, are of two categories. There are those that are systemic to a nation, such as customs clearance that might take hours and days at any point..., or paperwork bureaucracy, etc. According to Sachdev, there is also a category of non-tariff barriers that nations put forth in order to seem in compliance with the tariff barriers, while not wanting to proceed... with a trade agreement.So, great as the idea of the G20-proposed "recalibration" of the WTO is, it faces huge challenges against the backdrop of global trade dynamics currently driven more by geopolitical interests, Sachdev underscored.The fact that G20 members have agreed on the importance of reforming the WTO is very important, agreed Ari Sitas, Professor of Sociology at the University of Cape Town, who was the Chairperson of the South African BRICS Think Tank in 2014-2019.The Professor of Sociology added that there were many questions that this planned reform of the WTO gave rise to, such as:

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220822/russias-ouster-from-wto-would-jeopardize-west--global-souths-development-scholars-warn-1099830007.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230909/g20-split-over-ukraine-sign-of-battle-between-us-unipolarity-rising-multipolar-world-order-1113241211.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230901/brics-can-create-viable-currency-options-as-dollar-dethroned---us-economist-sachs-1113036201.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

reforming the wto, reform of the world trade organization, g20 summit, brics summit,


By Choe Chong-dae



I recently had the pleasure of meeting the Choi family, descendants of Korean-American heritage. This encounter occurred during an introductory event, organized by professor David A. Mason. Douglas Choi, a representative of Sons of Rigor Films in Boston, attended the event with his two sons. The elder son is a junior majoring in computer engineering and an ROTC cadet at Harvard University, while the younger son is currently in high school. Professor Mason is renowned for his decades-long dedication to the study and research of Choe Chi-won.



During our conversation, we discovered that we share membership in the Gyeongju Choe family clan. This revelation prompted me to arrange a visit for them to the Gyeongju Choe Clan Association office in Seoul. There, they received a warm welcome from Choe Byeong-ju, the former chairman of the association, and Choe Cheon-gyu, the deputy chairman.



During their visit, they learned about Choe Chi-won, the founding figure of the Gyeongju Choe clan, known as Goeun, which translates to "Lonesome Cloud," due to his remarkable literary contributions. As a native of Gyeongju, I take great pride in my affiliation with the Choe family, tracing my lineage an impressive 31 generations back to Choe Chi-won. Reflecting on our ancestors and their achievements fills me with profound pride.



When I interact with Chinese scholars and diplomats today, I frequently introduce myself as a member of the Gyeongju Choe family clan, prompting inquiries about my connection to Choe Chi-won. Choe Chi-won (857?) was a distinguished poet, writer and scholar from the late Unified Silla period. His poetry and essays are known for their profound philosophical insights, elegance and intellectual depth.



In particular, Choe Chi-won is credited with the concept of "pungnyu," which has become a foundational idea in all discussions of Korean distinctive culture, especially those related to the performing arts. This concept finds its roots in the spirit of Hwarang, an elite warrior group of young males from the ancient Silla Dynasty. It embodies an ideology that highlights the profound interconnectedness of humanity, society and nature, serving as the foundation for the study of Korean cultural communication, with a focus on the symbolic aspects of human behavior.



Choe described it as Korea's characteristic integration of the 'Three Doctrines' of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, based on a distinctive spiritual culture. This integration is known as Pungnyu, which centers on the central concept of the Way, known as 'Do.' This philosophical framework perceives Heaven, Earth and humanity, emphasizing unity over discrimination and conflict. It offers valuable insights into social communication, delving into human nature, societal dynamics and institutional structures. Notably, some believe that the present hallyu, the Korean wave, and the phenomenon of K-pop culture find their roots in Choe Chi-won's profound Pungnyu concept.



Choe Chi-won played a significant role as a cultural envoy between the Korean kingdom of Silla and various Chinese states during the late Tang Dynasty. In China, Choe's literary works were translated and appreciated for their artistic value, gaining recognition in Chinese literary circles. His time spent in China, where he honed his literary skills and engaged with Chinese scholars, likely contributed to his fame there.



The Choe Chi-won Memorial Hall, established in 2007, stands as the first foreigner's memorial in Yangzhou, dedicated to honoring his cultural contributions to Korea-China ties.



The inspiration behind the pursuit of the family clan's history lies in the belief that understanding our past helps us better appreciate our present and guides us toward a more meaningful future. Similar to the Douglas Choi family's example, numerous diasporas around the world should reconnect with their ancestral heritage as a means of promoting Korean culture while embracing their Korean identity.





Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association.




https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/i-dont-want-to-contain-china-biden-says-as-us-announces-strategic-pact-with-vietnam-1113260947.html

I Dont Want to Contain China, Biden Says as US Announces Strategic Pact With Vietnam

I Dont Want to Contain China, Biden Says as US Announces Strategic Pact With Vietnam

The US president arrived in Hanoi late Sunday after wrapping up his visit to New Delhi, India for the G20 summit. Chinas Foreign Ministry warned the US ahead of the Hanoi trip that Beijing would not accept any new attempts to undermin[e] regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

2023-09-10T18:13+0000

2023-09-10T18:13+0000

2023-09-10T18:25+0000

asia

china

vietnam

hanoi

joe biden

vietnam war

white house

usaid

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/0a/1113260790_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_b7b351913a54a4ae7d894b2f952ad9f0.jpg

President Joe Biden told journalists Sunday that hes not looking to contain China as the White House announced a major upgrade to US-Vietnamese relations, including in the security sphere.Really what this trip is about, its less about containing China, I dont want to contain China. I just want to make sure we have a relationship with China that is on the up and up, squared away, everybody knows what its all about, Biden said, speaking at a press conference in Hanoi.The president did not elaborate on what sort of base he was talking about.The same principle applies to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, an Indo-Pacific pact formed in 2017 and including the US, Australia, India, and Japan, Biden said.The US and Vietnam formally elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on Sunday, with the White House releasing an explanatory document indicating that the new status would include a new semiconductor supply chain partnership, a science and technology research agreement, increased people-to-people ties in education, and deepened trade and investment ties in agriculture, loans, climate, human rights, health, rare earth minerals, and energy.Finally, Washington also pledges to provide additional financial support to Hanoi in dealing with the legacy of the Vietnam War, including through a technology-led initiative to identify remains, a dioxin remediation initiative around the Bien Hoa Air Base area, $25 million for unexploded ordnance clearance, and USAID assistance to people born with severe disabilities thanks to US dioxin use.Biden became a senator in 1972, toward the tail end of the Vietnam War. During the conflict, the US Air Force dropped nearly three times the tonnage of bombs that it had used in the European and Asian theaters of World War II combined, and wiped out the flora and fauna from across about six percent of Vietnams total land area. The conflict killed up to 3.8 million Vietnamese, including two million civilians, as well as over 58,000 US servicemen, most of them draftees. Biden received five student draft deferments during the war, including a 1-Y class draft deferment in 1968, which freed him from service unless a national emergency was declared.Washington has successfully taken advantage of tensions between Vietnam and China from the 1990s onward after the collapse of the Soviet bloc and the end of Hanois close alliance with Moscow. Disagreements between the two communist nations over control of islands and waters in the South China Sea have allowed the US work to try to incorporate Vietnam into its wider strategy to contain China through a string of alliances and security partnerships across the regions, from the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea to Japan. The approach, known as the "Island Chain Strategy," was first unveiled by former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles in the early 1950s.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230904/beijing-calls-on-us-to-avoid-undermining-peace-in-asia-ahead-of-bidens-trip-to-vietnam-1113106890.html

china

vietnam

hanoi

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ilya Tsukanov

vietnam, united states, china, containment, joe biden, trip, visit, strategy, xi jinping
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/john-lennons-long-lost-watch-locked-in-legal-tussle-likely-worth-millions-1113246196.html

Beatles Legends Long-Lost Watch Locked in 'Legal Tussle,' Likely 'Worth Millions'

Beatles Legends Long-Lost Watch Locked in 'Legal Tussle,' Likely 'Worth Millions'

John Lennons missing watch surfaces, and is apparently at the heart of a legal ownership battle.

2023-09-10T08:02+0000

2023-09-10T08:02+0000

2023-09-10T12:20+0000

beyond politics

john lennon

yoko ono

the beatles

watch

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107254/50/1072545054_0:485:2400:1835_1920x0_80_0_0_2fc7ef9224c7498826225efc23c91eda.jpg

The mystery of the missing wristwatch that used to belong to John Lennon may have been finally solved. It only took four decades, but the Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph that is believed to be featured in just two photographs of the co-founder of the iconic rock band The Beatles has reportedly surfaced. Phillips executive and watch specialist Arthur Touchot posted one of these supposed images in a social media post on Instagram*, with the caption: "Mystery solved."As it transpired, the timepiece that may very likely now cost millions was found years ago, but a court battle over its ownership explains why it was shrouded in secrecy.The watch had been a present to Lennon from his wife, Yoko Ono, for the musicians 40th birthday. Two months later, John Lennon tragically died at the hands of Mark Chapman on December 8, 1980. A former driver for Ono is suspected to have stolen the watch, according to legal documents from a Geneva court. The afore-mentioned documents say that the watch bears an engraving referencing a song that the couple had composed together after a period of separation.Back in 2014, a Geneva company purportedly got in touch with Yoko Ono after the watch had been acquired by an Italian collector from a now-defunct German auction house, according to the court documents.The ownership tussle that ensued appeared to have been resolved this June, when a Geneva court ruled that Ono was the rightful owner of the timepiece. However, the collector has reportedly appealed the ruling.The legenday watch could be valued at 4 million francs ($4.5 million), claim lawyers for Yoko Ono.*Meta's Facebook and Instagram are banned in Russia for extremism.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20221023/john-lennons-final-letter-sold-for-nearly-64000-1102552991.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

john lennons missing watch, the beatles, co-founder of the beatles, yoko ono and john lennon
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/lavrov-holds-press-conference-at-g20-summit-1113222834.html

Lavrov Holds Press Conference at G20 Summit

Lavrov Holds Press Conference at G20 Summit

Sputnik is live as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addresses the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi.

2023-09-10T08:20+0000

2023-09-10T08:20+0000

2023-09-10T08:20+0000

world

g20 summit

g20 summit 2023

russia

new delhi

sergey lavrov

g20

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/15/1112755660_0:0:2959:1665_1920x0_80_0_0_f5dff10529141d11b5c475c5536f0fef.jpg

Sputnik is live from New Delhi as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is holding a press conference on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The two-day international gathering has been the first of its kind to be held in India. In addition to the G20 members, India has extended invitations to a group of nine other countries, which includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. Heads of major international organizations, including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also received invitations from this year's chair.Leaders of the world's major economies will discuss global economic development issues, such as inclusive growth, digitalization, and others. Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More!

russia

new delhi

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sergey Lavrov Sergey Lavrov 2023-09-10T08:20+0000 true PT1S

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

g20 summit, g20 summit in new delhi, russian foreign minister sergey lavrov
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/lng-exports-from-russia-increased-by-several-percent-since-year-start-1113244418.html

LNG Exports From Russia Increased by Several Percent Since Year Start

LNG Exports From Russia Increased by Several Percent Since Year Start

Exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia have already increased by several percent since the year start, Russian Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov said in an interview with RIA Novosti at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

2023-09-10T04:44+0000

2023-09-10T04:44+0000

2023-09-10T05:28+0000

economy

eef

russia

southeast asia

liquefied natural gas (lng)

2023 eastern economic forum

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/16174/05/161740576_0:1273:2000:2398_1920x0_80_0_0_4ab59f32a0f40bc7a3791129f93f54b7.jpg

They [LNG export supplies] are already showing positive dynamics. We are talking about a few percent, but nevertheless. There are buyers of Russian LNG all over the world. And these are not only our new partners in Southeast Asia, but also European consumers," Shulginov said. He said the current LNG production in Russia is not enough to satisfy all the demand for it on the foreign market, adding that all capacities in Russia are loaded. The EEF was established in 2015 as an international platform to facilitate business cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and stimulate investment in Russia's easternmost regions. The eighth EEF is taking place September 1013 in the Russian city of Vladivostok. Sputnik is the official media partner of the forum.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230831/eu-boosts-russian-lng-imports-to-108bln-cubic-meters-in-january-june-2023-1113020106.html

russia

southeast asia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

lng exports from russia, eastern economic forum, russian energy minister, liquefied natural gas
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/philippines-cebu-city-to-develop-tourism-exchange-program-with-vladivostok-1113258371.html

Philippines' Cebu City to Develop Tourism Exchange Program With Vladivostok

Philippines' Cebu City to Develop Tourism Exchange Program With Vladivostok

Cebu City, the capital of the Philippine resort island of Cebu and a sister city of Russia's Vladivostok, is set to create a tourism exchange program between the two destinations, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama told Sputnik.

2023-09-10T16:39+0000

2023-09-10T16:39+0000

2023-09-10T16:39+0000

world

cebu city

russia

vladivostok

tourism

2023 eastern economic forum

eastern economic forum

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/0a/1113258211_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_af2fa2ae1c819b7970bc2e7be86ca269.jpg

"We will be definitely putting up a program that will exchange Cebu City tourists, [and they will come] to Vladivostok," Rama said on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok. The official added that he is accompanied at the forum by the chairwoman of the Cebu City tourism commission, Joy Pesquera, who is "bringing Vladivostok, Russia, to Cebu City." Vladivostok and Cebu City are also in talks over launching direct flights, Rama said. When asked to comment on the impact of sanctions against Russia on tourism cooperation between the countries, the official said that he was optimistic about the development in this area even at a current "challenging" time, adding that "politics will pass, friendship should last." Cebu City signed a sister city agreement with Vladivostok in 1996. The 8th EEF is taking place on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University from September 10-13. RIA Novosti is the official media partner of the forum.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/philippines-plans-to-discuss-oil-product-supplies-from-russia-in-october-1113243142.html

cebu city

russia

vladivostok

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

russia, philippines, vladivostok, cebu city, tourism program, tourist exchange, eastern economic forum (eef), 2023 easter economic forum in vladivostok
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/russias-eastern-economic-forum-to-kick-off-in-vladivostok-on-sunday-1113242984.html

Russia's Eastern Economic Forum to Kick Off in Vladivostok on Sunday

Russia's Eastern Economic Forum to Kick Off in Vladivostok on Sunday

Putin will take part in the event, addressing the plenary session of the forum. Around 7,000 people from more than 50 countries will also be represented at the event.

2023-09-10T02:14+0000

2023-09-10T02:14+0000

2023-09-10T02:14+0000

world

eef

russia

vladimir putin

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/09/1113222058_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_1048deaec304c13c2cc24d82ead3f9ae.jpg

The EEF is an international platform that brings together business leaders, politicians and public figures from around the world to discuss the development of the Russian Far East and its integration into the Asia-Pacific region. This year's motto, "The Path to Partnership, Peace and Prosperity," reflects the host country's desire to build constructive relations and engage in inclusive dialogue with foreign partners in the region.Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the event, addressing the plenary session of the forum scheduled for 3 p.m. local time (05:00 GMT) on Tuesday. Putin will be joined by Vice President of Laos Pany Yathotou, the main guest of this year's EEF. The Russian president and the Laotian vice president will hold bilateral talks before the session. Putin will also meet with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, who will attend the forum as well. Around 7,000 people from more than 50 countries will be represented, with the largest delegations coming from China, Myanmar, India, Mongolia and Laos. The forum will be held on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University from September 10-13. RIA Novosti is the official media partner of the forum.

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

russia, eastern economic forum, eef, president vladimir putin, vladivostok, vice president of laos pany yathotou, vice premier zhang guoqing
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/us-plunder-of-syria-continues-as-convoys-smuggle-95-tankers-worth-of-crude-from-country-1113262603.html

US Plunder of Syria Continues as Convoys Smuggle 95 Tankers Worth of Crude From Country

US Plunder of Syria Continues as Convoys Smuggle 95 Tankers Worth of Crude From Country

The United States operates about a dozen illegal military bases in Syria, most of them concentrated in energy and food-rich areas of the country east of the Euphrates, which contain about nine-tenths of the war-torn nations oil and gas resources. Damascus estimates the total damage to its hydrocarbons industry to stand at over $100 billion.

2023-09-10T18:58+0000

2023-09-10T18:58+0000

2023-09-10T19:18+0000

world

bashar assad

donald trump

joe biden

syria

iraq

euphrates

syrian democratic forces (sdf)

pentagon

middle east

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/0a/1113262446_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_02c375118bd229bdfba6354943882a38.jpg

US forces in Syria reportedly smuggled a combined 95 tankers worth of crude oil out of the country using two different convoys over the weekend.Sources in the al-Yaroubia countryside in al-Hasakah province told local media Sunday that 40 tankers of crude oil were shipped to Iraq from the al-Jazeera oil fields using the illegal Mahmoudiya border crossing.The Damascus government has not been able to reestablish control over most of its oil-rich northeastern territories and its border with western Iraq, with the area under occupation by US forces and their Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces militia allies, which have set up de-facto self-rule over the region. US forces have threatened to respond to any attempt by the Syrian Army and its allies to reestablish control over the country's lands with overwhelming force.The US and the SDF have plundered billions of dollars-worth of oil from eastern Syria over the course of the Pentagons seven-year occupation of the region going back to 2016, when US forces helped local Kurdish militias chase Daesh (ISIS)* terrorists out.Syrian officials, Russias military and Irans Revolutionary Guards Quds Force commanders have accused the US of secretly assisting, training, arming and financing jihadist militias in a bid to sow chaos and wage a never-ending dirty war against the government of President Bashar Assad after failing to oust him during the 2011 Arab Spring protests which swept much of the region.The Biden administration has generally refrained from commenting on its Syrian oil smuggling activities, assuring that the USs illegal presence in the country is designed only to prevent a resurgence of Daesh. President Trump was more open about US plans, saying repeatedly in 2018 and 2019 (to the horror of the deep state establishment) that American troops were stationed in Syria only for the oil. Assad praised Trump for at least being an "honest enemy."* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230819/spot-the-difference-russia-distributes-food-aid-in-syria-as-us-ramps-up-looting-1112732352.html

syria

iraq

euphrates

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ilya Tsukanov

syria, united states, looting, smuggling, oil, crude
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/vietnam-has-no-interest-in-joining-us-orchestrated-anti-china-coalition-1113247393.html

Vietnam Has No Interest in Joining US-Orchestrated Anti-China Coalition

Vietnam Has No Interest in Joining US-Orchestrated Anti-China Coalition

As Joe Biden visits Vietnam, Hanoi shows no interest in joining the US-orchestrated coalition against China, pundits told Sputnik.

2023-09-10T11:17+0000

2023-09-10T11:17+0000

2023-09-10T12:34+0000

joe biden

us

vietnam

indo-pacific

nguyen phu trong

comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-pacific partnership (cptpp)

regional comprehensive economic partnership (rcep)

china

hanoi

analysis

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/0a/1113246988_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_c78149eff80feea6c29c30b5bfcea390.jpg

Washington is eyeing swaying Vietnam to its side, for it believes the US can use Hanoi as a counterbalance to Chinas influence in South East Asia, Professor Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Manila-based think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPh), told Sputnik.However, there is no indication that Vietnam has any interest in joining the US-orchestrated coalition against China, consisting of Washingtons allies, Anna Malindog-Uy added.US President Joe Bidens meeting with Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other key leaders in Hanoi on September 10 comes as part of the latest page in the US Indo-Pacific playbook. Suffice it to recall how Biden hosted Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Washington in May, then welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in June, and threw open the doors of his Camp David presidential retreat to his Japanese and South Korean counterparts mid-August.The trilateral summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is regarded by pundits talking to Sputnik as part of an effort blatantly tailored to forge a new alliance against China and the Peoples Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK). The US has also been posturing in the Indo-Pacific region by holding a slew of large military drills with Japan, Australia, and the Philippines in the South China Sea in recent days.Vietnam is vital to US foreign policy for several political, economic, and geopolitical reasons, the professor underscored. Firstly, the strategic geographical location of Vietnam in Southeast Asia (SEA) is important to the US. Vietnam boasts close contiguity and nearness to major global shipping lines like the South China Sea (SCS), and it has a border with China, Anna Malindog-Uy stressed.Geopolitically Strategic LocationVietnam plays a crucial role in US foreign policy due to its "strategic location, economic significance, and potential to counterbalance China," according to Professor Anna Malindog-Uy.Hanoi is being eyed by Washington for its perceived potential to counterbalance China, the expert added.The evolving relationship between the United States and Vietnam manifests the broader and active US engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and underscores Vietnam's growing importance as a regional partner, Anna Malindog-Uy emphasized.Vietnam became a focal point for US diplomacy when it became the sixth member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July 1995, the same month Vietnam and the United States normalized relations, concurred Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales Canberra at the Australian Defense Force Academy. Further along, Vietnam gradually emerged as a potential US security partner.More recently, the Biden administration has lobbied Vietnam to upgrade bilateral relations to a strategic partnership to end the situation where the US was listed at the bottom of Vietnams three-tiered hierarchy of partnerships  comprehensive, strategic and comprehensive strategic, Thayer added.Vietnam an Important Trading PartnerVietnam has also emerged as an important trading partner for the US in recent years. Furthermore, Vietnam is part of several regional trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - the worlds largest free trade pact. The latter entered full force for all 15 member states following ratification of the pact by the Philippines in June. Thus, boosted ties with Vietnam could grant America more "reach" within these regional economic frameworks. Tourism, too, is fraught with benefits for the two nations.It's worth noting that the United States is "not a party to the two most important multilateral free trade agreements," the CPTPP and the RCEP, to which Vietnam is a member, Carl Thayer pointed out.Regarding the goals that the US president is pursuing in respect to Vietnam, he is motivated mainly by economic issues such de-risking economic dependence on China by securing a reliable supply chain for Vietnamese semiconductors, and a more favorable environment for American investment, including American businesses relocating from China, the professor said, adding:The US has been bolstering its presence in the Indo-Pacific region by forming alliances such as AUKUS, which groups the country with Australia and the UK, and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) with Australia, India, and Japan. Washington is also part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) initiative, launched by Biden in May 2022 and now including 13 other members, such as Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand.'US-Orchestrated Coalition' Against ChinaWhile visiting US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently hailed Vietnam as "a key partner" in an effort to reduce dependence on China, Hanoi is careful not to take sides between the US and China, Anna Malindog-Uy said. Furthermore, taking sides between the US and China would be costly for Vietnam both geopolitically and economically speaking.ASEAN-member Vietnam values neutrality, and follows a policy of non-alignment in major power conflicts, competition, and rivalry, the vice president of the Manila-based ACPh think tank accentuated.While Washington has been escalating trade and tech wars with Beijing, Hanoi has been steadily maintaining a stable, pragmatic, and productive win-win relationship and cooperation with China, its largest neighbor and trading and economic partner. China is "indispensable to Vietnam's economic well-being," and is a crucial market for Vietnamese exports, "particularly in electronics, textiles, and agriculture sectors." China is also one of the top foreign investors in Vietnam, particularly when it comes to infrastructure development. Many Vietnamese industries are deeply integrated into Chinese supply chains.China is crucial to Vietnam due to its economic significance, shared border, historical ties, and geopolitical factors. Balancing its relationship with China with its relationships with other regional and global powers is a crucial feature of Vietnam's foreign policy, the pundit highlighted. Bearing in mind the sum total of economic significance, shared border, historical ties, and geopolitical factors, Anna Malindog-Uy emphasized:Carl Thayer agreed with this opinion, telling Sputnik:Russia of 'Strategic Importance' for VietnamAt this point it should be noted that Vietnam has comprehensive strategic partnerships with only four countries - China, Russia, India, and South Korea. The significance of both China and Russia for Vietnam cannot be overestimated, pundits have underscored. Russia bears strategic importance to Vietnam due to a historical relationship stretching all the way back to the Cold War era, Anna Malindog-Uy recalled. The professor clarified that Moscow plays a vital role in Hanoi's "strategic, defense, and security considerations," along with potential for energy collaboration.Furthermore, Joe Bidens "courting" of Vietnam comes as the Southeast Asian nation has been reluctant to support Western sanctions against Russia. This is due to a complex interplay of historical ties, foreign policy principles, and national interests, Professor Anna Malindog-Uy underscored. She added:Supporting Western sanctions against Russia "could potentially harm Vietnams economic interests and disrupt ongoing economic cooperation," Anna Malindog-Uy pointed out.Indeed, Vietnam has a longstanding policy of opposing the unilateral imposition of sanctions by one state against another, Carl Thayer added. He recalled that Hanoi has not forgotten the bitter fallout from the US trade embargo imposed in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. But furthermore, Vietnam is also practical, it does not want to harm relations with a Russia, a long-standing reliable partner, said Thayer.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230818/bidens-trilateral-summit-with-south-korea-japan-aimed-at-accelerating-anti-china-policy-1112682339.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230909/vietnam-on-a-diplomatic-tightrope-can-biden-align-hanoi-against-china-1113238320.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230902/us-wooing-vietnam-into-strategic-pact-decades-after-bombing-nation-into-stone-age-1113078128.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/us-restrictions-on-china-dictated-by-ensuring-dominance-in-pacific---not-trade-interests-1112900977.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230822/putin-russia-being-deliberately-obstructed-in-world-market-by-unlawful-western-sanctions-1112794412.html

vietnam

indo-pacific

china

hanoi

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

joe biden visit to vietnam, biden visits hanoi, chinas influence in south east asia,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230910/watch-ai-perform-worlds-first-solo-at-concert-during-8th-eastern-economic-forum-in-vladivostok-1113253922.html

Watch AI Perform World's First Solo at Concert During 8th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok

Watch AI Perform World's First Solo at Concert During 8th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok

A concert, where an artificial intelligence became the world's first soloist and improviser, was held as part of the cultural program of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

2023-09-10T12:53+0000

2023-09-10T12:53+0000

2023-09-10T12:53+0000

vladivostok

china

eef

far eastern federal university

russia

eastern economic forum

2023 eastern economic forum

beyond politics

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/0a/1113253623_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_d428e8ed60df00c73927f85bbd93f4e6.jpg

A concert where artificial intelligence became the world's first soloist and improviser was held as part of the cultural program of the Eastern Economic Forum 2023 in Vladivostok. Symphony No. 1 "Cosmos," written by musician and composer Pyotr Dranga for artificial intelligence and the Great Symphony Orchestra with the participation of virtuoso soloists from China, was performed on the Primorsky stage of the Mariinsky Theatre. The symphony in four movements was written in a classical structure. In the first and second movements, the Chinese virtuosos played solo, while a neural network model called SymFormer controlled the expressiveness of the performance directly on stage using a virtual synthesizer. The third and fourth parts were improvised in real time by SymFormer. According to the composer's idea, the neural network reinterpreted the symphony, changing and adding to it, becoming a participant in the creative process and co-author of the composition. An additional element was an art object symbolizing the neuromusician - a techno-matryoshka doll. The center of the musical installation, according to the organizers, was SberBoom - a powerful smart speaker with the Salute virtual assistant. The organizers asked the audience not to applaud in the pauses between parts, but the audience could still not resist, as shouts of "bravo" and applause were heard.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230614/which-russian-weapons-systems-have-built-in-ai-1111158825.html

vladivostok

china

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

artificial intelligence, eastern economic forum, cultural program
James MacDonald took advantage of a loaded lineup to win three of the four Champlain Stakes divisions contested on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

A total of four Champlain divisions, two for filly pacers and two for male pacers, were contested on a stakes-filled program.

Legendary Hanover improved his record to a perfect five-for-five with a stakes record 1:50 victory in the $93,000 first Champlain division for two-year-old pacers.

The son of Huntsville and driver James MacDonald left from post-nine, landing fourth, before rushing to the lead in the second-quarter. Legendary Hanover cleared co-favourite Chain Gang (Trevor Henry), posting a half of :56.1 and then a three-quarter time of 1:23.3.

In the stretch, Legendary Hanover would turn away the efforts of Chain Gang with a :26.2 final-quarter for a 1-1/2 length victory. Captains Quarters (Jody Jamieson) finished third, while Cupid Shuffle (Sylvain Filion) was fourth.

Nine hole is tough, especially when youve got a good colt like Chain Gang inside, said MacDonald. I turned for home with him on my back, hes a great horse and I know what kind of engine hes got. I knew my horse was going to have to give me 26 and change to hold him off. Hes just a special horse and Im happy to be along for the ride.

Trained by Tony Beaton, Legendary Hanover now has two victories in 1:50 and has topped $150,000 for owners Eric Good, West Wins Stable and Mark Dumain.

With victories in the Dream Maker, Nassagaweya and Champlain, Legendary Hanover will now turn his eyes to next Saturdays Metro Pace eliminations.

Going into those big races you want to really move him to the front and draw off and win if you can, if the horse can, said MacDonald. But at the same time you want him prepped and ready and just champing at the bit when those big stakes come around. I think going into the Metro he seems razor sharp. Its the first time hes got stretched out a bit so its good to see him answer the bell when one got to him

A $2 win ticket on Legendary Hanover returned $4.20.

Remember The Alamo rushed to the top at the half and never looked back to win the $94,000 second Champlain division in 1:51.

With driver Doug McNair unable to make Saturdays races due to travel delays, Phil Hudon reunited with Remember The Alamo to pick a redemption victory. The duo had teamed in the Dream Maker final, finishing fifth with broken equipment.

Remember The Alamo got away fourth and would attack the lead at the half in :56.2. After reaching three-quarters in 1:24, the Tony Alagna trainee kicked home in :27 and kept his rivals at bay to win by a neck over charging stablemate Captain Luke (Jonathan Drury). Nijinsky (MacDonald) rallied for third, while Storm Shadow (Filion) was fourth.

A son of Captaintreacherous, Remember The Alamo now has two wins in four starts and over $70,000 earned for owners Riverview Racing, Marvin and Lynn Katz, and Remember The Alamo Racing.

Remember The Alamo is eligible to the Metro Pace elimination. He paid $5.90 to win.

Pass Line kicked off Saturdays stakes action with an effortless 1:50.2 victory in the $89,500 first division for pacing fillies.

Fresh off matching the track record of 1:49.3, Pass Line was sent off as the 1-9 favourite and lived up to the billing. The daughter of All Bets Off and driver James MacDonald left from the outside post seven to drop in fourth before brushing to the lead at the half.

Pass Line led by the half in :55.3 and three-quarters in 1:23.4 before kicking home in :26.4 under no urging to win by 3-1/2 lengths. Elodie Hanover, who handed off the lead to Pass Line, finished second for Tyler Borth, while Bettor Sisters (Henry) third and Odds On Platinum (Filion) was fourth.

Trained by Dave Menary, Pass Line improved her record to seven wins from nine starts and more than $300,000 earned. The rookie filly is a homebred for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC and co-owned by Frank Baldachino.

The Champlain Stakes victory is the first Grand Circuit win for Pass Line. She is not eligible to the upcoming Shes A Great Lady.

Pass Line paid $2.10 to win.

MacDonald and Menary teamed up again to win in the $89,500 second Champlain division with Its A Love Thing.

Sent off at 1-9, Its A Love Thing got away fourth as a wild :25.3 opening quarter was posted by Wicked Weather (Borth). Genie Hanover (Drury) moved to the top entering the backstretch before Watching You (Hudon) and Its A Love Thing moved to the outside.

Watching You led to three-quarters in 1:22.3, while Its A Love Thing was able to tuck in behind briefly. In the stretch, Its A Love Thing powered by to a 2-3/4 lengths victory in a stakes-record equaling time of 1:50.2.

Watching You finished second, while Wicked Weather and Tea Party Hanover (Jamieson) rounded out the top-four.

A daughter of Bettors Delight, Its A Love Thing improves to four for seven with more than $200,000 earned for owners Eric Good, Thomas Biederman and Josh Green.

The win behind Its A Love Thing gave MacDonald his fifth victory on the card.

Its A Love Thing, who is eligible to the Shes A Great Lady, paid $2.30 to win.

To view the results from Saturday's card of harness racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Woodbine)
KT CEO Kim Young-shub, left, talks with Qanda CEO Lee Yong-jae, right, during the M360 APAC conference at the Westin Josun Seoul hotel, Thursday. KT said on Sunday that it signed strategic partnerships with domestic AI startups Upstage and Qanda with equity investments of 20 billion won ($15 million). Courtesy of KT



By Baek Byung-yeul



KT is investing in two Korean AI startups as part of its plan to expand the AI business-related ecosystem, the telecommunications company said Sunday.



The company said it made equity investments totaling 20 billion won ($15 million) in Upstage and Qanda and entered into strategic partnerships with them.



Upstage is known for its generative AI capability as its AI model took first place on Hugging Face's Open LLM Leaderboard competition with the highest score of 72.3, edging out OpenAI's ChatGPT last month.



Qanda is an education-specialized startup as it has ranked as the No.1 education application category in 20 countries.



KT's move is interpreted as the company taking aim at expanding its ecosystem by increasing strategic investments at a time when the company will soon launch its hyperscale AI platform Mi:dm. With this goal, the company introduced the two companies as its partners at the Mobile 360 (M360) APAC conference in Seoul last week and said it would expand the cooperation.



Through the partnership with Upstage, KT will target the business-to-business (B2B) AI market such as developing private large language model (LLM) solutions for enterprises.



With Qanda, KT will collaborate on the development of business-to-consumer (B2C) services such as the development of LLMs AI-specialized for education platforms.



KT said the collaborations will further strengthen its capability as an AI full-stack service provider. AI full-stack refers to products and services that supervise the entire process from infrastructure such as semiconductors and cloud, which are foundational to AI, to AI application services provided to customers, according to KT.



"The companies we are collaborating with are specialized in language models and application services," a company spokesperson said. "As the demand for AI increases, the needs of our customers will diversify, so we plan to expand our AI full-stack partners."



In July, KT announced that it would invest 15 billion won in local AI company Moreh, a startup specializing in AI infrastructure software, providing an AI infrastructure software stack and AI cluster and cloud services.


Piedmont HealthCare announced the addition of Dr. Emily Kingsley to the newly established Mooresville Primary Care office. Kingsley will be joining Dr. Jennifer Scharbius, formerly with Piedmont HealthCare Fairview Family Medicine, to launch PHC Mooresville Primary Care.

I am looking forward to working with Dr. Kingsley at our new office says Jennifer Scharbius. Having served this community for several years, Im excited to embark on this new journey at Mooresville Primary Care.

Piedmont HealthCare Mooresville Primary Care is dedicated to serving patients of all ages. Scharbius specializes in family medicine, while Kingsley is dual board-certified in pediatrics and internal medicine, ensuring comprehensive care for the entire family.

I am excited to be a part of establishing a new practice here in Mooresville. It seems like our community is eager to embrace healthy lifestyles and explore holistic avenues through integrative medicine, says Kingsley.

Piedmont HealthCare is excited to offer Integrative Medicine options to patients at Mooresville Primary Care office. Integrative Medicine is a blend of Western and Eastern medical practices focusing on holistic health. Kingsley will be using this approach by incorporating traditional medical practices and natural therapies, including supplements and nutrition, into her patient care.

Kingsley and her family have lived in the area for several years with her husband and two kids. Together they enjoy the great outdoors and indulge in travel and adventures.

Kingsley has begun seeing patients at Mooresville Primary Care located at 170 Medical Park Road in Mooresville. Scharbius will begin seeing patients at her new location of Mooresville Primary Care on Sept. 5. Both Kingsley and Scharbius are accepting new patients. For information on Mooresville Primary Care visit https://piedmonthealthcare.com/location/phc-mooresville-primary-care/. To schedule an appointment, contact Piedmont HealthCare Mooresville Primary Care at 704-664-4679.
Saltvilles Jed Arnold was sworn in and took his first actions as a member of the Virginia legislature Wednesday when the General Assembly returned to Richmond to vote on a budget. Arnold won the 6th District House of Delegates seat in a special election held Aug. 29. Jeff Campbell resigned from the seat earlier in July to accept a General District judge post. The term will expire Jan. 10, 2024. Arnold served as Campbells legislative aide and is running unopposed for the newly drawn 46th House District, which will replace the 6th District in January. The 46th will include all of Grayson, Smyth and Wythe counties and a portion of Pulaski County. Arnold is an attorney with Kilgore Law Office.
Syria has strongly condemned the ongoing violation of its sovereignty, according to pro-government al-Watan.

Syria has strongly condemned the ongoing violation of its sovereignty and the exploitation of its strategic resources by the United States, along with its support for terrorist organizations and militias. Syria has demanded that U.S. officials be held accountable for these actions and has urged the American administration to provide compensation for the plundered resources. Additionally, Syria has called for an end to the illegal presence of American forces on its territory and the return of occupied lands, oil, and gas fields to Syrian control.

In a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the President of the Security Council, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has called for an immediate halt to these aggressive practices, which violate international law and the UN Charter. These violations occur in the northeast and the Al-Tanf region in the southeast of Syria.

The Ministry has emphasized that the United States, along with its proxies in the form of terrorist organizations and militias, continues to infringe upon Syrian sovereignty and exploit the countrys valuable resources. These actions are designed to worsen the impact of illegal unilateral coercive measures, causing further suffering for the Syrian people and depriving them of their homelands capabilities.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Pedersen provided an overview of the outcomes from recent visits and meetings, Tishreen writes.

On Sunday, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Faisal Mekdad held discussions with the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, and his accompanying delegation to review the latest developments related to Pedersens mission.

During the meeting, Pedersen provided an overview of the outcomes from recent visits and meetings, as well as the efforts he has undertaken within his role.

In response, Minister Mekdad highlighted the challenges that Syria faces, including the devastating impact of terrorism and the negative consequences of illegitimate unilateral coercive measures. He emphasized how these challenges have exacerbated the humanitarian and economic situation in Syria, especially in the wake of the destructive earthquake that struck the country in February.

Furthermore, Minister Mekdad strongly condemned the ongoing presence of U.S. and Turkish forces on Syrian soil and the continuous exploitation of Syrias resources and assets by U.S. forces. He described these actions as a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
An encounter between the FMs of Syria and Yemen took place on the sidelines of the Arab League Council's ministerial-level meeting, according to Enab Baladi.

In a remarkable and unprecedented development since 2011, Faisal Mekdad, the Syrian regimes Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with Ahmed bin Mubarak, the Yemeni Foreign Minister representing the internationally recognized government. This meeting is noteworthy due to Damascus historical reluctance to acknowledge this particular government and its recent appointment of an ambassador to the Houthi group, which has strong ties with Iran, at the Yemeni embassy in the Syrian capital.

The encounter between Mekdad and Mubarak took place on the sidelines of the Arab League Councils ministerial-level meeting held in Cairo on September 6th. During their discussion, the two diplomats delved into various aspects of their bilateral relations, exploring avenues to strengthen them, while also addressing the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region. This information was reported by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba).

Saudi Payment

Yemens reservations regarding the re-establishment of any relations with the Syrian regime were evident even before Syrias return to its seat in the Arab League. Despite Saudi Arabias efforts in this regard, Yemen, along with at least four other Arab League members, expressed strong objections to the regimes reintegration into the League.

Mahmoud al-Bazi, a specialist in Iranian affairs, shared his insights with Enab Baladi, suggesting that external circumstances and factors were the driving forces behind this unexpected meeting. Bazi believes that the Yemeni side might have initiated this step with a green light and encouragement from Saudi Arabia.

Regarding Saudi Arabias motivation, Bazi explains that Saudi Arabia continues to adhere to a gradual approach and has not yet deemed it an outright failure. Through this meeting, Saudi Arabia could be aiming to make a strategic move against the Houthi group, as Bazi describes it.

On the other hand, the Syrian regimes participation in the meeting, according to Bazis analysis, is not motivated by genuine interest but rather by the perception that it wont cause any harm.

The Yemeni political analyst does not discount the possibility that this meeting was orchestrated at the behest of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Their intent might be twofold: first, to signal to the Syrian regime that they have the capability to reintegrate it into the Arab system and, second, to attempt to reduce its dependence on Iran. However, the analyst is skeptical about the latter, considering the considerable influence Iran wields over the political decisions in Damascus.

Prior to the meeting with Mekdad at the Arab League gathering, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Walid al-Khereiji emphasized the necessity of foreign forces withdrawing from Syria due to the threat they pose to the countrys future and regional stability. He also noted that Syrias return to its Arab surroundings could positively contribute to resolving the ongoing crisis and restoring stability to Syria and the broader region.

Syrian Ignoring

The meeting between Mekdad and Mubarak went unmentioned by the Syrian Foreign Ministry in their official communications, as well as by the official Syrian News Agency (SANA) and local media outlets closely aligned with the Syrian regime.

In the September 7 edition of the local newspaper Al-Watan, which covered Mekdads speech during the Cairo meeting and his interactions with the heads of delegations from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Mauritania, and Tunisia, there was no reference to his meeting with the Yemeni foreign minister.

Bazi suggests that the local Syrian media lacks a coherent strategy to address these issues.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Ahmed Safadi highlighted Jordan's commitment to Arab unity, according to al-Souria Net.

The Speaker of the Jordanian Parliament, Ahmed Safadi, expressed concerns regarding ongoing negative developments along the northern border, particularly in areas controlled by the Syrian regime in Syria. He conveyed these concerns during his meeting with Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim al-Sheikh, the Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council.

Safadi highlighted Jordans commitment to Arab unity and its active participation in the recent Arab summit held in Jeddah. He mentioned that Jordan had been represented at the highest level with the presence of His Majesty the King and His Highness the Crown Prince. The primary goal of this participation was to strengthen Arab solidarity and build upon the outcomes of previous summits in Amman and Jeddah concerning the Syrian crisis. Despite these efforts, negative messages continue to emanate from the northern border.

During their meeting, Safadi and Sheikh emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and aligning positions in both Arab and international forums. They reaffirmed the strong and deep-rooted relations between their respective countries and stressed the significance of joint parliamentary actions to serve the interests of their people and the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations.

Since the beginning of August, the Jordanian military has intercepted three drones entering Jordan illegally from Syria, some of which were carrying narcotic substances and Captagon pills, with one of them even containing TNT explosives. These incidents have occurred despite coordinated efforts between Amman and the Syrian regime to address border threats, including a recent security-military meeting in the Jordanian capital aimed at combating the escalating drug trade along the shared border.

Officially, it remains uncertain how Jordan plans to counteract various forms of smuggling, including land and aerial incursions via small drones. Despite recent diplomatic meetings between Jordanian and Syrian officials, these discussions have yet to yield tangible results on the ground, as reported by Jordanian journalists.

In one article, journalist Maher Abu Tair expressed Jordans frustration with Damascus, while Malik al-Athamneh characterized the situation as a declared war with full military civility, underscoring the importance of securing the region that extends beyond Jordans borders to the ports of southern Europe.

A week ago, writer Makram Ahmed al-Tarawneh reported that Jordan had provided Damascus with the names of four major drug traffickers and requested security measures to address their activities along the border. However, Damascus has not taken substantial action in response, seemingly disregarding Jordans request, and alllowing these traffickers to continue their operations without interference.

Tarawneh further emphasized the challenging task of securing Jordans extensive 378-kilometer border due to the need for significant military resources and funding, given the ongoing dangers posed by the Syrian regimes position and its impact on neighboring countries, especially Jordan.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
These protests have been ongoing for a remarkable 22 days, according to Syria TV.

Protests in Suweida governorate persist into their 22nd day, demanding the overthrow of the current regime and the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. Women from Suweida are playing a pivotal role in these ongoing demonstrations, actively participating in gatherings at Karama Square.

Protesters proudly display banners, articulating their call for political reform and expressing messages of solidarity with the victims of the recent earthquake in Morocco. Meanwhile, in the town of Amtan, and in front of the Syrian Revolution Martyrs Memorial, residents, alongside people from neighbouring villages, are also taking to the streets in their own demonstrations.

On Sunday, popular demonstrations persist, with citizens rallying for the removal of the regime and the departure of President Bashar al-Assad. These protests have been ongoing for a remarkable 22 days. Suwayda 24 reported that people gathered once again in Karama Square, situated at the heart of Suweida, to continue their demonstrations calling for political change in line with Resolution 2254.

The network highlights the significant role played by Suweidas women in these protests, underscoring their consistent involvement in the governorates protest activities and their daily presence at Karama Square.

Demonstrators in the square proudly carry banners that echo the popular demands for political change, while others use this platform to convey messages of compassion and solidarity with the earthquake victims in Morocco.

In addition to daytime protests, evening demonstrations took place in Amtan, located to the south of Suweida. There was also an evening gathering in front of the Martyrs of the Great Syrian Revolution Memorial in the town of Mazraa, situated in the western countryside of Suweida. These events saw participation from the local residents and some neighboring villages, all united in their chants and calls for political reform.

Demonstrations in Daraa and northern Syria

On Friday, the residents of rural Daraa came together in a demonstration, echoing their call for the overthrow of the Syrian regime in an event named Friday of the Revolution of Dignity.

In front of the Omari Mosque in Busra al-Sham, located in eastern Daraa, dozens of individuals took part in the protest. Their demands included the release of detainees and the removal of the regime and its symbols from power. They carried banners emblazoned with powerful phrases such as, We are the free revolutionaries, and whether its now or later, you will fall.

Simultaneously, in various areas of Idleb governorate, a Friday labelled the Revolution of Dignity unfolded.

In the city of Idleb, a gathering took place at the Mashtal Amphitheater, where demonstrators raised their voices in unison, demanding the downfall of the regime and the immediate release of detainees.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
NEW DELHI (AP)  The Group of 20 top world economies welcomed the African Union as a member, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday, adding momentum to his drive to give a greater voice to the Global South as host of this years annual summit.

Hours later, Modi enthusiastically announced to applause that consensus on the final G20 statement had been reached, though he gave no details on its contents. There had been serious doubt that an agreement could be adopted because of disagreements among members, most centrally on differences about the war in Ukraine.

Modi announced the AU's membership during his opening speech for the weekend summit of the G20. Growing global rifts and the absence of key players threatened to make reaching consensus on the thorniest issues elusive.

There was widespread support, however, for adding the AU to the G20, making it the second regional bloc to become a permanent member after the European Union.

Modi rapped his gavel three times before announcing the move to applause in the room.

He shook hands with the current AU chair, Comoros President Azali Assoumani, and embraced him warmly before inviting him to sit at the table.

I invite the representative of the African Union to take his place as a permanent member of the G20, Modi said.

Get the full story here:

Todays top pics: G20 summit meeting and more
The U.S. national flag flies next to Vietnam's flag at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Sept. 9, a day before U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam. AFP-Yonhap



U.S. President Joe Biden arrives in Vietnam on Sunday set to deepen cooperation between the two nations, in the face of China's growing ambitions in the region.



Biden  who is flying from the G20 summit in New Delhi  will meet the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, on Sunday, and is expected to sign off on a "comprehensive strategic partnership", Hanoi's highest level of diplomatic ties.



The underlying goal of the short visit will be much the same as during Biden's time at the G20 gathering  to shore up support against China's increasing influence.



For Vietnam, the upgrading of diplomatic ties is significant. It only has top-level ties with Russia, India, South Korea and China.



Although it will be careful to be seen as not taking sides between the United States and China, Vietnam shares American concerns about its neighbour's growing assertiveness in the contested South China Sea.



The United States and Vietnam  a key manufacturing hub  also have increasingly close trade ties, and Washington sees Hanoi as an important partner as it looks to source less from China after supply chain shocks rocked the global economy in recent years.



In Hanoi on Sunday, there will be a welcome ceremony, speeches by the two leaders and a press conference by the U.S. president  who on Tuesday awarded the top U.S. military honour to a helicopter pilot who rescued four soldiers during the Vietnam War.



Biden will meet President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh the following day.



Ahead of the 80-year-old U.S. president's arrival, Hanoi's central Hoan Kiem Lake area, packed with families out for a weekend stroll, was adorned with American and Vietnamese flags.



Nearby in the city's old quarter, a souvenir shop sold T-shirts with Biden's face emblazoned across the front.



"I think the US is a good friend to Vietnam," said the shop's 61-year-old owner Truong Thanh Duc.



"With this visit of President Joe Biden, I think he will bring more business contracts and jobs to Vietnamese people."





U.S. President Joe Biden attends a session of the G20 Leaders' Summit at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Sept. 9. AFP-Yonhap
LINCOLN  For the 14th year, the Ag Sack Lunch Program will again educate fourth grade students across Nebraska. With both in-person and virtual options available, the reach of students continues to grow from Omaha to Scottsbluff, while spreading education and awareness about Nebraska agriculture.

The in-person program provides students with a free lunch along with a 25-minute lesson regarding Nebraska agriculture. As many fourth-grade classrooms visit the Nebraska State Capitol, this is an essential opportunity to educate students about where their food comes from and gain an appreciation for the meals they eat each day. While students eat their lunches, they will hear a presentation about the important role agriculture plays in Nebraskas economy, as well as the crops and livestock species that are raised in the state.

The sack lunches consist of Nebraska-produced food items to emphasize the direct connection to Nebraska farms. Students also receive a deck of cards containing agriculture facts.

For classrooms that do not plan to visit the State Capitol, virtual presentations are available which include the same interactive presentation and deck of cards.

Reservations can be made online by visiting www.agsacklunchprogram.com.

The Ag Sack Lunch Program is pivotal in educating students about their food and how it is often grown in their own backyard, said Kelly Brunkhorst, Nebraska Corn Board executive director. This opportunity allows students to experience how much diversity is within their own state.

This popular program has been filled in a short period of time each year, added Andy Chvatal, Nebraska Soybean Board executive director. This is a testament to the need and desire for Nebraska agriculture education at a young age. Were eager to have a program once again this year.

The Ag Sack Lunch Program is sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Beef Council, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Poultry Industries, Nebraska Wheat Board and Midwest Dairy.
Oppenheimer is a biographical thriller primarily about theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, known in some circles as the father of Americas atomic bomb. Its based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. Christopher Nolan both wrote the screenplay and directed, a film thats had as much advance as the final two films in the Twilight series. It set a record for gross receipts opening weekend, opening simultaneously with Warner Bros. Barbie, evoking some sales hack to dub them barbenheimer and suggesting people might want to see them as a double feature. Yeah, since they both come in at nearly three hours that would be the equivalent of sitting through a German opera.
WHEN the rice finishes, we make dumplings.

Thats the reality for one family because they simply cannot afford to replenish food until the next pay cheque.

Living pay cheque to pay cheque is a dilemma many households are facing in Trinidad and Tobago.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event on the day of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, Sept. 9. AP-Yonhap



The Group of 20 top world economies added the African Union as a member at their annual summit Saturday, and host India was able to get the disparate group to sign off on a final statement, but only after softening language on the contentious issue of Russia's war in Ukraine.



In the months leading up to the leaders' summit in New Delhi, India had been unable to find agreement on the wording about Ukraine, with Russia and China objecting even to language that they had agreed to last year at the G20 summit in Bali.



The final statement, released a day before the formal close of the summit, highlighted the "human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine," but did not mention Russia's invasion.



It cited the U.N. charter, saying "all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible."



By contrast, the Bali declaration had cited a U.N. resolution condemning "the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine," and said "most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine."



Nazia Hussain, an associate research fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said the statement showed a "softening of the language on the war in Ukraine."



"However, for New Delhi, getting out a joint statement with some reference to Ukraine, or a joint statement at all especially with both the United States and its western allies as well as China and Russia toughening their stance on the war, is a win."



Many had been skeptical that there would be a final communique, which would have been the first time one was not released and have been a blow to the prestige of the G20.



Western delegations applauded the agreement, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calling it a "success of Indian diplomacy." He told reporters it was significant that in the end Russia had "given up its resistance" and signed on to the agreement that mentioned the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.



A senior European Union official, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to be candid about the discussions, said the EU had not given up any of its position, and the fact that Russia had signed on to the agreement was important.



"The option we have is text or no text, and I think it's better text," he said. "At least if they don't implement, we know once more that we cannot rely on them."





German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, center addresses a press conference on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 9. AFP-Yonhap



Russian negotiator Svetlana Lukash described the discussions on the Ukraine-related part of the final statement as "very difficult," adding that the agreed text had a "balanced view" of the situation., Russian media reported.



She said Ukraine wasn't the only point of contention in reaching a statement, and charged that Western powers had tried to enforce the idea that "it's the Ukrainian conflict that provokes all the crises in the world now."



By contrast, there was widespread support for adding the AU to the G20, making it the second regional bloc to become a permanent member after the EU and adding momentum to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's drive to give a greater voice to the Global South.



The continent was thrust into the spotlight as well by the earthquake in Morocco , which happened while most of the delegates gathered in New Delhi were asleep. Modi offered condolences and support in his opening remarks.











"The entire world community is with Morocco in this difficult time and we are ready to provide them all possible assistance," he said.



He told leaders they must find "concrete solutions" to the widespread challenges that he said stemmed from the "ups and downs in the global economy, the north and the south divide, the chasm between the east and the west," and other issues like terrorism, cybersecurity, health and water security.



Modi addressed the delegates from behind a nameplate that listed his country not as India but as "Bharat," an ancient Sanskrit name championed by his Hindu nationalist supporters.



India had made directing more attention to addressing the needs of the developing world a focus of the summit. at the summit  though it proved impossible to decouple many issues, such as food and energy security, from the war in Ukraine.



The summit came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin said a landmark deal brokered by the U.N. and Turkey allowing Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea will not be restored until Western nations meet his demands on Russia's own agricultural exports.



The G20 urged the resumption of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer shipments from Russia and Ukraine, saying it was necessary to feed people in Africa and other parts of the developing world.



Russia has been attacking Ukrainian port facilities, and the G20 in its final statement also called for an end to attacks on infrastructure related to the grain exports, and expressed "deep concern" about the effect of conflicts on civilians.



The G20 includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. Spain holds a permanent guest seat.



Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's leader Xi Jinping opted not to come this year, ensuring no tough face-to-face conversations with their American and European counterparts.



Participants arriving in the Indian capital were greeted by streets cleared of traffic, and graced with fresh flowers and seemingly endless posters featuring slogans and Modi's face. Security was intensely tight, with most journalists and the public kept far from the summit venue.



Hundreds of Tibetan exiles held a protest far from the summit venue to condemn Chinese participation in the event and urge leaders to discuss Sino-Tibetan relations.



The G20 agenda featured issues critical to developing nations, including alternative fuels like hydrogen, resource efficiency, food security and developing a common framework for digital public infrastructure.





France's President Emmanuel Macron, center, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, and World Bank President Ajay Banga arrive for the second session of G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 9. AFP-Yonhap
KI is planning a huge homecoming for Carnival 2024.

KI (Kris Persad) and his family band 3Veni have been noticeably absent from the fete circuit for the past five years.

The Toronto, Canada-based former chutney soca monarch says he is longing for the one place where he is at home: the Carnival stage.
GETTING IT DONE: Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales, second from right, embraces Member of Parliament for Point Fortin Kennedy Richards, while shaking hands with Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) CEO Kelvin Romain, during yesterdays launch of the WASA Guapo/Cap de Ville pipeline project on the Cap de Ville Main Road, Point Fortin. Looking on is Point Fortin Mayor Clyde James. Photo: TREVOR WATSON
As we sit in the comfort of our Caribbean homes and look on in horror at the merciless genoc
When Chabad Tucson finds out that someone Jewish is moving to Tucson, they reach out and invite the person to Shabbat dinner at a rabbis house. Recently, Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin made a call to welcome a woman named Nancy to share a meal at the Shabbat table. She picked up while in line for a rental car at the airport. Her plane had just landed.

The notice was she already moved to (Tucson), but she literally just came to town, Yehuda Ceitlin said. A few hours later she was already at a Shabbat table, meeting people in the community. For her, it was the most beautiful welcome to town.

Community leaders at Chabad Tucson, like Yehuda Ceitlin, have been inviting community into their kitchens since the organization was locally established in 1983. The tradition started with challah, a braided bread with a texture like brioche.

The rabbi and his wife have been organizing and giving out challah personally to people for years as a gift, not just as friendship but as a point of connection, Yehuda Ceitlin said. Over the years theyve hosted people at their house or at the synagogue or elsewhere for small bakes that brought specifically women together.

While anyone can bake challah, only women can make it a mitzvah, or a holy act.

A special blessing is said while making the challah, he said. This blessing cannot be said otherwise, (and) its said during the making of the bread. They take off a special piece of the bread and pledge it to G-d. We see that as a sacred time, when people have the opportunity to pray for good health for themselves, goodwill in certain areas of life. Its a sacred area of life, and you see woman as having that power to commit the blessing, give blessing and be blessed.

Feigie Ceitlin, Yehuda Ceitlins wife, started the Mega Challah Bake so women and girls could find community and feel pride in their Jewish heritage.

We have this sense of empowerment, this special mitzvah is for women and girls, she said. And we get to do it together as a community and show our Jewish pride. Hopefully, going into the new year, it can bring our community together in such a beautiful way.

This years Mega Challah Bake marks the 10th anniversary of the tradition. The event will take place from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road. You can get discounted admission if you register online in advance.

We try to hold it before the High Holidays when people are a bit more spiritually minded. We consider it as a preparation, Yehuda Ceitlin said. We encourage people (to) come to the event, we have all the ingredients ready for them, including utensils. They mix the dough, they knead, they braid and they take the challah home for themselves or their families, or share them with others.

In addition to the religious significance of baking challah, this event includes a broader celebration of community.

Everybody is welcome, Feigie Ceitlin said. We put this together for the Jewish women, but we love it when people participate in any of our programs, when we put together a Passover Seder or any services. We welcome anyone in, bringing people in and sharing our traditions and religion.

Food has compounded importance in Judaism, sacred both as a means of coming together and as a symbol itself.

Food brings us together, Yehuda Ceitlin said.

Food brings us together. And we look at every major Jewish holiday, an essential component of it is the food aspect. We recognize that food is nutrition, physical nutrition, for the body, but its also soul nutrition.

When we focus on what we eat, the preparation, the eating of it, we have that mindfulness and obviously enjoyment, but the mindfulness of what were eating and what it signifies, it has more meaning and serves a purpose.

Take, for example, pomegranate seeds. You eat pomegranate seeds on a regular day, its exciting if you like it. But eat it on Rosh Hashanah, it signifies the many mitzvahs, the many good deeds you can do throughout the year. Eat gefilte fish on a regular Tuesday  its OK if you like it. But eat it on Shabbat, with a little horseradish, it (becomes) part of observing the sacred day of the week ... Food has been and is essential to Jewish practice.

To get through the pandemic, the Mega Challah Bake went virtual. Ingredients were delivered to participants homes and the bake became a family event. The whole household, across generations, participated in making the challah. This year, though the tradition has returned to highlighting Jewish women, the feeling of connection and heritage across generations continues.

It was so exciting when my mother was baking challah and I got to participate, Feigie Ceitlin said. Going to my grandmother, I remember visiting her in New York, my mother got to know her recipe. It was a great thing that tied the generations together and the traditions together.

As life continues, we get to (bake with) our children as well. Every Friday we get to bake with our daughters and make the special blessing, she said. I cant wait to do it with my grandchildren as well.

Despite food being central to Jewish traditions, and Tucsons vibrant Jewish community, our city lacks a Jewish deli and other Kosher resources. My predecessor Andi Berlin started a list of Jewish foods in Tucson that I have updated over time. But Yehuda Ceitlin stressed the lack of truly Kosher restaurants in town.

I would say that the Kosher scene in Tucson is constantly evolving, he said. There have been, back in the day there have been times when theres a full-time Kosher deli. Back in the day there was more than one butcher in town. That has changed since. Today, we dont have easily accessible meat in that sense. But I dont think theres a Jewish home in town that wants Kosher meat and doesnt have access to it, thanks to Trader Joes and Costco. Al Basha as well, on Grant Road  these stores regularly carry Kosher meat of different options.

While there are limited Kosher options  and a once-a-month popup bistro  at the JCC, Ceitlin said that Tucson lacks a full-service Kosher restaurant.

The closest proper Kosher dining experience is Phoenix, if youre up for it. Vegas, if youre making a vacation out of it. Tucson does not have that ... Youre pretty much dependent on your kitchen, or a friends kitchen, if theyre friendly.

Which, in a way, has its preferences, too. It means people are getting together and seeing each other. They get to know their neighbor, let alone others, a bit further, he said. This provides an opportunity to meet and eat, of course, and make connections, and build connections.
Tucson police arrested a man accused in stabbings that killed a woman and injured another man Friday night.

Police gave the following account in a news release Saturday:

Tucson police and Tucson Fire personnel were called to the 700 block of East Fort Lowell Road shortly before 10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, for reports of a stabbing.

They found a woman, Jessica Johnson, 40, who had been stabbed. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers found and detained the suspect nearby, 73-year-old Stephen Rudisill.

A second victim flagged down officers at the scene. That man was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Homicide detectives say that Rudisill, Johnson and the other man were fighting and that Rudisill "used a sharp-edged weapon, striking the two victims."

Rudisill is being held in the Pima County jail on suspicion of one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault.
Pima County Schools Superintendent Dustin J. Williams has appointed David Willard to the Marana Unified School District Governing Board.

Willard will fill the vacancy left by Dan Post's death.

As a member of our local community, I know our town is better when we all bring a spirit of cooperation and participation to the table and especially to the classroom, Willard said. Let us all step forward together and continue the success of education in Marana.

The superintendents office received 14 applications for the appointment.

The position will be up for re-election in November 2024 for a four-year term. Willard was sworn in Sept. 5 and is eligible to participate in his first board meeting on Sept. 14.

Canyon del Oro senior honored

Canyon del Oro High School senior Brynley Ferris was named Arizonas 2023 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme student of the year.

The student of the year award highlights Ferriss dedication to being a high achieving yet well-rounded student and the International Baccalaureate Organizations aim to develop active, compassionate, lifelong learners with international awareness, the organization said in a news release.

This summer Ferris participated in a competitive writing camp at Lewis and Clark College. She also organized a service project benefiting Pima Animal Care Center for fellow Diploma Programme students to participate in during their summer retreat. Ferris worked with Pima Anima Care Center to identify the animals needs, organized students to collect and bring supplies, set up several stations and taught other students how to make treats and toys for the shelters dogs and cats.

To commemorate the honor, Ferris received a plaque and $400.

TUSD offers new menu choices

Tucson Unified School Districts food services department is unveiling new menu items.

On Friday it put on a traveling menu road show, inviting students at Cholla High School to try some of the new selections.

Taste testers had a selection of breakfast items to sample, including croissant sandwiches, a daily featured bakery item, and biscuits with scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes. Breakfast carts will become staples at some of TUSDs schools.

The district will also offer freshly made pizzas for kindergarten through eighth grade students.

High school students will have a variety of pizzas to choose from, along with stations featuring pasta, pizza, burgers, salads and more.

The Gregory School event

The Gregory School invites families of students entering grades five through 12 in the 2024-25 school year to an admissions information evening on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.

Participants can meet faculty and administrators and learn about The Gregory School curriculum and application process. The event will be on campus, 3231 N. Craycroft Road.
Vladivostok International Airport promotes the 2023 Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to take place at the Far Eastern Federal University from Sept. 10 to 13. TASS-Yonhap



Russia said on Saturday the top foreign guest at an economic forum in Vladivostok next week would be the vice president of Laos, and that it had "nothing to say" about a possible visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.



The New York Times reported on Monday that Kim would meet President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok in Russia's Far East this month, fanning speculation he might visit during the forum which runs from Sunday to Wednesday.



But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the senior foreign guest at the event would be the vice president of Laos, Pany Yathotou, with whom Putin would hold a separate bilateral meeting. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing is also due to attend, he said.



The annual forum is aimed at developing economic cooperation in the region and encouraging foreign investment. Past attendees include the Japanese prime minister and the Chinese president, but Western sanctions against Moscow have slashed foreign participation in such events.






PHOENIX  A hearing touted by legislative Republicans as an examination of how Big Tech, government officials and others manipulate the public kicked off with blockbuster testimony from a psychologist who claimed Google is responsible for Republican Kari Lakes loss in the 2022 Arizona governors election.

Lake herself also showed up at the hearing Tuesday to put an exclamation point on the whole thing, asserting yet again that Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs should not be in office despite winning the election.

But the star witness who has spent the past decade touting Googles manipulation, Dr. Robert Epstein, has been broadly debunked for years.

Republican Rep. Alexander Kolodin, who was appointed by GOP House Speaker Ben Toma to call the series of hearings, said its not his responsibility to invite Google, the worlds largest search engine company, to respond to Epsteins claims, nor to question their accuracy.

If Google were to make a request to testify before the committee, we would evaluate that request, Kolodin told Capitol Media Services.

Maybe Rep. Cesar Aguilar, the lone Democrat on the committee, can invite Google, Kolodin suggested.

Google, for its part, was ready with reams of evidence it says show it does not do what Epstein says  manipulate its search engine results to put its thumb on the scale in elections.

This individual has continued to make deeply misleading claims that have been widely debunked, including for omitting data that would have changed his finding, a company spokesman wrote in a statement. Any allegations that Google deliberately designed search algorithms or intervened with the intent of swaying voters are categorically false.

Google pointed to studies from researchers at Stanford University and The Economist magazine that found no evidence the search engine has partisan leanings.

Absolutely guaranteed he claims

Epstein, however, said his research finds that the companys search engine algorithms favor Democrats in elections and that polling numbers that make it into newspapers, TV and onto the internet are influenced by Googles biased results.

He told lawmakers hes learned how to exactly determine how much Googles results sway what he called vulnerable voters, meaning moderate Republicans.

We know how to calculate now, calculate that precisely, Epstein told the committee. So in that race ... Kari Lake would have won. Hands down. Absolutely guaranteed. If you took Google out of that picture, Kari Lake would have won.

Hobbs scoffed, saying she was absolutely not victorious because of Google.

I think most of the disinformation that was spewed yesterday has been debunked over and over and over again, she said the day after the hearing.

Asking companies to remove posts

The second half of the hearing focused on a more legitimate issue: Whether government officials violate the First Amendment when they ask social media companies to remove posts that, while false, are the opinion of the person posting them.

Hobbs sought to do that while secretary of state following the 2020 election, including for posts claiming Sharpies used to mark ballots could bleed through a ballot and improperly cause a vote on a race on the back side of the ballot.

Maricopa County election officials said that could not happen because of the design of the ballots, with races on the back side deliberately offset from those on the front side.

The attorney general at the time, Republican Mark Brnovich, investigated the claims and ultimately conceded that what Hobbs and election officials said was in fact the case.

The legislative panel also heard last week from an attorney with the conservative Mountain States Legal Foundation who litigates cases he described as defending against governmental assaults on Americans free speech rights.

James Kerwin told the committee that what Hobbs and her staff did in asking social media companies to remove what they called disinformation came close in some cases to violating the First Amendment. He said a company might feel compelled to take down a post after receiving a request from a government official because it worried about retaliation if it did not.

Kerwin suggested the Legislature could enact laws that bar state officials from making those requests to social media companies.

First Amendment arguments

Courts may make that a moot point. Several cases directly addressing the issue are on the U.S. Supreme Courts docket and may clarify if actions like those taken by Hobbs as secretary of state are legal.

The Biden administration has been fighting a federal judges order saying the federal government is completely barred from communicating with social media companies after seeking to remove disinformation about COVID-19. The court said the U.S. government was coercing the companies to act, and likely violating the First Amendment.

On Friday, Sept. 8, an appeals court greatly narrowed the reach of that order, but the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals kept in place a bar on several agencies  including the White House, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the FBI  from asking social media companies like X (formerly Twitter) to take down posts.

The Biden administration defended its actions in a press statement and said it was reviewing the ruling.

This administration has promoted responsible actions to protect public health, safety and security when confronted by challenges like a deadly pandemic and foreign attacks on our elections, the White House said in a statement. Our consistent view remains that social media platforms have a critical responsibility to take account of the effects their platforms are having on the American people but make independent choices about the information they present.

Hobbs makes a similar argument. Last week, she said that, as secretary of state, her office reported misinformation as many other secretaries of state did.

People were spewing all kinds of misinformation about election administration about the integrity of our elections, Hobbs said. And it was our job to fight against that.

She rejected the premise that her actions tread on First Amendment rights.

Absolutely not, Hobbs said. We had in the Secretary of States Office a job to uphold the integrity of our elections, tell voters the truth about our elections, and thats what we did.

Fundraising off the research

For his part, Kolodin said that kind of complaint from a government official to a social media company should never happen. He plans to call Josh Sauer, who represented the state of Louisiana in the case the appeals court ruled upon Friday, at his next committee hearing set for Oct. 16.

It is wrong for a government official and their official capacity to ever ask that speech that they dont like be taken down, he said. Its not for the government to be the arbiter of truth. Thats terrifying.

Kolodin said the committees goal is to examine what existing laws allow and look for potential legislation to protect First Amendment rights.

He said he did find what Epstein presented about Google credible, although he added, I dont know that the point of this committee is to put Google on trial. Its more about understanding the problem. Thats all were trying to do.

However, Aguilar, the committees one Democrat, noted that Epstein was working with Lake and had backed numerous Republicans.

It seems his research fundraises off of Republicans, he said.

Indeed: Epstein spoke at the hearing about the need for more funding to pursue his research.
PHOENIX  Kari Lake supporters are mounting a new effort to void her loss in the 2022 governor's race, less than a month after one supporter's attempt was rebuffed by the Arizona Supreme Court.

And the essential elements of the new claim, this one to Maricopa County Superior Court, remain the same as those the state's high court refused to consider.

The supporters' attorney, Ryan Heath, contends now, as he did then, that it was illegal for Maricopa County to verify signatures on early ballots by comparing them with images from prior early ballots. He argues Arizona law says the only valid comparison has to be with the person's original voter registration.

What he has now that he did not last month is a ruling by Yavapai County Superior Court John Napper in a similar case seemingly agreeing with the argument.

But that decision, while providing legal fodder to support Heath's theory about ballot signature verification, is not final.

Moreover, in the Yavapai County case, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club and Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections are seeking only a declaratory judgment prohibiting recorders from using anything but original voter registration records when verifying early ballots in future elections.

What Heath wants is a ruling that is retroactive. He wants Maricopa County Judge Michael Gordon to say not only was the practice illegal in the 2022 election but that it so tainted the votes for governor as to require an entirely new vote in Maricopa County, this time counting only early ballots where the signatures on the envelopes match what is on the voters' original registration records.

He challenges other results, too

It's not just for the race that Lake lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs by 17,117 votes that Heath is seeking a second election.

Heath also says the judge should order a do-over in the race for attorney general, where Democrat Kris Mayes beat Republican Abe Hamadeh by 280 votes.

Also challenged is the 60,443-vote victory for Proposition 308, which allows those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program who meet other qualifications to attend public colleges and universities paying the same tuition as Arizona residents. Heath said the 18,488-vote loss for Proposition 309 to mandate new voter identification requirements also should be rerun in Maricopa County.

"Maricopa County failed, in fact, to apply uniform signature verification standards for a material number of approximately 1.3 million votes cast through mail-in ballots,'' Heath says in his new filing. "As a result, every single one of those 1.3 million votes is tainted by the fatal stain of 'uncertainty,' requiring the setting aside of all ballots from Maricopa County for all statewide races for the 2022 General Election as a matter of law.''

But Heath is not applying that logic to all close statewide contests.

Most notably, he is not seeking a new election in the race for superintendent of public instruction where incumbent Democrat Kathy Hoffman lost to Republican Tom Horne by 8,967 votes. He did not immediately respond to inquiries about his decision to pick and choose which races he wants redone.

Same arguments as before

The wording in his complaint is not new.

Heath made the same arguments a month ago to the Arizona Supreme Court in what is known as a "special action'' complaint. He argued, among other things, the high court should take the case directly because going through the regular process  starting in Superior Court  "would add months of litigation and unnecessary expense'' for not only his clients  two supporters of Lake  but also the county officials who would have to defend against his claims.

But a panel of four of the seven justices, in an Aug. 24 order, said Heath "did not provide a compelling reason as to why this matter could not be initiated in a lower court.'' They also said starting with a trial judge was more appropriate as that judge could consider disputed facts.

As to expediting the matter by skipping a trial court, the justices pointed out that Heath waited nine months after the 2022 General Election to bring the case to court.

So they dismissed his complaint, but with permission for him to refile it, this time with a trial court, which is what he has now done.

Still, other legal hurdles remain.

Election officials in most counties have said they, too, also use signatures on file other than the original voter registration document, ranging from prior requests to get an early ballot to signatures on driver's licenses, to compare to the signatures on the ballot envelopes.

Yet Heath is trying to get a new vote only in Maricopa County. He is suing only Maricopa County officials and none from the other 14 counties.

The reason, Heath said, is testimony from Rey Valenzuela, the Maricopa County elections director, during Lake's own unsuccessful bid to overturn the results of the gubernatorial race.

Heath said Valenzuela acknowledged that his county does signature comparison not only using earlier documents but also digitized images that were on early ballot envelopes from prior elections. Heath said that is a practice of only Maricopa County.

One of his clients is David Mast, who was behind an unsuccessful attempt to intercede directly in Lake's own election challenge with similar arguments about invalid early ballot signatures. The other is Cochise County Supervisor Tom Crosby who, in a separate legal action, had to be ordered by a judge to certify the results of the 2022 election after he and fellow Republican Supervisor Peggy Judd pushed for a hand count based on claims that vote-counting machines are prone to hacking or otherwise untrustworthy.

Heath contends the inclusion of what he said were illegal votes from Maricopa County diluted the votes of both of his clients.

No date has been set for a hearing.
Kevin Canfield Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Kevin Canfield Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

With a Friday deadline looming, the developer behind a proposed 13-story residential tower, boutique hotel and supermarket near the Performing Arts Center downtown says hes not 100% sure of the projects status.

We are trying to work through some issues related to the project  so we have not been able to close yet, said Ryan Cronk, vice president of development for Indianapolis-based Flaherty & Collins Properties.

The PAC Trust has been working with Flaherty & Collins for several years to develop a parking lot it owns directly across Cincinnati Avenue between Second and Third streets.

In December, trustees agreed to give the developer until June 30 to close on the purchase of the land. The deadline was later extended to Sept. 15.

Cronk declined to say what was keeping him from completing the deal.

Maybe on the 15th. ... I am dealing with stuff that may or may not be an issue, he said.

Cronk said at the moment plans still call for Oasis Fresh Market to operate a 20,000-square-foot supermarket as part of the $108 million development.

A.J. Johnson, owner of Oasis Fresh Market, said Friday that plans for the downtown market are moving forward.

The Tulsa PAC Trust has owned the proposed development property since 1977. In 2021, trustees voted to sell the land to Flaherty & Collins for $5.5 million.

In December, Cronk told the PAC Trust that in addition to the Oasis Fresh Market, the project would include a 13-story residential tower, 478 parking spaces, 10,000 square feet of first floor commercial and retail space, and an Origin Hotel  a boutique property with about 120 rooms.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center CEO Mark Frie said in an email that the trusts agreement with Flaherty & Collins stipulates that a first-class grocer must sign a lease with the buyer in order to purchase the property.

The buyer currently has until end of business on September 15, 2023, to complete the contract or the contract will be null and void, Frie said. TPACT is not party to nor has any knowledge of any negotiation or contract details between the buyer and the grocer.

The citys first Oasis Fresh Market opened in May 2021 at 1725 N. Peoria Ave., ending a years-long effort by north Tulsa residents to get a grocery store that sold fresh fruits, vegetables and meats.

But Johnson has since come under scrutiny.

Plans to expand the Oasis Fresh Market model stalled earlier this year after the state Legislature passed on a request for $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Oasis sought the funding to build four more Oasis locations in underserved areas.

Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, co-chairman of a legislative working group tasked with recommending projects for ARPA funding, said Oasis is no longer under consideration.

The project ran aground amid concerns regarding the nonprofits leadership structure.

Some of those concerns were highlighted in an article published by the online publication NonDoc in February.

The article noted some members of Oasis nonprofit arm were surprised to learn they were listed as board members, when contacted by the publication.

Last month, NonDoc reported allegations related to a property transaction Johnson executed while serving as executive director of Tulsa Dream Center.

Cronk said he read the story.

It is a concerning article, Cronk said. I havent had time to dig too deep into it, either, and dont know the validity of anything in there or not.

Johnson declined to comment on the latest NonDoc story.

I think that we are going to keep moving forward and serving and reaching people, and that is what our call is, to reach those in food deserts, and build bridges, and be a refuge, (a) safe-place shelter, Johnson said.

Staff writer Curtis Killman contributed to this story.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

During an interview from prison with Osage County law enforcement earlier this year, BTK serial killer Dennis Rader never confessed to kidnapping or killing a 16-year-old girl who went missing from a Pawhuska laundromat in 1976.

In fact, Rader made a point of dashing any thoughts along that line early in the conversation.

When he first comes in, his first conversation starter was, Whatever you think I did, I didnt. I only killed the 10 people Im in prison for, Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden recalled in an interview with the Tulsa World.

Virden had traveled in late January to a prison in El Dorado, Kansas, to interview Rader as part of an investigation into the cold case of Cynthia Kinney, who had vanished and was never seen again after leaving a Pawhuska laundry business on June 23, 1976.

Rader is serving 10 consecutive life-without-parole prison sentences after pleading guilty in 2005 to 10 murders in the Wichita area between 1974 and 1991.

Rader, who gave himself the initials BTK for bind, torture, kill, was known for planning and stalking his victims before launching an attack.

While Rader wouldnt admit to kidnapping or killing anyone from Oklahoma, he did admit such a kidnapping was one of his favorite fantasies, Virden said.

Rader, 78, raised the subject as Virden was concluding what he described as a background interview with the serial killer.

Anyway, we started wrapping it up from that conversation and start shutting it down, and he says, Would you want to know what one of my favorite fantasies was that I never got to do? Virden recalled Rader saying.

I said, Sure, Virden replied.

I always wanted to kidnap a girl from a laundromat, Virden said, quoting Rader.

Up to this point, Virden had not said what he was there to investigate.

I had not mentioned anything about that, Virden said of Kinneys disappearance. Of course, that was the case I was going up there for, so you could imagine how shocking that was for him to say that.

On the right track

Virden knew that Rader would often use a ruse of some sort to lure a person away and thats how he said he would have accomplished such a kidnapping.

He told me he would have watched until she was in there alone and then he would have approached her with a ruse, Virden said. In every murder that he did, he would use a ruse.

He would use a ruse to get in and he would use a ruse or trick to get them to cooperate until he could get them tied up and got them under control and then things would go the other way.

The drive home from the prison left Virden and his investigators to conclude they were on the right track.

We went out of there going: There was only two possibilities, and that either he did this or he knew about it and he is messing with us, Virden said. We have no way of knowing that for sure. The odds of his fantasy being my case is phenomenal.

Virden was asked about witnesses at the time reporting seeing Kinney leave in a car with male and female occupants.

I couldnt tell you how many eyewitness accounts that were wrong, Virden said. But at the same time I could tell you Ive got writings from Dennis where he describes that he is dressed as a female when he gets people in the car.

Since that meeting, Virden said his investigation into Kinneys disappearance and other missing and murdered cases has spiraled.

As we were doing that and going through other documentation, there were a number of things that stood out, not just with our case, but other cases, Virden said.

And while Rader wouldnt admit to working in Pawhuska, he did admit to working in Oklahoma.

This admission came after Rader told Virden and others almost off-handedly that he was in Oklahoma in 1990.

I said, Really, what were you doing?

Well, I lost my job at ADT, and then I got on with the United States Census, and then I got promoted to a regional supervisor, and in 1990 I was all over Oklahoma and Kansas, Virden recalled Rader telling him.

Of course that made me feel really warm and fuzzy, Virden said.

BTK links to other cases

Virden said he has since met with Wichita Police, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, area U.S. Attorneys, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation officials and several sheriffs office representatives to share information he has gathered that he claims could be a link to Rader.

I believe the consensus was from everybody ... there could be some major things here, Virden said.

Since then Virden says his office has gathered more evidence that he says links Rader to other missing and murdered people outside the Wichita area.

Were still following those leads, Virden said. Weve shared what we feel like is possibilities to other law enforcement. Some are actively looking into those. Others didnt feel like it was significant.

As to why Rader just wouldnt admit to other murders as he did with the 10 Wichita-area ones, Virden has a theory.

Kansas didnt have the death penalty through the time period for which he did eventually confess to those 10, the sheriff said.

My personal feeling is, if he came out and would have confessed to something outside of Wichita, then the surrounding states that had the death penalty would know he killed outside of Wichita and could expose him to the death penalty, Virden said.

Virden said he first became interested in the possibility Rader had something to do with Kinneys disappearance after watching a documentary on the BTK serial killer.

The documentary was on television early one morning after Virden said his office had just wrapped up a murder investigation with six arrests and he couldnt sleep.

As I was watching it, some things struck me as, you know, thats odd I might need to look in to, Virden recalled. First thing is, he was an active serial killer at the time she went missing.

Virden said he then noticed Rader often hunted between 8 a.m. and noon.

In his first murder, Rader started at around 8 a.m., Virden said. He would have been a 2-hour drive from Pawhuska.

(Cynthia Kinney) went missing on a Wednesday, about 10, 10:30 in the morning, Virden said, noting the timing would be consistent (with Raders schedule), which is odd.

Bad wash day

Virden said he has several leads to run down that he believes could tie Rader to being in the area when Kinney disappeared.

Of special interest is a bank that was being built across the street from the laundry when Kinney disappeared.

The bank, which has changed hands several times, opened about nine months before Kinney disappeared, Virden said.

He worked for ADT and was an installer for them, Virden said of Rader.

Raders employment with ADT would have been during the same time the banks alarm system would have been installed, Virden said.

So Im thinking, gosh could he have came down and given a bid, Virden said. Could he have worked for ADT and installed a system?

Virden admitted he has been unable to find employment records that tie Rader to working on the bank.

As for other possible cases being linked to Rader, Virden said Rader was a Boy Scout leader after being a member of the Scouts until he was 17.

He said Rader had relatives in Ponca City and could have visited the Boy Scout museum in Pawhuska or camped with the Scouts when their camp was located along the Kansas-Oklahoma line between Sedan, Kansas, and Cedar Vale, Kansas.

Virden has also shared with the public writings by Rader that were seized by police.

On one entry is the phrase, bad wash day.

The entry was included in a chapter of the would-be book that was reserved for murders Rader said he actually committed, Virden said.

Raders daughter, Kerri Rawson, has posted on social media that her father has been linked to four other missing/murdered cases in addition to the Kinney case.

Virden declined to talk about specific cases but said he believes Rader is linked to the Kinney case and at least one other Kansas case, for sure.

I think it would be irresponsible for anyone to not look at cold cases from that time to see if items collected might match up with other cases, Virden said.

Conducting digs

Last week, the sheriff shared on CNN drawings by Rader of a barn and silo.

The hope is someone will recognize the drawing and be able to point investigators to its location.

As for talk that this is a political stunt, Virden is quick to tamp it down as just talk.

I started this investigation before any signs went into the ground, Virden said.

He said investigators had already conducted three digs at Raders former home in search of evidence before the media found out and inquired.

Dennis called a reporter after our first conversation, and then that broke it, Virden said.

During the digs, Virden said investigators found pantyhose that could be used to bind someone.

We found items that would be probably personal property of someone, and we found items that could have been bondage type items, and other things  we cant release that right now, Virden said.

The hope is some items recovered could be linked to Kinney through DNA.

As for his critics, Virden said: They dont know what we have. They dont know what we found.

So those people are speaking on something that they dont have no idea about. So what I would suggest is if anybody has an opinion, they should wait until the conclusion and then they can make their own minds up once they see it resolved.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
97 years ago today, the crowning of Norma Des Cygne Smallwood as Miss America 1926 was hailed as an anti-flapper victory by the Tulsa World.

Smallwood didnt bob her long, chestnut hair but wore it rolled into buns on either side of her face, somewhat like Princess Leia in Star Wars.

Chosen for beauty, intelligence and personality, Miss Tulsa  is a type entirely apart from the bobbed-haired, boyish flapper popularly acclaimed as the exponent of American girlhood, read the Associated Press story bannered on the front page of the Tulsa World on Sept. 11, 1926.

A Bristow native, Smallwood was described by her mother, Mrs. Mahala Smallwood Dickerson, as a real girl with a liking for taking corners on two wheels when she is driving.

However, as Miss America, Smallwood turned out to be a public relations nightmare for pageant officials.

Click here to read more
Anna Codutti Tulsa World Breaking News Editor Follow Anna Codutti Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A Pentagon staffer who, on 9/11, was 30 feet from the hijacked planes point of impact is about to share his story with over a thousand Oklahomans  most of whom likely werent even born yet when the terrorists attacked.

Set to speak Monday in Miami, Oklahoma, retired Navy Capt. Joseph Gradisher has relived the experience many times since that day 22 years ago.

It still brings tears to his eyes and a slight choke to his voice, however, as he recalls the delay that Tuesday morning while his family was left hanging. He said it probably always will.

It was about four hours before I got a phone call to my wife that I was alive, Gradisher said in a phone interview with Tulsa World from his office in Washington, D.C.

My daughter, in ninth grade, was panicking at the school, he said, adding administrators there had no idea Gradisher worked at the Pentagon.

In the years immediately following the attack, Gradisher was invited to speak quite a bit about the experience. A communications professional in the Navy and docent for Pentagon tours, he was a natural for community engagements to commemorate the attack.

Those presentations have become much fewer and further between lately, but every so often a tour group will come through and ask him to travel for a 9/11 speaking engagement. Thats how Gradisher got connected with the Ottawa County Historical Society, which is hosting four events Monday featuring the now-civilian Navy staffer.

He said nearly 1,000 young people will end up hearing his presentation, including all the high-schoolers from Ottawa County and students at Northeast Oklahoma A&M College. Gradisher said speaking to people too young to remember where they were on 9/11 is important to him.

Those of us that were in the middle of it all vowed we would not let people forget about it. What happened to us, he said. For the younger folks, they dont know about it except as a piece of history. ...

A plane hit the Pentagon, but what it really hit was the 25,000 people working in the Pentagon that day. My individual story is more compelling than a plane hit a building.

During the height of the pandemic, Gradisher shared his story virtually through a Department of Defense program in schools across the country. It allowed for more direct engagement with his audience, he said, including seeing their faces close-up.

You could tell that the kids were just captured by the story. ... It makes them think about it more, Gradisher said.

One of the more memorable questions hes gotten from a thoughtful audience member was about his reaction, not in the immediate moments after the attack, but after it had all sunk in.

Quite frankly, it pissed me off, Gradisher said he responded. How dare these people come and attack us and violate our safety and security to try to impose their will on us? ...

We cant let them get away with this, their goal of trying to change our way of life.

Gradisher said he was reminded of his youth when many World War II veterans came back but couldnt discuss their experiences for years, if ever. It was through talking to his mother, who was in the British army during WW2, that Gradisher said he became fascinated with the history. He wants to be that figure for young people today, to help them understand a signature event in American life.

If I can pass on to them a little bit about that day, what it was to go through an event like that, how we came through it  and ... a couple of wars  I think its important for them to learn that and hear it, Gradisher said.

9/11 Remembered: Recounting the Day Our Country Came Together The public is welcome at the evening events Monday featuring Capt. Joseph Gradisher, both at Coleman Theater, 103 N. Main St., Miami, Oklahoma. The Ottawa County Historical Society is hosting a meet-and-greet 5:30-7 p.m. with admission set at $20 or $30 per couple. After the meet-and-greet, Gradisher will share his presentation, the same one that hundreds of local high school and college students will hear earlier in the day, in a free event starting at 7 p.m. For more info, call 918-542-5388.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Chris Moore Web Production Technician Follow Chris Moore Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

The Tulsa Police Department are searching for a missing elderly man who has been diagnosed with dementia.

Police say Steven Hitt, 63, was last seen leaving his home, 12 East 12th Street, on September 7th, around 7 a.m.

Hitt is described as a white male 5'5" weighing 150 lbs. He is likely wearing a tan ball cap, brown jacket, dark pants, and flip flops.

Police say when Hitt last went missing he was located in the area of 1st Street and Elgin Ave.

People are asked to call the police if he is located.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, right, talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War, on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea Thursday, July 27. AP-Yonhap



After a year and a half of fighting in Ukraine, Russia needs to replenish its supplies of ammunition for what could be a long war of attrition. Along with ramping up its domestic arms production, Moscow is turning to an old ally with a vast arsenal  North Korea.



Estimates say the reclusive and isolated Asian country has tens of millions of artillery shells and rockets that could give a huge boost to the Russian army.



United States officials expect North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to visit Russia in the coming days to seal a possible deal on munitions transfer with President Vladimir Putin. That would be a remarkable reversal from the 1950-53 Korean War, when the Soviet Union provided the communist North with weapons and ammunition.



"We know that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited recently for artillery shells predominantly, and most likely that will be discussed between Putin and Kim Jong-un," said Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.



Shoigu became the first Russian defense chief to visit North Korea since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Images of him at a massive military parade in the capital of Pyongyang in July, alongside Kim and the medal-laden North Korean military brass, was a strong sign of a vigorous effort by Moscow to reach out to the North. Shoigu said joint military drills were possible.



Asked about a possible visit by Kim and a deal that would see North Korean arms supplies to Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to comment.



But he emphasized that Moscow cherishes ties with Pyongyang, adding: "North Korea is our neighbor, and we will further develop our relations without looking back at other countries' opinion."



Kim made his first visit to Russia in 2019 and held talks with Putin that included pledges of closer cooperation but weren't followed by any visible breakthroughs.



While the bulk of the Korean People's Army arsenals are dated, their enormous size would offer the Russian military a potential key lifeline amid Europe's largest land conflict since World War II.



Hong Min, an analyst at Seoul's Korea Institute for National Unification, said Russia could seek to establish North Korea as a "rear base" for its war efforts, providing a massive flow of munitions.



"Russia is hoping that North Korea could swiftly establish support channels to provide it with war materials like ammunition, bombs and other supplies," Hong said.



The U.S. said North Korea sold some munitions to Russia's private military contractor, Wagner, in November. Both Russian and North Korean officials have denied that Pyongyang has shipped any weapons or munitions to Russia or intends to do so.



U.S. officials have cast Moscow's reach for North Korean weapons as a reflection of Russian military problems. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the quality of North Korean weapons was an "open question."



"It says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defense capacity in a war that it expected be over in a week," Sullivan said.









While Washington has warned Pyongyang against sending weapons to Russia, which would violate a United Nations embargo on any arms shipments to and from North Korea, observers say there is little the U.S. could do in response.



They note that Moscow could share advanced nuclear, missile and submarine technology with Pyongyang in exchange for arms supplies, a move that could embolden Kim and raise major threats to regional security.



"The United States and its allies have limited policy options in addressing this new challenge," Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said in an analysis.



While the North's enormous stockpiles could boost the Russian war effort, Moscow has imported drones from another ally, Iran, that have played a significant role in the fighting.



Russia has used the Shahed exploding drones to strike Ukraine's infrastructure for more than a year.





Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, center, and Major General Alexander Shestakov, fourth from left, head of the Main Vehicle and Armor Directorate at the Russian Defence Ministry, inspect military equipment at a weapons storage site of the Russian Western Military District ahead of its deployment to the zone of Russia's special military operation on June 9. TASS-Yonhap
Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank) and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) on Sunday inked a Commitment Letter on a bilateral loan worth US$300 million with a seven-year tenor.

The loan arranged by DFC is aimed at improving small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access to finance, especially women-owned, women-led, and climate-focused SMEs in Vietnam, the bank said in a press release the same day.

The ceremony for the Commitment Letter signing between DFC and VPBank was held at the banks headquarters in Hanoi on Sunday morning, witnessed by U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, DFC CEO Scott Nathan, and VPBank Chairman Ngo Chi Dzung, along with other leaders of both organizations.

DFC, the U.S. governments development finance institution, was established in 2019 under the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act and focuses on bringing private capital to the developing world.

Its mission is to promote U.S. diplomatic policies and catalyze investment in private sector-led development.

The signing ceremony took place within the framework of the state visit of U.S. President Joe Biden to Vietnam from Sunday to Monday, on the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive partnership, demonstrating the two countries positive and increasingly tightened cooperative relationship in many areas.

Scott Nathan, CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), speaks at the ceremony for the Commitment Letter signing between DFC and VPBank at the banks headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 10, 2023. Photo: Supplied

The approval of the loan from DFC, a U.S. government agency with international benchmarks and prudent credit appraisal standards and processes, to VPBank has once again affirmed the lenders position as the market-leading commercial bank in Vietnam.

The $300-million loan comes with a seven-year tenor.

This loan will serve as an important source of financing to help strengthen VPBanks capital base, which in turn will promote sustainable lending activities in line with the banks growth strategy.

These include supporting SMEs, women-owned or women-led SMEs, as well as shifting the banks portfolios toward climate-focused and low-carbon technology projects.

Over the past years, VPBank has always been one of the leading banks in Vietnam that move ahead with environmental, social, and climate contribution through developing and acting on a sustainable and consistent financial development strategy with clear awareness of accountable lending principles.

Prior to the loan extended by DFC, VPBank has been able to secure a number of large-sized syndicated loans worth over a billion dollars since 2020 from reputable lenders worldwide.

In particular, VPBank fruitfully mobilized a $500-million syndicated loan at the end of 2022 from five reputable financial institutions, namely the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), ANZ Bank, and Maybank Securities Pte. Ltd.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
A series of big trade deals will be clinched during U.S. President Joe Bidens two-day Vietnam visit scheduled for Sunday and Monday, said Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung.

The Vietnam-U.S. relations have developed strongly in green economy, digital economy, and hi-tech sectors, Dung noted.

The ambassador added that Bidens visit would boost the cooperation between the two countries in these sectors.

In particular, the two sides will clarify priorities in the collaboration in hi-tech, artificial intelligence, and telecoms.

Vietnam and the U.S. will launch initiatives and specific cooperation mechanisms in the semiconductor industry and hi-tech manpower training.

During the U.S. presidents visit to Vietnam, the two sides will sign some memoranda of understanding and agreements to foster the Southeast Asian countrys green economy, digital economy, and high technology.

The two countries had earlier entered into many memoranda of understanding and maintained ties in digital economy, energy, and science-technology.

The U.S. and some other countries have signed the Just Energy Transition Partnership, aiming to mobilize US$15.5 billion to support Vietnam in green energy transition and economic growth.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (L, 2nd) visits a Vietnamese electric vehicle producer during her visit to Vietnam in July 2023. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Ambassador Dung said the visit will continue a tradition whereby all incumbent U.S. presidents have visited Vietnam since the two countries established their relations in 1995.

It is more meaningful as the visit happens as the countries celebrate 10 years of their comprehensive partnership.

With the comprehensive and deep relations of the two countries, the visit is expected to be a momentum to upgrade their relationship to a new height, Ambassador Dung said.

Vietnams welcome of U.S. President Biden will also contribute to the formers implementation of its diplomatic policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, multilateralism, and comprehensive and intensive international integration, Dung added.

The positive growth of the Vietnam-U.S. ties reflects and meets the demands of the two countries and is in line with the trends and common benefits of the whole region.

During the visit to Vietnam on Sunday and Monday, President Biden will hold talks with Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other high-ranking leaders.

The two sides will review their comprehensive partnership and work out plans for their partnership in the coming time in science, technology, trade, investment, people-to-people exchange, and addressing post-war consequences.

This will open a new chapter in the Vietnam-U.S. relations and create favorable conditions for Vietnam to achieve higher positions in regional and global value chains, the Vietnamese ambassador shared.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Bidens visit to Vietnam will mark the first time when a U.S. president pays a visit to the Southeast Asian country at the invitation of a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Vietnam and the U.S. established diplomatic relations in November 1995, and upgraded their relations to a comprehensive partnership in July 2013.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Work on the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) project in Can Tho City, located in Vietnams Mekong Delta region, started on Saturday, making it the first VSIP to be built in the delta.

The VSIP Can Tho project will span 900 hectares of land in the outlying district of Vinh Thanh, with its investor being Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park J.V. Co. (VSIP).

VSIP is a joint venture between Becamex IDC Corporation, under the Peoples Committee of southern Binh Duong Province, and Sembcorp Development Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapores Sembcorp Industries, a leading energy and urban solution provider.

Its phase one will cover more than 293 hectares and carry a price tag of over VND3.717 trillion (US$154.4 million).

Once completed, it will provide employment for around 20,000-30,000 workers.

The industrial park is expected to become a major food processing and distribution center in the southern region.

The VSIP Can Tho project is the first of its kind to be built in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. Photo: Le Dan / Tuoi Tre

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Tran Viet Thuong, chairman of the Can Tho Peoples Committee, said the city pledged to create optimal conditions for both domestic and foreign investors to set up and run their businesses there.

According to Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, VSIP has developed 14 industrial parks covering some 8,000 hectares in 19 provinces and cities nationwide, with a total investment of nearly $2 billion.

The VSIPs have contributed to Vietnam's efforts to attract more investors and create jobs for local people.

The VSIP Can Tho, after being put into service, will pave the way for the city to grow further and woo more investors to neighboring localities in the delta, Ngoc said.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
For weeks, a young South Korean teacher was bombarded with texts and calls from parents irate at how their child had been treated. Then she was found dead in her classroom.

The suicide of the 23-year-old woman, in just her second year of teaching, has triggered an outpouring of grief and rage and set off widespread protests, including a rare strike, as teachers push back against what they call untenable working conditions.

For decades, physical abuse by teachers was tacitly tolerated in South Korean schools, experts say, but in the early 2000s the country launched a major drive to stamp it out, culminating in sweeping 2014 legislation on child abuse.

This, teachers now say, has caused the pendulum to swing too far the other way.

They say the legislation, instead of protecting vulnerable pupils, has stripped institutional and legal protections from teachers and empowered pushy parents to bully them.

"I felt an overwhelming weight and wanted to let it all go," the late teacher wrote two weeks before her death in her journal, which was released posthumously by the Seoul Teachers' Union.

One of her first-grade students slashed another child in the face with a pencil and, after the teacher intervened, telephone records show she was subject to repeated calls and messages including on her personal phone by the perpetrator's parents.

"I couldn't breathe," she wrote in one of her final entries.

Multiple teachers told AFP her experience deeply resonated with them: that they were subject to relentless, angry exchanges and threats of child abuse complaints from parents.

They also described non-stop pressure to expunge records of school bullying or any blemish that might mar a child's prospects for top-tier universities -- a crucial consideration in South Korea's hyper-competitive, education-obsessed society.

Every weekend since the teacher's July 18 suicide, teachers have gathered in central Seoul to protest -- in their hundreds of thousands last week -- demanding better protection for their profession and an end to parental bullying.

Choi Jun-hyuk, a 27-year-old elementary school teacher who has joined the rallies, told AFP that educators were currently in an impossible position.

He has been subject to explicit, foul language from one of his third-grade students, but when he confronted the boy, he rudely pushed back.

"I should have disciplined him, but the fear of being branded a child abuser hung over me, so I let him off the hook," he said.

Another teacher told AFP she had no way to prevent unruly students from disrupting an entire class.

"If I separate them from other students, for example, asking them to stand in the hallway, I could be accused of child abuse," Seo Chan-yang, who has taught elementary students for 15 years, told AFP.

Parental demands are often absurd, she said, describing a case where she wrote in a report that a student had a "fairly good academic performance".

The parents demanded she revise the report, claiming it could affect the child's future university prospects. The child was seven years old, she said.

The issue, teachers say, is that the 2014 law defined "child abuse" broadly but required that it be immediately reported to police.

Parents now feel empowered to accuse teachers of "emotional abuse" over what are, they say, normal classroom disciplinary measures.

Any police report triggers months of investigation and potential sacking for teachers, with educational authorities often suspending them pre-emptively.

"The principle of innocence until proven guilty does not apply," teacher Seo told AFP.

Even Seoul's education superintendent, Cho Hee-yeon, has acknowledged the imbalance, with teachers "viewed as being guilty from the beginning" when parents complain.

After the protests, Seoul's Education Ministry said teachers were allowed to separate disruptive students from classes without fear of being labelled child abusers, a move welcomed by teachers' unions.

Many parents may have themselves experienced abuse in the 1980s and 90s, and school violence has featured in South Korean pop culture, from 2001's "Friend" about a teacher smacking kids to the floor, to the more recent Netflix hit "The Glory" about school bullying.

"I myself was subject to corporal punishment growing up," teacher Choi said.

"But times have changed. There are no teachers who would do such things to students now."
Global leaders announced a multinational rail and ports deal linking the Middle East and South Asia on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

The pact comes at a critical time as U.S. President Joe Biden seeks to counter China's Belt and Road push on global infrastructure by pitching Washington as an alternative partner and investor for developing countries at the G20 grouping.

Biden said it was a "real big deal" that would bridge ports across two continents and lead to a "more stable, more prosperous and integrated Middle East."

He said at an event announcing the pact that it would unlock "endless opportunities" for clean energy, clean electricity, and laying cable to connect communities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of summit host India said: "Today, as we embark upon such a big connectivity initiative, we are sowing the seeds for future generations to dream bigger."

The deal will benefit low and middle-income countries in the region, and enable a critical role for the Middle East in global commerce, Jon Finer, the U.S. deputy national security adviser, told reporters at the bloc's annual summit in New Delhi.

It aims to link Middle East countries by railway and connect them to India by port, helping the flow of energy and trade from the Gulf to Europe, U.S. officials have said, by cutting shipping times, costs and fuel use.

A memorandum of understanding on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC, was signed by the European Union, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. and other G20 partners.

IMEC is envisioned to consist of two separate corridors with an east corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf, and a northern corridor connecting the Arabian Gulf with Europe, according to the MOU.

Along the railway route, participants intend to lay cable for power and data lines, as well as pipeline for hydrogen derived from renewable energy for use in power generation.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the pact offers opportunities for manufacturing, innovation and people. "But our intention is to make it real, and to be sure that after this commitment we have concrete results," he said at the event. No immediate details of the value of the deal were available.

The move comes amid U.S. efforts for a broader diplomatic deal in the Middle East that would have Saudi Arabia recognise Israel.

From the U.S. viewpoint, Finer added, the deal helps "turn the temperature down across the region" and "address a conflict where we see it".
The Vietnam-U.S. relations have thrived strongly thanks to the two nations efforts in connection and cooperation over the past many years.

Let us look back on the key milestones in such a long-lasting relationship on the occasion of U.S. President Joe Bidens ongoing two-day state visit to Vietnam.

Former Secretary of State James Baker and late Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Co Thach met for the first time on September 29, 1990 to discuss the Vietnam-U.S. ties in New York.

On February 3, 1994, then-President Bill Clinton ordered an end to the trade embargo, which lasted for 19 years, on Vietnam and allowed the two nations to open a liaison office in the other's capital.

He announced the normalization of diplomatic relations between Hanoi and Washington on July 11, 1995.

A day later, late Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet declared the establishment of diplomatic ties with the United States.

Vietnam and the U.S. inaugurated the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington and the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi a month later.

After four years of negotiations, late Trade Minister Vu Khoan and former U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky signed a bilateral trade pact in Washington on July 13, 2000.

Then-President George W. Bush paid an official visit to Vietnam on November 17, 2006 to attend the APEC summit.

Former Vietnamese State President Nguyen Minh Triet visited the United States on June 18, 2007.

Vietnam and the United States officially set up a comprehensive partnership during former President Truong Tan Sangs U.S. visit, which started on July 24, 2013. As part of his visit to the U.S., he met and held talks with then-President Barack Obama.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong began his five-day visit to the United States on July 6, 2015. The two nations announced the Vietnam-U.S. Joint Vision Statement during this trip, which was the first U.S. visit by the Communist Party's chief since the war ended, opening a new chapter for deep bilateral ties.

President Obama on May 23, 2016 paid an official visit to Vietnam, helping strengthen the Vietnam-U.S. relations.

The 45th president of the United States Donald Trump started his state visit to Vietnam on November 11, 2017 to sit in on the APEC summit in Da Nang, central Vietnam.

Vietnamese Party chief Trong held talks with President Trump on February 27, 2019 on the occasion of the latters summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh commenced his visit to the United States on May 11 last year to attend a special summit marking the 45th anniversary of the ASEAN-U.S. diplomatic relations. He also had sessions at the United Nations during his trip.

U.S. President Biden arrived in Hanoi on board the Air Force One plane on Sunday afternoon for a state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of General Secretary Trong.

His two-day working trip takes place at a time when both sides celebrate the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive partnership.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The United States will keep boosting support for developing countries, including Vietnam, in response to climate change, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said on Saturday.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on Saturday afternoon for Kerry, who is on a working visit to Vietnam.

As a long-lasting friend of Vietnam, Kerry affirmed that he will throw his weight behind the stronger cooperation between the two nations in the fight against climate change to back Vietnams efforts in fulfilling its commitments made at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Scotland in 2021.

The United States attaches much significance to the relationship with Vietnam and supports the latters proactive role in the region as well as in dealing with international issues, including climate change.

Washington highly values Hanois commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the U.S. climate envoy underlined.

Kerry also said that the United States will enhance cooperation with Vietnam in developing clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and smart water source management, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

Welcoming Kerry back to Vietnam on the occasion of U.S. President Joe Bidens two-day visit scheduled for Sunday and Monday, Prime Minister Chinh proposed the U.S. climate envoy and the United States call on many international organizations to initiate various projects to battle climate change in Vietnam, including enhancing the fight against land subsidence in the Mekong Delta and accelerating clean energy transition.

The Vietnamese premier appreciated the efforts from President Biden and climate envoy Kerry in raising global awareness of the battle against climate change.

Vietnam is striving to reach a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050, and is working to follow the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

The country has issued the National Power Development Plan VIII, said PM Chinh.

Vietnam boasts much wind and sunshine for the development of renewable energy, so the nation is elevating its clean energy industry, said the top Vietnamese official.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Hanoi on board the Air Force One plane on Sunday afternoon for a state visit to Vietnam lasting until Monday.

Many Vietnamese officials and diplomats, including head of the Central Committee for External Relations Le Hoai Trung, chairman of the Peoples Council of Hanoi Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc, head of the Directorate of State Protocol under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Viet Dung, and many other officials of the Central Committee for External Relations as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gathered at the airport to welcome the U.S. president and his entourage.

Bidens entourage includes Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, and Deputy National Security Advisor John Finer, among others.

Bidens visit comes at the invitation of Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The working trip marks the first time both the president and vice-president of the U.S. have visited Vietnam in a single term since the two countries established their diplomatic relations in 1995.

U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris visited Vietnam from August 24 to 26, 2021.

Biden's trip takes place at a time when both sides celebrate the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive partnership.

The U.S. highly evaluates the relations with Vietnam and considers the Southeast Asian country an important partner.

President Biden's visit to Vietnam is a powerful opportunity to advance Vietnam-U.S. relations in a way that will deliver for the American people and broader security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, according to Sullivan.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc said the visit is a special event which shows that the U.S. attaches great importance to Vietnam's political institutions, the role of the Communist Party of Vietnam and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and Vietnamese leaders.

U.S. President Joe Biden is welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 10, 2023. Photo: Reuters

U.S. President Joe Biden receives a bouquet of flowers from a young woman at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 10, 2023 Photo: Vietnam News Agency

The Air Force One plane is parked at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 10, 2023. Photo: Hong Quang

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, on Sunday afternoon presided over a welcome ceremony at the highest level for U.S. President Joe Biden, who had arrived in Hanoi the same day for a state visit to Vietnam lasting until Monday.

At 4:45 pm, U.S. President Biden and his entourage came to the Presidential Palace.

The U.S. leader later received a bouquet of flowers from Hanoi children.

Party General Secretary Trong and President Biden then shook hands with and greeted officials from the two sides while local children were waving Vietnamese and U.S. flags to welcome the delegates.

They also witnessed Vietnamese honor guards parade at the Presidential Palace.

The two leaders later left the Presidential Palace for the Office of the Party Central Committee for their talks.

Vietnam's Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) shakes hands with U.S. President Joe Biden in Hanoi, September 10, 2023. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Earlier on the day, many Vietnamese officials and diplomats gathered at Noi Bai International Airport in the Vietnamese capital to welcome the U.S. president and his entourage.

Bidens entourage includes Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, and Deputy National Security Advisor John Finer, among others.

His trip takes place at a time when both sides celebrate the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive partnership.

A view of the welcome ceremony for U.S. President Joe Biden at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 10, 2023. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

After 28 years of the normalization of bilateral relations and 10 years of the comprehensive partnership, the Vietnam-U.S relationship has made significant strides with intensive, practical, and comprehensive achievements in all important sectors and at the bilateral, regional, and international levels, contributing substantially to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world as a whole, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Honor guards parade at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 10, 2023. Photo: AFP

For Vietnam, the U.S. is a strategic partner, while Washington has repeatedly affirmed that it supports a strong, independent, self-resilient, and prosperous Vietnam and wishes to upgrade the relations with Hanoi to a new height.

An important foundation for the development of the two countries comprehensive partnership is their affirmation of basic principles, such as respect for each others independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, political institutions, as well as fair and mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Vietnamese honor guards parade at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, September 10, 2023. Photo: AFP

President Biden's visit to Vietnam is a powerful opportunity to advance Vietnam-U.S. relations in a way that will deliver for the American people and broader security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, according to Sullivan.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc said the visit is a special event which shows that the U.S. attaches great importance to Vietnam's political institutions, the role of the Communist Party of Vietnam and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and Vietnamese leaders.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Vietnam and the U.S. announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level in the Southeast Asian country's international relations, following talks between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and U.S. President Joe Biden in Hanoi on Sunday.

I and U.S. President Joe Biden represented the two countries to release the joint statement on upgrading the Vietnam-U.S. relations to comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development, Party General Secretary Trong said during a press conference co-chaired by him and the U.S. president the same day to announce the results of their dialogue.

The comprehensive strategic partnership will continue to be based on basic principles that guide the two countries' relations, including respect for the United Nations Charter, international law and each others political institutions, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the Vietnamese leader added.

Fostering the cooperation in science and technology is a new breakthrough of the two sides comprehensive strategic partnership.

He also stressed that the upgrade to comprehensive strategic partnership was just an initial success.

The relevant agencies of the two countries will coordinate to realize agreements in the coming time.

Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong speaks at a press conference co-chaired by U.S. President Joe Biden in Hanoi, September 10, 2023. Photo: Hai Huy / Tuoi Tre

Meanwhile, U.S. President Biden said the move is vital for both countries, proving the strength of their relations when they have to encounter many challenges.

Hanoi and Washington will deepen their cooperation in core and newly-emerging technological sectors, especially in the development of a supply chain with better resistance for the semiconductor industry, Biden said.

They will also expand the partnership to boost investment and trade between the two countries, he noted, adding that the U.S. will continue joining hands with Vietnam to handle the climate crisis, accelerate Vietnams transition to clean energy, and enhance their cooperation in security, including prevention of human trafficking.

During the talks with U.S. President Biden earlier the same day, Party General Secretary Trong said Vietnam welcomes the two countries lifting of their ties to comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefits of the two peoples and for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the new context.

The two leaders agreed that the most important factor for the development of the two nations ties is their respect for basic principles that guide their relations.

The Vietnamese Party chief stressed that mutual understanding, respect for each other's legitimate interests, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs are always important.

The motto for the development of the Vietnam-U.S. relationship is "leaving the past behind, overcoming differences, promoting similarities, and looking toward the future," the Vietnamese official said, adding that Vietnam treasures the U.S.'s affirmation that it supports a strong, independent, self-resilient, and prosperous Vietnam.

He also spoke highly of the content of the joint statement on the establishment of the two sides comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

He emphasized major directions to intensify the Vietnam-U.S. relations, including the enhancement of their mutual understanding, the creation of long-term stability, and the arrangement of high-level meetings and people-to-people exchanges.

The Vietnamese Party leader welcomed the strong promotion of economic, trade, and investment cooperation, inclusive economic growth in an innovative manner, and the creation of breakthroughs in science and technology cooperation.

The U.S. presidents visit is meaningful for leaders of both countries to discuss their bilateral relations and international issues for the benefits of the two peoples, contributing to maintaining peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and the world as a whole, Party General Secretary Trong said.

The Party chief reiterated good memories of his exchanges with Biden, who was vice-president during his visit to the U.S. in July 2015, hailed their exchanges over the past time, and thanked the U.S. leader for inviting him to visit the U.S. again.

Party General Secretary Trong also informed the U.S. president of Vietnams achievements in economic development, social progress and justice, and international integration over the past four decades.

He congratulated the U.S. on its socio-economic achievements under the leadership of President Biden and its contributions to the global cooperation enhancement to deal with great challenges, such as healthcare issues, environmental protection, response to climate change, and food security.

He affirmed Vietnams consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, noting that Vietnam adheres to the policy of diversification and multilateralization of diplomatic relations.

The Southeast Asian nation is willing to be a good friend and trustworthy partner of all countries, an active and responsible member of the international community.

As for complicated situations and international conflicts, Vietnam expects relevant parties to resume dialogue and resolve issues by peaceful means on the basis of respecting the basic principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, the Vietnamese official underlined.

Vietnam highly evaluates the U.S.s support for the former and ASEAN in the East Vietnam Sea-related issues, asking the U.S. to continue contributing significantly to peace, security, and cooperation as well as ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation and the legitimate rights of those countries bordering the East Vietnam Sea.

The country also called on the U.S. to avoid acts that violate international law which may further complicate the situation, resolve disputes by peaceful means, implement Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Vietnam Sea (DOC), and soon conclude a Code of Conduct (COC) for the waterway in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Vietnam is glad as the two countries relationship has developed in a strong, intensive, practical, and effective manner since they normalized their bilateral relations in 1995 and established a comprehensive partnership in 2013, Party General Secretary Trong added.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at a press conference co-chaired by Vietnam's Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, September 10, 2023. Photo: Hai Huy / Tuoi Tre

President Biden expressed his joy at paying a visit to Vietnam and his gratitude for the country's warm welcome, saying that his visit is historically significant for not only the relations between the two countries but also the Indo-Pacific region and the world.

He repeated Washington's viewpoint on supporting an open, stable, safe, connected, and prosperous region.

The U.S. president emphasized that he treasures Vietnam's role and position in the region, appreciating its active role in many regional and global issues, including responding to climate change.

He reiterated his support for ASEAN's central role and his wish to cooperate with Vietnam to contribute to the grouping's solidarity and prosperity.

Biden stressed that the East Vietnam Sea has an important position in international prosperity and stability.

He also expressed his appreciation for Vietnam, its development achievements, contributions to international work, and the leadership role of Party General Secretary Trong.

He expressed his support for Vietnam's development, including the two sides' cooperation in science and technology, electronics, response to climate change, and clean energy.

The U.S. president highly valued the upgrade of the two countries ties to comprehensive strategic partnership, which benefits both sides and serves common international interests.

The U.S. delegation (L) and the Vietnamese delegation at their talks at the Office of the Party Central Committee in Hanoi, September 10, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Party General Secretary Trong had earlier presided over a welcome ceremony at the highest level for the U.S. president, who had arrived in Hanoi the same day for a state visit to Vietnam lasting until Monday.

The Vietnamese leader welcomed and appreciated Bidens visit to Vietnam when both sides celebrate the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive partnership.

Bidens visit comes at the invitation of General Secretary Trong.

The working trip marks the first time both the president and vice-president of the U.S. have visited Vietnam in a single term since the two countries established their diplomatic relations in 1995.

U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris visited Vietnam from August 24 to 26, 2021.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center, along with world leaders pays respect at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi on Sunday (local time). AFP-Yonhap



Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up Sunday a G20 summit that played down deep divisions over the war in Ukraine and climate change, but gave him a moment in the diplomatic spotlight.



G20 leaders have been deeply riven over the Ukraine war since Moscow's invasion last year, with Russian President Vladimir Putin skipping the summit entirely to dodge political opprobrium.



Leaders of the Group of 20, which brings together Russia and China as well as some of Ukraine's most ardent backers, have long struggled to agree on much, in particular about the 18-month-old invasion.



Facing a major diplomatic embarrassment, host India pressed members to agree a common statement on Saturday that denounced the use of force for territorial gain, but shied away from direct criticism of Russia.



Kyiv said the G20 had "nothing to be proud of" but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who stood in for Putin at the meeting, on Sunday claimed a diplomatic win.



"We were able to prevent the West's attempts to 'Ukrainize' the summit agenda," the veteran diplomat said, dubbing the two-day gathering a "success".



"The text doesn't mention Russia at all."



On Sunday, Modi formally closed the summit by passing on a ceremonial gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose country will take the bloc's presidency in December.



"We cannot let geopolitical issues sequester the G20 agenda of discussions," Lula said, an implicit reference to wrangling over the Ukraine war. "We have no interest in a divided G20. We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict."



Indian civil servant Amitabh Kant wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the compromise text on Ukraine had involved "over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings (and) 15 drafts".



But despite meeting in what the EU's climate monitor says is likely to be the hottest year in human history, the leaders failed to agree to a phase-out of fossil fuels, despite a UN report a day earlier deeming the drawdown "indispensable" to achieving net-zero emissions.



Instead, they backed a target of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, while committing only to a "phasedown" of coal "in line with national circumstances".



G20 members Russia and Saudi Arabia are major oil exporters, while coal consumption is rising in China and India, already the world's biggest consumers of the dirty fuel.





India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, pose before paying respect at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, Sunday (local time). AFP-Yonhap
A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Do Thanh Trung is sitting in on the ongoing eighth Eastern Economic Forum (EEF 2023) in Vladivostok, Russia.

The forum began on the Far Eastern Federal University campus on Sunday, and is set to last until Wednesday, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

The four-day forum is being attended by some 7,000 delegates, including China's Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing; General Mya Tun Oo, Deputy Prime Minister of Myanmar and Minister for Defense; and high-ranking officials from the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Singapore, and Mongolia, alongside the Vietnamese officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the plenary session of the forum, together with Vice-President of Laos Pani Yathotou, on Tuesday.

This years forum, centered around The Path to Partnership, Peace, and Prosperity, reflects Russias desire to build constructive relations with all interested foreign partners.

Russia is fully open to inclusive dialogue on pressing regional problems and has every intention of continuing to participate actively in efforts to nurture relations between the states of the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to a system based on equality, mutual benefit, and respect for the legitimate interests of all.

President Putin affirmed in his letter to the forum that EEF enjoys a high level of international prestige and creates an important opportunity for business people, politicians, public figures, and experts from all over the world to take part in direct dialogues.

The forum has traditionally sought to address the most pressing issues facing the development of the economy, society, and infrastructure in the Russian Far East, along with many aspects of cooperation and integration in the vast Asia-Pacific region, said President Putin.

Discussions during the forums plenary session, panel sessions, and thematic roundtables will focus on the prospects of expanding cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology; and identify ways to create new, highly efficient production and logistics chains, modernize transport and energy systems, and ensure food and environmental security in the region.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Leaders of the Vietnamese Party, state, and government sent congratulatory messages to their counterparts in North Korea on the 75th anniversary of the nations founding, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday.

Vietnam Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong and State President Vo Van Thuong cabled congratulatory messages to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, extending their wishes to the country for its greater achievements in the future.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated his North Korean counterpart Kim Tok Hun on the nations founding day on the phone.

The Vietnamese leaders also sent congratulations on North Koreas success in the fight against COVID-19 and post-pandemic economic recovery.

These top Vietnamese officials expect Vietnam and North Korea to further cement their relations, and make greater strides in various fields.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son extended his greetings to his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui on the occasion of the nations 75th founding anniversary.

North Korean leader Kim marked his nation's founding anniversary with a parade of paramilitary groups in Pyongyang, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

The North Korean leader sent a joint congratulatory message to Party General Secretary Trong and State President Thuong on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of Vietnams National Day on September 2.

Vietnam and North Korea established diplomatic ties in January 1950, making the latter one of the first nations to have a formal relationship with Vietnam.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to start a two-day state visit to Vietnam on Sunday at the invitation of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

President Biden's visit takes place in the context of the two countries celebrating 10 years of their comprehensive partnership.

This is an opportunity for both sides to review their cooperation and relationship development over the past decade, and at the same time, to set out directions for future rapport, while seeking further cooperation potentialities.

Vietnam's leading role

President Biden's special plane is expected to arrive in Hanoi on Sunday afternoon, after he finishes his trip to India to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Along with Vice-President Kamala Harris coming to Indonesia to attend the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings, the Biden administration is continuing to strongly promote its prioritized cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

In fact, the White House especially appreciates the relationship with Vietnam and sees Hanoi as a key partner in Washington's strategy.

This was stated by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at a press conference on September 5.

"Building on President Bidens string of diplomatic successes in the Indo-Pacific just this year, this visit is a remarkable step in the strengthening of our diplomatic ties, and it reflects the leading role that Vietnam will play in our growing network of partnerships in the Indo-Pacific as we look to the future, Sullivan told White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

According to Sullivan, President Biden's visit to Vietnam is a powerful opportunity to advance Vietnam-U.S. relations in a way that will deliver for the American people and broader security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

He insisted that Vietnam and the U.S. share many important concerns, including "critical and emerging technologies", and the two countries will "chart out a vision for facing the 21st century together with an elevated and energized partnership."

Observers believe that the U.S. is implementing a comprehensive strategy to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. President Joe Biden attends the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance at the G20 summit in New Delhi, India, September 9, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The Biden administration is keen on strengthening Washington's partners by providing them with a framework to diversify economic cooperation options.

The U.S.'s desire to promote relations with Vietnam has emphasized and enhanced the importance of Vietnam's role in the Indo-Pacific, both economically and strategically, said Steven Okun, senior advisor for geostrategic consultancy McLarty Associates.

Okun remarked that Vietnam plays a prominent role as the U.S. wants to increase its influence and introduce new cooperation options in the region.

Amitendu Palit, senior research fellow and research lead of trade and economics at the Institute of South Asian Studies under the National University of Singapore, told Tuoi Tre News that President Biden's visit reflects the significance of Vietnam to U.S. strategies.

Palit believed that the U.S. is viewing Vietnam not only as an important economic ally but also as an overall strategic partner, based on the fact that the Southeast Asian country is being regarded as an effective economic location in U.S. efforts to diversify supply chains.

Engaging with Vietnam is clearly a priority for the U.S. as it looks to de-risk industrial operations, he said.

Vietnam appreciates cooperation with U.S.

Like Sullivan, U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper recently mentioned President Biden's visit and also pointed out the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries, with common development priorities in an innovative economy, focusing on technology.

An important foundation for the potential for Vietnam-U.S. cooperation is efforts to resolve differences between the two sides, building trust and respect, including respect for political systems.

Biden is not the first president to visit Vietnam, but he is the first U.S. president to officially visit at the invitation of a Communist Party leader  a move that, according to Palit, reflects the fact that the U.S. now feels "comfortable engaging with Vietnam politically."

The friendship between the two countries will play a big role in America's "friendshoring" strategy, which is centered around building and promoting production relationships and supply chains between the United States and countries Washington considers "friends.

Friendshoring is about expanding our trade ties and diversifying our supply chains among many trusted partners like Vietnam to mitigate against global shocks, geopolitical risks, and overconcentration in critical industries, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Vietnamese Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc at a meeting in Vietnam in July.

When visiting Vietnam in July, Yellen further explained that friendshoring is to reduce the vulnerability of the economy to supply shocks in the production of critical goods, especially due to overconcentration, geopolitical, and security risks.

This means deepening U.S. economic integration with the large number of countries  including Vietnam, she added.

Professor Julien Chaisse from Hong Kong University told Tuoi Tre News on Saturday that President Biden's visit is a catalyst for strengthening Vietnam's position in the friendshoring strategy, creating a win-win situation for both countries.

In my view, sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital services present a golden opportunity for Vietnam to carve out a niche for itself, thereby asserting a stronger presence in the global supply chain, owing to a more favorable labor cost and geopolitical scenario," said the expert on globalization and foreign investment.

According to Okun, who has just been elected for another term as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Asia-Pacific, while issues remain that need to be addressed, President Biden's visit provides "an opportunity for high-level political and economic dialogue."

"These discussions can help both identify common interests and areas of cooperation, which can be instrumental in shaping a friendshoring strategy, and further enhance Vietnam's role in efforts to build a resilient supply chain, he told Tuoi Tre News.

Vietnamese goods at Eden supermarket in Falls Church, Virginia, USA. Photo: Huu Tai

Vietnam-US: Gateways for economic cooperation

While Biden's visit not only helps explore the potential for bilateral cooperation, experts also believe that promoting this relationship would help the two countries enhance market access and new cooperation frameworks.

Palit gave a specific example of Vietnam's part in the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

Vietnam is an important part of the IPEF, he said.

It is now a very important part of the U.S.'s new-generation rule-making efforts in the region that would impact trade, investment, and businesses.

These relationships will help Vietnam build deeper links with the world's largest economies  not just the U.S., but also Japan, India, and Australia.

Meanwhile, the importance of Vietnam will in turn help American businesses have more opportunities to access the Southeast Asia market, according to Okun.

Economically, Vietnam has emerged as a critical player in the Indo-Pacific region, Okun observed.

It has a rapidly growing economy integrating with its neighbors in the region, being one of the few members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the IPEF.

As such, Vietnam will only increase as an important gateway for American companies to reach the Southeast Asia market and beyond.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Catch up on the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Leaders of the Vietnamese Party, state, and government sent congratulatory messages to their counterparts in North Korea on the 75th anniversary of the nations founding, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday.

-- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception on Saturday afternoon for U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, who is on a working visit to Vietnam.

Society

-- Moderate to heavy rains, coupled with thunderstorms, are expected throughout Vietnam on Sunday afternoon and evening, according to the national weather center.

-- Over 40 students at Mun Chung High School in Dien Bien Province, northern Vietnam were hospitalized after eating wild fruits, Lo Van Kinh, chairman of Mun Chung Commune in Tuan Giao District, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Saturday.

-- Police in Hanoi, with the support from residents, captured a 25-year-old man who resides in Yen Bai Province, some 156 kilometers away from the capital city, on Saturday afternoon for robbing a gold shop on Vu Xuan Thieu Street in Long Bien District.

Business

-- A series of big trade deals will be clinched during U.S. President Joe Bidens two-day Vietnam visit scheduled for Sunday and Monday, said Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung.

-- Bilateral trade between Vietnam and China totaled over US$103.9 billion between January and August, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Lifestyle

-- Miss Intercontinental 2022 Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, ambassador for the 17th International Travel Expo - Ho Chi Minh City, and four other international beauty queens, including Miss International 2019, Miss World Myanmar 2019, Miss World Cambodia 2020, and Miss Grand Laos 2023, explored cuisine and tourist sites in the southern metropolis Can Gio District on Friday.

Sports

-- Vietnam defeated Yemen 1-0 in 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualification on Saturday night and thus won a ticket to the finals of the tournament.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The Vietnamese Embassy in Morocco has yet to get any report of Vietnamese casualties in the terrible earthquake that has killed over 2,000 people in the North African country, but the agency has been ready for citizen protection when necessary, Ambassador Dang Thi Thu Ha said on Saturday.

Four delegations of Vietnamese officials were working in Marakech City, 72 kilometers from the epicenter of the magnitude-7.2 quake, when it struck in the High Atlas Mountains late on Friday night, Ambassador Ha said on the embassys Facebook page.

These missions came from Cao Bang, Lang Son, Ha Giang Provinces in northern Vietnam and Dak Nong in the countrys Central Highlands.

There were also a number of citizens traveling and working in Morocco at the time when the devastating quake hit.

The embassy said it has received no report of Vietnamese citizens killed or injured in the disaster so far, except for the news that a number of Vietnamese people had to leave their hotels due to cracked walls.

An embassy delegation led by Ambassador Ha arrived in Marrakech on Saturday morning to support the local Vietnamese community and get plans ready for citizen protection.

The embassy said it was maintaining close contact with Moroccan authorities to be updated on the situation and take action when necessary.

Vietnamese citizens and overseas Vietnamese who need assistance should contact the embassy via phone numbers 212 7 61 86 87 29 and 212 6 18 53 65 52, or via email at amassadevn.maroc@gmail.com.

Abdellatif Ait Bella, who was injured in the earthquake that destroyed his home, lies on the ground as he and his wife Saida Bodchich prepare to spend a second night in the open air, in the village of Tansghart in the Asni area, Morocco, September 9, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The Friday earthquake, the deadliest in the North African country in more than 60 years, has killed at least 2,012 people and injured 2,059 others, including 1,404 in critical condition, according to Moroccos Interior Ministry.

Ambassador Ha on Saturday extended her deep condolences on the embassys Facebook page to the Moroccan people as well as the families of the quakes victims.

She also expessed her wishes for the injured to recover soon.

Vietnams State President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the same day sent their separate messages of condolences to Moroccan King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch over the disaster.

Vietnams Chairman of lawmaking National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue also sent his condolences to Moroccan Senate President Naam Miyara and House of Representatives Speaker Rachid Talbi Alami.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son did the same to Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Miss Intercontinental 2022 Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, ambassador for the 17th International Travel Expo - Ho Chi Minh City, and four other international beauty queens, including Miss International 2019, Miss World Myanmar 2019, Miss World Cambodia 2020, and Miss Grand Laos 2023, explored cuisine and tourist sites in the southern metropolis Can Gio District on Friday.

The five beauty queens from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar traveled to Thieng Lieng Hamlet in Thanh An Island Commune to participate in local tourism activities.

International beauty queens cycle for sightseeing in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Supplied

Their trip was made within the framework of the travel expo, which opened in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday morning and wrapped up on Saturday.

The travel trade fair brought together senior officials from the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, as well as 3,500 delegates from 45 provinces and cities across Vietnam, and 42 other countries and regions.

The five beauty queens donned casual clothes and cycled for sightseeing around the island commune, which is one of Ho Chi Minh Citys special sites.

Though many people there are still facing multiple difficulties, the hamlet is endowed with rich ecotourism potential.

Thieng Lieng Island Hamlet is dubbed Can Gio Districts pearl.

Miss World Cambodia 2020 tries working as a salt farmer in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Supplied

The five not only learned about cultural features but also savored various specialties in the hamlet, including suong sam, a kind of dessert made from tiliacora triandra leaves, coconut ice cream, and some southern folk cakes.

They also tried working as salt farmers to experience a daily job of residents in the peaceful coastal area.

As the ambassador for this years international travel expo, Miss Bao Ngoc expects to contribute to introducing Vietnams land, people, and culture to international friends.

International beauty queens enjoy specialties in Thieng Lieng Hamlet in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Supplied

The five beauty queens, Bao Ngoc from Vietnam, Sireethorn Leearamwat from Thailand, Khit Lin Latt Yoon from Myanmar, Sophorn Phum from Cambodia, and Phetmany Philakong from Laos, also attended the Gala Night Vietnam titled Shape of Vietnam, part of the 17th travel expo, on Wednesday.

The gala night was highlighted by a host of Vietnamese art performances and other cultural activities.

These international queens said that they love Vietnamese food, especially pho; banh mi, which is a Vietnamese baguette filled with paste, cold cuts, herbs, cucumber, chili sauce and pickles; and bun cha, or rice noodles with grilled pork and meatballs.

Besides, the Lao queen revealed that she would return to Vietnam in October to sit in on Miss Grand International 2023.

Vietnamese, Thai, Laotian, Myanmarese, and Cambodian beauty queens are pictured wearing Vietnamese scarves. Photo: Supplied

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran has agreed with Washington to free five U.S. citizens in exchange for the transfer of $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets in South Korea to banks in Qatar and the release of a similar number of Iranians held in the United States.

Following are the prisoners in Iran who will be released under the deal:

SIAMAK NAMAZI

Siamak Namazi, 51, a businessman with dual U.S.-Iranian citizenship, was detained in 2015 by the Revolutionary Guards while visiting his family in Tehran. Months later his ailing father, Baquer, was detained after returning to Iran to visit his jailed son. They were both sentenced in 2016 to 10 years in prison for allegedly spying and cooperating with the U.S. government.

A former Iranian provincial governor and former UNICEF official who also has dual citizenship, Baquer Namazi was put under house arrest in 2018 on medical grounds and left Iran in 2022 for medical treatment.

EMAD SHARGHI

In 2017 Sharghi and his wife moved to Iran from the United States. The Iranian-American businessman, 59, was first arrested in 2018 when working for Saravan Holding, a tech investment company. He was released on bail after eight months and a Revolutionary Court cleared him of spying and security-related charges, but his travel ban remained.

On Nov. 2020 he was summoned by another Revolutionary Court which sentenced him to 10 years in jail on charges of espionage. He was not initially imprisoned but Iranian media reported he was arrested as he tried to flee Iran in Jan. 2021.

MORAD TAHBAZ

An Iranian-American environmentalist, 67, who also holds British citizenship, Tahbaz was detained in 2018. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2019 for "assembly and collusion against Iran's national security" and "contacts with U.S. enemy government  for the purpose of spying.

The fourth and fifth prisoners were not identified. It is not clear how many U.S. citizens are detained in Iran, since families and the U.S. government often do not wish to publicize the cases in the hope of quietly securing their release.

Story continues

IRANIAN PRISONERS IN THE U.S.

The identities of the Iranians held in the United States who will fly home under the agreement remain undisclosed.

For years, Iran has demanded the release of Iranians detained in the United States. There are at least 12 Iranian prisoners held in the U.S. mainly for "breaching the U.S. sanctions on Iran", one Iranian judiciary source told Reuters.

(Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Samia Nakhoul)
pambazo sandwich on table - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

If you've never had a pambazo, it's time to roll up your sleeves and give it a try. Roll up your sleeves, we recommend, because pambazos aren't exactly a tidy affair. Pambazos are Mexican sandwiches made with large round rolls and stuffed, typically, with chorizo, potatoes, lettuce, and sour cream. This large and super-stuffed sandwich is already reminiscent of a sloppy Joe, but it gets better. The bread, intentionally left to get stale, is soaked in a bright red chile-garlic sauce and pan-fried, becoming a fiery outer layer for the pambazo. But that chile sauce? You can't go without it, nor can you slather it on inside and get the same result. No, this is a sandwich meant for napkins.

Like many culinary favorites, pambazos were most likely created as the answer to an economic problem. According to the Sandwich Tribunal, even the name seems to point to the traditional bread used, pan basso, which was considered a poor man's bread and needed salsa guajillo to become edible. Stuffed with common taqueria ingredients, the bread turned into a sandwich so good, that it's sometimes referred to as a "meal fit for an empress."

The many variations of pambazo sandwiches offer options for vegans and vegetarians, all while keeping the same guajillo-soaked bread and messy toppings. This recipe developed with Michelle McGlinn is a filling vegetarian alternative made with thick slices of fresh eggplant. Fried crispy, the eggplant makes the perfect addition to the spicy sandwich without losing any of its salsa-soaked charm.

Read more: 20 Plant-Based Meat Brands Every Vegetarian Should Know About

Gathering The Ingredients For Fried Eggplant Pambazos

ingredients on a table - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

To make the guajillo sauce, you'll need guajillo chiles, chiles de arbol, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. You won't find these chiles in the produce aisles, though, because they're sold dried. Look for dark red, dehydrated chiles -- large ones for guajillo, and small, thin peppers for arbol. While the chiles de arbol can be swapped or omitted, we don't recommend leaving the guajillo chiles out.

Story continues

For the sandwich filling, you'll need a large eggplant, flour, egg, breadcrumbs, oil for frying, shredded lettuce, sour cream (or crema), cotija cheese, and ripe avocado. The most important ingredient, of course, is the bread, which you'll want to try and source a few days before cooking. For this, look for telera or bolillo rolls, which are both dense rolls that resemble giant hamburger buns. If you can't find these, use hamburger buns and make smaller pambazos.

Making The Guajillo Sauce

pouring sauce into strainer - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Because Guajillo peppers are sold dried, the chiles need to be rehydrated before using. The good news, though, is that the rehydrating liquid can be reused to flavor the sauce. Simmer the peppers in water until they are soft and bright red, then transfer to a blender with garlic, onion, and the spices. Add some of the rehydrating liquid, then blend until very smooth. Straining the sauce is up to you; if you have a great blender, your sauce may be smooth enough to use as-is. If you'd rather strain spare seeds out, simply run the sauce through a fine strainer.

Frying Eggplant

eggplant coated in flour - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

If you've ever made eggplant or chicken parmesan, you'll be familiar with this step. Set up a dredging station with the eggplant slices, flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Dredge the eggplant first in flour, then in egg, and then finally coat it generously with breadcrumbs and set aside. The breadcrumbs will start to soak into the eggplant, so try to dredge quickly right before frying.

To fry, pour enough oil to coat the bottom of a skillet and heat until shimmering. Add the dredged eggplant and fry until golden brown on either side, then remove and drain onto paper towels.

Frying The Guajillo-Soaked Rolls

cooking soaked bread in skillet - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

There are two ways you can do this, and neither way is wrong. First, you can pour the guajillo mixture into a saucepan and add the bread, soaking each side in warm sauce. You can also let the bread soak in guajillo sauce, then heat a skillet and fry the soaked bread until crispy and browned. The first method will result in a softer sandwich, while the second will yield a crispier bread.

Stuffing And Serving Eggplant Pambazo

pambazo sandwich on plate - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

With the bread soaked and the eggplant breaded, you can start building the sandwiches. Add the eggplant slices to the bread, then top with a mound of lettuce and a generous drizzle of sour cream. Sprinkle with cotija cheese, then spread sliced avocado across the top. Press the top bun onto the sandwich and wrap it in parchment or foil (this helps avoid staining your fingers). Eat as soon as possible -- not only is a whole sandwich hard to reheat, but the eggplant will get soggy overnight. Planning pambazos for dinner? Serve with refried beans and rice, chips and pico de gallo, and fresh margaritas.

Fried Eggplant Pambazos (Mexican Guajillo-Soaked Sandwich)

fried eggplant in sandwich - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Prep Time: 10mCook Time: 20mYield: 4 SandwichesIngredients

4 Guajillo peppers, stemmed and seeded

4 chiles de arbol, stemmed and seeded

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon oregano

1 tablespoon thyme

Salt and pepper, as needed

1 cup flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 large eggplant, sliced into -inch rounds

Oil, for frying

4 day-old telera rolls, cut in half

2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce, for topping

 cup sour cream, for topping

Cotija cheese, for topping

2 avocados, for topping

Directions

Place the peppers and chiles in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil until bright red and softened, about 10 minutes. Transfer the peppers and 1 cup of cooking liquid to a blender. Add the garlic cloves, oregano, thyme, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Blend until very smooth. Strain the mixture to remove seeds, then set aside. Prepare a dredging station. Set up the flour in one bowl, the egg in the next bowl, and breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Dredge the eggplant first in the flour, then coat completely in egg, then press into the breadcrumbs to coat completely. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside. Heat about -inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the eggplant and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with all eggplant slices. Heat the Guajillo sauce over medium low heat. Once warm, dunk the telera rolls into the sauce to coat. Divide the rolls onto plates. Add eggplant to each roll, then top with lettuce, sour cream, cotija cheese, and avocado.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Michael White had only recently arrived in a grim Iranian jail when a curious fellow prisoner, an English-speaking Iranian, approached him in the courtyard for a conversation.

The American did not reveal much at first, but it was the beginning of an unlikely friendship between White, a Navy veteran imprisoned on spying charges he says were unfounded, and Mahdi Vatankhah, a young Iranian political activist whose positions on social issues had drawn his government's ire.

As the men connected behind bars over a shared interest in politics and human rights, they developed a bond that proved vital for both.

Vatankhah, while in custody and after his release, helped White by providing White's mother with crucial, firsthand accounts about her son's status in prison and by passing along letters White had written while he was locked up. Once freed, White did not forget. He pushed successfully for Vatankhahs admission to the United States, allowing the men to be reunited last spring inside a Los Angeles airport, something neither could have envisioned when they first met in prison years earlier.

He risked his life to get the information out for me when I was in the prison in Iran. He really, really did, White said in an interview alongside Vatankhah. I told him I would do everything I could in my power to get him here because I felt, one, that would be for his safety in his own life. And also I felt he could be a great contributing member of society here.

This year, White received permission for Vatankhah to live temporarily in the U.S. under a government program known as humanitarian parole, which allows people in for urgent humanitarian reasons or if there is a significant public benefit.

Vatankhah told AP he had dreamed about coming to the U.S. ever since he could remember. When he landed, It was like the best moment of my life. My whole life changed.

White, 50, a Southern California native who spent 13 years in the Navy, was arrested in Iran in 2018 after traveling to the country to pursue a romantic relationship with a woman he met online. He was jailed on various charges, including espionage accusations that he calls bogus, as well as allegations of insulting Iran's supreme leader.

Story continues

He endured what he says was torture and sexual abuse, an ordeal he documented in a handwritten diary that he secretly maintained behind bars, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in what the U.S. government has said was a wrongful detention.

Vatankhah, now 24, said he had been in and out of prison since he was a teenager because of his involvement in left-leaning causes and vocal criticism of the Iranian government, including through protests, social media posts and university newspaper pieces. He met White in 2018 after one such arrest when Vatankhah faced accusations of spreading propaganda against Tehran's government.

Though Vatankhah was later released, he was arrested again, this time winding up in the same cell as White in Iran's Mashhad prison.

During the course of their friendship, Vatankhah helped White navigate his imprisonment and better understand the judicial system, functioning as an interpreter to help him communicate with guards and other inmates. In early 2020, while Vatankhah was out on furlough, he also became a vital conduit to the outside world for White.

Using contact information White had given him, Vatankhah got in touch with Jonathan Franks, a consultant in the U.S. for families of American hostages and detainees who was working on Whites case and later helped spearhead the humanitarian parole process for Vatankhah. He also spoke with White's mother and smuggled out letters White had written.

The detailed information about White, his status and his health  he suffered from cancer and COVID-19 in prison  came at a crucial time, providing a proof-of-life of sorts at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran due to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who led the expeditionary Quds Force of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

White was released in a June 2020 prisoner swap, exchanged for an American-Iranian physician imprisoned in the U.S. for violating American sanctions laws. Vatankhah, released the same year, made his way to Turkey.

White argued in his March application on Vatankhah's behalf that his friend met the criteria for humanitarian parole because, despite having relocated to Turkey, he was continuing to face harassment on account of his political viewpoints.

Vatankhah wrote in his own petition that the situation was unsafe for him in Turkey. He noted that Turkish police had raided his home and that he remained at risk of deportation to Iran.

Paris Etemadi Scott, a California lawyer who has worked with White and Vatankhah and filed the humanitarian parole application on the Iranian's behalf, said Vatankhah's assistance to an American  a veteran, no less  enhanced the legitimacy and urgency of his petition because it added to the potential that Vatankhah could face imminent harm.

While many applicants do not have significant supporting documentation, Mahdi had this amazing amount of evidence to show that he was in fact incarcerated over and over again, she said.

A State Department spokesman said in a statement that the office of the department's special presidential envoy for hostage affairs had worked hard to secure White's release in 2020, and after learning of Vatankhah's case, worked hand-in-hand with multiple partners in the U.S. government, including the White House National Security Council and Department of Homeland Security, to ensure his arrival in the U.S.

Vatankhah is now living in San Diego, where White is from. Vatankhah said his humanitarian parole is good for one year, but he already has applied for asylum, which would allow him to remain in the U.S. He's obtained a work permit and found work as a caregiver.

He's also enjoying freedom to share his political views freely without fear of retribution.

I like to express my ideas here where I can. I can continue to use my freedom to talk against the Iranian regime.

_____

Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP